lucky...

It's been another one of those difficult weeks. Lots of pain, little sleep, many things to do, and home alone often. I've been very grateful that it's a three day weekend, because it means that I won't miss any school but I can still rest.

I've also been very grateful for the little things that have reminded me that someone is watching out for me. I'm lucky to be where I am and to have the people that have been put in my life.

I'm lucky because
...Misty is one of the sweetest little dogs in the entire world. She sleeps with me, she spends time with me, she makes me laugh when I'm sad, and she cuddles with me when we're both cold. Love that dog.
...people like Steven and Dominique text me just to say hello. It's always great to have a day start with a text that says you're loved.
...that lovely girl Q sent me a short message to tell me that she loves me.
...Kenna invited me to hang out with her on Saturday morning. We made breakfast and talked about how wonderful life is, even when it's hard (because it truly is wonderful). She and I think so alike it's scary. We decided again that we definitely are sisters; we just had to find each other.
...Dad asked me to watch Captain America with him on Friday night because we both weren't feeling well. He bought pizza and cookies (I know, great food when you're sick, haha) and we watched the movie together. It was great.
...I got to talk to Jaden, Ruthie, Coty, Brianna, and Corby today. I love text messaging -- I can have conversations with multiple friends at once without any of them needing to leave a voicemail (which half the time I don't get anyway. My phone is dying).
...I was really worried that some of my friends were upset at me, but then one of them sent me an email to say hello and I felt better about everything.

The Lord cares enough about me to put me in contact with people who stay in contact with me. Friendships mean a lot to me, and to have others care about a relationship as much as I do helps me keep going. I know I need to learn to be less dependent on others, but you know? I really can take care of myself, and I do, even on the days that I'm sad. It just makes it a little bit easier when there's somebody to talk to -- even if in the talking we never address anything other than the happy things.

Most of these people don't know that this week has been hard. That's one of the reasons why it meant so much to me for them to say hello or spend time with me. They were each answers to prayers in their own way, and for that I am very grateful.

Life is GREAT, guys. Even when it's hard, it's great.

blah...

I've noticed that I blog a lot more when I'm feeling anxious. Kind of like right now.

This exam is stressing me out so much. I've studied for four hours today, and two yesterday, with some regular prepping for class sessions every day this term, but I don't feel like it's enough.

I don't know what I'm supposed to know! I don't know the format, I don't have any clue about the types of questions that will be on the exam, I don't know how to give good answers.

...thank goodness for good things...
...for my dog Misty, who has spent the whole day with me
...for Alyssa, who made the shift enjoyable
...for Brianna, who visited me at work and brought me beautiful pink flowers in a mason jar with an orange ribbon (love the ribbon so much)
...for Taco Bell, which has cheap food (even though I had to force myself not to think about what I was eating -- it's a lot better in my imagination than it is in my mouth. You can feel the calories -- sick)
...for my dad, who called me again tonight
...for silly temporary tattoos, Iron Man flying across my right collar bone (I'm such a rebel)
...for hot showers, because no one has been home to run any water all day
...for clean sheets, which smell so good and are so soft
...for parties to look forward to this weekend

Because even though I'm an emotional wreck, good things still happen.

Still...emotional wreck. I hate feeling so unprepared for an exam, especially after I've spent so much time with the material. Ugh. Whatever. Sleeping pill time. After 12pm tomorrow, the exam will be over and that will be that. Joy.

things get better...

...stressful days still hold smile-worthy things...
...random calls from dad because he said he had a feeling I needed someone -- twice in one day
...texting Brianna and having a fun conversation with her for a few minutes
...talking to my sister Amanda for a little while and sharing dreams and schemes
...my dogs Misty and Molly "sharing" my dinner (they stole a potsticker) and cuddling with me on the couch
...chatting with Parker for about 15 minutes after I accidently pocket dialed him, and he called me back -- so good to hear his voice
...a sympathetic comment from a friend regarding the upcoming exam
...my paycheck is bigger than I expected it to be
...Amanda made chocolate milkshakes -- BIG chocolate milkshakes
...this picture that Linnea shared on my Facebook page:

...little tender mercies...so grateful for them...

happy things...

...it's a good day in May...

...Ruthie is back in town for the summer before she goes on her mission -- so glad to have her back!
...discovered a safe topic of conversation in the Writing Center: TV shows
...Misty follows me around and sleeps with me all the time -- love that dog
...finding a pen that makes my handwriting better
...being trusted
...carrots -- carrots are so great
...$5 tip at the snow shack from a really nice, very cute guy
...not spilling that bright red tiger's blood snow cone on a customer -- yes, that was a good thing
...funny, random memes posted on friends' Facebook pages which make me laugh out loud -- literally
...memories that prompt smiles, rather than tears
...dark chocolate covered pomegranate seeds
...my cozy, warm, soft, excellent bed

spoke too soon...

May I just say that I hate missing school? You get behind, you miss quizzes, you have attendance points docked, you're stuck at home by yourself all day, and if the dog pees on the floor when you were asleep it's your fault because you weren't paying attention. Not that she did that, but if she had.

I especially hate missing school when it's because I can't walk from pain. How do you explain that to a professor? "Dear Professor so and so, I missed your class and the quiz due to a sudden illness that occurs frequently but the doctors don't know what is causing it so...yeah. Sorry."

That's the really frustrating thing about this, not being able to explain it.

And so I'm in my room in bed with Misty at my feet, Molly outside because she won't come inside no matter how hard I try, and a giant smartwater bottle next to me with a picture of a crab inside of it (not very smart, smartwater people: the kind of crab you put on the label does not live in freshwater). I have letters to write, homework to do, a party to finish planning, errands to run if I can, laundry in the washer, and all I've done is watch episodes of "Once Upon a Time". Ann showed me the first couple of episodes and now I'm wondering if this is how a fish feels after it's taken the bait...

contrast...

I feel [bad, upset, disappointed] when
...I find out I did a lot worse on a test than I thought I did.
...there are no cookies in the cookie jar.
...I make a mistake at work.
...the pocket in my backpack that holds my iClicker (quiz taking remote) is empty.
...my dog bites my face for no reason.
...plans alter drastically (I dislike abrupt change).
...the "fuel tank empty" light comes on when I don't expect it.
...my backpack is very heavy and I'm parked out by the football stadium.
...people sit on me because they don't realize that I'm there.

I feel [good, happy, excited] when
...a professor is unhappy with overall test scores not because we're bad students, but because "I didn't teach the material well enough, so I'm going to look at your answers and adjust as needed to help you. It's only fair, really!"
...there are cookies in the cookie jar AND in my lunch.
...the mistake I made at work ends up adding to the decor in the store.
...there is no iClicker quiz on the day it disappeared from my backpack.
...my other dog kisses my nose better after the first one bit me.
...altered plans end up being better than the original ones.
...I have enough money on my card to put gas in my car's tank.
...a nice boy helps me with my books and bag.
...people sit next to me so I'm not by myself, aka they noticed me before sitting down.

gratitude...

I am grateful for a friend who, upon finding out that I hadn't been asked to the Institute dance on Friday, offered to take me even though dancing isn't really his thing.

I am grateful for coworkers who never cease to make me laugh, and not just at their jokes. They are teaching me to laugh at myself.

I am grateful for the loyal, kind, sincere women in my life who are and are becoming the best friends I have ever (and probably will ever) have.

I am grateful for the lessons I learn from the children I am privileged to associate with, and for the love that they give without question or hesitation.

I am grateful for a friend who let me call him on the phone just to have his company because I ended up not being able to talk at all through the tears.

I am grateful for missionary friends who take the time out of their busy, busy, busy lives to write me a letter.

I am grateful for a dad who rearranges his entire day's schedule to take me to a movie with him.

I am grateful for a teacher who knows that there are more important things than singing well; the most important thing is to live well.

I am grateful for a mom who has continually given up her schooling to take care of her family, but she never gave up enough to not go back (she'll earn her degree in a year and a half).

I am grateful for a little dog who wakes me up every morning at 8am by scratching on my bedroom door because she doesn't want to be alone after everyone else has left for work and school, then jumps up onto my bed and cuddles up next to me.

I am grateful for sisters who do their best to be their best in every situation or setting they are found in, be it work, school, rehearsal, church, home, or hanging out with their friends.

so one time i bought a fish and i named him Leonardo...

One day I was walking Misty through the pet store because it was too cold and wet to take her for a walk outside. We were looking at the toys and meeting new friends (she was more afraid of the Corgie that was her size than she was of the Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound). Sometimes Misty likes to watch the fish swim in their tanks; she can only see the ones low to the ground, but she'll sit and watch them swim back and forth through the water. As I was looking at the fish with her, I came to a realization: I really, really wanted a fish.

So after doing some pricing and scoping at different stores, doing some research online, and breaking into my piggy bank, I got my wish. I bought a fish. And he is a beauty.


This is Leonardo. Check out his coloring! I've never seen a betta this color. Usually they're royal blue, purple, teal, red, or white with streaks of color. Not this little guy. He's almost golden, with green and purple and yellow streaks in his fins and tail.

Leonardo is a yellow-gold Halfmoon Betta, a breed of Siamese fighting fish. Originally from Siam, bettas live in rice fields and in shallow, muddy ponds. The people of Siam began breeding these fish in the gutters of the cities to create a stronger, faster, more aggressive breed of fighting fish. It's kind of like dogfighting or cockfighting in the US, before they put bans on those "sports". Betta fish were used for the same purpose sometimes, as entertainment.

Not Leonardo, though. Since he's by himself in his bowl, there's nobody to bother him. Except for me, when I sit and talk to him about nothing and everything, or watch him swim around. I tried to have a staring contest with him yesterday, but then I remembered that fish don't have eyelids, so I just stared at him and blinked when I had to. He doesn't seem to mind if I watch him. He just swims around and blows bubbles and stuff.

I hope he explores his ruin soon! There are openings for him to go inside. Bettas like little hiding places in rocks and in grasses. Hopefully he likes his new house! It's way better than the little cup he'd been living in at the pet store. WAY better.

i scream...

For da ice cream!!!

Oh yes. I will scream for da ice cream. Because da ice cream? It's da bestest.

After choir yesterday, I was really sad. I'd been trying to just go along like nothing was wrong, but I guess I'm not good at hiding things (duh). A couple of friends asked me how I was doing, and everything just sort of broke through the flimsy barrier that had been hastily constructed overnight. Sierra and Brady helped me so much--Sierra listened and when she did, I felt a wonderful feeling of safety and reassurance that things would be okay. Brady shared some of his own experiences and taught me that pain and peace can exist side by side (he also shared a scripture that I keep in mind now, Matthew 11:28-30). Both of them helped me to feel peace, and to feel loved. SOOO very thankful for both of them; they are two of the most quality people you can meet.

Ann, Brianna, and Shelby had a different sort of remedy for my sadness. We met up at Smith's in the evening and bought ice cream. Lots--and I mean LOTS--of ice cream. Triple Brownie. Rainbow Sherbet. Caramel Praline. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Mint Chocolate Chip. And Sprite, to go with the sherbet so we could make frappe. Exciting much? I think YES. We took our miniature ice cream shop to my house, and we used the biggest bowls in the cupboard. Ice cream much? Yeah. It was great to sit out on the porch eating ice cream and enjoying the beautiful almost autumn evening, just us girls. My sisters and my little dog Misty joined us as well. Misty adores Brianna. I kind of think the feeling is mutual!

It was so good to be with my friends. It was so nice to feel loved and cared for, to be accepted and understood. I am truly blessed, more blessed than I can comprehend, to have so many wonderful people in my life.

day 41...

a picture of my pet...
In real life, I have one pet. She lives at my house with me, and I totally adore her. In pretend life (which has been the past week and a half and will last until Thursday [most likely], I have 5 pets and a tank full of fish. Pretend life is me playing house while my friends are on vacation. So all total, I have 6 pets and a fish tank. But that's only pretend life.


First is Misty. She is my sweet little Maltese-Pomeranian-Shi Tzu mutt, or Malteraniantzu, as we call her sometimes. She's the cutest little dog evah. You've heard a bit about her already. While I'm out playing house, she stays home, because a couple of the other pets I have might eat her. Not really, but she's tiny and some of them are rather large.


Second, Meg. She is my pretend life cat (or one of them). Brindled and petite, watch out. She looks innocent, but she's kind of not, especially when one walks past the pantry. Meg is into grabbing ankles and holding on for the fun of it. She's quite the little prankster, but is always ready to show and receive affection.

Third is the ever illusive Crissy, which is why there is no picture of her. She's white most of the time, but she has a habit of rolling in the dirt outside in the garden and so is usually half gray. This cat kind of has issues, aka she often times seems to be in a constant state of PMS. Tread carefully!



Fourth: the always silly, always lovable, juicy-dog Jade the boxer. Juicy because she loves to give kisses. It wouldn't be too bad, if it weren't for the fact that her tongue is the size of the Great Lakes (and just as wet). This dog is slightly dumb, and I'm not joking. She makes up for her ditziness with her fun loving personality, always ready to play or cuddle. Jason is her man, and don't you forget it!


Fifth: Tootsie, the chocolate Labrador with a rather round physique and patient, sweet temperament. All of these qualities hearken back to the Tootsie roll candy, her namesake. Her light brown eyes rimmed in gold and black give her a somewhat wild appearance (especially late at night when she has random spazz attacks of joy and wildness), but she's truly a sweetheart. Don't mess with her kids, though--you've never met a better babysitter.


The sixth member of this strange band is Chessie, Kyle's bird. All I'm going to say is this: I swear this bird hates me.


Last but not least is the fish tank. Complete with eel, little tetras, some kind of flowy black and white fish, a couple of other small fish, and a 23 year old algae eater (the fish is older than Jason), it is quite the hodge podge of scaled water dwellers. The algae eater is the crown jewel: it's huge!! It's circled in red in the picture, and that's only half of it. The rest is behind the rock. Huge. Old. Fish. Yep.

So this is who I spend my time with of late, while I play house and act like a grown up. It's quite fun, actually. I rather enjoy this, me and my motley crew of animals, birds, fish, and the occasional spider (although they are not invited and are eliminated on sight...last night there was a HUGE one and it was terrifying).

day 31...

a picture of a tradition I have...


Every Christmas we give Misty a big (and I mean BIG) jar of pupcorn. She really, really loves it. A lot. And I love how the jar is almost as big as she is. It takes her almost a year to eat it all!!

day 12...

a picture of something I love...


I love my dog. I love beautiful days with lots of sunshine. I love taking pictures.

I love to multitask.

sneak attack(s)...

I slept in WAY too late today. Yes, it was only for about 8 hours (5:30am-1:30[ish]pm), but still. Bad action.

Since I was up so late, I decided that it would be a good time to take Misty to Petsmart for a little adventure. We both got bored of walking around the store very quickly, so we went home. I called Sister Raddatz just to say hello, and ended up volunteering to pick up her daughter, Mandy, from school. We had an enjoyable ride home, just us girls.

One thing I must remember: if the boys know you're coming over, be prepared the moment you step onto the front porch. Jason was sitting in a chair in the front room reading a book. I said hello and hugged his mom, and the next thing I know I'm being pelted with foam darts from both behind and in front of me. Good old Kyle asked for Nerf guns for his birthday, and Jason bought one for himself. Mandy and I were on a team against Jason and Kyle, and it was quite enjoyable. I don't know why, but I'm rather good at hitting people if I'm not aiming. If I aim then it usually misses by a couple of inches.

The boys decided that they wanted to get my sisters as well. They went with me to pick Meghan up from school and tried to suprise her with a scary mask and the dart guns, but Meghan is hard to scare. Most of the time she'll roll her eyes and laugh. She's a good one to have if you're planning a sneak attack, though. She gets super into it and is so subtle and chill that she can get a target totally preoccupied and relaxed. Like my sister Amanda, for example.

Jason called Amanda before we went to my house, asking if she was home and when Amanda answered, he hung up. We started planning right away. Meghan and I were to go inside and get her all situated while Kyle and Jason waited for my text outside on the corner. This went pretty well (Amanda is hard to lure, but like I said, Meghan is a good one to have on your team). I went outside under the pretense of mailing a letter, which Amanda took to mean I was sending a letter to one of my mission friends (I did send him a letter today, but it was before our whole sneak attack mission). I snuck the boys into the house, and they went up behind Amanda while she was talking to Meghan.

I think it is quite possible that Jason stood right behind Amanda for about a minute and a half. She didn't notice he was there at all until he commented on her conversation. She turned around and freaked out. Amanda's freak outs don't include screaming. It's the look of utter shock and the quiet, "Oh. My. Gosh. You. SCARED. Me. SO. BAD." Mission accomplished.

Here's a sneak attack that gets me: when a friend who is a boy does something out of character. Like today. A friend was standing next to me, and he reached his arm around my waist and pulled me close to him, then wrapped me in a huge hug. He doesn't hug first, at least not me. I can only think of one other time when he's initiated a hug. It caught me off guard a bit. It was nice. Really nice, in fact, just...out of character.

Whatevs. At least it wasn't awkward, like when litle Amy started playing with the buttons on my shirt and then decided it would be fun to unbutton them. And not to just try and get one or two, but ALL of them, even when I was trying to get her to stop. Now that was awkward.

pain killers...

Do you ever have days (or weeks or months) where things just seem to hurt? Circumstances and experiences, memories, whatever, things just sometimes are really, really, really hard. It's part of life, pain. All types of it.

I have found some pain killers this weekend that work very well. Some of them are surprising, and others not so much, but each one has made things a little easier to deal with.

1. Doing math problems


I have no concrete reason for why this helps. By all rights I call myself crazy for including this. However, I have a theory: when I'm focused on computations and numbers, I don't have time to think about all of the things that are bothering me. I only have space in my head to calculate numbers and remember theorums and formulas. Those are problems I can solve. There is also an answer key so when I do get stuck, I can work through problems step by step until I can do it perfectly on my own.

2. Running through the rain
I've been praying for a really good storm to happen at a time that I could go out and play in it. Today, my prayer was answered. Yes, it didn't really rain today, but close enough. It hailed, a super big cloud burst of ice and freezing water that left puddles in seconds. I put on my shoes and ran out into the storm, my only goal to get totally soaked in as little time as possible (boy, did I get wet). There was something incredible about running as fast as I could through the ice, my hair blowing in my face and water soaking into my clothes and shoes. It was so cold, and I felt more alive than I have in a long time. Some of the ache seemed to wash away. Every time I purposefully splashed through a puddle, or tipped my head to the sky while twirling in circles in the road, I felt free.

3. Flowers
My parents gave me a bouquet of roses at my last concert with LDC. Emilyann brought me a bouquet of flowers yesterday for Easter, saying she knew I'd been really stressed and wanted me to know that she loves me. Her adorable little siblings came, too. They are the sweetest kids, just like their big sister. Flowers are beautiful. Here. I'll show you. The first picture is of the flowers from Emilyann. The second is the bouquet from my parents:



Need I say more about flowers? They say enough for themselves. :)

4. Puppies
My dog is adorable. She's not really a puppy anymore, but she's still a sweetheart. I love my little Misty.



5. Friends


Yes, sometimes friends create more pain than they are worth--or so it would seem. Something I've been trying to remember is that while some people may walk away, the Lord puts people in their place. During this whole adventure with Aries, I've found that my heart is full of more people than I ever could have imagined. I have so many incredible people in my life. They help me every day, whether through bringing flowers like Emilyann did, shooting me a text message to say hello, sitting by me so I'm not totally alone, letting me spend time with them and their families, or just saying hello while walking across campus and running into me...I have super awesome people to hang out with. From friends I made in high school to new ones in college, I am so blessed.





6. My Family
I'm not kind enough to my family. They put up with me anyway. I don't know why they do it. Even on the days when I'm super grumpy and unhappy, they still make an effort to show that they love me. It amazes me that they care so much. I don't know why they do. I'm grateful for them though, that they do keep me around and try to help, even when I don't think I want any help. I love them so much. They're wonderful.



I have cute sisters, don't I? They are probably two of my bestest friends in the world. Yeah, we fight, but these two are part of the few who know me well enough to get me to smile even when I am determined not to.





These are some of the natural pain killers I have found. They tend to work better than Ibuprofen or Tylenol (those make me nauseous anyway). I know that some days will be harder than others, no matter how hard I try to be happy and to recognize all of the good. Sometimes it's just hard. Still, I'm grateful for the little things, like rain and flowers and good times with good people. To me, those things aren't so little. They're huge, because they make all the difference in my life.

adoption day...

Today is the we adopted Misty three years ago. It feels like she's been in our family for a lot longer than that, but at the same time I can't believe how quickly time has flown. She's adorable, and I love my little Misty dog. <3

stupid...

I am. 'Cause I didn't realize that all college teachers are different and make up their own rules. My Health professor decided that his class would end five days before the end of the semester, so all of the quizzes, tests, and assignments were due last night. Meaning I pretty much failed the class.

Now that you're all worried-ha. Yes, the stuff is all due, but I wrote him an email asking for the criteria to get an "I" in the course, and he responded saying "I don't give 'I's, so just finish the tests and quizzes and take the final." Score! Thank you, mom, for telling me to email him. I'll still probably end up with a B at the most, if I get 150/200 on the final. I'm so stupid.

Do any of you find me annoying? Or rude? Or something else like that? Let me know so I can fix it.

My family and I (excluding dad-he's on another business trip) drove up Provo Canyon today to go on a "picinica". I used to say that when I was little, and now my mom uses it. We had a lovely chicken and grape pasta salad, and I messed around with my camera. Misty had fun lying in the grass. She has exploded, seriously. I can't figure it out, but she's taller, longer, and just bigger. It's so weird. We all thought she'd stopped growing. Now this little white monster dog is running around the house, tripping on her spindly legs. While we were eating she sprawled and turned her nose up at her own dinner. Word to the wise-never feed a Maltese, even a half Maltese, people food because she will never eat her own again.

There were a lot of family groups at the canyon park. Each was at least three generations-grandparents, parents, and children. Two of these families collided when a small girl hurled a large flying disc with all of her might, and it landed in the other family's fire pit. The grandma of the second family let out an "uh-WHA!" and began kicking the disc to get it out of the flames. The small girl began to cry, and was given a few Starbursts from the grandma and the teenage boy of the second family. I tried not to laugh for the little girl's sake, but it was funny.

The only problem with the campfires is that now I smell like woodsmoke. It takes so long for me to get it out of my hair. Like from Girl's Camp-THREE DAYS!!! AND I washed it three times each of those days. NINE times before my hair was back to normal. That's the trouble with some good things. It's good while it's happening, but sometimes the lingering effects are a little bit annoying. Break out the shampoo, people!

Dessert was from Macey's-individual pints of ice cream. Yes, I can eat one in a single sitting, and yes, I know I shouldn't. At least it wasn't a quart, right? All in all it was a fun evening. Now I just have to finish five more chapters for this Health class. I'm so stupid! Perhaps I'll learn something from this, like make a schedule so I know when stuff is due. That might be a good idea.

Maybe I can learn how not to be stupid. Is there a "How Not To Be Stupid for Dummies" out there yet? Someone write it so I can have it on my bedside table. It would probably get more use than any book I've ever read.

singin' at the bbq...

My sisters and I were asked to sing at my across the street neighbors' summer barbecue a couple of weeks ago, and today was the day of our performance. Ugh. My voice totally cracked on the "encore" of "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music (they asked us to sing it a second time). Ah, well.

Despite my sisters protests, I wore my red dress and black heels to perform in. I cannot, cannot perform in jeans. I don't know why, but I just feel so sloppy and out of character. I guess I hide behind the clothes I'm wearing. If the audience sees a pretty dress, maybe they'll forget the person inside of it. I did "dress it down" to match the backyard barbecue feel by throwing on a denim jacket over the top, but I did end up wearing a black headband with white rhinestones and pearl with rhinestone accent earrings. Told you I perform dressed up. :)

Mom had me sing first. I performed "Honey Bun" from South Pacific. I think it went all right. It wasn't horrible like I expected it to be, but I don't know. Amanda went next with "I Could Have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady. She did a very good job. Meghan made everyone cry, especially the men, with her song "On My Own" from Les Miserables. After we sang as a trio "My Favorite Things" with me on the first verse, Amanda on the second, Meghan on the third, and harmony on the ending chorus.

Food was good, singing is over, and our neighbor gave us a box of chocolates. Loverly. :) The one sad thing was that Misty had to stay home. She always gets sad when we leave her behind. See? She sits on the couch and looks out the window after us, unless she's really depressed and pouting. Then she stands at the door with her tail between her legs and hangs her head. Sadness.

hair, hair, hair...

This is what puppy looks like after a long time between beauty parlor visits. I now christen her...Mop Head.

And the face she is making is because she just got kicked in the nose by a flailing foot during a rousing game of Twister. She stayed under the table after wards.

Haha. Mop Head. Love you!

poppety, puppety monsters...

Happy 4th of July, everybody! Early or late, American or not, it's still a great day to be alive, right? Great for everyone but those wee dogs who are frightened of the horrible, shrieking, puppy-eating...POPPY MONSTERS!!!

Dogs and fireworks do not mix. Especially those age old favorites, bottle rockets. The high pitched scream followed by the snapping pop of the rocket bursting doesn't feel good on tender ears. Puppy Misty spent much of her 4th of July shaking from nose to tail, hiding under beds, and cowering in my blankets. She does not enjoy fireworks. Not one bit.

Early this evening she came slinking into my room, clinging to the walls with her tail between her legs. She glanced right, left, right, and then skittered across the floor and pounced on my lap, burrowing her face in the blankets. When it was quiet for a moment, she looked at me with eyes that said, "Why, Georgie? Why do you people like such hideous noises? Why do you let the poppy monsters come?" and then jumped when a second barrage began.

Poor little puppy.

Misty also met a strange new creature at the Freedom Festival Street Carnival yesterday. Dad and I took her to downtown Provo with us to see the different booths and things for sale. I love going to things like that-it's the one time where being in a huge crowd of people doesn't bother me. There are so many things to see, to hear, and to do. The vendors shouting out to people walking by, the smells of cotton candy and roasted nuts on the hot air, the flashes of color and light, the screams of happy children bouncing high into the air on carnival rides-it's all just so amazing to me. But once again, Misty had a different time of it.

Imagine walking down a hot sidewalk with a thick fur coat on, dodging big, clumsy feet and peering up into faces a mile above you. Giants ten times your size stomping heavily past, dropping ice cream on your face and swinging bags across your back. Balloons popping, kids grabbing your ears without permission, and the whole time being stuck on a rope so you couldn't run away. Once I saw that Misty's little head was drooping, I decided it was time for her to see it from my perspective. I picked her up in my arms and immediately received a grateful kiss on the cheek. She didn't mind the fair so much from my vantage point. Still, I don't think that she'll be back.

Anyway, back to the strange new creature. As we were walking down one of the pathways between tents and booths, I saw a puppet display. A lady was "walking" a little dog up and down the length of the tent, it's head and legs attached to strings. Misty wanted to investigate this miniature dog. She walked up to it, gave it a sniff, and jumped backwards looking alarmed. She looked up at me saying "That is NOT a dog, Georgie! What in the name of kibbles is it?" and went forward to take another whiff. Again, she jumped backwards, confused. When she realized that it was not a puppy but a puppet, she again looked at me and said accusingly, "You tricked me." I so did not! Inviting her into my arms again, she kissed my cheek and smiled at me. I don't think we'll be meeting any more puppy-ets again.

provo canyon adventure...

Since losing our little friend, my family and I have been making an extra effort to help Misty out. She's kind of lost herself. Buddy was her best friend, and she sometimes will be looking for him or sitting out in the yard staring at his favorite place to lie down. So, we decided that it was time to get out of the house and take her somewhere new.

Last Saturday we took a trip up to the Provo River Falls, way up the canyon on the way to Mirror Lake. It's one of my favorite places in the world, and was one of Buddy's favorites too. Misty had never been there without him, and I hadn't either. It was strange, but it was a good place to think and get things straightened out in my head. Here's a bit of a glimpse of our trip:

We stopped at the Fish Hatchery, mostly because I was so car-sick that I could hardly move. There was no one there, no tours going on, and not very many fish. So, Misty led the way to a wooden deck overlook. She was quite interested in the small, brown rock-chucks and red-winged blackbirds that were scampering about the ground and sky. See all of those little brown dots in the second picture? Rock-chuck playground!





I have been to the falls five or six times in my life, and never has the water been this high. It was kind of a bummer because we couldn't wade very far in, but it was exciting because it means that the drought is over! Utah has been in a drought for about ten or eleven years. This is the first year we've actually had our reservoirs and rivers full to the brim.





Misty wasn't phased by the high water. Once she saw me and Mandy up to our knees in the water, she took it upon herself to rescue us. The only problem was that the water was much colder than the little puppy expected. Here she is after her first shocking leap into the river. Smile pretty, baby!