Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Memorial Day

Monday, the sisters (and Dave) got together and made the annual pilgrimage to Syracuse and Provo.

We went first to Syracuse and placed some flowers on my grandparents' grave. It already looked beautiful, surrounded by all kinds of flowers and a peacock feather. We put two forget-me-not plants by the gravestone, perfect flowers for the occasion. The city, although it is becoming more and more developed, is still so much like I remember it as a kid. The cemetery still has that field to one side of it like I always remembered. And the new houses that are being built haven't completely taken over the scenery or eliminated the small-town feel.

We did the traditional lunch at Subway and traveled to Provo, where we left more flowers for my other grandparents and uncle.

It doesn't matter how much time goes by...it still stings.

I don't normally think of Memorial Day as a sad day. I don't think it's supposed to be. But there are definitely some strong feelings there when you realize that memories are all you have left of a person.

* * *

Today, Dave, our friend Tyler, and I went on a hike in Lindon. I guess it was my first official hike of the year. I think I did pretty well, and my body feels great after all the climbing, walking, and near-death experiences. Well, not too many of those...but I did wonder once or twice if I'd fall off the edge of a cliff as I tripped or slid on rocks.

I want to go on hikes as often as possible. Dave and I both love nature walks and Dave especially enjoys hiking and pushing his body climbing and such. I'm still not in shape yet, but I'm working on that! I want to go hiking or swimming at least every week.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Things I Like

I don't really know what to write about anymore. Our lives here aren't overly exciting (despite what the blog title claims), and I'm not about to let loose my uninhibited random thoughts and feelings (heaven forbid!) as interesting as those might be. So to keep things interesting (for me at least) here's a new idea: Things I Like.

I am 99% certain that I have stolen this idea from someone else, but in the Blogging World there isn't much left that's original anyway. Every week or so, I'm going to list things I'm into lately and maybe talk about them. This could mean books, movies, products, food, music...you name it!
Here we go:

Retro Swimsuits. I really love these 50s-looking swimsuits! The halter straps and the neckline look so classy, and these swimsuits are sexy but at the same time cover your butt. I have been altering my swimsuit to looking like one of these suits...can't wait to wear it!

Sunflower Market Bread. This bread is fantastic. Not only does it taste amazing, but each slice only contains 50 calories! Most bread has close to 100 per slice. I don't feel guilty eating a while sandwhich when I use this delicious bread! Mmmmm!


Dove Energy Glow Lotion. This lotion works pretty well. If you use it, over time your skin will darken just a little to make it seem sun-kissed and more tan. I don't use a lot of it, but it has been easing the transition into summer by making my legs not so shockingly white. It's inexpensive, and I like the smell, too.



Bob Hairstyle. I have been scared to cut my hair really short for a while, but a few weeks ago I went ahead and did it. Ever since I have been wishing that I did it sooner! A bob haircut (like the example above) is cute, trendy, and pretty, but what I didn't realize is how EASY this style is to care for! I spend no more than 10-15 minutes a day on my hair now. Plus, my hair requires less shampoo and styling products. Yes, I admit that I sometimes wish for long, flowing locks, but I am really enjoying short hair right now!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Keane Concert 5.12.09

Tuesday was a magnificent day. I got to see my favorite band live, singing to me only a few feet from where I stood. It was a beautiful thing.

The band was Keane (which surprisingly few people I know have actually heard of), and the night was amazing. My sisters and Dave came along (all of us like the band) and basked in the sweetness of their music as we partied into the night at Kingsbury Hall. Our seats were pretty near the back, but after the band came onstage we all rushed down to the front to get as close as possible. From where we were, we could see the lead singer (Tom Chaplin) really well, and he actually tended to hang out on our side of the stage the most (lucky us!).


My sisters. We're on our way to the show! Jana is enjoying a Dum Dum.

Heading for Kingsbury Hall. I'm getting my cell phone ready for the concert (I took some pictures with my phone, but most of them are crap).



Okay. So this is a video of part of the concert. I didn't take this--I found it on youtube. But it gives you an idea of what it was like to be there :)

After the concert, we were all full of energy but starving, so we stopped at IHOP. It was terrific. Dave thought it would be funny to pose for this picture. Ew!

More IHOP post-concert FUN!

So after the first opening act finished, we started to talk to this couple sitting behind us. They had actually been able to go to a meet-and-greet with the band, and had ended up with 2 signed pictures. I talked to them about the band for a few minutes, and they VERY kindly gave me one of the pictures! I was ridiculously excited--what nice people! I am a very, very lucky girl.

I love concerts! :)

Friday, May 8, 2009

Graduation

Last Friday was a really big day: Dave is now officially a college grad! It was really exciting to attend both commencement ceremonies (one for the School of Education and another for the whole university). Here are some pictures from the day:

Me, Mom and Dad at the School of Education Commencement.

The big commencement. This is when the graduates were walking.

Dave and his parents.

Dave and his mom. She also graduated that day (from a different school), so they got to celebrate together!

Me, my sister Larissa, and Dave after the first ceremony.

Dave, looking slightly confused but still adorable.

Me chillin' after the commencements. Congrats, Dave!

Dave and me with mortarboards. I also graduated with an AS in English, but I didn't walk in the commencement--I am waiting for my BS. But Dave's mom let me borrow her hat for a few minutes :)

It was such a fantastic day and we want to thank everyone who came! We also want to thank everyone who helped Dave achieve the dream of getting his degree! We love you all.