For my Favorite British Couple, Part 2

I got an email from CNN yesterday. For a few seconds, I stared at the subject line in my inbox and forgot to breathe.

Then I read how I will NOT be the reporter sent to London, as part of a mass pity email.

My consolation prize? 

 This is the winning entry. 

(Seeing how mediocre it was made me feel a lot better about not winning... I was actually delighted to find out that the people CNN is singling out are not any better at reporting than I am! This summer: KSL radio. Next Summer: Good Morning, America.)

And if boosting my ego weren't enough, I also get to watch TLC all week long with my family in Kentucky!! Last night I stepped off the plane and got my first breath of warm, sweet, humid summer air. Ahhh, perfection. 

The icing on the cake: a stranger called me "ma'am."  I could have hugged him. There is nothing that feels nicer than being treated like a southern lady. 

Speaking of charming... 

I scored BOTH of these for a grand total of $4.40 this weekend. 

Sometimes the universe just has your back. Thanks, Karma!!

My favorite YW lesson: TaLeNtS!!

You have them, I have them, we ALL have them!

What? Can you not play the piano in church? Join the club.

Sometimes the city of Provo tells us that this is the only kind of talent that matters...

WRONG!!

(P.S. I don't run triathlons, either.)

But you know what? I am LOADED with all sorts of other gifts that often get a lack of attention. 

Let's name a few, shall we?

1. I can listen to any song I like 500 times before I get sick of it.

2. I make a fantastic s'more.

3. I am great at planning schedules– daily, weekly, school classes, life plans, etc. 

4. I have the ability to talk you into purchasing any item of clothing that you want but consider out of your price range.

5. I can French-braid hair. My own AND yours. Regular way and inside-out.

6. I can play or transpose the basic chords to any song you want to sing, on the spot.

7. I am the ideal audience member, especially in plays. I am the best laugher at all the appropriate moments. Usually a few inappropriate ones as well.

8. I am super at appreciating the outdoors, especially taking naps in it. 

9. Some call it "nosy." I call it "being a good listener." I do love a good story... which sometimes reading a book, and sometimes means hearing- and asking unabashedly- about the personal details of someone else's life.

10. And finally, I am SO GOOD at procrastinating when it involves biology!!

See how easy it is to recognize your talents??

Group Hugs/ Dogpiles! Another gift of mine.

(This one is for the up-and-coming Sister Wagner, who will be serving in Albuquerque, NM!!)

Think with me. What unappreciated gifts have YOU been hiding under a bushel-barrel?*

* The term "bushel-barrel" copyrighted to Jordan Hunter, 2008.

Finals Week Rules

Our apartment established long ago that during finals week, Centennial 224 would be a safe haven from the norms of the world. Last night, we decided that Finals Week Rules were now in full effect.

Things we do not judge:
1. How often you shower
2. How often you sleep
3. How much or how little you eat
4. What you eat
5. Exercise habits
6. How you choose to spend your down time
7. When the last time you did laundry was
8. Whether or not you choose to actually put on clothes or makeup
9. How much candy you are consuming in the name of Easter...
10. Etc.

Personally, I am kind of a slob... but I kind of love it right now. If the weather is going to be gross, I don't see why I should have to be anything else.

***TMI Warning!***


Sports bras > Real bras. Hands down. 
In fact, I am going to change OUT of my favorite lime green sports bra and put on one I hate to go to the gym... so after I shower (and you know how I feel about showering)... I can change right back into my other one :)


Tell me! What is your favorite rule of society to throw out the window?

For my favorite British couple

Long story short, CNN is sending an iReporter out to cover the royal wedding. 

One in a million shot? Yes. 

But could I just let someone else waltz away on my dream trip without at least giving it a shot? Of course not. 

I'm not saying it will win... but it was a lot more fun to make than do other things...

like study for finals. 

Dear Kate and William

Please take me back. 

I miss your city. 

xoxoxo

(Sincerely?)

Lauren

R.I.P. Shoes

As warmer weather approaches (kind of) I find myself contemplating the life of my once-beloved Nephite sandals. 

 These EXACT sandals. I have searched the far realms of the internet for what Target once sold so freely: Xhilaration Tanya brown strappy sandals (size 8.) 


Last summer, on an all-too-fateful rafting trip down the Ocoee River, we were separated forever as the rapids ripped them from my feet and sent them to a watery grave. 


I ordered some shoes online... but as I am still learning, some loves can never be replaced. 


Oh Nephite sandals, how I loved you. You were perfect for wearing with sweats or a sundress. You were stylish without bringing undo attention to my feet. You stayed on without feeling restrictive or loose. You were my favorite shade of brown. You were graciously wide enough for my flat arches without giving me the appearance of duck flippers. Like Baby Bear's porridge... you were just right. 


Some loves change your life forever... Dear Nephite sandals, I want you to know that flip flops are dead to me now. I have absolutely no idea how to replace you... I might be barefoot this summer. I wish there was a way to find you again-- and when I say find, I mean buy... not dig you up out of the muddy riverbank.


Until then, I'll be missing you.
Love,
Lauren