PaRiS 8

I took the Metro to school today on account of waking up very late. The only problem was that I had to switch trains 3 different times and was still incredibly late. School proved to be quite entertaining though. We played French Taboo and it is probably my new favorite pastime. After school Nicole and I went to our favorite little Israeli shop and sampled "Turkish Delights". If you've never had it before it's basically a gelatinous substance completely covered in powdered sugar combined with 2 or 3 nuts inside.. Disgusting. I threw it in the gutter immediately after. We then made our way down to the Indian market and I bought super glue to fix my sunglasses.. yeah, I'm cheap. That was pretty much the extent of my day besides roaming the streets and taking pictures. Here are a few shots from the day...

Gone with the..afro... PaRiS 7

Today I whined to Nicole and Allison about my afro and converter troubles. Allison suggested that I go to BHV near Hôtel de Ville because apparently they sell everything! I was honestly ecstatic! (Sad, I know). Then Nicole told me she would take me to the flea market tomorrow and buy me a new converter.. YAY!! I'll finally be set!

After school I dropped off my belongings and set off to buy my afro killer!! I was pretty self conscious today. I was feeling mega fat (the baguettes and butter were starting to take their toll) and my afro was maddening. I tried to pop my sunglasses lens into place but while I was walking, the lens shot straight out in front of me. Now I resembled the dog off of Little Rascals-one large black lens and one large black rim. Ridiculous. I picked it up and fussed over it momentarily pretending that it had just broke so that the café stalkers would stop laughing. I just had to keep thinking positively.. the afro would soon be gone.. ahh. 

I arrived at BHV and thoroughly searched 3 levels before I found it in some obscure aisle (next to clothing irons..weird). I honestly let out a little gasp of joy. I tried to quell my excitement but it was difficult :).. I shopped a little longer (they seriously have the CooLest stuff over here!) and rushed home to get rid of the fro. I stopped by Maison Collet to buy (another) baguette..yum. I jumped in the shower, STRAIGHTENED the fro and took the metro down to institute. 

Bro. and Sis. Murray taught the lesson on honesty and had various people translate it to french. One story in particular touched me. He spoke about a family in their old ward in Hawaii that had 10 children and hardly any money. It was 2 days before Christmas and the family went out to do a little shopping. One of the younger boys came across a thick envelope on the floor and gave it to his older brother who opened it and counted $300. They showed their father and asked if they could keep it. The father said it wasn't right and took the whole family to the manager to return the money. Two days later on Christmas morning the family awoke to see their front porch covered with presents and food. The ward had all pitched in to make a memorable Christmas for this family. They had not been aware of the recent experience the family had with finding the money but found out at a testimony meeting the next month. Something had touched the hearts of the people in the ward to come together to take  care of this family. It just goes to show that by living righteously, the Lord will always prepare a way for you to be blessed.

After institute I had some creeper follow me nearly all the way home. It was a little frightening. But I'm here safe and sound and ready to go to bed. 

Versailles.. PaRis 6

I wegged school today (shh) to go to Versailles with Kat and Kemp. We left around 8 am from Gare du Nord and took the RER to the country. Halfway there our train stopped at a station where we apparently had to switch trains (we were unaware of that fact which left us momentarily lost). We were supposed to stay on the platform and wait for the next train but for some reason a random passenger told us otherwise and that we should go to a different track. We left through the "Sortie" and asked the ticket agent where we should go. She ended up pointing us right back in the direction we came. Well we couldn't get on the platform without feeding our ticket into a machine that released a turn style and a push door. We had already used up our tickets which meant we would have to purchase another one just to get back on our previous platform. Well I just wasn't going to have that. Dress and all I swung my leg up on the metal box, squeezed in between the long metal bars and jumped on the other side. The K's got quite a kick out of that and Kitty decided to climb over the turn style and under the door. Kemp couldn't make up his mind but finally got on his hands and knees and crawled under the door as well. It was quite a sight! We definitely had a good laugh.

Once we arrived we walked about 10 minutes and there it was. Grand, decadent, Baroque, elegant, beautiful and incredibly opulent.  There were already so many people for only being 10 am but after the 30 min wait in line the gobs of tourists evenly dispersed throughout the Château. Everything in the Palace was decked out in marble or gold. The Sun King was so self indulgent- In one of my art history classes I learned that before Versailles was built, King Louis's head of finance (I think), built Vaux le Vicomte. It was such a grand château that the King thought it was bad taste that someone beneath him should be living in such luxury. He imprisoned the man and then hired the entire team who built Vaux le Vicomte to build and design Versailles. The end result of 380 million francs, 36,000 laborers and enough paintings, if laid end to end, to equal 7 miles of canvas. The King then summoned thousands of grandees from their own far-flung châteaux to reside at his new seat of government. In doing so, however, he unwittingly triggered the downfall of the monarchy. Each day private invitations were sent out to each of the grandees inviting them to "Watch the King have his breakfast" or being permitted "to take a stroll in the gardens with his highness" I mean this guy was so full of himself! Anyway, a 2 century spree of indulgence in the finest bling-bling of the age by the consecutive reigns of 3 French Kings produced 2 of the world's most historic artifacts: gloriously, the Palace itself and, momentously, the French Revolution.- Ok sorry for the rambling.. I get carried away sometimes. Anyway, the Hall of Mirrors and the incredible art were my favorite things (besides the awesome wallpaper which I would LoVE to have). My absolute favorite part of the trip though was the outdoor gardens. I couldn't have dreamt of anything more picture perfect. The weather was slightly balmy with a cool refreshing breeze ever so often. The trees were trimmed in angles of perfection and the flowers were colorfully beaming everywhere you went. The grand canal was available for paddle boat rental which gave the grounds almost a Great Gatsby feeling. The K's and I began our long walk to the Grand Trianon. We thought we were going to the Queen's hamlet or Marie Antoinette's place but ended up on the other side of the grounds. The Trianon was outfitted in pink marble.. wow. It definitely looked like a woman's residence to me. Everything was floral and PINK!..We realized we didn't have the energy or the mobility to go back and see the Queens Hamlet (our feet were dying.. a days worth of cobblestone will do that to you) so we took the RER back into the city. We finally were on the metro and made a special stop to get our favorite crepes. :) Afterwards I bid farewell to the K's and we went separate ways. I'll miss them!! They've been soo much fun!!

On my walk home I was feeling incredibly self conscious of my awkward look. I felt so ragged next to the chic impossibly thin french women (I still had the fro). But just then a man on a scooter rode by, gave me a little beep and thumbs up. Then he muttered "très belle" and smiled. Ahh.. I felt much better. Even if he was being sarcastic. I love the French.

Rain rain go away.. PaRiS 5

Ugh, it was raining AgAiN today!.. I feel so unprepared being here! I don't have any cute fall/winter clothes (I'm freezing), my hair is HIDEOUS and my favorite sunglasses just broke today (sorry for the melodramatic "Clueless" monologue. I assure you, I do have a brain and don't JuSt care about fashion. Just needed to vent). I need to always remind myself when I'm in a bit of a sour mood that I'm in PaRiS! No need to complain about anything. Ahh.. that's better.

School went well today. We worked on passé composé. Blah. And then I felt terribly sick and went home during the break to rest for an hour or two. At 1:30 I (pinned the fro back) walked down to the chapel to meet up with Kemp and Kitty. We took the metro all the way down to some ghetto stop just to get some "amazing crepes". I ordered a poulet et fromage crepe and it was... TO DIE FOR! No exaggeration here. I was in heaven! It was incredi

bly filling, I couldn't even finish it. Afterwards we took

the train up to Montmartre and did a little shopping at the coolest boutiques. 62 euros later the K's and I walked up what felt like 20 flights of stairs and arrived in Painters Square. It was ridiculously charming. Artist's were everywhere showing off their best work, competing for the most reasonable price and they were all sheltered by umbrellas preciously guarding their masterpieces from the storm.   I considered getting a portrait by maybe the next Toulouse-Lautrec but then I couldn't figure out why in the world I would want a portrait of myself and where on earth would I put it? Hanging in my room? Hmm.. I think not. We started walking towards Sacré Coeur and it resembled an enormous, decadent wedding cake that over looked the entire city. The view was incredible. All of Paris was laid out before me. I was a bit overwhelmed as to the size of the city but it was beautiful. I was pretty impressed by the 

building until Kemp

 told me it was built in 1895. I was no longer interested

it was practically brand new! A little over the top too. We finally came to the decision to climb to the top of the dome. Oh my.. it took FoRever! If you've ever climbed the bell tower in Florence, this was nearly the same. An extremely small staircase that I expect only the Japanese could fit through complete with never ending steps. My legs

had turned to wobbly jelly when I finally reached the top but I was able to savour the view (and sit down) for a while. We took loads of pictures and finally made our descent ALL THE WAY down. I got soo dizzy just staring at the worn, spiraling steps below me. After what felt like an hour we were in the crypt. Pretty lame. It wasn't worth the extra euros to visit. We left and hung around Painters Square for a bit and stopped in a little café to sample their nutella crepes. Mmmmm... Delicious!! Well we were worn out so we called it a day and I'm home studying, writing in the journal, eating a baguette and watching Sabrina. I couldn't be happier :).

Shopping and Luxembourg Jardin..PaRiS 4

Well today was my first day of school. Class was difficult at first (mainly because it's taught completely in french) but I soon got the hang of it and understood what the teacher was saying. My class is pretty small. There's: Peter from Australia, Allison from New York, Fünda from Turkey, Felix from Spain, Olivia from Seattle and Nicole from North Carolina. It's a really fun group :).  

After school I went home and met up with Kat and Kemp and we all went out to find a place to get lunch. Kat was really craving duck and wanted me to sample it as well. So after checking a few local café menus we found one serving duck with raspberry sauce. I ordered chicken tandoori which looked a little scary but wasn't too bad. We had a great chat about our lives, 

school and such and then they paid for my meal! They were so nice :)

Well the rest of the day we went to various shops on St. Germain des Près and St. Michel. I only bought a few items but it's SOLDES season in Paris right now and I'll definitely be going out to get more! Kitty and I found a little Vintage shop near the 

Hôtel de Ville that had the best stuff for 5-30 euros, I'll be heading back there too. We stopped at an internet café for a bit to catch up on life and then made our way over to Luxembourg gardens. Gorgeous. I was in love and had found my new designated 

"reading place". The sky was partly overcast and the weather was amazing. The lighting was perfect so I was able to snap some sweet shots. We lingered a bit and took the subway back and we separated at different stops. When I went above ground I was completely lost. I knew I wasn't far from home but I was pretty turned around. ( I hadn't figured out that there was a closer metro to my house yet.) I started walking and then the wind picked up and the rain started in on a steady down pour. I opened my obnoxious green umbrella with large brown polka dots to attempt to shield myself from the cold rain. Well, the wind was quite strong and by quite strong I mean I could've been Mary Poppins if my umbrella had been opened for 30 more seconds. The wind sucked my umbrella inside out I began to pull it away from me with an alarming amount of force. So here I am, standing on a corner, lost, and wrestling with my polka dot umbrella while getting drenched. Life was good. I finally found my way back to Rue Montorguiel and stopped into a Boulangerie to get a baguette (of course). I also purchased un éclair chocolat for good measure ( I felt I earned it). After I got home I ate my incredibly rich éclair and nearly ate the WhOLe Baguette!! It was as long as my arm! But skinnier so I don't feel too guilty. Well tomorrow is Montmartre with the K's!.. Oh.. and I'm STILL sporting the fro.. this has got to end.

SuNdAy...Paris 3

Well my attempts to sleep last night were again interrupted by the Karaoke bars and clubs. The last thing I heard before finally downing a sleeping pill was "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. Everyone in the street was singing along (just the chorus) in their prominent french accents. It definitely had me laughing because it's one of my favorite songs and I really enjoyed hearing it in that  setting.

This morning I had my first walk to church. I left a little early (pinned the afro back) because I wasn't sure how long it would take me. I ended up getting there 30 min early so I decided to walk a little further and see the Hôtel de Ville and go across the Seine and visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. It was beautiful. I also 

happened to go at the perfect time. Tourists apparently aren't up at 9 on a Sunday morning. I took a few pictures of the Seine and made my way back to church. I met this awesome girl named Kathleen in Relief Society who was on vacation from her home in New Zealand. She is seriously the nicest girl! She introduced me to her brother Kemp after church who is equally as nice. They invited me out for shopping after I get out of school tomorrow and we're going to Montmartre on Tuesday. I can't wait!

After church I went home, changed clothes and decided to navigate my way to school for a test run. It turned out to only be a 15 min walk! Then on my way back I didn't really feel like going home yet so I walked all the way back to the Notre Dame and it was packed with tourists.

I decided to avoid the crowds and went along the little side streets to capture photos of quaint storefronts and the back of Notre Dame. A jazzy band was playing which made the atmosphere all the more enjoyable. I explored a little side path and found a little shaded seating area looking over the Seine and sat there for half an hour just enjoying the warm and cool windy weather.

I decided to end the day because my feet were hurting SO badly. I hate breaking in shoes!I walked home, showered, tried to calm the afro and had some milk and baguette for dinner..mmmm...Well school starts tomorrow. I'm a little nervous but excited to be speaking french!

First Day! Paris 2

Today was my first whole day in Paris. I got an early start waking up at 6:30 am -my body is not yet used to time difference. I was awake until 12 the previous night but was repeatedly woken up by the sound of crazy parties and loud motorbikes going down my street. Apparently people don't go to bed until 5:30 am on the weekends- I should've gone to bed at that time because it was dead quiet. When I woke, I studied french (like a good student) and had my morning tea. After that I was at a loss at what I should do. I mean, this is PARIS!! There should be oodles for me to see! I was hoping for beautiful Parisian sunshine but much to my dismay, threatening storm clouds decided to hover :(. Now my wardrobe consisted of shorts, skirts, dresses, T-shirts, 2 pairs of pants and a light jacket. I opened my window to test the weather and it was FREEEEZING! Yeah, I was unprepared. I threw on my skinny jeans, ballet flats, T and jacket (I was attempting to look Parisian.. You have know idea what they say behind your back if they can tell you're American). I also put in the ipod to appear "occupé" (didn't really want anyone speaking french to me either!). I left my apartment and struggled (no joke) for 5 min tying to lock my stupid door. There isn't a doorknob so you pull on the door knocker thing while pushing at the same time to turn your key which requires more upper body strength than I have. I worked up a little sweat ( OVER LOCKING A DOOR!) and descended down the spiral staircase 3 levels (I don't have a lift in my building.. good work out though) and met the resident cat that apparently loves me and became my first friend in Paris (Patrick, tell Jackie I have the foreign cat gift as well). THEN I couldn't figure out how to get out of the complex!! I was finally in Paris and was locked in my apartment complex. What the heck was I gonna do??.. Well after looking like an idiot (thank goodness no one was around) and feeling the entire door thinking there might be a hidden or secret latch to release me, I turned to my right and saw a glowing button the stated "Porte" above it. Duh! Obviously there was no hidden, secret Indiana Jones way to get out of here.. simply press a button. I pushed it and opened the large blue door and I was out in the chilly rainy weather. I live right off Rue Montorgueil which is a pedestrian street and just the most charming thing I had ever seen. So I decided to take a walk down it and explore. All of the Boulangerie's and Fromage et Vin shops were opening and the air was soon filled with the smell of warm baguettes and croissants. I was instantly famished. I did a little grocery shopping and hurried back to my apartment to get a bite to eat before I met with the Sister Missionaries.

The Sisters arrived at my apartment to show me around a little bit so I wouldn't feel completely lost. One was from California and the other was French. They took me to visit a less active member that lives nearby. She is a middle aged convert, unmarried and the typical "cat lady". She didn't speak any english and my french was pretty poor so Sis. Marshall (CA) translated a lot.  We sang "I love to see the Temple" in french of course. ( I think I prefer hymns and primary songs in french) and taught her a lesson on genealogy. Afterwards the Sisters and I went to the church building (gorgeous, 18th century, right next to Centre Pompidou) to have lunch and to teach an english class. The rain kept most of the students at home but nonetheless we had a good time. The Sisters walked me home because I obviously didn't know where I was going and on the way I witnessed my first demonstration. It was as if every filthy grunge loving teenager in Paris gathered to smoke pot and push a Van down the street that was waving a banner with very colorful words on it. The police were everywhere! It was definitely a new

experience. 

When I got home home I showered, took a nap, and decided to curl my hair when I woke up. Not 3 minutes into curling my afro I heard a "POP!". My converter/adapter had blown. NOW I have this afro hairdo for my first day of church tomorrow! I look RiDiCuLoUs! And yes I like big hair but not when it's frizzy!! It looks like I stuck my finger in the light socket! I think this is my first trial but it's a little funny when I think about it. I can't be mad. I'm in Paris!.. Well it's about 12 am and everyone is out partying! I live on a pretty popular street I guess. I can hear the "bump bump" of The Cardigans "Lovefool" (I can't help but think of "The Office") and "American Boy" being played over and over. We'll see if I can sleep through all this partying tonight.

Je suis arrivée!! - Paris 1

Well I am finally here. I've wanted to come to Paris for the longest time and now I am living in the cutest apartment in the heart of the city. Today is America's Birthday and I am celebrating it in Europe. Not the best planning on my part. I flew out of Phoenix last night and took a flight to London which would then connect to Paris. I sat next to the most adorable German gentleman and his partner- a British chap- that were so polite. They thought I was British (probably because my traveling outfit resembled a British school girl uniform) and were shocked when I said I was American. One of the men said I was too nice to be American mainly because the girls sitting in front of us were of USA blood and they kept leaning their seats back into our laps BEFORE dinner... very rude. The girls even called the flight attendant over to complain that our knees were digging into their backs. Now I know why a large amount of Europeans can't stand Americans. On another note, I am going to do everything in my power never to fly coach again. There was honestly zero room. On the upside, the on-flight meal actually smelled pretty good.. and then I tasted it. I still do not know what the yellow mush in the middle of the plate was. Maybe Saffron mashed potatoes? Hmmm I think I was just trying to be optimistic and sound like Top Chef. The cheesecake wasn't too bad but that was the only decent thing on the tray. 

After we landed I had to rush to my connecting flight to Paris and barely made it. The flight was very brief and once we had landed I could hardly contain my excitement. I made my way over to customs and the guard looked me up and down and proceeded to speak in rapid french I mumbled that I could only speak a little and he said I was Mignonne... noo idea what that meant. I then gathered my bags, waved goodbye to the friendly custom agents and went upstairs to find my ride into the city. I pushed through a sea of people and was relieved to see my name on a clipboard. I went over and he introduced himself as Vincent and handed me my new cell phone (pre ordered). I couldn't stop smiling. Everything was perfect! 

Instead of taking me straight to my apartment he drove to my school so I could get an idea of it's location and showed me various historical sites while giving me mini lessons on the city's history. We finally arrived at the apartment and met the owner of the school I am attending. His name is Ignacio and he is the nicest person one could ever meet, he was the one who found my apartment for me.

After everyone left I settled in and I am now watching the movie "French Kiss" to get in the Parisian mood. I think I'll attempt to sleep now because tomorrow I am going out with the Sister Missionaries! :)

Travis Alexander "The Great"

Last week I lost a dear friend to a horrible unanswered act of violence. The emotional roller coaster I have been on has been incredibly difficult but I am so very grateful for the wonderful and supportive ward that I am in. 

Travis and I met 4 years ago in the Desert Ridge ward. I still remember the first day I saw him, he was wearing a cream suit, Alligator shoes and gleaming petal pink tie. My first impression was something like "Hellooo Mr. Metro Sexual!". I mean this kid was fully trimmed, tailored and primped all the way to perfectly manicured hands! I guess I was a bit skeptic but as soon as he introduced himself I found him incredibly amusing and we became fast friends. 

Trav and I used to talk about everything. Life, love, fashion, goals and dreams. He inspired me to be a strong, compassionate individual yet was still able to show me what amazing potential I had especially when I constantly doubted myself. We kept in touch when I moved to Connecticut and he helped through the difficult time when my engagement ended. He always reminded me how special I was and that I would get through this rough patch.

This past year Trav and I didn't hang out much but we remained close. The last time I saw him was June 1st after Stake Conference. We started chatting about his plans to go to Argentina so he could properly learn how to dance because he believed you weren't truly a gentleman unless you could Samba. He told me about his book that he had been writing and encouraged me to check out his blog www.travisalexander.net so he could get my opinion. We discussed relationships and how hard they had been for us. He revealed that he had an ex girlfriend who wouldn't leave him alone and was trying to ruin his life and I shared that I was trying to get over a relationship that had left me utterly heartbroken. We decided from that point on we would hang out as much as we could. Trav and I spoke close to 3 hours that day and after we parted ways I received a text message from him stating that he was very grateful for the conversation, it was something he needed and that it had made his week. I returned the sentiment because it was positively refreshing to have spent that time with him. He later texted me saying he had bought an Audrey Hepburn book for me a few days prior to our conversation and wanted to give it to me at FHE on Monday. I was thrilled at the sweet thought he had put in on my behalf and said I looked forward to seeing him soon. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to FHE that night but we agreed to meet later in the week. That was the last I heard from my dear friend. He was found the following Monday and the last time he was in contact with someone was Wednesday night. I was devastated beyond belief. How could I have recently reconnected with someone who lifted me and several others up so much only to have him taken so quickly. I then realized what a blessing Heavenly Father gave me by letting me have that last meaningful conversation with Travis. I miss his charming personality, his 1000 watt smile but most of all how he made anyone he came in contact with feel that they were supremely special and important. My thoughts and prayers are with Travis's family and I am truly grateful for my knowledge on the Plan of Salvation because I know I will see him again. You will be missed Travis.

The Cinnamon Dare

So Aubs and I were sitting around about an hour ago and got the bright idea that we should do something absurd instead of finishing our homework. Well I decided to bet Aubrey 20 bucks that she wouldn't be able to eat a tablespoon of cinnamon (I knew better) and Aubs- being the tough girl she is- said "psh, I can do it. It's just cinnamon". Now keep in mind, I fully informed Aubrey of the reactions she would experience (it's pretty much impossible, your mouth is simply too dry and the reaction is not pleasant.. If you're bored, try it) but she failed to heed my warning and poured out the cinnamon. Not 5 seconds after she consumed the "lethal dosage", extreme gagging and coughing ensued. She gripped the sink and stuck her head under the faucet gasping and gulping down water like crazy! We were cracking up for a couple of minutes until cinnamon started coming out of her nose while her ears, eyes and mouth began to itch. The cinnamon had started a full on war with her olfactory region. Aubrey is seriously allergic to EVERYTHING! I guess we had never put cinnamon on the black list of DO NOT EAT foods. Pretty soon we were on WebMD trying to figure out if she would need emergency care. We even called a doctor but he assured us that a Benadryl would do the trick. In my opinion my sister had turned into a Hitch look-a-like. I'm just hoping the Benadryl kicks in soon.

Grrrr

Ok, I should definitely be doing homework right now but I can't stand it anymore!! I just finished watching the Suns and Spurs game and it was complete rubbish! I can't decide if I'm disappointed in the Suns for not kicking the trash out of the Spurs or if I'm mad at the corrupt refs.. hmmm or Popovich and his wretched team! Ugh!.. I REALLY need to calm down or at least not take basketball so seriously. I used to be the biggest Lakers hater ever, they are a cocky team but they at least beat us with their points and talent. The Spurs, on the other hand, beat us because they are dirty players who are RiDiCuLoUsLy over dramatic slime balls... yes, I am bitter. My one wish is to have David Stern come to Phoenix for a game and get an inside look/experience on what the Suns fans really think about him. I personally don't think he'd make it home alive. Well I know this is a bit intense but the Suns have got to step it up!

What's the point??

So it's a Saturday night around 10 pm and I'm sitting on my couch watching a Gary Cooper film and eating a coconut popsicle. Why on earth am I not doing something productive? Or at least mildly entertaining?? Well it just so happens that I did have plans. Plans that I had actually been looking forward to. A certain individual made plans with me on Tuesday to have dinner Saturday night. Well Saturday night is here and I am home. What the heck?? Who asks a girl out and stands her up? I mean, why even make the date if you are just not that interested. Well I realize that this might seem like a pathetic blog but like i said, it's Saturday night and I apparently have nothing better to do. Lame.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

I had a pretty exciting night of fencing on thursday. It was like any other fencing practice, bouts, games, bruises etc. Around 10:30 it was about time for Eric and I to take off so we walked out to the parking lot and lingered a bit to discuss the upcoming tournament. At that moment I noticed two guys burst out of our fencing equipment room with two foils (swords) in their hands. They were jumping around in a mock duel fashion making pirate slash karate noises. I knew these two punks weren't fencers so I decided to yell at them.. "Hey!!! Those aren't your foils!!!".. They cursed and took off running through campus. For some reason my attitude got ahead of me and I kept yelling at them instead of actually pursuing the oh so professional foil thieves. Just then we saw security and Eric and I quickly told him that our swords had been stolen. He then radioed the rest of the security team to scour the campus. Eric and and took off to alert the other fencers. I dramatically banged on the door thinking "I can't believe I'm about to release Cliff, Casey, and Sterling on these punks", I actually almost felt bad for them. First of all, these 3 guys are like X-Men, Gladiators and the Knights Templar combined! Still, I informed them of our current situation. I have NEVER seen 3 guys take off so quickly in my life!! Kelsey and I hurried after them running at full speed. I still don't know who in their right mind messes with a team of fencers! Slightly idiotic if you ask me. So picture this, a team of fencers running about campus looking borderline insane. Cliff is decked out in fencing knickers, and full armor including a breast plate (a little extreme) and he runs over to group of artsy kids that had been lingering on campus and exclaims "Hey! Have you seen a couple of guys run through here with swords?!".. The group eyed Cliff and his bizarre ensemble and shook their heads in a confused N O.. Well we sprinted around the campus for a little longer and realized the Cops had showed up. We filled out reports and gave descriptions but never found our foils. Nonetheless, we had a very entertaining evening of fencing.

Life's a dream

I have been blessed to know some of the most amazing people who have enriched my life more than they will ever know. Some are just casual acquaintances who may have lifted me up in my time of need without evening knowing they did anything thing out of the ordinary. I guess I have just never expressed my true gratitude for all of the little things that turn out to be so many somethings in my life. My heart is so full of love right now and even though I've been going through a bit of a rough patch, my friends are always there for me. Thank you Krista for helping me get over my fears and having a shoulder to cry on, thank you Eric for movie nights and smiles that brighten my day more than you know, thank you Aubrey and Ali for being the two coolest sisters anyone could ask for, thank you Cliff for the long talks and educating me on Dungeons and Dragons which never fails to get a giggle out of me :), thank you Ryan for cheering me up whenever I'm down and making fun of my big hair ( I know you love it! haha), thank you Nathan for being such an amazing and considerate friend even though you are all the way out in New Joisey! haha, thank you Katie for always having a strong opinion! I just love you for it and I think you are so incredibly talented in everything thing you do, it definitely makes me smile :), thank you miss Megan Emily for being one of the most amazing girls I know! You are strong, smart, beautiful and such a wonderful friend. Thank you Jen for being my friend even though you are WaY too cool for me! Thank you Curtiss (aka other half) for being my hilarious little asian friend that enjoys bowing frequently! Haha you can ALWAYS make me laugh :), and finally thank you to a secret someone that brought the biggest smile to my face today, you are quite the gem :)... Wheww.. I know all of those thank you's were a bit redundant but I just wanted to..ya know.. SAY THANK YOU!! :)

Blogging??

Yes, I have created a blog. Due to much poking and prodding from my fellow blogger friends I have decided that writing about the randomness in my life can prove to be quite fun and entertaining. So it begins.