Always an Adventure... Always.

Giant Blog Hug To You From Me!

2009-01-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

Of all my blog entries, this could be the most important one. I wish to express just how grateful I am to all of you, for your support through this incredible year. I could NOT have done it without the amazing people in my life....

Jen, the inspiration for this project. I don't know her, but her blog inspired me (and gave me ideas... cough...) You can check out her blog on my side panel, or click me.
Katelyn Crump and my family
Cailie Ercanbrack
Pete Smithsuth
Ray Sullivan
Melissa Martinson
Jenelle Crump
Lindsey Buck, and my other old roomies: Abby, Ashley, and Mariesa
New roomies: Carina, Amanda, and Hailey
Joshua Lohner
Richie Loveridge
Spencer Clark
Mike Thorup
Jason Clark
Steve Crass
Everyone else in Jones Hall

I know there are so many other people out there that I need to thank... if your name isn't mentioned above, don't worry! I hope it will suffice to say thank you... you know who you are. I really honestly couldn't have attempted this project without the overwhelming support, ideas, and encouragement. Thank you so much!!!

365

2009-01-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

That's right folks, I did it! 365 New Things for 2008.

How did I spend my last day doing new things?

Under the stars, being one with nature, with those I loved. I couldn't have asked for a better way to thank God for all the blessings I have! For all the incredible experiences, laughs and magical moments I've been able to enjoy. For those I love most, who helped me along the way and supported me through everything.

That's right, dudes. I spent my new years laying in a field in southern utah, with nothing to see but millions upon billions of stars... and I could've sworn they were shining for me.

This is the last picture I took in 2008, of me huddling under a sleeping bag (giving Elise and Thom some "alone time"... snicker snicker...)

And don't think for one second that I'm done doing new things... the only difference between 2008 and 2009 is that there are 365 more opportunities to experience!!!!!!

I'm out, dudes. I got a world to explore.

December 31... I wish "U" a Happy New Years!

2009-01-03T18:49:00.000-08:00

On the way to St. George, I learned how to play a few chords on the ukulele. I decided to play you all a little song, in honor of the New Year!!! I loved the ukulele, because it was easy to pick up. I recommend it to all those who wish they could play the guitar but can't quite make it... just kidding. :)
(I also learned "Somewhere over the rainbow" by IZ, because everyone knows that if you play the ukulele, you have to play that song.)

I know that the video is blurry, and my singing is ten octaves higher than should ever be considered ideal.

December 30... Need a hand/leg?

2008-12-30T23:17:00.000-08:00

Today's new thing was not planned. It seems fitting to me (and very cruel), that the one time I play with superglue, I should glue my thumb to a plastic barbie leg.

Also: I sightread 52 consecutive church hymns in 30 minutes... that's a new record! And a new thing. (And a nerdy thing...)

December 29... Vegan Vittles

2008-12-30T22:58:00.001-08:00

I've never been one to get into the whole "that innocent cow was mooing ten seconds before it was on your plate" thing, so I don't usually buy into this, but today...

I ordered my first VEGAN thing -ever.

A Portabella Mushroom Sandwich, and it was probably the most delicious Mediterranian food I've ever had. Not to say I'll be going vegan now, by any stretch of the imagination, but this sandwich could very well possibly change your life. It was that good.

December 28... Bill Nye My Eye

2008-12-28T21:08:00.000-08:00

If anyone were to ask me what my least favorite subject in school is, I would automatically reply: science.

Today, I took this test to see if I really was as bad as i remember...

It turns out, I'm worse. I barely sqeaked by with a 65%...

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Dating Sites

December 27... Bienvenidos Abigail Bennet!

2008-12-28T15:14:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Ashley, Ethan, and I joined the Abby Bennet support group to welcome her home from her long stay in Ecuador... seven months!

It was quite the adventure... while waiting for her delayed flight, we hopped on wheelchairs.

I know it seems pretty impossible, but in all my 20 years of being alive, I have never been on one long enough to operate one. I got on and was completely confused at how to turn! It took me quite a while to get the hang of it, and when I did...

"Excuse me. The wheelchairs are for those with special needs. Put them back."

Ooops....

That put a damper on our wait, until we saw that lovely girl come flaoting down the escalators... we all screamed in joyous unison, and I will admit, I got a bit teary-eyed when I went to hug her. I love Abby Bennet, and welcoming her back home at the airport has got to be one of the most heart-touching new things I've done this year.

December 26... Lies!

2008-12-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

Ever wanted to lie about something and not get caught?

Today I whispered a white lie when no one was listening.

December 25... Home Alone

2008-12-27T09:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, not really. But this Christmas was the first one I've spent completely on my own- no friends or boyfriends- with just my family. It definitely went a little different than I planned, but it was nice to be with everyone.

Also, I made a pyramid out of snow. Take that, Frosty.

December 24... Pardon My Being Forward But...

2008-12-26T13:34:00.001-08:00

There is nothing like a generic text forward to bring about the Holiday Cheer.

Yeah right.

Tonight I made up my own forward and sent it to those I cared about, in hopes they would pass it on to those they care about. It went something like this:

Merry Christmas! If you don't send this to 645 people in the next ten seconds, Santa will personally poke your eyeballs out. Hope you haven't been naughty...

(I didn't mean for it to sound so threatening...)

December 23... Cheetah Girls, Cheetah Sisters

2008-12-23T23:49:00.000-08:00

I learned the cheetah girl dance that they teach on the Disney Channel.
Keep in mind, I am not a outgoing diva, but I can certainly willing to give it a try.
(Unfortunately, it didn't go so well...yeah yeah, I know my hand is awkwardly on her shoulder... she was moving too quick!!!)

RAWR.

December 22... That's Tight

2008-12-22T16:26:00.000-08:00

Today I surfed the Urban Dictionary to learn 10 new phrases/words to use- in the streets. There include (but are not limited to:)

1. Econnoisseur

One who insists on the highest quality at the lowest price.

Being an econnoisseur I bought the ten dollar chilean wine instead of the fifty dollar french.

2. Flavorgasm

When eating food so good that you let out an involuntary moan, usually the first bite; also as an adjective - flavorgasmic
I ate this unbelievable steak yesterday. I swear when I ate the first bite I had a total flavorgasm!

3. Sargasm
Deriving far too much satisfaction from glibly berating another with sarcasm.

"Oh, thanks a lot for drinking my last beer! No, it's my fault... if I wanted it for myself, I shouldn't have put it in the fridge!"
"Dude, don't have a sargasm."

4. Bagside
The side of a body where a gigantic purse or messenger bag is carried, and an awkward barrier preventing others from walking comfortably alongside is often created.

I would hold your hand, baby, but I don't want to get on your bagside.

5. MIRF
acronym for Mom I'd Run From. The opposite of a MILF. A mom you definitely would not want to do.
"I don't know where she gets her good looks, her mom is a MIRF!"

6. Textrovert
1. One who feels an increased sense of bravery over texting, as opposed to in person.
2. One who will often only say what they really feel over text messages.

Kelly: "So how'd the conversation go with Jason last night?"
Natalie: "Ah he's such a textrovert. We didn't make any progress until I went home and he spilled his guts over texts."

7. Slackitude
The act of, or state of being a slacker. Describes the attitude typically associated with being a slacker. Most appropriately applies to one with no responsibilities, one that gets by pretending to be hard at work, or the co-worker that is found hanging out near the coffee machine for most of the day.

I just can't tolerate that guy's slackitude! If I were his manager, I'd sack him, no doubt.

8. Tag Hag
A person who is obsessed with brand name clothing.
She is such a tag hag! She wanted to wear my Versace even though she hates it!

9. Trill
An adjective used in hip-hop culture to describe someone who is considered to be well-respected, coming from the combination of "true" and "real".
Trill A** Niggaz keepin it true and real.

10. Flesh Forks
Your bare fingers
Person A: Dude, I don't have a fork!
Person B: Just use your flesh forks, dude.

I also enjoyed:
Crop Dusting:
farting while walking
In which you would respond with:
Flatuglance:
That look you give someone when they have just farted around you.

That's a wrap, homies. Keepin it real in the hood. These words are gonna be off the hook, that's all I'm sayin.

December 21... Also No Clever Catchy Title.

2008-12-21T20:17:00.000-08:00

In an effort to invite the true meaning of Christmas into this Holiday Season, I celebrated with the Ercanbracks in a "Shepherd's Dinner". Basically, we all came out in bathrobes and cloth tied around our heads, ate on the floor, and dined on cheese, grapes, nuts, olives, fruit, bread, and some meat. This helped to put us in the shoes of what it might be like for a shepherd living in Jesus' times, and it was a really neat tradition. Then to completely flip the mood afterwords, we celebrated the first day of Hanukkah. I learned how to play with the Dradle and enjoyed a nice jelly-filled donut.

Life with the Ercanbracks is always an adventure.

December 20... Soup Nazi

2008-12-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

Today I did a few "News"...

-I attended my first work party. It was a Famous Daves, and there was more than enough food to go around... and more than enough presents. I totally scored- jazz tickets, money, candy, lotion, and homemade bread. It's nice to know that even Cartridge Fillers get a break every now and then :)

-I became Godmother to this Russian Tortoise.

-I watched a whole episode of Seinfeld. (Not only that, but 5 consecutive episodes! Season Seven.) Never in my life have I seen so many nothing fights... fantastic.

December 19... Mistle-Toe.

2008-12-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

Today was supposed to be the day I got my wisdom teeth removed. In honor of cancelling the appointment, I decided to celebrate another body part...

I decided upon a favorite toe.
Right big toe, just because it has a freckle next to it.
Unfortunately, no picture. Although that toe is my favorite, I think my feet are undesirable for the appearance of the blog. I'm sure you understand.

December 18... A+

2008-12-18T12:27:00.000-08:00

I finally did what all other girls do in times of desperation...

I chopped my hair into an a-line.

December 17... Diggin The Denim

2008-12-17T23:21:00.000-08:00

Today I helped my dad go pants shopping. In other words, I learned what the two numbers mean... the first is the waist size, and the second is the length. I also learned to distinguish between loose straight, regular, fit, and bootcut. (the last of which is desirable for skinny dudes such as my father.) Shopping for men is more confusing that I thought! (Although not NEARLY as much as for girls.) Unfortunately, we didn't get much selection- we were in the local Smith's Marketplace in the clearance section. Troys will be Troys.

December 16... A day that will live in infamy.

2008-12-16T23:39:00.001-08:00

Today I finally met Jason Clark. The big deal is: we've been meaning to meet for seven years. One of my closest friends, and I've never actually met him. The story is simple yet complicated- so it will suffice to say we've been friends on the internet since I was about 13 years old. It was a friendship formed through distance, but we didn't let that stop us.

Finding myself in the Provo area today, I decided to give him a call on a whim, and we met at Barnes and Noble. What followed was a lovely conversation about Rosie O'Donnel, Twilight bashing, European philosophy, punching the Iowa sign, and band sellouts. And although there was nothing to fear, I'm still glad he didn't show up as an incognito 50-year-old creepo. Just kidding :)

December 15... Ove-Lay

2008-12-16T23:35:00.000-08:00

I wrote a love letter entirely in Pig Latin.

*And no, it was not to Jason Mraz.

December 14... Oh Holey Night

2008-12-14T19:32:00.000-08:00

My titles are getting worse and worse...

Today I made a BUNDT CAKE.

Why they have holes in the middle, I'll never know.

December 13...That's Handy

2008-12-14T01:10:00.001-08:00

In light of today's snowstorm, Kate and I went out for a walk with our dog Zoey. I decided to bring along some handwarmers, in case my hands (as they often do) became chilly. And we set out for a lovely walk amongst the snow.

Unfortunately, the handwarmers did not warm up. I have only used them once before, while snowboarding, and I could never get them to work. So, after complaining to Kate repeatedly, she took matters in to her own hands. She discovered, upon deeper questioning, that I had no idea how to utilize them. She then proceeded to teach me how to use handwarmers. The problem was, I hadn't taken them them out of the outside protective package. Needless to say, I was completely embarassed. But, swallowing my pride, I let her open my bag for me, and my fingers were soon as warm as they could be.

Also, on a completely random tangent: We went inside Guitar Center for the first time. This is definitely worth the title of a new thing, and you probably won't understand why unless you've been there.

December 12... Netflix Nostalgia (title courtesy of Katelyn)

2008-12-12T23:19:00.000-08:00

Ever used Netflix? Today I logged on (granted, it was on Pete's account...) and watched a video with Melissa, as our last little hurrah as roommates. Paris, Je T'aime... an amazing collection of short films with locations in different places in France. My most favorite of the films would definitely have to be Place de fetes, Faubourg Saint-Denis, and Bastille.

Sidenote: Really impressed with Netflix. It froze so I had to restart it in another window, and when I did, it started right where we left off. Pretty impressive, neh?

December 11... Fzhoookie!

2008-12-11T21:43:00.000-08:00

For Hailey's "last fling" in Logan before moving to Salt Lake, we went to a restaurant for only dessert. It was pretty awesome! Even more awesome was Ray's tirade on little children and politics we got to hear the whole way back home. It made my ice cream taste all the sweeter. (Until I finished the whole thing... now I just feel sick.)

December 10... Grape Wraiths

2008-12-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

I looked to Pete's left. He was there, coming straight towards us, our impending doom. We were about to be caught, by a manager nonetheless! But new things must go on. I looked at Pete, who looked at me, and we picked up the bag nervously. Mumbling something about quality, I plucked a single grape off and plopped it in my mouth. As we scurried off, I contemplated the thought...

Like my mom used to do, I had just eaten a grape at the grocery store without paying for it. Whoever said it is stealing hasn't tried it yet.

December 9... Tipsy

2008-12-10T23:39:00.000-08:00

Today I played the piano in an art gallery on campus. (It is called the Tippets Gallery.) I played for my vocalist's jury, which was located inside, behind all the paintings. It was such a cool experience- nice piano, echo-ey sound, and professional feel. Very classy indeed.

December 8... Nice Rack! ...I mean...

2008-12-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

Tis the Season for finals week, and my roommates and I decided to kick it off in style with a Prom Night at the Olive Garden. All went well and the dresses were beautiful, but alas, I had no place to put my coat. Solution: I put my coat on a complimentary coat rack in the front of the restaurant, untamed and left alone.

It wasn't until after dinner when I had seen an employee take their coat off the same rack, I realized it probably wasn't complimentary...

December 7... "Toe"dally awesome.

2008-12-09T16:17:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Melissa, Pete and I wrote stories on each other's feet. This was extremely entertaining, due to the fact that we are all very ticklish there. Deep concentration broken due to uncontrollable bursts of laughter and giggles were common. We were all rolling on the ground laughing, in fact. Definitely a different take on storytelling- Dr. Seuss would be proud.

December 6... How APeeling

2008-12-07T11:12:00.001-08:00

Passing the Trax on my way to the USU/BYU basketball game, I intentionally made a banana peel trap for people to slip on. It's a good thing we were so close to the Medical Center...

December 5... The Light At The End Of The Tunnel.

2008-12-07T11:03:00.002-08:00

Today, I jumped the second to last hurdle of Fall Semester by playing well in my jury. So, some ways I celebrated:

I longboarded down the hallways of the piano department.

I ate a banana split from Charlie's, a famous ice cream joint in Logan.

and I was part of a photobooth for my professors' wedding reception.

After going through the line, the guests would get their pictures taken, to be printed out and put in the guestbook for them to sign. It was so much fun! I was just the photo/food/runner/support group. It was a blast seeing all of those uptight old people come out of their shells and take those crazy photos!

December 4.... Lament

2008-12-07T11:03:00.001-08:00

Sadness overtakes my body. Due to jury stress and personal life, I can't seem to remember what my new thing of the day is today. I swear it was legit...

December 3rd... O.

2008-12-03T23:20:00.000-08:00

I played with Incense and made my first smoke ring today.

December 2... Happy Birthday To Me

2008-12-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

The accomplices.

Well folks, here it is, the BIG TWENTEEN. That's right, Twenteen. 20 years later and I'm still not ready to grow up. However, I did earn some amazing friends along the way. This blog entry goes out to...

Melissa Martinson.

Pete Smithsuth.

Kate Crump.

and Cailie Ercanbrack.

who made my birthday full of surprises and adventure!

In case you all didn't know, I am one for surprises. I love that look on someone's face when they get something completely unexpected and thoughtful. Today I was completely shocked to find that my friends had gone behind my back and plotted some fantastic things... which I had no idea about. Not even an inkling.

It started out at midnight, with receiving my first ever bouquet of lilies. I love these flowers more than practically any gift anyone could give me, and they are positively beautiful.

Then, around 3:00 AM, I woke up (it took a while) to someone (Pete) putting a blindfold around my eyes and carrying me to a car. That's right... I was "Cort"napped. I was a bit scared when I heard someone yell "Shut up, or I'll cap you!" until I realized that it was Melissa, pretending to be a criminal. I started laughing and tried to talk, but they kept telling me to get some sleep. After driving for about half an hour, we stopped and they led me out of the car. Taking off the blindfold, I beheld in front of me, the most magnificent Gorilla Art in the world... full of inside jokes and beautiful memories. Pete told me to look around, and I was very confused until I took a step backwards and realized... we were at Midway. The little gift shop/restraunt/mystery house in the middle of Sardine canyon. I had planned to visit this little place as a new thing for months now, and here I was, standing right in front of the little Open/Closed sign. I returned to the original spot, to find that they had more in store for me... they wanted me to nail up the gorilla art. So I drove that first nail into that telephone pole, and MAN ALIVE it felt so great. I hope it is still there!!!

Unfortunately, the story disappears in the drudgery of college life... fast forward to 6:45. I walk into my apartment to find a very large and mysterious box sitting in my living room. I remember Cailie saying she was going to send me a package, and sure enough, her name was on the address. After looking at the sticker "Over 70 pounds" and muttering "What the heck did Cailie get me?" I opened it, and....

OUT POPPED CAILIE! I have never gotten a package with a human in it before. Let alone a small human with raptor claws and packing peanuts. It was such a great surprise! We knocked off another new thing by seeing Benton Paul at Why Sound, a little venue in Logan I had no idea existed. Thanks to Cailie, Pete, Melissa, and everyone else, my birthday turned out to be an unbelievable day.

Also: Thanks to my sister Kate, who called me at twelve and is the best sister ever.

December 1... A "Prom"ising Night

2008-12-03T22:26:00.000-08:00

A new thing I've been craving since High School....

I went out to eat wearing a prom dress for no special occasion. We are so good looking it's ridiculous.

November 30... From Another Perspective

2008-12-01T12:04:00.001-08:00

For some reason, there is an exercise machine located next to the band room in the FA building. Today I climbed on it and went backwards a complete 90 degrees. (With a bit of help). It was unreal.

November 29... Just A Couple of Long Johns

2008-12-01T11:48:00.001-08:00

The most epic picture ever.

My dad has always lived by the philosophy that food tastes better when you work for it. Today we put this adage in perspective by going "hunting" for pheasants in the wee hours of the morning. We also shot skeets, and I found out that I am a lot better than I than I originally assumed. Also, it was really fun watching Pete get kicked in the shoulder by a 10 gauge... he was a good sport!

After watching Ellen and taking a quick power nap, we fixed the birds up to make Honey Roasted Pheasant, which was positively delicious. Yay for grunting like a man, stuffing out faces, and wearing Long Johns all day!

November 28... No clever title (based on the randomness of items enclosed)

2008-12-01T11:40:00.001-08:00

I think, based off of this blog, that it is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. Today I learned how to wash a shirt using the Delicate setting on the washing machine. (Sometimes my shirts need a delicate touch...)

Then I made my way to breakfast, where I learned how to flip a gas station egg on a spatula. And I didn't even drop it!

As for new experiences: we went out with family for the night to see the lights and Temple Square come on for the first time. Followed my a delcious dinner at McGrath's, in which I sampled my first crab leg.

November 27... Thankful for Translators.

2008-12-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

As many of you already know, I have a grandma from Thailand (In the picture, back middle, with the white visor). Ever since she became part of our family, I have wished for a way to better communicate, or bridge the language gap. With some coaching (and coaxing) from Pete, I took my first leap into the language barrier by saying my first Thai phrase:

"I'm leaving."

(It might be helpful to know... I was attempting to say Thank You.)

After staring for a second, Aree said, "Are you really leaving?" She must have seen the perplexed and confused look on my face, because she started laughing and explained that I used the wrong word. I looked over, embarassed, and noticed Pete laughing at me too. I think I'll stick to english for now....

Also, on a random tangent: This is Kate and Brad's belly after a gigantic Thanksgiving meal. Hope it was delicious for you all!

November 26... The "Pie"liminaries.

2008-11-30T14:02:00.000-08:00

Apparently, since I moved away to Utah State, there is a new tradition started with the Pelletier family. Today I attended PIE NIGHT.

Pie Night has a very basic function: stretch our stomachs the night before Thanksgiving. It also gives us a chance to eat that pie that we just can't seem to save room for on Thanksgiving. As you see in the photo above, there are plenty of delicious desserts to choose from.

People such as my sister Madeline love pie night. You can tell it is Pie Night by any of the following (this goes for most of our family parties as well):

People Harmonizing to Songs on the Piano

Grandpa's Jazz/Ute outfit

Ben is nowhere to be found (love you Ben!)

Will has whipped cream all over his face

Someone is playing Scrabble.

However, there is one new edition to Pie Night this year... a "Walk" around the neighborhood to work off that extra weight gained.... and let me tell you, 15 people walking around singing Christmas carols at 10:00 PM is something truly magnificent.

November 25... Aint No Thing But A Chicken Wing?

2008-11-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Pete's "Early Birthday Surprises", I blew out a candle on top of a piece of honey-barbecued chicken today. If life were any less random, I couldn't tolerate it.

November 24... Marvelous Martha

2008-11-26T14:09:00.000-08:00

I believe there are certain things a girl must cook to become a woman. Such as a casserole. And a whole roast. And homemade dinner rolls. Today I took a step towards the great title that is womanhood, (and a step towards early Thanksgiving) and I made a homemade pie all by myself. I wouldn't call myself Martha Stewart by any means, but it did have a tangible crust and a sort-of-pumpkin flavor....

Does it make me look less legitimate if I tell you that it was the "Easy Recipe" can of pumpkin?

November 23... Binary Solo! 0000001001010010101

2008-11-23T23:47:00.000-08:00

Inbetween studying, wallowing in pain, and laughing, I learned how to count on my fingers in Binary. The thumb represents 1, index is 2, middle is 4, ring is 8, and pinky is 16. This key may help when watching the video.

Also as a sidenote: I went out to eat at a nice restraunt for lunch wearing a blanket. I didn't really think it was that strange until I walked in and was stared down in disgust by 10+ people in the waiting line. I guess just because they serve breakfast doesn't mean I can get away with pajamas at noon...?

November 22... More than just cream cheese.

2008-11-23T23:19:00.000-08:00

I think I had sushi with eel in it today. I'm not one for exotic fish in my meal, but it was an option presented, so I took it. Not the coolest new thing of the day, but it was a very awesome night regardless.

November 21... "Finnish" your lunch.

2008-11-22T13:24:00.000-08:00

I ate RIISIPIRAKKA today- a finnish rice cake treat. It was really warm and delicious.

I also ate a ginger candy cube, which tasted like eating a boutique store... if that would be possible.

Awesome things await those who stay in the FA building for nine hours straight...

November 20... The Old "Spin"ster.

2008-11-22T13:18:00.000-08:00

Today I learned how to throw/spin cards through the air at high speeds.

A flick of the wrist, and you could suddenly have a business card lodged in your jugular. Watch out...

November 19... We Have Contact.

2008-11-22T13:08:00.000-08:00

Frustrated without a phone and way to contact people, today I resorted to using a free public phone to make a few personal calls. Let me explain.... This little guy is located next to two public computers by the Fine Arts Building Entrance. Alone and isolated in a tiny wooden cubicle with only a small Logan phonebook as its companion, it is overlooked by many. I saw my chance today and went in, expecting complete success. Alas, I was confused and frustrated when I didn't know how to operate it. The phone lacked directions or hints. With each number I would press, it would do a different dial tone and hang up after a few seconds. After pushing buttons for over ten minutes, I left, disheartened at my utter failure. However, after pondering for a while, I remembered the "Dial 9" rule, so I rushed over....Lo and Behold! Success. Now I look like the homeless bum in the Fine Arts Building.

November 18... Un rire qui se perd sa sur la bouche

2008-11-22T13:03:00.001-08:00

Inspired by the movie and story I saw of the great Mme. Edith Piaf, today's new thing was learning the words to La Vie En Rose... In french, of course. My goal was to sing the words with the song, but somehow I simply can't memorize french phrases like I used to be able to. But man alive, what a beautiful song.

November 17... Kick Your A

2008-11-18T21:43:00.001-08:00

Every student at USU should own a game shirt.

Today I went out and bought one.

Now I can identify with the crowds around me! And shout nasty things at the basketball games like every USU boy and girl should.

November 16... The Lovely Apprentice

2008-11-17T00:42:00.001-08:00

I became an apprentice to Pete's photography... took part of my first

Wedding Photography Photoshoot Session. Below are my favorite

pictures he took of them, although there were plenty of really good shots. Please check out his blog http://peteloganphotography.blogspot.com/.

If any of you need photoshoots for anything, he would love to do them

for you.
(Yes, I am advertising. He is that good. Ha)

Also, check out the photos of Kate and I below, which he took

this weekend... she's all dolled up for Bingham Ball!

November 15... C S-plendid.

2008-11-17T00:17:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the

2nd Monthly SLC CouchSurfing Stammtisch!!!!

It was absolutely fantastic! We all met in a pub called Desert's Edge in Trolley Square. I was a bit unsure of how things would go at first... but suddenly I looked around and the entire table was full. It was such an eye-opener to look at all the different kinds of people at that table, and ponder what crazy circumstances brought them to the CS world. I like to think it's the common interest of traveling, gaining new experiences, and helping others acheive that same goal.
Halfway through the dinner. we all switched places and got to meet other people, and I met a lot of really awesome ones. A guy from Spain, an american girl from Norway, a couple visiting America for 3 months from Belgium, friends from High School, a man who designed his own line of outdoor shoes, a guy who backpacked alone for three months across the western U.S., a girl from Rhode Island who kite surfs (I didn't even know what that was before....), and of course, the awesome Ambassador of Logan's CS network... Anthony. It was really laid-back and awesome.

Afterwords, we took to the streets of Salt Lake to go to Boing, a house that has live shows with crappy bands and even crappier (or scary) food... it was a new thing that was definitely sketchy.

November 14... The Camera Loves You, Dahling

2008-11-17T00:04:00.000-08:00

Good news... a flash just entered my life, via Pete! That's right, folks, today I learned how to assemble a flash and use it outside to get the right lighting. And the outcome was my first official photoshoot... Let me tell you, how great it is to feel so "In the spotlight"... Literally. Also, it is waaay too much fun to scamper around a big empty feild toting a giant umbrella :)

Yeah... he said "Googley Eyes".

November 13... Bottled Up

2008-11-16T23:58:00.000-08:00

Ever since The Rescuers came out, I have wanted to do this new thing. Today, Pete and I wrote a message in a bottle, which I will hopefully float out to First or Second Dam soon. Not necessarily a cry for help from a kidnapping or anything, but more of a word vomit... some life lessons I've learned, randomness, backwards writing, you know how it goes. Hopefully whoever gets the message will be uplifted, inspired, creeped out, or confused. Either way, I'm just getting the message out there :)

November 12... Lost In Translation...?

2008-11-16T23:37:00.000-08:00

...Or the carmel-y delicious-ness of foreign candy. Thanks to my roommate Hailey, today's new thing was trying a candy her boss gave her from France. CARAMBAR. ...and to be honest, it didn't really taste as exotic as I'd have liked it to. In the future, I think I'll stick to Roman chocolate, and deliciously beautiful roman men... yes... that sounds a lot better. And just for kicks (the translation or words I can remember from french class):

What is the (somthing) for your ears (something) of the tongue?

...yeah. I suck.

November 11... "R.I.P." Phonebook.

2008-11-11T23:55:00.000-08:00

Today I learned how to rip a phone book in half. It took me three phone books and ridiculously sore fingers before I could pull it off, but I didn't give up. That phone book is ripped... just like my biceps.

November 10... That's Funny...

2008-11-11T23:46:00.000-08:00

Today I went to class, my piano lesson, practiced, and hung out with friends.....

...Wearing a clown nose.

November 9... Read at your own risk

2008-11-10T01:03:00.000-08:00

It's true... sometimes new things force me to get down and dirty. Maybe not in the way we want to think about, but that's what makes life so easy to laugh about. Either that, or Sunday just always ushers in weird new things of the day.

I was forced to plunge someone else's poop in the toilet. If you actually have the desire to be seriously disgusted, you can watch the video. But just so you know, there's no recovering from this one.

And in case you were wondering how it all turned out, I was victorious :)

November 8... Star Player

2008-11-10T00:42:00.001-08:00

I learned how to make a star (and a heart) with a rubber band... it brings me back to my younger Cat's Cradle days... I used to be the best at those. (refer to video if you want to see my skills first hand... first "hand"...hah hah hah)
I also learned how to fold a shirt another way- apparently Aero didn't teach us all the techniques we needed to know to succeed... I am positively livid.

All all this done at the USU basketball game... the only thing that could've topped off the night was to get on the Jumbotron...

WHICH REALLY HAPPENED.

November 7... It's Impossible? Let's start working.

2008-11-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Of all the movies I have seen so far, nothing has moved, astounded, or inspired me so much as Man On Wire. For fear of diminishing it with my insignificant words, I will just encourage you to at least view the trailer and go out on a limb- watch it for yourself. I promise you won't be disappointed. Just beware if you see it in the Logan Arts Cinema, which is where I saw it... it's a bit chilly :)

“To me it’s so simple that life should be lived on the edge of life. You have to exercise in rebellion, to refuse to taper yourself to rules, to refuse your own success, to refuse to repeat yourself to see every day, every year, every idea as a true challenge and then you are going to live your life on a tight rope.” -Philippe Petit

November 6... Just for the record

2008-11-06T22:22:00.000-08:00

Mel has done this a few times, and it really appealed to my artistic side. I spray painted a vinyl record from the DI... Glen Hansard from The Frames, and I did it all by myself! Without training wheels, even.

November 5... Science Rules.

2008-11-06T13:34:00.000-08:00

I sat on a chair completely made of cardboard that supported all my weight. It's amazing what people can make from regular household items! Next on the list: find furniture made from coke bottles? ;)

November 4... Politically Speaking

2008-11-04T20:42:00.000-08:00

Barack Obama, a 47-year-old first-term senator from Illinois, shattered more than 200 years of history Tuesday night by winning election as the first African-American president in the history of the United States, according to projections by NBC News.
Obama reached the 270 electoral votes he needed for election at 11 p.m. ET, when NBC News projected that he would win California, Washington and Oregon. The Associated Press reported shortly after 11 p.m. that Obama’s opponent, Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, had called Obama to offer his congratulations.
Campaigning as a technocratic agent of change in Washington pathbreaking civil rights figure, Obama swept to victory over McCain , whose running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, was seeking to become the nation’s first female vice president.

Although my new thing of the day was not voting (I'm not registered... I know...), I wanted to at least participate. So, tonight I followed the elections on the computer. I wish I had an opinion, but I haven't done the research. I just hope that being under Obama will allow for continuous new things :)

November 3... New to the Cubed Power

2008-11-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

I ate this cube today... a Thai dessert with coconut that resembles jello. Not my favorite, but definitely worth a risk.

November 2... Pedigree For Me

2008-11-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

I actually sat down and watched a dog show on tv today with my sister Kate. And she knew the breed for every dog on there.

I was just trying to keep from laughing at their ridiculous haircuts.

November 1... Bridezilla

2008-11-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

Race me to the alter!!!

Today I tried on a wedding veil, just because I've always wanted to feel like a princess. I think the absence of a poofy white dress threw the mood off a bit, though...

October 31... Amelie

2008-11-03T11:54:00.000-08:00

"Without you, today's emotions would be the scurf of yesterday's."

"Amelie has a strange feeling of absolute harmony. It's a perfect moment. A soft light, a scent in the air, the quiet murmur of the city. A surge of love, an urge to help mankind overcomes her."

...And that is how Friday's new thing of the day settles into this blog. AMELIE. A movie that I've had on the list for years, and definitely worthy of the title for October 31st. A Happy Halloween to all!

October 30... I spy

2008-11-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Today was the first official meeting of the Photography Scavenger Hunt contest. Or rather, organization. It consisted of me, Pete, and Melissa, and we all got together and shared our pictures. I had made a list earlier that week with eight items, which were as follows:

Leaves
Your reflection in an unexpected place
Bright colors
An animal
An interesting shadow
Something that depicts the word "neglected"
A different perspective
An action shot.

It was a really great opportunity to expand my creative boundaries and get myself out there taking pictures again. Here are a few shots that I enjoyed taking...

October 29... Tiki Marsala

2008-10-30T00:23:00.000-07:00

I finally did it. I ate Indian Food.

All of it.... delicious. Chicken Tiki Marsala and a coconut one as well. It had a lot of different flavors and spices, and I was very impressed with everything. I can say (and very cheesy, if I may add) that this new thing was a real "treat". Har har har.

October 28... MRAZMERIZED.

2008-10-30T00:10:00.000-07:00

Seeing Jason Mraz live in concert is a new thing I've ALWAYS wanted to do. And it was everything I knew it would be. (Plus I got to stand 10 feet away from him!!!!)

Some things Jason taught me:
-Don't let your mind get in the way of you having fun.

-Even Jason's spit is sexy.

-It's cool to have a Lawn Gnome sitting on the table with all your mallets and instruments.

-Wear a cool hat.

-If you take a polariod... share it with the crowd.

-Love is an exploding tank of hearts in a field of lilacs.

Also: He can whistle. Very good. And sing Bob Marley. That guy is just so dang perfect.

October 27... A cd and some fruit.

2008-10-30T00:02:00.000-07:00

Daphne and I recorded ourselves for the first time. This is how it went:

(Halfway through the piece) "Wait... I don't think it's recording. Let me try again."

(At the end of the first time) "No. It didn't record. Let's try it again. Ok, it's good."

(At the end of the second time) "NOOOOO!! It didn't record again. Let's find someone to fix it.."

And so on, and so forth... this is how the Fifth Version was created. But let me tell you, it is absolutely glorious. It was a bit nerve-racking, but in the end, it was ultimately a fine performance.

Also done today: Pete let me try some Lychee. They are a fruit from Asia, and they taste a bit like a mix between pineapple and pears and something else I can't put my finger on. I love fruit. Mmmmm.

October 26... Don't Read Into This Too Much

2008-10-29T23:54:00.000-07:00

Utilizing Spencer's book, I started learning about Nature Photography. I didn't get very far, but I did learn some interesting tips on how to photgraphy with harsh light, soft light, backlights, sidelights, and reflected light. Hopefully I can put it into use sometime soon! One day my pictures will look as good as this one... one day.

October 25... The Hocky Pocky

2008-10-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

On my way to watch my sister dance for the NYCDA competition, Spencer and I entered into a whole different world... or so it seemed. This world was, in actuality, just the Salt Palace. This is a ginormous building located in downtown Salt Lake, and quite the adventure to nagavate through. It took us down a few flights of escalators, around corners, and through strange hallways to make it to our final destination. But we made it eventually, and my sister did fabulous.

Afterwords, on the TRAX ride home, we met two girls that had just came from the Anime Convention downtown. (I know, right??) After we had listened to them for a few minutes, they proceeded to offer us "Pocky"... an apparently famous snack in Japan. (And a few other places, I'm told) These little chocolate-covered breadsticks were quite tasty... and (as the box states) apparently referred to as the "Super Snack". Thank you Japan, for giving us Pocky, and gigantic-eyed cartoons with pokey hair!

October 24... The only dance left is the Robot, and the Robo-Boogie.

2008-10-29T23:06:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Flight Of The Conchords, today's new thing was WEARING A HOME MADE ROBOT COSTUME to the Annual YC Halloween Carnival. I'm talking spray-painted cardboard box, hangers for antennae, and buttons to press for sprinkles (I was the cookie decorating booth). If you don't believe me, a picture says a thousand words.

October 23... Say Ahh...

2008-10-29T23:01:00.000-07:00

I accompanied a vocal major today for the first time. Weirdest thing ever... I walk in, and they were making buzzing noises with their throats. It went fine I suppose. But let me tell you, vocal majors are on a level all of their own. Very odd.

October 22... Stare Master

2008-10-28T01:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, the bus brings out my weird side. Today's new thing was inspired by the blue-eyed baby across the seat from me on an average trip to class. I was minding my own business, when I was suddenly startled as my gaze locked on the eyes of this infant, who had it in his diabolical mind to make me as uncomfortable as possible. Who knew that babies could have such blatant stares? So I did the only thing that seemed logical at the time. I stared back. I had a staring contest with a baby.

I don't know what his mom could have been thinking. I'd like to think that she couldn't see me in her peripherals, staring at her child. But I'm sure she could. All I care about is the fact that I won! The baby blinked and turned his head (I'm sure it was in shame). It took everything I had to resist the urge to yell, "I won! You think you're so tough cause you're an innocent baby?!? Well I WON!!!"

I wish that I had higher self esteem than to admit that it seriously boosted my confidence to beat a baby in a staring contest.

October 21... Don't you Fret

2008-10-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

As suggested by Spencer, I tackled learning a new song on the guitar. ...Two, in fact. New Slang by The Shins. And when that one got easy, I switched to Blackbird, by the Beatles. Now I can officially say that I am the Guitar Girl at the party.

October 20... Ok, so back to the real world.

2008-10-28T00:57:00.000-07:00

Monday. School. The drudgery hits, and you feel depressed. What better way to kick that bad mood by sampling a Mint flavored Milky Way? Try it Mikey, you'll like it.

October 16-19... Portland.

2008-10-27T23:51:00.000-07:00

First of all, apologies to the emtpiness of this blog as of late. By now, you probably all know about my reluctance to make entries without rad pictures. Unfortunately, I still don't have all of them, but I will do the best with what I have.)

If I could describe this weekend in one word, it would be unbelieveable. There were so many new things that I decided to mush them all into one little blog, one little peek into what can only be described as the craziest and most random adventure. Why? Because I went....

COUCH SURFING.

In Portland.

Impossible and crazy as it sounds, I got offered a chance to spend my fall break in a new place, and took it on a whim. My friend Pete took the wheel, and embarked on an 11 hour drive to Portland.

On the way there, I checked off a few new things... we drove in the city of Boise, Idaho (All I have to say is tractors... lots of tractors...) I learned some Thai phrases to use on my grandma Aree, we drove through Oregon, and I had my first Couch Surfing experience.

I should probably take this time here to explain exactly what this entails. Couch Surfing is a net-based hospitality network, designed to help fellow travelers like myself. Basically, people offer up their couches/air matresses/whatever they have for travelers to sleep on during their trips. Pete, whilst looking for a fun Fall Break vacation, stumbled upon Ashley and David's profile, a couple living in a small studio apartment in downtown Portland. After reading about them, he just knew that he had to go, and extended the invitation out to me. I was shocked at first, but completely excited, and before I knew it, I was wandering the streets of Portland. And that basically explains the weekend.

Some new things I can remember off the top of my head without pictures:

- I visited Pioneer Square and ate a Honkin' Huge Burrito.

- I saw the most photographed dog in Portland.

- I used a morse-code machine in the Wells Fargo museum/bank.

- I ate a Captain Crunch donut at Voodoo Donuts (It's next to the anime porn shop, and don't you forget it!)

- I bought my first used book (The Prince, by Machiavelli) in the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world... Powell's Bookstore. It was radical.

- I tried tea at the Golden Horse in Chinatown.

- I also ate soup with duck in it :)

- I saw a movie (The Dutchess) in a Portland movie theater.

- I ate a delicious biscuit at the Portland Farmer's Market on PSU campus.

- I went to the Saturday Market.

- I wore a Bindi on my forehead.

- I took a real Portland train and walked with Ashley and Pete to 23rd street.

- I walked next to the river and took a picture of the bridges.

- I tried Lebanese food.

- I tried Amaretto gelato.

- I laid in the grass at Couch Park.

- We bought a Portland Lottery Ticket (Ok, Pete bought that one, but I witnessed it)

- I heard the whole version of An American In Paris.

Me, Pete, David and Ashley. They look like they fell asleep, but they were just pretending to hate us. They really loved us.

These pictures are thanks to Pete, who is such a better photographer than myself. But I'm sure it helps to have a digital Sony too :)

October 15... The shadow and the light

2008-10-16T00:31:00.000-07:00

Today's new thing was being "ADJUSTED" in Yoga. Basically, you're laying on your back already relaxed, and the adjustment just brings your body into a more straight and "true" position. My teacher describes it as "bringing out the light" in the person. And man alive, it feels good.

October 14... "Surprise Me."

2008-10-16T00:23:00.000-07:00

New thing today was sitting at the bar at Angie's... you know the one I'm referring to. The one that the creepo old men always sit at... the ones that blatantly stare. And, while we were doing new things, Pete told the waitor to "surprise him", and on a whim, I did the same. He brought me out some nice French Toast, and when I asked him why he picked it, he replied "because he likes it." Dude.

October 13... Greenhouse Giddiness.

2008-10-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

Every day I've walked past this greenhouse... every day I've been itching to leave my own impression... Today, I finally creeped up to it and scratched my mark.

October 12... Playlist: Untitled

2008-10-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

I finally did it.... I made a playlist of my life. Songs I fondly remember from my childhood... songs that describe the way I was feeling at the time... It goes in chronological order from the end of elementary to today. I would have rather just shared the itunes files with you guys, but I don't know how to post a link to them. If anyone can figure it out, lemme know... that way you can actually sample them if you so wish. Anyways... enjoy. I added a bit of commentary, it's easier to see the changes.

And so it begins.

(Earlier years)

Fantasy- Mariah Carey

Miss Otis Regrets- Bette Midler

I Will Always Love You- Whitney Houston

Any Man of Mine- Shania Twain

If You Want to Be a Good Girl (Get Yourself a Bad Boy) -Backstreet Boys

Wannabe -Spice Girls

I Believe -Blessid Union of Souls

(They Long to Be) Close to You -Carpenters

(Middle School begins... Cortni starts to watch MTV.)

Anything But Ordinary -Avril Lavigne

Rollout (My Business) -Ludacris

Good Lives - Eve 6

Transit Gloria ... Glory Fades - Brand New

Island In The Sun -Weezer

Send the Pain Below -Chevelle

Bless the Broken Road -Rascal Flatts

Getting Into You -Relient K

Head on Collision -New Found Glory

The Best of Me -The Starting Line

You can't fake it hard enough -Dashboard Confessional

Hands Down -Dashboard Confessional

Satellite -Dave Matthews Band

Iris -Goo Goo

Love You Madly -Cake

Shoot The Moon -Norah Jones

Somewhere I Belong -Linkin Park

Summer Girls -LFO

The Future Freaks Me Out -Motion City Soundtrack

In Reverie -Saves The Day

Reptilia -The Strokes

Too Much Time on My Hands -Styx

Pretty Fly (For A White Guy) -The Offspring

Blood Red Summer -Coheed & Cambria

Can't Stop -Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Time Is Running Out -Muse

The Remedy (I Won't Worry) -Jason Mraz

Say It Ain't So -Weezer

(High School begins... If I'd only prepared...)

The Phantom of the Opera -Phantom of the Opera (I clearly remember this being my alarm to wake up on the first day of 10th grade.. silly huh!)

Disappearing One - Chris Cornell

Nothing I Do-Jamie Cullum

One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn Faces -Ben Folds Five

(the Tony Graham saga)

Under Pressure - Queen

I Love You -Martina McBride

I Go Blind - Hootie & The Blowfish

Up All Night -Unwritten Law

Lonesome -Unwritten Law

Beyond The Gray Sky -311

Time Of Your Song - Matisyahu

All Mixed Up - 311

Nasim Joon -O.A.R.

Cailin -Unwritten Law

Ho's -Pepper

Black Eyes, Blue Tears - Shania Twain

(Finding myself in high school)

Hello -Evanescence

What If - Coldplay (enter Richie Loveridge)

Breathe In -Frou Frou

Loose Ends -Imogen Heap

Sidewalk Pictures -Stephanie Smith

Clark Gable -The Postal Service

Click Click Click Click -Bishop Allen

Such Great Heights -Iron & Wine

(Enter Michael Thorup and teenage angst)

Dirty Little Secret -The All-American Rejects

Secret -Maroon 5

Satan is My Motor -Cake

Institutionalized -Suicidal Tendencies

The Unwinding Cable Car -Anberlin

You Were Here -Pink Floyd

In This Diary -The Ataris

I Will Follow You into the Dark -Death Cab for Cutie

Better Together -Jack Johnson

The Point of No Return -Phantom of the Opera

Comfortably Numb -Pink Floyd

Dead -My Chemical Romance

Supermassive Black Hole -Muse

(Graduation and exit Tony Graham.)

Movin' On -Stefanie Grubbs

Complainte de la Butte - Soundtrack Moulin Rouge

Rhapsody in G Minor, Op. 79, No. 2 -Brahms

Reflets dans l'eau -Debussey

Nocturne in E Minor, Op. 72, No. 1 -Chopin

Tony The Beat -The Sounds

(College)

a. Speak To Me b. Breathe -Pink Floyd

Shine on You Crazy Diamond, Pts. 1-5 -Pink Floyd

(Enter Steve Crass)

Blackbird -The Beatles

Cold Hard B**** - Jet

(Enter James Adams)

Prelude -Chiodos

First Day Of My Life -Bright Eyes

(Enter cold Logan Winter)

Divide Me -Kalai

The Way You Look Tonight -Fred Astaire

All These Days -Stephen Speaks

All The Way Up To Heaven -Guster

Love -Mos Def

(Enter Tommy O'Dell)

Oh Yeah (Work)-Lil' Scrappy

The Diary of Jane (acoustic) -Breaking Benjamin

Hip Hop Police - Chamillionaire

Sorry -Maria Mena

Almost Lover- A Fine Frenzy Almost Lover -

Face To Face -Daft Punk

They Weren't There -Missy Higgins

(Random)

Eggplant -Michael Franks

(Enter latin boys from the DR)

Gasolina -Daddy Yankee

Sheep May Safely Graze -Leon Fleisher

Over the Rainbow -Jason Castro

(Enter Joshua Robert Lohner)

The Way I Am-Ingrid Michaelson

Losing My Head -Kalai

One, Two, Dancing With You -Mindy Gledhill

I: Allegro -J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 4

Falling - Keri Noble

One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21 -The Flaming Lips

3. Rondo (Allegro) -Ludvig van Beethoven Piano concerto no. 5 "Emperor";

Canzonetta (Andante) -Tchaikovsky

Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26: III. Finale: Allegro energico -Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1

One Moment More -Mindy Smith

(Exit college, Joshua Lohner and everyone else. Full time work and 10k training are pursued.)

Curbside Prophet -Jason Mraz

I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair) -Sandi Thom

Tomorrow Too Late -Saves The Day

Strong Ties -Kalai

Marching Bands Of Manhattan -Death Cab for Cutie

What I've Done (Acoustic Version) -Marié Digby

Run Like Hell -Pink Floyd

(Enter Spencer Santiago Clark!!)

Stream Of Consciousness -Dream Theater

Never Enough -Dream Theater

The earth will shake -Thrice

Like moths to the flame -Thrice

5:19 -Matt Wertz

(And we've made it full circle to Fall Semester 2009)

Idioteque -Radiohead

Subterranean Homesick Alien -Radiohead

Everything in its right place -Radiohead Ki

Trenchtown Rock -Bob Marley

Three Little Birds -Bob Marley

Bright Eyes -Jason Mraz

Turn Out The Light -The New Amsterdams

Bittersweet Symphony -The Verve

Etudes-Tableaux in G minor: Moderato -Rchmaninoff

The Avalanche -Sufjan Stevens

(Enter Pete)

Purple Rain -Prince (hahaha)

Let Go -Frou Frou

October 11... "Nuts to yer fiddles!" -Beethoven

2008-10-12T15:21:00.001-07:00

I heard Beethoven's last String Quartet he ever wrote, and Op. 130 with the Grosse Fuge ending. I won't try and attempt to describe, except to say that some things you just have to experience yourself, in the moment.

October 10... Puzzling

2008-10-12T15:07:00.001-07:00

Whilst wandering the mall late this evening, I camest upon a used-electronics store... and this glorious game. So my thing was playing the first form of Tetris ever made, on Super Nintendo. I'm talkin the original... just one player- not even the real recognizable Tetris theme song. Just me, some blocks, and a good time.

October 9... Goldberg Variations

2008-10-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." -Victor Hugo

I listened to The Goldberg Variations as a complete set... all 32 of them. (Glenn Gould's recording) It was an experience that I'll not soon forget. (This could be partly because I listened to them whilst taking a relaxing soak in the tub. It was probably about an hour. I was extremely pruny.)

October 8... Party Like It's 1999...?

2008-10-09T01:33:00.000-07:00

1960

1968

1994

2000

I yearbooked myself.

October 7... Kill the Prime Minister of Malyasia!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-09T01:12:00.000-07:00

I was hypnotized tonight... well... sort of. I tried an I-Doser... "Binaural Brain Doses" as they are scientifically called.

It kind of reminds me of the movie Total Recall, where the dreamy Arnold Schwarzenegger pays to have a simulated "vacation" implanted in his brain. However, this wasn't quite the same. Basically what you do is find a nice quiet place, put on fancy headphones, clear you mind, and just listen to the "dose". The doses are a bunch of beeps designed to synchronize your brain waves to simulate "experiences".... such as the use of Marijuana or Cocaine, for example. And it's true- a lot of them were designed to give you simulated "highs" or trips. The one I tried wasn't a drug one, but I can't recall the actual name. I just remember listening to it and feeling my whole body start to tingle. It probably could have been more successful if I hadn't drifted off to a peaceful sleep in the middle... although I did wake up a few hours later in the early morning feeling really disoriented and fuzzy. I'm just glad it didn't end up like Total Recall, where Arnold has a seizure and tries to rip apart the scientists with his bursting biceps... I'll settle with the tingling for now.

October 6... Piano Caves

2008-10-07T00:29:00.000-07:00

The Piano Caves.

I came, I saw, I conquered. And I had to climb four ladders to get there.

But I made it, and did this little number to the walls. This signing of my name signifies all of myself that I've put into this building, into the music program. As you can probably tell, it's a part of me... and now I am part of it! (Thanks to Pete, who was my guide... and Cailie and I thought he was lying this whole time...)

Also done today worth mentioning: I ate with a Biodegradable fork for the first time. USU has gone Green, and they now make utensils made out of ground-up corn. Go USU!

October 5... In A Pickle

2008-10-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

I sampled Bread-and-Butter Pickles today as my new thing... homemade, courtesy of my Grandparents. I don't actually like pickles, but I figured they were worth a shot. Apparently, I'm just not a pickle person... You'd think with a blog name like the mysterious pickle that I would like pickles...

October 4... Tacos al Pastor

2008-10-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

Spencer claims that his brother Nate can make me do anything if he tells me it's a "New-Thing-Of-The-Day". This could very well be true.

I ate Queso Oaxaca, Tacos al Pastor y Tunas today for a delicious between-conference snack. Go to the Mexican store if you don't know what those are.

Ole!

October 3... We'll All Float On Anyway

2008-10-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

Take two people,

an air matress of sorts,

some Fresca,

beavers and ducks,

flip-flops for paddles,

and lots of laughs...

And you have today's new thing.

Floating on the waters of First Dam.

October 2... Oh Snap!

2008-10-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

I am not an athletic person. I am also not a fashion-savvy person. However, I clearly remember coveting a pair of warm-up pants for my entire Middle School years... It was a secret longing of mine- to want to belong to a sports team, and be there right with them when they tore off their pants and ran around rampant through the courts. Okay... that might be a bit dramatic... or it might not be.

As you can see, if you kindly tilt your head to the side, ripping warm-ups off my body is not my calling in life. Yes, I tried it three times. No, I wasn't successful.

I guess I shouldn't come in at halftime and expect to play the game... or however it goes. So for now, I'm content to be the benchwarmer and watch the big stars play.

October 1... Walk Barefoot So They Don't Have To

2008-10-02T01:31:00.000-07:00

...They say you can learn a lot by walking a mile in someone else's shoes.

Today I donated the very shoes off my feet for a great cause, Aggies for Africa. (Mine are the blue flip flops in the bottom RH corner.)Basically, you donate all your old shoes and walk around barefoot to support this program. I searched my shoes for something to donate, and made the realization that I had left all my old unused shoes at home. However, that didn't stop me. I waltzed right into the TSC, found the shoe donation box, and flipped each of my flip flops into it proudly. It felt SO GOOD to be spontaneous, SO GOOD to serve, and just SO GOOD to walk around all day without shoes. Before, my feet were squeaky clean....
And afterwords, my feet were caked with dirt. (Notice the odd black spot on my left foot. Gross...) I was glad to take the challenge and put myself in that position for a day, and to be able to walk in someone else's shoes (Or the lack thereof).

September 29... More Lame Piano Firsts

2008-10-02T01:21:00.000-07:00

I have never played in one of Professor Amano's practice recitals. They scare me to death. So today, when I was the first one to sign up, I shocked even myself. I figured that I had my peice memorized, so I might as well start performing it. And it went fairly well... I didn't screw up big time, but it also wasn't something I would call good. I just remember feeling kind of dejected like the girl in the picture. However, a new thing is a new thing, and anything that can give me experience is good in my book.

September 28... Ramen Holiday

2008-10-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

It was late. I had bundled myself into my room without any hope of excitement... A life of studying is certainly not a life of enjoyment. Naturally, in the act of quenching my thirst on my break, I remembered that I hadn't done a new thing. I hurredly asked my roommates for an idea (my favorite was Carina's... "Have you become an ultimate aggie on the bull yet?") But, due to Hailey's obsession of Christmas and countdown clocks on her computer, I decided to give a secret "83 Days (and some extra hours and minutes) Till Christmas" present to the boys across the hall. The present was a packet of Shrimp Ramen (extremely festive)... the only real gift I was willing to part with. I also didn't have very much wrapping paper, as you can see.

Basically, it went down like this:

Cortni: What do I do? The door's open!

Carina: I'll shut it! (shuts it. boys open it again. Brady comes out)

Brady: Why did you shut our door?

Hailey: Just close it for one minute, we want to do something. (shoves him back into the room and shuts the door) Ok go Cortni!

(I run up and madly throw it in front of their door, dashing away)

Carina and Hailey: You forgot to knock!!!!!

September 28... Balls!!!! gigglegiggle

2008-09-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

It's hard not to whip out some vulgar jokes when you're Exercising on a Medicine Ball. Tonight, I did Core Secret's Give Me 20 video, using Melissa's shoes for weights. It was a ball of a good time!

September 27... White Pine Lake

2008-09-28T17:11:00.000-07:00

As the title suggests, you can guess what adventure awaits you in this blog entry.

Spencer and I hiked White Pine Lake.(Here is the log to prove it!)

And what a beautiful hike it was. Not too much elevation gain, nice weather, and beautiful trees. There was a grove of yellow trees we walked through that were simply breathtaking.

Oh, and when we reached the lake, there was yet another surprise... I witnessed a Helicopter scooping up water from the Lake in a bucket.

It was crazy! I was trying to take a video, but they didn't come back by the time I decided to get footage. But it still made for some pretty rad pictures.

September 26... Don't Worry, Bout a Thing...

2008-09-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, a picture speaks a thousand words.

DREADLOCKS.

September 25... Highlights

2008-09-26T00:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a very lucky experience- one in which I, along with my fellow piano nerd friends, got to eat dinner at the Hubbard's. You may ask yourself why this means anything exciting. Well, Mr. Hubbard took from Professor Amano years ago, and went on to travel while doing Piano Performance. He moved to Logan later, settled down, and now takes his prodigy children to USU to be taught piano from Prof. Amano as well. Every year, he has an annual get-together dinner at his lovely home for the piano majors, and we have the opportunity to play on his Steinway. And man alive, his house is amazing. On the top of the mountain outlooking the valley, two beautiful Steinways, soft carpet and couches, and luxurious rooms. I was in awe. We got to eat catered food (the dessert was creme brulle, if that tells you anything) and it was cool to listen to the people I rub shoulders with, playing Scriabin and Liszt and Chopin, and making it look like child's play. I also should count playing on that Steinway, but I didn't actually play a peice... But I did play a C Major chord... :)

Then after this (I know, it gets better) I joined my friend Pete for a crazy longboard adventure. That's right, folks, I LONGBOARDED. Halfway down the church parking lot. (I got scared to go any faster...) See, here's a picture to prove it!

Other new things include: Driving through campus (meaning on the sidewalks), driving in neutral down 1000 north, finding the USU ampitheater, and the secret USU weed-smoking hideout.

I returned home, only to find Jess sprawled out on the floor, a blacklight on the couch, electronic music in the background, and Melissa/Amanda scribbling all over his back with highlighters. Yes, it is a Highlighter Party I speak of. So I signed my name on the wall, signed my name on his back, and joined in on the fun. Highlighter parties are just too much fun to pass up. As was this night! A big thank you to all my supportive friends who give me good ideas and help me out with new things. You guys make it all possible! :) You know who you are.

September 24... On a mission

2008-09-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I go to institute. And sometimes I don't. But today was just the day for self-improvement, so I went. On my way back, whilst ruminating on the gospel, I happened upon four missionaries on campus. They had taken over the usual Jehovah's Witnesses spot, and were preachin' the word like mad. So, in the spirit of improving my own missionary skills and sharing my joy with those I know who could use it, I acquired my own Book of Mormon to give away.

This is my friend Ray, whom I practiced the actual giving-away with. But realistically, I will hopefully keep this book handy until I think I'm ready to share it. That might be a while, but it's that first step that counts, right?

I don't know what is wrong with Ray in that second picture.

All of these pictures were too good to pass up.

September 23... I'm no chicken!

2008-09-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we've been over this "Cortni has limited cooking abilities" thing a billion times. What you don't know already, is that sometimes this spurs creations such as today's dinner menu.

An omelet the size of your face.

Who knew that seven expired eggs, already moldy cheese, wrinkly peppers, and a dash of garlic could make such a scrumptious treat? Don't be alarmed, it tasted much better than it looks in the pictures. It looks undesirable, partly because it took me two spatulas to flip it, and also because Melissa forgot to spray Pam. But there was a pretty epic cloud of smoke coming from our apartment that attracted a few spectators....

September 22... Tooth and Nail

2008-09-22T22:24:00.000-07:00

According to the test I took at http://www.howmanyfiveyearoldscouldyoutakeinafight.com, I can take 16 5-year-old kids in a fight.

Keep in mind that these are ruthless 5-year-olds, that will stop at nothing. to annihilate me.