lucky moments

You know the kind I'm talking about. 

The kind that make you step back and go

"WOAH, I am so blessed"

I had about 50 of those last week while I was home.
At Nicole's reception, watching so many people I know and love celebrate the beautiful event.
Laying in bed talking to Kaylie, about everything under the sun.
At dinner with my family on Saturday night, crying because we were laughing so hard.
On the beautiful drive home listening to awesome soundtrack music.

I feel like I say this a lot, but I am so thankful for those moments.
They always seem to come right when I need them, and have a perfect way of reminding me that life is so sweet.
And really, when do we NOT need to be reminded of that?

And on a completely unrelated note, listen to how sad this is:
Josh Groban will be here in concert in a few weeks. And for the first time since I was 13,
I will not be going.
My heart is breaking. The legacy is over!
Ok maybe it's not that sad.
But kind of. A little bit.

And finally, just because this is sweet:

Noah and the Whale at Lollapalooza.
Love.

weekend (give or take a day) highlights

(Please forgive the ensuing picture assassination. I'm feeling very ambitious today)

Here are some awesome things that have happened over the last week. 

- Road trippin. I have really learned to love southern Utah over the last 6 months. 

Aka I have driven this 11 hour stretch back and forth three times now. NBD.

 

Obviously Abby and I were very in-touch with our childhoods during the drive.

- Pool and shopping time with friends and brothers. 

 

yeah, that just happened. Also, his hat has cookie monster on it. I was dying.

- Wedding festivities!!!!

And there you have it. 

Some of the hottest, busiest, and funnest days of Summer 2011.

Viva.

things I have learned in the last week

- As much as it probably shouldn't, retail therapy 

(aka shopping. calling it "therapy" dissipates the guilt a little bit...)

makes me feel so much better about life. 

Especially when you find smokin deals. And really cool moccasins.

- When you want/need to feel hardcore about life, just listen to your workout mix. 

By the time you actually have to go run/bike/swim, you will be so pumped that you can conquer the world. 

Maybe this has been my routine for 2 weeks now....

- Sometimes it's cool to skype with your dog.

REALLY cool.

After all, whose NOT trying to look at this face all day long?

- As much as I love how much certain music is associated with certain memories and people,
I really DON'T like this:

When you feel like you can't listen to certain songs or artists because they are associated with said people and memories. Some things just leave a bad taste in your mouth, you know?

- I really miss teaching and taking piano lessons. My inner classical pianist is slowly dying....

And I can't believe I just admitted that.

- I have seen my family a TON this summer. 

But that doesn't change the fact that I am stoked out of my mind to go home tomorrow.

Just cross your fingers that I don't melt before I have to come back to Provo....

- On a more serious note, I have learned that patience really is a virtue. And one that I need to work on, as was made apparent to me on multiple occasions this weekend. 

I am thankful for things like that. 

- I really like not knowing what is ahead of me at this point in my life. 

I am excited for fall semester. 

A new ward. 

New friends. 

New classes. 

Lots of new relationships.

As well as plenty of old familiar faces.
Basically I'm just very happy with where I'm at in life. 

And I'm excited for whatever lies ahead.

p.s.

Recognize this guy?

Um, yeah. 

This is the one and only Matthew Lewis, aka Neville Longbottom.

RIGHT? 

My love for these characters will never die.

Especially when they turn from nerdalicious school boys into dapper young men. 

Just sayin.

happy friday

So here is the deal.
Life is sweet. Plain and simple.
And here are just a few things I have to be happy about today:

- Jenny and I ran a 7:20 mile a few nights ago. Be impressed.

- Also we took advantage of a buy one, get one deal on froyo. Who doesn't love that?

- Best friend gets married next week. Which means....
- Road trip! EEP!
- I have the best job ever. Can you say carnival themed office party?
Yes, it was as fun as it sounds.

Isn't Kimber just so cute and happy?! I seriously have the best coworkers on the planet.
Don't argue.

- It's a beautiful day, AND it's almost the weekend.
That alone should be enough to keep a smile on my face.

- I get to go to SLC tonight! Not going to lie, I love this state's little urban capital.

Finally, I discovered the best little trick a few days ago.
If you are ever feeling blue-sy, or tired, or mad, or sad....
..... basically anything opposite of happy......
Just force yourself to smile.
Sounds so cliche, right?
Seriously though, it works!!
Try it, and be amazed.