Things I still haven't figured out

My time of living in Provo is beginning to come to a close, and there are still a few things that I just don't get. If any of you can enlighten me, that would be wonderful.

Seven Peaks: the water park, named so because of the "seven peaks" of the mountain behind it. I have stared at the mountains and I still can't figure out which are the seven peaks. I sit there and try to count them out, and then I either end up with like 3 or 10. I never have seen seven. Am I just a dumbie who doesn't know what a proper peak is?

Mount Timpanogas: the majestic mountain to the north named after the Indian tribe. According to legend, an Indian maiden who died of grief did so on top of the mountain, and now the top of it looks like the profile of a sleeping woman. huh? I've looked and looked trying to figure that out, and I don't see anything of the sort resembling a sleeping woman. Either I'm retarded, or that "legend" is just made up to confuse people. But it sure is pretty. (I can say I will definitely miss this beautiful sight)

There is one more thing: throughout the BYU library, particularly in the "no shh" zone, there is a bell type sounds that goes off all the time. I thought it was a clock or something, but sometimes I would look at the clock to see if it was the top of the hour, but no. It dings with no consistency, and it drives me nuts that I still haven't figured out what it is!

I feel like knowing these things will help me find closure as I get ready to leave this place that I detested so much at the beginning and now find myself...dare I say it? Sad. Yes, sad, that I will be leaving.

Anyway, happy Thursday. Tomorrow then is Friday. We so excited.

(Don't know what I'm referring to? Then treat yourself to this!)

"I thought I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it was just some b*stard with a torch, bringing me more work to do"

Thank you, David Brent, for those profound words.

And that is exactly how I feel today. (And please excuse the language!)

What it all comes down to is that I am so done with school!! For the past few months I have had to deal with a major thorn in my side, courtesy of BYU, involving my one last English class needed to get my stinkin degree already. After showing for months that the class would be offered in the spring, they changed their minds, left me hanging, and didn't even care. Thanks a lot, BYU.

So I have had to beg and plead to let another class substitute for it, and even though the class I'm substituting is very loosely connected to the class needed, they are letting me do it. And they would be fools not to. You want to know why? Because half of the student population right now are technically seniors. Students who are all "oh, dang, the job market sucks so I'm going to postpone graduation," or the other likely excuse: "I'm not married yet! What will I do?! Oh I know: postpone graduation!"

Well, you know what BYU? I am trying to get out of here, and now I realize why people don't graduate on time--because you make it so difficult! Just offer classes when you say you will offer them, is that so much to ask?!

So anyway, I had to submit a petition to get this substitute class approved, and today I finally got it all approved. It's the last class I ever I need to register for as an undergrad. Oh, it felt so good! I really did feel like I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

But then, I met with the professor to get her signature for it all, and she gave me copy of the syllabus so I can start the readings, because, oh yeah, for this eight week class we are reading eight entire novels. What the what?! Is that even legal? Well, even if it's not, I have no choice. So, basically, I already have homework assigned for the upcoming semester that hasn't even started. Oh joy.

I went and bought the first novel at Borders today, so I can at least feel like I'm getting a head start on this ridiculous reading load. And while I was at it, I bought this as well, reminding me to just keep swimming, just keep swimming.

You would bomb too if you were being double- teamed all night

Poor Jimmer. The guy is getting so much ridicule for "letting down our team" last night. I don't think he deserves it. He was bombarded by Florida defenders all night--it was pretty impressive that he still got over 30 points. I mean look at him:

He even got his chin split open. And he still couldn't catch a break. I read in a news article today that said that Jimmer failed when his team most needed him. To this I say that his team obviously proved that they could hold their own. You forget, it was close the entire game, even going into overtime. His team was managing to score points all night and keep it a close game, even if it seems like Jimmer wasn't.

And don't even get me started about sports critics bringing up Brandon Davies when the team isn't playing so good. Not a word is mentioned of him when BYU is killing Gonzaga, and yet when we have such a close score with a team and an eventual loss, everyone is all "if only Brandon Davies were playing, it all would have been different. BYU's honor code is ridiculous. Blah blah blah" GIVE ME A BREAK. It wouldn't be that much different, people. Now if Jimmer had been benched like Davies, then that would have been a completely different situation.

I am disappointed, naturally. But this game doesn't change my feelings when I proudly proclaim that I attended BYU during the "Year of the Jimmer." He still is amazing. But unfortunately, Florida defense made the right moves in guarding him like a hawk all night long.

Jimmer, I love you. (But not as much as I love my fiance, obviously...)

You Go, Glen Coco!

Oh hey! Happy Tuesday. I should be doing homework, but the results are in for the 5 mile race we ran this weekend and I just have to share. And yes, you heard me right. I ran 5 miles. Not the half marathon as originally planned. Basically I hadn't trained at all for a half, and I was even worried for the 5 miles. But I did it! And so did my dearest friends, including Kimmy who rocked the half marathon. You go, Kimmy!

Still smiling after 13 miles? She's crazy.

And look who got third place for their age group! You go, Camille!

CLASS: F16-19

1 23 JULIANA FLORES 00:08:39. F 00:43:29. 18 F16-19 00:43:19. 5266 LOUISVILLE

2 89 ROBIN FULTS 00:10:01. F 00:50:13. 17 F16-19 00:50:09. 5093 HOLLADAY

3 97 CAMILLE OSTLER 00:10:03. F 00:50:42. 19 F16-19 00:50:15. 5862 ST. GEORGE

So, no, I didn't get in the top three in my age group. Not even top ten. I got #14. But Kelsy got 6th place. Holla. And you want to hear something messed up? My fiance ran with me the whole time which is blatantly very slow for a guy and he got a higher ranking than I did. Huh? Who are these 20 something guys?

This was my first race experience ever: first time running, first time being a spectator. And I have to say, I loved the experience. It's an all around supportive and positive event. I mean, I was just a crummy five mile runner, not one of the hard core half marathoners, and there were still people on the side lines cheering for me and encouraging me. It just made me feel so special!

After we finished, there were all kinds of old people (one guy was 82--legit!) and some...bigger people coming in much later, and there were always people at the finish line cheering them on too. So, if you want to feel good about yourself, or if you want to go help others feel good about themselves, go to any kind of race. Seriously. Happy times.

Why you always knock on wood

As we were taking pictures like this and checking out the sweet Salt Lake City Library (I always am impressed when I'm in there--such an impressive building), the fiance asked "has anyone ever tried to commit suicide in this place?" And I was all, heck if I know...but I certainly hope not!

Welp, actually there have been. And there was one less than 24 hours after Victor muttered those fateful words. I can't imagine how disturbing it would be to have to see that.

I have to say though that there is something I read in the news reports about this whole thing that kind of bugs me. Now that this has happened, library officials are saying that they may look into making design changes to "make it more safe." Last time I checked, that building is plenty safe. It just has an open floor plan, which plenty of other public buildings have. And how do you "suicide proof" a building anyway? Suicide is intentional, and people will find a way to do it, regardless of the building design. It's sad, but true.

Sorry for the morbid topic. That's just what I've been pondering about today. Hope you had a swell Sunday.

A Little Sampler of Engagement Photos

I'm still waiting to see the rest of my pics, but these are some that my photographer has shown me. Your thoughts? I feel pretty good about these, except the kissing one. I don't like it, and Victor's lips look like they are protruding out like six inches!

Are you obsessed with bridal blogs?

I am! Bridal blogs are legit. They feature some beautiful weddings. I just can't get enough.

My favorites are Style Me Pretty (I think this one beats all), Snippet and Ink, and Ruffled Blog. Ruffled Blog features all DIY and Indie brides, so there are so many cool ideas. I guess that in the Mormon world, there are tons of DIY and indie brides, because so many of the featured weddings are LDS ones. Good ones too--not your typical cultural hall weddings.

What is DIY you may ask? Well, it's a term I had never heard of before all this wedding planning business, which shows you how crafty I am not. It's "do it yourself," people. And oh boy, have I been DIYing up.

Some of my do-it-yourself projects for this wedding of mine include invitations--yes, invitations. And I'll tell you what, I am glad I did. What's the point of searching endlessly for cute invitations that are ridiculously expensive and not exactly what you want anyway? And when you have friends who are talented with Adobe illustrator, it just makes sense. And I love the way they turned out. I think it's tacky to drop dollar amounts, but I'll tell you this amount: I'm getting them printed at Staples for less than $300 for 500 invitations. They're not printed yet so maybe I'll end up eating my words, but I'm pretty confident they will turn out great.

The other major DIY project I have been working on is my centerpieces. It's been my favorite part, because it's been involving the auction excitement of ebay, buying lots of stuff on-line which means getting packages in the mail which I love, and scouring antique stores. Side note here: I have found the most legit antique stores her in Utah county--and I seriously doubted they existed.

And the other one I have been working on are my wedding favors. I finally had found boxes that were the perfect shade of pink and have folded a whole lot of them, only to discover that the color got discontinued. I only have 200. I could buy another color, but I don't really want to. So, think of getting a cute favor from my wedding as a door prize of sorts. First 200 people get 'em! Maybe this will motivate you to come. Or the live music. Or just the mere pleasure of seeing me.

So, if you have any other ideas or tips, feel free to share!

Love, the DIY Annie

Finally, Wednesday has passed

This week was stress city. Every single one of my classes had a project or test due on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Now I can breathe. For at least a day, at least, until I have another rough draft due tomorrow and a test next week. No more school! I am spent! Remember how last semester I complained about school a lot? Well, I regret that. Last semester was way better. I was only taking English classes, and while I was a bit lazy sometimes, I still managed to get good grades and write good papers. This is how I know that I am in the right major. I can sometimes give a half-hearted effort and still fork out a decent paper.

Too bad there is no career in writing about literature all day, unless I want to be a professor, which as of right now, I don't really want to do. Thus, the editing minor. This semester all my classes except one are editing classes. Can you say tedious?! Editing sometimes is a giant headache. And I feel like an idiot in my classes. And the grades confirm that. My self-esteem has taken many beatings this semester.

But, the good news is that Wednesday has passed and Thursday is here. Thursday has always been my favorite day of the week, ever since elementary school. I don't know exactly why, but I do know that in elementary school it was probably because my favorite lunch was served in the cafeteria: something like chicken fried steak or turkey and always with mashed potatoes and gravy: yummy. Anyway. Thursdays are great in my opinion.

Today is a great Thursday because my mom is coming all the way down to Provo to kick it with me. We're going to look at this wedding dress, which is crazy because I have already ordered a dress, but I am considering this other one that I have also fallen in love with a back up plan. But then, we'll probably just hang out and go out to eat--it's what we do best.

And I also kind of got some good news: I have been selected to present a paper I wrote last semester at an English Department Symposium in a couple of weeks. I am nervous though!! I'm presenting my senior paper along with two other girls who also themed their papers about adolescents and food. So, if you want to know the "deeper" food symbolism found in adolescent literature like The Giver and The Hunger Games, then you won't want to miss this event! You will be enlightened. Let's hope so.

Anyway, Happy Thursday.

Love, Annie

Nurturing the mooch in me

Mooch: Someone who wants something for free ... someone who takes and takes but doesn't give back.
(source: Urban Dictionary)

Let's be honest. Everyone is a bit of a mooch. I mean, who doesn't like free stuff? I do! As far as the second part of that definition, I think it's safe to say that I am not the kind of person that takes and takes and doesn't give back. (All right I confess, I am a bit of a mooch when I go to my parents house. ex: oh what? you're going grocery shopping? can I come with you before I head back to school? Don't tell me you've never done this...)

Anyway, I like having friends, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have any if I were a mooch all the time, not to mention none of my friends are super bad mooches for a reason--it's called I'm not friends with people who are hard-core moochers.

However, I am friends with people who know how to be good mooches--in other words, to enjoy free stuff--without losing friends. One such friend is Sarah, the founder of the facebook group iMooch. Sarah has helped to open my eyes to all the free stuff that is available to you. Like, all the places that give you free stuff for your birthday, or things like Chic-fil-a free fry day (which is tomorrow btw), etc.

Being a student is the best situation to be in if you're a mooch. At Dixie College, my alma mater, the LDS institute would have free food day every other week, and it was good food! I miss that. But luckily, Sarah and I have found the free food events here on BYU campus. Side note: being a woman is also beneficial to being a mooch. The free food events we have attended have both been for the "women in the humanities," hosted by the business school. I never thought about going to business school, but hey, I'm willing to listen to why I should over some yummy free food (another side note: BYU catering rocks!).

Last night we attended another women in humanities dinner, and we had it planned out perfectly. We'll eat, listen to the presentation a little bit, then make an inconspicuous exit to the basketball game which started at eight. Well, after only a half hour or so as we were eating, Sarah's friend who had been holding our place in line was all "you guys should get over here because they're not letting us save seats and they are filling up way fast." What to do? How could we get out of there without looking like we really just came for the food?

Well, there was no way for it to not look like that. It was either our dignity or Jimmer. We chose Jimmer (flash forward to 3 hours later: that was a big mistake). So we politely left the building, changed our shoes, and ran across the street to the Marriott Center. I was ashamed of how it all looked. But then Sarah, who I guess is a better mooch than I am, offered me words of advice: "you're never going to see any of them again!" That helped a little. But as I am writing this, I do feel a little bad about it, and not just because going to that game was a waste. Please don't judge me.

So that's about it. And hey, if you know any free hook-ups, let me know--after all, I'm a mooch!

Love, Annie

Something to Blog About

I'm in a rut. Honestly, the only thing I can think to blog about is wedding stuff or Jimmer. I don't want to sound like a broken record, but that's all there is that gives my life meaning at the time! I also have school, yeah yeah, but who wants to hear all about the protocol to using commas? No thanks.

But hey, in other news, my dear friend Sarah, who is a great writer, started a blog. Holla.

And after watching the incredible basketball game against San Diego State, we have a new Jimmer convert: my fiance. You know--the guy who previously got perturbed at me for loving Jimmer so much? Well, he can't deny it any longer. He loves him too.

Case in point: these two texts I got from him on Sunday, with no reply from me in between the two of them:

5:07 pm: I just want to hang out with you so bad right now.
5:09 pm: I want a Jimmer jersey.

For my next post I will try to find something else to write about, but I make no promises. BYU Basketball is amazing, and we're number three in the nation!!

Hugs and Kisses,
Annie