Rie Reads

Baby Names

2012-01-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

Our family is infected with needing to find a scheme for baby names.

Mom and Dad went with the M&M theme.... (Mike, Melanie, Mihkel, Marie, Megan, Matthew)

If you think that's bad, Mom's parents did not only all M's, but rhyming middle names. (Michael Layne, Melanie Jayne, Mitchell Dwayne, and Marla Shamayne)

My sister and her husband are taking advantage of the last name Arling by making meaningful initials. Like Christopher Isaac Arling (CIA) and Ava Daphne Arling (ADA). I'm pretty sure FDA, HOA and MIA are in the works.

After a conversation with a friend, I have decided on my own quirky naming scheme. Let's see if you can figure out what it is:

Twin boys

Cole & Brett

Jacques & Henri

Twins (boy and girl)

Leigh & Lander

Girl names

Julia Margaret

Joyce (this one has a duel reason)

Avadawn

Boy names

Ansel

Sherman

Sergon Hershel

Names that can't be rocked in the 21st century

(though I'd wouldn't mind otherwise)

Dorthea

Alfred

And last... one name I would totally use, except it would be tempting fate ... Diane.

If you understand the theme and have any other ideas, I'd love to hear!

And now I get a little Romantical...

2012-01-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

I'll admit that I'm generally the sensible gal who moves forward in life, not in need of a man to make life fulfilling... but sometimes the want comes into play and those times get a little sappy, even for my taste.

Lately I keep having really vivid dreams about having a guy in my life. Sometimes it's just his arm around my shoulder while we're watching a movie, or talking, or (like last night) discussing details with a fiance about our upcoming nuptials whilst boxing up my things to move into his house. (Cheesy, cheesy dreams)

My subconscious is trying to tell me something... and I don't like it. Frankly, the last time I was feeling this way, I ended up dating someone I wasn't as interested in as he was interested in me and I broke up with him when he was in Oklahoma, getting trained to be deployed to Afghanistan. (I'll bet any of you who thought I was nice are coming to the realization that I'm a terrible, awful human being. Now, at least, you know the truth.)

That said, I think back and remember what didn't work for me in that whole dating situation. He was a sweet guy. Probably sweeter than I deserved. He said all the right things--you know... the whole "you're beautiful" bit--bought me flowers, took me to dinners... but it all felt stale. The one thing I remember loving was when he wrote a note or card and gave that to me.

Perhaps I have a very different idea of what romance is. I find it once in a while in lyrics or lines of a play, or a saying. The most recent one I've been hung up on is a part from the book East of Eden. It's when Adam is describing his feelings for Cathy Ames and what she meant to him. He tells Sam:

"A kind of light spread out from her. And everything changed color. And the world opened out. And a day was good to awaken to. And there were no limits to anything. And the people of the world were good and handsome. And I was not afraid anymore."

Wouldn't it be wonderful if someone felt this way about you? And you actually deserve it??? (Anyone who has read East of Eden will know Cathy was definitely undeserving.)

*Sigh* Oh the romantic inside that just won't let go.

What makes you go all Romantical?

Stupid Cute

2011-12-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

I consider myself to be fairly smart. Smart enough, in fact, to have pulled off 5 A's, an A-, and one B+ within a 21 credit semester at school. I can carry a conversation about pretty much anything with comparable ease (with the exception of sports... don't try sports with me, because you'll only end up with a humoring smile from me and, I've heard, a headache of monumental proportions).

Somehow, though, a little two month old has the capability of making even the most intelligent people seem completely idiotic. Like when I'm holding my little niece, Ava, trying to get her to smile, and all that seems to work is "A-a-a-a-bu-bu-bu-bu... A-a-a-a-a-bu!" I even stoop to crossing my eyes and blowing raspberries on her chubby cheeks.

Or take my dear, old mom, for example: 2007 Teacher of the Year, Masters' in Educational Leadership, and new Vanaema (grandmother) of twins. Instead of the dignified speech and composure, this woman sings old childrens' songs with lyrics that have neither rhyme or reason, trying to fit everyone in the family--including the dogs--into said song as though they would be offended should they realize Christopher didn't hear their name one of those times.

And then my sister, who's positively lost her marbles since pregnancy and the subsequent lack of sleep after birth, comes up with words to describe her children such as "grump-o-potamus". This is in between absolute memory lapses that render her exhausted.

Yup, it's true... cuteness can make you dumber...

...but it's totally worth it to see a face like this, don't you think?

Now I Can

2011-11-25T08:50:00.001-08:00

Michael Ririe is a fellow student of mine at UVU. I first met him when I went to Italy a couple summers ago. While we were the only two photo students in Italy, he was definitely farther ahead of me (and even helped me pick out a new tripod when the cheap one I brought died!) Mike is an immensely talented photographer, and I've enjoyed having classes with him since study abroad.

This past summer, he also exhibited a show both in Provo and Orem, images entirely focused around an organization that helps provide intensive physical therapy to children. The organization is known as "Now I Can", and their goal is to get children to a level of independence they wouldn't have otherwise.

After watching my brother-in-law work through this kind of therapy after an accident that left him paralyzed, I can't even imagine that being the only life a child knows. Seeing the images was heart-wrenching and inspiring. Mike managed a beautiful balance of the best and the worst of this experience for the kids--the moments where you can see they'd rather stop, and those where the success has been achieved. The entire purpose of these exhibits was to raise local awareness about Now I Can in hopes of getting them more support.

Now Mike is trying to raise the money to create a photographic book of these images. All proceeds will go directly to Now I Can as well as some of these books going to places where the organization can raise funds to help more children. I encourage all my friends to check out the photo essay on Mike's website as well as go to this link to donate to get this book going. I can't think of a more worthy cause for you to donate to this holiday season!

Giveaway you should check out!

2011-11-17T19:07:00.001-08:00

My friend Chessie is having a giveaway on her blog HERE. It's a $25 dollar gift card for Trendy X-change.

For more information check it out!!!

Childhood Games

2011-11-14T22:35:00.001-08:00

Do you remember those little rhymes and songs you used to play as a kid? How about this one:

"Hi... my name is Joe... and I work in a button factory..."

Well, I'm here to testify that you never know when such vital lessons will come in handy for you. Yes, I said that Joe (who works in the button factory) is both vital and handy for you, personally.

Tonight I was trying to get a shot of dancers moving. While my tripod and remote shutter release helped time this, I decided I needed another light... which meant I needed to hold another thing-a-ma-jig called a "flag" to make the image how I wanted it, and I still needed to hit the little button that would set the flash off.

This left me holding up a big black "flag" with both hands, pressing the release with my thumb and balancing on might right foot as the big toe on my left foot pressed the red button that made the lights go pop.

So I can say, my dear friend Joe, that I know how you feel... but some seriously awesome things come when you know how to push all those buttons :)

A BIG thank you to Melanie, Jaclyn, and Hannah for making this picture possible!

The Older I become...

2011-11-11T17:51:00.001-08:00

... the more I know there are certain things I couldn't just "join up" on if I were to get married.

For example... if I married someone who enjoyed snowboarding... you would not see me getting all geared up to hit the slopes. Nope. I would, however, go along in a cute sweater and with a good book, waiting like a good little snow bunny at the lodge with a large mug of cocoa.

Or if I married a sports fanatic... don't expect me to be sitting in the stands with my face painted and getting to know the names of the players, their stats, the names of their families and dogs and exercise routines... But I will make sure there's finger food ready when a game is about to come on as long as he knows I'm going to spend the duration of the time at a bookstore or holed up in a crafts room.

And if I were to spend the rest of my life with someone who loved video games, you won't see me grabbing a controller and leveling up. I'd kiss him on the cheek and head off to enjoy some chick flick and dinner with my friends.

See? I'm great at compromise.

Midnight Self Portraits

2011-11-10T01:06:00.000-08:00

There's really nothing worse than carting around photo equipment, making four trips from my car to the dance studio, only to have no one show up and have it all have been for naught. As much as I need the exercise, I could have gotten that in half the time and with an even smaller fraction of irritation.

I got home and got to thinking that I needed to do SOMETHING with said equipment. If for no other reason than to make me feel better about having checked them out. So I did something radical... for me at least. Self portraits!

Yes, yes, I know I don't make for the best subject, but I've been trying to step outside of my box lately. And, hey, I didn't mind how these turned out. Which says something.

I only wish someone had been here to take pictures of my roommates' faces when they saw me rearranging furniture and setting up lights at 11:30 at night. Good thing I don't have class until 2:30 tomorrow!

Christopher Isaac and Ava Daphne

2011-10-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

I drove home last night, woke up this morning, have gotten ready for church, and then realized... no more babies to hold! Life just got boring again.

At least I had fall break to see my new niece and nephew. Look how sweet:

Ava Daphne has her vanaisa reading "One Fish, Two Fish"

Christopher Issac and Granny. He makes the funniest faces.

And the best video we got this week of Dad reading "Green Eggs and Ham" to Christopher.

(and sorry it's on its side... I don't know how to change that.)

Give us a few years and we'll have some avid readers on our hands!!!

What a day!!!

2011-10-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

Episode 4 of the podcast is up...

Found out the BFA portfolio is due in one week...

School...

And these two cuties are FINALLY here!!!

One more week until I get to hold them! Just gotta survive :)

Update on Life

2011-10-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a lot of particular excitement lately, but in the spirit of keeping up on what has become my only form of journaling, I'll list off the fun that is life:

1) I now work as a TA for the best art history teacher on campus. (Best job ever! I get to help students who actually want my help, work for one of the sweetest people in the world, and it gets me thinking art history all the time.)

2) School is crazy great. While 21 credits can be a little overwhelming at times, I really really love my classes. This includes ASL Literature, Advanced ASL, Fine Art Photography, Advanced Photography, 19th Century Photo processes (I have some really fun projects in mind from what we've done so far!), and 20th Century Art History. Oh, and History or Photography, which I started working on this last summer since I'm doing a sort of different course of study with it. The big plus to that one is it's given me more to read than I've been able to in a long time, which---believe it or not--- has helped with my photography as much if not more than anything else.

3) I've got an awesome podcast going with a group of other students. When I started, I was a little worried I wouldn't find anyone as passionate about making it happen ... I was wrong! Really great people and we're having fun with it! (Go check it out... listen... learn... become edu-ma-cated).

4) Living in Orem is awesome. I liked Provo while I was there, but you can't beat living down the street from campus. It's nice to know I could walk if I had to.

5) My friend Chessie has gotten me into a fun kick of exercise mode. Unfortunately, some foot issues are flaring up again. If you remember just keep me in your prayers or wish me luck and hopefully it's just a little swelling. Either way, I'll keep up the being healthy.

6) I'm looking forward to Tuesday when my niece and nephew are finally here... and when in a week and a half when I actually get to hold them!

I have to admit, I kind of like when life gets into these little swings of just doing and going and being productive. And I'm grateful to friends who are constantly saving me from myself by reminding me not to take on more than I can handle!

Just a few thought

2011-09-23T23:38:00.000-07:00

I'm not generally one for getting all emo or airing out my frustrations online, but sometimes I get tired of having to keep it to myself--to sit here realizing no one cares about how they've made me feel. That no matter how hard I try to swallow my wants and needs, the second I mention one I'm labeled "selfish" and told I think it's "all about me". After I've given all I can, I'm never looked at with an eye that judges my workload or a heart sincere in considering my thoughts and concerns. It's about what they want, instead. How my inability to do what they want right now is a terrible inconvenience to them.

I got to thinking about a quote from Power of Myth, a book of an interview with Joseph Campbell I read this summer. The book discusses the myths in our lives and what's thought of as important to humans by virtue of the myths we create. At one point Campbell starts on the idea of dragons:

"... There are people like that, and we call them creeps. There's no life from them, no giving. They just glue themselves to you and hang around and try to suck out of you their life."

What happens when you realize that those dragons are the people you love the most? The ones you'd do anything for? What do you do when you need them to take a moment--not one in a disaster or when you're at your most helpless physically, but when you just need to know someone sees you as important enough to take a minute. Just a minute. To look, to see, to talk. To experience something that's important to me. Or to support me in a decision. To nod and say "I understand" rather than "Why did you do that?" or "Couldn't you just..." with some version of events that works better towards their ends.

I don't know why I feel so compelled right now to share this, except I imagine I'm not the only one. Maybe someone out there needs to know they aren't alone in fighting the dragons.

Art History Podcast

2011-09-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

My cousin put my life perfectly the other day. He said "it's all about your perspective. My glass is half full... yours is overflowing and you need two more glasses to catch it." I'm sorry to say he wasn't talking about my superb sense of optimism, though I'm working on that. I like being busy. So I do things like podcasts.

Yes, podcasts. I'm part of a group of students running an art history podcast on UVU campus. We've got an amazing group--several art history enthusiasts like me, as well as one spectacular audio man. Take a minute to check it out at http://artsandfacts.blogspot.com/.

We'll soon be up and running on iTunes U as well, which will make it easier for you to get our podcast as it comes out!

Family Portraits

2011-09-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

With a family that is constantly on the go, working on one project or another, I would have to wait forever to get them to sit long enough for me to get a picture (and that's if I could convince them to be in a picture in the first place). So I took it upon myself to do something a little... different.

Ava Daphne and Christopher Issac Arling

Cory Allen Arling

Megan Kristina Arling

Melanie Jayne Teemant

Mike Teemant

Self Portrait

If you like this project, please go to my facebook page and hit "like".

Guest Post

2011-08-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Wanted to share with you that I've posted some thoughts on a book I got to read (finally!) on a blog called

The Thousander Club

Sounds epic right? That's because it is. The club is meant for all those who want to achieve the goal of reading 1,000 books in their lifetime. I know plenty of you who I'm sure are well on your way, so go over and follow/join up! They're also always looking for more people to contribute thoughts on books they've read, so if you're interested or know anyone else that would be, spread the news and I'd be happy to get you in touch with the person in charge.

And, may I say, after all my school reading this summer, I think I earned getting to read one novel!

My trip to Hogsmeade

2011-08-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

I'm too old to be geeking out like this. To say I geeked out may even be a bit of an understatement.

My friend Yvonne met me and we went into the Universal Studios Island of Adventures park. Weaving in and out of the other sections of the park, I was looking for one thing: Harry Potter World.

We saw some snakes...

But no Slytherins.

This guy looked like he was about to have a basilisk come out of his mouth...

But it was a false alarm.

I even thought at one point I saw Dumbledore...

But no such luck.

We kept following the signs...

And just when I was about to find the Promised Land, Yvonne blindfolded me.

I jumped up and down, happy as a clam and made my way through the amazingness that was Hogsmeade. There were Beauxbaton girls, and Durmstrang boys... Honeydukes (where I got myself a chocolate frog) and the Owlry were packed like any other Hogsmeade weekend, and I nearly died when Moaning Myrtle started yelling at me when I went into the girls' bathroom! They really thought of everything!

Oh... and if you ever go... make sure to try the Butterbeer. Cheers until later!

Exercise is bad for you.

2011-08-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

Fact: no matter what nutrition guru you talk to, they will find something wrong with the way you’re trying to be healthy. Being certifiably chubby, I attract this attention the way a large, fatty steak sitting on the kitchen counter for three days attracts flies.

“Have you been coming to the gym often?” a little size two asks—ponytail bouncing as she jogs in place. She doesn’t even have to try and stay that small. I know it, she knows it, and every Tom, Dick, and Harry using the mirror to "discreetly" check out her rear knows it. Still, her feet move as fast as her metabolism and my energy drains just watching her.

“Yes, I’ve been very good,” I inform her. “I’ve been running for 20 minutes every day!”

“What?” she stops, eyes widening. “No, no, no, you shouldn’t do that. You need to vary your heart rate.”

Some yoga-yahoo hears us and half slithers, half dances to where we stand. “Too much strain on your muscles will make your body retain fat. It’s better to do flexibility training.” Limbs extend from places that couldn’t possibly exist in this dimension as I tilt my head over to try and politely make eye contact. Her head is twisting around her leg and I start to wonder if she’s had bones removed to make this possible.

“What do they call that move?” I ask her.

“The dodo bird.” At least I think I hear “dodo bird”. Her voice is muffled with her mouth pressed up against her outer thigh.

“It’s all about strength,” Bob the Bodybuilder interjects as he picks up 200 lbs dumbbells from behind me, alternating bicep curls on the right and left. “You tear the muscle, then they grow back even bigger. That’s what really burns your fat.”

I cringe at the thought of tears in any part of my body. Aren’t tears supposed to be bad? I’m certain I’ve heard terms like “tearing a ligament” or “tearing muscles” thrown around on Grey’s Anatomy and it never sounded like a good situation to me.

“I’ll stick to the running,” I say.

As if I’m not even there, they continue to go discuss the latest studies they read from one health magazine or another. It isn’t until they all manage to get on the topic of the latest fad diet by Dr. McSkinny that they find some common ground.

“You’re not following that nonsense are you?” Master Yoga asks.

“Nope! But I’ve stopped eating carbs and added more fruits and vegetables to my diet,” I tell the gym cult.

“What kind of vegetables?”

Although I can tell by their faces this isn’t as simple a question as it seems, I plow ahead. “You know… the basics: green beans, baby spinach, carrots, corn.”

They nearly faint in unison. “Corn? Do you know how starchy that is? It’s terrible for you!” It was a good thing I didn’t mention the potatoes.

Someone else pipes in. “It’s the green beans that you’ve got to stop eating. Do you know what’s in that crap?”

No. I absolutely don’t know what’s in that crap, but I’m careful to circle my head between a nod and a shaking in hopes they’ll let it drop. They don’t. I’m told I shouldn’t eat grapes for breakfast, because they’ll cause bloating, and avocadoes are out of the question.

A war ensues as they go back and forth:

Protein shakes!

Carb load for running!

Green drinks!

Nuts and berries!

Vegetarian!

No you need meat!

Cheese!

Avoid milk products!

It’s official. Food is bad for you too. Avoid it at all costs.

They’re throwing lists of diet suggestions while putting down the others’ faster than I can recognize what foods they’re talking about. I start to slink back towards the exit as Ponytail lunges towards Bob while Yoga tries to untie herself to get in on the brawl.

“Well I’m just going to go home and get some sleep,” I say in farewell.

All heads turn towards me. “Oh, make sure you get plenty of that,” Bob says. The others nod. The one thing they can all agree on… lots of sleep.

So here’s my conclusion: forego eating and exercise to find a comfortable bed.

Because, after all, exercise is bad for you.

Dear first niece and nephew,

2011-08-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

You should know that I will be your favorite aunt. There are two giant teddy bears waiting, lots of board books, BYU Cougar onesies, and that's just the beginning! I plan on having so much fun spoiling you!

Auntie Rie just has one little favor to ask:

Can you come during Fall Break?

I know it will be a while before this makes sense to you, but Auntie Rie is taking a whole lot of credits this semester and could really use your help making it easy to drive to Vegas to see you while not missing any school assignments. I was looking through my schedule and between 20th Century art history, ASL literature, and advanced photography, the best time would definitely, definitely be fall break.

Thanks babies!

Aunt Rie

Boys just don't get it...

2011-08-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

Get what, you ask? I could make lists to answer this question, but today I refer to one thing: shoes.

Ever since camping at the beginning of June, my foot was doing better. I was walking well and got the big OK from my physical therapist to stop coming to see him. (I miss the foot massage, don't miss the ice.) For a while everything was normal until I, once again, twisted it. I'm talented that way.

Mostly I'm still fine. Fine enough that I can wear whatever shoes I want... so long as I have my brace on.

The fact is, my brace only fits in a few of my shoes--despite the claim that I would be able to wear all my shoes with them-- and one of them is a pair of black wedges.

Only boys seem to think I shouldn't be wearing "heels". Classmates, supervisors at work, and guys in the ward have all made random comments about this. They don't get it. Why would they?

Girls, though, don't even seem to notice. I'm asked about why I'm wearing the brace and given a little nod of sympathy and a "nice shoes" to finish it off. They know the truth of the matter:

Cute shoes make everything better.

More Cousin Pictures

2011-07-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

I love my extended family. One of my favorite parts of living in Utah, in fact, is that I get to know cousins that were not only older than me, but lived out in Virginia while I grew up in California/Nevada. I enjoy their kids as well as their company and was excited to come help do family pictures when they asked if I'd do some individual shots while my Uncle Viljar (and the other siblings living in Texas) were around.

Probably the most chaotic family pictures I've ever been involved in, but that's bound to happen when there are 11 siblings who have spouses and lots and lots of kiddos. Here's some of the best of:

There were some fun shots to be had... like lining up the heights of all the brothers...

Ross was the obvious winner.

And with this many grand kids, I think my sister will have to have many sets of twins to catch up!

Blogger Idol

2011-07-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

A while ago, I saw on another blog I follow something about a

"Blogger Idol: writer's are the new rockstars"... Gotta love that tag line right?

While I felt far from ready to put my own entry into this blogging competition, I encouraged my friend Chessie to do so. This last weekend while I was with her in Logan, I spied on her phone and was the first to see that she was picked as a wildcard contestant this week!

So first off: Congrats Chessie!!!

Second, go read her blog: http://chezprez.blogspot.com/ She's one of the best writers I know.

Third, go to http://www.writersarethenewrockstars.blogspot.com/ And vote for Chessie to get through to next week! Once again, congrats Chess! You're my hero!

(P.S. Good luck with the whole YSB chaos to come! You're a braver soul than I!)

Out of the mouths of babes

2011-07-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

My cousin and his family are back from France for the summer and I finally got to see my three favorite little French speakers in the world!

After a big hug they stepped back and started with the compliments...

"Marie I love your hair!"...

"I love your nails!"...

"Your makeup is beautiful!"...

"You're so pretty!"

To which I replied:

"Now I remember why I missed you all so much!"

Gotta love family.

Harry Potter Day

2011-07-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

At risk of writing things that don't make sense (I told someone earlier that I "took a nap in my parking lot"), I'm posting to share a couple photos from yesterday.

When I got there, makeup was being done on Travis as Voldy. He kind of looked Blue Man Groupish, but once it was more grey he looked awesome. Rumor has it that he even won a wand for such awesomeness. (And to think he originally was going to take off the costume before seeing the movie!)

Rachel-the-seamstress proved that she was Rachel-the-makeup artist. Melanie had decided she wanted me to be Bathilda Bagshot (yes, technically not a Deatheater, but I think the idea came from the fact that I was bringing snakes). I kept forgetting I even had the makeup on until someone would comment on how great it looked.

My friend Chessie came with me to the photo shoot as well. She kept on about how she wouldn't dress up, that it wasn't her thing, that blah blah blah blah blah. Excuses, excuses. One mention of a poofy skirt that Melanie had and she transformed into Cho Chang gone bad faster than you could say "Avada Kadavra".

These were desserts being served at the student food court on UVU campus. There were Butterbeer pudding cups, Cockroach clusters with licorice wands (you could tell thy were cockroaches because of antanae made from black licorice). I love Harry Potter spirit!

After the movie--which I loved!-- I felt like an entire chapter of my life has come to a close. Melanie kept the fun going. Dressed as Bellatrix, she approached a woman dressed as Molly and they did their own rendition of the death of Bellatrix to top off an already theatrical night.

NOTE: these are unedited pictures from a cell phone. Judgers don't judge. You know who you are.

Harry Potter Eve

2011-07-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ah, Harry Potter! I remember when I first picked up book one, which lay feathered out with use from Matthew, who had already caught the bug. I finished it one morning in first hour my senior year of high school and I was itching for the next... but couldn't wait to get home for it... so I started book one again.

My family calls me "obsessed". I call myself "literate". And perhaps even "with it".

So with it, in fact, that I'm with the cool people. You know the ones. The people who dress up, stand in line for hours, go to midnight releases; the works. When HBP (book six, for the Harry Potter uneducated) came out, I mimicked the green dress Rita Skeeter wears in the fourth movie, making a purse and all. The kiddo who came with me dressed as Fred AND George. I made a sweater with a "F" on the front and a "G" on the back, and he spent the whole night at the release party switching it from one side to the other. (I must find my picture of the two of us!)

Needless to say, Harry Potter has brought some good times. And last night, there were just a few more.

My friend Melanie from school is holding a Deatheater photo shoot tonight before the movie we're going to. She's coordinated all sorts and variety to come dress up and embrace their inner nerd. To help with this, I volunteered with the sewing on some robes for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!

And cast in the role? Our dear professor Travis! If the fact that we're going to these lengths isn't quite enough, he came over for a fitting. The most entertaining fitting of my life, actually. As it was said last night "Voldemort wouldn't have a one-size-fit-all robe". We started pulling and prodding and hold-your-arms-up-demanding.

Another use for a wand

After realizing it was pointless to pin back the gads of fabric on the sleeves, I quite simply got out scissors and eyeballed it. It would have been easier if he didn't keep pulling his arm back in fear.

"You gave me an A this summer, I have no reason to cut you," I told him.

"And there's more grades to come," he threatened as Melanie extracted some personal revenge by taking photographs.

Luckily Melanie's friend Rachel knew better than me how to do alterations (it's one thing I've never had much practice at). Soon we had everything pinned up and ready and Travis went off to make his elder wand as we had some crazy times, using Melanie as our mannequin. Travis doesn't know this yet, but we're going to have a "who wore it best contest" tonight at the photo shoot.

Today will be made interesting as we start on makeup and bring my friend Gus the Snake on set. More pictures to come! And may you enjoy Harry Potter Day as much as I will!!!

To sleep or not to sleep?

2011-06-22T21:59:00.000-07:00

That is the question:
Whether 'tis better for the body to lack in coherency and alertness,
or be burdened by the lack of time man doth need using photoshop.

... I wonder if my mind can handle another all-nighter. But here's a preview to the coolness that is coming about due to very little sleep:

(HUGE thanks to my model Katy and to Mike Hughes, who loaned me the snakes. You are both amazing!)

Daddy Day

2011-06-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day everyone! Especially to my own Dad!

I've always been what you might call a Daddy's girl. My dad has been one of my greatest examples and my biggest helps. From advice to rebuilding a VW bug for a laurel's project, he's helped me in every way imaginable.

One of my favorite memories of my dad was when I was young and he used to tease by responding with "okay, Fred." I can remember, while thinking it was funny, also being irked at the nerve that he would call me by a boy's name.

"My name's not Fred!" I'd protest.

"Alright, Barney."

It could go on forever, really. He'd cycle through a list of dorky boy names and get me going at the same time. A few years ago I asked he if did that to all us kids and he said while he did, he got the most reaction from me.

Dad's always played games with us. Even when he was tired and laying in the middle of the living room floor, he'd make attempts at catching us as we ran around screeching "It's the tickle monster!" I'm grateful for a dad who was always there for us, to play, to teach and to assist. Thanks Dad! And Happy Father's Day!

Book club!

2011-06-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Monday night, I went out with a couple friends (names shall not be mentioned to protect the innocent... and embarrassed). When we found out that one of the gals in our group had bought the book Flirting for Dummies we decided to go check out said book at her apartment.

While flipping through the pages, I got an idea. A terribly funny idea. A wickedly, wonderful, hilarious idea.

"Us two need to buy it and we can have a book club!" I blurted out. I'm not great at keeping wicked, wonderful ideas to myself after all.

"I can't be seen with a book like that in my room!" _______ said. (She knows who she is.) "I'd have to hide it under my bed!"

Nevertheless, we ventured to Barnes and Noble where we found out that title wasn't in print, but was online.

"Wait!" Says I. "They have it in e-book!Now you can hide it away on your computer, _______!"

______________ was not impressed.

Of course _________ still bought it and ____________ is going to have to go back and review the first chapter for this week.

I figure it's a requirement in life to read at least one how-to book that no one should ever have to read. But as the book states:

"Never mind the energy crisis, we're facing a communication skills meltdown and it's everyone's responsibility to do their bit. Honing your flirting skills is a way to reconnect lines of communication and engage with other people..."

See? We're just doing our part! :)

Birthday!

2011-06-02T06:46:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing (and productive) birthday! I:

1) Got up early and hiked Ensign Peak to get some good pictures of the Salt Lake Valley

2) Washed my car

3) Spent the morning with the Wrights (one of my favorite families in the world! They were in town and I jumped at the chance to see them!)

4) Brought nerdbomber Wright #1 with me to physical therapy and class (where one of my professors brought doughnuts I couldn't eat, since I'm still going strong with my New Year's goal... I felt bad... it was SO sweet of him!)

5) Went to Saltair with my class and said Nerdbomber came with so we could all take pictures.

Oh, and I opened a really cool gift from my mom and should be making lots of books very shortly!

Thanks all for the birthday wishes!

Photo Illustration and Being Kind

2011-05-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

So a couple weeks ago in my photo illustration class, we were given an assignment to photography "abuse". We could pick any kind of abuse. I chose BULLYING.

I'm sure we've all seen it happen. In my mind, bullying happens as much from neglect in noticing people who are beaten down by words and action than anything conscience we do. I was able to go down to the Vegas Valley and had a group of student volunteers to help me. My idea was to use two images for each concept: one with the problems that build up, the second showing someone being kind. There is a foundation that has permeated the Clark County school district in the best way possible. The Josh Stevens Foundation is an organization started in honor of Josh, who passed away a month before his 13th birthday. (Go to the link above to read more about Josh!) The idea of this foundation is to reward kids who are caught doing genuinely kind things. Their motto:

BE KIND!

So here's what I got during that shoot!

Just a little additional explanation: to me, the words that we're called get stored up. So I wanted to have the locker filled with the things that are sometimes said without thought. The students wrote all sorts of stuff on white paper and I used their hand writing. So they were definitely more than just models!

How often have you not done something kind because you thought people would think you were stupid? (Others as well as the person you may want to do something kind for) Moments I will never forget are those when I do something in spite of nagging worries and the person tells me "I needed that today". This set was one I did with that in mind.

The other half of this one didn't quite work out (I couldn't quite catch the right moment... the kids did awesome!) I think the idea in this one is a little more straight forward, but it featured our one guy who came.

A last thanks to everyone that helped make the shoot happen and everyone go visit the Josh Stevens Foundation. (There. I linked you twice. No reason to not go check it out now!)

I hope this is a movement that makes it nationwide.

Julia Gulia

2011-05-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I was able to go up North a bit to take pictures of a cousin of mine who's "graduating" from high school this year. The quotes around that has to do with the fact that she's already started college classes, taking the opportunity to do a sort of duel enrollment. Julia is one of the most amazing girls I know, and though she's almost ten years younger than me, when we talk sometimes I realize that I'm the one looking up to her. Here are my favorite ones from our Senior Shoot!

Congratulations Julia!!!

Mommy Day

2011-05-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

As last year I told a story as part of Mother's Day I thought it might be a good tradition to keep up for both Mother's Day and Father's Day this year.

I've had a chance to think of one of the greatest ways my mom has been an example to me lately. A good friend from Florida just graduated and wrote a fantastic tribute to his dad. (I'd really recommend reading it here.)

It really got me to thinking about my own mom going back to school. I was a little older than my friend when my mom went back to school full time. We lived in Barstow, CA--where my siblings and I were born--and there was a community college there. To be honest, I don't remember her taking classes there, but I know she took as many there before there weren't more options and this was the main factor in moving to Henderson. Mom started taking classes at UNLV and I was about eight at the time.

I know I don't remember all the sacrifices. Mom worked, Dad had given up a business in Barstow and worked in constructions. There were times I know he worked by the light of lamps because he was paid in piece work rather than hourly. They were still always there for school projects and activities. I remember sometimes going with her to classes. Sometimes us kids would be guinea pigs in projects; memorizing state capitols or reading Anne of Green Gables and doing book projects, even though it was summer. They were usually the fun kind of projects, though, so I don't think we minded much.

In one class, I know we helped her out by teaching her Hyperlink (an OLD program) for a music education class. She put together something fun, but I think us kids deserved the A in that case.

There were all the times she substituted in our class. (It was always fun if we were doing particularly well in that class). Students loved her. I had classmates ask when she stopped subbing because she had her own class. They were disappointed. She was a good sub.

Her graduation day was a big deal. Our aunts came down from Utah for it. I don't think I realized then what participating in that did for me. While all four of her kids have taken a while getting to our own degrees, none of us have questioned whether or not it will be worth it. All four of us have made efforts to complete an education, and have had to work hard to do so. Her example has taught us how important education is and I, for one, am beyond grateful!

Happy Mother's Day Mom! And keep on rockin' the realm of edu-ma-cation!

Foot update

2011-05-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

So it's been quite a while since the accident, but I'm finally in some physical therapy for the foot. Lately it's just been walking down stairs and walking for long periods of time that really bother the foot, but I figure it's better to get it done and have full motion than wait and hope it comes on its own.

The thing about physical therapy: they lure you into thinking it's all fun and games. First they let me stick my feet into a hot jacuzzi tub for fifteen minutes (heaven!), then after a couple exercises the assistant massaged my foot. It felt so good and nice... then they have to go and bring out the ice pack and ruin it for me. Oh well, c'est la vive.

(Oh, and I have to mention a big THANK YOU to my sister-in-law who gave me exercises long ago when we thought it was sprained. I started using those when the boot was off and it's definitely helped give me a head start. Hope you don't torture your patients with ice though!!!)

Ever wonder...

2011-04-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

... what waking up 10 minutes before you're supposed to be at work looks like?

It looks a lot like:

"I totaled my car and broke my foot and can't stand long enough to do anything with myself"

Or even:

"I don't care if I get mistaken for a werewolf and would rather hit the snooze button".

Eh. Whatcha gonna do.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T14:55:00.001-07:00

For real this time.

Happy Easter all!

An Easter Thought

2011-04-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

The other day as I came home from my Spiral Jetty adventures, I turned down a street to get to my apartment and there were police lights at the next intersection. Sirens rang from a bit of a distance and two cars sat in awkward angles to the streets main paths, people gathered around. One woman sat in the front of the car that looked as though it had been sideswiped. "I hope she's okay," I said to my friend, watching the faces as I passed by them.

Before February and my own accident I always felt for people, but there's something different when I see it now. Even when I heard about a friend's husband getting into an accident on the freeway shortly after I went through that, I had this sinking feeling of being there with him. It was terrible. I understood that. It's never expected, never wanted, and it throws your entire life into chaos, even if you're physically better off than you could have been.

With Easter coming up I was thinking about this and the difference between the sympathy I would feel for people in a car wreck before to the empathy that reverberates through me now.

Ever wonder why Christ had to suffer? Why would he need to feel our pain? Our sorrows? Because there is a love and connection that comes with having true empathy for others. Christ suffered to understand. Christ loved us enough to know us the best way you can know others: to know how they feel.

I know it's a bit early for Easter, but we spend a whole month celebrating the birth of Christ. I'm thinking a week isn't too long to be celebrating the great sacrifice of the Atonement. Happy Easter to all!

It's 3 a.m.

2011-04-06T02:15:00.000-07:00

And my brain won't shut up. After a few hours of "sleep", I've realized all I've done is daydreamed about all the things I have to do over the next few weeks and now I have a knot in my chest and I can't even feel tired enough to really get rest.

So what am I doing? Going to the gym. At three in the stinkin' morning. Hoping to hear about the internship soon.

The Secret is OUT!

2011-03-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be an AUNT! I've been given the go ahead to shout it from the rooftops.

There are a million reasons why I've always wanted to be an aunt before I was a mom, but here are the best ones:

1) You get to spoil the kids and send them home for someone else to discipline them
2) You get to be their favorite person in the whole world (partly for the reason above)
3) You may actually have funds for buying nonsense items and frilly, frilly clothing. I've already spent about $30 on board books and stuffed animals
4) You plain old have more energy for them!

Needless to say, I'm figuring that whole baby picture thing out right about now and I can't WAIT until November!

Oh yeah, and it's going to be twins too :)

Sleep!

2011-03-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

After three nights in a sleeping bag...

with the wind whipping the fabric until I thought it was going to cave in on us...

and rain...

and freezing cold...

I get back into a warm bed, with clean sheets, and walls, and I remember...

THIS is why I'm a City Girl!

Arches was gorgeous, though. See?

(more to come on the travel blog www.riearoundtheworld.blogspot.com)

Spring Break!

2011-03-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

YAY! This is SO needed!

Initially I planned to be flying out to Orlando to visit my mission. Of course, life happens (and so do car accidents).

The good news is that a friend from school planned out a trip to the arches. We will see how hiking with crutches is. Ha! Pictures to come!!!

Photography website/ facebook page!

2011-03-03T06:34:00.000-08:00

I called my family at 6 in the morning (their time) to announce that I now have my own website. In my defense, I was extremely excited, on very little sleep myself, and knew they were usually up at that time getting ready.

There are still a couple more things I need to do (mostly adding links and writing a bio), but it's generally there. Curious to see?

www.marieteemant.com

Also, look up Marie Teemant Photography on facebook and hit "like" if you get a chance.

Yay for new things!

Would the real Miss Chester please stand up?

2011-02-28T15:21:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago I had a bunch of great girls volunteer to come and model for me during my studio time as I gimped around in my ankle brace (this was pre-fracture knowledge) It was a ton of fun and I was glad they all came. I wanted to share some pictures from one person in particular, though, and that's Miss Chester-the-bester.

Chessie and I met through an online writing site and talked for ages via instant message before figuring out that her aunt and mine served as mission companions once upon a time. Every time she's down from Logan (just like said photoshoot weekend) we try to hang out with our other bud Bean (we're not sure what Bean's actual name is, we've been calling her that for so long). So here's a little spotlight and a shout out to real Chess that I know.

Chessie is ALWAYS on the move. Jumping, dancing, playing... you name it, she'll be doing it with enthusiasm!

The many faces of Chessie. She's not a good influence on Bean.

That's not Chessie! She's rarely grumpy! (Except over stupid boys, but who could blame her?)

She gets shy every now and again.

What a beautiful model though...

And an even better friend!

Service!

2011-02-24T09:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes I know. I'm sure you're all going "AGAIN?!" Maybe it's just me but I always seem to be so stupidly amazed at how much acts of service helps out my day.

Lately I've been served a lot. I've been shown service by people from church (especially Sam and Theo), neighbors who run down and grab bags from my hand to carry up to my apartment (one girl even stopped a phone conversation with her sister), complete strangers, and roommates (who reprimanded me the other day for not asking them to do enough-- I thought I was asking a lot already!).

It's nice to be served. It really makes a difference when you're struggling to carry a food tray and the girl at the cash register demands that her co-worker help me out. Or when someone sees you coming behind them and waits, holding the door open so that you don't have to struggle to get through while not being squished. I'm really very grateful to all those who have been there for me.

But today I had my own chance to serve. There was another girl on crutches that left the same building just a little ahead of me. As I started driving down to my next building (which is literally across campus), I saw her walking (well crutching) down the sidewalk. I pulled into the middle lane and rolled down my window and asked where she was going. Turned out her class was BEYOND the other side of campus. We both end our first class about the same time, so I let her know I can give her a ride on those days.

It hasn't made my foot any less sore or my work load any less (if only), but getting the chance to do something for someone else has really lightened my spirit.

There is truly no circumstance or trial that won't be better when you add a little bit of service!

I HAVE A SECRET!

2011-02-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

And I'm very excited about it... but I can't say anything!

Otherwise it wouldn't be called a secret!

Beautiful, no?

2011-02-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

The other side of the foot is just as lovely. Who knew human skin could change so many colors eh?

Not how I planned to spend the weekend

2011-02-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

I was coming down to Vegas to do some pictures for Mihkel we didn't get to do at Christmas because things got a bit busy. I've taken this route dozens and dozens of times. Usually on my own, like this time as well. Only this time was different... this time I crashed. Yes, not exactly what I'd hoped for. I was in St. George and just heading out of the city when my car veered (just a little) and when I went to correct it, I somehow lost complete control of the vehicle, spun, and crashed into the concrete median.

I'm alright, though a little shaken and I have a HUGE left foot right now. I was very blessed that our old family friends the Schmidts were nearby. While Mom and Dad made their way up from Vegas, Roberta came to be with me at the hospital and let us stay in their home until we could go get everything out of my car. Thank goodness for good friends!

Roberta also brought me my camera when the officer gave her all my things. Yes, I took pictures while being cared for at the hospital. And again today when checking out the car (I didn't get to see it until this morning since they moved me straight to the gurney). My sister said I'm weird. I call myself a photographer :)

No fractures! YAY! The foot IS rather swollen, though, and the heat from the airbag caused some cuts and a burn on my right arm.. It's a little hard to tell in this picture.

I'm sure the staff thought I was a bit odd, but I explained that I was a photo student and they were chill. Plus, I think they were just glad I wasn't freaking out. This guy is taking some x-rays.

It's a million times better to have a friendly face there. I think I could have handled things on my own alright, but I'm SO glad I didn't have to. Thank you Sister Schmidt!!!!

Once Upon a Mission

2011-02-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

Almost four years ago in a land far and foreign to this one, I came home from pretty much the best year and a half of my life.

It's odd to me that I ever questioned whether or not I should go. Now it seems so obvious that I couldn't have chosen better. I'm currently working on a project and trying to find other students to get involved and one wrote, saying that he will be leaving on a mission in the fall, but wants to be involved with anything before then. I can't even describe how ecstatic I got on his behalf! No matter how excited he may be, I don't think he can even start to consider quite how excited he should be.

When another girl I know talked to me today about how she's going to serve a mission, it really made me think about what my mission meant to me.

Missions are taxing, difficult, heart wrenching, exhilarating, exciting, hopeful, uplifting, and defining times. They're a million things that words will never be able to explain. My mission has not only made me who I am, it has brought me every good thing since that time--sometimes literally and others through the values and traits I gained being a missionary. There are many people to thank including parents to helped send me off and people who took care of me in the great (and warm) land of Florida! It was the place I never knew I wanted to serve :)

To the kiddos and friends I know out there, start looking forward to your chance to be a missionary. There is nothing greater than doing service on behalf of the Lord. For my friends who don't share my beliefs: I still promise that the moment you think outside yourself and serve others great things start to happen.

Here's to working towards a lifetime of sharing and giving back!

Me four years ago with my last two mission companions.

COLOR!

2011-01-26T21:13:00.000-08:00

I'm super excited about my classes this semester. Every time I think about them I get this giddy little thrill, even as thoughts of homework takes over from time to time.

We have an assignment due in Color photography tomorrow and I tried a little experiment tonight for some of the pictures...

Glass of cold water, some borrowed food dye, and a whole lot of fun!!!

Faith and trust and...

2011-01-15T19:17:00.000-08:00

a little bit of pixie dust!

I was really looking forward to a photo shoot centered around a character that a friend in writers' group has and it took a LOT of arranging to get the studio and everyone's schedules aligned in the first place. Then I get there ten minutes to eight... and there's no T.A. See the only people have keys are the main professors in the program and the TAs. The studio was locked, I had three people coming to help out with this and nothing but a prayer to find everything in time. With the help of Clair and Kristen (two of my fellow photo students who have EVERYONE'S numbers) I was able to call around and Becca (one of the TAs) happened to be able to help me out. A whole bunch of lifesavers!

The pixie dust came from the lots and lots of gold and glitter and so on. So here's some pictures from Friday night!

This one I photoshopped to give her gold eyes, but it's definitely not quite right yet. Still thought I'd share.

GORGEOUS hair!

And when we were done with the gold, she wore my shirt and we had to clip the back together because Jen is tiny and I'm... well... not. It's all about make shifting when you need to!

Credits
Model: Jennifer Mardesich
Hair and Makeup: Sarah Bevan and Emily Stevens
Photography: Me
Isa Canne (character) by: Margaret Redmond

Oh Christmas tree...

2010-12-24T22:29:00.000-08:00

Home for Christmas... the wrapping, the shopping, the absolute chaos. There's nothing like it. We all have our own traditions. For some of us it's arguing over who gets to open the next present. For my sister it's hiding as many of yours behind your back so that people are forced to sit there for the last half hour with all their attention on you, unwrapping the gifts. If you're me, it's to veto any suggested trip to the mall for any reason possible.

One of our family traditions is to go look at awesomely decorated houses on Christmas Eve. I believe this stems from the both the desire to enjoy the beauty as well as the laziness that keeps us from putting up our own display. This year we went to a street that works together to decorate. Each house has their theme. Perfect photo op, right?

These first ones are at my Aunt Emma's/our family's house. This is the extent of our outside festivities!

At this house they were giving out hot chocolate too. Love that these girls were roasting marshmallows :)

I have a thing for VW bugs.

This was a display built in their garage! Seriously!

Think warm thoughts... think warm thoughts....

Classic Vegas with my brother and my new sister-in-law.

At the end of the cul-de-sac they have Santa's Village. Let's be honest, Vegas is probably where Santa comes to chillax after his big all night run.

Just for the Nelsons :)

The reason for the season.

This was my favorite. I got the Lucy at her stand for my mom (she definitely needs the help), but you have to love the real life Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

Can anyone guess this theme?

"Painting the roses red... we're painting the roses red"

I just love Peter Pan.

And in wishing you all a Merry Christmas, one more picture! While we have a shortage of lions and lambs here, we do have some dogs lying down with the cat. Merry Christmas all! And to all a safe holiday.

5 K for Cancer... finally

2010-12-20T10:23:00.000-08:00

My semester sucked all other life out of me, but now that it's break time I'm able to finally do some editing on batches of pictures that didn't have deadlines. These are from the 5K for Cancer that was held on behalf of my cousin Leo, who is battling skin cancer for the second time. Too many for captions but here's some fun photographs:

Okay, so this one is out of order, but this is a friend of my roommates who lost her mother to cancer this last summer. She's a dear and I thought it was amazing that she would come out to support another family who's going through some of the same things. Plus, someone didn't believe she was in this race, so sorry this took so long, but you can shove the pictures under their noses now!

There was a craft fair happening at the same time as the race. Just a couple tables but some friends donated some dang cute things to sell!

Several of these are my family members.

I want socks like these!

And they're off!

And the winner is...

The guy giving the high five was the second one in and spent the rest of the time cheering everyone else on that was running. Seriously cool points.

This is a man who's on chemo treatments. AMAZING! Way to go Leo!

See??? Still cheering on!

I don't know who this kid is, but I love her enthusiasm... and her skirt :)

Timp students rocked my world!

I think it was appropriate that we had adults and kids of all ages running/walking this race. The proceeds are for the family to help get Leo through treatments so they will have more time together. I loved seeing people pushing strollers through the race and all the support in general. Admittedly I signed up to run but decided to take photographs instead. (I don't do running).

Here's to hoping the treatments continue to work and praying that we have Leo with us for a long long time to come!

Provo Tabernacle

2010-12-17T17:16:00.000-08:00

I thought my next post would be some big, celebratory victory. Instead, I'd like to share some pictures I was able to get this morning. I got on facebook very early while getting ready and found out that four hours before, a fire had been reported in the Provo Tabernacle and that firemen were working to put out the destructive flames. The battle was still going when I got there.

It made me think on my way up to Salt Lake about how little can or will last forever. I have never gone inside the Tabernacle and I know a lot of people have memories of concerts or events or activities they've attended here. I hope to take advantage of as many of those unique landscapes/monuments/buildings/works of art that can be found where ever I go.

Brightening Christmas with... George Lucas?

2010-12-11T18:39:00.000-08:00

These pictures have a fun story behind them.

I was picking a couple things up at Walmart and as I came up I saw this:

Actually, that's not entirely true. They had a Storm trooper with them before. And do I have my camera with me at fantastically awesome times like this? No. Of course not. So as I came out, I asked if they were going to be there any time next week. Darth (we're on a first name basis) told me that they had obligations "elsewhere in the galaxy" but would be there until 7. The time: 6:25. Distance from Walmart: 20 minutes.

I made it home in 10. Two roommates were home. I told them to hurry if they wanted to see the most awesome thing ever. They put on their shoes and came with me, holding on for their lives as I weaved in and out of cars on the freeway. The way back took me 9 minutes.

Well worth the pictures. Don't you think?

Everyone stopped to put change in. How could you not? After all, Vader has some training in the Jedi ways and knows the mind tricks. :) Really, bravo to these awesome guys who totally made my day and found a good way to raise money for the Salvation Army!

My Last Will and Testament

2010-11-29T08:13:00.000-08:00

I, Marie Teemant, of warmer places than here, being of sound mind (and frozen assets), do hereby make, publish, and declare the following to be my Last Will and Testament.

I. All books previously placed upon the white bookshelf shall be distributed between BMMS classroom 728 and whichever charitable organizations seen fit by the reading teacher in that room (aka Mom). Please return all library books and take care of fines.

II. Italian leather gloves are to be buried with me somewhere warm. Like Bermuda. Or Hawaii. Sam McGee it if you have to, just keep my poor corpse warm!

III. All other possessions are to be sold and the proceeds are to be used towards the living and pampering of one Sassy S. Kitty, that she may be ensured a good and fat existence.

Should I survive the winter, this contract will be considered null and void until the subsequent snow fall.

Signed: Rie

Giving Thanks

2010-11-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I had the chance to go photograph a yearly project my mom leads with her students in sending packages to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Earlier in the week, all the student council kids filled out the customs forms. This was one that was missed. Each package has to be exact or they won't make it there.

Admittedly, I photographed this one because I know the family of this soldier. There were two other names given this year, though. Every year, there are different soldiers from either other teachers, people we know, or students, who have a family member/friend serving. They are delivered to the one soldier, but there are enough boxes to distribute among the unit.

A Pretty efficient assembly line got started. There were four of five stamps on each one, to make up the right total. Besides collecting items from students, they were able to raise money to help out in the $1,700 dollars in stamps!!!

Some kids were able to haul a ton...

Others... not so much.

Some of them found an easier way to get a lot to the right place.

In the end, everyone had their job!

This has been a project at Bob Miller Middle School for the last five years. My mom estimated that somewhere between 800 and 1000 soldiers have received a package like these over the years. Each of the three soldiers this year will get between 50-60 packages for them and their unit.

I'm thankful to see people serving others. What a great bunch of students! I hope they learn to carry that service through the rest of their lives. A little bit of kindness definitely wouldn't hurt the world one bit!

And, of course, I'm thankful for our soldiers. I have several cousins, my little brother, and many friends who made the sacrifice to serve our country. Happy Thanksgiving to all our troops!

Six... more... weeks...

2010-11-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have survived another week. I have made it through and am proud to say that I did so with every single assignment in. on. time. Granted one was lost to the world of the binary code and the three hour redo didn't work at all, but at least it was in.

I was thinking about it this week and this semester has kind of turned into a giant game of clue for me. I'm the host. My professors, the players. So who will it be? Which one has the power to finally do me in?

Fullmer...with Adobe... in the computer lab...

Lovell... with the outlines... in the library... or was it with the projector in the critique???

Turley... with the rasp... in the classroom... (this one tried THREE TIMES! If you don't know what a rasp is, think heavy duty cheese grater for stone... and then imagine it slicing across your knuckle!)

Really, it's amazing I haven't been finished off already, but I'm getting there.

Thanksgiving with the fam will be coming up, then Christmas and after that I get to go visit my favorite family in Arizona. So much to look forward to. And just six weeks to go!

Ever Wonder...

2010-10-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

... what the world starts to look like for me after being AWAKE for 24 hours straight then only getting 2 HOURS of sleep? Something like:

Today... shall be... an adventure.

Hello World!

2010-10-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

Remember me? No? I was that girl that used to have a life.

I used to read fiction instead of textbooks...

There was even a time I used to sleep, but then that might have all been a daydream.

This semester has been pretty crazy and is testing the edge of my limits, though I've set up some gear to keep me from falling completely off the cliff!

And if that weren't fun enough, last week I slipped in mud and knocked my shin pretty good on a stepping stone. Good enough, in fact, to warrant a visit to the student health center. Wanna see?

Lovely? No? My accident prone brother Matt would be proud. Of course, he would have one-upped me and actually broken it, but I think I'll let him win the being hurt in stupid ways contest. :)

On the Road Again

2010-08-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

I enjoy traveling, but sometimes the drives are just so LONG! This weekend I'm helping with something in Las Vegas so I headed that way today. Having made myself wake up at 5 am (yes, you can call me crazy) and doing a Zumba class, I was rather tired. One thing that sometimes helps me is to stop along the way--as I feel inspired--and take pictures. Like these ones:

Thanks to the rain it was a rather beautiful scenery as I came down. Still, it didn't quite do the trick and I had to take a nap at a Cedar City Maverick station parking lot. Oh well. Caffeine will be on the menu next time.

The Greatest Antidepressant in the world

2010-08-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

This whole week I've been quite a crab. Seriously. Red face, pincers, little beady eyes, and all. It's not that I've been trying to be that way. In fact, I've worked very hard at trying to make sure I don't come across crabby to every person I meet. I've been trying to be more social and find it helped for the most part, but then I'd be alone and suddenly the crab would return, irritated even by the slightest annoyance.

So yesterday after working a full 8 hours (having covered someone else's shift as well as my own) and being hungry all day, when a friend from my Italy adventures asked if I could help her with a paper and she'd take me out to dinner in return, I snatched it up. Part of this was definitely selfish (or shellfish, I guess if you want to continue the analogy)-- I was definitely hungry, have little that's truly appetizing in my fridge and really... there's no better person than Jen to cheer you up when you're ready to just find a hole and hide in it for the next semester just to avoid the schedule that's about to be heaped upon you.

We laughed and had fun and after full belly, I was glad to come back to the school and start helping her with the editing and last minute things she needed to have put into the paper.

At a computer kitty corner from ours was a woman who was going back to school and told us she hadn't touched a computer in about 30 years. We helped get her set up with the document and she started typing, which she said was painfully slow after years out of practice.

Jen and I worked and worked on her paper until (yay!) it was complete. She planned to stay to add a last few citations and I grabbed my bag to go home and crash for the night.

Then I noticed out of the corner of my eye that the woman we'd helped earlier had everything handwritten already. She was having to type with just her index finger, trying to make it go as fast as she could and I had an idea. "How about I type for you?" I asked her.

She seemed amazed. She told me she was about to cry (a feeling I remember well at the greater generosity of some donors that allowed me to go to Italy). I sat there and typed for the next hour as we got through two of her assignments then I helped her submit them.

Was I tired by the end? Exhausted. But it was worth it. Even this morning I feel happier and brighter. Finding a simple opportunity to serve in that way has practically vanished all the selfish, bitter, mean feelings I've harbored all week that have been weighing me down. In a little way and with little effort and time I was able to help her, but I was also able to remind myself how to get out of these funks--by service.

It's a tried and true method and I hope that next time I remember it sooner! That way I won't have people ready to throw me into a pot of boiling water!

Independence Day

2010-07-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

July 4th was practically sandwiched this year with Patriotism! Because it was on a Sunday, Stadium of Fire was held Saturday night and the City of Provo did their big parade Monday morning. It was great good fun! I went with Chessie Saturday night up to the park where we had a mini picnic and then went to see the new Robin Hood at the dollar theater (gotta love Provo) before finding a cozy spot on the hill to watch the big show.

The fireworks were fun, but the normal 10 minutes it would have taken to drop her back off at her house took an hour and a half!!!

Monday morning instead of fighting the traffic, My roommate and I took our bikes and headed down to Lance's for breakfast and to watch the parade. Being early, I almost forgot my camera, but luckily it was a three minute bike ride to remedy! Here's what we saw:

Here's the Gang: Trent, Taylor, Liz (the roomie), Levi, Lance and DK. We had pancakes while we were waiting!

Marching Bands have a tendency to make me nostalgic. The other day I was driving while Provo High was marching the streets practicing and I had the ridiculous urge to go find a flag and start doing drop spins!

Besides the Marching bands we got to see:

The Boyscouts

Some serious Viking-ness

Provo's cutest baby!

Great Old Fashioned Cars

Bag Pipers

Cheerleaders and Dancers

You know... just in case someone dies of heat stroke during the parade.

Lady Liberty and our Founding Fathers

Cinderella (Of COURSE! What's more patriotic than Disney?)

Remember Harry and the Henderson's? This is Harry's son... Harley.

And just because it's Utah:

Moses, Joseph and Nephi...

The Missionaries (The sister's were the most photogenic... sorry!)

And the #1 reason to be an AP is...

And these... these were just fun!

Hope everyone had a great Independence Day!

Eye Candy Crush

2010-06-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

The other night I met some friends for dinner. One of these friends just got back from her year and a half mission in Japan. Our other friend brought her hubby. My new RM friend brought her brother who was visiting from Hawaii.

Her brother is (not going to lie) VERY attractive. Yes, I had an eye candy crush in about ten seconds. THEN he spoke.

See my friend is originally from Australia. So is her brother! In case you've been living in a cave somewhere, you need to know that Australian accents are pretty much the hottest thing out there.

Even in Italy whenever I saw some very attractive guy, nine times out of ten when he opened his mouth it became very clear he was from Australia. I definitely know where my next big trip will be to!

Breakfast dilemma

2010-06-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

You know how when you're going to be gone for longer than your milk's expiration date you make sure to get rid of all your perishables?

So when you're back that first morning and go to have some breakfast you realize... you got nothing.

You can't have toast, because you need bread for that.

Eggs--zilch... so no omlet.

No milk, so while you have plenty of cereal, that's out of the questions because, face it, only heathens and babies eat cereal dry.

And just as you're about to resign yourself to ramen noodles for breakfast, you move aside a bag of flour and there is the Holy Grail of breakfast items: Pop Tarts.

Your mouth starts to water and you're singing Hallelujah as you wait for them to warm up and then you realize... life is good again!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2010-05-09T01:05:00.000-07:00

So since I'm in Italy and won't get to spend the day with my family, I figured this would be a good place to express my love for my mummy!

One memory I have of my mom was when I was probably in my late years of Elementary school. Mom used to play the piano a lot when we were younger, playing while my sister or I sang or just sitting down and playing through song books. I remember my little brother--who, with no doubt, watched our older brother as he was starting to excel in music--decided that he would write music himself. He would bring lined school paper that (honestly) had gibberish. Knowing what I know now, I don't think he was even using a staff or bar lines. Just note after meaningless note.

He would then hand the paper to my mom, wanting to hear what his masterpiece sounded like. She'd place the paper carefully on the piano, sit down, and make the most beautiful song. We were all amazed! We had a prodigy in the family!

It wasn't until one day our uncle came into town and watched us when our parents went out, that it even occured to me what was going on. Matt asked him if he played the piano. He said that he did play a little and---excited--Matt brought him his music. Our uncle sat down to play it, fumbling for a few minutes, and then said "Well... I think this is just a little too complicated for me."

That's about when I realized my mom had been making it all up.

My mom has always encouraged and supported us in our endeavors. As we've become older she's also given us sound advice and needed critisism to help us improve, but I know she's always been there when it was most important to me!

So Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!

Love,
Marie

P.S.
Your mother's day gift is in the guest room, third shelf on the bookcase in the little yellow mug. Just in case Dad forgets :)

Happy Birthday to me!!!

2010-05-03T05:34:00.000-07:00

Well... technically, happy UN-birthday to me. But since I'm going to be in VENICE on my birthday (see http://www.riearoundtheworld.blogspot.com/) my mom decided we would have birthday cake last night!

Here are the delicious pics!

My family's the best!

PS My real birthday is June 1st... don't forget! :)

Nothing but Blue Skies!

2010-04-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning, took a shower, got dressed, did my hair and makeup, and looked outside to see snow flurry down at an obnoxious rate. I squinted at the nasty white substance and thought to myself today would be a great day to take a drive to Vegas.

And do you know what I saw? Now don't get jealous...

I just about died when I saw the beautiful blue skies! I had to pull over and get a picture! It's not often you see Vegas without the smog cloud over it.

To all my Utah friends--hope this brightens your day!

The End

2010-04-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

Finals week brings out the blonde in me in the WORSE way! Why is it that when it's of necessity to keep my brain focused and together it flees me completely? No really, I've been a basket case trying to get everything together and finish with grace, but it just ain't happening people!

On a good note, I ROCKED my computer graphics app final. It was a project to create a new packaging for a sweet. I chose gummy worms. It looked like this:

And the tops look like this:

My professor made a couple comments, shook the can and asked: So what's in here?

Me: Gummy worms

Him: No, really, what's in here?

Me: No, really, gummy worms

Him: NO!

Then everyone asked me how I'd done it. I was sneaky and opened the bottom of the can with one of those can openers that breaks the seal. Then I put the worms in and glued the bottom back on.

Yay for getting something right! And if there are any brain donors out there-- this scarecrow is looking!

Something to be Proud of

2010-04-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

So my sister calls me yesterday and starts out with "I'm so proud of myself."

"Why's that, Megan?" I ask, because I'm a good older sister and always show interest in what she's doing.

She tells me about the tests she's having done to get ready for when her and her husband have in vitro done later this year. She explained a test where they do an ultrasound to see how many eggs your ovaries produce. Apparently most women produce an average of 12 per ovary. "My count was 19," she said, excited. I imagine she was probably jumping up and down at this point as if she won the lottery. "It's just nice to know everything is working right and everything, ya know? And you know what this means? Your ovaries probably work great too."

Great. My ovaries produce lots of eggs. Can you put that on a resume? Maybe I can use it on a first date. Like "You know if things ever did work out, you should know I have a family history of great functioning ovaries" *wink wink*.

Ha! The many things in this world we have to be proud of!

Show of Talent

2010-04-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

Monday night I saw something that was indescribably hilarious. Something I never thought in my entire life I would EVER see. Like... EVER!!!

We had our last big activity in our singles' ward--a talent show. They did a bake off, did a big picture montage to music where we all oohed and ahhhed, and, of course, people showed off what they could do! One of the coolest things were two guys who did a whole bunch of 90's songs, one playing the guitar and singing and the other playing the cello.

But that wasn't the hilarious part.

Let's see if I can summarize the craziest talent of the night:

Six roommates

All guys

Wigs

Black tennis dress and shirt

Sound of Music

My side splitting with laughter

Seriously... they did pieces from each of the major songs. And Maria VonTrapp? The first AP from my mission. Yup. Elder Dayton. AHHHHH! I just about died when he came out the in previously mentioned dress and the t-shirt on his head like a makeshift habit. Then there was the moment when one of them came out in a blond wig singing "sixteen going on seventeen".

To sum up: You never know what you're going to see at a ward talent show. So be careful. Be very, very careful.

Adding up...

2010-04-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

You would think when you join up as an art major, you wouldn't have to deal with math anymore... right? Wrong! Wrong, wrong, wrong!

Anyone who's studied photography knows that the main factor is light. There are two variables: aperture (how big the opening gets) and shutter speed (how long the shutter stays open). Both basically fulfill an equation that looks something like this:

light coming in x time= exposure

Lost yet? Yeah, that's what I thought. So I made a little diagram...

So in other words, you need a certain amount of light and the two factors have to balance that out. But--since each has a different effect-- you might want to swap one for the other. This is known as reciprocity. Like so....

Got it? Good. Now I'm going to let you in on a little secret... if the exposure is too long (when using film) there's this loving thing called reciprocity failure. That's right. The simple back and fourth FAILS! This just goes to show that math and science isn't everything it pretends to be.

You see, if your shutter speed is too long, all the sudden you need MORE time to make sure enough light gets in. I'm sure someday this odd fact will start to make sense to me, but for now... it's proof to me that math is completely overestimated and unpredictable.

Dear World,

2010-03-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I look so crappy today.

Tuesdays I work until midnight, which means if there's any homework to be done, I'm pulling a late night. And boy was last night a late night.

See, World, we have to sign a children's story in ASL this morning, and you should know that I've had very little time to practice. So I came home from work and--like the dilligent student I am-- I worked and worked on my story so that, hopefully, I don't embarrass myself today... and keep it under 8 minutes. (Do you know how hard it is to keep a story under 8 minutes for me?!)

All of this translates to going to sleep at 3 am, missing my alarm, and having exactly 12 minutes to get ready.

So try not to look at my unwashed hair and bloodshot eyes. Try, if it's possible, to not notice the day old makeup, covered with a layer of powder and extra eyeliner.

Thank you World... I'll do better tomorrow!

Photo shop fun!

2010-03-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

So we had an assignment in my computer graphics class called "smoke and mirrors". We were required to put together two or more pictures and make them look right. So... I took this:

And this:

And came up with:

TA-DA! I'm a genius! I also have to thank Tiffany and Brian for being willing models as well as Lacey, who let me borrow her ballet clothes!

Trips to Costco

2010-03-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

So if you could buy anything in bulk... anything at all what would it be?

Me?

Garlic.

Lots and LOTS of garlic. Like this:

Somehow the process of using garlic when it's already peeled and cleaned is so much easier, my garlic consumption has risen by about 200%. If you were worried about my dating life before, you ain't seen nothing yet!

(For the record, I did also invest in several packs of gum. Pretty sure I'll have to get some more though!)

The Unedu-ma-cated

2010-03-15T18:26:00.001-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me that people seem to have NO IDEA how to use a library. I've been looking up and finding my own books since I was ten. I wondered why every year in school we were taken into the library to be explained to--in very simple language-- how to search for a book and find it. It really wasn't that hard. You get the weird numbers and look at how they numbers coordinate with the shelves. At some point you'd come across a general topic and start looking for the specific book. It doesn't take a PhD to understand. Or so I thought.

Working at the library has been an eye opener. I'm sure half the people that can't figure out the call numbers would be able to stalk their favorite celeb with ease or search through facebook with great skill, but they have no clue how to find a novel by Charles Dickens (scratch that--they've probably never even HEARD of Charles Dickens!)

Really, though... what beats it all... when you point out the reference desk with the big sign above it that says REFERENCE and they start looking around asking "where?" Has education gotten to this point? Really?

Gone! Gone! Gone!

2010-02-25T10:14:00.001-08:00

My hair's gone, that is. Yup, chopped it all yesterday. This weekend I will be sending what would fit into a ponytail off to Locks of Love because I hope that some kid who is having to face all sorts of other ordeals won't have to feel awkward with people looking at them because they've lost their own hair.

Besides this, I get these random urges to change things up once in a while. It hit about a year ago with the chopping the hair. See how much self control I have? I waited a whole year to make sure there was enough to donate! So... here's the before, during and after!

This is how long my hair was....

There's the donation...

And TA-DA! Were you worried there for a moment? I wasn't! One... this isn't the first time I've had it short and two... I had the amazing Tanya Heaton Moir doing all the styling for me!

P.S. To all the moms out there: When you're daughter is 25 and decides to do anything with her hair, a simple "that's nice" will do. You're both too old to be dealing with your mourning over the loss of her long hair and the ability to put it in a ponytail.

The Age Game

2010-02-24T12:32:00.001-08:00

So yesterday I was told twice-- that's right twice-- that I look younger than I am.

The first was a girl from my ASL class. She mentioned that she was eighteen and when me and the other girl in our small group called her young, she said we weren't much older. When we asked her how old she thought we were she said I looked twenty-two.

The second was a co-worker who, when I mentioned something about my mission in Florida, gave me a funny look. "You're not old enough to have already been on a mission," she said. Again, when asked how old I looked, she said twenty-one or twenty-two.

The amazing part in all this? I've surpassed the age when being told I look younger is actually a compliment!

Oh the discoveries!

Long time, No Blog

2010-02-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

I realized the other day that it's been a while since I've posted anything. This isn't so much because I'm busy (although I am), but that my life has been rather mundane as of late. Most of what's exciting are events I'm looking forward to. Then I realized it's somewhat ungrateful for me to think of all my little blessings as mundane.

So here's just a few things I'm excited and very grateful for:

~Going to Italy in May-- made possible by a VERY generous and annonymous donor. I hope someday to have the means do to the same!

~Getting a new digital SLR. I love film, but I'm looking forward to getting to play around a bit without the cost of film. (Plus the time in developing.)

~Enjoying the rest of this semester. I have great teachers and I'm finally getting used to the new schedule.

Other things I'm grateful for? My health, my shockingly good looks, great-grand friends and family, and warm days in the midst of snowy ones!

Life may be a bit same old right now, but all the same I love it!

Adventures in Piano

2009-12-04T21:59:00.000-08:00

I confess. I'm the type of person that often sits there and worries about what people think of them. When I'm struggling in a class, I worry that people think I'm stupid. When I'm good in a class, I worry that the other students will think I'm a know it all. I worry when I say something stupid or don't say anything at all. I worry about what Jane Doe might have thought when I made that comment in church and if she'll go home and talk with her roommates about how much I babble on and on.

So when the parents of the ward mission leader (of my last ward in Florida on my mission) come up to me after the baptism and say "it was so nice of you to fill in on the piano", my first thought is that my playing was so bad, everyone thought I had to be filling in.

In fact I was filling in. I had played for another baptism there already. There was an assumption that since there were three sister missionaries serving in the ward, one of us had to be able to play the piano. They were right. It was me (but not very well, mind you!). "Please call a pianist," I had requested fervently for the January baptism we were coordinating.

"Yeah, no problem," he'd assured me. When we came that night, there was a crowd of people, but no one to play the piano. Inevitably I sat at the bench, worrying about how awful each jarring note must have been to all the poor listeners.

About a month later, my mission companions and I took an investigator to see another baptism. Once again, there was no one to play, so I sat through, hoping that people would let me and my companions into their homes after.

As my companions talked to Sister Nelson (who was getting baptized the next week), I talked to my ward mission leader. Well, it wasn't so much talking as begging. "Please, please, PLEASE remember to call someone to play the piano next Saturday," I asked, hands clasped and ready to get on my knees if need be.

"I will," he told me. I looked skeptical, he promised again. I made a mental note to call him the day before.

As we turned to the others, Sister Nelson had a glint in her eye. "I didn't know you could play the piano! Will you play for my baptism next week?"

My ward mission leader smirked. I hid a scowl. "Yes, of course," I said. I can only hope I didn't ruin anyone's favorite song.

When I started school again, I decided my dismal playing skills had to improve. I signed up for one credit of piano lessons. It turned out to be a great class to have. No midterm. No busy work. And an excuse to mess around on the piano for at least five hours a week. I have taken private lessons for two semesters now. This summer, the family I stayed with got sick of my playing, I'm sure. The kids locked up the piano at least, but I continued to practice whenever possible.

When I went home last Christmas (after semester 1 of lessons) I sat at the piano and practiced. Upstairs, my younger brother, who's loathe to compliment me in anything, went to ask my mom "Is that Marie playing? No way!"

That's right. It's amazing what some hard work, an expert teacher and some determination to never be caught off guard again can do to a girl! Though my playing was far from perfect and I still have a long way to go, I have to say that I'm grateful for the ability to improve on the talents we've been given and for the people in our lives who encourage, support, and sometimes even coerce us into useing them.

Marie

PS Thanks Annie for singing and enjoy the video :)

One Fishy Morning

2009-11-15T18:44:00.001-08:00

It was a quiet Sunday morning. With church not starting until two, my roommates and I were all minding our own business, taking the morning easy. There was a slight thump near our door.

"Probably someone visiting next door," Liz said.

Being in a complex, you often hear the comings and goings of the next door neighbors. We continued to get ready for church. The blowdryers ran, the curling irons heated and sounds of running shower water filled the air.

A real knock at the door approached. "Come in!" several of us shouted simultaneously. The door creaked open.

"Why is there a dead fish on your doormat?"

We all went over to where a frozen dead fish, laying on its back, looked up at us. I could hear the "glug, glug, glug" of my stomach churning.

Freddie the fish chilled on the frontdoorstep until we were about to leave for church.

Melissa and Liz started rounding up the usual suspects. Lance was out of town and Levi claims he wasn't around during the hour of dropoff. We're still checking out the alibis.

For the person who put the dead fish there--whoever you are-- beware! I watch Bones, Law and Order, and Cake Boss. (So the last one doesn't have anything to do with this, but I do love seeing the elaborate cakes they make...)

If there's anything I've learned from Hollywood, it's that there is always evidence left behind. We will find you. If it's the last thing we do!

Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T10:23:00.001-08:00

As I talked to my mom the other day, she expressed how appalled she was that Utah doesn't observe Veteran's Day across the board. The banks are still closed and we may not get our mail, but the rest of us continue on as if it were just an average day.

This could be because we have a fall break, or maybe it's a choice of Utah to observe Pioneer Day instead. Either way, we're missing out on the purpose of a vital holiday in our nation.

I challenge everyone to do something this Veteran's Day to make it a real holiday (especially my friends in Utah!).

My mom mentioned that she is writing to all the Soldiers she knows today.

Her class is leading the school in their annual drive for care packages. Soon they'll gather all the items students have brought and send hundreds and hundreds of packages to different units who are so faithfully serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

One thought I had this morning was from a book I read this summer on WWII. An army man commented that even though they were paid no one would let them spend their money while on leave. Broadway shows were shockingly discounted for our troops, meals were free, and no one let them leave a shop without some token of appreciation.

As I went into the dining area, I noticed a Soldier getting his breakfast and thought about that quote I'd read. Before going in, I went up to the cashier and handed her some money. "I want to pay for the man in uniform," I told her, then went to get my drink.

I hope that we can get to the point that our military men and women are treated with the respect and honor they deserve! I can't thank them enough for the sacrifices they are making for me so that I can live in a country where I can freely choose who I want to be, where I want to go and what I want to do with my life.

Thank you again, and may you have God's protection.

Marie

Facebook: the Plague

2009-10-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Facebook friends of generation TMI,

I don't care if you just got out of the shower.

Your choice of breakfast cereal holds no interest for me.

If I wanted to know how the Dodgers are doing, I would turn on ESPN.

It would be nice to know once in a while how you're doing, instead of just what you think about the lastest politics.

If you're my friend, I could probably tell you which character of Twilight you're most like better than some automated quiz a bored ninth grader created. (fyi Just because you take the quiz doesn't mean you need to post it.)

Overly sappy sentiments are better left in a message between you and your significant other instead of advertised on your status update.

Everyone can tell when you're saying something you'd be embarrassed to say to someone's face. If you wouldn't say it in public, don't post it.

I would like to know...

...About birthdays, anniversaries, and other momentous occasions you're having. It's nice to be able to celebrate in a little way for you!

...How you're doing! Isn't that the point of staying in touch? To see how each other are doing?

...Interesting articles or information you've found--in reasonable quantities.

I hate the feeling of hiding your updates on my wall, but less is more. And sometimes you're giving too much.

Rie

Picture Blog

2009-09-02T17:57:00.001-07:00

I'm taking a lovely photography class that still uses the retro form of film! Of course this also means working in the dark room with chemicals and all sorts of other scientific knowledge that will help me take better pictures. (I'm just glad we have to know what the effect is and not the entire scientific reaction that occurs.)

We worked this week on manipulating the paper in the dark room. Not to bore you with the details, but the paper works like the film in the sense of light exposure = dark areas. So these are called "photograms", which are done by putting objects on the paper to block the light from darkening certain areas. Some items are more transparent, turning those spots grey instead. Here are the photograms that I did...

This was a "desk" concept. Several people used this same idea. This was an easy one, setting the timer and strategically placing the objects on the page to try and make it look cool. The real magic happened in the developer. If you've never seen a picture developed old school, I highly suggest finding your closest dark room and have a gander.

This was the one I was REALLY excited about. After the demo our professor did on Monday I went home and started planning. This one was a process. I made the tree and 3 hills with thick paper and an exact-o knife (including the cut out of the little creature there). I also used wax paper to make clouds, though I didn't like how they were turning out on the test runs, so I scrapped that. The snow is sugar in the raw that I got packets of from a local bookstore/cafe. This is the third attempt. The first was over exposed, the second underexposed. And as Goldilocks would say, this one was just right.

Education Week and Mt. Timp

2009-08-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

When I got back to Utah, I noticed pamphlets of Education Week going around. The week was fun, full of motivation and a real spiritual boost. I figured it was time to start applying as many of the principles I learned as possible to make myself a better person.

One of the seminars I attended was about making college scholarship material that would be reusable on several applications and "wow" the panel/committee who decided who got money. One of the things the brother talked about was rephrasing to make accomplishments/roles sound impressive while keeping them honest and not puffed up.

For example, if you were a Laurel class president you could say:
"I was president of the local chapter of the largest organization in the United States for women ages sixteen to eighteen".

Sounds good huh?

I had been invited previous to that night to take a midnight hike up Mount Timpanogos-- one of the largest peaks in Utah-- and try to hit the summit to watch the sun rise. When I was sitting on my couch with a book in hand and a box of truffles in my lap this sounded plausible. Sure I could hike 18 miles, though I had never hiked that far and hadn't even done a short hike in about 6 years.

So off I went, thinking this would be so much fun. Let's just say this was a tall mountain. A very, very tall mountain. (Or as that brother would have put it, it was a high peak of a challenging distance.)
One of the guys in the group was very patient, coaching me along as everyone else went up ahead, to meet the other half of the group who had camped out for the night. I thought I was doing okay until we started to hit some rocky ground. "Okay, we have to go up this slide of rocks," he said, after scouting out where the trail picked up. As far as I was concerned it wasn't where it was supposed to be.

I started to implement the idea of rephrasing the comments. As I prepared myself for the steep climb up the loose rocks, I thought, "I will ascend the stony way."

Later, as we were getting closer to Emerald Lake and my feet felt like lead, my legs like rubber, I told myself, "I am unbalanced and at a loss for energy."

As everyone else went the last couple hours to the summit, I used someone's sleeping bag and slept in a little shed built by the glacier lake. Instead of worrying about the hard, concrete floor, I changed the content to "a quaint little one room cabin on the edge of an exotic body of water."
After a few hours of rest, I got a head start to where a couple of people were waiting for us to meet up with them. While giving me directions, one of the guys told me to walk along the edge of the cliff. I asked him politely if he would tell me to “take the path along the ledge,” instead.

Through this method of easing the terminology I was able to make it safely back to civilization with the knowledge that I probably shouldn’t have tried hiking Mt. Timp in the first place (what can I say… hindsight is 20/20).

Still, in the process I think I was able to prove that 1)what you learn can apply in all areas of your life and 2) It really does matter how you say things!

Cat and Dogs

2009-08-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

No I didn't forget to pluralize the "cat" in the title. I have had a cat since my freshman year in high school. Her name is Sassy (though sometimes I call her Sassafrass... my brother used to call her the two year supply). My sister got a cat at about the same time along with the family dog we already had. Life was good for Sassy.

The dog eventually ran away and my sister's cat became feral. Sassy was promoted Queen of the castle and life was great.

Then came Cosby. I was on my mission when my mom went through empty nest syndrome and got herself a lhasa apso puppy. The first email from her after this purchase went something like this:

I got a new puppy. He's sooooooo cute! Your brother came home for a few weeks. My puppy is soooooooo cute!!! We hope you still have limbs after the mosquitos finish feasting on your flesh. I'll send pictures of the puppy soon because he's SOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!!!

I can't be held responsible for any abuse Queen Sassy edured, though she obviously held her own. The first thing I noticed when I came home was that my mom's puppy fought like a cat and steered clear of mine.

If this wasn't enough, my sister decided it would be fun to get a female Lhasa--which she named Belle-- and breed them at some point. Some point came unexpectedly this last December with a litter of 10 puppies. Though my mom cried at each parting, she consoled herself that she would get to keep one of them.

So we have three lhasa apsos in the house--Cosby, Belle, and Cooper. Cooper really likes Queen Sassy. He likes to think Sassy is his playmate. Sassy's lost her touch with training the beasts to leave her the heck alone. The following is a video of me trying to get her to fight back against the monster known as Cooper. I think she did a pretty good job:

Sassy Strikes Again

CATS RULE!

p.s. Because my sister pointed out it sounds like something not as nice, I'll clarify that I said "whop him sass"

Biking

2009-07-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to say, except that I hit 1,000 miles on my bike today. I bought my bike a little less than a year ago and my dad bought me an odometer/speedometer device so I could keep track. Though I didn't do as well as I should have this summer, I have hit the 1,000 mark on my evening ride!

The next goal is to train to do the Pacific Northwest coastline next summer!

She Gave me the Big Bed- some thoughts on leadership

2009-07-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

In today’s world, we’re used to a definition of leadership that gives privilege, power and prestige. Those of high standings can sometimes convince themselves they are above certain consequences for dubious behavior or try and take the extra advantage, simply because they can. To hold rank over someone is a constant reminder that you have more than them. Recently, there has been one story after another of politicians in the middle of scandal, both in office and in their personal lives.

The Lord would have us lead a different way. His way.

When I first entered the Florida Orlando Mission, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was assured—as I’m sure most new missionaries are—that my trainer was the best of the best. I came to find out that Sister Powell had trained once before and had been an example and leader in our mission. While we served together, she was called to lead all the sisters, giving me opportunities to serve with many sisters I would not have otherwise. Sister Powell was gentle, kind and understanding, and showed me so from my first day.

During our first week together, Sister Powell and I lived with two other Sisters in a neighboring area. This was because our area was new for Sisters and there was not yet an apartment for us to stay in. As the arrangements were completed, we were able to go into a new apartment. Furniture from storage was brought for us to use. We had a queen-sized and a twin-sized, which had been donated from our ward.

“Who’s getting the big bed?” asked an Elder who had been helping with the move.

As my experience in seniority and leadership up to this point had been entirely worldly, the answer seemed obvious. “Sister Powell, of course,” I said as we finished loading up a truck.

The morning had been long and arduous, and we still had the rest of the day to go. I fell asleep during our lunch and woke up to Sister Powell putting her own sheets onto the twin bed. The other was already made up and ready. “But you were supposed to have that one,” I told her.

“I was making it up, thinking how nice it would be to sleep in a big bed,” she said. “Then I realized how selfish that was and how I’m supposed to be serving you.”

She continued to make the other bed, insisting against all argument that she would get better sleep away from the large window by the bed she’d prepared for me.

This was the first of many occasions I found Sister Powell showing what it truly meant to be a leader in the Kingdom of God. She showed her love of Christ by serving “the least of these” (Matt 25:40) and served with all her “heart, might, mind and strength” (D&C 4:2). She taught me that a true leader doesn’t take advantage, but instead finds ways to bear the yoke of those they have stewardship over. They are willing to take responsibility, strive to be humble, and find new ways to be obedient to allow themselves to be close to the spirit.

As my time came to lead others in the mission field, I tried to emulate the example Sister Powell set for me. I strove to put the needs of the Sisters I was called to lead first, and I hope I was the sort of leader that would give up the big bed.

Ten Things I Learned from my Chocolate Fast and More

2009-06-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

I realized I haven't exactly been great about giving a general update on my life. This is because I feel kind of silly talking about myself and announcing what I've been up to. Still, I think one reason I found the blog idea appealing was as a way to let people know what is going on with me from time to time without having to go into some monologue when I get together/ catch up on the phone with them!

This summer I was invited to live with a dear, sweet family with four little nerd bombers that I simply love to pieces. (By the way, nerd bombers is my new favorite phrase). They live in Mesa, AZ and moved here while I was on my mission. While I lived in Reno, I nannied for the four previously mentioned nerd bombers and they were my only way to relate to Sister Goodman when she'd talk about how much she missed her nieces and nephews. I've had fun with them at the library, taking long walks in the Phoenix heat, going swimming, and getting crafty.

Though I've had no luck finding a second job to suppliment my income, I've taken it as a sign to take the extra time and do something that I've wanted to for a long time: sell my jewelry. As I'm sure most anyone who will read this already knows (because I'm pestering anyone who will hear with the info) I have started to design and sell pieces on etsy at www.jewelrie.etsy.com. Hopefully I will find some success. Next summer I'm wanting to sell at little city events throughout Provo/SLC. We'll see if I can help support my hobby and earn some college money while I'm at it!

Last, as of this past week I completed one of the most difficult tasks I've ever undertaken: I went a full year without chocolate. A roommate of mine came home one day, deciding that we should show we had self control by doing this. I did it mostly to support her. So did her sister. The three of us accomplished what we set out to do, some of us more stoically than others. There are many lessons I got out of my chocolate fast. Here I will leave you with the top 10:

1) Recies Pieces do not have chocolate in them.
2) 99% of the time, when someone wants to do something nice for you, they make you something with chocolate in it.
3)I have true friends who would call for a full intervention if I'd tried to go for another year (Thanks Chessie!)
4) Some people consider Oreos chocolate-- even though they don't have any real chocolate in them!
5)Approx. 79% of the girls I know believe that they would die if they went without chocolate for a year.
6) The other 21% suggest to "just keep going" because "you're on a roll"... they are the crazy ones.
7) Don't leave your really good chocolate in the fridge where nerd bomber #1 can reach it.
8) Chocolate starts looking good for breakfast when you haven't had it for a year.
9) Some people are cruel and tease you with chocolate... right when you're craving it the most.
10) I can do anything!

My Superpower

2009-06-03T17:52:00.001-07:00

Anyone who knows me (or has even seen a picture) knows I'm white. Like... whiter than white. While my siblings all managed to steal the Estonian genes which allow them to look Latino by the end of summer, I ended up with the pure Irish side. Not that I'll complain-- it means I can pull off red hair where they can't.

Over the years, the whiteness has perpetuated. Once I went to college there was little to no reason for me to go out and tan. In fact, tanning for me is to burn and peal in the hopes that the layers beneath might toughen up before summer's end. When Ido tan I don't so much end up with tan lines, but areas of graduated whiteness. So I stayed indoors, where I read lots of books and refined crafty, crafty skills. Then I went on a mission. Even in the Florida sun my "graduated whitness" lines ended somewhere between my shoulder and elbow, and below midcalf range.

This summer I'm in Phoenix. It's hot. Like HOT hot. It's a good excuse to use the family pass the Wrights have and take the kids swimming a lot. With the security of 50 SPF sunscreen, I went out with them. By the end of last week my back was red as a tomato; my neck was scarlet; my arms were threatening to blister and bubble; my legs... still white as ever. I was amazed. I went out again and again. Nothing.

This week I tried a little experiment. I slathered myself with plenty of sunscreen everywhere, except my legs. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Not even a little pink.

My conclusion? I have a superpower! My legs have gotten so white that they reflect the heat of the sun! Who knew, right? I just need to find a way to use these powers for good... and a cool superhero name.

Everything I learned, I learned from Primary Children

2009-05-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

My family gave me grief when I moved home and decided I wanted a break from singles' ward. To be honest, it wasn't so much that I don't like singles' wards as it was that I really wanted to have some fun in a family ward. I like my family's ward, especially in more recent years. Besides the adults that I've grown to love on short trips home, there are opportunities that you don't get in a singles' ward. Like callings in primary. Yup, they called me to watch a group of ankle-biters ages four going on five. There were ten of them on a full day. They figured they needed two of us for purposes of wrestling them into reverence, so I had a team teacher.

In case you were wondering, the best kind of gossip comes from primary. Whether it's finding out that there is shoe-throwing going on in the house, or the kind of language older siblings are using when a sunbeam cries out "I'm tired of this crap!" right in the middle of share-time, there is always a story.

There were a wide range of kids in our class. One that asked straight off whether or not I'd remembered snack, a drama queen who cried when leaving her mom, the sweet little ones who were content to sit next to you and lean their head against your shoulder, and the spit fire who-- ever obstinant-- would smack her gum loudly to get your attention.

A couple weeks ago, the aforementioned spit fire was sitting on my lap after showing how reverent she could be. Turning around to look at me, and serious as the child ever was, she told me "I trust you." She turned back around to sing loudly with the music director while that sunk in. Throughout my experience first babysitting, then in daycare work and also in nannying I've found that the heaviest responsibility a person can shoulder is to hold the trust of a child. To have such an innocent person tell you they trust you is a great responsibility.

I realized while I thought about what this primary child had just told me that someone else trusted me too. My Heavenly Father. I'm grateful I had the chance to teach primary. Children have a way of keeping things in perspective that seems to get lost amid the social life of a singles' ward.

The Shark Reef

2009-04-28T23:47:00.000-07:00

As extra credit in my Oceanography class (of which I desperately need since I'm quite hopeless with even the most interesting of scientific study) I dragged my brother Mihkel and my neighbor Kelsi to go on an outing to the Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef. I highly recommend it for anyone who's looking for something to do around Vegas. They do have a resident discount too (of which the nice cashier gave to me, even though I'm technically a Utah resident now). Here's some pictures Mihkel took with his phone.

"Fish are Friends... Not Food!"

Mihkel named his stingray "Irwin"

It took a second to work up the courage, but it was really cool getting to pet the stingrays!

There's nothing like taking a stroll down the middle of a coral reef.
An actual dragon... seriously!

Kelsi petting the stingray

Somehow this picture of the Jellyfish seems to be upside down. Or maybe that's the magic of jellies!

The Golden Crocodile is the first thing you see when you come in. It's a pretty cool sight!