new blog!

I apologize for this blog's failure. Please keep up with us at my our new blog!!

welooksharp.blogspot.com

Much love, y'all.

The Man and the Beard

For those of you who haven't seen Brandon lately, he's been looking more and more like this guy: 

Today we decided to rid of the excess hair on the face.

Before we began, Brandon wanted to get a picture of the thickness.

Then he trimmed it up all nice.

We started off with a Biker Beard.

Brandon forgot about the mole on his chin and forgot to be cautious. Ouch!

Brandon was feeling ska-licious, so we went for the big chops and mega-soul patch!

All he needs now is his trumpet. 

Not sure what to call this one. Maybe just "The Awesome One". 

Finally... The 'stache. 

Ahh!! He's too sexy! 

Reading a little Bronte.. 

And Dracula! with a nice glass of Chateau Lafitte (1787)

So posh.

This Life is Not a Chick Flick!

Which is actually a good thing..

(Disclaimer: Most of you probably already know all of this. It's just what's been on my mind, and I wanted to figure out how to say it. Besides, I figure it's been so long since I updated this that no one will see it anyway.. So here we go!)

Reasons (referring to the title):

1--One "Happy Ending" will usually invite another problem.

In movies, there's the typical story line we're taught in Elementary school. There's the intro, the rising issues, the climax, and the resolved ending. From there on out it's blue skies and sunshine! It's pretty satisfying.

In LIFE, it's not that simple. Unfortunately.

As soon as one issue is resolved, another will undoubtedly arrive. It's supposed to be that way. We aren't supposed to be comfortable in this life. It's how we learn, adapt, grow, mature, and prepare for the life after this one! Isn't that marvelous?!

2--One person's "love" is another persons.. something else.

This is a new realization for me, and it makes me ridiculously happy.

In movies, after two people fall in love they seem to know exactly how the other person feels, their actions are natural, and they almost always get married after a year or so. It seems almost thoughtless.

In LIFE, it's a little different.

Love means so many different things to EVERY SINGLE PERSON.

It's tough to explain, but I think this quote says it best:

"Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have" (Author Unknown)

I guess what I want to say is this: Don't expect too much from the people you love. My mom always says "Give 90%, Expect 10%".

If you don't have preconceived notions of how your darling and dear should treat you, you can't be disappointed. And it's more likely they'll surprise you with their own unique and fabulous way of showing how much they care about you. 

It makes me feel fabulous when I realize that my relationship with my fiance is COMPLETELY new and unique.

3-- Even love takes HARD WORK.

In movies, after the main character falls in love, all the issues fall away. They can live in a happy stupor for the rest of their lives.

In LIFE, I feel like my life is FINALLY beginning!

It's going to be awesome.... and extremely hard.

I get to share the rest of my life with someone who wants nothing more than to be with me. That's probably the greatest feeling in the entire world.

However, our respective lives have been COMPLETELY different up to this point. It's going to be a struggle to mesh them together, make compromises and sacrifices, until we can finally get to the point where we know every minimal thing about each others quirks and preferences. I'm excited for that. :D

Also, it's much easier said than done to be completely selfless.

That's definitely something I think I'll always need to work on. For now, I'll start with my fiance. I'll focus on putting his needs and desires before my own. After I master that I can move on to the rest of the world.

I absolutely LOVE this time of my life. It's stressful, exhausting, and a little bit scary. But I love to feel like I'm progressing. I love that my selfish time is over and I can learn how to use my life to serve others. Yippeeeee!!!!

Also, if anyone knows of any nice, inexpensive apartments for rent in the murray/midvale area, will you give me the info? Thanks. :D

Ode to Brody

'member this super-rad guy?

Due to my idiocy.. I ran into one of these bad boys about a week ago:

And now the Brode-ster looks like this:

So I sold that little dude to the Insurance-Man.

And bought myself one of these:

I figure the only places I really need to go most of the time are to the Credit Union down the street or Trax down a different street. (Besides, I'll be insured on my parent's car for emergencies.)

Don't worry, I haven't completely lost it. I'm thinking I'll look for a car new around September.

Anyway, I needed to publicize my gratitude to Brody for being so good to me. All in all, I really enjoyed our time together. I hope things turn out well for you.

Jeff Dunham

My Co-worker and I were just talking about the crazy people that come into banks, and we had this thought:

Does Jeff Dunham take his puppets to do his transactions? And if so, are they on his account?

I'll bet Achmed the dead Terrorist would be a nightmare to help.



Soap Box

I hope you aren't sick of this topic, cause it's something I'm pretty passionate about.

The following are some excerpts from

Collin McGinn's

"Whe Not Be A Bad Person?"

(I know I won't be writing these in thechnically correct ways, but I don't really care... so you shouldn't either.)

Beauty and truth are often linked with goodness as the supreme values: these three commodities are what the world should contain more of. I am happy to go along with these noble sentiments, but I would add that beauty and truth are bound up with goodness in inextricable ways, as follows.

A good person is a truthful person: habitual deceivers are not good. And truthful not only to others but to themselves: they seek out and respect the truth for their own consumption, not fooling themselves about where the truth lies. She who loves goodness also loves truth.

Less, obviously, beauty has a close relation to goodness. Many beautiful works of art are suffused with moral goodness, in ways that are hard to disentangle from their beauty; but more to the point, goodness of character is itself a form of beauty-- what we might call 'moral beauty' or 'beauty of soul'. The character of a good person gives aesthetic pleasure. A bad person, by contrast, has an ugly character, a soul we find it repungent to gaze upon. I think this is why we like to hang the pictures of those we admire, while we find it hard to stand the sight of the wicked. Thus goodness partakes of beauty. Indeed, given that not everyone can be physically beautiful, goodness of character affords one of the few other ways of exemplifying beauty. Nor does it require special talents of great labour, like being musically or poetically gifted. In a sense anyone can be morally beautiful, though not anyone can exhibit musical or literary beauty. This is because moral beauty is more an affair of the will than other kinds.

So if you want to make up for a lack of looks, you don't have to become an opera singer; you can simply become a decent human being.

The face of a good person is apt to radiate the virtue within, thus acquiring a beauty it would not otherise have; while the face of a bad person will tend the reflect the innter ugliness and be repellent to the gaze. Look at the expression on a face, notably when in repose: it can say a lot. This is not of course a simple matter of plain physical ugliness being the measure of a man's badness-- far from it. It is a much subtler thing than that, though one that most people can recognise when they see a clear instance of it (I mention no names). A physically ugly face can give off moral beauty, and a physically beautiful face can be marred by inner corruption. Nor, of course, is it easy to judge a person's character from her face, and major mistakes can be made, but with experience it is a skill that can be developed. Attend to the smile, the play of the eyes, the indefinable aura of the overall expression. Naturally the older a person gets, so that their face has had more time to mould itself to their soul, the easier it becomes to read their character from what begins at the neck and ends at the crown. I often think that a certain sort of tightness in the face is a suspicious sign.

So, if you are still wondering what reason you have to be virtuous, there is this reason at least: you don't want to end up looking even less attractive than you do now!

I think one of my favorite things about this article is how much he focuses on recognizing the moral beauty of others.. instead of the typical "focus on becoming morally beautiful". I think it's good to put effort into the way you act and look, but it's even better to look for the good in others.

Anywho. Be good, look good.

Think, Feel, Do

I miss being a kid.

When we were little, our parents got us some tapes with those awesome "we're trying to teach your kids right and wrong but in a fun way that they'll love" songs.

One of our favorites was the "Think, Feel, Do Polka".

It went a little something like this:

"You think it. You feel it. You do it. It's that Old 'Think, Feel, Do Polka'"

Truly inspiring lyrics.

Sarcasm aside, it's a great principle. How do you expect to stay lazy if you're constantly thinking about exciting, active activities? Or.. maybe the opposite is more in tune with your situation. How do you expect to be an energetic, exciting person when all you can think to do is watch T.V. and sleep?

I've always liked to take it one step past "doing" .. into "becoming". Kind of like Aristotle's famous quote, "You are what you repeatedly do". How often does that principle apply? For example, if you're thinking beautiful thoughts, will that eventually make you a beautiful person? I feel like I've talked about this before..

Lately I've been considering the potential people take so casually. We can literally become anything.. thanks to plastic surge and hair-dye. (just kidding... kind of.) Obviously to do so, you need to set goals. But I think the easiest way to adjust to that ideal image of yourself is to imagine it. Pretend your character is already what you want it to be. Act as if you were that person. Dress like them, eat like them, exercise like them, and talk like them. Eventually you'll be that person without having to try! Sure, it's easier said than done. But it's worth a shot. :D

Yay for life!

Holi-daze

I'm the stickler that doesn't listen to Christmas music till after Thanksgiving.

I don't watch Christmas movies anytime other than December.

I don't even do my Christmas shopping till the last minute.

It seems like every year after Christmas I regret all the things I didn't do.

"Oh, I didn't listen to this Christmas album!"

"I forgot about this amazing Christmas movie and now it's too late!"

"I didn't get such-and-such a present!"

(Okay, honestly, I've never really felt bad for not getting somebody a present unless they get me something and I'm unprepared. I just don't like spending money, okay? Here, have a cookie.)

I get so psyched about the Holidays throughout the whole year.. and then when the time comes, I'm rarely in the mood to party-- festive style.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

Why wouldn't I?

I think I just need to embrace it. I'll go buy some fancy-shmancy sweaters like the ones old ladies wear. Better yet, I'll make some... and they will have bells and lightbulbs sewn on.

Here's a truly awesome Christmas-esque picture to get me into the spirit of things.

(yeah, I googled "awesome Christmas" to find that.)

Emotion

"We are all fools in love"

-Jane Austen

In my opinion, there are two sides of emotion.

1-The beautiful emotions that help you recognize beauty in the world.

2- The awful emotions that get the best of you.

We're going to start with number 2 so that this post can end on a happy note.

Infatuation, jealousy, pride, pity..

As Jane so accurately points out, these emotions can make us look pretty idiotic.

If I had a nickel for every time I'd done something I'd known was idiotic and had done it simply because I felt like it... I'd have a lot of nickels.

Better yet, if I counted the number of times I'd made somebody angry, confused, or annoyed JUST because I was having a down day, it would probably be an astronomical number.

Emotion and reason tend to be enemies.

I think one of the greatest signs of maturity is a persons ability to ignore their emotions and do whatever is most reasonable.. which is probably why girls that whine aren't taken very seriously.

I'd always thought that I had good control over my emotions.. but lately it seems to be the case less often than I would like.

NUMBER ONE!

Compassion, awe, admiration, peace, attraction, respect, happiness...

These emotions tend to work in our favor.

I've never regretted a day in which I've had a smile on my face for no apparent reason.

The same can't be said about a scowling day.

These are the emotions that I crave to create in the world.

aaaand.. discuss!

Dream

I don't think there's any way possible that I can prepare you for this awesomeness... so we're just going to dive in.

Me and a buddy were just getting on I-215 when our engine started smoking. We pulled over to the side of the road and opened up our hood to see what was going on. Considering the fact that I have absolutely no knowledge about cars, the mechanics were ridiculously simple in my dream. There was a long cord with a metal hook and the end and I was supposed to stick it inside a metal tube to fix the problem. I stuck it too far and when I pulled it out, it was on fire. I freaked out and then my shoe caught fire. It hurt. (Isn't it crazy that even though it didn't happen, my brain still registered pain?)

We struggled to think of a solution when our car still wouldn't start. A nice lady pulled over to help, but she seemed stressed and anxious.
"The fight starts at 5:55.. you guys have to get out of here!"

We had no idea what she was talking about, and our confusion showed on our faces.. but she didn't expound.

"They're coming!" She screamed and sped away.

We looked at each other and noted the mirrored expressions that matched our emotions. Then we looked at the freeway and noticed no one was on the road but us. A strange sound began and continually grew louder and louder.It was a mixture of strange humming and thumping.. Then we saw the horde of slow moving cars and marching people inching toward us around the curve of the road. We started to get nervous and tried to walk quickly in the opposite direction, but it seemed that even when we started running they were moving faster than we were. As they came closer we noticed the gray pallor of their skin and the dead look in their eyes.

They were zombies.

They seemed not to notice us immediately, so we tried to fit in. As they swarmed around us, we looked straight forward, moved with the flow of undead. Eventually they split-- some took an exit, others continued forward. We were rushed away into the exit. Somehow we escaped the masses and ran into a gas station bathroom.

"What are we supposed to do?!" I cried to my friend.

No response.

That's when I noticed the greenish bite mark on his neck.

I ran as fast as I could, trying to find a safe haven. Looking around as I run, I notice the zombies have begun to fight amongst themselves.

I run into another gas station and lock the door, and as I do so I hear a whimper.

Behind the cashiering station I see a familiar, warm-looking face.

She sees that I'm not yet a monster and runs to me, tears running down her face.

"What do we do?!" She cries.

I reply in a flat voice, "We have to fight."

(Side note-- you know how things change in dreams? Well, by now the "zombies" are a weird combination of vampires, zombies, and just creepy-looking people. They're just as easily killed as humans, no special tools necessary. By now I've also come to the knowledge that the only way to survive is to be the last man standing.)

We decide to get a car. Luckily, there just happens to be a super fast, super awesome  kind (not in existence in real life) right in front of the gas station with keys in the ignition. Unfortunately, there's a group of the "changed" people right in front of the door. We decide to go for it, swinging at as many of the changed as we can along the way. We make it to the car, but we've noticed that both of us have the dusty pallor.

We've changed.

Fortunately, we're still intelligent beings and we decide to work together to the end. More than 2/3 of the changed are dead now. We just have to outlast them.. and two gray heads are better than one. We sit in the car for a few minutes, trying to comprehend what's happening and maybe think of a strategy. That's when I notice the arsenal embedded in the front and back ends of the car.

Suddenly we're shooting at the crazies like there's no tomorrow (which I suppose is the truth for one of us).They're falling around us like leaves in the autumn. We know we're attracting all of them to us with the noise we're causing.. these are curious beings. We're down to about ten of the changed left when the car of awesomeness runs out of juice.. so I turn on the ignition and decide to finish them off with skill and finesse.

We're speeding away quickly, and I check my mirrors to make sure my plan is working. Affirmative, they're all getting in super-awesome cars, chasing us down. I let off the acceleration a little, letting them catch up. I turn to my partner in crime. "Open up the glovebox and pull out the flamethrower!" (Obviously, I didn't need to find out if there was a flamethrower.. a car this awesome would undoubtedly have one.) By now the first of the three cars has caught up. They ram our side, and my friend cautiously rolls down the window. Thinking we have something to say, the other car does the same. When we have a full view of their faces, she blasts them with her weapon, and all three inside are finished.

Knowing the other two cars would have seen this, I have to think of something new to finish them with. That is, until I notice that they're battling it out on their own. It's a cruel battle, much like a game of chicken. Neither of them swerve, and the explosion of both cars shakes the ground. My friend and I are the only ones left.

We turn to each other with looks of dread and terror on our faces.

"How should we do this?" I ask.

Suddenly her face turns hard and my terror rises exponentially.

"Like this"

She points the flamethrower at my face..

And then I wake up.

Money

I wanted to write a big rambler about the woes of dealing in money.. but this song by Josh Wilson pretty much sums it up. Take a little listen and (hopefully) you won't regret it.

(Also, I apologize for the messiness, but I couldn't find it on playlist.com and I'm too lazy to try and make the video prettier.)

Babbling.

Here's one of those posts I know you all love-- the rambling type.

These are the kinds I tend to write when I have a lot of repeating thoughts that I can't seem to figure out inside my little head. Typing them out and trying to make them understandable for other people helps me a lot.

First order of business is General Conference.

I have to admit, I didn't connect with as many talks as usual this conference. There were one or two that answered questions I had, but the majority of the time I found myself thinking, "This is a great story".

One of the few that did stick out to me was, along with the rest of the world, President Packer's. However, at first I was perplexed at the response it recieved. While I was listening it seemed that it was the talk that was written especially for me. It was exactly what I needed to hear. It was full of love and pleading to make a greater effort to return to the Father in Heaven that loves and created me. For that, I know that Pres. Packer is a prophet, and I stand by whatever he preaches to be truth. I had to listen to it a second time to realize how it could offend those who may believe differently. I understand that it may seem like ignorance. I don't want to debate about it, so please, if you disagree with me, don't post a comment on my blog. I WILL DELETE IT. I'd love to hear your opinion about the matter, so give me a call or shoot me a text. However, if you say anything rude, hurtful, or insulting to MY beliefs, I will discontinue the conversation. 

Secondly, I want to talk about a little realization I've had recently. You know the saying "It's the thought that counts"? Well, I disagree. I've decided that the things that mean the most to me are so impactful because of the effort involved. Whether it be a tighter hug, a little note, or a smile, it makes a world of difference. Imagine hugging someone that you like. Hugging them is pleasant enough, but when the embrace is tightened a little, your heart warms and a smile will appear involuntarily. At least, that's how it is for me.

Third, I want to discuss towel size.

It's ridiculous. When I was little, towels were the right proportion for my body. Why can't they grow at the same rate that I do? I'm tempted to buy a blanket-sized towel. If those don't exist, I'll sew 4 towels together. I want to be encompassed in warmth when I get out of the shower, pool, lake, whatever. I don't want to rub my skin off with a rag and then attempt to cover my body with it.

The fourth order of business is the weather.

I was chatting away with a quite attractive someone about the way Utahns are never pleased with the weather. Naturally there are exceptions.. like me. I love all types of weather. But generally, the public is displeased with whatever the sky decides to do that day. For example, it's been a relatively warm Autumn this summer, and I've only heard one or two positive responses about it. On the other hand, if it were a normal or even slightly chillier than normal Autumn, the world would be utter chaos. People would raid coat stores, they would light houses on fire just to stay warm, etc., etc.. Okay, wait. Maybe not that extreme. BUT there would be a heckuva lot o' complainin round these parts. You can't disagree (or i'll kill you).

Fifth is my hair.

Should I dye it darker? It's been a while.

Sixth is my fam.

I love them. I love them lots and lots. They are the reason I'm so awesome. (seriously.)

With Chris and Paul in NJ on their adventure that's called "Life".. it makes me realize how much I really love 'em. Also, it makes me realize how AWESOME it is that I get to be with them FOREVER AND EVER.



Older picture.. I think it's right after Eric's Homecoming.



That is all.

Myspace Gems

Myspace.

I spent SO much time there.

One of the beauties I found whilst re-visiting my Jr. High life was the following list. It's pretty darned similar to some of the things I write on here. I guess I haven't changed much. I love to think about things I love. 

Heeeeere we go! My Natural Highs (or things that automatically make me feel good) are:

1. Lake Powell.

2. Laughing so hard my stomache hurts.

3. Stars.

4. Playing in the rain.

5. Playing the trumpet

6. Getting mail.

7. Playing music that fits my mood and singing insanely loud along with it.

8. Doing a mass cleaning in my room, only to watch all the clothes and crap pile up again.

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

10. Layers. Whether on cake or in clothing.

11. Shakes. Only good flavors.

12. Foot massages at Lake Powell.

13. Laughing with my family. Especially those times when none of us can stop. My moms eyes water, my stomache hurts, someone snorts, etc.

14. A deep conversation. Usually about religion, but can be otherwise

15. Trying to comprehend uncomprehensible things.. like eternity.

16. Talking about my siblings. Sorry if it's annoying, but they're my favorites.

17. Painting. Painting clothing, paper, wood, a wall. Whatever.

18. Making someone smile.

19. Reading for a whole day.

20. Cooking. Sewing. All that mom stuff :)

21. Being around a person who, whether joking or not, will never say anything rude to you,or about anyone else.

22. Being called gorgeous, pretty, beautiful, instead of cool, cute, or hot.

23. Waking up early, thinking it's time to get up.. and then realizing i have 3 more hours to sleep.

24. Dressing up in strange outfits and walking somewhere, and then watching peoples reactions.

25. Watching good shows with my family.

26. Wrapping up in a blanket, putting a hood on, and hiding from the world...just for a moment.

27. Arby's and Noodles and Co.

28. Waterskiing!

29. Watching the sunRISE.

30. Learning something i know i'll use.. like.. how to make a really good dessert, etc.

31. Flying Dreams!

32. Hot chocolate.

33. Learning a really hard piece on the piano or trumpet.

34. Swings. This one should be higher up on the list.

35. Climbing Trees.

36. Designing a dress and loving it.

37. My family.

38. Music.

39. The song "Armor of God"

40. Scaring or surprising someone. Also Being Scared or surprised.

41. Singing with the family.

42. Waking up early and feeling wonderful the whole day.

43. Those little crushes that never go away.

44. Thinking/dreaming about the future.

45. Being complimented.

46. Rigoletto, haha, cheesy. i love the music.

47. Back Scratches!

48. Payday!

49. Doodling in a boring class.

50. Smiling at old mistakes, smiling for future possibilities

That was fun. :)

Oh, here's another little blurb. It was under the "Who I'd Like to Meet" section. I guess I took it a little too seriously, but it still resonates with my values in relationships. Here it goes!

Anyone with standards the same as (if not higher than) mine. Anyone who knows what I'm going through, who can share my pain, who can comfort me, and who can help me feel peace. Anyone who can make me feel comfortable with myself, and not make me feel like I need to change to have them as a friend. Anyone I can trust with my deepest, darkest secrets.. (since I have so many.. haha). Anyone who's willing to stick with me through it all, and not just when i'm having good days. Anyone who watches Seinfield, who eats when i eat (haha.. that's a personal pet peeve of mine), who doesn't have to ask if they can have a drink of water, but isn't rude or impolite. Anyone who can tell what I feel by looking at my expressions. Anyone who compliments me when I look hideous. Anyone who simply wants to be my friend for being my friend, not for the social status. Anyone who will let me help them, and in turn can help me.

 

Just for the sake of entertainment, here's long-haired, copper-top Celeste!



Silly Struggles.

Starting a new job is.. difficult.

It's not just having to learn new procedures and routines..

For me, it's how ridiculous I feel every time I mess up.

I know it's not expected for me to know everything by the end of the week.. but I can't help but wish I did.

I keep reminding myself of the first week of driver's ed. I was overwhelmed. As pathetic as it sounds, I was so concerned with checking everything constantly. I couldn't ever remember which pedal was gas and which was the brake. I felt flustered every time I got in a car. I remember asking my mom once, "Will I ever get used to this?!" to which she calmly replied, "After a month or so, you won't even have to think about it."

It's made me realize how proud I am.

I HATE not knowing things. I HATE being on the bottom of the totem-pole. When they told me we were getting a new teller, I was thrilled... that is, until I found out she was just coming from one of our other branches. I'm still the least-knowledgable person there. haha. It's so silly, but that bothers me to no end.

It brings me back to a quote I heard forever ago.. and I'm too lazy to google it and find out who said it.. but it goes like this: "Comparison is a matter of pride."

Eek. I'm pretty sure for the majority of my life, the only way I've measured my self-worth is by comparing myself to those around me. That's an awful, awful realization. Since I heard that quote, I've tried so hard to recognize my uniquenesses and count them as virtues.. I hate to discover I haven't made it as far as I'd like to.

I really just need to accept the fact that I don't know as much as my coworkers.. and hope they don't hate my constant questions and mistakes.

Don't get me wrong, I'm loving the actual job. Once I get the hang of things, I'm sure I'll be quite content.

Please--tell me I'm not alone!

Letters.

Dear Attractive Man in the Jeep behind me this morning--
My initial reaction to your good-lookingness was quickly replaced with incredulity at your rudeness. I realize you want me to go faster, but the giant truck in front of me was preventing me from doing so.. and I'm too kind to ride their tail like you were riding mine. Plus, they probably wouldn't have noticed my tiny little black car. Please, refrain from the rude hand gestures in the future. They're only disappointing.

Dear ISACA (standing group at the Lion House)--
I understand that you would like to have a board meeting an hour before your meal is supposed to start, and that's fine. Please don't be frustrated if we have to lean over you to get your table set up. Also, I really am sorry that your meal started 10 minutes late. It took us a while to find your salads. Oh, and in the future, when your server is literally squeezing her way between you and another person, it might be less annoying for you and her if you would move your chair in just an inch or two.

Dear Brain--
We all have our days, so I don't blame you for taking a break today. Please, hurry back from your vacation. I'm struggling without you.

Dear Friend who shall remain nameless--
I've finally realized how selfish and spoiled you truly are. At the same time, your selflessness will never cease to amaze me. (Yes, I know I just contradicted myself.. but it's the truth.)

Dear Rooney--
I've missed you. Welcome back into my life. I'm excited to listen to your newest (kind of old..) album. Let's not take another break like that, k?

Dear iPod--
I've never really thanked you for being so awesome. 6 years and counting. :)

Dear Mashed Potatoes--
I love you.

Oo-de-lalleeeee!

I'm in a super-duper mood.

From now on, (well.. technically from Saturday on..) there will be no more dealing with silly brides and high school dance-goers for me.

Instead, I will work in the glorious field of MONEY.

I'm seriously excited. I want to learn all there is to learn about banking.

I'm starting as a teller at Health Care Credit Union.

Can I get a "hollaaaaa!"?

This is the male (much cooler) version of me.

Unending Lamenting

Dear, oh dear. What a strange weekend.

Yesterday I was on my way to work when my loverly sister Chelsey called me. This is sort of what our conversation went like:

Chelsey: " I have three speakers for our ward tomorrow. Would you be willing to be the fourth?"

Celeste: "Uhh.. did you call the right person?"

Chelsey: "Celeste. My sister. My youngest sister. Are you willing to speak in church tomorrow?"

Celeste: "Uhh.. okay!"

Chelsey: "Thanks! If you could speak on the importance of attending our church meetings, that would be great!"

Me, oh my.. what a topic. There's really not much to say! Go to church. It's a commandment. Done.

Buuuut of course, being my silly ol' self, I looked up one quote, called it good for the day and went to Karate Kid (which is a fantastic movie, despite the issues I have with it's name.) Then this morning I woke up around 9:30.. (Sundays are my days to sleep in.).. and realized I had absolutely nothing prepared. Sooo I rushed around in the scriptures, searched lds.org like crazy, and threw together a talk. It went pretty well, if I might say so. :)

Then I went to my friend's homecoming opportunity to speak upon returning home from a mission. Yes, I realize the hypocrisy of me telling people it's important to go to their church meetings only to leave 5 minutes later. It was fun to see some of my friends that I hadn't seen in a while, but for some reason I found myself in a terrible mood. I tried to pinpoint the reason for my pouting.. and after a while I decided that it brought me right back to high school.. which was not something I particularly enjoyed. I mean, I didn't dread going to school everyday. In fact, I quite enjoyed band and lunch.. and even most of my other classes. I just didn't enjoy the social atmosphere. I felt smothered in artificial happiness. I felt like the only time I enjoyed myself was when I was making a complete fool of myself, which I would eventually regret.

Anyhow, I kind of decided I wouldn't go to many more homecomings opportunities to speak. Which is kind of a downer, because I really do enjoy seeing my friends. I just really, really dislike that high school... stuffiness.

Those high school reunions are sure gonna be fun, right? heh.. heh..

Goooo high school!

Nonsense

I can't really tell you why, but I've been obsessed with this Incubus song:

WARNING

Bat your eyes, girl. Be otherworldly.

Count your blessings. Seduce a stranger.

What's so wrong with being happy?

Kudos to those who see through sickness.

Over and over and over and over and ooh...

She woke in the morning.

She knew that her life had passed her by

And she called out a warning:

"Don't ever let life pass you by!"

I suggest we learn to love

ourselves before it's made illegal.

When will we learn?
When will we change? 

Just in time to see it all come down.

Those left standing will make millions

writing books on the way it should have been.

 

When she woke in the morning,

she knew that her life had passed her by

And she called out a warning:

"Don't ever let life pass you by!"

Floating in this cosmic jacuzzi,

we are like frogs--oblivious

to the water starting to boil.

No one flinches. We all float face down.

She woke in the morning.

She knew that her life had passed her by

And she called out a warning,

"Don't ever let life pass you by..."

I haven't had much to say lately. That's why this poor page has been abandoned. I haven't read anything to expand my understanding of the world.. which is usually when I have the biggest desire to write something.

I HAVE been reading some books by one of my mom's favorite authors, Madeleine Brent. Funnily enough, I was reading the bio about the author.. which is something I hardly ever do.. and found out "she" is actually a man. This was after I'd read a couple of "her" books. I was pretty amazed because of the accuracy with which he writes the woman's typical perspective on relationships, life, and the woman's role in the world. There were a couple of things that I looked back on and realized were a little.. different.. from the usual female opinion.

Anyway, that whole experience made me realize how truly different men and women are. Our perspectives about almost EVERYTHING are so different. I wish I could expound.. but I'm afraid most of the things I would say are pretty stereotypical and even though I believe they are true, I don't want to offend anybody.

Here's the book I'm reading right now. I think the women on the cover are gorgeous. I wish their look were in-style..

AAAnyway. That is all.

Blaaahhh

My emotions are going haywire today.

• I'm so grateful for my family and friends. They are so supportive and loving.
• I'm so frustrated with my own stupidity. Sometimes I wonder if my brain is completely functional.
• I'm exhausted. I feel like life has required so much energy and effort lately.

Because I'm a planning-type of a person, I'm almost constantly thinking about the future. Most of the time I'm excited for the possibilities, but right now I'm anxious, nervous, hesitant, and worried.

I feel like I've been ignoring things that need desperate attention, and now they're getting back at me by screaming in my face. I need to learn how to handle those stressful, annoying aspects of life with a positive attitude instead of just shoving them under the rug and hoping they'll go away.

In other newwwwsss..

I've been in love with LACE lately. It's so hard to get the right kind though.. most of it just looks tacky.

I want to be this girl on my wedding day..

Ah. I love weddings. Especially when you can tell the bride and groom are mature enough to know what they're actually doing. It's like all the worries about life melt away for a few sweet hours and all that's left are the beautiful possibilities of a life well-lived and an eternity full of love. I get frustrated when girls focus more on the actual wedding than the marriage.. but I'll readily admit that I'm pretty excited for my wedding day.. whenever it may be. haha.

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.

-Margaret Young

ha-ha-happiness!

Remember this post? Here goes part dos.

• Going to bed early. Like.. Grandma early.
• Waking up early and eating a healthy breakfast
• The sun and wind on my face
• Catching a whiff of myself and thinking, "Hooray! I smell good!"
• Throwing my hair in a ponytail to get it out of my face and realizing that it actually looks pretty good.
• That moment when I realize I've become accustomed to something that heretofore made me nervous.
• Using the word "heretofore" appropriately.
• Driving when hardly anyone else is on the road.
• Geeking out to classical music.
• Clean clothes. Especially when ALL my clothes are clean.
• Realizing that I don't care if people think I'm a dork.
• Knowing that I AM a dork.
• Awkward dance moves.
• Finding that I'm okay with letting go.
• Watching my savings account grow. (haha.. I'm a little vain, okay?)
• Finding that quote that perfectly suits my feelings.

I know I've already put this quote up, but it's the BOMB.

"We need not be let alone. We need to be really bothered once in a while. How long is it since you were really bothered? About something important, something real?"

-Ray Bradbury