Mr. and Mrs.

I bought (and wrapped) myself an Alfred Hitchcock Movie collection for Christmas. It includes Psycho, The Birds, Vertigo, Rear Window, and North By Northwest. I watched Vertigo with my parents the other night. Tonight we watched The Birds.  So far, The Birds is my least favorite and Psycho is still the top.   EP created a Hitchcock fan while I was staying in Boston. I'm not the least bit sorry that she did. 

Today I met up with the three girls I have been friends with since I was three.  We went to dinner at our old stomping grounds, Taco Amigo (a *fine* establishment).  It was so fun to catch up, but I'm not sure I'm ready to be this grown up.  Our conversations have changed what we'll name our Barbies, to what our love life is like.  It was extremely strange to see Jessica bring in a baby that belonged to her (she wasn't even babysitting)!  We're all placing bets on who's going to be next to join Jessica in the married friend category. 

Today I sat down to plan how to take classes for the rest of my college career.  At first, I was a little upset to find out that I wouldn't finish in time to graduate with my Student Teaching completed in April 2013.   However, I do have a little more freedom to take a class or two that I want but don't really need.   What does that mean?   I get to take Economic Policy from Roosevelt to Reagan (Hist 390R)  next semester!   I'm geeking out about it. (Emphasis on the geek)     

As more time passes since my nieces' death, my grief pattern changes.  I don't cry so much.  I used to be afraid that that meant I didn't miss them.  But I've come to realize that's not it.  It just means I miss them differently.  I still feel such sorrow whenever they aren't where they should be. When they aren't with us here.  I think I don't cry so much because I'm getting used to this new normal.  I think I show how I miss them with the things I notice in the world around me.  I see pink and yellow everywhere.  My heart hurts when I see a girl with curly brown hair and glasses.  I ache when I look at my duck nativity scene.   Rebecca and Rachel have been the backdrop on my laptop since February 2010.  I'm not sure I'll ever want to change it.  They always remind me to be better.  I like to think that Rebecca helps me to be smart, and that Rachel helps me to be joyful.   More than anything, I wish Bec...

I know it's not even Christmas... but here's my New Years Resolution: To look to the future for the blessings I have in store. I will not look behind me.

They always put me in a weird mood.  During finals this week I got the weirdest cravings.  One day I had this huge desire to watch all 6 Star Wars movies.  Then that desire was replaced with a craving for the movie Sybil.  Now, I'm watching Tangled at my brother's Condo while I'm being the best babysitter ever (I won't admit that the baby is already asleep and I get to watch whatever I want).  But hey, they're over with.  I think I basically rocked all of them.  I have no clue how my GPA is going to fare this semester, but if it tanks I'll find joy in the fact that I have a job that I love (and a boatload of other blessings).

Only having one final left (if only that final wasn't Psych 111. Bleh. I hate that class) Cassette tapes from Elder Peterson Having a job Having clothes Ice Cream Lip Gloss Clean rooms Mountains, snow, and pretty views

I feel like a rock star when I put my hair in pigtails. 

This video pretty much sums up what I've learned during finals week. Oh, and... That MCx=MPLy/MPLX, that Large Countries are price setters when they enact tariffs or subsidies, and that Leonidas Skliris started the Padrone system and made a bunch of Greeks mad at him so they got guns and shot some people. Enthralling stuff, I know. 

After a ( not so patient ) period of waiting, it finally came.  You can all breathe a sigh of relief. 

For how much I paid for my International Trade and Finance textbook, shouldn't the book have been properly edited? I found four errors in that book in the last half hour.  Those publishers and editors need to learn the difference between affect and effect. 

I've discovered something about myself.  I'm extremely intolerant of people who are inconsiderate, immature, and selfish.  They make me want to say bad words and slap them. But I don't.  I hate feeling like I have to be the bigger person.   

One of my Facebook friends has been posting about how much she misses her lost dog for the past three weeks.  I know this probably makes me a horrible person, but I don't care at all. I keep wanting to tell her to just buy a new one.  I'll never be a dog lover.  Thanks mom.  On a side note, only one paper left to write before Finals Week. Can you believe I'm almost halfway through my Junior year of college?! WAHOOOOOOOO!

Singing along to Carrie Underwood's "Cowboy Cassanova" Dancing along to the aforementioned song Cooking pasta Facebook (but only barely) Watching your phone in hopes that someone (anyone!?) will text you Watching paint dry  Can you tell that I really don't want to finish reading "Consuming Life" by Zygmunt Bauman? It's a snooze. 

My friend Ruth  posted about a personality test she took, and I was curious to see my results. Turns out I'm an ENFJ This paragraph is a little bit too accurate... "ENFJs like for things to be well-organized, and will work hard at maintaining structure and resolving ambiguity. They have a tendency to be fussy, especially with their home environments." Also this one... "They enjoy being the center of attention, and do very well in situations where they can inspire and lead others, such as teaching." The whole entry was actually pretty interesting. For the most part... it pretty much nails me on the head.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." It doesn't even make sense.

When you think you should be studying or working, it's always better to get Blue Bell.  Can you tell that I think food is really awesome? Best comfort ever. 

When your professor tells you that a Bachelor's degree won't be enough. That the teaching major you chose will only be good enough for you to live in the lower middle class.  That your kids will never have any opportunities.  That you've sealed their failure in life by not choosing to be a Doctor. Be grateful for a Cocomotion.      

I'm an old fogie.   Today it's because I think budgeting is fun.  Maybe it's just because my budget is color coded.  Maybe it's because I like how my spreadsheet totals things up for me.  Maybe it's because I have an inner Accountant bursting to get out (Dad would be so proud).

I've never really been Black Friday shopping. I don't think I ever want to go again.  On Thanksgiving evening I went to visit a friend of mine who was camping out at the RC Willey.  While we were chatting I got cussed out because my friend had moved 5 empty tents so he could set his tent up in front of the line (I'm with him on this... having a tent up doesn't reserve your spot unless you're in it). I also got to experience how being sprayed in the face with Mace feels. Awesome.  People were much more friendly at 11AM. 

...that I was so protective about my car until one of my friends called it a "danger to society" a few minutes ago.  I'm still fuming.  I don't feel the least bit guilty for telling her to step off. 

My facebook status pretty much says it all: "Have you ever been to a fireside on keeping the Sabbath Day Holy where you felt the spirit less than you did while playing Golden Eye on a Sunday?"  All my friends who attended the fireside with me felt no guilt that we ended our Sunday with Mario Kart and Golden Eye (N64 style).  College life is good.  

... of the whole 'grateful daily' thing? It doesn't seem so exciting to me anymore. It's not that I'm having trouble coming up with things I'm grateful for. Just that everyone seems to be doing it. It's like I'm not cool and original anymore. Oh well. I'll keep saying sporadic things I'm grateful for. It might not be daily though. Deal with it. But.... I'm grateful for my students. I get to work with a lot of wonderful people. They work so hard and I'm lucky that I get to interact with them so closely. I learn a lot from the discussions we have together and I'm grateful for the work they put into the course. I can't wait until I get to teach full-time. 

Tuesday: I'm grateful that I get to help my students with their papers.  Even though it's hard to give them good feedback sometimes, I can tell that their writing is improving.  I love seeing their improvement. Wednesday: I'm grateful for leather jackets. They're cute. They make me feel (and look) hardcore. 

Today I'm grateful for my ability to run. It's hard, but I like it. I took a few weeks off after my 10K a few weeks ago.  I forgot how good it makes me feel.  Want to know a secret blog readers? I've decided to run a 1/2 Marathon next year. That's right. No jokes. No tricksies. Ima rock that 13.1 miles. 

I missed the last few days. Soooo... here's what I felt grateful for those days.  Friday: Freedom, dinner parties, and humor.  Saturday: That feeling after you've completed the test you were terrified to take.  Sunday (today): Beautiful music.  In other news, I'm really glad that I live so close to my family. I don't like being away from my family for very long. Today is the first Sunday that I haven't spent some time with my parents, a sibling, or some other form of family in a long time. I don't like it. When I'm married it'll sure be nice to live with my family all the time. 

I don't know you, but congratulations on finishing your mission. That's awesome.  Now, could you please hurry up and send me the tape that Elder Peterson sent home with you? What could possibly be holding you up? It's not like you have family members who want to spend time with you or anything. (Okay, I'm half joking. But really. Send the tape soon. I've been waiting for that sucker for three months.)

I'm grateful for Refried Beans. They're delicious, and I've thought so ever since I was a little girl. Before I could talk like a normal human being (AKA before I was 6) I would ask my mom for Poteeya and a Can for lunch. Translation: Tortilla with a can of Refried Beans. Luckily my mom knew what was best for me and only included a small portion of the can of Refried beans and also added some cheese.

...I had a certain conversation with a certain boy.* We had just gone for 7-11 hot chocolate. We went every Monday morning at 12:01 you see. What did we decide during that conversation? Just that I could call him my boyfriend and he could call me his girlfriend.  Best conversation ever.  I'm grateful for that boyfriend. He treated me better than any other guy I'd met. He let me cry. He made me laugh. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me.   Only 9 1/2 months until I get to see him again. But who's counting? *His name is Rob. And I'm sorry to all the readers who don't like sappy posts. I hope this didn't make your gag reflexes go into overdrive. 

Today I'm extremely grateful for my apartment. I have a fantastic landlord who quickly deals with maintenance issues. I live with pretty great girls who I rarely (if ever) fight or disagree with (what a novel idea, eh?). I live 10 minutes from campus. I have a washer/dryer. I get a great deal. I love my big window with the fantastic view. I love looking out my window at the mountains while I study. 

It's scarves that I'm grateful for. They keep my neck warm and make the rest of me look cute. Win-Win. 

Today, it's Pioneer Crossing. It has been so much easier to get to my brother's house ever since that road was built.  I'm also grateful that I live close enough to my family to visit all the time.  

Weird, but I'm grateful for Pinterest. It helps me find fun recipes (like pizza monkey bread) that I can try with my roommate.  

I'm grateful for a body that works. I'm grateful that my body doesn't keep me from walking, running, swimming (even if I don't know how), or anything else that I put my mind to trying. 

...and whoever invented the Kitchen Aid Mixer.

Today I'm grateful for indoor plumbing. I've only had to pee outside about 3 times in life. All three were extremely unpleasant.  So thank you toilet makers. 

Remember how I did a daily gratitude post last November? I think I'll do it again this year. I make no guarantees on not repeating anything from last year. But is there really a problem with being super grateful for something? Answer: No. Today, I'm grateful for Prophets who speak at Devotional.  "We are spiritual beings having a physical experience. That helps us to understand what should have the greatest priority in our lives."

Any guesses for what I dressed up as today? Here's a hint:

Me and a few of my students did some community service this morning. We raked leaves at the City Cemetery.  Do you see how happy I look in this picture? That's how I feel every time I get to teach. I have great students.

...how am I so lucky? I have an amazing family. I go to a good school. I have good roommates (no crazy/dramatic stories, thank heavens).  I have a *fantastic* job.  I have a knowledge of the gospel .  I have good friends. I have (a few) talents that I get to use. I get to work on gaining new talents. I get to see the beauty of the seasons changing.  Even though I sometimes have to deal with hard things, I'm so grateful. I lead a wonderful life. I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for all the blessings I've received. What a lovely day! 

I kept bouncing all around my apartment tonight. Making jokes and the like. My roommate got fed up with it and finally asked,  "Did you meet a boy tonight or something? Why are you so flipping happy?" She was very disappointed when she found out that my excitement stemmed from playing Volleyball. Some people just don't understand.  Bump + Set + Spike = Joy

See a student's significant improvement on a paper Wear an Argyle sweater Wear pink Converse Crunch through leaves on your walk home Rock out to J. Biebs (Never Say Never y'all!) Now I'm off to grade more papers while I wait until Midnight class registration. 

"William W. Drummond had abandoned his wife and family in Illinois, and he arrived in Salt Lake City with a prostitute named Ada Carrol, whom he had picked up in Washington. Enamored of this voluptuous nymph, Drummond often invited her to sit with him on the bench during court sessions."    I never thought I'd see the words "voluptuous nymph' in a textbook. This pleases me. 

The pictures are bad.... but they prove that my big brother is married! He's currently honeymooning in Cancun with Mary Clinger Belliston. Yay!

Today Rachel would have been three years old.  I'm so sad that she can't celebrate with us today.  I would have had fun picking out a birthday present for her.  We're both pink-lovers.  It wasn't hard to find a pink shirt to wear for her today.  I wonder what she would have been like. That's the thing about losing a child at such a young age. Rachel was only 15 months old when she died. We were only just starting to know her. Children change so much between 15 months and 3 years. I wonder if she would have liked Barbies already. I wonder if she would have liked swings or slides better. I wonder if she would have liked playing Hiss like her older sister did. I wonder if she would have liked Dr. Seuss books. I wonder if she still would have loved ducks.  It's not fair that we have to wonder. I've had people tell me that there will be good that will far outweigh the bad things about losing the girls. They're right that good will (and has) come, but...

My roommates don't think Kevin Bacon is attractive.  Crazies. 

What did one ghost say to the other? Do you believe in people? Laffy Taffy jokes sure have gone downhill since my day.  

I am not anti-social. I do not have a hard time making friends. There are only a handful of people who I don't get along well with.  That's why I can't understand how I feel right now. The last couple of weeks I've stressed out whenever I *thought* about hanging out with people.  Does anybody else get like this? I just wish it would go away. 

My good friend Annie  tagged me tonight.  I'm going to join. So here are seven random facts about me. 1. I love pea coats.  2. Touching doorknobs makes me squirm. 3. I don't like Halloween. 4. I hate summer weather, swimming, boating, etc.  5. I love my hair in pigtail braids. 6. I want to spend a Christmas in New York City one day with a husband, just so I can have a romantic Ice Skating date in Rockefeller Center.  7. I like hanging out with my family more than I like hanging out with friends.  I tag Holly , Jessica , and Ruthie .  

So today I went through about 100 of my blog posts and added labels to them. Here's my plea.... will just one person use them? I want to feel validated that this time wasting activity was at least mildly useful.  

... unless it involves waiting for letters and/or packages.  I'm just sayin'. 

I ran a 10K. It was fabulous. It was difficult, but I ran anyways. My foot went completely numb at mile 3, but I (stretched my calf and then) ran anyways. I wanted to walk, but I ran anyways. I was close to the finish and I wanted to go slow, but I ran faster anyways.  When I finished I wanted to throw up*, so I did. And it was awesome.  *For those who don't know, many runners consider it a great honor to throw up after a race... as it is a sign that they have given their all and pushed themselves to the limit. I ran Cross Country in High School and never once threw up after a run. 

Ladies and Gents. Remember how I said I was going to run a 10K? I wasn't lying. It's happening tomorrow. This is a big deal. I'm headed to bed right now in preparation for my 8:40AM start time at Thanksgiving Point. Wish me luck. 

It rained all day today. I smiled the whole day (except for the hour or so when I was taking my Econ 257 exam. Bleh) . Many of my friends made Facebook statuses (stati?) about the weather. Maybe I'm strange, but I love the cold. I love having chilly fingers. I love wearing bulky sweaters and boots. I love holding an umbrella. I simply can't wait for a snowstorm. A good one. One where the snow is heavy and shoveling is required. Where the roads are hard to drive on. With powder perfect for snowboarding. 

I like my life. I'm lucky to be in college, pursuing a good education. I *love* my job. It's my favorite part of life. Friday is my new favorite day because I get to teach 90 students for 3 whole hours. I walk home always feeling fulfilled and content. I like to stay busy with school and work.  But I don't like downtime.  I get extremely bothered when I have 30 minutes between tasks. I just finished working and I have 20 minutes or so until a test review. It's not enough time to do anything productive. Boo hiss.

This picture makes me smile every time I see it. I surely am proud of my best friend, even if he's shrinking before my eyes.  Elder Haroldson and Elder Peterson Hurrah for Israel!

I sure do enjoy General Conference.  I heard many great talks that gave me much-needed direction.  My favorite moment of the day? President Monson's announcement of the new temple in Provo! For those who haven't seen it, here's an artist's depiction of what it will look like. I sure hope I'm still living in Provo when the temple is completed. Hurrah for Israel!

That's Jimmer. The blonde chick is his fiance. She's in my religion class. Today she stole my seat. I took it back.   Hey, she can't win 'em all. 

I feel like a real teacher. 14 papers down. Only 72 to go. What a blessing. 

This video has been around for a long time. But I surely do love it. It never fails to make me feel empowered. Watch it. Please.

... "Katie, are you trying to do the Lady and the Tramp thing on your own? Because it's not as cute." Well thanks. 

Once again, I am up too late planning my American Heritage lesson for tomorrow. No, nerf guns aren't on the menu.   But Justin Bieber is.  He'll be perfect for teaching opportunity cost, supply, demand, and free markets.  After I finished my lesson, I ventured onto the wild world of Facebook for some brain relaxation time.  I found this video from Mitt Romney's last presidential election that made me giggle.  Please excuse me for sharing it with you.    

Today, while watching the Glee premier (I know. This is just one reason I have problems. I like that show, okay?) , I saw a commercial for Disneyland at Halloween time. Now I want to go to my grandma's and rock the Halloweened-out Disneyland.  I guess I just want to be anywhere but here. On another note, I went to the driving range for the first time today. The boy who took me only got hit in the head by my club once.  I even hit the ball once or twice.  I'm well on my way to rocking the masters.

I love Utah. I love my college town. But I find myself missing Boston. A lot.  It's extremely weird. I don't miss other places I've been on vacation (California, South Dakota, Seattle, etc). I just want to be back east. I want to go to the Cape again. I want to go to Fenway. I want to ride the T. I want some Kimball's ice cream. I want to laugh at the Dunkin' Donuts on every corner. I want the trees. I want a Canoli from Mike's Pastry. I want the North End. I want Quincey Market. I want the Esplanade.  I want Harvard Library. I want Old North Church. I want Nantucket.

...I'll be crossing my fingers that the game I created to demonstrate "The Rule of Law" will work.  Let's be honest. How can it fail when Nerf guns are involved?

...he'll start his acceptance speech with, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." ...he'll add the phrases, "With every fiber of my being" and "beyond a shadow of a doubt" to the presidential oath of office.  ...he isn't as concerned about getting American youth jobs as he is as he is about getting them married.  ...he'll award Ty Detmer, Steve Young, and Jimmer Fredette the Congressional Medal of Honor.  

My beautiful niece is six today. I was there when she was born. I cut the cord. I love her more than words can say.  She was the smartest little girl I knew. I was constantly amazed by how many song lyrics she knew. I loved playing games with her. I loved seeing that beautiful smile. I miss hearing her say I was going to my "a partment".  I miss you Becca. So many people wish you were here so we could spend this day together. I wish you could be with us for all our special occasions. I am extremely jealous of your Aunt Chelsie: I would have loved to twirl with you on my wedding day. Becca, I hope you can see how many lives you touched in your four short years. More than 500 people are reading for you and wearing yellow today. Many of those people never even met you. Becca, you've helped me be a better person. I'm kinder because of you. I like to think that I'm more patient. I am more devout in my belief of the gospel. Thank you for helping me become the woman I a...

This Wednesday my niece, Rebecca Toone, would have been six. Join us in honoring her memory by reading a book to your kids, or yourself, and wearing Yellow (her favorite color).  I love you Becca. I'll be reading for you on Wednesday. I'm going to read an Olivia book, because I know they were your favorites. I'm also going to read The Princess Bride. I know you would have liked it when you were older. I wish we could spend your birthday with you. Thank you for giving me a motivation to be a better person. I can't wait to spend eternity with you and the rest of our family. 

My newly-found best friend. Extremely helpful when doing homework, writing letters, and grading papers.

10 years since the terrorist attacks. I can't believe its been so long. I'm extremely grateful for my freedoms. I'm grateful to live in a country where I can live and worship according to the dictates of my own conscience. Thanks to all the soldiers who give their all and enable me to live in this free land!

Grief: A never ending process that is as far from fun as possible.

That red splotch is not a sticker. It's blood. I know. What a hardship. Stupid Smith's should learn how to stock their merchandise so it doesn't attack innocent shoppers. 

I (almost) blocked a spike today in Volleball. I rocked my "Real women don't date Yankees fans" shirt. I was at the gym at 6:45 AM.  I ate a bowl of Apple Jacks for dinner. Only items 1 and 3 are spectacular. 

For my religion class I am required to write a paper about "a significant experience in my life." Picking the experience was easy.  Writing about it isn't so simple.  " On February 6, 2010 my life fell apart."   Needless to say, this is a paper I need to write with lots of tissues. I love you Becca and Rachel. 

She says things like this: "You're good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like you." (I'm sorry that its out of context. I can't give away all the fun.) Thanks for being my best friend Brenda.

I just finished reading one of my favorite assigned readings thus far in my college career. Neigh, my entire academic career. Crazy, I know.  It's long (about 10 pages). But read it. It's so good. It makes me want to learn all day long. http://emp.byui.edu/ANDERSONKC/Zeal%20Without%20Knowledge.pdf

I did it. I had my labs. Even though I'm sure that some of my kids will (and already might) hate me.... I love it. I love teaching. I'm glad I found a major that makes me feel so happy!

...Until I teach my first lab. I'm excited. I'm nervous. I'm nervous excited. Although I feel like I prepared well, I can't help but think about trivial worries. What if they don't like me? What if my hair looks gross? What if I wake up late? What if the computer breaks?  The last one isn't so trivial. I'm legitimately freaked about that one.   Oh well. It's too late to back out now. Wish me luck!

Preface: I am a Teaching Assistant for a freshman-level class at my University. It's an extremely feared class, called American Heritage.  My students have started e-mailing me. I love it. Mostly, I love seeing who they address their emails to. Some will go for my formal first name 'Katherine', some will go for the misspelled 'Katy', and some others will forego the name all together an choose the ever-safe 'hey'. My favorite e-mail was addressed to, 'Mrs. Bell'. Suddenly I've graduated to being a married member of the teaching society.

I have successfully completed my first two classes of my Junior year of college. I repeat. Junior Year. It feels crazy. Extremely so. I can't believe I'm this old. I'm closer to graduating than I am to entering college. This makes me happy. But also terrified for the future. What if I can't get a job? What if I am bad at what I chose? But allow me to rant. Although I love school, I've realized that the first day isn't the best. Why is that? So many teachers use it as an excuse to freak you out. I will read a syllabus and then freak. I will forget that I've gotten through my first two years of college just fine. I forget that I am smart and capable. I forget that my eternal salvation doesn't rest on getting straight A's, or even keeping a scholarship. I (momentarily) forget that I enjoy learning and growing. Instead I freak about how I won't be able to succeed. Here's the thing Junior Year. I refuse to let you scare me. I am...

I've got a problem. I'm not creative. I'm not cutesy. I'm horrible at decorating. In an attempt to make my apartment look extremely cute, I bought some small mirrors for decorating. Today I hung them..... crooked. Now I'm all frustrated. I've decided to be done. I can't get them off the wall to fix them, and I'm just plain mad. In an effort to avoid frustrated tears that I'll only be embarrassed about later, I'm going to go on a run.  P.S. I hate all you interior design gurus. 

This is one of my new favorite blogs. I don't know the writer. She's a friend of a friend. Her posts are witty. I just feel like sharing her with you. Read a few posts. If you don't like it... don't tell me. 

Today, ladies and gents, is the official year mark. I know all of you are extremely excited. I can tell from here.   How am I celebrating? Don't judge. This is a fabulous evening. 

Most of the students I'll be teaching this fall (as part of my TA job) are young enough to be Ferris Bueller's kids.  What a blessing.  Here's how I know. 

...I said good bye to my best friend for two years.  It's hard to believe that it's been a year since I last talked to him.   I have no idea what's going to happen in the next year and a half or so, but I am grateful for a few things: To have been in love, especially with him. To have loved someone who puts the gospel first. That he's nearly halfway done with his mission. 

I feel like I've gone around the world and back in the last month, even though I've only gone to Boston, Denver, and South Dakota.  It sure feels nice to be back home to stay.