I remember.

Ten years.

That's how long it's been. Ten years.

 I can still remember that day. I got up and went to school as usual. We went to P.E. at 9 as always, I think it was a day when we played with the parachutes, I always liked playing with the parachutes. I remember coming back and my teachers were being weird, somber.  I remember one of my teachers eyes were red and puffy, and I thought that something must have happened to her family and I was confused as too why she didn't just go home. But I quickly forgot about that as I went about the rest of my day. I can vividly remember being happy and a little hyper as I got off the bus. I ran inside and came up the stairs, which is where my mom intercepted me. She told me to go into the living room and sit down. My sister was watching something on the TV and crying and I wondered what had happened, why was she crying. I remember my mom explaining that two planes had been flown into some towers in NYC, and into the Pentagon and one had crashed in Pennsylvania. I remember being worried about some friends that lived in Pennsylvania. I remember now being allowed to watch TV because my mom thought I was to young to see it, but watching it anyways. I remember talking about it in class afterwards, and kids saying that they knew people that were supposed to be on those flights, but for some reason or another weren't and thinking God works in mysterious ways. I remember my mom picking me up from school early one day and taking me to a prayer meeting that was being broadcast from SLC. I remember President Hinckley speaking to us and feeling better after he did. I wasn't there, I didn't see the towers fall or know anybody that died in the attacks, but I remember that day. And I guess that's all we can do. Remember. Fighting a war, or killing those responsible isn't going to change the events of that day or make those people come back. But we can remember, remember those who lost there lives that day, the ones who were in the planes and towers and the ones who ran to the fray. We can remember the ones who lost there lives in the resulting wars.
We can remember and live for those who can't anymore because of that day.

I remember and I live.

~ACE~

You just got John Greenned!.. The dangers of reading a good book before bed and the importance of reading.

So a while back, I was getting ready for bed. Going about my usual routine, brushing the teeth, the hair, pj's, scriptures, prayers and bed. Now usually before bed I like to pick up a book for and read for a little while, ya know calm down and escape into another world for a bit. Only, on this particular night I made the fateful error of picking up a John Green book. (One of my favorite authors but more about him later.) To be precise I picked up Paper Towns, and as I read I got lost in the world of Margo Roth Spiegelman and Quintin Jacobson and trying to figure out the mystery as well as stopping myself from skipping to the end and reading the last chapter; something I'm guilty of I admit but hey, acceptance is the first step to recovery right? Anyways, like I said I got lost in the story, and I kept turning page after page and before I knew it, I had read a good third of the book and it was about three in the morning. And mind you, I had a test that morning too. With a self imposed guilty feeling growing inside, I quickly turned out the light and tried to fall asleep. As I laid there trying to clear my mind and count sheep, I thought about how easily I had gotten lost in the story and how time had gotten away from me, and I thought to my self, "You just John Greenned!!" I thought about all the other books that I had done this with too, I have gotten J.K.ed, Suzanne Collinsed, Tolkined, Orson Scott Carded and yes, even Stephanie Meyered (Don't judge, it was at a low point in my life) among others. I thought about what it takes to get authored  and important it is to do so.

When an author can create a world that's so magical that you can lose yourself for a couple of hours, it's pretty incredible, even if that world is only in Florida. Sometimes people need a break from reality, and good authors provide a way to do that. When people tell me that they don't like to read, it saddens me and I think "Then how do you get away?" Often times people don't realize how important it is, think about it; if you're constantly going and going then you'll run out of steam, even if you get enough sleep, it won't matter because your brain will be so exhausted it won't be able to focus on anything and, a great way to rest your brain is reading! The author of many children's books, Theodor Geisel once said "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." He was also known as Dr. Suess I see reading as away to escape with out actually having to go somewhere, a vacation for your mind. You can go anywhere and be anything when you read. You can go into Mordor with the ring or start a revolution with some berries, you can go to Hogwarts and learn magic or you can break into Sea World with a mysterious girl. Walt Disney said "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." And I couldn't agree with him more. I guess what I'm trying to say is... GO READ A BOOK!!!! Read for fun, read to learn something new, read to escape, read to comeback down, read to survive. Just read.

I want to thank all the authors that have authored me, and my elementary school teachers for teaching me to love to read. Go read a book!!!! And as always...

Keep it real.

~ACE~

The Decision.

I know that based on the title of this post, it sounds as though I've made some big life changing decision like to get married or something, and trust me that's definitely NOT it, so just keep reading....

As most of you know, I'm going to serve a mission in January. Originally I was going to stay in Cedar, continue to go to school and work. However those plans have changed as it has become clear that that wouldn't be the best idea. In order to serve a mission I need to have money, and working ten hours a week at Taco Bell is not gonna get me that money. So then it became matter of finding another job so I could save some money but seeing as how jobs in Cedar are scarce, staying in Cedar became less and less of an option. And so it then became a matter of where to go; to Atlanta with my sister, or back to New York. Atlanta seemed like a good idea, however when I think about it I think it would be a little to hectic for me, no offense Kristy.  I've decided to move back to New York. I honestly think that this is the best option for me. I'll be able to get a full-time job, my licence, and have free rent and food.

I have mixed feelings about moving, I'm sad to be leaving Cedar and the life I have here, but I'm also excited to be going home again. I really do feel good about this, I truely believe that I'm doing the right thing in moving and that it's time to say good bye to Cedar and hello to New York. And don't think that you'll be getting rid of me forever, I'll be back. It's not so much of a 'good bye', it's more of a 'see ya later'. It's time for a change, and it's one I'm ready for. So, until next time...

Keep it real guys!
~ACE~

It's been awhile...

Well, it's been quite a while so an update is in order. 

It's well into summer now and the days are long, hot and lazy, and I am loving it. I'm taking a couple of summer classes online and they're pretty easy. I recently went to New York, for my little brothers graduation. It was so much fun!!!! I loved seeing my family and meeting my new baby niece Coraline. While I was there I got to go to Monroe Ave. and introduce the awesome-ness that it is to my little brother. I also picked up some pretty sweet things, including a new card game, a sweet journal that I'll use on my mission and, of course, a couple of new magnets!!! I also got me some Mark's Pizza which was FABULOUS!!! There is nothing like Mark's Pizza and wings, NOTHING I TELL YOU!!!!! I also got to drive around Palmyra and see all the sights, which made me very happy. Seeing my little brother graduate was also really sweet. I can't believe that it's happened, not because I didn't believe it couldn't happen, but because it makes me feel old, mind you he did skip a year. He was crazy ambitious in school and took enough AP's to earn him 56 credit hours. That's enough to equal almost TWO YEARS of school!!! I defiantly won't be surprised when he graduates college before me, especially because I still have at least three years on my degree and I'll be out of school for the next two years with my mission. I also went to NYC but that's a-whole-nother post, that's soon to come.

Keep it real!!

~ACE~

My entrance into the dating world....

Well, I guess you can say I have entered the crazy roller coaster ride that is dating. So far my story consists of four parts; a relationship, some harmless flirting, a blind date and a player.

Part I- A relationship, and the mistake that it was.

This part of the story starts with my institute class, this semester I decided to take Book of Mormon two from Brother Jolly, an excellent class if I do say so my self but that's a different story. In this class I was asked to serve as one of the co-presidents along with a kid, we'll just call him J. J was nice enough, and when he asked me out I said yes, mainly because I hadn't been out on a date since the two I had in high school. The date was, well, really awkward! He was really awkward, but he was interested in me and it made me feel good so I said yes, when he asked me out again for the next night. We went out on a few dates after that, it got less awkward. Then a few weeks into dating we we got 'serious'; I put it in quotation marks, because it really wasn't. We were a couple, we spent Valentines Day together, I met his parents, he broke up with me. It took awhile to get it out of him, but it was because his parents didn't like me, lame, I know. It lasted all of one month, and the entire thing was a mistake, one I'll not be making again. But I did learn somethings from it.
1) Never move that fast!!!! It's a bad idea!!
2) Be sure that it's what I want. I think I was more interested in having a boyfriend then in J.
3) Be careful what you say. Some people don't need to know somethings.
4) Don't get to attached to fast, I didn't and I am so grateful I didn't.
5) Discuss things, communication is the key.
All in all, I'm glad it's over and it ended when it did, instead of me waking up three months from now and realizing what a bad idea I had.

Part II- Some harmless flirting :)

So I work in fast food. I'm a cashier at the local taco joint, it's a job that I hate, but sometimes it can be fun, like when the Three Stooges come in.  The Stooges are three guys that come into the store and are the type that flirt just to flirt. Stooge 1 is the ring leader, he's the most vocal and really hilarious. Stooge 2 is a little more reserved a but can still cause a ruckus. Stooge 3 is the quietest of the three, he's really sweet when he comes in alone. Nothing is going to come of it, but it's fun to flirt and to be flirted with. Especially after a break up, it makes me feel happy.

Part III- A blind date.

Back before spring break, and couple of friends of mine had a brilliant idea. We were going out on a group date and we were each gonna set each other up on a blind date. I set up TK, TK set up KT and KT set up me. A few weeks latter it actually happened. We had a picnic, played Frisbee, colored with side walk chalk, played games, it was alot of fun. my date, M, was really nice we had a good time together. We talked, he joked, I laughed, it was fun. We've been Facebook messaging since, I'd like another date just to get to know him better. I don't know if it'll lead anywhere, maybe it will maybe it won't; but one thing I know is that I will not make the same mistakes as in part one.

and finally...

Part IV-A player.

So there's this friend of a friend, a notorious player; he has a way of making girls swoon. He's gorgeous, really sweet and kinda funny. And what's worse... I'm falling for him >:( It all started earlier this week when he hugged me, I don't really hug guys outside of a relationship unless they're really good friends. It was odd. Then last night we talked and he was charming; I don't think he's consciously trying to play me but it still sucks! I told my roommates what was going on and they said everyone falls for him and eventually moves one, that he's the one that can't be caught. And the thing is I'm not sure whether I truly like him or I like the 'special' attention he's giving me, and even if it's really 'special' attention. GRRRRRR!!!!!

At this point I think boys are dumb and that we should throw rocks at them. Agreed ladies? I think so.

And through all of this, I've kept close to the scriptures, mainly my patriarchal blessing, reading it's counsel over and over again. And I've realized that, i don't need a boy to be happy. It'd be nice to have one, yes, but I don't need one. I'm happy being me! Just a single girl trying to find her place in the world. I have faith that, eventually, the right man will come along and that I'll be happy with him. But for now... I am content. :)

Keep it real guys!!
~ACE~

The Awesomeness of the King's Singers

This week; I got to meet The King's Singers... and WOW!! It was amazing!!!! They were so nice and pretty much just radiated awesomeness. But... let's begin at the beginning... the masterclass.

Monday they came for a masterclass with the choir. It was so cool. We sang two songs for them, one we sang on our last concert, the other we had learned the week before. And, not to brag, but they loved us. I learned alot about singing in a choir and had a lot of fun. Afterwards they were kind enough to take a few pictures with us.

Tuesday was the concert, a boy was it something!!! The first set were the more classical pieces of their repertoire. They did alot of more madrigal type pieces which were amazing!! How they all keep their part so well and stay in tune, I'll never know. My favorite from that set was 'Jenny Jones' it was hauntingly beautiful, the emotion they put into their singing coupled with beautiful harmonies and their vocal blend was fantastic!!!

After the intermission they did some pieces from the lighter/more popular side of their repertoire. They sang 'I'm Yours' pretty well, and a really good rendition of Harry Connick Juniors 'Recipe for Love'. They also sang a really amusing piece about being a train, and Micheal Buble's 'Home' and that was fantastic. But the best was 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' mainly because the really cute bass sang something other then a boring bass line and he has a really hot voice.

After the concert they came out into the lobby and we got to take pictures and get autographs.

This is the bass Johnathan Howard, and boy was I smitten (along with every other girl in the department), and really; he's a bass (instant win), only twenty-three years old (I know I'm shocked too!), is British(a.k.a. accent=win) and is adorable!!! Need I say more? And no I don't feel ashamed about being smitten.

This is Christopher Gabbitas, the second baritone. To me he seemed a little stand-off-ish but that's most likely attributed to the fact that I talked to him after what I'm sure was a really long day and he's British. But he still posed for a picture with me and signed my program :) 

This is Philip Lawson, the first baritone. He was awesome!!! So friendly and welcoming, he didn't mind taking photos and signing my program and even chatted with me for a while, he's very witty I discovered.

This is Paul Phoenix, the tenor. I think he was my favorite; he sang 'I'm Yours' wonderfully and was hilarious. He was also very expressive which added so much to the performance.

This is Timothy Wayne-Wright, he's a counter-tenor. He was pretty cool, a really sweet guy. And really cute... but he's a counter-tenor ... and married :(

And finally this is David Hurley, the first counter-tenor. He's also really cool. He was really animated and personable on stage. He also gave us alot of good pointers on Monday.

After the concert a bunch of us went to Denny's and that was a blast!!!! It was so sweet, we talked and ate and just chilled; and of course we talked music, which was awesome. We talked about everything from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, to which songs were in which scales, to why Dr. Bradshaw would write a piece with the time signature 3+3+2 over 8 and why the same song would that a time signature AND key signature that would change every three measures and then why he would make us sing it!!!! I love talking music out of the classroom. All in all it was a really great night!!! And one I won't be forgetting soon!! :D

Piano's, Christmas, and Doctor Who

Well here we are, January 5 2011!!! Can you believe it?!?! I can, but what I can't believe is that I haven't posted anything since November!! oops!! but better late then never I guess. A lot has happened since then, and all those things would make for a really long post so I'll just lay out the important ones.

Firstly, I'M A PIANO MAJOR!!!!!!!!!!! and I'm really excited in case you can't tell ;) some of you might be surprised at this but in reality, it's been a long time coming. I started taking piano lessons in the spring of 2010, and fell back in love with it, at first it was just something fun, but as my life got shifted around and different things that prevented my singing, piano had to become my instrument if i wanted to stay a music major. It's doesn't really change much as far as schooling goes. I still have the same major (BA in music with piano emphasis) and I'm just switching my major. I will have an extra year and a half or so now, but it's worth it.

Christmas was a blast!!!! I loved seeing my sisters and her kiddo. I don;t think that Christmas can get better than when you spend it with little children. Sadly I only had a week to spend with them, but it was a good week. The highlights of which being the Nativity Pageant we did, Christmas  morning and the African Safari. Isn't one of the golden rules of acting is to never work with children or dogs? Well I did and even though we had our complications it was still a blast! It started of with Mary (who's not yet two) crying her eyes out because she had to ride the donkey (me) and her mother having to come and sit with her. Then the angel, about to tumble out of the heavens (the catwalk) and the shepherd not understanding that when I whispered his line to him, and instead of saying it out loud he just whispered back to me "OK". Then Joseph pulling the baby out of a cabinet and the proceeding to lay it in the manger which was also the dogs bed which the dog refused to get out of. It ended with Mary taking the wise mens gifts before she was supposed to and the wise man trying to pull it out of her hands. However with all the complications it was still a blast and I think the kids got something out of it... I hope. Christmas morning as a blast as well, the kids faces as they opened there presents was priceless. The African Safari is a bit of a story, so we'll save that one for latter.

And as always with Christmas comes the Doctor Who Christmas Special. This year was pretty good. It was kind cheesy but aren't all Christmas specials. I think my favorite part was how comedy ridden this one was. The Doctor was hilarious, my favorite joke being was when his psychic paper only showed a bunch of squiggly lines when he tried to pass him self off as being a responsible adult. The best part of the special in my opinion was the music, Murry Gold=musical god!!!

So here we are at the end, it's a bit longer then I thought but I tried!