Oh, I just can't wait to be home

AND SEE THIS KID. I miss him. Thanks for bailing early on Thanksgiving </3

Missions.

They're a great thing. Until you realize all the guy friends you made this year at BYU will slowly filter out and then you're left at square one again. Add that to your friends who are already out and you run up quite the bill in stamps. I hope that my boys spread the Gospel far and wide and make this two year separation worth it.

Gail Halvorsen - The Candy Bomber

Colonel Gail Halvorsen (born October 10, 1920) is a retired career officer and command pilot in the United States Air Force known as the original Candy Bomber or the "Rosinenbomber" in Germany. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is best known for piloting C-47s and C-54s during the Berlin airlift (also known as "Operation Vittles") during 1948–1949.
Shortly before landing at the Tempelhof airport in the American sector of Berlin, Halvorsen would drop candy attached to parachutes to children below. This action, which was dubbed Operation Little Vittles and sparked similar efforts by other crews, was the source of the popular name for the pilots: the candy bombers. Halvorsen had wanted to help raise the morale of the children during the time of uncertainty and privation.

Halvorsen started by giving a few treats to children watching the planes from outside the Tempelhof base. Wanting to give more, he promised to drop more candy from his plane the next day. Because the planes would arrive nearly every three minutes, the children naturally couldn't distinguish his aircraft from the others. However, Halvorsen promised to wiggle the wings to identify himself, which led to his nickname "Onkel Wackelflügel" ("Uncle Wiggly Wings"). The other American candy bombers became known as the Rosinenbombers (Raisin Bombers). Halvorsen's initiative drew the attention of the operation's commanding officer, Lieutenant General William H. Tunner, who approved of it and ordered it expanded into Operation Little Vittles.

The operation was soon noticed by the press and gained widespread attention. A wave of public support led to donations which enabled Halvorsen and his crew to drop 850 pounds of candy. By the end of the airlift, around 25 plane crews had dropped 23 tons of chocolate, chewing gum, and other candies over various places in Berlin. The Confectioners Association of America donated large amounts to the effort, and American school children cooperated in attaching the candies to parachutes.

I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert tonight in Salt Lake and be in the presence of this man. It brought tears to my eyes to hear his story told. I now have my own white parachute with a piece of candy that reminds me to be in the service of my fellow human beings each and every day and that by small things, great things come to pass.

If You're Looking For Smiles

Click Here.

Warms my heart.

Ps. Faith in Humanity restored for the time being.

Reflection

For every paper I've written in my Writing 150 class, we had to complete a reflection on the process of writing our paper and the challenges and successes that came because of it.
Well, seeing as it's the end of my first semester of college (!), I thought it might be appropriate to reflect on my challenges and successes in this latest chapter of my life.

First, I have now lived on my own for four months. HATE IT. There is nothing better than going home, eating something homemade, having someone do your laundry, and not having to plan everything on your own. But, there are positives. I don't have to have someone plan my every minute (Mom, if you only knew how I spent my time here...), and I'm learning to be independent. Baby steps, for sure, but I'm doing it.

Second, I have a new family. I did the impossible and made new friends. Seeing my brothers/bulldogs over break was one of the highlights of my life, no joke. But there was a part of me that couldn't wait to get back to P-town to see Kenzi and Amber - my sisters - and all the other wonderful/not-so-wonderful people here. What a relief to know that, yes, it can be done! I can live outside of Lake County!

Third, I'm not engaged, dating someone, or planning on dating someone. Take that all you people who said I'd come to BYU and be engaged after a semester because
    a. That's what Mormons do
    b. That's what BYU is for.
    c. It didn't matter where I went to school because I really was only going to meet my future husband (MRS degree, obviously)
And that's all I'm going to say about that.

Fourth, I have cried more in the last four months than anytime I can remember. There were the times when I missed my boys. There were the times when I was so stressed about classes I couldn't see straight. There were the times when all I wanted was to be home where I didn't have to worry about money anymore! There were the times when I couldn't make up my mind about the future (a scary place by the way). And there were the times when I just wanted familiarity. BUT I LIVED. I succeeded. I made it through. And all those worries seem a lot sillier from this point of view.

Fifth, I'm okay with the fact that I haven't gotten all As this semester and that that is pretty much out of the realm of possibility. Did it suck of course? Well yeah! This girl's had straight As since the 4th grade! But then I remembered I'm at BYU. And every student here came from a highly successful academic background. And not everyone can be on top. AND I AM OKAY WITH IT.

Sixth, getting out of the Lake County bubble has opened my eyes in so many ways. I sure appreciate home a lot more. I wouldn't change growing up in hicktown Lakeport for anything in my life. I love having to explain where I live in California to people who think that they know the area so well. And then the looks on people's faces when I tell them I graduated with 100 kids. The stories that I have, the memories, make it all worth it in the end.

I guess what I'm trying to get across is that I'm happy for where I've been, and excited for where I'm going. I kinda surprised myself with sitting down and writing this with how many things I'm thankful for in my life. It may mean nothing to you. But it means everything to me!

EDIT: Oren wanted me to let you all know how miserable I was that I didn't get to see him over break. That is all.

For Anyone Wondering What It's Like To Go To BYU

Men of the 106th,

Tomorrow night is a BYU Dance. Finals are here, the semester is nigh unto an end, and the Women of the 106th have spoken thusly:

"Thou (you, my brethren) hast turned for me (a 106th Ward sister that you should ask to the dance) my mourning (finals) intodancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness" (Psalms 30:11)

Gird up your loins guys! Gladness awaits! Ask and ye shall receive! Have a blast at the dance!

Your esteemed brother of-the-clerk,

Tony

aka Brother Anderson

p.s. Please refer to Van Halen II, Side 1, Track 2 for further instruction ;)



OH DEAR ME.

SURPRISE

I'm procrastinating again.

This is college life, ladies and gents.

I Am In The Christmas Mood!

So here's some Christmas cheer on the blog. AND SNOW

Something Witty This Way Comes

That's as good as it's getting today, folks.

But tonight I have a story to tell.

Once upon a time it was Halloween.

I know you can't tell from these pictures but it was. Promise.

So this night was an adventure to say the least. You know how college kids are on Halloween. Naturally it led to this:

Don't judge us; it's cute so it's acceptable.

But there was one thing that happened that Halloween night that we kept a secret until last night. Yes, we bought Christmas decorations. But we made this stealthy plan to decorate the boys' apartment door with our super cute stockings that we bought (which, by the way, there were only EXACTLY six of left). And all that planning led to a surprise attack:

 And us being super cute again. Luckily, it was the right time frame this time.

It's the start of some Happy Holidays. <3

Fall Semester

It's almost over. And you know it's going well when you have a whole apartment of guys that will:
a.) make you chocolate chip pancakes on a whim
b.) listen to the same music as you
c.) get addicted to How I Met Your Mother almost as fast as you did and now are in a race to finish before the end of the semester.

To top it all off - they walk you home at the end of the night. #win

THIS

Being at BYU has made me realize that there are a lot of douchebag guys out there. Now now, I know that there are A LOT of respectable men that understand what it means to be a gentleman and how to treat a lady. But I feel like here, where all the boys are focused on their missions, they feel like they have a free pass to treat people - girls especially - like garbage.
And it makes me sick! I watch those sappy old love stories, and I just wonder, what happened to all those guys? The ones who hold open doors. Who walk on the outside edge of the sidewalk. Who pull out chairs. Who offer their coats. Who pay for meals. Who are thoughtful and helpful.
The chivalrous ones that treat women like the princesses they are.
Guys have grown to be such pigs. And I know that's terrible. But it's true.
Ladies - accepting these things from a guy does not make you a prima donna. It shows that you understand and value your worth.
Gents - Treating a girl with respect benefits you in the long run, I promise you.

This guy, bless his heart:

I love watching old movies. Particularly movies from the 30’s and 40’s.
It’s fascinating to see the interaction between the characters and how well they treated each other. During that era, even Hollywood, in all its trendiness, still managed to pump out movies highlighting good old fashioned values.
So are old fashioned values still relevant today?
Is it possible to live with 20th century morals and ideals in a 21st century world?
Do these values really play a role in increasing the romance needed in marriage?
Let’s take a look at three key “old fashioned values” and see how they might help us today.
Chivalry
Chivalry is one of the easiest to indentify as being “old fashioned”. Guys, this is a message especially for us. What would it be like if we, as men, all stood up when a lady entered the room? What would it be like if we took her coat for her? What would it be like if she never had to open a door?
I know from personal experience that most women are a little shocked at first. Then, at a deeper look, you can see that it really makes them feel special – like it’s a way they’ve always wanted to be treated.
Just before my wife and I were married, a piece of advice someone gave me that really stuck with me is, “she never touches a door handle”. Meaning, I need to always be there to hold the door, open the car, and so on. By being chivalrous, you can bring back the true meaning of the word ‘gentleman’.
Even in our busy modern lives, there’s always time for a little chivalry. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to help the ladies feel grateful to you and induce more romantic feelings for you.
Respect
Tied closely to chivalry is respect. Respecting your spouse involves treating him or her the way that makes them feel important. The highest form of respect in marriage is seeing and treating each other like royalty.
Service
Serving your spouse manifests itself in many ways. It could be picking up a chore they aren’t very fond of. It could be doing something they really enjoy. It could be just taking the time to be involved with them, whatever that may mean at the time. The ways to serve your spouse are almost infinite. It’s just a matter of actively looking for ways to help.
It’s my experience, that as you look for ways to serve your husband or wife and actually do it consistently, that love will be reflected back and yours will be a happy marriage.
So are these values too old-fashioned?
What if we just removed the word “old-fashioned” and simply called them values?
In reality, any value that encourages a more romantic, more loving marriage is never old fashioned.

So give me a love like Eric and Ariel

Or Allie and Noah

Or Carl and Ellie.







That is a love worth waiting for.

Genetic Blog {Five}

In SFL 210, child development, a lot of emphasis is placed on how parents influence development in children. This can be cognitive, emotional, social, or moral development. How we are raised determines how we will grow in the world. If our parents are kind and warm in rearing us, and teach us how to react with others we will reach social competence and be able to contribute to the world.

We will be able to show empathy and sympathize with those around us.

We will learn the value of hard work and realize that effort is greater than ability.

We will understand morality and treat others with kindness and equality.

We will serve those around us.

And most importantly, we will prepare to raise our children in such a way that they, too, will be influential in society. 

I have never been more grateful for my parents until I came to BYU. I appreciate their sacrifices more, long to be near to them, and strive to better our relationships in every way possible. Learning about the roles of parents in our development have encouraged me to reflect on my childhood and realize how successful it was. Not only am I learning ideas that will help me pass the test, I’m learning about myself and my relationships with my family and that is the most important concept I will learn by far. 

CHECK HER OUT

If you want to know about life, click here.


And then maybe stalk for a while.

Those Nights

Where it's okay to sit around in a circle for hours and make fun of each other for nothing.
That's what keeps college kids sane.

Countdown Update

1. Hike the Y?

    -We've both hiked it. But not together. Haha
19. Watch The Little Mermaid

Genetic Blog {Four}

One quote that has always stuck with me through my life is

Gordon B. Hinckley

It has been on my fridge for as long as I can remember and has become a motto of sorts for my family. We struggled as I grew up, but our little family of three – my mom, my brother, and me – held strong in the knowledge that we no matter what happened we would be together.
Being here at BYU has brought its challenges; some I thought I would never encounter in my life. It has been one of the biggest trials and blessings in my life. In my Book of Mormon class a few weeks ago, we studied 2 Nephi 5. Brother Merrill emphasized how every element of happiness is described in this chapter: work, the temple, the scriptures, the commandments, etc. As the weather changes, bringing longer nights and cold weather, attitudes change. It is important to focus on the good things that are happening in our lives instead of letting the bad aspects affect us.
In our lives as students specifically, we need to understand that trying our hardest is a positive things. And as long as we know that we have gained a knowledge, our test scores should not affect our well-being. Also, being away from home can leave us longing for that which we left at home: our friends, our family, our communities. But Provo is our new home and we need to build it up even here and take it on as our home and look for the good around us instead of wishing we had the past back.
The most important thing for us to focus our efforts on is the Gospel, and everything else will fall into place.

Roommate Moments #6

Me: If I write "Holla atcha boy," will you know what that means?"
H: Yeah, it means print out that thing for you.

Me (On the mirror): Oh girl, thank you girl for turning off the lights/cleaning. #roommateoftheyear
H: Oh, no prob! Hope I wasn't too loud! And thank you! #winnng
Me: No way. #we'rethefreakingcutest.
H: People should be je. I would be.

Me: I mean, he's got dark hair and blue eyes, just like Prince Eric. We're obviously meant to be.

I Have These Really Awesome People in My Life Like.... {Four}

 

Kenzi

Kenz and I met at EFY the summer of 2011. We were neighbors. And got in trouble. But that's a different story.

Next, we came to BYU together. And ended up on the same floor, in the same hall. Out of all the on-campus housing! It really was pretty awesome. Especially because we knew someone this way.

Now we're busy making memories. 

And lots of friends. And she's the best. Even if she thinks I hate her. Or whatever.

So I'm Sitting on the Couch

Amber: "I've decided you're the most boring person when you first wake up and right before you go to bed. Just thought I'd inform you."

Dear Amber,
So is every normal person. But then again you have to put your face on right when you wake up. The end.
Love,
Brittani
xxooXOx
(hug hug, kiss kiss, big hug, big kiss, little hug)

I Hiked the Y

And now I'm dying. Seriously. It's not far at all. I mean I walk all over campus everyday. But that hill is terrible! Just goes to show how out of shape I am. I'm working on it. Starting... NOW.

PS: Pictures to come!

Countdown to Minnesota

This is Jaron

He thinks he's pretty cool. I guess he's alright.
A few weeks ago, Jaron got his mission call to the Minnesota Minneapolis Mission - Spanish Speaking! I'm so excited for him but the only bummer is that he's only at school for one semester. To celebrate/make the most of our time, we made a list of things to do before he leaves. So far, so good :)
1. Hike the Y
2. Watch Footloose
3. GO TO AWFUL WAFFLE

4. Hot date with Earnest

5. Watch Hercules
6. Watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
7. Raspberry sorbet/sherbet for the Texan
8. Give Jaron his phone back...never.
9. Jaron-wear a jacket
10. Letter Writing (Not the sucky kind)
11. Museum of Art, Healer's Art
12. Kick Someone Out of the Band
13. Write Jaron's Apology Acceptance Letter
14. Take Some Sweet Pics

15. Learn Not to Hate Brittani and Her Ginger-ness
16. Get Jaron Some Gloves
17. Stargazing  (We found Chancho!)
18. Geocaching
19. Watch The Little Mermaid
20. Old Time Movie in the Library
21. Watch A Knight's Tale
22. Planetarium
23. Make Sure Amber Doesn't Ruin THIS List (You should see the other one)

Genetic Blog {Three}

Anyone who has gotten to know me knows my love for Disney movies, the Disney name, the company - anything Disney makes me light up like a kid at Christmas time. Recently, I have had the opportunity to apply for an internship with Disney. I can't think of any other way I'd want to spend my summer now that I know about this amazing experience. Disney is every little girl's dream! Walking into the park and feeling like a princess is something she'll never forget. Each time I go I have new memories, and they're always the best. 

My seminary teacher once told me that she equated the Celestial Kingdom to Disneyland. It takes sometime and effort to get there as well as a whole lot of planning, but the best experiences result from it. We get out of this life what we put in. The more I think about it, the more I realize how great of an analogy this is for the Plan of Salvation.

We are here on this earth to work toward returning to our ultimate goal. If we prepare accordingly by recognizing our worth as children of God (princesses and princes of a Heavenly King) we will get to return to our Heavenly Father and he will even have a mansion for us there (much like a princess castle!) I'm pretty sure that the Celestial Kingdom will be spotless like Disneyland is, too. Eternal life truly is the greatest "Happily Ever After."

I Have These Really Awesome People in My Life Like... {Three}

Amber

Reasons why I love Amber:

1. She LOVES Disney as much as I do. If not more. She has a Tangled poster in her room, ftw.
2. We have the kind of humor that only we understand. Sometimes I wish we were one person and could be together all the time because we just laugh about everything.
3. She has an extra bed that she lets me use :)
4. She dresses me up super cute when I feel like death.
5. She's so protective of me and we've only been here a month.
6. WE CAN SHARE SHOES!
7. She sings like a boss.
8. We share Earnest.
9. We can pick up on each other's movie references!
10. Let's be honest. We're hot.

Reasons why Amber sucks:

1. She's from Texas....

I'll forgive her though because I can't imagine my life without her now!

Cuppy is My Man

You've all seen this movie, right?

If you haven't you should just leave now.

Growing up, okay to this day, I've had an obsession with anything that had to do with a red head. Madeline, Little Mermaid, Enchanted, the Peanuts, and yes, obviously, The Parent Trap. In fact, it was one of my favorite movies.

So it shouldn't come to you as a surprise that I brought Charlie Brown with me to school.

Or that I have this bad boy on my bed:

(Although I must say, mine is WAY cuter.)

Now, if you're looking at this and wondering, "Why does Brittani have a scary stuffed rabbit?" again, you can leave. I've had Cuppy longer than I can remember. And I love that I have to explain it to everyone who comes in my room and sees it.

Wanna see him in action? He's a star.

Anyway, I figured I'd blog about my love because, well he's the best. And yes, I talk to my stuffed animal like it's real. Quit judging.

Reason number two for this blog post: Amber thinks he's the worst. Little does she a know that a mint condition Cuppy is selling on ebay at a high of $129.95. 

Not only is he a star, he's rare. And he's all mine.

Gingers, ftw. 

Genetic Blog {Two}

Passion: a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept; intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction.

Recently, I discovered how important passion is in the world. It is the driving force behind many things in this world.

As I began brainstorming on our Personal Essay topic, I was at a loss. For the past 8 years, I lived in a small town in Northern California that I had grown to love. I appreciated every aspect of the area, simply because I knew one day I would have to leave and all I would have to go on was memories. 

While I devoted myself to the betterment of Lake County, I didn't really have a global perspective on certain situations. Sure, I was passionate about the area and the people there and the activities I was involved in, but it didn't extend past the county lines.

I realized that passion causes us to do wild, unthinkable things. Those moments when we look back and think, "How did I make it through THAT?"

Passion is what pushes scientists to spend sleepless nights doing research in labs.

Passion is what makes a young man leave all he's comfortable for two years to serve the Lord.

Passion is what causes music to touch you.

Passion is what is felt in good writing, home-cooked food, and art.

It is what brings the world such wonderful things. If Edison wasn't passionate about the lightbulb, we wouldn't have it. If the Founding Fathers weren't passionate about freedom, we wouldn't be where we are today. If Joseph Smith wasn't passionate about the Gospel, I would bet that he wouldn't have endured all his trials.

So maybe my passion has been Lake County for the last eight years. Maybe I dabbled in other areas as well. But now, my passion can benefit the people of the world. I just have to decide what that passion is.

"You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it." - We Bought a Zoo

My Mama is a Smart Cookie

There's a silver lining somewhere. And your boys are there for you even if not physically.

Dude. Adam Levine is HOT

Holy crap, I forgot how beautiful he was.

Yeah, I love her.

Let Us Not Forget

Guys are the worst.

I've only been here two weeks. And it feels like months. And I wish that I had those bonds that 8 years of friendship bring. But I can't. And I realize I don't always know everyone's character like I'd like to and I give them the benefit of the doubt.

BIG MISTAKE.

All I want is the no drama Bulldogs back in my life. Please.

Genetic Blog {One}

Okay, this is my first blog post for my Writing class. And I decided to post it here first before I have it get torn apart by the teacher. PLEASE tell me what to fix to make it better or if its confusing or anything. It's a grade! Thanks :)

One of the major components of our Heavenly Father’s plan for us on this earth is knowledge.

In Proverbs 8:10-12, it says “Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”

We are taught in Doctrine and Covenants 130 that knowledge is that which rises with us in the resurrection, and in Doctrine and Covenants 88, the Lord encourages to gain knowledge “That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you,” (v. 80).

Just as it is vital to our eternal salvation to gain knowledge of the spiritual ideas of life, it is equally important to gain a secular knowledge of the workings of this Earth so that we, as a human population, may better our surroundings.

In Human Development 210 (SFL 210), we learned about the state of Romania orphanages through the 1990s. Because of the turmoil of the state and increased poverty, large numbers of children were abandoned. This led to overcrowded, understaffed facilities in a very short amount of time. Those that were deemed ‘normal’ around age three were sent away to specialize in a trade. The other children were labeled as irrecoverable and were separated from the outside world. These children were malnourished and neglected, simply from lack of knowledge.

Many of the children had developmental disabilities.  Many of the children who were severely neglected suffered from Reactive Detachment Disorder (inability to bond securely or otherwise, even with caregivers who have secure working models of attachment relationships), Nonorganic Failure to Thrive (A growth disorder usually present by 18 months of age that is caused by lack of affection and simulation), and Deprivation Dwarfism (A growth disorder observed between 2 and 15 years of age caused by severe emotional deprivation).

This institutional care is a concept almost incomprehensible; but, the serious state of these orphanages grew from a lack of knowledge. It was not until the last 20 years when research proved that developmental damages from lack of interaction in the early years of a child’s life are critical to their foundation of growth for life.

The same idea of knowledge being essential can be applied to nutritional problems in America. There are two types of scientific approaches: the traditional way which requires the use of the scientific method to come up with hypotheses and eventually and theories, and the modern idea that does away with the trial period and hopes to produce effective results as soon as possible. The problems with this second method are a lack of surety and an increase in skewed information. In Nutrition 100, the professor asked us what knowledge we wanted to gain from this class – the answers had a wide range, the reason being a lack of knowledge. Every student had gained their own perspective on what was healthy based on what they had been taught growing up. Often these ‘facts’ are drawn from bad information on the news or tradition, or even religious beliefs. If one does not take the time to seek out the real answer from research done by those educated in nutrition, the opportunities to be misinformed are endless.

Both of these instances showed me the importance of education. In a world that is constantly pulling you in a million directions, the only way to know the truth is if you seek after it yourself, whether that be in the Gospel, Nutrition, Human Development, or any other part of life, learning is imperative to success.