Sometimes I'm so pathetic

Like those moments I just spent like half an hour stalking my favoritest missionary/roommate HPen's blog because I just sat and watched the Notebook and my rommates are slowly disappearing and I sat without pants on for a couple hours today and I don't know what I'm going to do for the rest of the summer.

I think it's time the mission gives back my friends.

Meanwhile, I have a lot of blogging to catch up on apparently! Just now realizing how far behind I am. Like extremely.

You people don't even know that I lived with my best friend for the last 6 weeks! Or that I wrote a grant! Or that I declared a major! Yeah, I'm hot stuff. Lemme tell you, Provo is looking good on this girl.

Except for when it decides to snow in June. WUT.

The Life Lately

To enjoy this post to maximum capacity, click here. 

A picture homage to the life of Brittani lately:

 Me and N! Love that little man. 

Me and E. This kid cracks me up!

 Seriously looks like a death trap, but I couldn't be happier. Who am I?

My car's there somewhere, right?

 Lots of good memories in Fugal Hall :( Sad it's gone!

 This is what a date for Brittani and Jason looks like. 

 #ckfamily

 Waiting to get x-rays because.....

 My ankle looked like that. 

Now it looks like this. Which is actually better. It just looks so beautiful. :')
(Props to the nurse/doctor/radiologist for containing their laughs as I told the story of how it happened)

 It snowed! (Find the Y)

 And I was ecstatic!! 

Classic Christmas Fun.

Okay I think that's all.

There's Those Moments On Campus When I Hear Things And Think, "Only at BYU..."

Like today, when I was walking to my last class and I hear a guy shouting into the phone, "IN THE ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE OF THINGS..." and he proceeded to shout while I carried on my merry way to class (PS I'll tell you what, class in the Benson and then in the Heritage Central Building with 10 minutes to get there is nearly impossible. Note to self for next semester).


And while I laughed to myself about the irony of what he said with the tone of which he said it, I realized that's an important motto.
The eternal perspective: what REALLY, TRULY matters?
Does it matter what we did in high school, how many things we're involved in, how many parties we've been to, the number of hours we've slept, how much money is in our bank accounts, how many friends we've had?

No.

It matters more how we carry ourselves after our experiences.

How we spend our time and the knowledge we've gained.

What did we do with our life? What did we leave behind?

How are we living now?

Do we dwell in the past? Or do we set our sights on the future? 

We keep moving forward.

Tutti Frutti

This summer and the last I've a job working at Tutti Frutti - the only frozen yogurt shop in my home that is the treehouse. And I will whine about it until the day I stop working there. My hours are awful, there's often a lot of downtime, sometimes people aren't that friendly when they come in, I do more dishes there than I do at home, and I swear I come home covered from head to toe in yogurt. Oh, and don't forget the 824473947 pounds I'll gain by the end of the summer because it is so dang good!

But every once in a while I have some really great moments. There's a lot of people that come in that just crack me up (I mean, this is Lake County). There's also plenty of people that come in regularly, some doing the walk of shame because they might come in just a little bit too often, that I feel I ave a responsibility to make their day just a tad brighter. Plus, they tend to tip more if I'm friendly ;)

There's two little twin boys, probably 3 years old, that come in with their dad and tell me about their hunting and fishing trips and how they love the "salmon eggs" in their yogurts.

There's a little girl who comes in with her mom and is 4 going on 14. "I don't need your help, mom." "Mom, why are you doing it for me?"

There's the lady who came in and complimented me on my red hair and then said how whenever she came in I had a smile on my face and it made her happy

There's the families I knew from before I worked there that make me perk up when they come in.

There's my friends who come in when it's slow just to make me laugh. And take pictures of me. And play with the puzzle books.

There's the SUPER CUTE older couples who you know have been married forever and come in for date night to get frozen yogurt.

There's the people who commend my efforts for higher education and know that it's not easy to fund it on your own.

There's the teenagers on their first date.... and the ones that come in with the munchies.

There's so many reasons to smile

One lady found out I was a BYU student and got excited and asked me all about Utah because she was heading out there soon and wanted to know if she should fly or drive and what she could do and what I loved about Utah (Made me anxious to get back!) She left last week and came in before she did to tell me she decided to drive per my recommendation.

Then, yesterday there was a guy who found out I lived in Utah and asked if I was Mormon. (Pause: there's a lot of Mormon terms coming up.) After a brief introduction I found out he was recently baptized and that he just received the Priesthood and was attending a ward in my stake and he knew a lot of people that I did and we shared our love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives.

When I look at it this way, it makes working there not so bad and I actually wonder if my next job will be as enjoyable as this one with the way I get to interact with people so closely.

It also makes me really excited for that time in my life when I finally get to work at Disneyland - it's gonna happen.

This year

It's almost over 

WHAT.

Wasn't it just yesterday that I sat in my room balling my eyes out with Lady K because we had no friends and hated it here and wanted to be home and missed our family and the sky was falling and the world was coming to an end?

First night at school, say what?

 That was eight months ago.

And now the thought of going home is killing me. I mean I have the BEST people in my life - hands down. H, A, K, L, and the plethora of boys lining up at my door (don't even get me started on how many marriage proposals I've had this year, I mean really*). And now I've gotta go home and put all that on hold and work and make money and do some leadership stuff on the side because that's kinda my thing. I just got settled in and started enjoying, well, everything and now I'm out. And 99.9% of the people I met won't be here next year - THOSE FREAKING MISSIONS. Good thing I love this Church as much as I do and I'm okay with it. I also don't want to be struck down by lightning...

I feel like I've learned a lot. No so much in my classes but those were cool, too. More about me. And I realized how much I love this time in my life and how I don't want it to end and I don't want to grow up and I want to be able to stay up all night and jump around until we see the sun, you feel me?

It's just been some great time. Some awesome, fantastic, truly wonderful memories. And this 3-month break is going to SUUUUUUCK.

I now present to you: A Year in Pictures (The Condensed Version)

First Friends! Love them always and forever. 

Cutest Roommates you ever did see. #Jackpot

First (and LAST) time hiking the Y.

First Homecoming! True Blue. Thanks for making me go, BM.

First time having all four seasons! (Sometimes all in one day... Oh Utah.)

First real winter. Guys, I'm still alive. Shocking to even me!

Christmas at Temple Square with my lovers. Oh, that night. Memories. 

Ice skating! Still my dream date. Take note, boys, I'm easy to please.

It felt like a perfect night to dress up like hipsters. But it was really cold...

Did you know if you sit in the right place at lunch time in the CougarEat approximately 2012839201438247 people will come to talk to you about country dancing and hungry face competitions and BYU/SA?

Just a mid-week drive to Salt Lake. Gotta look hot, you know what I'm saying?

*Yeah, no that's a joke. So sorry for the disappointment. But I made it through my first year without a ring on it! Yes, it can be done! Actually, none of my friends got engaged this year. #foreveraloneattheCannonCenter

I know I'm 19, but I sometimes get so confused by life I feel like I'm 5

The Internet

So I'm sitting here at the delightfully perfect time of 12:20 in the morning thinking about how I should go to bed, but clearly I procrastinate even that. And I'm stalking one of my favorite blogs - definitely could be THE fav. Anyway, I'm sitting there just catching up on posts because it's been a while and I realize how weird the internet is. Like I don't know if anyone else has noticed it, and it definitely didn't hit me until today. But there are just so many weird things about the internet!
It makes stalking easier.
It didn't exist until fairly recently, but now it seems like a staple.
It's definitely required to succeed in college now (sort of bittersweet, I suppose).
Do we even know how to communicate without it?
And yet, here I am writing about the internet on the internet because I'm too lazy to pull out a pen and pencil and write it all down. So yes, I recognize the irony in all the words written up to this point.
I really don't know where I'm going with this, but I feel like I definitely have some thoughts about it now I guess.

Ps. I shouldn't be allowed to function after 12. For evidence, read above post.

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.

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.

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 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)

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.

I Haven't Had Time To Blog Because I've Been Too Busy Living

However, a wise friend told me that some of the best blog posts come during periods of procrastination. So we'll see.

PS: I get to blog for a class. Keyword being GET! Only problem is it's on a specific topic... like globalization and transnationalism and interdisciplinary and what not.  I'm okay with it for now.

So Many Cray Cray Vacays Bay Bay

This has been stuck in my head since Saturday night - all thanks to Tom and Marissa. I'm not complaining (completely) because it's super catchy.

Alright so they vacays. They weren't quite vacays. But all the driving made it seem like it.

Saturday: Leave home to drive to Willits for a baby shower.
Pick up Marissa in Redwood Valley on the way.
After baby shower go to Kohl's in Ukiah.
Drive home to Lakeport for a going away party.
Melt in the 108 degree weather and then leave for the dance.
Drive to Rohnert Park for the dance.
Leave the dance to go to In and Out (for a hour and a half...).
Get lost (a couple times) driving to Chelsea's.
Stay up till 2-ish.

Sunday: Church at 9. Gross.
Missionary farewell!
Saw Elder Brower, my home boy.
Chat with Jake Otteson for two hours.
Barbies with Marble for an hour.
Nap time for three.
Dinner with the missionaries (Stainbeck and Nelson).
Drive to the other side of Santa Rosa to the Hardesters for some BYU mingling.
Back to Chelsea's to say bye!

Monday: Work at 9. One more day.
Leave at 12.
Get ready to pick up Ty in Sac and find out 20 is closed so we have to drive through Napa. Thank goodness Brendan was there.
Get back at 9. Eight hours driving is awesome.
Say good bye to Christopher (a momma goose boy) .
Stay up late blogging.

Check.

I think it's time for some sleep.