Yeah. This Happened.

This is what happened:
I handed Lady a form-with my left hand (she walked into the office instead of going to the window-which is what you're supposed to do...)
Lady: Oh honey, how old are you? (Her kids-oldest is probably 13-SCREAMING about wanting candy....uhg)
Me: (hesitantly) 20
Lady: Oh. And...and you're not married I see. Not even engaged?
Me: No, I have a lot more of the world I want to see before I settle down.
Lady: Oh, well, honey, you know, 20 is a little too old to be single! And no children I presume?
Me: (in utter disbelief at her audacity-if she said honey one more time I was gonna pop her, yet still trying to be polite) No. I'm not married, ergo no kids. *Smile*
Lady: Well, don't wait too long, honey, you probably don't have many child bearing years left in you.
Me: How old were you when you had your first? (Me-scowling at wailing 13 year old)
Lady: Older than you but I regret it, honey.
Me: (HONEY? I'm NOT HONEY!) Well, I guess one should preach what they practice and vise versa, no? Thanks for coming in, have a nice day! *Smile* (The fake, I'm gonna kick your sorry face in kind of smile)
Exeunt Lady and obnoxious children.

Oi vei.

Cheeseburgers, Mass and Bunny Rabbits

Christmas is a time in our family where most of our traditions lie.

This year I wasn't able to go home to Kentucky but I did spend time with family.

Friday: Julie and I went to Julie's boyfriend's parent's house so that the two of them could exchange gifts. It was rather cute.
Then Julie and I got back in the car and drove to Kimberly's house.
We kind of just lounged for a bit but after a few minutes we left for Salt Lake City's Church of the Madeline. We went to Mass. Yup, three Mormon girls went to Vigil on Friday night at a Catholic church. It was really cool.
I've never been to Mass before and while it was definitely different, I'm glad I got to go.
I think everyone should learn and be open minded to other cultures (including religion) because it can help us understand one another.

Anyway, when we got back, we had cheeseburgers. It's a tradition in our family to eat cheeseburgers on Christmas eve and I LOVE IT! It's basically my favorite family tradition.
After that it was pretty late so, after chatting and eating dessert, we went to bed.

Saturday: CHRISTMAS!
I made Swedish pancakes...YUM. We opened our packages (1 for each of us) and then we just kind of hung out around the house. I took Mr. Charlie Bunny for a walk. Charlie is Julie's very fluffy, very cute bunny. I took him out on his leash and he kind of hopped around and ate grass, and I just stood there, but for a bunny I consider that a walk.
After that, Julie's boyfriend came up and the four of us went to see Tangled.
Cutest. Movie. EVER!
I saw it over Thanksgiving break but I was more than excited to see it again.
IT'S SO BLASTED CUTE!
If you haven't seen it, GO! Go today! Go see it! Even the guys like it!
After stuffing ourselves with popcorn and soda we went home and again, just sat around. Which is just fine. It was relaxing. But THEN we all got hungry and decided that going to Buca di Beppo for dinner was a good idea. So we went and ate yummy Italian food.
After we got back, we watched Elf and ate cheesecake. That cheesecake was DIVINE! UH! So yummy and I have to admit that Elf got better this time around. I didn't use to like it but it wasn't bad at all.

Anyway, that night I got home and Santa had come to visit me! (Thanks Megan ;D) It was the sweetest gesture and it made me feel better about not "going home" for Christmas.

Over all I had a pretty good Christmas weekend. It was nice to have a break.

Dear Santa...

Or anyone else who is wondering, "Hmm, what can I get Caitlin for Christmas?"
NEVER FEAR!

I have made a list for you, dear. Pictures and all.

1. Inception

Need I say more? This movie was a mind boggleing, action-packed, dynamite filled film (literally)! I loved every second of it. I saw it three times in theaters and I wrote my final paper for my film class on it. Christopher Nolan is a genious and the cast is absolutely brilliant! It's fabulous and I would LOVE IT for Christmas.

2. A Zebra Snuggie

I love zebra print and who doesn't want a snuggie? C'mon!

3. Windows 7 ($75-BYU Student discount)

My PC is currently running on Vista. (Gross.) Vista uses so much ram and is as slow as molasses! I can't help that I want my computer to run as smoothly as the day I bought it! When it takes ten minutes for Word to open up...well by that point I've already fallen asleep. Vista is just stinky and Windows 7 would make my life easier. The end.

4. Snow Pants ($30ish)

No, not fancy, expensive ski pants, don't misunderstand me now. I would love to have a pair or snow pants to wear out in the snow. Playing in the snow is fabulous. Getting wet and being cold from the snow (in regular clothes) is kind of miserable. I live in Utah people, greatest snow on earth! I don't think it's so silly to ask for snow pants, do you? A pic can be found here.

5. Various Movies

Now I know I already asked for Inception but movies are kind of a hobby of mine. I love watching them and analyzing them...even the kiddie ones! SO here is a list (in order of preference) of movies I would like to one day own:

Stars Wars Trilogy (The Original Ones)

Jane Eyre (This version)

Little Dorrit (This version)

Meet the Robinsons

The Great Mouse Detective

Emma (This version)

North & South (This version)

Any of the Seasons of Reba! (I just LOVE her!)

Miss Congeniality 1&2 (Double Feature)

Mansfield Park (This version)

Northanger Abbey (This version)

The Blind Side

Barbie in A Christmas Carol

Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses

*Best place to find the lowest prices on these movies are http://www.amazon.com/

6. Various Books
Yeah, another hobby, reading books! YAY!

The Night Dance

Snow

Water Song

The Crimson Thread

Midnight Pearls

The Diamond Secret

The World Above

Violet Eyes

Austenland

Again, Amazon has the best deals for these books...that I'm aware of.

7. Headphones

Why? Because only one of the earbuds on my headphones actually works. And by "works" I mean, you can tell that there is music playing but it's all fuzzy and static-y. These would work perfectly!

Anyway, these are just things I would like to have. If I don't get them as a present (namely the headphones and Windows 7) I'll be saving up to buy them myself. So, there you go! I think I gave you enough to chose from, no? ;D

Macbeth: Revenge of Macduff (Act 4 Scene 3)

My Project for my Shakespeare class...did you like it?

Miss Muffet Revisited

Little Miss Muffet

Stood in the shower

Washing the dirt away.

Along came a spider

and plopped down beside her

and frightened Miss Muffet away.

But Little Miss Muffet

Who was enjoying her shower

said, " No sir! Not today!"

So Little Miss Muffet went back to the shower

and frightened that spider away.

What's The Name Of The Game?

This song has been stuck in my head for the last three days and honestly, I can't get ENOUGH!

ABBA rocks.

You can listen to ABBA's version here

or

Amanda Seyfried (from the Movie Mamma Mia)

here.

It's just so GOOD!

Giving Thanks

Some people I know have told me that it's sad that I can't go home for Thanksgiving.

I am sad that I don't get to see my blood family until next June, yes,
BUT

I get to see these guys:My Best Friends.
They are as close to family as I am going to have this Thanksgiving and I'm alright with that.
I mean, we're pretty much sisters anyway.

We're kind of attractive. Not gonna lie.

Is It Possible?

Is it possible that instead of liking this

I hate it?
It is really likely that liking isn't like me at all?
What is "liking" anyway?
And why, WHY does the whole of mankind
seem to shy away from liking?
I like you.
You like me.
That's how people make friends.
This "liking" thing.
That doesn't mean that we're meant to be attached

at the hip until we die.
I may take a different approach to
liking
than you do.
But don't flatter yourself
in thinking that I
am dependent on you for any kind of happiness.
I depend on myself for that,
thank you very much.
Yes, it's true
I'm a little goofy,
flirty,
outgoing
(heaven forbid)
around you.
Don't think that that is me
trying to get you to fall in love with me.
I don't expect you to.
I'm not some crazy colored
bird from the Amazon
who is dancing around trying to
get you to notice me.
If you like me, fine.
If you notice me, even better.
But nothing I do is for you.
It's for me.
So that I can feel better.


What's sad is that for once I was happy just being liked. I was happy being myself and not having to worry that you would think that I was in love with you.
Guess I was wrong.
Again.

Some More Health Updates

First, I want everyone who reads this to know how grateful I am for my Heavenly Father.
I can't express deeply enough how much I know he loves me and protects me.
I think that is important to establish.

Yesterday I went to the hospital to have an EGD done. An EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a diagnostic endoscopic procedure that visualizes the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract up to the duodeum (first section of the small intestine). I went in for this procedure because I've been dealing with heartburn for over a year and a half. My doctor thought it would be smart to do.


Good thing my doctor is smart.
During the EDG, they found some suspicious tissue on my esophagus. They biopsied it and, though I do not have any results and won't until next Thursday, the doctors believe that I have what is called GERD which can lead to Barret's Esophagus.

GERD
is a chronic regurgitation of acid from the stomach into the lower esophagus.
(This is not a good thing for your esophagus)

If it is just GERD, it can be resolved with frequent EGDs, to monitor any esophagal changes, and a medication used for Acid reflux/heartburn. Currently I am taking Nexium.

Barrett's Esophagus
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the color and composition of the cells lining your lower esophagus change, usually because of repeated exposure to stomach acid.

Barrett's esophagus is most often diagnosed in people who have long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a chronic regurgitation of acid from the stomach into the lower esophagus. Only a small percentage of people with GERD will develop Barrett's esophagus.

A diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus can be concerning because it increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Although the risk of esophageal cancer is small, monitoring and treatment of Barrett's esophagus focuses on periodic exams to find precancerous esophagus cells. If precancerous cells are discovered, they can be treated to prevent esophageal cancer.

Treatment

Treatment options for Barrett's esophagus depend on the grade of changes in the cells of your esophagus, your overall health and your own preferences. If you would like to see a breakdown of the treatments please click HERE.

As for my own mental sanity dealing with all of this, I'm fine. I really truly am. It could be worse but it isn't. According to the surgeon, it was good that I went in when I did. The earlier these things are found, the better chance I have of getting it taken care of.

I've been very blessed by the Lord and for that I am more grateful than I can say.

Tomorrow

There is a song in Annie called Tomorrow. It goes as follows:

"Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow."

Well, I have mixed feelings about tomorrow. You see, tomorrow I am
getting what is called an EGD.

Yeah.

This should be fun!

PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome-This is what I have.

CAUSES:

Polycystic ovary disease affects hormone cycles. Hormones help regulate the normal development of eggs in the ovaries. It is not completely understood why or how hormone cycles are interrupted, although there are several ideas.

Follicles are sacs within the ovaries that contain eggs. In polycystic ovary disease, there are many poorly developed follicles in the ovaries. The eggs in these follicles do not mature and, therefore, cannot be released from the ovaries. Instead, they form cysts in the ovary.

This can contribute to infertility. The immature follicles and the inability to release an egg (ovulate) are likely caused by low levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and higher than normal levels of male hormones (androgens) produced in the ovary.

Women are usually diagnosed when in their 20s or 30s. Women with this disorder often have a mother or sister who has symptoms similar to polycystic ovary disease.

*With this there are similar symptoms of type 2 Diabetes. I DO NOT have type 2 diabetes but I am at a higher risk for it and breast and endometrial cancer.

Currently my doctor (who is fabulous) is treating it with Metformin. This is due to the fact that my insulin (which I am not intolerant of just resistant to) doesn't know exactly what to do with the sugar that is produced by my liver. Because of this I have High Blood Pressure and my body stores the sugar as fat. Preventing me from losing weight. But there is a way around this! (Please see below)

Metformin: is an oral anti-biotic drug. It is the first-line drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is also used in the treatment of PCOS and has been investigated for other diseases where insulin resistance may be an important factor.

Metformin will now tell my insulin that it's okay to do its thing. It assists in helping insulin do its job. This will result in me being able to lose weight, process food like a normal person and help me fight off getting Type 2 diabetes. Losing weight is a key part of my health right now and Metformin (NOT a weight loss drug) helps my body to let go instead of hold on. By losing weight other aspects of my health can start to realign themselves so that I can start being more "normal". It's a process but it's something and I am excited to get started.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post the questions in a comment or if we're Facebook friends and you don't feel comfortable asking a question for the world to see, send me a message. I'm more than happy to answer ANY questions.

Crazy Little Thing Called...

There is this little feeling

that is infecting my apartment.

It's like a disease that you actually WANT to have!

It tickles sometimes.

It makes you want to giggle.

When you've been infected,

you can't help but smile

Every second of the day! All day long!

Once it has you

you can't help but listen

to cheesy

love songs by artists like

Colbie Caillat , Dashboard Confessional & David Archuleta

and dance around the living room

in the cutest clothes

you own

(Just in case *someone*drops by randomly)

*Sigh*

Happy.

Happy.

Happy!

It's a great way to feel.

I really like this little bug.

Today...

What happened today? Well, I woke up, went to work, went to school, went back to work, went to my voice lesson, went home. Then I did my laundry, cleaned my room, 1/2 cleaned the kitchen and took a nap. Now? Now, I'm writing a blog and procrastinating doing my reading for my Film class. I love the class I just hate reading but hey, at least it is interesting right? If you really want to know the point, I will tell you. It is this:

I am alive.

I'm not dead. I'm not so weighed down that I can't smile or laugh or be friendly. I have good things going for me and while I may have to work for them, I do indeed have them. I have a loving family, loving roommates, a bed, clothes, food, an education, an opportunity for an education and much more. I'm really grateful for all of it and I promise to make each day better than the last. No matter what.

Sesame Street-This made me smile. ENJOY!

For Alisa

Alisa is one of my best friends and she needed help with a school assignment. She wrote this book review and asked me to publish it on my blog. I am more than happy to share this with all of you! Please read it and post a comment. Tell us what you think!

Dust by Arthur Slade

Dust is a novel that takes place in the 1930s during the Dust Bowl in a small town in Canada called Horshoe. The story begins with a seven-year-old boy named Matthew walking to town alone. He accepts a ride from a mysterious stranger and is ultimately kidnapped. His older brother Robert, the protagonist of the story, and his parents are frantic and overcome with grief of their missing son. A few days after the disappearance, a man comes to town claiming he can control the weather; the town must simply work together to build a rain mill. The adults excitedly sign up and begin work on the mill and in due course start to forget everything. Robert’s parents even forget about the disappearance of Matthew. Robert is the only one who remembers his brother and begins to be concerned about the strange nature of so many of the town folk. Near the end of the novel, he puts the pieces together and discovers the incredible secret the man is hiding and only he can put a stop to it.

This story initially appealed to me because of the time period; I love fictional novels that discuss the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl because it addresses historical events in conjunction with fictional characters and plots. Generally during this time in history, novels will center on a developmental protagonist that changes and molds into a great man or woman based on their experiences. Robert, the main character of Dust, undergoes an extreme change: child to adult. In the beginning of the novel, the reader is given an image of Robert in bed reading a science fiction book and imagining he is on a foreign planet. As the story progresses, he slowly begins to transform. Because of the negligent and dreamy-minded adults, he feels like he is the only one who has his mind in the right place. It’s almost as if the adults have become children, so focused on one thing, the rain mill, and Robert is noticing the big picture and how it is affecting many lives.

The novel has a supernatural twist despite the familiar time period. Upon learning this, I was slightly skeptic since my original expectations of a historical fiction novel would not be completely accurate. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the way Arthur Slade mixed the Dust Bowl with the unique idea of a rain mill. The mysterious man who came into town seemed to put an enchantment over the town simply by saying he knew how to bring rain into the dry town. Many of the adults act curiously which makes Robert uneasy about the man and his intentions.

Overall it was a very good novel; it had a simple plot line and was a pleasant read. Dust had a way of captivating its audience simply because of its unique idea. Arthur Slade’s writing is creative and skillful and at times eerie as he embellishes the mysterious happenings of Horshoe

3out of 4 Stars

-Alisa Day

Latter-Day Sounds

So I'm in a Community Choir called Latter-Day Sounds.

It . Is. AMAZING.

I haven't been in a choir so legit since high school and I'm very excited about it. I'm singing alto which is perfect because I can get back into the swing of really reading music again!
HOORAY!
But really, I'm very excited. Heather, the director, is brilliant and I'm
loving the Christmas music that we're singing right now.
I'm also very excited for our performance.
It's going to be in December and I can't help reminiscing about my high school Christmas Choir concerts. I seriously can't wait.
I definitely needed this!

Healthy is Beautiful

I've started to be careful about what I eat.
Granted, that doesn't mean I don't tend to snack on my favorite "junk foods" from time to time. But here are a few things that I like to eat that I feel are benefiting my health...

Pears and Cottage Cheese
Whole Grain/Wheat Bread vs. White Bread
White Nectarines. Yes, they are the best things EVER!
SHRIMP! Just about the only seafood I'll eat.
Asparagus. Or as I like to call it "Gussy"

NANERS! Yum. These yellow yummies are fabulous
for getting all the potassium I need!
Baby Carrots. Yum. Yum. Yum.

These are just some of my favorites but I have many things I like to eat. In fact, I'm going to the store soon to buy some more fruit! YAY!

Searching

I had a dream
Once upon a time
That I was searching
Not knowing what I'd find.
I looked up high
I looked down low
I look for answers
Only finding "no".
Frustrated, confused
angry and hurt,
My senses were numbed
I was far from alert.
The darkness was pressing
so hard on my chest
These words kept repeating
"You are not the best."
I cried and I shuddered
At all of the pain
I didn't know if I'd have
the strength to stand again.
But down on my knees,
I was keenly aware
of a feeling, of this something
that would make life fair.
Already positioned
I steadied my mind
and readied my mouth
for the words I had to find.
My soul spoke a prayer
to the Lord up above
And immediately
I was filled with his love.
He told me to pause
He told me to wait
He told me that soon enough
I would meet with fate.
With his gentle kindness
and eternal plan
I knew without doubting
I was in His hands.
I stood up at last
Just to turn and see
a poor stranger struggling,
struggling like me.
I ran to him, met him
and with open arms
I told him that he too
could overcome all his harms.
Just pray my dear friend
and soon you will find
that God's love is endless
it's selfless and kind.
So next time you falter,
while searching high and low,
remember your Savior
and the way to you He will show.

Sometimes

Sometimes you need a little kick in the pants in order for your homework to get done.
Sometimes you need a little push to do your laundry and clean the bathroom.
Sometimes you need a little R & R to make all the craziness worth while.
Sometimes you need to push yourself to make that extra mile.
Sometimes you need a hug.
Sometimes you want to scream.
Sometimes you want to laugh so hard, you cry.
Sometimes you wonder why you are where you are.
Sometimes you wonder if you'll ever find someone to share your happiness with.
Sometimes you feel pretty.
Sometimes you don't.
Sometimes you're homesick.
Sometimes you are stir crazy.
Sometimes you succeed.
Sometimes you fail.
Sometimes you cry.
Sometimes you're afraid.
Sometimes you're fearless.
Sometimes you remember...
"God loves me...Always."

I've Been Thinking

About the following:

1. School starting on Monday
2. New roomies/classmates

3. Work out regimes and my new bike
4. These places

Here's The Thing.

I am not a shy person. So when someone asks, "Hey Caitlin, would you like to get to know... this person is pretty interested in it, would you like to give it a shot?" My response is "Couldn't hurt right? One more friend never killed anyone." (Unless you're Caesar/Brutus but that is not this case...) What stinks about this little situation is that the other person decided that based on my age, and my age alone, I am not fit to be numbered among his friends. Barf. First of all, I am a firm believer that age alone does not define the maturity, responsibility or intelligence of a person. I've known many a 30+ year old who still lives in their parent's house, plays video games all day long and cracks under the pressure of any responsibility given to them. Granted I also know many 20 year olds who can't handle responsibility either. However, I'm not going to hide the fact that I can in fact handle responsibility. I moved-literally moved-across the country to a new state where it's difficult for me to just turn around and go home for the weekend or the summer. I have flown the nest (which doesn't mean I don't want to visit sometimes) and I don't ever plan on moving back in. I have a job, I have to pay for my own tuition, food, clothes, bills! Don't insult me by treating me as if I can't handle being mature or responsible because the second you overlook how awesome a person is, you lose. Not me.

I don't need this person in my life in order to survive and I am sure the reverse is true. Which is fine. But don't base the quality of a person on their age. It's despicable and just plain rude. That's just how I feel about it.

A Poem

This poem was written by me to a friend (Kelly) who told me to remind her to bring the Harry Potter audio cds back from her home in Colorado for me to borrow. I decided that a fun reminder would be more enjoyable than one of those boring "Hey, don't forget..." ones. I am very proud of it.

Kelly, Dear Kelly

I'm writing to say

I hope you are having a fabulous day.

And did you know something?

So wonderfully true?

I love Harry Potter. I do! I do!

And what's more, I do love to listen

To the story that J.K. Rowling has written.

Voiced by Jim Dale (his voice makes me swoony-

Just like those boys, Padfoot, Prongs and Moony)

Ron's cute mannerisms make me blush and giggle

and all the adventures make me squirm and wiggle.

So Kelly, Dear Kelly,

I'd love you to bring back

the audio cds that my libraries lack.

And Kelly, Dear Kelly,

If you do this good deed

I'll never forsake you in your time of need.

Love, Caitlin

I LOVE HARRY POTTER! LONG LIVE DUMBLEDORE! (Well...)

Saturday is a Special Day.

Weekends are fabulous. Sleeping in makes everything seem so much better and that fact alone really just made this past Saturday a marvelous one. But sleeping in alone wasn't the only reason for a FABULOUS Saturday. I'll give you a play by play...so to speak.

I slept in! YAY! You may not think this is a grand thing but getting up at 6:40a.m. every morning (just about) of your summer just isn't all fun and games. By 4 o'clock I'm usually dead tired. Anyway, I slept in until about 10:30. When I woke up, there were waffles to be eaten. It was spendiforous.

I got a hair cut. Halellujah. Seriously, my hair has been asking to be given some shape for some time now and I finally was able to do it. I went with Jackie (the best roommate ever) and Bri! It was really a lot fun. Perhaps I'll put some before and after pics up later.

Ward Closing Social. Three words, the second being the most saddening of all, that kind of put a damper on the actual fest itself but in the end it was really really fun. We had a BBQ, we played volleyball, we played Quidditch and then it turned into quite the water balloon fight.

Swam in the pool for a few hours.

Went out to dinner for a friend's birthday. YAY!

Came home and chilled. What's better that?

It really was a good Saturday.

"I've lost my mind."

Are You Watching Closely?

Two movies of significant interest have been on my mind lately.
Very different from one another yet very similar. Why? An Illusion. The movie itself takes the characteristic of the story it tells to mystify and stump the ever invested audience member.

Two Movies.
One is newer and has been the subject of many a debate between me and my friends. Was he dead? In denial? In a dream? What did the top really do? It can't be possible that he ended up with his children, he died or is dreaming. But why can't it be possible? What is so inconceivable about him being in reality.
Was it all a lie? Was it all just a dream?
Two Movies.
The second is older. But not by much. Although the story is much different the pull is the same.
And who was obsessed with the mystery more? And was there really a villain? Was the machine really a scientific masterpiece or a ruse for funding?
Was it the original?Was it the double?
Two Movies.
Are you watching closely?

Grandpa

I had the opportunity to visit with my grandpa this week.

He told me and my sisters stories.

He took us to the pool.

He took us to lunch.

He made us eat a lot of cake.

He laughed.

He cried.

So did I.

He's a great man and I can't wait to go back and see him.

Hopefully at Christmas time.

I can't believe I didn't really know much about him.

Before now that is.

But I suppose even now, I don't really know him that much.

I just know him better.

I'm so glad that I know families are forever and that

when we lose the people we love, we'll see them again. I know that.

I'm Engaged (Not Really)

So I got engaged to a wonderful young man this evening. His name is Joey and he is a fabulous man. This was our conversation....which we wrote down. :)

J: Do you love me?
Me: (I circled yes). Can we get married?
J: Please and thank you! Our colors can be teal and gold!
Me: I was thinking olive and lilac.
J: Chartreuse and honeydew?

There were some other words exchanged but they are private and to be shared between Joey and myself only. ;)

Okay but really? It's a joke. I love Joey but sadly he's been snatched up. :( Tonight was all good fun and I'm glad I have friends who'll play along with my flirtatious antics. :)

New Spice- Study Like A Scholar, Scholar

This Says it All. :)

Weekends are Happy Things.

So in the office on Monday mornings, the question that is asked the most is, "How was your weekend, what did you do?Well, here is what I did.

Friday Night:

I was invited to go to the BYU outdoor movie.But I turned it down to have some alone time. Well, I turned down the offer so that I could finish season four of this:

Thanks to Jackie, I've been addicted to this show. (5 YEARS after the series finale.) I must say that season 4 was the best season. Mainly because Marissa wasn't in it! YAY!

Then there was a thunderstorm! I mean, a real thunderstorm in UTAH!
It rarely happens. The cool thing? I've been homesick and the thunderstorms there are so AWESOME.
So, when there was a thunderstorm here, I knew that Heavenly Father was giving me a little piece of home.
On Saturday...
I woke up to a text reading, "Banana Pancakes at my place, be here in 10."Banana pancakes? Heck yes I'm there! My visiting teacher is wonderful. I love her. After pancakes and a little chatty-poo I went home to figure out my budget. But then I get this text. It says, "Hey are you coming to float the Provo River with us?" I responded saying that if I could afford it (ironic that I was working on my budget...) I'd be there in a heartbeat.
The a phone call, "Caitlin, we've got the money. Just come."
I love friends that really show that they want you around. I really do.
Well, we floated down the Provo river.
No.It is not a lazy river ride.
Yes.
My abs hurt.
Yes.
I have bruises!!!!
After the river there was pizza-swimming-movies-games and then BED.

Sunday morning...
Came too soon. WAY TOO SOON. But I love church. So 8:30 came
and I peeled myself out of bed, made sure Jackie (who has been sick) was okay
and then headed to church. My day didn't end until
10:30p.m. I must say, I love Sundays. :)

So that was my weekend. I had a good time.

San Diego.

So, sometimes I go on vacation.

This time it just so happened to be to San Diego, a place I have never been. :)
After a long day of driving we made a basic plan of attack for the rest of the weekend.

Wednesday consisted of SEA WORLD!

(Somehow all my Sea World pics got erased. Or put into a different folder on my comp...I can't find them.)

Thursday was Beach day!


(This is La Jolla Cove or something like that. We saw seals and cool looking birds but we didn't swim here. We swam at La Jolla beach and Coronado beach.)

Friday was The Zoo!
The San Diego Zoo should have it's own zip code. I think it actually might.




1-I was excited because all of these ^ animals were awake. The tiger is falling asleep but he wasn't quite there yet. Mr. Panther (black) was a show off and Mr. Jaguar (spotted) looked hungry. It was great.
2-The "Big Cat Trail" was my favorite!
3-That zoo is huge and goes up and down...so much walking and I wore sandals. Bad idea.
4-It really bugs me that I can't find a lot of my pics....GRRRR!
5-After the Zoo we went back to La Jolla beach and played for an hour or so.

Saturday we left.
But before we left entirely, we visited Point Loma.

(I can't find these pics either...looks like I'll be searching my computer for them. Hopefully I'll find them so you can see how pretty the light house is.)

A feeling...

This will be short but I wanted to share it. So, the other day my roommate and I were over in the chapel by our apartment complex. She was playing the piano as I was singing along. It was kind of late, about 9:30p.m. but we'd gone later than that before so neither one of us thought it would be a big deal. As I was singing one of the songs, I started to get nervous and sweaty. I felt like we should leave but I thought I was just being paranoid because of how late it was but I wasn't afraid we would get into any trouble. So I kept singing. But the sweaty, nervous feeling I had just got more intense. I stopped mid-song and told Jackie that I felt like we should leave. She turned around quickly and said "I feel like we should too." We didn't even turn off the lights in the room. We just left through the outside door that is in the room we were in. I can't say why we both felt that way but I can say that I know that it was the Spirit telling us to get out, telling us that something was wrong. I don't know what would've happened had we stayed but it doesn't matter. We were protected and I am so grateful for that.

*My adventures in San Diego will be posted sometime this weekend, I promise!*

Golden Coast

In about 8 hours I will be in a car on my way to San Diego.

I'm REALLY excited.

I've never been there before!

I'll keep you posted. :)

What In The World Was I Thinking?!

So I thought I'd take a chance today and do something I've never done before. But, alas...

Rope swings + Me + shallow water + rocks =

Next time...I'll just watch. :)

David Thewlis

I know, I know, I've already posted something about an actor that I love but honestly now folks, there are a few more I HAVE to introduce you to! For those of you Harry Potter fans you may recognize this man as Professor Lupin from the third installment of the Harry Potter series (movies), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. David Thewlis has impressed me time and again. Though I would love to cover all his roles, I've chosen just a few that I love in particular.

#1: Cyrus Crabb (Dinotopia)

Yes, I do watch the SciFi channel where this lovely little treasure is usually played. The first time I saw it I thought it was kind of odd..a somewhat Jurassic Park knock-off or something, but then I saw it again for the second time and I really really REALLY liked it. Mr. Thewlis shows that he can be a pivotal character who may or may not be so nice. You should really give it a whirl!

#2: Robert Doniger (Timeline)

Boy oh boy did I love this movie-quite a different feel than Dinotopia-and I promise if you watch it, it may confuse you but you'll enjoy it. (Gerard Butler is also in the movie...and Paul Walker!)

Anywho, to me this proved that David knows how to be a little...well, you should just rent it or something and find out for yourself!

#3: Remus Lupin (Harry Potter)

Though I was nine by the time the third book of the H.P. series was released, I didn't take a genuine interest in them until I was about twelve. Once I started, however, I couldn't stop. I was addicted to the books. One of my favorite characters was Remus Lupin. I felt that he was the first real person to give Harry some peace where Harry's parents were concerned. I felt like he was the uncle that Vernon Dursley never was. He was the first professor of Defense Against the Dark arts that Harry had that wasn't completely...batty. He taught Harry so much that no one else had or probably would have. Despite Lupin's one flaw, being a werewolf, he knows good from evil and loves Harry just as much as he loved James. This role is different from the aforementioned roles and shows that David Thewlis can deliver.

He's a talented actor who isn't afraid to take on roles completely different from one another. Can you blame me for enjoying his talents? Plus, the man can pull off the mustache look!

Alan Rickman

Can you blame me for absolutely adoring Alan Rickman? He's a talented, BRITISH actor who knows how to deliver. I'm never disappointed when I see him in a movie.

NEVER!

There are three contrasting roles I would like to focus on today.

#1-Alexander Dane (Galaxy Quest) *Mr. Funny Man*
For those of you who have never seen this movie. GO WATCH IT. If you ever had doubt about dear old Al's funny side, they will vanish after you watch this movie. He's incredible and SO FUNNY!

I'll tell you this, if all you know about Alan Rickman is that he plays Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movie series...this role will BLOW YOUR MIND.

#2-Colonel Christopher Brandon (Sense and Sensibility) *Mr. Heart Throb*
Okay, so maybe "heart throb" isn't the best way to describe this role but all I know is that this is the movie that made me fall in LOVE with Alan Rickman. He's gentle, virtuous, dashing and HELLO! He's a man in uniform, does it get any better? I think not.
Anyway, this shows a much more serious but softer side of Alan Rickman (in comparison to Mr. Funny Man ^) Colonel Brandon is one of the only men (if not THE only man) in this story who doesn't shoot himself in the foot. You have Mr. Willoughby *gag* and "the elusive Mr. F" (Mr. Ferrars) and they are kind of idiots (though Mr. 'F' isn't an idiot for long). BUT Colonel Brandon? Nope. He's true through and through to himself. And my heart :) *Sigh*

And now, the role you've all been waiting for. DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!

#3-Severus Snape (Harry Potter and the *all of them*) *Mr. Scares the Living Daylights Out Of Anyone He Comes In Contact With*
He really does scare the bejeebers out of me in this movie but HE IS SO GOOD AT IT that I can't resist loving him more. When I saw him as the sallow skinned, greasy haired, pompous, self-righteous, meanie-head Professor Severus Snape my respect for him shot up to infinity (okay so that doesn't make much sense but whatever.)
I suppose I should share with you why this role in particular made me have so much respect for this man. My definition of a good actor is when they can play very different roles well. Alan Rickman did the job justice. You hate his eerie blood chilling smirk and you're supposed to! This role proved to me that Alan Rickman can be the funny man and the valiant heart throb AND the villain. He can take on these roles and blow everyone else out of the water! It takes a good actor to deliver the way he delivers and like I've said he can REALLY deliver.
I think I also love Alan Rickman for his portrayal of Snape because I liked Snape throughout the books. Well, I guess I should say I was a "believer" in Snape, not that I liked him so to speak. Yes, there were times when I really wanted to kick him where it counts for being so cruel. I mean, honestly, what kind of a person can be that cruel to anyone? But I always knew that there was something. Something that would be Snape's redeeming quality. And I was right! (When I discovered that I was right I almost cried! Okay, so I did cry because the reason for his redeeming quality is just so tender... go read the books.)

So there you have it. Three contrasting characters, one phenomenal actor and one extremely dedicated fan (ME!)

Harry Potter

YES.

I LOVE Harry Potter.
Why?
Um, HELLO!? Are you alive? Have you read the books? SEESH! The intricate story that J.K. Rowling was so clever to weave is PHENOMENAL! The characters, ALL of the characters have depth and personality. Even silly, obnoxious, annoying little Peeves has a history! The Harry Potter Series is filled to the brim with suspense, love, good vs. evil, surprise, heartache, loss, gain, happiness, victory, whit, charm and above all else, MAGIC!

The first time I ever read these books they made me laugh, cry, jump (with excitement or fear) and learn to love through even the darkest of times. As I'm reading/listening to them again the result is still the same. I feel like a little piece of myself, a piece that was lost, has been found. (That's kind of pathetic I suppose but you know what? I don't care!)
If you haven't read the book (they MUST be read before you watch the movies...MUST!) then you are:
a) not from this planet
b) a crazy person
c) someone who thinks they are too good for them-YOU ARE NOT
(Harsh? Sure, but truth hurts!)
or
d) You belong to Slytherin House and hate everything

Seriously, I can't express to you the magic you can FEEL when you read this series. You may not love every sentence of all 7 books but I GUARANTEE that you will enjoy, if not FALL IN LOVE WITH, the story as a whole.

Read it. I promise you won't regret it.
(^Look at those dirty looks they're giving you! GO! GO READ! You'll receive 50 points for your House if you do!)