So little time.

As of yesterday, we only have four months left! That seems like an eternity in engagement months. 

In between classes, rehearsal and shows, we spent lot of time together this time around. What's interesting is when we are together, I don't feel like we live so far away! It's like he never left. Although, if he did live here, I might be less of a monkey on him. 

Eh, maybe not. He's really handsome.

We had a packed week (partially my fault) because of all the planning we had to do. He is so sweet and most of the time, says I can just do what I want...about the house decorating. But when it comes to the insurance, bank stuff, and of course the garage, he's already gotten that taken care of. There's a lot of things you have to think about, 

it's not just wedding planning that takes forever! That's the easy part.

118 days until we'll be in here together!

Which is crazy to think about our first date 10 months ago...

We also went up to my cabin again, and shockingly there was two

feet of snow! Snowshoeing was pretty fun to get to the front door. No way my Buick would make that.

And of course had fun on the way there...

"Love does not appear with any warning signs. You fall into it as if pushed from a high diving board. No time to think about what's happening. It's inevitable. An event you can't control. A crazy, heart-stopping, roller-coaster ride that just has to take its course.” -Jackie Collins

And then...he leaves me love notes to find after his flight leaves. He loves to make me cry.

...is for the way you look at me.

Sometimes I can't even make anything come out of my mouth because of the ridiculous English language that doesn't have words even close to being strong enough to describe how much I am in love.

Many people skeptically ask me, "How can you be engaged to someone that you don't even live in the same state?" Well, my friends, love knows no boundaries. No, it's not because I couldn't find anyone here at BYU. (Yes, I've been asked that! Haha...) Of course we entertained all options of me moving there, or him moving here. But I'm in this thing that takes over my life called Young Ambassadors, and with his new job...until June 19th, it just would not be practical. Plus, long distance really does have it's pros! When we see each other, we are able to put everything else aside and focus on each other. I'm never stressed as to how to balance my time with him. Bottom line: it works perfectly for us. It's not like we planned it this way, but from our very first conversation on the phone, we realized we had to make it work from so far away.

I know, I know...I'll have some cheesy posts. Despite what I thought about myself before I met Kasey, I just want to shout it to the world. (And, I know I loved reading posts like these in my earlier college years to keep hope on flowing!) I do realize, that I'm still four months away from being married. What could I know about love? Well, I really don't know too much yet. All I know is that this is love, and I just care about making him happy.

Two more days.

Reach for it.

"To be deeply loved, means a willingness to cut yourself wide open, exposing your vulnerabilities... hopes, hurts, fears and flaws. Hiding behind the highlight reel of who you are, is the real you and that person is just as worthy of love. There is nothing more terrifying or fulfilling, than complete love. It's worth the risk... reach for it.” -Jaeda DeWalt

via: http://s4yitl0ud.tumblr.com

So what if I'm a romantic?

Measure your life in love.

"It's time now, to sing out, though the story never ends." -Seasons of Love, Rent

via: Pinterest.com

Just like every other girl on the planet understands very well, love is the most important thing on the planet. A love for God, a love for your family, and let's not forget a love to call your own. (I'll give a shoutout to the guys too--I know quite a few men who want and need it just as much.) But us girls...it seems like we want it just a bit more.

The best thing about real, true love, is it doesn't stop--for anything, under any circumstance. That's a quick and easy way to determine whether it's at the point of being the "real deal" or not. That goes for all types of love, but especially that unconditional kind where you have absolutely no logical explanation as to why you still actually care and pray (a lot) about this person and hope all of his/her dreams and desires come true. You're always wondering, why them?! I know the feeling. Join the club.

That, my friends, is called charity. The "pure love of Christ." Sometimes not romantic love. Please do not get that overly confused. Charity is possible for multiple people--it actually was designed for the masses, because we are under covenant and commandment to do so to all of God's children. Don't feel overwhelmed with that statement; it comes one person at a time. But if you've ever felt this, you're getting a glimpse of how our Heavenly Father feels about you. Only just a glimpse, because we all know how impossible that kind of love is to comprehend in this mortal state. It's the most powerful force in the world...because what do they say? Love makes you do crazy things. Most of the time, this feeling just doesn't make sense. But that's the best part!

Bottom line: How do you measure your life?

Manhattan.

This is my blog, so I can put whatever I want on here. And I'm just a little bit proud of this right now, okay? I fell in love with this song the first week I got off my mission. I really had no one to sing it to, but what got me were the lyric choice and perfection in chords that matched the mood so gently. The second that I heard it, I knew I had to learn it on the piano. Nothing that a little Ultimate-Guitar.com can't fix. Anyway, I'm a little bit obsessed with Sara Bareilles, so here is her one and only...Manhattan.
 

Be in love.

Worship.

At first I was a little skeptical of that word. I always thought of people weeping, wailing and gnashing their teeth, and not really internalizing what they actually "believe." (The Adversary proves opposition in all things, right?)  But I've been thinking a lot about how I worship, and what the word actually means.

lds.org

worship, verb:

to render religious reverence and homage, as to a deity

to attend services of divine worship

to feel an adoring reverence or regard

It was no coincidence that Sacrament Meeting today was focused around the word, and that the conversation even bled over into Sunday School and Relief Society. So I begun to make a list of what I do everyday that proves to me that I worship my Savior, Jesus Christ. Obviously the primary answers were on top of the list, like attend the temple, read scriptures, pray, but what about helping out at a service project? Or just listening to someone? As members of the Church we are asked to "mourn with those that morn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort." (Mosiah 18:9) 

I've also been wondering why music was such a passion for me, specifically performing. And it just hit me...that is one of my favorite forms of worship. It's the whole concept of getting a talent and turning it into five kinda thing...I guess literally in this case. I would drop pretty much anything at a chance to just sit down at the piano and sing, because I get to show The Lord how thankful I am that I still get to be here, and to still use what He has given me.

It has been fun to always have on the back of my mind what more I can do. Like...keeping a blog!

Stronger than gravity.

"The feeling of love from our Heavenly Father is like a gravitational pull from heaven. As we remove the distractions that pull us toward the world and exercise our agency to seek Him, we open our hearts to a celestial force which draws us to Him." -Elder Paul E. Koelliker

Our favorite study place--on top of the Hill Cumorah

Let's be honest, I'll weave my mission throughout my entire life. It absolutely will bleed through to this blog! I can't not talk about the single greatest thing that has influenced my conversion to Jesus Christ. Today, while sitting in church, I felt such a strong sense of accomplishment for what I just completed, and a duty to continue my labors for the Lord. My training wheels are off--and I'm still running! 

Sister Correia...the best trainer in the NYRM.

And the single greatest thing that happened today (besides giving a second homecoming talk) was seeing the Elders in my home ward, practically tackling them with questions. What I would give to let them know how grateful I was that they are still out. What an incredible army we've got, with an even more of an incredible Boss. When I come to Him, He gives me that gravitational pull of identity, purpose, and divine design that any human soul longs for on a daily basis.

I wish I could comprehend 1/1,000,000th of how much He loves you and me.

Dear friend.

"As I look back on all that's happened...growing up, growing together, changing you, changing me--there were times when we dreamed together, when we laughed and cried together. The past may be gone forever, and whatever the future holds, our todays make the memories of tomorrow. So, my lifetime friend, it is with all my heart that I send you my love, hoping that you'll always carry my smile with you, for all we have meant to each other and for whatever the future may hold." -Anonymous

via:  http://www.jameshance.com/wookiee-the-chew.html

Do they exist?

Yeah, I have reason to believe they do. You might have one when you're 12, another one when you're 18, and then maybe you'll marry your favorite one when you're 25. Have you ever thought it might not just be one person, but many people that lead you to be the most "you" that you can possibly be? Soulmates do exist.

Happy Valentines Day!

My iTunes top 5.

Well this is going to be harder than I thought. I want to narrow my top five favorite songs as of February 7, 2012. Like most people, they change weekly, but these songs have been what have been playing constantly on my iPod. We'll start with the bottom and move to the top. Even though they all are basically tied in my book--but you get the idea.


5. Someone Like You-Charlie Puth. Yes, Adele sings this song. But this cover is simply too fantastic to not obsess over. I'm absolutely in love with the fact that there's both a man and a woman singing--because this song I believe ultimately describes not just one person, but both people in a relationship that ends as well as this one did.


4. Science & Faith-The Script. I heard this song on the plane to Boston this summer, and it's been on my most-listened to playlist ever since. It accurately describes everything that no one can explain. That is all.


3. I'm About to Come Alive-Train. I've always been a huge fan of Train. They write these lyrics that just pierce your heart and nearly everyone can relate to them. It reminds everyone that it's okay to be vulnerable.


2. Dancing Shoes-Gavin DeGraw. I love that anyone really relating to this song is so true to themselves. They know what they want, but they're not going to get into any relationship just to be in one. The singer wants to make sure both parties are happy--and he's going to make sure they do it right.


1. Penguin-Christina Perri. I heard this on Pandora yesterday morning...just one of those immediate downloads. I love that there are still songs like this that, again, let vulnerability out. 


Wow, I just realized these all these are cute songs. I'm a girl, okay? But seriously, download these on iTunes. The best >$5 you'll ever spend, I promise. 


Who came up with all of the good songs being worth $1.29 now? I remember when we could get a gallon of gas for that price...I must be getting old. 

Dig a bit deeper.

"Moreover, states that spring up overnight, like all other things in nature that are born and grow in a hurry, cannot have their roots deep in the soil, so they shrivel up in the first drought, blow over in the first storm." -Machiavelli's The Prince


I'm reading The Prince for one of my Poli Sci classes, and little did I know how interesting it is. Machiavelli says it straight to the point, and isn't afraid of what other people think. He's really the first modern politician that brought about this new way of leadership. He clearly states how he sees the government and how it should be ruled. It's a must-read for anyone remotely interested in politics...and I'm only a few chapters in.


Anyway, while I was reading, I came across this quote that hit me pretty hard. Machiavelli is discussing how the states within government don't pop up themselves. They take time and patience. It's like I'm being hit in the face with Someone trying to teach me patience. I think that everything should happen now and if it doesn't happen now then it will never happen. It's actually quite the opposite. The longer I dig those roots in the ground, the more stable it'll be, and won't blow over in that first little storm. They'll eventually be able to withstand any big storm. 


I've learned the most important things in life take that same patience. It's not always going to come in the first try, or maybe even the second. I have first hand knowledge that my "third time's a charm," actually means "thirtieth time's a charm." Don't hold back anything if you believe in it. It's never taken by force, however, but always with patience and love. Once we master those two things, we can master anything.

Love is Christmas.

"Christmas--that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance--a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved." -Augusta E. Rundel

Christmas '10

Everything I've ever loved during Christmastime:

• A family that's still together.
• A strong house that I've been blessed to live in my whole life.
• Watching hours of bowl games and basketball.
• Having absolutely nothing important to do. (See above.)
• Watching my little siblings open their presents.
• Singing Christmas songs while wearing a thousand yards of purple fabric. (Madrigals. Ahh, the memories.)
• Knowing all of the people that saw me grow up are currently within a 2 mile radius.
• Cuddling/crying/laughing with my sisters while watching The Notebook.
• Seeing the lights on Temple Square.
• That cinnamon spice smell!

"I don't care if the house is packed, or the strings of lights are broken. I don't care if the gifts are wrapped, or there's nothing here to open. Love is not a toy, and no paper will conceal it. Love is simply joy, that I'm home." 

-Sara Bareilles, Love is Christmas

Two days people!

One in a million.

This song is incredible. Nik Day could not have written better lyrics. My heart is melting right now. This song may or may not have been on repeat yesterday...anyway. Enjoy the musical stylings of Nik Day's One in a Million.

And this guy's from Utah! I think he's even a BYU student. At least that's what I was told when he performed in the Varsity Theatre my freshman year, where we met and fell in love. Moral of the story: If you can sing and play the piano, you've already got me.

Thought of you.

Another wonderful production from the BYU College of Fine Arts & Communications. This video would appeal to the SYTYCD audience that is obsessed with Jeanine and Jason's If it Kills Me.


Today we had a college meeting about our new collaborative efforts between majors in our college, and this is what they showed at the beginning. Animation teamed up with our dance department and created this amazing video that's gotten 1.8 million hits on youtube already. Presenting, Thought of You.

I can't wait to see what other stuff we do...Rebecca and I were talking about a documentary we could do for our animators. I'd love to see what goes on behind the scenes--they've won numerous Emmy's and are ranked nationally. We're awesome. Go Cougars.

Yeah, it's THAT good.

Kaitlin and I listen to this on repeat. We were discussing last night when the time will come when we actually get sick of it, I think we decided on...never. It makes it even better when I can't decide which one I like better; this cover, or the actual song. (Wow, I can't believe I just admitted that...over Adele?!) That being said, please drop everything you're doing and watch this. Get ready to bookmark this on your toolbar.

Right? Right???!!??!!!!! Now try not to watch it again. Just try. YOU CAN'T DO IT HUH?!

Oh and if you don't have one already, get a Spotify account. Don't know what that is? Google it. Then download it.

Learning curve.

Have you ever loved someone so much you would do anything for them?


It's absolutely true when people say ,"you love the people you serve." If that's not apparent, maybe it takes a quick turnaround to realize that love will never be found unless it's given out in the first place.

"Love grows by giving. The love we give away is the only love we keep. The only way to retain love is to give it away." -Elbert Hubbard

I love little quotes like this. It makes me think deeper...think that life never revolved around my 15-year old mind. This afternoon I started to type all of my journals (a bigger project than I thought) and it's so interesting to see how my thoughts have changed so much. I was so worried about me, when it should have been obvious other people had problems bigger than just boys at that age. This quote absolutely sums up everything I've learned in the past five years. Everyone that has stayed a big part of my life, I've had a huge opportunity to serve them in one way or another. I think it goes without saying there are a few people I would move mountains for, just because I was the lucky one that got to make life a bit easier for them. It's got to be the greatest feeling in the world. After all, it is love.

To love at all.

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entaglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket--safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable."

-C.S. Lewis

[Via Pinterest]

Bucket List.

I don't know why I haven't written this down sooner. It will be added to as the years go on, but for now in my 20 years of life, this is my bucket list. Obviously, the ones crossed off have already been done. And really, these are things I will do. Not just things I want to do. Mark my words.

-Open my eyes on the Terror Ride at Lagoon.

-Work on a presidential campaign.

-Road trip across the contiguous 48 states. On the back of a motorcycle.

-Jump the wake.

-Go on a safari.

-Read Mere Christianity.

-Skydive over Jackson Hole. 

-Go on a horse trip in the Tetons. 

-Be a lead in a musical.

-Graduate from college and go on to earn a Master's degree.

-Visit the smallest country in the world.

-Cook a Thanksgiving meal by myself.

-Watch ESPN live backstage.

-Backpack through Europe with my husband. (And kiss on the Eiffel.)

-Attend James Taylor and Carole King concert.

-Ski the Swiss Alps.

-Learn to drive stick shift.

-Live on a budget. 

-Publish an article in the newspaper.

-Become a sideline reporter.

-Raise children that know how to work.  

-Sing "16 going on 17" in that one gazebo in Austria. 
Take a nap in Central Park.

-Learn to Juggle.

-Always be in my best shape. 

-Write letters to a pen pal.

-Travel to 6 continents (except Antarctica. No desire.)

-Become an amateur photographer.
-Travel somewhere with all of my best friends.

-Live so my daughter will want to grow up to be just like me. 

-Marry a man who my sons will want to grow up to be.

-See Wicked on Broadway.

-See Les Miserables on Broadway.

-Teach the Gospel overseas.

-Scuba dive with sharks.

-Interview a world champion.

-Plant a garden. (And keep it alive.)

-Attend a concert at Carnegie Hall.
-Eat at one of the oldest restaurants in the world.

-Visit 3 more of the Seven Wonders of the World.

-Hear my future husband and kids say, "you're the best cook in the world!"

-See The David and the Mona Lisa.

-Have at least a 5 minute conversation with someone in Spanish.

-Learn to play chess.

-Shop at Harrods in London. 

-Own a Steinway.

-Get sealed to my best friend and love of my life.

Notice that nothing has to do with science or math. I leave that up to the smart ones who have numbers and formulas running through their veins. I just trust them to tell me what I need to know. I figure if there's anything crucial...I'll put it on the news, right? 

It's interesting to think how long we have to get these things accomplished. None of us actually know, so now would be the perfect time to start.

Traveling with all of my best friends. NYC 2009

Eating at the St. Peter Stiftkeller, founded in 802 A.D. Saltzburg, Austria.

Working on the Mitt Romney presidential campaign at HQ in Boston. Go Mitt 2012!

Growing up and wanting to be a clone of my mother.

 "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die tomorrow." -James Dean

 

Brandon, The Target cashier.

The key to enjoying life: noticing the details. The little things are what make a friendship, a relationship, or a love. They are what you remember of people and of memories. The details are the beautiful in life.


While I was in the check out line at Target (buying that new mustard yellow v-neck...great purchase) I came across one of the most optimistic people I've ever met--Brandon. He simply asked how my day was going, and I just told him it has been great so far. I asked him the same question, and he said, "I'm having the best day of my life!" 


I then noticed it wasn't his fault that he couldn't look me in the eye, and had a hard time speaking and concentrating. It was apparent he had some sort of mental disability. I went on to ask him why it was such a great day for him, and he told me it was because he had a goal. I asked him what the goal it was and he just stopped, grew the biggest smile on his face and said, "I'm going to the Celestial Kingdom!"


It's interesting how one small conversation can put a different perspective on my life. Brandon is completely right, he's straight on his way to the Celestial Kingdom. I couldn't help but smile walking out of the store, and on my way home I thought about where Brandon's thoughts are probably all day. If his goal to the Kingdom is the first thing that comes to mind, he's a man of God. I think those are one kind of angels He puts down in our lives just to remind us of the love He has for each one of us. The little things that they say or do make up the bigger picture, and Brandon's bigger picture...is never ending.