One of my goals for this year is to blog more. We'll see how that works out.

So, to start off my goal on a high point, I decided to give in to social media trends and post five things that you may not know about me. I'm only giving in slightly since I'm not posting it on Instagram or Facebook.

1. I know practically everything there is to know about Harry Potter, and I love it.
2. When I can, I watch "Keeping up with the Kardashians," or any show affiliated with that family. Judge me all you want.
3. I have my Bachelor's degree, and I'm still not really sure what I want to be when I grow up.
4. I am allergic to penicillin.
5. I took singing lessons for five years.

merry christmas

Dear blogging world,

Merry Christmas! I'm just about to go to bed, but I thought I would share something super neat that I get to do in April.

I get to go here:

And here:

(found the pics on Pinterest. My most fave website ever.)

Can you believe it?! My wonderful mother is taking me there with her. While she is in a bunch of smarty-pants science meetings, I get to wander London, just me and my camera. Super stoked. And then, when her meetings are done, we're taking the tube under the channel to Paris (the city I've dreamed of visiting ever since my first French class in high school. Don't worry, I don't speak one word of French. I learned nothing.)


I'm so excited!!! I only wish C could come. Then it would be the perfect trip.

Did I tell you that my cute cousin, Katie, is getting married?
I don't think I did.
Well she is, to the amazing Tom (who treats her like a queen), and I could not be more excited for them.
December 19 is the day.
Can't believe it!

Congrats to the lovebirds, I'm so happy for you two. Love you both!
(C took their engagement pics up at Tom's family ranch. It was the most perfect fall day, and they could not have looked better. I'm completely obsessed with the pictures. He just took their bridals/groomals this past weekend, and I'm in love with them. They are amazing.)



Sorry for the lack of posts lately. Working, spending time with C, and planning bridal showers are taking up all of my time. Life sure is grand though.

tribute

On Saturday, September 8, 2012, heaven gained another angel, and the world lost one.

My dear, dear grandmother passed away—joined her eternal companion in heaven.

She had been having some health problems for a long time, and decided it was her time to go.

She was at home, in her chair, watching TV and making family Christmas lists.

She was ready.

What a remarkable lady. I'm so blessed to be related to such an incredible woman (and to slightly resemble her quiet beauty). 

She was a nurse, a Relief Society president, a devoted mother, and a perfect grandmother. 

She used to make the most amazing tacos for us every month, deep fried, with perfect taco sauce and delicious cheese. 

She would take me to TGI Friday's for my birthday every year when I was a kid (and make all the waiter's sing happy birthday to me), and then let me pick out a toy at the local toy store. 

She made the most incredible "Super Sauce" (hot chocolate sauce) for ice cream. 

She once told me, in her jokingly hilarious way, that I should probably elope because it would save my dad a lot of money one day. 

I will never forget the time we made her eat some "Pop Rocks" because she had never tasted them before, and as soon as she got them in her mouth, she started laughing, and ended up with tears streaming down her face because she was laughing so hard. 

She always bought us something from Land's End, or L.L. Bean for Christmas (usually pjs, a towel, or a canvas tote).

She always made sure we knew how much she loved us, every minute of every day.

I felt her spirit in the sunset tonight, and last night too. Her own peaceful way to tell me that everything will be okay, and again to remind me of how much she loves me.

I will miss her immensely, but I know she is in a better place, and I know that I will see her again someday. Love you Gram, you changed my life. Thank you for being so amazing. 

fish

Thanks to my dad, the expert fly fisherman, C and I were able to spend a few hours on the river in Yellowstone last week learning the tricks of the trade, and catching a few fish of our own.

We loved every minute of it. Thanks, dad!


ps: I gave in to social media pressure, and decided to start tweeting.
If you have Twitter, follow me!
@kristinw77
That's all, folks.

nerd alert

It's been awhile since I posted...sorry!
Work and love have taken over my life.
I'm fine with that though.

I bought this for myself for my birthday:

I know that I'm a nerd, it's okay.

And I had to include a picture of C, of course.

moosen

A couple of weekends ago, C and I went up to my cabin with my mom and my sister. We went out to the Provo River to shoot some pictures (with my new camera!!! Did I mention I bought a Canon 7D? I'm obsessed with it), and while we were there we ended up about 20 feet away from a young male moose. Somehow we always get lucky enough to see wildlife whenever we're out in nature.

 Taking pictures by the river.

Our moose friend

randoms

So I am now a full-time employee at the University Credit Union. Today was my first full-time day, and it was long, but the paycheck is definitely going to be worth it.

I may have just bought these.

One can never have too many pairs of Toms.

Yesterday was the best day off ever. The weather was perfect, I spent the whole day with C, sat and cuddled in the sun, and just enjoyed a great Memorial Day. And remembered those I love who have passed on. One in particular was very much on my mind yesterday. Can't believe it's been eight years. *cds*

C and I swam in my pool today for the first time this year. I love having a pool at my house.

This turned into a terribly random post about a lot of different things. All-in-all, life is grand.

see ya college

So I graduated. Can you believe it? I can't believe how fast time flew.

 Shaking the dean's hand.

 My sisters decided attacking me with silly string was a great way to celebrate.

 I love my family.

 Love these women.

 I'm so grateful for the support of my parents

 and my sisters.

 Love him so much.

 The amazing people in my life.

College is over. Woohoo!

snip snip

I did it. I cut my hair! Ahh!

Before

After (I didn't dye it darker, it just looks darker in the picture because it's nighttime, and there's no sunshine coming through the window)

It sure feels way short after how long it was. But it's a way nice change, and it'll be great for summer. I love it.

dinner

Ever heard of The Copper Onion? If you haven't, you should have. It's a delicious restaurant in downtown SLC that C and I visited last Friday. It was our belated one-year celebration, and it was well worth the week-long wait. Everything we ordered was delicious, and the atmosphere there is awesome.

It was the best hamburger I've ever had. This picture doesn't do it justice, but it was so good.
And, it's not even expensive. It's cheaper than Market Street, and way better.
You should definitely check it out if you're looking for somewhere to eat. It's kind of hidden, but it's right next to the Broadway Theater downtown. Go there some day, you won't be disappointed.

one

One year ago C and I started dating. One year. Can you believe it? Sometimes I can hardly believe it's been that long, and other times it feels like we've been together for much longer. It's so crazy how fast time went—it began here a year ago, and since then we have barely spent any time apart. I love it. He's my best friend, and I love him so much.

Here's to hopefully a lot more time spent with him!

we were there

We were there when the Jazz beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-90.
When Jamaal Tinsley dribbled through someone's legs and made a basket.
When Kevin Durant went 6-of-22 shooting.
When Gordon Hayward shot, and made, many 3-pointers, and played some great defense.
Devin Harris did all that too.
What a team.
We watched it happen.
And it was awesome! I love the Jazz, and I'm so glad C loved my Valentine's Day gift to him (even though he couldn't use it until today, pretty sure it was totally worth it).

(Sorry for the horrible picture quality. Neither of us brought our cameras (too heavy) so we had to resort to using our phones.)

inspiring

Watch this video. Please.

It has been awhile since I posted, so hopefully the two people that read my blog don't mind. Sorry.

Just wanted to pop in and give a shout-out to one of my oldest and dearest friends who just got engaged last weekend! Soo excited for Samuel and Meg. And, they're getting married on my birthday—also very exciting. You can read his side of the story here, and her side of the story here. They are perfect for each other, and I couldn't be happier for my wonderful friend.

Anyway, Spring Break is next week, and even though I'm stuck here working (that's what happens when you're the newbie at work and are at the bottom of the totem pole for getting days off), it'll be a nice break from school. What are your plans for the break?

a very good reminder

Definitely something I need to remember more often.

V-day

I'm so lucky.

I just loved Valentine's Day.

Time with C,

Sushi (at Takashi, of course),

Moneyball,

Flowers.

Sure do love him.

things

I love Saturdays because I can wear jeans and a sweatshirt.

Does anyone else watch The Bachelor?

Please say that you, like me, are obsessed with her:

and absolutely detest her:

(This show is my guilty pleasure (okay, one of my guilty pleasures), not sure why, but I just love it)

C and I went to The Leonardo last night, and it was so awesome. They have a giant Google map on the floor that you can actually move around and find places. We went to the world's largest swimming pool (that's in Chile) and saw the tallest building in the world (in Dubai). Super cool. I absolutely recommend checking it out sometime.

thought

Just a little thought from a great movie.

remembering 2011

Since it's the new year, I find it nice to reflect on the great things I did during the last year.
So here's a glance back at 2011. It was grand.

I finished my time as IC Vice Pres of Lambda Delta Sigma (and bawled when I heard the sorority was disbanded)

I went to California with some friends over Spring Break

C

I decided rock climbing is actually fun

I went backpacking to Lake Blanche

and in the Uintas

Turned 21 (and went to the Bonneville Salt Flats)

Drove from Montana to Jackson Hole with my sister

Spontaneously took a short trip to Yellowstone

Love, love, loved my first row seat in the MUSS

Went to San Francisco

And had many other great adventures
(mostly involving C and a camera)

2011 was so fantastic, I can't wait to see the adventures that await me in 2012!