Annabelle

Baby Eliza

2012-01-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

One of my very best and dearest friends Rachael had her baby!

How cute is this little princess?

Welcome to this world Eliza Taylor!

I cannot wait for Auntie Anna to meet you. (I'm so baby hungry.)

...and might I add, you look completely adorable in the little ruffled Ralph Lauren onesie I sent you! :)

Continue in Patience

2012-01-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Father is real.

He has a plan for YOU.

He knows YOU, and knows YOUR potential.

"Gods promises are not always fulfilled as quickly or in the way we would hope.

Keep the commandments. Trust in God. Serve Him. Exercise faith and hope in the Savior

and NEVER give up."

New Spaces

2012-01-21T21:40:00.001-07:00

I know I've neglected my blog as of late,

But I've had a few changes and would love to give you the update.

I found a job thats perfect for me,

Equipped with my own office, window and key.

The kitchen is stocked with unlimited food,

and free chocolate always puts me in a good mood.

All the people I work with are so fantastic,

It almost brings me to tears. (Sorry, I dont mean to be dramatic.)

Event planning has always been my dream.

and thus far it has been pretty supreme.

Things ALWAYS work out

and I know thats cliche.

But, I have since learned

to NEVER doubt.

Moving to Salt Lake City has been been another BIG change for me.

It has taken me some time to have it feel like my home...but I'm getting there...one candle at a time.

With the help of some nice new blinds to cover my very public and open windows and some nice mood lighting (key to making any home feel like a home.)

I am slowly getting more used to my new space.

Change is hard.

But I truly believe that it's through change, that good things come.

and boy do I know that good...no, GREAT things are happening.

Wise Men Still Seek Him

2011-12-22T11:03:00.003-07:00

This video and its message gave me chills. I am especially grateful for this time of year, and the opportunity we have to focus on the most precious gift given to all mankind. Jesus Christ, our Savior.

What a miraculous life we have been blessed with. What a glorious knowledge we have that Heavenly Father lives. He sent his son down to Earth to preach among the people, and show us the way. He died so we can live with him again. He died so we can have eternal families. He died so we can become Gods and Goddesses. He died for YOU and for ME.

I am filled with gratitude this year for all the many blessings I have. May we all appreciate a little more fully all that we have, and all that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have done for us, and recognize his every presence in our lives. May we seek for opportunities to serve our fellow men, and may we ever continue to seek Him.

"Remember the season and echo the reason for His miraculous birth."

Merry Christmas to All!

Picture Perfect

2011-12-05T21:55:00.001-07:00

(I need to detach myself from my phone)

This picture makes me wanna go back to Alaska

The cheese to my Mac

Still proud of this sign we made for Kirstins wedding

The most magical place on Earth. Learn more about it here!

Missin the sunny San Diego weather from a couple weeks ago

and my friends

I'm baby hungry. But how can you not be when you look at these little tater tots

cousin lovin

on grandmas golfcart. (We find joy in the simple things.)

Grandmas yard. One of my top 10 favorite places.

Welcome to the 21st Century

The snuggly Scooter

An Extra Towel

2011-11-10T19:28:00.001-07:00

Birthdays are such a special time of the year. When you receive presents from people you dont expect and expect presents from people that you dont receive. Not that birthdays are all about the presents, but it's a good way to begin my story.

This year I received a special present that I am so thankful for, not because of what I was given, but because of the story I am now able to tell and the lesson I will now be able teach to my future daughters.

I have had one massage, before this year. Freshman year boyfriend. Bless is married heart. That massage was nothing less than perfect. Full length fuzzy robe. Foot massage and peanuts to get me going. Running waterfall and Yanni playing in the background. A completely enclosed and private changing room, bathroom, waiting area, and massage room. I felt safe. At ease. and I felt completely comfortable removing my underpinnings for the reassurance I would be 1. fully covered by a clean crisp blankie and 2. rubbed down by an every so sweet Polynesian woman.

The blanket was lifted as each limb was massaged. When completed, the blanket was then placed back over the newly rejuvenated and oiled up body part. This method proved successful for both the massager and massagee. I felt modestly naked. and I LOVED it. Needless to say the massage was perfect. I was a happy, beaming, oily, jellyfish of a woman. I couldn't have asked for more.

So, this year, when I found out I was given ANOTHER massage for my birthday, I was ecstatic. A sense of nostalgia for that lavender scent and trickling water rushed over me. I was ecstatic because my high quality, top notch massage was all I knew. I had nothing but the highest expectations.

You can imagine my apprehension as I walked into Square1Fitness. A gym the size of my bedroom, full of bald, greasy, oversized bicepted men. I should have guessed it was going to be like this when I called to schedule the appointment and the man answered..."Yo! dis is da fitness centa. How big you wanna get today?"

I filled out my "form" describing "what I wanted to get out of the massage today" as the axe-smelling men creeped in and out of the front door. As I was directed into the ....room...on top of the massage table was a...hand towel.

"You can put your clothes on the chair, and put the towel over you and i'll be back in a second," said the small yoga practicing french man, who knew only broken english.

"uugghmm....Im sorry..but put what towel over me?" said the timid, modest, naive, innocent little girl. (slight over-dramatization)

He was indeed talking about the small hand towel, that apparently was meant to cover my... unmentionable.

I made the educated decision to leave my bottom parts on, leaving me only halfway....vulnerable. Anywho. Without going into too much detail, I was unable to ever fully relax my mind, body, and conscience. Don't get me wrong, the massage was nice...and professional of course. But I learned my lesson. A lesson to teach my daughters.

Unexpected presents leave you with unexpected experiences. Never trust a massage from a sweat infested arena. and ALWAYS have an extra towel in your car.

Grown up room

2011-10-31T09:53:00.000-06:00

So this one time when I was 22 I had a room that looked like I was 12.

When I got home from New York I was determined to make a change.

Something about being in The Big Apple makes you wanna be all grown up and stuff.

That and the fact that I thought I was going to live at home till I was old and wrinkly.

I guess living at home doesn't really go along with the whole grown up thing...but at least my parents would kiss me goodnight in a sophisticated living space?

So here is my goodbye video when I left for NY. Dont ask my why I needed to bid adieu to my room.

But im glad I have the documentation now.

I LOVE PRIMARY COLORS.

and here it is ladies and gents.what a breath of fresh air right? I was suffocating in that disaster of color

Keep in mind it is still a work in progress. I want to put maps of places I have lived in those frames on the wall. I need to buy a couple more. Alaska, Colorado, Italy, New York, Utah and TBA ...soon.

I spray painted this beauty while I was home for my birthday. I love the pop of color.

My motivation wall. My diploma. Gives me hope that I can accomplish things.

The other picture was given to me by the LDS Public and International Affairs Office in the New York where I worked! What a beautiful picture of the Manhattan Temple right?

This starts the swedish paraphernalia. Swedish ...dream catcher? (I love being Swedish)

Toy from Great Aunt Edna. 97 years old and still going strong!

Bless her swedish heart.

Dresser.

8 year old Baptism dress, and baby confirmation dress, and

swedish name plaque made by Farmar (Fathers mother in Swedish).

I love my "mature bed". My parents can kiss me goodnight in this bed at any age.

Grown up-ness is not determined by who you live with...but by the color of your room.

Happiness

2011-10-16T09:46:00.002-06:00

I love fall. Have I mentioned that?

October is by far the loveliest month of the year.

The leaves are changing, the air is crisp and the autumn scent is divine,

not to mention it's my birthday month.

I wanna go here. and This picture makes me happy.

I made oatmeal apple cookies with apple cider glaze. Tastes like fall in your mouth.

Find the recipe here!

I love this sign and saying. It gives me hope and happiness.

I miss this place. A lot. I can't remember a time when I was happier. Being in the middle of the hustle and bustle of this buzzing city makes my heart flutter. I miss that feeling.

In other news...I found my future wedding ring.

$19,000? Pocket change.

Look at more sparklies here.

Because ..what girl doesn't like diamonds?

A red hot mess

2011-10-13T10:11:00.001-06:00

A burning candle fell on my head.

Traumatic? Yup.

Literally hot? Yup.

Figuratively hot? Definitely not.

I was sitting in my corner. Personal heater up cranked up, christmas music playing, and candle shining.

All was happy well in the Anna home front. Until....

My picture slid into my chalkboard which knocked my candle

and all three landed ...on my head.

Wax spilled and splattered everywhere.

The smell of autumn apple quickly filled the room (but that part I liked).

I was surrounded by a hot red mess. literally.

I was a hot red mess. literally.

It looked like a flippin' war zone.

So..after a few tears and calming my shaky hands, I got my mom on the phone. Necessity.

And this is what I learned:

To get wax out of your hair:

Sandwich the waxed hair between two paper towels and directly point the blow dryer on covered hair.

As the wax warms up it will stick to the paper towel and you pull the wax straight out.

(may need to repeat up to 90 times) and if its still not all out try putting olive oil on your hair. yummy.

To get wax out of clothes:

put a paper bag over the part with wax and iron over the paper bag. The wax will remelt and stick to the bag and come off the clothes.

To get wax off of books, pictures, floor etc:

blow the dryer on the wax and wipe off with towel.

To avoid the disaster all together:

don't sit under lit candles.

The good:

I put my waxed clothes in my car to iron at a friends. My car smelled like autumn apple for days.
My hair was super soft and supple after all that oil and thick-waxed-moisture.

I got to buy another candle.

Food, Friends, Family, and Favorites

2011-10-07T10:40:00.001-06:00

Random recent activities: (In no particular order)

I definitely dont pride myself on my cooking/baking skillzz. BUT I do pride myself on my DESIRE to be a better cooker/baker. So here you go. My pride has spilled into my blog.

I realized that it really really helps if you plan out every meal and dessert (because planning dessert is absolutely essential for at least 3/4 of your meals) at the beginning of the week. I also realize that probably almost every married woman already knows this. Bare with me.

So here are a few fabulous fall foodies that will tingle your taste buds.

Blueberry Breakfast Cake! Recipe found here!

Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza. Courtesy of my Momma.

Super easy. Get Boboli Pizza Crust. Drizzle honey and BBQ Sauce on the bottom . Put peppers, chicken, mushrooms, cheese etc. Cook for 15 min. at 400 Degrees. Boom Baby.

This beauty is from Pinterest! Coconut Banana Bread with Lime Drizzle.

Mmm Mmm Mmm. Highly recommended. Find the recipe here!

Baking Banana Bread is essential for fall. (and Pumpkin Bread. But thats on the schedule for next week.) First snow of the year called for a fresh hot loaf.

The recipe I used was super duper easy! and scrumptious. BAKE IT NOW!

So along with my oh so domestic week, if I do say so myself. I also went to the Taylor Swift Concert with one of my BEST besties! Ally! One of the most beautiful girls I know. Inside and wut.

I must admit. I love T-Swift even more now.

Im like obsessed with her now.. I like totally want to be her.

jk.

But she is great.

Ally and I bought T-Swift T-Shirts.

Surrounded by 8 year old cowboy booted, curly haired blondes I couldn't have asked for more.

We met up with my high school friend Justin and dancer for Taylor. It was a pleasure.

I'm inspired now to become a star.

Now I just need to figure out what I'm good at?

Baking bread? I could become the next Paula Dean. I do love BUTTER.

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle...comes the best part of the week. LDS General Conference!

My family and I were able to hear from our prophet and apostles, who speak the word of God.

TO US! TODAY!

What a blessing! A privilege! I am so grateful that we have a living prophet today, who can give us counsel and direction in these difficult and trying times.

Plus! Who wouldn't want to see this amazingly beautiful temple in Salt Lake City, Utah!

What a sight to behold.

I dyed my hair. and then I took a myspace picture. To send to my mom. And you?

That's it.

Sometimes I just can't get over the angelic beautiful of the Draper, Utah Temple.

and sometimes I can't get over how close I am to it everyday.

If you haven't been able to go in here! I highly encourage it.

I painted my nails. and toes. Im obsessed with these colors.

Finger color: Essie Mochachino. Perfect for fall.

I finally finished the first Hunger Games Book. People kept telling me it took them 24 hours to read all three. Well...it took me a month to read the first one..but at least I did it right?

On to the next one. So far..it is a definitely favorite.

So there you go. Probably my most scatter brained post. Last week I also:
-Burned my hand twice.
-Moved into another room. That is WAY better. (Pictures coming soon.)
-Determined that the guy who fixed my car after my traumatic car accident is now in jail.
-Spent time with my mother! Most amazing woman I know.
-Got rear ended.
-Went to target 5x.
-Wore toms on a rainy day. Never again.
-Had a candle fall on my head. (next necessary blogpost.)

Kids say the darndest things

2011-09-29T16:42:00.000-06:00

Things that a 12 year old boy says: (all compiled in a 15 minute car ride)

ME: Look Kade...there's a squirrel! Do you see it?"

KADE: ehh..yea...but you see a squirrel once, you see a squirrel 1,000 times, like this one time I saw a Beaver in my backyard!"

..uhh..what?

ME: Kade we need to wash your clothes!

KADE: Anna you're such a clean freak. No..just kidding..if anyones a clean freak its definitely me.

ME: But Kade..you hate showering..

KADE: well..besides that. Like...if I see someone pick their nose and then they touch me..I automatically go rub it on someone else.

Precise definition of a clean freak.

KADE: Anna! Quit being so Anna-Like!

ME: What does that mean?

KADE: You know...it means like..being awesome. Everyone knows that.

At least he has his pick-up lines down.

ME: Your dad comes home tomorrow are you excited?

KADE: ehh kinda.

ME: What? Why aren't you more excited?

KADE: To be honest Anna..you might think this is a little bizarre...but I just cant stop thinking about this new video game.

Welcome to the priorities of a 12 year old.

Fall is my Fave

2011-09-22T22:28:00.000-06:00

Most Pumpkin Bread! What screams fall more than that! Eat it now!

Best idea ever. Candy corn and flowers. 2 of my favorite inventions created.

My favorite fall outfit thus far.

Cuddling in the crisp fall air. This will happen. Mark.My.Words.

Bath and Body Works fall candles. A must have. Buy them here and now!

My first sighting of fall leaves. This made my day. and believe me when I say..I needed my day to be made. "The Truck Story" is soon to come.

Caramel Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies. Need to bake NOW!

J.Crew Fall Fashion Line. Yes please.

So there you have it folks. A little fall-spiration. Cannot wait to put it into action.

Mr. Reliable

2011-09-20T01:07:00.000-06:00

First off, let me tell you a little somethin somethin about this friendly feathered fluff ball.

Mr. Bliss Bag has been my faithful sidekick for a good 4 years now.

Always there for me when I'm in need of comfort.

When I am down, he is always there to cuddle me.

When I am excited, he is there to cushion my jumps for joy

When I am stressed, he provides me with an excuse to be lazy.

When I'm in need of serious movie therapy, he screams YES PLEASE!

See what I mean? Always so supportive of my feelings.

Who needs humans when you've got an overly agreeable orb of luxury.

It goes without saying, that Mr. Bag comes with me wherever I go.

Regardless of how difficult he may be to transport, he has proved necessary to my sanity.

Demonstrating this paramount need is my skillful art of stuffing and rolling.

He rolled up some hills, through some bushes, slide across some sidewalk

and got stuffed into a car for 40 minutes

Then got rolled across dead grass, and almost smooshed a grasshopper, stuff again through my new front door and into my beauty of a new room.

*Let it be known that I did this all by myself, thank you very much*

Totally worth it. I know he will not let me down in my new territory.

*Also, I promise never to refer to a ball of feathers as a human being ever again.*

The Geddy gets me Giddy

2011-09-15T08:10:00.002-06:00

Cheesy I know...but I couldn't help it. This past weekend, Jess and I (one of the most amazing girls I know), went to LA to visit REBBIE (another one of the most amazing girls I know.)

It was a much needed trip, and I am so grateful for the friends that I have there.

We visited The Geddy Museum, and I couldn't help but snap pictures everywhere I turned. It is honestly one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced.

If you have never been...GO! Your eyes will thank you.

Thank you girls...for a trip full of Doritos, waffles, pancakes, Rolos....uhh....i'll stop there.

And since I've made driving to LA such a regular occurrence, i'll embrace it.

You better believe I'll see you next month!

My 2nd Favorite Place on Earth.

2011-09-08T01:38:00.001-06:00

I love Washington. My second favorite place. 1st is Coloradical. Obviously.

There is something about the ocean smell and old town feel that I crave daily.

The San Juan Islands are where it's at folks. I feel like a new woman when I'm there..and I like it.

Here are some documentations of the trip. Warning..picture overload.

Ol' town LaConner. In Love. We walked around the little shops and ate amazing sandwiches.

And looked at little shops...with the bigger flower pots you will ever see.

We became famous.

And learned to appreciate the Canadian Flag...almost as much as the American Flag.

We posed at our traditional ice cream spot...The Farmhouse. Best ice cream in the United States.

My dad proposed.

My mom liked it.

We smelled lavender. Lots and lots of lavender.

and saw and heard and felt more bees than I would have liked to.

We basket weaved.

We visited famous historical sights. Such as wear the British and Americans fought The Pig War.

Yes...The Pig War.

Went to Pikes Market.

And smelled fish. and sweaty men. I love fish. not sweaty men.

We saw cool barns.

and I took artsy pictures of them.

We bowed to the church with a medical symbol and tennis symbol below the cross.

At least he knows his priorities.

We gazed into the deep abyss of the ocean. Ahh the salty ocean. How I love it.

And every morning and every night we woke up and went to bed looking at this lovely view.

I must admit we have one of the best seats in the house.

I am one lucky girl.

And this world is one lovely place.

"The Perfect Fit" - Kirstin and David

2011-09-05T03:01:00.002-06:00

I know this is almost a month late...but here are the wedding pics....well..some of them at least. A little sample of pictures if you will. The wedding was beautiful. The bride was stunning. And the groom was as handsom as ever. I couldn't be happier. for these two love birdies.

Got married in the Denver Temple for time and all eternity. No other way to do it folks.

The cutest grandparents you'll ever lay eyes on.

Instead of a sign in book, all the guests stamped a leaf on this "wedding tree" and signed their name on the lead. clever clever. It turned out to be quite the full tree, and wonderful wall decoration.

Peaches for the guests!

Shoesies. A girls best friend.

The wedding cakes and pies. I ate way too much of ...all of these that night.

I got a little artsy fartsy on them. and they loved it. :) obviously.

Cousins! I have the cutest cousins in the world..and there are over 40 of them to choose from!

Our bouquets and all the flowers were to.die.for. Thanks to Erin Keller! A mastermind she is.

"Keys to a successful marriage" - everyone wrote advice on the keys and hung it over the door.

(There ended up being way more than these three.)

Best Seesters/Bridesmaids in the world. If I do say so myself.

Twas quite the event and we are so happy for it to be over :)

Kirstin and David..welcome to blissful and eternal happiness

Inspiring Words

2011-09-04T11:31:00.003-06:00

"It will be helpful to you to understand and use the power of the interaction of faith and character. God uses your faith to mold your character. character is woven patiently from threads of doctrine, principle, and obedience. Character is the manifestation of what you are becoming. Your character will be the yardstick that God will use to determine how well you have used your mortal life. Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and, when acted upon, will be confirmed as true.

As you walk to the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty, exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions to the challenges of life you would not obtain otherwise. With even the strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, he will respond with what in his eternal plan is best for you a piece at a time. Your continuing exercise of faith will forge strength of character available to you

In times of critical need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. that is when it is used.

Wherever you live, whatever your occupation or focus in life, you will be drawn into the battle for the souls of men and women. Be valiant in that struggle. It is waged on the basis of character. Satan and his troops have defined their character by resolute opposition to the will of our Father and consistent violation of his commandments. Your character is being solidified by consistent correct choices."

-Elder Richard G. Scott

-April 2011 BYU Commencement Speech, "To Live Well"

This girl...

2011-08-13T10:19:00.003-06:00

...is gettin married today!! and we couldn't be more excited.

We already started the morning off right with manicures and a huge breakfast!

these pictures were taken at the wedding dinner at our lake last night.

such a magical magical time.

and I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am for Kirstin and her decision to get married in The LDS Denver Temple for time and all eternity!

You done good sista.

a few highlights

2011-08-11T23:16:00.012-06:00

So I've realized that being the sister to an engaged woman is quite the exciting time. I must say these have been the most hectic, fun, exciting, tiring, stressful, amazing, happy days I have ever spent at home...and I'm not even the one whose getting hitched.

I have loved every minute of helping my beautiful sister and amazing mother plan this wedding. 2 days people. 2 days. Crazy how time flies. I have been trying to capture some of the highlights of what has been going on. So here are a few pictures explaining the past couple days.

Shopping. Of course. My sister begged me to help her pick out her wedding outfits...okay maybe I INSISTED on picking them out..but she absolutely loved all of my styling...so my insistence was successful. I loved picking out the cutest most expensive things in the store just for HER. (sarcasm) Apparently that's a perk of getting married. But I must say I managed to squeeze in a few items for myself..including those adorable blue wedges over thur, striped skirt, top and necklace for the wedding. We done good, if I do say so myself.

My sisters wedding will include a lot of vintage items..so our arts and crafts have included sanding, distressing, cleaning, and dusting galore. Some items getting this treatment are the beloved vintage door and window frame we cleaned up and sanded down. Future reference: sandpaper hurts your fingers. Wear gloves.
Cleaned my car. Not all wedding preparations have to do with the bride ya know. I used Q-tips and all to shine that beauty. I let Becca do the foam brush. Such a gem she is.
My mom has had a few "blonde moments" if you will through all the wedding chaos. One including the time she put her sunglasses on, not even realizing the obvious deformity until we pointed it out. Bless her heart.
Qdoba. Oh Qdoba. What would I do without you. If you have never been blessed to partake of such goodness I rebuke you. Go now! Better than Chipotle and Cafe Rio combined.
Pedicures are a must when we sisters come home. Not to sound high maintenance...but the Asian ladies love us. So we do it for them. I especially love when I have to run last minute errands while in my paper thin makeshift flip flops and toe separators. I'm sure my post pedicure waddle was entertaining.
We visited the beloved reception site. It is going to be beautiful and I cannot wait.
Equipped with cutesy bunnies...
and crazy roosters ..who almost bit my foot off. Those things are dang territorial.
What would I do without colorado sunsets. My favorite.
Home at last. I love my home. I can't get enough of it.
Here's to crazy days and marriages. Here's to being home. Here's to families!

I know.

2011-07-19T23:06:00.007-06:00

Today I had a discussion about God. We debated his existence. or non-existence for that matter. This is the conclusion I came to....

I know there are scholars and academics and scientists and big wigs galore that will argue Evolution and The Big Bang Theory and that God isn't real because you can't PROVE he is real. Now, I am far from smart enough to argue and prove that all of these theories are false, and I know IT IS SAID that you will never know FOR SURE if God exists or if evolution is true, or if we go to Heaven when we die, but I CAN tell you this much...

I KNOW! I know for a fact. I know 100% that God is real. He created everything I know and sent his son Jesus Christ down to earth to lead and guide us and provide an example for us. I know that Jesus Christ died and suffered for our sins, so that we can live with him again and I know that 3 days later he was resurrected and that he LIVES today.

I know this because I have sought out an answer for myself. I have gained a testimony separate from anyone else. I know this because God has heard and answered my prayers and I have felt his love and comfort in my everyday life and will continue to so long as I ask for it.

I know this because I am his daughter, and he surrounds me in everything that I see, everything that I do, and EVERYTHING that I AM.

This is Good Stuff

2011-07-14T21:00:00.001-06:00

Off to paradise....Once again

2011-07-07T18:13:00.006-06:00

..And we are off. Another year of amazing fun in paradise. These were the oldest pictures I found on my computer from Lake Powell. Which was in 2008 I believe. 3 years ago. I also believe that this is our.....12th year attending the Lake Powell Festivities. and I wouldn't want it any other way!

Notice the missing DaniBree! We hadn't had the privilege of having you in our familia yet! But how it is so much better now that you are! and this year we will be adding another future in law. David! Kirstin's Fiance! Yay for family additions....and extreme height differences.

of course...glamour shots with the bestie! I miss this!
and more glamour shots! :)
A week of no phones, no computer, no internet, no texting, no worrying about being beautified, no clothes. just swimsuits, lotion, sun, water and sleeping under the most peaceful amazing stars you will ever see!

See you in a week!

Just waiting for me.

2011-07-03T09:33:00.006-06:00

Looks like a normal Manhattan apartment right?

Wrong! it has a flippin' pool in the living room.

Why did I not know about this when I lived there?

I could have stalked the family, become best friends with their 7 year old daughter, and they would have offered me free room and board for the rest of my life..

as long as I took the daughter shopping on 5th Avenue once a week.

Oh the life I could have had.

JK. I like my life.

But this would have definitely been a bonus....and I cant help but throw this out there...

Manhattan residence. if you know who lives here. please share.

Im sure their daughter is just waiting for me.

Knock on Wood.

2011-06-28T23:28:00.005-06:00

Once upon a time, I had many single girlfriends.

and now that time is over.

the end.

During that time, like most girlfriends, we joked about never finding Mr. Right, and being single for the rest of our lives. (I should have knocked on wood.) Anywho...I bought my friend a book. about finding Mr. Right. And I thought it was so appropriate, I bought myself the book too. I found this treasure the other day, and thought it was so pathetic that it still completely and 100% still applies to my life 3 years later...and quite frankly..it kinda makes me feel better about my life. as sad as that sounds.

So ...I would like to share it with you. For all those women...who forgot to knock on wood.

So you feel like all your friends are merrily coupled...

and you keep attracting the wrong kind of people.

Everyone seems to be luckier in love than you.

People tell you you're too picky.

But you're just putting your foot down.

They tell you to put yourself out there.

but you've dated plenty.

You just havent found the right connection.

Or they weren't exactly mental giants.

and you are.

If you happen to find someone who sees things the way you do....

then they dont live up to your family's expectations.

And so it's back to the old drawing board.

You spend hours trying to better yourself.

You hone your many qualities.

You develop new hobbies.

And people misinterpret your intentions.

Your friends set you up with the "perfect match"

Which leads you to continue trying on your own.

Some say men are all dogs.

and girls are too catty.

They are quick to point out how we are different.

without ever celebrating our similarities.

You've tried everything.

Almost.

And so there are times when you are ready to throw in the towel.

But don't give up.

Give people a chance.

Don't limit yourself.

be willing to give a little.

Change your routine.

Get rid of old baggage.

Don't rush things.

It will be worth the wait.

Let them know you're worth it.

and so are they.

Remember they're all princes.

or NOT.

So there you have it ladies. Words from the wise.

Love is just around the corner.

but until then...i'll just fantasize about kissing my hot boyfriend on a bike at the beach.

The Carbonation Hiccups

2011-06-24T21:30:00.004-06:00

In a world full of Diet Dr. Pepper addicts, Diet Coke connoisseurs, and Mountain Dew maniacs, I have never been a huge pop fan. (yes, I still call it pop).

Carbonation gives me the hiccups, and quite frankly the burps.

please excuse my unladylike-ness.

However, I have recently been informed that NOT

consuming this carbonation goodness is craziness.

Thus, I was introduced to:

The one and only Coke Zero. Apparently this stuff is magic. Makes you float. Makes you fly sky high. Gives you life. After weeks of coaxing, I gave in. I was weak. I stooped. I settled.

I tried the darn thing.

and I must admit it was good.

But I did still hiccup...a lot. (The kind that hurt.

The kind that scare you..even though most of the time you see it coming.)

and I did still burpie just a wittle bittie.

Only time will tell of the addict I very well may soon become.

Until then..I'll have my usual...cold water with a straw and a lemon.

sugar headache

2011-06-22T07:24:00.003-06:00

"Annie Nannie...guess what I got this weekend!!! You'll never guess!"

"What did you get?"

"I'll just show you"

*runs up the stairs in pure excitement and

almost trips coming down due to too much speed in too much pajama pant*

"A GIANT JAWBREAKER!! I bet my sister that I could finish it in 1.5 weeks...and I KNOW I can do that...because you see that crater right there? I did that in just 2 days."

Nothing says sugar headache more than a 10 pound sugarball.

Best of luck to ya Kade.

I'll cut you up some fruits and veggies in efforts to curb the effects of consuming that ball of disgustingness.

The most important men in my life

2011-06-19T09:06:00.009-06:00

Happy Father's Day!

I am so extremely grateful to be related to such incredible men!

My dad is the most selfless, spiritual, hardworking, loving men I have ever know.

He radiates goodness.

(plus...can you say HOTT? They are one good lookin' couple.)

I am so blessed to be his daughter and to continually be taught by him.

Likewise, my grandfather has been an incredible example for me throughout my life.

He has led an life of service, love, work and joy.

I can feel his firm testimony radiating through him

and his relationship with Heavenly Father is so easily recognized.

Aren't they just beautiful together?! Definitely the classiest, most glamorous couple I know.

These men have set the bar. Set the standard.

I couldn't have asked for more wonderful priesthood leaders to have in my life.

What a blessing it is to have fathers here on earth.

To have the priesthood always available to us.

I love you dad! I love you grandpa!

Thank you for your lifelong dedication to the gospel, and your families!

Annie Nannie

2011-06-18T13:21:00.006-06:00

Sometimes I forget I have a blog. Or maybe it's that my life just isn't as exciting anymore.

When I was in New York, it seemed as if everything I did was a dream come true..therefore broadcasting my daily "duties" to the whole World Wide Web only seemed natural? Make everyone aware of my incredibly awesome adventures, and let's be honest ..make certain people were incredibly jealous.

Welp..those times past. Sad.but true. I have moved on to more..local..mommy-esque endeavors.

You can officially call me Annie Nannie. (the kids came up with that one. clever right?) It makes it even better when they occasionally add Fanny as my middle name. Cute.

(at least it's not Nanny McPhee)

I am sure learning lots. Being a mommy is fun. It means I'm in charge and I like that.

It also means that I'm supposed to know how to:

get kids immunized, get lumps removed from dogs hips, fix a broken pool, pretend like I know how to cook meaty meals and pretend like

THIS is work:

I truly am grateful for this opportunity. Kids are so smart. So clever.

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. and I am continuing to learn the reasons why I am here.

So this summer will continue to be filled with:

consultations, Costco, cooking and cleaning.

I really do love all those words.

YAY for bridal showers.

2011-05-31T16:31:00.002-06:00

My seester is getting married...and I am living vicariously through her....

...oh what? Did I just type that out loud?

Anyway..My other little sister and I are planning her bridal shower. Yay!

First off...the invitations!

They will be sent off in a week.

Right on schedule.

Do the Play Doh

2011-05-31T15:57:00.009-06:00

To solve my post graduate summer boredom impatient syndrome, Becca and I have been....

creating. This incorporates everything from paper products to food items, to..play toys.

Exhibit 1.

Play Doh. So fascinating.

You mix the goop
Add the color. (neon colors are in this season p.s)
and stir!

word to the wise: let it cool off for a few minutes before picking up out of the steaming hot pan. duh.
and TA DA!

Happy Play Doh hands.

and faces.
mostly.

I was a little distraught after realizing the food coloring died my hands blue.

I'm still scrubbing.

Horoscopo-magnifique

2011-05-25T15:51:00.007-06:00

I was never a big believer of the moons aligning and fortune tellers. Magical dust and mood rings. The constellations predicting my every move. Yea, not so much.

But .. lately. the accuracy of the fortune teller star god's has been impecable. I have become a believer. A believer of the skies. If ever I am lost in my own thoughts, and confused about which direction to to take my life, I go to ...The Horoscope-Magnifique.

Like today...I was having a difficult time deciding where to move, where to work, who to date, how to get skinny and how to grow my hair longer. So, desperate times call for ...horoscope look up.

and BAM. all the answers. RIGHT THERE! Flippin' miracle worker.

But really. I did get a little discouraged today. With my whole no home, no job, no husband thing.

I started to feel a little like a failure...who has no direction in life, and is wasting away my life.

Way to be positive right?

So...once again. I turned to the heavenly gypsies with their magic 8 balls.

Look at what they told me:

"You may feel as if every step you take is being blocked today, but your attitude might just be the result of your frustration. If you are unhappy about what you are currently doing, suppressing your disappointment is not healthy. Avoiding your feelings can trick your psyche into unconsciously seeking out the negativity that you have pushed into the shadows. Rather than struggling to get your message across, consider what you need to learn before trying again."

Oh Libra Gods. How I love you.

The way to my heart

2011-05-18T12:11:00.000-06:00

Pack my Suitcase

2011-05-17T16:59:00.006-06:00

Ever since I returned from New York...scratch that....2 weeks after I got home from New York I was ready to pack my suitcase again. Travel. Travel ..anywhere really. There is some sort of rush I get when I visit a new place. a new country. a new way of life. a new scene.

I love it. I want it back. I'm ready to go.

Maybe Auckland, Switzerland?
Or Pamukkale, Turkey?
Or how about a dreamy hot air balloon ride?
Finland maybe?

Or really..I would be more than perfectly happy going back to New York City.

Now all I need is:

1. a travel partner..and

2. ....money.

so lame.

So True.

2011-05-08T00:28:00.001-06:00

There is nothing fun about being the only one to laugh at your own jokes.

(actually,sometimes it is fun...)

But this happens to me more than it should

Thanks Beeca. for reminding me of this.

new favorite song

2011-05-06T22:33:00.000-06:00

Admiral's Insights

2011-05-03T10:48:00.007-06:00

While interning in New York, we worked with Admiral Paul Yost.

He is a retired 4 star admiral in the U.S Coast Guard.

He is extremely talented, intelligent and wise.

Every once in a while he would give us interns enlightening parables of advice,

in hopes that we will maybe one day be half as insightful as Admiral.

We made sure to listen with both ears, heading to every word he spoke.

This story was my favorite:

A Russian peasant was walking along his pasture when he came along this nearly frozen bluebird. It was so close to death and he wanted to save its life.

He picked up the bluebird when they came along a steaming pile of dung. (Yes...dung).

He put the bluebird in the dung to warm it up. The bluebird was warmed right up and brought back to life. He was happily singing along, about to fly away when a wolf came along and ate the bluebird.

Moral of the story: He who puts you in it, isn't necessarily your enemy. and he who takes you out of isn't necessarily your friend.

So deep. So full of ...dung.

Here's a good laugh for ya

2011-05-02T11:51:00.000-06:00

This video was created by a friend from New York.

I can't stop laughing.

and it makes me want to be an aunt.

so Daron & Dani....get on that...Thanks :)

Flower Power

2011-05-02T06:59:00.011-06:00

So this past week while in Utah, I decided to check some things off the list I have been wanting to do for a while. Like, go to a driving range, and go vintage shopping, and see the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival. Check, Check and Check. Here are some featured flower fotos.

The white tulips are my favorite.

The Rad Grad Time

2011-05-01T19:14:00.008-06:00

This is called : The Graduated Happy Girl Syndrome Picture.

It really was such a joy to attend all the graduation ceremonies and celebration.

It made me realize how lucky and blessed I was to be able to attend such an incredible University. It is truly one of a kind.

Filled with the joyful zoobies, cheesy love stories, frustrated perfectionists, and prayerful students...I couldn't have asked for more.

I am so grateful for the incredible friends, intelligent professors and inspiring classes that have got me to where I am now.....

(which is currently at home with mommy&daddy.....so.....umm...well....that's beside the point.)

Eventually...It will get me places. I am sure of that...(I repeat this to myself 5x a day..It helps with the whole "believe in yourself" thing)

I sat in the back row right in the middle. I think my head is down...in deep thought I'm sure.

and...my family was all in town!! YAY for family pictures! and flowery shadows on our faces.
I love these folks more than ever! Thanks for all your love and support. You's da best!
now....on to the next adventure: skydiving in 3 weeks!!!! I cannot wait!

Dang Altitude

2011-04-17T18:20:00.004-06:00

Leaving New York has left me with many floating and flurrying feelings

I'm weepie because I miss my city friends.

I'm chipper because I get to smell fresh colorado air.

I'm afflicted because I don't have a job and my mom is currently buying my cereal.

I'm reposed because I don't have a job and I could sleep all day....not that I do.

I'm distressed because I have to grow up.

I'm invincible because after New York I feel legit.

I'm elated to start running and working out again.

I'm irked because I used to be able to run 6 miles in Central Park...then..

Yesterday when I went to work out I got winded and passed out after running around a pond. Cool.

Today I can't sit down and stand up without groaning and shaking.

I blame it on the altitude. It's totally the altitude.

Darn Mile High City.

I miss these girls

2011-04-16T10:42:00.000-06:00

I miss it already

2011-04-15T10:33:00.015-06:00

From the Natural History Museum .....

to the planitarium

to the Statue of Liberty
and loving my roommates
and my cute parents coming.
To taking artsy pictures of my city

and looking at birds
and learning about the Statue of Liberty in our Audio Tour. (So educational)
and visiting Ellis Island, and feeling guilty that the first thing I thought of when I walked into this room was Hitch.

and being in love with this boat.

From seeing the city at night at the top of the Rockefeller
and watching the sunset on top of the Empire State Building
I had a pretty darn good last week in The Big Apple.

I miss it already.

I haven't seen this many white people in a while.

But I must say..walking on my carpet makes my toesies real happy.

and I like walking without running into people.

Rattle my Bones

2011-04-10T20:34:00.002-06:00

In honor of having only 3 days left in the city , I decided to give back a little bit.

So...I am wholeheartedly dedicating this song to:

New York City, The Big Apple, The City that Never Sleeps, The Capital of the World.

You make my mouth a little happier.

My heart beat a little faster.

and my smile a little bigger.

Buildings in New York make my heart beat faster

2011-04-09T07:10:00.009-06:00

Please, try and tell me these don't make you happy. MM. Such a happy place.

Baseball Dud

2011-04-07T08:12:00.004-06:00

Let me preface this post:

I have only been to one professional baseball game before when I was 12. Isat in the "Rockpile" of the Rockies stadium, and went cause people told me it was the cool thing to do.

I don't think I watched a lick of baseball

I go to professional sports games because either a. I was invited by a cute boy (has yet to happen) or b. I feel as if it will add to my thrilling mid 20's culturifying experience.

I live in New York, and I hear going to a Yankees game at the new Yankees stadium is something I just HAVE to do.

So, we geared up. With our umbrellas, hats, Big Chew Gum and Hot dog appetite, we were on our way.

Until it rained and the game was postponed. At least we got cute pictures and ate hot dogs?

Soul and Swag

2011-04-06T08:46:00.007-06:00

A couple days ago I was invited to go to the Apollo Theater to see Amateur Night!

(This picture is way too dark, but I just had to document such a thrilling experience.)

My naivety got the best of me, because I really had no idea what this meant.

I soon found out this place has housed some of the most famous performers of all time, including:

MICHAEL JACKSON!

It was filled with more soul and swag than I knew existed.

Bouncin', and halleluja-in', and MM HMM-in', and clappin' and hip movin'

I should have taken my gangsta pills before attending. darn it.

Instead, my date came in a suit and tie, and I politely crossed my legs and folded my arms while giving a quiet quaint clap after each performer.

Just kidding. Kinda.

It was an awesome experience.

I felt honored to be in the same room that Michael Jackson was once in.

Which then reminded me that at this time next year I will hopefully be attending his

Cirque du Soleil Immortal Tour at Madison Square Garden.

Considering I bought the tickets a year in advance..

(thinking it was actually this year. Blonde moment)

I better book my flight now. and figure out the other 3 guests i'll be bringing.

I'll take any sort of bribes or pamper treatments..starting now.

Disneyland in New York

2011-04-05T08:07:00.006-06:00

I have been wanting to go to "Toy Land" ever since I arrived in this city. My dream finally came true, and it was nothing short of pure excitement.

From life-size doggies to limited edition Barbie Foosball Tables. I loved releasing my inner child.

Next destination: Disney Land in California. Please.

Penguin and Co

2011-04-03T22:11:00.003-06:00

Just a little pick-me-up for your monday morning

We ran into these crazy animals on our way home this weekend.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing a penguin play the xylophone.

She found her mister!

2011-04-02T15:21:00.013-06:00

Kirsti is my sister.

And she found her special mister.

Now, I don't want to take all the credit here.

But, please just lend me your ear.

Do me a favor and read the conversation below.

And its simple words will tell you so.

IGNORE THE SMILIES..I MUST HAVE BEEN REALLY EXCITED/CONFUSED OR SOMETHING*

October 25, 2010
Anna Elizabeth Young
blind date?
hi. um i dont have your number, so im writing you here . soo...wanna take someone out this week? i highly recommend you take my suggestion.

Anna
October 25, 2010
David Hansen
hahah 2 o'clock Anna?... Still having sleeping issues? I do have Nyqil if you want some. My number is 6612054275 and yes I think I have Friday night free. Does she know about this?
October 25, 2010
Anna Elizabeth Young
yes she is aware. i should give you her number so you can call her ya? Her name is Kirstin. her number is 3038779198. you should call her within the next couple days. agree??

Did you shed a tear?
Cause I do very much fear
That the big day is oh so near

But we couldn't be "giddyer"
And they couldn't be cuter
And I couldn't be prouder...
...to receive all the credit for making them
happier than they were.

Das all you want?

2011-03-31T21:21:00.006-06:00

Roommies and I decide to go see hottie Bradley Cooper in Limitless tonight.

As we pass the food stand we suddenly realize how hungry we are. Convenient.
We each decide on our lesser junk food orders to help enhance our feature film experience.
Until we suddenly and sadly realize the impossibly rude and painstakingly large white numbers plastered on the way-too-greasy-but-oh-so-delicious food.
The Calorie Count. Dun Dun Dun.
After much debate over what is more worth it, the yummy goodness in our tummies or the fatty fattness in our everywhere elses, I go to the counter with my mind made up.

Me: Can I just have a bottled water.
AMC Man: Oh what?! Girl...das all you want?
Me: well, no...but I can't seem to get myself to buy a 2,000 calorie stacked pretzel
AMC Man: Dang....No way!...You's in great shape. You ain't gotta worry bout dat.
Me: You don't know I'm in great shape. I'm in a puffy coat.
AMC Man: OHHH....you's gettin' fat?
Me: well...that's what im trying to prevent.
AMC Man: oh okay okay. well girl. don't you worry...you be a beautiful thang no matta yo size.
Me: (Walk away smiling)

And that ladies and gentlemen...is how you make a girl feel special.

and another reason why I love this city.

and the moral of the story is...

2011-03-30T12:53:00.005-06:00

When you can't jump up on the sitting booth to take a picture with the White House....

Keeping trying...
Until you get embarrassed....
And then give up and pout.

J&A

2011-03-29T09:21:00.009-06:00

This is my cousin Jayci.

She is the most caring, nurturing, best mommy substitute I have ever had.

Thus my excitement for getting to see her three weekends while I've been east-coasting it.

She takes care of me. She spoils me.

Examples:

1. She welcomed me to her city with raisins and O.J. Just what I was craving.

2. She tweezed the splinter out of my little toe.

3. She kindly offered me her memory foam equipped bed..when in reality the blow up mattress looked just as appealing compared to my "Funton" back in NYC. (Little did I know, the magic that her bed works. I felt like a new woman).

4. She laughs at all my jokes. (I'm usually the only one laughing).

5. She drives me places, and understands the excitement I get from riding in a car these days.

Plus, she is absolutely stunningly beautiful.

Fab Four

2011-03-27T22:33:00.003-06:00

Don't you love it when you find terrific travel buddies?

These three girls were fabulous this weekend during our trip to D.C.

I Couldn't have asked for better .

More about our D.C adventures to come!

Stay tuned.

Heart Skipping To Do's

2011-03-24T10:51:00.006-06:00

There is some sort of goose bump making, heart skipping, smile inducing, endorphin increasing feeling about making a "to do list" for myself, and crossing things off throughout the day

The simple line through the previously written task has some sort of power over me.

I love it. I can't get enough of it.

I usually sometimes maybe even add things to the list after I have accomplished them..

just so I can cross them off.

I can't think of anything that would make me happier than to find more excuses to check things off "The List".

Mom. this is the perfect graduation present. It would probably top to a trip to Bora Bora....

mm...yea right. But at least it would help me prepare for the trip?

I'm sure once Mom and Dad get here we could search for this precious treasure.

They probably sell them at Kate Spade?

or maybe Madewell, or Anthropologie?

Or even J.Crew? I don't know.

We'll just have to go check to see. :)

Rooftop Skivvies

2011-03-22T07:52:00.011-06:00

There is something about being on a roof in the city that makes me feel like I am invincible.

Maybe it's the happy clear blue skies

Maybe it's architectural inspirational juices that start flowin'.

Maybe it's being able to spy on neighbors tanning in their skivvies.

Regardless...it makes me feel glad to be where I'm at.

Harvard Sailing Team

2011-03-22T07:48:00.004-06:00

We went to see these fellas this weekend.

Hilarious. and Cute.

Cute enough that I electronically stalked all of them after the show.

This is what my research told me:

1. Despite their name they have nothing to do with the real Harvard Sailing Team.

2. Two of the members on the "Team" are happily and attractively married.

3. They perform every week at the People's Improv Theater on the East Side

4. The cute blonde one is from Denver.

5. He only had 604 friends on Facebook.

6. He is really close to his mom

6. He responds to nice messages and accepts friend requests....by me

7. He now has 605 Facebook friends..

...and I have a message on my wall from him I will cherish forever

Super Saturday Flee Market

2011-03-20T18:22:00.011-06:00

My favorite part: not wearing a coat.

In honor of my best friend Jacinth:

The Pipers on 5th Avenue

2011-03-18T12:46:00.003-06:00

The St. Patricks day parade was like

no other St. Patricks Day parade I have ever seen....

So many green wearers

and drunk talkers

and bagpipe players

It was an honor to be in their midst.

Green

2011-03-18T10:14:00.024-06:00

And the festivities begin. Let me officially announce that:

The Big Apple is wwwaaayyy more fun when it sees the sun!

With a spring in my step and a smile on my face.

It's days like these, I dont ever wanna leave this place.

Welcome to Fairway.

The most colorful, fresh, diverse, organic, inspiring, make-you-wanna-eat-healthy-expensive-enthic-food-all-the-time market.

This place was so legit. Right after I took this picture I got yelled at for taking pictures.

So fancy and secretive. Be grateful you have this evidence that it exists.

Our foods of choice? Fresh bell peppers, strawberries and blueberries,

sushi, watermelon, carrots and celery.

I'd like to say that this made up for the 17 pieces of chocolate

I consumed earlier that day.

The first glimpse of Spring.

Where John Lennon was killed. The hippies were everywhere.

Everyone was enjoying St. Patricks Day in New York. and I don't blame them.

The weather was incredible and you could feel the love and appreciation throughout the whole town for the Irish..and the color green. .......Or maybe it was just all the booze?

I love when people know how to dress to impress.

Girlfriend has gots it goin' on.

This man was givin' me the stink eye for taking a picture.

I'm sorry...I don't often see men in skirts.

I'm holding up my three fingers in representation of the three leaf clover.

The other girls refused. So I just look like a three fingered fool.

Normal.

I don't know who these people are..but they looked important..

And thus ends our super sunny St. Patty's day.

I re-fell in love with the city

The Boston Bennys

2011-03-15T13:58:00.034-06:00

Welcome to Boston! These are a few of the many wonderful things we encountered on our adventurous trip. I don't know which I enjoyed more. The Marriott bedding, or dining where Benny Franklin used to dine.. Both made the trip fabulous.

Boston Cream Pie from the place of its birth - The Omni Parker Hotel.

This hotel has also housed Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow for various rendezvous.

John F. Kennedy also announced his candidacy for Congress here.

Truly an honor to be where Johnny once was.

My seester was a little creeped out by this. I guess she'll end up in Boston.

Medallions for the fallen soldiers.
Where Benny Franklin used to eat Oysters.
Quincy Market

Good ol' Freedom Trail. He led us good.

I think they missed a number and a half.

And this is where the term was coined.

Dear General Hooker.

He had many wives.

And he had all this.

And ended up with a statue in his honor.

Little did he know the impact he would have on America's modern day....floozy.

Mr. Harvard. I kept having flashbacks to The Social Network. Sad I know. My thoughts should have been on something more historic...like Legally Blonde? Harvard Law?

Regardless..I rubbed Mr. Harvards toe for good luck. An apparent tradition due to his shiny left toe.

Benny Affleck (I still can't decide which Benny I like more. Franklin or Affleck. Both have done so much for our country and I can't thank them enough). and Jennifer Garners house. We sat outside for a good hour awaiting their arrival. They didn't come so we left them a love note, some chocolates and our phone numbers. Can't wait for our celeb debute.

Last, but surely not least. We ran into an Anthropologie in Cambridge. How convenient.

North face and Scruff

2011-03-14T23:33:00.018-06:00

Welcome to the land of North Face and Cannolis. The land of Harvard goers, history lovers and scruffy faced-dont-do-your-hair boys. What a pleasure it was to venture to Massachusetts this weekend. One of a kind trip. Here are a few treasures we found a long the way. More to come soon.

I can't tell you of the excitement I get when I see my name written big on a building. It's some sort of pride thing I think. Like seeing my name written 10x bigger than everyone else's makes me that much cooler than everyone else.

Where they used to meet for church. They meaning the colonial families and people....back then....in those days....

Dear Ben. We wanted to sign The Declaration of Independence on invisible paper in your honor. You're welcome.
I dont know why I had such troubles getting on this donkey....

poor bum
Kimberlini obviously had no difficulties

Messiest most delicious thing I've ever tasted. Who would have thought that a waffle filled with cheese would be good?
please disregard the cheesy (no pun intended) awkward smile.
More pictures to come .....

The Ice Fisherman

2011-03-14T22:04:00.022-06:00

Our last day in Boston we went to Walden Pond and Lexington and Concord.

For those of you who struggle with....learning and remembering....like me. I will gladly give you a quicky reminder:

1. Walden Pond was where Henry David Thoreau lived for two years to think, escape and write. He documented his woodland experience in Walden.

I hesitantly walked on the iced over pond, but only after I saw 4 of my friends hop on and after it was repeatedly confirmed to me that Mr. Ice Fisherman from Luxembourg (story soon to come) would gladly jump in and save me if i were to sink to the bottom.

This is Mr. Ice Fisherman.He was one of the most pleasant people I have ever encountered. He told of us his travels through Luxembourg, his grandchildren, and the art of catching the perfect trout.

And here it is folks. The contraption of a lifetime. Told to have caught some of the most delicious fish on the planet.

I learned a lot from this man. He was patient and kind. I like meeting people like that.

A bench in the pond.

Lesson #2:

2. The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first two military engagements of the Revolutionary War. This is where "The shot heard around the world" was shot and where battle was declared.

It was peacefully beautiful. It brought back memories of 5th grade History with Mr. Helfrich and made me wanna get dressed up again as a militiaman and reenact the battles with my fellow elementary students.

White

2011-03-11T08:18:00.014-07:00

I am obsessed with White...

I+ for Improvement

2011-03-10T13:33:00.005-07:00

I never used to remember my dreams.

I used to set my alarm for the middle of the night to make the chances of remembering my dream more plausible, being that I would only wait 4 hours into the dream rather than 8.

It sounded like a good plan at the time.

For whatever reason in the past couple years my dream memory has really improved. (If only my real memory could have the same progress)

Dream Memory : I+ for Improvement

Real Memory : E- for embarrassment

My dreams have consisted of:

Being pregnant and everyone being happy for my future illegitimate child. And being so happy that I put a balloon in my shirt to show my baby bump sooner to getting sick and being lulled to sleep by a soothing man voice to singing opera on Broadway.

I don't understand my inner self.

...............But at least I can remember?

Hooray for my dream memory.

Sieze the Day

2011-03-10T13:20:00.004-07:00

You only live once.

Might as well go on many trips as you can and spend as much money as you can

and play as much as you can and delay finding a real job as long as you can.
Right?

If only.

My adulthood-grown-up time-clock is a tickin'

Drip Drop

2011-03-08T10:57:00.011-07:00

It all started with a light drip.

From the ceiling.

It was a rainy afternoon. We were tired and comfy and warm. And the soft pitter patter of the rain against the roof was calming....until the pitter patter became a splitter splatter.

We had a leaking ceiling. So we put a bucket under the drip drop for a quick remedy and forgot about the menial problem.

Until the drip drop became a flippin huge bubble in our ceiling.

That we had to pop...with an unstable ladder, a bread knife and a crock pot.

Yucky ceiling water
equals unhappy roommate time

But don't you worry. We moved our landlords' precious dresser out of the room, because apparently that is all he is worried about. Never mind our fragile lives and expensive shoes.

and don't worry that he was supposed to come by yesterday to patch the hole, and conveniently forgot, as he kindly reassures us that it wont rain for another 3 days...so "he's gots time to fix da problem"

Awesome Mr. Michael Landlord. Awesome.

walk to work

2011-03-05T15:46:00.006-07:00

Every morning on my walk to work I pass by two flower shops, a gelato shop. and a newly renovated three story light blue white shutter apartment.

And every morning I say to myself "Self, one day before you leave this city you WILL buy yourself flowers and you WILL get gelato for breakfast and you WILL go inside that apartment."

I only have 40 days left, but mark my words. It will be done.

un-goosebumped legs

2011-03-05T13:58:00.005-07:00

You know those days when the sun bursts through the window and your heart skips some beats when you see green grass poking out of the dirt and you can't help but smile about the fact that you just wore shorts outside and never once got the goosebumps?

Today was one of those days.

Plus my house was spick and span tidy clean..which usually makes me more happy than eating chocolate.
and I was absolutely diggin' the foliage outside my door. Thank you for the warm green welcome.
Proof of the wearing-shorts-outside-not-getting-goosebumps thing.

It's days like this that make me never wanna leave the city.

cousin came!

2011-03-05T07:51:00.005-07:00

and what an enjoyable weekend we sure had!

banana pudding and caramel cake in the park.
enjoyed some lincoln center magic and Rosa Mexicano goodness
Elder Bednar spoke at a fireside and we ate some delicious Shake Shack after.

Spiritually and physically full.
visited with Tara! Volleyball friends 4 lyfe!

Double Take

2011-03-02T21:33:00.005-07:00

Yesterday I went running. It was a nice run.

Blastin' the tunes. Site seein'. Trippin' over random dog leashes.

Quite enjoyable.

After my run I was doing my normal stretching routine. You know...the one where you put your leg up on a fence post and reach for your toes and act like you can easily touch them...when in reality you struggle to reach mid-shin.

I was distracted by my stretching abilities and the newly switched song on my ipod. "Beyonce - Ego". look it up. It will change your life. While warmin up my pipes and bobbing my head a bit, maybe workin my groove thang, I quickly looked to my left to find a man running in place. In embarrassment for my way-too-seductive-stance and inappropriate dance moves I quickly apologized and moved out of his way.

He thanked me in his deep, charming voice, smiled and ran along his merry way.

Shortly after his passage, I realized that he could potentially be semi attractive. So I turned to look at his backside, to pleasantly find out he too wanted to take a peek at mine.

This proceeded to happen 2 more times as I awkwardly stood there with a girlish grin, until he turned the corner, and vanished.

I walked inside and melted. I will soon forget about him.

But until then....

Mr. Cute Running Man: please coincidentally run by me again. I'll join you next time.

I know we weren't on a beach and MY Mr. Running Man had on more clothes than this, and wasn't QUITE this happy to see me, but you get the picture.

Best Part of Valentines Day:

2011-03-02T21:25:00.001-07:00

My cupidman

best part of today:

2011-03-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

Getting to ride in a car.

Dearly Beloved Sista

2011-03-01T19:02:00.007-07:00

Welcome to the Conference of the Status of Women at the U.N.

This conference was nothing short of the most female pride, hand raising excitement and hallelujah shoutin' I have ever seen.

while the four white girls in the room never felt more awkwardly minority-tized in their lives.

Queen Mother Africa sure wore the pants in this relationship.

But then again, if I had a turban that large and a glare that piercing

I would take over any room I entered too.

From Queen Mothers, to Mayors of Nigeria to Princesses in Africa -

These womens gots it goin' onnnnn!

Callin' each other "my dearly beloved sista" like it aint no thang.

I can only hope that one day

the Queen Mother of Africa will call me her "Dearly Beloved Sista".

What a blessed day that would be.

Spending other peoples money

2011-02-28T20:48:00.004-07:00

I got an e-mail back from Anthropologie today, asking me to come in for an interview to be a Personal Shopper.

Oh..what's that you say? You want me to spend other people's money on really expensive clothes and make them look cute? While getting paid money that I can spend to make me look cute?

It doesn't really sound like my cup of tea. But..sure....i'll think about it.

Number 1

2011-02-28T05:59:00.002-07:00

List of things to do before I turn 30:

1. Build a tent and spend all day in it.

Dean and Deluca

2011-02-25T13:25:00.006-07:00

Welcome to my new favorite grocery store.

Equipped with Oprah's favorite candles

Fresh picked flowers
Delectable chocolates
flakey pastries
cheesy cheeses
and an amazing selection of samples.

Going here makes you feel like you have a lot of money.

Flippant Frenzies

2011-02-25T13:16:00.002-07:00

Jayci came to visit me from D.C this weekend!

Perfect timing for some much needed family lovin'

We unfolded the Funton for the first time last night for a sleepover.

Then we broke the funton.

But we fixed it....

after the mean lady downstairs yelled at us for stomping on the floor.

People sometimes....So inconsiderate.

The Funton is fixed and full of .....flippant frenzies?

I dont know.

But I like it.

Warm

2011-02-24T09:23:00.007-07:00

This morning before work I had the opportunity to wake up early and go to the Manhattan Temple Baptistry.

I was able to sit in the baptistry seating for a good 20 minutes, allowing me to take a deep breath and reflect.

It was completely still, completely quiet and completely filled with the peaceful spirit.

The moment I sat down on the cushy chairs facing the font, emotion overcame me.

You know that feeling when you've been cold all day then you finally find a room where the sun is peering in the window at just the right spot. You sit, preferably lay down right where the sun hits the bottom and close your eyes, and all the sudden you are warm. You are relaxed.

That's how I felt.

It's Good thing no one was in the room, or they would have seen a sorry teary eyed girl, and not known what to do.

I just want you all to know that the Church is true.

It brings peace of mind and solitude.
It brings confidence and strength.
It brings a reason to wake up in the morning and
a reason to kneel down beside your bed every night.
It brings a smile to a stranger and a shoulder to lean on.

It brings the warm comforting arms of the Savior wrapped around me
in the peaceful solitude of the Manhattan Baptistry when I am feeling discouraged.

Chubby Cheeks

2011-02-22T12:42:00.002-07:00

As I happily walked into work bright and early the woman at the Security Desk smiled and greeted me with joy.

She proceeded to tell me of her encounters this weekend, and of all of them the most exciting was seeing a girl who looked exactly like me..

Except...

"But Anna, you have a way bigger face than her."

(in her words)

awesome.

The Bull

2011-02-22T11:38:00.002-07:00

Warning: In order to take a picture with the bull you must:

1. Go in the really cold weather so there isn't a crowd.

2. Push through the tourist spectators

3. Pick a picture taking person who knows how to use your camera

4. Pretend like you love that bull with all your heart and grab onto his horns with all your might or perhaps do the head lean as if to say you are infatuated with the bull.

I'm single and I do what I want.

A dainty morning

2011-02-22T10:53:00.007-07:00

Central Park stroll

Alice's Tea Cup breakfast
Detox Tea. and boy did i feel detoxed. Props to Mrs. Alice.

Goopy Goodness

2011-02-22T10:03:00.009-07:00

I need to start making a list of my favorite places to eat food because they are definitely adding up...starting with my number one favorite bakery in town.

Conveniently located up the street from our dear friend, and now accepting credit card, our only inconvenience is that it closes at 7 pm and each cookie is sure to have at least 1,000 calories.

Debating how to break the cookie in half. A struggle in more ways than one

mm. Don't tell me that doesn't look like heaven. Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip.

cute girls

Ze Train is coming!

2011-02-22T09:19:00.003-07:00

Awaiting patiently for our train...

We have found that in waiting for our various subway trains, the jitters usually take over, and we become somewhat loopy in that deep dark abiss, formally known as the subway station.

I dont know what it is about the loud screeeching and underground rats, but it brings out the best of us.

Watch and Learn.

Food is our Speciality

2011-02-21T07:54:00.004-07:00

Welcome to Eli Zabar Vinegar Factory.

Don't worry. We didn't have Vinegar for breakfast.

But we did have these amazing deliciousnesses.
Food has become a speciality of ours. Making sure we make it to every recommended restaurant in town is necessary to our happiness.

In fact, we've started to show the locals around.

We should start a business.

"The Newbies Knowledge of the Nicest Number one Nummy's"

(I dont know why I like alliteration so much. But I realize I use it a lot.)

***We can just call it AAAA - Anna's Awesome Alliteration Act****

Strolling through...

2011-02-21T07:36:00.007-07:00

...Central Park is like drinking a 44 oz. Diet Dr. Pepper after a hot summers day spent at the pool.

It's so refreshing

So sweet
So satisfying
Brings friends together

Lifts our spirits
Makes me forget I'm in New York.

Which I like sometimes.

fashion town

2011-02-18T16:41:00.010-07:00

This is fashion week pictures.

We kinda missed seeing celebrities

Everytime we went over there either the shows were over or the shows were going on.

Bad timing.

But we pretended like we were cool.

and saw cool people

cool people like this guy
and these girls.
and we wish we saw all these designers. one day.

April 5, 2012

2011-02-18T14:33:00.001-07:00

I bought 4 tickets for this concert yesterday.

For April 5....

2012.

I called for a refund and they refused my flirtatious begging to get my $260 back.

So...in a year and a half I have no idea my place of residence, my employment situation or relationship status, but I do know that on April 5, 2012 I will be:

In Madison Square Garden for Michael Jackson's IMMORTAL TOUR!

hyperactive happiness

2011-02-16T08:02:00.001-07:00

From time to time I get kinda hyper. The level of jittery-ness usually depends on how much sleep I got the night before, the amount of chocolate I ate that day, or if a cute boy said hi to me in passing.

However, lately, my hyperactive happiness, has been more than usual. I'm getting normal amounts of sleep, I dont eat excessive amounts of chocolate, and no cute boys ever say hi to me, but there are days and times that I seriously can't stop smiling.

Take yesterday for example:

I went on an incredible and invigorating run through central park with my dear dear running/work partner. We talked about prayer and the Holy Ghost, while I listened to a new cd that definitely put an extra bounce in my step.

Here it is: You will appreciate this. and understand part of the reason I was so happy. This song is so happy. try dancing and running to it. It makes it even happier.

I'm telling you...if you are looking for a stimulating and rejuvenating exercise routine, you should make sure the previously mentioned things are included.

After the run I still had too much energy and too big of a smile on my face to ride the subway all the way home. So I got off a stop early, and happily jaunted the rest of the way home, while talking to momma.

I like to take advantage of the times I am home alone to dance my heart out. and that I did. It's too embarrassing to do such thing around civil people. Cause, when I say dance, I mean dance!

Moon walk and all. Last nights break down included the snorkel dance, the lawn mower, the stanky leg and the jump up and down while singing at the top of your lungs dance. I'm so glad my dad bought me my full length mirror cause without it my party wouldn't have been nearly as much fun.

Still full of energy and knowing our recent Blockbuster was due before midnight, I was out the door. With my ipod (listening to the same cd on repeat) and blockbuster in hand ....I sprinted. I literally booked it. 4 blocks down to our newly discovered dvd rental home. I don't know what my problem was. But my calves are really sore this morning from my sprint. sad I know.

It's nights like these that I realize how blessed I am. I live in New York! I have amazing wonderful friends. I was born into the most incredible family. I know that Heavenly Father loves me and knows me personally!

Life is good.

unplug and recharge

2011-02-15T13:42:00.009-07:00

Letter from my dad:

Hello my wonderful family!

Mom and I are trying to figure out when would be the best time for our family to gather at Lake Powell. At the present our options are the following weeks: May 27 – June 3 (includes Memorial Weekend), July 1 – 8 (includes Fourth of July) or July 15 – 22. With the understanding that at this time you may not know exactly what might be happening in your life this summer, please let me know which week or weeks you think would work best for you, even if you are only able to stay for a few days.

Thanks and I hope you all have a great day!

Love, Dad

My Response:

Dear family,

I would like to announce to you all that I will be available for all of the following weeks to go to lake powell. Even though it may be hard to escape from my tremendous and rigorous responsibilities, I have come to the realization that family needs to come first in my life. One may say that every now and again you need to unplug and recharge and I would want nothing more than to do such things with such uplifting and loving people.

What a wonderful opportunity and I will do my best to tell my people that this time is necessary to step away and have some ME time.

Thank you for your support.

Light and Love,

Anna

I aint complainin'(I took these pics from the 17th floor of the beautiful Opus Dei National Offices on the lower east side)

shamelessly valentineless

2011-02-14T08:36:00.006-07:00

To reward myself for another valentine-less Valentines day I will:

endlessly and shamelessly stalk the new Anthropologie wedding shop online.