This just in...

Mariel means "sea of bitterness". Ella means "young girl". Murray means "sea town. So really, Mariel is the young girl from a sea of bitterness in the sea town. Haha.

More!

Dr. Ian Malcom. Yes.

It's Christmas Eve!

During the month of December, people start to look over the past year and reflect on all that has happened and what they have been blessed with. I guess I'll join in the reflection and talk about one of the things that I am most thankful for this year. His name is Neil Murray, and he is my grandfather.

Grandpa Murray broke his neck back in March; it was a very scary time for our family. He was blessed with a very clean break, though (it sounds odd to say that, but it's true) and after a time of bated breath, we found out that he would not even need surgery. He spent months in a neck brace and had to live away from home for a bit, but eventually he was able to move home and ditch the brace.

We are blessed that Grandpa was able to recover so well--he is so recovered, in fact, that we were just able to dance the Merry Christmas Polka together (it's a Christmas Eve tradition)! Our family became closer to one another, to Grandpa, and to the Lord during this time. I am so grateful for the gospel and the knowledge that we have, for my family, and for Grandpa Murray

Merry Christmas!

Poor Abby

Have you ever had an experience where you've said something that came out completely different than you intended? It makes for awkward conversations. Abby has recently had a couple of experiences where people have said things to her that just make us think.

Example One
Home Teacher: Abby, you gave a great talk on Sunday! We were all really surprised.
[Looks of shock are displayed on the faces of my family. Did he really just say that?! we all thought]
Home Teacher [seeing our looks of shock]: Um, we were really surprised to hear that you had recently had surgery! I don't think any one knew! Uh, yeah, surgery...

Example Two
Abby [while watching an old home video of herself]: That was back when I looked like a badger.
Nathan: Oh, you haven't really changed at all. You still look the same.
Abby: What?
Nathan: No! I mean, you never looked like a badger! You have always looked normal!

Snow Scraping

Upon leaving work today, we realized that our cars were covered in snow. No problem-I've got a heavy duty snow scraper. So I wandered over to my car, turned it on, and started to scrape. Next thing I knew, someone was on the other side of my car helping me scrape. That is so nice of him! I thought. Then I decided to include the man in on my thoughts so I said, "That is so nice of you!" He helped me scrape my windows until the car was ice free, then he hopped in his car and sped away.

I ran over to Elizabeth and Blythe to help them scrape with my heavy duty scraper and there was another very nice man helping them! It was so great-people are so nice. People like the ones we met tonight make me want to be a better person.

Positive Feedback

This semester the testing center score screen has had occasion to talk to me a few times. It makes me feel good.

In high school, Mr. Bowman always liked to write uplifting things on our assignments, for example: Awesome, Good Job, Great!, [a drawing of a Christmas tree], Superb, Fantastic, Tremendous, etc...

One day Mr. Bowman gave me back one of my voice leading assignments and on the top it said, "Well Done?" as if he wasn't sure whether or not my assignment was acceptable. I chose to believe that he accidentally wrote a question mark instead of an exclamation point.

While we're on the subject of Mr. Bowman, I would just like to state that he is one of the teachers who has had a tremendous impact on my life. He is an amazing man and he gave me the opportunities I needed to grow and learn and progress-while at the same time he allowed us to have fun. I will always be thankful for the Claminator. "He had the power to make us happy or unhappy, to make our work a pleasure or a burden".Random tidbit: At the band concert this week, a clarinet quartet played. They were really good. Mark and I were impressed. After their song, Mark's dad leaned forward and said to us, "Wow, they were good. You can tell they didn't spend any time messing around with fruitsnacks." Yeah...it's true.

Love him

As I was sitting here working on my music civ test, I discovered that I really like the style of Vermeer. His paintings just feel so peaceful, natural, and good.

Awkward Aspen Grove flashback

One week at Aspen Grove there was a very friendly man attending family camp. I was honestly a little afraid of him. I know that sounds awful, but he was just a little too friendly, you know? I was keeping my distance, trying to be cautious. I try not to think of people as threats, but I just wanted to be careful. So one day at lunch he randomly stood in front of me in the line. Here is the conversation that took place:

Me [avidly talking to Kyle]: We can't let Brandon kill off my favorite character!
Guy [cutting in front of me]: Oh, whoa, hi! I'm sorry to cut in front of you.
Me: No, you're fine. [Turning back to Kyle] How are we going to save Finnegan?
**A few moments passed**
Guy [putting his hand on my shoulder]: You know, you are pretty good looking yourself.
Me: Um...okay, I, hmm...uh-[turning back to Kyle] We really need to save Finnegan...I'll be back.

It was weird.

Interesting News

My Grandma and Grandpa Elison will be telling the "Christmas story" during Kurt Bestor's Christmas concert next week at Abravanel Hall. Apparently Kurt just called them up the other day and asked them to participate. I guess it isn't too weird since they've known Mr. Bestor for practically his whole life, but I just think it's funny.

Snapshot

I'm getting ready to type up some of my physical science labs, but sometimes before doing homework I like to blog-it gets me thinking and puts me in the writing mode. So I decided, for an unknown reason, to go to my 5th photo album, choose the 20th picture from the end, and write about it. Here is my story.This was probably the third day of our trip to Disneyland in the summer of '07. You can see my whole family (and Grandpa Murray) in this picture if you look closely (Nathan, Karly, Dad, and I are in the mirror, and Nicole is hidden by Mariel).

We were waiting to be seated for lunch in our favorite restaurant-The Blue Bayou. You have to make reservations and it's very, very pricey. But the restaurant is in the ride Pirates of the Caribbean, so it has great atmosphere. It's so dark you can barley read your menu, but it's fun. I had the deep fried Monte Cristo sandwhich with raspberry dipping sauce and I was very pleased.

However, the restaurant does add a 15-20% gratuity for parties over six, so it is helpful to note that before paying a tip.

This was a fabulous trip.

And that's how we roll...

Today in biology was hard. We just didn't feel like paying attention (shocker). Anyway, the professor got off on a tangent somehow (this one wasn't even started by Bradley). While the professor was tangenting, someone mentioned Plankton. I think they were saying that plankton has a type II mortality rate. That got Bradley and I going...we couldn't stop drawing characters from Spongebob. Ross was the judge. Bradley's Spongebob was better than mine, but my Plankton totally took the cake.

Here are the results of the last class before the break:My Plankton rocks!

Why I don't give standing ovations

I hesitate to post this blog, but I just want everyone to know. Let's get down to business (remember that I'm not eloquent).

I don't normally give standing ovations. They are to be done "after extraordinary performances of particularly high acclaim" (wikipedia.org. I know, wikipedia isn't exactly the best source, but hey). Standing ovations are considered to be a special honor. If we are giving standing ovations after every high school play and band concert, the act loses its honor and meaning.

Sure, your show was amazing. Your band played spectacularly. But that doesn't mean that we need to stand. I believe that the standing ovation is becoming severely devalued. It used to be special; now it's something people do when they like a performance. Clapping is what should be done when a performance is enjoyable and even amazing. We can give words of love, encouragement, and tremendous praise. If we gave a gold medal to everyone who participated in the Olympics, the gold medal wouldn't mean a thing. So it is with the standing ovation. If everyone gets it, who cares?

When I really began my musical experience in junior high, our dear band teacher taught us the importance of helping things maintain their value. For instance, it bothered him to have music playing in the background of our lives--we should be stopping, listening, and enjoying music, rather than taking it for granted. His view on the standing ovation was the same-it is becoming so frequently used that it's losing its meaning and people are forgetting.

I realize that I look like a jerk when the whole audience is standing and I am still sitting. Maybe I am a jerk. But the fact that I'm sitting does not mean I hated your performance. I probably loved it. Hey, I didn't even give Wicked a standing ovation. I just want you all to know that I do not have hateful feelings in my heart when I am left sitting after a performance. I'm not sitting there thinking that I'm better than everyone else. I'm just standing (sitting?) for something I believe in.

Anyway, that's my two cents. Sorry if I offended anyone.

Last year at this time

The Elison family was staying at the Zermatt resort in honor of Grandma and Grandpa's 50th wedding anniversary. On the morning of the big BYU v. Utah game, the Elison clan headed down to breakfast decked out in our BYU apparel. There was another family in the breakfasting nook. They were decked out in red. Our two families sat on opposite sides of the restaurant. No interaction, until...
...we were presented with this gift. Yeah, right.

Honestly?

Today a teacher came through the bookstore and her first name was Natalya. It made me remember how good he and his family were to me. He was my best friend.

(Funny picture, too. I don't know how it happened. Ha.)

Ward Prayer: Apartment 129 style

So, every week at ward prayer a different apartment gets the chance to be spotlighted. Last night was apartment129's turn. The boys of apt. 129, our good friends, decided it would be funny to shake things up. So...we agreed to dress up like the boys and present ourselves to the ward to see if everyone could guess who we were. It was a success. And...I can't believe I did it.

This is Phase I of my costume. I got to be Patty, the gun wielding wrestler.



This is Phase II of my costume. I was lucky enough to wear Patty's wrestling singlet under his huge (but warm!) camouflage jacket. We didn't get a picture of me wearing the jacket and big furry hat, but it's okay.



Here is apartment 214 posing with our 129 boys.

Cookie and Sasha, Ben and Suzanne, Thayne and Alice, and me and Patty.
Yehaw.

Save the June Sucker, please.

This is a picture (that was in the Salt Lake Tribune, I might add) of my dad and his colleagues releasing the dear June Sucker into this river. They are trying to bring back the species. There is a June Sucker fish hatchery in Logan, aiding with this relief effort.

Anyway, the purpose of this post is to say that one of the men in the picture is from the Fish and Wildlife Services. I have considered this as a career. I looked at changing my major to Conservation Biology last year, but I keep coming back to Elementary Education. I have been through so many desired careers. 1) Dancer 2) Forest Ranger 3) Dentist 4) Dance Teacher 5) Biologist (relating to the National Park services) but I'm really happy with the major I have now. I'm happy in the life I have chosen (but we'll see...I may end up changing my mind again this year).

The elevator angel

Last week I went to visit my mom in the hospital for the first time. I went into the East building and headed towards the elevators, hoping to soon arrive on floor 6. There was already an older woman in pink volunteer scrubs standing in the elevator when I got there. I got into the elevator and watched as the women pressed the button for floor four and then floor six.

She turned to me. "I bet I know where you're going!" she said sweetly. "Um, yes..." I replied with a smile. "Room 673!" She declared. Now I was taken aback. That's my mom's room! I was thinking. "I heard your mom is doing very well." She offered. "Thank you" I replied, confused, as our elevator reached the fourth floor and the woman got off.

I felt like it was a scene from some "Touched by an Angel" episode. You know. The distraught girl enters the hospital, almost frantic with grief. As she gets on the elevator, a woman (the angel) appears out of nowhere and offers words of comfort and consolation. And then the woman is suddenly gone.

Anyway, the woman turned out to be my grandpa's neighbor who has probably known me since my third month of life. Still, it was a funny experience.

Warning: Really long post about a missionary

Well, I've alluded to this problem before but it isn't going away so a whole post will now be dedicated to Elder Kalil*.

To start off this post I'll just say that the aforementioned missionary does not like to act as though he likes me. So basically everything I do or say is wrong. This all started when I smelled shampoo one time (see this post). Ever since then, all our conversations/interactions consist of me doing weird things. Here is part of a conversation we had last week.

Me: So...you think I'm weird?!
Elder K: No, but the things you do are weird.
Me: Actions define a person. Who was it that said that? Oh, yeah, Thomas Jefferson. "If you want to know who you are, do not ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you".
Elder K: Okay, it's weird that you memorize quotes like that. Well I have a quote for you. "They won't remember what you do, they won't remember what you say, but they'll always remember how you made them feel".
Me: Well then, I'm sorry I make you feel weird.
Elder K: Je suis desole. (I'm sorry)
Me: Non, Elder, JE suis desolee. (No, Elder, I'M sorry)
Elder K: Why are you sorry?
Me: Parce que tu penses que je...(because you think I'm...) oh, I can't remember the word for weird...
Elder K's Companion: I think the word you're looking for is awkward.
Me: You think I'm AWKWARD now?
Elder K: It's awkward that you're speaking French.

After this conversation I was bugged, but then I started feeling guilty and resolved to always be nice to Elder Kalil no matter what. So, today...

Elder K: Natalie, how are you? How's school?
Me: I'm great! School is good.
Elder K: Yeah, BYU must be hard. I'm sure a real college would actually be a lot more difficult than BYU.
Me (trying really hard not to get mad and say something I might regret): Um...thanks, Elder.
Elder K (to companion): There she goes again. Calling me the generic "Elder".
Me: What would you have me say?!
Elder K: I have a name.
Me: Okay, good. Elder Kalil, how come I can never do anything right? I go to BYU. Wrong decision. I call you Elder. Horrible word choice! I just don't get it!
Elder K: Well, Natalie, you have a great day.
Me: Okay, Elder Kalil. You too.

So anyway, I don't understand.

*His last name has been changed to a name that means "good/best friend" in Arabic.

I'm not eloquent. Please bear with me.

As I'm sure we all know, Obama was recently elected to be the next President of the United States of America-our dear country. We aren't all democrats, and I know we all don't agree with everything Obama says, but please , "can't we all just get along"? The country is probably not going to be obliterated. There is no need for us to move to New Zealand. I am of the opinion that we all just need to accept this President and support him regardless of whether or not we voted for him.

Okay, Obama is the President. That has been established, and maybe our country will run into difficult times. But those times are going to be so much worse if 49% of the country is sulking for the next four years over the fact that their candidate did not win. Let's be mature. This is a democracy. The people have spoken. Let's give him a chance before we all flee the country. Please.

When you start celebrating Christmas too early...

It does NOT make people happy.

(Somebody didn't want to dress like Santa!)

Confession: I have been listening to Christmas music. How could I not? It was 5:30 AM, dark, cold, way snowy, and I was in the car. What ELSE would you listen to at a time like that? Queen? Of course not.

Another piano duet

Well, Mom, Mariel and I have started practicing our Christmas song! Keep in mind that this is the first practice of the year, so please disregard any mistakes.

And if you can't tell, Mariel is slamming the kitchen cupboards to recreate the sound of the whip that usually accompanies this song. The first time she did it a couple of years ago it was a completely hilarious surprise, and we have kept the tradition going strong every year since. It still cracks us up, though-you may be able to notice our laughter.

Our little duet

"Bradley's Tangent" and then some contention

My biology professor tends to go off on tangents. When I say 'tends to go off' I mean he spends 2/3 of the lecture in a tangent (maybe not quite 2/3, but you get the idea). So today Bradley decided to ask a question for the sole purpose of getting Professor off on a tangent. Because he was sick of taking notes.

All Bradley asked was, "So, I'm wondering, Professor-what is your opinion on globing warming?"

The professor gave his opinion and went off on a mini tangent. "Mission: accomplished" Bradley was thinking. Oh yes, Bradley. Mission accomplished and then some.

Eventually another student raised his hand and asked the professor something to the effect of, "But Professor, how can anyone be sure about what causes global warming? Global warming is non-falsifiable--there's no way anyone can test for all the factors that may contribute."

And our Professor got mad. He didn't yell, but we could just tell he was not happy. They started arguing a bit. The tangent got even longer and intense and I (being the incredibly sensitive person that I am) could not stop laughing. It wasn't funny, but Bradley had inadvertently started a riot. "Great job, Bradley! You made him mad!" I muttered. "Well...it worked. We haven't taken notes in 15 minutes" he whispered.

The fact that our professor got angry bugs me. We are subjected to his own opinion three hours a week. And what is this? We can't have our own opinions?

Also, the very first day of class the professor said, "I don't want you guys to believe anything you hear. You need to question absolutely everything-don't accept anything as fact before you've researched it and reached a personal understanding of what is truth". So it's funny that he seemed so intolerant of another's opinion.

Oh, boy. It was quite the class.

Really good news

I just wanted to say that Dr. Wilson has returned!

Fleet....Street

We went to see Sweeney Todd tonight (the stage version-not the movie). It was okay. It definitely wasn't my favorite, but I wasn't really expecting to love it. It isn't exactly filled with joy, love, and weddings. It was filled with death. But I've always wanted to see Sweeney Todd, so I've completed that goal. Look at me go.

The scariest part of the show was the man dressed like Sweeney Todd. Who was sitting in the audience. Wearing all black with a pale face and blood painted around his mouth. Yeah, I think there was a definite group of Sweeney enthusiasts there.

Ice skating

Today we did "synchronized skating", which felt a little silly at times but was a much needed respite from spinning and jumping. Also, I found out that yes, I can clog in ice skates. On ice. It's a bit scary. The trick is staying grounded.

PS: Only cloggers wear black tights with white shoes. Am I right?

Two things

Yesterday I was walking down some stairs on campus and I almost got attacked by a snake. Well, 'attacked' is a slight exaggeration, but there was definitely a snake slithering by my feet.

Today at one point during the devotional Hannah and Noelle passed me an orange slice (thanks guys!), but I was too afraid to use it-and anyway, I'm not sure I want to throw oranges...

Tell me...

...have I played my part in the comedy of life well enough?


I think it's no secret that I love the MTC and my job there. The people I work with honestly are some of my best friends-we all get along brilliantly. I'm lucky we all get along so well, because I often do awkward things that I will never live down. Trust me, I've got quite the list. Normally I get teased by my coworkers. But new people are taking interest in my awkward moments...the missionaries. Oh great.

I already had an experience where Elder Taylor accused me of slacking off (I was. Gideon and I were talking). Anyway, here's a conversation of something that happened today.

Elder K: Natalie, I almost had Jordan help me but then I thought I'd come to you.
Me: Thanks, I guess...even though you made fun of me for smelling shampoo.
Elder K: Well it was weird! Seriously, my whole district agrees with me.
Me: Elder, why in the world would you tell your whole district that I smelled shampoo?!
Elder K: Because it was so weird!
Me: Well, I told that story like three times over the weekend and no one thought that it's weird to smell shampoo. People always smell shampoo.
Elder: Um, yeah, if they are planning on buying it!

Whatever. I don't think it's weird...

A random Aspen Grove memory

This memory takes place at one of the many closing shows in the middle of our great musical number.

Staff: [Singing and dancing] "We're all in this together! Once we know that we are we're all stars and we see that we're all in this..."
Me: "...together! Once we...Ryan, do you have a bloody nose?"
Ryan: "No. Well, I did earlier today...and we see that..."
Me: "No...your blood is dripping on me!...when we reach we can stand..."

Sometimes blood occurred at our shows. Beam me a board, Scotty.

I have amazing parents

Exhibit A: My mother

Example One

Last Sunday I went home and my mom was making cookies. My mom will often make desserts (they are her forte) and take them to different people or functions, so I asked her what the cookies were for.

Natalie: Mom, are you taking those cookies to someone or are they just for us?
Mom: They're just for us, but I know your dad might go home teaching tonight so I thought he might take some of these.

Later that afternoon, I overheard this conversation:

Dad: Kerry, would I be able to take some cookies to the people I home teach?
Mom: Of course you can.

Dad, she was just one step ahead of you. She's wonderful. I love my mom.

I have this new problem

Blushing. Why, oh why? When I suddenly blush, it makes people think I'm embarrassed, or that I'm in love with some secret man. And neither of these things are (usually) true. Then I really blush because I am embarrassed that I'm blushing for no apparent reason.

I have a new best friend

His name is...Elder Taylor? Maybe? I'm not sure.

Today at work this Elder came up to buy something, and I was helping him when I noticed that he was practically a foot taller than me (maybe a little less than a foot, but he is probably the tallest guy I've seen in a long time). I didn't say anything about his height because sometimes it's annoying when people say "Hey! You're tall!" Because really, how am I supposed to respond to that? "I know"? "Thanks"? But I digress...

He said, "Hey! You're tall! It's not very often that I meet someone who is around my same height!" (clarification: we were not around the same height, but I see his reasoning). I responded with the same sentiments, and then said, "I'm sorry, but I really have to ask. Did you play basketball?"

And the Elder responded, "No. Did you?" As I was shaking my head no, he said, "Well, I bet that we didn't play basketball for the exact same reason."

Me: "What, because people expect us to?
Elder: "Exactly."

What did I tell you? We're best friends. We can't not be.

Funny conversation

Elizabeth: Where are you headed, Elder?
Elder: Sweden.
Elizabeth: Oh, cool! How's your Swedish coming?
Elder: It's perfect, with just a slight Southern accent.
Elizabeth: Southern? Where are you from?
Elder: Skalsbo*
Elizabeth: Oh....
Elder: [slight pause] You have no idea where that is, do you?
Elizabeth: No. Where?
Elder: It's in southern Sweden. I am Swedish.
Elizabeth: Ah.

*Name of town has been changed, on account of the fact that I can't remember where he said he's from. I know it started with an 'S'.

2 things I don't understand

1. My biology professor. I guess he's just really different than me, and very similar to Gilderoy Lockhart. Today he was telling us about how a woman got eaten by a leopard seal and then how a boy got eaten by a bear. He wasn't exactly telling these true stories with the gravity that normal accompanies death. That's not funny stuff, professor-but he had the whole class laughing (when I say the whole class, I mean all 257 of them--3 of us don't laugh. Me, Bradley, and the guy to my right).

2. Powerade Zero. I'm not saying it isn't true when it boasts, "Zero calorie sports drink+B Vitamins! Plus electrolytes!" I just don't understand how something can replenish the electrolytes that are lost while exercising without having any caloric value. Oh well. I'm also not a fan of the way it tastes. It's very sweet and settles funny.

Why my friends are the best

Noelle: Well, I haven't talked to him-or even seen him-since Nauvoo. And when I saw him last, I had a strong desire to throw an orange at his head.

Red in the face

What makes a person blush? Embarrassment? I'm not so sure that's the only cause. Let me explain.

Today I could not stop blushing. Really. Every time someone spoke to me--no, every time someone even looked at me--I would blush. Then they would draw attention to the fact that I was blushing and I'd blush even more. I didn't think I normally blush this much...what is wrong with me?! All my blood is leaving my legs in the night and pooling in my face. Yikes...

Elder Arbuckle: So Natalie....do you have superpowers?
Me: *sigh....yes, Elder, I do. (I probably blushed at this point)
Elder A. and companion: We totally called it!

**A few minutes later**

Elder Arbuckle, talking to Random Elder: No, it's okay. You see, Natalie and I have this deal that she will give me free drinks if I refrain from calling her Violet.
Random Elder: Really? Is that her first or last name?
Elder Arbuckle: Oh, it isn't her name. It's just the color her face turns.

Then Gideon and Nancy each remarked on how I was blushing and couldn't stop. THEN some guy at the ward party noticed I was blushing when he was taking my picture for the ward directory! What is wrong with me?!

The boy with the "perfect" color of red hair

Too bad his hair is hidden by the cowboy hat. And please excuse my, um...bow tie? Whatever it is, it's not my favorite costume accessory-but as a whole I really liked that costume. Not like it matters anymore, but it's fun to remember, I guess.

Get back, get back, get back to the woods...

...because you ain't, you ain't, you ain't got the goods.

Today is finally done! And I have horrible chemical burns on both forearms to prove it. Leaving snowshoe felt so normal-it felt like I was leaving for a "24 hour break". A couple hours after leaving, we all went to the football game and it felt so right. Just how it's supposed to be, with us all together having fun...leaving the game was weird. It was the first time I realized that we were leaving each other for good. Okay, we'll see each other at games and maybe on campus and maybe get together once in awhile, but it's going to be different!

But oh, I'm so glad and ready to start school.

Good news: Jordanelle is finished!

Yesterday evening I went with my parents and Mariel to the pre-dedication dinner at the new Jordanelle hydropower plant! Yehaw, it's finally finished! I'm not going to lie, but at first I wasn't very excited to be there. However, we went on the tour and it was cool to see all the work that had gone into it and how my dad had helped bring this dream to pass. That thing is massive-holy smokes, so much water.

It was also fun to see some family friends who are involved-Brother Pitcher, the Pullans, some guy from Myton, and KC was even there. I didn't know he was involved with this, but there he was. It was nice to talk to him; I used to be in love with his son because I thought he had the "perfect" color of red hair.

Wardrobe malfunction

Through the years, my sisters and I have had multiple opportunities to have costume tribulations. I was just thinking about one that I will attempt to relate...

We were in Oklahoma! at the Shell. One night of the run, our friend was really ill so he went to lay down backstage. Karly and I went to talk to him. We sat back to back on the ground next to him and spoke for a while. Soon Karly had to leave, so she tried to stand up. We didn't know it, but I was sitting on Karly's dress. When she stood up, the whole bottom half of her dress ripped off at the waistline. So we quickly fixed it up with safety pins and she wore it that way for the rest of the run. Awkward.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...

A visit from our fairy is the most anticipated aspect of a new school year. The week school starts, all the grandchildren wait with bated breath for a series of rapid rings from the doorbell. When that finally comes, we all rush to the door in a manner that would make us difficult to beat on shows such as The Amazing Race. "Oh, and look at that! The Elison kids are pulling ahead! Yes---yes, I think they've done it, Stan! In a shocking turn of events, we see that food and--what is that?---underwear?--is what will motivate these kids and give them the last bit of power they need to dominate this competition."

The rush to the door is mainly a rush to see if we can catch the culprit-it has been known to happen; tonight, however, we were unsuccessful. Chocolate milk, cereal, socks, and other necessities await us on the front doorstep. Ah. A great tradition.

Reunion in Heber

This is one of my favorite pictures from the family reunion. We look like Grandpa's bodyguards, standing there with our oars crossed in front of him. "Don't you dare touch my Grandpa...!"

You can see more of our family reunion pictures right here!

More proof

The other day I was looking at pictures on our computer and I came across this picture of my dearest friend Mark that Karly took at his graduation. My mom was sitting on the couch a little ways across the room, and she looked over at the computer right as I pulled up this picture. "Oh," she said in surprise, "is that you?"

"No, Mom." I told her. "That's definitely my best friend Mark."

Apparently I look Asian.

Well said

"Natalie and I have a love-hate relationship. It looks like hate, but it's really deep love. She's not mad, it just looks like it."
-Ryan

Yesterday I was alone in the store for a while (which is unusual for me) and I realized how much I rely on the boys for my entertainment and happiness. They're pretty great. So thanks, boys!

Go ahead. Laugh. I do.

I posted this picture so that all the faithful readers of my blog may have a good laugh. It will probably be deleted in a few days. I have come to terms with my past as a tart...oh heavens.

Cake!

Tuesday was a declared 'cake day'. I don't really know why; we just wanted cake. So I made the boys a cherry chocolate cake (I even put heart sprinkles on it for them). I used a recipe that we found randomly on the internet, and I was kind of nervous about how it would turn out. They boys seemed to like it, and Brandon even gave it his "stamp of approval". Here is the recipe:

1 pkg. chocolate cake mix
3 eggs
1 can (21 oz.) Wilderness cherry fruit filling

Combine cake mix, eggs and cherry fruit filling. Mix well.
Pour into greased and floured 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 350
degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, or until cake springs back
when lightly touched. Frost when cool with the following:

1 c. sugar
5 tbsp. butter
1/3 c. milk

In a saucepan combine above 3 ingredients and bring to boil,
stirring constantly cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat,
stir in 1 (6 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate pieces
until melted and smooth. Spread over cake.

The frosting was different than a normal chocolate frosting, but it was good. We refrigerated the cake for a few hours before we ate it, and it was really good.

Warming up before the show

Confession!

I love watching House. I stopped watching it a couple of weeks ago because it seemed to make me more of a hypochondriac, but last night I caved and watched an episode. It was toward the end of Season 1, "Babies and Bathwater", and I loved it. It is by far my favorite episode. Anyway, during the course of that hour, I started to love Dr. Wilson. He is now my favorite doctor. Yehaw.

Quote of the Day

Mom: Is it normal for something like this to suddenly flare up?
Doctor: It's unusual, but certainly not unheard of.
Natalie [aside, to Mother]: Well, if anything is unusual, it's going to be me.
Doctor: You took the words right out of my mouth.

My knee!

Yesterday my knee was a little sore. Towards the end of the night it was hurting very badly. I woke up at 1:30 AM and couldn't get back to sleep because it was hurting so bad. This morning it still hurts.

I walk like Dr. House. Luckily, I quite like House. All I need now is the bad attitude. Oh wait...

Remember?

I got this from Nicole's blog. Actually, I copied it word for word from her blog because I couldn't have said it better myself (hope you don't mind, dear sister). And so, in the words of my big sister (I love finally having a big sister...)

"I put off doing this for a bit...because I don't want to look like I'm following the blogger crowd, and I don't want to look desperate for comments. I'm feeling nostalgic though, and would rather look a little desperate in the hopes of gathering some good memories.

So...yeah. Leave a comment with a memory, and I promise to reciprocate. It'll be like a reunion...only we're not actually together. I guess it's more like we're 80 and making phone calls to each other where every sentence starts with, 'remember that one time...'"

Come on, it'll be fun.

"We don't have good customer service"

Yesterday we had a "team meeting" in the store. Bev brought us really good muffins. The unfortunate part was that I laughed through the entire meeting. I have got to learn to control my laughter (my laughter should be blamed on Ryan-we have too many inside jokes now that I just cannot look at him when funny things happen).

Thomas Jefferson

"It is in our lives and not our words that our religion must be read."

"Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you."

I tried to draw a picture of Thomas Jefferson the other day in Arts and Crafts. It didn't really work.

My finger looks like it's rotting

Darn leather stain...

*Clarification: My finger is not rotting, or anything of the sort. It's just stained black.

Disenchanted

This post will probably not be the most eloquent one you've ever read, but it's just something that is on my mind.

The other day on the local news (I don't know what channel) they did a "special investigation" report, where a news anchor went to Herriman to uncover some huge scandal of nepotism that was going on in City Hall. Or something. Anyway, it showed clips of the news anchor calling and interrogating officials on the phone, adding up all the bills for building, and doing various undercover work.

The main idea was that the city of Herriman hadn't had three bids to build their library and another building, instead they just gave the job to someone who already worked in City Hall. I am not saying I agree with what the city did, but I strongly disagree with the way the news anchors handle it.

I do not think it is the place of a news anchor to investigate something like this. Wouldn't this be considered "creating their own news"? Isn't there something wrong with that?

Call me crazy, but I think there would have been better ways to handle the situation. I don't like how the news people went and attacked the city of Herriman and made it sound like their government and administration was corrupt and then broadcast it across the state.

There are people whose jobs are to investigate situations like these. Sometimes it makes it to the news, but it usually doesn't start with the news.

Note to self

Next time, don't walk away from the table when annoyed. The dining hall doesn't have an endless supply of plates.

Tidbits

Here are a few random things that have happened in the store lately.

• We learned how to throw ice cream scoops high in the air and catch them in bowls.
• Ryan shoved ice cream in my face and it wasn't even Saturday night.
• Brandon frolicked through the store. Really.
• The boys force fed me a very frozen rootbeer float that had fallen on the ground and Brandon had licked and bitten off of the whole thing. I have Brandon's cooties!
• I was sprayed with Clorox Bleach. By Brandon.
• (Do you notice a pattern? The boys are mean to me!)
• We have been getting out unusually late. Once was because it was really busy. More often than not, though, we just get distracted by talking. Bev even checked up on us once.
• Someone was proposed to on a bottle of chocolate milk...hmm...
• The boys have very differing opinions on how our story should be. This results in interesting arguments. Brandon likes to kill off people and then introduce random new characters, whereas Ryan likes to develop the plot.This is how our arguments go:

Ryan: You can't kill Helga!
Brandon: Yes I can! I know! I'll introduce a new character who will come in and kill everyone else!
Ryan: Okay, but don't kill Pansy!
Natalie: No one kill Finnegan! If you kill Finnegan, I will kill you. I LOVE Finnegan! I want to marry Finnegan! Finnegan is the true hero of this story! He is going to save everyone! Wait...I don't know what's going on. What's the plot, again? I don't understand. I can't keep up with everything.

And there you have a slight glimpse of how much fun we have in the store.

PS: When we argue, we're never actually mad. We love each other. Remember the chocolate milk proposal I mentioned earlier? Yeah.

The unreachable star

I have a new hero, mainly because of the fact that he made me an awesome peanut butter and jelly sandwich today (seriously, that sandwich rivaled my own mother's) since I didn't get a lunch break.

Found in the Wal-Mart candy aisle

What?! That's terrible.

Dear family,

I hope you are having fun on your vacation. If I am correct in my thinking, today is river rafting day. I'm sure you will be fine-please don't die.

Love Natalie

PS: Next year, can we go to Disneyland or Nauvoo?

Love adds the chocolate

This is Grandpa Murray's parents. I think it's so cute.

Gray Days

I have been feeling like changing my hair color since about March--don't worry, I haven't died my hair. But the other day I asked my mom, "Mom, do you want to help me dye my hair red?" And she said (very emphatically) "NO! But maybe your Grandma will help you." Then she talked me out of dying my hair.

During this conversation, the topic of my grayness came to light. For those of you who may not know, I am going gray. I told my mom that I was just going to let my hair go naturally gray (mind you, this could very well happen in the next few years). She said to me, "No, you are not letting it go gray!" So I said, "Fine, then I'll cover up the gray with red."

Just wait. If I suddenly have red hair one day, you'll know why.

So there you go. A picture of me contemplating my prospective gray hair.

You know you're an Elison if...

...you think the following story is funny. This picture must have been taken at least 8 or 9 years ago. Look at how little everyone is! Anyway, we made Grandpa wear a wig for this picture (because we're a theater family. We do stuff like that). The next year, someone finally developed the pictures and we were all passing this picture around. When Grandpa saw it, he said (in all honesty), "Oh, is that my sister Ruth?"

At which point we had to say, "No, Grandpa. That's you in a wig."

Let me clarify something: Grandpa and Ruth don't really look similar.

Two things: Abby's face is my favorite part of this picture, and you can see someone standing in the window holding a baby. I'm trying to figure out who the baby in the window is. Also, who's in the carrier? Josh?

Olfactory observation and family history

I had been on some sort of a hiatus from the scent 'warm vanilla sugar' for the past couple of years.

Today I wore warm vanilla sugar lotion. It was about time, and it was good.

I found this picture today on the computer and I love it. Actually, I found quite a few that I love. I will probably start posting them.

PS

The Nauvoo Pageant started today. Why am I in Utah?

Regardless of what next summer brings, I am going to Nauvoo.

So many words

When I was very young, I did not speak. My parents tell me that I did not have a first word--I had a first sentence.

I hadn't spoken at all until one summer. My family was on vacation in Yellowstone. I was 2 1/2 years old. We had just bedded down for the night, when suddenly I started chattering and did not stop. My parents were shocked. They like to say, "You suddenly started talking and haven't stopped since."

Well, maybe around my family I have always been very chatty, but honestly, I feel like I have been very reserved around others. Sometimes I just don't talk. I'd rather listen. Well, this was the case until about March of this year. Suddenly, I started talking to anyone who will listen, and I haven't stopped.

Just ask the boys I work with. They will tell you how much I talk. Let me share a story to illustrate my point.

One day in the store I was playing with the stapler and accidentally stapled my finger (please don't ask me how this happened-I have no idea).

Me: Ouch! I just stapled my finger!
Brandon [smirking]: Maybe you should just staple your mouth shut.

Don't worry, it was funny. I didn't take offense. And I still talk to Brandon and Ryan as much as I ever have.

And because my blog is boring, I have included two pictures, because I couldn't decide which one I liked better. This is probably about the age that I started talking.

A reflection

April and May 2007 were very happy times in my life. Possibly the best two months so far. Come to think of it, summer 2007 was pretty great. It had its moments, but overall it was so much fun. Man, why are my friends all gone?

Maybe too true

Today at lunch we were talking about a myriad of things. Someone was saying that if someone was making you dig your own grave before they shot you, you might as well not dig the grave. What are they going to do, kill you?

Then someone else made the point that of COURSE you should dig your own grave...that will give your superhero time to come rescue you.

At which point Ryan turned to me and said something to the effect of, "Too bad your superhero would just be someone creepy."

"Mamma Mia!

Does it show again? My, my, just how much I missed you...just one look and I can hear a bell ring. One more look and I forget everything."

"Five hundred, twenty five thousand, six hundred minutes. How do you measure a year?" Or two?

There's no blue Monday in your swimming clothes

(Yes, I did slightly alter the lyrics)

In case you were wondering, my wonderful roommates convinced me to go to water aerobics this morning at 6:15. And it was great. I'm so glad I went! It was a great way to wake up and work out without having to go running or something! Oh, but it was sooo cold getting out. Yikes.

Also in case you were wondering, I have included a picture of the top half of my closet. If you look you will be able to see the funny note Alice left me, pictures of the people I love the most, some food, a small portion of my clothes, my floss, some of my shoes, and various other items.

Thoughts

This is a thought I had back in World Dance 270, but it just popped into my head...someday, a book will be written about my life (maybe I will be the author...I'm not sure) and it will be entitled "Awkward". Because awkward describes my life--especially during 270. Oh boy. Aren't TAs wonderful?

I sold Elder Groberg some Scope yesterday, and scooped ice cream for his wife. It was cool.

And have I mentioned that I enjoy teaching MiaMaids?

I was especially tired today

And this is why:

Last night, I didn't really sleep a whole lot. For much of the night, I was in that state where I was dreaming, but I wasn't quite asleep. Do you know the feeling? It's the kind of dream that I usually have when I get really sick. I knew I was in my bed, and I knew I was (sort of) awake, but I was having this weird dream that wouldn't leave. I was dreaming that I was in the store and people kept coming and coming and buying ice cream, and even though we were closed we were helping everyone. I was so frustrated because I knew I had just closed the store and I was actually in bed, but at the same time...I don't know; it was weird, and I was so frustrated with myself.

I think I'm going to bed.

The way is clear, the light is good.

I have no fear-no one should.

Today at Arts and Crafts, while we were making hemp and listening to Pandora, the song "When You Were Young" came on. Now I feel like playing guitar hero. This Friday. Also, I feel like putting on my shoes and dancing. I think I will.

The other day at A&C, a girl wanted to paint a ceramic lion just like the sample that we had out. The sample I painted. The one I didn't like. She brought it to me and asked me what colors to use. I gave her all the right colors and hoped that she could make hers look better than mine, because I don't think it's very good.

Sunday after my lesson in Young Women's, I had a girl come up to me and tell me that she was going through some experience just like the stories I had told from my own life during the lesson. We talked very briefly about how to handle it.

These two experiences made me think again about the kind of examples I'm setting for those around me.

The good and the bad times-we've been through them all

I miss them! I just can't flock by myself!

I have beautiful dreams I can spin you

Last night I had a dream that I saw one of my best friends for the first time in a couple of years. We ran into each other in the store, and he was not happy to see me. He gave me a hug anyway. It was the most awkward hug ever because he had grown so tall that I had to stand on my toes and he had to pick me up a little bit. He was waaaaay tall.

I think I'm worried that he's grown and changed so much that he won't want to see me or be friends anymore. *sigh*

I guess I'll just have to wait and see. Maybe my dream was incorrect-with any luck, I will have grown almost as tall as him over these years. Hopefully.

Best weekend ever!

This past weekend was amazing. It just was.

It started with a wonderful drive down the beautiful canyon. Then I picked up my darling sister and we had lunch together. *Sidenote: I had a Bajio "Ensalada" salad (which is actually the Flauta salad under the guise of a new name).

Next, I went up to temple square to see the Joseph Smith movie, courtesy of my Best Friend Josh. I love that movie. Last time I saw it I was in Nauvoo, which is hard to top-but Josh pulled through and I loved the evening! I love having a best friend.

Then this morning the family all went over to Grandpa Murray's house to help him clean up the yard a bit and plant some flowers. We had lunch together and it was great being with the family. Nate and Nicole were there (along with Indiana, of course) and it was nice talking with Grandpa. I'm glad to see him in increasingly better spirits.

Now I'm back at work and off to the opening show. The weekend has ended as fast as it begun, but it was a really good weekend.

Like the 50s

Don't we all look so perfectly cheesy? This is a great picture. Except I think I look afraid of the boys. Oh well. We really are all friends, I promise.

Aspen Grove staff pictures

So, I know this guy

And his timing really is impeccable. It seems like every time I make a certain decision, he pops right back into my life! He must have some strange sixth sense that tells him when my resolve is strengthening. Hmmm.

PS: This is post 333. Yehaw.

I miss the MTC!

It was so easy to be happy there. I didn't even have to try.

Oh.

It's 2008 already. It's just now beginning to sink in.

A couple of things

If you want to experience a really odd feeling, try clogging in a moving elevator. Weird.

I feel like I'm turning into Grandpa Elison. I have so many "very best friends". I just love everyone!

Rochelle and I were stumbling today

And I came across this quote. I think I should remember this and apply it to my life.

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be."
-Douglas Adams

I think that attitude will be a good one to have in the coming weeks. Because really, who knows what could happen.

Another one:
"Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many, not on your past misfortunes, of which every man has some."
-Charles Dickens

A few odd bits

I should probably start wearing sunscreen to sacrament meeting.

Whenever someone wears a real shirt (instead of just the usual staff T-shirt): A. It's a Sunday
Or the more common one:
B. Everyone will say to that person, "Ooooh, you look nice! Are you going on a date?" And the answer is usually yes.

Peanut butter on everything.

Getting used to everyone knowing everything because-privacy? What's that? If you're in the girls side of the dorm, you hear everything that is being said no matter what.

Getting good at reading lips and understanding signs.

Also getting used to being teased because everyone knows everything :)

Being part of a huge family. It's unexpected, but we're connected now, I feel.

I need to call Hannah

Too bad she's on a mission for a few more months. Ahhhhh. Okay, I can do this. But it's just so soon...I had planned for something different. But I can deal with change. Yes. Here we go. I'm going to hit the ground running, and everything will be alright. Nothing has changed.

Except me.

Time's a funny thing.

Running on borrowed power

I must be running on power that is not my own, because I am so ready for a weekend after two very long weeks-I feel like I am going to die. Or something less dramatic.

Not only am I running on borrowed power, Aspen and Emerald were running on generators for awhile. The rest of the camp (and canyon) remained powerless. This wreaked havoc with our Point of Sale system. Really. And then we kinda had an accidental flood in the store. And arts and crafts was crazy. Oh it's been a long day. But it's over, and tomorrow is the last day before we can relax for 24 hours and then do it all again...


Okay I guess I should say something positive about today. Let me think. Well, Kyle bought a composition notebook for our novel! Now we don't have to write it on those small yellow legal pads anymore. Oh, our book is already amazing, and it's long. By the end of the summer...it'll be great. I'm sure you're all jealous. The title, in case you were wondering, is "A Dissertation on Love (random thought from a demented mind)-The Aspen Grove Store Novel".

Another positive thing about today is that I bought myself a Milky Way. They don't really feed us chocolate up here, and I'm having a little bit of a difficult time with that.

A terrifying moment

Last night, I was looking for something in the store. I went over to a drawer and opened it normally-not with undue force or anything. But the drawer flung itself off its track and landed, contents down, on top of my booted foot with the toes exposed. Too late, I realized that this was the drawer that held big knives for preparing fish to be eaten. I stood there for a minute in shock, the drawer blocking any possible damage from my view. After a little while, I realized that my foot felt fine, so I moved the drawer to survey the damage. Luckily, my foot was just fine, so I started laughing. A shocked kind of laughter. Brandon turned to me and called, "You think that's funny? You really could have been hurt!"

It was terrifying for a split second, but it was mostly hilarious.

Also, it is currently snowing.

Scarlet Pimpernel describes my life

The musical. The music describes emotions I always feel. I love it! I love listening to Pimpernel and thinking, "Yes! This describes my life exactly! All of it!" Ahahaha.

Snow? Really?

Yesterday it snowed. I kid you not.

Today, Young Women's was great. I absolutely loved it. Granted, I didn't have to teach-I teach next week, but after today I feel so much more prepared and at ease.

A day in the store

Oh, we have way too much fun in the store. Yesterday, Ryan and I colored (also, we are both waaaay too sarcastic, so it's never boring. We may end up going crazy, or killing each other. Something Ryan tried twice this evening). Today, we started a novel. And we have a competition going-we have sold way more twig pencils than they expected we ever would just because we're competing against each other.

And here's a good quote from Brandon. He was trying to scan me with the little scanner.

Me: Okay Brandon, how much am I worth?
Brandon: [long pause]...9 cows.

I told him that I'm adding that to the list of things I'm looking for in a spouse. I want my spouse to think that I'm worth nine cows! He is my absolute hero for saying that.

The good, the bad, and the ugly...not neccessarily in that order.

I just left a very strange conversation that was going on in the lounge. I left because I didn't feel like arguing anymore, or listening to people argue about random things. Also I wanted to read in silence. However, that is proving to be difficult, as I can still hear their conversation from my bedroom. It's okay though, it's slightly humorous and very pointless, in my opinion.

So, this morning was probably the most miserable morning ever. I'm sick of walking around in the mud and rain, soaked to the skin, freezing, and with a bad cough. Luckily, I don't think I'll ever have to do it again. And it really wasn't that bad, just annoying.

But some happy news is that I am going to be the first counselor in the Young Women's presidency up here! And Alice is my advisor, which is going to be great. So...it's good.

LL Bean

Lately I have been feeling like backpacking. This may be due to the fact that we were going to be in the Grand Canyon this week, but oh well. I'm thinking that I need to start training for future backpacking trips. Luckily, Aspen Grove is the perfect place to do that. As soon as my foot heals, I'm set! Except that I need my dream backpack. So I've been looking, and this is what I found from LL Bean (granted, they're the only place I've looked so far, but I trust them).

It's the women's White Mountain expedition pack. It has the internal frame that I prefer, a hydration sleeve, an "innovative adjustment system", tons of room, and plus it comes in that nice blue color.

I'm starting a "Natalie's new backpack" fund.

Healing

A summer of healing is what this is.

Yesterday, Abby and I went to Grandpa Murray's house so we could go on a walk with him. He and I have been planning on going on a nice outdoor walk since his accident, and yesterday was such nice weather and he was feeling great, so we went. It was the first time he's really been outside since he left the hospital--and it's been awhile.

First of all, he was walking really fast-faster than I could walk with my boot on (funny story about Grandpa: In the hospital, just a few days after breaking his neck, the nurse came and got him to do some walking. They were walking up stairs and Grandpa was just booking it. The nurse couldn't even keep up. That's Grandpa for you).

Second of all, I'm sure we looked a fantastic sight. People probably had a hard time telling who was helping who-Grandpa, with his neck brace, was holding Abby's hand. I, with my boot, was holding Grandpa's arm. It probably looked like Abby was our physical therapist or something.

Anyway, it was funny, and I am grateful that Grandpa is doing so well. He is an amazing man, and I'm so blessed that he's my grandfather. Every moment we spend together is a teaching moment-he has helped me so much. I love him.

Quotable

So, I just thought I would share a couple of funny things that were said today.

*We were talking about invisible friends at breakfast (not really sure how we got on that subject, but whatever).
Steve: Growing up, I had an invisible mom...that made my real mom jealous.

*Later, we were cleaning cabins, and Blaine was up in the loft. He threw something and it made a loud noise.
Paige: It sounded like something just popped up there.
Blaine: It did.
Paige: Okay, then what popped?
Blaine: My kidney.

Okay, well...they were funny. Maybe you had to have been there.

I have a cold.

The same cold that is being passed around at work. I got this cold from Brandon, who says he got it from Phil, and I don't know where Phil got it. Hooray for living so close together that we all catch each other's diseases! But we also catch each other's enthusiasm and laughter, so it isn't half bad. Plus, there's always someone around when you need a friend!

So, I work here. Better still, I live here. It's amazing living in the mountains.

Even though we all get the same sicknesses....

It's definitely worth it.

But the stars and I begin to blur

Last Sunday we went through Grandma's hope chest. She had a bunch of old clothes in there. As we took out and tried on all the different clothes, Grandma would tell us about who made the clothes, who wore them, and to what events they were worn.

It was a really cool way for my cousins and I to learn about our ancestors. It was a family history fashion show, and it was great!

Click here for a complete viewing of the fashion show!

Observations

Observation 1: I never want to work in an ice cream parlor. End of story.

Observation 2: I miss the MTC bookstore with every little crevice of my heart. I miss the missionaries. I miss the diversity. I miss the computer system. I miss blue cards and multiple languages. I miss my best friends. I miss the camaraderie. I miss scheming, and McKesson, and random food days, and Jordan seceding from the Union. I miss the vacuums. I miss my nametag. I miss blue and yellow packets. I'm totally going through withdrawals. Right now, I even miss being stopped by security.

Observation 3: I really couldn't be happier with the situation up here. I like the computer system we use. I like seeing families together-even though the kids can be crazy. The boys I work with are perfect-we couldn't get along any better. I like feeling as though the store is "ours" in a sense. I love that we all feel like family already. I love walking into the "living room" and having every one there talking and laughing. I love having best friends to confide in/write books with. I love the peace of being in the mountains. I love going outside in the morning and feeling the crisp mountain air.

I really like it up here. But I do want to go back to the MTC in the fall.

Oh, the joys of May Crew

Yesterday, while I was in my pariahdom, I got a huge bruise above my left knee. It's pretty crazy. Also, I have a bruise on my right arm that is turning weird colors, and a bruise on my right wrist that I just noticed. Yay for May crew.

PS: Steve ran directly into a pole the other night while we were playing volleyball. It was probably the funniest thing any of us had ever seen. That pole is now a member of the staff. His name is John. We tell people, "yeah, Steve ran into John last night-literally".

That's "p-a-r-i-a-h"

I was so bored and lonely today. Oh, I'm grateful that I got to spend the day inside with the air-conditioning on and not a lot of walking (my foot has been hurting recently), but it was so sad.

I could see Seth through the window as he powerwashed the ground, but (no offense to Seth) he wasn't very entertaining. I just sat there like the pariah that I probably am until I turned on some music. It helped to lighten up the monotony, but wasn't as good as having actual people to converse with.

So I found pleasure in listening to the goings-on of the camp and staff through the radio. That was more entertaining than Seth and music until I heard that my roommate and best friend was hurt and on her way to Urgent Care. Then it was sad.

But the day is over, and tomorrow is a new day. A day full of people, talking, and laughing...but hopefully no pain.

Just like pretzels.

We went to see Prince Caspian today. On the whole, I was severely disappointed. Anyway, the one thing I really hated about the movie was that Susan went back and kissed Caspian. I was thinking, come ON. You are never going to see him again. DON'T waste your kiss on him!!! She's going to regret that.

Trust me.

So long, farewell.

Theater on Tiger Way, we bid you adieu. Thank you for the many years of quality entertainment. Within your walls I learned many things: how to work, how to paint, how to Dutchman, how to critically review theater- but the most important thing I learned was how to love everyone and accept them for who they are-this I learned from my Grandfather. So thanks for the memories.

Woodbadge

Last Sunday, my family and I went to visit Grandpa Murray. We were sitting around the table talking, and my dad asked me if I would get him a cup of water. Being the obedient and respectful daughter that I am, I went into the kitchen and filled up a mug-my favorite mug, in fact.

I brought the cup to my dad and said, "Here Dad. I even put your water in my very favorite cup-the cup I use every time I get a drink at Grandpa Murray's." Dad took one look at the cup and said, "Oh, no. You haven't been to woodbadge. You can't use this cup."

I was so distraught. Of course I argued my case, but my dad said, "You can't use this cup if you can't sing the woodbadge song." Having never been to woodbadge, I do not know the song, of course. Although I definitely tried. My woodbadge song was amazing, and I thought it might have fooled me dad, but no.

I sat there all sad and forlorn for awhile before remembering who is really in charge of that cup-and who would do anything for his granddaughter. So I turned to Grandpa and said, "Grandpa, can I please drink out of the woodbadge cup?" And he said, "Yes, dear, whatever you would like."

Haha. Now that is the way to do things. Also, Grandpa let us eat sour cream fudge. Yum.

It's the last wish

"It's the last midnight. So goodbye, all. Coming at you fast, midnight--soon you'll see the sky fall"

I know it looks like something you would see on that TV show "To Catch a Thief"--my room looks, as Mariel just told me, "like a tornado just passed through". I know it looks a mess, but this is what happens when I pack. I like to get everything together before I put it in the suitcase.

Anyway, just wanted to document this. Not like it won't ever happen again. This is generally what my room looks like before I go places: Disneyland, Nauvoo, the Grand Canyon, Grandpa Murray's house, Target...

No, really. Usually I keep everything hung in my closet or in my dresser. Really.

So simple.

Good Combination: Greg + Tess

Bad Combination: The reception of Greg+Tess + Boot Scootin' Boogie + an undeniable desire to dance + a boot.

Year by year, we're falling like stars.

"Faces change, even smiles grow strange. And we all have so many faces, the real self often erases. Enticing lies flicker through our eyes. Feel the terror draw ever nearer the more you stare in the mirror..."

Hmm. When is the last time someone directed Pimpernel around here? It seems like the Hale might have done it a few years ago...but I think it's time for another one!

An interesting sidenote: Today is Albert Finney's birthday. He can play Scrooge like there's no tomorrow. I love that guy.

I remember...

• Eating barbecue chips in chocolate ice cream
• Watching and analyzing every little detail of "Catch Me if You Can"...we just didn't get it.
• Listening to the same band every day, trying to get me to fall in love with them :)
• Having matching green striped shirts
• Eye injuries
• Watching The Office
• Laser tagging. Hannah, Mark and I made up a pretty good maneuver called "charge a member of the other team while screaming". I was the MVP of that game :)
  
• Going to the Mayan
• Seeing Newsies at the Shell. And we forgot bug spray.
• Falling in love with Stardust
• Seminary
• Watching The Black Cauldron. Half of it, anyway. We got too bored.
• Off-roading anytime we wanted to go anywhere-if it wasn't my road being torn up, it was his.
  
• Playing Scrabble. Looking up random words in the dictionary
• Hanging Noelle's camera on the garage light.
• Being spied on. Multiple times ;)
• Being very disturbed by the end of Gattaca.
• Lagoon Day
• Top of the "Top 5" list
  
• Forgetting.