Sparkle in the Sky

Aren't fireworks beautiful? There's something so patriotic about fireworks (other than the fact that they are a U.S. tradition). They are always used in celebration of something wonderful. In this case, they are used in celebration of our wonderful country. The boldness, brightness and loudness of the fireworks signify (to me) that we (the US of A) stand tall and proud. We will never let any group of people instill fear into our lives. At the risk of sounding even cheesier, I am so grateful to be an American. I am so grateful that all of my grandparents and great-grandparents decided to take a risk and move to live the American Dream. Anyways, my REAL post...

I used to be afraid of fireworks. Terrified, actually. I have this vivid memory of one Independence Day evening when I was probably 8 years old. We (my family) walked around the corner to a neighborhood block party. The kids played out in the street until it was dark enough for fireworks. Then, when twilight came we all gathered on the neighbors' front lawns and watched the fireworks. These weren't just the normal neighborhood fireworks. These were the real fireworks. Loud, bright and overhead. I loved them. But I also hated them. They were too close to me. I startled easily and everytime a firework went off, I freaked out. I think I was also afraid of the "fire" part of "fireworks." In my little kid mind, I had the idea that the firework was going to fall on me and burn me. I distinctly remember clinging onto my uncle's arm that night as the fireworks shot off overhead. He chuckled at me and asked me what I was so afraid of. It didn't matter how hard he tried to reassure me, I was still terrified.

Perhaps my "fear" of fireworks was really the start of my respect for fireworks like they always say to "respect" the ocean. The ocean is a magnificent part of our Heavenly Father's creation. While we should enjoy this creation, we need to be aware and cautious of its dangers. Fireworks can be beautiful, when used cautiously and appropriately. I like to believe that I was just uniquely aware of that at such a young age.

Even with my unique fear, I still loved fireworks. There were many years that we went to Tigard High School to view their fireworks show. We sat out at the Seminary Building's lawn with some friends and family and it was beautiful. I have another vivid memory of coming home (at the old house!), opening my bedroom window and staying up watching the neighbor's fireworks. Even after they ended, I left my window open in hopes of hearing a few more before I drifted off to sleep. I did this for many years at my current house, too.

There's something about fireworks that makes me so happy now. I'm no longer scared of fireworks (NOTE: Ground fireworks never terrified me, just aerial fireworks). I am definitely not as crazy as Trevor or Matthew when it comes to lighting fireworks, but I can light the fuze without having a mini panic attack. In fact, Trev and I always argued over who got to light certain fireworks. Anyways, the point of this paragraph is that I can't seem to get enough of fireworks now. They fascinate me.

Last year, I was in Provo for the 4th. Every year BYU holds a concert and firework show in LaVell Edwards Stadium. The Jo Bros were on deck for 2009. So, my friends and I skipped the concert and decided to watch the fireworks from campus. We ended up lying down on the grass right next to the Cannon Center. I believe the fireworks are launched from Helaman Field, so we were right next door. It was amazing. They were gigantic- so large that you couldn't see it all at once. You could also feel the ground rumble in response to the launch. What an incredible experience!

Another favorite firework moment was just this summer. I went to the fabulous NYC a couple weeks ago and was fortunate enough to visit some good friends. Friday night, we took the subway to Brooklyn, grabbed a couple of pizzas and ate by the bridge. We had a fabulous view of the NYC skyline (and you know how much I love the sight of city lights at night). It was gorgeous. Then, I spotted fireworks going off in the distance. My inner child came out (not the fraidy-cat child, but the giddy child) and I shouted, "Fireworks!" as I pointed in that direction. The fireworks were sort of to the side of the skyline (more towards the Statue of Liberty direction) but I could still see the skyline. And the fireworks. Perfect.

I wish I had a better camera, so I could have captured that moment. But it looked somewhat like this, except it was later at night and the fireworks were way over to the left (over the water):

Everytime we visit Disneyland, I make sure we stop to watch the fireworks show at least once. I have learned to watch the fireworks show on the first night possible. Over the past 5ish years, Disneyland changed the launching site or height or something. Everytime I go now, we have at least 1 night of canceled fireworks "due to high winds." One trip, it was canceled every night! I was really bummed that year.

Anyways, Disneyland does a spectacular fireworks show set to music. It's so fun to sit down after a long day at the park and just enjoy the show.

It's also really fun to catch certain rides during the fireworks show, if you can time it right. The first time I saw the fireworks from a ride, I was on the Matterhorn. I think I was in high school. Anyways, we rounded the corner and came out from the mountain and there were the fireworks lighting up the sky and the castle. Another picture perfect memory. Since then, I have also been fortunate to see the fireworks from Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain. I will never forget those moments either.

Of course, it's also been incredible to watch the fireworks from my cousin's backyard every year. Their property borders part of Summer Lake. When we sit out on their deck, we can see fireworks from every direction. Fireworks literally surround you all 360 degrees. The prettiest fireworks are those that reflect off Summer Lake. We have many good memories (and a couple close calls) shooting off our own illegals.

I still want to see fireworks on the beach someday.

As well as Washington D.C.

Perhaps I'll have to take a trip next year.

Growing up?

At school I didn't have much time to watch TV but now that I have time, there's nothing on! 24, Modern Family- ok, those are the only shows I really followed this year- are over. I can't even watch a good game on TV because all of my favorite teams are on hiatus. So I have had to find some other shows to relieve me from my boredom.

Apparently, my television show interests have dramatically changed. My father even called my taste "boring" the other day. Seriously, Dad? Of all people....

Don't get me wrong- I still love a good episode of Friends, Seinfeld, I Love Lucy, etc. However, lately I cannot get enough of HOUSE HUNTERS. Or House Hunters International, My First House, Selling New York. Let's just say HGTV is my new favorite channel. The concept of these shows seem pretty boring- watch a couple tour homes, pretty lame, huh? But for whatever reason, these shows fascinate me. I love seeing the different designs, architecture, neighborhoods and trends all across the country and the world. It's definitely made me excited about someday owning a home. Every house that they show, I think about what I like, what I would do with each room, the yard, etc.

Here's what I have learned that I like:

-an open floor plan

-a kitchen with granite tops, stainless steel appliances and plenty of counter space. Perhaps some like this:

or this:

- Master bedroom on the same floor as the kids bedrooms (at least while they are young) and preferably on the second level

- A backyard is a must. A big backyard is preferable. Too many homes have such small backyards now. I would like enough room for the kiddies (and dog, duh!) to run around and play.

P.S. Wouldn't it be fun to have an outdoor eating area like this?

- I definitely have a much more modern/contemporary design taste, well at least more modern than my parents. I like the traditional style furniture (no funky shapes, fixtures or wall art for me) but with the chicness of the contemporary/modern style. Something along the lines of this:

-Make sure there is enough storage space- cupboards, pantries, closets, etc.

Well, a girl can dream, right?

So my second favorite channel right now is the Food Network. This is the channel that my father actually finds boring. A few years ago, I guarantee you that I would have said the same thing. But believe it or not, I'm growing up. I kind of like cooking now. Well, I do like to cook when I have people to help me eat it. However, I really like to bake. I definitely get that from my mother and grandmother. I love baking cookies, pies, cupcakes, brownies, cakes- which is probably why I love watching Ace of Cakes. Love, love, love it. Yesterday, my dad came down and sat with me while I was watching an episode that I had DVRed. When the window popped up, "Do you wish to delete this recording?" he could not believe that I had DVRed such a program. In fact, I think his exact words were, "You wasted our DVR space on this?!" Well, it's not like we are recording a lot of shows these days. When Trevor was around, DVR space was precious; our box would be full of Hannah Montana episodes. Anyways, I'd eventually like to take a cake decorating class, even though it seems as if everyone is into cake decorating these days.

I also love a good episode of "Good Eats" or "Dinner: Impossible" on the Foot Network.

My other favorite channel: The Travel Channel. I love learning about different places and cultures. I have a long list of places that I would like to visit someday.

Hmmm...well, I guess these shows really lack a plot or character development. Maybe I am boring now. Ha, oh well, it's better than some of the other trashy shows on TV right now, right? Right. At least that's what I will keep telling myself. Football season better hurry up!

I ♥ OREGON

Why I ♥ OREGON....

- It's HOME! I lived in Oregon until I went off to BYU. Oregon is still and will always be considered home.

-GREEN. I love seeing green all around me. It is absolutely beautiful.
-TREES. I love love love trees.

-RAIN. This will be my 5th winter in Utah and I have grown to love and yearn for rain. I love the days where it rains non stop. That rarely happens in Utah and I cherish those days when they do come around.
-FOG. Yesterday it was foggy all day. It was awesome.

-FAMILY. Most of my family is here in the Portland area. I love coming home and spending time with them, especially at the holidays.

-PUPPY. I love my dog with all my heart. I really miss Duke while I'm at school. I never knew how much a dog could/would change my life and mean to me until we got Duke. He truly is a best friend.

-DIVERSITY. Portland and Provo are on opposite ends of every spectrum.

-SALES TAX. Or the lack thereof. A JBC off the dollar menu is really a dollar!
-SNOW. When it snows, everyone freaks out. The news is on 24/7. No one can drive. Everyone is outside sledding, making snowmen, and just having a good time. The best was when school would cancel for an inch of snow. Ahh, the good ol' days.

-CHIPOTLE. The Mexican goodness needs to come to Provo (within the next 4 months).

-HIPPIES. Enough said.

-BLAZERS. Rip City.

-VALET PARKING. For bikes.

Half Marathon

I decided last night that I want to run a half marathon. I've always wanted to be in good enough shape to run a marathon, so this is a good start. I've decided now is a good time to start and if anything it will get me to the gym (or outside runs!) to relieve all my stress. I'm actually quite excited and motivated to start training. Plus, doesn't this half marathon just sound plain amazing??
Disney Princess Half Marathon
You get to run around Disneyworld for 13.1 miles. Discount tickets to the park. Discount hotel prices. Awesome shirts. And you get to say you ran a half marathon!! It's not 'til March 7, so that gives me plenty of time to train. Now, I just need someone to do it with me....any takers?!

New Beginnings

I've decided a blog could be lots of fun and it would be nice to record what goes on in my crazy, non stop life. I'm here at BYU for my senior year! I am so excited to graduate and go on to graduate school. For those of you who don't know, I'm planning on getting my master's in Speech Language Pathology. This fall semester is all about prepping for grad school, getting my resume all nice and spiffy, taking the GRE, and filling out those app's. It's pretty scary and crazy! I am really scared about going off to a new school by myself but I'm ready for a change- ready to get out of Provo and start fresh.. I'm rarely in my apartment; honestly, I just sleep and shower here. I'm either on campus (typically in the library) or at the gym. It is quite a change from the summer but I do like being busy. It's been good and I can't believe September is almost over. I have a feeling the semester is going to end before I know it.

Off to finish my homework!