I'm leaving to Europe tomorrow. At 5:15 a.m.
I'm tired
and nervous
and hungry
and nervous
and excited
and I still have gel in my hair
and we had two dress rehearsals today
and I'm mostly packed
and I'm nervous.
But really, it's exciting. I'm going as a member of the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble but we'll be going as the American Folk Ensemble. We'll be in Hungary, Czech Republic, Croatia, and Vienna. Who does that. I feel very very blessed. We'll be joining other groups at big festivals and getting to know one another, share dances and our cultures. That is why I folk dance, because it connects people. It connects cultures and generations. It connects ancestors and tells stories. It is spiritual for me. I don't do folk dance because it's always fun, or the movement speaks to my soul (I do modern for that). I do folk dance because it's about people, cultures and the world. We are all God's children and I can not wait to make more friends half a world away.
I'll be home July 5th so I highly doubt you'll hear from me until then.
Ten days later I'll be Mrs. Katrina Pearson.
WOAH.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
College Advice
My sister graduated from good ole' Lone Peak High yesterday. It was so strange watching her as she sat on the stand, then waltz across the floor. She looked beautiful. She has so much ahead of her. I was so proud. I think I got more emotional than her as I listened to the speakers.
We went to dinner before the commencement ceremony at Yamato's. It's a family favorite of ours located on State Street. Hello sushi! My dad gave her a mac book pro... he is so generous. Then my mom and I put together a college survival basket.
We included things like, ramen, easy mac, note cards, note book, highlighters, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpies (to write your name on your food), tp, and other random fun things. So I maybe supplied her with THINGS that she would need to survive college. And I know I'm not her mom. But after four years of college, my ideas of how to survive college are pretty fresh. I thought I'd write them down, so as to not forget (when I got back to school in the fall), and for her. I know she will read this.
1. Wash your dishes. It's a pain and you may get sick of it, but do it.
2. Wash your roommates dishes. But wait a couple months cuz then they'll just expect that of you. And they have to learn too.
3. If your roommates and you are not singing songs everyday in the kitchen (aka something is wrong), serve them. Do their dishes.
4. Make your bed. (Mom was always right)
5. and don't do your homework on your bed. It will mess with your mind and throw off your sleep pattern.
6. Speaking of sleep. Do it. At least before one am on the weekdays. Unless there is something super cool going on, most times you'll just wonder why you spent the morning running around, going to taco bell and chasing deers.
7. Go to all your classes. Especially when you don't want to
8. Go to church. Go to all your activities. Go to FHE, even if you're busy. Be involved in your ward. If your ward isn't great, it's probably because your effort isn't great.
9. Date a lot of boys. Meaning, go on dates with them. Unless they are RM's. Then you can run away and tell them it's because I told you so.
10. Have a dinner group or something with your roommates so you don't have to find something to cook every night. Cook together on Sunday's. And cook. Try a new recipe every week. Don't do the frozen stuff.
11. Take a lunch to school. Yes, you will get sick of PB&J, but your wallet will be fatter.
12. Be in a study group for your classes and most definitely for tests.
13. Talk to your professor's. Most students don't so they favor those that take the courage and time to become acquainted with them.
14. Sit in the front of the classroom.
15. Live the honor code in every way. The Lord was the one who authored it.
16. Call your mom, especially when you're walking home in the dark.
17. Smile when you walk around campus and say "hi" to strangers. Unless they are RM's.
18. Stay on campus all day. You are a full time student. Go to the library. Read a book, make friends. Just don't go home!
19. Say your prayers and read your scriptures. Go to the temple. Simple Gospel=simple basics.
20. It's okay if you cry after you see your first score at the testing center, especially if it's american heritage.
21. Look for ways to serve.
22. Listen to your professors even more than your friends.
23. Come see Tanner and I sometimes.
24. Try out a class that's difficult for you.
25. Have fun and be yourself. Others will come to love you as I do. Not as much, but they will love you. Because you are wonderful. Really, you are.
Isn't college wonderful? I am so proud of my sister. I am so happy that we will be at college together. She's really cool.
We went to dinner before the commencement ceremony at Yamato's. It's a family favorite of ours located on State Street. Hello sushi! My dad gave her a mac book pro... he is so generous. Then my mom and I put together a college survival basket.
We included things like, ramen, easy mac, note cards, note book, highlighters, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpies (to write your name on your food), tp, and other random fun things. So I maybe supplied her with THINGS that she would need to survive college. And I know I'm not her mom. But after four years of college, my ideas of how to survive college are pretty fresh. I thought I'd write them down, so as to not forget (when I got back to school in the fall), and for her. I know she will read this.
1. Wash your dishes. It's a pain and you may get sick of it, but do it.
2. Wash your roommates dishes. But wait a couple months cuz then they'll just expect that of you. And they have to learn too.
3. If your roommates and you are not singing songs everyday in the kitchen (aka something is wrong), serve them. Do their dishes.
4. Make your bed. (Mom was always right)
5. and don't do your homework on your bed. It will mess with your mind and throw off your sleep pattern.
6. Speaking of sleep. Do it. At least before one am on the weekdays. Unless there is something super cool going on, most times you'll just wonder why you spent the morning running around, going to taco bell and chasing deers.
7. Go to all your classes. Especially when you don't want to
8. Go to church. Go to all your activities. Go to FHE, even if you're busy. Be involved in your ward. If your ward isn't great, it's probably because your effort isn't great.
9. Date a lot of boys. Meaning, go on dates with them. Unless they are RM's. Then you can run away and tell them it's because I told you so.
10. Have a dinner group or something with your roommates so you don't have to find something to cook every night. Cook together on Sunday's. And cook. Try a new recipe every week. Don't do the frozen stuff.
11. Take a lunch to school. Yes, you will get sick of PB&J, but your wallet will be fatter.
12. Be in a study group for your classes and most definitely for tests.
13. Talk to your professor's. Most students don't so they favor those that take the courage and time to become acquainted with them.
14. Sit in the front of the classroom.
15. Live the honor code in every way. The Lord was the one who authored it.
16. Call your mom, especially when you're walking home in the dark.
17. Smile when you walk around campus and say "hi" to strangers. Unless they are RM's.
18. Stay on campus all day. You are a full time student. Go to the library. Read a book, make friends. Just don't go home!
19. Say your prayers and read your scriptures. Go to the temple. Simple Gospel=simple basics.
20. It's okay if you cry after you see your first score at the testing center, especially if it's american heritage.
21. Look for ways to serve.
22. Listen to your professors even more than your friends.
23. Come see Tanner and I sometimes.
24. Try out a class that's difficult for you.
25. Have fun and be yourself. Others will come to love you as I do. Not as much, but they will love you. Because you are wonderful. Really, you are.
Isn't college wonderful? I am so proud of my sister. I am so happy that we will be at college together. She's really cool.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
this can't be love...because I feel too well
I can't sleep
how is it that some nights you're all snuggled in at ten p.m. and others you just don't want to shut your eyes?
I think it's my allergies. Or the fact that I pulled weeds for five hours today and my back just can't settle down (it is pro at the spasms)
I wrote lots of addresses tonight. And all we have to do is wait for the invites to be done on Friday so we can stuff away! :) Isn't that exciting?
I'm excited to get married. I told my little sister last night about how my marriage is going to last forever. And then I started crying. Because how beautiful and perfect is that? I get to spent the rest of my life and beyond with my sweetheart. And people always say, "I thought I couldn't love you anymore than I did on our wedding day..." And I really think that. BUT then I get even more excited to fall more and more in love with Tanner. It already happens everyday.
I met a couple yesterday at one of my favorite places, Dear Lizzie. He was patiently waiting while he wife tried on adorable clothes (that are too expensive for me to be a regular shopper there). Every time she would come out he would get a huge grin on his face and tell her how adorable she looked, how beautiful she was and how much she just HAD to buy it. I loved it. He was genuinely happy because she was happy. I started talking to them, they admired my ring (he said that Tanner had "done good") and she squealed when she told me they had been married 59 years this next Sunday.
Tanner asked me this question before he told me he loved me, "What does love mean to you?"
I can't remember my exact answer. All I remember is saying something about respect, trust, caring, and wanting that person's happiness more than yours and doing everything in your power to do so. I still think that. I love that all night Tanner kept asking me if I was okay (I was just exhausted-weeding really is back breaking labor) and not being satisfied unless I was completely happy. :)
What a beautiful gift love is. I look forward to my 59th anniversary and seeing a twenty something year old girl standing there lost in her thoughts of the future and telling her that "it's just gonna get better".
I can't wait for forever
how is it that some nights you're all snuggled in at ten p.m. and others you just don't want to shut your eyes?
I think it's my allergies. Or the fact that I pulled weeds for five hours today and my back just can't settle down (it is pro at the spasms)
I wrote lots of addresses tonight. And all we have to do is wait for the invites to be done on Friday so we can stuff away! :) Isn't that exciting?
I'm excited to get married. I told my little sister last night about how my marriage is going to last forever. And then I started crying. Because how beautiful and perfect is that? I get to spent the rest of my life and beyond with my sweetheart. And people always say, "I thought I couldn't love you anymore than I did on our wedding day..." And I really think that. BUT then I get even more excited to fall more and more in love with Tanner. It already happens everyday.
I met a couple yesterday at one of my favorite places, Dear Lizzie. He was patiently waiting while he wife tried on adorable clothes (that are too expensive for me to be a regular shopper there). Every time she would come out he would get a huge grin on his face and tell her how adorable she looked, how beautiful she was and how much she just HAD to buy it. I loved it. He was genuinely happy because she was happy. I started talking to them, they admired my ring (he said that Tanner had "done good") and she squealed when she told me they had been married 59 years this next Sunday.
Tanner asked me this question before he told me he loved me, "What does love mean to you?"
I can't remember my exact answer. All I remember is saying something about respect, trust, caring, and wanting that person's happiness more than yours and doing everything in your power to do so. I still think that. I love that all night Tanner kept asking me if I was okay (I was just exhausted-weeding really is back breaking labor) and not being satisfied unless I was completely happy. :)
What a beautiful gift love is. I look forward to my 59th anniversary and seeing a twenty something year old girl standing there lost in her thoughts of the future and telling her that "it's just gonna get better".
I can't wait for forever
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sunshine=friends
It is amazing how a good friend can brighten your day. Today, after trying to sleep off a tear inducing headache, I told myself I would just stop by my dear friend's bridal shower. Two hours later, I left that lovely party thinking about how wonderful it was to spend time with good friends, grateful for the amazing people in my life.
Lara Mann, the wonderful woman who is getting married in a short 22 days is one of my most beloved and dear friends. What a blessing it is to have her in my life. She's one of those people that you don't see every week or even every month but when you do see each other, you feel closer than you did before and as if no time had passed. Lara is one of those special people. She's my angel friend.
I also got to a see a wonderful friend, Lauren Stanford and her adorable boys. I had not seen her in years and I am so glad I got to stop by and say hi! She is such a sweetheart.
What a blessing to see such dear friends. I'm so grateful we are blessed to get to know others, to learn and grow from their examples. So grateful.
Lara Mann, the wonderful woman who is getting married in a short 22 days is one of my most beloved and dear friends. What a blessing it is to have her in my life. She's one of those people that you don't see every week or even every month but when you do see each other, you feel closer than you did before and as if no time had passed. Lara is one of those special people. She's my angel friend.
I also got to a see a wonderful friend, Lauren Stanford and her adorable boys. I had not seen her in years and I am so glad I got to stop by and say hi! She is such a sweetheart.
What a blessing to see such dear friends. I'm so grateful we are blessed to get to know others, to learn and grow from their examples. So grateful.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Update for you today
Confession:
I am a faithful blog follower. I am not, however, a faithful blog updater. So:
My mom and I just got back from a fun weekend trip to Arizona to see my greatest childhood friend get married. It was so lovely and they threw a wild party. We shopped, squeezed in pedicures, did some flowers and I longed for the day that Trader Joe's will make it to Utah. I got to see old friends and it was just lovely. Great weather-in the 90s considering it should be in the triple digits down there.
Wedding plans are coming along splendidly. We're leaving June 9th for Eastern Europe. So even though we're getting married in a little less than two months (seven months-I finally broke down and counted, but you won't be seeing a daily update, don't worry), we have to have everything done in three. More like two since we have rehearsal for PAC leading up to our departure. Should I be freaking out? I'm not. Neither is my mom. That either means we're prepared or we've forgotten something huge.
The weather in Utah is nice. Have I turned into a grandma or something? But it's nice. I like the cool, spring rain. It reminds me of new things, of growth and there's nothing like making a big bowl of soup on a rainy day.
That's my life right now. Wedding planning, weeding, cleaning and cooking for my uncle's family and loving every minute of it. Tanner works and we anxiously await the day that we go on tour and then come back to get married. What a crazy summer. I am so grateful for it and feel extremely blessed.
...Now leave your address in the comments if you would like an invitation please :)
I am a faithful blog follower. I am not, however, a faithful blog updater. So:
My mom and I just got back from a fun weekend trip to Arizona to see my greatest childhood friend get married. It was so lovely and they threw a wild party. We shopped, squeezed in pedicures, did some flowers and I longed for the day that Trader Joe's will make it to Utah. I got to see old friends and it was just lovely. Great weather-in the 90s considering it should be in the triple digits down there.
Wedding plans are coming along splendidly. We're leaving June 9th for Eastern Europe. So even though we're getting married in a little less than two months (seven months-I finally broke down and counted, but you won't be seeing a daily update, don't worry), we have to have everything done in three. More like two since we have rehearsal for PAC leading up to our departure. Should I be freaking out? I'm not. Neither is my mom. That either means we're prepared or we've forgotten something huge.
The weather in Utah is nice. Have I turned into a grandma or something? But it's nice. I like the cool, spring rain. It reminds me of new things, of growth and there's nothing like making a big bowl of soup on a rainy day.
That's my life right now. Wedding planning, weeding, cleaning and cooking for my uncle's family and loving every minute of it. Tanner works and we anxiously await the day that we go on tour and then come back to get married. What a crazy summer. I am so grateful for it and feel extremely blessed.
...Now leave your address in the comments if you would like an invitation please :)
Monday, May 9, 2011
JBiebs and some other music
Yesterday was Mother's Day so instead of gush about my mother-which I could totally do. I decided to tell you two big reasons why I love my Mother.
1. We went and saw the Justin Bieber movie Saturday night with a bunch of screaming, crushing teenage girls. And we just giggled the whole time. Then we pumped his CD in the car, rolled down the windows and we belted it out. My mom even knew the words.
2. She sings me lullaby's. Even when I'm 21 and getting ready to get married. Saturday night Cami and I snuggled with my mom in her bed and she sang her classic lullaby's. Songs like, "animal crackers", "button of your overcoat", "by the sea", "I'm a nut", and "on the good ship, lollipop".
Those are two reasons I love my mother today. She's silly, always herself, and always did the little things. The drip system, so to speak. I love her.
P.S. A movie should only be made about a person if they're dead and a legend.
1. We went and saw the Justin Bieber movie Saturday night with a bunch of screaming, crushing teenage girls. And we just giggled the whole time. Then we pumped his CD in the car, rolled down the windows and we belted it out. My mom even knew the words.
2. She sings me lullaby's. Even when I'm 21 and getting ready to get married. Saturday night Cami and I snuggled with my mom in her bed and she sang her classic lullaby's. Songs like, "animal crackers", "button of your overcoat", "by the sea", "I'm a nut", and "on the good ship, lollipop".
Those are two reasons I love my mother today. She's silly, always herself, and always did the little things. The drip system, so to speak. I love her.
P.S. A movie should only be made about a person if they're dead and a legend.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Escalante
Tanner and I went down to Escalante State Park in Southern Utah with my family a couple of weeks ago. We went during reading days because really, who uses reading days...well I don't at least. It was a blast.
We got super burnt and walked for miles. The slot canyons were amazing. Peek-a-boo, Spooky which Cami combined and called, "spookie-boo". We had to squeeze through small spaces:
Many times we thought we'd get stuck.
We walked across barren waste lands and got extremely burnt. Tanner and I were peeling even weeks after.
Camping was lovely. We had grilled steak and
Tanner is a hard worker.
So here is our trip in pictures. There are quite a few-I apologize for the photo overload!
It was a lovely trip! :)
We got super burnt and walked for miles. The slot canyons were amazing. Peek-a-boo, Spooky which Cami combined and called, "spookie-boo". We had to squeeze through small spaces:
Many times we thought we'd get stuck.
We walked across barren waste lands and got extremely burnt. Tanner and I were peeling even weeks after.
Camping was lovely. We had grilled steak and
Tanner is a hard worker.
So here is our trip in pictures. There are quite a few-I apologize for the photo overload!
It was a lovely trip! :)
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