Gentelmen

Let me tell you about work this morning. For those of you who may be unaware: I wake up at the unearthly hour of 3:30 in the a.m. in order to be at work at the BYU fieldhouse at 4. I clean a certain area, as well as anything else that may need attention. Despite the lack of sleep caused by the time I have to be at work, I love my job. I love the people I get to work with. I love the fact that I don't have to look nice. I love that I can take off work whenever I want. I love that I never work weekends or holidays. I even take a sick sort of satisfaction from scrubbing something until it shines.

Anyways. This morning I was attempting to unroll a large mat. Now, I can unroll those wretchedly heavy mats all by my lonesome, but it's difficult to get them straight. They are a lot larger than I am. I think people sometimes feel pity for me as they watch me wrestle with them, because occasionally I get offers of help from passer-by. I usually turn these offers down, maybe this is prideful stubborness on my part... but it isn't their job to help me, and if I really am struggling I do have coworkers I can call upon. But anywho. I was moving a mat into position this morning when a handsome stranger walked up to me. He stated simply in a very kind voice, "I'll help you with that." It wasn't a request or an offer - it was a statement of how things were to be. His tone of voice was not one to be argued with. I was taken off guard by the matter-of-fact tone he used, and before I knew it, he was instructing me to pull on one end while he manuvered the other. When I looked at him with a grateful, "thank you." He replied with a "No problem. See you later!" and off he went. Just like that. And I thought to myself what a nice fellow he must be.

Not 20 minutes later I ran out of vacuum cord in the same hallway. I turned around to go to retrieve the plug and noticed an elderly gentleman bending over, holding the vacuum plug as he looked at me with an inquisitive smile. He asked if he could unplug it for me, and observed that it looked as if I had run out of cord. Once again I was not offered help, I was just given it. Usually vacuuming is one of the dullest projects of my morning, but his jovial smile brightened things considerably.

And I was supremely grateful that no matter where one goes there are undoubtably lovely people everywhere just waiting to be met. Also. I love it when I meet a man who exudes the arua of a true gentleman.

Ok. So BYU may have a few redeeming qualities. I did just admit that.


USU is still better.

Sister Johnson

Tonight I had the opportunity to with my dear friend Sharlee to watch her be set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She will be serving in Cambodia. I am so excited for her it is slightly ridiculous.
Sunday when I went to her farewell I had a lot of people ask me if I knew her very well at all. I would chuckle and say "we were best friends in third grade." But really, that doesn't even begin to cover it. Sharlee has always been there for me - she is such a bright spot in my life and I feel so grateful to have known her and seen her genuine goodness. She loves everyone around her, and her patience is neverending. I can testify to this because she's put up with me for years and years. From being my first real elementary school friend, to my locker partner in highschool, and then eventually my roommate in college, she has always brightened my day when I have been graced with one of her smiles. She's taught me a lot about chairty and selflessness and hard work.
I shed a few tears tonight when I had to say goodbye to her. I am such a proud roommate. I wept during her talk on Sunday when she spoke of a very special moment I was able to share with her last semester at school. I feel like a basket case, but those tears are a testament to how much I love her - I don't cry over just anybody.
When she first started the mission paper process I thought we'd be going through it together. Right now the Lord has different plans for me, and for a while I was slightly jealous of her. But I can honestly say that since the moment I watched her open her mission call I haven't felt jealous. I've only felt excitement and love for her. She is on the Lord's errand, and she let's nothing stand in her way. One day I'm going to be like her.

But anyways. Dear Sharlee, or Sister Johnson (since that's what you'll be for the next 18 months) I love you. I can't wait to see you in a year and a half, and I want you to know how much I adore you. Thanks for being there for me. You don't know how much you've blessed my life.

Those Cambodian people sure are lucky that she'll be there with them for the next year and a half. Good luck Sister Johnson!

Thoughts from the Trail

Antelope Island here we come!

Perfect day! Yay! Not so many bugs this time.

Sego Lillies! Wow!

Steph and I are going to be pro at practicing this romance thing. Horseback riding throw the meadows of wildflowers.... hehehe.

I am SO glad I don't have to use the restroom right now. No wonder women stayed home more when this was the primary mode of transportation. I don't blame them one bit.

Well Chelle, you're horse has a hard time keeping up because he's the fat slow one ;)

Silly horse. Quit trying to cuddle with me. You're far too big for that.

Golly Grandpa, this is a lot of food --- typical. Haha.

Freak child. You have a lopsided canter. Either that or you're just trying to throw me off...

You walk until I say otherwise: you eat. You canter and toss me around: you starve.

Oh my goodness! That buffalo is freaking close... woah. woah. woah. If you throw me off I swear... I can just see tomorrow's headline: Girl gored by buffalo. What a painfully fantastical way to die. Wonder who would actually show up to my funeral?

Real prancing ponies are not very comfortable to ride no matter how innocent the title sounds...

I am so glad that Grandpa brought me, Stephanie and Michelle to do this.

Starting to understand how it was possible for cowboys to fall asleep in the saddle... so tired...

I love riding downhill... it makes me feel so... wait. Slow down. Holy crap. WoAh! I think my respect level for that dude in Man from Snowy River just increased about 10 times.

Is it really a good thing Grandpa trusts me with the most difficult horse?

I think this grass is taller than I am.

I'll take the cold wind over those blasted mosquitos any day!

Wow, that salt breeze really clears up those sinuses.

Ten miles! I feel pretty legit.

Holy Crap. Note to self... leave stirrups slightly longer next time --- I don't think I've ever been this saddle sore!

Just because I know it's good for me doesn't mean I want to do it

AKA: things may be too easy for you, and the chicken counting is stopping.

Because really. I think about things too much. Because sometimes when you are shoving a vacuum around in the wee hours of the morning, you have lots of time to think. And sometimes the thinking is productive. And sometimes it's just confusing and you come up with way more questions than you have answers. Actually, that second thing happens a LOT to me.

But then sometimes you talk to someone and they say something, and because you have figured out one of the questions, all of a sudden you see things more clearly. And then you feel happy because you know that your thinking session tomorrow morning will probably, and very hopefully, be much more productive and fulfilling. Or at least more interesting.

Also. Sometimes I wonder about chickens. Not real chickens silly goose. But yes. I wonder about chickens. And then sometimes when I come up with a good question, then the chicken wondering becomes appealing in an extremely different sort of way, because my pride steps in and takes over. Hostilly. (Yes I just made that word up.)

So yes. Hostile pride is halting the chickeney musings. I am less inclined than I was before. However.... this could potentially mean I will get a swift kick in the pants from a Heavenly source soon. Maybe. Either that or I just got smarter.

We'll see.

Institutionalized

Thursday I went with Dora on a mini road trip to Montana. Nevermind why. Suffice it to say that we spent a LONG time in the car. And whenever one spends excessively long periods of time in a moving vehicle, bathroom breaks become necessary. So we stopped at a gas station in the Idaho Falls area, and she and I happily skipped inside (we were very grateful to be out of the car) in order to use the restroom.

As we walked in and followed the signs directing us to the ladies room, a man wearing casual business attire (he was probably in his late 40's) stopped me with a question. This was because he had noticed my shirt. I was wearing a USU Institute t-shirt. On the front the shirt says 'Institute' in bold lettering, the back features the Aggie A and the words 'a priority.'  Noticing me and the front of my shirt, he halted my progress towards the bathroom with the question, "Wait, you belong to an Institute?" Thinking that he might be LDS and was just appreciating the fact that he could easily recognize my religious affiliations by my getup, I proudly answered him with a resounding, "Yup! I go to Institute."  He looked back at me with a concerned expression on his face and said, "Hm. That's usually not something people advertise on their shirts." I shrugged and proceeded on my way.

While I was washing my hands and thinking about this incident, it occurred to me that the kindly-intentioned gentleman was not referring to the same kind of Institute that I was thinking of. So I turned to Dora and mentioned that the man had probably thought I belong to a psych ward. She and I chuckled over it as we exited the restroom, and as we approached the exit, the same gentleman stopped me again.

You know those times when you can just look at someone's face, and you know what they are wanting to say, even though they aren't saying it very well? Well --- this was one of those times. Because this guy looked at me with this queer expression, and I just knew that he was dying, yes, simply dying, to know what I had done that would cause me to be sent to the loony bin, and what on earth was I doing in a gas station in the middle of Idaho. He  asked me in a controlled sort of voice what kind of Institute I belonged to, and when I explained, "It's an institute for religion...." he looked at me with a dubious glance and said sarcastically, "I've never heard it called that before."

And it was all I could do not to bust up laughing as I explained that it was a USU t-shirt. I am an Aggie, and that the institute there really is for religion. He then proceeded to quietly explain to himself, "Oh. You're one of those Utah people...."

And I just laughed. Because he is in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Which, while it may not be Utah, is definitely not that far from USU, Mormons, Aggies, or other such similar things.

So yes. I had a random stranger try to ask me why I'd been institutionalized. Haha.
 Best gas station experience ever. Hands down :)

He Used the Word 'Date'

I received a phone call early this afternoon, in which a handsome young man asked me if I would go on a date with him. And he actually used the word date. And I was surprised and impressed by his frank non-ambiguousness. Because really, I don't even remember the last time a boy called me and said that he would like to take me on a "date." I've been called and asked if I'd like to go with a young man to a dinner or activity or something, and I knew it was a date... but I don't remember the last time a gentleman used this particular word when asking me.

Why is it that for some reason that particular word is frightening? Sometimes I feel everyone slinks around and avoids the use of the term until after the date is over. (Am I the only one who feels like this happens?) I guess it's kinda scary sometimes to put yourself out there in order to ask someone on a date, but still. It is sooo nice to know what is going on. It was completely refreshing today to know that whatever upcoming activity he has planned will be classified as a date - and I don't have to wonder about it beforehand.

I was proud of him. And impressed. And if he ever reads any of these silly musings of mine he should know that I say kudos to him.

Now I just have to decide what to wear :)

Camille tells me stories to cheer me up.

"once,

there was a beautiful girl named Krystal

and there was a handsome prince named ping. and he was from china. and he wasn't dumb like most boys are

and Krystal went to China, and there was a chipmunk there named Larry

And Larry said "Krystal, guess what? normally when i'm around, it means you have to do a lot of waiting or fighting or whatever so you can receive they key to the heart of the one you treasure

But Ping is so madly in love with you, that he already did all the work for you, so you don't have to do it. Because he loves you lots and lots

And so, Krystal was so happy. and she met ping, and he was everything she hoped for and more. and he was good at chasing girls

and he asked girls on dates

and he was really funny

and teased Krystal a lot

and they lived happily ever after.

the end"

I like that girl. And her stories too :)

Silver Linings

1. I have the funds to pay for the car repairs needed.
2. The deer didn't kill me.
3. I think the deer was ok.
4. I got to go to institute with Jen this evening.
5. My Dad knows how to replace side view mirrors.
6. I have a full time job.
7. I like my full time job.
8. I get to go to the temple tomorrow afternoon.
9. I got an almost 4 hour nap this afternoon.
10. I got to talk to two of my favorite boys last night.
11. My thyroid test came back and said my thyroid is healthy.
12. One month from today my St. George and Bear Lake adventuring will begin.
13. Camille sent me funny quotes this afternoon.
14. I got to jump on the trampoline.
15. Jen knows how to cheer me up.
16. I'm getting better at being patient.
17. I get to have a brand new windshield.
19. There are people in the world who will just listen when I vent. They don't fix it, they just listen.
20. Jen and I have a play date to watch Mulan and go running.
21. Heavenly Father loves me.

"Krystal, that does not taste like you."

-Alyssa
Oh the things that get said when you work early morning....

hehehe.

The Blues Have Found Me

I sit at home, munching on a piece of cardboard pizza as I wallow in self-pity. Why is it that every time life approaches perfection it changes?

I'm not used to feeling this unwanted and obnoxious. I get to play babysitter this weekend to a bunch of teenagers who want to be independent from me and the world. Part of me wants to let them go and do whatever the crap they want and not worry about it, but they're my siblings and I promised my parents I'd keep an eye on them. You wouldn't believe how hard it can be to just get a little information out of them about what they want to do. I'm so glad I'm not a parent right now.

Also. I hate the fact that my social life has pretty much disappeared. I know that I'm the only one who can fix it, but at the moment I really don't want to expend the necessary energy to do so. It's easier to sit and wish that someone would take pity on me. I know from personal experience this doesn't happen. And so I swallow my cold pizza, and wait for the evening to end --- knowing that tomorrow will be better and maybe next week I can find the gumption to look for a group of people who want to play with me.

*Note. Jen Parks: You are wonderful. Thanks for saving me so far this summer. I'd have gone crazy already without you.

Fun Facts:

Just for fun, here's a list of things that you probably didn't care to know about me but that I am sharing with you anyways:

1. I have a young mouth --- my dentist told me that if he had to guess my age just based off of my teeth, he'd say I'm about 4 years younger than I really am.
2. When I was in 2nd grade I got two black eyes. At the same time.
3. One time my cousins and I made a 12 story long paper chain. We hung it from the top of a stairwell all the way down to the bottom floor. It was awesome.
4. I love roundabouts. Everything about them makes me happy.
5. The first time I tried driving a stick I didn't stall. Go me!
6. I am a silly song nut. I know tons of them -- if you ever need one just let me know :)
7. The only time I've ever dyed my hair was when I put a temporary streak of red in it.
8. I can't whistle, but I can tweet like a bird.
9. I've kissed a real frog. One that I caught while on a river rafting trip.
10. I ran one season of track my freshman year of high school. I was the second slowest person on the team.
11. In 7th grade I only missed one day of school: it happened to be during the awards ceremony at the end of the year -- so when my name was read for the perfect attendance award I wasn't there to get it. I was a tad more than slightly confused when the school secretary called me down to the office the next day so that she could give it to me.
12. I avoid eating cottage cheese because it reminds me forcefully of an unpleasant encounter I had with tofu.
13. I've never had stitches or been in a cast for breaking anything.
14. I can recite the first 20 lines of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales in Old English.
15. I usually win Phase 10. Don't ask why, I've just always been super lucky with that particular game.
16. I have been to Alaska twice, but I've never been to a foreign country.
17. I started reading the Lord of the Rings in 4th grade. I read all but the last half(ish) of the last one. I still have never finished it. (Even though I own the series.)
18. My Grandpa informed me 4 or 5 years ago that I was the only one of his Grandchildren who knew how to saddle my own horse  --> it's it's likely that this is still true.
19. I bite my lip when I'm not sure what to say.
20. I have never slept in till noon. Ever.
21. My favorite smell in the world is that smell of laundry steam as it comes out of the vent.
22. My cousin and I together drafted an application to anyone who wants to join our family. She made her fiancée fill it out, and I fully intend to make my future fiancée do the same.
23. My hair used to be bone straight, the older I get the more wavy it gets.
24. My sneeze is usually so loud that it scares people.
25. I despise hot dogs. Pretty much I think that they are about as close as you can get to eating warm rubber.

Dear Logan,

You are one of my favorite places ever. I got to visit you earlier this week, and when I drove out of Sardine and beheld your beauty, a smile crept onto my face and would not leave. Literally. I couldn't get it to stop even when my cheeks started to hurt and I tried.

I didn't do anything supremely phenomenal while I was visiting. Well, ok, ok, hanging out with any of the Musketeers is always phenomenal -- but I was so happy doing unphenomenal things with truly phenomenal people whom I happen to love dearly. My stomach was sore for nearly two days after just because I laughed so hard and so genuinely while I was visiting you. Thanks for being such a beautiful place.

I shall be looking forward in hopeful anticipation until the next time I am able to grace you with my presence.

With all my heart,
Krystal

Down to Earth

A friend is a good thing. Especially those friends who keep the spirit with them.

Do you ever feel that all life's questions are rolling around inside of you, and your emotions and perspectives are starting to blur a little... not in a bad way, but just in a "I'm not quite sure what to think about life and myself in general anymore" kind of way.  And then you sit down with a tender mercy from heaven. You talk for a while with an angel who helps your mind start to sort things through and who helps you to just put everything back in it's place in your head. Not because they're trying to or because you felt like you asked them to, but just because  it's what naturally happens whenever you talk to them. Things get put where they should be. You may not solve the mysteries - but you find yourself again. You touch down to earth and find your eternal perspective. And you realize that because you have friends like that, because there are genuinely good people out there for you to love and admire, because God is in His heaven and there are others who know that, because of all these things, everything will work out. And life is good. So good.

I'm grateful for good friends. Especially good friends who are down to earth. You know who you are. Thanks Miss Carrie for that chat tonight. I needed it more than you know. And thanks for you others (you know who you are) who keep me going. Thanks for helping me to want to keep going and become better. I love you.

Neat and Tidy

Ok. So I grew up in a very clean and organized household. My parents are what most would consider "clean freaks."  As a result, I grew up feeling like a mess. I was constantly being told to clean my room and that I needed to be more organized.

So when I moved off to college, I will confess it was a slight surprise to be labeled as the 'clean freak.' To be constantly complimented on my organization in general was surprising too.

Now that I've moved home again, I'm having to fit everything into a much smaller amount of space than I had when I was at college. I've spent the last two days unpacking, organizing, throwing things out, putting things in a bag for DI and just organizing and cleaning in general. And I've realized: whether my parents agree or not... I am a complete clean freak. I go through everything. I find a logical spot for everything. I scrub and organize and tidy down to the very last pin, and because I try to be so completely and totally thorough, I take FOREVER to do it all. Unfortunately -- I still don't seem to see a light at the end of the tunnel to this project I've begun. I've simply too many things and too little space. Looks like I will be downsizing significantly this summer - which I think will be a very good thing.

Doesn't make it a fun process though.
For now I'm just reminding myself how good it will feel when I'm all done...

Quotes of Epicness

So as some of you may know, I have a rather large quote wall in my apartment. If you are a frequenter of my place, you may even be fortunate enough to have one of your quotes featured there. I have heard from more than one source that this quote wall of ours happens to be, hands down, the most epic quote wall that any person has ever seen. No one has ever refuted that fact. I love our quote wall. It provides many a good giggle, and functions as a fabulous conversation starter, as well as helps to keep many memories alive. Now--- because the school year is ending, the quote wall will have to be taken down. This is a tragedy in my mind. However - I would like the quote wall to live on. So here, on this very blog, shall be documented some of the epic, and not so epic moments in our apartment. Keep in mind that these come in no apparent order, and more than likely a few wonderful moments will be missing. Enjoy at your leisure, and please feel free to tell me which is your favorite.

"If you are going to do the dishes naked at least shut the blinds." -Sharlee

"He can go sit on a log for all I care... and the red ants can eat his butt." -Aly

"The personal bubble ends at the teeth." -Dora

"I'm so brilliant sometimes it hurts." -Krystal

"You can test him... like Potiphar's wife." -Belle

"Krystal is the most righteous person I know." -Dora
"Not after tonight..." -Sharlee

"I don't wanna be annoying like a pomegranate...." -Krystal
"I don't want to be soft and easy to peel..." -Dora

"I slept with that pumpkin!" -Dora
"Then it got sick and died." -Riley

"Sometimes I wonder what is compelling me to do such a horrific act of weirdness." -Dora

"...hopefully making out with a hot specimen of man-flesh." -Krystal
"Yes." -Sharlee

"Don't mind me, I'm just getting dressed in front of you." -Dora
"Whatever." -Jacob

"I'm going to say a prayer... to myself." -Dora
"Ah... religion 101: You aren't God." -Krystal

"What happened to your nose?" -Sharlee
"You hit it with your head." -Krystal

"Sharlee has too much hair, and Dora has too much face." -Dalon

"I think he should smurf in Camille's specific vicinity." -Camille


"Are you picky about lips?" -Dora
"Well I guess that depends on how they taste." -Dalon


"And that's when I realized... I'm a wuss!" -Krystal

"But I'm a single pumpkin... so it's ok." -Krystal

"I got TP stuck in my eye so I went to grab it and I accidentally pinched my eyeball! It's true!" -Sharlee

"They went to Heaven." -Jacob
"That's only if they're good." -Krystal

"Krystal has made herself the queen of awkward." -Dalon

"I live for awkwardness." -Krystal

"Who can I cheat on Dora with so that she will like me better?" -Krystal
"I can relate to that." -Riley

"Kiss me. I'm pregnant." -Paul

"Brian, I am not your future child." -Krystal

"What do you look so scared about?" -Krystal
"I dunno. I'm just trying to cry." -Jacob

"You can come hunt me down and shoot me." -Riley
"And then you can play with him." -Carrie

"I can't date him, I need someone I can be naughty with." -Krystal

"Oh I see... you  just want to be naughty." -Camille

"Krystal's not mischievous, she's just naughty." -Kelden

"I wish my spit tasted that good." -Krystal
"Well ________ probably thought so." -Dora

"He needs to learn to talk better." -Krystal
"Well, we can invite him over and break him." -Sharlee

"Imagine you have nostrils at the bottom of your feet." -Yoga Video

"Krystal! I don't think you're a control freak. Let's just establish that." -Brian

"What if a boy falls in love with me and I don't want him to?" -Krystal
"Kick him and say, 'Stop it.'" -Dora

"Make something really beautiful, like my face." -Camille

"You could elope. I'm pretty sure that's a good spring break activity." -Krystal

"Maybe you are having cuddle withdrawals and the only thing you've got is the wall." -Dora

"Look. I'm delusional." -Jacob

"Pumpkins are seasonal." -Grocery Man
"What about all the other fruits and vegetables?" -Sharlee

"I just thought you were having momentary problems, that's all." -Dora
"No! I'm dancing!" -Krystal

"I'd better get dressed." -Sharlee
"I'd better blow out the candles... we don't want to send the wrong message." -Krystal

"I'll pretend that I'm a hot man for a minute." -Sharlee

"He's not fun to talk to. Only about." -Camille

"Cameron, do you think you're too good for Krystal?" -Aly
"Could you ask a more awkward question?" -Krystal
"Cameron, do you think you're too good for Carrie?" -Aly

"My lips are wussy. They aren't as strong as they used to be." -Krystal


"Krystal crawled through the wrong window and was beat to death by a walker." -Dalon

"The Stake President told us to stay away from people like you." -Krystal
"Why?" -Riley
"Because we are supposed to avoid temptation." -Krystal

"I refuse to be involved in the putting of them together." -Camille

"Tell them about the prostitutes..." -Dalon
"They were supposed to stay in the car." -Riley

"What's the point of winning if Krystal wins too?" -David

"What do you want me to say? I'm sorry that all these men are interested in you? I'm sorry!!" -Krystal

"What am I? I am the tub that holds everything together!!" -David

"I diffuse the awkwardness as I create it." -Krystal

"Have you ever licked me?" -Riley
"You mean while you were awake?" -Paul

"I think at this point in my life love is nonexistent compared to chacos." -Brian

"People get drunk before noon all the time." -Brian

"I don't want to be gotten by that!" -Krystal

"It's not because I have mercy... it's in the rulebook." -David

"Why thank you Camille, you are a test of my patience." -Brian

"Summer is like the quiver of an eyelid twitch before it twitches." -Krystal (with the aid of Carrie and Camille)

"Krystal, don't make me hold your hand." -Brian

"Becoming a True Aggie does not make you CPR certified." -Cameron