Picture this:

You're driving in the back seat of your family car with your sister beside you, your other two siblings in the seats in front of you with your parents in the drivers and passengers seats. You're going down the highway with a view of the ocean on your right and on your left a magnificent array of beautiful beach houses, greenery, and sometimes, equally beautiful strip malls. Your dad chooses a great selection of music that the whole family falls in love with and its turned up loud enough to block out any other sound that might distract you from the drive. Although its a little chilly with the windows down, you're glad they are because they make you feel more apart of the experience. And, finally when you reach your destination you feel like you really belong there but more importantly, closer to your family because you know that they just had the same experience you did.

Christmas

This year I've thought a little bit more about the true meaning of Christmas. I've always loved this magical time of the year. I love the classic Christmas movies, the decorations, my family traditions, and the anticipation of Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. But, this year has been a little bit different. Definitely not in a bad way; just in a different way. I think it was partly because finals ended so near to Christmas and as a result I was a little more preoccupied with school than with the normal Christmas festivities. So, I found myself looking for different ways to feel the spirit of Christmas. One day while brushing on Spanish I read this verse in 3 Nephi:

... y he aquí , la voz del Señor vino a él, diciendo: Alza la cabeza y sé de buen ánimo, pues he aquí, ha llegado el momento; y esta noche se dará la señal, y mañan avengo al mundo para mostrar al mundo que he de cumplir todas las cosas que he de cumplir todas las cosasque he hecho declarar por boca de mis santos profetas.

In English:
... and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying: Lift up you head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

After reading, I remembered the true meaning of Christmas. I am so grateful for this beautiful time of year when we have the opportunity to celebrate our Savior's birth and His life and love for us.

Have a very Merry Christmas.

Check. It. Out.

Back in the day I used to check the apple trailers site daily for the hopes of seeing a new and exciting trailer.  For quite a while there was always something that caught my interest; something that lured me in. But, I'd say for the past six months we've hit a big dry spell. I probably only check the site once a week and even then the only things I find are trailers for creepy-looking rated R movies. Bleh. 

However, after discovering Yahoo Movies a few months ago things started to go up. Now, I think I've hit a real high, a movie trailer euphoria if you will. There are so many that I want to see! Here are my top choices. If you have time, take a look and, if you do decide to sneak a peak, do yourself a favor and watch it in HD. Anything less and you're cheating yourself.

1) Juno

I'm most excited about this one. It looks like it has an independent film kind of charm.

2) P.S. I love you

Grab your tissues ladies. 

3)Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia)

Looks magical. 

4)Penelope

I'll be honest, at first I thought this looked kind of dumb. But, give it a second chance - it looks cute. Also, is it weird that I think James Mcavoy is strangely attractive? Who would have thought  - Mr. Tumnus!

5) Alvin and the Chipmunks

"Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me?"

6)National Treasure

Oh Nicholas.

7)Leatherheads

This looks kind of interesting. But I do have to say, even though I love Jim, in other movies I don't think he's that great of an actor. But, George Clooney and Renee Z. look great.

8) You Don't Mess With the Zohan

I feel slightly ashamed to say I want to see this.

Well, there they are. Sorry if I went a little overkill!

You Should Be an Artist

You are incredibly creative, spontaneous, and unique. No one can guess what you're going to do next, but it's usually something amazing. You can't deal with routine, rules, or structure. You're easily bored. As long as you are able to innovate and break the rules, you are extremely successful. You do best when you: - Can work by yourself - Can express your personality in your work You would also be a good journalist or actor.

What Should You Be When You Grow Up?

This is me a little conflicted at the moment attempting to explore my options through online quizzes. But, the truth of the matter is, I do feel a little bit unsure about what I want to do when I "grow up". I love my Spanish classes but at the same time feel like I belong more in the artsy world of film/photo/painting. Hmmm, food for thought.

On My Mind

So, after Monday one of the only things thats been on my mind has been these weird, metal brackets in my mouth. Talk about one track minded. Seriously, its kind of dumb. I was thinking about posting yesterday and all I could think about was braces. And, because I usually think about little lines from movies, songs, or sometimes quotes that I just make up, here are some that have been occupying my mind the past two days.

" I just got my braces tightened and the pain killer isn't helping" The title of a poem written by a roommate's sister

"I'm seventeen(Smile)"

"Come on grandma, chew faster!" what I think to myself as I try to chew Kix cereal after sucking on them for a second then trying to chew them with the gums in the back of my mouth

"Braces are like jewelry for the teeth" consolation from a friends mom

" A clean mouth is a happy mouth (smile)" The ortho office sure has a good way of scaring you into flossing and brushing. But, I do feel proud of myself after every floss session.

Ok so only one of these is actually from a movie. Maybe the others should be in a movie.

Into the Unkown

Its a leap of faith. A leap of faith that I feel really at peace with.

I'm getting braces tomorrow.

Not the most enjoyable experience for a 20 year old, junior in college. Believe me I know. I've known that I was going to have to do it somewhere along the line and have since been dreading the prospect of looking into the mirror and seeing a "tin grin". However, I never imagined myself being this excited or fine with getting them. I won't go into all of the little details, but due to certain upcoming events, I (for some reason still unbeknownst to me) felt like it would be better to get the good ol' wire braces as opposed to the "invisible" choice. The wire ones would come off around June and the invisaligns wouldn't come off until August or September.

So, if you see me after tomorrow, I'll be wearing braces. Although I may have, in my mom's words, "a come-apart" after seeing my smile for the first time, I know that this, for me, is the right thing to do. I'm grateful for the peace and confidence I have about this decision. And, I really would be ungrateful if I didn't thank my Heavenly Father for helping me to feel this way. I'm grateful to Him for His plan for me and my life.