Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The Best Awkward Situation

PREFACE: I might have been craving a spicy chicken sandwich from Wendy's and I was too lazy to fix dinner anyways. My plan was to grab the sandwich and run up to the Rexburg Temple and have a little "Wendy's Picnic" in the lawn out by the temple. But first I had to have the best awkward conversation I have ever had, before I could go to the temple.

Me at the drive through window: "Hello!"
Cashier: "7.73"
Me: "Here you go"
Cashier: "Have you had a nice day?"
Me: "Yes, have you?"
Cashier: "Oh ya... you know, you look familiar..."
Me: "......uh.... Really? I'm sure we've never met...."
Cashier: "Like you look like a celebrity or someone..."
Me: "Oh, haha, th--anks."
Cashier: *stares* ........ *still staring*
Me: "Well, have a nice day" *smile and drive away*

I was laughing so hard when I drove away because all I could think was, Was that a compliment? Was that some kind of pick up line? Was he serious? haha What just happened??

In the end I took it as a compliment, but I was definitely taken by surprised on that one.... haha!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

F O U R T E E N


There are exactly two weeks before my very first half-marathon and I honestly can't believe I have made it this far! Back in November when I signed up for the Utah Valley Half Marathon, I had never in my life ran more than a mile. Let alone try to run 13.1 miles? For the first couple months of training I was really discouraged. I truly thought I would never get past two and three miles. It was really though to think that in my mind i was attempting the impossible, and I felt like I wasn't going to be able to build up my endurance. 

There were a lot of runs on Saturdays with my dad (who is really into running full-length marathons) and just having thoughts of wanting to ask him if he really thought I could do it. But, I didn't want to know what his reply would be, for good or bad, so I always kept the discouraging thoughts to myself. The road up to know has not been easy but it has been motivating. To see myself go from the girl who couldn't to the girl who is -- it makes me really proud of myself.

It's kind of the reason I signed up in the first place, for myself and to make me proud of me. Not for my family or friends. Not for the gloating or the medal (though I have never won anything so I'm excited about the medal just a tad bit, haha). I am only doing this for me, to prove to myself that no matter what, I am stronger than I ever thought possible. 

In today's society there is too much negativity towards self-esteem and self-recognition. It seems that now-a-days when people try to compliment each other they seem to think that the complimenter is not being sincere, lying to be nice, or they are blind because they obviously can't see how "terrible" the complimented *actually* looks or feels. It's sad really. That we can't look at ourselves and know that we really are beautiful, strong, smart, and full of creativity.

In a small way, i guess that is what I am trying to prove to myself is that no matter what my brain and the media of today's world are saying, I am beautiful, smart, strong, and worthwhile. I guess to some up my feelings about the race, I just feel that for once in my life I chose to do something and actually stuck with it till the end. I am elated at what fourteen days from now holds for me! 

Sunday, May 19, 2013

A Letter to the Birthday Girl

Britt,

If I haven't recognized, and possibly embarrassed, you enough on Facebook, Instagram, through text messages, letters, etc, I wanted to do it one more time here on the good ole blog.


I can't tell you how much I appreciate you and your example. I look up to you in so many ways and the spirit that you hold is so precious! I have loved all the wonderful times that we have been able to share with each other since, well, birth -- not a lot of people can say that to their bestest best friend! I can never express enough how much I am so grateful to you.


We have gone on some great adventures and I hope those adventures keep happening until the end of Eternity because we have way too much fun together. I absolutely love our "Red Mango Run Confessionals" and I couldn't be happier to have such a great patient listener like yourself, as my friend and cousin. Sometimes you are the only one I want to talk to (no offense to other family and friends) but I always know that I can count on you. Seriously, you are my number one confidant. You are such a blessing to me because of that!






 Like I said Britt, I look up to you in so many ways that if I wrote them all out, I could probably write a series of novels and still not touch on everything. But a few are things like: Optimism, I haven't met anyone who is just as happy as you are. No matter what is going on, you always seem to have a smile on your face! Piano, I seriously wish and wish and wish I could play like you. The fact that you are able to play in front of lots of people is so inspiring to me. Confident, seeing as you can play the piano front of lots of people, even in competitions and things like Jr. Miss Pageants where you have so much confidence is amazing. I honestly wished so badly I could do Jr. Miss with you but I just never felt I could be that confident and talented as you! Smart, you honestly are one of my role models when it comes to being smart. You are able to speak your mind so nicely and you are so thoughtful and insightful when you do. Spiritual, I don't think I have ever seen you waver in the church, in the Gospel, in your testimony, or in staying true to you and your beliefs! You know who you are and you let nothing change that. Fun, there is never a dull moment when we are together, even if all we are doing is sitting and talking, the energy that you have is incredible and I just love being around you because of that.


I couldn't be more humbled when I am around you, you are so genuine and I see the way the Lord see's when I am able to be around you. You are seriously the best cousin/ friend in the entire world. I know we talked a little at my mission call opening about how you don't really want me to go but you are so supportive. I don't think you know how hard it is going to be for myself to leave you for a year and a half. We have always been together, the farthest apart from each other we've been is 10 minutes when you were still in AF and I was in Alpine. I love your strength and I know that it's going to be hard on us both, but keep me in the loop while I'm out! You will have a letter every week from me and that's a promise!


In all I just want to say "Happy Birthday" with the intent to show you just a small portion of how much I love you and care about you. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be the kind of person I am today. You are a great gift from God to me and everyone else you come into contact with during your life. You are beautiful and loving and I only want the best for you Britt, because that is all you deserve, especially with the heart of gold you have, it's the only expectable thing you should be given!


 Love ya girlie! You've made it out of the teens finally. How does 20 feel so far??

LOVE your biggest fan,
Alyssa

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The Time I Was A... Bridesmaid

This past weekend was a whirlwind. I love going home because it's like a mini vacation from school. I figured out that I can't take homework with me because all I want to do is play! Oh, and play I did. A whole bunch!! It was so much fun.


 


The drive down was so bipolar: 10 minutes of rain, 10 minutes of bright sunshine & repeat for 4.5 hours straight. It was actually pretty amusing!

GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
My best friend is MARRIED, finally!

Kendra Anwarjan.... 
I'm going to have to get used to saying that.
Now, Kendra is the baby of our group of five amiga's! I have known her since elementary school when she moved into the neighborhood and she has been sunshine in my life ever since. It was an honor to be her bridesmaid, too much fun. She was married in the Timpanogos Temple in American Fork on Friday. Kendra and Aktar were just too cute too handle. AND the best part of this was that I was able to witness their sealing in the temple! I am so grateful for how the timing has all worked out for me to witness that. It was absolutely the most precious and special thing I have been apart of since being endowed 3.5 weeks ago. Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day Kenji, it was such a sweet experience!



(Brittney, Me, Aktar, Kendra & Amy)

They are sooooo in love...
Congrats Mr & Mrs Anwarjan!

Then on Saturday I went shopping with my mom in the morning to get some missionary clothes shopping in because I won't have much time when I finally graduate from BYU-Idaho in July. We found quite a bit of stuff which was SO nice and much needed! 

After all of that I took my cousin Brittney out to dinner for an early birthday celebration since it's this coming Sunday and I will be back up at school :( *Britt I hope you got your letter* We went out to Thai Village, Brittney's request which I was happy with since I LOVE that place -- I crave it all the time, then we went to the 7:15pm showing of The Great Gatsby!! A high school favorite of both Brittney and I. It was very well done and absolutely beautiful! In all, it was such a fun night, something I truly needed after a very hard week at school. 


Also, Mother's Day on Sunday was a pretty bittersweet day. I wanted to stay forever and celebrate and just never leave my family. It was such a good Sunday. My dad even got back from his business trip just in time to see me off. I love my family too much and I honestly didn't want to go back to school after spending the weekend home with them.


Finally got a picture of the Idaho Sign coming back to school!! Yay!


I was back in Rexburg just as the sun was setting. I was exhausted and just wanted to crash on my bed and sleep but I had some major projects that needed to be finished by Monday morning. Worst. Feeling. Ever.  I guess I should have expected that though, since I never did any school while I was home. I actually left everything in the trunk for the night and just took my laptop up to my apartment for the night, but I was so tired that nothing could get done so I finally forced myself to go to bed and worry about school the next morning.

I loved every minute I was home and can't wait to go home in a couple weeks to see Shaelie Walk, high school diploma in hand!! :)

Until next time!



Monday, May 13, 2013

Monday, May 6, 2013

Friday, May 3, 2013

Worlds Away

A poem I wrote this morning. No judging, I don't do poetry, but I tried (It's written in free verse). Press play to listen to the music as you read. Hope you like it :) :)

Missing Mr. Nathan. by noseina_book on Grooveshark

I miss you. 

How many hours, minutes, and seconds
I stood there, wishing,
You would come back to me.

It seems like just the other day...

I walked through the long hall
trying to find my room, rounding
the corner,
and there you were,
standing there,
looking guilty while the rest ran out
yelling, "Man! Are you
serious?!"

Our eyes held for just a moment
and then I was walking
the other direction,
shaking my head and
giggling 
silently
to myself.

It seems like just the other day...

We sat there, staring,
twelve people
sitting between us. Silently.

Then a change in thought.
Then there I was,
scooting over.
Then there you were,
sitting so close.

My heart gave a flutter,
face full of confusion.
That sly smile peeking,
we weren't friends,
not really. "Is it alright,
if I,
sit here?" A smile.

It seems like just the other day...

It was a Wednesday.
You wore a black dress shirt,
grey tie and jeans,
looking oh so suave.
Chatting with my dad and
promising that I 
would be home on time.

We couldn't stop talking
the whole ride down.
It's possible 
I was
a little, well,
                                                                                                distracting.

We laced up.
You took off, showing
your mad skills
while I giggled and followed
s l    o         w               l                      y
behind in pursuit.

They called for snowball,
taking my hand. But,
it was girls choice.
I chose you, but first I had to 
catch
you.

It seems like just the other day.

But it wasn't.

667 days ago...

 I first met you.
Not knowing, the outcome
of our futures.

445 days ago...

You decided
you wanted to sit by
me.

435 days ago...

 You asked 
me out, for the first of many.
We played like the big kids
we were.

375 days ago...

The last phone call I
-- ever --
got from you. It lasted three hours
while I sat on the porch of my
Rexburg apartment, it lightly rained.
You were sitting in your American
Fork room, trying to pack. Different paths,
awaiting us.

374 days ago...

 You left.

I never got that goodbye hug.
I felt empty.
But you had to.
You had to go,
there was no other way.
I needed you to go,
they deserve you more than I do.

Now.

I send my prayers to you every night,
hoping you receive them
when you wake in the morning
and get down on your knees
and thank the Lord
for another day of service.

You are my best friend, 
and one day,
621 days,
or so,
away, 
hopefully I will get
to see you again.

Okay, o-okay ----

I really miss you.

With Love, Alyssa Wood




Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The Go-To's




Feel Good Food:
Thai
Music (Band):
Peter Bradley Adams or NEEDTOBREATH
Stress Reliever:
Walking Around Town
Exercise: 
Running
TV Show:
The Mentalist, Bones, Castle, or Supernatural 
Happy Place:
DisneyLand
Recreational Reading:
City Of Bones & The Book Thief
Color:
Purple
Dessert:
Cake (red velvet or chocolate "skor")
Comfort:
Bubble Baths & Tea
Flower:
Baby Pink Peonies
Shoes:
Sperry or Born
Store:
Barnes & Noble
Restaurant:
Layla's, Rumbi or Thai Village