I just realized that I can blog straight from my phone. Do you know how much joy this is giving me?! Holy cow now I can post all the random madness that happens to me from anywhere at any time. This is killer :)

Spring Break. For REAL

You've waited. I'm delivering.
Here is the recap!
Last Friday we embarked on our Spring Break adventure. The 20th, to be precise, and my birthday. (To be even more precise.) Our first stop was in Idaho Falls, ID to celebrate and to paint my grandma's basement. We drove there in the morning, ate my very favorite thing, Olive Garden's Endless Salad, Soup, and Bread sticks, and then later that night my family surprised me with a party at Leo's Place. Seriously, the best place ever- it was like a cross between Chuck E. Cheese and a public restroom.The guest of honor
Saturday was spent painting Grandma Ball's basement. Lex and I thought it would be fun, and much more special, if we wore some nice muscle shirts.

It was quite the time, let me tell you!
Sunday morning was spent at Eric Roisum's mission farewell. He leaves for the MTC April 8th, and is serving in the Rosario, Argentina mission. I'm so excited for him... and jealous. I've been trying to learn Spanish for 5 years, and pretty sure he will learn it in 3 months. Honestly! Anyways, Elder Roisum is going to be a great missionary, and those Argentine people will absolutely LOVE him.
After the farewell, we departed for UTAH.

When we left, it was basically a blizzard outside, but it turned out nicely- like the picture shows. Plus, Mom and I decided that we like driving from IF to Springville A LOT more than going from Boise to Springville. It seems way shorter.. well, maybe cuz it is.
The rest of Sunday was spent with the family, eating dinner, relaxing. It was a good Sunday!
Monday began by working out with Ashlee at Gold's Gym. Yeah, it was the only day we went there, seeing as they wanted to charge us 10$ each for a visitor's pass. It was lame, and we don't need no stinking gym! :)
After working out we went to Chuck E. Cheese to watch all the small ones play games, and then to JCW's- the Burger Place my family loves for some reason. Okay, they have good and HUGE shakes, but my grilled cheese was not that superb.

After eating, Teressa, Carter, and I went to the salon to fix my hair. NOTE TO SELF: Never get the crazy notion to dye your hair almost black again, Alyssa. No matter HOW hard Lex tries to get you to!

Ahhh it is good to be my good ol' blonde self again.
Tuesday came and went pretty quickly! We spent the whole day doing what we do best in Utah, whether I like it or not- Shopping. And I don't think that needs any further explanation.

On Wednesday I was supposed to get my senior pictures taken in Salt Lake, but because the weather just didn't want to cooperate, they were postponed until Friday. Since we were plan-less for the day, I spent much of it watching TLC with Kourtni.

We did finally go to Walmart, and here is Kourt, Linds, and myself showing our new hair.
We then ate dinner, took a pic for posterity, and went bowling at Fat Cat's.

Now THAT was a sight to behold, I am sure. Since our whole crew was there after 9 PM, we got to do some cosmic bowling, and it was just grand seeing all my aunts and cousins belting Def Leppard. Sometimes I wonder what exactly people think when they see 15+ kids and 4 or 5 women who basically look the same. But the I remember that we're in Utah. :)

And, why yes! I did get a strike off of this move dripping with technique.
Thursday I woke up to this.

Nice.
However, that didn't stop me from going to BYU for the day with Emily. I met her in the morning, and tagged along for Art History. What an experience! The room was so dark I couldn't believe everyone was staying awake, but the class was pretty interesting, so I guess that is how everyone stays wide eyed?

After class I joined back up with the family, and we walked around the BYU Art Museum, I bought some I <3 onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34fc-1035qy6KIJ-fPNWOvp6Hx1Y9wiz5fEl8_5BNhmPKy9kO7qNXPpiGowo4z86rp-b0NHk74hyphenhyphenTf9D9si0e9v2JEXQTtdtbtffnZUC7jqPjocXyxU6KoebHGBLMLt4MKTl-wKIrd9o/s1600-h/P1000652.JPG">

Some guy thought it would be a good idea to park real close to my Mom.
And her true colors shown through. Don't get Kris mad! She'll write you a NASTY note. Maybe even call you a loser once or twice. :)

Later Thursday I went back to hang out with Emily and her collegiate friends. Oh. I can't wait to go to the Y.
Friday was our BIG day. For one, it was not raining or snowing, so our moods were good. The kids were all excited cuz we were going to Boondocks, and we were all stoked for the night, when we would meet cute MAX!
After spending the morning at Boondocks, Mom and I had to take a trip to SLC to get my senior pics taken. If you haven't gotten yours yet and will be in the SLC area anytime soon, go get them done by Sara Boulter. I got them done in the downtown SLC area, and this is the only one I have right now.. but there should be more in a few weeks, so stay tuned.

After pictures, we made a quick stop at IKEA to buy a few home essentials, and then it was off to Aunt Aly's house to meet Jared, Amanda, and Max!

As you can see, my aunts couldn't get enough of him!

And quite frankly, I don't blame them! He is just too cute.
The rest of Friday was just spent hanging out with the family, taking lots of pictures, and relaxation. Oh- and Little Caesar's 5$ Pizzas. It's tradition. :)

We came back to Boise on Saturday. Spring Break was extremely fun, and I'm glad I could go see my favorite people in the world. I am so blessed to have such great friends and family in IF and UT. :)

BREAK

Was GREAT.
And now it is back to the daily grind. Well, til Wednesday, that is. On Wednesday our choir embarks to California to sing, play, and play. Ha- I can't wait.
But until then I have to decide if I feel like re-writing my senior paper.
Gag me. I'll bet you 10 bucks I don't do it.
And it's too late to write about break- I'll do it tomorrow.

Wisdom Wednesday

This year has been busy, hectic, stressful, and crazy. So, here is my advice

WW7- DO NOTHING.

Yep, that is right.
I am currently basking in the last Spring Break of my life, seeing as BYU doesn't believe in a break for their students. Like every other year, this break has been spent in Orem, Provo, Springville, and hopefully Salt Lake City, Utah.
It has been DELIGHTFUL.
I've never really been a fan of Utah, however, for some reason, SB will always be associated with hair cuts, ice cream, trips to the mall, and movies.
Let me tell you... my days are pretty productive. Today I made it all the way to Walmart to buy a flat iron after watching probably 3 or 4 hours of TLC. (Who does that?!) Anyone who knows me would say that those are two activities I do not participate in often, but I guess when in Utah, do as the Utahns do. :) Heck- I don't have to think about anything, and I can just focus on laughing with all my aunts and cousins, whom I absolutely adore.
We'll be here until Saturday, and the rest of this week will be filled with BYU and my personal guide, Emily, Senior Pictures, meeting baby Max, and crossing my fingers for less rain.
And when I get home I will post pics of Idaho Falls; painting, mission farewells, and birthday, and Utah. Be excited.

Today I turned 18

Okay, I couldn't help myself.

I really AM happy that I got luggage today, cuz whenever I got to Idaho Falls my friends make fun of my big green Rubbermaid Container.
And now, those days are OVER.

Wisdom Wednesday

WW6- Let Out Your Feelings.



and so I will. :)






PROM CAN DIE.
the end

Wisdom Wednesday

WW5: Trail Mix Etiquette
Today is more of a note to self I guess, but lately the contention in our household has been about almonds, peanuts, cashews, raisins, and M&Ms.
So I will make this short and sweet.
I have learned to not eat the M&Ms outta the trailmix.
Doing so will make people nuts. No pun intended. :)
In fact, today a certain member of my family has banned me from it all together.
Darn it. I really liked that stuff.
Trail Mix Probation... please?
Until then I'll just have to eat the next best thing... Skippy by the spoonful

July.

I Am So Excited.

The Dash

This poem sits outside of the front office at school, so it seems as I am there more and more; getting PTL's, explaining why I missed class, ect ect, I see this poem. Anways, here it is...

How Do You Live Your Dash I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning... to the end. He noted that first came her date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. (1934-1998) For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth... and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we won; the cars...the house...the cash, what matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard.. are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real, and always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never done before. If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile. Remembering that this special dash might only last a while. So, when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash... would you be proud of the things they said about how you spent your dash? by Linda Ellis

My faults.. caught on tape.

You may wonder why I would post a video like this. Well, the other day, when running over to greet Anna, the hugging guru, she made me come to a terrible realization.

I am less than adequate when it comes to giving hugs.

Okay. I'll admit it. I am NOT the most touchy person you've ever met, and really, hugging is not my favorite thing in the world... but alas, I took place in a hugging intervention. After all, Anna taught me that the first step is to admit that you're wrong. I did, and I am happy to say I am improving. The next time you see me, feel free to see just how good I have become!


Not only do I evidentially suck at hugging, I also am bad at trying new foods. Okay. I admit it! I suffer from EFF.

Extreme Food Fear.
(video coming soon)

This video is of me being forced to try a kiwi. It was definitely an interesting experience. It was hard, but I did it... even though it looked like snot. And the furry skin was a bit ambiguous.
Anways, I have a few ideas of how my EFF surfaced...
1. It's my parent's fault. I didn't like to try new things, and hey, since they were nice, they catered to me... however I do vividly remember Mom MAKING me try broccoli one time. And meatloaf. I remember taking a bite, chewing as fast as I could, trying to swallow without the taste registering, and quickly combating my gag reflex with a tall glass of Kool-Aid. (I believe it was the green flavor.. whatever that is. Or the pink one)
Disgusting.
2. I was a picky kid. I mean, when in daycare as a 2 or 3 year old, the teacher told my parents that they would really love it if I would try more than just bread sticks at lunch.
3. I am a creature of habit! When asked what my favorite meal was as a 7 year old, I proudly said, "Hamburger Helper, Jiffy Blueberry Muffins, and Jell-O!" ( Now I shudder at this... can you say MSG?)
Anyways, whatever the reason may be, I have been trying to overcome this problem one scary food at a time. It's not exactly that I am scared of trying new things... well, maybe I am. Maybe it's texture, maybe it's color, maybe it's aftertaste.
I have had a few small victories, though. For instance, I finally tried my first strawberry in 9th grade, (however I still shudder to see them when they are a little hairy) I ate a little ranch dressing at the ripe old age of 17, and my latest feat was getting an almond down.. and then a cashew.
So, we take this day by day.
I still have yet to try a peach. Those seem a little shady to me.. and cottage cheese. (Shudder)

Only In Utah

I was always wondering what exactly was in that HUGE hair..
Now I know.
And I laughed
..So will you

Wisdom Wednesday

WW4- Get Outside
Today was the first annual Outside Day!

This day was the brainchild of my AP Bio/ TREE Club Advisor, Dick Jordan after he decided that this generation of children spends too much time indoors, which in the long run can increase obesity levels, cases of ADHD, stress, and delinquency. Mr. Jordan has some serious connections, and he ended up getting a grant for this day, and with the help of his "token" juniors and seniors, we pulled off a day of fun and learning with 80+ 6th graders.
When Mr. Jordan first asked me if I wanted to help out with this initiative in December, I had no idea what I was getting myself into... but after a bazillion meetings, planning, planning, planning, and more planning, March 4th (forth) came. Yeah... the man is full of puns. Anyways, basically we had no idea how it would turn out... and all of us Student Leaders were a bit scared... but it turned out GREAT!
The day went as follows:
In the morning, we all showed up at Barber Park, and, despite the rain, around 9:30 all our 6th grade students showed up. We were all clad in spray painted shirts we had made during a previous meeting, and let me just say some of the kids' shirts looked more like Rorschach Inkblot tests... or throw up... than anything else, but they were still great! The kids in my group were stoked, and when we first gathered, our first task was to get a team name. "Awesomeness River Explorers" is what we came up with. Oh 6th graders. Afterwards, we talked about "biodiversity" and walked along the river, explored, and then did a blindfold hike. It was a hit! The kids loved leading each other, and wanted to do EVERYTHING blindfolded.
Our next rotation was orienteering. (That basically means using a compass.. don't feel bad I really didn't know what it meant until yesterday either) We used a compass and map to guide us around the park, and since the kids basically ran the ENTIRE course (Again, oh to be in 6th grade!) we had extra time for a nice game of "TREE tag" after. After this we had a bunch of experts talk to us, and then we ate lunch. All the kids brought their own food, but a guy also did a little dutch oven cooking for us- the best sourdough bread ever and blueberry cobbler. I never want to eat out of a microwave again. Serious.
After lunch, we did some turbidity (water clarity) and pH testing at the river. I think those kids know more about ecology than me. They're pretty smart.. I had one kid telling me all about rocks, deciduous and coniferous trees, ect ect ect.. and I just nodded and said, "yeahhh." After all this we did some more games and fun, and then the day was over! It was so great.
So I guess that wasn't very much "wisdom", so here is my wisdom.
GO OUTSIDE.
It's so EASY.
It's so RELAXING.
It's so BEAUTIFUL.
It's so FREE. (and that is the best!)

And a little side note: I'm gonna be on TV again.. the guy who interviewed me with the GREAT shoes this summer was at Outside Day, and I really didn't even think he remember me, but he tracked me down and asked me if I wanted to be on TV again.. this time on Idaho Public Television... a whole story about Outside Day. I said sure! He interviewed me about the day, and I tried to sound all smart-like. And I guess there is more interviewing to come.. interesting.

Love List

My mom posted a list of the things she loves, and tonight I figured I would be a good daughter and follow her lead. Here we go... the list of things that please Alyssa.

I love:

That Diana and Emily religiously read my blog.
Getting letters
Competent people who care about the world, and have a slight interest in others
Making money (and HOARDING it. Spending it is on the hate list)
Boise- Camel's Back at night, the North End, the Boise River, the Greenbelt, EVERYTHING.
Knowing where I am going to college
The paper chain that tells me how many more times I have to go to high school
When Lindsay makes cookies
Writing in my journal
Speaking Spanish and getting a whole phrase correct!
Semi-frozen raspberries
Realizing I have been spelling raspberries "rasberries" for the last 17 years...
Getting my hair trimmed and having it STRAIGHT across
Going to the dentist and getting my teeth cleaned
Straight teeth
KateSaunders... the fish in Kurt's locker.
Running outside when you feel good and your shuffle is GREAT
Going to Idaho Falls
Writing in my agenda and seeing a full schedule
The perfect pair of jeans (well.. I haven't found them yet, but I know I WOULD love them)
Pretending.... :)
Going out to eat with my parents
The HILARIOUS things that come out of Brother Hulme's mouth
Rico Suave... my bike
Playing Brick Breaker on my phone.. and beating Eric Roisum
Pictionary.. the board game
Sleeping outside
Facebook
Being left handed and smearing pencil all over my paper
Cheap things... and free things
Chapstick. NOT lipgloss
Knowing the words to an ENTIRE song
Hearing the rain outside as you fall asleep
Peanut Butter
Reminiscing my childhood and the 90's
Good people.

Cuales cosas les gusta? <3

March 1st

Winter is over.
I don't care if the groundhog saw his shadow!
I'm sure he was simply just tired, you know, wanted to sleep a little longer. But now he is awake... and ready for spring.
But I digress. It's March, and that means so many good things. For one, it means I graduate in 3 MONTHS. Yep, I shall be a free bird 3 months from today.
Kinda frightening. But good.
Which leads me to another topic... called I decided where I am going to school next year. The verdict is... (drum roll) BYU. I didn't get the Ambassador Scholarship from Utah State, and I told myself that would be the deciding factor. It's really nice knowing what will go on next year, and I have actually started dreaming about it. Well, actually I dreamed I was in Utah NEAR BYU. But it looked like Disneyland, and so I don't know how those two are connecting? Haha interesting. Anyways, things are just going REALLY fast now. Like I apply for housing on Saturday at 8 AM sharp. And I am praying that it doesn't turn out like Robie Creek. (I'm not bitter, I'm not bitter, I'm not bitter...)
What about Robie Creek, you might ask? Well, we're still training and hoping we can get some numbers! I just am praying that my death runs to the tops of remote hills with Krisatron (my mother's Transformer name... I swear she is a machine) are not in vain. If they are, however, I guess I will just be ready for track! Which, by the way, started on Friday. We'll see how that goes... Usually track is a pretty good time. Maybe this year I'll retire the spikes I've had since 7th grade (no lie) and splurge on some new ones. Hmmm.. who knows.
And I'd say that is a long enough "string-of-beads" for tonight :)