Texting. It's a Love/Hate Relationship

I got a text from this random number yesterday. He turned out to know a whole lot about me. . . Here is the conversation that ensued, my thoughts are italicized.

Mysterious number: I know where you live.

Me: Awesome. So do I--We should be friends! :) Who are you?

Mysterious number: Lara. I agree. We should be friends.
Oh yeah, now that we're friends, would you mind posting my bail?

Me: Yeah, sure. How much is it?

Lara: 2,500. But if you go through my bondsman, I only have to pay 10%.

Me: Sweet deal! I would, however, like to know why I'm paying. What did you do to incur such a large fine?

Lara: Nothing. They weren't even my drugs when I got caught.

Me: Oh you poor dear! Yeah I'll definitely bail you out! Which jail?

Lara: Fox River.
By the way, I like your roommate's new hairstyle.

Me: I know, right?! She wasn't gonna chop it off but then I convinced her that the fauxhawk was tres her! :) I'm pretty sure I love it more than she does, though :/

Lara: Tres mal for her then. I think it looks great.

Me: Me too! Although, the pink tips may have been a bit much... Thank goodness they're fading!

Not really, thank goodness.

Lara: Lol. I see what you did. She is not really that type. But it looks good curled.

Me: You must have me mistaken for someone else no you don't, but I'm getting a bit freaked out ... Her hair's too SHORT to curl!

Lara: Hmm... Well did she cut it since yesterday?

Me: No, but when she cut it it was quite short! And it's certainly growing, but it's not long enough for a curling iron!

I really hope I don't get in trouble for lying. . .

Lara: Then how did she manage to make it long enough in such a short time?

Me: A wig? Honestly, you must be confused. I don't think you know me, but that you know someone with a similar number to mine and somehow the two numbers got confused in your head.

Lara: No mistake, no confusion. You are the one with the lime green duffel...package...tube?

You mean my laundry basket?

Me: Are you certain?

Lara: Well, yes. It is complementary to your dishes.


You mean these ones?!

Now who do I know who's freaked out about my dishes coordinating with the rest of my apartment?

Me: Christian?

Lara: I'm agnostic. Are you Christian?

Me: *With all the gusto I can muster* "I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!" So yes.
There's just one trouble: I am having the hardest time believing that you are indeed a girl named Lara.

Lara: 1)A girl!?! 2)How can you believe in God, whom you have never seen, but not believe in me?!

Me: No doubt one of my many flaws. I apologize. Prince of Persia line!

Lara: Flaws? No flaws.

Me: Then you do not know me.

Lara: Well, what I know, I know from a distance. Shall we narrow the gap?

Me: Sounds like a plan. Unfortunately, you have the advantage of knowing my place of residence where I am clueless to yours! You'll have to come to me.

Lara: I do need bail...

Me: Oh that's right! I called the station and got it taken care of. They should let you out momentarily.

Lara: Then I will see you tomorrow, but will not say anything. However, I will be wearing a BYU t-shirt.

Me: Just like half the student body here?! I don't think so. No, you need to be wearing a U of U shirt. Or pink. Either/or.

Nick (At first I didn't look at who this was from and thought Lara was going creepy on me): Oh it's not that we're going somewhere farther... I just want to spend more time with you :) if that's ok.

Lara: Deal. But I will act as if I do not know you, and that this never even happened.

Me: UNLESS I pick you out. Then, because we are friends, we will talk in person.

Lara: Hmm... If you do approach me, then your first sentence must contain the word "canary."

Aaand they've known me for a while. People called me canary as a joke in high school.

Me: Why?

Lara: Because I have to buy a new shirt! It is really the least you could do to comply with my simple request.

Me: Borrow someone else's shirt. I'm sure you know someone who will share. Then I don't have to say it. What's my name?

Lara: Ambree

Me: False. You do not know me.

Lara: I'm sure there is more than one way to spell it.

Me: There is, you were just confused on how many consonants there are supposed to be.

Lara: Very well, until I am further educated, you will be known as Ambree.

Me: I hate nicknames.

Lara: Enlighten me.

Me: You tell me your real name first.

Lara: Lara Alfonso. I'm sorry, I assumed it would tell you. For the record, I was not involved in its selection.

Me: My phone isn't that smart. Do you have a nickname? My name is Cambry.

Lara: CAMBRY! I was close. Some people call me Fozzie.

Me: Well I know who you're not.

Lara: That does narrow things down.

Me: And I thought my head hurt before all this.

Lara: Put the lime in the coconut...make you feel better.

I'm done.

Me: Goodnight.

Lara: See you tomorrow. Remember the canary.

How could I possibly forget?

He texted me later and revealed his identity. It was my little brother with his new phone. Oh I was SO relieved!

Single and Proud of It

Today I am so incredibly grateful I'm single. I'll admit, sometimes it stinks, but it's much better than the confusion of dating, and the enormous pain of breaking up. I'm not ready for that. At least not right now.

I was just talking to a co-worker today and she was sharing her recent break-up story. I felt so bad for her--it was a bad one.

Talking to her made me wake up from this little fantasy I've been living in. I've thought that maybe, just maybe, a small relationship would be fine before I go on a mission, but talking to her made me realize just how blind I've been in that thinking.

I get way too attached to people for me ever to be in a "small" relationship. I would distance myself from others and, when we broke up, I would be crushed. It would cripple me in my preparations for a mission. I would still go, mind you--it's what I'm supposed to do--but it would be much harder for me to care about everything that I need to care about right now.

So I'm going to try my hardest ignore the want to have a boyfriend and focus on the things that need my attention the most right now. Here goes, well, here goes everything! Wish me luck!

An Epiphany

I think I finally figured out how to avoid almost falling asleep at work! I just need to listen to our classical radio station (and probably have some sort of food with me). Hallelujah! I was starting to worry about what to do!

Classical music is good. Good for my spirit, and good for my brain (I think). Thank goodness for it :)

Real Life Once More

So the break is over. . . Time to go back to real life.

In a some ways I don't want to. I don't want to stress about assignments, papers, and tests. I don't want to go back to being responsible. I'd rather stay at my parents' house and have FUN!

But, I also can't wait. I miss my roommate Brittney, and I miss my ward. I love my home ward and it was wonderful visiting, but I missed mission prep and seeing all my friends in the singles ward. And I actually miss my apartment. Christmas decorations and music are now legal there and I can't wait to see how we transform it! I'll be sure to keep you posted :)

So while this break was much-needed and wonderful, it's time to go back. And you know what? I'm ready for it. Here we go again :)

What Do You Think?

I found these glasses in the hallway at my parents' house. I put them on as a joke saying I could be hipster with them, but then my dad told me that they were actually cute. So I've kept them on (for the past ten minutes, at least).

It's a good thing I don't need glasses for real because these ones keep sliding down my little nose, and it's driving me nuts. I don't know if I'll be able to keep them on all day, but I'll try. 'Cause apparently they look cute. What do you think?

Happy Thanksgiving!

There truly is so much to be thankful for.

I am so grateful for family, friends, and the gospel. They offer me so much comfort and aid in times of trouble. I can always count on them.

I'm thankful for music, freedom, and love. I am truly blessed. My Heavenly Father has been so good to me. He has given me everything. Everything! And there is so much to be thankful for. Truly.

What are you thankful for?

Fine

Fine is a lie.

At least, for me it is.

If ever someone asks me how I'm doing and I say fine, I'm lying.

I'm not lying just for the heck of it, but I'm lying so I don't bother other people with my problems.

Either that or I'm angry with them and want them to leave me alone.

But usually it's the former. And it's something I need to fix. I need to accept that I'm not the only person on this planet. Heavenly Father knew what He was doing when He placed people on this earth with each other. We are able to help each other, strengthen each other, provide for each other.

It's just that, sometimes, I'm too stubborn in my independence to see that. So I'm going to try and fix it. I'm going to stop saying I'm fine when I'm not. I don't have to ask everyone to solve every problem I encounter, but I can accept their help when I really do need it. That way, when the words "I'm fine" come out of my mouth, I'll be telling the truth.

A War Worth Waging

About half an hour ago I decided to engage in war.

This was my opponent:

It was a long and tedious battle, but I persisted:

Finally, the battle was over. I won:

These jewels are definitely worth it.

I've decided something, though: pomegranates are not a quick snack. They are most definitely a sit-down (and hopefully be social) kind of food.

And the best part is, my fingers aren't even stained!

God's Chisel

So in Sunday School today our teacher showed us this awesome video. Watch it. It's well worth your time.

Remember. Trials aren't easy, but they refine us, making us more like our Heavenly Father.

Remember. You are God's original masterpiece. He knows you better than you know yourself. He knows your potential and He loves you enough to help you achieve it.

Remember. God doesn't make junk. You are priceless.

Sentimental

I think something about your first real crush is special. It sticks. It becomes a part of you and stays there for forever.

At least, that's how it is for me.

My first real crush happened when I was a Sophomore in high school. We'd met over the summer at a couple of stake dances and a pool party. We found out that we were in the same band class, we ate lunch together. He brought his friends into my life and I was able to learn from them and grow to love them so much. I'm still friends with the majority of them.

He was the first boy I ever held hands with. It was Halloween and we were watching Monsters Inc. at a party. I wasn't planning to hold his hand, but then it happened. It was exciting and terrifying at the same time. It didn't help that, when my two best friends noticed, they left the theater for a clandestine meeting.

He and I never kissed, but we liked each other all through the school year and into the summer. He took me to Prom. He told me he loved me.

I think I was difficult to like. You see, I had decided that I was going to be obedient to the counsel of the prophets and not have a boyfriend in high school. So I created boundary after boundary, explaining to the poor boy why we couldn't hold hands, why I couldn't have a boyfriend.

It was usually me who changed the rules and allowed the hand-holding to resume.

We held hands under the lunch table. We thought we were so secretive, but everyone knew exactly what was going on.

On Valentine's Day, he "heart-attacked" my locker. I gave him an enormous valentine (about a square foot or so) filled with words of my affection. Last I heard, he still has it. And I still find little paper hearts in various stashes in my room, my books, my journal. I guess neither one of us really let go.

We "broke up" over the summer between our Sophomore and Junior years. We were never officially together. It was done over e-mail, which was stupid. What you truly want conveyed can never be fully shown without sound. Words were said that hurt. We didn't talk Junior year.

Then, Senior year came around. He was in jazz band with my best friend. He asked her why I hated him, she didn't understand the question. Junior year was a result of no communication. We each spent the time giving the other the space we thought they needed. We didn't want to hurt each other, but that's what we ended up doing.

Senior year was miraculous. We talked, we laughed, we teased. It was like nothing had ever happened. We didn't like each other again, but we were good friends. I was able to talk to him when I needed to smile. He always could make me smile.

The summer after graduation we went on a date. We went to go see an outdoor movie and it was cold. We shared a blanket and ended up holding hands again. We decided to see what happened between us. Nothing did and we were able to go back to being friends. He's remarkable at that.

We're attending different universities, but we've still kept in touch a little bit. He and another friend showed up at my apartment one night because they were out running and ended up here. The four of us had a marvelous time and I was sad to send them away. I decided that I'd keep in better touch with him.

I was having a rough day a little while later and impulsively decided to call him. Again, I was amazed with how easily a smile crept onto my face and how it stayed there the entire duration of our conversation. It was like Sophomore year, but both of us have matured significantly. We decided that we needed to do something again soon.

That something happened tonight. We watched a movie together at another friend's apartment and by the end he was rubbing my arm just like he used to. He is still so sweet, and having him do that brought back a flood of old memories and emotions.

I think those emotions have faded some, but they're still there. I still care for him a great deal and I think I always will. We get along. We work together. We have fun.

A while after he dropped me off I got a text from him:

"You're still very beautiful by the way :) just so you know."

When I asked him what time he was comparing me to I got this in response:

"Comparing you to when I first met you and through high school. There are girls that aren't that cute anymore for some reason. But you are :) sweet dreams"

There is definitely still a tender spot for him in my heart. It depends on the day how large that spot is, but I suspect it will always be there. And you know? I'm okay with that.

Pictures

So I created a slideshow of a bunch of my pictures for a friend and I want to share it with you guys. Click here if you want to see it. I hope you like it :)

It's super big by the way.

Oh. Okay!

So if any of you aren't familiar with BYU schedules, the school is kind enough to provide you with a suggested schedule for getting your GEs done along with the required courses for your major.

I've come to realize that they do this for a reason. And that the suggestions they make should be carefully considered if and before you decide to throw them out the window.

Basically,

If they suggest that you take American Heritage one semester and First Year Writing the other you should take the advice. It's not an insult on your intelligence or ability to handle the rigor, it's just a friendly suggestion that will make your life easier.

I didn't take the advice.

And I'm kicking myself a little bit.

You see, not only am I enrolled in both courses in one semester, I'm taking them on the same days, one right after the other. I have two-ish essays due tomorrow: the first one is for American Heritage and that one's due at eight tomorrow (now this) morning. The second was graciously changed to a detailed outline rather than the actual essay, but I haven't even started that one. It's due at one.

So next time I see a suggestion on MyMap regarding which courses I should take, I'm going to say "Oh. Okay!" rather than defiantly sign up for the course anyway. I'd recommend, if this is at all pertinent to you, to do the same. Take good advice into careful consideration. You never know how much it will save you in the end :)

Food--Kind of

When I went home yesterday, I had a list of things to do, and a list of things to grab. And a grocery list.

Yesterday, I brought home FOOD:

Don't worry, I bought groceries too, but this is the food I was most excited about. You see, I love to read. It's something that feeds me. It makes me able to handle the real world.

Before you dis my childish taste, realize that I'm in college. I have enough academic reading to trudge through. The purpose of these books is to take me away into another place. A place with princes and princesses, magic, and friendship. (Don't worry. I don't have to turn to books to experience friendship--I can readily find this in the real world)

I purposefully chose books that I can read easily and quickly. These are the books that I turn to on days where the world looks like this:

Beautiful, but chilly. Book-reading weather.

Come to think of it, for me, all weather is book-reading weather. Good thing I'm an English major, yeah?

A Song

I don't know about anyone else, but I associate certain sounds, certain songs, with people in my life.

Someone I often find myself connecting things to is my dad.

My dad loves music, and he loves the same music he's loved since as long as I can remember.

So whenever I hear Enya I am immediately taken back to the nights where I would lie in my bed listening as the music mixed with the sounds of dishes being washed floated up in a symphony unique to my dad. He created it, and he created it often.

Another musician I associate with my dad is Yanni. I didn't realize this as the case until recently. He was driving me home from work and started talking about this pianist. Then, to illustrate how beautiful a certain song was he put on the cd as soon as we were home. Again, a familiar, beloved melody floated to my ears. I grinned.

I heard this song over the phone at work the other week and tried desperately to find it. Here it is. This song is a link to my dad. I hope you love it too. . .

Real Snow

So you remember how I posted about snow a while back?

That didn't count.

The snow didn't stick.

Today however. . .

This one's in here mostly because this is probably the only time there will be a picture of me smiling because I'm happy it's snowing.

It's a good Friday :)

The Dangers of Dinner

Sometimes, when you're sauteing onions, they will jump out of the pan and bite you:

I honestly don't know how I managed this. The onion literally jumped out of the pan and make an angry home on my arm! Ah well. It's kind of funny. At least, I'm laughing at myself :D And dinner was super good so it was almost worth it. Almost.

Soneto de la Noche

I came across this song at work last week and have fallen in love with it. I hope I'll be able to participate in groups as good as this one for the rest of my life. University Chorale is good for an easy class, but it doesn't do for me what good music (like this video) does. For now I'll wait out the semester and then join an audition band. I miss the bassoon. . . A LOT!

In any case, I hope you enjoy this video as much as I do:

Compliments and Cambry

There are five "love languages" or different ways people feel and express love:

1. Quality Time
2. Words of Affirmation
3. Service
4. Physical Touch
5. Gifts

Everyone has a "primary love language" that makes them feel loved. The other four are nice, but without regular manifestations of their primary language they feel used, not loved.

My primary love language is Words of Affirmation. Words, if they're positive, have the power to make my day. Negative words crush me much more than they should. Compliments make my day.

However, compliments are kind of particular when it comes to me and how I receive them:

• They have to be sincere, otherwise I disregard them (and likely ones that come in the future).
• They have to be legitimate (not "you're voice isn't too shabby").
• They have to be something that won't affect my future performance because I feel pressure (i.e., when my band director compliments me on how I nailed a certain part I freeze up on that part forevermore because I get nervous).
• They have to be spontaneous (you notice something and say something, you don't pull a Mr. Collins and think about possible compliments to give days beforehand).
• And you have to actually vocalize them (or put them in a note. Notes are good).

So when someone tells me that I have a beautiful smile I want to smile more. Sometimes I'll even laugh happily to myself. That's happened to me a bunch lately and it makes me so happy, so much more willing to smile at people I may not know. Like I said. Compliments, when given correctly, make my day. And I give compliments all the time even though not everyone receives them the way I do. They just make me happy.

Skittles

The orange ones are the best.

Then come the red ones. . .

. . .And then the yellow ones. . .

. . .And then purple (But you can't mix those ones with any of the others because it will taste nasty)

And then green.

I love Skittles :)

The End.

P.S. This was probably the most pointless blog post in the history of blog posts. But I just ate Skittles that I found in my backpack (my little brother must have put them there for me) and it made me happy :)

The End for reals

Halloween 2012

I have the most benign costumes ever. I always have, and I probably always will.

You see, I'm terrified of looking foolish.

Ever.

I really should get over that soon. . . I'm getting better, but I'm not quite there. Someday.

Anyways, I have always wanted to dress up as a princess, a cute witch, a princess, a fairy, a princess. . . you get the idea.

Well Halloween snuck up on me this year and I found myself frantically racking my brain for something cute (surprise) and cheap.

So I was a little girl:

Like I said: the most benign costumes ever. People had to ask me what I was. . . I don't blame them :)

My cookie monster started laughing in class on multiple occasions. . . That was fun. . .

Oh yeah! And Brittney was a cat:

Basically, we're adorable :)

And the best part of Halloween was the fact that we had trick-or-treaters. We didn't have nearly as many as we were prepared for, but we had some. They made my night :)

Halloween was fabulous :)