Words Cannot Describe

Guess who's joining the Circus!!!!!

2011-11-24T20:00:00.001-08:00

That would be me. You should probably be jealous of me flying through the air being caught by a man with -7% body fat. The first time I climbed up the ladder to the platform, my head was saying: "I must be crazy, why am I climbing up a 30 foot ladder to then jump off?" As you reach the top of the platform you chalk up your hands and the assistant pulls you around to hook you in. After you are hooked in you have to let go of the anchor on the platform, trust that the assistant is holding you up and grab onto the bar with your other hand while you are completely leaning your body over a 30 foot drop. They then say: "ready" you bend your knees and 'hup' jump off the platform into an imaginary basketball hoop. Then the adrenaline takes over. The rest is history. After I graduate I will be joining the local circus troupe- keep your eyes open for cirque du soleil tickets!

Enjoy!

My Triumph!

2011-07-27T17:10:00.000-07:00

Driven by the long riding desire to put my old radio in my new car (pun intended) today I finally accomplished my goal!!!!!!

Don't even worry, I definitely looked like her, however, instead of assembling airplanes and bombs to go to another country in defense of this beautiful land, I assembled my modern day fighter jet. This baby and I have seriously bonded. The chariot- as I fondly call him- underwent a frightening operation where at one point his beautiful wood covering completely peeled away left him looking bare:

Fortunately, the surgeon didn't leave him open for long.

The good news? Aesthetically, the plastic surgery was successful, everything is back in place and the Chariot is recovering well. Mechanically? We now have iPod capabilities!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But seriously, I feel very accomplished. And I have bettered my quality of life by at least 4%.

The final product?

Would you believe that only took me an hour? :)

That is all.

Yes

2011-06-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

Why does the world of teenage girls (and maybe me) find Zac Efron extremely attractive? Is it because he's an amazing actor? Probably not. Is it because he can sing and dance like an angel? Maybe. Is it because in almost every picture, his shirt is either off or he's pullin' it up? quite possibly.

Anyways... food for thought.

Petition

2011-05-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Odegaard Undergraduate Library,

Thank you for providing me with textbooks that I cannot afford to buy, and thank you for providing me with a view of the Seattle skyline from your corner desk on the silent floor. However, I do recommend that you get new carpets and I don't appreciate the greasy books from everyone else touching them. If you could provide me with freshly laundered textbooks (especially during cold and flu season) I would greatly appreciate it. If it wouldn't raise my tuition by 100% I might ask you to even burn yourself to the ground and start over.
Thank you again for your academic support.

Sincerely,

Maren

Cooking Fail

2011-04-19T23:52:00.000-07:00

Today after I got home from school around 9 I decided it would be a good thing to eat dinner. So I ATTEMPTED to make sausage, eggs, potatoes, onions and broccoli for greens (see! I can be healthy when I want to). When I went to pull my sausage off the pan- still red, and I definitely burned a hole in my roommates potato bag with the hot pan (shhhh!)
When I went to pull an egg out of the carton: "break!" eggs juices everywhere in the fridge.
When I went to crack another egg into the pan, 'crack too soon' eggs juices running down the side of the pan an onto the stove. (although fyi, my eggs turned out delish!)
no mishaps with the potatoes and I still have all my fingers.
When I went downstairs to my roommates room to eat said fail-food, 'spill' water all over her first-aid kit backpack.
It was pretty much a food fail tonight, although everything eventually turned out tasting really good, I'm quite proud that I accomplished even that after all the roughness.

gooing to bed!
:) Maren
p.s. all the words in the quotation marks are supposed to be sound effects (like home star runner or a poorly made cartoon)

Preparing the Chariot

2011-03-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

"Gentlemen! Take my Princess for a ride on her chariot!"

The first thing that the soul-patched-earring-wearing Jiffy Lube employee said to me was: "mm mmm, I love Acuras that color!"

"Health, Good humor and Cheerfulness began to reappear"

2011-03-12T23:59:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JMXcMDAxyM&feature=BF&list=PL815D40E7411F7649&index=7
Today, I sanitized my whole life. now I need to go moisturize my life. Hope that everyone is surviving finals and studying. Remember to spring forward. :)

sleep time now.

:) probably only Becca will understand this.

Carbonated Salsa? Yes, Please.

2011-03-02T23:01:00.000-08:00

every time I go to open up my salsa container now, it is really full of gases and 'exhales' them if you will as I untwist the cap. The first time it happened I mostly just thought it was weird... then today when i actually tasted my salsa (by the way- it smelled TOTALLY fine) it hit my tongue and was super carbonated tasting. You know that bubbly taste that soda give you right as it hits your tongue... yeah. Needless to say I stopped eating it pretty quick. At first I couldn't tell if it was the spiciness; but no, I think it might be weird. So then as I am going to dump it in the food waster container, I accidentally drop the bowl and carbonated salsa literally splatters all over my floor. So then i grab my handy-dandy 409 to just pick all of it up with my paper towels. As I was finishing up the last of the wipe up, i noticed that the paper towel was a little brown... either dirt or varnish. I don't know. Moral of the story is, check 409 before putting in on any surface and don't eat carbonated salsa. Now my room smells like carbonated salsa and lemon 409... mmmm.
Also. Tonight was the second night in a quarter that I forgot my towel when i got in the shower. So then your half-delusional self has to weigh the options. Ok... what is the percent chance that my roommates are in the kitchen right now? What is the percent chance that the hand towel is clean? What is the percent chance that i'll have to put my dirty clothes back on my now dripping-wet body, one of the worst feelings in the world? Needless to say, I can't wait to have my closet attached to my bathroom for such occasions as these.

Word of the day? Lugubriousness. Don't be this. that is all.

Criteria

2011-02-27T23:38:00.000-08:00

So I went over to some darling friends' house today and had dinner with my roommates. They had decided to try and set me up with a guy who is quite a bit older than me. Here are the 'selling' points:
He puts the seat down and forces his roommate to do that also
He is as 'uptight' as I am- whatever that means

I forget what the other things were but I definitely think that putting the seat down is the selling point. :)

Goodnight!

What did you get for Valentine's Day?

2011-02-14T22:46:00.000-08:00

Well, I hope it was special. Amongst some wonderful, thoughtful Valentine's (which were also appreciated and unexpected and loved), Mom surprised me with a car. Beat that Cupid! Here's a little window into my soul: I REALLY appreciate metal things, and especially useful metal things. So as you're wondering who that really awesome girl is in her new/old ride that may or may not being slightly gansta, remember that Valentine's Day is not all bad.

that is all.

disclaimer: this does not in any way negate any wonderful valentine's that I received today.

Rekindled Desire

2011-02-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

Seeing Myke in Germany and talking to my Dad who is Abu Dhabi this morning made me remember that I really want to travel. I forgot in the hustle and bustle of school and work. Time to get a job so I can travel. Israel (when its safer...), Germany, I wouldn't mind Abu Dhabi, Egypt (also when its safer), Australia (but only if Hugh Jackman is there ;)) oh so many places. I guess I'll just have to be content with the magical land of Harry Potter.

food is now going into my mouth. that is all. :)

so much magic

2011-02-06T22:40:00.000-08:00

things are coming together my friends... let's just say that I love watching magic happen. I mean, being a part of it is great too but watching it is fantastic.

low point of the week: my friend was trying to explain something to me about plant physiology and light because we had a test the next day. as he was explaining things to me, my mind started wandering to the block of cream cheese that I have in my fridge and how i was going to consume it. I'm feeling pretty stressed right now about using all the resources i have and for some reason making sure that I use this cream cheese is a real concern. I don't want it to go bad like the last cream cheese I had... plus I don't have bagels to put it on nor can i eat bagels.... point is, my friend finishes explaining this principle to me and i nod my head in agreement then say: "wait...can you please repeat that, i'm really sorry, i was thinking about cream cheese..."

high point of the week: so many: words cannot describe.

that is all.

A Walk to Remember

2011-01-30T17:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday: 1, 2, 3 boys at my house to watch a movie... what did they choose? A WALK TO REMEMBER. That being said, it was lovely. (Their second choice was Runaway Bride-I guess sometimes you just need an excuse to watch a girl movie)

Today: Finding an Eternal Companion is going to be hard. I came across the word 'slog' today and I think sometimes it can feel like 'slogging' (not to be confused with snogging-a more fun way to share saliva) but we can find joy in the journey. The work is necessary, people will walk in and out of our lives, there will be joyous times, hilarious times, slogging times but as I look at my adorable nephew I feel assured that it will be worth it. It will be A Walk to Remember.

Disclaimer: this thought shared with you does not have anything to do with any recent dating experiences, these are just my thoughts as I got home from attending the Single's ward today.

Done and Done

2011-01-24T22:30:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things is working so hard all day and realizing that you have checked off everything you needed to do. It is SO satisfying.

Life is hard. BUT: the good news is, we get to choose how to respond. Lots of times, I look back at a situation and think: "I should've said that this way, or I really should not have let that happen, or I need to change how I look at that person" but all we can do is our best everyday. i'm learning how to be content with that. Tomorrow is a new day, everything looks better in the morning, of course once you've had breakfast. Although, I have had some mornings where nothing looked better, but even then, I chose to look at it that way.

That is all. Carry on.

Dear Hugh,

2011-01-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

Why are you so ruggedly handsome? Why do I love watching you even though I know I will never have a chance to win your heart? Why do I get pleasure from watching you kiss Nicole Kidman? Don't worry, it has nothing to do with my fantasizing that I have replaced her...

Please always cry. Please always have a beard. Please save me from the world in which I live.

I'll be waiting.

Love, Maren

Happy New Year?!

2011-01-01T02:26:00.000-08:00

The insignifighanigans started when I was driving myself down to Exhibition Hall (downtown Seattle) and I took a wrong turn by my house and had to turn around. Then as I was turning left to get onto 45th the guy coming towards me flashed his lights at me reminding me that my lights weren't on. Great. Thanks guy! So as I'm struggling to turn them on (you have to understand that the truck has a dimmer switch on the floor, I swear I didn't touch it at all but it likes to play games with me) my lights are flashing all over the place. Then I see a cop tailing me pretty close. So he pulls me over. Here's the best news: he was the youngest most attractive cop ever. I was actually quite relieved because I figured I could 1. get my lights on so I wouldn't die on the freeway and 2. I somehow new it would be a man so if he was older, then I am just trying to get the lights to work on Daddy's truck and if he was younger then I am the girl who recently had to borrow this truck and still isn't quite used to how to get the lights on. Well, he was the young type so I just told him I was really sorry but relieved that he pulled me over. After struggling with my lights for a few minutes we finally got them working and he checked my license and registration and I got off Scott-free. Aren't you glad you got to see a little into the mind of Maren... there's a little nugget of how I work for you, although I might get myself into trouble for revealing some of these thought processes. Anyways, I got myself there, danced with some old friends and some new ones. Can we talk about how I love fresh RM's, they seriously crack me up: "girls, girls, there are girls everywhere and I don't know what to do....maybe I should invite them to church, or maybe if I put my head down they won't look at me... no wait, I'm supposed to look at them now." That's not quite how these boys were but they were still real fresh. The fireworks off the space needle were fun and then we danced for a little while longer. Miraculously we all got ourselves home without any sort of mishap (me and the three boys). I thank Dean and his friend for not letting me die by walking to my car in downtown Seattle at 1:30 in the morning. The only problem is that my house key doesn't open the deadbolt...so I was locked out (by this time it was 2 am...) luckily, my roommate woke up and I was able to get in, that would've been scary.

Anyways, make lots of good goals and be happy. It is going to be a FANTASTIC year. Make the most of it.

ummmmm

2010-12-31T15:26:00.000-08:00

Can we talk for a second about how I have the BIGGEST crush on Jeremy Northam. He's just a normal looking tall, dark and Handsome man. It doesn't hurt that he plays in a Jane Austen movie.

Man. If I were older...

Funeral March

2010-12-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

Guys, she's dead. My heart goes with her. :(

Darcy the Valiant has called it quits.

2010-12-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

"Cases of Tapeworm are on the rise around the nation this season as people are eating more and more sushi. Tapeworm, a parasite that live in your intestines and can sometimes burrow into the walls of your stomach lining and survive for up to 3 years, can be acquired from eating sushi and especially homemade sushi. Sometimes the parasite can grow up to 25 feet long and must be surgically removed. The parasite is most commonly found in cod, and wild salmon. Most professional sushi restaurants must freeze their fish for at least a week, a process demanded by the officials that kills all parasite within the fish. A perfect recipe for disaster is to make undercooked sushi at home and it has been advised that doing so should be kept at a minimum. Does this mean that you should stop eating sushi? No, just be aware of what you're consuming and who is preparing it. Happy Holidays all sushi consumers!"

Thank you Mr. Radio announcer. I'm glad that I didn't go on a date a couple weeks ago where cod, wild salmon, scallops and squid were the innards of my homemade sushi...

Thank you Mr. Radio announcer for adding one more paranoia to my growing list. Do you think my constant need for lots of food is a bad sign?

Booth Day Continued

2010-12-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

So on Monday I took Mom to the airport my car exploded. Literally, there is no reason I should be a live right now. This picture proves how unlikely it is that I could survive the flaming mass of metal. In reality it looks like it's just a heater hose that is leaking coolant everywhere. It was scary trying to get home though. Every time I slowed down past 35 it would start smoking. Needless to say I got myself home and have opened the hood many times to do some diagnostic work. It should be fixed by the end of the week. So I frantically call Dad :"Dad, i'm about to die, tell Mom I love her and tell Sophie she can have my room." He informs me that he's currently on the other line with Mom who can't find her reservation to get on the plane and neither can the airline. Poor Dad, two scared Women who may possibly be hysterical (I can't for sure say that Mom was hysterical- I didn't hear her but I may have been freaking a teeny bit) calling him at the same time. He wins the award for getting us all successfully home and on our way even getting Sophie to school without breaking a sweat. Anyways, Mom got on the plane, I got home and everything is slowly working itself out.

Hope all of you had an eventful week like I did. :)

You know it's been a Booth Day when...

2010-12-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

1. Mom tells you to go get the garbage cans and the monster one with the attached lid flips back in the wind and breaks your nose... well almost breaks it. Props to Sophie for not being scared of garbage cans for the rest of her life!

2. You get a phone call at work telling you that the cap on the back of your monster truck was blown off by the wind.

3. Dad's major concern is his baby Truck's cap, the quintessential question flying around the vast expanse is: 'can it be salvaged?'

It will be a Booth weekend for sure: filled with Christmas, swim meets, concerts, work parties, choir rehearsals, finals, babies lots and lots of driving, mistletoe mischief (no ideas Tom) and an overall lack of sleep.

I LOVE BEING A BOOTH! ;)

what's that?

2010-12-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

Can we talk for a sec about why i keep procrastinating homework tonight?

Good, I didn't really want to either. But I'm sure my textbooks would like to have that chat... oh early bedtimes, how I love you.

Today my roommate and I went to the IMA (Intramural Activities building) and 'worked out'. Well, technically we did ride bikes for 15 minutes but then we popcorned around the free weights room playing on whatever machine we could find. Lesson of the afternoon: don't try to get your fitness back between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Today I've been thinking about the talk: The Healing Power of Forgiveness by James E. Faust. How did those people have such prepared hearts to forgive the killer of their children? Oh how I wish I knew their secret.

p.s. HAPPY DECEMBER! Remember: He is Christmas.

p.p.s. this day just got 100% better. I looked at my calculus test score from yesterday.... 40/50 people!!!!!! This is huge considering that my last test score was 25/50 and my prof grades on improvement! I was only hoping for a 35. Someone loves me. :[] That is all.

Parallel

2010-11-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen the Wedding planner? Do you know the part where Mary idiotically hides behind Matthew McConahuey at the outdoor flower market because she sees her ex-fiance and his new wife? How can you blame her right? They had some serious history together. I don't judge her too harshly because it was probably just a knee-jerk reaction, he caught her off guard, it never occurred to her that she might see him in some random market. (If you need a reminder youtube: the wedding planner part 7-10 and fast forward to minute 3-4:13)

welll.... I had my 'Mary' moment yesterday during the Black Friday Festivities. Have you ever had one of those people that comes into your life and so affects you that you find yourself "getting drinks" at Woods kind of before you can be rational enough to figure out that this person is, in fact, forbidden fruit? That happened to me this fall. This guy was so good, so warm, so cute...it was definitely a "powerless to resist", zombie kind of moment. I found myself starting to go there and it really horrified me how close I got to falling into the deep end of the pool. Anyway, this guy would not have helped me achieve my goals, but, oh, what a catch for someone else. Well, as I was shopping with my mom and little sister, I suddenly went PTSS when I saw him for the first time since leaving for school. So what does this look like? I idiotically ducked behind my mother and ran away "oh my gosh! It's so and so!" I then ran as fast as I could to the nearest store and projectiled myself behind neatly stacked piles of merchandise. Needless to say, it was not one of my finer moments... but still. HE CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD!

In my dreams I would've politely and calmly "hello, how are you doing this fine holiday season? Oh yes, school is wonderful. I have some really fun boyfriends, oh well you know, friends that are boys..." But instead Ugly-Maren emerged from the back closet she gets shoved into.

Better luck next time.

(all illustrations kindly provided by Sophia Booth)

NEW FLASH: THIS JUST IN... i have been a terrible influence on my sister. I have been informed that this knee-jerk reaction is spreading. Please watch out for signs of PTSS or sudden 'duck and cover' inclinations. If needed, please see a health care professional as soon as possible.

SNOW DAY!!

2010-11-23T19:14:00.002-08:00

Guess. What.

Today there was no school because of the snow/potential ice. So naturally, I got all dressed up....

My calculus test was cancelled. I threw snowballs at my roommates car. Dessert crepes and Beauty and the Beast look to be in my future. Today has been a good day.

95 pumpkins dressin up like the tooth fairy

2010-10-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

Yep: This is what the tooth fairy's make-up looked like this weekend... more pictures to come.

Here's my favorite part about taking Aunt Betty to dinner. 1. She is allergic to too much fat, sugar, potatoes... pause

Swan Princess: Today for Sunday School we talked about Priesthood holder exercising unrighteous dominion. I'm fairly certain that Rothbart is exercising unrighteous dominion by

turning Odette into a swan and making her marry him in order to get his kingdom. Lesson: do

not date men who turn you into a swan until you marry them. Way to apply Sunday School to real life- pat on the back Maren!

Anyways: Aunt Betty is allergic to many things and her Doctor has told her to 'cut back' on all these things. So I take her out to dinner/ she takes me and what does she 'cut back' on?

AB: "I want the special"

Server: "Do you want mashed potatoes or a baked potato?"

AB: "Oh, I can't eat potatoes- can you please slice up a tomato and put it on the side?"

Server: "Yes of course... tonight for dessert we have carrot cake, vanilla ice cream and mocha almond fudge ice cream"

AB: "oooo! I want the Mocha-almond fudge, it's my favorite"

yep, you read that right, she cuts back on potatoes!

Here's my other favorite thing: As we were driving home I was driving downhill which obviously means that I was speeding a teensy bit and we had literally just passed a 25 mph sign.

AB: "Maren, are you going 25?"

Me: "ummm. NO..."

AB: "That's what I thought"

Oh if only I could always be chewed out by a 95 year old woman!

In other news, I received my pumpkin! Once I get the pictures from the process I will explai

n it, for now, here's the pumpkin:

Alright, I better go finish the Swan Princess. p.s. my new roommates and I are CRAZY! I laugh SO MUCH... so if you want to listen to how crazy we are, talk on the phone with me while they are in the room.

Words Cannot Describe.

Words Cannot Describe

2010-10-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight. I looked like this:

Only imagine an 80's dress that is krinkly with fishnet tights and the make-up on my eyes is MUCH greener than it looks.

Also, 1 thing on my bucket list can be checked off. Today I learned how to blow glass! As a late Birthday present (Thank you!) I learned how to make a glass pumpkin and hopefully I will have it sometime this week... unless it gets personally delivered to my house, in which case I will be subscribing to the witness protection program. Speaking of which, last night I had a dream where I saw someone who had been murdered in my shed. I blame that on Mom. It was really scary.

Words cannot describe:

how much I have laughed this weekend
how cool it is to be in the presence of people who go 'all out'
how mischievous I feel with my new roommates
how I love girls' weekends
how I love family
how I love my planner
my need for a nap
my love for the Temple
my newfound love for pandora
my desire to go to Israel
how much I want to see Diggum!
my attempts at being daring

words cannot describe.

Friday Evening

2010-10-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

What am I doing?

GOING TO BED!!! Guess what my friends... this may be the earliest night I have had all week... in hopes that I get more done tomorrow. I will attempt. Maybe I'll even get to sleep in till 7!

Also. If you're in the mood to hear some crazy things come out of my mouth, come on over. I have gotten to the point where that filter that I have worked hard to put on my mouth (in regards to potentially very awkward comments) has come off. Things like, "once you pulled up your pants..." and "rub them down with a blanket"...... .... I promise, I don't mean anything by them, but the filter that helps me realize the potential awkwardness of them is gone. Week three my friends, week three. I am tired and it may be entertaining to you!

oh my, where did my filter go?

pictures of school to come!

maren

Hometown Pride

2010-09-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

Although this video may not convince you of it, there are people who have more hometown pride than I do. If you have ever heard Michelle Crapo talk about Wenatchee, then you know I'm right. In the meantime, feel free to check my cool little city. It's adorable.

BHAM-the coolest in the world.

stay tuned...

well well, here we are

2010-08-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

So. The wedding was successful. The lovebirds are on their honeymoon, Sophie, Alex, Kristine and Robert are at Aunt Lois's at the fair and now here sit Mom and I at the kitchen counter discussing life and watching Nanny McPhee. What is there more to life? Serious life conversations, a good movie and the satisfaction of good relationships.

All I can say now is, it's time to get our party on for the reception!

Well....there's a quick note for you. You may get more if you're good!

yours truly,

Maren

Mr. Darcy has arrived at Rosings!!!!

2010-08-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

I never understood why Colonial Fitzwilliam and Lizzie never got together. I mean, I realize that she is supposed to end up with Mr. Darcy, but Colonial Fitzwilliam was waaay more fun and happy. I feel like that's way more attractive than the brooding dark quiet one. Although... I guess it depends on what mood I'm in and I guess Lizzie is fairly brooding or at least pessimistic.

Sometimes Mr. Darcy can be soooooo awkward sometimes. "oh hey... let me just come hang out with you alone and sneakily figure out if you would be willing to marry me at all....50 miles... too long from Longbourne? No waay! You wouldn't want to be too close to Longbourne...right?" oh awkward social situations. I feel like I find myself in them all the time... at least once a day. You can just ask my family, they usually get the story.

[[';p;'

love ROBERTo eL GIGANTE!!

F BHMMNMMMMMMMMMMM BBBBBBBBBBBB NRNBRNB

You see, he IS very prohfmg proficient a tvgfjhn TYPIN g. AND loves TO HELP ME TYpE. b . which usually urrr577 rESULTS IN MNANY random windows opening and shutting. It's quite exciting for him... Well. I better get going.

JOY!!! Life is happy and I am EXTREMELY grateful to have so many people to watch who are so faithful and find joy in trials. I love this Life and I love my family.

Love Maren

What am I doing up?

2010-07-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It's actually quite ridiculous that I'm awake right now. I've been working 60 hours a week for the past 7 weeks with every Saturday an 8 hour shift and then a quick get-a-way to another venue to finally get to play. This Saturday was a little different. Instead of an 8 hour shift, I worked 10 (don't ask why, I don't know either) and then Mom picked me up and we went shopping so I could spend more money on clothes for the rest of the summer and for school. Yaay! The verdict? I don't know how much money I spent this last week but it was fun and a little painful on the checkbook but necessary. So, no more purchases for a while...at least the next two weeks. But I did end up with a whole ton of new fun shoes, shirts and a few other necessities. But mostly it was a normal Saturday. And in the end even though I have spent the entire last week working, I am still awake... I must be crazy!

So, have you ever noticed that the hardest times to go through are the times that you learn/change/grow the most? And then it's hard to see the progress because you are in the middle of it all but as you look back you realize how much you changed and grew. I can't really believe how much the last 7 weeks has taught me. It seems a little counter-intuitive to have learned more (at least that I see) when I'm out of school than when I'm in school. And even if that thing you've been working so hard for doesn't actually come your way, somehow it doesn't matter because you realize how much you learned in the process of working towards it. Anyways... I know I'm being vague, I enjoy being vague... I feel like I can throw people off my scent if I'm vague... Not that there's much to 'scent', but still. I better hit the hay, cause it's comin real hard!

Maren

p.s. you know it's a good day when your supervisor gives you bubbles in the office and tells you that it's ok to blow them in the office... it's been a good day. :)

Linear Reality

2010-07-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

It's going away.

From now on, expect the unexpected. Do I have any idea how I'm going to break this pattern? nope. But it will happen.

but for now, bedtime. Girl's gotta get some sleep before she changes her decision making paradigm.

sleep well.

Weeeell.

2010-07-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ok. so maybe I didn't ever get back to my blogging career but I'm going to try and give an update now before institute. I have been working 60 hours a week which will be good when it comes time to pay for school and living again. When you work that many hours you get real close to your co-workers and it has been SO fun. I also start work at 5:30, A. M. so, things get real crazy about 2 pm. I also have a co-worker who has decided it's fun to 'call' me on his phone, I don't have a phone but he expects me to answer back on my finger phone. It's really fun and distracting and sometimes I ignore him. Actually most time I try to ignore him. I want to work hard.

Next: Austin and Rhea are officially engaged. That throws a new dimension to this whole summer and the family. So when I'm not working we are trying to get the yard all prepped for Guess what?! Yep, you guessed it: the reception! So that's been really good.

So. that's really all I can think of, I know, that's lame but life has been busy. It's mostly busy with little day-to-day things which is why there isn't really anything to report. So I hope you all have a Happy 4th of July! DO NOT blow any parts of your body off with firecrackers, that is not acceptable. so talk to you later!

maren:)

Things I have learned this School year:

2010-06-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

1. Freshman 15 (+or-5lbs) IS NOT A MYTH.

2. There is life after love

3. Seattle has lot's of hidden one-way streets

4. There are lots of things to do that don't have anything to do with Movies

5. If you buy more underwear, you do less laundry

6. Matthew McConaughey apparently never has a shirt on

7. After 18 years of singing Soprano, I am an Alto (according to UW specialists)

8. Bellingham is NOT very far from Seattle

9. Hulu is an EXCELLENT way to not do homework

10. Giggling by myself is one of my FAVORITE pastimes

11. I can successfully live by myself

12. Everyone should have a spork, a true love and an electric blanket

13. Seattle in the Spring is not the same as Seattle in the Winter (although it sometimes threatens) and I love it

14. There are lot's of things that you must learn on your own... unfortunately

15. I love babies (mostly)

16. The Lord makes all things work together for your good and you have to just trust that as you listen to the Spirit that the timing will be right and that you will survive. I know.

Ok. ok. there are billions of other things but my autosave is not working so I'm going to have to post it and think about these things some more.

For now... goodbye. The end. (but not)

Say it like you mean it

2010-05-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

i really have no idea where that title came from, but it came so there you have it. whatever it is that you have been trying to say, do it and do it with conviction. or to put another spin on it, say what you really mean not what you think others would like. although, let me remind you that if it isn't nice or in the spirit of love/correction, maybe just keep it to yourself.

that is all.

and no, I haven't had any recent experiences that would spur this thought, it was just a thought, a proverb if you will. A Maren Proverb.

maren

Making a come-back

2010-05-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

So. This week has been ridiculous, but I have loved every moment of it. But I have decided to make a special appearance in the middle of the week on my blog. Mostly just because every thing that I needed to get done major for the quarter is finally finished today until Finals week (at least school-wise). Now I need to focus on packing. I know. I'm moving all of my stuff out this weekend and I think I'm underestimating the amount of stuff I have. So the question is, do I spend the rest of my night packing or starting my calculus homework? Both seem pretty tedious.

Today: I got to take a nap!!!!!! It. Was. Glorious. I couldn't fall asleep for a while which was annoying but I enjoyed trying to and then in the end my entire nap was just wonderful. Then I was awoken by Myke (sorry Myke if I gave away your secret) who I haven't seen in 8 months and we went to dinner. How amazing it is to see friends. I lovve it! Then I planted little baskets for our adopt-a-grandma program with Relief Society and went to deliver. It was so fun. The Grandma I delivered to lives in an assisted living home who recently got married to a man who happened to live in the same building just on a different floor. And we see that there is hope for us all yet, so say my 28-30 year old unmarried friends. I don't think they're to that level yet but I guess whatever hope we can grab we should take.

Anyways, I better get back to doing something productive.

Weekend plans?

move, bike, eat, sleep, listen to an excessive amount of A Fine Frenzy, call lots of people to just chat, cheer for the end of school. the end.

I guess I could say...

2010-05-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

How I love:

Aunt Stephanie- she makes me smile. Happy (Belated) Birthday Aunt Steph!

Firesides involving real fire- For those of you who missed it, you missed out (except for the smell of smoke on church clothes- that could very well have been missed). Marshmallows, chocolate of many varieties, graham crackers, homemade root beer, pineapple lemonade, and many people to meet and mingle with. What can I say more?

Grandmas- I have many. The ones who let me stay at their house and study for 5 hours. The ones who sneak for me gourmet rice krispie treats (can that happen, gourmet rice krispie treats?) Grandmas who let me take them out to dinner.

Hikes in the Cascades- I really do love hiking. Even if it's wet (yep, you read that right) I really enjoy traipsing up a mountain. The best part is, correction, the two best parts are, the people you are traipsing with are stuck with you so you can chat about lots of things, AND guess where you are at night? After taking a wonderful shower you are sleeping in your comfy bed, not on the hard ground. (ok, ok, I know that I have a lot to get over but let's be honest, I come by my inability to sleep on the ground honestly ;))

Watching movies by yourself- Last night I enjoyed one of my favorite movies and totally just giggled to myself the whole time. It was really enjoyable. I haven't giggled like that for a long time. And yes, it was giggling not laughing, I really don't giggle enough.

University 3rd Ward- Sacrament meeting was hilarious. the end.

Watching love happen- there has been lot's of that in the past 5 months. This year was to be one of entertainment for me and I was right. There is so much going on all the time I am amazed!

Thomas Jason Nicholas- he's awesome. So is his beard. I really just wanted to shout out to him again because he makes me laugh. Don't worry, it's not some weird obsession.

Kristine Booth- I asked her to find something for me on the internet cheaper and she totally found it super cheap. What amazing skills she has!

The whole darn Booth family- what can I say more?

Well. I ran out of things that I love. I'm sure that I could think of more but I have things to before I go to bed. These things have pretty much been my life for now. I'll let you infer the rest.

Maren

I wish I had awesome blogging techniques

2010-04-22T22:04:00.001-07:00

But I don't!

Happy Spring! I know, it feels like ages since I've updated anyone on any part of my life but here goes:

School is going well. I have decided that attending UW was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I Love Seattle. I love being so close to home. For example, 2 weeks ago I ran up to B-town for a few hours to go to the Optometrist and get a new prescription. Things like that just wouldn't happen if I had decided to go to any of the other schools I had as options. I know that they say that if I had gone to BYU I would have had experiences that are available no where else in the World, but I have come to discover that this is the same anywhere you go... except maybe Pullman... ;)

My classes this quarter are interesting- not my favorite but the subject matter isn't so boring that I have a hard time doing the homework. Saturdays have become my least favorite day because I feel like I have to be oober productive the whole time when really I just want to Play. In contrast, Sunday has become my favorite because naps and letter writing have become a favorite past time. Those things just don't happen on the other days of the week.

There are lots of guys here that I find interesting....one example would be this guy. That was just a shout out to a fellow blogger that cracks me up. And maybe a shameless plug for the hilarity of his blog.

I'm going to be honest, I'm excited to move home for the summer because that means I get to play with my Nephew more. I'm so worried that I'll come home and he'll have forgotten who I am or worse, he won't smile at me anymore. He is getting so big that I will turn around twice and he have a deep voice and a hairy chest... he really has no chance. But it's good that I'm living so close. I really do love that aspect.

I love my ward. Yes, every single's ward has it's quirks but for the most part I feel like ours are endearing. And, as with most wards, I do cringe sometimes, but I still love the overarching affect.

I've been thinking a lot. That has been really good. The end.

Oh, I read my cousin Kristen's blog about that guy at BYU who tried to kidnap the girl he home taught and whatever. WORST FEAR EVER. Also, note to self: Brooklyn Ave is just as scary during the day as at night. I'm not sure why I insist on walking down it everyday. I think it reminds me about how wonderful my street is and it goes right past the grocery store. It's just so convenient. But honestly, what street is really that safe in the U-district? I challenge you to find one, then present your results to me. I will consider your findings.

Let's see... what else is going on... I never see my roommate, which keeps our relationship really good. Do you think that I should aspire to that kind of relationship when I get married? Maybe it will keep our relationship really good... I don't think that's a very good idea, but still, something to ponder on.

oh! I am taking this really AWESOME institute class. 1/2 of the class we discuss talks that were assigned to be read for the week and the other 1/2 a graduate student talks about how his/her research or program or study relates to the Gospel. It has been extremely eye opening and I have thoroughly enjoyed associating with such amazing people. Also, I'm taking a class taught by two grandmothers... so fun!

Not much else is happening. I should be better about updating daily but not much happens every day. I do a lot of school and talk to a lot of people but not much to blog about. I am going up to the BC Temple Dedication next weekend which I am really excited about. In other news, Austin comes home in 6 weeks. Where did time go? I don't know... but speaking of Austin, I better go write him.

That's my boring life for you. It's kind of depressing to be so busy but so boring. Maybe I better create more drama so that life isn't so boring... naww! That's not my style.

love Maren :)

alright alright. so, I'm in trouble

2010-03-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

My mom is looking on my blog right now going 'no one's blogging right now....' so I decided to actually give a little update. First off, right now I am on Spring Break and basically my days consist of waking up, eating breakfast, putting on normal clothes and make-up, then running over to Alex and Kristine's and playing with Roberto all day long. He is THE cutest baby ever. Pretty much every time I look at him I get a little smile. It's the best. I've decided that the best age is 6 months because then they really start interacting and stuff... it's the best. You know, life is really good right now. As much as there are things that are annoying and things that I still haven't figured out about life, I really enjoy who I am- and there are things I can change if I don't like...

This quarter went pretty well, I didn't necessarily acquire the grades that I was hoping but I feel like I learned more this quarter than any other quarter in my whole school career. I think that's amazing- grades and test scores really don't reflect who you are; I may be like Alex that way. One of my best friends got engaged this quarter and I had the opportunity to help her fiancé-one of my surrogate brothers-do the proposing. That was a really fun experience. I definitely sat in the bushes for an hour in the rain while we video taped it. I also really had to pee... but don't worry about the fact that it was about Michelle getting engaged-really it's all about me! ;) I'm also ridiculously excited for the opportunity to help with and attend the Vancouver BC Temple Open House and dedication. I can't even express how much I'm excited for it! Here are some construction pictures. I do have to say that it is really nice to be home for a few days. I love my family and I miss being able to have family dinner-not only the good food but actually eating together. My roommate-who is wonderful- starting dating someone so needless to say we don't really see each other. Don't read too much into this- it's totally fine that she is dating someone I love her boyfriend. I'm just saying that it's super nice to eat dinner together and to be able to talk about lots of things and spend time together.

life is good.

A little shout-out

2010-02-23T20:50:00.001-08:00

This is a little shout-out to Maggie Brown for supplying me with this wonderful hat that I may entertain myself when no one is around. Unfortunately, it's too warm outside now to wear a wool hat around... :(

Life is good, I am just loving school, realizing how much I am changing, how much everything around me is changing all the time, how much I don't want to be left behind...

Let's see, do I have any funny stories? 34 year old with a 6 year old daughter? That may have been a possibility. You never what kind of awesome friends you'll find at the institute. I went to the Olympics with some friends a few weekends ago. That was pretty much amazing... I haven't laughed that hard in a long time :).. and then I kept laughing all week. Robert is probably the cutest child ever... also Lilster. She makes me happy. The sun was a much needed break from the monotony of the rain here is Seattle (I did not say I didn't like the rain! I just needed a little vitamin D to supplement my supplements ;)). Also, I've decided I love going home because every time I do, I get bribed with Mallard's and movies... what more would make me need to go?

I think that's all the update I have for you. However, I may or may not be going to go see Legally Blonde this weekend...the musical... yeah, I know... it's awesome.

signing off! Hopefully more pictures soon! :)

love Maren :)

The update's of a girl named Maren

2010-01-27T17:17:00.000-08:00

so... my life is average. But here are some cool things that I have been up to:

Blackberry pulling game faces... apparently my mother trained me well "Yes, mother I'd love to pull blackberries out of the ground for 4 hours straight"...

Somehow I got put on lunch making for 200 people. Needless to say a spontaneous dance party broke out and Hollis and I got into the 'Swan Princess/ice skating' approach to dancing.

Friday Friendship Feast or F^3 if you like. Since our wonderful Senior missionary couple left, I have been helping out in the kitchen. Anyone want a new full time job at the Seattle Institute?

This is who/what I cook with... and learn with. Bro Knowles at the Barbee!

Institute Olympic games. Hard wood floors. pledge. socks. wicked race around a tape track in the middle of the gym. Need I say more?

1 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts. 60 seconds. How many can you stuff into your mouth with the beat of the music?

Preparing for the Olympic games. If looks could kill.

Basically, I am having a blast. more photos coming. enough procrastinating the calculus homework...the end.

um. feel free to call me. I always want to talk to others. !

Happy New Year!

2010-01-10T21:02:00.000-08:00

Well Hello world!

I feel like I have been really responsible this school year about not blogging when I should be doing my homework, this new habit has 1. bored you all out of your mind and 2. allowed me to get semi-good grades and go to bed at a decent hour on school nights. I feel like it's a trade-off I am willing to make.

My new years eve was really fun, I went to a huge regional dance at the Seattle Center under the Space Needle and danced the night away and watched fireworks. It was good. I was able to have a good dinner with some new/old friends and now I this quarter is going to be really busy. I am going to REALLY enjoy my classes, the subject matter will be so interesting however, it will be really crazy and busy all the time. I know that I can accomplish all that I need to... it's just scary. I also know that I will be happy if I follow the Lord's timing, but that's also scary. Sorry that my post is kind of... heavy but that's how I feel when I'm in school. If you want to see pictures of my New Year's activities look here.

Oh, also, the Fireside tonight by Elder Neil L. Anderson was AMAZING. Talk about motivation.

well, good night!

love Maren :)

If I had facebook...

2009-12-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

My status would be: 'I am about ready to rip my eyeballs from my socket and suck on them as if they were gobstoppers.'

I honestly understand my mother now. I can't believe she has been able to sit around for the past 8 weeks while her foot has been healing. I AM SO BORED. Needless to say, if you check up on me in a few years, I will probably be working, having kids (depending on when you call), working on my practice, going to school, doing stuff at church...yadayada. Anyways, I am going home tomorrow and look forward to helping with the house/hanging around there.

Other facebook status's and quotes from this quarter:

"Half of me is ashamed that I have to use an umbrella, the other half of me is really glad that I don't have a cold because of that decision."

"You'll have plenty of time to have your heart ripped out like your brother's"- name that movie!

"A spork, and a true love is all you ever need in life, and an electric blanket"

"It's a child's vest" - Maggie Brown

"Remember who you are. (now in high pitched voice) And kisses are speciallllll!"

"Make magic happen!" -Jon Cox

"What would I do if I had to marry one of you and kill one you? That's a really hard decision" (Laura and I are still waiting on that one, although I think I give up because she is so ahead of me in the rankings, plus I think she already won)

"MDF!" (in annoying high pitched valley girl voice)

"Let's just drive up these stairs"

"Maren! You look like a girl today!" ... "Thanks, Devin" ... "Maren, you know, it's surprising but today you look like a girl today too"... "Thanks, Brother White!"

All I have to say is that this quarter has changed my life. done.

Post #100

2009-12-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

Finals? Anyone, anyone?

I am really excited to go home for Christmas. I think it will be really fun to get back into a different circle of friends and see my family again. Apparently it's really icy/snowy up there and I am excited. Maybe I won't be able to get home. That would be sad.

I feel like a bear, once winter hits I pretty much just want to eat, all. the. time. That's never good for me but I deal. Option one: nap. Option two: eat. Option three: continue studying. How about all three? Can't I have my cake and eat it too?

Basically this quarter = me feeling like I never study/studied enough and trying to be social. I feel like I have a good enough grounding here that I can scale back the social events and get a job and study more but don't worry I won't crawl into a social hole. I will make time for fun.

Alright enough chatting, I need to go study more/eat/sleep.

My mind is so scattered. Sorry!

love, Maren :)

Thanksgiving :)

2009-11-27T22:08:00.000-08:00

This is what I have been doing all weekend, in between spending time with relatives and people who should be my relatives.what more do I have to be thankful for?

Hope you all enjoyed eating your brains out like I did!

love Maren :)

It's sad when...

2009-11-08T22:38:00.000-08:00

Your life is ruled by these symbols....=happy day! =sad day and I don't understand why...

Other than that, I am loving school and everything in life.

:) = me most of the time.

Well I am heading off to bed now. sorry I'm lame and don't update you all enough...

Maren :)

p.s. yes, Mike and I are still dating...

2009-10-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

(Sorry this picture is lamely small)
Ok, a quick update... yes UW is beautiful. So, while I'm in a good mood I decided that I needed to let everyone know how I am doing. Let's be honest, the first few weeks were... rough. Needless to say, I am now settling into my routine and getting back into the mindset of doing homework and 'just get it done so you can go to bed' land. If you were to really be standing right where this picture is taken, you would be just the to right of a building in which I have my music class. It is the music building... Shocking, I know! The quad doesn't look like this right now. The cherry blossoms have all gone into hibernation and are now resting warmly unlike anyone else on campus. Today is actually rained and I was excited. It's a good thing I live in Washington!

My ward is really great. I've found some wonderful people to spend my time with and now I am in the process of the configuring my life to be what I want... I just need the right balance of school and social life and hopefully a job soon. Bottom line is that I am definitely starting to get the hang of life and yes I will have my rough days but mostly I just shove it all into the depths of my prefrontal cortex and hope that my brain will never reach that section of my filing cabinets.

Ok. I have stalled enough. Back to homework...I'm a geek, Give me a call sometime.

love Maren :)

What We Love About Kristine!

2009-10-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

October 11, 2009 is a verrrrrrry big birthday in Kristine's life.
Here's a few things that we looooove about Kristine: (Not in any specific order)

She married Alex! (We were a little worried about that one. . .) Actually we've realized we need to worry about all our kids. We're so happy she's a voluntary member of the Booth family.

For what ever reason she's gotten in the car, boat, airplane, car, boat, airplane. . .more than once.

She's the internet queen. She can find anything online, did you know that Windex takes out red nail polish from couches? and anyone's blog can be found (so beware)?

She uses a hair pick when she drives...I had never seen that before and thought it was cool and tried to use it... needless to say that she is the only one to be able to successfully pull it off...

She's very organized, has a job, and always a wipe in hand (does she shower her baby with wipes...only time will tell). . .some might call her obsessive, we call her hygienic.

She talks to old and young alike, is extremely thoughtful, a good snuggler and flamingo sleeper. (Sophie)

We love that she makes board games more exciting for the whole family.

She appreciates middle of the night food runs and the bodily results.

She loves to GeoCache and even in scary places where there might be cougars (Cornwall Park ;)).

She loves both chick flicks and guy movies with snacks of course.

Although she's not adventurous in food, she let us suck her into Thai food...mwahahaha.

She let us come on her honeymoon! (This might show a little insanity, but we appreciate her budgetmindedness. . . )

And finally, she can flash her baby blues, and beautiful smile even after squeezing out another adorable Miller/Booth!

YOUR THE BOMB KRISTINE!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!WE ADORE YOU!!!!! (you don't even understand how much!)

I love Robert Alexander Booth because...

2009-09-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

He makes Kristine tell me funny stories about pregnancy.

He has apparently very large arms and hands much like his Uncle Austin and Great-Grandpa Wally.

His extremely dark hair and hairline are just like his Father Alex... which is weird that he's a dad.

He makes Alex and Kristine so cute as they fuss about him and what he's doing.

He's smart little boy who doesn't like his cold hard bassinet but much prefers his mother's warm soft arms (he's like his father and mother... always looking for comfort).

Anyways, I must be leaving. I'm trying to move today down to my apartment but we're not sure if I can get in today. Just in case anyone didn't know, Mom, within 1/2 an hour of Kristine going into labor, had a fiasco with the ladder painting the house and broke her foot and ankle... so now she's looking for a doctor to perform the ankle surgery.

It's pretty much been a typical Booth week...

Well we love you and hope that everything is going well with all of you.

Signing off,

Auntie M!

Sympathy post

2009-09-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

So... I know that sounds like I have something to sympathize with someone about but really it just means that I feel bad and have decided to post something. But really, nothing super exciting has been happening and really I just haven't had much to write about. I had a reality check yesterday about how I actually have to start getting ready for school now and how I don't have that much time... but that's ok. School is going to be fun.

wow... I don't have anything to say. I still have a job which is quite exciting :[]. I am starting to help Mom paint the little house gray... although everyone thinks it looks like a periwinkle purple. It will be interesting.

Well I better go to bed...if anything exciting happens, I will keep you posted.

18ism's

2009-08-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

When my mother turned 18 as her family was sitting down at the dinner table to eat a good ol dinner of stuffed green peppers (yum) she turned to her parents and emphatically expressed that she DID NOT like stuffed green peppers nor had she ever liked them nor would she ever eat them again. Needless to say that we as a family don't really eat green peppers. Ever.

When Alex, the oldest brother, turned 18 (or a few months later) on Christmas Eve as we were setting up for a big Booth-like party with a bagillion people, Alex turns to my mother (the cruise director) and says "I hate decorating for Christmas, I think all this materialism is stupid and when I have a house I am never decorating for Christmas and I am done with the whole family Christmas thing"... Love you too Alex!

When Austin turned 18, he had already had a few freakouts that there wasn't anything too crazy. Yaay Austin?

So, when I turned 18, or a few days before, I couldn't take it anymore and confessed that I really DON'T like fairs. And it may have just been a momentary freak, I may have just been having a system overload but it's mostly true. Fairs (at least the rides) are dirty and hot and whenever I go my friends DEMAND that I go on EVERY ride... grrr.

So as I have turned 18 now, I am looking forward to a new life. School is going to be great but I won't lie I am nervous. I also won't lie that I am excited to be able to govern my own time although my parents have been EXTREMELY willing to let me pretty much do what I need/want. :) yeaay!

So as part of my THANK YOU everyone! here are pictures of before and after :

I'm out!

oh p.s. next post (and when I'm not so lazy) I will post pictures of my new (and AMAZING) wool coat- Thank you Gail!- AND my new 'bubble-yum meets wonder bread- dress!

:) Night!

revamp

2009-08-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

That's what I need to do with everything. My wardrobe, my bedroom (as in cleaning it), myself (inside and out)... pretty much everything. The good news is I will have a new start at UW. I've decided (years ago) that August is one of the most depressing months because you have to start thinking about school and since I get older this month I always think about the next year of my life and the things I have to do and the new responsibilities that I will have. It always makes me sad :(

Then people start school shopping and you start the battle of thinking about trying to be cool again... that never really works.

well I need to go write down my to do list.

what a bummer of a post... sorry!

love Maren :)

p.s. I am actually really happy...

Yellowjackets

2009-07-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

Can anyone tell me why there are yellowjackets in my house? (I'm not talking about the kind you wear)

Can anyone tell me why my clothes stick to me when I drive in my black car?

can ANYONE tell me why fresh beans from the garden and eggsalad sandwiches are an amazing dinner?

can anyone tell ME whyI have nothing cool to write about? haha- did you get that? Cool... it's really hot here and there isn't anything 'cool' to write about :) I crack myself up.

Well I have to say that since I started working day shift and since I started being a part of my ward and going to activities, talking to people and even taking the initiative and planning activities with a friend, I am much more stimulated. It's amazing how much socializing helps one not go crazy. I mean Grant and Aileen were fun to joke around with but it also got late and boring and I started feeling guilty about not focusing on work. I am however sad that I have to be at work at 8, which, I know, is late but I have to get up at 6:45 to get there on time and that is not late. Well I am going to lay on the couch until my hometeachers get here. Chances are, I will lay down and they will pull in the driveway... that's just how it works!

love you all...

maren :)

Oh Hallmark

2009-07-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

I think I should write a Hallmark movie... it would be too easy. All you need is someone in some kind of pickle, a love interest in which the two who are in love must overcome all odds to be able to be together and one person on the side who fixes it all. The last scene consists of the love interest being resolved and the person in a pickle being rewarded with money or land. I think I win!

well well. Now that I am super tired and frustrated I'm going to bed. Dad beat me to it (He's snoring on the couch :))

Love maren :)

p.s. previews of Wonder Bread meets Bubble yum coming soon!

bahahahahaha

2009-07-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, quickly before I start making my dress, hello world, it's nice to see you all.

If you haven't checked out my cousin's blog today, you might want to. Her blog is 'Oh hey' if you just scroll down and click on the right side bar. It made my day, it might make yours!

Working 8's are annoying, but more annoying is falling asleep every time I try to read my scriptures. GRRRRRR oh well, I will get myself into a rhythm, I've already had a really good suggestion about that.

Institute is great!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! 26 years and counting... isn't that very exciting?

k, I am going to start cutting out my dress, it is going to be excruciatingly cute, although maybe not on me, but on the hanger!

love Maren :)

p.s. I am in serious need of socializing so if you need to hang out during the day or even just to talk on the phone, I am TOTALLY open to that...

:[]

Hello Beautiful sunny day!

2009-07-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

Today, I went on a walk. It started with me a Sophie walking at a normal pace with both dogs and ended with me tempted to call mom or dad to come pick us up. I was literally dragging Cody. He is old and that is really sad. So we've decided that he is only allowed to go on half walks... sad! Mom and I have decided that it will be really sad when he leaves us because it will be the end of an era. He is the last living thing that we have of New York. Ok, I guess you COULD count Alex, Austin and Sophie... but still you know what I mean. I am listening to a book on tape called 'Fire of the Covenant'. It's about the Willie and Martin handcart companies and there is a fictional story wound in it. It makes me really happy. Sadly it's not on the iPod, so I can't take it to work. That's probably a good thing since if it was, I would be really absorbed in it and I don't know if I would be able to concentrate, which is kind of important...

I really want to work on my 3 quilts that I have to finish before I move away. It hit me yesterday while I was at work that in a little less that 3 months I will be moving away from my family- like, they won't be at my house when I come home from school. And I will have to feed myself and I will realize how much my parents do for me... AAAAAGHHHH. I'm so scared/excited. It's kind of cool to know that it is now my turn. I just hope that I will know what to do... I guess I'll have to get a social life. What is that?

My computer speakers are freaking out. You know how as soon as you sign the contract that says that you buy the house, the houses value goes down? Does that happen with computers too? Or do computers just become outdated immediately?

Well, I guess I better get back to my book. I work nights now so if you would like to hang out in the morning give me a call!

Love Maren :)

2009-06-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

Yes please....

No Thank You!

I would just like to say that I am done with school now and I am signing off of homework for the summer. I definitely spent the day doing pretty much whatever I wanted. And today that was cut out clothes for school (that I will later sew together) and copy and super cute dress pattern that I plan on wearing to church tomorrow.

Now I must get my beauty sleep (pppfffftttt like it'll help...), gotta keep myself lookin' good for when a man like that walks into my life .... hehe

night!

Maren :)

it official

2009-06-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

I am now officially a college student. Someone reminded me of that today. Now that I'm graduated from high school, I'm a college student. I am also a college student who only has 1 more week of school left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's really exciting. Sleeping sounds like a good thing. So right when I was typing 'sounds', I accidentally typed sownds. Yeah, I'm a college student.

last day of seminary tomorrow... and I will not cry.

Ok, yes, I may have graduated high school today... so what?

2009-06-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

Well I have two more weeks of school that's what! grrrrrrr. But I'm ok with that. Two extra weeks of school in exchange for two years of school paid for... I think I can deal.

I must confess, I only wanted to cry once... it was weird too. When we were walking in it KIND of hit me and I realized that even though I'm not as close to all of these people, they are still my people. These are the people that represent my class. Good news is that in the end (at least I think) we will not be responsible for each other... Pretty much other than that I am not too sad. I'm ready to move on. Granted, it still hasn't hit me but I don't think it really will for a while. The speakers were ok. The first and last were the best. The first one talked about the difference between average and extraordinary and how the difference between average and failure is the same as the difference between average and extraordinary. It was great. It made me really excited to try for med school. I cannot wait for the day when I graduate med school... that will be an emotional one for sure. Sure, I have put blood sweat and tears into getting thus far but I know that that was just the training session. What's about to hit me is nothing compared to what I've experienced! The good news is that I am super excited for it. You know how when you watch movies or watch older siblings or older friends and first you think that they are so old and cool and mature and next you think that you will never be old and cool and mature like them and you wish your life away. Well today, I am that person who is "old, cool and mature." I gotta tell ya, I definitely don't feel old, cool, and mature. I feel like I've always felt, still young. But I need to enjoy this time. This is my time to learn how to be the best I can be. As President Monson says, the days of preparation are over. My training is over, it's almost time to be who I'm going to be. I just hope that I will be acceptable to society but mostly the Lord. And on that note:

I would like to thank everybody for all the support that they give/have given me. I know I say thanks a lot but honestly, you don't understand how much even just a smile helps. I appreciate everything and anything that anyone has ever done for me. I know that I have so much to do and so much more to go, but I couldn't have gotten this far without a) my parents, b) my siblings- seriously I wouldn't be anyone without the laughter I have had from them, the fights, the tender moments, the shared testimonies. One time I remember Alex coming up to my bedroom and telling me to read the Book of Mormon. Being the smart alec I was, I went and read the actual Book - of- Mormon. Don't worry I went back and started at the beginning... Thanks you guys... I have enjoyed EVERY minute. c) my friends- since we have moved a few times in my life, my friends have moved in and out however, I consider so many people my friends that in reality, the free world has helped me be who I am.

Senior Year has been one of much reflection. I don't really know why but this year I have reflected a lot on the things that I have done and the things that other people have done for me and I can't express enough how grateful I am. I can't do it justice... so...

In other news:

I got to go on a bike ride today, that was great. It was so refreshing and it kept me happy :) we like happy!

Quotes of the week: "I'm like a vampire, I have to be invited to come in." Oh Riley- I love listening to you speak to customers!
"Don't feed Ozzy. He has Diahrrea. Don't touch the towel in the family room." Gotta love dogs. Gotta love Kristin Booth!

Well I'm tired and I have A LOT to do tomorrow so goodnight!

Thank you to everyone.

oh- ps- those hats are really ugly, Cool effect but you can't make anyone look good in them. "lets put a square piece of cardboard on their heads and hang strings off of 'em. That'll look real good!"

I'm gonna drag her on over to Oak street, you can pick her up there... :)

Goodnight!

Maren :)

I promise I am not being neglectful on purpose...

2009-06-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

Well maybe a little. How could you want to sit inside on your computer in Bellingham weather like this.

So I most definitely have been sitting outside in the grass all week and I most definitely have a weird rash on my arm along with some weird bug bites. I think all the pollen is getting to me. Or maybe it's the hayfever or maybe it's the freshly cut grass. Whatever it is, I would like to now kindly ask for it to leave. I don't want to look all red and rashy for graduation... although who will remember and it will be covered up by the robes.

I do have to say, one of the benefits of being in choir for so long is being used to the ugly random robes... It will be just a concert... We're even singing!

Ok. I'm really tired now though and want to go to bed. I just felt really bad for not writing anything. It is supposed to rain this weekend here or next week, maybe, just maybe, then I will catch you all up on what's been going on...

Guess you'll just have to keep watching to find out huh?!

:[]

Love you all!!!

Thanks for your love and support and attention.

Maren :)

Hello!!!

2009-05-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

Hi, How are you all?... well, that's all I have time for.

Maren :)

I <3 Excel

2009-05-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

Excel is my new best friend. It does everything I ask it to, just how I ask it to. Who needs a boyfriend when I can have excel? Excel I <3 you.

Maren :)

hey ya'll

2009-05-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

So while I was gone, I became Texan... weird huh?

How is it going? Today I am in Portland with SQHS choir using my friends computer. I will soon be in my own room taking a shower and do possibly a little bit of homework. My friend Krystal's computer is mine except touch screen and smaller. These people are great. I think that you will get more of an explanation of my time here when I get back Saturday or Sunday but I also am having fun. Today we went to Seaside, Oregon. Who can not LOVE sandy beaches in the NW?
I DON'T KNOW BECAUSE I LOVE THEM. If anyone wants to make me happy, take me to a sandy beach and let me play around without shoes on... hehehe

Let's see, what else is going on... The TV in my room is playing the weirdest thing ever! It's like people wearing medieval clothes running around and doing weird things... One of the guys looks like Snape.

I think that I am going to go take a shower now... and sleep and do some homework. ok... I love you all.

please have a good night and give me a ring if you're bored...

Maren :)

For those who care (a.k.a. Kristine)

2009-05-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

Here are my senior prom pics. I went with Tim Hoyt, which was really fun. We definitely went to Olive Garden and made masks for the masquerade theme out of kids menus, crayons and our straws. Tim asked the hostess for a stapler and we stapled the straws to the menus. Then we went to Mallards where I got Peanut Butter ice cream and Tim got nasty rose flavored. It most definitely tasted like really strong perfume. And it got stronger in your mouth. My hair was done impromtu but Rhea! Thanks Rhea!
I think I look crazed. Maybe I am.... you tell me!

On the deck...

The dance was ok. We mostly sat on the deck and waited for people to come out to us because it was pretty hot in there. It was at the Bellwether in the restaurant. It was really pretty. The dance itself was not something I was willing to dance to... but other than that it was really good to see all of my friends, which was the ultimate goal. We ended us leaving at 11:10 I think. Much earlier than anyone there. The biggest surprise and happy thing of the night was that Aaron Doud and Melanie Pierce (both friends of mine) won Prom King and Queen. They are totally underdogs and there were a ton of more popular people there but I was sooooo happy for them. What a great memory.
My dress was compliments of Gail Hildebrand and my closet. Yaay for using resources. I also used Mom's jewelry box and quickly made the starfish necklace. It was great and I'm wearing it right now.

I do have to admit though the best part of the whole night was being able to come home and talk to my parents guilt free and know that I have fun and was safe and would wake up in the morning still absolutely worthy to enter the Temple. I definitely wanted to cry and some of the things I was seeeing at the dance and some of those pictures are forever burned in my mind but I am completely worthy. Which I owe to my Mom because she is an awesome mother and taught me the gospel. The sad thing about the dance was that if those people had the gospel they wouldn't have to look for happiness in another mortal being like themselves. Don't get me wrong, spouses and family are pure joy ( wink wink... or so they say bahahaha, but seriously, they can be) but they were looking for happiness and fun in the wrong place...

I love my MOM. I would not be who I am without her and my Dad teaching me the gospel and instilling in me that knowledge and love for it. I know that not everyone has that in their parents, my Mom didn't. So I am grateful for this opportunity.

I love you all. Good night. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Love Maren :)

4 Places to go, 3 Drivers and only 2 cars...

2009-05-05T22:23:00.000-07:00

That poses a slight problem. Any suggestions? I have a choir thingy, Mom has to be at the stake center, Dad: the Institute and Sophie the YMCA... this is funny. I am totally willing to ride my bike down the hill to the concert thingy, but I might have told someone I could give them a ride. Oh by the way, Cabaret Concert at the Northshore Church on Marine Drive by my house, you have to pay but I guess it's going to be really good... I actually haven't heard as many of the numbers as I should have. Although the ones I did hear were amazing. The proceeds go to SQHS Concert choir... but please don't feel like you have to come. Just a suggestion if you're bored tomorrow. oh yeah, 7 pm.

So I am definitely going to be an aunt to DA DA DA DA DUH a NEPHEW. My family and I looked at names today. Unfortunately, we really have no say. I guess I'll just have to wait to name my children... I may already have a few names picked out, but maybe not.

Well, my first day of work was good. I do however think that I am getting a cold. That's not very good. So I'm going to go to bed.

goodnight!

Maren :)

Oh Hey!

2009-05-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

First of all, I would like to say that Elder Bednar's talk at the CES fireside was INTENSE. I HIGHLY recommend that everyone watch it. It was so good.

I kind of feel like I dropped off the face of the earth this weekend, which was nice. I must say that I am soo blessed and if I ever complain to you or anything of that nature you have my permission to slap me nicely or to get up in my face and remind me that I am selfish and stupid. I have just been sooo blessed this weekend, last week, this week (I know, it's only Monday)... I am grateful and should be even more grateful.

I'm tired so I think I am going to go hit the hay. Guess what?! Tomorrow I find out if I'm having a niece or a nephew or both! Wouldn't twins be great! Although now that I say that I will have them and hate it.... oops. I also start my new job... wish me luck.

Sleep tight! I'm going to hunker down here, it's getting windy... :0 oh no....

I love you, sorry this blog was boring. I don't have any great stories to share. Well we did almost lose Cody this weekend at the cabin. We were walking up to see the sink hole in the road and he didn't see us turn so he went straight while we turned. We walked all the way home looking for him and then we hopped in the car and found him oober confused in the middle of the now dark road... that was scary, we all thought he was a goner. let's put it this way, no more night walks without a leash for Cody. We almost lost the boat too. The little boat got flipped over in the sand and buried in a foot of sand, we lost the oars :( The big boat was anchored but drifted 1/2 mile down the cove because the wind was so bad. It took on a lot of water. Sunday morning we got it out safely first thing and now everythings good. It was scary though. That windstorm was intense... Chip did NOT like it.

Well goodnight for real!

love Maren :)

Why hello all!

2009-04-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

I feel like my titles are never clever enough... oh well. Deal with it. That's the kind of the mood I've been in today. That's not very good... I know. I'm getting better. Maybe I need to eat something healthier than mac'n cheese and cheez-its. I cannot explain my apparent craving for fake cheese today. "It's not me talking, it's a scientific fact, girls can't beat boys, it's as simple as that." if you can name that movie I will give you something next time I see you (you name it), which, again, could be in a long time. That was a really random quote.

I've decided to be brave like Matt and post a picture of me from the sock hop. The downfall is that I wasn't actually at the sock hop when these pictures were taken...

I cannot explain to you why I look... stupid or why Sophie looks depressed. I guess you will have to make up a story to yourself of why that is.

"He's so handsome and rugged and chiseled and great!"- can you guess what movie I may or may not be watching right now...

I am really excited because today was Thursday and now that it is over I can be done with school. I guess I have a class tomorrow but it's pretty low-key and I am so sick of my Tuesday/Thursday classes. Well actually only one. Have you ever just been so fed up with a class that you feel like telling everyone in it to just... nevermind. It's been annoying. But I have to say that honestly this has been the only class for my whole first two years of college that I have felt this way. I feel like 1/21 is a pretty good ratio. I like the teacher... I guess I should've known when I signed up for it. Oh well... I'm almost done anyways.

ok I should stop bugging you all with my complaining. On the flip side: it was oober sunny today :[] that makes me soooo happy. I also get to go to the cabin this weekend. What is better than S. Whidbey in May.

Ok. who can believe it is already May? NOT ME! I only have 5 more weeks until I granulate! So ridiculous... what to do what to do.

So today on Becca's blog i read that she's not allowed to wear flip-flops anymore. ok, that is so depressing. I think I would cry... although I hate my feet so it wouldn't matter as much for me.

Ok.

I LOVE you all and wish that I had more time to travel around and visit you. Call me sometime and I will try to hang out.

have a wonderful night!

Maren :)

p.s. soak in as much vitamin d as you can, like i've said before... I am soooooooo deficient.

Writer's block

2009-04-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

So it has been one week since Austin left, again... weird. How many missionaries can you say that about? How many missionaries do you want to say that about? The house is kind of empty and boring and now I am dying. I've been coughing like a fiend, my mother gave up finally and bought me cough medicine. I slept pretty much all day yesterday. My mean family took pictures of me too. I look like a vampire, maybe one day I'll post one. But they are kind of bad. i really do look disgusting.

...

I think the title says it all, goodnight!

love Maren :)

from chippy

2009-04-23T21:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Austin,

I know that you probably know that I prayed you home. And I even was able to extend your stay by 4 days, but I want you home! Nobody pays attention to me here. I know that Maren takes me with her to Seminary sometimes and in the car I totally get loved by Liz. I even get a walk at least once a day... but YOU are the only one that I love. I want YOU to take me home with you, but we have to take the chickens with us. Maren's bed is pretty warm although whenever she tries to get comfortable or stretch out her legs she kicks me. IT'S SO ANNOYING!

I heard that my...cousin is making him/herself known to the world. I sure hope that when he/she is born that I still get LOTS of attention. well, I'm hungry so now I'm gonna go sleep cause I already got fed. It will keep my mind off my stomach.

Love, Chip

CAN YOU BELIEVE?

2009-04-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous weather is making me so happy. Here is what is it like in Bellingham:
Well who wants to be inside on a day like today? not me...
see you later! gonna go catch some vitamin D because I am deficient... as is everyone in Bellingham :)

Maren :)

We've found Chip a new hobby

2009-04-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

Staring at the chickens. my computer is totally freaking out! So I need to turn it off.
I LOVE my biology class. I have to say that even though I am probably procrastinating on my projects... I LOVE doing the research. Today I was researching for my MRSA project and came across some really nasty pictures. All I can say is that I am SO glad that I don't have any skin problems anymore. Click here if you would like to see the nastiest picture that I found. I must warn you that IT IS DISGUSTING, so you have been warned... If you get nauseous at all, DO NOT LOOK! I am getting really excited to get into med school and help people get over these sicknesses. It's weird how much I love this stuff all of a sudden!

Anyways. I better go. My computer is sad and I have to sew.

goodnight!

Love Maren

p.s. DON'T GET MRSA, you will be sad! Believe me :)

News of the day is....

2009-04-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

Can anyone take a guess?

No, Hans did not propose. That's weird. And, he's orange. I try to stay away from fake bakers....

"On Friday, I will be here! My mind is so fried I don't even know what to say, that's all I have to say." p.s. that's Chile in case anyone couldn't see that.
I drove up from school and Sophie comes running out of the house and tell me "Austin is leaving on Thursday!" I am very sad but, it needs to happen. My mother has long been wanting a mute button. She is sad, especially since he leaves and then I leave. It will just be Her and Dad and Sophie. She thinks it will be quiet but I don't think so. I must admit, it has been absolutely amazing to have him home. I will miss his constant commentary in my life and will miss how he can make me pretty much pee my pants talking about snakes and bones. But quite honestly, it's time for all of us to move on.

Well, Goodnight!

Maren :)

So now I get to say a little bit, I can't say that I have loved being at home, but I can say that I wouldn't go back and change my experience. There have been days when i banged my head against the wall and wished that it had never happened. I definetely had a few days when I asked why to the heavens and raised my fist in anger, but I know that it was all for a purpose that i will probably never fully comprehend. I can say that God lives and that I was able to renew friendships and develop some new ones while I have been home....I cannot deny that God's hand has been in this whole thing from the minute that my mission president called me on the phone in Santiago and told me I was going home. I guess if I had to really say anything about the whole thing it would be that you can be doing everything right and then you wake up one day and you're on fire........GI JOE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I get to go back, but it still boggles my mind that in a few days I will be wearing a plaque again and speaking spanish and walking through the streets of Santiago talking to people about the Gospel. I am returning to the same mission but it will not be the same, at least not everything.

P.S. Nobody want to know what to do wit de busrida!

My new Boyfriend. Well...

2009-04-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

I've had him since Christmas, I just chose to tell you all about him now. Actually I just met him a couple days ago. Would you like to meet him?Meet Hans! The only bummer is:

He has weak ankles. And, he and Austin don't really get along:
And that is why:

Austin fed him to the dog.

Here, I'll actually let you meet him. Better yet, I will let him introduce himself:

That is all.

Maren :)

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today was a goooooood day. That is all.

Just kidding. I just need to say that the past couple of days have been...

fattening.
Not really. I just feel really fat right now because my Easter feast was extraordinary. I still haven't been able to finish the strawberry shortcake that my mother made. It is so good. I can't really tell you, you have to try it. My family was gone for a few days while they went to the cabin and fixed all of the plumbing. I must say, it was great. I know that I should be lonely, but it was great to do my homework when I wanted to and hang out with people when I wanted to. I know that not every quarter in school will be like this. In fact, NO quarter will ever be like this because I will have to be working and doing LOTS of homework. But it was great while it lasted.

Easter church was really good. The talks were AAAmazing. I am so impressed by all of the speakers. I see so much potential in the singles ward. The problem is that I don't think many of them see it. I don't know how to fix that, but I guess that is not necessarily my job. To top that off, all of these friends that I haven't seen in a LONG time showed up. I was ecstatic. You have no idea. I probably looked crazy by the look on my face. Oh man. I was sooo happy. Anyways. Now I am trying to digest my food from dinner so that I can finish my dessert.

I hope we all remember the real meaning of Easter. It is hard to forget sometimes. The Atonement is the whole reason we are living. It is the only way we will be able to return to our Heavenly Father. Without it we would be lost and unhappy and not able to feel the peace.

I love the Gospel, I know the Church is true.

Maren :)

p.s. on a lighter note, I got a water bottle for Easter, did anybody else get anything fun?

Hate is a strong word

2009-04-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

But valid. I think we overuse it sometimes. So right now I am sitting on this wonderful pillow that Kristine MADE me take home :) with me and thinking about the ironies of life. I hate science. It has pretty much always bothered me or given me bad grades or I have not been able to grasp whatever it is. Yet I want to be a doctor.... I hope you see where this is going. Why would she want to be a doctor if science is so frustrating to her? Funny thing is, my science ACT scores were better than my math scores... by A LOT. And since the science portion is last I pretty much guessed on the last couple sections... SO. What does this have to do with irony. Probably nothing. I am taking biology as you all have seen but I have to admit I thought I would hate. I LOVE IT! I start geeking out about the dumbest things and just love it. Oh man... it's crazy. When did the switch turn on? the English class that I thought I would love? Hate it. Ok. Hate is a very strong word since it is only the second day but let's just say that the subject matter is different than I expected. But it will be eye opeing... hehe

I just wanted to inform you all that I have gotten another email notice of a 2nd assualt incident at the UW Seattle campus. Just wanted to calm anyone's fears about me going there. I'm sure I will be fine... I hope... I 'll just sleep with a knife under my pillow. That's assuming that I will have a place to put my pillow. :)

I have to apologize for this post sounding sarcastic and like I am unhappy. To clear that up, I am happy. I'm content. Yes there are storms coming, I guess we are in the middle of a storm, but I feel peace. This quarter is going to be good. Only 9 more weeks until I can leave SQHS and move on with my life. Only 10 more weeks until I graduate with my associates...assuming that I pass my classes, which I plan on doing.

So today I came home from school and the grocery store and went into the garage to do the chickens. In the morning I had filled the food dish thingy with food which, by the way, they were very excited to get to eat. When I came home, they had kicked the dish FULL of wood chip so that they couldn't get to the food. While I was cleaning out their stuipidity, one of the chickens decided to attempt his great escape. Luckily his wings weren't strong enough. Even though chickens are kind of stupid and the pecking doesn't hurt (yet) they are kind of fun to pick up. I can see why people like them. However, in observing Sophie with these beasties, I have come to realize that she is the 4-H girl and I am the city girl. I think I just look so awkward trying to make nice with chickens. Yeah, it doesn't really fit my style.

I should stop boring you all. I need to eat and do homework... yes!

Love you all

Maren :)

p.s. I am really sorry for boring you people. Sometimes I just feel like writing...I guess that's what a personal journal is for

so what's new?

2009-04-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

Classes, that's what.

Mom is surly. Austin and I are irreverant. Sophie is reading Calvin and Hobbes. Dad is on the computer. Pretty much nothing has changed. Oh, the weather was beautiful. I sat on a blanket on the grass and read some homework.

I guess that's all. Oh, THIS is why I love my family:
Yes, that is a raccoon on my head...so what?

Home Sweet Home

2009-04-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

I have always observed that vacations are wonderful. Most times you feel like you've been able to do everything that you wanted and/or didn't do anything that you didn't want to. That's how this vacation has been. Reentry is always painful but then I always observe that coming home is a wonderful thing. Back in my own bed. Using my own toilet, shower and car. I know these things are trivial and random but I do so love being home.

I have to admit though that getting myself out of Bellingham was a necessity. I experienced MUCH Booth humor and have lost at least 2 or 3 pounds from laughing so much. Sometimes you just need to roll around on da flo a little bit. By the way I came back a gangsta or should I say wangsta. Fo SHo!

Just kidding. Well actually Austin and I did come back different than when we started. I am apparently now a wangsta and he is Jamaican. Although I think anyone from Kingston might protest ;)

But really. I did spend a ridiculous amount of time on the floor this week. My WHOLE family cracks me up. I even got to wear a raccoon on my head. :) And I heard stories about my cousin catching, killing and skinning a skunk. He is 11. They went into the forest. By themselves. No parental supervision. I really LOVE them. The 14 year old looks 18 and is HUGE. He is a football player I think and is definitely going to be (if he isn't already) a Lady Killer. The 15 year old that looks like Kirstin Dunst always amazes me with her poise and beauty and always looks at least 3 years older than she is. I could go on all night about how my family is amazing and cracks me up. But I won't bore you anymore. I am so content and wouldn't want another family for the world. They are THE BEST (despite all of our craziness).

Chippy did pee when we came home, but we strategically called him outside when we came home so that he wouldn't pee all over us. That would be gross and we wanted to avoid that happening a second time.

I am happy to be home. I do not regret leaving. I do not regret anything that happened there. I am ready for spring quarter. My life is changing and I think that I will be ready for it when it does.

Signing off.

Maren :)

p.s. The Church is true. Pray about it and you'll know! As far as I've seen it's the only place that i have felt that assurance that my family will be together forever. And I KNOW that they will and all can be!

Conference...and happy week

2009-04-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

So this week I was able to get my scholarship application in AND I finished my online BYU health class that I had to do to graduate from high school. Now, all I have to do to finish the first stage of my education is pass the last 15 credits that I have. YAAY!!! I am sooo excited. So this week has been very productive good. Today we were privileged to go to the first session of conference at the conference center. Even though I had to wake up really early to go, it was a really good session. I got to Bex! Yaay. I know that she wanted me to stay for a while but I have been VERY cranky and mean today so it was probably a good thing that I didn't stay. Anyways. Conference was really good. Although I definitely fell asleep for a good portion of second session :(

Well maybe tomorrow will be better.

Maren :)

p.s. that was literally 30 seconds ago so if you're curious about what I'm doing, thats all.

Black and Tan: A crime of Fashion

2009-04-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

"I beg you pardon? My name is black, his name is Tan... I can't believe you just made that assumption. You should be ashamed of yourself and your family."

"you don't remember where you were this afternoon?"
"No, it was yellow and boring. just write down that it was lame. I do like that jacket, somewhere a transient is shivering in the night."

"I'd rather shower with a bear."

"Dude, you thought I was gonna have trouble fitting in. I have this shirt, this shirt, this shirt and these are my exact Kenneth Coles and that picture of my mom parasailing in Montego bay?! You moved me in here?"
"dude we got lucky, they just threw somebody out. Now, help me set up the clapper"

"Hey guys whats up?"
"Initiation that's what. Give me your best shot. bleh"

"did you accomplish anything last night besides selling me out for vacant head?"

"sweet, let's call the chief and get paid!"

"Wow, she's really planting one on him huh?"

I am so excited because in a few short hours, and maybe already, Becca and I will only be 1/2 an hour apart. :[]

well. Now someone else needs to computer. I LOVE PSYCH. It makes me happy. Sometimes I wish I could be like him. You know, conscienceless and able to lie and have fun. I'm a TERRIBLE lier. I guess thats a good thing.

goodnight.

maren :)

Cryfest

2009-04-01T21:19:00.001-07:00

So guess what I did today...we cried, the whole family.

that's all I have for you.

I'm exhausted.

goodnight

Maren :)

Welcome to...

2009-03-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

The dork code roomDon't I look so thoughtful? Or maybe it's boredom? Or maybe it's my-brother-is-crazy?

anyways. I did have a ton of fun today at BYU. As much as people think that it is boring, I really wasn't that bored. I was tired because I didn't get a nap but that doesn't mean I was bored. Granted, I would not choose to go into physics... I also have never taken a physics class so I can't say much. I will make Alex pay you ten bucks if any of you guys can tell me and/or him what the equation is and/or how to solve it. Pretty much all day I was like... What? although I did understand the part about derivatives. I felt so accomplished. ok well now I have to go away. As much as I am addicted to the internet, this is my vacation and I like to not be on as much. As soon as school happens however I will be right back on...

Hope you all are having a wonderful day!

Love Maren :)

grrrrrrrrrr

2009-03-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

That's pretty much how I feel right now. I want to leave NOW. I want to be with Alex and Kristine NOW. I want to be asleep NOW. I want to be done with my schooling career NOW.

And NOW you are all thinking, "yeah, well I want a river of chocolate flowing through my house with money trees growing on the banks next to it, but I won't get that either now will I?"

And NOW I say back to you... let's run away and eat food because we all know that "food makes everything better" (name that movie). Kristine- that Thai food looks deviiiine! I want it to be Friday NOW (next Friday). Are you guys sensing a theme?

On the positive side, I am very happy that I am finished with my classes. It has been extremely relaxing. I came home from choir and took a nap on the couch. It was wonderful. I couldn't even keep my eyes open. At noon I went to Whatcom and helped with new student orientation. That was good. They didn't really need our help until around 3 pm at which time I gave a tour, only a half hour which is REALLY hard to do. I know it is a really small campus but it takes 10 minutes alone to walk across the street and then you have to talk about each building... I'm not complaining, just explaining. So from 2-3 I learned how to play "Family Business." If you have ever played "Bang" the Italian card game where you are assigned characters and you have to kill the correct character before they kill you, then you will like "Family Business." It's pretty much the same concept, which makes sense because it is made by the same company, however instead of being assigned specific characters, you are a mob. As in, I was the "Purple Gang" a mob at sometime in the history of the US. It's tricky because you have to make friends but then know when to stab them in the back to win. AKA I think Kristine and Alex would be good at this game... :)

ok. time for Maren to quit being on the computer.

Sweet Dreams!

Maren :)

Booth Family Humor here I come!

2009-03-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

I am finally finished with finals and now I am sitting on my couch writing a blog on my computer that I have not been on for three days. The weird thing is, I haven't had any withdrawals like I thought I would. It has been really peaceful and I haven't had a headache... well ok. I had one when I had been studying history for three hours. All in all, it was a really good quarter. The more and more I embed myself in the school and try to get to know my classmates, the more I enjoy my school experience. I guess all that talk about getting involved in your school actually has value. And now I am giving tours the week that I come back from vaca!! yess. And I get paid. I am so glad that they wanted me to help.

I am so excited to go to Alex and Kristine's. I can't wait to go to classes at BYU. I can't wait to talk to some Booth's. I miss Booth's. I miss Booth humor. You know why? Because all Booth's get each other. We all have the same humorous stories with different names inserted and we all sit for hours and talk about the crazy stupid things that we do and that people do to us. Oh man I can't wait. Maybe I'll run into some Hoyts down there... or Beccas or Jeffs. It's time for me to get out of the city for a while. Going to the cabin would even be sufficient...

oh man... i think I am on a cloud right now...

I am getting excited for the future. It is going to be REALLY scary but I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for me. Yaay future!!

Ok, well I am having a really hard time typing today... I think that my brain has stopped working...

love Maren :)

catch you on the hopefully warmer side of Utah!! :)

Hi, Fireman!

2009-03-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had writer's block?

Well to start out, I have to point out that Paul Ellsworth gave a really good talk in church and I believe that he is going to be a heck of a missionary. I see so many guys in the single's ward that are going to be impressive missionaries, they just need to get out there. So there's my little plug.
I am also going to post a scripture that I found particularly inspiring this week. 1 Nephi 14:14 and then hop on over to 1 Nephi 15:24. All I can say is that during these particularly hard times in the world and specifically in my life, knowing that the Lord has given us scriptures that will keep the power of the devil from overtaking us makes me have hope. I know that in my life there are so many things that I can improve on and scripture reading is one of them. With a promise like that though, I don't know why I starve myself. My spirit is hungry but instead of feeding it I starve it even more... isn't that horrible logic? Have you ever been able to see exactly where you are going and what your goal is? Have you ever been able to catch a glimpse of your life's purpose and your life's ultimate goal? I don't feel like I can describe that glimpse, but I can tell you that when I am allowed to see that, I become so much more focused on trying to do what's right. Unfortunately, that eternal perspective doesn't come very often.

I guess I'll get off my soapbox now. How was your Sunday? Any good stories? All of the talks and lessons that I had were really good and made me think about stuff.

This is a really church-y post. I think I am going to go write in my journal, which is probably where I should've written all of this in the first place but I guess you guys get to see into my head a little bit. The more that I learn about myself the more I feel like I have so much to work on. But, I guess that's life and that's why we have the scriptures and the Atonement.

Ok, really I'm done now!

LOve Maren :)

p.s. I cannot wait for Spring Break and seeing people. :) I'm sorry that I have been SO busy and haven't had/made time for anyone or anything...

:[]

2 Down, 3 to go

2009-03-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

I am sooo glad it is Friday. Now I can take a nap.

bottom line, the Lord loves me and all of you too.

Now I need to go eat.

Love Maren :)

for your viewing pleasure...
p.s. that's yogurt

...

2009-03-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hey!

shout-out to everyone.

I have nothing further to say here.

I know, this is HORRIBLE...oh well

Maren :)

Only the nastiest story I have ever heard...

2009-03-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

welll, not the nastiest but still.

"so today I bit my boyfriend's neck and I felt something squirt into my mouth. When I stopped to look at what it was, I found out that it was a pimple that had popped in my mouth"

That was something that my friend at school was looking at on his computer. It's some blog or something where people put stories on about how their day was bad. That pretty much made me absolutely disgusted. So, moral of the story is, don't bite people's necks. (you know who I'm talking to)

uuuuhhhhh, it still makes me cringe!

well, i gotta go to bed and/or do homework.

love Maren :)

I'm bored soooo

2009-03-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

I guess I'll finish my story. So where were we... Oh yeah, New Jersey. So we pull up to the Hotel and it DOES NOT match the picture that my mother got on the internet. The thing is practically falling off the cliffside, the rooms are not totally disgustingly dirty but the rooms were green and purple. Sitting down on the bed or going to the bathroom was one of the hardest things that I had to do. Surprisingly my mom was able to do all of that relatively well (I know, it surprised me to). The guy at the counter was sitting behind bullet-proof glass with a movie theater ticket hole dispenser thing-y to complete any transactions that needed to. The "continental breakfast" was one of those apple/orange juice dispensers and bananas; which wouldn't be bad except that it was in the main lobby which was only about 4 feet wide. So then my mom decided to look at the room and see how horrible it was and then we could truly assess how bad the situation was. Once we got back in the car to talk about our decision (and of course, we prayed about it...) I BEGGED my mother, "mom, please, I will pay half if we don't have to stay here!" My mom just started laughing, I guess she knew it was pretty bad because I wouldn't just throw my money around. I hate spending money... needless to say, we did not stay there. Oh and then there was the car that absolutely freaked out. The electrical stuff went wacky. It stole my mom's cd, it locked her out of the car at a scary gas station where we were filling up the "empty" gas tank, it only took about 2 gallons. It was the freakiest thing ever...

ok. I'm not bored anymore and actually I am really tired so I am heading to bed.

Hope you all had a good weekend.

Love Maren :)

p.s. Alex and Kristine and Kristin, it was so good to talk to you, I am so excited to come down soon!!

:)

Some will Win, Some will Lose...

2009-03-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

Do you realize that the titles of these blog posts are most likely the thing that I am thinking about right at the time of writing. This is probably going to be a really random post. Just the little things that I am thinking about. Right now my Dad is reading to us Jesus The Christ by James E Talmage. We have been exiled into my bedroom because my Mom's visiting teachers are here. It's kind of fun being banished in my bedroom. So last night I went to the Hoyt's house to hang out and actually go to a play. Unfortunately, the play was sold out... however we went to dinner with the Hoyt's (Thanks Hoyts!), and then hung out. It was super fun. I needed it. And then, I did a really girly thing, I asked Heidizzle to paint my nails... I know, What was I thinking. I just totally had this girly brain fart. I really liked the color though so that's why I did it. To make me even more girly, my mom bought me and Sophie a hairdryer and straightener. It's horrible. But I guess I am a girl so, it's a good thing. This post is really random. I don't have much to say... We are going to skype Alex and Kristine right now.

Do you want to see a picture of Austin's foot? By the way, he is fine. The surgery went really well. He has had no pain, and no nausea. He thinks that they cut a nerve in his foot, maybe they did. But Doctor Booth thinks that he is a really lucky patient.

Alex and Kristine are fine. We even got to talk to Kristin, who I LOVE by the way. I miss Booth family humor. Luckily I only have to wait 10 more days and get through 6 more finals. YESS... this weekend has been really relaxing. I did some homework but I didn't have as much as previous weekends. So, somehow we got a meat slicer. I think it is pretty sweet that we have that now because my mom has been slicing everything that she can find in our fridge. You know my mother, the name of it is meat slicer but really it is the cabbage-carrot-meat-anything else that can be sliced- slicer. So now we have a bunch of bags of sliced up food that my mom had fun with today. It was funny. You know my mom... if a little vitamin c is good for you, then a lot is even better for you.

I'm really tired, however, I have to admit that springing forward this year wasn't as bad as previous years. I went to bed at 11:00 (aka 12:00), and that was really good. I woke up and was kind of tired but it was just like a normal day instead of waking up an hour earlier than being used to. I know that that was last week, I'm just saying that this year it was fine. Going to WA D.C. this summer however was not fine. It was horrible because not only was it 3 hours earlier than our bodies were used to but we had to wake up early on top of that. It gets so hot in the summer that we had to get up at like 6 to eat and get ready so we could walk around D.C. before it got super hot. That trip was really fun but it was tiring. I think my favorite part about D.C. was watching the new Joseph Smith movie at the Temple visitor's center. That is a movie that I would like to see again. I think I will have to go when we are in Utah for spring break. The part about D.C. that was not church-y that I liked was definitely not the Holocaust Museum. You could ask my mother, I told her that it was a horrible thing that she was making me do by going in there. I have to admit though that it is something that I feel every person needs to see. The worst part is the glass hallway that goes up really high that is just filled the shoes of the victims. yeah I know, it was horrible. But I got her back by making her go to the 9/11 museum. I think that was my favorite museum... well maybe not. But still it was really good. I don't think I have a favorite. But anyways, it was really horrible because in that museum they have artifacts and the worst one is the plane window that had been melted and bent. And they play little movies and sound clips of all the phone calls and news stories. One side of the wall is empty and then as the museum progresses the wall accumulates "Lost" posters. They all have pictures of loved ones that people haven't found yet or they just want to make sure are still alive. I have to admit, it was pretty horrible.

My favorite part of the trip was sleeping in the Benjamin Franklin room on the bed that was as old as Benjamin himself. I'm pretty sure that it was the same bed that Benny himself slept on before he died. Mom and I were sharing that bed while Sophie slept on the twin bed next to us. Eventually Mom realized that the twin bed was more comfrotable and kicked Soph out to get some sleep. It was funny. The ceiling was so low. It there had been a fire, we would've died because we were on the top floor of one of those cute old homes that is like 3 feet wide and 40 feet tall. The hotel itself was really cute... like I said, "Philadelphia is a cute town." I got a lot of flack for that one. Apparently you can't call a town with a lot of crime cute. I think two of my fondest memories were a). walking around the town of Philly and seeing historical houses with signs about people dying of yellow fever here a long time ago and who they were. I think my mom and I were still cringing from that one being the germ freaks that we are. Oh and also probably because she decided to listen to a book on tape about the yellow fever epidemic that hit Philly. After that trip she was stripped of her rights to choose books on tape. It's always either war or nasty epidemics and corny love stories... b). Running literally around the corner from the pub where we got the most amazing French dip sandwiches to our hotel (yes the Benny Franklin one) in the rain. Now right now you are thinking, you live in Washington, whats a little rain to you? In Washington it rains but it rains all the time. On the east coast, when it rains, it rains like you have never seen it before. We even ordered dessert and more drinks to avoid the rain for five more minutes hoping it would pass. So we literally RUN around the corner to the hotel and we were SOAKED through. My underwear was wet... it was funny. The puddles in the street were at least up to our ankles. Then there was the New Jersey hotel. We had had this wonderful day at Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty and New York City and then we pull up to our hotel for the night... um yeah no! there was NO WAY I was staying at that place.

but for now I am done talking. I am hungry and I need to eat something...

I love you all and hope you weren't too bored by my random anecdotal blog..

Love Maren :)

The stages of Awkwardosis

2009-03-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, here you go. Before I go back to finishing that huge project I have, I decided, with the help of my drooly assistant (just kidding he's not drooling) to clarify the stages of awkwardness and then I plan on commenting on a few other little details..

Stage 1: Awkward- Patient's breathing levels are normal, heart rate is normal with little to no outward signs of mental trauma.

Stage 2: Awkwaard- Patient's breathing levels still normal, heart rate is slightly raised with slight eyebrow raise indicating that patient is beginning to leave comfort zone

Stage 3: Aawkwaaard- Patient's breathing levels have increased resembling mild hyperventilation, heart rate has begun to pound in patient's chest. Comfort zone has been completely breached and patient has arrived at a new mental level of shock and fear.

Stage 4 (danger zone): AAAwKwaaaard- Patient has begun hyperventilation; with each passing minute, mental trauma is wiping away brain cells resulting in permanent brain damage. Patient begins to exhibit shell shock common of combat soldiers. Patient MUST seek medical care immediately in order to reverse adverse effects of said traumatic situation (trip to Mallard's may reduce symptoms and slow spread of trauma).

*note: if symptoms persist or reoccur, remove patient from awkward situations and arrange consultation with a clown.*

Kristine- I still think of the night when I went to Jack in the Box and ate a bacon cheeseburger with a shake and fries. It still makes me happy. Love Austin...

I miss geocaching! Oh man, that was super fun. I wonder if they have any at UW. You guys might have to come down during the spring with the baby and find out.

By the way, it is BEAUTIFUL here today in Bellingham. I think it is about 50 degrees!

ok, back to work!!

love Maren :)

FORE!!

2009-03-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

So I am posting this right now because I have class as 5:30 and I need to eat something.

I guess I have not much to say except that I have been crazy busy and I am sorry that my blog is REALLY boring. If only, if only, the woodpecker sighed, the bark on the trees was as soft as the sky...

sorry. I am really random and movie quotes are something that I am good at pulling out of my hat. Although i must admit that Austin is probably better. Now if any of you can name that movie, I will be very impressed. Or maybe I just live in a hole and don't think that any of you get out much.... hmmmm

Today I took a math test and I don't think it went very well, however, I am extremely grateful that I was calm about it because my friend sitting next to me was so nervous. He even emailed me after class to make sure that he got one of the problems right... poor kid. Little does he know that he is sooo much better off than I am. Oh well. I guess we'll see tomorrow how I did. Which reminds me, I have to go to class..

Love you all and have a wonderful night! Remember, they (those people who say a lot of things (name that reference! I dare you)) can't take away your life... and in the end, there are more important things... most of the time. I guess it depends on what you are dealing with..

AHHH brain dump!
sorry.

Maren :)

O_o

What a day!

2009-03-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

SO, today. yeah... what a good one. I guess that when you don't do enough homework over the course of the quarter you have to make it up someday. For the record, I did do quite a lot of work this week. Well today I worked hard and now I have a headache. Which is quite a feat because I didn't start getting headaches until my senior year. I think that's ironic... Isn't senior supposed to be the fun one.

Oh, just so you don't all think that I hate my life, or that this year hasn't been fun, I really do love my life. This year, as I predicted, is fun so far. I love learning to deal with stress but sometimes, i am tired and done. Not to say that I am done or tired right now. I'm babbling. sorry. I just am trying to say that I know that the Lord has blessed me so much and I have nothing to complain about.

Ok. so we are watching "the Bachelor." It's an old movie with Chris O'Donnell and Rene Zellweger. I's actually quite hillarious and charming.

Ok. Yeah. I gotta go.

Love you all,
Maren :[]

I kind of want some chips, but i don't because my headache will get worse...

k really. I am gonna do some more homework. :)

Oberon Winley

2009-03-04T22:37:00.000-08:00

Fell into the water and for five minutes his colleagues yelled at him. Like that's really going to help. (movie... if you can name it, I'll... give you a hug the next time I see you... which could be a long time)

Tonight for Young Women's we had a dessert competition. The Laurels made Julia Mumford's chocolate trifle which is TO-DIE-FOR. Even ask my mother who cannot eat chocolate. If you would like the recipe let me know and I will ask Julia. Tom, her husband was mad at me because he is also in Young Mens and had to come up with a dessert too but I thought of it two weeks before him. hahaha, the power of thought. Sometimes I love being witty... well whenever I can be :)

I'm at that point in my schooling where I have so much to do but I can't remember the urgency of it until it is too late. So now I have to remember that all of my homework is urgent. The question is, which way do I prioritize them?

So my new glasses are really fun, but I have to use them a lot at night now. The new contacts do not like my eyes as long as the other kind did. But, the point of the story is that my eyelashes hit the lenses if they are too close to my face and so I have to wear them like a granny. So I either feel like a huge nerd or a granny. Yaay! I do love being able to see though.

Ok, I must go to bed now or do hw. I think bed sounds like a better idea. I hate wanting to stay up late yet having to wake up so early... Kristine you know what I'm talkin about!!!

Ok really. Goodnight!

Love Maren :)

Quick, Quick quick

2009-03-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

little shout out to all my Australia fans!!!

:):):)::):):):):):):):):):):)):):)

Don't feel bad if you haven't been able to procure it, I am sitting here in my bedroom on my bed listening to everyone else watch it upstairs. Stupid homework. :(

But rest assured that I will be watching it on Friday evening (at least I think I'm invited) if you would like to come let me know :)

Ok, as much as I really want to talk to you all (and you know that I do, like really it's been one of those days) I need to get to homework.

Love Maren :)

p.s. even though I'm "doing" homework, you can call ;)

The Werewolf is alive!!!

2009-03-02T21:54:00.000-08:00

So, if you read Alex and Kristine's blog you'll know that Alex and Kristine's werewolf baby is alive. We've decided that it will be a werewolf because both Alex and K have really dark hair. It's a good thing!

So I should be doing homework and I am about to go do that.

Tomorrow, Australia comes out and I will own it.

ok. back to hw~

love Maren :)>

haha my smiley face has a goatee!! :)>

Laura, her name was Laura

2009-03-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

That was a random quote from the movie JUST LIKE HEAVEN. Good movie.

GUESS WHAT???!!! AUSTRALIA comes out on Tuesday!! I am soooooooooooooooo excited. The only thing is, we have to get it cleaned up before we can buy it. Oh my goodness, that is such a good movie. I think that it is my favorite at this point.

Living right next to an airport I see a lot of airplanes flying in an out. A few minutes ago I looked out my window and what did I see? Popcorn popping on the apricot tree. Spring had brought me such a nice surprise. Popcorn popping right before my eyes. I could take an armful and make a treat, a popcorn ball that would smell so sweet. It wasn't really so, but it seemed to me, popcorn popping on an apricot tree. ok sorry, I had to. Really, I saw an airplane flying out of Bellingham and I decided that I wanted to run away. Sometimes I am content and ready to live my normal life and sometimes I want to be at my Grandma's house in Seattle and sometimes, I just want to be away. I think you all know what i'm talking about. So today, its actually a mix between wanting to be away and being content. I have a lot to do but I know that it will all be ok in the end. In the end, all the stuff that I deal with on a daily basis will not actually matter.

Ok enough complaining or being weird or whatever. I must go eat or watch a movie or write a letter or something. :)

don't you love how confused I am?

Love you all always and I hope you know that (even the people that I don't actually know who read this blog, thanks for reading!)

love Mar3n :)

Trust in the Lord and he will never lead you astray.

Where's Maren?

2009-02-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

I bet you can't guess where I am right NOW?!

My new future home. The UW institute building. So far the trip has been somewhat successful. 1. eat lunch- check. That has been accomplished. 2. Find Jason a wife- uncheck. I showed him who she was, but they were never introduced. I guess that just means that he will have to come here for school. 3. Tour UW campus- check. I even went to the scholarship office, too bad I am a white female... there is nothing for me.

So anyways, now Jason and I are just going to chillout here until I decide to call Jenna or she calls me or something and then go eat dinner and hang out. I figure that I can get some homework done while I'm here. Well, maybe once I put this computer away. Computers are really bad for me. Their addictive, if i open it and start looking at stuff early on in the day, I will never get off. I just jump from site to site waiting for something to happen. So that's why I have to limit myself to getting on only in the afternoon or after some amount of my homework is done. And seeing as how I haven't done any homework yet, I need to get off the computer.

Ok, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! And for anyone calling me and giving me good news about their life (you know who you are) I am so excited for you. This is going to be a good year, like I said at the beginning of it.

Ciao!!! or bye, or see you later.

love you all

Maren :)

Anxiousness and Snow

2009-02-25T16:01:00.000-08:00

It's snowing here! Yaay, who woulda thunk that it would snow here this week. It was like 50 degrees yesterday. Ok, i really need to go do some homework. I know this is a super lame post but i have a busy night.

However, i did take a power nap today which was WONDERFUL...

like amazing.

I'll talk to you later!

Maren :)

Guess what?

2009-02-23T16:24:00.000-08:00

I totally got new glasses today. Aren't they cute?

Austin said that they look like Twilight on glasses. Lame Austin.

p.s. Matt, your blog won't let me comment....

I have a lot of homework to do now. I have NO desire to do it and I am really distracted today. I woke up in a REALLY weird mood. Like super weird. So if I seem off, it's not you at all, it's all me.

But on the plus side, the Lord loves me because I got an 'A' on the history test that I was worried about all last week!! How does that happen!!

Ok well, hopefully I will see you all really soon.

Love Maren :)

You know whats amazing?

2009-02-20T21:20:00.001-08:00

Grilled Turkey and cheese on super healthy bread and roasted red pepper tomato soup.

You know what's even better?

Being done with midterms...

YES. I survived!!!

Now, to finish up all of my unfinished ends. Making cookies to finish bribes. yaay.

I hope you all have a really good weekend.

I'm sure that you'll hear from me again this weekend.

love Maren

ps What kind of things make you happy?