Parallel

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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