Off to the happiest place on earth!

I've packed my ears...

My sweathshirt and waterbottle...

and am off to see her! (Rapunzel for those of you who haven't

seen Tangled.)

Katie and I are off to Disneyland tomorrow morning and I'm

so excited! But before we leave, we'll be waking up at

literally the crack of dawn to watch the Royal Wedding!

Auf Wiedersehen!

"I do believe in fairies...I do!"

Some may call me Type A

(Can't get over these roses from our front yard!)

I'm that girl. The one who already has her children's

names picked out, her ideal house, and her career all planned out.

I like to call myself a planner. But some may just call it Type A. :)

Anywho, my friend Matt informed me of a new name I absolutely

love! Ready for it?... Raylan!

Oh, it's love. I picture an adorable blonde boy/girl running around. (Gender

neutral) You see, I like unique names. Not anything like Apple

(no offense Gwenyth) but more along the lines of Georgia, Everett etc.

Definitely loving this new addition

to my "possible names for the very far future" list.

Also, I got my new blue bathing suit in the mail today! Yay!

And I'm obsessed with the show, The Voice! So good! Check it out

next Tuesday!

Some motivation for you and me.

Just got home from an excellent workout (needed it after

all the cheese and pizza I ate on my trips) and realized something

was off at the gym. Come to find out, they took all the T.V.'s out!

How am I supposed to watch Oprah anymore? Gosh darnit.

Anyways, it was frustrating. Enjoy the quote.

"Pain has a way of clipping our wings and keeping us from being able to fly. And if left unresolved for very long, you can almost forget that you were ever created to fly in the
first place."- Paul Young

Look at the stars, see how they shine for you

Good song, good song...

One of my favorite soothing songs. :)

Today I finally hung out with Katie again and we decided to

travel on down to the park. I loved how these trees were not

only Christmas colors but were just beautiful next to each other.

Audrey Hepburn=love

Katie on artificial rocks (mountain?)

We ended the day seeing Water for Elephants, which we both

decided was a beautiful film and a great movie, but the animal

abuse was definitely hard to take. I shed a few tears, not going to lie.

And with that, I leave you with a wonderful quote by

none other than Mother Teresa.

"We are all pencils in the hand of God writing love letters to the world."

We don't live in a perfect world

which is good. i would not want to live in a world where everything was sunshine and rainbows. but ever since Papa died, family outings have been depressing. i can't blame them, my family, because i know all of this is hard. this is our first easter without him and while i miss him as much as the next person, i have a hard time dwelling on his passing. i prefer to see him in my everyday life and look back on memories i have with him. everyday something reminds me of him and it brings a smile to my face.

i just wish my family could be this way also. i understand it must be more difficult to lose a father, god forbid i can't imagine losing mine... but because of the circumstances and the passing of time, i have grown to accept his passing and live my life with his smile and laugh always in the back of my mind. i hope my family can get to this point also.

i don't mean to ramble and throw words out on this page without any rhyme or reason, but i just noticed a trend this easter and felt the need to vent. that is what this blog is for right? to express feelings and let others in on what you're experiencing?

the next few months will be difficult, with my graduation coming up and him not being there, to my grammie's birthday... but i plan on including him in on these events through prayer and knowing he has my back. :) it was a wonderful easter for the most part, i just had some thoughts.

thanks for listening or i guess, reading!

Big News!

Big big news!

I'm going to the University of Arizona next year!!!!!!!!

This is when a lot of screaming and jumping up and down occurs.

I am so excited! I absolutely love this school, and last night my parents

gave me the thumbs-up that I can go there!

If you see a girl walking down the street tomorrow with a grin

the size of Texas across her face... that's me.

Also, The Help trailer came out today! It's going to be so good!

Jet Setting Girl Part II

Who knew cactuses (cacti?) could be so beautiful, right?

Those flowers are cactus flowers and are stunning! I pretty

much fell in love with the University of Arizona. The weather

was fantastic and the campus was beautiful. Just look

at the architecture of the building in the first picture! I'd

show you more campus pictures, but I don't want to bore you.

Thanks for reading!

Jet Setting Girl Part I

I had the time of my life on my trip. My feelings for the South

only grew and made me even more desperate to move there

someday. I am now an expert traveler! :) Just kidding, but it feels

like it. I loved everything from the hats (large and wonderful)

to the rocking chairs at Cracker Barrel, to the people dressed up

as people in the Revolutionary War, and finally to visiting Churchill

Downs. Oh yeah, and vintage doorknobs in my aunt's house

are wonderful also.

Stay tuned for the University of Arizona section of this series.

A Time for Firsts

Today I embark on my first eighteen year old adventure.

I will be flying halfway across the U.S. by myself.

Am I nervous? Not really. Am I excited? Definitely.

The whole not being nervous part is really getting to me.

Why aren't I more nervous? Shouldn't I be?

Maybe this is me becoming a true "adult."

(Whatever that means.)

As you know, I adore the South. Therefore,

going to Kentucky is just a dream. I've been twice before

and every time I find myself admiring each and every piece

of land. I know Kentucky isn't really very south geographically

speaking, but the southern feeling is there either way.

I should have watched Elizabethtown last night. Darn.

For a side note, do any of you know how difficult

it is is pack for a place like Kentucky and then for Arizona?

Let me tell you, it is quite difficult. Because see, I leave

straight from Kentucky to Arizona to meet up with my mom

to see the UA campus, and therefore have to pack for

both places. I hope everything works out packing wise!

Actually, I hope everything works out in general!

Fingers crossed!

Say a prayer for me as I embark on my first adult adventure?

Thanks. :)

Friday Friday!

Hello, hello, hello!

Today, I was asked to Senior Ball by this awesome guy named Chris.

I can't wait to completely make myself look like

an idiot at prom with my dancing skills. (or lack

thereof) It'll be a fun night. :)

I also made my hair appointment today since I'll be getting

a fancy shmancy updo for prom! I'm feeling very accomplished right now.

Now I'm off to pack for Kentucky... which is tomorrow!

1. My favorite daily responsibility is, hmm maybe keeping my room decently clean. Basically clean enough so it doesn't look like a zombie attacked.

2. My least favorite daily responsibility is, cleaning the dishes. Blah. Hate it.

3. My favorite cuisine to eat when going out is anything and everything Italian. Oh gosh everything is so delicious. Those Italians know how to live and eat.

4. My favorite cuisine to prepare at home is hah! I never cook. Not yet at least. So probably my favorite thing to make is a mean piece of toast and brownies.

5. Andy Warhol said that everyone is famous for 15 minutes. My claim to fame is that I have no claim to fame...yet. You just wait people. It'll happen someday. haha

6. If I could have 3 wishes I would wish for my perfect man (perfect for me that is), children someday(LATER), and to become a Speech Therapist with a never ending bank account.

7. My biggest pet peeve is slow walkers and people who talk really close to your face. Hi, I can see you plenty fine from a few inches back thank you. And person walking in front of me, yeah, I'm not cutting you off while walking.

Have a fantastic Friday!

Perfect Accidents

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. And this morning I was thinking

about how wonderful "perfect accidents" can be. You know the kind.

You planned to get somewhere on time but hit traffic and ended up somewhere

completely different in the end. Or you planned on having a night in and your

friends burst into your house for a Nerf gun war, and you end up having one

of the best nights. Or perhaps you ordered a specific coffee at Starbucks but instead

of making the drink hot like you ordered, they made it iced and it tasted

delicious! (Who knew?!)

Happenings like these are what are truly magical in life. So often we plan

our next move, the next step in the "right" direction, when all along

God had a different plan for us. Look at Pia on American Idol last week!

Do you think she wanted or deserved to go home last week? No, and because of

it, she probably already has a recording deal and has been receiving more

publicity than Charlie Sheen at the moment.

I guess what I'm hinting at is that often those moments we don't

plan, those moments we could never assume would happen,

are always the best. They are "perfect accidents" and should

always be around.

Meet Brian Andreas aka my new hero

"I once had a garden filled with flowers that grew only on dark

thoughts but they need constant attention & one day

I decided I had better things to do."

"Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously

like ordinary life."

"Anyone can slay a dragon... but try waking up every morning

and loving the world all over again. That's what takes a real

hero."

My mind is blown. I may love him.

Ma Ma Ma Monday

After a fairly stressful and fun Monday, I worked out and went over

to Katie's to work on our stock projects. Well, what happened

is that Katie ended up doing most of the hard stuff.

I was there for moral support. :)

Katie working.

Me not working. (and looking oh, so fabulous right? haha)

Our senior schedule was up online and so my mom printed it out.

This makes everything so much more official. It's insane!

Holy smokes I graduate soon! Plus I got my housing for Arizona! Yay!

Beautiful evening strolls.

My parents and I went to a University of Oregon meeting for parents and students today and when we were finished, we got some dinner in Midtown Sacramento. I have a newfound obsession with Midtown. The vintage blue or white houses and the trees blooming everywhere are too good to be true. Every where I went I wanted to take pictures. There was this one house (gorgeous and vintage looking of course) that was right next to a coffee shop and I decided it was pure perfection. You'd get the smell of coffee in the morning drifting through your windows and you could easily walk across the street to grab a cup. You see, not having to drive somewhere because you can easily walk/bike to it is wonderful to me.

Also, the amount of beach bikes with little adorable baskets is too much. I absolutely want every single one. I made a point to show my parents every one I loved so they could get the hint for college. :)

Walks down the streets of Midtown are a perfect night for me.

I was meant to be Southern

In all of my dreams and everything I think about take place in the South.

I could be reading a poem about summer and immediately I place it in the South.

My friends know this about me, but sometimes strangers are a little confused

by this. I don't know what there's to be confused about-I just love the South. Period.

Everything from their way of life-slower and sweeter- to their food- fattening and

delicious-is the best. At work I catch myself saying "How are ya'll doing?" and then

stopping before I embarrass myself. Because honestly, I am a true California girl.

I've never moved and I feel it would be offensive to all of a sudden start

saying "ya'll." In my heart I know I'll move there someday. I'm just

unsure about when that someday is. For now I'll admire Olivia's photos

at Everyday Musings and think about the South constantly.

Photos: http://weheartit.com/entry/8157228

and Olivia's at Everyday Musings.

Hello Friday

Dear Friday,

Usually, I love you. It's true. But today was a little different. First, you see, I had to wake up a little earlier than I was used to for this week. Then, I found out my t-shirt I designed for CSF at my school, is not being allowed to be sold anymore. (Cool.) I put a lot of work into those shirts, and then to be told a parent complained about the phrase on the back (which is totally a common pop culture reference) as being inappropriate, is very saddening. Yet, I didn't let those things put me down. After school I ate some Italian food (Dominik's-yum) and then bought myself a red velvet cupcake at Icing on the Cupcake. So despite some not so fun moments today, I guess you were all right.

Maybe next time we can avoid things like the t-shirt debacle and me being really tired. That would be great. Talk to you soon.

Allie.

Now let's look at some cupcakes!

Emmie's Orange Dream cupcake

Kim's honey something cupcake. It had custard inside (not a

huge hit with Kim) but it also had a cute little bee on top.

My always perfect red velvet. Never fails.

What can I say? I'm a creature of habit!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

Awkward and Awesome Thursday!

So here are some awkward family

photos I found online that are hysterical

Awkward:

1. Getting flirty messages from a guy you've never talked to before, on Facebook, and then having to see him in class that day.

2. Getting yoga mat marks all over you and staying well into the lunch period after.

3. Wearing a summer outfit when it was really cold today. (good job on my part.)

4. Dropping your water bottle, making a huge noise, and having everyone notice.

Awesome:

1. Having relaxation time during aerobics. I was dreaming at one point. Hence the yoga mat marks.

2. Getting a good workout in at the gym!

3. Getting to wake up at 7:30 instead of 5:30 and not have to go to school until 11. (Yes, I am an early riser even when it's by choice.)

Hope you are having an awesome Thursday!

I'm ready to ride off

I am ready to begin break. Actually, I am ready to graduate. Holy

smokes am I ready. School is beginning to seem pointless and my

mind is constantly elsewhere. This week, we are going to school at 11 instead

of 8 in the morning and it has been wonderful. I feel like this is my

little taste of college. Until college really rolls around.

This month is bringing so many exciting things-Kentucky,

Arizona, and Disneyland- yet it is slow getting there. Sometimes

it is a wonderful feeling to just read a book and breathe. To take

a moment and step away from school or future plans and just

live in the moment with a good book and a cup of Passion tea.

"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."

Henry Ellis

Amen.

Photo: http://weheartit.com/entry/1768050

One Day Without Shoes

Let me begin by saying what a big TOMS shoe fan I am.

When I say big, I mean really big. (Hence the huge font)

I own three pairs and already have a TOMS tan. :) And darn

proud of it!

Last year, I participated in One Day Without Shoes and loved it,

but got in trouble. The principal went on the intercom and asked

all of us to put our shoes back on because it was against district

code. Psh, whatever. :)

This year, I was smarter and wore them to school, but once I was out,

those shoes were off! I even was barefoot in a construction zone. Slightly

dangerous, but hey, all for a good cause.

See the developing TOMS tan?

Watch this video. :)

Monday Madness!

Boy, oh, boy it was a good Monday. I didn't have to go to school

until 11:20 today and I got to have a leisurely lunch and be all

bright and happy when I finally did go to school, because

of those extra hours of sleep! Like I said, a good monday.

What I wore! So Spring-y! (Ignore the purple unicorn pillow

pet. Even though you know you may be jealous.)

Ring I stole from the sistor. :)

Fun Snapple facts!

And a perfect lunch. I love Karens!

Now I'm off to eat some din din and see some friends!

We don't have to be at school till 11:30 so I'll be a night owl tonight!

(About 10:30 is what I consider a night owl kind of night.)

Hope you had a wonderful Monday!

For you

This song is beautiful and reminds me of my Papa.

If you aren't a fan of country, you may not want to listen.

Even though you should. :) But no judging here.

No sirree. (How do you spell that?)

Have a blessed Sunday!

When Harry Met Sally

Two years ago, I watched this movie for the first time. Ever since then,

it has been actively involved in my life. I probably quote it or think about

quoting it, once a day, and I'm pretty sure I AM Sally Albright.

Just sayin'.

For a film project, we got this movie and I was, of course, ecstatic.

I am in charge of the script for our filming and while I was

perusing the actual script of the movie, I noticed that

I can quote each of the lines the EXACT way Billy Crystal

and Meg Ryan do. Weird. It basically means I've seen

it way too many times. But that isn't important. What IS important,

is that this movie makes me really happy. Like Meg Ryan's

face in the picture below kind of happy.

Now THAT'S happy.