Tunnels of Terror

Each year at Halloween, students and families from Ephraim and the surrounding areas muster up the courage to venture deep into the haunted tunnels that run underneath the Snow College campus.  There is much debate over whether or not the tunnels are actually haunted.  They certainly are on the days nearest All Hallow's Eve.  On-Campus Housing gathers its creepers and allows them to run rampant in the tunnels; terrorizing the poor souls that step foot inside.  There was rumor that Anderson Hall's section was the best this year.  I would have to agree, and that's not just because I was in it.  Miss Della and I went through the rest of the tunnels and got scared maybe twice.  The not-so-scary people of one section even shouted at us that we were lame.  It's not our fault they didn't scare us!  Haha.  Silly creepers.  So, are the tunnels haunted?  I heard some strange noises when we were setting up and even during the dead times (no pun intended).  You decide...

Sleep Killers

Perhaps you don't know this about me, but I am not a morning person. I am very much a night-owl. This means that if I'm in bed before 10:00 it's because I'm not feeling well. Or I'm just exhausted. This means that if I get woken up, I'm not going to be nice and friendly. And I'll probably look like death. And I'll most likely be pissed at you because I slept from 9:30 to 11:30. That's like a nap. Then I'll be awake until 3 in the A.M.! No bueno. Especially when I have to force myself out of my nice warm bed at 7:00. Yuck. So, please, little sleep killers...SSSSHHHH!

That is all. Much love.

Growing Pains and Laughing Games

You may have noticed that the name of my blog changed.  There is good reason for that.  Recently, I have been thinking about life in general.  I've also been thinking about specific stages in life.  Infancy, childhood, teenage years, adulthood, and so on.  It's no secret that life is hard.  There are times when I just want to give up.  Crawl under my covers and never come out.  There are also times when I learn and grow so much.  This semester of school has taught me about how people operate.  Sometimes, I don't want to know the things that are brought to my attention.  I would rather live in ignorance with some things.  I know that ignorance is not always bliss, but in some cases, it is.  Transitioning into adulthood is a strange thing for me.  I think I've always been mature beyond my years, but I cannot fathom living completely on my own yet.  I can't imagine what it will be like to be married.  I don't really have the desire to imagine that right now, though.  Quite frankly, I'm getting fed up with the male specimen.  Like, really, boys?  Are you ever going to grow up?  I don't know...I can only wish.  But I don't wish anymore.  You can only wish so many times and not have it come true before you just stop wishing.  I guess that's part of being a grown-up.  You have to come to terms with reality, no matter how much it sucks.

I don't want you to think that I'm a pessimist, because I'm really not.  I'm just in a rut right now, I guess.  But this is where the other part of my title comes in: Laughing Games.  My life is full of so much fun and so many wonderful people.  I would be an awful person if I didn't talk about how grateful I am for them and for the happy times in my life.  Laughter is my favorite thing in the world.  It can drive away tears, pain, and anger.  It really is the best medicine.  One of my nicknames is Snickerdoodle because I laugh so much.  A new nickname from school this year is Giggle Monster.  I love it.  I love that people recognize me for my laughter.  I love that they laugh simply because I'm laughing.

Story of note:  My friend, Joey, decided that he was going to dye his bleach-blonde hair red.  Like, RED.  Haha.  So, he goes to shower after the dye has been on long enough and comes out stained red.  Oh, Joey...laughter!  What a predicament.  How do we get this off?  Emma and I start thinking of things to try.  She calls her mom to ask for advice.  Her mom tells us to try cold cream, which I just happen to have.  We bring Joey to my room and start rubbing this stuff on his face.  Haha.  Oh, gosh.
"This is all beauty crap!"
"Yeah, it is, but it's working!"  Eventually we got most of the dye off of his face.  Then we moved on to the toe nails that had been stained pink.  Most hysterical thing everrr!  Apparently Joey's toes don't like cotton balls soaked in polish remover, but my sense of humor loves that fact.

Another thing that I've been thinking about a lot lately is love.  I believe in love, but, to what extent, I'm not sure.  I believe in the pure love that Christ has for everyone.  I believe in the love that we have for family and very close friends.  I believe in the love between a husband and wife, but how strong is that love?  Are we really capable of loving someone more than we love ourselves?  Sometimes I don't think so.  Lately it just seems to me that people look out for Number One.  It's like, yeah, I love you, but what about me?  What about what I want?  What about what I need?  What about the fact that it's not convenient for me to jump up in the middle of the night to help you?  I do it anyway, but why don't I get anything in return?  I mean, don't get me wrong.  I know that love is NOT about expecting anything in return, but sometimes I feel like I deserve to be treated much better than the way I'm being treated.  People use and abuse.  That's how they are.  Most do it unintenitonally, but there are few that just know how to manipulate everyone to get exactly what they want.  Are those few happy?  I'm just wondering.  Do they know how much it hurts to be used and thrown to the side?  I call those people my "convenient friends."  Yeah, I'll be your friend when it's convenient for me, but as soon as I've sucked you dry, I'll toss you.  Thanks, friends.  I don't know.  I've had some bad experiences, I guess.  Even the guy that told me that he was different and was going to prove to me that he could treat me how I should be treated ended up being the same as the rest.  Does that loving feeling really exist?  Are guys really all the same?  I like to hope not, but I'm still waiting.  I'll continue to wait.  Patiently.  And take the crap that comes in the meantime.  Because that's what I do.  I'm a glutton for punishment in some ways.  I want to be wanted.  I want to be loved.  So I put myself out there, and I get hurt.  I'm starting to build this wall.  I'm starting to push people away.  I find myself saying things now like, "I don't want a boyfriend.  Are you kidding?  I'm never going to get married.  I just don't want that."  There really is a part of me that doesn't want these things anymore.  Life is easier when I don't care about people as more than friends.  When I don't expect anything more from them than friendship.  If I can even call what I have with some people a friendship.  Sometimes, I catch myself being bitter and cynical.  I catch myself glaring at happy couples.  I catch myself being almost angry because they're happy together, and I'm not.  I don't want to see PDA when I'm not getting any.  I find myself thinking that it's never going to happen for me.  But then I get the, "Well, with that attitude it's not going to."  You know what I have to say to that?  Eff you.  You don't know me.  You don't know why I'm feeling that way.  Maybe, if you'd experienced everything that I have with the opposite sex, you'd feel a little bit like that.  Maybe not, but either way, who are you to tell me something like that?  I want more than anything to be happy with someone.  I yearn for it.  I used to wish for it.  But, let's face it, who wants to love a cynic?

Get Over Yourself, Frog!

The events of this weekend gave cause for me to evaluate my life. Where do I stand? Where am I going? What do I really want? Although there were some frustrations and tears, I think that I've done a lot of growing up. I also think that I'd like to share some favorite song lyrics with you. The first I shall dedicate to one that will remain nameless:

"Get Over Yourself" -SHeDAISY

You say you're gun-shy,
I say you're spineless.
You think you're pensive,
I think you're mindless.
Such a busy little drone
That your heart beats in monotone,
So loud you can't hear me
Repetition's what you need.

Get out of my air,
Get off of my cloud,
Get out of my hair,
Get off of my couch,
Get off of my lips,
Get out of my life,
Let me give you a tip
Get out of my sight!
Get off of your knees,
Get out of my face,
Get out of my sleep,
Get out of my space,
How long do I have to show and tell, scream and yell?
Get over yourself!

You say you're complicated,
I say too dramatic.
You think I underrate you,
I think I've finally had it.
With you never havin' time
'Cause half the time you spend designing brilliant tragedies,
And it's becoming your disease.

Won't let you unnerve me,
Won't let you deserve me,
And even if I kiss the dirt you're going to see me how I don't hurt,
And I don't hurt.

Hey, get over yourself!

The second shall serve as a reminder to myself and all of my friends:

"Princes and Frogs" -Superchick

All princes start as frogs and all gentlemen as dogs.
Just wait 'til its plain to see
What we're growing up to be.
'Cause some frogs will still be frogs
And some dogs will still be dogs.
Some boys can become men,
Just don't kiss us 'til then.

You hate men is what you say, and I understand how you feel that way.
All girls dream of a fairy tale,
But what you've got's like a used-car salesman
Trying to conceal what's wrong behind a smile and a song,
And I'm not saying that boys are not like that,
But I think you should know
That some of us will grow.
Because. . .

All princes start as frogs and all gentlemen as dogs.

Just wait 'til its plain to see
What we're growing up to be.
'Cause some frogs will still be frogs
And some dogs will still be dogs.
Some boys can become men,
Just don't kiss us 'til then.

You found him is what you say,
And we all want you to feel that way.
The frog you've got seems cute enough to kiss,
And maybe frogs seem like that's all there is,
But just because you haven't found your prince yet
Doesn't mean you're still not a princess,
And what if if your prince comes riding in
While you're kissin' a frog what's he gonna think then?
So look into his eyes,
Are you a princess or a fly?

All princes start as frogs and all gentlemen as dogs.

Just wait 'til its plain to see
What we're growing up to be.
'Cause some frogs will still be frogs
And some dogs will still be dogs.
Some boys can become men,
Just don't kiss us 'til then.

Yes, that pretty much says it all. :)

Of Frustrations and Letting Go

Recently I have become quite frustrated with a plethora of events in life that are somewhat beyond my control. Why is it that, as humans, we tend to worry the most over that which we cannot control? Perhaps, if I could answer that question, I could remedy this plague and make my life much more simple. I feel that it should be easier for me to deal with certain circumstances. There just seems to be some block in my head. Some mental block that I can't get rid of. That's right, I am a blockhead.

"What is the root of your frustration?" you might ask.

"Boys," I will tell.

Well, I'm going to be in my hometown this weekend. I'm going to visit some of the loved ones that I hold so dear and miss greatly. I'm going to do my best to just let go and let life take me where it will. You have my word.

Shelf-less Service

"Cherish! Come here! Come see this!" a voice echoes from the boys' hall.
"Uh-oh..." I think. So many thoughts cross my mind. What could it be? I follow the sound, and it leads me to Jay's room.
"Is this blog-worthy?!" he beseeches pointing to the shelf on the wall. The shelf now full of food storage.
"Oh, yes," I say and snap a picture on my phone, "it most definitely is."
"It'll last about a week," he ponders, "I think."
"You could sell it!" I offer.
"I could..." he concludes.

Oh, dear. What have I done?

Football Follies

Yesterday was the Badgers' first home game! Exciting, right? Not so much... We played the Arizona Western Matadors, and we lost. The final score was 35-17. Ouch. I've never seen our team lose, so my bubble was burst! It's okay, though. I'm not totally heartbroken. It was just strange. There were a lot of injuries to our team members, too. It was kind of bizarre. I hope they're all okay! On the plus side, the game ended with an awesome rainstorm which produced a stunning double-rainbow. It was a pretty cool sight.

Our QB went down...

...but so did one of their guys.

Team Shot!

Lava-Lava Leaving

Today marks the first day of a long weekend! Woo hoo! Time for sleeping in, relaxation, and...homework. Oh, dear. Not fun. Most of my dormbies have vacated the premises. Majority of them went home for the weekend to enjoy camping or other activities of the sort with family and friends. Another group decided to go to the stomp put on by the Snow Rugby team! They were all pretty excited. It is rather quiet in the hall. Something I'm not used to. It almost makes me a little bit sad, BUT I'm glad that my little dormbies are having the times of their lives! A few of them decided to make their own lava-lavas to wear to the stomp.

                  Kota and Ashley making their lava-lavas

                    

                                                                          Jay showing off his sweet design                    

RAd Adventures

So, this is officially my second night as the RA on-duty. I have been pretty lucky to have had mostly uneventful nights. The college has done a pretty good job of keeping my dormbies busy. Well, one of the girls decided to play a harmless little prank on another group of girls. How did they retaliate? Like this:

They took all of the signs from every other door and stuck them on hers.

I'm lucky they're rather harmless. I love girls sometimes. Only sometimes.

Hopper Horror

Living in Ephraim, Utah allows me to experience many new and exciting things each and every day. It is home to a wide variety of creatures (and I'm not just talking about the college students). It seems to me that Ephraim is being overrun by gargantuan, revolting grasshoppers! I hate grasshoppers! Do they know this? I think so! I swear to you, they plot against me. As I'm walking along, they tell each other, "Now, on three, we're all gonna jump at her from our surrounding positions. She'll scream. It'll be great entertainment for us! One...two...three...go! Oh, no, Harry! Hopper down!" Gross.

Operation Dumbo Duped

Well, I have failed to update my blog once again. BUT that's okay, because I'm going to make up for it with an awesome story. So, I was sitting in my friend Della's apartment, and we were just talking about fun safari animals. I told her that my favorite is a giraffe, and she said that we could be friends! I was super excited! Then, our other friend, Carly, said that she like elephants. This sparked a memory in Miss Della's head about the movie "Operation Dumbo Drop."
"Did you guys ever see that movie?!" she asked excitedly.
"Funny story..." I muttered. You see, when I was about six-years-old, that movie came out in theaters, and I remember wanting to see it SO badly! So, one day, my dad tells me to get ready because we're going to see it! You can imagine my excitement as I got dressed in my coolest Mighty Ducks shirt to go see this movie. Well, as we start getting beyond places that I recognize, I realize that we are NOT going to see "Operation Dumbo Drop." Instead, we pull into the parking lot of the clinic. Dun, dun, dun...! It was time for shots, and apparently I was very difficult when it came to that, so Daddy had to dupe me. Sadly, I still have not seen that movie.

Dance Dance Revolution

Well, tonight was the first school-sponsored stomp of many to come. I had a blast! I hung out and watched some of my little dormbies get numbers from girls. I was so proud of them! Haha. It was great fun. Classes officially start in the morning. I have an 8:30 class. Why am I still awake? Good question. I think I'm just too excited to sleep. I'm definitely looking forward to meeting people of the man sort. Speaking of which, I found this show on Fox called More to Love. It's pretty awesome. This guy is looking for a real woman. Not a little stick figure. I'm very excited to see how this turns out. Quote of the day: "Life is too short to count calories."

Illusion vs. Reality

Tonight I had the awesome opportunity to see a magic show put on by Mike Super. Yes, that is his name. Haha. He was hilarious! His tricks were way cool, and my friend Elise and I actually got to be a part of the show. A small, but still super-awesome part of the show! He recycled a Coke for her. I wish I knew how he did it. My mind is still a little boggled. I'm definitely glad that we got to go. His sense of humor is awesome! Some of my favorite things that he said:

"Her friend is smelling it! She's saying, 'Don't drink that demon soda!'" -about Elise and me.
"I'm gonna reach around you. I'm not gonna get fresh. You have the scissors and a little bit of an attitude."
"Lavenous. It's lavenous."

The guy was super cool. If you ever have a chance to see one of his shows...do it! The end.

Big "A" For Anderson!

CHANGE

Wow! It has been quite some time since I have been on this little blog spot of mine, but my friend Della inspired me to begin thinking like a true blogger once again! It's great to be back. A few things have changed for me. I'm now an RA at Anderson Hall, which is amazing by the way, and I'm having a lot of fun, but it's definitely not without its minor struggles. It's very important to learn to take things case-by-case.

Grandpa reminds me, "Don't sweat the petty things...and don't pet the sweaty things."

Ne'er a truer amount of advice given to a college girl. Thanks Gramps!

BLESSINGS
So, in my adventures tonight I've made new friends. Possibly one enemy, but, hey, that's how it goes, right? Something super cool, though! There's a young man in the dorm who happened to serve a mission in Japan, and we have an International Student. He's communicating with her. It is most incredible to hear! I'm so grateful to have him here, honestly. I'm sure it's going to make her feel much more comfortable. I can definitely say that God knows what He's doing.

MAINTENANCE ADVENTURES
Aside from a rickety door, we haven't really had many problems...until tonight. I decided to be brave and venture over to the boys' hall. No big deal, right? WRONG!
The first question: "When do they clean the bathrooms?"
Okay, now, normally I would just answer this, but these are boys, so there's this immediate red flag that pops up in my brain.
"Why?" I ask.
"You don't want to know," he replies.
"Well, it's my job to know," I state.
"It's bad!" gags he.
By this point, a few other boys have joined in the gagging and sputtering about the atrocious toilet monster! Apparently some college boys still haven't mastered the concept of flushing a toity.
"I'm going in!" I boldly exclaim.
"You can't!" they shout, "we can't let you go in there! Take some Febreeze! AND A BANDANA!"
"Oh, dear..." my brain thinks, "this is not going to be pretty."
I push the door open, and...tears! Instantly! Most wretched smell ever! So, being the girl that I am, I call on Drew to rescue me. He's the male RA. Poor Drew...
"DREW! OPEN YOUR DOOR!" He slowly opens his door. "I'm so sorry to bother you, but there's a little problem in the bathroom..." I sadly explain with a heavy heart.
"A problem in the ba...? UGH!" says he. Oh, dear...so sorry, friend!

The request form that was submitted was quite humorous. It included my one-liner about teaching these boys how to properly finalize their business. Haha. I thought it was pretty clever. Just thought I'd share.

Distraction

Well, being the crafty college student that I am, I have found yet another way to procrastinate doing any homework. I miss blogging, though. I used to use Xanga. Those were the good ol' days. :) I'm supposed to be working on a research project for human development, you know, just in case you were wondering... You know you were. I guess that I'd better get going on that. I'm going to a Stake Relief Society birthday party tonight. It should be lots of fun! I'm excited to get there, but I've got to actually get some work done first. Ta ta for now!