so i'm generic. what're you gonna do about it.

Today is Thanksgiving.

 

(Actually, where I'm at it's just a happy Thursday. I still had to wake up at five for seminary. Go figure, I think that Tahitians would LOVE any chance for a big feast and more vacation time.)

 

And the main reason I'm in here blogging is because we just finished cooking and all of that delicious smell-goodness is just too tempting. So this is merely a distraction so I don't have to keep telling my mom that nothing in the kitchen is worthy for serving so I had better just eat it all....

 

But I just wanted to quickly post a few things that I am grateful for. 

 

1: Air Conditioning. 

 

2: www. I honestly don't know what we would do without the internet. Whether it's converting ounces to grams or emailing relatives I am so grateful for it. It's been such a tremendous blessing to keep in easy contact with family and friends.

 

3: LDS Missionaries. Those in our mission as well as those everywhere.

 

4: Our house keeper, Marguerite. We feel so blessed to have been guided to choose someone with such capability and willingness. She has turned into such an asset, and is such a sweet spirit.

 

5: That we were able to find a turkey for Thanksgiving.

 

6: Music. It brings such joy to life.

 

7: (obviously these are not in order...) My Family. Yes, that's a broad term, but I mean it in the broadest term possible, yet I think of each individual as I type this. (Does that make sense?!) I'm especially grateful for my dad. He is such a strong person and is always working so hard for what he was called to do. Most of the time I can't see how he does it - I swear he's moving at hyper speed he's constantly on the go getting things done. I'm grateful for my mom (aka my missionary companion) She's been such a friend to me as we embark on this journey together, every step of the way. I'm grateful for my siblings, Brooke and Adam, and brother-in-law Rich for seriously being the coolest older sibs ever. (And I'm so grateful for Brooke's adorable children who I miss so stinking much.) I'm grateful for my grandmother, and all of my aunts, uncles and cousins for their prayers, emails and support that they continually give us. And this family business extends to the not-quite-so-related family of the Conrads... cuz I love you guyz and you're practically family:)

 

Obviously I could list more, but today I'll list just a few. Happy Thanksgiving everybody :) Don't go too crazy on Black Friday.

 

p.s. The reason this is being posted at the end of the day rather than when I first typed it is because I was suddenly busy setting the table and cooking some more for our delicious Thanksgiving feast. More tomorrow. Or sometime anyway.

twilight/i am so bipolar

Once upon a time my sister told me to read this awesome book called Twilight. I did so, and loved it. Then all of a sudden everyone and their dog read this book, became engaged to Edward Cullen, and aspired to become a vampire when they grew up. What did I do? Continue to read the books... liking them less and less for reasons that I don't want to get into right now or all of my readers might just stop reading because I'm a hater or something. I'm not a hater, I just didn't want to be sucked into the abyss of 'team edward' and start fantasizing about being in love with someone who thinks I 'smell good' for reasons other than my shampoo... (Don't get me wrong, I dig the whole story line/vampire thing and Meyer's an insane story-teller/good writer. So as much as I whine... secretly I was excited for the next ones to come out.) 

 

(Actually it could be that I complain because I just hate Bella. Sorry, she drives me crazy. But Edward and his pure awesomeness kind of makes up for her un-awesomeness. Most of the time.)

 

For those that are still here I'll stop dissing your favorite book. Promise. And if you are still here (thanks!) I hope you'll still like me and maybe forgive me someday. 

Anyhoodle. As the fairy tale continues... somebody decided to ship this vampire business to Hollywood. The hype was already there when this was initially announced, but I think it finally got to me once Robert Pattinson was chosen as Edward. People started complaining (including me) about his un-Edward qualities only to realize that this kid is actually kind of hot and a good actor so 'let's just fall in love with him anyway!' and other sorts of blah blah blah. The whole teenage girl obsessed-ness was just a little much. So I didn't have high hopes - I thought it'd be just another teen movie. (No pun intended)

 

{PLUS, unless it's Lord of the Rings or Jane Austen goodness... I'm not always mucha fan of books-to-movies. That's kind of a lie, because actually a lot of my favorite movies came from books. It's just that somebody slaughtered the last three Harry Potter books and I've never forgiven them. (But I still want to see the sixth one regardless. Gives me a chance to critique it to death, explain in detail how many things they messed up to people who couldn't care less while boring them to tears with my nonsense. Yeah, I'm weird.) So basically I was expecting Twilight to be similar-ish.}

 

Anyway, my point is: I actually really kinda want to see the movie. I think they picked the right people for Bella/Edward and the clips/trailers I've seen seem to have a limited amount of cheese. (Very good.) And Robert Pattinson IS going to be good regardless of what I first thought. AND I dig the soundtrack. Totally sweet. But, um, guess what else? It kinda comes out tomorrow. And I'm kinda not in a position to see it for, like, six months. I didn't think I'd be unhappy about this (I was in a depression about missing Dark Knight at the time) but I'm actually way bummed! I mean... I could go see it in French... but that might just ruin it for me. So I don't think I'll be doing that.

 

Since 2006, I have gone back and forth from hating to loving twilight in the space of literally 60 seconds. This is a time where I love it. So, you don't have to hate me, okay? But if the movie blows, I might start hating it again. Hopefully that won't be the case. And peace out all of you people who are at the midnight showing. I'm sick with jealousy. Anyway, after you've seen the movie, please leave a comment telling me what you thought! Yay, nay, go, no go, hot, not etc. etc. (And don't worry silly, I already know how it ends!) And if you feel the need to express your extreme distaste for this post and call me names then I give you permission to do so. If you must. 

things i didn't see

Okay, so... I wasn't there. But that doesn't mean you guys wouldn't be interested in a few pictures... even if I'm not in them... jk.

Woah that's my dad about to drive on the wrong side of the car. And the wrong side of the road. That's messed up.

 

Check out this awesome sign outside the missionary apartments. I love how it says 'no drinking' AND 'no alcohol' (In case you were wondering.. they speak English in za Cook Islands.)  

 

Yes! Auckland! This was taken from Mount Victoria - a pretty-ful shot of the city.

 

My parents (I love seeing my dad in a suit!!) with Elder and Sister Clark - public affairs missionaries in New Zealand. (After all the MP stuff was finished)

 

Beautiful sunset #1... (all these next ones were taken at the same place, yet still so unique. Equal in beauty of course)

 

#2...

  

And #3. (Great pictures Mom!)

I'm happy to report that they have came back safely and are back to business as usual. It's nice to have them home, and it looks like they had a wonderful time! 

cabin fever

My parents went to the Cook Islands and New Zealand this week. Without me. Yeah, I can't believe it either. The Lewis' (office missionary couple) stayed with me while the parents were partying in NZ. 

 

What I dig about being home alone is that I can focus. I'm not sure what external force pushes me to get things done (or what pushes me back when not alone...) but things get done! I am a serious list-maker and I've gone through at least a dozen sticky notes with checklists or just random notes to myself of things that need to be accomplished. I like to stay busy, even if busy doesn't get out too far from your house. {speaking of lists... check this out}

 

my week (such as it was) consisted of: 

=>>Organizing. I like all my ducks in a row, and some ducks needed straightening out. I organized all of my computer files, went through miscellaneous papers, cleaned my room, updated documents, continued to organize my iTunes library, arrange and edit pictures etc. etc.

=>>Catching up on my reading of the BOOK OF MORMON. We are reading it as a mission, highlighting everything pertaining to Christ (his names, attributes and words.) The goal is to finish before Christmas. I have already felt so blessed for participating - it's amazing how personal some of the chapters can mean to you. I'm reading it in French (with a little help from my English set) which is another little booster in the language department.

=>>Schoolness. Yes, mom, life wasn't all fun and games while you were gone. I did do homework. Go me.

=>>Playing the Piano. There are few things that I love more than playing the piano in an empty house. It's relaxing and a really good outlet for me. I've been playing the piano for about 12 years and it's been so fun to improve this talent from a new angle with a new teacher at a nearby conservatory. (aka I've had to freshen up on my do-re-mi's)

=>>Listening to music. So that's not really accomplishing anything.... but I still enjoy it! I'm way into David Archuleta's new album that came out this week.

=>>Calling home. I am in love with our VONAGE phone. It's an internet phone that allows us to keep our former Utah number... so we can call home at anytime with just a monthly payment - no long distance charging. I've been so grateful to stay in touch with family and close friends. The sound isn't perfect (it's been compared to 'underwater' 'a tube' 'morse code' and other such nuisances) but it's better than nothing. I've also been able to catch up on some emails so people don't think I've forgotten them. :) Yes.

=>>Watching movies with the Lewis'. Yay!!!

=>>Writing. Believe it or not I've been enjoying catching up on some journal writing, and just writing random things in any of my, like, fifty notebooks. (It just took me a while to transfer the writing from notebooks to internet, eh?)

 

Those are just the things occupying the times I was alone. It's been really fun chilling with the Lewis' and getting to know them better. On Monday we made it around to Tahiti-iti for a good view of the other part of the main island and a fun picnic. *see map below

p.s. If you're wondering why my picture is a lame-o internet map of Tahiti it might be because my parents took our camera to NZ. Astonishing, I know. Why EVER would they want a camera while there - I mean, come on!!

 

We also made it over to the Paul Gauguin museum, and the Botanical Gardens where we felt like we were in Jurassic Park. So cool. (Again: no pics. Sorry guyz) 

 

the no bueno things of the week:

=>>Seminary started again. Oh fun. And the two alarms I set decided to be bipolar on me and NOT go off two of those days. (Sister Lewis I'm REALLY sorry you had to wake me up....)

=>>I have major cabin fever. On one of the days I literally had to go outside and run a lap around the house. 

=>>I've hurt my toe - and it's turning all purpley on me. I'm not happy about this, and it's messing up my basketball business. And it just hurts to walk in general so that's no bueno.

=>>My teacher decided not to come to school. I was actually looking forward to making it back to school and I hardly had it. (The other day my teacher left halfway through class..) 

=>>And my piano teacher was unable to make it to piano also. (Can't you tell I just wanted to get out of the house?!)

=>>Um... I was all alone? I'd catch myself talking to myself every once in a while and think I was going crazy. 

It's good for me to have a week like this every once in a while so I can feel like I've accomplished something. But somehow staying home alone in Tahiti isn't quite as fun as staying home alone in Utah. It's funner to eat cookies and potato chips with a friend. (yeah meg i told you i wanted to call you so we could raid the fridge...)  But... day only lasts so long, and once night rolled around and the Lewis' came home things were great fun and I enjoyed my time with them immensely! Thanks SO MUCH ELDER AND SISTER LEWIS! You guys rock my socks :)

Seriously, I've started this post like thirty times only to think of something else that needed to get done or something or I just got distracted. But now I think I'm finally going to punch the [publish post] button and just let people read my jumbled thoughts. 5...4...3...zero...yeah.

as of late

Things have been really, really busy in the mission lately. Here are few shots of what's been goin' down.

We got two new missionaries... entailing an orientation/luncheon thingie at our house with their new trainers.

A week of Zone Conferences... 

...Pizza?

We had a few Elders popping in for Zone Conferences who are currently serving in Rarotonga, Tubuai and Rurutu (other islands- most missions are city-hoppin. We're an island hoppin kind of group.) Anyway, the night that they stayed in Tahiti before they flew back we had them and the assistants over for pizza and ice cream. We haven't had the greatest luck with pizza here, nothing tastes like what we're used to. But this pizza was absolutely DIVINE. I can assure you we will eat it again.

This week has been really fun. (With still tons to do - my parents head for Cooks/New Zealand tomorrow!) I love any opportunity to spend time with the missionaries and get to know them better. Not to mention a chance to practice my language skills. And, of course, I love any occasion that includes good food ;) 

love of the game.

I love sports. And I love basketball. I love to watch basketball, I love to play basketball, I love to talk about basketball. Now, times each of those 'loves' by fifteen and that may or may not compare to my big brother Adam's love for the game. He taught me everythin I know, after all... ;) 

 

So Adam's buddy, Mark Madsen player on the Minnesota Timberwolves, hooked him up with some freaking SWEET tickets to the T-Wolves/Spurs game last night. {I grew up in Minnesota and my parents lived there for twenty years until we moved to Utah in 2001. Adam still lives there.} And when I say sweet, I'm not talking tenth row - or even third row. I am talking COURT SIDE, next to the TEAM, the place where JACK NICHOLSON and other FAMOUS people sit. On the court. Standing up in three-step-walking-distance of the three point line in the Target center. (The difference between yelling at the refs three feet away from your TV and three feet away from the actual person is a bit different too, eh Adam? jk) So jealous...

 

My mom found this picture on the Star Tribune website.. and if our memories serve us well, we sure thought that that stud over there must be related to us. Once our suspicion was confirmed that Adam was, indeed, wearing a light blue hat we could add a name to the blurry studly image. We were pretty excited. :D

 

I'm insanely jealous, sure. But go Adam! We're stoked that you got to have this unforgettable night! (Too bad the T-wolves couldn't win it... but it was practically perfect in every other way I hear.) 

is it seriously november 1st?!

What I'm happy about:

1: I'm on a two week vacation from school/seminary.

 

2: I totally got a free Coldplay music video on iTunes yesterday. Sure I don't really care about music videos too much (unless it's something old school like Michael Jackson's Beat It or something with sweet dancing like Chris Brown's With You) and sure I already OWN the song... but it was free and it's three minutes featuring Chris Martin. I ain't complaining.

 

3: New Pixar Movies=>> I'm way excited for this one!

 

4: Sneak peek at LOST!

5: I had the opportunity to speak English to people other than parents or missionaries! Our next door neighbors, the Stones, had visitors from Colorado. I helped translate for them a little and I talked their ears off in my native language ;) {hopefully I'll get some pics and more info on another post later}

 

6: Keane. Oh how I love this album.

 

What I'm NOT happy about:

1: I miss autumn leaves and fall colors. 

2: I totally missed out on a FRIDAY NIGHT Halloween. 

3: Actually.. I just kind of missed out on a Halloween!

 

My October 31 was anything but normal. 

It was one of my first Halloweens with agreeable weather. (Although apparently Utah didn't have half bad weather this year either - yet another thing I missed out on.) 

There were no trick-or-treaters in sight. 

And Kosy 106.5 wasn't even there to start playing Christmas music before November had even begun. {I didn't miss that part so much...}

How to spend Halloween in Tahiti:

{based off experiences from people such as myself and my mother}

*buy a pack of snickers and eat them.

*get some shopping errands done, because it is All Saints Day on November 1. most grocery stores are closed.

*cook sugary goodness. we made chocolatey chocolate cookies and peanut butter pie. mmmm

*listen to wicked while cooking. that's.. kind of halloween-y right? 

*drink orangina.

*watch a movie. we watched {this} and {this} (too bad our movie rental place only offers so much... I wanted to watch Hocus Pocus)

*relax. you're on a holiday. sleep in a little. read a good book. 

*play... basketball? nah I'm just teasin. that one was just for me. I happened to have a basketball practice yesterday, so that was part of my halloween. I loved myself so much while i ran off all the junk I ate. That wasn't unpleasant in the LEAST... 

*reminisce about past halloweens in freezing Minnesota weather with winter coats underneath costumes. {yes that's me and best buddies stacie and nellie}{thanx stacie for uploading that on facebook}

 

When I said that I missed out on a Halloween, I didn't really miss out. Halloween didn't go away. I just had to go lookin' a while before I realized that we had to do something ourselves. I guess this is only preparing me for the more 'dear-to-my-heart' holidays that I will have to "give a makeover" and make them something special. Different and memorable.