tropical fruit, raw fish and other discoveries

why so serious?

2009-02-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

I am not un-cultured. Just because I didn't see one of the BEST films all year until seven months after the fact has NO bearing on my cultur...a...bility. (?) Bear with me here.

Well, all of you EARLY birds, (or should I say 'on time' birds) this will be old news to you. But if you consider this amazing masterpiece "old news" already then you OBVIOUSLY didn't appreciate it enough and you should be THANKING me for bringing it to your attention again right before the Oscars tomorrow night. So, I finally watched this. Four. Times. Or something. So, be happy for me. I am officially the LAST human being (excluding my parents) to have seen The. Dark. Knight. Oh, and Heath Ledger is a sick joker. So awesome.

I also saw this. I had heard a lot of mixed reviews from friends - but I couldn't totally ignore the critics and their high endorsements. And honestly, you can never go wrong with Pixar. Anyway, I'm trying this new thing where I actually, like, WATCH the movies that are being shown on the screen rather than doing a Sudoku puzzle or working on some other distracting project. And this is definitely a movie that a viewer has to give a lot to in order to appreciate it. But seriously, just pay attention to this endearing little robot. This is a great movie. I really liked it. :)

p.s. Take note of the release date on the Wall-E poster: June 27? Yeah. My birthday is June 26. Also known as the day that we hopped on an airplane for Tahiti. I missed this by one DAY. *Sigh*

it's funny.

2009-02-16T18:06:00.000-08:00

It's funny, sometimes, how the things that are always important to a person are so easy to stop doing. Like... exercising is a huge one. Even if you just skip ONE day you're schedule is totally messed up and you can't get back into the habit. Another big one for me is journal writing. I skip one day and I feel like I need to write an epic novel about EVERYTHING I missed - when in reality you just need to write a couple things down about what you did and then call it good. I can never seem to do that.

And apparently that's how it is with me and blogging.

I got out of the habit, and so much happened I keep thinking: "Well where do I even START?!" There's so much I COULD talk about... but I just don't know what!!"

Well, this is Lauren saying hi and hello and that she is going to try her best to update this a little more often. Seriously folks.

Have a nice day!

hail the conquering hero

2009-01-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

I do not accept defeat. I believe in persistence and no matter how many websites I have to go through in order to watch Lost Season Five I will do it. Once I made it onto the fifth or sixth page in my google search (after many, many failed attempts and many death signs yelling at me to go back to America-- I swear it would come to the point that the sign would appear even before I tried to watch anything....) triumph was mine. I stumbled upon a very sympathetic website called {lost-streams.com} that has allowed me to watch the ENTIRE first two episodes of LOST without questioning the American in me!

To put it lightly I am a very, very happy person.

I actually haven't watched it yet because regardless of the nice website... our internet still isn't, um, fast. So it's been buffering since 7:30 this morning (It's almost 11:30 now) But I'm patient. I'm very patient.

And I'm a very happy person.

i have high hopes

2009-01-22T12:42:00.000-08:00

We were lucky enough to watch the inauguration here in Tahiti - some was dubbed over in French with French commentators, but the rest was in English. It was neat to watch. (And I am in LOVE with {this} performance! So beautiful.) (And I liked all of Michelle Obama's wardrobe.) I am excited for this new change and have high hopes for him as President. :)

letters

2009-01-18T13:01:00.000-08:00

To Whom it May Concern at abc.com,

I have been watching a television series of yours, namely LOST, for many years. And in light of the new season premiering this coming Wednesday (the 21st of January) I was much hoping to stick with the story. But that's where I have a little problem, see... I am slightly, um, limited as to what I can watch on TV nowadays... and due to my limitations, I was greatly looking forward to streaming Lost via your free episodes spot on your website.

But no.

Apparently these are only available to "United States residents only." Yes, it is true that I am currently living in French Polynesia, but that does NOT change my citizenship to the United States of America. The only way I can really watch Lost is to buy episodes via iTunes for three bucks apiece - but we all know once you start you simply can't stop so that'd add up to be over fifty dollars which is money that I don't have... When I normally would be watching it for FREE in my LIVING room in America.

I'll admit that I didn't start following on-air until the third season because I didn't realize it's coolness until I borrowed the first two seasons from my sister and maybe that is why you are punishing me. But I really wish that you would look into this problem. I hope to hear from you soon. Sorry for the run-on sentences.

Sincerely,

Lauren Smith

Dear youtube.com,

Thank you for all of your wonderful contributions. I love you. Thank you even more for allowing me (in Tahiti) to stay caught up with this new season of American Idol by posting videos of selected performances featured in the show. Perhaps you and ABC could arrange a meeting to collab. a little. Forward this on to them, to let them know just how much better you are. Keep up the great work!

With love,

Lauren Smith

xoxo

christmas time is here... still?

2009-01-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

This post is actually intended to be about something that happened yesterday... but in honor of the fact that Christmas DID happen I thought I'd at least post a FEW pictures of the twenty-fifth.

We had a few Elders over for breakfast while two of them used our vonage phone to call home to their folks. And below is our tree with our presents neatly arranged on the table guy.

Okay, that's enough that's enough. Christmas was grand - I got some fun things, iTunes credit, an awesome necklace from New Zealand, a few practical things etc. etc. Oh, the whole fam got a LOT of chocolate/candy stuff.

But over here we like to celebrate Christmas going into January, and it looks like we might continue the party into February or March even (depending on when some other packages decide to get here.) And yesterday we got THIS in the mail...

Back home in SPRINGVILLE at the ward's Christmas party - they had a little table-guy for cards to missionaries. And I guess that, like, includes us! So we were terribly excited to see a package-guy carrying some darling Christmas cards for us! :) (Full of lots of snow and snowmen and Santa Clauses and other cute Christmas things) It was so exciting to get some fun mail from some awesome people in our ward in Utah. Here's a shout out to all you Springcreek 15th ward members (whoever of you reads my blog anyway - and if you're one of those people who DO keep track of this, pass the shout out along will ya? Thanks, xoxo) and a thank you thank you from some very grateful people far away in Tahiti for sending some love our way. We love you guys! :D

feelin' fine in two thousand and nine

2009-01-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

Is it about time I posted? I'd say it's about time I posted. I don't know if I've even looked at my blog throughout all of December. I've just been too busy! Eating... and watching movies... and playing games! Yeah.

Well, in case you hadn't noticed 2008 left us, and 2009 is here. I thought I'd post some of my favorite things that came about in two thousand and eight.

Favorite Thing I Ate

Normally I could never pin point a specific meal that out-did every other meal that I ate in an entire year... but I happened to be hungry while typing and I was thinking about the delicious meal I had at my sister's where Rich cooked the most divine fajitas one could ever taste... :) My mouth is officially watering. And I don't know if I have eaten anything that can out-top that this past year.

Favorite Songs

Any guesses? Yup. Viva La Vida. Of course. It's amazing.

Disturbia - Rihanna. It's just... cool and excitified.

Miss Independent - Ne-yo.

4 Minutes - Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland. WE'VE ONLY GOT FOUR MINUTES TO SAVE THE WORLD! This is the best when driving in the car. Lots of memories with this song :)

Nine in the Afternoon - Panic at the Disco

Human - The Killers. Amazing new album. Love it :)

Hollywood's Not America - Ferras

Forever - Chris Brown

Spiralling - Keane

Chasing Pavements - Adele

Yeah, these are all really mainstream songs that everybody's heard of... and usually my thing is obscure indie songs. But I do both. :)

Favorite Music Artists I discovered: (well... more like enjoyed more this year.)

Chairlift

Lykke Li

Lenka

The Hush Sound

Panic Attract

Joshua Radin (thanks meg)

Imogen Heap

Copeland

Tristan Prettyman

Justin Nozuka

The Starting Line

Radiohead

Jason Mraz

Paramore

All Time Low

Oh yeah, and Coldplay. But they weren't a new discovery.

...and many more. :)

Favorite Movies I saw in Theaters

This is a toughie... and I'm sure I WOULD say Dark Knight if I had seen that in the theatre but since I haven't... I'd have to say Ironman and Dan in Real Life. Yes, definitely those two.

Favorite Restaurant

Tucanos. Without a doubt. Mmmmm delicious.

Best Books I Read

This is hard, because I didn't do too much reading this year. (Something I'm hoping to be different in 2009...) but all in all I'd choose The Book of Mormon. (I finished on Christmas Day!! Wonderful experience.) And I'm almost finished with Little Women which I'm enjoying very much. My favorite short story I read was given to me as a Christmas present from our next door neighbor - The Stones. It's called The Lesson by Carol Lynn Pearson, and it's great. Check it out, it's wonderful. (The link takes you to the version on Google Books.)

Favorite TV Shows

Lost. I'm so depressed I can't watch the next season. Of course, The Office. And we really got into Monk this year - Tony Shalhoub is my hero.

Favorite Hobbies

Playing the piano, creating arrangements. I love taking piano at the Conservatory, I've learned so much! It's been a really, really neat experience. And my French teacher is awesome.

Finding new music.

Writing.

Watching movies.

Running, playing basketball. (I need to get into that again after ALL I ate over the holidays!!)

Some Milestones

I passed Physics.

I took the ACT

I joined the facebook world.

Oh yeah, we moved to Tahiti.

I went to Prom (my one and only)

As of December I can function somewhat well in another language

I turned 17 years old

I've went to New Zealand (en route to Tahiti)

We found a happy home for our dog Allie

I got good at making cinnamon rolls.... mmmmmmm....

I colored my hair back to brown. Yikes.

I have many New Years Resolutions. But I think the one way to "sum" up what i want for this upcoming year is in one word:

succeed.

And I hope to do that to the best of my ability. Happy 2009 everybody!

workspace

2008-12-17T13:12:00.001-08:00

So right now I am burning a kabajillion CDs for the missionaries. It's the present from my parents - a CD full of pictures. And I sort of got semi-put-in-charge of all of the technical stuff. So that's what I've been doing all morning! And this is my multi-tasking workspace.

You will notice in this photo...

=>>Three piles of CDs meaning that I have only one-and-a-half more piles to go! (Ten in each, and we need about 45-ish.)

=>>My charging iPod. Uh, it just needed to be charged.

=>>My carry-with-me-everywhere notebook, with a list of things needed to get done. In green colored pencil. Because that's how I roll.

=>>About ten thousand annoying little wires connected to all of the little contraptions that make internet use possible. So annoying. But oh well.

=>>Le Livre de Mormon/The Book of Mormon. I know it's awful to be multitasking while reading scripture. But I'm a little behind and the goal is to finish by next week.

=>>My cup of ice. Anyone that has known me or spent a full day with me where there is a semi-large cup and an ice machine will know that I am constantly eating ice. Constantly. It's always there. Yup. Take the nugget-ice machines at Heber Valley Girl's camp for example. We used to CONSTANTLY make trips to that. Half of the time just for me. I'm just cool like that.

=>>You can somewhat see the open iTunes window. I was listening to The Postal Service. Because their electronic-ness rocks my socks.

What you CAN'T see...

=>>Me. Clearly. But I now have funny hair and I was wearing glasses and hadn't gotten ready at all yet. Not that that REALLY matters but I just didn't want to be in any pictures! So... too bad. Deal.

=>>The other plethora of windows open on the mac. Such as three or four word documents that I was updating with my randomness, Facebook and entertaining myself with these awesome little button things called flair (seriously: so addicting. So many wonderful things in one place! Bah!), my email, my blog (obviously), probably someone elses blog, and I think I was looking at USA Today or something exciting like that. [[yes, it is possible to do that many things at once. try me.]]

=>>My mom. In the kitchen. Cooking. A. Lot. And preparing things for tomorrow. Oh! Yes, what we're doing all of this for is the huge Christmas Zone Conference we have tomorrow that we brought all of the missionaries in for. In which case we have a couple sisters and a mission couple staying at our house. So we were preparing for that.

=>>My dad. (Not unusual, but still factual) He was picking up people at airports, running errands for the mish, at the mission office and other such things.

=>>The mess that I had just cleaned up. Yes!

=>>Prolly a ton of other things that I can't think of right now!

Oh, and p.s. this is officially my 50th post on this blog. How EXCITING! This is me saying YAY!

oh christmas tree.

2008-12-16T13:46:00.000-08:00

We may very well be one of the ONLY people with a Christmas tree in Tahiti. Not too many others do I don't think. This was stuffed in the garage of our house and we managed to force it together and throw some of the rad decorations on it that were already here as well. We also brought some of our favorite ornaments from home. One of my very, very favorite family traditions is that we buy a new ornament each year to represent something significant of the year. (i.e. a darling Mr. & Mrs. Claus for when my parents were married, something for when the kids were born, a thing for a new house, moving etc. etc.) This year it was, obviously, moving to Tahiti and the mish. We went shopping for that yesterday and we now have two options for what we're going to use, and that is still under discussion. Hmmm... But anyway, that's me putting up one of the yearlys.

Okay, we thought this was hilarious. We went to Carre Four and they were selling this "snow powder." Since they can't have the real thing I guess that's as close as they're going to get! I was half tempted to buy it. But not really.

Gotta love our family felt advent calendar. Every night we sing a Christmas Carol and put up the next corresponding ornament. It's crazy, in years past sometimes we've found our schedules too busy to do this with consistency - but now that it is one of our only Christmas-ey things in our lives we've found ourselves clinging to it. It's been really fun to do as a family, and I've really loved singing the Christmas carols. (Especially since we don't sing them in church until the WEEK before Christmas! How SAD!!!)

We also did a gift exchange in YW/YM. (Which was interesting on my part but it all ended up working out. Stupid language barrier. Can't we just all GET ALONG?!) And this is what one of the guys gave me. (If you're reading this Mike this is what the flower thingie looked like.)

Christmas is definitely different without snow, and without family. But we're doing the best to make it our own and have a great Christmas just the same.

a filler.

2008-12-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in a really long time. Let me show you a few of the things we've been up to on our island.

My mother and I ate poisson cru all by ourselves. Like, we just went into the fridge and got it out and started eating it for lunch. I also made sushi. We're becoming strange people. And notice the large pile of plates in the background, that was us preparing for a large stake presidents dinner.

Um, we had Thanksgiving. But, I already talked about that and I really want to get this awkward moment over with while you guys are still wondering why I'm posting about Thanksgiving nearly a month after the fact.

This came from a Temple worker dinner-ness that we went to. Great food.

We had new missionaries come...

...and old ones leave

We had toe problems. I bruised mine playing basketball (I think) and my mom dropped something on hers. It's pretty funny.

Oh, and now I'm on vacation from school/seminary. It's grand. Have a great holiday season everabody!

grammies anyone?

2008-12-04T21:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the 2008/2009 Grammy Award nominations came out last night! Kinda exciting! And some slightly off the wall-ness. Here are my un-asked for opinions! (You know you're excited....)

RECORD OF THE YEAR:

Chasing Pavements - Adele

Viva La Vida - Coldplay

Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis

Paper Planes - M.I.A.

Please Read the Letter - Robert Plant and Allison Krauss

Basically as long as "Viva La Vida" got a nomination I'm happy. I'm slightly surprised (yet not in the least disappointed) that "I Kissed a Girl" missed the cut. I'm also a little surprised that Rihanna's "Disturbia" or possibly "Take a Bow" didn't make it on either. She had a good year. But I was PLEASANTLY surprised that Adele got in a few nominations especially this one for Record of the Year baby! I love that song... :) And "Bleeding Love" has won the hearts of many, and it deserves a slot. As for Allison Krauss... dude she's freaking won TWENTY-ONE grammies! It's only tradition that they go to their favs.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:

Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends - Coldplay

Tha Carter III - Lil Wayne

Year of the Gentleman - Ne-yo

Raising Sand - Robert Plant and Allison Krauss

In Rainbows - Radiohead

Good Choices. Not gonna lie I enjoyed Radiohead's album. And although I'm not so into Lil Wayne... I've heard a ton of buzz about his album- and he did get the most nominations las night with eight. So that's cool I guess. And Ne-yo's "Year of the Gentleman" is sweet R&B goodness. p.s. Applause for Coldplay again. Woot!

SONG OF THE YEAR (songwriters):

American Boy - Estelle and Kanye West

Chasing Pavements - Adele

I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

Love Song - Sara Bareilles

Viva La Vida - Coldplay

Sweet. Good choices. No complaints. Lovin' that Adele is gettin some buzz. And still lovin' that Katy Perry hasn't made it in here. Pretty cool that Sara Bareilles got in there too.

BEST NEW ARTIST:

Adele

Duffy

Jonas Brothers

Lady Antebellum

Jazmine Sullivan

Okay. THIS was surprising. Where the heck is Leona Lewis? You got her on for Record... yet you can't give her the best new artist? Weirdness of my life. And it was pretty surprising that Katy Perry didn't make it on here again. And PLEASE. The Jonas Brothers? They are not grammy material, give me a break.... Duffy I'll agree with as well as Adele (of course!)

Those are the important categories. I won't get into all one-hundred-and-ten... (That's a lot of awards! I wonder who, like, makes 'em!) Anyhoodle, it should be interesting! Who knows if anyone out there cares about the grammies anymore but... I think it's pretty sweetness. Happy Thursday everyone! (I guess now it's best to wish you a happy Friday... since it's Friday in most other places around the world. Oh well.)

we will miss him.

2008-12-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

Thank you Elder Wirthlin, who died yesterday, for all that you have done for us as members of the church. Thank you for all of your outstanding talks, your strong testimony and wonderful example. We will all miss you.

i need to stop being surprised and I know it.

2008-12-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is that keeps giving me electric shock when I look at the calendar and it says the first of a new month. I just need to cope with the fact that it is now December and yes, Lauren, you HAVE been in a fairy tale island for almost six months. Deal with it.

I'm actually here to talk about alarm clocks. We had a humorous experience happen this week, so I thought I'd share it. We've had muchos troubles with alarm clocks in this house of ours. And my mom had been using an annoying contraption that made some sort of dying cat sound to wake her up in the mornings. Not pleasant. In Utah, my mom used her clock-radio thing to wake her up every morning. So... we decided to get a few adapters over here so we could hook that up for her to use.

Well... it wasn't explained very thoroughly that there are voltage issues when transferring most American appliances. We weren't aware of this before because we have several "American-type" outlets that we'd been using. (for straighteners, hair dryers etc.) Well, we plugged in her beloved clock-radio and POOF.

And then the smell.

Yeah, we kind of fried it. Anyway long story short (Too late!) we went and got her a new 1,200 franc (12.00 approximately people...) clock-radio at Carre Four. Brought it home, plugged it in, no explosions, things were fine. We set the alarm for 5:00 am to wake up for seminary schedule the next day.

My mom woke up the next day, came out the living room feeling slightly more tired than usual... to look at the clock and see that it was actually FOUR in the morning... Throughout the day the clock progressively kept getting faster and faster than the actual time. By 8:30 the clock read 1:30 in the afternoon. I mean, I've seen clocks that slow down as they get older... but I've never seen one that speeds up! It's like on hyper speed or somethin'. It's still wiggin me out. But anyway. Has anyone heard of this weird phenomenon before? We're STILL in search for a new alarm clock...

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

2008-11-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-19T18:52:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-14T12:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

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?!

2008-11-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

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.

conference de pieu

2008-10-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we enjoyed our first Stake Conference. Our ward provided the choir music with yours truly at the piano :)

snippets

2008-10-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a few tiny glimpses of what's around us.

I have to laugh whenever I see a sign like this. Many such signs are situated right outside quite a few of our chapels, as well as by the temple. Talk about labeling! Nah, I'm just joking. They have these signs around almost any chapel - not just the mormon ones. (It just took us a while to figure that out...)

My mom and I labeled this as belonging to David Beckham. That is seriously a soccer ball up there!

The trees going down these streets are awesome. {Most of these pictures here are taken in downtown Papeete}

Is this tree not the COOLEST?! There are quite a few of these ginormo guys down by the warf.

This picture was randomly taken of our house before we saw just how cool that sky looks behind there.

We were lucky enough to step outside yesterday and grab an awesome picture of this sweet rainbow. Aw it's so pretty!

the iPod saga

2008-10-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

This is my mini. Yep, that's right. Black and white screen, one of the earlier iPod models, basically a hunk-a-junk. He was a good bud while he lasted. Let's just say that age hasn't done too much for his physique OR stamina. After a hard days work, he was soon demanding up to FIVE day resting periods! (That is unless being constantly fed with charging-nourishment... aka glued to the charger in my bathroom - since that's one of the few places where we have an American-like outlet.) Like, WHAT is the use of a once-a-week iPod?!

Even before we left I knew it was time to get a new friend. (For many reasons. Not just the part where we were already preparing my mini's funeral.) One big reason being that 4 gig is nowhere NEAR enough for all of my music. (I'm a music junkie, remember?!)

As many of you know, we left for Tahiti on my birthday. We had a cute little party in a cute little empty house with a few cute presents for me. One of which was (yay!) a cute new iPod video!

And there's cute me! (Totally kidding. This is me in la la land. I've looked a lot cuter. And a lot less shell-shocked. Promise.) (But at least my smile is genuine with excitement for this present, right?) Side note: I saw this same model of iPod here in Tahiti for over $100 more than what we payed for it. It's disgusting how expensive things are here!

Anyway, you know the story of our stuff... it didn't come for a long time blabbity blah blah... LONG story short I couldn't use my new iPod until our shipment came! (Uh, yeah. I had no music to put on it...) I had to quickly reconcile with my mini, ask him to forget any hurtful feelings that may have transpired and kindly ask him to continue working for just a little while longer. Until his replacement was ready. But he didn't need to know that... Apparently minis aren't terribly forgiving. He didn't let me live down any insult that I blew his way. His way of revenge was working thirty times worse than in Utah. (*whimper whimper*)

See the message it's sending me? That's practically the ONLY communication that went on during these last four months with each other. Some symptoms of failing health:

Displaying a full battery, then yelling at me to "connect iPod to power" because it's run out of juice...
Unplugging it after a full night's charge then SUDDENLY having a random fainting spell. It will cease to work until connected to power.
While listening to a song, don't even THINK about pressing another button. It's will die. I promise.
Occasionally, if the screen lied to me and said it had full battery when it didn't, then I could be entertained by watching the battery get smaller and smaller and die within twenty seconds. If I weren't so angry I'd find it kind of funny.

I could list more, but they definitely blend together finishing with that same classic message: "Low battery. Please connect iPod to power." When it did decide to be nice to me it'd work for thirty minutes tops. So annoying. (p.s. Forgive the shadow in the first picture - but I couldn't keep the mini on long enough to actually get a good picture...)

ANYWAY. Don't mean to bore you, especially since there IS a happy ending to this story! We're not bitter anymore. I now have a new, exciting, and functioning iPod!

It's shiny silver-ness and amazing awesome-ness is more than satisfactory. Sure the blue color of my mini was pretty sweet, but the silver is just so sleek. And.. I kinda like the part where it's reliable. I give it a definite thumbs up. And its video capabilities can keep me entertained with the best of youtube podcast, my lone episode of Mary Tyler Moore, and, of course, Dark Knight once that makes it to iTunes! (I guess I don't need to wait in line for a download huh...)

what did YOU bring home from school today?

2008-10-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

So I managed to get my hands on a copy of Breaking Dawn and I enjoyed my start-finish-book party with myself. (Opinions anyone? I know I'm, like, WAY incredibly late on the breaking dawn buzz... but the new movie's coming out next month, so twilight should be on some people's minds right?!) Anyway, I was reminded that I absolutely love being stuck in a good book.. and I wanted more! (Mind you, this is before our stuff came. So I was still... without.) Alas, there wasn't much I could do - I have no idea if there's a library here, let alone a library with English books. And then this fell into my lap: That's right. "The Cleveland Herbal, Botanical, and Horticultural Collections" by Stanley H. Johnson, Jr. Wait, come again? This is how it came about: I walk into school, at around 11:15. (I'm only a part-time student, so I go at odd hours.) One of the administrators approaches me and stops, searching for words. (They know I'm the "American" and so they try to speak English to me. Very kind of them.) He says: "Lauren." Me: "Yes?" Guy: "Uh, this yours." [holds out very thick book] Me: [eyes it suspiciously and gives him a weird look] Guy: "Um. Someone give me. It's yours." Me: "Um, no - not mine. Thanks, though!" Guy: "No, someone tell me it Lauren Smith's book. Last week." Me: "Student?" Guy: "Yes. Yes, student." Me: "Well, it's not mine..." Guy: "Not yours?" Me: "No, it's not mine." Guy: "Oh. Take it anyway! Thank you!" What he was doing with an English ginormo textbook/encyclopedia thing I have no idea. But I take the book, nearly dropping it with it's heaviness, and make my way to class with my new prize. I'm still wondering what it is. Once wikipedia couldn't even tell me about it OR who the author was, I gave up trying to learn more about it. I knew I was desperate for reading material when I was actually considering reading the thing.

Island Hopping

2008-10-08T00:07:00.000-07:00

In the midst of all of this turmoil, we did manage to make it onto a plane for some island hopping. Just one island this time. Another Tuamotu called Rangiroa - the second largest atoll in the world. Kinda nifty swifty. This is our hotel! :) Look at the pretty-ful flowers!

My mom with Arthur and Helene Perry at breakfast. Which, by the way, was delicious.

Yay! Fish! We took a speed-boat out to this little "aquarium" type place where there were bajillions of fish :) We brought some bread and other such products to feed to the fish, and it was fun to watch them all swarm within five seconds and eat the food up in half a second. But beware the big yellow ones. They are greedy-bully fish and will not share their food with any cute baby fish. Stupid jerks. We also saw sharks and dolphins playing in the waves, but they were far away so there was a lack of picture-taking-ness. (Actually my dad was taking the pictures. Go him :) I was lazy.)

This is the chapel. Even though it's just a small one-room building - it somehow seemed to feel just as luxurious as any chapel in Utah. (Sorry, poor word choice. Just as... accommodating? Yeah, I guess that's a better word.)

Is this not the cutest baby?

One of the absolutely way-awesome things about this mish-business is how we see all of our Tahitian RMs in random places! Like airplanes. So anyway, this is one of them below. And he and the other guy took it upon themselves to give us some fish (as shown in photo). Like, to eat or something. (Since we know SO much about preparing fish and digging out the bones and all that great stuff involved. Yep, that's the Smiths!)

Some events of note: I did manage to give a testimony/talk during the Sunday meeting... almost completely in French. My dad still helped me some. :) But this is definitely good news. I've improved from making a fool of myself on a daily basis - to a weekly basis! Yes! *Applause* Soo... that was exciting.

Also, I had one of the absolute greatest Tahitian feasts I've had since bein' in Tahiti. Maybe the best. (I tried to explain in detail to some friends, but they didn't think it sounded like their cup of tea. Raw fish still doesn't appeal to everyone I guess. Huh. Go figure.) But yes, it was absolutely delicious. And I seriously ate so much that upon standing up my legs literally could NOT hold up the extra seven-point-five pounds that I gained. SEE! That's what happens when you can't carry on an entire conversation with the people sitting at your table - you exchange the words coming out of your mouth for even MORE food going in! Wow I need to learn French fast otherwise I'm coming home way fat...

We had an air-conditioned hotel. I had a functioning iPod. We didn't forget too many things at home... (it's inevitable guys - we're practically used to it.) I took a swim in the lagoon - giving me a much needed chance to improve my tan. And I also got to improve my language. It ain't perfect yet folks, but I'm on the up and up. [name that artist!]

A Tribute

2008-10-04T00:38:00.000-07:00

A little under two months ago, Sister Rosemary Mackay was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was serving with her husband, Tom, as genealogy missionaries here in Papeete. They returned home to Utah as soon as they could, in hopes to get proper treatment. It soon became apparent that her time here was limited, and she was failing fast. Thursday morning, she passed away.

One of the last things she did before she died was memorize and record "The Living Christ" for all of her grandchildren. She knew exactly what the important things in life were. Her great faith never faltered during these hard times. She was a true example of service and love for others. We feel extremely blessed to have gotten to know her for the short time our paths crosses. She will always be remembered. We love you Sister Mackay.

conquering the world, well, a macintosh - so the world

2008-10-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a little tidbit of information about me. 1) I'm way super OCD about my iTunes library. If there were awards given for the most organized library I would have gold. Even my wish list is organized to the t~categorized by year, style & priority. Cool, no? 2) I'm a music junkie. Therefore this super organized library I speak of is pretty loaded. 3) I'm super possessive over my iTunes.

The part where I said I'm super possessive doesn't mix well with the part where I lost my music.

I needed a solution. And I needed one fast. Having my tunes on my iPod can only do so much. Due to some way-too-honest people at Apple... they like to make it near impossible to move things back to the computer. (Like, how untrusting can you get?!) I do know quite a bit about macs.. but I was stumped. I would open a few doors only to create more and allow my headache to intensify to the extreme. Me=breakdown.

Okay Lauren, chill. Stop freaking out. Google's there for a reason. There's gotta be something to help you. It just might not be from apple.com. Life isn't as dreamy as an apple commercial - and much to their astonishment - systems crash! It happens. And there really are legit reasons to want music off your iPod. Promise!

Anyway. Needless to say I searched elsewhere. And I found an article written by another fellow human being who's system also bit the dust. I learned a few new important commands-ness, found some hidden files and poof! I had bunches of little mpeg files with funny names like ASD4J. Turns out iTunes is, like, way smart - and it recognized all of my friends. After spending a full day recovering music I came out with everything I started minus two songs. I let it go. Mission accomplished.

How's my headache you ask? Present - but unimportant. Moving right along. How goes the other problems? The second problem was fortunately solved before we even came here. We stuck all of the docs on a jump drive. It raised another issue though, that of we no longer have any word-processing software on this computer. We ordered that yesterday. Luckily the PC is probably better for Word anyway. (Can't believe I'm saying that - but it's the one perk that thing has over Mac.)

Third problem: pictures. Sadly there is no easy solution to this one. I was really religious about backing up music... but for some odd reason it was off my radar to be backing up pictures also...... So all of those pictures are lost. :( We have our Tahiti pictures at least, but we're really sad to be missing others from throughout the years. (Sympathy is accepted in comments) (Totally kidding.)

Once we go back to the states we're hoping to recover the hard drive. We know it's possible. But we'll be patient. And we'll back up everything starting now. Lesson learned. Next week I'm really hoping not to be so much of a computer bum.

bumma in the summa - oh, wait, I guess it's winter or spring or somethin...

2008-09-29T19:03:00.001-07:00

There IS a reason that it took me nearly a week to blog about my excited-ness as described in my last post. Unfortunately it didn't work out quite as nicely as the day after Christmas - where you get to play with all of your new toys. If you don't know what I'm talking about, look here. But that post, however, was a happy post - and it is a seriously no bueno thing to mix not-so-good things with happy things.

I'm reminded of a Robert Frost quote, "Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length." This is, for the most part, true. But one might wish for the happiness to shrink a few inches if only to last a day longer. Please?

Let's back track a little bit. Wednesday night we had Mac set up and ready to go, and PC was pushed out of the spotlight into the parent's room. Frownfully, we still had to deal with the slow with a capital "s" internet, but I could bear with that. I had plans. Back track a little further to the day I left the red white and blue, and I got a new 80 gig iPod for my birthday. But seeing as I had no iTunes or music to match the iPod until we got MyMac here it was just decoration in my room. Anyway. So Wednesday evening I was superstoked to sync. I was also waysuperstoked to finally (and I repeat - finally) buy Viva la Vida. (p.s. that album's amazing)

Most of the evening, (okay, maybe ALL evening) was spent syncing the pod and downloading my long sought after album. (Yay! Now I just need to see Dark Knight and I'll be totally happy with life!) I stayed up a little too late, but hey it was a party! Sooner than later, Thursday rolled around. And what should happen but to have Mac freeze up mid-search for USA Today. Oh...kay.

Step 1: Attempt to quit. If application remains in stuck position for over ten minutes, move on to Step 2: Shut off computer. (So far - normal. Annoying, but normal.) Step 3: Wait. Step 4: Turn on computer again and finally Step 5: Continue running normally. [ERROR] Wait, step 5? Where'd you go? Step 5?! Come back!!!

You get the picture. Mac didn't like bein' cooped up in a box for five months. Probably went through some periods of feeling neglected, lonely, depressed, maybe some denial. The physical strain of booting up was just too much for him after all he's been through. Sad.

Long story short (too late!) - Mac visits the shop. We have an empty office. My Thursday was really depressing, and to top it off our internet is at least three times slower. (One of many things preventing me from blogging.) ZERO BUENO.

Fast forward to, um, Tuesday. Mac's slumber party at the shop was WAY past over. Check up complete. But whatever drugs they had Mac on couldn't save his brain. Yep, you guessed it. Hard drive=fried. And totally inaccessible. No pictures. No documents. No songs. Not even that one marble game that Richie liked. Sadness all around.

If I were as excited for my polka dot shoes as I was for Mac to come then maybe the polka dot shoes would be the ones damaged beyond repair. "When things mean a great deal to you, exciting anticipation just isn't safe." - Dodie Smith. It just isn't.

And it didn't make us any happier that Paul Newman died. :(

Tune in next time for solutions to the major problemos. (Sorry, trying to cram only one subject in a blog at a time. It bothers me.)

{insert adjective}

2008-09-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the following picture...

Ring any bells? Any light bulbs popping above your head? Does this trigger any distant memories of... oh, we'll say, one hundred and forty-two days ago? ...

No?

How about these pictures... What do they have in common with the first one?

Did you figure it out? Maybe this one will help jog your memory...

Okay. If you haven't figured it out by now then I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and say that you're new to this blog. More like new to my life. So just lemme esplain. This is a macintosh. Yes, you've seen one before. This guy belongs in the top five on my BFF list. But as some things go, we had to temporarily part ways since I was, like, leaving the country. This was very hard on both of us. A very emotional time. I mean, we were BFFs. Anyway. We sent my macintosh, (clarification: it's not really my macintosh, so to speak. But we're tight. And I don't think my mom is terribly offended by my expressions of attachment...) along with many other possessions.

We sent all of that stuff at the beginning of May on PURPOSE... hoping that, by the time we arrived in early July, it would be waiting for us! Or at least coming soon... But due to the many bajillion issues we have had concerning French Visas... (aka it came a week before our departure. Yikes) our arrival was greeted with a notice saying our stuff was in a warehouse in SALT LAKE CITY, and could not progress until clarification on visas blabbity blah blah... So much for being welcomed by balloons or somethin...

July turned to August, August to September. We decided to just think of it as coming at Christmas, so as A) not to jinx it and B) stop being disappointed. Well guyz, it's Christmas at our house. And there's enough paper and boxes around to prove it.

Actually, let's just let some of these pictures tell the story.

My dad and the movers, Elvis and Nephi.

Guyz, I heart movies. And as much as we love our little movie rental place... it just isn't cutting it for us. It'll be good to save 4000 francs every Friday night. My pick-of-the-pile: Sabrina

For my birthday, my sis Brooke gave me the game wizard for my birthday. Unfortunately, it's not a two player game, and occasionally my mom and I have a few spare "chilling" minutes. As this includes a standard deck of cards we used these for different purposes (aka the 2 of hearts is a lot dirtier than the wizard card)... Let's just say that I will challenge any of you to a game of Crazy 8s or Rummy and I will win! Also featured in this picture are puzzles. Which I like muchos as well. :) Game pick-of-the-pile: Apples to Apples. Puzzle pick of the pile: James C. Christensen's Fairy Tales. Yes!

This is one of my Grandmother's paintings. So glad to be able to have some of these in our home here.

Each shoe has a story. And each shoe is something OTHER than my black flip flops that have been worn every day of my life here practically... My star and polka dot shoes are both extremely lucky (just ask Megan - she'll tell you!) and my brown flip flops... just aren't black. And they'll match brown things. We have excited plaid-ness, plus basketball shoes (YAY) and my sparkilified-too-tall-can't-walk-in-formal-dance-heels. Um, like I'll use them here.. but it's nice to know I have them! Pick-of-the-pile: ...gotta be the polka dots. Seriously folks.

I'm am almost 100% positive that the people of Tahiti believe that the only outfit I own is my run-down pair of blue soccer shorts, a choice between a white or gray t-shirt, and then my brown skirt on Sunday. In all reality, I do have clothes... I just have literally been living out of a suitcase for five months. So I'm quite excited to have something new to wear. Like, really. Pick-of-the-pile: my basketball fleece blanket. I've been sleeping with a sheet since I got here... and while I don't need it for warmth - it IS nice for comfort. :) (Oooh ooh! We also got normal pillows! Very exciting indeed!!)

Another thing I'm very excited about is getting to know a few more books. When I was a kid, I read all the time. I've read a lot of books in my life but once ninth and tenth grade rolled around I was up until two-thirty doing homework rather than stuck in a good book... Anway we're a book-lovin' family, and what we brought is enough to keep me busy for two years I think. But take a look at the picture in the top right corner of my desk - there are lots of fun treasures to find here. It's like "Where's Waldo." Featured here are deoderant, contact solution, an ACT prep book, Bop it, and my favorite relaxing frog-guy. Anyway. Pick-of-the-pile: The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum. Love the movies. Want to read the book.

Um, yes :) I'm excited about the basketballs especially. Pick-of-the-pile: uh.. the blue and white one? Lol.

Yes! Ensigns!

This is the part where I start to wonder why I brought some of the things I did. Like this... elephant... thing... But hey, it's awesome so why not?! I can treasure the random U.S. pennies I find in here...

This is my tiki man. My friend Chalyse gave him to me up at Girl's camp a couple years back. He is a good tiki man and he knows how to take care of a room. Nothing was ever stolen. This is, of course, good. I think he's excited to be out of a box though, dust can't do too much good for those twenty teeth of his...

It really seems like just yesterday that Megan and Ben were spending way longer than they wanted to at my house, taking stars off my ceiling and listening to the same songs on the radio while I hyperventilated. We packed up my entire room and they helped me decide what to keep and what to trash, or what to go without.

These beginning three months have been a pain, but as bad as it was I have learned that I really CAN live without everything. (As long as there's internet access within a five-mile radius.) It's a time I'll always remember, and it's good to stop and think about the blessings we do have. Like air conditioning.

re-for-mat-TING

2008-09-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

I can hardly sit still in my chair for longer than five minutes let alone keep the same blog layout for more than a few months. (This is the part where being a vampire ain't so bad eh?) (The sitting still part anyway.) . Large increments of time spent on the computer has been of short supply as of late. So if you have happened to stumble upon my blog while under construction - I apologize. It's always darkest before the dawn. . Well I'm literally just exploding with blog ideas - if I can only have the time to jot them all down. Er, type them all up... (Why is it that you would say "jot them down" and "type them up" and not "jot them up" and "type them down" ??? The latter makes you sound unprofessional. WHY is that?) Anyway. I'm starting to figure out a schedule for myself.. and hopefully that'll give me more time for blogging. . Oh by the way, here's a picture of my friend Denise and me... . More to come. Seriously, folks.

things iLike

2008-09-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

1: New Apple products. If anyone gets one of these, tell me your 'pinion! Unfortunately, though, my likeness for the new nano is almost entirely driven by all nine colors together. I

couldn't get just one!

2: Disney movies. As of late: Emperor Kuzko. I just... really like this movie :)

3: The Mary Tyler Moore Show. I know I had a little sidebar guy talking about this, but I seriously am so stoked that the rest of this classic sitcom is coming out on DVD.

4: Sauteed Onions. Most delicious thing. Especially on crepes. Mmmm good :) 5: New Music Tuesday. It's my favorite! Along with every Thursday, when they update the Billboard Hot 100 6: Vacations! Especially ones that last for a full week :) 7: Cheese... especially the little circles that you pull the cool string thing and then the wax comes off and it's like opening presents on Christmas!!! So delicious! 8: Friendly culture. I love how at the beginning of each basketball practice every person walks around to shake hands and greet everyone. The same goes for any similar event. 9: Missionaries singing. Anything. Anywhere. It's just awesome.

10: This cool thing that my dad has here.

11: Running :)

12: Calls from home. Or emails. Or when Brooke blogs about getting letters from Tahiti. Actually just whenever Brooke blogs... :P

13: American music. Whether it's hearing my classmates singing blink-182... or recognizing "boots with the fur" ringtones. I just love it. My knowledge of this subject has actually helped spread my popularity somewhat. It's been pretty cool. I guess my American accent overshadows the fact that I can't sing :)

Following Orders

2008-09-07T00:25:00.000-07:00

So apparently my Uncle Mark and my Uncle Dave have formed a campaign for me to start taking more pictures... I am under the strictest obligation to do my part, and respond accordingly. *Bad Lauren* These pictures were taken at a black-sand beach about ten minutes away from our house. In the summer (December that is) the sand is too hot to walk on, but during this extremely freezing weather we're having, it's possible. ;) . .

gobble.munch.swallow.devour.

2008-09-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

This is only the very best pineapple... ever. Taken at a pineapple farm in Moorea A normal dish of Tahitian cuisine featuring iti iti bread, poisson cru, salad rousse, other meats and salads Bananas - from our very own tree! Pineapple farm Fish at the marche . Poe. (Pronounced poi - not like the poet) It's my dad's favorite. Looks disgusting, but it's totally delicious. . An assortment of tropical fruit- also from our yard. Most of which we still don't know what they are. :)

just chillaxin

2008-09-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of when I when out to dinner with some friends of mine. Tehiva, Tehani and Auura.

The beat goes on.

So... what the dif?

2008-09-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

I now OWN a Precalculus text book. Sick, I know.
I am waking up earlier than my father. AND we're going to bed at the same time. This is definitely a night and day difference from the schedule I'm used to in Springville.
I have my first "ward-calling." I'm the co-pianist in Sacrament meeting. Woot!
My dad is eating treats now. It's my dad's birthday - and my mother and I couldn't believe that we were asking him what CAKE he wanted. Before this mission, I can't even remember the last time my dad ate something he considered "treatsish."
We now have a housekeeper. First thoughts: Why the heck are we going to have someone in our house?! We don't need anyone! Second thoughts: Okay... maybe she'll be helpful with dinners and things.. Third thoughts: Jk!!! Totally couldn't live without her!!! What was I thinking?! *smack forehead* Her name is Marguerite and she's a cutie. And boy does she know how to keep a clean house!
OCD thing #1. My current occupation: family accountant. My organizationness habitness makes me a good candidate for the management of the receiptness. I get to play with numbers and put things in a computer and other itty bitty things like that. It's actually fun. Uh, yeah. Why is it different? Because a) I haven't done it before and b) since when am I spending my time on the computer configuring the family business?
OCD thing #2. There is no such thing as normal lined paper! Everything is graph paper! Notebooks, notepads, you name it and it's re-tar-ded. My weird tendencies make me want to write in every single square~not a good thing.
My life: Tahiti=Groundhog Day+The Twilight Zone. (refer below)
September and Bill Murray. We've reached the two month mark. But it feels nothing like two months. It feels like two days, or two years. I don't know - time doesn't seem to have the same relevance here. Excluding Seminary, nothing really connects the days together. I'm happy to say that I'm not waking up to Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe" everyday, and while things do seem to repeat themselves - I still somehow figured out it was Labor Day today. But Phil Connors did have the right idea when it came to learning how to ice-sculpt and other neato things like that. February 2 may not be repeating itself, but the similar relationship of time can benefit me in a lot of ways. There may not be a way to learn how to ice sculpt, but there are other cool things besides ice sculpting. Right?
As for the Twilight Zone... Seriously, I think that Tahiti IS the Twilight Zone. What I used to call "blonde moments" I now call "Rod Serling moments." These happen regularly. Friday feels just the same as Wednesday. It's a strange feeling to have time mean nothing to you.

Hot Accent?

2008-08-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

Through much hardship and turmoil, I have now officially completed a full week of school and early morning seminary. Go me! Was it hard? No.... [sarcasm alert] since when was waking up at 4:45 considered difficult? But th-th-that-that don't kill me... can only make me stronger! This is the part where everyone starts thinking: "Now WHY is she complaining about a pathetic three-day-a-week school schedule?!" What a good question! I am sure I would be asking the same thing if I weren't here. But it's kind of one of those things that cannot be understood unless you are actually experiencing it for yourself. Whatever I had learned about school in Springville or Minnesota... can be forgotten while making my way in this French-influenced parochial system. Some cultural differences cannot be ignored. But let's move on. My entertainment comes from listening to students trip over names like "Manhatten" in my English class. We've been reading about New York in our text book, and during class my teacher asked me to read three or four paragraphs. I was also instructed to read it "with my accent" ...Um, sure? So I did. I was fairly confident I hadn't forgotten how to read. Once I had finished, the entire class acted as if I had just completed a marathon without breaking a sweat. The student in front of me turned around and said (in English even) "That was AWESOME!!" Light applause, lots of "wows" and comments of a "beautiful accent" were also made. I couldn't help but laugh. It never really occurred to me that my Midwestern United States upbringing would bump me to the "hot-accent" department in countries like Tahiti. (Tears streaming) I would like to thank the academy for this wonderful honor as well as my agent, my parents and my inspirations Gerard Butler, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Colin Firth. Thank you!!!!!! xoxo

Mai-Kell PhEHHHHHHHLPsuh!!!!

2008-08-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

As the games in Beijing are becoming more and more exciting, I seem to be seeing less and less of what I want to. I have seen zero volleyball, zero basketball, zero soccer, and very little tennis or gymnastics... meanwhile we are at the edge of our seat in anticipation for who will take the gold in fencing, handball, judo or archery.

However I am very happy to say that I have seen every one of Phelps' gold medal races. (That is, of course, for the time that they switched in the middle to a Polynesian soap opera...) I seriously wish that I could describe to you the way that this French commentator says Michael Phelps' name. Complete with a quintessential French accent, (heavy on the throat-clearing/gurglingness) Phelps' name must be repeated a minimum of fifteen times during a swimming meet - regardless if Phelps is swimming. We get a kick out of it.

Oh, and to top things off, when was the last time you saw Charles Barkley kiss the other male commentator at the end of a broadcast? (On the cheek, silly. We're not in California.) That gave us a laugh, watching the two Frenchmen get emotional as they went off air. Yeah, it was pretty rough on us too.... :P

Hmmm... BUENO!

2008-08-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has spent ten seconds with me will remember my deputy phrase: "No bueno!" But this isn't no bueno. This is bueno. It's a bueno bar of course it's bueno! Sorry... That was pure stupid. But it's all I've got at this second. I promise I'm not here to advertise. (Even though that picture's just s'darn cute that I could sell platinum!) But I really like this candy bar. That's all. Lack of humor... lack of... words... lack of... substance.. yeah..

Rules for Lycee Samuel Raapoto

2008-08-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

1. No chewing gum A self explanatory rule, however this does not mean you are prohibited to "chew" gum, it means that you cannot have the product chewinggum in the premises. (That's what they call gum, chewing gum. Har har. I apologize that I cannot express this in a way as to appear witty or entertaining.) 2. No smoking I heard this rule and laughed. Before I noticed that outside of the school, there was smoking everywhere. So I stopped laughing. I was approached by two girls from my class (who spoke a little English) who proceeded to ask me: "Smoke cigarettes? Marijuana? You drink? Tattoo?" Let's just get all of the no no's out in one breath why don't we?! 3. No markers =Graffiti. Tons of graffiti in Papeete. My translator explained to me that that was why this rule is put in place. 4. No inappropriate clothing While looking around at my classmates, this one stumped me. They do not have the "Mormon modesty" system that we are accustomed to in Utah. Until you set a specific standard... people are just going to wear whatever they want. And they do. Or the lack thereof. These are the rules that I must abide by while in attendance at this school. It'll be a long and difficult road, but I think I can handle it. ;)

2008 Olympics!

2008-08-09T23:55:00.001-07:00

So, I've always been a big Olympics fan - and I've been looking forward to this year's summer games ever since Athens four years ago. There are so many fun events to watch. :)

Our television is supplied with three polynesian channels. We enjoy watching the replica "Family Feud" game show, other educational documentaries on whales and Tahitian hip-shakers, and even the occasional disney movie in French. (Recently: Aladdin. Yay!) Naturally, I was concerned that I wouldn't have a way to watch the Olympics. But, opening ceremonies came, and Beijing made it to lonely French Polynesia.

Unfortunately, I'm used to the luxury of watching the Olympics on a USA-bias. Here, every single event that we have the opportunity to view, feature our beloved French citizens, working oh so hard for their "we made it here" medal -- ceremonies not included. Tonight, following a swimming event, the cameras were ALL over the team representing France, for their triumphant seventh place victory!

Sorry, I'll stop. But it is kind of entertaining.

Luckily I have the internet to keep me updated on the goings on of fellow Americans. :)

A Day In The Life Of A Mission President

2008-08-04T13:11:00.001-07:00

Our "Place"

2008-08-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

. Common question: "Do you, like, live in a house?" Redundant answer: "Yes. I probably wouldn't have a computer if I didn't have a house." Stupid person thinking: "Wait.. there are computers in Tahiti?" Me thinking: "No, I just send emails through telepathy..." So I found it in the best interest of my readers to have picture proof of my humble abode. It looks small, but it actually goes back further. . . My mom has taught piano since before I was born, but we never had a grand piano. Since coming here, I have enjoyed playing the beautiful instrument, and spending time in this room. . . So... this is my room! The bed is approximately 1/4 of an inch off the ground, and it is often times forgotten, and tripped over. For those of you that are familiar with my old room, this bears a night and day contrast in the "excitement" department. I'm considering entering Designer's Challenge on HGTV or something --- this room is in some serious need of beautification! .. . And, last but not least, we have Moroni taking care of the goings on at the base of our hill.

Zone Conference #1

2008-08-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

A month has gone by, and we've had a lot of firsts. We picked up our first new missionary, and had our first week of Zone Conferences. One of my very favorite parts was the singing. (As pictured above) The MoTab better watch out... we have some very talented vocalists. It's amazing to listen to them sing with such conviction. . Another highlight was all of the food! Members would provide lunch for us, but this was no typical LDS meal of mashed potatoes and green jello. Platters upon platters were set up for us to munch on (see picture) and even the elders couldn't eat up all that was served! It was certainly a feast. . Honestly, though, you can't really beat spending time with the missionaries. Each and every one have something to offer and it's fun to watch them preach the gospel. It was a long, but very fun week.

Cabin Fever and Ice Skating

2008-07-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

When not discovering the many beauties that tropical paradise has to offer, I have a long agenda of things to do every second of every day! Er, not. Problem: I haven't had much opportunity to exercise. And even more time to eat. 1+1=2. There is zero canceling out to do in this equation. Solution: Grocery shopping! Actually, there's no joking in that statement. Let's just say that we're not in Kansas anymore, with no Wal-Mart to be found. Grocery shopping is a big event in the household. (We don't get out too often...) I never ever thought in my life that what I would be missing from the United States were the grocery carts! cart [kahrt] –noun 1. A heavy two-wheeled vehicle, commonly without springs, drawn by mules, oxen, or the like, used for the conveyance of heavy goods. 2. A light two-wheeled vehicle with springs, drawn by a horse or pony. 3. Any small vehicle pushed or pulled by hand. In our local grocery store, Carre Four, they take definition #3 to heart and pay special attention to the word "any." These contraptions are very deceiving look-a-likes of a common grocery cart. Yes, I was fooled. I'm sure there must be a handbook on how to properly use it (that everyone else in Tahiti has come across except us, of course.) By pushing it straight, it automatically veers to the left. (Or right. Whichever way has a large stack of cans to knock over.) So you try to steer it the other way, but these carts are determined. Be smarter than the cart... Be smarter than the cart. Methods:

Take 10-15 steps in order to beat the cart to its destination. (a.k.a. chasing after the darn thing on the replica ice skating rink and look like an imcompetent American.)
Tighten you stomach muscles, and wait a few seconds before the torque kicks in and it slowly decides to turn.
Use all of your upper body strength while planting your feet firmly in a ready-position and use the push/pull method.
Pick the entire thing up, and walk around the store carrying it over your head. With 100 lbs. of groceries inside.

When repeating this ritual for two hours, it adds up to be quite the workout. No lie.

Seriously, so blessed!

2008-07-22T16:03:00.000-07:00

Last night, my mom was skimming through some online newspapers, when she came across an article in the Mormon times of this hit blog going around. Essentially, it’s a spoof of Mormon Mommy Blogs. Gave me a few laughs, so check it out at seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com

Takaroa

2008-07-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can’t believe that the experiences I am writing about are actually mine. We had quite the weekend! There was a Youth Conference in Takaroa, an island in the Tuamotus, which we were invited to attend. These islands are actually atolls - meaning they are donut shaped islands built on coral with a lagoon in the middle. On the island of Tahiti, it is made up of tall mountains, but on Takaroa, it is all flat. It is definitely a more primitive area than I am used to. If you want more detail, check out the movie: “The Other Side Of Heaven.” Bugs and all. (Speaking of which, my legs are again spotted with at least fifty bug bites…) This was definitely an opportunity to exercise my French. (As little as it may be.) Everyone was so friendly, but very few spoke any English. I was also greeted with a welcome dance from one of the Tahitian girls. I never realized that in order to live here, you have to literally be able to shake your hips like a polaroid picture. :) On Sunday, I also gave my first talk. I had my lengthy novel written out beforehand, and my dad translated it for me. I stood up there and gave my 26.2 second testimony, in a slur of poorly pronounced words that COULD have been French. Although, I wouldn’t know, because even I didn’t know what I was saying! Some called it courage, while other expressions had “Stupid!” written all over them. That evening, I was again approached with a: “Um, the young women president would like you to give a talk tonight also.” Me, open mouthed, kind of nodded my head in the affirmative. I had to quickly come up with something to say before the end… (I swear the meeting went faster than usual!) I said this one in English, and my Dad stood up there with me to translate. I still am not really sure what I said. Returning, I actually did have the feeling that I was coming home. My shower and clean water are home to me anyway... This is the Brown’s, the family we stayed with Our food… :) A girl, Heitiareii, teaching me to weave coconut leaves I liked this picture of me and my dad Me, on the reef Oh, I almost forgot! (This is for my nephew, Richie, who absolutely adores sea creatures. He will be excited.) We saw a shark! A dead shark, but a shark! We took a boat ride to the other side of the atoll, and found one on the reef. Pretty awesome. :)

Called To Serve

2008-07-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures I took of some of our charismatic missionaries. It's so fun to get to know and be around them

Bah!

2008-07-17T01:15:00.000-07:00

Through many technical difficulties, and lots of figuring out I managed to find a way to put some pictures on here. :) Instead of putting all the pictures right here, I just attached them to older topics so you'll get a better idea of what I'm talking about! Sorry for the inconvenience of scrolling all the way to the bottom of the page and clicking the mouse to view "the retired from the homepage" posts just to see some pictures... it's a very hard ordeal I know... Have fun!

For Interests Sake...

2008-07-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

So, I apologize for the excess of words. What this blog needs is some sort of big sparkly balloon, or something that everyone will immediately jump off of their chair in excitement for. So, my sister sent me a few pictures of the airport before I left. So, just thought you guys would like to see something... unboring. Enjoy. :) Also. I've decided to list iTunes top ten on the sidebar, and put my opinions about the songs. Just because I'm not in the United States doesn't mean I don't stay updated! So, you may be totally uninterested, but it's something I, myself, will enjoy doing.

My family at Brookes before leaving

Ashby, Meg, Ben and me at the airport.

Sisters :)

Roosters, Mosquitos and dogs... oh my!

2008-07-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, I was noticing my legs were a bit darker than when I left. Happy at the prospect that I was getting some color, I soon realized that the red I was seeing was really just a jumble of bug bites meshed together in clumps. I wasn't terribly pleased. Living in Minnesota, I was used to these little tiny monsters we call mosquitos. They were everywhere with the humidity. Then, moving to dry Utah, they somehow knew I didn't appreciate them, so they never bit me. I probably got ten bites in all of my time in Utah. Tahiti: I swear I'm wearing a sign that says: "My blood is sweet! Sweet like cupcakes! Come and get it, it's free!" If dates came around half as often as these buggers did then I would be busy every night for the next 27 years. And it's not just mosquitos. There are tons of little critters running around. The Mackay's, (genealogy missionaries) both got bit by centipedes, one of them on the lip. Yeah, no bueno. Although I terribly miss our beloved dog Allie, I don't think she would like a lot of the goings on here. Particularly the activities of those that are canines. Dogs are absolutely everywhere! Doing what? Nothing. They just lay in the road, assuming that you are a kind and skilled driver and won't hit them. My dad has often used the phrase: "mangy old mutt..."

Okay, so you also have to know that when I took this picture, it was a very warm day, and the ground was indescribably hot for this dog to just be laying there...

Oh, yes, we also have a rooster. We dubbed him the name of King Henry Franklin III. He tells us when it's midnight (or any other time of day), talks to us when we eat lunch, informs us that the chickens have arrived, informs us that the chickens have left, says hi for ten minutes when we come home, and serenades us while we play games. He and his posterity will continue to live with us for the three years I'm sure.

Coloring Books and the Ocean, Indescribable Sunsets

2008-07-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

I just barely got home from the Iles Sous Le Vent, an outing to meet the missionaries on outer islands. We went to Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahini and Bora Bora during our stay, with a plane ride every day. I'm becoming a pro at flying lol. We had fun-filled days, spending much of our time with the missionaries. They are such a joy to be around, and I have enjoyed every second of getting to know them - even if I can't always understand them. One thing I discovered is that I have a love for the ocean. You know when you're a little kid, and the pictures that you draw of water are always blue? Only to discover that the water is kind of mucky and filled with green gross things and it's not quite what you imagined.... Well, in Tahiti - the water is blue. Pure blue. It is absolutely amazing. Our hotel in Raiatea was situated directly above the water, so you could accidentally take a swim by misplacing a foot. :) It was so delightful! In Huahini, I had the opportunity to witness a Polynesian Sunset on the beach. If there were words to write a paragraph, I would. But truth be told, nothing can describe the beauty of what I saw. All in all, it was such a fun break from... our other island. Yeah... :) Me on the boat to Tahaa Our hotel in Raiatea :) Sunset on Huahini Beautiful Tahiti. Can you tell where the reef ends? Sunrise... ...and sunset on Bora Bora Chillin' on the beach after a fun day

The Tallest and the Palest

2008-07-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I nervously went to church for the first time. Well, I've been to church before. Just not here. Here are some similarities and differences to Springville. Or to any other church I've been to in my life. 1. It was at 11:30, not 9:00. A plus in my book. 2. The center of the building is open. A courtyard with coconut trees. And grass. You go outside to go to your classrooms, etc. 3. No prelude music. I don't know if this is an every time thing or not. But it was kind of eery to walk in ten minutes early, no music and everyone sitting silently in their seats. 4. They don't speak English 5. They don't sing in English. 6. They don't think in English. 7. They don't cough or laugh in English. Anyway... 8. They began the meeting in French - where I could pick a few words out here and there. But randomly they will switch to the language that just sounds like a lot of "aaaauuuuaaa" aka Tahitian. You lost me there. 9. The songs were somewhat eratic. Sometimes they'd sing in French, sometimes Tahitian. Sometimes both. 10. The Sacrament bread was a baguette! 11. I don't know if it's just because I can't understand what they're saying - but it sure seemed like their testimonies are a lot faster spoken than ours. Idk... 12. I didn't know anyone. 13. Did I mention it wasn't in English? 14. I was the tallest, and the palest. Sort of backwards from what i'm used to haha. :) 15. The Young Womens is about an eighth of the size I'm used to. This week anyway. Idk if it's that way all the time. 16. I was probably the only blonde one in the entire building. Not that I'm blonde or anything. It was funny, there was a baby boy who just kept staring at me. Probably because of my hair. :) 17. To go along with that, Tahitian children are the cutest things you've ever seen. Cute chubby dark children. They're adorable! 18. Everything was in French! Did I say that already? Anyway, I met a very nice girl. Her name is Tatiana. She is the president of the Laurels, and she spoke quite a bit of English. (YAY!) She took me to class and explained what was going on and things. I got to know her pretty well by the end of the day. I am glad that there's at least one person I can communicate with! All in all, successful. Scary, but I think I can do it again.

Poisson Cru

2008-07-04T20:19:00.001-07:00

Well, in tribute to my blog title... Last night I had dinner at our friend Arthur Perry's house. They served a delicious feast, and the pineapple is TO DIE for. One of the main dishes, however, was "poisson cru" or "raw fish salad." It wasn't bad to be quite honest! As most of you know I'm not much of a seafood person, and I'm not like Lyse who will just east ANYTHING. But this was okay. I'm learning to be daring. :) Now I just have to learn how to eat the COOKED fish.... lol.

My dad eating poisson cru at a restaurant (the following day)

First Impressions: TAHITI

2008-07-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful visit in New Zealand, it was time to go to our new home. Throughout my life, the discussion of Tahiti has always been present. My dad served his mission and it has always been dear to his heart. But no matter how much I have heard about this place, NOTHING could have prepared me for what I met upon arrival. Immediately walking out I could feel the humidity. It was if there was a light mist of water being sprayed directly in front of me. Walking into the airport, the ladies were given a small flower to stick behind their ear, and joyful music was being played with different Tahitian drums. We got our baggage, and proceeded down to where we were to be picked up. I remember smelling flowers. I soon found out why. There had to have been thirty people ready to greet us. Each person came up to us with a beautifully flowered "hei" to give to us. I was draped in smell-good-beautiful-ness. As I met people we all hugged and "beezed." It was so wonderful to meet so many good church people that we would be working with for the next couple of years.

The very tired us.

Our greeters. The Mackay's, the Lewis', the Faerber's, the Tarati's (former Tahitian Mission President) Elder Kirk and Elder Cummings (assistants)

Pictures courtesy of my sister Brooke, who happened upon these through the MTC. Thanks!

New Zealand

2008-07-04T01:33:00.000-07:00

Before I ventured into Tahiti, our family along with four other Mission Presidents, had the opportunity to stay a few days in Auckland, New Zealand. This is the part where everyone's brains registers *Lord of the Rings!* No, I didn't see where Lord of the Rings was filmed. But where we were was absolutely beautiful. My parents had a lot of meetings, but during that time, Marie Cook (the former Mission President in Auckland's daughter) took me and the other teens out to see the city. (Jessica Porter age 17, David Porter age 12 and Hyrum Jolliffe age 16.) We had a wonderful day exploring. We went up onto Mount Victoria to see the most breath taking view of the entire town. We took the Ferry across the waters to see the main parts of the city. One of the highlights of my day was walking into a gift shop only to hear "Violet Hill" by Coldplay being played. Felt like home. :) One funny moment while staying in the hotel... My parents were at meeting #4232, and I was alone in the room. When it was time for church, I went downstairs only to realize I had forgotten my scriptures. Earlier, my parents had locked the doors by pushing the latch over the door so you couldn't get in even if you had a key. Well, somehow when I closed the door upon leaving.... the latch seemed to bounce somehow locking me out! Both of our rooms were locked that way, so there was no way that we could get in! Later on an engineer came and somehow fixed it for us. Talk about klutzy!

The tired me. Straight off the airplane.

The view from our hotel room

The Sky Tower

All the new Mission Presidents of the area, Elder Baxter and Elder Hilbig

Me, David and Jessica Porter. (Not picturing Hyrum Jolliffe)

No, I have not dropped off the face of the Earth...

2008-07-04T01:25:00.000-07:00

Iaorana! I am pleased to say that I now have internet access and am quite alive in Papeete, Tahiti. However there is, of course, LOTS to talk about! I have been through some crazy adventures already! One note of bad news, due to the delay in our visas - we will not receive a lot of our possessions for two more months or so. That means my beloved iMac. :( So unfortunately I won't be able to post pictures until that comes, but once I do I will add everything onto what I have already written about. Hope all is going well in the states. Love to all!

NBA Finals 2008 - BOSTON takes ALL

2008-06-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

I wasn't going to post anything on my new blog until I arrived in Tahiti... but I'm too ecstatic to contain myself! I'm way into basketball and I have gotten very into the Finals this year. Wish the Jazz could have made it further, but I'm a huge Celtics fan also. :) Last Night was Game 6 of the best of 7 series for the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Last season the Celtics finished with the second worst record in NBA history (24-58). This year, however, things were much different. Two new all stars (Ray Allen from the Seattle SuperSonics, and my man Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves) joined Paul Pierce to make up the new "Big Three." In the 2-3-2 format the Celtics had the advantage of taking their first two home games to lead the series 2-0. The Celtics have a hard time winning on the road, and it proved harder to shut down MVP Kobe Bryant with their loss in Game 3. But the Celtics did not give up and managed the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history in Game 4. At one time they were behind by 24 points but they pulled out with a 97-91 win! Boston now led the series 3-1. No team has ever come back from a 3-1 defecit in NBA Finals history. But the Lakers were determined to be the first. They took Game 5, but not without a fight from Paul Pierce who played the entire game and came out with 38 points. Game 6 was back in Boston baby. Their house. Kobe Bryant was on fire the first quarter coming out with 3 treys right off the bat... but he was soon stopped. :) With some amazing assists and incredible steals from Rajon Rondo and 26 points from player of the game Kevin Garnett the Celtics pulled out with a 131-92 SMOKE! It's the greatest win margin that the finals have seen. Paul Pierce was named Finals MVP. Coach Doc Rivers was dumped with Red Gatorade and Garnett finally got his ring. It was an amazing game - every player on fire. The Boston Celtics have won their 17th NBA title, the most any team has won. Not to mention the excitement that BYU legend Danny Ainge must be feeling - the manager for the Celtics. It was an amazing game that my mom could watch all the way through without leaving the room in disgust. Many of you know of my dislike for Kobe Bryant, so I'm not gonna lie I enjoyed him being shut down also. :) It was great to be able to watch such an enjoyable game right before our television departed. I would have been very sad to have missed Game 7 if the Lakers had won, so it worked out nicely this way. :) I apologize to all of you Laker fans out there.... but I'm all too happy not to talk about this incredible game. And sorry Megan for occupying your evening with my continual screams of joy. I could watch those highlights a thousand times... Wahoo!!! Kevin Garnett with a Slam Dunk! The Big Three: Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce Paul Pierce with his MVP Trophy