unicycle

I've been thinking recently about how much time I have spent as a third wheel during my short 21 years of life. It seems like I'm always a third or fifth . . . or thirteenth wheel. Sometimes is gets pretty irritating, but most of the time I'm pretty comfortable as a third wheel. Tricycles aren't so bad right? It's nice and safe, very non-threatening.

I've realized that I'm comfortable as a tricycle, and I'm perfectly happy as a unicycle. I like being alone. I have a good time by myself. I think I'm pretty good company. I like being able to do whatever I want and not worry about anyone else. It's just me, and it's alright. I like it that way.

But I was thinking lately, why am I so happy by myself and so comfortable as a third wheel while the thought of two wheels is so unsettling? Maybe I'm afraid of falling and getting hurt again. Maybe I just like the ease of being able to do what I want. Maybe I like that I get to make my own plans. Maybe I just don't want change. Two wheels seems dangerous. I didn't learn how to ride a two-wheeler until I was about 10 or 11, and I think it may be a while before I am ready to give up my unicycle for a two-wheeler.

adults

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop?

mouthwash

Have you noticed how different your day is depending on what music you listen to?

I have times when I may be a bit too addicted to my ipod, but I really don't know what I would do without music. 

Some days I want to "turn on those sad songs" and wallow in whatever issue is troubling me. I think there's value in wallowing, taking a day or two just to be sad, but you have to ditch the sad songs at some point and move on.

I'm also a big fan of the girl power anthem. I pretty much can't get enough of girl power in any form, so in music it is especially fabulous. 

Love songs are also cute and nice at times, but must be used sparingly while you are single or they have the potential to drive you to listen to sad songs. 

Pick-me-up type songs are another one of my favorites. I love a good song that lets you just dance it out. 

I was thinking today as I walked to class jamming to my tunes how much music changes my day.

I was feeling a bit overwhelmed this morning, wondering how I am ever going to survive this semester.

You should know, I am a big fan of Kate Nash and her songs are frequent pick-me-ups for me. As I was walking to campus, Kate Nash's song Mouthwash came up on my ipod. I immediately felt a little more spring in my step. I bobbed my head a little as I walked and felt a sudden surge of confidence. I went from feeling very inadequate to feeling just a little bit maybe invincible. 

This is my face
Covered in freckles
With the occasional spot
And some veins

This is my body
Covered in skin
And not all of it
You can see

And, this, is my mind
It goes over and over
The same old lines

And, this, is my brain
It's torturous analytical thoughts
Make me go insane

And I use mouthwash
Sometimes I floss
I got a family
And I drink cups of tea

I've got nostalgic pavements
I've got familiar faces
I've got a mixed-up memory
And I've got favourite places

And I'm singing "oh oh" on a Friday night
And I hope everything's gonna be alright

This is my face
I've got a thousand opinions
And not the time to explain

And this is my body
And no matter how you try and disable it
Yes I'll still be here

And, this, is my mind
And although you try to infringe
You cannot confine

And, this, is my brain
And even if you try and hold me back
There's nothing that you can gain

'Cause I use mouthwash
Sometimes I floss
I've got a family
And I drink cups of tea

I've got nostalgic pavements
I've got familiar faces
I've got a mixed-up memory
And I've got favourite places

And I'm singing "oh oh" on a Friday night
And I hope everything's gonna be alright
Oh oh oh oh oh oh

I'm not sure what it was about this song that made me feel so ready to tackle the day, but it did. I love how music can change your attitudes and feelings. It kind of made me realize how much I need to consider the music I listen to and choose music that helps me feel better and happier. 

elder sessions

My brother, Parker, went into the MTC today.
He is headed to the Brazil Teresina Mission.
Since his visa didn't come through he had to come to Provo instead of heading to the MTC in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He wasn't so happy about coming to Provo, but I'm glad I got to see him again! I also informed him that I wouldn't be able to send him cupcakes and brownies if he were in Sao Paulo!

My mom and Parker drove over on Monday and we had lots of fun. On Monday night I drove up to Bountiful and had dinner at my grandma's house with family.

Yesterday we had to have one last lunch at J Dawgs.

We went to India Palace in Provo for dinner. 

Indian food definitely isn't mom's favorite, but Parker loves it and India Palace is the best.

Today I had lunch at Zupas with Parker, Mom, and Grandma before taking P man to the MTC.

There he is, walking away with his bags. 

It was such a fast drop off, and what a strange feeling!

Here is Parker outside the Denver Temple. 

My little brother is all grown up!

He's the best guy ever and I know he will be a great missionary!

audrey