Things I've been doing instaed of studying

• Baking muffins- Kenna has a ton of canned fruit left over and I had some bisquick and I bake in order to de-stress so now we've enjoyed some good ones (peach, oatmeal raisin) and some not so good (pear, dried apricot).
  
• laundry- but I'm still too lazy to actually fold it and pack it, therefore I've been sleeping on the couch
  
• watching sing-off, psych, gilmore girls, glee, etc.
• facebooking- yeah what else is new
  
• blogging
• editing pictures
• calling my mom
• packing- not really but it's going to have to happen sometime
  
• crafting - my christmas to do list just got a whole lot shorter!
  
• throwing a Christmas sweater party- pictures to come...
  

I'm a grown up now

So sometimes it's fun growing up- other times, not so much. I love being at college and living on my own (with 5 other girls, or course). I love taking classes that I am really interested in and just being able to say I'm an adult. Oh, and I guess voting and buying lottery tickets is pretty cool too.

What's not so cool is that I think my body is falling apart. I was getting ready for church on Sunday morning and I leaned over in mirror to check out my earrings (I was having a bit of a dilemma- I don't have too many gold earrings!) and when I stood up straight, I got this shooting pain in my back. It hurt so bad I could barely breathe. I had to lean against my bed for support. Terra walked me over to the couch where I loaded up on Advil and iced my back to no avail. I couldn't move my upper body from side to side, and that is just no good. It lasted all day long and I was just dying. I had some friends of mine give me a blessing, and by the next morning I was doing pretty good! It's amazing what a little faith in the Lord and a handful of painkillers can do! And if you can't tell from my last post, another lame part of being a grown-up is having to pay for everything. I really, really want to work in a restaurant or bakery while I'm home just to get some experience and have fun!

Sorry this post is so boring, I just needed to get my thoughts out. Thanks for listening people of blogland.

Working Woman

Only twelve days left until I return home to the B-E-A-Utiful east coast!!! I honestly can not wait a minute longer. Don't get me wrong, I love the school and the people here, but it's just SO cold and, well, not Maryland! I can't wait to get back there and see my friends and family- especially future baby Harding in Rachie's tummy!!!

So since I'm home until April because I'm off track, I've got to get a move on finding a job!! Last year, I was a nanny for one of the cutest families ever! Love you Martinis fam!!! So I've been thinking about what I would want to do, and catering was on the top of my list. Especially because it's in a field I want to pursue. So if anyone has any connections, give me a call!! I would also love to be a babysitter/nanny again so mother's in need out there, I'm free!! And any other job openings for college students are welcomed!
Waitress maybe??

hmm

Well it's been awhile, but I'm going to do a little update on what I did over thanksgiving break. I actually have the worst memory ever but we'll see what I can remember.

COOL STUFF I DID

- Play with Daniel - live the life of a hobo/gypsy, sleeping in a different apartment every night
- went out to J-Dawgs with my friend Brent. If you haven't been there and happen to be in Provo, get your hiney over there now because it's SO GOOD!!! Trust me on this. I don't even like hot dogs.
- Went to the skating rink with Daniel and Jason, only we didn't even skate. We watched the people and made fun of them when they fell.
-Went to Daniel's ward talent show and experienced the GREATEST ice cream in the world. Graham canyon from the BYU creamery. Oh baby.
-Made Brittan's delicious enchiladas.
- Attempted to drive the Alpine loop with Maggie and Bush until we realized it was closed off. We resorted to a snowball fight where I managed to fall on my butt and get covered in snow.
- Had some yummy Costa Vida with Jayson Richards and somehow ended up off-roading in the hunt for Y-Mountain and then resorted to seeing the movie The Switch. It was terrible. But we had fun!
-Heard Maggie sing in church
-IHOP with Daniel and Trevor, then pranking Trevor's brother's car
- Slumber party at Alicia's with the Kentlands girls! It wouldn't be complete without no bakes, pizza, onesies, movies, and the what if game! - Ugly sweater shopping with Terra!!! Also a little tour of Alpine and a trip to Dear Lizzie
- Black Friday shopping with Terra and Zach
- Thanksgiving with the Lee family plus Daniel and Skyler! after the near death experience getting there...
- Seeing Harry Potter 7 for the second time. SO GREAT ILOVEIT
- Making Muzzie's Magic Gumbo - BYU basketball game with Frannie and Mags- we got AMAZING seats!! (pictures to come)
So now you have a basic idea of what I had been up to for the forever-long break like you were practically there!! haha Sorry this is a pretty boring post. Maybe I'll do a cool one soon...

Teenage Dream Tonight

day 24- your last five facebook status'

Yes, I would be in provo when the worst snow storm in 5 years comes. Bring it on.

Is in provo for break!! Txt me if you want to play!!

You never cease to amaze me, Harry Potter

arrypotterharrypotterharrypotterharrypotterharrypotterharrypotterharrypotterharrypotter

Julie Carver is this week over yet?

day 25- what I would find in your bag

You would find basically my whole life in my bag. and a lot of trash because I never get around to cleaning it out. So here's a little taste: gum wrappers (because I chewed it all and haven't gotten around to buying a new pack), chapstick, hair ties, a barette, sunglasses, ipod, cell phone, sticky notes, wallet, receipt, and the creepy arctic circle guy's number :)

day 26- what do you think about your friends
well obviously they're my friends so I think they're awesome!!
Um let's see
Elle- She is me... only smarter, more wise, much better actress, with great hair. I wish I had half of her talent. We can have fun just sitting around.

Kelly- She makes me so happy and puts up with my annoying txt messages 24/7.

Bess- She shares my great passion for baking and all things Martha. She's the epitome of east coast and I LOVE it Brooke- SO funny. She always brightens my day. Katie Jane- She is a sweetheart. She is always willing to lend a hand and listen to you. She's even funny some of the time! haha. But I love her and her easygoing personality

day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Well I started the challenge to try and get back on track to becoming a successful blogger, but I just stink.
Life is hard.

day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy

ok so this picture looks pretty nasty, but I promise it's not!! For those of you who don't know what on earth this is, it's called grits and eggs. It's one of my favorite meals and is the best comfort food for me. The day I was rejected from BYU what did I feast on? Not chocolate dipped in chocolate with a side of chocolate milk (but that sounds kind of good right about now...). My mom fixed me up a plate of grits and eggs and I'm telling you that stuff fills holes in your heart. day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
I laugh at my own jokes, I have a really loud laugh, I'm afraid of sewing machines, I have to make my bed before I sleep in it, I trip over everything, I can't whistle, I'm craftarded, and I speak in funny accents. There's a start.
day 23- something you crave for a lot
Well there's grits and eggs of course. And always Ben and Jerry's Brownie Batter. But one thing that I absolutely love that they don't have out in Idaho is Trader Joe's dried mangoes and pomegranate seeds. They are to DIE for! So my mom, being the great woman that she is, sent me a care package fulled with them!! She's the best!
yes, my life does revolve around food thanks for asking.

wuhv.

day 20- someone you love
If I put up a picture for every person I loved in this post, actually it would just be a picture of me.


joking.

Ok so i'm just going to mention one very special person in my life... OK scratch that. I meant two because I can't decide.
Person number one is my grandma Barbara Laumann AKA Muzzie. Muzzie is a very influential person in my life. I honestly wouldn't be the same person if it weren't for her. Muzzie is the sweetest woman in the world and doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She is a miracle woman who survived Multiple Sclerosis and a potentially life-threatening car crash. She was the woman who kept my mom active in the church when she was young and was willing to join the church, despite what others were telling her. She has one of the strongest testimonies and is a living example of the power of the priesthood. She is always happy and is willing to laugh at herself. She lives her life focused on service and is always doing things for others. She and Pawpa got me hooked on cooking when I was young by teaching me to make deviled eggs and always encouraging me to bake something delicious and let my creative juices flow!! She has nothing but good things to say of others and gives great hugs!! She may be clumsy, but she is one of the best women in the world.

Then there's my Dad. He's the greatest man in the world. I know everyone says their dad is the best, but that's only because they haven't met mine yet. Everyone likes him, he's a really hard worker, he has the best laugh (which I have taken after- thanks for that.), he always puts his family first, and he has a great sense of humor. In fact, I think I take after my dad in the sense of humor department and I love it, because at least he laughs at my jokes! I love going on rides with him and I can't forget the weekly trips to Chipotle and CaliYogurt. I miss those! But I'm only weeks away from coming home. He isn't the kind of guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve. He's something like a pineapple; hard on the outside but soft and sweet on the inside. He is the best dad a girl can ask for, even though he may scare some guys away at first! He's an amazing guy and I'm so proud to call him my dad! I can't wait to fly home and see him come December.

weak sauce

I'm the lamest blogger ever. I miss so many of these day things so I have to do like 4 in one post. Get ready.

day 16- another picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
For one day, I would love to switch lives with Paula Deen. She's got the best teeth!! All she does is cook all day long, and I absolutely love her kitchen (come on, it comes complete with a deep fryer) and I would love to cook like her!!day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
I plan to finish college and get married.
I dream to one day open a bakery.
I dream to live down south with my family of 5 and our bulldog in our yellow house with blue shutters and a white wrap-around porch and a big yard.I also love the look of these beautiful plantation homes in Savannah, GA
I have a goal to work in a restaurant and to read the entire Book of Mormon in the near future.
day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them
I really don't have too many cool nicknames. I guess most of my high school friends weren't too creative since I was sometimes called "mormon". Way to be original guys.
Julie Bug- This is my family nickname. I got this one because when I was young, I LOVED to cuddle. I'd get all scrunched up and cuddle with my mom, dad, grandparents, basically anyone. So I was a cuddle bug which basically evolved into Julie Bug/Buggie.
Jules- Not too hard to figure that out on your own
Blondie- This one is only from Bryce. He doesn't like to call people by their real names to there ya go.

Honey, let me sing you a song

Well I had to put my music on silent since I'm watching the new episode of Glee and these things take priority. But here it goes.
Lets start #1 off with a bang. Sexy Back- Justin Timberlake
2. Lay All Your Love on Me- Mamma Mia Cast
3. I'll Stand By You- Glee Cast
4. Over and Over Again- Tim McGraw and Nelly
5. One Time- Justin Bieber (why yes I'm a belieber, thanks for asking)
6. Sex on Fire- Kings of Leon
7. Backwards- Rascal Flatts (totally had it before it was on the Hannah Montana Movie soundtrack unlike every pre-teen and elementary school girl)
8. Toes- Zac Brown Band
9. Show Me the Money- Petey Pablo (love you, step up)
10. Daylight- Matt & Kim
so there you have it folkes, just a hint at the weirdest mix of music that is on my ipod :)

We are family

day 14- a picture of you and your familyFamilies Are Forever

Photo courtesy of Sarah Fletcher

A Letter to Me

day 13- a letter to someone
Well funny thing is, I just finished writing a letter to my good friend Barrett who is serving his 2 year church mission in Riverside, CA spanish speaking. And I would post my letter to him here but
a. I'm far too lazy to type up a whole written letter, and without my bomb illustrations, it's just not as fun. Let's face it.
b. No one really cares too much about what I am going to write because there won't be any sweet pictures to insert. Because let's face it, no one really reads what bloggers have to say. The just like the pictures. You know I'm right.

Forgot To Mention

snow.
I'm dying.

Fiasco

well ok don't be mad because I haven't posted all weekend...

in my defense I was far too busy having a blast in Provo!! (thanks Daniel and Maggie!!)
So now I have to make up for those 3 days missed...
day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, madAs all of my friends know, I have the weirdest mix of music on my ipod. Ranging from Les Miz to Feelin' Myself by Dolla' (great song by the way). If i had to write down all the music I listen to when I'm happy, sad, bored, hyped whatever it would take up the whole page and would be super bring. I will say at the moment I've become really into the chill music like Coldplay, the Fray, Regina Spektor, and Joshua Radin. It's feel good music.

day 11- another picture of you and your friends
day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one
I found out about blogger from the b-e-a-utiful Kristi Brooke Buchanan Cutler. She Had one when I was a Laurel and it sort of inspired me to get one. Of course it took me a little bit longer to get the hang of it and to keep up on posts. :)

Proud Mary

I hope those of you who are musically educated understand that I am not actually talking about a woman named Mary.

Ok day 9 something you're proud of in the past few days

I will tell you what I am proud of. Well first of all I am proud of those ballin' KISS costumes that we did for Halloween. I also made a cute yellow tutu with help from Brookie!! and Last but not least these delicious cake balls
yum yum yum!! Thank you Bakerella!!!

Hair!!!

Ok so yesterday I promised you a hair post so here it is.
On tuesday I went to the Paul Mitchell school here in Rexy and was pretty excited because I love getting my hair done. Well when I was explaining how I wanted my hair done, I suppose there was a bit of a miscommunication between me and the hairdresser because when I said the words "low lights to make it look more natural" I meant darker than platinum. SHE thought I meant natural hair color. Well I suppose I now know what I would look like if i never high lighted my hair!!

Before (well... meaning before I got it fixed. I mean technically this is an after as in after I got it done-- nevermind you get the point.):[please ignore the make-upless face. it was late and I was tired, grumpy and lazy.]
After Ashley my second hairdresser (who gives the BEST head massages ever) fixed it! :I would also like to direct your attention to the HP poster behind me courtesy of Blake. T-minus 14 days!!!!

Ocho

day 8- short term goals for this month and why
I'm not going to lie, I don't like this post. I'm not much of a goal setter but I suppose I do have a few!!
-don't exceed $250
-fix my hair (details in the next post)
-save money for Thanksgiving!!
-go to the temple 3 times (i went today!!)
-go to the library (yeah I know. impossible.)
-run a mile

I Wanna Be Like You

Ok so i'm going to copy Emilee again, but this time it's unintentional. But honestly, if you knew this woman, she would be your hero too.

Kristi Cutler is my hero. She is the happiest person I have ever met like a big huge ball of sunshine. She always serves everyone. She is the sweetest lady and introduced me to the hug machine. I don't think she went a week without crying at church. She has only good things to say about people.She introduced me to my favorite color: yellow. She has an adorable family and it is so evident that they mean everything to her. She introduced me to blogging. She never complains. She is so creative and always manages to turn trash into treasure. She got me addicted to Good Will. She taught me to be a leader. She taught me the true meaning of Christlike love. I hope that I may one day be as amazing as her.

And would you just look how cute her little ones are!? I want Annie Kate (the oldest) to marry Shayne. It's going to happen.

I could be your hero, baby

favorite super hero and why

I don't read comics or anything... but by my definition, my favorite superhero is Harry Potter no contest. I mean, he saved the whole wizarding world.
in lieu of HP- RIP Lilly and James Potter. Yeah, I have no life.

I've been everywhere, man

I love to travel. I love airplanes. but the sad thing is, I don't get to travel that much. I've been out of the country twice on a cruise to the Caribbean
This is in St. Maarten USVI. We went on a tour of the island and I think this was one of the highest points and it was just SO beautiful!! I love the color of the water and the view is just breathtaking.One year for youth conference, our stake was heading up to Palmyra, NY and made a little pit-stop at Niagra Falls!!! It was just after Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End came out (where the used niagra falls as the "end of the world") and so it was extra legit. We got soaked but it was so cool!
In Princess Kay, Bahamas Rach, Shayne, and I went on a banana boat. Shayne and I managed to stay on the whole time, whereas Rachael fell in the middle a few times and laughed so hard... well... for those of you who know Rachael, you can figure it out. Anyway, I stayed on until the very end when they both turned on me and pushed me off!!!

Trick Or Treat!!

Well I have to take another break from that daily thing because I had to post about
THE BEST HALLOWEEN COSTUMES EVER!!!!!
Brooke came up with the idea one day at lunch and it was absolutely. Unfortunately, we didn't have the fourth member who dresses up like a cat- but who needs him? He's weird. So, behold the first place costume winner for our ward party
Happy Halloween!!!

Spitting's A Dirty Habit

day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have

I am the biggest procrastinator in the world. I've tried to fix it, but I think I'm broken. In classes, my teachers will give me 2 weeks to do an assignment and I would wait until the day it was due. The excuse I use is that I work well under pressure, but the truth is, I don't even know how I work NOT under pressure. But I guess everyone has their flaws. So if life.

tres

day 3- a picture of you and your friends

I'm not going to be so bold as to say that I have too many friends BUT... joking.
Ok so let's see...

This is my big brother Daniel. He's the best. I became really close to him his senior year when we would drive to seminary/school/home. We also started becoming the friends with the same people so we would hang out together. I didn't get to see him for the past 2 years and it was so sad, but now he's home and I love having him only a state away from me!Brooke. Brunk. Brick. Broook. ruh. And everything in between. She's insane and brings out the INCREDIBLY loud side of me and I love it. We quote movies all the time and we can finish each others sentences. It's great.
These are some of my church friends from home. Brooke Kaile Emilee Elsje and Alicia. Elsje was my Laurel teacher and she is the most wonderful woman! Then there's the other girls. I love spending time with them because we always have so much fun together and go on little adventures! They made seminary fun for me.
Room 312. These girls are AMAZING!! They say you meet your greatest friends in college. They're right. I loved seeing them every day and talking with them until 3 AM. We have so many inside jokes and can't wait to live with them again in the spring!!Alex. What's funny is that I wasn't friends with him until the summer after senior year. He and Reid became super close and I always thought he was weird because he used to miss school all the time because he was always sleeping. Yeah I know I"m weird. But he is my 90s movie bonding best friend. I miss this guy and can't wait to see him again this winter and watch a Goofy Movie!!
Elle, Bess, and Kelly are superb. Kelly is so funny and fun to be around. We always just laugh at ourselves and can never get sick of each other. Also, her family is so boss. They sent me cookies from school!! :) Bess is the next Martha Stewart. We both have our wedding basically planned out and we love Lilly Pulitzer, baking, and southern accents. She is so happy and is going to be the best person ever. Elle is me. Only better at acting and addicted to coffee. I love how we can call each other names and use it as a form of endearment. She taught me how to make the infamous fish face and we tease each other relentlessly and I love it. She is my best friend.
I have been friends with Reid since I first moved to Gaithersburg, which means we've been friends for 15 years. Wow. Reid is so fun and will always listen to me and put up with me. Even though he always tried to take my parking spot in high school, I still love him!

And I can't forget about Sam. I became friends with Sam my first semester of college. I spent tons of time with him (and he ate the only burger Outback steakhouse had left that night rather than being a gentleman and LETTING ME HAVE IT but I digress.) and he is so funny. Now he's in the Philippines serving a mission for our church and I miss him a lot!!! But he's doing a good ting and will be home in 16 more months!!!

So there you have it. Some of my best friends.

I Work Hard

Taking notes is for sissies.