This semester, I'm lucky enough to be taking a "Media Effects" class for my communications major. This class is super interesting and fun and the teacher is really entertaining, funny and smart! And the best part? He literally sounds exactly like Jack Black when he talks.
Gif retrieved from http://giphy.com/gifs/jack-black-school-of-rock-bDQcYdKix5gxq
Anyway, in class the other day we talked about the power of advertising...which basically turned into an hour and a half of us watching our favorite commercials and discussing them. It was the best class ever.
Some funny gems:
Video retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I07xDdFMdgw
Video retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGb8pMIeY6w
Video retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGeTjzTgB-c
And some tear-jerkers:
Video retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V-20Qe4M8Y
Video retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA9tXYxD8g
Video retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eubWYPhcEEo
These commercials all made me smile. And I hope they made you smile too.
Being in a lot of PR and business classes this semester, I've been thinking a lot about promotion and the fact that advertising is powerful. I believe it can be used for good or bad and it's really neat for me to see the ads that go deeper than simply a product—the ones that really dig into the heart of a brand.
In short, great advertising makes you feel something.
"The work of an advertising agency is warmly and immediately human. It deals with human needs, wants, dreams and hopes. Its 'product' cannot be turned out on an assembly line."
And may I officially apologize for being the worst blogger of all time....my last post was in October.
October!?!
Gif retrieved from http://www.reactiongifs.com/tag/ashamed/
So embarrassed for myself right now.
However, I realized that it's a new year, a fresh start, a clean slate, if you will. So...*drum roll*...I resolve to be a much better blogger this year. I also resolve to lose 15 lbs. While I'm making goals I'm sure to fail, I might as well resolve to end world hunger.
As I look forward to 2015, I've also taken some time to reflect on all that's happened to me in the last year. There were good times and bad times, laughter and tears, but I think of all the things I learned during 2014, there was one lesson that stands above all the others—Don't be afraid to take risks.
I'm a person who appreciates comfort: comfort foods, comfortable couches, and the security of knowing what's going to come next in life for me. I don't like to make a choice unless I'm fairly positive about the outcome.
But this year, I started taking chances. I took some risks in school, work, love and friendship. I surprised myself with some of the things I gambled on. It took more courage than I knew I had, but I got out of my comfort zone in many ways this year. And the funny thing is, when I took chances, things ended up working out better than I could have imagined.
Venturing away from the safe route is not always a bad thing. I'm grateful to 2014 for teaching me the valuable lesson that sometimes, I need to get out of my own way.
A time for pumpkins, scarves, boots, blankets, telling scary stories, jumping in piles of leaves, trick-or-treating, apple cider, hayrides, football games, sweaters, harvest skies and curling up by the fire with a good book.
To quote a book I recently read....
"There's a chill in the air that lifts my heart and makes my hair stand on end. Every moment feels meant for me. In October, I'm the star of my own movie--I hear the soundtrack in my head (right now, it's 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes')--and I have faith in my own rising action.
I was born in February, but I come alive in October."
- Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Ok, now all I want to do is throw a bunch of quotes about the fall on this blog post.
Yep.
That's exactly what I'm going to do.
Image retrieved from http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/d6/57/bf/d657bfc8f55d983cc6a51de1bb23dc47.jpg
Image retrieved from http://www.onsuttonplace.com/2013/10/fall-free-printables-october-edition/
Image retrieved from http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/fall-quotes?src=spr_TWITTER&spr_id=1453_84355956#slide-1
Image retrieved from http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/fall-quotes?src=spr_TWITTER&spr_id=1453_84355956#slide-1
Image retrieved from http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/fall-quotes?src=spr_TWITTER&spr_id=1453_84355956#slide-1
Image retrieved from http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/fall-quotes?src=spr_TWITTER&spr_id=1453_84355956#slide-1
Image retrieved from http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/fall-quotes?src=spr_TWITTER&spr_id=1453_84355956#slide-1
If these don't make you love the fall, you're wrong.
My family and I met up at Lagoon last weekend, which made for an extra fun Saturday. Between riding the Samurai (my favorite) and eating my weight in Dippin Dots, I was on top of the moon.
The best part of the day, by far, was riding Rattlesnake Rapids.
Rattlesnake Rapids is a group ride that involves sitting in a circular, spinning raft-thingy and then careening out of control down a raging river of death.
Sound familiar?
Naturally, no one wanted to go on this ride except for me and my youngest brother Jackson. Somehow, we convinced everyone except my sister-in-law to get in the boat. And then we were off.
I knew we were in trouble the moment we hit the first rapid. What should have been a fun, family activity turned into a mass panic as everyone scrambled around the raft trying to avoid getting wet. I remember a lot of screaming, kicking, biting, offers to sell our souls to stay dry, etc. It was all very dramatic.
We were lucky enough to have Andrea capture some of it on film.
Enjoy.
This video really makes me laugh because everyone jumps on top of each other to avoid being under that waterfall. Not sure that we followed Lagoon's rules of "Stay seated at all times," but us Bakers were never much for rule-following in the first place.
Watching this video also makes me smile because it reminds me that my family is stuck together on this ride for life...forever actually.
I think Zac Efron really said it best....
Gif retrieved from http://wifflegif.com/gifs/474823-were-all-in-this-together-gif
Yes, we're together. And that doesn't always make it easier. Family doesn't necessarily keep you from getting soaked by the giant waterfall that you're headed towards. In fact, sometimes it's your family who's pushing you under it, laughing while they do so. But, the important thing is that when one of us gets pummeled by a rapid and comes up dripping wet, our family is right there by our side.
Like it or not, we're all in the same boat. Ands maybe that's the whole point.
Bonus Pic: (gasps and thunderous applause please)
With the gif above, I really couldn't resist posting my own family "High School Musical Jump Attempt" photo. Here we are, folks.
There's a two week break in between summer and fall classes. So, I headed home to Idaho for a little bit and spent some time with my family, which was wonderful.
While I was there, I got to run to Rexburg and visit my oldest friend Julie. Julie and I met as little kids, when I first moved to Idaho around 8 years old, and we became fast friends. I have so many happy childhood memories with her...some of my very best memories, in fact. The greatest thing about Julie is that she's that kind of friend who you can get together with after months of not seeing each other and it's like no time at all has passed.
I went out to Costa Vida with her and her husband and then we just spent some time catching up and watching hours of YouTube videos while her husband was at work. Looking back on it, we didn't do anything special. But, it's the people you're with who make moments special. And she's one of my favorite people on earth.
When I got back from Rexburg, my dad brought out my old bow. I was so excited because I used to be way into archery as a kid. I was also a little nervous because I hadn't shot in forever! Luckily, my body remembered the basics. My dad and I spent some time just shooting at a target in the backyard and it really reminded me of my childhood.
Yours truly!
#betterthanlegolas #notreally
My dad :)
#betterhairthanlegolas
Bulls-eye! Seriously though, I nailed that sucker right between the eyes.
That shot was so good, I was half-expecting these dudes to show up.
Gif retrieved from http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/robin-hood-men-in-tights
Maybe the best part was just being with my dad. I rarely got him all to myself growing up (four brothers and all) and so I've really learned to cherish the moments when just he and I get to do things together.
So, being in Idaho again was a real blast to the past. I got to see old friends and try out a few old activities. It was such a fun couple of weeks! It made it even harder to say goodbye and head back to school. But, I'm excited for a new year at college. BYU....Ready or not, here I come!!!
Yikes! Over a month....I'm totally getting worse! So much has happened since I last posted...I dealt with a break-up, I finished summer classes, I watched 3 seasons of Supernatural, I said goodbye to my little brother leaving on a mission, and I drove all the way to Montana where I went clubbing, swam a lot, and only got in 1 car crash (which was totally not my fault).
Like I said, it's been an absolutely crazy summer--full of good and bad and everything in between. It's been extremely fun but unfortunately, it's coming to an end. As I've been preparing myself to start a new year in school with new classes, new roommates, and a new apartment, I've been looking for a little inspiration.
Last night, I think I found it. I happened to click on this Mormon Message and I'm so glad I did. It was something I feel like I needed to hear...and it was just too well-done not to share here:
I know God is real and His light is there for us always, even when we feel lost and in the dark. I don't always have all the answers I want and sometimes (alright most of the time) I feel a little scared and confused, but I'm grateful for a Father in Heaven who cares enough to guide me and illuminate my paths before me.
1 John 1:5
This then is the message in which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Image retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/65897426@N05/6004194378
Wow. Let me just say that I am the suckiest of bloggers. I promised that I'd post every week and well....let's just say I'm very disappointed in myself. Almost as disappointed as Hercules here.
Almost.
But seriously, so much has happened since I last wrote, I wouldn't even know where to begin. So, I'll just talk about last weekend, in which I traversed across Utah to arrive on the beautiful shores of Lake Powell.
I swam. I surfed. I skiied. I tubed. I ate. A lot. I roasted s'mores. I slept under the stars. I played boardgames. I told scary stories. I got in a giant water fight. And I got fiercely sunburnt.
All with some of my favorite people in the world.
It was a perfect weekend in Paradise.
Bonus Picture: My brother Kody surfing in the USA. (Zoom in on his face. Priceless.)
These last couple of weeks, a lot of wonderful has happened. Let's run through some of these....
Going to the Caribbean with my family. I'm tan for the first time in my life. Huh-freaking-zzah!
Swimming in the ocean.
Getting to spend Father's Day with my dad...who is the best dad of all time. Seriously. I feel sorry for everyone else stuck with their lame dads.
Getting to scuba dive again...seriously, I love it.
Discovering that mixing ginger ale and apple juice is mindblowingly delicious.
Surviving three shark attacks. (Ok, they weren't attacking, but you know, they could have.)
Getting a massage.
Grocery shopping & seeing a guy wearing a live snake around his neck like a scarf. (what the h)
Getting a manicure.
Watching The Edge of Tomorrow (I really love Tom Cruise movies)
Getting to see my roommates for the first time in a couple months.
Sleeping over with one of my besties...we made popcorn, gossiped, and watched pole dancing videos on YouTube. A night well-spent if you ask me.
Eating red velvet cupcakes with my brother and sister-in-law. So grateful that they are willing to feed me and let me be the third wheel.
Obviously, the trip to Turks & Caicos was the biggest thing to happen to me. It was the perfect vacation in paradise. And the best part was that I got to spend it with my favorite people on earth. Because my family is the most wonderful thing that will ever exist for me.
Ok, I'm officially done being embarrassing and sappy. At least for today.
"But what minutes! Count them by sensation, and not by calendars, and each moment is a day."
- Benjamin Disraeli
The past couple of weeks have been absolutely crazy in my family! My older brother Austin got married and Dakota, one of my little brothers, graduated high school.
These were wonderful events and they really made me reflect on time and how quickly it seems to pass.
It seems like only yesterday that I was a little girl, chasing after my big brother and demanding to be included in every minute of his day. Then, Dakota came along, chasing after us as well. We eventually had two more brothers join the family but for a long time, it was just us...The Three Musketeers.
Those days were my earliest memories and some of my very best ones.
Fast-forward and this is where the three of us were two weeks ago, together again (minus the pumpkins) when Austin was sealed to his wife for eternity.
Sometimes, I have to just stop and ask myself, "Where did the time go?" It's hard to believe that I'm getting ready to start my fourth year of college, Austin is busy applying to medical schools, and Kody is leaving in a few weeks for a 2-year mission in Atlanta, Georgia. I guess somewhere along the way, those three little kids grew up.
And it's crazy to think of us all going our separate ways, but that's life. And maybe it happens too quickly, but the fact that life happens at all is a wonderful thing. The trick is to accept the fact that time is slipping by and decide to make time with the ones we love. I'm glad I made the moments count with my family and friends. And although Austin, Kody, and I have "grown up," I know we'll be The Three Musketeers forever.
I'll finish with some wise words from everyone's favorite person:
Breaking Bad is a TV show that I've been actively avoiding for years. My friends and family members would gush about how amazing it was and tell me that I was missing out on one of the best television shows of all time. But honestly, a show where the protagonist is an antihero really didn't appeal to me. I mean, it's about cancer and meth...sounds depressing, am I right? Anyway, I didn't understand all the hype this show was getting. So, I made it my mission to resist everyone's attempts in getting me to watch it.
But during final exams this semester, I was looking for a reason to put off studying. Naturally, I turned to my best friend Netflix. Breaking Bad popped up under my recommendations and I grew curious about why everyone wouldn't shut up about this show. So, because I had nothing else to do, I thought I'd give the first episode a try.
That was a big mistake.
Once I started watching, I could not stop. Finals Week is now a blur...I have no idea how I ended up passing all my classes because all I wanted to do was keep watching.
Every time I clicked "next episode," I was dancing with happiness:
Gif retrieved from http://www.funnyordie.com/lists/51e11b74ab/the-60-best-breaking-bad-gifs
Gif retrieved from http://www.funnyordie.com/lists/51e11b74ab/the-60-best-breaking-bad-gifs
If anyone interrupted me, my face would look pretty much like this:
Gif retrieved from http://www.funnyordie.com/lists/51e11b74ab/the-60-best-breaking-bad-gifs
I was totally sucked in. Food couldn't even tempt me:
Gif retrieved from http://www.funnyordie.com/lists/51e11b74ab/the-60-best-breaking-bad-gifs
And when I finally finished the series last week and realized it was all over, I felt a little like this inside:
Gif retrieved from http://giphy.com/gifs/12CbfCjhqq42Ry
What I'm trying to say is that I finally understand the hype. This show, despite its name, is good. Like really good. Like jaw-dropping, tear-inducing, nail-biting, stay-up-until-4-in-the-morning-to-see-the-next-episode good.
Breaking Bad's going on the "Weekly Wonderful's Hall of Fame" (Actually that totally doesn't exist, but if it did, this show would be on it). The characters, the acting, the filming...everything was perfection. And the story was incredible. The show never dipped in quality, from the pilot to the series finale. Hands down, it is the best television show I've ever seen. And I don't say that lightly. I'm insanely jealous of anyone who hasn't seen the show yet, because it was such a thrill to experience for the first time.
Anyway...
Image retrieved from http://i.imgur.com/30cXC.jpg
Breaking Bad, thanks for such a beautiful ride.
And in case anyone who's seen the show is in need of a few good laughs, check out these excellent remixes. Pardon the language (especially on the second vid), but they are so worth watching.
Video retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsqdmqRgrIc
Video retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzhW20hLp6M
It's hard to even hear the word "wonderful" without thinking of my mom.
As her only daughter, we've always had a close relationship and I'm so lucky to have her as my best friend. She's also my fashion consultant. As you can see, she is extremely adept at that job.
In all seriousness, I can't say enough about my mother. But I can share some of my favorite memories of her:
Going to all the Twilight midnight premieres with me
Having the world's best chocolate chip cookies warm out of the oven for us every year after the first day of school
Letting me read a new book first, even if we're both really excited for it
Staying out in the rain with me for hours at Disney World, just so her and I could ride the Dueling Dragons ride over and over again
Road trips together full of deep chats, sunflower seeds, and Diet Coke
Letting us kids skip school to go see the Pokemon movie
Throwing us the ultimate birthday parties in elementary school
Laughing at her own jokes so hard that she cries and snorts (I happened to inherit this trait)
Dressing up as a witch every Halloween and brewing my class a steaming "potion" (rootbeer made out of dry ice)
Sitting with me by the lake in New Zealand and watching the New Year's fireworks
Letting me sit on her lap...even when I'm in my 20's.
Don't believe that last one? I got proof:
So, that's my mom. She's my biggest cheerleader; she's been there for me through the good times and the bad, the tears and the laughter...and she's never once stopped believing in me. And she's taught me that in the end, the ones we love, our families, and our faith in God are the most important things.
I love you Mom! And to mothers everywhere, thank you for everything you do!
This weekend, I was blessed to be able to listen to inspired messages from the leaders of my church in what we call General Conference. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I look forward to General Conference every April and October.
I think I needed to hear a lot of things that were said over the weekend, but one message struck me more than any other--and that was Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk on gratitude.
I'm someone who generally is only grateful when things are going my way. I often forget, in times of trouble, to be grateful to my Father in Heaven. Even more than that, I have a hard time when I think of things coming to an end. President Uchtdorf's words uplifted and encouraged me this weekend.
I'm grateful to be a member of this church. I'm grateful to have the gospel, which makes me happier than anything else in my life. I'm grateful for my Redeemer and I'm grateful for my Heavenly Father.
And I'm grateful that through God, there doesn't have to be an end. He gives us only beginnings.
A long time ago, I saw a picture of something that I thought was a total joke. I was so sure that it didn't exist, that I never bothered to look it up. Well, I'm pleased to say that it does exist and the world is a better place because of it.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Ostrich Pillow:
Retrieved from http://9gag.com/gag/5410203
Yes. It allows you to sleep anywhere without looking stupid at all. Revolutionary. Everyone's doing it.
Don't believe me? Check it out...it's the next big thing:
Video retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmTHaJnyn6A
This is not just the most wonderful discovery of the week...it's ranking as one of the most wonderful discoveries of my life. My aunt just had a birthday this week and this was her present. And while I'm laughing, I can't deny that I'm a little jealous. Actually, let's be honest, I'm a lot jealous.
I've missed a week but you know what....I ain't even mad. It happens.
Probably the most wonderful thing that could ever have happened to me was coming home from Idaho to discover an adorable puppy running around Lanai. The cuteness killed me.
I mean, look at my face full of pure joy:
(I know that puppy looks dead...but it's really just happily sleeping in my arms)
I really need to get a dog.
Anyway, that puppy's name is Indy and he's from Puppies for Rent. When they came back to pick him up, they brought 3 more puppies! I was in heaven.
Another wonderful thing was going to Denny's at midnight last Sunday because technically it wasn't the Sabbath anymore. So, my cousin, my brother, his fiance and I all got delicious strawberry-oreo milkshakes and enjoyed being together as a family and paying for food on "Monday morning."
Puppies and late nights at Denny's. These are the cool things to do in Provo, kids. We have to keep ourselves entertained somehow.
Lots of really wonderful things happened to me this week.
Some highlights include:
- Going to Soda Licious multiple times a day
- Hearing my friend's band play...and discovering they're actually really good. (Woodward Avenue...next big thing y'all)
- Attending a Jehovah's Witnesses meeting...and discovering they're actually really nice (But I'm still not going to convert)
- In N Out chocolate shakes
- Winning the "best interpretive dance" in my ice skating class. This involved acting out a light-saber duel during the Star Wars theme song, rolling on the ice and pretending to shoot people during the James Bond theme song, and (my personal favorite), re-enacting this scene from Titanic with Shea in the middle of the ice rink during Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On":
Retrieved from http://www.gizmodo.fr/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/titanic-porte.jpg
"I'll never let go, Jack"
We definitely had the entire class in tears from the level of artistry we displayed in our dancing....but they might have been tears of laughter. Hard to tell.
The most wonderful part of my week though, was getting to see the Lego Movie. Austin and I could not stop laughing the entire show...I felt bad for his poor fiance who was stuck in the middle of us. Yes, it was absolutely ridiculous, but it was my exact type of humor and it reminded me of the days when I used to spend hours playing the Legos. *Nostalgia and humor are a good combination for me
I laughed until I fell out of my chair...and then I laughed some more. And, they even sneakily threw in a cute and inspiring message towards the end. Honestly, I think it's the best movie I've seen in theaters so far in 2014.
I heartily recommend it to anyone who is still a bit of a kid at heart.
Retrieved from http://blogs-images.forbes.com/scottmendelson/files/2014/02/the_lego_movie_2014-wide.jpg
I watch a lot of TV. I love getting to sit down and de-stress while watching an episode, whether it's The Office, Downton Abbey, How I Met Your Mother, Seinfeld, The Fresh Prince of Belair, Sherlock...the list goes on and on.
I just finished one of the best series I have ever had the pleasant surprise of discovering: Chuck.
If you haven't seen this series about an adorable geek who is thrown into the spy life, then you're seriously missing out. With the perfect mix of humor, action, and romance, it has a little something for everyone. And did I mention that the lead character is played by none other than Zachary Levi, a.k.a. Flynn Rider from Tangled?
I'm only sad it's over. I legitimately was alone in my room at 3 a.m. bawling as I watched the last couple of episodes. They ended it so well, but it definitely left me an emotional wreck.
Chuck is honestly just plain, silly fun, but it had some surprisingly heart-warming moments too. Whenever I watched it, I always had this big, goofy grin on my face. I can't say enough good things about it.
Watch it. You won't be sorry. It really is wonderful.
Yesterday, I got accepted into the Public Relations program at BYU!!!! Whahooooooo!
This is something I've been working towards since I got back from France last summer. It was a big challenge for me because the program is very competitive and as a junior, I only had one chance to apply to the program. If I hadn't made it, I would've been forced to major in English or something. Glad I dodged that bullet. (Sorry English majors)
But really, the last few months have taught me that hard work and preparation can help you accomplish any goal. I worked my little butt off to ace my prerequisite classes, I joined the PR club here at BYU, I volunteered to help with various PR projects, and I prepared like crazy for my application and interview. It all paid off though yesterday when I opened my letter. I had locked myself in the bathroom of the communications building on campus to open the letter because if I got rejected, I wanted to have a good place to cry. Instead, I ended up dancing around and squealing with joy in the bathroom stall...Probably freaked a few people out, but I couldn't help myself.
I've switched my major 3 times and it feels so good to finally be on the right track in a program that I really love. I literally couldn't stop smiling yesterday...even though it was Valentine's Day and I didn't have a date. That's true happiness right there. :)
One of the best decisions I made this semester was to take an ice skating class at BYU. I was so nervous going into it, because I hadn't signed up with any of my friends. However, the very first day, I show up and 4 of my friends from high school are there! And I've loved everyone I've gotten to know in the class too. It's the one thing I look forward to every Thursday.
The ice skating class is particularly fun because there are only like 30 of us on the ice. Whenever I go public skating, I can barely move because of all the people and I usually get taken down by somebody who thinks he's a champion.
Gif retrieved from http://www.buzzfeed.com/thebumblekee/22-reasons-you-shouldnt-go-ice-skating-f750
You know the guy I'm talking about...he's always showing off like he's God's greatest gift to the rink:
Gif retrieved from http://mashable.com/2014/01/19/ice-skating-gifs/
Luckily, in my class, it's just a small group of us and it's amazing. Seriously, gliding along the ice is oddly therapeutic. if I were a psychologist, I'd recommend a few hours of ice skating to all my patients.
But, I'm also not a psychologist...at all. So maybe it's best not to take my medical advice.
The point I'm trying to make here though is that I took a chance and did something that I was a little nervous about and I've loved every minute of it. We're playing fun games, learning tricks, and I can feel myself improving. I'm grateful I didn't chicken out that first week and drop the class.
I know I won't ever look like as glorious as Will Ferrell on the rink....
Gif retrieved from http://giphy.com/gifs/ViHjeB3QtDaPC
But ice skating brings a little wonderful to my life every week.
