Free Lunch Friday

My luck rocks.

Check it out:

The College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences does a weekly trivia drawing. 

This was the first week I bothered to enter (after getting emails about it for a year), and I won.

What are the odds?!

I don't know, but I like 'em.

PS: If anyone wants to go to lunch at the MOA Cafe sometime before next Friday, please holler. This is not a drill.

I've totally done fun stuff lately.

I just haven't blogged about any of it. 

A couple weekends ago, we had a little party to celebrate Nicole's birthday. 

Laser tag and nickels and Five Guys and Farr's. Success story.

Then I went to a tea party hosted by my creative friend Callie.

It was adorable! We all wore formal dresses and drank cucumber limeade and ate small treats.

(Small treats are the best because you can eat a ton of them in one sitting.)

Then I went to Cafe Rio to celebrate Jenna's spring break. 

Not my own spring break of course; BYU doesn't believe in such tomfoolery.

Then I celebrated St. Patrick's Day. 

Also, I got some serious sock bun curls. 

(These two events were unrelated, but I wanted to post both pictures.)

Dad took the picture...didn't bother telling us our faces were in it. So enjoy those.

And there you have it: the first half of March in a [very small] nutshell.

This week is kind of crazy because of a choir concert and a nasty math test. But after that, I am free, free fallin' and I can't wait!

Life is good, folks. 

Nine

Today is the 9-month mark. 
It's kind of a big deal.


When that one missionary received his mission call, he calculated the overlap he and his older brother would have. Older brother was already in Mexico, also serving a mission. There would be 9 months with both brothers in the field, in Mexico. Pretty cool, really. And he would tell people, "Well you see, it's like long enough to have a baby." 


I know that sounds weird, but he was in a human development class at the time. 
So, yeah.




Anyway, he left right at the beginning of summer. You know, that time of year when you have to search and search for things to fill your time? Maybe that's just me. But it amazed me how time seemed to drag. Seriously, two years seemed like an infinity. And nine months didn't seem much better, but it was a step along the way that I could look forward to. So I seized that, and thus began the unofficial waiting.


Yesterday, older brother came home. 
I haven't technically met this brother. He left just a couple weeks after the first date my missionary and I ever had, so we weren't quite to the "hang out at each others' houses and meet the family" stage just yet. 
But he's here. 


Which means that it's here: 9 months. Somebody probably had a baby today which they found out about at the time that one missionary was leaving. I used to think it was too long. Nine months without your best friend is long. But I have new friends, and old friends who have become closer friends, and my family. 


I've had a wonderful 9 months. He has, too.


I've had a successful year of school at BYU. I've become good friends with his family members. I've realized and re-realized just how much I admire that boy who's serving in Mexico. I've blogged and done puzzles and played with my nephew and learned complicated mathematical concepts. I can explain the invert and multiply rule for dividing fractions. I've served and been served. I've learned about personal revelation. I've figured out a little bit more of myself. 


He's had a successful time in Mexico. He's worked through difficult companions and friendly companions. He's grown so much in scripture study that he now enjoys giving talks. He's become a right little cook, and he even gets a cleaning bug every now and then. He's borne a strong and unwavering testimony of the goodness of this church and the mercy of Christ every week. He too has served and been served, and I'd bet he's learned a thing or two about revelation. He's learned much about himself. 


What an amazing transformation for both of us these 9 months have been. I can hardly wait to see the two of us after two years! The good news is this: I made it through that time that seemed so impossibly long. I reached that first unreachable goal! And now, I am feeling great. I still miss him, every day, lots, but I've come this far, and unless I get the word from above that things need to change, I can come this far again. 


9 months. Told you it was a big deal. 

writer's block.

I've drafted about seven blog posts in the last three days, and nothing really has come out like I wanted. 
I've been thinking a lot about different things.
Good things. Not like depressing things.
But I just am having some trouble writing them down, for whatever reason. 




Life is good. For tonight, that is all I can say. 


Please, enjoy a song: 


Just like me, it has no words. But it is happy.
The end.

Eleven.

So that Heather girl tagged me in this 11 things game.

I feel like I just did this with the "New Here" page, but whatev. I shall play along.

Rules (I'm paraphrasing these):

1) Post the rules.

2) Post a photo and 11 random things about you.

3) Answer questions.

4) Ask questions.

5) Tag.

Picture:

What an unfortunate facial expression.

Ok ok ok...11 random things.

1) I have a serious life goal to revamp math education in America. Who's with me?!

2) I have an uncle who's a gourmet chef and Harley rider. Tell me he's not the coolest person you've ever heard of. (Shout out to the CA cousins! Hello!)

3) 9 times out of 10, I'd rather make a funny face in a picture than smile because I have slightly crooked teeth. I've never had and will never have braces to fix them.

4) I am allergic to nuts. Cashews and pistachios, specifically, but I avoid everything except peanut butter.

5) I also have seasonal allergies, which means enjoying the spring weather today was the worst idea I've had all week. Ugh.

6) I didn't learn how to ride a two-wheeler until I was 12 years old. And then I only learned because my mom bribed my older sister with a new, hot pink bra if she'd teach me and my two younger sisters how to ride. I don't think I will ever enjoy riding a bicycle, simply because I learned so late. 

7) When I was little, I thought my name was "Sweet Baby Alyssa, 3 Years Old." I got mad if anyone called me anything different. We can thank my father for this.

8) We can also thank my father for the fact that I have loved York peppermint patties since the ripe old age of 3 weeks.

9) I have mad lip-sync skills. No joke.

10) I make facial expressions for things that I type, text, listen to, read...really for anything. It's kind of nutty, but secretly I think everyone does it to a degree. Don't you make a question face when you text someone a question? No? Dang it. 


11) I wish I was a runner. Not a marathon runner, but a go-every-morning runner. I keep telling myself I'll take it up someday, but naturally that day never comes. 

Now, 11 questions to answer.

1 :: What is your favorite movie?

What's Up, Doc all the way! Seriously, I could watch it every week and never get sick of it.

2 :: Most embarrassing moment?

Probably it's my first kiss, but that is not a story for the blog. Sorry amigos.


3 :: What was your first impression of [Heather]? (Honesty matters.)
I thought you seemed like a lovely person to befriend. And it was the truth, even though we really didn't become friend friends until the temple trips of junior/senior year. Good times, good times...


4 :: What's your favorite holiday?
I'm a big fan of Easter. We make hot cross buns every year, and I think it's just such a hopeful holiday.


5 :: What's your favorite day of the week?
As of late, Monday. It's that one missionary's P-day, so it's the day we get to read the family email. Wahoo!


6 :: What was your least favorite chore growing up?
Vacuuming. My mom has serious vacuuming rules.


7 :: What's your favorite book?
I love love love Jane Eyre. But I've also taken a liking to religious literature since I graduated from high school. I've read about Joseph Smith, and I enjoy reading talks from previous conferences, and I'm planning on reading Jesus the Christ (by James E. Talmage) this summer. I never saw this phase in my life coming, but it's lovely.


8 :: Who was your first crush?
Yikes. I thought I liked the 6th grade hotshot back in the day, but seriously, the only boy I've ever really, genuinely, honest-with-myself liked is that one missionary.


9 :: One thing you must do before you die?
See the northern lights.


10 :: Favorite vacation spot?
Since I love traveling so much... 
Honestly I love an at-home vacation. I would rather read on my own front porch than travel out of the country. But I do think it'd be fun to visit Italy someday.


11 :: Name something you can't live without.
I wear the same four rings every day, and if I ever forget them, I feel naked all day long. It's only happened once or twice, and I almost died both times. 

And now 11 questions to ask.

1. Describe yourself in three words.

2. Why do you blog?

3. What is your idea of a perfect day?

4. Favorite color?

5. What is something you don't mind splurging on?

6. What song is stuck in your head at this moment?

7. If you knew you only had a week to live, how would you spend it?

8. What is your favorite time-waster?

9. Name: a) a talent you have, and b) a talent you wish you had.

10. What are you most grateful for right now?

11. Who are you most grateful for right now?

And now I tag the following:

Jenna

Bri

Shaundra

Mallory

Emma

Madi

Callie

And anyone who wants to, really. 

Comment with a link; I'd love to read it!

3.1415926535...

Quick! Name that number!

Today, ladies and gents, is...Pi Day!

(March 14 = 3.14 = π)

It is also Albert Einstein's birthday, oddly enough.

When you are a math-y major, you get to celebrate holidays like Pi Day.

I volunteered to help out with the festivities in Brigham Square with my friend Kylie.

We were supposed to be with the pi eating contest, but I somehow got stuck one table over, at "Pi the Professor."

You know, that game where you throw fake pies at professors' faces?

Yeah, that one.

Anyway, turns out that it was the messiest station I possibly could have chosen.

I walked away smelling like whipped cream. Yum.

BUT. It was seriously such a fun day.

I had no clue that people actually cared about Pi Day!

The lines at every station were full for the entire two hours I worked.

The professors almost enjoyed receiving a pie to the face.

We sold tons of Pi Day 2012 t-shirts (one of which you can see below).

Overall, it was totally a success story.

And then when I got home, Mom told me I should make a pie to eat for dessert. 

Guys. We never have dessert on a Wednesday.

This is big.

So I made one! Check it out:

I know it  looks like I photoshopped it in there, but I promise it's real.

And it was super easy and fairly tasty, so here's the recipe:

Easy No Bake Coconut Cream Pie

1 pkg (5.25 oz) vanilla pudding

1 1/2 cups milk

1 1/2 cups coconut

8 oz. Cool Whip (or something similar)

1 9-inch (?) pie crust

Mix pudding and milk; let it thicken a bit, but not completely. Fold in half of the Cool Whip and 1 cup of the coconut. Spread the mixture into the pie crust. (Note: I'm not entirely sure on the size of the pie crust because I'm writing this from memory. But everything else is for sure, and just use whatever pie crust you can get your hands on.) Then spread the other half of the Cool Whip on top, and sprinkle the remainder of the coconut. (I used less than 1/2 cup on top for sprinkling, and it was fine.)

Hope y'all had a lovely Pi Day, wherever you're at! 

Camera Tricks

I'm not feeling very talkative today, so let's play that one game called "look what my camera can do."

Auto setting

"Super Vivid" setting

"Poster Effect" setting

"Toy Camera Effect" setting

So these are four different shots, with no post-editing, but on different built-in settings. They're not stellar photos, and I rarely use these effects at times when I'm not standing in 2 hours lines at Disneyland. BUT this little series is a fun way to display some cool stuff that I could do if I wanted, and I wouldn't even have to edit anything. Word.


Secretly, I wish that last one ends up on Pinterest or WeHeartIt or something.
(Joke.)


Ok, that's all for today. Have a lovely day.

Another Small Change

Last time it was gadgets.

Now it's an "About Me" page. 

Feel free to read it.

Or don't. 

Whatev.

Anyone reading this has probably been around long enough to not be "new here" so...

yeah, whatev.

But have a lovely day, either way!

See you later alligators.

Why I Hate Apples

Because one time, I lost my first tooth in an apple.

Mom was at a meeting, and Dad offered me a nice, shiny apple for a snack.

(I don't think he knew about the tooth.)

And he joked while he handed it over that the little hole on the side probably meant there was a worm inside. 

And I was no fool; I'd seen those little clipart pictures: 

So I believed him, because clearly, these things happen all the time.

I was, like, 6, ok?!

Anyway, I suffered from mild paranoia while I carried my apple to the kitchen table to enjoy it.

I took my first bite.

I felt something squishy and bloody and disgusting in my mouth.

And I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I had nailed that worm.

And I probably screamed and cried; who really knows anymore.

Dad brought me a sauce pan so I could spit the worm out.

And I spit, and I spit, and I spit, but that nasty squishy thing was going nowhere.

And then Dad calmly said, "Alyssa, smile at me."

I bet the look on my face was priceless; this was no time for smiling.

But I did it anyway because I was a bit of a daddy's girl.

And he said, "You just lost your first tooth."

I mourned. 
At least, that's what I claim the tears were for.

They were actually pure hysteria, but whatev.

Trust me, you would hate apples too if such a traumatic experience was in your past.

The end.

Stay tuned, folks. 

Someday I'll tell my first date story on this here bloggy blog.

And that one really takes the cake.

Love, me.

Dear to-do app on my phone, 
You rock my socks off. Keep it up.


Dear Nicki Minaj, 
When did "I-I-I-I, I, I-I-I-I" become acceptable song lyrics? Sheesh, I thought I was narcissistic.


Dear Pi Day, 
Thanks for the excuse for a free t-shirt. Can't wait to celebrate you.


Dear Jenna,
CONGRATS on making your program!! You da bomb. 


Dear cake batter muddy buddies, 
You are addicting. Stop it.
(Recipe here.)


Dear weather, 
You've been blissful. Don't stop now. 


Dear 1000-piece puzzle, 
You. Me. Basement, 10:00. Be there or be square. (Pun.)




Dear life,
Could you stay this happy forever? 

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Change of subject. I was looking through old pictures today and ran across these gems:

They're from our vacation to the Oregon last summer. Credit to Jenna.

Check out Mattea's cool floating trick in the third pic.

Or my missing arm in the second pic.

How did these things happen?

Nobody knows.

But they're sure entertaining.

Ok, that's all, just thought I'd share my laugh for the day.

This is a publicity stunt.

1. I sing in the BYU Women's Chorus.

2. We're pretty darn good.

3. We have an upcoming concert. 

4. You should come.

5. If you do come, you should tell me so I can give you a coupon for tickets.

30 March 2012

7:30 PM

De Jong Concert Hall

Picture:

{brag}

Ok, I just have to brag for a quick little minute.

This is what I do when I don't have pressing homework: put on some Daughtry and practice some new hair skills. This crazy braid is not perfect, but it also only took two tries, and I'd definitely wear it out of the house, so...success story! I used to advocate short hair for its ease, but I'm starting to convert to the fun possibilities of having long hair. Cuz hello, who knew, right?? (I'm aware that that last sentence isn't even close to a real sentence. Sorry, I'm just a little excited.)


To Shaundra: it's really my head this time, and I did it all on my own. 
To that one missionary: thanks for happening to mention your preference for long hair. I would never have grown it out and learned cool tricks if you hadn't.


</brag>


PS: I am aware that the HTML in the title has the wrong punctuation (or whatever you'd call those brackets). Fun fact=you can't actually make a fake HTML title because Blogger interprets it as real HTML and, well, you won't have a title. I promise. I tried. 
Ok, this is the end for reals now.