EMC

547 days until I see this beautiful face again.

Arizona could never receive a better sister missionary.

Don't worry, I only cried for like 3672 hours.

DFTBA

Fall 2013

The most random and eventful semester of my life is finally over. I'm actually shocked that I made it. With getting engaged and all that right smack in the middle I'm amazed I didn't just give up completely and quit school forever. So props to me.

I was only able to take 9 credits this time around because marching band is impossible to work with. I mean TWO HOURS EVERY DAY FROM 11:45 TO 1:45?! Who came up with that brilliant idea?

Whatever.

My COMM 2110 class was entitled Intro to Interpersonal Communication. It was super interesting. It was like a mix of things I learned in psychology and things I learned in my COMM 1010 class... with a dose of a whole ton of things I don't even understand. Since talking to Scott on my train rides was a lot more interesting than reading my textbook, I didn't learn a whole ton. Which is my own fault. But in reality, our relationship is a forever thing and this class was only relevant for a few months. So I feel like I'm justified.

COMM 1020 was Principles of Public Speaking and holy bananas my teacher thought it was a 3000 level course. She was SO HARD. LIKE SO HARD. I wanted to kill myself every time I walked in that room. But I made some friends and had people to complain with. We were all suffering together and it was wonderful. I like small classes because then you actually have to talk to people and make semi friends. It's nice. Anyway, despite my teacher grading harder than any professor I've ever had, I learned a lot and I gained a lot from researching/practicing/presenting my speeches. I found out a lot about my passions and my own interest.

Marching Band was the most draining, discouraging, rewarding class I've ever taken. Band camp was a killer. Two weeks before school started we spent from sun up to sun down (and then some) practicing out on the HPER Field. I thought classes would be easier than that. Nope. Football games were long and exhausting, but lots of fun. I made so many awesome friends and I'm thankful for that. But mostly I'm so proud of myself for learning how to play the trumpet. It was so much harder than I had anticipated and I spent a lot of rehearsals bored and frustrated. But several mini lessons with different people helped me finally figure it out! And since I didn't play most of the time, my marching technique was great ;)
All in all I'm glad this semester happened, but I'm even more glad that it's over. And I'm even more glad that I only have to do college six more times. Hopefully.

RIP 4.0

2012-2013

Goodbye perfect GPA, it was nice knowing you. I will cherish the days we spent together, for they were not long enough. I hope next semester doesn't totally smash you into the ground again. Let's hope for the best. <3

127

We've been dating for 127 days. And we have 127 left until we're married.

It's like he's on his mission all over again. 

#countdowns

I love us. :)

Today, I Love You

I love sitting in the library with you, watching you study. 

I love your eagerness to learn.

I love your desire to be successful.

I love watching you do your homework.

Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve you.

I wonder how I ended up with the one guy I have always wanted to be with.

I don't know how I can ever tell you enough.

I love you.

I love you.

I love you.

Today, I love you.

I love you every day.

But, today... Today I love you.

What a hunk ;)

DFTBA

The Beginning of Eternity

First of all, thank you so much Shaunie for taking these pictures for us. I'm so thankful to have them.

On Friday September 20, 2013 we got out of marching band and walked to the institute building where Scott was parked. He drove to campus that day so that we could get home faster. He took me to my car and we both went home to get pretty. He picked me up at 3:15 and took me to Texas Roadhouse. He spent the whole drive making me all teary-eyed and talking about why he loves me and wants to spend the rest of his life with me. We had a good conversation and I couldn't stop looking at him. His face was cleanly shaven and his hair was done up just like he does it for church. He was wearing my favorite plaid button up shirt even though it was 80 degrees outside.

We enjoyed our delicious food and laughed and chatted. He didn't seem nervous at all. He played it off like it was just a regular date. But I was freaking out. I suspected so many different things and had no idea what was gonna happen. So I just tried to be clam and smile a lot.

We finished eating and drove to the Jordan River Temple where we decided a few months ago that we would get married. We walked around for a little while and I was turning into a giant pile of indescribable emotions. I couldn't believe we were actually there together for the first time. And it wasn't going to be the last.

He took me over to the fountain and then to the benches in front of the big grass hill. He sat me down and asked me why I wanted to marry him. I told him and then asked him the same thing. He told me and then he was like "Hey Kara, can I ask you a question?" My heart stopped as he got up and knelt down. He pulled a little black box out of his pocket and opened it. He said "Kara Jane Winter will you marry me?"

I think I screamed "YES!" and started laughing. I was so excited. I finally took a second to look at my ring and then I was like "PUT IT ON ME!" He did and then I just stared at it. We both stood up and I started jumping up and down. I couldn't stop smiling. He laughed at me and we both just stood there and took it all in.

Shaunie came out of hiding and told us congrats. I was so happy that she was there to take pictures of us. I hugged her and showed her my ring :) Since Scott is the bomb sauce he had it already sized for me so I could just wear it and not have to take it in. Shaunie took some more pictures of us and then we continued our walk. There were a few people who asked us about what just happened and I loved being able to show my ring off.

The whole way home I didn't shut up. I had never before in my life been so excited about anything, ever. I couldn't ever express the joy I felt in that moment. I can't wait to spend the rest of forever with my best friend. I can't believe that things have worked out they way that they have. I've known Scott for a LONG time and I've always looked up to him so much. I could never ask for a sweeter, funnier, more loving, caring guy than him. My whole life changed that night he came to see me for the first time since being home. I couldn't tell you how happy I was to finally hug him again and just sit and talk. The first time he held my hand and kissed me sent electricity through my entire body and I knew sparks were flying. I know we were made to be together. I know Heavenly Father had his hand in us getting together and deciding to get married. It's a wonderful feeling to know that I'm loved, and love them in return. I would have waited ten missions for this guy. But, I'm glad I only had to do one ;)

Scott I love you, and I can't wait to go back to that temple with you on February 15, 2014. Get excited. :)

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Simpson

DFTBA

I'm Still Alive

THIS IS TO CATCH YOU UP ON THE LAST LITTLE WHILE.
I couldn't leave you in the dark like that ;)

-Summer was fab. It ended much too quickly. I spent many nights laying out on the grass with Scott talking about our future and kissing. Mostly kissing. Canada was super fun. I loved being with my sisters and just having a ball. We laughed and ate way too much. I'm really thankful to have such a wonderful family :) Fenway Park made me cry and I don't have one single good picture of me there. It breaks my heart every time I think about it. But it was amazing. And super fetching hot.
-I decided to march at the U a week before band camp. I told my boss, she almost killed me, and I bought some new socks and a water jug. I picked Scott up every day at 6:20 and we rode TRAX up to our school and had nine (sometimes 13) hour rehearsals for two weeks. It was exhausting and a real test of our attraction to one another. However, after many lunches with the bass section and me suffering through learning how to play the trumpet, we made it out alive and still wanted to spend the rest of forever together. Woop woop.
-School started and I was completely lost. It took me a week to figure out my schedule and I added and dropped several different classes. After finally getting into a groove, I really like my classes and wish I had more time to study. I am starting my major after all :) I have to work a lot more than I want to because....
-I'm getting married in five months. Yep. :) (more information will be given on a later date) (like when I have an awesome proposal story and feel okay announcing the date we picked and stuff)
-I'm getting used to my new boss and coworkers. Things will never be as awesome as when I started working at Jamba, but it's whatever. I have to leave soon anyway. If any of y'all know about any grown up jobs good for newlywed college kids, HIT ME UP :)
-I had to get a physical to make sure everything is all good and I got a prescription for birth control. So far it has just made me cry a lot more than usual and given me awful cramps. Yay. But the good news I still have time to figure things out and I don't have to get another physical until next year. HOLLA.
-I cleaned out my closet, which was honestly difficult but worth it. I feel like I need to de-clutter my entire life now.
-Finding places to live is stressful and just makes me want to cry. This valley is huge. And I don't even know where to start.
-Marching band is kicking my butt. Football season is exciting but exhausting. I love the Utes, but I'd love to spend game day laying on my couch, not sweating to death with an instrument that is so much harder to play than I ever could have imagined.
-My best friend is getting her mission call soon. The very thought makes my heart race. I'm super excited for her! I just want to know when she's leaving already!
-Peaches and cream is my weakness.
-I absolutely love my boyfriend. I love being able to go to school with him. Our preparing for eternal marriage institute class is the bomb. Also, watching him drum for two hours every day isn't too bad either. :)
-I want a kitten. Still.
-I'm just really excited for the next few months. :)

DFTBA

So, Here's The Thing...

It's been a minute month or so since I posted last....
Sorry.
I've been....
LIVING.
:)

But I saw this today and decided that not blogging it would be a sin.
ahahaha ;)

DFTBA

Midnight Pancakes

Once upon a time a pretty good chunk of my heart got shattered last night.
I'll elaborate later when I've composed my thoughts a little better.
I don't wanna say a bunch of stuff I don't mean out of anger...

Anyway, things were bad.
So I sent out an invitation for midnight pancakes to my twitter followers.
My dear sweet friend called Julie Blake answered my desperate cry for an adventure.

We went to Denny's and caught up on everything.
It took my mind of all the Jamba crap going on.
She's amazing.

DFTBA

Word Vomit

Would you like to hear about something that makes me want to cry?

TALKING.

I'm bad at talking.

Really, really, really bad at talking.

That's the #1 reason I write this blog. I hate talking. When you write, you get as many chances as you need to make the words sound right together. But when you talk, it's one and done. And then people look at you like....

"what. the hell. just came out. of your mouth?"

Or maybe that's just me.

Once upon a time I was sitting in my communications class when I blurted out this gem....

And I quote: "Matt how do you talk so well? You always have a word for everything. I wish I could take a class on talking so I don't sound like an idiot all the time. I'm just really bad at talking."

I SAID THOSE EXACT WORDS TO MY COLLEGE PROFESSOR IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE CLASS.

That, right there, was a perfect example of why I need a class on "talking".

He told me to read more books. The more words you know, the easier it is to find them.

I've always been told that if you hate 10 things about yourself you should pick one and work on it until you've either fixed the problem or learned to be okay with it and then move on to other things.

Well, folks, I need to work on talking. Or, rather, NOT talking. Sometimes word vomit is my hardest battle to overcome. I need to shut the heck up and think about what I'm saying to people. I've done enough damage in my *almost* nineteen years of life where words are concerned... It's time to be different.

Here's to growing up!

DFTBA

Birthday Week!

I have this friend called Maddie that I met in 7th grade. She's definitely someone that takes everything to the next level... especially her birthday. Celebrating for one day is not good enough for Maddie, she needs an entire week.

And I completely agree.

SO HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEK TO ME :)

I plan to do something epic every day of birthday week.

And even better than that, it's finally J U L Y!!! July is the best month of the year. Obvi.

Hey guess what I'm leaving for my Canada/New England trip in EIGHT days.

EIGHT.

(Ask my boyfriend how good I am at counting down for things... ;) hahaha)

I'm tempted to start packing right this very minute! I love to travel. Love it love it love it. I love to go see new places and learn new things and meet new people. Plus it's just refreshing to turn my phone off for seven days and enjoy time chilling on a huge ship out in the middle of the ocean with my awesome family. It's wonderful. :)

Also, I'm SO FREAKING EXCITED for the Red Sox vs Yankees game we are going to after the cruise. I've always wanted to go to Boston and see the Red Sox play. I've been dreaming of this for almost half of my entire life. It seems so unreal that it's actually happening. I just can't even handle it. AAAAAHHHHH.

ALSO ALSO, Kyle and Natalie are living in Philadelphia for the summer and I miss them terribly. But guess what? THEY ARE GONNA COME MEET US IN BOSTON AND SPEND THE DAY EXPLORING WITH US! When my mom told me I screamed. I can't wait to see those kids! I miss them so much!

AND I get to go to Corps Encore tomorrow night! It's probably one of the nerdiest things I indulge in every year, but it's amazing. Now, I bet you're probably thinking, "Kara, what the heck is Corps Encore?" Well, it's part of DCI which stands for Drum Corps International.... It's basically people that spend an entire summer traveling around the country and performing excellent shows for regular citizens such as myself.... IT'S A PROFESSIONAL MARCHING BAND COMPETITION, OKAY!? I'm so excited. I love DCI with all of my little heart. Plus I get to go with Scott, Katie, and Garrett. hehe :)

Speaking of Scott. He's great, by the way. As (hopefully) most of you know, he's been one of my best friends for four years. I spent my high school days looking up to him and wishing I could be HIS girl. I wrote him for *most* of his mission and counted every single one of those 730 days. And now, he is mine. He calls me every morning to tell me to have a good day. He comes to visit me wherever I am. He listens to me whine about my stupid problems. He laughs with me. He takes me to institute every Tuesday and Thursday night. He makes fun of me for being a crazy child and then kisses my forehead and says, "I love you, sweetheart." He encourages me to be better. He buys me lots and lots and lots of ice cream. He sits in my living room with my family and I and soaks it all in. He's just great. I swear I still don't know how I lucked out and had some of my wildest dreams come true, but they did. And I think that's pretty awesome. :)

Now get out there in the 100 degree sun and enjoy July! I know I'm going to :)

DON'T FORGET TO BE AWESOME

When You Know, You Know

Essentially we started dating five days after he got home.

Now we just kind of look at each other and laugh.

"Is this real?"

Yes, it is.

:)

Seven Hundred and Thirty Days- I MADE IT

May 31, 2013 Scott came home from his mission after being gone for exactly two years.

It wasn't real until Tuesday night when he was standing there, hugging me.

I had just gotten off work and he came to see me.

I was wearing my Jamba clothes and felt so not pretty.

But I was so happy.

It was so surreal.

I remember letting go, looking at him, and wanting to cry.

We walked around Jordan Landing and just talked.

It was late, dark, and I felt like we were the only people in the world.

I still couldn't believe he was home.

Talking to him was so easy, as if no time had passed at all.

But at the same time it was different, we have both changed a lot.

The next day he took me on a date.

It was the most perfect first date, ever. 

We went to dinner, square danced, and then played at Copperton park.

I was on cloud nine the entire time.

We sat on the picnic tables for three hours and talked about every little thing in the world.

He drove me home, walked me up to my porch, and kissed me.

I think it took me three days to stop smiling.

Sunday night I went to his house and we played a game with his parents. 

I love them.

I've missed them so much, especially Mr. Simpson.

Being there again reminded me of my high school days.

It's like home, but different.

Scott and I talked some more when his parents went to bed and we tried to figure out what we're going to do.

I still don't know, we still don't know.

I just know that I like being with him... a lot.

Yesterday he took me on another date.

We hiked the U with Austin and Shaunie.

It was certainly an adventure with an amazing view.

After sitting at the top for a while, we went and had a picnic at Memory Garden and then walked around Temple Square. 

I got super sunburned and that made for some pretty good entertainment.

I had a lot of fun and I'm really glad I finally got to do that!

Plus I thought it was really sweet that Scott planned that whole thing just because I told him I have always wanted to hike the U. 

I'm just really happy to finally have my friend home.

He's amazing.

:)

Also, we totally matched.

And as always, DFTBA

I Just Realized How Awful of a Time Middle School Was

I bet you guys didn't think I could post three times in one day...

well you were WRONG.

:)

if you were an animal, what would you be?

A dolphin.

Have you ever seen a sad dolphin?

if you were really famous, you would be famous for...

Having the most cats of any person ever.

if you were the richest person in the world, what would you spend your money on?

Probably traveling. I'd love to see the world :)

if you were a school lunch, what would you be?

Teriyaki beef strips. Cause those were always my favorite.

if you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

^

if you could change your name, you would change it to...?

ahahaha, Mrs. ........ I'm not brave enough to post that right now.

Sorry kids :P

if you could change one thing about the way you look it would be...

I'd love to have thicker hair. That'd be nice.

if you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life it would be...

4 minutes and 33 seconds by John Cage.

It's a real song. 

YouTube it.

I'd rather sit in silence for the rest of my life than have the same song play over and over and over and never stop.

if you had a baby boy you would name it...

Adam

if you had a baby girl you would name it...

Hannah

if you could shop at one store only it would be...

Walmart. 

They got errythang.

if my life were a movie it would be called...

5'2 in a 6 foot world

if i had a rock band it would be called...

A Band.

:)

if you could have one super power, what would it be and why?

Maybe invisibility or mind reading.

I would love to get inside someone's head or spend time with them when they think they are alone.

You sure would learn a lot about people that way...

if there was one thing in this world you could stop what would it be?

Time. 

I feel like things fly by much too quickly and precious moments are always passing us by.

On the other hand, kidnapping needs to be stopped....

if you were a bird, where would you fly to?

Canada. 

Idk.

if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Oooh, that's a toughy.

Depends on the time of year I guess.

if you could name a town, what would you call it?

Kittentown.

And everyone has to have a cat or ten.

if you could have any kind of dog, what would it be and what would you name it?

I've always wanted a beagle and I'd name it Frankie or something.

if you could get a job anywhere, where would it be?

I think it would be fun to work at Disneyland :)

if you could name a casino, what would you call it?

Go home and don't lose all your money?

if you were a desert what would you be?

Dry and hot.

:P

However, I kinda feel like that is supposed to say DESSERT, so we're gonna go with brownies.

mmm.

:)

if you could own any sports team, what team would you choose?

The Boston Red Sox <3

if you could make one wish, what would you wish for?

Fifty five more wishes.

Or a nice boyfriend.

Either one.

if you had a purple cat, what would you name it?

Calvin.

Don't ask.

if you could bring someone back to life, who would it be?

Maybe my grandma.

I think it'd be cool to meet her.

if you could change your birthday, what day would you make it?

The fourth instead of the fifth.

But then again, I absolutely love my birthday and I'm glad I don't have to share with America ;)

if you could change anything about your life, what would you change?

I would definitely change my serious lack of a love life. Yep.

Kara Went On a Date? What?

Last week Copper Hills had their final band concert of the school year.
Jay and I went together because we're best friends.
Afterwards we drove around and talked about life.
When we got hungry, Jay suggested that we go have a fancy dinner together.
I was all over that one!
We went to the Olive Garden and enjoyed a delicious meal.

Jay means the world to me. He's stuck with me through a lot of crap. He's listened to me whine about everything a girl could ever whine about. He's never given up on me and has always encouraged me to better myself.

All of his girlfriends and kind of girlfriends have hated me. I think maybe they are just jealous that I was there before them and I'm still gonna be there after they are gone. I am THE best friend. And they just need to learn to deal with it ;) hahahaha Jay and I have an indescribable friendship, but it's a good one. And I sure am glad we have it!

Now please enjoy some low-quality pictures of us.
I really need to learn how to edit the crappy pictures my iPod takes.... Whatever.

Also, the food was uh-mazing.

I bet y'all wish you had a best friend like mine ;)

DFTBA

A House of God

Lots of talk of temples today.
I loved it.

I just love the temple. I love hearing the greeter say "welcome to the temple" when you walk inside. I love the sweet ladies that give you clothes to change in to. I love the confirmation rooms with the glass windows. I love the pictures in the hallway where you wait. I love the warm water in the font. I love reading the names and birth dates of the people on the screen. And on really good days, you can feel the joy of the people whose work is being done.There is nothing more rewarding than that.

It's THAT feeling that makes it all worth it. All of the struggles with temptations. The extra hour of school spent in an institute class. The terrifying phone calls to make visiting teaching appointments. The hard talks with the bishop. The long church meetings. The rolling out of bed early in the morning to read scriptures. The constant battle of being "in the world but not of the world". The need to dress modestly in a society that makes it difficult... All of it. All of the "hard things" we have been asked to do. All of the commandments we have been asked to keep. All of the duties we have been asked to fulfill. It's all worth it as soon as you feel the love of your Heavenly Father. When life is crappy, you can literally feel him put his arms around you and tell you it's gonna be okay. That it's worth the fight. That being at the temple is important and being worthy to be there is even more important.

Today I realized (again) that living the Gospel can be hard sometimes but it's definitely worth it. There is absolutely nothing in this world that is worth giving up a temple recommend for. I believe that having an invitation to the House of God in your name for your use only is the greatest thing you can have in your possession. Because that's where I want to be. And that's where I'm going to be.

I love Oquirrh Mountian more and more every time I go there.

And I go there often.

Not as much as I used to, but still a lot.

I love to just sit in the parking lot.

It's peaceful and quiet. 

Sometimes I walk around and take pictures.

Other times I just stay in my car.

But every time I go, I leave feeling refreshed. 

Like I can take on the world again.

Life Update

-My parents celebrated 31 years of marriage yesterday. They are such an amazing example to me.

-I talked to Elise a few times. There's hope.

-I wish my sisters were out of school already! I'm so excited for lunch dates and gift card/coupon using trips!

-Scott is coming home in 15 days.

-I leave for my cruise in 57 days, I go to Fenway in 64 :)

-My sister-in-law bought me some coconut oil to put in my hair before they left for Pennsylvania, it's uh-mazing.

-I can't believe I graduated almost one year ago. Seems like it's been so much longer than that. My life is so different now than I ever thought it would be.

-I kind of miss riding the train every day... Also, it's weird having NO homework or school stuff to worry about after being totally consumed in it for four months. I kind of don't know what to do with all my free time.

-I bought a ridiculously cute pair of shoes yesterday and I can't stop thinking about them. This is probably unhealthy.

-I'm falling in love with The Office. I know, I'm a little late to the party, but it's just so funny. I started watching the first season on Netflix and now I can't stop. It's not nearly as good as Friends, but it's nice to have a show to watch again.

-We're back to the whole "should I do marching band at the U in the fall or should I not do marching band at the U in the fall...?" thing. Ugh. If I didn't have to work, I'd totally do it. Maybe I should just talk to my boss... Meh.

-Guess who came into Jamba to see me the other day? Alex. I about died. After helping an entire mob of customers, I went out to the lobby to talk to him. He had waited so patiently. We chatted for a bit and then I made him a smoothie. I asked him if he still had my number and his exact words were, "No, and that's partly the reason I came in here." I laughed and wrote it down on a receipt paper, he put it in his phone, and then texted me. He said he would plan something fun and call me. I smiled for THE REST OF THE DAY. I thought it was nice he went out of his way to come to my work, not even knowing if I'd be there or not.

-Last night I was at work again and he asked if I wanted to watch Thor when I got off. I gladly accepted and danced around the kitchen like a giddy little girl. I told Bryson my happy news and he was excited for me. I went home and put on my fave soccer sweats and Utes T-shirt. I brushed my teeth and drove to Riverton where his brother lives. I didn't get lost (hallelujah) and we spent a while catching up on things and talking about school. We ate popcorn and watched Mr. hottie pants Chris Hemsworth save the world. It was the best night I've had in a long time. I've really missed him and I'm glad we have some time to get together again now that the semester is over. :)

Things are going well. I'm a happy kid. 

DFTBA

Survv.

Once upon a time I loved to post Myspace bulletins.
You know, just little things about my day or whatever.
But my most favorite thing to do was surveys.
I love love loved them.
And I always titled them weird things, that's how you knew it was gonna be a survey.
So now that I have an actual blog, I can do them again.
HOLLA :)

These are just some random questions I found on screamcute.com

1) Who is the last person you high-fived?
Uh. Calvin I think?

2) If you were drafted into a war, would you serve?
I thought you HAD to serve if you got drafted?

3) Do you sleep with the tv on?
Noooooope.

4) Have you ever wheezed the juice?
hahahahahah. NO.

*FUN FACT! I had to look this up on Urban Dictionary before I answered the question.

5) Have you ever won a spelling bee?
No, I'm not very good at spelling words out loud. It's a lot easier to write them down.

6) Have you ever been stung by a bee?
YEAH.
Let me share.

The first time I was camping with my family and I got stung by a bee and it frickin hurt! So of course I cried and screamed for a long time and my evil step-grandma thing got so mad at me. She was a brat. I hate her.

The last time I got stung I was RIDING WICKED AT LAGOON. Yep. We had just gone over the big hill and right before the corkscrews I felt this weird stinging in my arm. When we got off the ride Jason was like dude you got stung by a bee! and Elise put a bunch of dirt on it. It didn't help. I had a red mark on my arm for two weeks.

7) How fast can you type?
Pretty frickin fast!

8) Are you afraid of the dark?
Less now than I used to be, but yeah.

9) What color are your socks?
Currently not wearing socks.

10) Have you ever made out at a drive-in?
hahahaHAHAHAH have I ever made out at a drive-in HAHAHAha HA

Not recently, but yes.

I kinda think that's what they are for? Also, that's where Kolby and I had our first kiss.
Aw.

11) When is the last time you chose a bath over a shower?
When I was six.
Baths are so dumb.

12) Do you knock on wood?
YES

13) Do you floss daily?
I try!
I love my teeth :)

14) Do you wanna Fanta?
Gross. No.

15) Can you hula hoop?
;)

16) Are you good at keeping secrets?
Not my own....
I always tell myself I'm gonna keep something a secret and then I don't. I always end up telling someone....

17) What do you want for Christmas?
My two front teeth.

18) Do you know the Muffin Man?
We're cool, yeah.

19) Do you talk in your sleep?
Probably

20) Who wrote the book of love?
I SURE AS HELL DIDN'T.
I'd probably be like love is a lie now go eat some cookies.
The end.

21) Have you ever flown a kite?
Aw yeah :)
We did that for MORP my junior year.
So great!

22) Do you wish on your fallen eyelashes?
Nah. I wish my eyelashes didn't fall out.

23) Do you whiten your teeth?
.......
I will not reveal my secret!

*thinks back to question 16*

yes.

24) Can you smell what the Rock is cooking?
W H A T

25) Have you ever asked for a pony?
:(

26) Have you, or would you ever, donate sperm/eggs?
Hm. Haven't really thought about it?

27) Can you juggle?
NO

29) If you could enact any new law, what would it be?
You cannot enter any business ten minutes before their posted closing time.

MY BIGGEST PET PEEVE.

30) Do the chickens have large talons?
"I don't understand what you just said."

31) If you had only enough energy left in you for one last smile, who would you give it to?
My homie G's

32) Are you ready to rumble?
RaaaAAAAAAHHHHH.

33) Can you count to Schfifty-Five?
Nope

34) Have you ever been suspended or expelled from school?
Paha.
Me?
Never.

35) How do you spell relief?
Like dat?

36) Have you ever crawled through a window?
Most certainly yes.

One time I was at Jason's house and we thought we'd be adventurous and go out the window instead of the door. (Keep in mind it was like 3:30 am and window wells are not my specialty.) Needless to say, we never did that again.
hahahaha. But it sure was funny.

37) Have you ever eaten/tasted dog food?
If I say yes will you judge me?
(yes)
Then HECK YES I HAVE. THAT CRAP IS SO NASTY.

38) Can you handle the truth?
NOPE.
I prefer living in my own head where everything is better than it seems.

39) Do you like green eggs and ham?
Sick.
And if y'all would read my "about me" you would find the answer to that question.

40) Who is your daddy? and what does he do?
CRAIG WINTER. He builds gas stations and such.
He's a boss, just like me :)

I Don't Know How I Did It Either

This, my friends, was hard to do.

But I did it.

And I'm SO HAPPY.

:)

I guess having no social life isn't so bad after all.

:P

Don't Forget To Be Awesome

Oh Haaiii.

HEY GUESS WHAT?

(What, Kara?)

I SURVIVED MY FRESHMAN YEAR OF COLLEGE!

(Wow, that's great! So did everyone else! You aren't really that cool.)

SHUT UP. IT WAS HARD AND STRESSFUL AND I DIDN'T THINK I WAS GONNA COME OUT ALIVE BUT I DID AND I LEARNED SO MUCH AND I'M SO HAPPY!

(Awesome. Now tell us what you've been up to for the last two months! Because we are soooo interested!)

OKAY.

So the news is out. It's true. I never ever EVER have to be a freshman ever again! :) hahaha Also, this semester was craaaazy. I mean crazy. I decided to take 14 credit hours and an institute class.

My history class was HORRIBLE and I went very faithfully for about a month. Then I started going late... and then it was a miracle if I even went at all. The tests were brutal and the lectures were boring. But Mallory and I seemed to get through it somehow and we became pretty good friends in the process! It was nice to have time to talk about life while we trekked across the frozen tundra, down the many stairs in the engineering building, and then back up the stairs in the engineering building. Also while riding the red shuttle to the institute. She's an UH-MAZING girl and I'm so thankful to have gotten to know her better :)

Remember this beast?

Yeah.

I think it was grass maybe five times?

Otherwise it was ice, snow, or mud. 

Or all three.

So great.

:P

Communications was... interesting. Totally not what I thought it would be. My group project changed my life and so did my professor. I always dreaded going to class but once I got there it was so great! I had to give three speeches over the semester and I thanked my lucky stars that I had given so many talks in church and had to present to big groups a lot in high school because I ROCKED dem speeches ;) I was so intrigued by the course that I have decided to major in communications. Who knew? :)

Psychology was hard but super interesting! Tyler and I became even better friends and I met Manny! The three of us were the slackers that always sat in the back and giggled while eating bagels and then tweeting about it. But I learned so much! And I got an A. So wassup.

We Kewl.

"I have to make this bagel regular because of YOU!"

"It's probably the only healthy part and I'm like noooo!"

Best quote of all time.

LEAP was a lot better this time around! It was nice to still be in the same class at the same time with the same people for another semester. We learned about diversity and such and read a couple memoirs. Dr. Harper is by far my favorite professor I've had so far. She really is an incredible lady and I'm so thankful for the things she taught me. I'm definitely gonna miss her! LEAP is a great program. And I suggest it to ALL FRESHMEN!!! Seriously!

School was hard. But I did it. And if I didn't get another 4.0 I was DANG close!! But mostly I'm just stoked for fall semester! I'm staring my major and I couldn't be happier! I'm probably going to change it (again) (or at least that's what the statistics say...) but it's nice to have finally made a decision and to be working towards something. I just want that degree so bad!!! I don't even know how many more credits I have until I get there, but I'm working hard and that's all that matters! :)

IN OTHER NEWS-

I'm awesome at my job.
And I love it.
Here are a few pictures that prove the above statements.

Zachary Buhler has forever stolen my heart.

I la la la love him and the funny things he writes on sticky notes :)

He has moved on to bigger things and I miss him every day!

But I'm so thankful for all the hugs he gave me when life was crappy.

One time Laura did the dishes while sitting in the chair from the office.

:)

Somewhere someone decided that free kid smoothie day would be a good idea.

THEY WERE WRONG.

It was completely insane even with five of us working. 

And Megan spilled a whole flat of smoothies.

It's fine.

:P

Look at her.... smiling like nothing is wrong...

hahahah

When the  boys came home for spring break we had a family reunion!

And yes, we called it that.

We went to Jamba for a photo shoot and then went to the Copperton Park and got kicked out by the neighborhood watch ):

So instead we drove around and jammed :)

When Calvin and Ashley left Elise, Jason, and I went to McDonalds and chatted for a while.

After that Jason and I had a nice little heart to heart in my driveway.

It was the most perfect night ever.

I love my friends. 

Jumping into Calvin's arms ;)

On April 16th I had my one year Jambaversary!

Yes, it's a thing.

And yes, I invented it.

I got to work with Austin and Miranda and it was splendid!

And you bet your bottom dollar I wore the birthday name tag hahahaha

So many people told me happy birthday!

I felt bad, but we got a lot of tips so whatevs.

:)

Also, Miranda gave me a card and forever alone donuts.

What a sweetie <3

AAAAAND then she got her finger stuck in the wheatgrass machine.

I'm not going to tell you how hard I laughed...

I did a Go Go at a clogging competition and got so bored I stuck my hand to the side of the dip box.

Yep.

Em wrote this and put it on our "board of awesomeness.

I was so happy!

IN OTHER OTHER NEWS-

My brother and his wife moved to Pennsylvania.

I miss them hardcore. ):

Elise and I broke up.

Yep.

I'm devastated.

It's been HARD.

We're currently working through everything but it still sucks.

It sure put a damper on my life over the past month.

And no, I don't want to talk about it.

I got in my first car accident ):

I was driving home from Provo (right after mine and Elise's fight....) and rear ended a guy right by SLCC. 

Yep. FIVE MINUTES FROM MY HOUSE. AFTER DRIVING 85 ON THE FREEWAY AT NIGHT WHILE TALKING ON THE PHONE.

I freaked the crap out even though it wasn't really a bid deal....

The guy called the cops and the cop pretty much laughed when he saw the damage.

Basically the other guy overreacted.

But I was still scared.

Since it was late we decided to just deal with it in the morning.

We exchanged info and I called Jason again.

I was in desperate need of a hug and someone to talk to.

We played basketball and talked until one in the morning.

Then I came home and crashed.

I woke up at six, wrote a paper, and went to school.

On my way there the guy called me and left a voicemail.

The Ballpark stop was next so I just decided to get off the train and go tell my mom what happened.

She was really nice about it and helped me call him back and then call Geico. 

I was late for school and SUUUPER tired but at least I was being a grown up and taking care of everything.

Matt gave me a really disappointed look after I fell asleep during his lecture...

Emily noticed how torn up I was and had total sympathy for me when I told her what was going on.

She dealt with my horrible mood quite well and she deserves a medal for doing so.

Everything ended up being fine because I haven't heard from him or my insurance company since.

It was definitely a good learning experience!

Scotty is coming home in 24 days and I can't even believe it. It seems like just yesterday Kolby and I were sitting in my driveway, bawling the week before his farewell. So much has changed since then and I'm nervous for him to be back here again. But I'm sure it will be just fine. We're either going to be friends again or we aren't. Pretty simple.

Other than that, I'm basically out of news. So if you made it to the end of this, congrats! You also deserve a medal. Or a smoothie! So head on over to Jamba and tell them that I sent you :)

And as always, DFTBA! :)

Fantasticat

Yesterday, I walked into my LEAP class and this was hanging on the white board:

I chuckled a bit because my professor, much like myself, loves cats.

And I thought "Fantasticat" was a really great name for a cat.

I stared at it during announcements and wondered if I was the only one who noticed it.

Then, Dr. Harper got up and said we were doing something different than planned.

(The holy syllabus has LIED!)

(I say "holy syllabus" because my professor thinks that her syllabus should be my bible and that I should read it every day and memorize it and never ever ever ask her questions because "YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR SYLLABUS BEFORE YOU EVER ASK ME ANYTHING EVER")

(Okay that quote *may* have been slightly exaggerated...)

(Nevertheless, I am still holding a grudge from last semester. Come at me bro.)

ANYWAY

She said, "This is Fantasticat! ha ha, get it? Fantasti-cat? Because he's a cat?"

*blank stares from everyone but Kara, who is giggling*

*more blank stares, this time AT freak Kara who is giggling*

"Anyway, I want you all to get out a piece of paper and write down all of the things that you are fantastic at."

So I got out my paper and wrote down dumb things like texting, napping, running to the train.....

*tapping of pencil*

I suck.

Then I started to think, psh, I'm fantastic at SO MUCH STUFF!

(Even if it's all really lame...)

I wrote down: Washing blenders so fast. Like so fast.

Remembering numbers and dates of events.

Leadership?

Consoling my friends' troubled hearts.

Kissing ;)

Getting good grades.

Matching socks.

Being responsible.

Making well thought out decisions.

Folding laundry.

Memorizing things.

Driving my Bronco <3

Organization.

Saving important stuff. Okay, saving EVERYTHING.

Being on time.

Getting ready really fast.

Writing?

......

"Okay, time's up. Let's share what we wrote!"

My heart stopped.

I really didn't think she was being serious about all this, so I didn't take it very seriously.

Everyone had to share something they wrote and why they felt it would help them in their future business careers. 

I said organization, just to be safe.

Either way, it boosted my confidence to write down a few things I feel like I'm fantastic at. 

Plus, the cat is cute.

So you all should try it.

It's amazing how much random crap you can come up with :)

WHAT ARE YOU FANTASTIC AT?

DFTBA

Canvas Shoes

My whole life (since I was 13 and my favorite color became red) I've wanted red canvas shoes.

Well, my friends, yesterday at Target I made my dream a reality.

They had their canvas shoes on sale!

So naturally, I bought three pairs.

Red- cause I've always wanted them.

Teal- cause I ruined my teal Vans at work. :(

White- cause they are actually kind of practical.

It's whatever.

But the red ones are my favorite. :)

And they match my outfit today.

HOLLA.

DFTBA

What The March?

So, it's March. 

March.

As in, the third month of the year.

MARCH. 

Where the heck did February go!?

Despite the shock I'm in right now, I'm quite pleased that winter is almost over and walking around the U isn't going to be like death anymore! :)

Hopefully.

You never know with Utah.

It's probably gonna snow tomorrow just because I said that.

Anyway, here are a few things that have been going on!

Elise and I served as subs in nursery today. 

hahahahahahahahahahaha

I'm pretty sure I laughed for almost half of it.

The other half I was soaking up the spirit that those kids give off.

It's incredible. 

And the Church is true.

Jamba is getting busier! 

Shifts are a lot more fun when there are more people working and we are making a lot of money.

Hiring for summer will be starting soon.

I'm nervous to train the new kids...

But, my trainers were champs and they helped me become the fab employee that I am today ;)

So hopefully I can be as awesome as they were.

I just can't believe that I've been working there for almost a year.

The time flew by. 

I've accomplished so much since then.

Also, I'm nervous for some of the old staff to come back...

I already know how hard it is to be in charge of your friends.

I don't know if I'm up for that task again...

We'll see.

School is absolutely terrifying.

I'm not even worried about grades anymore, just passing.

I've never ever felt like that before.

My classes are just so hard for me and I know they are only going to get worse.

Every day I wake up hoping that things will get better...

they don't.

But I know how important education is and I am determined to fight through this!

I have been practicing so much self-control!

I haven't been shopping since the semiannual sale at VS.

Which is totally incredible.

I guess having to give my parents every paycheck I earn has made me not want to spend any money.

Although, I did break down yesterday and buy some nail polish.

But that's it!

Speaking of giving my parents all my money,

I finally paid off my trip!

This summer my family and I are going on a cruise to Canada/New England.

It ends in Boston.

Which means....

RED SOX vs YANKEES AT FENWAY PARK.

FENWAY PARK.

I'm. Going. To. Fenway.

I want to cry every single time I think about it.

I'm so excited going to explode from all the blissful feelings I have.

I've been wanting to do this since I was a tiny little 6th grader.

I can't even hold it in anymore.

I want to go scream it to the whole world and then dance around for hours.

But for now, happy webcam pictures will have to do.

 :)

Happy midterms! May the odds be ever in your favor!

DFTBA!