Hello, my name is LN

I kinda just want this to be my life. Except add marriage. Slash can I just marry Bert/Jim/John? Cool, can't wait. If you haven't seen this movie, you're missing out, because it's incredible! Plus it has awesome music.

Tuesday Night Movie

I've been wanting to see this movie for so long! So Amanda texted me today and, even though I could've spent the night getting homework done, working out, and going to bed early, I said ABSOLUTELY. I've mostly been looking forward to it because I'm a little bit in love with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. And it was good. If it didn't have Seth Rogan and awkward moments for comic relief, I could have bawled through the entire thing. But I contained myself for the most part. During the scenes with the precious therapist, I couldn't help but think about all the rules she was breaking and boundaries she was crossing, but that's ok. I was bracing myself for a terrible and depressing ending, but it wasn't either. I would recommend it.

Sunday Funday

Today, I've done just about everything possible to avoid homework, including cleaning and baking. And now blogging. Studying is overrated. This afternoon, I decided to make Peanut Butter Granola. The "Buzzin'" Pandora station filled the kitchen as I baked and I was loving it. Too much fun!

 Added banana chips because they're the bomb.

 Only had one casualty...I melted the spatula a little. Oops.

 Final product

I haven't actually tried the end result in a bowl with milk, but I will tomorrow morning. It seemed like a fairly successful first attempt!

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought." Matthew 5:5

Buzzin'

Another great weekend...and it's not over! Love having 3-day weekends every week. Which is why I'm planning next semester's schedule around Tuesday/Thursday classes.

First of all, one of my best friends has been in town this weekend. Ah, how I've missed Katie. So the weekend officially started on Thursday, when I got to hang out with her. We went to small group, which was just game night this week. And I loved that, of course. Then got some yummy Qdoba breakfast burritos with her on Friday, to reward me for my run (and to cancel out any calories I burned...wouldn't wanna lose those babies). Time spent with Katie is automatically refreshing.

Then I headed down to Denver and the drive took me AN HOUR AND FORTY-FIVE MINUTES. Love that traffic. Spent some time in Panera and got homework done until every middle school kid in Greenwood Village took it over. Then I creepily stole glances at all the kids, half hoping and half being super nervous that I would see one of my campers from this summer. No luck.

In cooking class, we made King's Casserole (I think that's what it's called) and carrot cake...all so delicious. And we ended the night with our new usual...a Friday night puzzle...which we didn't finish, and the very small OCD part of me is wishing I could be down there right now to complete it.

After some good football watching with Porky this afternoon, I went to Danielle's bridal shower at Ceramics in the City! I hadn't seen Danielle in so long and it was a beautiful reunion. Lots of us chickens were there and we painted tiles for the lovely couple.

 Mama Hen, Kim, and their Chickens :)

Blurry. But you're getting married and I love you, Mama Hen!

Katie...happiness

 Back in Fort Collins, on my favorite stretch of road..

Tonight, I went to Chili's with Katie, Amanda, Mike, Zach, and Jake. It was so good to be with part of our big group again and there was lots of laughter, as always. Then a few of us went to Amanda's and played ping pong, while listening to/watching Keith Urban and John Mayer on CMT Crossroads (perfection). I didn't get pictures of any of our faces at dinner, but our feet sure looked good. Plus it's Collins homecoming, which calls for a shoe pic!

Precious matching shoes

p.s. Just been wanting to listen to this all weekend...because when I listen to it, all I wanna do is dance. You can't tell me it's not good for that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHFb0ih3TK0

Dear Abby,

Miller, not the newspaper column lady. Blogging was one of your weird ideas that has turned out to be a success. Thanks for peer-pressuring me into it...you're the best. And I love you.

Making Happiness and Memories

I think I've written before about the woman I visit in the nursing home. I'm sure I'll be sharing her insight throughout the year, so I'll call her Lucy (not her real name...learning lots about confidentiality these days, woo).

Lucy talks a lot about growing up and about her family. She always tells me about how she's lived a good life and, even though they didn't have much money, they were happy. She also talks about her current situation and points out that she doesn't love being there, but she decides to be happy. I always need these reminders, even every 20 minutes, as is her custom.

The advice Lucy gives most often is to have fun and enjoy life while I'm young, because that's what I'll remember. This prompts me to take school into perspective. I realize I stress way too much over this paper or that test. Now, maybe I'm using this advice as an excuse for my lack of motivation these days. But I really do think it's important not to stress so much about the daily obligations, but to soak up every precious moment spent with the people we love.

Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me?

Too much fun. Welp, I'm in love with Keith Urban. Last night, I experienced the most entertaining concert of my life. For reals, it was incredible. And I took lots of pictures!

Before heading to Denver, we drove over to Amanda's house (after failing at timer pics) to have her parents take a picture of us in our cowgirl outfits. We were a little bit proud of our boots and such.

 Love me some Colorado

 Gettin pumped with JB

 These posters were everywhere...we posed with more than one, obviously.

 Jake Owen...even though we were dying for Keith to come on, Jake was good too!

 "Excited for Keith" faces

 Dreamy

 This girl had a sign that said, "It's my birthday, take a picture with me, PLEASE!" So he had her up on stage and took a self pic of the two of them...WHAT???

He walked around our section to a platform that was 5 yards away from where we were standing!

 

 Keith pulled these three from the audience to sing "Kiss a Girl"

Later, he went to the back of the Pepsi Center and climbed up a ways (all while playing "You Look Good in my Shirt"). After playing for awhile, he signed his guitar and handed it to a girl. I was dying. Then he walked back towards the front and by our section, and I climbed over some chairs and touched his arm! Yes, I was acting just like a crazy 12-year-old Justin Bieber fan, but why not? 

Two of my favorite songs were "Somebody Like You" (duh) and "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me?" Mostly because Amanda and I were especially dancing like crazy during those two. Keith also played "How to Save a Life" with Isaac something...the lead singer from The Fray. And played "Jack & Diane" with Jake Owen, the opener. The concert ended with an encore and confetti/streamers covering the floor. It was magical. 

We were in awe walking out of the arena (ok, don't judge us...it really was totes awes). As we were driving out of the parking lot, Amanda said, "Literally all of my dreams came true." Hilarious. But pretty accurate.