Bye Bye Fall

I have a million and one (like ten) drafts in my blogger, and for whatever reason, today's attempt is making the cut. This place is one of my favorites. To hike and to think and run and think and wander and think. My nature church, if you will. And soon it will look drastically un-pretty with the cold coming in. Speaking of which, I'm already freezing. Fuh-ree-zing. Mind you I'm just in my room, wrapped in two blankets and my Omni-Heat jacket. Uh oh. And with that, what does it mean if you start secretly crying in spin class to Katherine McPhee? (It was American Idol themed day, blah.). The song is just so dang catchy! And surprisingly motivating! And that music video! But let's cleanse our musical palettes with this song. I love it, oh yes.

And that is all I have for today.

Oh! Wait! Watch the Office again. Season 5, or 6. Preferably with a Coby-alike of your choice. All the laughing will get you motivated to take on your ever-awaiting homework. And happy. (Also anxious, nervous, compassionate, impressed, and left in unbelief, {aka Michael}).

Back to School

My back to school rite of passage must be a little trip up, and/or down, the stairs... The kind of trip where it's more considered a misstep. Not catastrophic by any means, but noticeable enough when you catch your footing that the people close enough can hear that irregular rhythm you have now caused. It's like an inaugural knock to the senses. Like hey, hey now are you ready? You gotta be ready, because school is here. And it's going to be serious business. So yes, that little trip has already happened today. And yes, we're back!

I'm already in love with my newly found major, may I say that? My Spring class done set that tone. Literally every single class of mine is the HFAC (the visual arts building on campus). Every. Single. Class. So those late night vending machine runs and charcoal covered hands are most definitely in my future. I'm gearing up to really push myself this semester. I mean, I have goals you guys, dreams! That's new! AND all my roomies are back and better than ever, (Coby too!) so the Criminal Minds and Friends reruns will be in our lives again full force. Hurrah!

So with a Labor Day swim we said sayonara to summer. And with tonight's poor-student-Olive-Garden-dinner scheduled to celebrate (not to mourn, not to mourn), I have officially tripped back into school.

Fall Spirit

A little while ago some of us Tingey peeps traveled up the canyon for some fall spirit. It was hilarious. There was homemade bread (Riley amazes), crazy boys, and lots of lion leaping. Not to mention the fall fashion (Rach). As I went through these pictures I became overwhelmed with how grateful I am for these friends. When I came to college I was ready for a new start, new people, and a new maturity... And these girls gave me that! They allowed me to grow and and figure life out, and were there for me through all my ups and downs. It doesn't hurt that their husbands rock too. Oh how I love them so.

In other news, have you noticed the little changes around these parts?

Bailey is working with me on developing a new design and I love it I love it.

Until the finishing touches are complete, check check check her out!

Also, today (after a killer test mind you) it smelt like apple cider and my mother gave me scrabble tips.

Oh and then Coby took me to get potstickers. Thus, happiness.

Nature Natalie

Provo is Pretty.

P.S. Cob and I are going to Arizona on Wednesday,

my friend Lindsay is getting married!

And we're gonna eat Tia Rosas!

And Fillibertos! And more Mexican food!

Oh I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.

Good Ol' Stevie

Today it is raining and I'm in love with everything.

So I think we all better listen to this song on loop.

Pizza Party

Remember David?  Well David is leaving for a mission in Tokyo, Japan on wednesday!  He will be spreading the gospel there for the next two years on a mission for the Latter-day Saint Church.  I'm sure if you reside in Blog Land, you've probably been redirected to the Mormon homepage with every "i believe" tab you've clicked on.  But if you really want to learn what the beginning stage of latter day saint missions are all about, here's a little glimpse {there are 7 segments, so well done}.  Anyway, the "Tingey Gurlz" weren't able to attend his farewell on Sunday, so we decided to throw him a going away dinner at Brick Oven Pizza to make up for it.

P.S. David's sister in law just so happens to be Katherine of Kitsune-Kun!  Cool, huh?
P.S.S. my little point & shoot goes crazy anytime there is ANY artificial light around, so all these photo edits are an attempt to mask said craziness, not because i think i'm all cool n' stuff.

So I Was Like, "Shore"

This was the weekend of the visitors!  Yes, that's visitors with an 's'.  It all started with James visiting, and then my BFF Erin and her Idaho friends Addy & Becca came down to sleepover for the weekend.  Friday was Makayla's birthday, so my friends from summer semester Erika and Kendall flew up to celebrate.  AND THEN, the best visit of all, my dad showed up and surprised me on Saturday!  Honorable mentions go to the 3 boys of BYU basketball who came over to my place and church leader M. Russell Ballard who spoke at my stake conference.  I guess when it rains it pours!

Highlights include:
. singing Yung Humma in the back of a truck with James on our way to Dominoes
. free Sprite at Dominoes
. seeing half of my high school at my old housing complex #gotoros
. standing in the back of the boys dorm {at my other old housing complex} even though it was past curfew because it was freezing cold. we "welcome home"d all the boys until someone showed up without pants on... that was awkward.
. james making us waffles in the morning
. my dad's surprise visit!  i was so happy i burst into tears.  so embarrassing.  what can i say, i'm a daddy's girl.
. Dad taking us out to dinner at California Pizza Kitchen
. shopping at F21 after searching for the "new" H&M in vain, turns out it was in Salt Lake
. an intense round of the game Signs with Becca's twin brother Isaac
. Bridesmaids and laughing our heads off, don't worry, we clean-fixed it by skipping the sex scenes and such
. summer friends surprising me and coming over!
. BYU basketball boys coming over as well, along with a round of "deep conversation"
. falling asleep to White Chicks
. M Russell Ballard speaking at my Stake Conference, he kept us all laughing
. mini birthday party for Makayla back at Julie's place complete with Texas Sheet Cake
. and finally, I'M MOVING INTO LINDSAY'S APARTMENT IN THE WINTER!  sing praises of joy!

Now I miss everyone so much.  Come back?  Please?