I miss Europe. I guess I'll just have to start planning for the next trip...

I will post a few of my favorite things here. Too many favorites in Germany, so expect it's own entry in the near future. I think it's time to plan another trip...

Rome, Italy

Salzburg, Austria

Dorfgastein, Austria

Howth, Ireland

Finland

London, England

Barcelona, Spain

Please vote and watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhDRVKDcXQo#

Palin Bingo

This Palin Bingo game was created by a good friend, Mr. Scotty Spjut. Thank you for sharing Scotty!

Thank You.

Thank you to everyone who posted below about their thoughts on the gay marriage issue in California. I love hearing all of your opinions, although I'm saddened because I think I'm more confused than I was prior. I'll have to hash that out in some other way.

In other news, Adrien, Kirstin and I will be watching the VP debate at my house tonight. I'm expecting Biden to rip Palin into shreds. I thought the first presidential debate was about 50/50 (this is my fair side speaking), but given that the topics were not Obama's strong suit and he still did well, I declare Obama the winner (this is my biased side speaking).

Apparently, Palin has been at McCain's ranch in Arizona studying up for the debates. She seems to feel confident in her abilities, but I doubt in three days she was able to gain a comprehensive understanding of foreign policies and international politics. Well...maybe her stance will at least be more thought out than "I can see Russia from my house!"

Can't wait!

Breakthrough.

The following breakthrough is attributed directly to Mark, as he was the brain behind these thoughts:

So, the other night we visited for the evening with some new friends in the ward, Karim and Chris. They are very politically minded and tend to think identically to us on various issues. It's really a good match. As we were talking politics, the topic of Proposition 8 in California came up. The Church issued a letter to all members in California asking them for their support (money, time, etc) to help pass Proposition 8. As a group, we discussed that we would have a difficult time participating as our beliefs don't coincide.

I don't see why same-sex couples can't enjoy the freedoms and opportunities of marriage as the rest of us do. Although I religiously do not agree with the homosexual lifestyle, I don't understand why the power is in my hands to tell them they can't marry. This country was founded on the ideals that equality will be offered to all and by not allowing same-sex couples to marry, we are denying them the equality they have been promised.

So my question is: why did our Church have to get involved?

This was a stickler for Mark and myself. We researched online, read the letter addressed to California residents and discussed possible reasons why the Church would feel inclined to encourage members to vote on this issue. In our Church, we emphasize love and compassion at all times. This just doesn't seem to be loving or compassionate. And as a people, who have been mocked and persecuted, why are we joining a group of people who believe that free agency should be limited. If we're not careful, the tide will eventually turn on us. And we will be the ones who face the destruction of our freedoms.

Then, Mark got it. He came to a conclusion that, at least for now, as helped calm my mind on this issue. Our Church is not involved to play the moral police, but our Church is involved because if/when same-sex marriage is allowed then Bishops will be required to perform same-sex marriages in our churches. This would make things very complicated. I'm all for same-sex marriage, but I do not believe that it belongs in our Church. Suddenly everything that we believe to be true would turned upside down and the Lord's plan would be re-routed.

I know this breakthrough doesn't solve anything. But it certainly put Mark and I at ease. I value other people's opinions and believe the Church has every right to participate in Proposition 8. It just makes it a little easier to have a better idea of why the stance is such -- even if I don't fully agree with it.

But either way, if it were on my ballot I would just opt out of voting.

It's really time to grow up.

While some of my friends are buying homes and making babies, I'm egging things in Provo canyon with my husband and our good friends.

As my friend, the joker, would say "WHY SO SERIOUS!??!?!"

Post pulled from June 2007

I've been feeling this way recently and instead of writing a new piece showing my wrath, I thought I'd just repost my thoughts from over a year ago...

Everyone who knows me knows that I love pop culture/news. I spend a good chunk of my day checking my favorite news sites for updates on anything from politics, local news or Britney's new haircut. Slate.com, CNN and The Onion are probably up there in my top favorites, and in that order too. I also like to buy US Weekly or People magazine every once in a while (to be brutally honest, I would probably buy them more often but I don't have $3 to just throw around like that).

Anyway, I logged onto my work computer this morning and immediately tuned into the news. Overall, the two top news stories that really stuck out were the G8 Summit in Germany and Paris Hilton's early release from prison. And I had full intentions on reading up about both stories. I first read the news about the G8 meeting and shook my head, as usual, at President Bush and his remarks. Then I spent a minute or two admiring Angela Merkel and the fact that of the group of people who represent the world's richest countries, she stood in the middle, in a lime green shirt as the only woman president of the group. Impressive. I may not be in total agreement with her politics, but I admire her as a woman. Actually scratch that, I admire her as a person.

When I was finished reading news about the meeting in Germany I started reading about Paris Hilton and her early release from prison for "medical reasons." I became so curious with this breaking news and wanted to research more about the medical problems; what they are, if they are real, and what she will be doing during her new sentence: house arrest. I spent about 15 minute doodling around online finding information about this subject. Then I caught myself. What am I doing? Why did Angela Merkel get one minute of my time and Paris Hilton get fifteen minutes of my time? Why do I care about Paris Hilton and her problems with the law? Why does the world care about Paris Hilton, Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan? I worry about our culture, or more importantly myself. Most girls my age could easily give you an update on Paris, Britney or Lindsay. Even if they don't read the news, they probably know whats going on from reading headlines at the supermarket. Our obsession with famous people is damaging to the stars, but I am not so worried about this because they knew what they were getting into when they signed up. When I make millions of dollars for just showing up to parties, the paparazzi can follow me around all day long. What I am bothered about is the fact that I spent one minute reading about Angela Merkel and fifteen minutes reading about Paris Hilton. Most girls my age probably don't even know who Angela Merkel is! And I only know because I am obsessed with Germany! Something has to change in our culture. We need to be more concerned with the arts in our communities, politics that so strongly affect us or famous people who are doing good things for good reasons. We don't get a newsflash everytime someone donates a lot of money to a charity. We hear a lot about Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and we know that they are doing good things (maybe), but we never hear the details. The media brushes over the details of their charity and focuses on their marriage, her eating problems and drama revolving around adoption.

But am I hoping for a world that will never exist? Or even worse, am I denouncing a world that I will miss if it is gone? YES! Life couldn't possibly be serious all the time or we would go crazy! In this ideal world I would truly miss People magazine or gossip columns with pictures of the stars. So what is the solution here? Maybe we can just expand our minds and spend a little time reading about people who are making differences or about world news that affects our daily lives. Then we can spend all the time in the world googling for pictures of Britney and her shaved head.

Twenty reasons why I am excited to go to California next week...

Next week I'm taking a trip to Fallbrook, California with Mark, Eric and Adrien. The following are reasons (in no particular order) why I am excited.

1. Two whole days at Disneyland (off-season!)
2. Dinner reservations at the Blue Bayou (restaurant inside the Pirates ride at Disneyland)
3. Dinner at In-n-Out in Las Vegas (and maybe another wedding ceremony at a walk-in chapel)
4. Road trip with my favorite people
5. I get to meet Adrien's cats (finally)
6. BBQ at Adrien's house
7. Palm trees
8. First vacation (other than honeymoon) with my new husband
9. A free place to stay (Thank you to the Wood family!)
10. Beach time
11. I get to see where my best friend grew up (she's been to Beaverton three times and I've never visited Fallbrook!!)
12. Creepiness (much against Mark and Eric's wishes)
13. The following rides: Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Peter Pan, Thunder Mountain and Pirates
14. California Adventure
15. Good weather
16. I get to use my adorable pink polka-dot luggage
17. Fresh avacados from Fallbrook (best avacados in the world)
18. Llama sightings
19. Four whole days away from Provo
20. Disneyland gift shop (so touristy)

**To Grandma and Grandpa -- although I would have LOVED to come visit, there just won't be enough time. We're driving down, going to Disneyland and driving back. But we promise that next time we will make a stop!

Why I love the new Windows ad.

First and foremost, because I love Windows.

Second, because the new commercial is hilarious. Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld discuss shoes, showering with clothes on and Gates even flashes his Clown Shoes membership card which features his legit mug shot from the 1970s. Oh - and not to mention we get to see Gates wiggle his butt in the parking lot when Seinfeld asks him if Windows will one day be delicious.

Essentially the commercial is about nothing -- just like Seinfeld's show. Brilliant.

Why is it brilliant? Because I'm talking about it. What a perfect ad campaign. No one gets it. Which means bloggers, journalists and critics are discussing it like crazy all across the nation. That's the perfect way to get the word out that Windows is brewing up something new.

I can't wait until we see the next piece coming out at the end of the month.

Check out the commercial below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afR5J7eskno

Here go the republicans with their scare tactics again.

Terrorism. Terrorism. Terrorism.

No mention of the middle class. No mention of health care. No mention of getting people to college. No mention of how we're going to get out of the mess that Bush has so kindly created for us. Although I agree that safety and security are crucial in these times, I do not think it should be the constant, overriding topic in Washington. I'd like to see dedication to the home front and to fixing our wounds here instead of abroad.

I really gave Governor Palin a chance. I did. I was impressed with her story. She was a stay-at-home mother who decided to make a difference. Republican or Democrat, that's an impressive story. But other than being impressed with her leap for women, there is nothing about Sarah Palin's politics that I find particularly impressive. She hit below the belt last night and fronted herself as an elitist. I think someone should remind Sarah Palin that she comes from the rugged, low-populated state of Alaska. There is nothing elitist, or classy, about her love for guns or mounting moose heads. I expected Giuliani to have no class. Afterall, he has had how many affairs and sexual escapades while married to his wife? But, I was disappointed with how nasty Palin spoke of Barack Obama. Sure, the Democratic National Convention displayed a few zingers toward Republicans. I expect that kind of stuff in the political field, but the Republicans took it too far last night.

I'm bothered by the fact that Giuliani and Palin described Obama's work as a "community organizer" with so much blatant disrespect. If anyone EVER even showed the slightest hint of sarcasm toward McCain's service in the military, the Republicans would be floored. Apparently you're only qualified to be president if you're a war monger. Nice.

Luckily, I belong to the party that has showed class and respect in this election. I got an e-mail this morning from the Obama campaign and feel inspired to share this quote,

"Both Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin specifically mocked Barack's experience as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago more than two decades ago, where he worked with people who had lost jobs and been left behind when the local steel plants closed.

Let's clarify something for them right now.

Community organizing is how ordinary people respond to out-of-touch politicians and their failed policies."

How dare they imply that Obama's experience in Chicago was something silly or made up. He helped a lot of people and no matter what his title was during the project, it was noteworthy work. Just like McCain's experience in the military was noteworthy. It's just class-less to mock or demean someone's experiences.

Tonight I will watch McCain speak. And I will do it with an open mind. I hope he can refrain from inappropriate attacks and focus on the real issues of what he plans to do in Washington.

...Actually, who am I kidding, I don't really care what the hell he has to say. My vote is for Obama. End of story.

I can be a woman who is crafy and wears a power suit.

After weaving through the aisles yesterday at Michaels, Adrien and I finally decided on a craft to make. We made wreaths from scratch! Surprisingly, they turned out very well! I'm actually quite proud of my craftiness displayed through my new wreath.

So I got to thinking about how there is a stigma in the church about women with careers. I really resent that. I think it is entirely possible for a woman to be a professional while being crafty, or a good wife, mother, cook, etc. In fact, I plan on being that woman.

I'm so proud of my own mother for having such an established career and being the world's best mom at the same time. She's the top in her business and I challenge anyone to find someone better than her at what she does. It's been an honor to have her as the leading example in my life. What a smart, beautiful and creative woman!

Anyway, here is my wreath. I think it's beautiful. Maybe Adrien will post hers too, because it's equally as wonderful.

Partial tour of the apartment.

Here it is! The first apartment! Everyone has been harassing us for the photos. So here they are!

Not bad for two college students, huh? However, I should make a necessary "shout out" to our parents and Aunt Geli of course. Without them we would have nothing but garage sale furniture!

Now, I must add that the photos mainly comprise of the living room/kitchen area as we have not yet finished our bedroom or the bathroom. We have beautiful chocolate brown bedding with a brand new Ikea bed and a brand new mattress that we love. Other than that, you'll have to wait and see for updates once we get some decent art or photos up in the bedroom.

This photo shows our desk with our amazing new computer and monitor. Thank you Sirpa and Aunt Geli for a wonderful wedding gift! We use it constantly! And with the laptop, we never have to compete for computer time. I should mention that above the desk is a print of the Tree of Life by Gustav Klimt, a personal favorite. Next to the Klimt is an original Russian icon, made in 1992. So it's a little taboo to hang a Catholic portrayal of Christ. Who cares. It's art.
Here is our vanity. You can't tell by the photo, but we have an animal print themed area in the hallway and the vanity. This was a compromise as I had asked for leopard print bedding and Mark had to put his foot down!
Mark's tool chest of course. Unfortunately it came back with missing tools. Mark's not happy about that.

The GORGEOUS leather couch from Mom and Dad! We love it!

Here is the living room. Thank you Mom for helping me to set up this wall. It holds so many of our favorite memories. I call the shelf "the travel shelf" because it has artifacts from both Mark's and my travels and even our latest travel to Costa Rica together.
Wider shot of the room.

Here is the kitchen. I was a little worried about my obsession with adding red accents, but in the end I think it actually turned out to be a good idea.

I love setting the dinner table and we like to have our friends over for dinner. Last week Adrien, Eric and Chris came over for Japanese night! Adrien and I cooked yakisoba and sushi! It really turned out well! (Adrien, when is the next dinner party? And what's the next theme?)
We have our "money tree" next to the sink for inspiration and luck.

The creme blanket on the couch was made by Bob's mother and we think it is so beautiful! I hope she gets the chance to see how much we love the blanket!

Honeymoon in Costa Rica

Here are a few photos from our fabulous honeymoon to Costa Rica. We stayed at the Los Suenos Marriott Resort for one week and enjoyed the pool, beach time and eating expensive meals with our all-inclusive package. We planned the honeymoon brilliantly and I am so happy we took the time to do so. We went ziplining in the rain forest, we visited Costa Rica's most popular national park, we viewed wildlife and when we didn't want to do anything, we stayed in, swam and watched the Olympics. We were so sad to come home! Now, we are moved in to our new apartment (photos to come later) and school starts soon!

Mark and Lindsay love the beach.

Life on a Silver Platter

Forgive me for a moment as I gloat, brag and boast about how happy I am. I've been thinking a lot today about how great it is to be me. No complaints come to mind. I'm just happy.

I'm marrying the love of my life in less than two months. This morning I headed off to work at 7 a.m. (as I do everyday) and saw the new Coldplay CD wrapped up nicely with a sweet note placed on my windshield. Mark drove to a 24-hour Wal-Mart (located 45 minutes from my house because my community doesn't permit tacky Wal-Marts) at midnight to buy it for me the day it was released. It feels really good to be loved.

Then I went off to my internship for the day and felt so thankful for the interesting, eloquent and intelligent people that I work with. They've offered me a job when I graduate, which makes me feel competent and appreciated.

Then I came home to my awesomely supportive family. There is no better family around than the one I belong to. The way they have accepted Mark into our family is so impressive and their love for him makes the both of us feel happy. I love that my family has such a great sense of humor. My Mom is one for teasing and my Dad behaves likes he is on stage in a Monty Python sketch. It really makes for good times -- even if it's a little weird.

Just as you thought my happiness couldn't get more disgusting -- there is even more. I was putting together the guest list for my wedding tonight and it was amazing to see how many people there are involved in my little life. I have such wonderful friends and family. Before putting together this list, I had no idea how many people I actually knew. It made me realize how many people have touched my life in so many significant ways.

Alright. Enough. My blog entries are more fun when they are sarcastic and rude.

It's Good to Be an Oregonian.

I just got an e-mail from the BYU Democrats club and it looks like Anderson Cooper will be in Provo at the end of June interviewing liberals who live in Utah. Other than the times I yurn for Cafe Rio, this is the only time I've been disappointed for not being in Utah.

Honestly, things have been really busy for both Mark and myself. I'm ticking away with my internship (half over already) and of course, planning the wedding.

I've been really blessed with a fiance who likes to help with wedding stuff. Because I've been so overwhelmed with work, he actually offered to tie all of the bows on our wedding favors and he put out invitations together. I have to admit I was a little weary to let him help, as he is a man and men don't seem to "get" that stuff. But when he showed me the bows he ties I thought, "My gosh, he does it better than I do!" So needless to say, if you see or recieve anything with a ribbon on it...chances are Mark tied it!

We've been out doing lots of fun things on weekends. I took Mark to the annual Starlight Parade towntown. We set up camp, ate cotton candy and watched the parade. I think my favorite moment was when we decided to leave early to a) beat traffic and b) go to bed. It was like we were some elderly couple. So great.

We spend a day hiking at the Columbia Gorge, which is always beautiful. We brought a long the best picnic ever -- comprising of hummus, naked chips, a turkey sandwich and apples. Sometimes it's just nice to get in the outdoors and forget everything you have on your plate. Good cleansing thing for both of us.

That's all for now -- sorry it wasn't more exciting. But engagement pictures are coming soon!

Elder Cusworth is the best missionary out there!

I'm so proud of Shawn! He's really living up his mission and loving it too. I'm so happy that he's enjoying his time of service and even though I miss him -- It's all for a good purpose! (Can't wait 'till he's home though and I wish more than anything he'd be at my wedding). Here are two pictures I've scanned that he recently sent the family. Looks like he's been doing some baptizing and lots of teaching. He loves Wyoming!

PS. Life is WAY too busy -- but I will update soon. Promise.

My Afternoon at a Maximum Security Prison.

My job is great and in only a week I've been given so many different opportunities!

Yesterday I visited Oregon's only maximum security prison. I got to walk through the courtyard while a bunch of the inmates were doing recreational activities. I also spent some time in the cafeteria where 800 inmates were eating their lunches. That was probably the moment that got me the most. There were so many eyes in our direction and I couldn't help but think about the fact that a handful of these men were rapists and murderers. You just can't think about it while you're there -- it's too scary. Mark was, I'm sure, THRILLED that I was gawked at all afternoon by inmates. He said, "Just show them your ring!" And I was like, "Baby, I don't think these are the kind of guys who respect the whole sacredness of marriage thing."

We also spent time in the Hobby Shop, where inmates get the opportunity to produce jewelry, leather goods and art. These inmates were talented -- like really talented. The officer heading the shop said that every inmate in there came into prison with not a single talent, but after so many years of doing nothing you just start to acquire certain artistic talents. I was unaware of this at the time, but I apparently was in the same room with the I-5 Killer when I was in the Hobby Shop. I've read so much about it and honestly never thought I'd be standing in the same room as him.

An interesting ethical question has come into my mind since the visit. I chatted for about 45 minutes with a convicted murderer. And to my surprise, he was the nicest man. He smiled, he laughed, he was friendly and helpful. I just couldn't believe that this man had murdered two innocent people. He said he has spent most of his adult life in prison, and when I checked the records, he was right. He was in his 60's and had been admitted in his early 20's. Should this man really spend his whole life in prison?? I highly doubt he is the same man he was in his 20's. There is just no way. He had a great talent for making leather goods, which could be marketable out in the real world. Do we really have to keep him locked up, costing the Oregon government $80 a day!? I say...ugh...I don't know what I think. Odd, I know. On the other hand I feel for the victims. It's really a fine line. Anyway -- something to chew on I guess.

(Mark's Update -- just about to pin down a job and start working. As for now he is loving living with my aunt and her adorable puppy. He even got to babysit the puppy all week while she was out of town. Lucky boy!)

First Day On The Job.

First Day.

Other than the commute to Salem, everything about my job is fantastic. I left my house this morning an hour or so before I needed to be at work. Since it was my first day and I have no experience with commuting, I figured it would be my trial run. I got to work in 40 minutes and ended up sitting for 30 minutes in the parking lot trying to entertain myself. Even though that sucked for the time being, it was actually a magnificent discovery because it meant that I get to wake up later every morning than I originally had thought.

Everyone that I work for is fabulous. And they dress well too. I don't know what it is about people who dress well, but they just exude the kind of confidence that I respect. It feels good to go to work and be in an office where everyone is polished and looking nice. Plus it makes mornings fun to whip together an outfit that can leave an impression.

The building that I work in was built in the 1800's. Beautiful architecture. I actually found out that the film, One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest, was filmed in the same building. The Department of Corrections is currently housed in a former insane asylum, the asylum that was obviously used for the movie. This morning when I arrived I found out that we were going on a field trip to tour the tunnel system below the building. Inmates who are allowed to have jobs work down in the tunnel and transport food and other things from building to building. Pretty crazy. It feels nice to work in a building that has so much history. I'm not going to lie, it makes me feel pretty important.

As for the job itself, I edited and started writing a few issue briefs today (kind of like press releases). I'm already getting projects and things to work on so I feel confident that this is going to be a worthwhile internship that will certainly teach me a thing or two about working in public affairs.

My drive home took forever. I hate traffic. But Mark said he is going to take me to get some books on tape. I might as well put my brain to work when I am in the car. It sucks up so much of my time (and gas I might add) that I might as well try to use that time to be a smarter person.

Anyway, I give the day an A- (the minus is for the traffic and gas consumption of course). That's a pretty great score if you ask me.