On Running

I started running last weekend. I read an article somewhere about starting off so small that it's almost laughable, and not pushing yourself too far in the beginning. So that's what I'm doing.

I decided to start by running only 10 minutes each day. I don't run fast, I (clearly) don't run far. I run at a pace that's comfortable for 10 minutes, and then I stop. And for now, that's enough. I want to learn to LOVE running, and the less I HATE running to begin with, the better chance I think I'll have in the long run.

By this time next year I would like to do a Triathlon by myself. Not a crazy full-length one, but maybe an Olympic length. By the end of April next year I would like to be able to run a 10K without a second thought.

Oh, and remember that goal I had of being in the best shape of my life for my 30th gift to myself? Yeah... that's not going well. But loving running is going to get me on my way.

School update

In case any of you were wondering, I still love school. (What I am currently NOT loving is working until 10 every night, but that is going to change next semester).

I love certain aspects of each of my classes, but I feel like I've learned the most so far in my photography class. Not that I'm an expert, by any means. But I feel like I've learned a few things that have really helped me improve.

Here are some of the photos I've taken up to this point:

Until next time...

Sarah

Churchy stuff

I just got called to be a Sunday School teacher at church. I'm maaaaaybe a little intimidated, but I think it will be really good for me.

And I just got called tonight to speak in church on September 18th. I'll be speaking for 10 minutes about Matthew 7:21-19.

 21 ¶Not every one that ^asaith unto me, ^bLord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that ^cdoeth the ^dwill of my Father which is in heaven.^e

 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not ^aprophesied in thy name? and in thy ^bname have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never ^aknew you: ^bdepart from me, ye that work ^ciniquity.

 24 ¶Therefore whosoever ^aheareth these sayings of mine, and ^bdoeth them, ^cI will liken him unto a ^dwise man, which ^ebuilt his house upon ^fa rock:

 25 And the ^arain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and ^bbeat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a ^crock.

 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a ^afoolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that ^ahouse; and it ^bfell: and great was the fall of it.

 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended ^athese sayings, the people were ^bastonished at his ^cdoctrine:

 29 For he taught them as one having ^aauthority, and not as ^bthe scribes.

One scripture that I know I'll be sharing is from the Doctrine and Covenants 88:34:

34 And again, verily I say unto you, that which is ^agoverned by law is also preserved by law and perfected and ^bsanctified by the same.

I love the promise of that scripture--the obedience we offer is rewarded not only with blessings from God because of our obedience, but we are also sanctified simultaneously. 

So,  it will be an interesting few weeks as I prepare for my talk while starting school and working. I would love to hear your thoughts on these scriptures, if you feel like sharing... 

So, I moved. (And other non-essential updates.)

In no particular order:

• I moved in with a couple of friends. One of the friends bought the house. (It's brand new and beautiful. Don't worry that there was a grease fire in the kitchen less than 10 days after she closed. It's fine.*)
• I got a job! I'm working on campus in the testing center. I started in July, and it's a great job--the people are awesome, it keeps me busy, and I get to interact with people ALL day. Awesome. (It pays just under 50% what I was making before, but beggars can't be choosers.)
• I went to a Real game. It was really fun, and I want to go again, but maybe next time not melt in the sunshine the whole time.
• I may have two or more crushes happening simultaneously.
• I am terrified that I have a job and am taking 12 hours of art classes this fall (art classes= heavily project based. Remember the project I did for my 2-D class? Easily 25 hours put into that one...)
• I am happier than I have been in YEARS.
• I'm way behind on my goal to be in the best shape of my life during the year of my 30th birthday. Getting on that. Maybe I'll post weekly updates. Ha. Probably not.
• I sold a bunch of clothes I never wear to Plato's closet the other day so I would have enough money to buy groceries, fill my car with gas, and get my prescriptions filled. Paying almost $400 a month for insurance is going to be painful.
• I spent an awesome weekend at the lake house with the Knight family. Best weekend of the year. Every year.
• Also spent a few hours with the Roberts clan chatting, swimming, and munching. I love my families.
• I came to terms with the fact that I look TERRIBLE in orange.
• I learned that I look really awesome in coral. Never knew!
• I went to Whole Foods for the first time ever. I would move just to live in a city with a Whole Foods.
• I took a sushi-making class that I bought in February. Too much fun. Going to have a sushi party one of these days.
• I took a much-needed drive up the canyon to cool off and enjoy nature for a bit.
• I toyed with the idea of moving to Texas. Only briefly.

*Always buy homeowner's insurance.

Win a Trip to Paris from Oh Happy Day!

One of the blogs I read and find particularly inspiring is Oh Happy Day, written by Jordan Ferney. Jordan is a party planner and creative mastermind married to Paul, a talented painter. They run a letterpress studio together in San Francisco. They moved to Paris this year, and right now Jordan is giving away a trip for two to Paris!

Go to her blog for details on how to get the most entries into the contest--but for simply commenting on her post you get entered once--not too bad a return on your time investment if you win!

I would say good luck, but I'd be lying if I said I wanted you to win. Unless of course you take me with you.

Throwing out 50

Today I am starting a little "stuff" purge and throwing out 50 things, a la Jess Constable as inspired by Gaile Blanke. I bought Gaile's book a while back... and never did anything with. Big surprise. So, now it begins.

But I'm not really going to do it Gaile's way. I'm not counting 85 books as one item, or 7 pairs of shoes as one item, either. Sorry, Gaile.

But I am following her suggestion to write down all the things I throw away/donate/sell. So I'm starting a little tab called '50 Things' where I can update the list without it breaking into my regular posts.

To start things off, I'm donating three pairs of cute cute shoes to Deseret Industries. I love them, but I don't wear them--ever. So they can be put to better use by someone else. I'm also donating a hoodie, a grey cardigan that looks horrible on me, and a black ribbed sweater that is also hideous on me.

So far, 6 things. Plus however many French books I end up giving away via Facebook and to my local high school. I bought tons of used novels, philosophy books, etc. in France, dreaming that I would read them all and soak up the new vocabulary like a sponge. Nope. If I'm going to be honest with myself, they are just taking up space and making me feel guilty. So they are OUT.

Anyone want to join me and throw out 50 things?

Psykopaint

Psykopaint is a website where you can upload your pictures, and then turn them into 'paintings.' I thought it sounded fun, so I used a favorite picture from our family's Disneyland trip a couple of years ago. The picture was JUST out of focus, so I could never print it... but it was perfect for this.


Here is the original image:

And here is the painting:

Isn't that fun? Now you can paint your own images without years of experience or the cost of all the materials. ;)

Papermoth

I love Papermoth's designs. I bought an 8x10 of the print just below for my best friend's birthday a couple of years ago, because she is always picking up dandelions that have gone to see and making wishes as she blows the seeds away.

So the image above is the only one I've purchased, but I love so many of the designs, including the ones below.

Professions for Women: A Letter to my Daughters (or to myself 5 years later)

In an English Lit class I took at BYU, we discussed Virginia Woolf's "Professions for Women," and were asked to write a letter to our daughters talking about the issues raised in Woolf's speech.

I'm hesitant to share it with you because... I'm not a big fan of feeling so vulnerable and exposed as this will make me feel--the writing isn't exactly perfect, and the things I expressed are really deeply held beliefs of mine. But as I read through it, I feel like it is great advice to myself for where I am now in my life. So, here it is...

My Daughters:

I hope that when you read this you will understand the intent with which it was written. I write to remind you of the blessings and opportunities that are yours as a result of the sacrifices of those who have gone before you.Your Mother has lived a fulfilling and enjoyable life—a life that passed in a world that is much different that the one you live in now. The opportunities you have were not always available to women, and opportunities that are not yet open to you will one day be available to your daughters, as long as my generation and yours do not stop trying to “smooth the way” for those that follow after us.

            The opportunities that were available to women when I was born were vastly different from those available 100—even 50—years before my birth, and the same is true for you. But brave, strong, and sometimes “defiant” women paved the way for us and fellow women of our generations so we could pursue those interests which truly intrigue our minds and add depth to our souls. Some of these women you may have heard of: Mary Wollstonecraft, Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Amelia Aerhart, Edith Wharton, Sandra Day O’Connor, and so on. These women, in many cases, were seen as acting against their very natures by pursuing hobbies, professions, and livelihoods previously reserved for men. Yet there was something in them that drove them to these pursuits, as there is “something” that calls to each of us in our turn.

            You have the liberty to choose your course—to learn about and practice almost any discipline or skill that appeals to you. Some will tell you what you ought to think, how you should spend your time, or the things you should say or do because you are a woman. You might think to yourself that there are certain things which lie out of your reach because of your sex; never put limits on your potential—you have countless resources for developing desireable traits, perfecting specific skills, and acquiring a useful and interesting education. You may not know what you want at this point in your life—you don’t need to choose immediately. But don’t let yourself be blown listlessly about by what other people want—you do everyone a disservice by allowing your mind to be made up for you.  Live with purpose, and your life will be all the more meaningful for it. Sometimes you may find that you change your mind. That’s okay, too. Whatever you choose in the end, you will find that your searching and trying will not only make you more well-rounded, but it will more fully equip you to contribute where you so choose.

            Now, my dears, a word about our nature as women. Some may say that we must abandon all assumptions about the inherent nature of women in order to realize our full potential. I disagree. I feel that women naturally have more nurturing and selfless tendencies than men (I am speaking generally, of course). Cultivate these natural tendencies, but do not allow youself to think that because you are nurturing that you cannot also be pragmatic, analytical, or scientific; because you are selfless that you must also be shy, self-deprecating, or apologetic. Develop the skills and traits you desire, while letting your natural tendencies act as a catalyst for them; you will find that very few traits worth having are mutually exclusive.

            Your chosen course may prove quite difficult. It is true that an astounding variety of opportunities are available to you; some roads have been traveled by many women before you, making them smooth and relatively easy, while others may appear to be nothing more than a footpath overgrown with vegetation. Whatever path you choose, move forward and make each experience your own. You have specific talents, perspectives, and instincts that will make your navigation of the Road different than anyone else’s—not just because you are a woman, but because you are an individual. And your individual nature is what you need to infuse into everything that you do. Virginina Woolf once said in an address to the Women’s Service League:

You have won rooms of your own in the house hitherto exclusively owned by men. This…is only a beginning; the room is your own, but it is still bare. It has to be furnished; it has to be decorated; it has to be shared. How are you going to furnish it, how are you going to decorate it? With whom are you going to share it, and upon what terms?

You, my daughters, have inherited and won rooms of your own, as well. They may have been previously occupied; they may be newly built. Some are bare, while others may still reflect the lives of those who have gone before. Whatever the case may be, you must make your room your own. Your life cannot merely become a shadow of someone else’s—it must reflect who you are, what you desire, and what you become. You are responsible for creating a life that you can be proud to call your own.

With all my love,

Mother

Debbie Millman

I just watched this video, and it was so good I found myself taking notes in my journal. It's 50 minutes long, so I don't really expect anyone to watch it all, but I thought it was fantastic.

2011/02 Debbie Millman from CreativeMornings on Vimeo.

via swissmiss

30x30x10

This might be one of my favorite outfits so far. I love my two-finger ring.

I love this little necklace. So dainty.

I now this picture looks like the ring was Photoshopped in for some reason, but let me assure you... it's fo' real. Isn't it awesome?

Skirt: Kohl's
Cardi: Target
Ruffled tank: Target
Ring: Icing by Claire's?? Maybe. Maybe Forever 21.
Necklace: Target
Shoes: DSW

30x30x9

It rained this morning, and it's supposed to snow tomorrow. I can't wait to get out of town and head to St. George for the weekend--sunshine, hiking, warmth, and swimming. And that amazing Swiss Muesli at the Bear Claw Coffe Co. Mmmmmm...

Hat: BHV, Paris
Shirt, pants, shoes, jacket: Target
Earrings: don't remembah
Bangles: Forever 21

P.S. I kind of can't wait to wear jeans every day once school starts. Hooray!

Paris Vicarious - Easter Sunday

Okay, I'm introducing a little series of posts on the blog, since I've transferred everything over from the Paris Vicarious blog. I'm going to have a regular column called Paris Vicarious, where I will discuss my favorite things about Paris, post pictures of my lovely adopted city, and basically talk about what I would be doing if I were currently in Paris.

Two years ago on Easter Sunday my family was driving through Eastern France on our way to Austria, and we stopped in Strasbourg, where we arrived just in time to enter the cathedral and hear the Hallelujiah chorus. It was gorgeous.

If I were in Paris today, I would have attended my own church services, but I wouldn't be able to help heading over to Notre Dame to listen to the Easter Mass. Just in hopes of hearing the organ.

Can we all pretend for just a minute that we're in Paris today?

Thanks.

30x30x8

I think this one-eye-partially-closed look is good for me, don't you?



Please especially take note of the silly string all over the yard from the kiddos' Easter baskets.



If nothing else, I love this outfit because it's the first time I've worn navy blue with black for as long as I can remember.

And that necklace. I love it. It almost reminds me of an Ancient Egyptian pectoral piece made of inverted gold lotus flowers. Charlotte Russe, $6!

Cardigan, H&M
Blue ruffle shirt - Target
Black skirt - Nordstrom rack
Shoes - Guess (found at Ross)

30x30x7

I kind of love this. Maybe a lot. Although, I did end up deciding that the polka-dot cardigan with the circle necklace was a bit much, so I switched out for a more simple necklace when I came home for lunch.

Overall, though, this is one I would wear again--and one I never would have put together otherwise.

30x30x6

Okay, I'm back with another handful of 30x30 ensembles.

Hmmm... not my best look, I think. Those sandals might have to be gifted to someone.

Happy Easter!

Have a wonderful Easter, everyone.

I can't express how much Christ and His life, work, and atonement mean to me. But this video helps to express some of what I feel.

I wish you warm and beautiful weather this weekend. Today I had to scrape ice off my windshield... so let's all hope that doesn't happen again until October.

50 Things

Swismiss posted a lot of great things today.

This amazing inflatable iceberg that I want to buy and take to the lake house for the Knight family reunion, and this list of 50 Things Every Graphic Design Student Should Know, from Jamie Wieck.

This one above is my favorite. I'm so prone to comparing myself to others... so this is good for me to keep in mind.

I thought the advice given was really great. Maybe I should set a reminder for myself to read it weekly. :)

Ideas

Inside a church in Dresden (I don't remember which one!)

Last night I couldn't fall asleep because my mind was going a million miles an hour with ideas. Ideas that I can't implement yet because I don't have the skills or resources. Aaah! It's-a-makin-me-a-craaazy. I went to bed at 10:30 last night, and spent several hours jotting down ideas. I finally turned the lights out at 2:40. Kill me now--is this going to get worse, or better, once I'm in school?

(Secretly I love it. It's nice to stay up because I'm excited about something, rather than anxious.)

I Might Be Bad at It

You know that scene in A Walk to Remember when what's his face tells Mandy Moore he's going to kiss her and she freaks out and says, "I might be bad at it..."? Remember? Oh...no? You don't watch dumb girl movies as much as I do? Oh, okay.

I've kind of adopted that phrase and I will say things like "I feel like I'm going to be bad at this game," even when there isn't a game to be played. It's one of my little quirks.

All this to say: I had a feeling I was going to be "bad at this game" of 30 for 30. I've mostly worn a different outfit everyday, some shockingly similar, but not exactly the same. My problem is actually getting the pictures taken.

So, I'm going to try to be better, but I'm not going to go back and take pictures of the outfits I've worn. I'll just wear them again and start off counting where I left off.

Oh, and I'm cheating (what's new?!). I'm changing it to 40 for 40. I'm still going to call it 30 for 30, because I can... but it will last longer and include more shoes and jeans, since I only have two weeks left in the corporate world.

:)

I want one. But not for $50.

Genuine Genius Necklace from ModCloth

So eventually I might try to make one myself. Should be suuuuuper easy. Loop some suede cord through itself around a nice smooth ribbon (so I don't scratch the back o' my neck), and voila. A nice bib necklace that's just the right length and color scheme for my proportions and skin tone.

Yes? (Yep, I think so, too.)

Friday Faves - General Favorites

Along with the switchover to the new blog address, Friday Favorites is back. :)
This is one that has been sitting as a draft in Blogger for a good couple of years, so I added a few things to it today, and here it is...


These are a few of my favorite things. There's no real theme here, these are just things I think are fantastic:

• Earrings
• My camera (both of them, actually) - Nikon D60 and Sony Cybershot
• The Giver by Lois Lowry
• Anthem by Ayn Rand
• Sour Punch Straws (I'm totally addicted to these)
• Paperchase notecards, stationery, and notebooks
• Etsy
• Post-It notes
• New Pens
• Sharpies
• Caramel Creme
• Eccolo notebooks
• Sunshine
• Sandals
• Real Italian-style pizza (Margherita... mmmmm...)

30x30x5

After work today I changed things up a bit.

Grey pants: Wal-Mart (who knew Wal-Mart had cute clothes?? I didn't until a week ago)

White shirt: Wal-Mart

Grey flats: Target

Necklace: No idea whatsoever.

Bangles: Mix of Target and Forever 21

30x30x4

Today I wanted to wear something I normally wouldn't... so I knotted a silk scarf I got in Paris a bunch of times along the length of it and turned it into a bracelet. I like.

Dress: Target

Shirt: Wal-Mart

Shoes: Kohl's

Earrings: Target

Silk Scarf/bracelet: Dawali in Paris

30x30x3

Yesterday after work, I changed into something a little more comfy for dinner out with friends.

Cardigan: Target

Tank: Target

Pants: Target (der...)

Necklace: Target

Bracelet: Wal-Mart

Shoes: some store in Paris I can't remember the name of. I loooove these shoes.

Ready, set... export.

Hi, friends! I am getting ready to combine two blogs into a single (third) blog.
Paris Vicarious (a.k.a. the silly english kaniggit) and the Thursday Night Supper Club will be combined onto one blog. Coming soon. :)

So, if anything gets messed up in the meantime, don't mind me. And if I accidentally delete it all, heaven help me--I'll be bawling for days.

Mwah.

30x30x2

Here is day two. My lovely co-worker took these pictures out in the gardens at work.

Wow... my legs are so white...

Black ruffle skirt: Nordstrom Rack

Black cardigan: Target

Coral ruffle tank: Nordstrom Rack

Necklace: Target (most likely)

Bracelet: Wal-Mart (who knew?)

Awkward poses: That's all me, baby.

Could I be any happier? Maybe, but not much.

Okay, Kiwi Fresh'ins should pay me for how much I am going to talk up their shoe inserts right now.

In Paris I bought a similar product--a disposable shoe liner--to wear in all my ballet flats that I didn't want to wear socks with.

I have wanted to buy them ever since I've come home, but never found them in the US. Well, today I found them online at Kiwi for Women!!

Seriously, if you like to wear shoes without socks, and you hate the tiny footie socks (since they fall off half the time anyway), you should get some. Find them here: Kiwi Fresh'ins (a.k.a. every girl's lifesaver). They are only $3.99 for a six-pair pack.

I haven't tried this particular brand before, but I think they would have to be seriously unfortunate to disappoint me.

Hooray! (And you're welcome in advance.)

St. George and Zion National Park

A few weeks ago some friends and I went to stay at my parents' condo in St. George. I went down a day early and spent some time in Zion National Park. Deeee-lightful.

We stopped by the temple for a few minutes, and then drove up above the city to catch the glow of the sunset on the red rocks.

Beautiful, no?

All pics by me.