Alyssa Brooke

yes

2011-12-15T17:57:00.001-08:00

Full On Crush

2011-11-15T13:22:00.001-08:00

since the first episode. and its never really gone away.

Have Mercy....

2011-11-12T14:38:00.001-08:00

I am an idealist. I don't know where I'm going, but I'm on my way.

[Carl Sandburg]

Graduation is coming. Soonish.

And Im trying to discover my next step.

I know I'll figure it out.

Correction:

I know Heavenly Father will show me where I need to be. He always does. But for now I'm undecided.

Being undecided about things doesn't sit very well with me. It requires a great deal of patience. I like plans and goals and moving forward. I like being productive.

But what do I do to get there when I'm not exactly sure where there is yet?

Why put down roots when I can have wings instead?

I want....

2011-10-31T17:18:00.000-07:00

colors

call me crazy?

Thanks Karen

2011-10-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

you just get me when I need you to...

Yea dude I feel you

Time...

2011-10-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Is precious. And it occurred to me the other day that there are so many things that I want to know. So many things I want to do and to learn. And time is very impatient. It never waits for you. So I had to reevaluate how I use it. And here is the conclusion I came to.

Goodbye.

I will be back eventually.
Maybe.

But lets try and do a few things first.

That's the magic number
5 Books Read off my list
5 skills I didn't have before
& 5 projects finished.

Then we will see how much I miss you.
See if I even realized how much time there is in my day
or how easy it was to waste it.

Reading is Cool

2011-07-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

"Read, learn, work it up, go to the literature. Knowledge is power!" Joan Didion

Last week my little cousin Cord was visiting from Oklahoma. He is 7. He is 7 and sat on my couch perturbed that I was interrupting his reading of Moby Dick. The kid is amazing. I didn't know wether to be embarrassed or inspired. So I chose both. The next day I finished writing my summer book list and started The Impossible Art.

classic

2011-07-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

mary-kate and ashley have always understood me. its like they put my thoughts to catchy songs...

America is Awesome!

2011-07-04T02:23:00.000-07:00

I love 4th of July! It's always been one of my favorite holidays! It makes us all stop and really consider the blessing of Liberty that we all have and can so easily take for granted. There is something amazing about having a country to love. We should regard the blessing of freedom with deep gratitude and always be mindful of it's cost. This country was built on incredible courage, great imagination and unbeatable determination and bravery! We are so blessed and we should celebrate it! We are Americans! We are yankees and cowboys and firecrackers and patriots and we are lucky!

So have fun at your cookouts and pool parties or baseball games and beach days and make sure you think about all the reasons you love this country!

and here are some little 4th of July designs I made! You can pull them from here and print them as a 5x7 for a card or to decorate for your celebration!

I like when

2011-06-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

things come together and fall into place...

Whats wrong with me....

2011-06-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

That I'm not dying to go back??

Changed My Perspective...

2011-06-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

Have I done any good in the World today?

2011-06-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

“the needs of others are ever present, and each of us can do something to help someone”.

It's been a good week...

2011-06-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

When I don't surf and be in the sunshine and play in the ocean, I get sad.

I crave that feeling of sand in your hair and when your skin gets all tight from the sun and salt water and when you feel like jello because you surfed until you couldn't possibly go any longer. And when days like that are missing from my week, I just start to feel sad inside.

I needed this week.

Thank you Ocean for always being there for me...

Sometimes I Just Feel Like Her...

2011-05-30T01:48:00.000-07:00

The Art of Tangled

2011-05-25T01:13:00.000-07:00

Glen Keane was the Main Animator of Ariel in the Little Mermaid. He was also the original director, then executive producer and animation director on Tangled. (He has 1001 other major artistic accomplishments other those, but these two felt so personal)

He is amazing and incredible and so talented.

him doing his thing. it's a quick video so watch it...

Claire Keane is his daughter ( so cute right?) and a concept artist for Disney. She is the one behind Rapunzel's personal art that she spills all over her tower walls. I love love love Rapunzel/Claire's style. I want this all over my walls.

This. is. Adorable. and its short too so watch it its so cute.

Rapunzel Rapunzel Let Down Your Hair

2011-05-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

best day ever

Boy-Frenn

2011-05-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

I always seem to like boys on boards.

I could care less about your sweet car or bank account, Just show me some cool tricks you can do and how you shred and Im yours.

(Well for a date at least, but you gotta hold your own after that)

I dont hate it when their hair is almost as long as mine either.

Truly Madly Deeply In Love....

2011-05-05T00:06:00.000-07:00

With this...

It's made by the incredible and talented Maxx Dexter. It is the greatest thing I have ever purchased period. I took it out the other day and I have never had that much fun surfing in my life. It is the raddest board that exists. It makes me so happy. Im just gonna hug it and ride it for the rest of my life.

Too Fabulous

2011-05-04T23:56:00.001-07:00

Just finished reading Water For Elephants.

It was incredible.

Nothing short of amazing.

Romantic and enchanting and endlessly surprising.

I do love a good Fairy tale

2011-04-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

of course I stayed up to watch this real life fairy tale happen. She is the perfect princess, regal and flawless, and they are precious together.

and they all lived happily ever after....

and oh that dress

This is Happy...

2011-04-22T10:50:00.001-07:00

Lately Ive Realized/Decided

2011-04-22T02:07:00.000-07:00

How Much I love forts. like pillow and blanket living room forts.

and Just you wait Until I show you the amazing fort my friends Andrew and Hali and I built...

I'll upload those soon.

But what a fun night I had playing with them.

Growing up is overrated.

Dont these look awesome?But dont these just make you wanna build one?

OK great. Now go do it!

This was ours <3

My new loverboy.

2011-04-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

I dont even watch american idol but Im still so sad he got the boot. Its ok now he can be in some indie band and I can just listen and have my ears be happy....

also i love how he smiles as he sings

BEST DAY EVER.....

2011-04-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

wooooo hoooo

I'm excited about something....

I can't say what, but dont worry I'll tell ya later...

Sometimes you stumble upon something....

2011-04-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

totally incredible!

HOW did I not know this existed?

Shopping Heaven

This is how I feel about it.

Obsessed with....

2011-04-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

Rose Gold.

It's my new favorite for spring. Its like gold is blushing. Like copper but more beautiful.

When I really love something I start imagining it with my outfits when Im getting ready. and oh funny how the last 4 days a rose gold watch would have just been the perfect accent. Now how do I choose between MK or MJ? (or do I go with the affordable fossil one I didnt even bother uploading a picture of...nah)

My new goal...

2011-04-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

talk less... listen more

The way I see it

2011-04-07T02:10:00.000-07:00

Kindness is always in our power... even when fondness isn't.

(rise above)

Lately Ive Realized/Decided

2011-04-04T02:49:00.000-07:00

There is beauty in simplicity.

a lot of beauty.

Im talking about simplicity in a lot of different aspects too.

Hawaii taught me to love the simple. To Find more joy in rainbows than in shopping sprees. To Need less and not in a sacrificing kind of way but in a "truly more happy without quite so MUCH" way If that makes sense? It like un-cluttering your life.

I learned a different definition of necessity here.

I learned to love simple moments too.

The most fun doesn't have to be sensory overload Disneyland experience ( yea I said it!)

This world is really really crazy. Life is busy and sometimes a slow moment to just sit in the sunshine with a popsicle is incredible. And nothing beats a great surf session when it's not crowded and you didn't bring anyone and it's just you in the water having a great time. I think for the first time in my life I've really learned to enjoy solitude.

"knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others with out using them as a means of escape."

You have to love yourself enough in order to really live confidently.

Simplicity in a design aspect is another thing Ive really really started to love.

Sometimes the clean lines and fresh white is so stunning.

yes this is coming from me, the girl who wears as many colors in one outfit as I can get away with. But sometimes thats obnoxious. Whether its clothes or a room or a table top or your life... Over-styling is gross!

And I think a lot of people can decorate a house really cute or pretty, to truly design something beautiful and that perfectly balances all the elements it should, for it to be full and interesting and lively and colorful and not lose the simplicity... thats amazing!

How do they make this look so eclectic and simple at the same time?

this is seriously amazing to me.

and pop music has its place in my life and my itunes library- I have my share of Hannah Montana and Spice Girls in there- but a lot lately, I've been into these like jazzy instrumentals. It kinda just lets your thoughts flow and its just so cool sounding.

any way I guess I could have summed this all up in a lot less words by saying

sometimes... less is more.

Simplicity is what allows us to savor our life. It is so much richer and sweeter when we stop long enough to really really appreciate how amazing it is.

Simplicity give light to increased gratitude.

so stop for a second and smell the roses .

Made another freebie of whats on my mind...

2011-04-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

There is so much you stand to lose when you withhold sweet expressions of love

why not people how wonderful you think they are?

You afraid your supply of compliments to give out is gonna dry up one day?

and it could be just what they need to hear

its coming.

2011-03-29T01:19:00.000-07:00

im so excited im dying.

I Love Running

2011-03-29T00:06:00.000-07:00

I love that time to just GO. I love listening to my music and just running where ever I feel like exploring. Nothing is better than a long run when you are just feeling great. Now don't get me wrong there are some days I get a side cramp, or that my knees feel like they are literally breaking. Running is hard, especially when you are running really hard. But that feeling when you finish a great run and you pushed it your muscles kinda feel like jello is awesome. I think I like running for the same reason that I always liked swim. It's like you can work out hard and just cruise at the same time. It's all individual mastery. It's like new challenges and goals you can accomplish everyday!

These were my Christmas Present.

love them

This is the greatest thing I've ever bought.

(It tracks everything- distance, time, average pace, calories-everything and uses it with yer iPod)

And my life was changed when I learned about this.

Can.Not.Wait.

Hooray for new Goals and for Running!

Attitude Check

2011-03-23T02:23:00.000-07:00

So here's a little food for thought-

There is great power in the attitude you outwardly reflect. Not only is it the key to making the people around you feel loved, and supported and awesome- But when you have a happy outward demeanor you will truly find more happiness in the little things and see more good in the world and in people. Its like the awesome ongoing circle. You put on your happiest smile and your perception of the world will be a little sunnier.

Pretty Darn Lucky...

2011-03-17T02:45:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

So this holiday always seems to get me thinking...

A little about that one St.Patricks day in Ireland when my passport got stolen and I was stranded, and sweet Erin stayed behind with me as we tried to find the US Embassy. That was an adventure, my poor mother almost had an aneurism.

But mostly St. Patricks Day gets me thinking about how lucky I am. The words lucky and blessed kinda overlap in my mind at least. And I have so many blessings to be thankful for.

So maybe this St.Patricks Day think of why you are lucky. I promise there are at least a few reasons.

And focus a little more on telling the people you love how lucky you feel to have them, and finding ways to serve them, and a little less on shamrocks and leprechauns. (although nothing is better than a McDonald's shamrock shake)

And lets put an end to this pinching people who aren't wearing green thing. You KNOW i am all about celebrating through outfits, but pinching people just because they didn't dress up is just not very nice and probably hurts them.

Oh and I went a little shamrock crazy on photoshop and came up with these instead of doing my homework...

Something Amazing

2011-03-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

By far the most exciting thing in my life right now is that Mr. Maxx Dexter is going to custom shape a longboard just for me. i know, its probably the raddest thing i will ever buy. help me choose colors. I used photoshop to put together some of the color options im thinking of.

But i would love some opinions. which do you like best?

#2,3,4 are the front runners right now

Little Love Notes....

2011-03-14T01:54:00.000-07:00

I Love Post-It's!

Recently my friend Mandy told me about the most awesome thing ever.

I dont know wether to call it an organization, a movement?

But It's all about Post-It's!

It's called Operation Beautiful.

(go ahead google it)

"The mission of Operation Beautiful is to post anonymous notes in public places for other people to find. The point is that WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL. You are enough... just the way you are!"

How amazing is that? just spreading positivity and happiness literally where ever you go?

[I am a firm believer that it's so important to simply love being YOU!]

and how wonderful is it to spread that message and scatter a little sunshine all with just a post-it.

Then I heard this story at Devotional.

"David writes a Post-It note to his daughter every night before he goes to bed. He puts it in a place where she will be sure to find it in the morning--on her mirror, in her lunch box, on her bedroom door, or in some other conspicuous place. On each note he writes something he appreciates about her. 'I appreciated your help with the dishes tonight' or 'I was really inspired by how hard you worked on your math and got an A on your final.' One day he went into her room looking for a lost hammer. On his way out he saw 250 post-it notes stuck on the back of her bedroom door. His daughter has kept every one if his notes. So now, every time she leaves her bedroom she sees 250 notes of appreciation that remind her that somebody loves her. What a powerful message. What wonderful therapy. All from a simple post-it note."

This whole post-it note business is seriously so inspiring.

It's just a tiny piece of paper but how great can you make someone feel with a simple little post it note?

Leave them for strangers to stumble upon.

Leave them for the ones you love.

Leave them for people who may need a little extra boost that day.

Just spread a little love, and all it takes is a piece of paper.

Who Doesn't Love

2011-03-07T21:49:00.000-08:00

PLAYDOH?

Its definitely one of my favorite things.

So today at A+ We made some squishy squeezy playdoh.

We all have a little kid in us who loves to play and this stuff is perfect.

This is my all-time favorite recipe

Courtesy of Vanessa Wright

Its made with Kool-Aid (another one of my favorite foods) so it smells fantastic.

It may make you even wanna eat a piece (I always tried to when I was little) but it tastes gnar just a warning.

Awesome Kool-Aid PlayDoh

2 1/2 C Flour

1/2 C salt

1 tsp cream of tartar

2-3 Packets of Kool-Aid Flavoring

( Tropical Punch and Grape make the best smelling play-doh)

Mix Dry Stuffs

Add:

2 Cups Boiling Water

3 Tbs Oil

Mix with spoons until its cold enough to knead with hands

Add flour as necessary until its a good- non sticky/gooey consistency

HAVE FUN!

Get Your Creative On

so...

2011-03-06T01:48:00.000-08:00

I currently have a black eye. It looks disgusting. My left eye/cheekbone is swollen and has sort of a purple-ish tint. A boy at castles was surfing with out a leash when he evidently needed one and he fell ( hey it happens- let me tell you) but his leash-less board came speeding towards my face a got me right below the eye.

ouch

By far the most challenging part of all of this is that now i cant wink at boys and its really throwing my game off. My friend told me to blow kisses instead. Ill have to give that a try and report my results.

It's all good though. Im no stranger to injuries and this particular one just makes me look really tough/awesome. well maybe not awesome, but tough for sure. i think. either super tough or abused. hmm at least nothings broken this time. see always a sliver lining.

Check my Style....

2011-03-04T19:53:00.001-08:00

I love popcorn. Its one of my favorite foods (next to apples). So a few years ago when I discovered this caramel corn recipe my life changed. Its fun to make and honestly one of the most wonderful treats you will have ever tasted in your life. no lie.

So thanks to my cousin melody because you have made my life sweeter in more ways than one...

Melody's Carmel Popcorn

3 bags of microwave popcorn

1/4C white corn syrup

1C brown sugar

1/2 C (one cube) butter [margarine will not work]

1tsp vanilla

1tsp white vinegar

1/4tsp baking soda

Microwave 3 bags of popcorn. Strain extra kernels if you feel like it. Put all of the popcorn in a large paper grocery bag. In a separate bowl melt corn syrup and butter together. Add the brown sugar to the mixture until it is smooth. Next add vanilla and vinegar. Microwave for 3 minutes. Mixture will boil. last add baking soda and stir until foaming.

Pour mixture into the paper bag over the popcorn and shake to mix it all up. Microwave paper bag for one minute and shake. Repeat two more times. Pour onto foil so it will harden ENJOY!

mmmm just typing this made me hungry.

aloha

It's up to you

2011-03-02T12:16:00.001-08:00

It's about perception. It's your life and it's your choice whether its a happy one or not.

Just something to think about...

I just need to say...

2011-03-01T05:05:00.000-08:00

I really do love my hello kitty skate my whole heart full. This is a picture of my deck. I have pink and purple trucks and purple grip tape too. My brother told me this would just be a phase. 8 months later this board still makes me honesty too happy.

Sometimes...

2011-03-01T00:49:00.000-08:00

Life Stings a Little.

We don't get the answers we want. Things don't work out or go our way. Sometimes life happens and hurts our heart a little (or a lot). But the beauty is that it's ok. Heavenly Father is listening and there is honey to be had. The sting will fade and we will come out on the other side a little stronger for having gone through that. In the past few days I've spent a good amount of time with just me and my thoughts. And while thinking (and over thinking) doesn't ease the hurt as much, some realizations do come. No one said growing pains are super fun. But I've decided that it is these times that help us become exactly who the Lord needs us to be. I've just been trying to remember...

"Keep your face toward the sunshine and the shadows will fall" -Walt Whitman

My sunshine has been sweet friends (and cousins) and surfing and reading and sleeping and taking pictures and running (a lot of running). It's all gonna be ok and if it wasn't for times like these I wouldn't truly appreciate the sweet and wonderful times. I guess all I'm trying to say is even when everything stinks, life is still pretty great.

Can't we all just get a longboard....

2011-02-19T17:43:00.000-08:00

Super great surf session at castles today. Im super stoked on it. And on the last wave of the day as I was dropping down the face and the water was so clear and I could see a turtle. He dove under and I rode the rest of it. Seriously awe-some. I'll still be so happy about it a week from now. Surfing is my favorite thing probably. I wake up and want to go. I sit in class and wait to go. I rush into work a minute before I'm late because I couldn't stop. I think about surfing A LOT. I designed a longboard in my dream. It was so cute. I want someone to shape it for me. I wanna surf like this...

It's Gonna Be Ok

2011-02-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

This is the week before midterms and It has totally solidified a lesson for me. Life gets so overwhelming. Things have due dates, people rely on you, and sometimes things don't go according to plan, sometimes even despite adequate planning or good intentions youre in a rainstorm.

But These Times are the test of a

True Optimist

Its easy to be happy when life is great. But when the rain pours, you really do have to CHOOSE to be happy. Make the choice to say "it's all going to be ok- I can handle this-life is still rad".

Choose to worry and stress less.

and guess what?

Life is so much happier when you do!

Cockadoodle-POO!!

2011-02-18T04:18:00.000-08:00

I love Hawaii

I love so many things about it.

If I were to make a pro and con list the list would be ridiculously disproportionate

(Ten Million Pros Vs. A handful of cons)

Cons like huge cockroaches everywhere or stores/businesses arbitrarily being closed when you go there because its "aloha friday" and that means people don't want to work [shocker].These are things that I have been absolutely amenable to dealing with and just accepting and often loving because that is island life. I dont get mad when my chips go all soggy after being open for 10 minutes because of the humidity, I find the silver lining which is that you know now i wont accidentally hurt my mouth on a jagged chip corner.

BUT THERE IS ONE THING I AM STRUGGLING TO ACCEPT.

Roosters.

and all their stupid cockadoodle-dooing

it's ridiculous.

It's been 17 months of living here and I still hate the Roosters.

Maybe one day when Im an old lady in some weird nostalgic way I'll miss that shrill raucous sound. But for right now I really do hate it.

THEY are the reason I am up at 2:35 am BLOGGING!!

THEY start with that unrelenting noise before its even close to dawn.

Honestly I think the biological clock is all wacked out with these hawaiian chickens. Because they start right out side my window at about 2:00 am and just keep at it all night.

I HATE Roosters.

This really is the ramblings of a bitter bear. I really should focus on the fact that at this moment In between each rooster-schreech I can hear the palm trees and the ocean. I am so lucky and so blessed.

But seriously I'm like one more night away from getting a paintball gun and doing work on these chickens. I'm just saying....

Now I am going to put in some headphones and head back to dreamland

xoxo

Lyss

Look what I made

2011-01-12T10:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the lovely Lori Larson Ive been practicing making these cute little 5x7 desgins. This was my first one all by my self!

I try to everyday

2010-11-29T21:12:00.000-08:00

Live Fantastically and Courageously and with grace...

I'll do a big halloween post later BUT....

2010-11-09T23:14:00.001-08:00

right now im just super super stoked about tarp surfing! If you dont know that that is watch this

I "helped out" my friend Devin Today who is making a little motion picture all about tarp surfing and how it is the sweetest way to get barreled without actually being in the water. You take a big blue tarp make it into a wave and skate/shred through it. It was seriously so FUN. I skated for like a good 2.5/3 hours tonight hahah on a tarp!?!. LOVED IT. I'm a big fan. Honestly it can never beat real surfing but it's up there.

SO RAD!

Happy Birthday!

2010-11-02T11:51:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my favorite Kitty's 36th Birthday. But she never gets older than a 3rd grader. She is everything happy and adorable and kawaii

I love you Hello Kitty hope you had the happiest brithday!

Hello Pumkin

2010-11-01T23:20:00.000-07:00

Look what I made :)

Laie Temple Open House

2010-11-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I went with my DARLING little friend Michelle >

I just loved going to the temple. There is no place in the world that can make your heart feel like the temple does. And I feel so overwhelming blessed to have one so close. Its a little piece of Heaven that I get to see everyday! Its is so beautiful and I can't wait for it to open and I can go do baptisms. I know the influence of the temple is like nothing else. Its so special. I hope everyone gets a chance to go to the open house.

Oh ya....

2010-10-26T02:26:00.000-07:00

a darling boy bought me lunch today.

It made me very happy.

Today....

2010-10-26T01:24:00.000-07:00

was a LOVELY day. Despite the sporadic showers where it pours for five minutes at a time. But those bring the best rainbows.

When I see those I am overwhelmed by how blessed I am! I feel so lucky to be here. BYU-Hawaii really is Heaven on earth. When I drive to school, sun shining down in my little jeep usually listening to some Taylor Swift or Miley Cyrus and I see that bright aqua blue water with waves crashing less than 10 feet away or when I see all of the flags around the little circle as I drive up to campus I honestly feel so happy its hard to put into words. I am so blessed.

Heavenly Father just knew that this would be the most perfect place on earth he could possibly send me and I am so glad he did.

Lately I've been stressing a little about the idea that at some point there must be an end and I will have to leave this Island.

I know it seems like its a little premature to stress about that now but I cant help it! I love it here so much and I can't imagine leaving. But Ive just decided that I need to have faith that If I am listening to the spirit Heavenly Father will make sure I am wherever will make me the happiest.

OH AND BY THE WAY!!!!

2010-10-25T00:42:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I found my Halloween costume. I cant tell you what it is yet... but its awesome. I LOVE it!!

Just to share...

2010-10-25T00:35:00.000-07:00

because I believe that sharing is caring, I wanted to share my all time favorite quote and personal mantra. If I had to choose words to live by it would be these ones for sure!!

That was penned by one of my favorites, Ralph Waldo Emerson. I think the idea of just living your life as happy as it can be and literally embracing every day for the beauty and wonder it holds is the raddest outlook to keep!

Today I...

2010-10-24T05:19:00.001-07:00

Went and layed in the sunshine at Rockies....

Took pictures of Andy surfing. Ill post em later.

Went my girls soccer game.

Took more pictures.

Then I watched Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

OH MY GOSH I forgot how amazing Harry Potter is.

Iconic...

2010-10-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

Carly Simon. honestly, for me shes it. she is all kinds of wonderful.

She is in the same category as these two. and I LOVE those two. They define iconic.

2010-10-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

So if you know me at all you know I LOVE GOLDFISH. They are very very delicious and an essential part if my daily diet. So the other day I was enjoying a a box of gold fish and I noticed on the side of the box there was this cute little profile on the side about Finn the Goldfish. It had a picture and said his nickname and favorite quote and his accomplishments. I started thinking if I had a profile on a Goldfish Box what would mine say? Then I realized...

I HAVE NO ACCOMPLISHMENTS! Like I don't even know what I could write on that section. I need to do something. Im not sure what but I need to accomplish something. Maybe I'll start a non-profit this week. That would be a good accomplishment.

Its not that I dont do anything. Im actually really busy. I love school and my job at the elementary school and all of the clubs and leadership stuff Im involved with at school. I love to take pictures and create anything. But I wouldnt really call any of those accomplishment. Hmmm. I need to get to work I suppose.

Mine...

2010-10-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

I just love that darling Taylor Swift. This is too cute and just makes me wanna fall in love. If one day I meet someone and my life is half as adorable as this I'd be happy.

xoxo

Too Many Possibilities!?!

2010-10-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Who am I going to be for Halloween?

Here are some of my initial considerations....

I dont know why they are all little girls hahah...

Idea Box

2010-10-20T14:10:00.001-07:00

So in my Language Arts Methods class we had to compile a list of websites that would be helpful for an elementary school classroom! That's how i stumbled upon..

The Idea Box

Its this fantastic website for anyone: teachers, parents, kids, babysitters, people who love kids, people who wish they still were kids, people who are just plain bored!

Its full of crafts, activites, recipes, worksheets, links and lots of fun stuff whatever your theme!

Theres something for every age and season!

Check it out!

http://www.theideabox.com/

Ummmm

2010-10-06T23:25:00.000-07:00

I NEED this....

To keep her company

Lakers are for Lovers....

2010-10-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

So this is just to celebrate today was the first day of pre-season. I cannot put into words how excited I am to see my boys suited up and ready to take the season and give us a 3-peat. No words can express.

I love the lakers!

Check this out for more Laker Love...

http://www.lakersnation.com/talking-andrew-london-contest-winner-with-the-pulse/2010/10/04/

Aloha Ariel

2010-09-14T11:06:00.001-07:00

So its finally time for me to say aloha to Disneyland for a few months until I come back at christmas time! Thanks to the wonderful Stephen Ginesi I now have a ton a amazing pictures of Ariel to keep these moments that are so close to my heart even when Im an ocean away from Disneyland.

What a wonderful day

2010-09-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

I got sunshine and swimming and ice cream all with my BFF. My heart feels so happy with her here.

2010-09-03T02:13:00.000-07:00

"A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge" ~Thomas Carlyle

I always try...

2010-09-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

to stop and enjoy a nice bubble bath but then i realize that I am far too antsy of a girl to really enjoy a bubble bath. When I go in the spa I almost always end up flopping back and forth between the pool and the jacuzzi. I get bored too quickly in the tub. It is a wonderful and rare moment when I actually stop and lay in a tub of bubbles and just be. I suppose as I get older and big girl life becomes more stressful perhaps I will learn to enjoy the tranquility of a bubble bath... but for now its just too well boring and quiet.

Im realizing...

2010-09-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

once again that most likely now that Im not in London and that I post so infrequently the likelyhood of anyone actually reading my blog is very small but I like the idea of it. So once again I am going to make an effort to acctually update my blog more often.

Whats new lately?

I'm in Love with....

2010-06-29T17:37:00.001-07:00

2010-04-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

Happy EARTH Day everyone!

Today is the 40th annual Earth Day (a special day meant to raise awareness of our ecosystem and the need to treat it with care)

I am just about to go lay in the sunshine on temple beach and I can't help but feel so grateful for this beautiful world we have. Heavenly Father has blessed us with so many amazing things in this awesome place we live. and Hawaii is seriously the most beautiful picturesque postcard setting to call home. Sometimes the earth like really blows me away.

Seriously how rad is the ocean? And I swear every day I see something that absolutely takes my breath away.

Here are some things that you can do to help the Earth everyday:

♥ Turn off the lights when you leave the room

♥ Turn off the TV when you are finished watching it

♥ Use both sides of your paper at school and home

♥ Help recycle paper, cans, glass, and plastic

♥ Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth

♥ If you see litter on the ground or at the beach, toss it in a trash can

Happy Easter

2010-04-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

Easter is definately on of my top favorite holidays. Its right up there with Christmas and my birthday and Fourth of July ( ok so i really like holidays) haha this year Easter sunday fell on Conference weekend and I couldn't have asked for a better weekend! It was so uplifting and wonderful! And in between sessions on sunday my buddy Chase and I threw a big easter egg hunt and lunch! It was so fun! We hunted for dyed eggs all over the yard and had a sandwich bar, fruit salad and desserts everyone brought to share! Soooo rad! What an Aloha way to spend Easter with your friends!

For you listening pleasure...

2010-04-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a little sunshine for your ears. I am a big fan of the duo Matt Ward and Zooey Deschanel.

"They occupy an alternate universe where the saddest of songs feel as warm as sun showers; the rain may be coming down, but somewhere nearby, everything looks bright"

\

She & Him - In The Sun from Merge Records on Vimeo.

No Posts lately....

2010-04-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

Because of no time. Finals are wrapping up but I still have a few tomorrow. I've just been super busy! I just keep reminding myself....

Did you know....

2010-03-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

it's possible to fall in love with a language?

Neither did I.

Turns out you can....

simple but wonderfully true....

2010-03-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

Some of the most powerful secrets to a happy life, you know those answers that people search their entire life for, are something a kindergartner could have told you. Thats why I love kids so much. The world is so simple in their eyes.

So it's been a hard decision...

2010-03-27T13:08:00.001-07:00

and seriously how am I supposed to choose between

This....

and this....

But I have finally decided to stay in Hawaii for spring!

It makes more sense to take my Spanish 201 class right after I finish this Spanish 102 Class this semester. Plus I am super stoked on staying here in the Hawaii sunshine and playing during spring semester. So many exciting things to do and I will still have a few months in Ca to be home and work at Disneyland!

So yay for making choices!!

Sand Blasted....

2010-03-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

This beautiful sunny day in Oahu is being severely compromised by these super humongo winds-which means I have pounds of sand pelting me from every direction. ugh

Have a Listen

2010-03-25T01:45:00.000-07:00

Small Black makes my ears happy...

Small Black: Despicable Dogs from Yoonha Park on Vimeo.

2010-03-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

-mo·ti·va·tion-

something that energizes, directs and sustains behavior.

Its something that gets people moving, points them in a particular direction and keeps them going.

Im reading my educational psychology book and this chapter is on motivation I and keep thinking everyone should read this chapter.

Its really the ONLY way to find success in anything you do. Motivation is the base for every other aspect of success. All of that hard work and high reaching comes because you are motivated.

I don't really have a long checklist of qualities I want in a future husband, but good motivation is definitely a must in anyone I am dating. My dad can be a man of few words but I know when he told me to marry a motivated man it was a gem.

Good Relationships only happen if both people are motivated.

Motivated men will make the best fathers, providers, and companions.

When you combine motivation with a positive outlook you get something kind of

amazing...

Dear BYUHSA Storage Closet,

2010-03-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

I hate your stinking guts.

As an executive director for the BYUHSA VP I have been given the chore of taking this lovely little storage closet

and trying to make it look like this...

I've been working on it all semester, and I left it for one week and it was a disaster again!

So I spent 4.5 hours in that closet yesterday organizing. Something about de-junking and organizing is a little bit therapeutic for me I think. I kept saying I'll leave in 15 minutes and then would just keep going! It's like this wonderful feeling you get as you see everything start to have a place. I'm pretty sure I'd make my mom and vanessa very proud!

I know its been forever...

2010-03-21T21:21:00.001-07:00

But this semester has been busy busy busy. I have loved feeling so productive and busy. It's been fun balancing BYUH Student Association, Service Council, Student Advisory Council and my job with Kama'aina Kids. I love my job so much and being Aunty Alyssa and playing with my kids is so fun.

Also dating Christopher meant that I had spent so much time with him and even more working on learning sign language. I'm still working so much on learning ASL. Between all of my activities and school and work time to be creative kinda quickly got lost. Which I could totally feel that absence. I missed it. I missed photography and how it made me and the people I work with smile and feel. That use of creativity makes me feel like I've done something worth while.

But what a blessing Hawaii is. This wonderful place just reminded me to slow down. All it took was a bike ride on a sunny day after the rain passed through and seeing a big bright rainbow for me to remember why slowing down is so important. Its true what they say, great ideas come from great bike rides.

It just reminded me to find peace and joy in the journey. To do lots of good things, but never to get so busy that you forget to make time to do the things that make you the most happy.

To stop and look at those rainbows every once in a while. Whatever that rainbow is for you in your own life. Stop for an ice cream cone, or to smell the flowers or fly a kite. Just enjoy every day.

By the way kite flying is a new favorite way to spend my time.

Aloha....

2010-02-09T03:46:00.000-08:00

I love that from my couch where I currently reside I can hear the waves crashing on temple beach <3 its a little overwhelming how unbelievably blessed I am.

Hello

2010-01-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

I'm still here. Just letting you know. I'll post more soon. Pinky swear...

I need to do a BIG update with a lot of new pictures....

2009-10-31T04:23:00.000-07:00

but i don't feel like doing it now... so I will just show you my

Latest Obsessions

I would like to own these

and eat this

Beach Bonfires
Eating these delicious treats at bonfires
this movie
Halloween Costume Surf Competition

After School Activities...

2009-10-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

I finally have a pretty good routine down. Everyday after all my classes I go to temple beach and have a little fun in the sun for a couple of hours. Then is usually home/library for homework and then hang out with cute friends at night. There is also usually a trip to foodland, some shave ice, or a taco bell cheesy roll up mixed in there for a nutritious dinner and lots of spontaneous night time adventures.

Adventures in Foodland

2009-09-24T15:02:00.001-07:00

ohhhh mary-kate and I went to Foodland for a couple of things and ended up being a little bit too silly- whats new!

Men of Hawaii Calendar? Yes Please!

Ok I was somehow unaware that he died and what a terrible way to find out by seeing the cover of people in Foodland! I was so so so upset but even the old lady in line at register 7 was like "that is soo 2 weeks ago" but i am so brokenhearted and sad for Swayze. Im going to watch Point Break now.

We Love Produce!

I was really pumped about that Pineapple

So we like to dress like 50 year old men, whateva

Were not tourists, maybe a tiny bit but that is buried deep inside

Opportunity of a Lifetime

2009-09-23T02:09:00.001-07:00

and I just feel so blessed...

Devotional Today...

2009-09-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

Devotional Today was really wonderful. Elder Perkins of the Quorum of the 70 taught from President Monson's October 2008 Conference Address. And I loved the message.

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."

I really just love this simple truth from President Monson. It makes me think about priorities and what do I fill my day with? Becoming Christlike is the work of a lifetime but how much of this life am I going to waste with unnecessary frustration, unneeded stress, and focused on worldly things that I can't take with me? I hope that I can try and live in a way that cuts out all of the pressure and anxiety that Satan puts there and replace it with cheerful attitude that comes from gratitude for all the Lord does for me. If we find Joy in the Journey life will become a lot easier. We will be able to recognize the blessings we have, little things that just make us smile and know that it's not worth it to concern ourselves with all the little bumps in the road.

Basically go with the flow, know it's all good and He is there and just enjoy the ride...

Here are a couple of ways to destress and just Happy Up!

Eat This

Wear Your Favorite Color

Stop and look at the clouds for a second

Order dessert then dinner.

Put one of these in your drink, like a quick fix tropical vacation in your cup.

Watch David after the Dentist. You'll laugh guaranteed.

Listen to Bruddah Iz sing Over the Rainbow

Write in Pink ink.

Come to BYU-Hawaii for a day

555-543 B Kamehmeha Hwy....

2009-09-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

My little home sweet home <3>

First meet the girls Behind door #1,

It's Lisa and Ingunn my cute darling roommates.

Ingunn the Penguin is all the way from Norway and perhaps the most adorable little thing Europe shipped to the Island. Lisa aka Lisa Lisa Gnar Gnar is one sassy fierce gal too.

You already know me and Kelsi

aka MK&A

This is our View from the front door. Sweet murals too right? The sharks make me want to go snorkeling

Thats the two bedroom doors

Our purple little kitchen and back door

Our living room and the comfiest couches ever.

The best part though is that it is literally on the beach! Like out my back door is temple beach in the morning I wake up and can hear waves and birds it seems unreal. I can't believe I am pretty much a Laie Kama'ania. OK i have a lot left to experience and to see and do before Im a local but Im ready for it! More adventures to come!

Aloha

2009-08-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

Aloha Every One! I still Cannot believe that I live in Hawaii! So far I love Island Life. I love everything about this place. I live in paradise. I think every day how blessed am I to be here. So far some of my favorite parts are:

#1 This is my backyard

#2 I live with the most darling girl

#4 It looks like a postcard everywhere you go

#3 Melona Bars

#5 My Beach Cruiser

#4 Sunshine

#5 No Shoes? No Problem!

#6 Surfer Boys

#7 Hawaii gives you the best hair

#8 Sunsets

#9 Small School means more close friends because you see them all the time

#10 Yummiest Food

Malasadas, Plate Lunch, Shave Ice, Sweet Bread, Pineapple, Haupia Pie mmmmm

#11 Aunt Jen and Uncle Jay rule my world

#12 More Sunshine= Golden Tan

Don't trip mom I'll use this instead...

There are so many more, I could keep going but to make it short I just really love my school. The amazing combination of going to college, having all the blessings that a church school brings, and doing it all in paradise. Its hard to sum up how happy BYU-Hawaii makes me. I love the whole vibe and easy going island attitude, I love sunshine and beach, I love that I am with so many people who share my same values and I am so so glad that my Heavenly Father loves me so much and has blessed me so much and that I can live in this little heaven on earth.

So I'm Sort of Dying....

2009-07-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

So a few days ago my chest and throat start feeling a little weird it keeps getting worse and fast forward-it's friday night and I have eaten a total of 1/2 an uncrustable and 1/2 cup chicken broth because i can't swallow anything. And I CAN'T BREATHE and I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure thats a bad sign. I dont know why, but I can only breathe really shallow short breaths and anything like coughing, laughing and even normal breathing feel like someone is driving this little guy over my chest...

So its to the hospital we go on saturday and YAY this was my first x-ray where I didn't actually have a broken bone ( Lets knock on wood for that one because we all know I don't need to revisit this!)

Any way after several x-rays and tests, the doctors concluded that I have severely damaged my esophagus. Then I remembered the other night, when the water got turned off , and I had just taken some medicine. I didn't think anything of not having some H20 to wash the tiny pill down with I just swallowed. Apparently it got stuck in my throat and dissolved there and severely burned my esophagus, and I didnt help matters when the next night (before any symptoms showed) I went for some delicious

Mexican Food! AY! AY! AY!

Not a great plan when you burn the crap out of the lining of you're throat . Needless to say my spicy enchiladas and tortilla chips weren't too kind to my newly destroyed thorax and I ended up with a big huge tear in my esophagus because of it all.

It will heal itself but in the meantime no deep breathing, laugh attacks, yelling, talking a lot or general loudness. And you know my loving family all took this opportunity to keep the jokes coming. OK guys we know quiet alyssa = oxymoron. funny funny.

Well now my life for the next two weeks consists of:

But hey my new soft foods diet means I'm

one step closer to the retirement home, depends diapers,

and from partying it up with these sassy ladies.

Three Things I LOVE

2009-07-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

#1 Photos
#2 California
#3 Sunshine

I really really really miss this little girl-

2009-07-14T01:28:00.001-07:00

HAPPY 4TH of JULY

2009-07-13T19:55:00.001-07:00

So a couple of days before 4th of july Michael and I spent a lovely day in SD seeing our dear friend Chelly <3 we went to extraordinary desserts which was nothing short of incredible then it was off to the gaslamp district for shopping ( mikey was such a good sport the whole day!) then to olive garden for dessert where we had a waitress who was nuts ( but she had a "designer body", she told us so!!) then we ended the night with the best movie ever! FREE WILLY <3 id been wanting to watch it so bad for like an entire week-

Fourth of July was wonderful too!! Happy Birthday America! We listened to country music the entire way back down to San Diego <3>

Then we went to Coronado and beached it up for the afternoon ! I love the beach so much and Coronado is BEAUTIFUL. My phone thought we had crossed over to mexico ( which was ironic to be in mexico on America Day) we snuck onto the lifeguard tower

and crashed a dance party that was like 97% african- so umm i stuck out a little bit! I borrowed a strangers beach cruiser

and built a sand castle!

Then we ended our day of adventures at Chelly's friend Skyler's house! We swam and sat in the Jacuzzi for the rest of the night. Skyler has this dog the size of a mini horse and when he got riled up he started humping everything it was like everyman for himself trying to stay safe from Kobe haha he jumped in the pool after me!

We watch the fireworks sparkle in the sky, thought about how blessed we are and headed back toward rancho! 4th of July is definately one of my favorite holidays its just like a celebration of everything warm and summer sunshine sparklers sand stars and stripes! It was a perfect day!

2009-07-03T00:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I like to give myself a little extra sunshine in my day by creating little victories and successes. I add things to my TO DO lists that I know I will do, so that I can have that happy accomplished feeling when I cross it off. I also put real things on my list too because being productive also makes me very happy- but I like to top off my list with something like

#1 WAKE UP- and see I start my day with success from the get-go, WAKE UP: if I am awake to read my list then I already accomplished something on it! I usually will add things to the list like #6 YOU NEED TO READ THIS ENTIRE SENTENCE. or #23 BE NAMED ALYSSA. Its all about the little things that make you smile.