Headbands.

12.11.2009

I went to a headband party last night. I am obsessed. Cute cute cute headbands. Pictures to come.

letters.

12.10.2009

Dear anyone who reads this,

Sorry that I have been a blog slacker since Thanksgiving. When I am in Idaho I do not spend time on the internet like I do when I am in Utah. There is too much to do.

----

Dear Icy Sidewalk,

I am done with your trickery; I will not fall for it again. Just to spite you my feet will not leave the ground, I will walk all over you.

----

Dear Cute Boy Walking Behind Me,

I meant to slip.

----

Dear Stylish Girl,

Really, I am jealous of how cute you look. Always dressed to impress. I wish I could do that. You must be a brave soul... or a fool... to walk around in high heels with all that ice. Either way, more power to you.

----


Dear BYU course work,


These past few months have been magic, really. Especacially these last two weeks when I had the opportunity of staying up with you until the wee hours of the morning. There is only one problem. I am not feeling the same way about you anymore... In fact, I have moved on. I think you should do the same. It has been a good time, but I feel like there is something different out there for me.


We can stay friends.

---

All my love,
Deidre

memory.

12.02.2009

The sun was shining on the sea,
Shining with all his might:
He did his very best to make
The billows smooth and bright--
And this was odd, because it was
The middle of the night.

The moon was shining sulkily,
Because she thought the sun
Had got no business to be there
After the day was done--
"It's very rude of him," she said,
"To come and spoil the fun!"

The sea was wet as wet could be,
The sands were dry as dry.
You could not see a cloud, because
No cloud was in the sky:
No birds were flying overhead--
There were no birds to fly.

The Walrus and the Carpenter
Were walking close at hand;
They wept like anything to see
Such quantities of sand:
"If this were only cleared away,"
They said, "it would be grand!"

"If seven maids with seven mops
Swept it for half a year.
Do you suppose," the Walrus said,
"That they could get it clear?"
"I doubt it," said the Carpenter,
And shed a bitter tear.

"O Oysters, come and walk with us!"
The Walrus did beseech.
"A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,
Along the briny beach:
We cannot do with more than four,
To give a hand to each."

The eldest Oyster looked at him,
But never a word he said:
The eldest Oyster winked his eye,
And shook his heavy head--
Meaning to say he did not choose
To leave the oyster-bed.

But four young Oysters hurried up,
All eager for the treat:
Their coats were brushed, their faces washed,
Their shoes were clean and neat--
And this was odd, because, you know,
They hadn't any feet.

Four other Oysters followed them,
And yet another four;
And thick and fast they came at last,
And more, and more, and more--
All hopping through the frothy waves,
And scrambling to the shore.

The Walrus and the Carpenter
Walked on a mile or so,
And then they rested on a rock
Conveniently low:
And all the little Oysters stood
And waited in a row.

"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings."

"But wait a bit," the Oysters cried,
"Before we have our chat;
For some of us are out of breath,
And all of us are fat!"
"No hurry!" said the Carpenter.
They thanked him much for that.

"A loaf of bread," the Walrus said,
"Is what we chiefly need:
Pepper and vinegar besides
Are very good indeed--
Now if you're ready, Oysters dear,
We can begin to feed."

"But not on us!" the Oysters cried,
Turning a little blue.
"After such kindness, that would be
A dismal thing to do!"
"The night is fine," the Walrus said.
"Do you admire the view?

"It was so kind of you to come!
And you are very nice!"
The Carpenter said nothing but
"Cut us another slice:
I wish you were not quite so deaf--
I've had to ask you twice!"

"It seems a shame," the Walrus said,
"To play them such a trick,
After we've brought them out so far,
And made them trot so quick!"
The Carpenter said nothing but
"The butter's spread too thick!"

"I weep for you," the Walrus said:
"I deeply sympathize."
With sobs and tears he sorted out
Those of the largest size,
Holding his pocket-handkerchief
Before his streaming eyes.

"O Oysters," said the Carpenter,
"You've had a pleasant run!
Shall we be trotting home again?'
But answer came there none--
And this was scarcely odd, because
They'd eaten every one.

Do you have room?

11.19.2009

This song was written by an amazing LDS composer. She is one of my dear friend's mom. I am so appreciative of her talent to write music and that she is willing to share it with everyone. Thank you so much Sister Edwards.

Please, take a 5 minute break and watch this video and ask yourself... Do you have room?

Donate.

11.18.2009

Every year BYU and U of U students prepare for the Holy War that happens the Saturday after Thanksgiving. But, it is a lot more than the Cougars and Utes battling it out on the field. Both schools participate in a food drive that is led by the Student Alumni Associations.Whatever school gets the most donations claims bragging rights for the next year, but beyond that so many families are helped. There are many needy families wishing for a Happy Thanksgiving, would you be willing to help?


You can donate cans around campus, purchase Y-marks from different places in the valley, and you can donate money online! Every dollar translates into 17-20 lbs. of food for needy families. Please donate now at http://alumni.byu.edu.


website.

11.17.2009

There are a few websites that make my days a little bit better. Ready?

First.

http://mylifeisaverage.com/

Second.

http://mysterygoogle.com/

Third.

http://googlefight.com/


:)

Now go explore.

Numbers.

11.16.2009

I ...
... am the 1 girl, in a family of 6, with three brothers 3 brother, 2 sisters in law, and 4 nephews, my family is fabulous.
... have lived in 5 houses within the same 2 blocks.
... am tagged in 1539 pictures on facebook.
... go home in just 4 days!
... would like to have at least 2 more pairs of boots for winter.
... sit in section 33 on row 3 for BYU Football.
... am being followed by 11 for my blog.
... have 45 blogs on my blog friend list.
... will finish school in 17 months, but only 14 of those months will be in class.

... spent 7 weeks doing EFY, and fell in love with that program.
... work 20 hours a week.
... have been alive for just over 235 months.
... graduated in 2007.
... have changed my cell phone number 0 times.
... want to be about 18 different things when I grow up.
... have exactly 5700 emails archived.

Graffiti.

11.14.2009

Okay. I think graffiti is the coolest thing to see. Honestly, how to people get so skilled at doing that? Its hard enough to not get spray paint EVERYWHERE, but then to make it into some awesome art.. really? Skills and talent. I always see if when we go down town in Twin Falls to take train track pictures, and then today we went to this run down building on the way to Springville to take pictures. So much legit graffiti. I loved it. While we were wrapping up taking pictures these two guys came to do a little art themselves, I was in awe. I think I actually at one point told them I was obsessed with them... not awkward at all, but a little but. I promise I am not creepy. But it was SO awesome to watch these boys at work. I snagged a few shots. Skills boys, skills.





Success.

November photowalk. Great set up. Gorgeous models. Good times. I think so.


Introducing Rachel...


Introducing Jessica...


Introducing Chelsey...


These girls are beautiful. Loved them.


Jessica's shoes... I am obsessed.

one week.

11.13.2009

I have Thanksgivingitis.

Do you?

The following are Thanksgivingitis symptoms, you may have Thanksgivingitis if you have all or a combination of the following:
Dread every class because it is time for a break.
Hate the fact that we don't get a whole week off for Thanksgiving.
Hate the previously stated fact, yet still planning on skipping those two days to go home for a whole week.
Sit down Sunday to look at the next weeks plans and saying, "Only 5 more days until the weekend, I can do this."
Call home to find out what the family plans are, even though you pretty much already know.
Try to plan when you can take all three tests and write those different reviews, analysis, and papers before the end of the week.
Want turkey.
Talk about your travel plans almost daily.
Start to pack.


It is contagious, so be cautious.

networking.

Justin brought up a good point. I didn't have any pictures with me in them at Utah Student 25. So here is one of me networking. I got to sit with Utah Angel Investors and I made some great contacts.

Utah Student 25.

11.12.2009

As some of you know I was offered a great opportunity for my RMYL internship. My internship was to be the final event intern for the Utah Student 25. The Utah Student 25 is an opportunity for all student businesses to submit their company in to be awarded one of the top 25. They are all student started, and student run businesses. Last Thursday was the final gala. It was a beautiful event held at the Grand America hotel in Salt Lake City. Speakers included Gov. Gary Herbert, Josh James, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Omniture Business Unit with Adobe Systems Incorporated, John Pestana, the Co-founder of Omniture, and Stephen Gibson, a professional faculty member at BYU-Provo. It was hosted by John Richards from BYU and the emcee was Keith McCord from channel five in Salt Lake City. Students in the top 25 came from Brigham Young University, University of Utah, Westminster College, Utah State University, Utah Valley University, and Weber State. It was a great opportunity to work with this program and it definitely helped me in getting an idea of what event planning is like. Here are some pictures of the event.





devotional.

11.11.2009

Every Tuesday at 11:00 is devotional. Sometimes I go, sometimes I don't, but when I do go I am reminded why I should be there every single time. This Tuesday was a great example of that. Elder Jon M. Huntsman of the seventy spoke. I went in just to listen and after his first line, I decided I needed to take notes. His devotional was full of advice, good thoughts, and treasures to live by. I will just tell you a few of my favorites.

-----

God did not send us here to fail, believe in yourself... Be a person of integrity.

The line that made me realize I needed to take notes. The part I put in bold was referred to frequently throughout his talk. It was the theme of his talk, and a great reminder to me.

-----

Difficulty is the one excuse history never accepts.

-----

We must remember that without integrity nothing else matters and that with integrity nothing else matters.

-----

Difficulties in life are meant to make us better not bitter.

-----

He talked about priorities and quoted President Hinckley. President Hinckley said out priorities should be as follows:

1- Eternal spouse
2- Eternal children
3- Loyalty to employer
4- commitment to church calling
5- attention to personal fitness and health

-----

"Stay true in the dark and humble in the spotlight" - President Lee

-----

You and the Lord working together, can accomplish anything.

-----

Above all else, believe in yourself.

-----

Okay, so I put a lot of quotes, but that isn't even a quarter of what I wrote down. You can imagine all the great insight he had. I loved this devotional more than any other talk or lesson I have heard lately. Thank you Elder Huntsman for your inspiration.

deals.

11.10.2009

Let me throw an equation out there for you.


+


+


=



For those of you who do not understand this equation, let me explain it to you. The equations shows that if I go shopping at Savers, I will find treasure. Like last night when I found two cardigans, a vest, and a skirt for a total of $20.

model-like.



love.



Always and forever.

futball.




Introducing my brother. Eric.

fall outfit.

11.09.2009

It is fall. And I love cardigans and boots. And I need more. The end.



9 Beans.

11.05.2009

ALL I want right now is 9 Beans and a Burrito. Honestly. I sit around wanting it all day every day. I am so excited to be going home this weekend so I can indulge in a bean and cheese double wrap burrito. Oh joy.

grateful.

11.03.2009

My friend Cassidy just post this. I think it needs to be shared.

I thank you God for this most Amazing
day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky: and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes

(I who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun's birthday, this is the birth
day of life and of love and wings: and of the Gay
great happening illimitably earth)

how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing and--lifted from the no
of all nothing-- human merely being
doubt unimaginable you?

(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

-e.e. cummings

Fall 09 so far.

11.02.2009

I just wanted to recap Fall 09 with some pictures :) Love.


Stake opening social

Elaine Dalton Fireside.

Outside Lindsey's wedding.

Lindsey's Twin Falls reception.

Mallory's 21st.

Football with the crew.

Maneaters 1st win.

My 21st, thank you Cassidy for the surprise!

Halloween. Scary.

click.

10.30.2009

Okay. One thing you need to know about me. I am obsessed with photography. Right now I am completely obsessed with one photographer and one photography company.

Photographer: Matt Clayton

Photography Company: Icon Memories

Love. Love. Love.

Dear For Good,

10.29.2009

Well. This last few week has been an emotional roller coaster to say the least. Someone close and special to me passed away. You can read about his accident here, here, or here. Robison Sundell was such a great example in my life. I honestly can not think of a sad or dull moment since I met him. Memories like New Student Orientation and the creation of the super group with our cohorts Cassidy Berghoff and Blake Behnke, long afro-curly hair, well kept mustaches, random conversations, laughter, sardines in the library, hospital food, Indian food, and lots of other meals with Robi. He is the perfect example of someone who loved life, lived in the moment, and served with all his heart. When I found out about his accident a week ago I kept telling myself, he will be okay. Things will work out. People have been injured like this before and they have pulled through. I was physically sick to my stomach and tears poured from my eyes. They said he wasn't going to make it, for sure. They waited until the next day to take him off the respirators so his whole family could come say their goodbyes. Friday night there was a celebration of Robi's life at the Armada. So many friends gathered, you could tell that Robi touched just about all he met. "The Armada bids a safe voyage to our Captain Robison Sundell"... His memorial was last night, and his funeral was today. I had been praying to the Lord asking him for strength and I received that strength last night. The words were so comforting. I am so thankful for the speakers and their inspired messages. I know that Heavenly Father is watching over me, and he knew what I needed to hear during this time. I am so thankful for a gospel that teaches the plan of happiness and salvation. I can look forward to a day when I will be with my family and friends again, Robi included. The atonement is so important at this time. I have faith that it is a true principle, and that Jesus Christ went through that for each and every one of us. He knew that it would be needed throughout all our lives, and I am reminded right now of why I need it. The Lord knows what I need, and this trial is something to build my faith, I am sure of it. It has changed me in a way no other experience could. From Robi's death I have learned that I need to live in the moment. Live my life to the fullest. I can't look at tomorrow and I can't look at yesterday. I need to look at now. President Monson said "And so I ask, 'What are we doing with today?' If we live only for tomorrow, we'll have a lot of empty yesterdays today. Have we been guilty of declaring, 'I've been thinking about making some course corrections in my life. I plan to take the first step — tomorrow'? With such thinking, tomorrow is forever. Such tomorrows rarely come unless we do something about them today." Robi would always say similar things to me. I like to stay busy with school, work, and whatever else I can get my hands on. Robi would always say, "Deidre... stop being busy! Things are so much more fun when you can actually come play." He is right, I need to stop worrying about what I can do it be better tomorrow, but what I can do to be the best today. That is a lesson I have learned from Robi, and I have been needing to learn forever.

---
---

Dear Robi,

I just want to say that you have meant a lot more to me than I could ever imagine. I am so thankful for your friendship in times when I probably didn't deserve it. You are everything that should be good in a person; service, love, compassion, laughter, random moments, loyal, true, loving the Lord, loving the gospel, and so much more. You have shown me an honest person from the first time I met you, and I appreciate that more than you can ever know. I have never had a more loyal and helpful friend in my life, and there are so many times I took that for granted. There are so many good memories I have shared with you, and I am thankful for that first day when you invited me out of the mud to come sit on the hill by you. Thank you for always inviting me out to get away from my busy life, thank you for always talking to me when I was sad, and thank you for encouraging to live life, every single day, to the fullest. You are a friend I will never forget, and I know that because of you I will be a better person. You are like sunshine in my life, always happy and never a dull moment. Thank you for your friendship. You have made me the best Deidre I can be. And I will never forget that about you. I will always love you and keep a special spot for you in my life.

Love, Deidre

there was blood.

10.15.2009

Tonight was crazy. That is the most simple thing to say. Honestly. Here are some things that need to be said about a football team. The Man Eaters.

They do not:
like cheaters.
enjoy playing man-girls.
take losing lightly.
give up a fight.
want to be talked down to by other teams and/or coaches.
like stupid girls.
want to be mauled.
always run a good play.
stop playing.
like refs that are friends with the other team.
like when calls don't get called.

They do:
get even.
have great coaches.
need a few more good woman for their team.
drink squeeze-its.
get feisty.
argue with refs.
have some bomb plays.
play better when boys are there.
make code names and nicknames for everyone.
have a good time.... no matter what.

This is all a lead into what happened tonight. The Man Eaters is my football team. Women's flag football. We got to the field. The other team all had cleats (only one of our players even owns a pair of cleats, but she is fast.. let me tell ya!) and they prayed to start us off (my team need to pray more, then we will win more). Game starts. These girls are deceiving. They don't look like they would be good at sports. But they are good at flag football because they attack and they flag guard. They were vicious. Someone made Talia bleed. Someone else hit Mekelle in the face. Someone else elbowed Nicole in the ribs (her rib is already cracked). They were literally crazy. And the refs didn't call anything. Because of that.. I got very angry. At one point this girl came and rammed right into Talia and me, and I was not very happy so I said to the ref "ARE YOU GOING TO CALL THAT?!" And he said "I didn't see anything..." And I said "Oh so you didn't see two of us got knocked down because she ran right into us?" And he said "Is that why you guys were down?" And I said "Yeah, and ya know what, go ahead, don't call it.. but don't be surprised if I do the same thing. If you don't call it for them, you better not call it for me or I will be ticked!" And he said "Kay..." So we decided to attack. ATTACK. For all the times they flag guarded, for every single body slam, for the pass interferences, we came back three hundred sixty eight times their power. If nothing else, they were scared of us. Not because we passed them in points, but because we would break them. BREAK THEM WE DID. I make us sound so violent. We aren't... But we are. That is all I have to say. We can be just as viscious as the most viscious. I am honestly surprised someone didn't get kicked out. Many penalties called. Many yards gained. But all I can say is my girls are competitive. We are a team. If you mess with one of us you mess with all of us. We back each other up. We let the tough ones take out the mean ones. And even though we lost, we had fun. We are just competitive.

news.

You know that kind of news? The kind of news that just makes you happy. The kind of news that makes you think. The kind of news that makes almost every emotion and scenario run through your head. The kind of news that is exciting and emotional. The kind of news that when you think about it you can feel it rushing through your body. I love that kind of news.

Dear Blog Day,

10.14.2009

Today has been blog discovery day. And I have loved every single second of it. I decided to tell people last night to read my blog. I didn't actually tell them... I just posted it on my facebook status. And to my surprise, a few people actually listened! How do I know? I know because they commented on my blog. Best feeling ever. Let me tell you why I liked getting comments:

1st. Now I know people actually read my blog. Now I don't have to type something that I think is fantastic, or that I want to share and think, "Oh! I wonder who will read this little treasure!"

2nd. It is confirmation that I am funny. The reason it is confirmation is because of this comment I got... "hahaha I laughed out loud on this one deej!" Thank you for posting that. It made me feel like I have actually accomplished something.

3rd. I found out some of my friends have blogs. And I didn't even know.

4th. When I went to read my friends' blogs, I found out that even more of them have blogs when I saw their name on the side column of the blogs I was peeping.

It turned into a blog realization day if you will. I realized that my blog is not pointless, I realized that everyone has a blog if you just peep around the internet, and I realized it is time I update the look of my blog. The end.

Dear College Campus Rules,

10.13.2009

Rule #1 - Never run on campus. You are already late, running isn't going to change that fact. Plus you just look like a crazy person. This morning I saw someone running to class and she couldn't keep her backpack on and she looked so worn out. I felt bad. Class had obviously already started, it was 10:02. She was also yelling hi at people she knew as she ran by them. Have you ever noticed when you are running you seem to talk louder? Maybe because you think that people wont hear you over the wind while you are rushing past them? False. They can hear you. You are loud. What is even worse about running. You get sweaty and look a hot mess. Then you get to class and you wonder why you ran. Don't run... problem solved.

Rule #2 - Do not wear noticeable high school apparel. There is a big difference between regular high school apparel that just has maybe a logo or something like that and something that says "SENIORS '09 RULE!" If you wear those shirts not only do you look like you are stuck in high school, you also have just labeled yourself a freshman, eternally. No matter how mature you act people will know, you are a freshman. I admit, I have broken this rule. I was a fool. There was this cute boy in my class freshman year, and I was wearing a "Bruin '07" shirt. We were chatting and he seemed like he thought I was cool. And then I took off my jacket and he saw my shirt and then he was like, "How old are you....?" Ruined all chances. Never again did I wear high school apparel to campus. Although I do wear it to the gym. Because that is the time when I do not care what I look like. Save high school attire for working out.

Rule #3 - Socks with sandals. Don't do it.

Rule #4 - Walking, merging, and stopping. Let us talk about campus sidewalk etiquette. I am just going to go through a few key rules within this rule"
1. If you are going to chat with a friend, do not stop in the middle of a hall or sidewalk, kindly move to the side.
2. If you are going to merge in front of someone, do not slow down, stay at the same pace because it will cause a collision otherwise.
3. If you want to text, please do not text and walk at the same time unless you can clearly see you will not hit a single person.
4. Stay with the flow of traffic, do not walk extremely slow.
5. Do not cut someone off and then stop walking to talk.
6. When you are walking straight at somebody and one of you needs to move just pick a side and commit, you'll run into somebody half the time but they'll be the one feeling guilty for not picking the right way to go.

Rule #5 - High heels are not needed to look mature. I understand that sometimes people have interviews, presentations, meetings, and other things that require dressing nice. I wear high heels on campus sometimes too. But everyday... not so much. A few things I have learned from when I tried to be a "classy dresser".
A. They hurt SO bad walking on campus all day.
B. They make somewhat annoying noises.
C. Most boys aren't impressed my the ability to wear uncomfortable shoes all day.
There are shoes that look just as nice, and are flat to the ground and have all day comfort, just remember that.

Rule #6 - Carry your back pack. Really? A rolling backpack? How lazy are you? Backpacks are meant specifically for that, your back. If you are going to have a rolling one, you might as well just get a nice rolling suitcase so it can be multi-purpose. Once my friend saw a girl with a rolling crate of some sorts and inside was her instrument, backpack, and some other surprises. College is about growth. Lets all grow some muscles and carry our backpacks.

Rule #7 - Wear clothes. It would seem so simple to someone over the age of... 16? Pajamas are meant for sleeping, not for wearing to school. Yes, I understand you are tired. We are all tired because we stayed up late last night on facebook, in the library, or doing some sort of activity. In fast, I can guarantee at least 50% of the people you see stayed up just as late if not later than you last night. They are all wearing clothes, whether it be sweatpants, jeans and a t-shirt, or a skirt among many other options, it is still clothing and not nightwear. Join us in getting somewhat ready for the day, okay?

Rule #8 - Do not complain about the weather. You can not control it. In fact, none of us can. Chances are, you are complaining because you are not wearing the right clothing for the weather. For example... It is 57 degrees outside, cloudy skies, a little windy, looks like it might rain, can you picture it? A boy walks into my class wearing flip flops, jeans, and a t-shirt. He sits next to me and says "Man, I hate this weather, so much! It is so cold out there. Don't you think it is cold?" I just say, "It wasn't too bad." And in my head I am thinking. It wasn't too bad because I wore boots and a jacket... Maybe if Mr. Sunshine would have thought about wearing even a sweatshirt or closed toed shoes he might not have been that cold. And him telling me how much he hates the weather is just slightly annoying. We are in Utah. It is cold. Deal.

These are a few rules. If you have any alterations, or suggestions, please share.

obsessed.

Thanks to my friend Annalece Boothe's blog. I am now obsessed with this song.



Sometimes good things happen.

10.12.2009

Well. Today I was thinking. Nothing good will happen. It is Monday. Monday is always a day when I can say, nothing good will happen. But today I was proved wrong. I forgot to pack a lunch... it seems to be a common trend these days. Probably because I don't have any bread... minor detail. Anyways, I grabbed a few dollars on the way out the door so I could purchase a delicious hot pocket from the vending machine. I have become quite fond of the pepperoni hot pocket. So there I was, sitting at work, thinking man. I am hungry. I could go for a hot pocket. So I got out my dollars and walked upstairs to the break room where the vending machines are...when I was walking up the stairs I realized, oh man. I bought the last pepperoni hot pocket last week, so I would have to buy something else. Maybe pretzels or a ham and cheese hot pocket... I did not love that idea. But to my surprise when I walked around the corner, the vending machine man was there restocking. I was happy to wait my turn, because then I knew for sure there would be a new row of hot pockets in the machine. You probably think this is the end of the story. False. It gets better. I was standing there waiting for him to finish so I could buy my hot pocket when the man turned around and said "Are you waiting to use this?" and I said "Yes." He then said "Oh, well... what did you want?" To which I responded, "A hot pocket..." Then he pointed at the pepperoni hot pocket and said, "This one?" and I said "Yes." Then he said, "Okay," and reached to the back of the row and handed me a hot pocket and said , "there you go!" I just smiled and said "Thank you!" and he said, "Yep." I GOT A FREE HOT POCKET FROM THE HAPPY VENDING MACHINE MAN. It was so great. I cooked my hot pocket for one minute and walked towards the door and once again said, "Thank you!!" He just smiled. That man made my day and helped me realize Mondays can be a good day. Thank you Mr. Vending Machine Man.

Ikea lamp.

Thanks for sharing this with me.

The Font Feed.

10.08.2009

Lovingly hand-crafted by BYU design students and faculty, the 5th Typophile Film Festival opening titles are a visual typographic feast about the five senses, and how they contribute to and enhance our creativity. Everything in the film is real – no CG effects!

Typophile Film Festival 5 Opening Titles from Brent Barson on Vimeo.

Greatest Mind.

10.05.2009

Here is a letter that was in the Times News yesterday. It mentions my dad, and I am so proud of him that I wanted to share it with everyone. I am so lucky to have a dad who is passionate about what he does, people can tell he cares, and they support him in his choices.

The clock's ticking for Idaho higher education

Posted: Sunday, October 4, 2009 1:00 am

It's kind of hard to tell amid all the falling plaster and cracking foundations of Idaho higher education, but there is a plan in the works to make it survive - and thrive. Some of the best minds in Idaho - including Twin Falls' Ken Edmunds, a member of the State Board of Education - have a vision for a higher-ed system that is nimble, accessible, affordable and more effective than the one we have today.

Question is, how much of that system will be left by the time the reformers get a chance to reform it?

Sept. 25 was a brutal day for higher ed statewide. Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter announced 6 percent mid-year budget cuts for universities, colleges and community colleges and gave the institutions just three weeks to get them done.

That's $5 million out the door at the University of Idaho, $4.7 million at Boise State University and $4 million at Idaho State University. Six percent of the College of Southern Idaho's state appropriation works out to a cut of $705,700, but careful management and use of reserves will temper the pain.

State spending on higher ed next year will be less than this year, which will trigger tuition and fee increases that will price out many students. Annual room, board, tuition and supplies at the University of Idaho now top $13,000; it's $11,000 at BSU and Idaho State. Sixty-two percent of ISU undergraduates now receive financial aid, 62 percent at BSU and 58 percent in Moscow.

Cost matters in Idaho because half of the freshmen in the state's colleges and universities don't stick around to become sophomores. Just 22.5 percent of Idahoans 25 and older hold bachelor's degrees; among residents between 18 and 24, only 31 percent are in college.

Certainly, money isn't the only reason. This is an agricultural state with a long tradition of sending high school graduates directly into the workforce. But the bottom line is that our higher ed system isn't serving enough Idahoans well enough to make the state competitive in a global economy.

So college has to count, Edmunds and others believe, in real-world earnings potential. They envision using dual-credit programs - high school students earning college credit - and the newly minted Idaho Education Network to get students invested in Idaho higher education before they leave Idaho high schools. They also champion the community colleges' role as gateways to cost-effective education.

(CSI - which actually enrolls more lower-division academic students than either ISU or the U of I - remains a bargain at about $2,300 in tuition and fees per year.)

The four-year schools, the reformers believe, must prove they're relevant in specific ways because that's the only way to justify all that expensive bricks-and-mortar and all those highly paid academics in Boise, Pocatello, Moscow and Lewiston.

Programs should be located where the needs are greatest. Half of Idaho attorneys, for example, work in Ada and Canyon counties, but the state's law school is 220 miles away, in Moscow.

And colleges must decide what they want to be. Is it realistic, for example, for ISU to continue to function as an advanced research institution and what amounts to a community college?

Reform has been tried before in Idaho higher education, and has run into the brick wall of regional politics - as the U of I's attempt to shutter ag research facilities in Parma, Sandpoint and Tetonia this year illustrated so vividly. Worse, the rivalries tend to be zero-sum - any significant higher ed investment in, say, Boise is resented by citizens of eastern and northern Idaho and the legislators who represent them.

That's a recipe for decline. In the long run, Idaho probably can't afford the higher ed system as it exists today.

So higher ed reform in Idaho isn't just a political and economic imperative, but an existential one. How long will Idahoans be willing to export their best-and-brightest high school graduates? How can the state attract the good jobs of the future with the educational system of the past?

And at what point is pretty good just not good enough?

Friday, October 2, 2009.

10.02.2009


We will work together
with patience, never losing
sight of the great mission
given us by Him who is our
leader and whose Church this is.

Thursday, October 1, 2009.

10.01.2009


The noblest worship is to make yourself as good and as just as you can.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

9.30.2009


Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it...It really is worth fighting for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk everything, you risk even more.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009.

9.29.2009


We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are.

Sunday, September 27, 2009.

9.27.2009


Live your life in such a way that people who know you but don't know Christ, will want to know Christ because they know you.

Saturday, September 26, 2009.

9.26.2009

Today is going to be quoteless. It is two of my favorite people's birthday. So I just want to say a little about them.


Mallory Arnett. Roommate for two years, in my ward for three years. Always funny. Always easy to talk to. Always a best friend. I am really lucky to have her in my life. For so many reasons.

My daddy, Ken Edmunds. He is the best. I don't know what else to say about him because my words wouldn't do justice. I am a lot like him, and I got a lot of my qualities from him. He is a leader and always serving those around him. He is dedicated, motivated, and intellegent. I love him.

45 Things of Importance.

9.25.2009

A friend of mine had this list on his post. I loved it. So I snatched it and stuck it on my blog, because I think every once and awhile we need a reminder of what things actually are important. He bolded the ones that he thought were good, I put the ones I like in italics.
Here are mine for you all to see.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Call a friend, buy the expensive stuff, wear the fancy outfit. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone and everything..
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do..
35. Don't audit life... Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. "Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Friday, September 25, 2009.


Some people think I need to take medicine, I don't need medicine. I say, God gave me A.D.D. for a reason.

Thursday, September 24, 2009.

9.24.2009


Treat people as if they were what they ougth to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.

Here I am.

Well. Considering I am sitting at work with nothing to do for the next little while, and considering I never write in my blog, and considering Nicole Lindsley told me I was bad at updating my blog, I figured the time is now to catch up on a lot of everything that has been going on in my life. Welcome to the longest blog post I have ever written. My name is Deidre Edmunds, and I will be informing you on life since the 6th month in the year 2009, which is June 2009 for those of you who don't know the order and number of months.

We will start with.... Miss Idaho.


Miss Idaho was a great week. I met some AMAZING girls. Really. And I had a great time. Probably too much fun considering it was a competition. Usually I am really competitive and I don't like to get into the social aspect outside of my team, but my team was just me... so I had to break down a few walls and make friends. I am really glad I did. The week went by super fast. We did a lot of really random things, some service, and then news broadcasts. We went to the hospital to read to the kids for Children's Miracle Network, went to visit a Boys and Girls club, learned some sweet dances for opening numbers ( I will forever think of walking around in a white dress with a mask when I hear Viva La Vida ), we had the opportunity to meet the governor- Butch Otter, we were recorded practicing our opening number time and time again for news breaks, a fashion show at Dillards ( wore an evening wear outfit and every single Miss Idaho contestant got scouted by Urban Talent, ha.), we did an appearance at Goody's ice cream parlor (good ice cream, sorry swimsuit competition...), and actually... we were just pretty well fed all week. Homecooked meals by the board, restaurants catering, so good. Then there were the fun gifts we got. First we had matching sponsor t-shirts for everyday. We got some cute bags, totes, and make-up cases. Note pads, pens, things for pampering, a Scentsy (which I love and now have in my apartment down here!), and.... lets be honest too many things for me to remember. The competition was so fun. I would love to go back to Miss Idaho just for the experience of meeting new girls, becoming more confident, dancing back stage, and just loving every second. I don't even know what to say besides I absolutely loved every single second. Kara Jackson was crowned Miss Idaho 2010, and she will be fantastic!

Moving on to.... EFY.


hopefully in return I taught something to the people I came in contact with. It was simply amazing and I know I am even stronger in the gospel today because of those 7 weeks. My testimony is the strongest it has ever been. I learned so much about who I am and what I am doing here. I had so many prayers answered. I have never felt a strong feeling to go on a mission, but it is okay, because I know being at EI honestly can only think of two words to describe my EFY experience. PURE SATISFACTION. It was the most perfect and wonderful and spiritually strengthening time of my whole life. It was perfect for me, and exactly what I needed in my life. I would not change a single moment of those 7 weeks, and nothing could ever replace the learning that happened in those weeks. First of all, let me say that the youth in my groups were brilliant. They were so strong mentally and spiritually. Even the ones with struggles were stronger than I was at that age, because they wanted to learn and grow. They were all there to feast upon the words of Christ, which was something so amazing to me. If I had half their dedication to the gospel at that age, I would be much more educated in the Church today. I went in thinking it would be a great opportunity to teach and maybe learn, but I came out thinking it was a great opportunity for me to learn, from the participants, other counselors, session directors, building counselors, and teachers, andFY was my mission. I understand why so many young men are willing to dedicate two years or their life to the gospel. It brings so much joy and so much excitement to share something you feel so strongly about and to see the happiness and light is sparks in those around you. I know with all my heart this is the true gospel. I am so thankful for that being confirmed to me over my weeks at EFY, because that is something that will be with me forever. If I could leave one thing that helped me through every moment, it would be the importance of building a relationship with our Heavenly Father. He can help with every single thing in your life. And if nothing is going wrong, then he wants to hear about the joys in our lives. He is our Father, and we need to remember that as we go through our days. His hand is in every moment, and He wants us to continue on our way home to His loving arms.

Next... EFC, or what we like to call DISNEYLAND.


Disney makes me happy. EFY makes me happy. Imagine Disney with EFY friends..... so happy. I enjoyed meeting people I didn't get to meet during my weeks at EFY. I got to ride a lot of rides over my three days at the happiest place on Earth. Sharing a room with Mary Beth, Katie, Meghan, and Amanda was the BEST! Going to the beach was so good, even though it took a really long time to get there and we got lost and I just about died in the car ride there. But really... just in general I had a good time. I don't know what else to say besides TWO THUMBS WAY UP!

Now... SCHOOL!

Oh, remember how even though I had a great summer, I still had to go back to school? Well... if you didn't remember, that is where I am now. Studying Recreation Management with a Commercial Leisure Services emphasis, working at BYU Alumni for Roy Brinkerhoff as his student assistant, and doing an internship planning the final event for the Utah Student 25, under Brent Pribil with Omniture. I would love to share every detail about how this year has gone... but I will be honest, my fingers hurt a little bit. So you can look forward to posts about 80's dancing, the Alumni conference, BYU athletics (the good and the bad), my internship, my roommates (got some good ones this year), people that are like my roommates because they live in Stratford 104, and flag football... okay? Okay.

PS... If you would like to hear more about the previously mentioned things, just ask, I realize I left out lots of details and random things that may or may not be important. Actually... if you want to know anything at all, just ask. It will make my life, and yours much easier.

PREVIEW OF THINGS POSSIBLY TO COME:







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