.2.15.13.

This was a Valentine's to remember. I am usually one of those haters on Valentine's Day but I couldn't have loved this year more. Since I had dance company on Valentine's Day, Trent and I celebrated on the 15th. I had no idea what he had planned up his sleeve so it was a lot more exciting since I LOVE surprises. 

We got to his house and had a candlelit dinner set up. He made some of his favorite dishes. He also had flowers and my favorite candy (Reese's) for me! 

He then told me he had a gift for me and pulls out his guitar. He wrote me a song that may have brought me to tears. 

He was sweet enough to go to the Olympus basketball game since I REALLY wanted to go. Another post to come about this game!

He was sweet enough to go to the Olympus basketball game since I REALLY wanted to go. After the game we went to Sub Zero for some ice cream. This place is legit! They pour your flavor of ice cream in liquid form in a bowl and then spray it with liquid nitrogen to freeze it. It was so yummy! Coffee ice cream for me please!

All I will say is that this year's Valentine's was one to remember. Than you Trent for making it so special!

.fortune.favors.the.brave.

Last night Trent and I decided to try out a new Chinese restaurant. If you know me and Trent...we LOVE trying new things. And this was totally worth it. Along with the bill came fortune cookies. (My favorite) My fortune read the following:

Trent and I just looked at each other and started laughing! How crazy?! I was so excited and happy to get a fortune that was soon going to be coming true. INDIA!!! May 14,  2013 will be the start of something pretty amazing and I cannot wait!

**p.s. that night I had a dream that I was packing up for India and I woke up so excited and happy!**

.life.is.complete.

I had an amazing opportunity to go up to Sundance and help make food for a dinner/concert up at the film festival. I was hoping to meet someone famous...preferably Ryan Gosling or Bradley Cooper...and get a picture with them. I have never really met anyone famous so I wasn't sure how I would handle that kind of situation. Would I be so starstruck that I wouldn't be able to talk? Would it feel normal? I didn't know what to expect. Well an hour or so had gone by and I was ready to go home. A headache was coming and I just needed to get to bed. This older guys comes up to me and says, "Harry Potter is downstairs."...I say, "Harry Potter?...Like Daniel Radcliffe?" As luck would have it, Daniel Radcliffe was downstairs. He was taking pictures with some fans so I decided to get one myself. He asked my name and shook my hand. He told me his name was Daniel *DUH*. He was really nice and charming. I feel like I held myself together pretty well. Now I'm not a Harry Potter fanatic. I will be the first to admit that. I do love the movies though. It was on my bucket list to meet someone extremely famous and welp...there ya have it! I had the honor to hug and meet THE Daniel Radcliffe! He is a lot shorter than I imagined him to be and there was no scar on his forehead. But he was nice!

 The rest of the night was amazing. I met some incredible people and was able to reconnect with some old friends. I loved helping my friend Jory out in the kitchen. He is an INCREDIBLE cook so it was fun to watch him an action and to be apart of his pasta masterpiece. I loved the concert and the amazing talent that was shared. This is a night I will never forget. Thank you Jory and cousin Kim for making it possible! 

Me with Jory (chef) and my new friend Seffy!

Music was amazing!

Me and new friend Seffy! We bonded over frosting cupcakes! Love her!

               

It's 2013 Ya'll!

Soooo....for those of you how read my blog will come to find that I have been MIA and haven't blogged in a while. The end of 2012 was crazy busy with work, my grandpa's funeral, Christmas, family in town, etc. BUT, I am back and ready to blog and share my life experiences!

I want to start out by telling you about my New Year's Eve.
Wow.
What an incredible night?!
My parents were amazing enough to hire "Cruzin' Sushi" to come cater our dinner.
I knew that we had a sushi chef coming over but I didn't think it would be like this!
I pulled up to my parents house and there on our driveway was this huge truck.
Anna and Josh (the chefs) were walking in and out of it with containers
full of sushi ingredients and platters of who knows what.
My mom had the table as set up so beautifully...she always does.
My parents were nice enough to let us all (me, hugh and stephen) bring dates.
It was an all around fun packed dinner!
Anna made the sushi in front of us while Josh would be in the truck
frying our tempura and other yummy treats!
I cannot tell you how amazing this was.
Anna then invited us to come and make our own sushi.
That was an experience!
We have found a new tradition and I am so happy!
I love my family so much and it was so much fun to spend New Year's Eve with them.

After dinner, Trent and I headed over to say hello to my Aunt Annette.
They were in the middle of games but it was good to see them!
We then headed over to Trent's friend Jonathan's parent's house.
We played some games and had a good laugh.
The Deesing family has a tradition where they burn their Christmas tree at midnight
and shoot off fireworks.
Watching the tree light up was awesome!
We watched an amazing firework show.
If you know me...you will know that I LOVE fireworks!
It was a good way to end the night.

I loved the year 2012....
but bring it on 2013!

Blessed...

It's days like today where I really had to "keep calm and carry on".
Work was a little up and down.
I wanted to go home the second I clocked in.
I wanted to go back to bed.
I just wanted to relax.
My shift was coming to an end and I found myself shutting down.
Physically and emotionally.
I wanted to be done.
I was praying for some sort of peace or maybe a miracle of some sort.
After counting down my till in the back, I walked out to the front to clock out and there was a surprise for me.
One of my best friends.
Trent.
He knew I was struggling today and he came to take me to Cafe Rio.
That was all.
Cafe Rio.
Then we went to Best In Music to play guitars and pianos.
It was a short visit but it was all I needed.
I came home to roomies Aubrey and Macy.
We sat and talked.
Laughed.
Watched Miss Congeniality and admired the actress Sandra Bullock.
8:30....I got tired.
What?
Just what I needed.
After a quick phone call with my mummy and a sweet good night from her I am off to bed.
This day started out a little slow.
I wanted it to end at 8 AM.
But after support from friends and family,
I am a happy camper.
I loved today.
Bring it on tomorrow.

Numero Quatro en NYC

What a day! Man, I am just falling in love with this city.
I can see why Jess and Jake are loving it here and never want to come home.
I told them that I would be okay if they chose to stay here for the next few years.
Then I get to visit more!

Let's see...
Woke up. To the Hurley dog right by my face.
He is a child.
Who I love and adore.
Jess and I headed to Union Square.
This is probably my favorite part of the city.
So open and clean and friendly!

We started out by going to Forever 21...
What's that?
Shopping?
For those of you who know me...I HATE shopping.
Ya. I'm a female of this world who dislikes that activity.
BUT...I was looking for some new shoes.
Forever 21 didn't have the ones I wanted.
BUT...Jess found some heels that made her a whole inch taller than me!
She had to embrace that short period of time.
For it will be the ONLY time she is ever taller than me.
Off to DSW.
Failure.

Annie got a little tired...shopping does that to me.
So Jess and I headed over to Barnes and Noble.
Her and Jake do this all the time.
Grab a drink of Starbucks....Vanilla Frap for me!
Grab a book....Hunger Games for me!
Find a spot....the floor for us!
And read!

After regaining our energy we were out!
We stopped by this market called Dean and Deluca.
A-MAZING!
We sampled some cheese and lots and lots of soup.
People were very generous.

We went into H&M.
Last pair of shoes in the whole store? MY size? $10?....okay!
Last flanel shirt/hoodie in the whole store? MY size? $10?....OKAY!!!
A total that would have come to $46 came down to $20....man I'm good!

Done with shopping.
We found a stand that sold sun glasses.
$5? Okay!
I bought me and Jess some poser specs!

Off we were for more adventures!
I was challenged to find the cheapest street vendor item.
"Let It Snow" wooden Christmas decoration: $1.

I needed some gluten.
Ya....Dunkin Donuts....HELLO!
Hopped onto the subway [p.s....i LOVE the subway]

Met up with Jakie for "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."
We get into the theater and we are guided to our seats.
We were led to the box seats.
Second row.
Umm....keep in mind...these tickets were $30 a piece.
Box seats are usually about $150-200.
Ya....we  were stoked!

I was very impressed by the show.
Nick Jonas was the lead.
Loved him.
Loved the whole night!

Came home to the Hurls.
He gives the warmest of welcomes!
With a little tinkle here and there :)

Jess made dinner.
A-MAZING...as always.

Jess and I watched some Friends together to end the night.
Couldn't have asked for a better day with my 2 favorite people!

Adios peeps!

Day 3 in the Big Apple.

Day 3.
Monday.
Oh Monday.
I hate Mondays.
But...not in New York!

Woke up and got ready for the day.
Jess and I skyped Aub before heading out!

In "Something Borrowed", there is a place where they eat.
The SHAKE SHACK!
Jess and I went there last year for ice cream but we decided to get lunch this time around.
However....
The line:

As you can see...this is a popular place!

We waited for a while and finally ordered!

We had burgers, fried AND out very favorite....Concrete Jungle shake!
It's tradition!

We took a walk around that park and talked and talked.
Jess is a really good listener.
I updated her on life, friends, family and school.
I love my sister.

We met up with Jake.
He opened up an email with us regarding his application for the PHD program at the U of U.
UTAH MAN SIR! A UTAH MAN IS HE!
We were so excited for him!

Off to Ground Zero.
Such a quiet and amazing spirit there.
It's almost like you can't hear the hustle and bustle of the city while there.
Both of the fountains are complete and they are still working on the museum and the tower.
It was a good time for us 3 to stop and feel the spirit of those who lost their lives on 9/11.

To finish out our 9/11 pondering,
we headed out to Staten Island on a ferry.
There is another memorial there for those who lived on Staten Island.
The theme of the memorial was "Postcards from Staten Island."
Again, a hushed spirit was there.

I love how New York shows their love for those who lost their lives.
It was a day that may have changed the world,
but I think it changed New York City alone.

We were getting Hungry so we headed back over to the city.

Dinner time!!

We went to Jake's favorite place.

Araga.

It's an Indian place that Jake loves.

In celebration of his Ute victory, we enjoyed a nice meal there.

What's a dinner without dessert??

We went to this gelato place called Grom.

It. Was. AMAZING!!

Ended the night the way we do.

Took Hurley out for a walk.

Popped some popcorn.

Watched Friends.

It's a nice tradition Jess and I made last year when I visited.

Why not carry it on?!

Good night big world!

I'm in a New York state of mind...

Think of being in the greatest place on earth.
With the greatest people on earth.
New York City.
With Jessica and Jake Garrett.

Last summer I went to New York for my birthday.
It was the best week and the highlight of my summer.
Seeing the city and living the New York life with Jess was amazing.
Jake was out of town the whole week so I got my sister to myself.

Fast forwarding to January 2012.
I thought to myself..."Annie...it's time to head back over to the Big Apple."
Without any hesitation, I looked up the dates for my Spring Break and call Jess.
Her spring break was the exact same week.
Tickets were bought.
March 10, 2012.
I was on a plane heading to what will be known as the best spring break ever!

Flew into Denver at 4:00.
What's this I see?
Flight to NYC delayed?
Can't be too  long of a delay.
Welp...3 hours later, I was on my way to NYC.
Got in at what I thought was 2 AM.
No Annie....it's daylight savings.
3:00 AM it is.

Took a taxi to Jess and Jake's apartment.
As I pulled up, Jake, Jess AND the Hurley dog were waiting outside for me.
We hurried upstairs and there was the pull out bed all set up for me with a nice welcome note and a chocolate on my pillow.
Jake and Jess really know how to make me feel right at home.

Slept.
Until 11.
Woke up and Jake had already headed to church.
Jess and I got ready and headed off to relief society.
Oh wait...the subway stop by their apartment was closed for the day.
Uptown we go!
Get on the subway.
Right as it starts to go, it made an immediate stop.
Causing a man to fall over.
We were stuck for a good 15 minutes.
What's the emergency? Everyone was thinking?
They finally let us off saying it wasn't going to run.

We just want to go to church.
We aren't doing anything bad!
Why is this all happening?

We started heading back downtown.
Trying to get a cab.
After 20 minutes and walking and cab hunting, we finally got one.
We made it right on time to Relief Society.

After church, we headed home.
Jess made us lentil tacos!
They were amazing.
Not to mention her homemade guacamole.
**Side note....Jess is an INCREDIBLE cook. We ate like kings and queens**
Jake and I were tired so we both took naps while Jess did some reading.

I woke up to her making dinner.
Best thing ever.
She made pasta for dinner!
She was amazing enough to make me my own GLUTEN FREE pasta!
We made our "toasties".
They are slices of toasted baguettes cream cheese and sliced tomatoes cooked in sugar.
A-MAZING!

We ended the night with watching "Something Borrowed".
What's a movie with Jess and Jake without some popcorn and mini peanut butter cups? :)

Yes the flight was long and miserable.
Worth it.
You betcha!

Stayed tuned for more N-Y-Cizzle adventures!

Pathetic...

Aubrey and I live pathetic lives sometimes.
Lately it has been very fun and exciting.
But sometimes we have moments that are just down right pathetic.

Last night was one of those nights.
Aub and I were...well....STARVING.
Nothing we ate satisfied our poor tummies.
We were watching Once Upon A Time.
Neither of us could focus on the show.
Aubrey turns to me and says,
"Our stomachs are bottomless....just like the chips and salsa at Chili's"
All I can respond with is,
"Wanna go to Chili's?"
"Ya.." (Aubrey)
We didn't even hesitate.
Grabbed the keys and we were out.

We had bottomless chips and salsa
then 2 bites of our entrees.
LEFTOVERS!

So ya...
We love Chili's.
We live pathetic lives.
But hey!
We sure are fun!

Chili's...and...WINNING!

After a day of studying for a test,
I needed a break.
Scooter (Aubrey's Best Cousin Friend) was studying with me and we got a little distracted.
SNL skits are LEGIT!
IRONIC when you both laugh at the same jokes.
3 of my friends from a class last semester and I had made plans to go out to dinner tonight.
I invited Scott to come.
I thought Aubrey had to go to a Relief Society meeting tonight and I was bummed that she wouldn't be able to come.
Because stuff like this isn't fun unless Aub comes!
She got home from class and we told her we were going to Chili's for dinner.
Turns out, she didn't have to go to the meeting....so she came!!
The 6 of us met at Chili's.
Aubrey, me, Scooter, Jake, Matt and Jen.
2 for $20?
Okay!
We overloaded on appetizers which made it difficult to dig into our entrees.
LEFT OVERS!!
The waiter came over asking us if we were interested in dessert.
My reaction?
(Pointing at Aubrey)..."It's her birthday today!"
He didn't buy it.
BUT.
He gave her an ice cream sundae anyways!

We said farewell to our friends and rushed home.
Sweats were on in a jiffy.
The TV was turned on.
BACHELOR TIME!!!
We hate Courtney.
She is stupid.
"WINNING!" is the only word she knows.

Scooter was a trooper to sit through an hour and a half of such a show!
Good man.
Surprise visit by Paul ad Troy!
They joined us.
Such manly men!
Bachelor haters....back off!

Ya....it was a really good day!
Full of blessings, studying, SNL, Chili's, good looking waiters and Bachelor drama.
Good night.
Sleep tight.

Busy Saturday!

Started off the day with a bridal shower for my sister Bethany!
The women there were my mom's best friends growing up and friends through BYU and study abroad.
It was fun to see many familiar faces and being in the Johnson's home....my second home growing up.
Received a phone call from little brother Stephen:
"Annie! I'm late for Clayton concert rehearsal!"
I was off to the rescue!
We hurried over to Juan Diego in Draper. He was only 6 minutes late.
Phew!
While pulling out of Juan Diego, I thought to myself,
"The Paulsen family lives just up the street! Let's pay a visit!"
With a phone call asking to visit, I was off and up to their street!
I was welcoming by 3 little girls, Olivia, Ana and precious Kambria.
The 3 little sister the God forgot to give me.
I visited with them for just a little bit.
While talking to James, Kambria kept climbing up my body...wanting to be thrown in the air and cuddled.
It's so easy to love this little girl when all she gives to you is LOVE.
Our friend London was there too.
So me, London and James were able to catch up together.
We talking about school.
Roommates.
Boyfriends.
Girlfriends.
It was just a good time to catch up with old friends and a family I love and adore!
Back to Salt Lake I went!
Walked into my room...
KABOOM!
WWIII! I still hadn't put away an clothes. A bomb had hit my room!
So I cleaned while listening to Christmas music!
I receive a phone call from brother Stephen,
"Hey Annie....ummm...I'm hungry. Can you bring me lunch?"
For some reason...I was so willing to do it that I didn't even say YES.
I answered with "Okay just text me what you want from Wendy's and I'll be there as soon as I can!"
I guess the reason I was so willing was because I have been in his position.
Long Clayton concert rehearsals can be really fun...but at the same time....exhausting and well...LONG!
I went over to pick up Trent so he could join me and finish putting in my stereo.
Oscar came along too!
Picked up Wendy's and went in to take it to Stephen.
While Trent worked in the stereo, I watched Stephen's group run through their show one more time.
He did such a good job!
Back home we went!
I got ready for a night with the English family!
While taking some time to decide a good place to eat that will be easy to monitor little Jake and Portie, Trent showed me some new songs he was working on.
With the final decision of Red Robin...we were off!
Portie serenaded us with Taylor Swift songs and the first line of "Hey Soul Sister"
This 4 year old makes me laugh more than any little kid I know!
After 30 minutes of waiting for a table...we were finally ready to order!
Banzai Burger it was for me!
Hold the bun...give me a lettuce wrap.
Although it was rough eating it...I was able to manage and it was delicious!
We headed over to Liberty Park for a nativity show.
Several stages were set up along the park where volunteers endured the cold while putting on the story of Christ's birth for us.
It was cold...but amazing.
I loved spending time with the English family and seeing a fun show.
I love this family!
Thank you Carl, Becky, Jess, Tom, Portie, Jack, Justin and Trent!

1149 Sisters!

Aubrey and I came down here on our own with the hope to make new friends.

Not gonna lie...I was seriously worried that none of my roommates would like me. 

But the day I met all of my roomies...all of those worries went away. 

They were all so sweet and welcoming.

I feel like we all became such good friends from the very beginning.

We are rarely all together because we all have different work and school schedules.

We have wanted to have dinner all together but it never worked out.

FINALLY one day I asked all of them to come over to my house in Salt Lake for dinner this Sunday and

EVERY one of them were able to come!

My amazing mom made us an incredible Sunday dinner.

We all sat around the table and enjoyed each other's company.

We talked about Harry Potter and Twilight.

We talked about families and school.

We talked about good looking men.

I feel like we all got to know each other even more during that dinner.

I LOVE these girls!

We are all so different...BUT when we are all together...it's noting but a grand ol' time!

I am so blessed to have such amazing roommates.

They are always there for me.

They make me laugh more than anyone.

I don't know how I got so lucky!

I love all 5 of them!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM APT H1149!!!

Day 9

Today I am grateful for popcorn and milk duds. Aubrey, Carlos and I wanted to watch a movie tonight. I love watching movies! Especially when I have popcorn and milkduds...anyone who knows me knows that I love eating a milkdud and then throwing some popcorn in my mouth..hello!! Carmel popcorn! So we went to Walmart and got me some milkduds while Carlos got himself some Oreos...I'm sad to say that I cannot eat Oreos anymore...but I did...don't tell anyone. But we came back home and watched Robin Hood Men In Tights....(TIGHT tights) It was so funny! But ya...I'm grateful for popcorn and milkduds....and the fun night that I had with Carlos and Aubbie.

Gluten Free Life!

Day 5 of gratitude month! Today I am grateful for gluten free food.

About 2 months ago I was diagnosed with celiacs disease. I took it harder than I thought I would. I thought my life was over...not really...but it was hard! I went grocery shopping for the first time in 2 months and I was able to find shelves and shelves of gluten free cake mixes, cereal, flour, brownies mixes, crackers, etc. etc. Yes, it is all a little bit more expensive, but oh well! Not only am I grateful for gluten free food...but I am also semi-grateful for being celiac...weird...I know. It's a healthy way of eating! I've already lost 5-7 pounds! I feel more confident in my appearance! My sister Bethany is also Celiac and so I'm not alone! My mom is so good at making us yummy gluten free dinners! She is amazing! I love gratitude month!

A Sunday full of Diversity!

So Aubrey and I got back to Orem late late Saturday night..

This resulted in us sleeping in on Sunday...

BUT! We did make it to sacrament meeting.

Where me and Aubrey were sustained for our new callings.

Aubs is on the Relief Society weekday activity planning committee...

She will do amazing things. haha

I am the ward choir pianist..

Wow...didn't see that one coming...

I've only had 4 other music callings.

But I am happy with it.

And every one sustained us! Hooray!

We came home to do some relaxing.

Our friend Kib came over and started making pupusas!

It's a Salvadorian meal.

My dad served in El Salvador and so we've had those a few times.

They were DELISH!

We enjoyed our pupusas while watching Modern Family.

I LOVE this show now!

Our other friend Jeremy from upstairs came over.

He started making us enchiladas.

I thought I would never have a home cooked Sunday meal while living down here.

Man we got it good!

They took a long time to make.

So worth it though!

We had a load of diversity in apt. H-1149 tonight!

We enjoyed the company of an:

asian

honduran

mexican/bolivian

mexican

and an indian

How awesome is that?

Aubrey, Elise and I were the only white girls present haha

Then I found a jabbawockeez mask on our counter after ward prayer

Kept me entertained for a bit!

Everyone decided to watch a scary movie.

Carlos, Aubrey, Me...not fans

So we sat in our room and played the guitar and had some good talks with our friend Losey!

(Carlos)

We took some fun pictures.

So much better than wetting my pants from a scary movie.

Then we had a visitor!

Our friend Todd.

Him and Carlos spoke in Espanol throughout the night.

Aubs and I spoke to each other in German.

It was great.

Just kidding

But we all had a grand ol' time in the room of Annie and Aubrey

I'd say it was a good Sabbath for H-1149!