Unexpected trip

So, I am in Europe... and... it is a long story of how I got here but I am ever so grateful to my Mom and Dad for surprising me with a ticket and letting me accompany them. We have literally been all over the place in the 2 weeks we have been here so far. First off: Germany, Italy, France, Monaco, Italy again, Austria, London and now back to Austria where we will be for one more week. It was been quite fantastic really. The weather has been freezing but I am savoring every second here. I have had some amazing experiences and cannot wait to post some pictures. I will update when I get home next week! Good night!

California
Ladies and Gentleman, for the FIRST time since I was 5, Cailey Gallacher is going to
Southern California. This is EPIC.
I will leave Friday and spend the week on the beach, enjoying a wonderful 4th of July and
lounging about. I get back Tuesday, so until then my friends--
Goodbye!!

She remembered and said "pray"

My grandmother Olea is a woman of diligence, happiness, silly-fun, kind, wise, and very beautiful. She touches my heart in ways no other human being can. I have a place for her settled right around the middle of what is most important to me--to my soul and my very core beliefs. I pray for her and my grandfather nightly. Unfortunately Alzheimer's has taken its hold on most parts of her brilliant mind, but sometimes, just sometimes it loosens its grasp and releases sweet old memories and clear thoughts of ten, fifteen, and thirty minutes past that she would not have otherwise remembered. Today I saw her after six months of being away at school. We spoke, sitting on the piano bench which held us both for you see she is tiny now. She has become smaller in height and weight. But her heart is still big because she has lost, loved, and gained much from her life. It amazes me that a heart as large as hers fits in a body so small and delicate. As we spoke she asked me about my life. She did not remember who I was--her grand daughter-- but she graciously inquired after my well being. I told her, "grandma, I am a senior now. I am not sure what I want to do after I graduate. It scares me to think about me being on my own soon," and she replied, " oh well that's easy, don't graduate. Keep going to school so you don't have to work." We laughed. I smiled and she smiled. I love her lines around her face when she smiles. Each line represents a worry, a moment of trial, and lots of happy times. She listened a little more about what plans I had and then we were told it was time for Sunday dinner. My father asked her to say the blessing on the food. She bowed her head. I bowed mine. She spoke and I listened. The grasp that restricts her mind and blocks events that happened just minutes prior was released for a brief but beautiful moment. She remembered my fear I had expressed to her earlier and began to address it in her prayer. "Our dear heavenly father" she began, "Help the young ones as they begin to make difficult choices that they must make in the near future. And as they do, they should go to thee in prayer. And they will find the answers that will help them". My heart stopped. My grandmother prayed for me and for all of us at the table. She remembered and with the kindness in her heart she gave us advice. Advice that will forever have a place in my heart. I felt waves of tears flood my eyes as I sat there, head down surrounded by loved ones. The moment was brief, but left a sweet and tender impression.
Her words ended and we began to eat. I sat there and felt gratitude in my heart. This is probably some of the last bit of advice I will receive from her. And I am grateful for the chance to hear this tender mercy, to be her grand daughter, and to know this woman of faith: Olea Mae Babbel Woolf

One of the best APPLE advertisements

Apple has succeeded making me cry. I teared up watching this sweeeet commercial/ad on the new iphone. It is SWEET.
Click on APPLE to watch it.

The man who Planted Trees

This video is a thirty minute short film that is so beautiful. My English teacher showed it to us at class and I wanted to share it with you!!! It comes in a couple parts. When you have time watch it all.








Hope you liked it as much as I did!

Aruba, Jamaica oooh I wanna take ya

Ireally, really, really want to go here:

Greg Miller

Greg Miller is an Artist I adore.
Greg Miller is a modern-day pop artist determined to document the disappearing cultural landscape of America. Through his vision, the elusive eye of a pinup and the reassuring wink of an alienated hero are preserved. He prevents the weathered words of old roadside billboards from continued fading. Nostalgic portraits of true romance and simple beauty are given eternal emotion. Image meets language in Miller’s art as though John Steinbeck and Ansel Adams were conjoined twins. Or, as Miller says more succinctly, “They left me behind to tell the story. Whoever THEY are. My paintings are edgy with sexy smeared all over them.”
“I’ve got a lot of stories left to tell and a lot of stuff to paint. I don’t even know if I’ll get it done in my time here,” he admits. “It’s never been about being famous or rich for me. When it’s all said and done, I want to have made a body of paintings that will have turned people on, so they can see what I’ve done and say, ‘He came to play.’”

Enjoy!

more.

annnnd I need a VERY large house so I can have rooms like these. I think it's Love...

More design

Time to introduce you to some more of my favorite designs: Enjoy.

yet another sappy post.

"there are no shades of gray here" said my friend who is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Jakarta, Indonesia. That phrase really stuck out to me. Why? Oh because although she is in the city of COLOR and exciting adventures, that statement can apply to any place in the world. I often pinpoint Provo as being the epitome of drab, a bubble, sheltered, small, same ol' same ol' etc.
It is not Provo that is drab, it is I that is a drab, a bubble, sheltered, small, same ol' same ol' etc. I choose to make Provo this way. To make my life this way. Sister Rhondeau-- you have inspired me to live with the mindset of "there are no shades of gray here".
I choose to make my life exciting. I choose to make it colorful, and I can make it good. Good as in Great. Great as in Fantastic. Fantastic as in Life changing. I am approaching my senior year at Univerisity. What have I become in the 3 (coming on 4) years I have been here? Am I leaving BYU with the mind of a scholar? A better writer, thinker, and person?

BYU's motto: Enter to Learn; Go forth to serve.

What do I have to offer after I leave my haven of scholarly teachings?

Notewriter: 30x you made my day.

Relapse. Replay. Regress. Reverse. Remember.

I just found about 30 notes written on small squares of paper. They were written by someone I really cared about--someone I was falling for-- not too long ago. I was cleaning my room and opened up a small drawer where they all resided. I had completely forgotten about these notes which had once made my day. Each week I got one of these notes delivered to me and I would laugh, smile and secretly cherish the words written. Some were inside jokes. Some had words of affirmation. Some were simply a joke. And some were words of admiration. I just sat in my room reading the notes smiling but found myself sadly reminiscent of the memories each note entailed.

To the note writer (and you know who you are): I miss you.

Summer Sounds

Alright, my long awaited Summer play list is ready. I had 200 songs which I narrowed down to 57. I do have about 10 songs that I am anxiously awaiting to buy, but haven't been able to because the album is not out yet. But when they do I will let you know! This playlist is a little different sound than I usually go for. However, I love all these songs and I think they are a good combination for the perfect summer pool party sound. I will be putting together a couple other playlists that will be for a summer afternoon picnic, and other relaxing summer sounds. If you click on the song name it will take you to youtube so you can hear what each song sounds like!! Enjoy!
Ready... here we go...
1. "Almost Everything" - Wakey!Wakey!
2. "On Time" (feat. TuPhace) - The Disco Buiscuits
3. "California Gurls" (feat. Snoop Dogg) - Katy Perry
4. "Sans Soleil" - Miike Snow
5. "When the night feels my song" - Bedouin Soundclash
6. "Under Control" - Parachute
7. "Slow Down" - Dry Spells
8. "Scattered Diamonds" - Hungry Kids of Hungary
9. "There is a way" - NewWorldSon
10. "Summer Sun" - Matt Wertz
11. "Something Good can Work" - Two Door Cinema Club
12. "You and your Heart" - Jack Johnson
13. "Que Reste t'il de nos amours" - Claire Chevalier & Rosinha de Valenca
14. "Animal" - Neon Trees
15. "Without a Clue" - Matthew Perryman Jones
16. "Duerme" - Josh Rouse
17. "Everybody knows" - John Legend
18. "Animal" - Miike Snow
19. "You take my troubles away" - Rachael Yamagata and Dan Wilson
20. "Feels like the first time" - Corinne Bailey Rae
21. "Take a chance" - The magic Numbers
22. "The guy that says Goodbye to you is out of his mind" - griffin house
23. "Perfectly Lonely" - John Mayer
24. "Chasing Pirates" - Norah Jones
25. "Good life" - OneRepublic
26. "Summertime" - Josh Rouse
27. "Junebug" - Robert Francis
28. "Everyday" - Vetiver
29. "Wish I" - Jem
30. "Mas Que Nada (feat. The Black eyed peas) - Sergio Mendes
31. "Deja Vu" - Beyonce
32. "Lost without you" - Robin Thicke
33. "Butterflies" - Michael Jackson
34. "Sweet Disposition" - The temper trap
35. "(There is) no greater love" - Amy Winehouse
36. "They bring me to you" - Joshua Radin
37. "Watcha Say" - Jason Derulo
38. "Sospesa" - Malika Ayane
39. "Jai Ho- Pussycat Dolls remix" - A.R. Rahman
40. Beggin" - Madcon
41. "The next time around" - Little Joy
42. "Pretty Please (love me) (feat. Cee-lo)" - Estelle
43. "Hell No" - Sondre Lerche & Regina Spektor
44. " Paradise" - Ana Laan
45. "Replay" - IYAZ
46. "Let it Rock" - Kevin Rudolf
47. "Right as Rain" - Adele
48. "Save Room" - John Legend
49. "Magic Girl" - Sleepy Rebels
50. "Lamento (no morro)" - Sergio Mendes feat. Maogani Quartet
51. "It's Amazing" - Jem
52. "Lady" - Lenny Kravitz
53. "Love" - Matt White
54. "Don't Lie" - Black eyed peas
55. "Only This moment (Radio Edit)" - Royksopp
56. "Rock & Roll" - Eric hutchinson
57. " Golden Love" - Midnight Youth

As requested, I am finally going to post my half marathon experience that happened last Saturday. The half marathon took place May 1st, 2010 on a COLD and WET early morning. It was not the best day to run 13.1 miles. Miriam and I got up around 6 am and got ready. We ate a nice breakfast of Oatmeal and peanut butter toast with a small glass of orange juice. We stretched and drove over to the area designated for the race. We were both excited but I also felt a bit of fear. I was unsure whether it was going to be a good experience or just really hard. We got in line with the 8 minute miler runners and at 8 am the race began. It was an exciting start but still pretty cold. The first 7 miles Miriam and I went pretty fast. We were up with the first 30 runners (out of 300 or so) until mile 8-9. We were getting tired so we slowed down. Each water station was a great sight so that I could get some energy and have a small excuse to walk for a couple seconds. Then the hail started. And boy did it pour down on us. After the hail the rain started and then the snow. For the last 40 minutes I ran through snow and rain. It was cold and unpleasant. But I was determined to finish! I think I prayed the WHOLE time and mentally talked myself into finishing. It was a hard battle but as I sprinted across the finish line I felt immense gratitude to be done and a large amount of accomplishment. Finally after four months of training, I accomplished my goal! WHOO!!!! I finished with 1:57:30 time which is slower than I wanted but who cares! It was my first race. July 10th is the next one I have planned, so hopefully my time will improve. I included some Photos of the race! Enjoy!

Liebe Mutti

Listen.Strength.Love.
Listen is the word that comes to mind when I think of my Mother. Strength is the emotion I feel after she listens to me. Love is the outcome of our relationship. I love my mother. She is the epitome of the word "Mother". Not only does she take care of six children and a husband but she also takes time to enhance her wisdom and knowledge of the Gospel for herself, her family, and church. I love calling home and talking to her about anything and everything. She listens and gives me good advice. Sometimes I just call to tell her a funny story or a random thing I heard or saw that day. Whatever it is I know she genuinely wants to hear from me and we get good laughs out of my busy life. Oh mom, I love you. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for raising me and being a best friend, example and woman I can look up to. You are wonderful!

update

Okay people,

spring semester has started.

And let me tell you-- my life is basically over till June 18th. Working at a floral design industry "Mountain Bloom", along with my finance class and the advanced writing will be the death of me. I already have a presentation due Friday (class started today) and did 2 hours of math for homework.

ug. MATH + Me = Disaster.

If it was not for my dear friend Eric, I would have gone insane from stress. He had the brilliant idea to go to Starbucks for steamers (hot milk with any added flavor mmm!). I got vanilla and raspberry flavored milk. Because Eric and I both like to talk we ended up talking for almost three hours. Even though I don't drink Coffee, I do love the atmosphere of the shops and how it always promotes great conversations! Eric thanks for being such a great friend! You are awesome and I loved our indoor tennis game at my apartment last night. ha!

Also, Tomorrow I get to go see OCEANS -disney's new movie. WHOO!

and duh duh duh duh......

THE 1/2 MaRaThOn is THIS saturday.
CRAZZZZZY.

I will let you know how it goes. I am not expecting any great time but hopefully the half in June I will improve my time! And so the obsession with running and half marathon really begins!!

wasting my time blogging.

Well Bloggers,
It has been awhile. And sad to say, this post is not because I have so much to tell you... rather it is to escape from studying and say nothing of importance at all. My finals this semester have been rough. Not just because memorizing four months worth of material is time consuming, but because my body and mind literally REFUSE to focus. This makes studying very difficult for me. I wake up each morning with a determination to study hardcore and somehow-someway I just end up talking with roomies, cleaning, running, eating, singing, sleeping, and by the time I realize how much time I have wasted it is late and I end up at the library till 2 am. It is fun to be at the library because you see lots of people but still... I could have gotten much more done earlier in the day.
I had to pull an all nighter on Sunday, which really threw off my schedule and I cannot seem to recuperate from it. Monday I spent most of the night eating Kiwis, translating the word Delicacy into German and French, Italian, and Spanish, and talking with a good friend on my roof last night. Tuesday I have spent most of the day trying to study. But that hasn't turned out well. Instead I called my mom, talked to my roommate Morgan, ate and day dreamed. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? My final exam grade will determine my overall grade for most of my classes... so why am I not stressing?

I guess I have the Costa Rican mentality: Pura Vida.

Design

r





Alright Readers,
It is time to post some more of my favorite interiors (some exterior). I have found some amazing kitchens lately which make me want a house with a kitchen in every room. This way I can have all my favorite kitchens at once. I am lately obsessed with contemporary elements within a traditional kitchen/room. I also Love, LoVe, LOVE iron grid windows.

I chose trust.

In retrospect my life has been an exceptionally notable story so far. I am sure I have had experiences that others can relate to and I am happy that I can participate in reminiscing in these memories. But have you ever wondered why God wanted us to experiences these things on our own?
Did we know before we were sent down to Earth if we could handle what was about to unfold; did we have so much trust in this Godly being that we knew we would not be left alone? Even so, this world is so chaotic that sometimes I forget about the trust I have in Him and feel left alone.
Were these experiences something so important that we needed to experience on our own. It is late but I can't help explore these thoughts as I lay here in my bed. The window is open with cool air coming in and finally the clouds have parted where they now reveal a couple stars.
Perhaps these stars are symbols from God reminding me of that untouchable trust I put in Him many, many years ago. I don't want this post to sounds like I feel alone. Because I don't, but I like to ponder these things. Simply that. I believe our hearts and minds are programed to recognize experiences (whether good or bad) as a faded memory we once had back when we lived with God.
If we dig deep down and meditate or consider that we once knew we would have many experiences, then perhaps that is when we find that our inner soul holds the trust that always resided. We must have had faith in our selves and hope that our inner soul will recognize that experiences are for finding that trust that has been hiding within our soul and to let it guide each experience.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yes, I feel it is a special gift from God.
I owe it to myself to rely on my inner soul.
Because long ago I chose trust.

Kara Mann

Kara Mann is a new designer who started her company back in 2005. She has very elegant interiors. Loves to mix modern with traditional: exactly what I love. Check her website out! (click on her name)
Kara Mann Designs

Spectacularly Dazzling I tell you!

There is a feeling that no other environment can give me except for when I am surrounded by family and close friends. And lets be honest close friends are basically family. I never feel self conscious, never boring and I have overwhelming bursts of contentment and happy tidings. Life is great when you feel like you are in company of wonderful, eccentric, lovably beautiful people.

Here is a Recap of tonight's events:
Walk in--- joyous site: Nick, Carter (2 dear friends) and my sisters and bro in law.
Open up the freshly baked cookies -- courtesy of my new cooking class.
You see, my family we love food. We love laughing and talking combined with food and music. Music leads to dancing--awkward, who can dance the funniest spotlight moment-- more laughing.
More people walk in. Meet 2 awesome guys. One from Mozambique who films Lauren dancing like a caterpillar. Beatles are playing in the background whilst the other visitor- Chase- dances for us. Another awkward pause and then we all laugh. True joy.
Next comes more Californians who start waltzing and chacha-ing until we start the "what if & then" game. Laughing, eating Mangoes and reminiscing dominates the scene until finally we are tuckered out and start to have heavy eye lids. No one wants to leave because frankly it's been an amazing time. It has been not only a rekindling friendship and bonding experience but life just feels perfect. Strangers from Mozambique even want to come back for another dance party!? What a perfect Sunday evening. Nothing better than this. Bravo us, we did good tonight.

Spectacularly Dazzling I tell you.