Mid-Mid Life Crises Goin' On

Ugh, life as a twenty-year-old is tough. I mean we are told we have the world at our fingers, but really? I feel like I need to have my whole life planned out, and I don't even have my week planned out. School is one thing, and the semesters almost over with a giant test looming over my head. Freaking out is an understatement.

So to get my mind off the big scary issues of my life I give you: Ways to feel better temporarily. And by temporarily, I mean a few seconds.

•  Adopting a bunny doesn't seem too bad of an idea (or ya know just seeing one would be nice) money mind you.
• A vacation to some lovely wintery Christmasy escape because ya know I don't want to be where I am
• A wad of cash? A good job? A job? gotta please my parents and all
• Pizza, noodles, curry, Cafe Rio? Food, food is good. Or vegetables and fruit? A balanced meal? refer to parents again.
• All my problems taken away from me. Yeah, that'd be amazing.

Okay, I'll move on to another topic now. Goals. Something you haven't heard of for a tad while. Especially in the book category! So I've read a few books since, since September? Anywho, here's what I've read since then.

The Unfortunate Importance by Amanda Filipacchi: Guys, this book! I mean seriously! It is so strange, and at times confusing. But then it has depth and meaning. If I were to ever write a book, I'd want to write like this...Seriously, give it a read. Just know, however, that there are some things that are uncomfortable to read and sadly, they are there for a reason.

Created For Greater Things by Jeffrey R. Holland: Dudes, this book was written by Jeffrey R. Holland! Clearly it's a great read! There are things in there that I had needed to hear. Read it!

The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith: It's an interior design book about having a comfortable home that you love. Which means, no you don't need to spend all your good hard earnings on expensive things, love what you have. A fun read, mostly I love the pictures.

Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle: A fun picture book of a girl and a Flamingo! Who doesn't love flamingo's? Plus hey, it doesn't feel like reading because, well there aren't any words...How could you not love it?

Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle: Again all the fun stuff but with a Penguin instead of a flamingo. Fun stuff I tell you!

Have a fantastic Tuesday night!
Mercedes

Here's A Quote For You

"Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted." Thank you, John Lennon.

So Thanksgiving. It happened. People celebrated, people ate, and they took long naps. All was well. A happy day indeed.

Now, we get to celebrate the best holiday. CHRISTMAS!! And we get to listen to Christmas music officially. Though I've been listening to it, for longer than what's acceptable. Sue me.

Oh and in the mix of all this holidayness, I tried out a recipe. It's been ages!! How long? Let's see, the beginning of August. Crazy huh? (and yes, I did search that myself. you're welcome.)

Want the recipe? Here you go. Apple and Cranberry Custard Tart
I just made a normal crust, though who wants Gluten Free when you're not Gluten Free? No one.

Life is crazy yall. School! It is almost over! Say what? I've been surviving decently for multiple months. Can I get a hallelujah? I kinda sorta have a job. Woot!

In other news, I've survived against all odds. No one expected this outcome, especially me. I was planning on living in a cardboard box, with a few essentials. BUT, someone above took pity on me and allowed me to live in a decent apartment, with food and clothing. Who Knew...

Other special events happening. My hair is growing! So excited for this, I've missed my waist length hair more than I could ever admit. My right eye will improve within the next month or so. No more 20/40 vision for me! I have a gallon of Ice cream waiting for me in my freezer, all for me!

Life is awesome, especially when you have a holiday soundtrack following you!
Mercedes

How Can It Be?

And so November is here. What a pleasure!

I cannot believe that I have about a month and a half of school left! It seems crazy that I've been doing so well with my classes this far into the semester, maybe I don't have faith in myself, but really?

Today winter just about came upon us. It has been cold all day, snowed on and off. So, shockingly enough when I arrived back safely to my apartment, I added layers to my body, put a beanie on to warm my ears, ate warm food, and made myself a mug of hot cocoa. Winter, I'm bittersweet about you being here. But if there's anything I've learned over the 20 years I've been alive, its that you can't change the weather, sadly enough.

I recently renewed my Provo library card, and so of course, I brought home a stack of books to read. And of course, I've started a book but haven't had time *cough, excuse* to get to them. Someday, maybe someday.

Oh, I also wanted to let you guys know, I rediscovered the Prayer song from Quest For Camelot. Also none of roommates have seen that movie! How?!

Anywho, life's grand
Next week will be crazy, so see ya eventually,
Mercedes

The Beauty of Communication

This past week I have realized how important keeping in touch with people is.

It is so easy to get caught up in the business of the day/week/month to never contact those you love, but here is something incredible. Your family and friends love you, and want to hear from you! They care about what is going on in your life, whether you've been feeling so on top of the world, or incredibly saddened, they want to know!

The other thing, when you call, you could just be the person they needed. They need you just as much as you need them. Just call those you love, chat with them, tell them your frustrations and excitements. Tell them what you got on your test. Just call.

You were given these people in your life, so why not talk to them? Doesn't that make sense?

Just wanted to teach a little lesson, but anywho.

I got a 92/100 on my English Project, say what!!! I guess that's what I get for asking a lot of questions to my teacher. Finally taking the advice I've been given since oh, Kindergarten?

Life's a hoot! Enjoy it!
Mercedes

Turned Upside Down

I have discovered that everything I said as a child was messed up.

Let me explain. As a stubbern little girl who was diagnosed with epilepsy in the first grade, learning and studying and anything to do with education was a struggle, and, therefore, I hated it. I told myself I would never become a teacher, if I went to college I'd choose an easy major, something artistic and nothing to do with math or science, and on occasion English. Oh, how this has affected me lately!

I have discovered I am passionate about teaching young children. Teaching them that there is no one definition of art, and who is good at it and who isn't. Do I actually want to be a teacher? Maybe? (voice is trembling as I say this). Do I enjoy learning because I've become better at it? Yes.

Let's just stick with the idea that this is bringing good? turmoil into my life, everything is being switched around in my life....and I need pizza or something.

I realize that yes, this happens to college students, this is normal even. But not for a stubborn old gal' like me who is set in her ways...or at least thought so.

Well, now I guess my dramatics are over.
Mercedes

Smarty Pants

Wayne Dyer

Suddenly school starts, and there's a new smart kid on the block, ain't that crazy? Yeah, school started and it was honestly not that bad. So hey, that's cool!

Need I remind you that I haven't been in school for about 9 months!! So not being at home doing nothing, is actually pretty great. My classes are all easy and breezy, so I'm a happy girl. Who knew that I of all people could learn to love school, 10-year-old me would have never believed it. Heck, my parents wouldn't have believed it. Alas, their little girl is growing up to something special, and way different-ish. 

Also, I met a twin today, cool fun news that has nothing to do with anything. A dude who's fraternal and from Texas, and guess what? His twin is going to BYU, so that's cool. Oh and if you're wondering which twin is getting more dudes? Still zero for both of us I believe, but I have talked to like two dudes today, so that's something. I realized I'm a little more social than I originally thought. 

Other fun news, it's been raining today, so you know, happy girl.

Have fun folks, stay in school,

Mercedes

The Disappearing Act

Taken, Oh about a year ago

So, let me firstly apologize for the good lengthy time of not posting. I've been working and not much else. Exciting stuff, I know.

Though I have made some yummy recipes since forever ago.

One Pot Cheesy Cajun Pasta

Summer Peach and Balsamic Pizza

Living in Provo is something else. There seem to be so many more fun things going on, more people my age, and I seem to be spending more time with my family, which is a good thing. It's something that makes me happy, and whilst I am nervous about school, I'm mostly stoked because I am taking some fun classes, so all is well.

School. I haven't been for a year, so I don't know what exactly to expect from UVU. Especially since I haven't gone to a university before, so I have many questions! I do expect some frustrations about tuition (which I have to pay soon) and tests and the like, the many joys of school and paying for it yourself, this is what I've been "missing out" on.

Also, I'm so excited for the fall months, you don't even know. So many gorgeous deep shades of reds, oranges, greens, and purples. They make me happier than you'd know.

I also crossed off a bucket list goal last night! My roommates and I danced in the rain last night while it rained/poured on us. Saying it was fun is an understatement.

Anyways, have a nice Saturday night!
Mercedes

Unnecessary Evils

Hey, It's Ok.

Today, I was reminded of something terrible. Called Math.

I've always hated math. I find it as an unnecessary evil, because you know, since calculators were invented I haven't really needed it. But the school says otherwise. Need I remind you, I haven't taken math since my junior year of High School, so it's a been a good 4 years. So you could say, I need to brush up on my elementary math skills, or everything I ever did in my life, but that's another story.

Let's also say I owe my mother a huge apology for my terrible attitude whilst taking ANY math class. I get easily frustrated and choose to take it out on others, and my mother was a saint in choosing to continue to help me, day after day. I also need to apologize for today. Today was not so good.

So because of how terrible I am at said math, I now allow you to weep for my future children, or pray that I marry someone who knows how to figure simple things out. You know, because simple things in life confuse me to my core. Talk to me like I'm 5, then maybe just maybe I'll understand. Again weeping and praying are allowed.

Me understanding math?
Can't.
Love to,
but can't.

Sincerely,
Mercedes

Confused

I am confused about so many things. The subjects include how I still have an A in my Anthropology class and the others, the things I am required to read, what I destined to do in my lifetime, you know the usual. Why? Well, because that is just what I do, I think about my life and what is happening and what could be happening, etc.

Any who, I've started reading Stealing Rembrandt's; The Untold Stories of Notorious Art Heists by Anthony M. Amore and Tom Mashberg and A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. We will see how this reading two books at the same time will play out. I'm excited to read the book about art heists, because recently I've really loved re-learning Art History it really is intriguing and hopefully someday I can read Monuments Men, but that might be awhile.

Oh and recently the weather? Not too wonderful, twice in a row I have had to wear 4 layers of clothing on top because I have no body fat (so people tell me) and my shirts are all thin, oh the frustration and doom of winter closing in on us all too soon. Why?! Can't autumn last a tad bit longer, you know till Thanksgiving? Also Halloween hasn't even passed yet and stores are already setting up for Christmas, I mean come on! They are all way too fast paced for my liking, yes I love Christmas but the other holidays need a little love and attention, which they don't really get, at least not
Thanksgiving.

Have a glorious Wednesday night!
Mercedes

Overwhelmed

There are so many reasons as to why I am feeling overwhelmed. I am overwhelmed with joy that I am still holding an A in my class. I am overwhelmed with sadness because I might not be able to go to my nephews birthday party this week. I am overwhelmed with excitement for the holiday season to start and swing into full force and not stop till after Christmas! Anyway, you get the idea. 

As you have noticed I have been talking A LOT about autumn, and that I love it to no end. You also may have guessed that it won't stop. You'd be correct. Why stop talking about something that is so completely wonderful? It does not make sense in my mind. 

This has been on my mind for a while. Before I started blogging, my sisters sat down on a Sunday and made ideas for a blog for me and my twin. It was going to be a blog about twins, and we had wonderful ideas, but the dearest sister decided she didn't want to do it. I was sad because it was brilliant, but oh well, such is life. Recently out of excitement and somewhat boredom I asked her if she would like to write a post on this blog. At the time she said yes, but it is still in the works. So it might/might not happen. Hold tight. 

Today I started/finished Yearbook by Ally Condie. It's a good book, and I was shocked to find out a lot of it was about my religion, the LDS culture. I did however thoroughly enjoy it and it was nice reading something that I thought didn't have anything that needed to be edited out.

Now for some glorious pumpkin pictures. Taken by Me:

Enjoy your Tuesday my sweets!

Mercedes

Happenings

Today will basically be like a news roundup. So here's some fun things that have happened or will happen.

Last Friday I went to my first concert. Who were the groups? Blue Aces, Fictionist, and Neon Trees. Did I like it? No, I felt like I was in a mosh pit for 3 or more hours, if you enjoy that good for you. Plus I was dead tired and becoming deaf, not so fun. The pizza we had was delicious though.

The Mandarin is opening up today. I don't really want to go back, but seeing as I need money, I kinda have to. The other downside is it will be busy all the time now because the holidays are beginning. So sad.

General Conference happened! I did miss the Saturday session, I'm assuming it was wonderful, but Sunday was amazing like it always is. I love General Conference because I get to hear things that I feel are just for me, to better myself. Who doesn't want to be a better them? Plus candy, candy is always welcome at our home that time of year.

Possibly the biggest news of all. IT'S OCTOBER! Fall is officially here! It's the time of year where leaves crunch underneath your feet. Apple cider and pumpkin picking. Carving pumpkins and crisp air. Basically the best time of year until just before Christmas.

School news: I got 100% on my anthropology assignment. Never thought that would happen. Ever. I'm ecstatic, and now I'm hoping I can do that well for the entire year. Can I? Maybe, but if I don't hopefully my happiness high won't drastically crash.

Stay awhile October, I'm glad you're here.
Mercedes

3 weeks

This is what I made, however this is not my picture

3 weeks of no work! 3 weeks of complete and utter fun! 3 weeks to make more recipes than ever! And that my friends is exactly what I have been up to for today. Well, that and chores and applying to a job.

Also, school started last week and I'm pretty psyched. I am taking some great classes, that I think might be pretty easy for me. YAY!

Recipe Time! Recipe 1 is One Pot Wonder.

Recipe 2 is Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Both dishes are delicious! I hope in these 3 weeks I can make more recipes for myself and you.
Enjoy

Mercedes

The Wedding Bells are Ringing

Firstly, no. No one is getting married over here. You wish, or maybe I wish.

Source: Hiroshima Mon Amour

Source

Source unknown

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about weddings. It seems as if weddings are becoming more and more common in the summer months. It's especially weird when the people getting married are my age and went to high school with me. It is so weird for me!

I have so many different wedding ideas in my head that I'd have to have 10 separate weddings. No joke. Because here's the thing, I like the idea of a long engagement with family and friends surrounding us. But I also like the idea of an easy elopement with just me and my husband. And that right there is the problem, too many ideas to contain! Maybe it will be a wedding where my husband basically plans everything and I'm there to choose cake flavors and be supportive. If only... and it's funny because I'm really starting to love the idea of a role swap, if you can believe it.

If you think about it, all that really matters is that you get married to the man (or woman) you love, legally, and you try to make this marriage work as hard as possible because that's exactly what it is. Work, okay and a little bit of fun. Or at least that's what I hear from those who are married. I look forward to marriage, and to the day that I and my future husband decide to start a family. Two of my biggest dreams!

That will be all the marriage talk you get for today. Now for some updates. I've been reading A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. It's been tough to say the least, I haven't finished it and will probably have to put on hold for a little bit. Today I just got a book from the library. A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler.

My second year of college starts soon, and I hope it will treat me as well as the year before did. I do enjoy college, contrary to popular belief. I just think I would enjoy it more if I got to live in a dorm with 3 other girls I don't really know, because then I would actually be getting the full college experience. I don't know,  I just think that I might finally start doing adult things and acting like an adult.

Well today's post was a success in my book. I got to cross some things off of my to-do list today. Yay!

Have an exciting Thursday everybody!
Mercedes

No More

So today was my last day of my first college year! Yay!

Which means, no more school, no more difficult projects, no more homework, no more waking up super early, etc, etc, etc. I'm looking forward to 5 months off of school, time to start relaxing, more hanging out, a little bit of looking for another job, and summer! Also no School on my birthday, how's that?

Alright, so I said earlier I was thinking about doing book reviews and such. Today I will give it a try.

Recently I read Design Sponge at Home, by Grace Bonney. Great book for those who love everything design, but want to have a great style on a small budget. Loved It! It is a book I want to buy for my future home.

There you go, nothing special, and short and sweet.

Because it's my last day of school, I'm kinda craving thin mints, and chocolate chip cookies. And Sunshine, lots of sunshine. Anything could really suffice.

Mercedes

Relief

So far today has been absolutely wonderful!

I went to one of my ID classes and before I had been stressing out a lot about a project that I had no clue what I was gonna do for it, I was really freaking out. I had been wondering though if I could use my family's annual reunion for the poster event, so I asked, a little doubtful, and...he's letting me use it and I could not be more relieved! And I am like on a happy high!

Honestly, March is going to be a much better month than I thought! Which is lovely, I won't be stressing out nearly as much because of my teacher, a million thank yous to him!

In addition the weather is loving me and I'm loving it right back! Also, my class/teacher loved some of my helpful ideas to make a room nicer! Right on! I love it when my ideas are good, it makes me feel good and not self conscious.

I sincerely hope that all of you had just as wonderful day as I did, even though it's a Monday. Isn't that funny? This is probably the only Monday I have ever been so happy, and it feels good to not have a downer mood on the start of week, if only every Monday could be like this, wouldn't it be great?

Well, I hope my happiness could be contagious so that all of you could be as happy as I am :)

Love ya

Mercedes

Spring

It is starting to feel like spring, and of course I am so excited! To see blooming flowers, greener grass, warm weather. To start doing homework outside, take naps outside, no more coat wearing, the school year coming to a close! Wonderful things are happening!

About me recently? well, I have multiple projects to work on, and I'm stressing out for ideas, I dislike stress. Today I was at school and I started having pain in my lower abdomen, and earlier, pain in my lower back. Pain is not fun, and I guess I should start going to physical therapy like my doctor suggested, sigh. Anyway, School is great, not too difficult and I'm learning new things all the time, and things that I am actually interested in, YAY!

It's amazing how fast a year can go by, honestly I've been in college for almost a year now, how crazy is that? I'm almost 19, and it's not going to feel any different is it?

Hows life in my limited followers?

Time to start listening to Moon River by Audrey Hepburn, of course her, who else?

Mercedes

School

Right now school is a little difficult for me. The classes are great and fun, but difficult because I have so many projects; big important projects that I have not a clue of what I want to do or how to do it. So honestly, I can't wait til April because in April I get out on the 9th or 10th!YAY!

Every day I walk a little to and from school, and recently it's been quite wonderful, the air has been cleaner, the weather has been nicer and more forgiving, the snow's been melting, and I'm getting more excited about spring finally being here as it already should be! and I'm day dreaming about our lilac bush blooming beside the door into wonderful bursts of purple, and daffodils and tulips and the like, I'm so excited, almost so excited to throw a party when it is here! and I can't tell you how ready I am to finally be able to lay down on the grass and take a nap. Spring needs to come faster!

With that said, I'll leave you

Mercedes