miss meliss & my life of bliss

happy valentine's from jake

2012-02-14T10:47:00.005-07:00

Hey girls, Jake told me to wish you all a Happy Valentine's.

He also says, "You're welcome."

Oh, Jake, stop!

i can't get no satisfaction

2012-02-06T13:36:00.004-07:00

For some unknown reason over the past couple of months I've been feeling very dissatisfied with what I'm doing with my life, and have been thinking about what I should be doing that would be more fulfilling to me. I want to do something that would help people.

I think I'm going to write a book. Like a real book. A publishable book. The kind of book people buy and add to their personal libraries. At least that's what I'm thinking at the moment.

I'm serious. Wish me luck.

you gotta try this

2012-01-23T15:08:00.003-07:00

This really is crazy, you should try it. Just follow the instructions below.

1. Stare at the red dot on the girl’s nose for 30 seconds
2. After 30 seconds turn your eyes towards the ceiling
3. Keep blinking your eyes quickly!

say what??

2012-01-21T16:34:00.007-07:00

I've told you all about this problem before. If you can't remember, go ahead and mozy on down to THIS POST to refresh your memory.

The problem is this: when I am scared, surprised, get hurt, or am driving, tiny little cursing gems seem to pop out of my mouth. That's not the worst thing in the world, but you have to understand - these choice words tend spill off my tongue at the most inopportune moments!

Like I said, you can review this post for a couple of past examples, but I have a couple more to add to the list. Maybe I shouldn't share these oh-so-publicly, but like I said it's not the worst thing in the world, and besides, I think it's kinda funny.

Scenario 1:

I always sing in the Stake Choir @ Stake Conference (unless I am sick). We had a Stake Conference not too long ago when Elder L. Tom Perry came to visit and speak to us. So, he's on the stand, and the choir is sitting on the first two rows of the De Jong Concert Hall so that getting on and off the stage would be easy.

Seeing as these conferences involve hundreds and hundreds of my peers as attendees, I always try to look my best, especially seeing as I'll be on stage a couple of times. This day in particular, I was wearing a floor length black dress, gold heels, and a ruched gold cardigan (yes, my ensemble is an important part of the story).

So as a choir we go up on stage and sing the first song. On the way back down to sit in the audience, as the concert hall is in silence and just as I'm about to reach my seat, one of my heels gets caught in my floor length dress, and I totally trip. I catch myself before I fall, but what I don't catch is the following phrase slipping out of my trap, "Oh sh*t!"

I was mortified. It was such an accident - the tripping and the vocabulary! I sat down and looked up on stage, and I swear Elder Perry was smiling right at me. Did he see and/or hear me? I'll never know. But I'm still so ashamed.

Scenario 2:

So I have a few major phobias in my life. Two of the biggest ones include these:

1. I live in constant fear of my home burning down (seriously - often when I'm on my way home from somewhere I'll expect to arrive welcomed by a pile of smoldering ashes).

2. I am deathly afraid of needles. When I have to get poked or see someone else getting poked I get flustered, I breath hard, I get hot, I get sweaty, and all the blood drains from my face. In the past I've hyperventilated, I've nearly fainted, I've passed out, etc. It's not pretty.

So this week I had to get some blood drawn at the doctor's office. Most of the aforementioned phobia symptoms were present. The nurse goes in to draw my blood and what comes out of my mouth at the moment of pricking? See scenario one, because my words were verbatim.

Gah! What is wrong with me? The best part of scenario two is that I go to BYU and am on their medical insurance, so this took place in the BYU Health Center in front of others who surely would never let such vulgarity escape their lips! Ha. Well, needless to say I apologized to the nurse, and luckily she didn't care at all and thought it was way funny.

Sigh. I gotta get a handle on this. I mean seriously - what's next??

introducing the 2012 Meliss Mantra: "don't worry, be happy"

2012-01-12T01:48:00.008-07:00

I didn't blog very much in 2011 overall. This was due to several reasons, but largely it was because 2011 was a very hard year for me. And truth be told, it sadly seems the year was that way for a whole lot of people I know and love.

But 2011 is over, people! It's time for 2012, and my mantra for the year is "Don't Worry, Be Happy." I just decided on it tonight. Let me tell you why.

I haven't felt a lot of calmness or peace of mind over the past year in my heart/mind/spirit/body/emotions/etc. Overall I have felt a lot of stress, anxiety, depression, and a general sense of being overwhelmed with life - all of which feelings could be considered the antithesis of peace and calm. Over the past few days specifically I haven't been able to sleep because I'm very stressed and feel like my mind is going a million miles a minute. I'm sure we've all been there. So last night in my personal prayers I was pleading specifically that I'd be granted the blessing of calmness in my mind and life.

Fast forward to this morning, when on a whim I finally watched the video which my friends have been posting on Facebook for weeks. It's the message from Elder Nelson, "Men Hearts Shall Fail Them." Watch it:

I cried so hard when I watched this. I felt like it was an answer to my prayer. I realized that my heart has been failing me for fear. But not fear for death. It has been failing me for fear for life. Every heartache and disappointment, every intense trial that has come my way this past year has robbed me of my sense of calm. I spent the past year being so stressed about everything and worrying that things won't work out. Feeling like giving up. Feeling like my life is ruined. Being anxious and full of fear and doubt. So when Elder Nelson spoke of his experience and how even in such a scary and very intense situation he was "totally calm," I realized that the same feeling can be mine if I so choose. Like he said,

"If you've got faith, you can handle difficulties... To the individual who is weak in the heart - fearful in the heart - be patient with yourself. Don't demand things that are unreasonable, but demand of yourself improvement. As you let the Lord help you through that, He will make the difference."

So that's how I feel today. But for the majority of the past year my attitude has been very different, and I'm sure it will take me awhile to get my attitude back on track and negative thinking patterns changed. I've spoken with multiple people I'm close with about how much I hated/despised/loathed/detested the past year. I found myself saying more than once, "May 2011 never repeat itself in history." I have to say that in many ways, I still stand by that sentiment. Wholeheartedly.

But like I said I've been thinking.

Yes, 2011 was hard. It was challenging. It was stupid. The hard and challenging portions are just a part of life - you know, trials and such. And in the spirit of being forthcoming, I'll tell you that the stupid portions were due (mostly) to my own stupidity.

My name is Melissa Nickle, and I am a stupiholic.

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Anyway that's not the point. The point I'm trying to make is that with all the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad things that happened this year, I lost focus on all the good things. I didn't blog about those things. I will post more extensively about each of the following items in the future, but for now here are a few examples of the positive things I didn't blog about:

I didn't blog about the fact that for the 2011 Fall and Winter semesters (in which I was taking a full-time course load) I worked my hiney off and as a result I did better than I ever had previously in my college career, even receiving a 4.0 GPA on my latest report card.*
*Do they still call them that in college? I'm smart, I promise.

I didn't blog about my family trip to CA, nor about my Nannie's reaction to receiving her book I compiled for her which she received while we were there visiting. We cried together when she saw it and I am so happy that I was able to finish that for her! It would have been one of the biggest regrets of my life had I not done it! She was able to give the book as a Christmas present to over 20 people and I know it meant so much to her (and to me).

I didn't blog about my little brother, Braden, receiving his mission call to serve in the Florida Tampa Mission! He leaves in March and I am SO proud of and excited for him! So far all the missionaries in our family have been in the same area of the country. Me: Georgia, Zander: Virginia, Justin: Tennessee, and now Braden; Florida. Who knows where Bryson will go next year!

I didn't blog about my parties! And I threw some pretty grand shin-digs, let me tell ya. I never blogged about my "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Night," my third annual "Dutch Oven Cobbler Night," nor did I post about the Murder Mystery Dinner I hosted. I didn't post about the huge combined party my brother and I hosted up at our family's cabin just after Thanksgiving. I love throwing parties - it brings me happiness. I was the creator of a little bit of fun and many memories.

I didn't blog about the fact that doctors were finally able to determine the cause of my constant sickness the past year. I have been to the doctor at least once a month since last March. It was terrible and nothing was making me better. The result of all of this was that my tonsils came out in December (which was definitely not a "positive" in my eyes), but no matter how difficult (and stinkin' long!) this recovery has been, overall it really IS a positive if it will truly help me to be healthy in 2012! I have so much more respect for the concept of "health" lately.

I didn't blog about my Grandma Nickle's 90th Birthday Party. I consider both of my grandmothers to be two of my best friends, and it was something I'll never forget to watch my Grandma's reaction to see so many of her posterity in attendance at her party. Her posterity passed 100 a long time ago, and almost everyone was able to come. We took up an entire cultural hall at the church! The love I felt in the room for her was overwhelming in the best way.

I didn't really blog about how 2011 was the best year my business has had thus far. I accomplished a lot of goals with my business specifically and also within the wedding industry in general. I can only hope (and pray) that the trend continues and that 2012 will be just as good (and hopefully even better)!

I didn't really mention that I've been dating up a storm the past year. It has been really fun! I've had some super bad dates and have met some rather slimy/idiotic boys, but mostly I've had a lot of really fun dates with truly great men. Some have progressed into several dates and relationships(ish), and some have not. At the end of the day all I can say is that I am so happy to be going on dates and gaining more experience and confidence in that area of my life. For some people, this area of life seems to come pretty naturally/easily. I am not (and never have been!) one of those people, but I'm working on it. And yes, perhaps it has added more drama to my life than was there previously, but what's a girl without a little drama in her life? ;)

I lost 50 pounds. Yep. And I'm gonna do it again in 2012. And let's be honest, again in 2013. Dang it! :)

In my personal relationship with Heavenly Father, I have come closer to Him in the past couple of months than I've been in awhile. I love this trend and it will certainly continue into the coming year.

There are probably many more things I could add to that list. I have been through many (many, many, many) hard things, but overall I have a lot to be grateful for. And this year, I'm going to try my darndest to focus more on that - on the good things! No matter what hard things may come, I can choose to be calm. I can choose to not get worked up with worry. I can choose to live my 2012 mantra:

"Don't Worry, Be Happy."

poem featured on time out for women

2011-12-30T18:20:00.003-07:00

I was contacted a month or so ago by Time Out For Women and was asked if a certain poem I wrote this past summer could be featured on their blog. Well, I was flattered to say the least so of course I said of course!

They featured my poem "dISCREPANCY" this week. You can see the post on the TOFW Blog here.

P.S. I have no idea who the girl is in the photo they put next to the poem haha.

it's the spirit of the season

2011-12-16T12:40:00.004-07:00

I just read THIS STORY on yahoo, and I loved it so much. It really shows the goodness of people. I think a lot of times it's easy to focus on how "bad" the world is getting, but it really is so GOOD as well. I love seeing that there are times - even during this so-called materialistic and commercialized season - when generosity supersedes greed.

Mosiah 4:24

"And again, I say unto the poor, ye who have not and yet have sufficient, that ye remain from day to day; I mean all you who deny the beggar, because ye have not;
I would that ye say in your hearts that: I give not because I have not,
but if I had I would give."

counterproductive...?

2011-11-12T19:55:00.003-07:00

Curiosity has me begging the question:

Were my good intentions in eating Lean Cuisine for dinner tonight...

...made totally pointless due to the pan of extra-chocolatey brownies I made immediately afterwards?

Some may say this is counterproductive behavior, but after careful study and consideration, my conclusion is: NOPE!

P.S. Yum.

from the mouths of babes

2011-11-09T05:59:00.005-07:00

For some reason I woke up at 4 am and I can't fall back asleep (seems to be the case a lot, lately... I blame it on my sleep patterns being messed up from being so sick recently!), so since I have nothing better to do I've been perusing the approximately one million random photos I have on my computer. Fun! And in so doing, I've found a long-lost gem of sorts...

Now let's be honest - high school students practically are infants compared to me at this point. Thus, I am totally justified in entitling this post "from the mouths of babes," because I took the following photo a couple years ago in the parking lot at a Timpanogos High School football game. I found it to be particularly profound then...

... and it remains that way now. Those sweet little innocent children are wise beyond their years.

you sneaky MOM!

2011-11-04T18:40:00.002-06:00

I would imagine many of you have seen this already - it's so funny! I especially recommend the two brothers at the end starting at 2:45 in the video. Hilarious!

please don't walk on me!

2011-11-02T20:58:00.002-06:00

I have class on campus on Wednesday nights, and every week I see several of these signs on the grass surrounding the building where I attend class:

Every week I think to myself "I need to take a picture of that." Tonight I finally whipped out my phone and did it. I suppose it just hits home with me lately because I feel I'm a little fragile in some ways and need extra support and understanding from those around me because through it all - I'm trying to grow! And aren't we all, really?

Now, I am aware of the fact that the sign is referring to grass and not to humans, but the concept is a good reminder to all of the importance of being considerate of others because we never know the extent or content of their circumstances.

The following quote is also a good reminder of that sentiment:

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
-Plato

So be kind and tread lightly!

history in the making

2011-10-23T16:20:00.004-06:00

I'm grateful to an amazing history teacher I had at Timpanogos High School, Mrs. Eisenhart, whose class I was in when 9/11 happened. She gave us all an assignment to cut newspaper clippings during that time and put them in our journals and write about what was happening. I'm sure as a junior in high school my understanding was extremely limited (and probably still is), but that was a huge event in our nation's history and I'm grateful to have those things saved.

I continue to do that to this day... ten years later! For example, in 2008 when Obama was elected President, I saved the newspaper from that day. I did not personally vote for him as a candidate, but I know that was a big historical event.

The latest newspaper article I've saved is an article talking about the recently announced Provo Tabernacle Temple. Provo, I believe, is the first city in the world in which The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will have two temples, and I think that is an amazing thing.

Grateful for history, and grateful for good teachers, and I whole-heartedly recommend this practice.

read my lips

2011-10-18T12:30:00.004-06:00

Watch this. One of my friends just posted it on Facebook. It will make your day.

And this is the Bad Lip Reading website, which has tons of other videos. Check it out!

i need a hero

2011-10-15T00:26:00.004-06:00

Saw the new Footloose tonight... and loved it! I was worried it would be too hip-hop and not country/small town enough, but it was just the perfect balance. And Julianne Hough didn't even suck at acting - we were astonished. Ha. I recommend it.

This guy was the main character, and in many ways he reminded me of my youngest brother, Bryson!

This song stuck out to me on the soundtrack - an updated version of the classic "I Need A Hero." Enjoy!

you never know

2011-10-11T10:00:00.003-06:00

I've always loved the song "The Scientist" by Coldplay, but had never seen the music video until last night when I randomly looked it up on YouTube. If you haven't seen the music video, watch it before reading what I have to say about it:

I REALLY like this video. First of all, it's just really cool how they did the whole backwards filming thing. But more than that, it's thought-provoking.

The video starts out with a guy who is looking pretty rough and broken down - a guy who is sleeping on the streets. Then, throughout the video, you see the progression of this guy tracing back his steps through time, and eventually see that he was in a car accident in which he tragically lost the person he loved. You see how happy and in love he and this girl were before the crash. You see him go from rags currently to nice clothes in the past, from sadness now to happiness then. You see the reason WHY he may have gotten himself into the situation you view him in at the beginning of the video.

It was just a great reminder to me that we never know - sometimes never even have a clue - what people are going through. It would be easy to judge him without knowing the whole story, but to really understand him would require you to "go back to the start."

I know that I personally am going through some significantly hard things right now, and I would be (and have been in some cases) broken-hearted and crushed to be judged by anyone who mistakenly thought he knew the whole story.

So a reminder to me and a reminder to all: you never know what someone is going through. You just never know.

art

2011-10-09T21:13:00.006-06:00

I don't know who came up with this little saying, but when I read it on Facebook recently I immediately loved it. So, I created and designed a few different versions of the quote:

version 1

version 2

version 3

version 4

And, it helps that I totally believe what it's saying.

the salmon, the carp, and the bear

2011-09-28T19:38:00.010-06:00

Let me share an analogy of sorts with you this fine Wednesday evening. I shall affectionately refer to said analogy as the parable of the salmon, the carp, and the bear.

The Salmon
= the type of guy to whom a good Mormon girl would desire to be hitched

The Carp
= the type of guy the parents of said good Mormon girl would cringe to call "Son-In-Law"

The Bear
= the good Mormon girl

Please don't stop reading. I have a point - bear with me. Haha, get it? Bear with me? ;) Okay now really please don't stop reading.

So we bears are cute, cuddly creatures who just so happen to love salmon. We wait patiently for that blessed time when that elusive salmon migration will head upstream towards us. We wait. We wait. WE WAIT.

But alas, gone is yet another day with no salmon in sight, and patience begins to wear thin.

We may throw a fit or two in protest,

May chase and entertain ideas of salmon that are simply never going to happen,

And maybe sometimes we even come pretty close to snagging one, and are heartbroken when as it turns out that shiny silver fish was just barely out of reach and in it's slimy, slippery way slid through our fingers.

One or all of the above has happened to most bears - it's part of the bear experience so to speak. And there are a couple of dangers along that path.

First, we may begin to think the next salmon migration will never happen - that other bears with superior fishing skills snagged all the good ones already when times were more plentiful...

...and now we're stuck fishing in a nearly empty river.

Second, we may forget that the salmon are making a tough journey while we wait for them. They are swimming upstream for crying out loud! Perhaps it's a fact of life that the swimming skills of some may fall short in comparison to those of their fellow salmon friends who have already completed the taxing journey (and let's be honest some of the ones we all know are literally drowning at the moment so someone should really offer free swimming lessons). But even though some may take longer than others, as long as they make it at the end, they are all the more strong from the trip.

But may I point out that there is danger beyond just doubting the arrival of the salmon themselves. The bigger danger, in my opinion, is when we bears reach a point where we've given up on salmon completely and are drawn to the promise of different, albeit less desirable fishy fiends.

Take the CARP, for example. Now, first of all, I will say that I chose carp for this example because I think they are particularly disgusting gilled guys. I make my way down to Lake Powell every summer, and those waters close to the dock are absolutely ridden with nasty carp. Within five seconds of throwing a tiny crust of bread in the water, a girl is guaranteed to have fifty carp at her beck and call wanting more more more. This photo I took at Lake Powell in 2009 illustrates precisely what I'm talking about:

[sidenote: I don't think it's a coincidence that Utah Lake currently has a big problem with a carp infestation exceeding the level of millions. Look it up. I'm just sayin'.]

Anyway, anyway. When a bear has been waiting for that Alaskan Salmon for an extended period of time, she gets a little hungry, not to mention a little pissed off. It becomes tempting to say "screw this" and head down to murkier waters where she can at least get something from the watery world. A bear might make her way down south to try to catch a fish of an alternate variety. And maybe she actually succeeds. But here's the thing: is it really succeeding? Because at the end of the day, what you actually got was a gross and grossly undesirable CARP.

So obviously this story is about a specific bear: the bear called Melissa Nickle. And all I'm saying is this. I've been waiting at the mouth of the river for quite sometime. And it's hard. It's really hard, especially when you see so many of your other bear friends become mama bears with cute lil' cubs. But I don't want to take the easy way out. I don't want to end up with a carp even though I could in about five seconds!!! EWWWWW!

So even though it's taking everything I have to stay put, when my time comes I want to be waiting in the RIGHT PLACE for the RIGHT FISH:

For timing is everything, darling.

just saw this lovely

2011-09-22T14:36:00.002-06:00

Just saw this lovely little number over on a local photographer's blog (not sure of the source where she found it, sorry), and I kinda sorta liked it. Enjoy.

wish

2011-09-20T01:19:00.007-06:00

Wish I could...

...cry.

but i can't.

senior!

2011-09-01T11:58:00.002-06:00

Yep, I just commenced on my LAST YEAR EVER at BYU. Wahoo! Ten credits this semester, six credits next semester, then GRADUATION. Sweeeeeet. Can't wait. I'm excited to reach "Alumni" status!

Favorite quote from my Tuesday classes:

"I have a photographic memory, it just happens to usually be out of film."

- One of my professors (whom I can tell will be one of my all-time faves).

Favorite quote from my Wednesday class:

"I am from Lindon but I live in Orem now with my grandparents because I wanted a little more independence."

- Girl in my class. Seriously? She's at least 23 or 24, too. Miss Independent herself! Haha. Made me heartily laugh on the inside.

Anyway, excited to be back in school. Not excited for the "more busy" I'm about to be... because these past few months have been busy-bee-brutal!

Wish me luck!

chocolate is my love language

2011-07-30T15:50:00.003-06:00

Thursday night I was up late working on a wedding I was designing for Friday's client. Amidst my floral fiesta - and much to my surprise and elation - at about 11pm a knock came on my door. What happened next? Well, upon opening said door, my eyes beheld a cute little delivery man holding these six beauties from the Cocoa Bean:

Delish, right? Don't you wish you were so pleasantly surprised on a Thursday evening? One of my dearest friends knew I had been going through a pretty hard time with something and was ever-so-thoughtful to do that! She even lives out of state! Nice, huh???

Well, these delightful treats really did make my night and made me feel a little better. What can I say? Looks like chocolate is my love language. As if that is a surprise.

Thank you, my friend. You know who you are and I love you.

P.S. No I have not eaten all six - only two! So far... :)

discrepancy

2011-07-27T16:49:00.005-06:00

I'm really sick today, plus it's rainy and muggy outside, so perhaps the combination of the two have put me in a mood somber enough to write a little poetry. So here's my poem for today. Enjoy.

dISCREPANCY

27 July 2011

Melissa Nickle

“TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood”

And the yellow wood was me

One path who I was, one path what I chose

Together: discrepancy.

“And sorry I could not travel both”

Dissonant opposition – contrary!

One what I want and one what I chose

Two paths define: discrepancy.

My choice looked “grassy and wanted wear”

Yet briars have cut feet and me!

Soft: appearance, thorny: reality

Never congruent: discrepancy.

My soul: Discordant betrayal.

My mind: Racked desperately.

My heart: Vast contradiction.

My path? dISCREPANCY.

“I doubted if I should ever come back,

…Knowing how way leads on to way,”

How did I end up lost in the undergrowth!

I loved the path! Why did I not stay!

My bloody footprints stain leaves on the path

But I’m leaving scars there, you see?

For each step I take backward ushers me forward.

Beautiful: discrepancy.

“I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – ”

TURNED BACK.

“And that has made all the difference.”

This piece quotes several times a famous poem called, "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost - a poem so famous that you have probably heard it many times! I wrote this poem today because I was thinking how for me - and probably for a lot of others as well - it sometimes seems like I am two people. Do you ever feel like that? Why do we sometimes make choices and decisions that are so contrary to what we most deeply know and want? I'm positive that we are all discrepant about certain aspects of our lives, but what matters is our desire to change and find integrity between those two paths of what we want and what we choose - to make those two paths one and the same.

falling asleep with makeup on

2011-07-20T19:32:00.003-06:00

I HATE falling asleep with my makeup on. Hate it, hate it, hate it! It's the worst feeling to me. But last night, I did it. It's probably the second time I've done it in the last five years. I went out to dinner last night with my good friend Fiona, got home around ten, did some dishes and a few small things, sat down on the living room couch around 11pm, and the next thing I knew I was waking up at 6:30am - jeans on, makeup on, and in the same position I was in when I first got on the couch. Guess I was tired! Geesh.

Now in two weeks, I'll have a huge break out. Because that's what happens when I fall asleep with my makeup on. Every time.

Looking forward to it... haha oh well!

my poetesses, my loves

2011-06-28T11:41:00.015-06:00

I have been working on and off for the past year and tirelessly for the past two months on trying to get a book finished for my Nannie who is currently really sick with cancer and going through chemo therapy at age 85. She is an accomplished poet, and so I've been creating a book of her poems which is illustrated with photos throughout her lifetime. I'm going to CA this weekend, and I really wanted her to have the book to help her through her hard time - I think it will be a great comfort to her. She knows I have been working on it but has no idea it is done - it is going to be a huge surprise!!! That's right familia, she doesn't know about this so HUSH UP! Anywho... I finally finished and submitted it yesterday at 7:47 am after working straight through the night (Sunday night was my deadline, we'll call Monday morning Sunday night since I didn't go to bed haha).

This book is just the first draft (I'm going to have my Nannie proof-read it and make any changes/revisions - since I'm positive I have made at least a few mistakes - before I do the "real" final draft), but here is the preview if any of you would like to see it. As of now, it stands at 422 pages, but will be 440 by the final draft. I am insanely proud of it. Check it out if you wish (click the button on the bottom right hand corner showing four arrows to view it in full-screen mode):

Pocketful of Poesy by Doris Schumpert Gardner | Make Your Own Book

If you remember, I did the same thing last year for my 89 year old Grandma Nickle, who is also a poet (see my post about that book here). How lucky am I to have TWO grandmothers who are poets with content like this? I don't think most people have even one poetess grandma, much less two! Here's my other grandma's book preview that I did last year:

Pages Of Life by Orvetta | Make Your Own Book

As you can tell, both books are pretty different - of course with content, but also with design concept - which is exactly what I wanted because both of these women are extremely different one from the other. Grandma Nickle's was an understated elegance and beautiful in simplicity. That is my Grandma to me - beautiful, simple, and absolutely elegant in her way. On the other hand, my Nannie's book is more ornate and embellished as she is a Southern Belle, and is based on literary terms and works of famous poets (each chapter begins with a classic poem that embodies the topic). Nannie was an English teacher her entire life and so this fits her to a "T". Also, in Nannie's book, my letter to her at the beginning of the book is a poem I wrote to her last month called "Beautiful." She hasn't seen it yet - I wrote it specifically for the book in an effort to bring her comfort as she goes through chemo. The entirety of the poem will make perfect sense to family who know what I'm talking about, but you can get the general idea:

"Beautiful"
a poem by Melissa Nickle

Arrival from Heaven held in your arms,

Tiny granddaughter, blue-eyed and new

Smooth peach-fuzz head in all of its charms

Bald was so beautiful on you!

I am that granddaughter – the baby you rocked

To sleep as my mother was sleeping –

Our most special bond eternally locked

As you dreamed for me while I was dreaming.

Soon came your days of cloudy despair

But you’ve told me that I was your Sunshine

Reminder that weather would once more be fair

Yes, these months could "sacred" define.

Twenty-six years ago was that time of your life

Oh what joy has been had in between!

May this book today be your Sunshine through strife

And bring comfort both seen and unseen.

I love you, Dear Nannie, never dare doubt!

To the moon and perhaps even more

I’ll cherish you ever and may I point out:

Bald is beautiful, same as before.

For Nannie

May 26, 2011

I'd like to say that I find it so interesting to see how much the Lord's hand has been in these books. With my Grandma Nickle's book, I desperately wanted to have photos of a swing my Grandpa Nickle had built when their kids were little. But, I didn't have a working camera - it had been broken for several months. I had one day where I could go down and take these photos, so I decided I would just take my broken camera and get blurry pictures because at least I would have SOMETHING. Well, guess what? After having taken blurry pictures for four months, MY CAMERA WORKED FOR ONE DAY. Here are the photos I got of the swing with my broken camera:

Not only was I able to take photos of the swing, but when I realized my camera was working I did a photoshoot of my Grandma's entire house - inside and out - and that photoshoot ended up being a 40 page spread in her book which perfectly captured her home life and so many memories for so many people. I thought my camera was fixed after that day, so I tried to take photos of a couple bouquets the next week. Blurry once again. It literally worked for one day only. That is the Lord's hand, my friends!

Now, with my Nannie's book that I just finished, I find it interesting that there was a photo I searched high and low for on Sunday night for about two hours. I felt like it really needed to be in the book, but I couldn't find it (I have 27 photo albums I'm working with here which means thousands of photos, mind you). Anyway, I finally decided I would just have to submit it without the photo. I was about to submit it when I went to close a window I had up of scanned photos. I accidentally clicked on a random image and when it popped up, guess what? It contained in the group of scanned photos the exact photo I had been desperately trying to find. I put it in the book, and submitted it immediately for print.

To upload the book for print takes about 4 hours. So it was done uploading around noon, and then I ordered the actual book at 2 pm. Well... at 3 pm, my computer busted. I mean really busted - the monitor came apart in two pieces! It's been coming on for awhile, but I find it so interesting that it came apart within one hour of me ordering the book I've been working on using that computer. Now, the monitor is in two pieces and I can't close my laptop at all. Again, I just feel like these things (and more...) denote that I had help from a higher hand in these projects.

I love both of my poetess grandmothers beyond expression, and these books containing the poetic works and photos throughout their lives are a nothing short of priceless treasures to me.

what is it with girls and their hair?

2011-06-10T17:49:00.008-06:00

I'm so sad I could cry right this minute. Due to a minor mishap, my hair is six inches shorter today than it was a few days ago. I won't get into all the hairy details (haha...), but suffice it to say, it's been a rough hair week and quite the process getting it all worked out.

This makes me want to cry because like most girls, I am pretty attached to my hair (again, haha). It takes me an entire year to grow my hair out six inches. Yep, with one unfortunate cut I have now lost one year of growth!!! And I hope this does not come out wrong, but my hair is one of my favorite things about me. I struggle sometimes with confidence in some areas, but I love - scratch that, LOVED - my long hair. Gah! I'm so sad!

I guess it's time to whip out the pre-natal vitamins in the hopes of speeding up the growth process ASAP ('cuz I sure don't need them for any other reason at the moment!).

Do any of you know of other tricks to making your hair grow faster??????

What is it with girls and their hair, anyway? I know for a fact I am not the only one who gets like this. While losing a year's worth of length really is not the end of the world, I will probably go crawl in bed for the rest of the night and pine for my long lost locks. Okay maybe not. But I want to. We'll see what happens...

medicate and meditate

2011-06-07T17:32:00.003-06:00

My mom is heavily medicated at the moment after having her third surgery in the last two months. She just called me on the phone and is all kinds of hopped up on something. I've been feeling pretty bad about something today, and she was calling to talk to me about it. Here was her profound advice:

"Light a candle. Make your fingers into some circles. Create some good energy."

Hahahaha. The eloquent wisdom of the heavily-medicated.

I guess I gotta go light me a candle. Oooooooommmmmmmmm.

aloha

2011-06-01T18:50:00.005-06:00

"In Hawaii, don't they use aloha for, like, hello and goodbye?" Name that movie.

Actually, who cares about the movie, but the aloha part is fitting for several reasons. Today I said a two-year-goodbye to my Hawaii-lovin' brother, Justin, who left to serve as a missionary in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission. He is pretty excited and I am so happy for him! Part of his mission boundaries cover my beloved mission state, so he just may get to serve "in the state of Georgia!" He would be so lucky. :)

Photo taken at "Brothers' Night Out" two weeks ago. More to come on that soon.

I will miss him so much. I feel like things are going to be really different by the time he gets home. Plus, my two youngest brothers' missions will likely overlap with his meaning that for a few months the Nickles could potentially have three missionaries serving at one time. Crazy, huh? Chances are I will be the ripe age of thirty by the time all my family is together again. I'm super excited about it.

I really am though, because I know what a mission does for a missionary and for the people he serves. I love you, Elder Justin Nickle, and remember: "American by birth, Southern by the grace of God."

Aloha.

i'll take one

2011-05-02T14:50:00.005-06:00

I am a sucker for country music, country boys, and daydreams of a country life. So, when I saw this on my friend's blog recently, I kind of fell in love... just a smidge. Seriously, who IS this guy? I'll take one of him, please. Thank you.

This song is so incredibly cute - scratch that, SEXY (thanks, Carol) - it kills me. Ignore Leighton Meester, and enjoy.

extra extra read all about it

2011-04-26T17:07:00.003-06:00

Last week I was really sick. Like, scary sick. I kept losing my hearing off and on, at some points having zero hearing whatsoever. On top of that, I've got some other super exciting stuff going on with my bod. So... naturally I tried to go to the Urgent Care on campus. I tried to go a couple of times, with no success. I was pretty ticked, so I wrote a letter to the editor of sorts to BYU's paper, "The Daily Universe." I never heard anything back, so I thought nothing of it.

Then, this afternoon, I get a call and upon answering hear this:

"Hi Melissa, this is [so and so], the Director of the BYU Health Center. We read your post today in the Daily Universe and I want to let you know your opinion is not falling on deaf ears. If you have a minute or two, I'd love to talk to you about your experience."

Hahahaha. I told him I didn't even know they had put that in, but that I was happy to talk to him. We ended up talking for 15 or 20 minutes and he let me share my opinions. I told him that in regards to the letter, "I wasn't trying to be a brat, I mostly was just frustrated and I believe it's a huge disservice to students who have jobs to close the 'Urgent Care' at such an early time. Lots of students have to work and the hours could be much more reasonable." He told me that, "No you're just fine, to be frank with you I agree with your opinion, and your letter was one of the more well-written ones we've seen about the Health Center. It actually made me laugh." We talked for awhile about the subject.

So, I thought this was kind of cool that number one my letter made it into the paper, and that number two, the Director of the Health Center called me personally to talk about it. Not too shabby! I went and grabbed some copies of the paper. Here's what my letter said:

"Yesterday I urgently needed to go to the Urgent Care facility on campus. I went straight from a full day of finals to BYU's "Urgent" Care, arriving at 5:45 p.m., disappointed to find out that it had closed at 5:30. Apparently student health issues are only "urgent" on an early-bird basis.

I was told of other off-campus options available to me, but found that instead of a $15 co-pay, I would pay a $25 co-pay plus 20 percent of the total bill. I have insurance - why in the world would I do that? I kind of thought the point of paying for insurance was to guarantee that I could get affordable medical care.

I came back today, leaving work early to arrive when the center was open. I arrived at 4 p.m., flabbergasted to find the Health Center had closed at 2:00 for graduation.

Now, sick in my bed, urgently needing medical attention for the past two days and not being able to find it, I say, "I guess I'll go back tomorrow... they'll probably be closed."

Don't you dare get sick past 5:30 p.m., Cougars, and on certain days don't get sick after 2 p.m. Don't you dare need Urgent Care! Tore your ACL? Yikes! Come back tomorrow. Stepped on a nail? Oh, ouchie, see you tomorrow. Tick-tock, tick-tock goes the Urgent Care clock."

Anyway, I totes love that the Daily Universe published my letter. I feel sick and famous. :)

the bunny hop

2011-04-13T18:18:00.005-06:00

The women in my life are so special to me. This video tribute to their specialness speaks for itself. Enjoy.

sen . ior . i . tisn't

2011-04-12T23:11:00.005-06:00

I'm about to finish up my second to last semester EVER (Fall 2011 is the last of the bunch)! I'm so excited. I turn in a 23 page Technical Writing paper tomorrow, which has been the bane of my existence lately. After that, I only have two finals next week until the semester is FINITO FOREVER. I have been working my tush off this semester, and I am so proud of how I've done.

That being said, I feel like something is majorly wrong with me. As I've progressed in my college career, I've become more and more committed to school rather than the other way around. I should have senioritis, but I feel like I had a pretty bad case of that as a freshman (and sophomore...?), and the playing-hooky college clock ticks backwards in my life.

If only the you're-gettin'-older-hunny clock was turning backwards for me... I'll have to tell you later about something that happened to me this morning!

sing me a song

2011-04-04T23:09:00.007-06:00

color of love

2011-04-02T22:03:00.011-06:00

Color of Love

by Melissa Nickle

I stood there in dread at the thought of embarking

Down a dark, lifeless corridor of pain

A day designed solely in grayscale composition

Long reminder of death seemed my way

Each step that I took hurt my feet and my head

In piercing recollection of new loss

No desire to move forward, simply wanting to quit

Yet, my one pathway home, I walked

Mother Nature reborn as a mirror that day

Rough-barked trees a reflection of me

They all came alive in their deadness and drab

Lifeless limbs – in them myself I could see

Stretching arthritic fingers tiredly toward heaven

Black, leafless branches midst achromatic skies

Creaking and cracking in my worn out attempts

But breaking and broken, I died inside

Could comfort be found in a blank, empty heaven?

Where was the God who could help?

I reached up for Him through that blanket of white

But vacant and void, turned back to myself

I couldn’t recall the blossoms I knew

Spring’s fragrance seemed so long ago

I’d forgotten I once knew the warm Summer sun

Those days were a distant echo

For Autumn came quickly and left just as fast

Stealing leaves and a life on her way

Now robbed of joy, she ripped off a part of me

Took my color – my friend – away

In one unannounced instant Winter showed up

And Autumn abandoned me, hiding

She stripped me of color and tore me apart

Scarred in the process and dying

Nature’s miles of mirrors lined my walk home that day

Moving slowly, the walk had no end

I was tired from viewing gray embodiments of grief

Yet I couldn’t stop missing my friend

My walk neared its end, I was nearly home

Needing rest from this colorless sorrow

A heart that was heavy and a mind weighted down

I dreaded the thought of tomorrow

Just when I thought my last twigs would snap –

They couldn’t bear one more minute of grief –

Centered right on the hood of the car next door

Laid one vibrantly stunning red leaf

The most gorgeous display of bright-colored hues

All earth’s glory was held in one leaf

Vivid expression of crafted perfection

I stood there in stunned disbelief

I looked up all around me to view nearby trees

Could it have really hung on this long?

No, it was February, there’s no possible way

For months all the leaves had been gone

How did this get here? I don’t understand

Autumn’s been long-gone for quite awhile

Then suddenly realizing the source of all beauty

I could do nothing but reverently smile

Yes, heaven seemed vacant earlier that day

But I see things more clearly than before

While I was searching and knocking on colorless skies

God was behind a much different door

He’d been placing this here – His marker of love –

Right where I’d pass at the end of my walk

A brilliant reminder that He’s always there

If I know upon which door to knock

Perhaps if my steps had been under blue hues

Instead of beneath murky grays

Maybe if sunshine had burst through the clouds

Rather than hiding her rays

Let’s say my branches were covered in green

Full of blossoms and leaves galore

Contrast that thought with today’s barren limbs

And instead I’d be grateful no more

I suppose sometimes God has us walk along paths

Which at times seem to never have ended

That way when we get home, when we finish the task,

Our blessings can be comprehended

Tribulation will test us but strengthen us, too

We’ll be bruised on our way but not broken

Evidences of grace can be found on each trail

Simply look for and notice the tokens

I’m grateful to see His hand in my life

I know He’s aware up above

To me, to this day, what that leaf means to me?

It’s the ultimate COLOR OF LOVE

Composed March 14, 2011

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I started composing this poem a couple of weeks ago, but just finished it tonight because I'm in a pretty reflective mood. I had this experience a few weeks after one of my good friends passed away several years ago; it is what loss feels like to me. I had missed the bus coming home from campus one day, so I had to walk home. It was the ugliest gray day I had ever seen, and was probably made even more gray by how sad I felt. The walk home was only a mile or two, but it took me forever because I was zapped of any and all energy. When I saw the leaf on the car right before my apartment, I couldn't believe it. It meant so much to me and honestly brought me such a burst of momentary joy. It was a personal evidence of God's love for me. I actually kept the leaf in my room for a long time; sadly I've since somehow lost it. But I have never forgotten it.

peace and calm before the storm

2011-03-28T18:40:00.009-06:00

Friday night I was out with several of my friends, and while we were all at dinner chatting it up, I just had this overwhelming feeling of peace come over me. The feeling of peace didn't really have to do with anything specifically, but it was more of a general feeling of peace about life. People kept talking and laughing around me, but for a few minutes, I just sat in there in the middle of it all, basking in this personal wave of peace. It felt so good! These feelings of calmness stayed with me for the rest of the night and through 'til the morning.

I am telling you about this because Saturday, during the early afternoon, I received some very sad news about someone I love. I needed comfort.

And now, here I sit two days later, typing on my little blog and feeling so grateful for those surprising and overwhelming thoughts that came to me just prior to sad news. I feel like sometimes - and perhaps even often - Heavenly Father gives us those moments of "calm before the storm" so that we can remember what He was trying to tell us through those moments, and therefore weather the storms of life better.

I will weather this storm, and although there are quite a few [additional] stressful things going on 'round these parts lately, I'm going to focus on the calm. I'm going to remember the verses of scripture that for many years now have been very special to me in a very personal way:

Doctrine and Covenants 6:22-23

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.

Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?"

tell me why

2011-03-21T20:52:00.006-06:00

My body is weird... in a good way. This happens all the time when I get busy: I will go. go. go and run myself ragged, but my body will wait to let itself get sick until after all of my responsibilities are completed.

For example, last week I had a gigantic research paper due in school, a huge luncheon for 60 vendors which I (with one other vendor friend) was in charge of, two weddings this weekend, and a tremendous editorial shoot in SLC to top it all off yesterday. I felt myself starting to get sick a few days ago, but I was so busy that my body held out and didn't get really sick until this morning. Everything went off without a hitch last week, and turned out absolutely beautifully. And now today, I feel REALLY sick.

Why is that? Do any of you experience that same phenomenon? Is it a chemical thing? Or does it have to do with actually getting some rest? I really want to know how this works because it happens to me constantly. If you know, "tell me why!"

Anyway, I'm going to go to bed now. Yes, it is only 9:03 pm. Yes, I am that sick. Or, maybe, just maybe, I am sixty years old and that lame. Good night.

favorite youtube of all time

2011-03-17T23:12:00.004-06:00

I would imagine that many of you have seen this already. However, I want to post it anyway, because it is now one of my all-time favorite YouTube videos. I saw it for the first time today, and I get a huge kick out of it. Enjoy.

going up?

2011-03-16T18:58:00.005-06:00

So. It's Wednesday, that means school, and I'm sorry but I can't help it. Police Beat. Ah, l'amour. At least it's just one for today:

March 2: "Officers received a report of a van with fogged windows and seats removed from the vehicle. The caller suspected lewd acts were being committed in the van. Upon arrival, the officers discovered 10 fully-clothed individuals watching a movie."

Haha. Ha. Orlando thought it was funny.

On an even more random note, today I was taking an elevator to the fourth floor. It's true. Anyway, it was a talking elevator which says things to you like, "third floor," and, "going up,"in a woman's robotic/automated voice. I might have accidentally pushed the wrong button... the button of the floor I was already on. Instantly the idea popped in my head of the elevator saying to me in a voice oh-so-robotic, "You are so stupid. You pushed the wrong button. Why are you dumb. Idiot. Same floor. Wrong button. Stupid. Stupid." Luckily it didn't. But sometimes I kind of like the random way in which my mind works.

Ciao for now.

40

2011-03-07T14:28:00.003-07:00

I have lost 40 pounds so far this year, 30 pounds of which have been lost in the last five weeks.

Still have a long way to go; extremely proud of myself.

president's day weekend: yes, yes I did

2011-02-22T21:35:00.006-07:00

This President's Day weekend...

yes, yes I did have two weddings for which to design. Beautiful.
yes, yes I did see "Unknown" with Liam Neeson. Overrated.
yes, yes I did go to my family's cabin
yes, yes I did get in a car accident on my way to the cabin
yes, yes I did have a moment of panic when visions of insurance rates danced in my head
yes, yes I did luck out that neither my car nor the one I slid into were damaged! Wahoo!
yes, yes I did go snowmobiling with my dad and had a BLAST
yes, yes I did watch four movies in two days
yes, yes I did win at Phase 10 each of the four times I played it
yes, yes I did laugh my head off at mom's Jenga "abilities"
yes, yes I did attempt to play pool and subsequently cause my team to lose
yes, yes I did stick to my diet the entire time @ the cabin, even whilst surrounded by treats
yes, yes I did at one point stick one green skittle in my mouth in a moment of temptation
yes, yes I did immediately spit said skittle out
yes, yes I did feel proud!
yes, yes I did have a good weekend

HAPPY PRESIDENT'S DAY!

P.S. No, no I did not do homework. Yes, yes I am regretting that fact tonight. As I blog. Ah haha. Yes. Yes.

if only...

2011-02-19T00:30:00.002-07:00

There's been lots of chatter this week about V-day. If only I had created this masterpiece pre-Valentines, perhaps my day would have gone differently. Oh well, live and learn. There's always next year.

picnik.com

bad hair day

2011-02-16T18:39:00.005-07:00

So, one of my classes today was held in the library computer lab. Naturally, with a computer in front of my face I read random articles online instead of listening to the professor. Duh.

I read an article on MSN that referenced a study Pantene did about what effect a "bad hair day" has on a woman's psyche. The article quoted the study, saying:

"A study by Pantene found that 88 percent of women feel good about themselves when their hair looks the way they want. So skip the ponytail and take the time to blow-dry and style your locks."

So, I have to say I totally fall into this category. Whenever I feel like I am having a bad hair day, I feel terrible the entire day. Sad but true, on days when I feel like I look terrible, that day subsequently becomes the worst day of my life thus far. Yeah... I am just not one of those girls who can go without washing her hair EVERY DAY and still feel sane. So that being the case, combined with the fact that I was bored, I was physically forced to conduct a google search and find the actual study online. You can see the whole study here, but this is how it says the study was conducted:

"To conduct this eye-tracking study, Pantene Pro-V scientists gathered a random selection of seven women. The women were photographed before the study, using controlled lighting and camera focal length, first with “bad hair” i.e. not washed, brushed or styled; and secondly with “beautiful hair” i.e. hair washed and styled using Pantene Pro-V products. The women’s facial expressions and makeup were closely controlled to ensure consistency in both before and after photos. The participants were assessed, pre and post hair styling (with bad hair and beautiful hair) and from a front and back view, for hair and facial attractiveness by a panel of 36 men and women."

The only difference in the photos was the hair. And yet, perceptions were so different. Here are a few things I thought were interesting:

participants were perceived as 4.1 years older when their hair wasn't done than they were perceived when their hair was done, even though they still got ready and did their makeup, etc.
people equated the bad hair day photos with the personality trait of laziness.
people equated good hair day photos with the personality trait of professionalism.

Blah blah blah. Why am I even writing this, it's so pointless! Haha, well, I'm on a break at school and I apparently have nothing better to do (like homework?).

Moral of this story is twofold:

1. Do your hair you lazy bums
2. Or, if you are a lazy-looking-4.1-years-older-than-you-are-bum, just remember, I'm sure your bad hair day is WAY better than this kid's was:

Food for thought.

ingenious

2011-02-08T20:40:00.004-07:00

"ingenious: cleverly and originally devised and well suited to its purpose."

So I had a conversation today with a cute old man. We were at a place which required a bit of a wait, and we were standing by each other. Our conversation went a little something like this:

Old Man: "Do you think they have this music playing here all day?"
Me: "Yes, I do think so. Don't you like it?"
Old Man: "I hate it. Are you saying you like it?"
Me: "I do like it, it makes the time spent waiting go by faster."
Old Man: "How is that?"
Me: "Well, I sometimes make a rule for myself that I can't check what time it is until a certain number of songs have been played - say - 8."
Old Man: "You're crazy."
Me: "Really? I think its ingenious."
Old Man: "I suppose that's how all geniuses are."
Me: "What, crazy?"
Old Man: "No, completely out of their minds."

Hahaha. I love this man. That's all.

P.S. My philosophy really is ingenious. Try it.

special piece, special day.

2011-01-31T21:23:00.003-07:00

I created this piece for my uncle's funeral today. Although sad, although hard, it was a good day. Click here for more photos and thoughts on the Blossom Sweet Blog.

action packed

2011-01-26T18:17:00.009-07:00

Wow. My last post was December 30, and what's today? Oh yeah. January 26. Such has been my life lately! I have never had such a difficult, demanding, pressing, time-crunching, stressful, tiresome, stretching, harder, fatigue-filled month in my life. Yet, at the same time, I don't know if I have had a month as rewarding as this has been. I have really proved to myself just what I am capable of accomplishing.

One of the things that has contributed to making this month so stressful is the fact that I am back in full-time school after about a year off to focus on working. So, on top of working a daunting 60 hours a week the past several months, as of January 3rd I have been back @ BYU full-time which has made my schedule something INSANE. In fact, the only reason that I am able to write this post right now is because I got out of my last class an hour and a half early because we had a test and I finished it in a quickness. Hello blog, glad to be back! Anyway back to what I was saying. Over the past several months and this month especially, many tears have been shed, eyes have been pried shut to stay awake upwards of 2 and 3 am most mornings to get things done, time has been devoted to deadlines and duties rather than to family and friends, and guess what? I may be tuckered out but miracles have happened. Somehow, I have been able to get everything done. Even visiting teaching! Ha. I was really proud of that one amidst everything. And guess what else? I'm anticipating a 4.0ish GPA this semester. Again, I have been working my proverbial buns off! Really. They're more like bagel thins now. (Um... yeah right I wish).

I must say that I am excited to be back at BYU. The end is in sight and the light @ the end of the tunnel is getting brighter by the minute. I CAN'T WAIT TO GRADUATE. I don't know if I will ever feel so proud in my life as I will when I put on that cap and gown. It's been a long road! Some may say that I have taken way to long to finish my bachelor's degree. Well... it has taken longer than most, but guess what? I've been doing a bunch of other stuff. I took a semester off when I lost a dear friend to a car accident, I took two years off to serve a mission (returned mid-semester), started and worked my butt off at a business that is still trucking along, had to take a year off to focus on work and deal with family trials, etc. I don't feel bad one little bit that I will be 27 when I graduate next year. In fact, I feel close to bursting at the seams with satisfaction.

A couple of humorous things I wanted to let you know about my first month back at BYU, which will hopefully shed some light on my chosen title for this post, "action packed:"

I go to the BYU Salt Lake Center since classes are once a week rather than three times a week like in Provo (it's the only way school can work with my schedule). So, I've been up in the SLC all day today, and when I arrived, there was a couple in a mini-van making out in the BYU parking garage. Like on top of each other making out. Like driver and passenger both in the passenger seat making out. Mini-van people. MINI-VAN. Quit doing that in front of those poor children which I'm sure were in the back seat watching Toy Story and are now watching you. When in doubt, remember: mini-van. NOT SEXY.

Secondly, on my lunch break (again, in the parking garage of the BYU Salt Lake Center), I happened to look over at the car next to me, and much to my surprise there was a lil' chickadee on top of a lil' RM making out like WHOA. Seriously guys. Thank you so much for making me laugh harder than I have in weeks. Especially when you looked over and saw that I was laughing at you, which moment was immediately followed by your speedy & shameful exit from your love-bug toward the classroom. Shameful cougars, shameful.

Finally. Let's talk about how much I love getting BYU's newspaper, "The Daily Universe" each Wednesday. Why do I love it? The informative articles you may say. The inspiring tales of Cougar success you may wonder. No. No. NO. Police Beat! Wahoo! I can't believe I forgot about this weekly feature which describes the past week's happenings @ the BYU Police Department. Ah, so great. Ah, so... fake? Is this really all you have to write about, BYUPD? Are you trying to be funny or is this really real? Oh yeah, I live in Provo. It's probably real. Here are a few of my favorites from last week (verbatim from the paper):

January 13: A suspicious female student was seen walking across campus with a bow and arrows. Officers confronted the armed female in the Crabtree Building, where she was attending a meeting of the Quill and the Sword Medieval Reenactment club. The female told officers the bow was being used in a presentation on medieval archery. Officers determined the situation safe and left the premises.
January 14: A suspicious male entered the Center for Service and Learning and asked a female receptionist about the enrollment on campus and the purpose of the building they were in. The receptionist thought his questions were suspicious and reported him to police. No futher action was taken.
January 17 (okay this one is my favorite!): A student reported a male with orange hair and an orange beard looking suspicious in the Smith Fieldhouse. The student told police he had overheard the man telling a woman that he liked babies. When officers arrived, no one had seen a man with orange hair or an orange beard.
January 14: Officers responded to trespassing alarms in Lavell Edwards Stadium. A male student was found running stair exercises. He was issued a citation for trespassing and asked to leave.
January 14 (also my favorite): A woman was driving near the Crabtree Building when she stopped at a light. A male using the crosswalk tapped her car with his hand and told her that she should not drive while talking on the phone. The driver saw this same man later and told him not to touch her vehicle. In response he rubbed his hands on the front of her car. Police were called, but the pedestrian was gone before their arrival.
January 18: During a routine surveillance check, an officer observed a suspicious looking vehicle parked behind the old BYU Broadcasting Building. When officers approached the car they found the male occupant to be in possession of marijuana. The vehicle was secured and officers watched the male walk to his residence.

Thank you, Police Beat, for making my days in Salt Lake more bearable.

Anyway, I need to get going to my next class. But starting this week my load is going to be a little lighter, and I'm so so SO glad. I probably still won't able to be post much at all, but I will (hopefully) at least have a blogging presence in the month of February!

"why me?" a farewell to 2010, and hello to 2011

2010-12-30T23:19:00.007-07:00

WHY ME?

Poem by Melissa Nickle

Completed December 24, 2010

An age old question often asked;

I’d bet money you’ve asked it before.

Now what is this question?

Just what could it be?

Well, please let me tell you:

“WHY ME?”

Do you think that God tires of hearing it?

I’d say yes, and I think He’d agree!

“Why these trials?”

“Why these tears?”

Wait – here it comes –

“WHY ME?”

I’m sure I’ve been guilty of asking before

In the past with the vast population.

But from here on out

When I echo the masses,

May it be with just one stipulation:

For I’ve reflected much lately

On my life as it stands

And I’ve come to know something profound:

I am blessed at all times –

With all that I need –

So with gratitude: voice resound!

Do I earn success which comes my way?

Deserve blessings that fall in my lap?

I dare say I don’t!

So now do you see

What I mean when I say,

“WHY ME?”

WHY such spectacular parents?

WHY such closeness in prayer unto Thee?

WHY life lived in freedom?

WHY talents galore?

WHY? Tell me, won’t You?

“WHY ME?”

WHY was I born blessed to know of Thy Son?

WHY this earth in her constant beauty?

WHY my marvelous friends?

WHY abode oh so nice?

WHY? Please explain!

“WHY ME?”

WHY all this music so pretty?

WHY a business that’s termed a ‘success’?

WHY am I smart?

WHY the best family?

WHY, oh why Father,

“WHY ME?”

Now, rose-colored glasses

Do not reside here;

Life’s not perfect!

Who said it should be?

But a life filled with love,

And a mind blessed with humor,

Is what He has given to me.

There are some things in life

For which I have asked

That somehow have not come to be.

But when they show up –

For I’m sure they’ll arrive –

It will bear repeating:

“WHY ME?”

Oh, please never tire of hearing it!

For in posing this question to Thee,

I mean nothing more

Than my thanks most sincere,

Girl blessed beyond measure:

“WHY ME?”

....................................................................................................................

The poem I have written above is based upon a philosophy and thought process I'm trying to embrace. I’ve noticed throughout my life that Heavenly Father always comes through and makes things work out for me, even when things seem inconceivable and impossible (which they often do). I started composing this poem in my head earlier this month when a number of things fell into place and I found myself asking Heavenly Father daily in my heart, “I don’t understand why things always work out for me. WHY am I loved and so blessed?” So, those questions and thoughts ran around scattered in my mind for awhile and eventually evolved into this poem and the words, “Why me?” And now, as the new year approaches, I thought it would be appropriate to say the following:

"Why Me?" is how I want to say goodbye to 2010, and how I'd like to say hello to 2011.

Well hello, dear.

goal!

2010-12-21T22:49:00.004-07:00

Just got home for the night to discover that I reached a really exciting (exciting to me at least) business goal that I had hoped all year to reach by the end of 2010 but didn't think I could. Wahoo!

That is all.

peace on earth, good-will to men

2010-12-19T18:56:00.013-07:00

Sad things have happened during this, the week before Christmas, 2010. On my way to get some flowers on Friday morning for a large Christmas order I had to make that day, I drove past the Provo Tabernacle, saddened beyond belief to see it in ruins, held together only by the outer four walls which by then were encasing an empty shell of a building that was built by the early pioneers of my state. It is a true historical landmark, and I have so many memories in and of that building from the time I was a little girl.

As I've thought about it for the past few days, the burning of the tabernacle breaks my heart for several reasons. One reason at the very top of my list is for the electricians whose (alleged/rumored) actions started this accidental fire. How devastated they must be! And right before Christmas! I can't imagine what it would feel like to be in their position. They have been on my mind a lot and I feel so much empathy for them and hope they are doing okay. One Christmas miracle out of this tragedy though is this:

A painting of Christ inside the tabernacle that was recovered was found scorched and covered everywhere in its charred black remnants, that is everywhere but right around the Savior. So incredible.

The burning of the tabernacle has brought to mind other sad stories of Christmastime. The first story is one my grandma wrote about long ago which I discovered as I was working on her project this year. My dad grew up on a farm, and this story is about a Christmas when his parents weren't sure what they were going to do for their kids' presents, because their harvest had been destroyed by an early frost. You can read the full post on her blog here, but here is the part in particular that my thoughts this week have brought to mind:

"I remember a time in early Fall that my husband called me to the back porch. It was early, early morning. He was devastated. He stretched his arms out toward our acres and acres of seed. Frozen black. Early, unexpected, unwanted frost took our years harvest. The Christmas coming was a blue Christmas. I used the big drawer full of material. Sewing into the night little ruffled dresses, plaid flannel shirts, but what to do. This was our lump-in-the-throat Christmas. The calender would not stop moving on. It was December 21, my birthday, and I was walking through the snow to the mailbox. And there in the box was a refund check from the Boy Scouts Council. Our son, Jim, had gone to Valley Forge last July and the check said overpayment for the trip! $67.00 made payable to our son, Jim. I hurried to the house. I dropped on my knees and thanked my Heavenly Father for this Christmas blessing. Then I went to my son Jim, to see if I could borrow it. Then I changed my clothes and went shopping!"

I can imagine my grandparents' devastation, and I can also picture their gratitude when things worked out. I love this story from my grandma's life.

Next, several years ago, I heard the story behind the Christmas hymn, "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day." The story leading up to this hymn is so heartbreaking, but the hymn itself is all the more inspiring when you know why it was written.

Click here to read the story behind "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day."

Or watch it told theatrically by Edward Herrman with the Mormon Tabernacle choir:

I know that I personally can relate to this hymn this year especially. During the holidays last year, I felt a lot like what Henry Wadsworth Longfellow initially felt. Some of what he wrote about Christmas - both in the hymn and otherwise - included these words:

"And in despair I bowed my head;
'There is no peace on earth,' I said;
For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

"How inexpressibly sad are all holidays. I can make no record of these days. Better leave them wrapped in silence. Perhaps someday God will give me peace."

"'A merry Christmas' say the children, but that is no more for me."

The last quarter of 2009 and first three-quarters of 2010 were a hard time for me and my family. In fact, last year during the Christmas season, one of the speakers in church was talking about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and in his talk he said, "I know the Atonement can heal anything, no matter how bad," and the thought that immediately came to my mind was, "No it can't. It can't heal this." I was sad right when I thought that - sad that such a thought would even cross my mind. But, it honestly was what I felt at the time. I felt so despondent, full of despair, and flat out sad, that getting out of bed was a honest-to-goodness accomplishment this time last year. I'd say I was a little Longfellow-esque, huh?

And now this year, I still feel Longfellow-esque, however, in contrast to my feelings last year, my feelings now echo his after he rediscovered the hope of Christmas when he said,

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

I know this post has been a bit random with me jumping from story to story, but it is just a reflection of what has been on my mind this week. Now, I want to end by saying (and hopefully this doesn't sound too much like a blogimony), but healing happened for me. I would have never thought last year that I would feel peace again so soon, but it happened. The Atonement works, and that's how I want to feel about this Christmas: full of hope. Hope in the Savior, gratitude for His life and His birth, and an abundance of peace on earth, good-will to men!

serve: the spirit of the season

2010-12-13T01:02:00.004-07:00

Today at church, all members of our new Relief Society presidency spoke. The second(?) counselor, Ashlee, spoke on service and its ability to bring us happiness even in our darkest times. In her talk, she said something that I thought was all kinds of profound. It's perfect for the Christmas season, and for life in general. So, I'll share it in this post and make it December's quote of the month (I know, late!). Here goes:

"Serve without hesitation.
Serve without expectation.
Serve without compensation."

or in illustration form (since I liked it so much):

maybe this really happened

2010-12-08T22:39:00.005-07:00

Okay, okay, okay, maybe there's no maybe about it. What you are about to read really DID happen.

During the few years just prior to my Georgia mish, I worked at Campus Craft & Floral at BYU (loved those days). Let me tell you about one client in particular who stands out in my memory...

So one day, in walks this cute, sophomore-ish girl wearing a backpack and carrying a Campus Craft bag filled to the brim with latex balloons. We'll call her Suzie-Sophomore. So S.S. walks up to me at the counter, and here is the conversation which subsequently ensued:

Me: "Hi, how can I help you today?"
Suzie Sophomore: "I need to return these balloons I got the other day."
Me: "Okay, do you have the receipt?"
Suzie Sophomore: "Yes, I do."
Me: "Perfect, no problem then. Was there anything wrong with the balloons or did you just change your mind?"
Suzie Sophomore: "Well, I got them for a party we were having and they didn't work."
Me: "Really? I'm sorry to hear that."
Suzie Sophomore: "Yeah, they wouldn't float."
Me: "That's odd."
Suzie Sophomore: "Yeah, I was really disappointed. We were excited to have a bunch of balloons; it would have been really cute."
Me: "Hmmmm...."

[Okay. As she's starting to explain the "problem," it's becoming more and more apparent that she tried to blow them up herself and thought the balloons would magically float. But come on, this is a BYU student I'm talking to for crying out-loud, as evidenced by the backpack she was wearing! I didn't want to insult her intelligence by asking her whether or not she actually used helium, but the conversation wasn't making sense if that wasn't the case. So, I decided to be brave and ask...]

Me: "That is weird [awkward pause]. Did you happen to use helium when you were blowing them up?"
Suzie Sophomore [who dramatically puts her hand on her hip, tilts her head, and sighs before saying with a markedly distraught look upon her BYU student face]: "Ugh, do you have to do that?"
Me [looking at her in a state of pure bewilderment/trying not to laugh hysterically]: "Yes . . . you do . . . I'm sorry that whoever sold them to you didn't let you know. In the future, just remember that balloons only float if you fill them with helium. They will never, ever float with just the air from you blowing them up yourself so that was the problem, not the balloons themselves."
Suzie Sophomore: "Okay, I will remember that. That would have been good to know when I bought them, but oh well I guess. Thanks!"

I'll end by posing just one question:
Are You Smarter Than A Sophomore?

pictured from left:
Suzie Sophomore, Yours Truly

top ten songs as of late

2010-12-02T15:09:00.005-07:00

No. 1: If I Die Young THE BAND PERRY

I also LOVE the music video:

No. 2: Kiss Me When I'm Down GARY ALLEN
No. 3: Marry Me TRAIN
No. 4: Misery MAROON 5
No. 5: Animal NEON TREES
No. 6: Glitter In The Air PINK
No. 7: Only Prettier MIRANDA LAMBERT

kinda sorta heart this:

No. 8: You Give Me Something JAMES MORRISON
No. 9: As She's Walking Away ZAC BROWN BAND/ALAN JACKSON
No. 10: Teenage Dream KATY PERRY

I also love this music video {haha}:

mcnuggets

2010-11-15T23:39:00.005-07:00

I know I haven't posted in awhile. I've been like super-duper busy and stuff. However, I know you've been dying to hear from me, so how's about a little funny-honey post to brighten your day?

I have so many funny moments that I've never posted about. Let's see, let's see. Ah yes, here's one.

Back in April, my dad and I, along with my brother Zander, headed down to Delta, UT to see my Grandma Nickle perform in one of her "Blue Notes" choir concerts. Before we left, we had to stop at Wal-Mart to grab a few things, and we then went to grab a quick bite for the road via the Wendy's drive-thru which is kiddy-corner to Wally. Zander was driving, Dad was in the passenger seat, and I was in the back. Here's the conversation that ensued a la drive-thru window:

Wendy's guy: "Welcome to Wendy's, order when you're ready."
Zander: "Hi, can we get a junior bacon cheeseburger and a five piece McNugget... "
Me: "Zander, we're at Wendy's. I kind of think they don't have McNuggets. But let's ask for a Happy Meal just in case."
Zander: "Shut up."
Dad: "I'll take a Big Mac."
Me: "Oooh can I get a McGriddle? I've always wanted to try one."
Zander: "Be quiet I'm trying to order."
Dad: "McFlurry, please!"
Zander: "Stop it!"
Me: "I'll take a Big N' Tasty or a quarter-pounder with cheese."

... the laughter and Mickey D's ordering continues ...

Five minutes later, we actually got our order in. Two things learned from this experience:

1. Its fun to laugh at random acts of dumbness and
2. We know way too many items on the McDonald's menu

P.S. I'm sure the Wendy's guy thought we were freaks. We were laughing pretty hard.

Good times, good times.

sugar free

2010-11-02T22:20:00.002-06:00

I just found out that another one of my friends is going on a sugar free kick.

I think I'll eat a Twix.

goodbye october!

2010-10-31T22:12:00.005-06:00

For me, this October has been a mixture of a month that "flew by" and "dragged on." I had a great time, an amazing time, and also a really hard time. To say the least, it was an interesting month for me; let's just say that this girl's confidence was smashed on an almost daily basis the last two weeks! But at the same time, I've never felt better about certain aspects of my life. It's weird. When all is said and done, I'm glad it's all over and I'm looking forward to a new month.

I've been sleeping most of the day away today because I'm super sick, and I need to go back to bed in a minute since I've got a long day ahead of me tomorrow. But before I go, Happy Halloween! I'll post about my Halloween festivities sometime soon.

GOODBYE OCTOBER!

waiting to arrive

2010-10-23T12:50:00.011-06:00

Figuring out life is like reading a map - you may know where you want to go, but if you don't know your starting point on the map nor where you are currently, you won't reach your destination because you have no point of reference.

I have been thinking about where I am today and how I got here. What has my path been? How have I arrived at the point I find myself in today? What paths have called me their traveler? Where did I start, and where am I going?

Today's formula for success is this: know where you came from + know where you are + know where you want to go and how to get there = arrival.

I'm on the path to where I want to go, and the destination is in sight. Just waiting to arrive.

have i told you lately . . .

2010-10-20T23:06:00.004-06:00

Lately? I'll tell you about lately. Life is kickin' my hiney lately!

hop on over and vote, if you please

2010-10-13T18:50:00.003-06:00

If you would be so kind, please hop on over to the Blossom Sweet Blog to vote in our latest poll. We're working out the details for our 2011 ad and would really appreciate your opinions.

Thankssomuch.

Sure appreciate ya.

social butterfly {in progress}

2010-10-10T22:20:00.007-06:00

I've been trying extra hard this week to "put myself out there" in every aspect of my life, be it work, social, church, personal, etc. I'm not a social butterfly per se; I am a work in progress.

My issue is that whenever I go to things, I always end up talking to the same people, i.e. next door neighbors, my friends, acquaintances, etc., basically people I already know, who are already in my comfort zone, and who would not be a "risk" for me to approach. It's not even that I'm shy - I'm not shy at all, really. I just get stuck in comfortable. Also, this is not to say I don't love talking to my friends, because I do, it's simply to point out the fact that its hard for me to branch out! However, I realize that to get anywhere in life it's important to do just that - to branch out and take risks (AKA put myself out there).

So, tonight (a la ward prayer, naturally) I was brave ventured beyond my personal bubble and got to know some new ladies & gents a little better. It was fun! I'm improving, and I like it.

ticked off - not what you think

2010-10-06T22:56:00.005-06:00

I was writing a different poem tonight when I started getting off on a tangent about the subject of "Time." So, I took it in that direction and wrote a poem entitled, "Ticked Off." Enjoy!

Ticked Off

by Melissa Nickle, 6 October 2010

Time is such a funny thing

Though un-funny is a better description

He never obeys me – he hates me – I’m sure

Of this I can grant my conviction

Sometimes I tell him to speed things along

To hurry it up, please, I’m pleading!

Other times I say, “Just slow it on down.

Construction zone – fines double for speeding!”

And then there are times, and certain situations

When I just plum want him to hold still

I do my best – give my most threatening stare –

But alas, it seems Time has beaten my will.

For I try to arrest him

I tell him to, “Halt!”

Then he ticks and he tocks once again!

“Stop.”

Tick.

“Stop.”

Tock.

“STOP!”

Tick tick. Tock tock.

Smart-A.

Disobedient time

Stubborn hourly chimes

Bells, cuckoo birds, and etcetera

I’m sick of my life slipping through the skeletal fingers

Of your minute, second, and hour hands!

Seriously, who has three hands anyway?

Oh, yes, Time, you think you’re so funny

Like the Energizer bunny

You keeps going and going and going

Well guess what, Time, I’ll tell you the truth

At your jokes no one is laughing!

So let me just ask that you listen up, Time,

Do you think you could do that for me?

I know it’s hard, I know it’s not your style

But I’ll be done in a count of three.

1. Please move faster when I have to work

2. Please move slower as I sleep

3. Please be kind as my face wrinkles up

4. Please, as I chill, let me be

5. Please take a break when I’m at lunch

6. Please leave me alone when with friends

7. Please move things along when I’m sitting in class

8. Please, when with my family, hold your horses! I don’t want it to end!

9. Please rewind when I’m with that one guy (or push pause, whichever you wish)

10. Please skip a few digits when I don’t want to listen

11. Please oh please, Time, will you grant my petition?

Well, I guess you know something about numbers

And that was more than a count of three

I apologize, Time.

Did I TICK you off?

OH! THE IRONY!

such is this post

2010-09-30T22:59:00.004-06:00

Work on Friday night = Miss my annual GMM mission reunion. Okay, so maybe I wasn't planning on going anyway, but still.

Work all day Saturday = Miss watching two live sessions of General Conference. Sad!

Work = ain't it a . . . somethin' I shouldn't say in a post talking about mission reunions and General Conference!

I feel like I'm blabbering. Blah, blah, blaaaaahhhhh. Such is this post. Deal, k?

Enjoy conference!

much to my surprise, much to my dismay

2010-09-25T12:30:00.005-06:00

Much to my surprise:

On rare occasions, I look outside my front door and find this in my front "yard" (which is actually a gorgeous park but I call it my yard).

Much to my dismay:

Upon finding said carnival-like activity right outside my window, I realize that my Saturday nap I've been looking forward to for two weeks (I don't get to nap a lot) is probably not going to happen. Waaaahhhh!

and finally,

Much to my joy:

I get to watch the General Relief Society Broadcast tonight with my mom. It's the first time since 2005 that we will be able to go together, just the two of us. It's about dang time!

i hate the dot dot dot . . .

2010-09-24T09:16:00.010-06:00

I have random pet peeves. A couple of them are in regards to texting. First of all (and mom will laugh at me when she reads this seeing as I talk about it all the live long day), I HATE when people don't use exclamation points and other such punctuation in their texts. Especially the menfolk who seem to be Eyeore-like in their texting skills (or lack thereof). Seriously. It's so hard to get tone across in a text, and very easy to come across in a way unintended. Throw in a smiley face, an exclamation point, lol, haha, etc. every once in a while. Give me something to work with, people! :)

(Please notice the exclamation point and smiley face in my last sentence. haha.)

I'm not saying people should sound ditzy in their texts - which, if the aforementioned items are overused is more than a remote possibility. However, when in doubt about how your text will come across, remove all doubt and chance for misunderstanding by punctuating according to your intended tone. You don't want your text to sound like this (right, Z?):

SECOND PET PEEVE . . .

This one is even bigger than the first. I HATE the . . . dot dot dot! Technically speaking (as my English professor so aptly taught me) the "dot dot dot" in question is actually an "ellipsis." The ellipsis has its place in the English language, and I use it all the time in writing, but not when it comes to texting. Why? To me, it's wishy-washy and makes the texter's tone seem unsure. It makes a thought seem unfinished and gives the impression that there was something more to be said, but the writer stopped him/herself. It's elusive. I'm always unsettled when I receive an ellipsis-bearing text, especially when the text ends so punctuated. I'm sure I have even been guilty of dot dot dotting it on occasion while texting.

However . . . I try extremely hard not to do so . . .

Melissa and her random pet peeves. I'm weird. I know . . .

you know what i did last summer

2010-09-22T22:44:00.008-06:00

So, I have been posting the past several months more about what I am thinking than what I am doing. Thus, my summer fun has been left somewhat undocumented. Here are some of the highlights, in nutshell form:

California trip with Zander

My brother Zander and I drove down to California together to visit my Nannie, Aunts, & Uncles for a week in Palm Springs back in May. My oh MY was this trip ever needed, and my oh MY did it ever come at the right time. I have not had that relaxing of a trip . . . in I don't know how long. LOVED it.

Lake Powell

I went to Lake Powell with my family for our annual week of beach camping. It was really fun, and again, really needed. It came on the heels of my biggest wedding of the summer (as it did last year, I'm sensing a pattern), and therefore was perfect timing. We had a gorgeous campsite this year - "one of our best yet" according to Dad (who, btw, would say that!).

Trips to Delta

I have gone to Delta more in the past year than I have in the past several years combined (granted, I did go on a mission for a good chunk of that time), especially over the spring/summer months. I am SO grateful - for several reasons - that I was prompted to complete the book for Grandma. The time I have been able to spend with her has been a treasure, and I am glad that I was able to finish it while she can still thoroughly enjoy it and relive memories and feelings throughout her lifetime. I have loved spending so much time in Delta this year with Grandma.

Tim McGraw + Lady Antebellum

I LOVE country concerts. This year I was able to see Tim McGraw & Lady Antebellum in a concert out at USANA. As usual, loved it. But, I do have to say, I was somewhat let down by Lady A. I have seen Tim McGraw in concert before, so I was mostly going to see them - I LOVE them. I was sad that they weren't great live. It was hard to hear them, there was zero interaction with the audience, and it was honestly kind of boring. I'll stick to your albums rather than your concerts, thank you very much! But, Timmy, you were still good of course. :)

Bonfires

I love living so close to such beautiful canyons. I've had several opportunities this summer to take advantage of where I live and go up the various canyons with friends for bonfires, camping etc. Probably one of my very favorite things about summer and I hope to do it even more next year.

Sunday Dinners

I go home almost every Sunday for family dinner. I started doing this when Zander got home from his mission almost a year ago, and it has just kind of stuck. I love spending time with my family.

Party Party!

It will come as no surprise to you that I love throwing parties. This season's highlights have been my Peach Cobbler Night and my dad's 50th soiree.

Worked

I successfully completed another busy wedding season. It is always a challenge, but also a good accomplishment. One thing that is hard about my job is that when I am busiest is generally when other people want to play, and vice versa! My busiest times are summers and weekends. Go figure. All worth it when I get to make my own schedule and be my own boss! Oh, to make my own schedule...

Anyway, now you know what I did last summer!

has it ever rained harder?

2010-09-16T18:05:00.016-06:00

This afternoon I was talking to one of my friends about an experience I had a few weeks ago. It was really special, and although I've already recorded the more personal details in my journal, I decided I should write a poem about it tonight. So, I did, and I feel that I can share it here. I hope it can speak to you in some small way.

Has It Ever Rained Harder?

In thoughtful contemplation

I found myself upon my bed

I could not rest

My body, yes

But as usual, not my mind

I thought of my time in Thy house that night

Of the feelings I felt there

Of loneliness

Of overwhelming sadness for dreams yet unfulfilled

Of unimaginable trials for myself and those I love

And having to go through life’s wilderness - alone

And yet, I felt the Spirit, too

The more time spent reflecting on my feelings of that night

The more my eyes filled with built-up tears yet un-cried

I needed assurance

Comfort

Love

And so I turned to Thee

My eyes cried

And my heart cried -

Cried out with fervor and in pleading -

“Who am I, and what do I mean to You?”

In that moment, I so much needed to know

And as my heart ached,

I think Thy heart did as well

For the moment I asked

Was the moment Thou answered

For the evening’s sparse and scattered raindrops

Began to pound at once – immediately – upon my bedside window

Filling my room and my soul with the sound so strong, long, and loud

Of Thy comfort for which I had pled

It was a pouring down of Thy love and deep understanding of me,

Your daughter

I began to understand and feel what I had believed all along

For believing is not always consistent with feeling

And faith is not always paired with understanding

And time going by seems to be the enemy to all of the above

But in that moment I knew that in my “lone and dreary wilderness”

I am not alone at all

Thou hast been with me in my wilderness

And the pain I feel hurts Thee

And not me – alone

The sheets of rain became Thy tears shed with mine

Has it ever rained harder?

-Melissa Nickle, 16 September, 2010.

nothing says love like facebook

2010-09-14T17:07:00.009-06:00

I do not understand why people are so hasty to update their facebook "relationship status." It does not make sense to me. It's not a pet peeve or anything, I just don't understand. Must you insist on jinxing yourselves? Cool, you met two days ago and you are holding hands for the first time as we speak. Officially. In. A. "Relationship." Time to let go of that hand you're holding and use those phalanges for the reason they were created in the first place - to type your brand-new status immediately! Naturally.

Will I change my tune someday? I dare say I will not! I don't think I'll ever change mine until I am at least engaged, possibly married. Again, WHY JINX IT?

So is it important to you to announce your relationship status? Am I missing out on some grand secret to social media satisfaction? Or do you feel like I do? Do you agree that announcements made in haste (and I do mean haste) are bound to jinx you? Thoughts?

photos of dad's surprise party

2010-09-12T12:41:00.003-06:00

And, as promised over a week ago . . . here's the link to tons of photos from my dad's FABULOUS FIFTIETH FETE ("fete" c'est francais pour "party" en anglais). It was SO so fun. Enjoy!

http://forty-cents.blogspot.com/2010/09/stevies-five-o-on-nine-o-two-one-o.html

redbox rendezvous

2010-09-08T11:35:00.005-06:00

Six months or so ago, I was at the McDonald's on Bulldog Blvd. with my friends to see what Redbox had to offer us for a Friday night of fun[?]. Being that we are in Provo, and that this particular Redbox was in the thick of cougar town (BYU student housing, etc) and it was a Friday night, it was crowded to the max. Long lines we waited in for our turn at the screen.

Waiting.
Waiting.
Waiting.

Finally! My turn! We were scrolling through the available titles, when suddenly this incredibly dashing man in his mid-twenties comes and stands right next to me (naturally, when I say "incredibly dashing" I do mean SMOKING HOT).

I didn't know what he was doing. He didn't say a thing. Then, he suddenly starts trying to shove a DVD into the machine while we were browsing! He just kept trying to push it in as hard as he could. I just stood there looking at him thinking, "You are such a freak. A smoking hot freak." I thought he was joking. But, he wasn't.

Finally I said, "Um, I think you have to wait in line to do that, because you have to push a 'RETURN A DVD' button before you can put that back in."

To which he responded, "Oh, seriously? How dumb. I've never done this before, sorry."

Then he walked away and stood in the back of the line. Classic. He probably felt like such an idiot.

So, Mr. Hot Mess of a Man, let's do it again - a Redbox Rendezvous of sorts. This time I'll even teach you how to "RENT A DVD." Mmmmkay?

time: trying to find the balance

2010-09-07T11:52:00.007-06:00

"You think too much about the time you have left - you don't spend it living."

This quote from "The Skeleton Key" can be applied to so many facets of life.

I'm going through a really hard time right now with several significant things. But, really, isn't everybody? Yes, everybody has hard things to deal with in their lives, but knowing that fact doesn't necessarily make one's own problems any less daunting.

How do I stop spending my time worrying and spend it living, when the things I spend time worrying about are not only worth worrying about, they are in fact of necessity worthy of my time and attention?

Just trying to find the balance.

happy birthday, dad

2010-09-02T23:38:00.005-06:00

As of today, my dad is officially 50! Happy Birthday!

I mentioned that we threw a "Hawaii Five-O" surprise party for him. I'll put up a link to photos of the party soon.

For several years now, I've noticed that the vast majority of my friends either strongly dislike their dads, have no relationship with them, or their dads have passed away. I realize that I am very lucky to first of all have my dad, and second of all to have a great relationship with him.

For his birthday present, I gave him a canvas print of one of his favorite childhood photos. I'm glad I have an amazing scanner because this came from a very small photo! He had mentioned several times over the summer that he wish he knew where the photo was where he was "wearing my army hat and laying down with my huge toy gun looking up at the camera." What he didn't know is that my mom and I had it the whole time. :) I just had to wait for his birthday to give it to him!

It's this photo:

And this was the canvas print gift:

Love you!

tardy for the party

2010-09-01T09:55:00.003-06:00

Last night I threw a huge surprise shin-dig for my dad's 50th birthday. It was great! The theme was "Hawaii Five-O."

I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off because I was running really late. Tardy for the party as per usual was I! But, this time I really did have a reason, and for all those people I enlisted to help last minute, I want you to know, I really had planned to get it all done myself - and on time!

I got to my house at 11 yesterday with party stuff in tow (and lots of it at that!). I parked the car, got out to start taking all the stuff inside through the garage. When I was coming back out for my second trip, there was an old man standing by the door inside our garage! I was a little scared. But, he looked nice. He said, "Do you know where Teton Drive is?" I told him that I didn't and apologized. I thought that would be the end of it. But he looked so distraught that I kept asking him questions to see if I could help. He proceeded to tell me that his wife had dropped him off and told him to walk home but he couldn't find Teton Drive. I said, "Wait, you live on Teton Drive?" "Yes, and you'd think after living in Orem for so long I would remember where it was." I said, "Do you know about where it is?" He replied, "I think it's over by Harmon's." (BTW, Harmon's is not a mere stroll from my house - it's a good ways away!) Anyway, I told him to come in and that I would help him try to find it online. But alas, the internet was down (a common occurrence at my fam's house).

I didn't know what to do. I was the only one at the house. He just kept talking and talking, and the more he talked, the more I was convinced that he had advanced Alzheimer's. He kept asking the same questions over and over again and would then say, "Wait? Have we talked about this before?" And then when I would ask him anything, he would give an answer but nothing specific. For example, I would ask, "How many kids do you have?" "Oh you know, quite a few." Or, "How long have you lived in Orem?" "Oh, quite a long time, quite awhile really."

Finally, with nothing else to do, I told him to wait outside and I would call someone who knows where he lives to give him a ride home. He agreed, and waited outside while I called the Police. They told me to watch him and get him to stay until they arrived. I assumed that would be soon, but it was over a half an hour until they got there! So, by that time, I had been talking to this poor man for over an hour. He was really nice, and told me lots of stories (some of which made him very emotional and he even started to cry), but I was getting really stressed, because I knew because of this I wouldn't have time to set up the party on time (it involved an immense amount of set up - just as much if not more than when I set up a big wedding), but, there was no way I was just going to abandon this man who had been walking around aimlessly for hours!

He kept asking me, "So, who's coming to pick me up?" I didn't have the heart to tell him I had called the police, and I also didn't want him to freak out and leave. So, I just kept saying, "Some really nice people who know where Teton Drive is." The police officer finally arrived, and when the car pulled up, Ben looked at me and said with the saddest little face, "You called the police?" So, I played it off and said, "Oh, they told me they knew where you lived. They're really nice and they said they'd be happy to give you a ride home." To which he said, "Really? That's great! Wonderful!" Haha, so I guess it worked out. Anyway, the cop got out and started asking Ben questions about himself. Ex.: what's your name, what street do you live on, etc. (it was determined that he lived in Lindon, which was the opposite direction from Harmon's where he initially thought his house was, so yeah, he was LOST). When the cop asked, "What's your birthdate?" and got a response of, "October . . . 21st . . . uh . . . 19something or other," it was clear to him what had been made clear to me - Alzheimer's.

And with that, he helped Ben get in the car and they were off. I watched Ben smiling in the back of the cop car as they drove away. What an odd experience! Stuff like this happens to me all the time, let's just say this isn't the first time I've had to either call the police or 911.

I can't imagine going through something like Alzheimer's. Ben was a smart man, he told me all about how for his career he had worked as an electrical engineer for the government and created image processing technologies, etc., and it's so sad to think that someone that sharp would lose their mental faculties. I would rather lose physical abilities than mental abilities I think.

Well, I'll end by saying to all my last minute helpers, that's why I was a little behind setting up! Thanks so much for coming through in the clutch! :) The party was a huge success. I will post about it in the near future!

non-response

2010-08-29T23:53:00.002-06:00

In my opinion, non-response is the epitome of rudeness.

That's all.

my rosie-colored future

2010-08-25T00:26:00.009-06:00

I was just lying here thinking about my future, both near and distant, and I think there are bright things in store. It's a good feeling to know that even when things are uncertain, that they always work out. And although I don't feel like this every day, today I feel like all aspects of my life are on the brink of coming together in perfect harmony. Just thought I'd share that with you!

And in honor of my future, enjoy this photo of Rosie the robot, from the "future-based" show, The Jetson's. (No, I do not plan on being a maid in the future. But maybe I'll HAVE one!) Dream big, my darlings, dream big I say.

P.S. Sometimes I feel that when I write about things like this, (the future, uncertainty, good things to come, etc), people assume I am only talking about marriage/relationships/kidlets when in reality, that is just a small portion of what I am ever talking about. So the "I-know-you'll-find-a-man-esque" comments can be put on hold! There is so much more to my future than that: educationally, professionally, socially, spiritually, physically, financially, familial, and beyond! Just so we're on the same page, people! :)

marshmallow madness

2010-08-18T21:25:00.001-06:00

Oh my gosh. Funniest youtube video. Ever. Introduced to me by my dear brother, Bryson.

Watch the whole thing!

cobbler night!

2010-08-16T22:32:00.008-06:00

This post is coming a couple of weeks late, but I've been busy, bus-ay!

Two weeks ago I hosted my second annual dutch oven cobbler party. It was SO fun. We had about 50 people attend, and by the end of the night, not a drop of cobbler was left. I think they liked it!

This has been a fun tradition I've started. I think traditions are important, and I love making them for myself.

I didn't take many photos of the party itself (sadly), but here are a couple of photos I took of the peach tree I created for the party. All elements are fresh.

There were a lot of fun things going on @ the party:

four dutch oven cobblers (made on my front porch, how redneck!)
rockband
catch phrase
mingling/hanging out/laughing
hillbilly horseshoes
late night chats on the front porch
great food
super-duper cute decor

It was especially fun for me because four of my brothers attended. It's great that everyone's old enough now that they can come and hang with the college kids & not feel too out of place. I was so excited that they all came! It was also extra-special that my BFF from high-school came with the hubs & baby Henry. It meant a lot - thanks, Steph!

All in all, I'd call it another success! Next year I'll remember to take photos of the party itself. :)

when you dream, dream big

2010-08-08T19:03:00.004-06:00

I heard this song today on "soft Sunday sounds." I love this song, but I haven't heard it for years and I forgot about it. Click the link to view the music video. Dream big!

link to music video: Dream Big

When you cry be sure to dry your eyes
'Cause better days are sure to come
And when you smile be sure to smile wide
Don't let them know that they have won
And when you walk, walk with pride
Don't show the hurt inside
Because the pain will soon be gone

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big
When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud
'Cause it will carry all your cares away
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
And it'll help you feel okay
And when you pray, pray for strength
To help you carry on
When the troubles come your way

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud
'Cause it will carry all your cares away
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
And it'll help you feel okay
And when you pray, pray for strength
To help you carry on
When the troubles come your way

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

help! i'm stuck in junior high and i can't get out!

2010-08-06T09:36:00.009-06:00

You know how girls & guys in Junior High are in that "awkward phase" with each other? Oh wait, did I ever graduate from that awkward phase? Oops, no.

I wouldn't consider myself to be an awkward/shy person. Not even with guys - at least not with ones I'm NOT interested in. Conversely, I would consider myself a confident, witty, dynamic person at most times. But, it seems that as soon as I'm interested in a guy, even remotely, I revert to Junior High behavior. I stumble over my words, I look at the ground, I can't say any of the witty things I normally would, I back away from the person giving the wrong body language signals, I'm the first to try to get out of the situation (because I don't want him to be first), I GET NERVOUS.

Why am I like this? Am I 12? I can't get guys I could potentially "like" to know the real me because I can't act like the real me when I'm around them!

Last night was a perfect example of my inability to be myself. I kept mumbling and couldn't get my words out! I was so nervous it's laughable. Or should I say laugh-at-able!

Well, someday, I'll get out of this Junior High phase. And then I'll be in High School. Dang.

amazing, amazing, AMAZING! the new mormon.org

2010-08-02T22:34:00.006-06:00

I know I just posted yesterday, but this is simply too good to wait. A couple of weeks ago, mormon.org was revamped and redesigned to become a website for members of the church to create individual faith profiles of sorts. I'll tell you what, this is AMAZING.

You may have heard of this a little bit and you may have even seen some of the videos and profiles of featured members of the church (which, by the way, are beyond amazing), but did you know you could make your own profile? What a fantastic opportunity. I jumped at the chance to do this, and for the past couple of weeks, I've been waiting for my profile to go live. As of today, it's up!

To make a profile, you need to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You use your member login (you should have one already that you login to your ward/stake website with), and create a profile. You can be as brief or as detailed as you want. You can write whatever you want. Once created, it will probably take a week or two to go live.

When it does go live, you can "share" your profile. There are several designs of blog buttons which you can choose from to put on your blog, and the buttons will be a direct link to your own specific profile. Isn't that awesome?

You'll see my button on the blog sidebar about half way down, and it will take you to my profile. Or, you can see it here.

I would really recommend that everyone checks this out. What a simple - and simply brilliant - way to share the gospel and our faith. Love it, love it!

"the gentle healer" by greg olsen

thunderstorm looming

2010-08-01T21:00:00.006-06:00

Oh my goodness! I looked out my front window tonight and was amazed at how the sky looked. It's been humid today with a thunderstorm looming, and the light and colors are incredible. Here are a few pics I took really quickly about five minutes before it got dark.

The view from my front porch (I DID NOT EDIT ANY OF THESE COLORS):

So pretty! I hope the thunderstorm comes through - I do love a good storm.

topaz exhibit

2010-07-28T22:22:00.007-06:00

For Family Home Evening on Monday night, my group went to the Springville Art Museum. One of the girls in the group is a curator there, and she was able to give us the tour after hours. It was fantastic.

The specific exhibit she is currently over is the Topaz Exhibit, which features the artwork of many of the prisoners who were held captive in the Topaz Internment Camp just outside of Delta, UT from 1942-1945.

I've always known a bit about Topaz, because as my dad is from Delta, it would come naturally that I'd be somewhat familiar. However, until I did the project for my grandma, I never knew just how involved she was in the Topaz happenings. I never knew that in her early 20's she had five male prisoners living in her home as hired farm-hands while all the local men were away to war. I never knew that she cooked for them everyday, and that they lived on the upper floor of her home. I didn't know that she had formed bonds of friendship with the Japanese-American prisoners. And although I've always known that what happened to Japanese-American citizens was incredibly sad and is a tragedy in our history, now, knowing just what involvement my grandmother had, the Topaz exhibit meant a lot more to me because I felt more connected to it. You can read of my grandma's personal experiences with the internment prisoners on her blog HERE. It's remarkable, really.

I would highly recommend that anyone in the area or beyond visit the Springville Art Museum. I'm so impressed with both the caliber and quantity of work which is there on display. The Topaz section is only there temporarily and will be returning to the museum in Delta, so don't miss out on this opportunity!

what to write, what to write so late into the night

2010-07-26T02:06:00.009-06:00

I've been suffering again with bouts of insomnia. It had gotten better there for a little bit, but I seem to go through phases. The past week has a been a bad phase, and I haven't been falling asleep until post-5am every day. I'm not very good at controlling mental stress/anxiety when I'm trying to fall asleep. It's like my mind refuses to relax - yes - it's not a matter of not being tired, it's a matter of not being able to calm my mind. Often times sleeping pills won't work. Or, on the other hand, when they DO work, trust me, they REALLY work. I can think of few things more frustrating than laying in bed for hours when sleep won't come, BUT, it's also probably annoying that I write about it so much on the b-log. So, let me think of something else to write about . . .

Now do you get my title: "what to write, what to write so late into the night. . ."

Okay, I've got it. I watched a movie a few nights ago that has become an instant personal classic for me. It's somewhat of an old flick, and stars Steve Martin & Daryl Hannah. It's called "Roxanne." Have you all seen it already? I'd never even heard of it. Loved it, had me laughing outloud the entire time. Perhaps the fact that it was 4 am had something to do with it's supposed hilarity . . . but I think it truly is funny! REG, I say we watch it at our next sleepover. You'd like it too, I think!

It's a cute love story with a wonderful message and lots of laughs. Rated PG. I highly recommend it!

it's called a facial

2010-07-20T19:20:00.007-06:00

I'm reminded of a Sunday afternoon on my mission when Sister Bailey and I went over to a member's house for Sunday dinner. One of the elders (Dilts for anyone who's wondering) was telling a story to the father of the family while we were all eating our salads, and I'm sorry to say it, but everything he was saying was ridiculous to me for some reason and he was making me laugh so hard (I am known to get into fits of laughter now and then)! I couldn't stop, and finally he looked at me and said while holding up his fork with a cucumber on it, "If you don't stop laughing right now I am going to fling this cucumber at your eye," to which I responded immediately, "Do it. It's called a facial." And then everyone was laughing!

My family home evening activity last night is what made me think of that story. I was in charge of the FHE activity; I was asked to plan some games and everyone had a lot of fun! Maybe I just like being in charge? Maybe? :)

Anyway, it was a combined FHE activity with half of the groups in the ward, so there were about thirty of us. We played several games, but my favorite was probably the egg-smashing game. It's simple, it's hilarious.

So, you take five eggs. A few hours before you play the game, boil 4 of the eggs for half an hour. The one remaining egg is left raw. Refrigerate all eggs for at least 2 hours prior to playing.

When the time comes to play, ask for five volunteers who are willing to potentially get messy. When you get your five, line them up, and randomly hand them each person one of the eggs. As you're handing them out, explain that four are hard-boiled and one is not, and that upon the group's countdown, they will each at the same time smash the egg against their foreheads, and they must do it hard enough that the egg would be certain to crack. The four hard-boileds will not know any difference, but the one raw will have egg all over their face! The group counts down "5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . "

Egg smash!

That's it, that's the game. It's so simple, and there's no point other than it being funny. It was hilarious! My FHE "Dad," Mark, was the lucky loser. Classic. Claaaaaasic.

So Mark, I'll just say this:

it's called a facial.

pictures of me

2010-07-19T00:26:00.006-06:00

During the few years prior to my mission, I loved being in pictures.

Now, four years later, I despise seeing pictures of myself, and I more or less despise any person who points a camera in my general direction.

I've been thinking about it, and during this my year of being 25, I've only had a few pictures taken of me. I've done, seen, and accomplished so much this year, but as far as photo-documentation goes, it's like this year never even happened. That is so sad to me.

*disclaimer: this post does not give anyone permission to take photos of me nor does it imply that I will not despise in the event that you do. don't get any ridiculous ideas; I'm serious.

I want to look good again so that I will look good in pictures again. Because, let's face it, I love people and I love pictures. And I love pictures of the people I love. And, I want to once again love being in the pictures with all those aforementioned lovable dears.

I'll probably regret writing this post tomorrow. It'll probably be one of those times I'll think to myself, "Maybe my blog should be private if I'm going to write stuff like this." Yeah, maybe I put too much of myself out there for the world to see (at least in the form of writing about how I feel). But, I don't want to stifle myself. So if I feel like sharing something, it's gonna happen.

I'm going to like being in pictures again in the future not far distant. Can't wait.

purple crayons

2010-07-18T07:51:00.004-06:00

A glimpse into the conversations between me and my mother . . .

yesterday:

Me: "Mom, my wall is purple."
Mom: "Like what?"
Me: "Like, purple."
Mom: "How purple?"
Me: "Really purple."
Mom: "Like eggplant, or what?"
Me: "Purple mom, purple."
Mom: "Oh. Like what do you mean purple?"
Me: "Mom. Think of a purple crayon. It's kind of like that."
Mom: "Ew I hate purple crayons."
Me: "What do you mean you hate purple crayons?"
Mom: "I hate them."
Me: "Specifically you hate purple crayons?"
Mom: "Yes."
Me: "Why?"
Mom: "They used to make me throw up when I was little."
Me: "Purple crayons made you throw up when you were little?"
Mom: "Yes. I hate them."
Me: "Why, did you eat them?"
Mom: "No, I smelled them. Purple crayons smell gross."
Me: "Are you kidding me? You specifically hate the smell of purple crayons?"
Mom: "Yes, you should smell one. It's disgusting."
Me: "Um, okay mom."

. . . five minutes later . . .

Me: "Mom."
Mom: "What?"
Me: "My wall is purple."

Whilst searching for an image of a purple crayon, this book came up, and I have a feeling I'll be getting it for my mom at some point.

Photos of my new violet wall coming soon!

my grand adventure

2010-07-15T23:34:00.011-06:00

Tonight a few wards in my stake had an outdoor movie night at a field close to where we live. There was a great turnout and it was so fun! I love summer stuff like this.

We watched the Pixar movie, "Up."

This is a movie about love, dreams, goals, and adventure.

The concept is that these childhood best friends:

turn into this cute couple who start out with big dreams of grand adventure:

Especially dreams to get themselves to Paradise Falls:

The wife, Ellie, has an "adventure book," which contains her adventures and things she wants to do in her life:

I like the concept of her adventure book. Those of you who are familiar with the movie know that many things didn't go according to plan for this couple. They couldn't have children, their savings for Paradise Falls were constantly depleted by unexpected expenses, and they lived somewhat of an average life. What I like most about Ellie's adventure book is the fact that although her adventures don't turn out the way she had dreamed, she still fills the book. She fills it with pictures of her and her husband living and enjoying their everyday life and creating adventure and joy out of what life handed them.

I'm sure we all have things that don't go according to plan. I know I have things all the time that don't happen the way I thought they would, not to mention the way I would want. But, my adventure book continues to be filled with other - and often better - things. How sad is it that some people choose to leave the pages empty because everything hasn't happened "according to plan." How sad that they deny joy and adventure a place in their book!

I have a lot I want to do with my life and much I want to see and accomplish. I've already accomplished and seen many of those things, and I hope that a lot of the rest of them will happen. But, even though I can't always choose which adventures fill my pages, the fact remains that my life is my adventure book, and I can and do choose to fill its pages with the the opportunities I both take and create. And just like Carl & Ellie, I don't have the most exciting life in the universe, but I do try to fill it with meaningful things. And because of that, my so-called "average" life is the grand adventure I've made it to be.

No matter what happens in my life, all I have to know is one thing: when it comes to an end, I don't want an empty book!

that's what i'm talking about

2010-07-14T11:49:00.003-06:00

. . . and this is precisely why I don't want to chop off my hair, because someday, I want it to look like this (it will probably take another two years):

photography by Kayleen T.
hairpiece by Tulet
modeling by gorgeous Lindsay, aka my childhood neighbor!

So thank you to my friends who told me yesterday (because I was STILL being impulsive) to not chop the hair, to not chop the bangs. I owe you one.

so long

2010-07-13T10:15:00.004-06:00

For the past few months, I always get people saying to me, "Oh my gosh, your hair is SO LONG!" I hear this both from people I haven't seen for awhile, as well as from friends whom I'm constantly around all the time. It's true. My hair has gotten long! I love it.

Why the sudden change? I've been growing my hair out for two years but only now are people seeing (or at least commenting) on the difference. Here are a couple of reasons:

I stopped brushing my hair. Seriously. Well, that is to say, I stopped brushing it with an actual brush - I just use my fingers. A few months ago, I dropped my brush and it fell in the toilet. Disgusting, right? Like I'm ever going to use that again. So, the brush went in the trash and I never got a new one, because I had heard that thick hair gets damaged by brushing. So, I decided to test it out. My hair is not tangly, and I don't think anyone would guess I don't own a brush. But the only thing I use to comb through it is my fingers. I think this has stopped my hair from breaking off.
I switched shampoos. I was using the "really nice" (aka expensive) type of products that you have to get in a salon. I decided that maybe hair products are like makeup, and that they're all pretty much the same other than the packaging. So, I started using Pantene Pro-V, which is about $3.00, just to test my hypothesis. I've never gotten so many compliments on my hair as I have since I started using the cheap stuff. And my hair is breaking off way less. I recommend it.
I got layers a few months ago. This automatically gives an illusion of more length.
Time has passed. Clearly, the longer you grow your hair out, the longer it will get.
It's hot. My hairdresser has always told me that hair grows faster when your head feels hot because that means there's increased blood-flow to your scalp. For example, it will grow faster when you're working out, when it's summer and hot outside, etc.

Someday I'll put up a picture of how long my hair has gotten, but that day is not today since I don't even have a working camera. :(

P.S. Last week I came pretty close to chopping all my hair off, which is what I always do after I've been growing my hair out about this long. Pretty much, when it's hot and I all I want is my hair out of my face, I become rather impulsive. And, inevitably, I always end up regretting it. So, all of you with scissors, stay away from me. Stay far away! :)

i like it like that

2010-07-07T11:16:00.008-06:00

Those of you on Facebook know that a recent feature suggests pages for you to "like" on your sidebar. The concept is to take the pages you already "like," and then suggest new ones based on what people who "like" the same things you do "like." Make sense?

For example, on Facebook I "like" The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It has been so funny to me to see the suggestions that pop up.

A few of the faves:

Reeses: Many who like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints like this.

Skittles: Many who like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints like this.
Oreos: Many who like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints like this.

Starbursts: Many who like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints like this.

(Are you seeing a pattern? Mormons are sugarholics!)

Being Conservative: Many who like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints like this.

The Office: Many who like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints like this.

Taylor Swift: Many who like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints like this.

Buddy The Elf: Many who like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints like this.

Michael Jackson: Many who like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints like this.

And finally, as a business owner amidst this particular culture, I'd have to say my favorite "like" suggestion is the one I saw this morning:

Pinchingyourpennies.com: Many who like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints like this.

'Nuff said.

land that I love

2010-07-05T20:17:00.007-06:00

I was sitting in church yesterday listening to multiple testimonies being borne about how grateful everyone was to be able to live in the great country of the United States, which as the Book of Mormon tells us, is a "Promised Land" from God.

The testimonies were all heartfelt, but the last testimony of the day is the one that really struck a cord with me. One of my friends in the ward has just a few weeks left until her student/work visa runs out and she has to leave the country. She DOES NOT want to leave. But, she has no choice. Although she went to school here for both her undergrad and masters, and has worked here post-graduation for over a year (I'm trying to illustrate that she has been here a LONG time), she is no longer able to legally stay and has to abide by the law and return home to Europe.

She spoke in her testimony about how this has been such a hard time for her - especially in light of all of the Independence Day celebrations. It has been a hard time for her because she loves this country so much, and she wants nothing more than to be here. But, no matter how much she loves America, she said she's been torn between her love for it and feelings of bitterness because, as she said,

"They won't let me stay in the country I love."

Her words broke my heart and kept me teary-eyed even hours after hearing them. Many of the testimonies prior to her's in the meeting contained words of pride in America, pride in regards to being a citizen, pride for our country's heritage . . . PRIDE. I'm not saying I don't understand these feelings. I am certainly proud to be an American, and I certainly love my country. What I am trying to say is that I have done nothing to deserve to live here. I have done nothing to be a USA citizen but to be born here. I do believe that this is a "Promised Land" as the scriptures tell us. However, it was not promised for anything I did. It was promised by a loving God, and I am one of His children blessed enough to be allowed to be here.

"They won't let me stay in the country I love." Those are words which I will remember every Independence Day to remind me of the gratitude I owe to God for letting me live in His Promised Land.

Also, I wanted to tell you about my FHE tonight. We went to a temporary museum which was put up for Colonial Days. It was SUPER cool. There were about 200 pieces on display (and were shown to us by our uber-knowledgeable guide, "Ben Franklin") and each piece was an original. Most of the items were preserved documents. For example, there were letters written by Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Martha Washington, Paul Revere, Davy Crockett, Robert E. Lee, Ben Franklin, etc. An original Declaration of Independence, a piece of "Old Glory," and a few strands of Lincoln's hair displayed in a shadow box (seriously!). Amazing. I can't believe a collector in Utah has all this stuff - and I am told that it was only about 1/10th of his collection. Again, amazing.

Loved it, and love the land that I love.

they don't cry-y-y

2010-07-05T01:03:00.007-06:00

sometimes
like let's just say today
(for sake of example)
i have a "bad day"

emotions running
like a raging river
crying
freaking out in my head
super sad
very let down
feelings hurt
sobbing
heartbroken

sad
sad
soooo sad

have high hopes for the day
try to get everything right
but
everything goes wrong

totally
completely
hormonal

and then i laugh
and then i cry
because seriously why am i laughing

had to wait
until after midnight
to write this
because i can't say,
"I hate you, July 4th,"
but I can say,
"I hate you, July 5th."

no one gets it

because no one gets me
good bad night

stuff

2010-06-27T17:03:00.005-06:00

I have a lot of stuff. A lot of really nice stuff. Beautiful stuff. A lot of looks-expensive stuff. But most of it is second-hand stuff that didn't cost me an arm and a leg - just nickels & dimes more often than not. And sometimes, I even get free stuff.

[I just discovered that if one types the word "stuff" five times, it will start sounding like a fake word - kind of like the word "fork."]

Anyway. I love my collection of stuff. Have you seen that show on A&E called "Hoarders?" Well, just to be clear I certainly DON'T love stuff that much, and my house is VERY clean, well-designed & put-together. But again, I do LOVE stuff!

I always have stuff on hand to create whatever I want whenever I want. Rarely do I have to go out and get anything for a project (and I'm always working on projects), because I can make it work with whatever I have on hand. I love it. So many options at my lil' fingertips to create cute stuff at the drop of a hat.

My favorite kind of stuff? The kind that for some reason no one seems to want, but to me, all I see is it's potential. Take last summer for example. I bought a ton of stuff for my business and decor purposes at insanely low prices from someone's garage "junk." Stuff the seller didn't even want and probably would have thrown away had I not taken it (she even gave me a good chunk of it for free). So, I rented myself a sanding machine at Home Depot (only $12/day!), bought some paint, and went to work. And now, all that "junk" graces my living room and I get compliments on it all the time. With a little bit of tweaking, cleaning, and some fixing up, it all looks GREAT. In fact, a little over a week ago, the seller came by my townhouse for the first time. She kept commenting on how nice my place is - she loved it! And, it was funny when she realized that so much of the stuff she loved were the things I got from her garage. She said, "Oh my gosh! I never should have sold this to you! It looks so good now!" My response: "Ha. HaHA."

[This is how I do it. This is how I have nice things! Um, don't tell anyone though, let's keep up the facade.] :)

Today was a prime example of one of my most supreme acquisitions to date. My darling neighbor-friend mentioned to me a few weeks ago that her landlord was wanting to get rid of a large armoire that was taking up too much space in their townhouse. Wait? Wanting to get rid of it? Like, for free? Yes. She was going to give it to DI. Okay. No. This little beauty - especially at a price like FREE - had to be mine. So, we arranged for my dad to come get it and put it in storage until I have a place someday where I can use it - like, when I own my own home.

It took four men to lift the thing: my dad; my brother, Justin; and two guys who were @ the park (which is essentially my front yard) just getting done with a workout. My dad and Justin were going to try to lift it themselves, but upon realizing how heavy it was, and seeing the two guys walking by the front door, my dad said to them, "Hey! You two look like guys who want to come in and help us lift something heavy." "Sure!" And that was that. They pulled the truck up on the lawn (how Georgian of them) and loaded in my fabulous, newly-acquired, FREE OF CHARGE, armoire. Mine, mine, mine!

Photos of the process:

The stats:

height: 80"
width: 42"
depth: 22"

Based on how heavy it is, I'd say it's a nice, solid, real wood. It's in really good shape, and I'm SO excited about it. Something brand-new of this size at a place like R.C. Willey could easily run about $1,000. Of course it's not worth that much second-hand, but no matter what, getting it free is getting it for a good deal! As with all second-hand stuff I acquire, I have some plans for this to tweak it and make it my own. It's going to be faaaabulous.

Thank you neighbors - I love it! And thanks to Dad & Justy for picking it up!

Now this is the STUFF dreams are made of.

thirty three minutes late

2010-06-21T00:32:00.011-06:00

This post may be coming thirty three minutes late, but with every minute that passes, Dad, I only love you more. So, I shouldn't even be writing this post!

My dad is the greatest dad. Let me try my hand at a poem about Stephen Leslie Nickle. Here goes {keep in mind it's late, and I'm pretty out of it. Although that might go without saying.}

"Fathers are so special
With a very special love
They watch us and protect us
They guide us and direct us ..."

Wait? Did someone already write that? Let me try again.

My Dad's Better Than Your Dad
a poem by Melissa Nickle

I'll bet you the dollar in my pocket
That if my dad wore a turtleneck he'd rock it
Too bad I don't have a dollar in my pocket
Because guess what - I'm wearing a skirt

But if I was wearing some pocketed pants
I can guarantee you - right now - you wouldn't have a chance
To beat me in a bet as sure as this
For the turtleneck he'd rock
Making jealous all jocks
And each jock would wish it was his

But why do I write of bets and gay sweaters
When I've been told that to bet is for swindlers and sinners
Perhaps in a tribute to my daddy most dearest
I should transcribe the thoughts of my pops through the years-est

At the time of my birth, my dad was my age
In his 25th year - his second decade
Now nearly 50, as much time has passed
From the time of my birth to the time we're now at

I would hope that his second go at 25 years
Has proved to be his favorite, even amidst troubles - sometimes tears
I know that for me, my first 25 have been
Pretty darn good with a dad such as him

He's taught me the value of taking a risk
But after the married guy fiasco, I'd say I'm pretty pissed
But let's not talk about that ever again
At least not til tomorrow - cause it still makes me grin

But not everything he's taught me makes me so mad
In fact - I'd say most things have made me quite glad
He's shared most devotedly his faith with his kids
He's taught us to love, to have compassion - the right way to live

He loves my mom more than anyone in the world
And if I find someone like him - I'll be one lucky girl
I've watched them hold hands through happy times of pure gladness
Through hard times and bad times - through times of sheer sadness

Their hand-holding never fails to give comfort to me
To know that their love will last - no matter what comes to be
I believe that each of us kids will attest
We know our parents' love is among love's best

A harder worker in the world you simply won't find
Than one like my dad - he's one of a kind
Traveling all over this earth, always up in the air
Be it Asia, be it Africa, we never know where

Just kidding, Dad, we know where you're at
At least I always do - can't say for the rest of the little brats
And how lucky are they to have such a sample
Of what a man should be - you to look up to as an example

Thanks for always listening to me gab in a manner most incessant
I never shut up - my personality is most effervescent
Okay maybe I'm not exactly the bubbly kind
But I needed a word that would rhyme with that line

It's 1:10 am and I'd better wrap it up
Gotta go to bed, or my head will soon erupt
I started at 12:33 so I guess if I'm not wrong
My love for you has grown 37 minutes - and the clock keeps ticking on

No really, the clock in here ticks pretty dang loudly
I thought it was cute, and I hung it up most proudly
But now, three months later, I must throw something at it
Because I'll tell you what, tick-tocker, I've just about had it

And so with that, I think I'll end my little poem
What a joy to express thoughts about the "father of our home"
I love you so much, my father so dear
May much good come about until this time next year

It's been fun to write
So late into the night
I told you I was out of it
Now I've proved I was right

Happy Father's Day, Dad! I love you!

awkward . . .

2010-06-16T00:35:00.008-06:00

This post is written to update you on the "LinkedIn Boy" situation I told you about last week. If you haven't read the post to which I'm referring, go do it - it will make this post have a greater impact and will make much more sense. And speaking of today's post, I'd strongly recommend you read the whole thing . . . there's a high likelihood it will make you feel better about yourself.

Awkward (according to dictionary.com):
1. embarrassing or inconvenient; caused by lack of social grace
2. Marked by or causing embarrassment or discomfort

This entire post will have "awkward" photos scattered sporadically (cue Clueless reference - that one's for you, KT) throughout to give visual interest to my habit of telling stories in the most verbose way possible. Most of the photos are found here.

Brace yourselves - this is gonna be good.

So, let me start out by telling you a story about an elder in my mission. We'll call him Rhinestone Cowboy for the purpose of this story (you know who you are, RC). So, this elder told me one time of an instance on his mission (I believe he was a brand-new missionary when this happened) when he knocked on the door of a certain trailer, only to be met by a drunken man who hated Mormons. Upon seeing who was on the other side of his door, this man immediately proceeded to yell at the two elders to, "Shut up and get off of my porch!" when RC replied, "Sir, we haven't even said anything yet." The drunken anti-mormon then threw a hissy-fit of sorts, threatened the elders, and while his girlfriend, Donna Sue (I just made up that name) was yelling, "Stop it, Billy Ray!" (I just made up that name, too), what he did next will stun you: he kicked my friend, Rhinestone Cowboy, so hard in the stomach that it knocked him completely off of the porch and sent him flying to the ground. And true to RC form, while he lay on the ground in pain, he began laughing hysterically (which I'm sure only made Billy Ray more infuriated).

I tell you this story because when I first heard it, I said to RC, "I can't believe that! I'm so sorry!" To which he responded, "No, you don't understand I'm so glad that happened to me. I love awkward things. Actually, sometimes I try to make things awkward because I like it so much."

Well, RC, you're going to love what I'm about to tell you.

As I said in my post about "LinkedIn Boy," I knew I was going to see him again on Monday, and that it was a good thing he wouldn't read my blog because as I was going to see him, that would be awkward. Why oh why did I not knock on wood immediately upon writing such a stupid statement?

So I go in to his office on Monday. I'm looking good, feeling a little of the butterfly-kind-of-nervous. Hair curled to perfection, makeup done flawlessly, clothes of the cute variety, confidence ablaze, etc. Feeling good, feeling fine. In fact, I looked at myself in the rearview mirror just before I got there, and I thought to myself, "I don't think I have looked quite this cute in about a year. Well done, self."

But, guess what? My curls were wasted on LinkedIn Boy. I might as well have worn pajamas. Old ones! And a ponytail - the frizziest one possible at that.

While I won't give you specific details of exactly where I was, who I was working with, or why I was there, I will tell you that it was for a business purpose that required me to be there for an hour and wait for a certain job to be done. While waiting, I was told I could use a certain person's office & computer to help pass the time and get any work done that I needed to. I accepted the offer, and sat down at the computer to check emails and such. After awhile of that, I ventured onto Facebook. When that became too boring, I thought, "I wonder if they've seen my new business website or checked my blog lately?" I began to type in 'Blossom Sweet' and the drop down list (you know the one on Firefox) came down with all of my sites, blogs, etc. for my business. "Hmmm," thought I, "although the odds are about a million to one that if I start typing in my personal blog address it will come up in the search history, I want to double check anyway." So, I begin typing in my name: "Melis -" and up comes the personal blog in the browsing history. Oh. My. Holy. Crap.

What am I going to do.

I start freaking out in my head. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh. He read the post, he read the post, he read the post. WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?

I continued to fret for a couple of minutes when I finally became rational and calmed myself down. I decided: you know what? It's okay. It's not the end of the world. There are two scenarios that could play out:

LinkedIn Boy won't come in to say hello because he found my post alarmingly stalker-esque.
LinkedIn Boy liked the post & thought it was funny (as was it's intention), in which case he will come in and talk to me.

I figured that if he did come in, that would be a GREAT thing, and that by taking a risk I had created an excellent opportunity for myself. And, on the other hand, if he didn't come in, what harm had been done, really? NO BIG DEAL. So I just had to wait to see whether or not he would come in . . .

Five minutes later I hear behind me,
LB: "Hey! How's it going?"
[I turn around in the swivel chair and am pleasantly surprised to see LinkedIn Boy. Scenario 2! Butterflies commence]
Me: "Hi! I'm doing well, how are you?"
[the small talk continues for a little bit]
LB: "You know, after you left the other day I finally figured out how I know you."
[shocked. I didn't think he was actually serious the other day when he told me he recognized me from somewhere]
Me: "Really? How do you know me, and how in the world did you figure it out?"
LB: "Well, once you left it was bugging me so I had to figure it out. You live on Abbey Road.*"
[*name of road changed to protect . . . myself]
Me: "Um, no I don't."
LB: "You used to."
Me: "No, I never have."
LB: "Okay, well you used to be in the ward boundaries of Abbey Road, then."
Me: "Yeah, I did. . . but I still don't know how you know that!"
LB: "I used to live there."
Me: "What? I don't remember you! When did you live there - and where?"
LB: "My wife and I lived there for about a year in my mother-in-law's house."
[my heart falls to my stomach - or actually my intestines. One's entrails are lower than one's stomach, right?]
Me: "Oh, really? I don't remember that!"
[trying to sound nonchalant]
LB: "Yeah, actually your dad was our bishop for that year when my wife and I first got married and we lived at her mom's house."
Me: "Oh really? Who's your . . . WIFE?"
[he then proceeded to tell me her name]
Me: "Oh okay. Yeah, I know right where she lived. How funny!"
[of course, thinking to myself, "How not funny!" as well as, "I can't believe this is happening to me!"]
LB: "Yeah, I remember you in the ward. I think you were in high school or something."
Me: "Yes, that would be about right. I'll have to tell me dad that I ran into you. I still can't believe you figured that out. HOW FUNNY."
LB: "Yep! Well, anyway, just wanted to say hi. I'll go check on your order for you."
Me: "Okay, sounds great. Talk to you later."

Married? Married! I sat stunned in the swivel chair. I CAN'T BELIEVE HE IS MARRIED. No, really, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. Never would I have thought to flirt with a married man! But how would I have known he was married? I sat wondering if I should feel bad about the situation. After about thirty seconds of that nonsense, I decided that I have absolutely zero reason to feel bad. He did the following things which made me think he was single, starting with the most important:

He wore no wedding ring. Wasn't wearing one when I met him last week, and wasn't wearing one when he came in to tell me he was MARRIED.
Was rather flirtatious, especially for a married man who showed no bling-age signifying such a fact.
Lied about his age and told me he was younger than he actually was when I told him I was 25. What is the point in that if you are married? I don't care how old you are!
Told me last week that he thought he knew me, and told me that he thought it was from his SINGLES WARD, thus making me think that he was - um - I don't know - SINGLE! And that he was trying to let me know he was - um - I don't know - single!

I think the situation is funny - how could I not? I meet this guy, write a blog post about meeting him, against all odds HE READS THE POST, and then (because he read the post) he has to come in and talk to me just to tell me HE'S MARRIED. This is the very definition of awkward!!!

He did the right thing by telling me he was married. However, I have to say that I don't think he should have had to tell me! Wedding rings serve a purpose, my friend. And if you're not going to wear one, don't even talk to single girls. Or, at least if you do, make it clear - CRYSTAL CLEAR - that you are NOT SINGLE. I'm serious. You are putting yourself - and the single girl - in a bad situation. Either wear a ring and talk to whomever you wish, or don't wear one and don't talk to me unless it includes a phrase like, "my wife told me this joke the other day . . . " etc. That's my spiel on that.

So, I called my mom and said, "Are you home? I am coming home in about twenty minutes and I have a story that is going to make you laugh."

I told her what I have just told you, and she was cracking up the whole time. The past two days, all I've heard her do is make fun of me. Oh, and the best part, when she asked, "Wait, who was it?" And I told her the wife's name, she started laughing again and said, "(Insert LinkedIn Boy's name)? I know them quite well! They're so nice - I think they have a couple kids now!" More laughing. Thanks mom, thanks. One big, happy family.

Yes, apparently my parents know LinkedIn Boy, his wife, AS WELL AS their LinkedIn offspring/spawn. What are the odds. No really, WHAT ARE THE ODDS?!
In conclusion, I will say this: my blog will remain public. I'll just keep in mind that it's slightly more popular than I had anticipated!

AWKWARD.
AWKWARD YET HILARIOUS.
In the words of RC,
"I'M SO GLAD THAT HAPPENED TO ME."

An embarrassing story for years to come. In the words of REG when I told her about this today, "That is really one of the most embarrassing moments of a lifetime." Well, I say go big or go home. Actually I've never said that. But I should start.

Yep, one for the books!

dirty mouth? clean it up!

2010-06-13T17:53:00.005-06:00

Okay, so, I have this problem. I have a few friends (whom I love) and the more I hang out with them, the more the words "damn" and "hell" seem to come out of my mouth. No words worse than that, really (although their vocabulary is a little more colored than mine), but I'm noticing how the language I've been hearing more of really rubs off on me.

So. In the past, this has not really been much of a problem - I haven't found myself accidentally using the aforementioned vocabulary in situations where such words would be considered that inappropriate.

That is to say, not until this past week.

First, we had a Relief Society activity which involved roasting s'mores (cue Sandlot reference) out at the firepit. So fun. Okay, so here I am, roasting my mallow, when it starts melting to the point that it's going to fall off of the stick. I put forth my best maneuvers to save said mallow, but alas, gravity succeeded. My perfectly roasted, white, puffy ball of goodness fell smack dab in a pile of dirt. My instant reaction? "Damn!"

My thoughts immediately following my unintentional outburst: "Holy cow, you're at a Relief Society Activity, Melissa. Seriously, what's your problem?" So, I quickly apologized and the few people around me that actually heard it thought it was rather funny. So, no big deal, but I just wanted to illustrate how this habit of late could get me into some sticky situations!

My second episode took place last night. Right after returning home from my family reunion, I headed up the canyon with a big group of friends for a bonfire and ghost stories ( I LOVE bonfires in the summer!). So, we're up there in the middle of the woods, fire blazing, scary stories being told, when I hear some rustling in the bush behind me. Now, before I go any further, let me explain where I was sitting. I was the furthest one from the fire, and the closest one to the bush. And you know how dark it is up in the mountains at night.

Anyway, I'm talking to one of my friends and I hear this rustling and say to her,
"Did you hear that?"
"What?"
"I seriously just heard some creature moving around in the bush right behind me."
She looked at me wide-eyed and replied, "Okay, that really freaks me out - I'm really scared."
At that point, I didn't hear anything else, so I told her, "It was probably nothing."

So, about five minutes later, this massive furry creature bursts out of the bush and ran about one foot away from me. Without thinking, my reaction went as follows:

1. Jump out/fall out of chair
2. Attract attention to myself
3. Say loudly, "What the HELL is that?!"
4. Cover my mouth in shame

Turns out, it was a raccoon - a BIG one!

It scurried off and the crisis was averted, but I had another slip of the tongue! Granted, at least this time it wasn't at a church activity, but still. There were a lot of people there from my ward, and I guess even if that wasn't the case, I don't want to automatically say stuff like that!

So, I suppose the next logical step is to buy Costco-sized quantities of Orbit gum. They say that helps, right? You know how it goes, "Dirty mouth? Clean it up!"

Minty fresh breath, I'm ready for you.

don't answer that!

2010-06-10T10:43:00.016-06:00

I met a guy yesterday
I flirted - by my standards -
Which means I talked to him.

He flirted with me -by my standards -
Which means he talked to me.

Okay, maybe there was a little more flirting
Than just mere talking...

He's really cute - and kind of awkward too -
But in a good way. In an "I'm kind of nervous" way.
And I like that.

He's single.
He's cute.
He's employed.
He's tall.
He's LDS.
He's 31.
Wait, 32.
Okay, "31ish."

Yes, I did find all this out in our conversation.
No, I was not being odd - he brought it all up.
Which is not to say that he was being odd,
Because he wasn't.
Yes, he did lie about his age
When he found out I was 25
And his co-worker subsequently called him out on it.
I thought it was cute.

Easy to talk to, even with the ever-so-slight nervous factor.

He's not on Facebook.
This makes my job significantly more difficult.
Without Facebook stalking, I cannot discover his:
Interests,
Likes,
Favorite quotes,
Birthday,
Looking for,
Photos,
Friends,
Political affiliation,
Siblings,
Glimpses into his personality,
Etc. ...
Not to mention relationship status ...
(I mean, what if he's an "it's complicated" kind of guy?)
No, on a pesky little site like LinkedIn
This invaluable information
Is unfortunately unattainable!

And what's that about, anyway?
What kind of person
Would give priority to LinkedIn
Over something far more professional -
And may I add reputable -
Like Facebook?

Just kidding.
I have a LinkedIn profile myself -
(Since I'm all professional-like and stuff).
But I must say I find the site far less conducive
To trying to decide whether or not
I have a crush on someone.
Because, yes, I do generally leave that decision
Up to my Facebook sleuthing sessions.

But he does have a lot of connections...

Like him.

Hoping he doesn't somehow find out about this blog
And see that I wrote about him
Because I have to go back on Monday
And I'll probably see him again
And that would be awkward.
But you KNOW I will look GOOD on Monday!

However, come to think of it,
I probably don't have to worry
About him reading this.
While I, as a girl, am prone to the pitfalls
Of stalking, sleuthing, searching, sneaking -
Call it what you want, it's all the same -
(Although I prefer the term, "inevitable discovery")
I tend to think that guys
Are generally too busy
For this sort of practice.
I'd say they're more apt to be found
Watching 1985 reruns
Of "classic" football games.
You know how it ends, boys,
You've known it the past five times
You've watched the same game . . .
I don't get it!

Am I perfectly pitiful for being interested in a guy just because he's cute, he talked to me, and seemed to like talking to me?

DON'T ANSWER THAT!

Let me have my moment in the sun . . .

. . . because I do like sunshine. :)

special delivery

2010-06-05T02:04:00.004-06:00

I just got home from spending an evening in Delta visiting Grandma with my dad, mom, and aunt. I was able to deliver the book to her as a surprise - she had no idea I was even close to being done!

The book in and of itself is a miracle of sorts. I have already seen positive results from the project in various ways, and I'm so glad I did it! It took a LOT of 4 a.m.'s and a couple all-nighters, but I finished it and I couldn't be more proud. What a privilege for me to be able to do this!

Grandma's response was great. Like I said, she didn't know she was going to be getting the book tonight. The word to best describe her reaction is flabbergasted. The book is hardcover, 440 pages, with over 160 writings and 1100+ images.

I don't want to post any photos of the actual book at this point, because I want the rest of my extended family to see it for themselves first. Plus, I simply did not have any time this week to get any good photos. However, the one photo I will share with you at this point is of the book all wrapped up:

And now I'll tell you why I'm sharing this photo. I bought this wrapping paper when I was 19. It is gorgeous - the photo doesn't do it justice at all. It is embossed, textured, etc. So beautiful. Anyway, I've now had this small amount of wrapping paper for six years, and although I've had multiple opportunities to use it, I couldn't bring myself to part with it unless it was for something really special. And now, six years later, at age 25, I finally had something I deemed special enough for my favorite of all papers. It was definitely worth it.

I will share more about my experience and about the book (and photos) at a later time, but for now, just know that giving Grandma the book has been one of the most memorable, special moments of my life.

I love you, Grandma!

feeling sentimental

2010-06-03T12:20:00.001-06:00

As I've been working on the project for my Grandma, I've been feeling really sentimental. I've been getting to know the entire 88 years of life of Grandma Nickle, as well as the childhoods of my dad and his siblings. Also, I've reflected a lot on my own childhood. That being said, the three following songs have really been standouts to me lately.

First, my favorite song, "American Honey", by Lady Antebellum. They don't allow embedding (annoying), so just click on the link to go watch the music video.

Second, Miranda Lambert, "The House That Built Me:"

And Tim McGraw, "Still:"

All three a perfect fit when I'm feeling sentimental!

i'm baaaack. bliss blogging to commence momentarily

2010-06-01T12:32:00.001-06:00

After a long absence from Miss-Meliss-Bliss-Blogging due to sheer exhaustion, intense sleep-deprivation, and general busy-ness, followed by a chill-filled week of vacationing by necessity, I'm back.

I intend to get back to posting as usual.

Hope you all had a great Memorial Day!

Post to you soon.