Guys & Dolls

And finally........what you've all been waiting for....photos from Lyvia's play, Guys and Dolls! I know it may seem a little presumptuous to say that it was her play, but folks, this stunning girl stole the SHOW! Here are a few snapshots I grabbed of the performance for you all to enjoy.

Isn't she the cutest thing? I wish the show was every weekend and we could fly home to see it! It was so much fun. And look at all of those flowers she got--it was insane! She totally deserved it, and I was so grateful for the chance to fly home Mother's Day weekend to spend with my family.

Isn't Quinn so tall? I can't believe it! My bet is that he will be taller than Devynne by next year (sorry sista)!

We just bought our plane tickets last night to go home to Washington after spring term--yay! We were planning to rent a car and drive (we're not quite ready to take the Spectra after our last road trip disaster...) but we were looking at prices, and it was only about $50 more to fly so we're going to try to at least partially preserve our sanity :) I can't wait!

Piano Man

"i wish that every date night could be a jon schmidt concert!"

-me

Last night we had the fabulous opportunity to attend a charity concert by Jon Schmidt, who just happens to be my favorite modern pianist OF ALL TIME. And it was awesome. Seriously. I have never enjoyed a sitting down concert as much. Of course this was only my third concert and the other two were Relient K/Owl City and The Police. So I'm not sure if any of them can be compared. Apples and oranges. But very delicious apples and oranges, let me tell you.

Anyway, if any of you think piano music is boring, you should check out Jon Schmidt. The man rocks. And he's LDS, so he writes some pretty awesome hymn arrangements too which is always nice. 

Schmidt and his cellist, Stephen Nelson, were hilarious the whole night. They kept telling ridiculous jokes and doing all sorts of things that BYU students especially find hilarious. One of my favorite parts of the concert was where they played some of their "new mash-up ideas." If you are unfamiliar with Schmidt, he wrote a song that combined Taylor Swift's Love Story and Coldplay's Viva La Vida that I can listen to on repeat for hours on end. Anyway, they did some funny mix-ups like where they combined "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow" with the Death March from Star Wars, and then also "Don't Worry Be Happy" with the theme song of the Phantom of the Opera. They said they would call it, "Don't Worry, Be Psycho," and that it was sure to become a hit at weddings in the future.

He also did his characteristic playing the piano upside down, which was incredible. He is such a fantastic performer and I really enjoyed every second of the show. I will definitely be harassing Owen to get tickets to his next performance!!!

This is me trying to convince Owen to come with me and get a picture taken with Jon Schmidt.

My persuasive skills were not at their peak last night, but all the more reason to go to another one of his shows!!!

Every man out there needs to take a girl out on a date to one of his concerts. And please wear a nice button-up shirt too. Just sayin.

New Year, New Attitude

So I admit that this was more than two months ago, but our home teacher challenged us to come up with a unique way to show our gratitude. And I've been thinking and thinking about a way I could do this (that admittedly, wasn't too hard...) and then I came across a new blog that gave me a great idea! Sydney from The Daybook writes something she is grateful for every day at the end of her post. While I don't always post every single day, I think this is a wonderful idea that I am going to try to implement for 2011. That way I can finally tell my home teacher that I've completed his challenge! Yay! Even though it was most definitely Thanksgiving time when he first brought it up....

Also, good news! For Owen's "Computers in Society" class, he has to keep a regular blog! Yes! He said that he can't post to our blog because the teacher is going to be grading it and he has to write about "boring computer things," but I will definitely make him repost any fun and interesting posts here for you all to read!

____________________________________________________________________________

Today, I am thankful for shiny black heels and pink lipstick and all of the other little things that can instantly make you feel fabulous.

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

Can we go back there please?

Since there are two of us, I'm going to include some interesting facts about us both! 

Here is a key:     Chelsey Fact        Owen Fact         Chelsey & Owen Fact

1. I don't like mushrooms, hot dogs, or bell peppers, but I love brussel sprouts and spinach

2. I probably own as many superhero t-shirts as I do non-superhero t-shirts

3. We went on our honeymoon to Disneyland (see photo above) and want to go there again ASAP!

4. I won't chew gum unless I'm taking a test. Or if the guy sitting next to me smells bad.

5. I am insanely good at  yo-yoing (how do you spell that?)

6. I do research on developing cancer-preventing compounds, which is cool!

7. Our first date was probably the most awkward thing ever...the only reason she went on another was because he brought her hot chocolate since his car heater wasn't working well

8. I go crazy without Q-tips and with unbalanced speakers

9. We both secretly love to sing even though we aren't very good--Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" is a favorite tune in our home :)

10. I own three pairs of orange shoes and have to use my planner every day or else I lose my mind

11. I own three sketch books and can never use a planner for longer than two weeks

12. We love Psych and wish we could watch it every day instead of doing homework

13. I drink whole milk, read comics when Chelsey isn't watching, and want to work for Pixar one day

14. I want to be a pharmacist one day, watch Gossip Girl when Owen's not home, and can only tolerate skim milk

15. Bring us Tillamook ice cream and you will be our best friend     

And since it is a Thursday, and I just have to be thankful, today I am grateful for the fact that it actually was not the ECM that needed to be replaced in our car! They just had to mess around with the wiring, and I'm sure it will still cost a fortune, but at least we don't have to pay for that $800 piece! Yay!

T.T. #5 - Thank you for HP in my life

Tonight is THE night.

man, these guys look good

That's right.

HARRY POTTER 7 COMES OUT TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why am I even here at school instead of waiting in line at the theater? Who knows.

All I have to say, is that on this very Thursday, I am oh-so-thankful for Harry Potter in my life.

sequin skirt? yes please.

 

TT Numero Cuatro

 So I couldn't think of just one thing to be especially thankful for today so I am going to make a thankful list....Here it goes!

I am grateful for:

--my new purple-grey nail polish and how it never chips!--our super comfortable bed that we got a SUPER good deal on at this pretty sketchy place--blogs--the chemistry computer lab--BYU--research, even though I complain about it all the time--staples--my new watch and how I always know the time now!--OWEN MCKAY HANCOCK--Pixar and the awesome movies they produce (we just saw Toy Story 3 and it was phenomenal)--comfy shirts and shoes--Devynne taking me out to lunch on campus--water--Gmail and how it keeps my life totally organized--my planner, how it takes care of everything Google can't--my family and how I will see them soon!--the fact that there are only 44 more days in this semester--my genetics class--federal grants--wikipedia--milk--cereal--toothpaste and floss--the fact that our heater finally works now!--the apple pie I was able to make last night for the very first time (hopefully it didn't get ruined over night due to a silly move by yours truly...)--my job--online window shopping--online TV shows--5 subject notebooks--purple pens--braids--hand sanitizer--chocolate--pretty things--flowers--microscopes--strawberries--my fabulous family--being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (hopefully my Mormon.org profile will be reviewed and ready to go soon!!!)--the color orange--

TT Take 3

Two things I am totally thankful for today: chapstick and planners! As for the first, there is really nothing more satisfying than laying on a thick layer of trusty ol' Burt's Bees Lip Balm when your lips are feeling a bit parched. That tingling sensation and instant relief...there's nothing like it. I never really think about how much I am dependent upon chapstick until there is a day when I leave it at home. One time I left my chapstick at home and I was in such desperate need that Owen even went to the store and bought me some. What an awesome husband I have. I had a sports camp counselor who told me how she went a WHOLE summer without using chapstick, just so her lips would get used to it and she could stop wasting money on chapstick, and I think that is probably the saddest story I have ever heard. Who would willingly deprive themselves of the wonderful satisfaction that comes from Burt's Bees?

Last night I had a super freak out moment when I thought I had LOST MY PLANNER! Not only was I devastated, but I had no idea what I needed to get done last night (thus the cupcake post). I have no idea how I lived my life before I had a planner. I mean, they did train me to use a planner even since like 2nd grade, and I guess I didn't really have much to keep track of before that. The good news is that I had just left my planner in my office at work, and it will thankfully be restored to me today. The even better news is that it is nearing the end of the year (sort of) and thus it is (almost) Christmas season, which MEANS...it's time to start shopping for a new planner! Each year this is a huge event because my planner is something I carry with me day in and day out and something I heavily rely upon. Thus, I have to pick something that I'm going to be pleased to look at every day. Planners have to meet certain requirements for me. They need to have a space to write out a list every day, they need to have a hard cover, they need to have rings so I can lay it open flat, it has to be a year-long planner, not one of those silly August to August ones, and they need to be cute. Normally I just pick up the new edition of the same old planner that I get at Borders every year--pretty cute, but nothing too exciting. This year I think I want to branch out. I've been super envious of Vera Bradley's agenda line every year, and I am wondering if it is worth the $25 (plus shipping) investment. I mean, if you think about it, since I use my planner every day, that's only like spending seven cents a day in order to keep my life in perfect order. The only problem is, all of the designs are super cute! I can't decide which one. Here is the link so you can help me pick which agenda I should get:

Cutest Planners Ever.

Avoid Awkwardness

I really ought to follow this: 

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2Hg1uH/phylab.mtu.edu/~nckelley/Focus/

BUT-I finished my genetics and biochemistry exams and all of that other junk, so I'm feeling like I deserve a little break :) 

I think one day when I am rich, I would like to buy a nice camera. And I would like to take nice pictures for people. 

Like engagement pictures for example. Now, I am no professional, but I do have a few photoshop tricks up my sleeve, and I also have some common sense. Unlike the people who took these pictures.

Yes all of these pictures are actual pictures sent out with engagement announcements. Now, no matter how much you love fly fishing, sleeping in the ocean, or climbing up walls, this is unacceptable. When you send someone a wedding announcement, the first thing you want them to think is, "Oh they are going to have such cute babies!" not "Awkward." 

So for all of those of you who are thinking about marriage and don't want to embarrass yourself by your engagement picture, here are a few tips from yours truly that you can follow until I'm rich enough to buy a nice SLR camera. After that, you can just ask me to take your pictures :)

1. Make sure you can actually see your faces in the picture.

Yes, both of your faces. You might like that artsy look where he's blurred out and she's in front, but really, people just want to know what you look like. 

2. Wear dark, solid colors.

Unless you weigh like a hundred pounds or less, dark colors always look better, more slimming, and you'll thank me later. Also, you don't want whatever you are wearing to be distracting in the picture--remember, people want to see your faces.

3. Avoid distracting backgrounds.

See above comment. Just because that graffiti wall looks super cool and you think it will make you seem hip, doesn't mean that it is necessarily a good idea.

4. Know some poses.
Blog stalk like crazy and save images of engagement pictures that you like. Then you can do what I did--I printed them all out on a piece of paper and brought it with me. Then when you are there taking pictures, instead of wasting time thinking, "Okay, how should we stand this time?" you can just look at your cheat sheet and say, "Ooh! Let's do that one!" Some photographers may try to pose you, but make sure to know what poses you like and which ones you think look weird and unnatural.

5. Practice, practice, practice!

When Owen and I took our first round of pictures together, I thought we were doomed! It is always awkward for like the first half hour of taking pictures, so make sure you have plenty of time to take the pictures. Changing locations can also help, and even taking a lunch break or something in between can help you feel more comfortable. Know how to make each other laugh and relax, but try not to force it or make your photographer feel awkward:) Our goal is to avoid awkwardness.

And since it is Thursday, I just want to say that I am thankful for my friend Brooke and for her being willing to take my awesome engagement pictures! She was very patient with us and my crazy ideas and we had a blast taking the photos. You can check out our SWEET engagements over on our photo pages in the left column!

 

 Here's the one we actually used--notice the visible faces, dark simple clothes, simple background, awesome pose, and very natural smiles ;)

Thankful Thursday: Take 1

 As aforementioned, I will be taking the time (hopefully/mostly) every Thursday to express something I am thankful for, as inspired by President Monson's message this past General Conference. So this Thursday, I am thankful for...

FALL!

 

  
After yesterday's perfect fall weather, and every other beautiful autumn thing that has been surrounding me lately, it would be unfair to not give fall the credit it deserves. I love the perfect weather, just right for a light jacket and sometimes boots or a cute umbrella.

 I love the smells that are associated with fall, the smell of spices and cloves and everything warm and delicious. I admit that I fell into the Utah trend and bought one of those wax-warming candle substitute things (don't worry, I got it for a good price)...and though I do feel a little cliche, I am very much enjoying the smell of hot wassail in my home right now!

 
I love fall baking, and everything that uses PUMPKIN! Pumpkin brownies, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cake, pumpkin honey butter (totally trying that recipe next) and oh so much more. Last night I made my first attempt at a pumpkin roll--I've always loved pumpkin rolls but thought they were way too hard to make. It didn't turn out perfect, but I'm pretty proud of it seeing as it was only my first try. Here's the recipe I used, if you want to give it a try!
 

Okay this one looks a tad prettier than mine turned out...

Fall means the start of school (though I am totally over that excitement...), Halloween decorations, the changing colors of the leaves (one benefit to being in Utah), dropping off treats and "boo"ing people, and warm mugs of hot chocolate or apple cider. What it basically comes down to is I love this season!

 

Work and Family

Data Entry. The two devil words of being a secretary in the math department. When it's data entry time, it means that we get to enter the exam scores of EVERY single student taking calculus in the math department--both Math 112 and 113...and considering the fact that there are 750 students taking 112, and about 500 in 113, it is quite a mind-numbing task. Data entry means get ready for hours of brainless number keypad work coupled with a horrible neck ache that will probably last for a week. Not to mention the paper cuts you are guaranteed to get while rifling through those hundreds of tests. Don't get me wrong--I love the math department and my job here, but data entry is the one thing that I would wish to disappear from the universe. It's especially frustrating when students can't seen to figure out what section they are in (even though it's printed RIGHT THERE on your scantron) or they think that scribble they wrote on the page somehow represents their name. So since I've been doing data entry all day at work for the past two days, I'm going to take a little break and rant about it a little bit. Data entry is Lame!


In other news, this past weekend was General Conference! What an enlightening and motivational experience! I am always a little sad during the last session, knowing that it will be another six months that I will have to wait to hear from our inspired church leaders again, but I am so glad that the Nortons gave us a subscription to the Ensign so we can read the talks again and again. 


One talk that was delivered at Conference has been receiving a lot of press lately, and I thought maybe I should give my opinion on the subject. President Boyd K. Packer spoke at conference about morality, and the decline we are seeing in today's society. He declared that homosexuality is a sin, that it can be overcome, and that as members of the LDS church, we do not support voting to change society's view on how marriage is defined. The Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights organization, has asked President Packer to "correct" these statements, claiming to be offended. 


I know that this has been a hot issue in LDS culture--where do we stand between being compassionate and loving vs. rejecting a decline of values we hold important in our religion? 


Though many people may bash our religion for being intolerant and anti-gay, what they need to realize that our religion is really just pro-family.


What is the most important thing to you in your life? When the demands of work and school and everything else fades away, what is the most important thing?


I know that I would definitely answer that my family is the most important thing, just as many of you would. Without my family, there would be little point to everything I do. And not just my immediate family, but my progenitors, and my future family that I will have with Owen as well. They are the reason I do everything I do--why I suffer through all this data entry stuff, why I am obsessed with blogging, why I spend hours studying my brains out. Because in one way or another, I want to make sure that I am prepared to serve my family and support them as best as I can. They are my stronghold. 


I want everyone to experience the kind of joy and love I find in my family. There is nothing like being a part of family who loves you and who works together. And this is my greatest opposition to homosexuality. Developing homosexual relationships cannot lead to the kind of happiness which can be found in family life. It's just not biologically possible. Men and women have innate differences that are both key to building a family. 


Now, being a Physiology major and having studied body functions and genetics extensively, I do not openly reject the idea that some people are born with homosexual desires. It may be true that some people are born with a genome that causes them to be attracted to the same gender. 


However, it is also true that some people are born with genes that make them more likely to be alcoholics, or to have compulsive behavior that leads to gambling or other addictions. Just because you are born with a genetic predisposition to immoral or destructive behaviors does not mean that you must act upon those desires. It may be harder for you to make these sort of decisions, but it is possible for you to "overcome the natural man" as we say often, for you to act beyond your natural desires. 


Our church may not be a popular church, but at least we do not waver from our moral decisions. If you are going to believe in something, like a religion, don't you want it to be steady and sure? It is much more comforting to believe in something that never changes despite the conditions and ideas of the world, rather than put all your hopes and effort into something that modifies itself with every popular opinion and whim. 


I am so grateful for the words of the prophets and for their leadership in the church. President Monson's talk on gratitude will lead to a new feature I'm hoping to add to the blog--Thankful Thursdays. There is so much in my life that I should express my gratitude for, so of course I will blog about it!


Until Thursday,