They're Nuts in California

You know those days?

Yes. You do. Those days are the days when you should be so proud of yourself because you actually did so much... six hours of work, tons of errands, and an episode of Gilmore Girls to boot.

But instead, you're just annoyed. Maybe it's the 95 degree heat. Maybe it's the fact that you still haven't had time to go to the grocery store and had to eat pre-packaged cookie dough for dinner. Or maybe you just don't have a good reason and all and are just looking for a reason to justify your completely unjustify-able irritation. This irritation seems all the more irrational because of course you got a lot done, and you've got nothing but good things going for you in life.

And maybe, if you were me, you dealt with it by changing into a comfy t-shirt and re-read (for maybe the eightieth time) the fourth Harry Potter, because nothing is more comforting than imagining Voldemort rising from the dead and unleashing havoc on the innocents of the world.

And maybe, after that, and after eating another meal of cookie dough, you just let it go, just grateful that you can answer before the contestants on Jeopardy.

Finding Your Inner Huck Finn

Today I did some serious embark-ation. It involved my lovely blonde roommate. It involved my bike. It involved a long distance on said bike. It involved recklessly climbing up a waterfall without shoes on. It involved trying to find a way down again... without shoes on.

We felt very adventurous and daring. Real women do real things. We're as awesome as Tom Sawyer, or that really cute looking guy from Robinson Crusoe who falls in love with that girl who pretends to be a boy. Was that a digression?

Anyway. I have compiled a list of tips for you, since my roommate and I expert-ized the spontaneous and unplanned adventure we experiences today.

To be a true adventurer (adventure is out there, even if you don't have a house held up by a zillion balloons) you may begin with our singularly invaluable list.

1. Do not think too much about what you might wear on said adventure. Spontaneous adventures rarely consult a wardrobe, and so as an experiencer of adventure, neither should you. Be careful to allow your hair to look as untidy as possible-- this gives the impression of a seasoned thicket-conqueror.

2. Do take a mode of transportation. Rafts, go-karts, wagons, boats, bikes, or boards. Steer away from "boring" transportation that brings ease to the journey. Automobiles and airplanes are for those who fear the adventurous life. Fear is not an option in the trial of the adventurous setting. This transportation should be suited to your adventure area. For example, one should not use a bicycle to navigate a river.

3. Do not give too much thought toward the essential basics of life. Water and food, while necessary to live, are not for pandering the adventurer or making his journey lighter. The true explorer understands that food and drink are but secondary to the expedition at hand, and trusts the earth to provide. A parched throat and a growling stomach are but a small price to pay for the thrill of new pretensions and discoveries.

4. Do respect other adventurers. Nothing kills an adventurous spirit like a sour-faced, never-saw-Neverland-once-in-my-life, nature-hating bum. The aspiring and enduring Peter Pans, regardless of age, will understand the importance of the adventure in everyone's heart, and will seek not to disturb the delicate balance between civility and hostility. Shouting, reprimanding, one-upping, proud assumptions, and selfishness are strong discouraged.

5. Do not hesitate to follow the flighty thoughts of your adventurous mind. When viewing a mountain, of your feet move forward involuntarily as your mind thinks, "Climb!", do not ignore it. Indulge yourself. Do not think about the petty and logical things like: how shall I ever get down from here? Might I cut my feet if I don't wear shoes? What if I get lost? What is the best and most well-travelled route? An adventurer is a whimsical person, and his instincts are what allow him to nurture his inner explorer: he uses his head when solving problems, but nature is not to be tamed, but to be experienced.

There you have it. Do all five one day. We did.

By Popular Demand (Part 3)

Okay... okay. So I know that is really like Lion Kind 1 1/2,because it belongs smack-dab in the middle of number one and two. But we were engaged before the ring. And this story, like I said, is very special to me, mostly because Clark is special to me, and I love him for every moment of decision and thought he dedicated to my happiness.

We had been talking about marriage for a couple weeks-- so much so that we thought it would be best if we told our parents what we were up to. However, shortly after that email home, a period of trial ensued where came the timeless questions that all fall under the larger question of: "Is this really the right thing to do?"

Fortunately, after a period of time, prayer, and counsel, that trial moved on and left us both sure of our own feelings. Meanwhile, I had told my mom to stop plans for the wedding, because we didn't want to power ahead without the definite "Okay." Finally, on a Monday evening, I was able to send an email saying that yes, we were finally ready to move forward again, and that a proposal would follow shortly. My mom emailed back, asking, "Can I finally tell people? One can only keep this under her hat for so long."

I looked at Clark, with a silly grin on my face. "I dunno, Clark," I said, "Can she?"
And he looked at me and said, "Just give me like... a week and a half..."
And I said, "A week and a half!?" (I know, patience has never been a strongly developed attribute in my life).
And then I said, "Well, I have to answer the email, so either it is yes, or no. I don't mind either way."
And he said, "Julie, when people get engaged, and find out, they're gonna say, "Tell me the story!" and we need a good story. Not... no story."
I said I didn't care.
He retreated to the back hallway of his apartment.
He came out.
He flopped on the sofa beside me like fish and looked into my face and said, with all the delicacy  and tact of say... a fish out of water, "Wanna get married?"
To which I said, "That is not how you ask!"
And he said, "What do you want me to do?"
"Get down on your knee!"
He sighed. A huge, heavy (somewhat martyred) sigh, and knelt down in front. He said my full name. And he asked me to marry him.

And I burst out laughing. He just looked so put upon and cute sitting down there. I composed myself and answered yes, of course I would.

He then told me that the real story would be much better, and very romantic, and if people wanted to know the story, that is the one I would tell.

I like this one too.
And I love Clark, regardless of the story.

By Popular Demand (Part 2)

This last week I took a trip to Iowa. My dearest fellow, Clark, grew up there. It was long (but very beautiful) train ride there. After some naps, some unpacking, eating a few real meals, and finally meeting his family, Clark and I (at the suggestion of his mom) went out to a small, rural lake about five minutes drive from their home. Clark was planning on renting a boat, but the boat place was closed, so we decided to walk through this gorgeous nature trail that eventually goes to a bench overlooking the lake and the setting sun. It was a clear day, the setting sun was reflected in the water, and there were birds and ducks and little ripples of water. We chatted and teased, but eventually I was just quiet. Clark knows that I love being outside and that I love beautiful things. This was such a beautiful and peaceful place, and I felt so happy just sitting there next to him, watching the world that God had made. Clark leaned over to whisper in my ear, "So, are you sure about this?" 

"Yes," I said.

And so he knelt down and took out a small green box. The ring belonged to his grandmother, and either she, or her husband, had excellent taste, because it is beautiful. Elegant. Elaborate and simple at the same time. It was lovely, and that was what I said first. "It's so pretty!" I couldn't stop looking at it. And so he put it on, and I said yes, and it was the best story ever, and perfect for me. Clark knows me so well. 

That is his story. Part three will be the other story, the one slightly less romantic, but just as important to me as this moment was. 

By Popular Demand (Part 1)

So what have I spent the majority of my time with the last couple of weeks? Guesses might include studying for finals, going to work, working out-- all of which are true. But the biggest time eater? Planning my wedding.

Yes it is true! I am engaged to a wonderful, wonderful man who treats me so well. His name is Clark.

I know that most people will be clamoring to know the story. But-- they will have to wait, because there will be two stories, and I want Clark's story, not my story, to be the one I tell first. Here's some answers to some FAQ's:

Q.Where did you meet him?

A.Well, he was in my freshman ward about three and a half years ago. We were hardly friends-- just people who brushed shoulders occasionally, which is just as well, because he an I have both changed a lot since freshman year.

Q. When did you start dating?

A. Well here's a good story. Clark had always been a person who had caught my eye-- I had frequently mentioned to my freshman roommates that I thought he looked like a cool fun (and yes, attractive) guy. He went on his mission to Honduras, and we were still friends on Facebook. I contacted him because I wanted to know if he was back at school (he wasn't). Then, every few months or so, we would talk on Facebook. I randomly bumped into him at General Conference, and we talked for five minutes. Then over Christmas, he and I were just super bored-- and we talked for long times--- eventually setting up a date to see a movie, which we saw on New Year's Eve when he and I were finally in the same town. I like him right off the bat. Clark needed some convincing, but after a month of casual dating and hanging out, we decided to become exclusive.

Q. What do you like about him?

A. Clark is a very sincere person, and very honest. His deliberate nature makes him thoughtful and careful. But what I like best about him is that he has never once been unkind to me, and he is so friendly to others. Another thing I love is that he is constantly working to better himself-- especially in his faith in the Lord. He listens to me when I talk, and puts up with my emotional side. I also love him because he loves me and tries to make me happy.

Q. When are you getting married?

A. September 1, 2012. In the Salt Lake Temple.

Q. Are you excited?

A. To be married to Clark Allen forever? Ummmm... yes.

and so folks... you may stay tuned for part 2... forthcoming at Clark's leisure.

You Are A Tall Glass Of Water

For my roommate's birthday, we decided to go out to eat. Our destination: Cranky Chucky's. Actually the full restaurant name is King Dave and Cranky Chucky's. We thought it would be like-- a delicious hole in the wall restaurant, given the outside appearance and the name. One that served greasy burgers and thick-cut fries.

We walked in to a place with natural stone rock work, nice wooden tables covered with dark blue linen table cloths, cloth napkins, and foot-tall water glasses made of real glass. The menus weren't covered in plastic and didn't have pictures of the food on them.

I ordered a dijoinaisse stuffed burger, cooked from ground steak, to medium-well. It was served on a toasted sourdough bun-without ketchup. We order a plate of nachos-- made of homemade cut chips, a cheesy peppercorn sauce, corn, tomatoes, and fresh-grilled pineapple. In short, the food was phenomenal.

If the food wasn't enough, the service was better. Dave served us-- as in the Dave from the restaurant title. His manner was casual and teasing. We told him we had a birthday-girl at the table, and he gave ample congratulations. Our water glasses were always more than half full, he gave us an extra-plate of bread, and did not throw to-go boxes at us, but cleared our left-overs and handed us the boxes with our checks. Because I offered to pay for the nachos, my check was two-dollars less (as a best friend bonus, he said), and because it was Kristyn's birthday, she only paid half price for her dinner.

To top it off, he brought us a delicious molten brownie, because of the birthday, with berry-flavored ice-cream and fresh strawberries. It was the most delicious brownie I ever ate in my life.

Suffice it to say, I think I found a new favorite place to eat.

We left a large tip.

Lost At Sea

okay okay, I know, I know that some times I can be a worrier. A biggish kind of worrier. And even though a small (maybe bean sized) part of me deep down knows that all of my worries are irrational, that bean holds up a giant who owns a bird that lays golden eggs. Most of the time, after I have been worried about something and everything turns out fine, I feel sheepish. A little embarrassed. And I hate that feeling. But, when I start worrying again, I forget about how sheepish I could feel later.

Take last Saturday for instance.

7:00 AM: "Yay, Clark gets home today!"

3:45 PM: "Hmm, Clark should be almost back by now. Did he say he'd be back by four?... yes, he did. I'm positive."

4:01 PM: "Am I sure it was four?... yes. It was four. Well, I'll give it like, twenty nine more minutes. That way if things are late, or if his phone is dead, or if they have to clean-up/un-pack, it'll leave time for that."

4:15 PM: sends text :: Are you alive?::

5:03 PM: paces throughout the apartment. Sara calls. "Hey, you still wanna get together tonight?" ... "Yes, I do. I'm going crazy in this apartment all alone."

5:35 PM: "Well, I remember him saying he'd definitely be home by six. Maybe the bus is late or something. Maybe they got a late start. There's no reason to assume anything is wrong."

5:37 PM: "But what if something is wrong?"

6:01 PM: "Well, if he was back by six, maybe he quickly went over to the meeting-- that should be over by eight. I'll wait until eight to thoroughly freak out."

6:25: "Why isn't it eight yet?"

8:15: Calls Clark's phone. Goes to voicemail.

8:25: Calls Clark's phone. Rings and then goes to voicemail.

8:27: Calls Clark's roommates phone. "Is he home?"... "Yes, he is."... "He's home and didn't tell me?!?" (feelings of injustice and sheepishness simultaneously ensue). "Please slap him for me."

Roommate complies.

8:43: "I feel awful about freaking out! Why do I always freak out?" Calls Clark. "I'm sorry! I was just worried."

9:32: Clark arrives on doorstep with flowers, kettle-corn and a movie.

And you wonder why I missed him?