Unofficial Theorist ... Continued ...

You may have noticed that there were quite a few cuties left off the original Theory Of The J post. Or you have not. But that's beside the point, because I have since compiled a second list of J names. Here they are.

Joshua Jackson

Joseph Gordon-Levitt
I still can't believe I forgot him the first time around.

Josh Groban

Jensen Ackles

Jame McAvoy

James Marsden

Josh Bowman

Jef Holm
... From the Bachelorette ... Embarassing. But he is cute. Minus the hair.

Darren Criss
Is he not cute? His name doesn't start with a J, so this is cheating.
But whatever.

Okay. I feel better about this.

I am still an un[OFFICIAL] theorist.

Unofficially Lost

I am feeling completely lost right now. Completely. I couldn't be more lost if I were wandering alone in Uzbekistan with nothing but a French-to-English dictionary and a parakeet for company. That lost. I am just really struggling with this "figure out your future" thing. I don't like it. I'm only 18. I don't know what I want to do until I'm 89 years old and ready to retire (figuring that retirement age just keeps moving up, so I'm planning accordingly). That's a lot of pressure for a little baby 18 year old.

Today at work I asked a little girl what she wanted to be when she grew up. She said she wasn't sure, but maybe she would work in a nail salon. Then she asked me why I chose to work at a daycare. And I was like, "Hold on a second, my child. This is not a career. This is just a stepping stone, if you will. A something to do while I figure out what I really want. I am not working here forever. No way, Jose. That's not in the picture." I didn't actually say that. It was more along the lines of, "This is just a job - it's not what I want to do forever." But still, it did make me think a little. If I don't hurry and figure out what I want to do, I could possibly end up working in the Gold's Gym daycare. For the rest. Of. My. Life. If that isn't incentive to figure things out, I don't know what it is.

Also, I've been thinking. And I really do need to hurry it up, because I'm going to have to register for Spring Semester around November. Which means I have until then to figure out which classes to take. Which means I have until then to decide on my future. Cool.

Right now I'm kind of stuck on the idea of being an editor. Like, a book editor. Except, oh, minor problem. How does one get into the book editing field? Is this the sorta thing where you need to know someone? Should an editor have a degree in journalism, or is an English degree okay? I mean, I have about a million questions, and no one to answer them. This is bad. I guess I could, I don't know, look this sort of thing up on the Internet. But then I'm afraid I might find out that editors make no money and live in tiny shacks made of cardboard and tin and have no friends and work sun up to sun down like slave laborers and need not one but five different degrees. What if editors are just glorified hobos? Of course, this is all completely irrational. I know that. But still. This is scary stuff. I don't want to live in a cardboard box, and I don't want to be a hobo.

I'm lost. Really, truly, un[OFFICIALLY] lost.

That guy there? That could potentially be me.

Unofficial Pioneers

*This title is not in reference to myself. Just FYI.*

A week ago today, my mother and my father and my sister and my brother went on Trek, leaving Emily, James, and me to fend for ourselves. And I thought since tomorrow is Pioneer Day, it would be an appropriate blog topic for tonight.

Here is a picture of the bunch, plus two.

Are they not lovable? The other two are Andrew and Abby Bell, who are practically family anyway.

So they went on Trek, and I am ridiculously proud of them. Dad and Mom got to go because Dad's the Bishop of the ward. Lucky lucky them. No, really, it is cool. I just don't think I would go again unless I had to. Not that it wasn't a great experience. It totally was. It just wasn't the type you want to repeat.

However, I did have a really cool experience while on Trek four years ago, and I want to share it now. Even though it was really special, I think it would be okay to share. Besides, pretty much two people read this blog anyways. It's all good.

When we went on Trek, we were each assigned a pioneer from the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies to walk for. I was lucky enough (or maybe blessed is a better word, because I know that it was inspired) to get Bodil Mortenson. A lot of people know her story, but I'll give a short synopsis here.

Bodil Mortenson was just 9 years old when she left her home and family in Denmark to cross the plains. She came with another family from Denmark, the Nielsons. She was to meet her older sister in Salt Lake City, who had made the trek already. As she walked, she cared for the Nielson's 6 year old son, Jens. When they crossed Rocky Ridge it was freezing. The conditions were terrible. The trail was difficult, especially for such small children. Bodil helped Jens along the trail, and they were both exhausted when they got to camp. Bodil was sent for some firewood but never returned to the others. The next morning they found her, still clutching sage brush in her small frozen hands. Jens Nielson, the little boy Bodil helped, also died during the night.

When we reached Rocky Ridge on our trek, some of us "died", which meant we weren't allowed to help push or pull the carts with the few remaining members of our families. When I died, I was elated. Finally, a break from that blasted cart. After only a few minutes of this, I realized it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. Physically, sure, I had an easier time of it. But to see the others pushing and pulling the cart and not being able to help at all, that was really awful. I didn't realize how difficult that would be. However, this did give me time to myself. They asked us not to speak during Rocky Ridge, because it's such a special part of the trail, and to try to focus on the pioneers that walked and died there. I thought a lot about Bodil. At the time of the trek, Abby was 11 and James was 7 - ages very similar to Bodil and Jens. I tried to imagine the two of them on that trail, walking through the snow, starving and freezing to death. It literally broke my heart. I couldn't imagine anything so awful. It really made their story come alive, to think of my Abby and my James there. As I thought more about it, I wondered why anyone would do that. Why anyone would push a handcart through ice and snow, without food and warmth and shelter. Why anyone would bring their children on such an exhausting journey, only to watch them die. And then, it all became so clear. It's because it's true. This Gospel is true. These pioneers knew it. They were willing to sacrifice everything for it. Everything. It's true. I know it, just like they did. And even though I haven't been asked to make the same sacrifices they did, I was able to get just a tiny peek into what this trek meant to them, and how difficult it was.

I think we often allow ourselves to become so engrossed with the hardships and tragedy of the pioneers. We focus so much on the difficulties they faced that we forget why they faced them. It's because they had enduring faith and testimony. They loved the Lord. They were prepared to make any sacrifice to obey His command. Isn't that beautiful? The trust they had in the Lord and His plan is just amazing. I wish I had the faith and trust that they did.

I am really proud of my un[OFFICIAL] pioneers, and eternally grateful for my pioneer ancestors. Their stories have given me strength and courage as I face my own trials, and I will never find better examples of faith and obedience.

And now, since things are getting a little too serious - some pictures. These were all taken just after the little munchkins (plus Mom and Dad) got home from Trek.

This is possibly the best picture of William ever taken. So very precious.

Will's eyes are RIDICULOUSLY blue in this picture. Also, Abby's cool.

Isn't she a prize? Some boy is going to be very lucky one day.

Again, just beautiful.

Dad's the only one who would let me take his picture in the pioneer garb.
And James made the spectacular poster behind him.

Unofficialy in Love: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

On Thursday night, I went and saw Dark Knight Rises. Which is not the purpose behind this post, but before we continue, a brief review.

*Brief Review*

It was amazing. Christopher Nolan can do no wrong. I'll admit, I was nervous (verging on disgusted) when I heard that Anne Hathaway was cast as Catwoman. I just don't like her. But I have since learned to just trust Christopher Nolan, because he is genius. Anne Hathaway was totally okay. Good, even. And now I'm beginning to think perhaps she'll be good in Les Mis too. Honestly, the man is brilliant. The acting was incredible (as per usual, thanks for that Christian Bale, you awesome actor you), the plot was incredible, and the last twenty minutes - whoa! Freaking incredible. If you haven't seen it, run to the nearest theater and buy yourself a ticket. Right now. And now, on with the show!

As you may have guessed, a certain fellow by the name of Joseph Gordon-Levitt played a major role in said movie. Also, he was amazing. His character was a genuinely good guy. He was just good! This isn't giving anything away, so don't be like, "Dang it, Anna! I'm not seeing it now", but his character was a cop (a really fantastic cop/detective) and an orphan and he was just so great. And at the end, and if you've already seen it, you'll know what I'm talking about, I was ready to jump up and scream, "YES!" right there in the theater. Great stuff. And besides all that, have you seen the guy? Oh baby.

Hello. Let's get married, yes?

One picture wasn't enough.

Niether was two ... Don't judge me. He's a babe.

I don't know how I managed to leave him of the Theory Of The J list. My deepest and most humble apologies, it was a gross oversight on my part.

I recently watched 500 Days of Summer (which he was also in - duh), and he was SO freaking cute in it! It was a little bit of a downer movie, but still good. And the last five minutes made it all okay. Thing is, at the very beginning of the movie, the narrator says something to the affect of, "This is not a love story." And I was thinking, "Oh you silly narrator. Of course it's a love story! What do you know, anyways?" Turns out the narrator knew what he was talking about.

For now I am un[OFFICIALLY] in love with Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Unofficial Summer Shows

So this makes me sound like a big-time couch potato, but it's no secret. I like TV. I do. And during the summer, when all my usual TV stuff is gone (The Office, Modern Family, Jazz basketball, Once Upon A Time, Masterpiece Classics, Masterpiece Mystery ... there's kind of a lot), I'm left to find other junk to watch. And the summer options just aren't that great. Which means I have sunk to new lows in my summer shows. This is super embarrassing stuff, people. Super. Embarrassing.

The Bachelorette

Yeah. I watch The Bachelorette. It's really stupid. I know, it really really is. But here's the thing - it's also really entertaining. When you go in with super (and I really mean super) low expectations, it's really really entertaining. True story. I started watching The Bachelorette last summer with Emily. And this year I dragged Annlie, Megan, and Bree into it with me. And now we are all five of us hooked. Even though it's stupid. Because it is.

Oh well, it's all good. This season the bachelorette is Emily, who, ironically enough, was previously on The Bachelor. And, even more ironic, she won. Apparently things didn't work out with her and Brad, because here she is again. Anyways, it's down to the final two guys, Arie and Jef. And they were my two favorite guys from the beginning, so whatever happens next week in the Finale, I will be happy. And sad.

Love In The Wild

This is kinda like the dating version of Survivor. Also super entertaining and super stupid. They do little adventures and have little partners and form little relationships and crap. All very fun to watch. Emily and I started watching this one last summer too (last summer was a little extra boring).

This season isn't quite as entertaining as last season was, so that's a bummer. Unfortunately, I'm desperate enough for a show to watch that I still sit down every week to catch up. Really pathetic. My favorite couple this season is Ken and Janina. They're pretty cute. The other two couples are really meh.

Olympics

Good news is we can all be happy that the Olympics start in a couple weeks, and that's all good wholesome entertainment. I really can't wait. And I am going to watch every basketball game Team USA plays. Even though they have stupid Kobe, I will watch (admitedly, he is a good basketball player. But he's just so, yuck). And guess what! Gordon Hayward (yes!!!! He is my favorite!!!) and Derrick Favors were on the Select Team which means they got to play against Team USA in practices. Cool, right? Right. It is cool. And there's also gymnastics and swimming and all sorts of fun stuff! I really can't wait. Would that I could go to London and see the games in person. That would be pretty freaking fantastic.

So these are my un[OFFICIAL] summer shows. Lame. Just lame.
(with the exception of the Olympics, because they are NOT lame)

*Bucket List News*

Thanks to a nice down pour of rain tonight, I got to cross off an item on the Bucket List, "Sing "Singing in the Rain" with an umbrella in the rain." Yay! It was super awesome! I may have gotten drenched and my neighbor may have walked out in the middle of my performance (front yard - not a good idea), but it's all for the cause.

Unofficial Spider Slayer

This is serious stuff. I know what you're thinking right now. Your train of thought is headed somewhere between "Oh, Anna killed an itsy-bitsy spider and now she thinks she's some sort of hero, what a weirdy." and "People really blog about killing spiders? Ridiculous." To both, I say: Yes. I did kill a spider (and even though I'm sure I can't convince you it was massive because when people talk about killing spiders and/or other creepy crawlies they always exaggerate the size, but I'm not even kidding you right now, it was huge), and I do feel like a hero (Spiders are scary, and killing one is about on par with killing a crocodile in this house). And yeah, I'm blogging about it.

So here's how it went down.

I'm just sitting in my room, still wearing my sweet Gold's Gym daycare worker attire (got off about 3 hours ago ... embarrassing.), and alternating between Fruit Ninja and Pinterest. It is at this moment I choose to head to the bathroom to - you guessed it - go to the bathroom. I get in there and am about to do what I went in there to do (Sorry, I'm trying to make this as not weird as possible, and it turns out that's not an easy thing to do when telling a story that takes place in a bathroom), when I see a HUGE spider crawling on the wall above my mirror.

First Thought: Oh. Dang. I gotta go! What the crap am I going to do? I can't go with that stupid spider up there living and possibly seeing this and existing in the world!

Second Thought: What the heck? The spider guy (bug killer, whatever you want to call him) came on freaking Monday! What is this? I'm making an official complaint!

As you can see, I was in hysterics. But I had to try to be logical, because my bladder is roughly the size of an acorn and the nearest bathroom was waaaaay upstairs and that fetching spider might move while I was gone and then where would we be? So I went to the bathroom (fastest time on record), washed my hands as quickly as is humanly possible, and booked it right on out of there.

At this point, I'm at another crossroads. Do I just hide under my covers and pretend I never saw that blasted spider and pray it doesn't make a reappearance? Or do I go in there wielding a shoe and send that thing straight to the afterlife? Obviously I chose the second option, or I wouldn't be blogging right now. So I grabbed one of my boots (I briefly considered borrowing one of Emily's shoes, but decided against it), held my head high, walked into the bathroom, and discovered the spider was gone. Then I had a serious freak out session. And maybe almost cried. Maybe. I tried hitting the wall with my boot to see if that might do something. It didn't. So I just stood there, contemplating my options, when the little bugger scurried into sight. Then I almost cried again. However, realizing the spider might make a run for it if I didn't act fast, I raised my mighty boot and smashed the spider into oblivion. Huzzah! Unfortunately for me, the spider happened to be on one of my cute motivational quotes at the moment of the smashing, so I'm going to have to throw that baby straight in the trash. It was a good quote too ("Every morning is a chance at a new day." - Marjorie Hinkley). It's still a happy story, despite the loss. What war is without casualties?

The end. I slayed the spider. I'm feeling pretty accomplished right now.

I am an un[OFFICIAL] spider slayer.