Florida Part One

So, we went to nice warm sunny Florida for two weeks in November and it was pretty great.  We did Universal studios (The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter is epic) and Disney. We also h a few down day spent relaxing on the beach or by the pool.

The first day we just did some shopping at Target. We went a little overboard, being excited and all. I forgot to buy candy corn and the Christmas Hershey kisses (Santa?)

The 2nd day we did Universal Studios, We started with Harry Potter.

Words Words Words

Words are the mans greatest invention. Like Sara Bareilles says " You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug" You can also do some pretty amazing things with words. Even made up words, I mean, who doesn't love Dr. Seuss and his magical worlds? I love words and the power they can have. I love reading a book and feeling the hero's pain, I love cheering him or her on, laughing at their mistakes, crying at their loss. Its like being transported into another world. A magical escape from reality. Reading, I can go anywhere I want to go. The author has the talent and ability to make a world, using only ink and a pen.  I love having the power to do so, myself. I love to write knowing that inside the wall of words anything can happen. 

Speaking of words, I got bored (Obviously I need another book to read) and made some word clouds. Remind me later to get a life, huh?

Boyce Avenue and Christmas

I have discovered a new love.... Boyce Avenue.  If you haven't heard them do so now.

 

"On My Way"

 

On another note, I am homesick.Very, very, homesick.I can't help but miss my home, my stuff, my friends and family. I even miss the snow. I want a White Christmas so badly. It is just so weird that its... warm for the Holidays. I mean, Christmas in the Summer? I don't even get rain here!

 

I bet it will still be great, white Christmas or not. And I have some big plans for the new year. I've started thinking about my new year resolutions, I have quite a few of them this year.

 

Little Moments

Yesterday was beautiful day. Go check it out at Just Darcie-In Peru. I am thankful for the little moments in life, the little wonders, that make life worth living. I was thinking about life, there is so much bad out in the world, that finding the good is like treasure hunting.
It takes effort, but is worth it. The 13th Article of Faith comes to mind:

 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Bad things happen. But the Little Things, the moments of pure love and joy, make life worth it.

A Rather Large Bird

We

 went 

shopping

and

it 

was

crazy.

We went to the mall on Saturday,and while my mom was busy looking at table cloths or something
 in her favorite store Casa & Ideas, Marissa and I went into Saga Falabella to look for some hair clips. 

Shopping is shopping so we figured we would be okay. 

It is the most confusing, annoying process.

 Let me explain.  

There are little kiosks all over the store, with merchandise around it. 

So you choose your merchandise, and then you give it to the lady at the kiosk by it.

 She then prints you off a receipt and sends you to the Caja- the cash register. 

There you give them the receipt and pay. 

And then they give you another receipt. 

You then take your receipt back to the kiosk where they check it 

and give you your stuff along with another receipt.

So, 

by the time you are through, you have talked to several people, 

been in several lines,

 and have a dozen receipts in your pockets.

But we did see this weird but cool ostrich display by the jeans.

 And of course took a picture of tit.

Marissa didn't get the point of it, but let me take her picture anyways.

I dont know why but my shoulder looks huge and awkward in this photo. 

And it looks like I cut off all my hair because I pulled it back into a bun.

Smile (:

The Science Museum

Today Marcus had to input his two cents about my non existent love life saying: "The only one in the family who isn't going to get married is Darcie. She is the most reluctant-she doesn't even date!"

It made me smile. I am glad he see's the truth: I am going to be an old maid!

 I want to tell him that when a decent guy comes along I will start dating, but he is 

ten and likes to argue everything I say. I still love him though. 

Last Friday, so one week ago we visited a Science Museum. Calling it weird would be an understatement.

It is in a giant warehouse with the different exhibits.

This one was actually fun. You had to tip the scale just write to get the ball through the obstacle course.

And then we let Marcus get into a harness and climb...

this structure.

I don't think it's safe either.

This showed a what your muscled looked like riding a bike. 

I really like the sign; 

Drive with Care!

 There was this random Information desk so we both posed at it. 

Mom was acting like the normal bored employee 

While I posed as employee of the month. 

Marissa and Mom (:

A giant mouth. Just in case you need a lesson about what teeth are what. 

The lovely birthing process... 

for those of you who missed health class.

 And my personal favorite, the GIANT pregnant lady:

The screen in the middle of her large prego belly shows how a baby is made, 

just in case you needed a reminder of your sex education class or for those of you who slept through it. 

My reaction when I saw her: 

"What the heck is that?" followed by, Is that... ewww I don't want to see that"

Welcome to Peru!

Books, the Fall, and Vacations

It has always been my dream to publish a book. And one day I will. It's one of those goals that I know I will achieve, when the time is write. (:

I am actually really excited about the story I am working on right now, it combines three separate stories into one, and is filled with magic, romance, and heroes, both male and female.

I have been spending a lot of time trying to develop the plot and add details. I will share a bit of it when I think it's ready. Speaking of writing- I have a pen pal. She is 15 and lives in Australia, it has been a lot of fun to talk to her.We talk about everything under the sun, God included. It's actually kinda cool.

Here are some fall pictures I took last year, I can't believe it's been one year since Zach left! 

One more year on his mission and then he will be home! 

I am really sad I missed fall this year... here it  is  spring,very beginning of summer.

This first one is taken at the wall between our property and our neighbours.

I love how perfect the sky looks in it. 

The only thing is that I caught my own shadow in the painting.

This one is my favorite, It's all the things I love in one picture. 

It brings nature, country, and elegance all together. It is sophisticated, and girly, and beautiful.

I may be a bit biased though!

I was trying to include something about myself in this one. 

It brings together my love of writing, my girly side, my favorite childhood memories and paperclips.

I was trying to get a really good picture of my corsage from Prom.

I opened to the pages of Emma, and to the ridiculous poem she was given by  Mr. Elton. 

We are going on vacation in November, to Florida!
I am so excited to go, it should be a lot of fun. My grandma is coming with us, and I always love seeing her. It will be amazing. Beaches, Disney, Harry Potter, what's not to enjoy, right?

I can't stand the wait! It will be so wonderful to be in the US even for a few weeks, and I have somethings I wants, namely chocolate chips and brown sugar. But also some new movies and some clothing. I already have my Christmas list written for this year.

Marcus ate an apple!

We went out to dinner on Friday at Chilies (: 

Dad took a thousand pictures of me and Marissa and this was my favorite. I swear Marissa only has one face... 

 except for when she is eating Ribs, For being so small, she can sure eat a lot of food by herself. 

For those of you who don't know my brother, he is picky. Super picky. He eats about ten different foods and the only fruit of vegetable he will eat is corn. The other day marcus at an apple all by himself. He said, " I was watching Scooby Doo and I really wanted to try a pepper, but we didn't have one, so I tried an apple instead." Weird kid. We rewarded him with a chocolate lava cake which was heavenly. 

I hope he continues to be brave!

Thats all for now (:

I am a Mormon and General Conference

So I was helping Marcus with a school assignment this week. He had to make an I am a Mormon video. It actually turned out pretty well even though I have terrible technology skills.
Here is the link: I am a Mormon 
and if you want to learn more about the Mormon faith, here is a link:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

General Conference took place this weekend and I was able to watch it online at home. Technology is truly an amazing blessing. To be able to participate, even in another country is amazing.

There were so many great talks, but my favorite were by Elder Dube and President Uchtdorf.
I liked that Elder Dube talked about looking forward instead of back, and I think that is something we all need to work at.

President Uchtdorf is one of my favorite all time speakers. I love his stories and his messages. 
"Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." is a great motto and lesson. We all have doubts, and this will definitely be a quote I can count on when I question something.

Curly Hair and Maximum Ride

I spent most of the day alone at home. My parents went furniture shopping for a couch (which I am now sitting on) and my siblings are at someone's house playing. So of course I popped popcorn and sat back to watch a few chick flicks. I did my nails (cause duh! it's a girl thing) and curled my hair because you know I sometimes try to look nice. Sometimes. And then I remember why I DON'T do my hair all the time. It takes too long and the hair straightener is hot and I tend to burn myself quite a bit. And now because I am me, I always wonder why bother? Because I read a study once where guys like girls with straight hair better, so why go through the hassle if that's true?

Anyways... here was the result... nails and hair.

Ignore the silly fish face. Sorry its a selfy- I hate those. 

Sorry for going all girly girl on you... anyways...

I have been reading a new series this week. The Maximum Ride Series. I love it. If you haven't read it, go and read it now. I love Max and the "flock". Just go read it. I started on Sunday and am on the 6th book in the series. It's that awesome. I had an emotional breakdown over the 5th one though. Too much Drama and heartbreak. I obviously need a life since I get too involved with the characters... the fictional characters.

I am going to go hide in my room.. My dad started dancing... eww.

Pictures

I thought I would share some cute family photos. They are in order from newest to oldest because some are from March.  I don't have any of Zach. I will see if I can get one that he sent me up.

My Big Brother

Nothing new has really happened this week. Our stuff came so I have some new books to read. I am reading the Maximum Ride series right now. I am reading the first book, but by the time I snuggle into bed I will be on the second one. It's that good. Even now as I am writing this I am wondering, why am I not reading? Its because of something my brother said to me in his email today.

I have a confession; I love my big brother.
He is serving his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka Mormons) and I am so proud of him. He is so cheerful and happy all the time and he always makes me feel happy. I especially love his letters and emails. I also miss him.

Anyway, he told me that I was too hard on myself. I don't always agree with him about that though, but it made me smile. Even when he is in another country he always knows what to say to me, when I need encouragement, or a push.

He told me he was angry that I thought little of myself (I am taking the liberty of summing this up). So, here it goes Zach.
I know I am ignorant, blond, and sometimes make stupid choices. I know I don't always think highly of myself. I know I can be hard on myself. BUT (and this is big) I love who I am.

Maybe I should say that again. I LOVE WHO I AM.

And I also love my annoying, stubborn family. Especially my big brother.

I am in Peru!

I realize how bad I am at posting. Days go by then weeks, then months, and before you know it all this stuff happens and I still don't write anything.
Luckily, I am pretty sure that only 3 people read my blog. The 3 people that do read my blog may be wondering, why does she have 2 blogs if she can't even keep up 1? I would like to answer that I wanted to place some distance between this blog and that blog. I would also like to mention that they have two entire purposes. And that I have changed a lot since beginning this blog 4  years ago, at least I hope I did, because as I go back and read all the stupid things I wrote, I realize that they are not important. I didn't have focus or a purpose and of course and still learning and growing and changing.

I am in Peru. Lima, Peru. It is a bit unnerving because It really is a large city and so very different from many of the places I have lived before. That, and its a whole new country. But I love it. I love waking up and thinking "I'm in Peru."
 I am a little cooped up, I don't have the freedom to go everywhere I like, but have the opportunity to try new things.  Like today, when I went into an interview to volunteer with a Canadian based company here in Lima. I am really looking forward to it. I am also working out other opportunities I can have while here.

Its new and exciting, and I like it.
I don't even mind not knowing Spanish very well.

And that's my thought for the day, week, month, or time being, until I decide to post again.

P.S. I did promise the link to my other blog "Just Darcie in Peru..." so here it is:
justdarcie-inperu.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Music and Graduation (or lack of one)

I am so very excited, because after a few hours of searching YouTube and Google, I discovered how to add music to my blog! I am very excited about it. I also got my Peru blog up... no posts yet, but its coming soon!

 I don't know if I mentioned I have graduated, but here are some pictures.

 My Seminary Graduation. Ironically, they had a slide show of all our school pictures, and I was wearing the same dress. Then again, no one knows me, so it was all good.

 We had a photo shoot at the temple since I don't have actual graduation pictures.

 We had to be really quick about it because it looked like it was going to rain.

 Although we were at the Logan temple, we didn't actually get any pictures of me and the temple...

Except for this door way. We thought it looked cool- and we could feel rain drops.
I have yet to get my diploma, but I will be sure to take a picture when I get it. I did get my final grades though! My best grade was an A in English, and my average is a B. So it was pretty good. I am proud to have made it though and am so so so glad it's over!

Hello from a Night Owl

Midnight. When most people are found sleeping, I am found writing on my blog. Which, may I point out is useless ramblings. But it is midnight, what do you expect?

We ARE moving to Peru soon! I am so excited. I have waited a long time. And as it is fathers day, I am so excited that I will actually be able to live in the same country, let alone house! Its been a year since we have seen him for more than two weeks at a time. I also have some opportunities to do some service while I am down there. There is this place just outside of Lima that helps sick kids. I can go and volunteer there. I have quite a bit saved up to do humanitarian work, and hope to get a lot done in the year that I am there.

Did I mention I have graduated? Its a bit daunting, but also very welcome. High school is over rated.  A new chapter begins in my life. We will see how it comes, to think! I started this blog at the beginning of my high school career. And I am so glad I have changed a lot since then!

Now, I have the last chapters of Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children to read. I am loving the book so far... and am very curious about what is going to happen!

Things to Do BEFORE you Grow Up!

1- Watch ALL Disney Movies. There is no buts, go and do. Now.
2- Do something spontaneous. Don't think, just do.
3- Read as much as possible. Don't hate books, they are portals to another world.
4- Play dress up. Who said you were ever too old to get all dolled up and go out?
5- Order dessert first. Preferably something chocolate.
6- Scream at the top of your lungs.
7-Visit Disneyland

List to be continued and updated.

Essays and Iron Man 3

So today after writing half an essay that was due Thursday we all went to see Iron Man 3, except for my mom who isn't a big fan. Ironically, I was writing an essay on the dangers of violence we see in the media. Did you know that people 2 and over watch over 36 hours of TV a week? And most of that are shows related to crimes. Anyways, Iron Man 3 was pretty good, minus the violence.

Sock Buns

If I were any other person, I would make a tutorial to show you how to make a sock bun, but as I am only have decent at it and would rather rant about my life, I won't. Life is crazy. I am just so busy with school and trying to graduate. Its been tough. Oh by the way, if you can't see any of the pictures, I am working on that. I just need to figure it out. Technology is too complicated for me.
So other than trying to graduate. My family is driving me crazy. My mom and me are trying this new... lifestyle {diet} called Paleo. My mom heard lots of good things about it, but the problem is that it is restrictive. I cannot eat grains. Or dairy. And I love those things. I don't think its right to be restricted to only some foods. We need variety. As much as I want to loose weight, I also want to be happy and eat what I want. The food is delicious, its veggies and meats, but are grains that bad? or milk? All things in moderation right? I really just want to get away and go somewhere new where I can be me. I don't eat that bad. If it was just me, my fridge, freezer, and pantry would mainly consist of: milk, tea, bread, veggies, fruit, salad, fish, chicken, and lets be honest a few frozen dinners. BUT NO CHIPS, OR COOKIES, OR SODA. And if i did have those things, they would be homeade and would only be occasionally. I really don't think I eat bad, and I am not one who sits down and just eats. Especially junk food. I am more likely to eat lettuce and carrots like a rabbit. Its not fair. I just need to please my momma. And exercise so I can lose weight and still eat what I love.
I am gonna go see if I can track down marcus for a hug.
<3
Oh, about sock buns. Check em out they are wonderful for mornin's when I have no idea what to do with ma hair. Oh and about the accent ( mainly in my mind I hope) I have been watching a lot of the Client List lately and the accent is getting to me!

Haters

So I have been reading online, because I get bored when I should be doing other things... But all I want to do is SCREAM at all the trolls on the internet. Here is what I have to say:

Dear haters that bash others just because they don't like them,I don't bash you just because I find you annoying, or you wear clothing I really don't like. Get over it. Sincerely, Annoyed girl.

Why does everyone have to bash others. I don't like Justin Beiber but that doesn't mean I go and bash him on the internet. People can be so rude. What happened to Thumper's mom's philosophy;

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Have we really lost sight of what is important? If you have time to bash people, you need to go get a life.

Twenty Thirteen

Its been a long LONG time since writing! Here is the Latest, since July: 1- I turned 17 in July and started my last and final year of high school! 2- Zach went on his Mission in September.He was sent to Calgary Canada. We talked to him on Christmas day which was a lot of fun. Unfortunately he didn't have a camera on the computer he was using to Skype, so we couldn't see him. 3- Christmas was wonderful, I got lots of goodies. I got a new Camera, so LOTS of pictures to come! I was sick most of the time, but who doesn't love the holidays? In an effort to make friends with the yw in my ward, I invited them over for a party. We decorated cookies and made cards. It got a good turn out and was a lot of fun. Dad surprised us with tickets to go see the Nutcracker. We made a weekend of it and went to see Temple Square the night before. We ate at the Cheesecake Factory and Benihanas. The food was amazing. The Temple

In front of a store window, the display was really cool, it was made entirely of Candy.

The Cheesecake Factory.. yum!

Benihanas

At the Table

Marcus

The Food