Yesterday I moved back to Logan. And it is just as cold as I remembered! I am so excited to be back and even more excited for school to start tomorrow...hopefully my brain still remembers how to think! It has had such a long break that I hope it doesn't overload!
My apartment is SO small. It is definitely not what I have been used to. At all. I mean, even my dorm was bigger than this place! There is only 1 shower. For 5 1/2 girls. Kill me. My roommates (the ones I have met) seem pretty cool. They are all super super young though...freshman young. I don't know if my old soul can keep up with their all night partying! From what I hear, my room-roommate is never around. So it is almost like I have my own room, except I can't use the other half of the space.
School should be pretty good this semester. I'm taking a bunch of general classes because all of the ones I needed were full or Fall-only classes. So hopefully it should be a pretty easy semester.
Basketball game tomorrow...can't wait for my return to the Spectrum. Oh how I have missed thee, my old friend!
For those of you who did read my "Uncommon uses for Common Household Products", fear not...I just took a little break for the holiday. I will soon be returning, starting with letter J.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Superiority of Mind
Sometimes, as I lay awake desperately trying to sleep, I reminisce about things that have happened in my life. I have a really great memory...I can recall the exact conversation I had with someone in the 2nd grade and experiences from preschool (It is neat, don't get me wrong, but it can be a curse...I always remember the stupid, mean, petty, or embarrassing things I said or did to people). Tonight as I was trying to drift off into dreamland, I thought a lot about high school and the reasons why I loved and hated it. One topic got stuck in my mind--people who think they are superior to others.
What makes someone think that they are better than someone else? I'm sure it has happened to everyone at some point and on both ends--everyone has felt like they are better than some other person, and everyone has felt inferior to another. I'm guilty of it. I can recall a lot of times where I genuinely thought I was a better person than somebody else. I can also remember so many horrible times when I felt inferior to someone else.
In Pride & Prejudice, my favorite book, there is a line during a conversation between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Darcy says "Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride-where there is real superiority of mind-pride will always be under good regulation." This line always kind of bothered me. What is a "REAL" superiority of mind? Don't most people think they are superior because of pride?
I honestly think it all comes down to intolerance. People in this world are so willing to judge others because they don't look or act the same or because they believe something different. Look at all of the religious intolerance on this Earth. There are still people suffering from religious persecution in countries all over the world. I see so much judgement here in my glorious little state of Utah. I am LDS and proud to be. And I have been blessed with very tolerant and non-judgemental parents. My best friend in elementary school was not a member, and that didn't matter to us. But I had so many friends who couldn't play with others because they weren't members. It goes on the other end too...how many members out there have been judged because they are LDS? There have been times in college where I have felt judged by someone who wasn't of my same faith just because I am LDS.
On a daily basis, I feel like I am looked down upon by people because of my weight. I am not a size 2. I am proud to say that I am a 14. I'm not ashamed of it. And neither should the majority of the women in America because they are the "Average Size". I don't look my nose down on girls who are skinny...why do they think they can look down on me for not being skinny?
I think the majority of the problems in this world are caused by intolerance. Think of how much happier the whole world would be if we all just joined hands, sang Kumbaya, and drank hot chocolate together. Sounds good to me...
What makes someone think that they are better than someone else? I'm sure it has happened to everyone at some point and on both ends--everyone has felt like they are better than some other person, and everyone has felt inferior to another. I'm guilty of it. I can recall a lot of times where I genuinely thought I was a better person than somebody else. I can also remember so many horrible times when I felt inferior to someone else.
In Pride & Prejudice, my favorite book, there is a line during a conversation between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Darcy says "Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride-where there is real superiority of mind-pride will always be under good regulation." This line always kind of bothered me. What is a "REAL" superiority of mind? Don't most people think they are superior because of pride?
I honestly think it all comes down to intolerance. People in this world are so willing to judge others because they don't look or act the same or because they believe something different. Look at all of the religious intolerance on this Earth. There are still people suffering from religious persecution in countries all over the world. I see so much judgement here in my glorious little state of Utah. I am LDS and proud to be. And I have been blessed with very tolerant and non-judgemental parents. My best friend in elementary school was not a member, and that didn't matter to us. But I had so many friends who couldn't play with others because they weren't members. It goes on the other end too...how many members out there have been judged because they are LDS? There have been times in college where I have felt judged by someone who wasn't of my same faith just because I am LDS.
On a daily basis, I feel like I am looked down upon by people because of my weight. I am not a size 2. I am proud to say that I am a 14. I'm not ashamed of it. And neither should the majority of the women in America because they are the "Average Size". I don't look my nose down on girls who are skinny...why do they think they can look down on me for not being skinny?
I think the majority of the problems in this world are caused by intolerance. Think of how much happier the whole world would be if we all just joined hands, sang Kumbaya, and drank hot chocolate together. Sounds good to me...
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Best news of my LIFE!
Yesterday was SUCH a great day! Not only did I get my hair done (I haven't had it done since FEBRUARY...my hair was hating me), but I found out that I will be going back to school in January!
These last couple of months have been so so so hard on me. I couldn't understand why no one could help me...not the government, the school, or any loan place. Finally, on Thursday, I talked to someone in the Financial Aid office who actually knew what they were talking about. I was still a little upset because, had I talked to her one of the other thousand times I had called, I could have been in school this past semester. But it is over and done with, and this lady is a miracle worker! I didn't get financial aid, but I did get a loan. And as much as I hate to go into more debt to go to school, I will do whatever I need to do to get back.
I really am so grateful that things have worked out the way that I wanted them to. After so many prayers, and begging and pleading, I finally feel HAPPY. I am so excited to be back in Logan.
Look out USU...Chelsee is BACK!
These last couple of months have been so so so hard on me. I couldn't understand why no one could help me...not the government, the school, or any loan place. Finally, on Thursday, I talked to someone in the Financial Aid office who actually knew what they were talking about. I was still a little upset because, had I talked to her one of the other thousand times I had called, I could have been in school this past semester. But it is over and done with, and this lady is a miracle worker! I didn't get financial aid, but I did get a loan. And as much as I hate to go into more debt to go to school, I will do whatever I need to do to get back.
I really am so grateful that things have worked out the way that I wanted them to. After so many prayers, and begging and pleading, I finally feel HAPPY. I am so excited to be back in Logan.
Look out USU...Chelsee is BACK!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Home-made Dresses and Christmas Sweaters
I love the Holidays. It is my favorite time of the whole entire year. I love the music, the treats, the decorations, and the way it just makes me feel.
This year, we had a little family Christmas party. There were only about 33 people in our little tiny house. No big deal, right? Makes things cozy. There was good food, good treats, and great company. We had a little white elephant gift exchange, complete with a Dollar Store pregnancy test and another feminine hygiene product. Ha ha. My family is best. We are loud and sometimes obnoxious, but always fabulous!
Here are a few highlights...
Caitlin and I went to the DI to find some sweet holiday outfits. She found this treasure. If she would have been able to sit down in it, I would have made her get it.
PHOTO BOMB. Ben decided to ruin our picture. But it is ok because Caitlin was ruining it with that face anyway.
Look how cute we are with our fun Christmas sweaters!
My little Maser. He makes me so happy.
We finally got a good picture of the 2 of us...sometimes he takes after me and makes ugly faces.
This was a wild game of Phase 10. I totally rocked it. That's a lie...I was stuck on the same 2 phases for about 8 hands. Awesome.
Also, one of my best friends from Utah State got married yesterday. I am so happy for Sarah and Danny. They are so fabulous and perfect for each other. And now I am pretty sure that I am close to the last single girl on the planet. Ok...maybe that was a little dramatic. But I am dwindling in single friends.
This year, we had a little family Christmas party. There were only about 33 people in our little tiny house. No big deal, right? Makes things cozy. There was good food, good treats, and great company. We had a little white elephant gift exchange, complete with a Dollar Store pregnancy test and another feminine hygiene product. Ha ha. My family is best. We are loud and sometimes obnoxious, but always fabulous!
Here are a few highlights...
Caitlin and I went to the DI to find some sweet holiday outfits. She found this treasure. If she would have been able to sit down in it, I would have made her get it.
PHOTO BOMB. Ben decided to ruin our picture. But it is ok because Caitlin was ruining it with that face anyway.
Look how cute we are with our fun Christmas sweaters!
My little Maser. He makes me so happy.
We finally got a good picture of the 2 of us...sometimes he takes after me and makes ugly faces.
This was a wild game of Phase 10. I totally rocked it. That's a lie...I was stuck on the same 2 phases for about 8 hands. Awesome. Also, one of my best friends from Utah State got married yesterday. I am so happy for Sarah and Danny. They are so fabulous and perfect for each other. And now I am pretty sure that I am close to the last single girl on the planet. Ok...maybe that was a little dramatic. But I am dwindling in single friends.
Merry Christmas to all of my dear friends and family! I hope yours is fabulous and I hope Santa brings you EVERYTHING you want!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
SWEET VICTORY!
Hail the Utah Aggies!
We'll play the game with all our might!
See the flying colors,
The Aggie Blue and Fighting White!
How they stir us onward,
We'll win the VICTORY alright!
Hail the Utah Aggies!
We're out to win so FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!
UTAH STATE HEY!
AGGIES ALL THE WAY!
GO AGGIES! GO AGGIES!
HEY! HEY! HEY!
I love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love LOVE that Utah State beat BYU last night! It makes my heart melt with joy! It really just tickles me. I wish that I had been able to go to the game, but from what I hear, a bunch of my friends didn't even get in. I love that Aggie fans are so united...the entire crowd in sync with every cheer is FANTASTIC! I love that Stew is our coach....I definitely think he is one of the BEST coaches in college basketball. I love that, even though BYU thinks they are invincable, they are NOT.
I love EVERYTHING about Utah State Basketball.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
REMATCH!!!
Tonight, Utah State plays BYU in basketball. I don't know about everyone else, but this is a HUGE game for me. Last year, BYU was too chicken to come play in the Spectrum, and made Utah State play at Energy Solutions Arena. We ended up losing by 5...and it SUCKED! This year, Dave Rose decided to grow a pair and try his luck out at the Spectrum. Anyone who has been to an Aggie basketball game knows how hard it is for any team to beat the Ags in the Spectrum. I am hoping that my Aggies will KILL the Cougars.
I know this rivalry is nothing compared to the BYU-UTAH football game, but this is a big deal to Utah State fans. And speaking of USU fans...we are loud and fabulous!
I am so sad that I will not be attending the game tonight...it was a very hard decision for me to make. My little sister also has a game tonight. And I don't really enjoy driving through the canyon in the dark by myself (ok...so not really enjoying it is an understatement. I hate it). But you can better believe that I will be cheering on my Ags tonight!
I even wore my favorite shirt today, in honor of this game...
"YBU? Win or lose you STILL live in PROVO! 'NUFF SAID!!!!"
GO AGGIES!
I know this rivalry is nothing compared to the BYU-UTAH football game, but this is a big deal to Utah State fans. And speaking of USU fans...we are loud and fabulous!
I am so sad that I will not be attending the game tonight...it was a very hard decision for me to make. My little sister also has a game tonight. And I don't really enjoy driving through the canyon in the dark by myself (ok...so not really enjoying it is an understatement. I hate it). But you can better believe that I will be cheering on my Ags tonight!
I even wore my favorite shirt today, in honor of this game...
"YBU? Win or lose you STILL live in PROVO! 'NUFF SAID!!!!"
GO AGGIES!
Slacker.
With the holiday last week, I didn't blog. I didn't even think about blogging. I know all of you are DYING to get to the next letter of my FABULOUS uncommon uses for common household products. So we'll get right to it.
H
HAIR DRYER:
*Clean silk flowers--your feather duster doesn't seem to make a dent in the dust accumulating on your favorite floral arrangement. Try using your hair dryer on the lowest setting to blow the dust off your silk or dried flowers.
*Soothe the itching under a cast--got a cast? Can't scratch? Don't despair-just shake some baby powder inside the opening of your cast and blow it in with a hair dryer. Just be sure to use the cool setting. (I sure wish I had known this when I broke my arm in the 4th grade and I was in a cast for 2 months)
HAIR SPRAY:
*Remove ink stains from clothing--your favorite ink pen leaked all over your favorite skirt. You may have to buy a new pen, but the skirt can be saved with an old remedy for ink spots. Just spray hair spray in the stained area, blot until the stain comes up, and wash as usual.
*Keep that zipper up--got a zipper that's always sneaking down? Spray it. That's right. Cover the rest of the garment so it doesn't get ruined and spray hair spray onto your zipper. Let it dry and no more worries. For this to work, make sure your hair spray contains lacquer.
HANGERS:
*Remove static cling from clothing or hair--static can make your hair stand on end and make your skirt embarrassingly clingy. One simple solution is to run a wire coat hanger over your hair or skirt, or between your skirt and slip. The static electricity will transfer from you to the wire, and you should be static free.
I
ICE CUBE TRAYS:
*Handy frozen veggies--if you've got extra onions, celery, peppers, or other seasoning vegetables, go ahead and chop them up. Place a couple of tablespoons into each compartment of an ice cube tray. Fill with water and freeze. Put the frozen cubes into labeled freezer bags. Next time your favorite hot recipes call for veggies, you're ready to go.
ICE CUBES:
*Remove fat from soup--you're on a diet, and you're trying hard to eat low-fat. Try sliding a few ice cubes into your soups and stews to remove excess fat. The fat will congeal around the cubes as they melt, and you can fish it all out with a spoon. Reheat, and you have an ultra-low-fat dish to enjoy.
*Fresh tasting rice the second time around--reheat leftover rice in the microwave with an ice cube on top. The added moisture will really perk up the taste.
INNER TUBES:
*Let slipping rugs lie--does your area rug slide around on your hardwood floor? Put the brakes on it by stitching a few patches of old inner tubing to the underside.
IRON:
*Hot tip for repairing furniture--if you've got a dent in your wood furniture, don't despair. As long as no wood fibers have been broken-you'll have to look at the damage carefully to determine this-you can literally iron the dent out. Grab a damp cloth and place it over the dent. Set your iron on medium, and hold it on the cloth. When the cloth has dried, re-dampen it, and apply the iron again. Repeat this until the dent is lifted.
(Just a side note--I definitely do not come up with this wording on my own. It is straight out of the book. And speaking of, it is time I gave credit where credit is due. This glorious book is called "Uncommon Uses for Common Household Products" and was written by the editors of FC&A. This particular copy was printed in 2002 by Frank W. Cawood and Associates, Inc. I also, for a brief second, thought about formatting this citation like I would on a works cited page, but quickly changed my mind...correct citation is not a strong point of mine.)
H
HAIR DRYER:
*Clean silk flowers--your feather duster doesn't seem to make a dent in the dust accumulating on your favorite floral arrangement. Try using your hair dryer on the lowest setting to blow the dust off your silk or dried flowers.
*Soothe the itching under a cast--got a cast? Can't scratch? Don't despair-just shake some baby powder inside the opening of your cast and blow it in with a hair dryer. Just be sure to use the cool setting. (I sure wish I had known this when I broke my arm in the 4th grade and I was in a cast for 2 months)
HAIR SPRAY:
*Remove ink stains from clothing--your favorite ink pen leaked all over your favorite skirt. You may have to buy a new pen, but the skirt can be saved with an old remedy for ink spots. Just spray hair spray in the stained area, blot until the stain comes up, and wash as usual.
*Keep that zipper up--got a zipper that's always sneaking down? Spray it. That's right. Cover the rest of the garment so it doesn't get ruined and spray hair spray onto your zipper. Let it dry and no more worries. For this to work, make sure your hair spray contains lacquer.
HANGERS:
*Remove static cling from clothing or hair--static can make your hair stand on end and make your skirt embarrassingly clingy. One simple solution is to run a wire coat hanger over your hair or skirt, or between your skirt and slip. The static electricity will transfer from you to the wire, and you should be static free.
I
ICE CUBE TRAYS:
*Handy frozen veggies--if you've got extra onions, celery, peppers, or other seasoning vegetables, go ahead and chop them up. Place a couple of tablespoons into each compartment of an ice cube tray. Fill with water and freeze. Put the frozen cubes into labeled freezer bags. Next time your favorite hot recipes call for veggies, you're ready to go.
ICE CUBES:
*Remove fat from soup--you're on a diet, and you're trying hard to eat low-fat. Try sliding a few ice cubes into your soups and stews to remove excess fat. The fat will congeal around the cubes as they melt, and you can fish it all out with a spoon. Reheat, and you have an ultra-low-fat dish to enjoy.
*Fresh tasting rice the second time around--reheat leftover rice in the microwave with an ice cube on top. The added moisture will really perk up the taste.
INNER TUBES:
*Let slipping rugs lie--does your area rug slide around on your hardwood floor? Put the brakes on it by stitching a few patches of old inner tubing to the underside.
IRON:
*Hot tip for repairing furniture--if you've got a dent in your wood furniture, don't despair. As long as no wood fibers have been broken-you'll have to look at the damage carefully to determine this-you can literally iron the dent out. Grab a damp cloth and place it over the dent. Set your iron on medium, and hold it on the cloth. When the cloth has dried, re-dampen it, and apply the iron again. Repeat this until the dent is lifted.
(Just a side note--I definitely do not come up with this wording on my own. It is straight out of the book. And speaking of, it is time I gave credit where credit is due. This glorious book is called "Uncommon Uses for Common Household Products" and was written by the editors of FC&A. This particular copy was printed in 2002 by Frank W. Cawood and Associates, Inc. I also, for a brief second, thought about formatting this citation like I would on a works cited page, but quickly changed my mind...correct citation is not a strong point of mine.
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