dear freshman 15,

we're planning on losing you, not gaining you.  thanks a bunch.
-erin

dear self,
remember to work out whenever you can and to make healthy food (maybe even convince someone to buy you the Ninja for spinach smoothies everyday) so that you can prove yourself to all those people who think that being on your own isn't going to help you be healthy and smart.  "I told you so" is right on the tip of their tongues.
love, erin

dear world,
i like being independent.  i don't always like to ask for help, but if i really need it, or even want it, i'll ask.  so please, let me.  also, i'm sorry i'm in a bad mood.  i wish you knew.
-erin

dear humans,
the reason you didn't know those things is because you don't communicate with me either.  i know i look like i have this all down, but sometimes it's hard, and sometimes it's not my fault.  thank you.
love, erin
p.s. when i tell you how i feel, i'm not fishing for compliments.  you asked, and i'm just letting you know that's how i feel.


Dear BYU,
I would really appreciate it if you would let me know if I'm accepted or not.  I'm tempted to go to Utah State just because they let me know first, and now they're bugging me to get housing and a student id and things.  I know you want me, just please tell me.
Sincerely, Erin

dear immune system,
i know you're working overtime, but this cold has got to go.
if you fight hard, i'll take my vitamins.
thank you.
love, erin

dear hair,
DO SOMETHING.

dear room, homework, and important papers,
take care of yourself.
or else.


                    via

kinyarwanda:

1. official language of Rwanda.
2. the most beautiful movie about the Rwandan Genocide


KINYARWANDA Extended Trailer from Alrick Brown on Vimeo.


I had the opportunity to attend the second screening of this movie at the Rose Wagner theater in SLC at our school's annual NHS trip to Sundance.

It's gorgeous.  The cinematography is incredible and it's just a fantastic project.  I'm writing a newspaper article so I don't want to share all of my pictures and special quotes yet, but I'll link to the article after and share the extras with you.

We were able to have a Q & A session with the director, executive producer (who is a survivor), the cinematographer, and one of the actresses.  These people are amazing.  And I got a movie poster.  Score.

Seriously though, search high and low if you have to, but you have to see this movie.

Also, I've never seen Hotel Rwanda, but Alrick made the comment that this is about "life."  So, don't be scared.

the new MJ

I have the coolest brother ever.

I can say this because I only have one,

but if I had another, he'd have to be seriously awesome to be as cool as Mike.

Occasionally, my brother and his darling family come to Utah to visit (which I love love love) and when he came this summer, he got me hooked on Mason Jennings.

My cousin Megan is fantastic, just like her taste in music, and she pretty much idolizes my brother because he's "so cool!"  So they just talk and share music and I like to listen in.  It's adorable.

So, Mason Jennings is this dad who loves his music.  It's raw, and real, and beautiful.
Here's one I've loved since the beginning:


and one that is nice for me right now:


enjoy.

truth

I went to a wedding reception here and the bride wore this dress (which happens to be one of the bff's Christmas dresses) in Ivory with 3/4 length sleeves.  It was gorgeous!  And so classy.

I love this.

I put in my FB password wrong about 100 times this weekend.

Every time I go to they gym, like today, I remember how much I hate going when it's crowded.
Problem is, everyone has made these dang resolutions, so I just have to deal with it for a while.

One of the best movies ever sports one of the best mustaches ever.

I've never been a fan of labels (on the blaag), but I'm rethinking that.

I went to San Fran over MLK weekend to see my darling new nephew and his parents.  The new semester started when I got back so I've just been settling in, and now I'm getting some fun stuff ready, so stay tuned.

eighteen yellow roses

or like three.  Thanks, Mom:)

Every year on my birthday, after all the hype dies down, I think about the next milestone.  Recently, the big ones were 16 & 18, but now that I'm an adult, I'm comfortable.  I know this isn't where it's all at, but I'm happy with it.  I've waited a long time to catch up and I'm going to enjoy it.

I'm not going to lie, I'm ready to be done with high school, but I have a feeling this last semester will be exciting.  There are things I want to happen and things I really don't.  I'm going to work hard and hopefully everything will fall into place.

Happy Monday everyone & thank you for the birthday wishes:)