Grateful for Free Things

My sister got a whole bunch of makeup and samples from Sephora. She didn't like how they looked on her and told me I should try them because they would look better on someone with darker skin.

So I got this awesome Josie Maran Argan Infused Eyeshadow quad

I got a sample of this foundation. I love the color and how well it covers.

I also got a sample of this Pink Sugar perfume. It kind of smells like cotton candy to me. So good!

I also got a tube of Josie Maran lipstick. I love the shade, I believe it is called "birthday suit".

I got a bunch of other samples which I am excited to try. Like this perfume "jasmin noir"

Can you say major score? I think so. .

Grateful for Faith

I am grateful for this knowledge

I lived in heaven a long time ago, it is true; Lived there and loved there with people I know. So did you. Then Heav’nly Father presented a beautiful plan, All about earth and eternal salvation for man.

Father said he needed someone who had enough love To give his life so we all could return there above. There was another who sought for the honor divine. Jesus said, “Father, send me, and the glory be thine.”

Jesus was chosen, and as the Messiah he came, Conquering evil and death through his glorious name, Giving us hope of a wonderful life yet to be— Home in that heaven where Father is waiting for me.

Jobs-Happy Thanksgiving

I am grateful to have a job at the bank. I have worked there since April of 2007 and I have been able to work through and pay for all of my school. I do meet crazy, naive, people, and sometimes people are even rude, but that's what makes it interesting. Tuesday, I saved some 19 year old girl from an internet scam. Long story short, If someone sends you a money and you haven't done anything to earn money, don't deposit the check and wire it someplace out of the country. I have learned about the whole banking process and how important it is to keep track of your money. I am grateful that I at least got the day off of work, less grateful that I work all day tomorrow. I am earning money, so there will be a smile on my face.

Thanksgiving Break

I am grateful I finally get to enjoy my break from school. I am so happy to have my research paper on Autism and music therapy finished. I am pretty proud. I felt good about my presentation for the most part. Mainly I am proud of the fact that wrote it before the night before the due date.

Thanksgiving Con'td

Because I was born with complications, I am grateful everyday of my life that I am healthy.
I know I am short (people are so generous to remind me of that fact, as if I'd forgotten) and I have big feet. However, I have eyes that can see, legs that get me around, a healthy heart, and a pretty impressive immune system if do say so. In general I am blessed to have a body that works.

Thanksgiving

This week, I am going to make a list of things I am grateful for.

First, I am grateful for my parents.

They are the most generous people. My mom can help you out with pretty much anything, from getting groceries to proof reading a paper. I always call my dad if I have problems with my car or something goes wrong at my apartment.

They put up with me, even when I am obstinate or irresponsible, so I guess I'll keep them.

Angels

Haul out the holly;

Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.

Fill up the stocking,

I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.

For we need a little Christmas

Right this very minute,

Candles in the window, Carols at the spinet.

Yes, we need a little Christmas Right this very minute.

It hasn't snowed a single flurry,

But Santa, dear, we're in a hurry;

So climb down the chimney;

Put up the brightest string of lights I've ever seen.

Slice up the fruitcake;

It's time we hung some tinsel on that evergreen bough.

For I've grown a little leaner, Grown a little colder,

Grown a little sadder,Grown a little older,

And I need a little angel Sitting on my shoulder,

Need a little Christmas now.

Alright, I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I felt its never too early to put Christmas in perspective and remember how we can be more charitable and more Christlike during the Holidays. My work (Central Bank) has an angel tree program going on right now. You can donate any amount to any Central Bank location to help someone in need this holiday season. 100% of all donations goes to individuals and families in our community who need the help. Central Bank will match up to a minimum of $5,000.00.

There are locations all over Utah County: Mapleton, Spanish Fork, Payson, Springville, Provo (Riverside), Downtown Provo, Orem, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, and Lehi. We've all had someone do something nice for us throughout our lives. Whether you donate at Central Bank or not, find someway to help out this Christmas and pay it forward.

GRE

I took the GRE the first time on Aug 19. I took a prep course from Kaplan, which was helpful. I also did at least 4 full length practice tests, essays and all. I was getting between 1200 and 1300 on the practice tests so I felt okay going into the actual testing center. However, after I left the testing center, and the exam was over, I felt like crying.

My scores were as follows (if I remember correctly. . )

Verbal: 590

Quantitative:550

Overall score was an okay 1140, my goal was to get at least 1200. I didn't do as well as I had hoped.

So second go around, I reviewed by 200 vocabulary words, and i met every Friday with Jordan to do a math(quantitative) practice tests. It was a great help. Granted we spent the first 20 minutes or so of our study sessions talking about Jordan's social life I really appreciate him spending the time to help me. November 15 I took the test for the second time

Verbal:680 (there were vocab words I actually studied and knew)

Quantitative: 590

Overall score 1270 baby.

I finally reached my goal and I felt so relieved not to have to worry about the test or look at flashcards every again. Now I have had my scores sent to 4 schools (BYU, Univ. of Utah, USU, and Univ. of Colorado-Boulder) and I get to began the fantastically fun project of filling out grad school applications.

Kaplan Prep Course-way to expensive (over $1000 dollars) but worth it I guess.

GRE Test Registration-$320 dollars ($160 a pop)

Having your big brother tell you he's proud of you-priceless

Say My Name

So this week was my friend's birthday. A few of us went out to eat dinner to Pantrucas. Its a Chilean restaurant on Canyon Road in Provo. Its a little ma and pa restaurant, and is owned by this cute couple. The wife was waiting on us and she was so nice and sweet. She was asking who out of the group had been to eat there before. She asked where everyone was from. All of the guys except one in the group learned Spanish on their missions, so she spoke to them and took their order in Spanish. I told her i didn't speak, but I understood pretty much everything that was said. As we ordered, she took down our names. When she got to me, I told her my name is Hillary, because it is. And she said "oh like Hillary Clinton."

Everybody i meet basically has the same reaction to my name. Or they straight out ask "do you get a lot of Hillary Clinton jokes?" Its just too bad we even have the same initials and everything. Why is she the first person people, including the nice Chilean lady, think of when they hear Hillary. There are a few more acceptable famous Hillary's that people seem to forget about.

HILARY DUFF-She's not my favorite person in the entire world but she's cute and people seem to like her.

SIR EDMUND HILLARY-this is kind of a weird choice I know, but he was the first man to climb Mt. Everest

HILLARY SCOTT-She is a famous Country star and one of the voices behind Lady Antebellum

HILARY SWANK-last but not least, Hilary is not only a great actress, but she is also an Oscar winner.

Saturday and Such

I had a really good weekend, and nothing really special happened. I spent all day Saturday morning cleaning my apartment. While I was cleaning my room, I opened this envelope that's been sitting on my dresser. It was an old birthday card I got from people at work. It has 2 SuperSaver Passes for Cinemark. Nice!! I love coming into my room when everything is dusted and put away, and bed is made. It is just a relieving feeling.

I went to the BYU vs. UNLV game. I was so happy BYU dominated. I was hoping by the last quarter that Las Vegas would just score one touchdown to make the game more interesting. In my humble, not experienced or expert opinion, UNLV was more successful with their running plays. I don't know why but it seemed like their receiver's were having a really tough time actually catching the ball. Then the whole first half I had my legs stretched out, resting on the seat in front of me. then after halftime, this couple decided to come to the game, and they sat right in front of me. They took my foot rest =-(

Then I went with my cousins to Divine Comedy. I know it sounds lame, but their shows are so funny. I was laughing for almost 2 hours straight. The Grinch who tried to stop BYU football, and the Sound of Music parody were great. If any of you can get to the Best of Show in December, I recommend it.

I have learned lately that I have a problem. The fuse on my irritation/frustration keeps getting shorter. I am an extremely impatient person, and its very very bad. As Thomas Jefferson said "Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances."

Scarlet Pimpernel

Okay, so this show is on my list of my top 5 favorite musicals. Its an amazing story, and it has something for everyone to enjoy. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Scarlet Pimpernel, it is about an English Aristocrat, Sir Percy Blakeney,, who rescued French aristrocrats from a bloody revolution. The author of the original short story, Baroness Orczy, absolutely created the original super hero. All of those dual personalities that followed afterward, from Zorro, Superman, Batman, Spiderman, were based upon the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Like I said this is a very rich, and intricate story.

There's Danger and Adventure: Into the Fire and Madame Guillotine

There's Romance: You are My Home and Storybook

There's Intrigue and Deception: Where's the Girl, The Riddle

There is Drama and Heartache: When I Look at You, I'll Forget You (it will make you cry)

There's a lot of Funny Moments as well, particularly in The Creation of Man.

Most importantly the ending is Fantastic!!

If any of you have the chance to see a production of this wonderful show, you should do it.

Thoughts on Music

So I came upon this interesting statistic in a book I was reading about Michael Buble. When his Album "Call Me Irresponsible" was released, the album went in at number two in the Billboard 200, before hitting the number on slot the following week. Michael thus joined a very select group: the only other artists who have managed the same feat are Michael Jackson, Mary J Blige, Hilary Duff, NWA, and Sugarland

I think we can play the Sesame Street Game "One of these is not like the other". Admittedly I don't really know NWA. Apparently they were popular when I was like 3, and their songs are explicit rap numbers that I am not into, but Hilary Duff. I have nothing against my namesake personally, I just never though a Disney Channel child would be grouped in the same category as Michael Jackson. I guess you can't argue with fact.

Apparently Justin Beiber has an autobiography that just came out this past week or so. Gues what its called? 100 Percent Official-First Step 2 Forever: My Story.

I am pretty sure he came up with that title on his own because it sounds like a text message. And how old is Justin Bieber anyway? 17? Is he even old enough to have a story? How did they write a whole book?

And what is with these glasses? I am positive they are fake.

Just so you know I am not a Justin hater, but I wouldn't exactly say I have Bieber Fever either.

November

November Guest-Robert Frost

My Sorrow, when she's here with me,

Thinks these dark days of autumn rain

Are beautiful as days can be;

She loves the bare, the withered tree;

She walks the sodden pasture lane.

Her pleasure will not let me stay.

She talks and I am fain to list:

She's glad the birds are gone away,

She's glad her simple worsted grady

Is silver now with clinging mist.

The desolate, deserted trees,

The faded earth, the heavy sky,

The beauties she so ryly sees,

She thinks I have no eye for these,

And vexes me for reason why.

Not yesterday I learned to know

The love of bare November days

Before the coming of the snow,

But it were vain to tell he so,

And they are better for her praise.

Well Friends. Halloween is Over and that means October is too. Halloween was fun. I got to see my sister's kids all dressed up in their costumes. Jake was a ringwraith, Liv and Isabel were skeletons, and miss India was a "nice" tiger. Supposedly Tristan was dressing up as Batman, Jack was Ironman, and Scarlett was a piggy. I went to my friends house and made dinner and watched a scary movie (The Others). P.S. That movie is so fun to watch with people who haven't seen it before. I still enjoyed it even though my friend blurted out the end half way through, trying to be funny.

But, its November now, and you know what that means. Thanksgiving is around the corner. You all will be putting up Christmas Trees in a couple of weeks. Bring on the Holidays.