Festival of Color

The Festival of Color took place in Spanish Fork last weekend.

I have wanted to go to a Holi festival (a festival in Hinduism, the predominant religion in India) since I saw it take place on the Amazing Race when I was just a little kid.  When I found out that there was one in Utah and my friends were going, the amount of excitement I was experiencing was probably a bit too much to be healthy.

On Saturday morning, Lulu, Joe, and I piled into Joe's family car.  The car was stocked with water, towels, and sheets to cover the seats with when we were covered with colored corn starch (all courtesy of Joe's dad).

When we arrived at the festival, I honestly was skipping down the side of the road.  Okay, maybe not skipping, but I definitely had an enthusiastic walk. gait. run...  I don't know...

At the end of the day, you could definitely say I was sufficiently covered with colored dust.  I may have gotten a bit in my eyes, and a lot in my lungs.  I also may have accidentally thrown a bit into some other people's eyes (I'm sorry about that... again... It was an accident... I'm sorry... Please, forgive me...), and covered a few other people with starch.

But all of it was totally worth it.  It was so so so much fun (:

Joe, Lulu, and I (from right to left) about half way through the festival (:

Image Courtesy: Joe's father (:

My clothes at the end of the day... My shoulders and face suffered the most (:

From Left to Right:  Sky, Joe, Lulu, Grant, and I

Noah's being cool in the front

Image Courtesy: Joe's dad, again (:

Makeup, Clothes, and other Girly Things

No, don't worry, this will not be a post about how to put on makeup or how to curl your hair, but rather my opinions on certain girly things that are considered normal.

*Wait, normal?  What's normal?  I'll add quotation marks.*

"Normal"

Yes, that's much better.

Thank you to lol zombie for my new favorite picture (:

First of all, makeup.

This seems to be a big issue of controversy right now.  Most girls in my grade, including me,  wear makeup. Most girls think it's worth it, some guys think it's stupid, and some don't seem to have much of an opinion on it, which I find interesting.

However, to you guys out there who think I'm wearing makeup to impress you, that's not why I wear it.

I wear it for me (:

Surprise!

*Woah, what?  Girls don't try to impress every single guy they talk to?  What is this madness?*

If I look in the mirror and think my eyes are a bit brighter and that makes me feel better about myself, who are you to say that I shouldn't wear it?

That's not to say I think that girls should pile on makeup, because there's definitely a point where it goes to far.

But, to you girls out there, if that's what makes you happy, go for it (:


Next, the only logical thing to follow makeup, hair!  

Yippee,  everyone's favorite subject

*haha, that's a funny joke right there*

Ok, so it's not that I don't give a thought about how my hair looks because I spend approximately five minutes a day on it collectively, what I don't understand is waking up an hour earlier than you need to just so you can add some curls...

...or make it completely straight.

Either way, I'm a strong believer in sleeping (although I don't get much of it...) instead of making yourself look fantabulous.

So clothing, probably my favorite subject actually.

What can I say, I like clothes.  I'm not a "fashionista" or whatever it's called by any extent of the imagination, but I do like to have a large selection.

My mix of clothing is eclectic, from normal things from forever 21 to pants from Thailand to maybe a few too many pairs of pajama pants, I just like clothes.

One thing that's not big in my closet is anything uncomfortable... especially skirts...

*kudos to anyone who can wear a skirt everyday.  You are a superhero.  I don't know how you do it, but keep doing it because you look good. I'm impressed with your ability to look put together every day.*

**I really hope that no one thought that last note was sarcastic, because it wasn't...  I should probably be more careful about that...**


I apologize for my ranting... and if you do anything I mentioned in this (good or bad in my opinion...), keep doing it if it makes you happy, because being happy is the most important thing (:

Movies!

Film. Cinema. Theater. Entertainment.  MOVIES!

One of my favorite fun activities to do is watch movies, especially with friends and family.  Not only is it entertaining, but you don't have those awkward moments during them, which is always a plus.

So here it goes...

The Best Sad Movies:

1.  The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

2.  The Notebook

3.  The Fault in Our Stars (It's not out yet, but it's going to be great and it's going to be sad, so it belongs here)

4.  Marley and Me

5.  Because of Winn Dixie 

6.  UP

Honestly, this list could go on forever.  I think I've cried in every movie I've ever watched, but these are  some of the best of them.... I know, I know, I'm such a baby when it comes to movies(:

The Best Rom Coms:

1. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
2. 27 Dresses
3. 50 First Dates
4. 13 Going on 30
5. Silver Linings Playbook
6. Love Actually

Another one that could go on forever... I'm just a sappy movie kind of person, what can I say?

The Best Chick Flicks: (yeah, I know most of these are Rom Coms...)

1. Mean Girls
2. The Nanny Diaries
3. Easy A
4. Brides Maids
5. P.S. I love you
6. Letters to Juliet
7. Confessions of a Shopaholic
8. Legally Blonde (Don't judge me... I said don't!  No, please, really, I'm usually a good person...)

Yep... I'm a girl at heart

The Best Disney Movies:

Let's start with all of them, shall we?

We all know that Frozen is automatically the best, other than that though...

1. Monsters Inc.
2. Ice Age (all of them)
3. Despicable Me (I want a minion more than you know....)
4. Mulan
5. Cinderella
6. Snow White
7. Sleeping Beauty
8. Beauty and the Beast
9. Finding Nemo
10. Tangled
11. Cars
12. Toy Story (I refuse to give away a single stuffed animal because of Toy Story 3)

I don't want to type them all, just watch all of the Disney movies that have ever come out and your life will be semi-complete.  It will be complete when you know every line of every song of every movie.

The Movies that Have Changed My Life:

1. The Breakfast Club

Image Creds: IMDB

That's it. Honestly.  If you haven't seen it yet, watch it!  Of course there are other ones that I really love, but none of them have overwhelmed me as much as this one.

A week in the mountains

Ok, yes, I do live in Park City, which means I'm always in the mountains, but this week I was in different mountains!  Yay for me!  +10 lifestyle points (points received for making the most out of a moment) awarded to me!

The other mountains mentioned above are called the Grand Tetons.  I'm just outside of Jackson Hole at the Teton Science School campus.  The week has been filled with lot's of fun, friends, sun, snow, sleep and even a bit of homework (Notice that caffeine wasn't mentioned in this list, I've been slightly deprived.  It was totally worth it though!)

The beautiful view of the Tetons.

Image Creds: tetontastic

I want to focus on one specific part of this week though–the people.  When I first applied and got accepted to the trip, I was so worried that I wouldn't know anyone on the trip and that I was going to be the awkward one in the corner, which seems to be a common event when I go on school trips.  I had less anxiety though when I found out that a few of my friends were going too!  My plan was to stick with them for the entire week.

That plan didn't work out too well.  I ended up meeting a lot of really cool people that I didn't know before.  I was forced to step outside of my social bubble (although I'm not socially exclusive, I promise!) and talk with people who I didn't see on a daily basis, and it ended up being better than I thought.  I now have a few more people to call friends, and that idea makes this week a whole lot better.

For readers to take away:  It's okay to feel safe with certain people–everyone does.  It's also okay to step outside your comfort zone once in a while, and the chances are it'll turn out great!

The Little Efforts

Much to my disappointment, I no longer have a single lunch with two of my best friends, Devon and Lulu.   Although I still have English class with both of them, and AP geography with Lulu, it was a big change from having a chunk of time for socializing with them to in between class periods and after school for a few minutes.

Because of the change, I was incredibly worried that our friendship wouldn't be as strong (which is silly, I mean, it's 20 minutes a day).  Luckily, that hasn't happened!  Knock on Wood, right?

I did learn that the little conversations and the little efforts make a big difference.  For example, every other day, my first period class is at the high school.  However, I still go to the junior high for fifteen minutes just to see Devon, Lulu and some other friends.  Although it's not a lot, it's a huge difference, and it shows that I care about them, and that I want to spend time with them.

Overall, changing schedules can suck, a lot, but I think going out of your way to do something nice and to show that they matter a lot can really help.

If you're in a similar situation or you're a really busy person, this can apply to you.  Finding five or ten minute periods just to say hi and ask how a friend is doing can go a long ways.

Devon is a really cool person(:  He taught me how to cube, and we go skiing a lot (even though he is about a gazillion times faster than me... haha oh well).  He's a really cool, funny person and hanging out with him is so much fun (:

Lulu(: I had a picture but she didn't like it... so later (: She's my bestie!  We hang out a lot together and have a sleepover almost every week.  We ski a lot, drink way too much tea (way too much...), and watch a bunch of movies.  She's kind of obsessed with Tumblr... Oh, and also, SHERLOCK<3.

Christmas is Coming!

I don't know about everyone else, but I can't wait for Christmas.  There's snow (at least where I live), cookies, a Christmas Trees, Santa is coming, and of course, everyone is giving gifts.

For a lot of people though, the weeks leading up to Christmas are stressful.  There are gifts to give, presents to wrap, and houses to decorate.   Getting presents for all of your family is difficult, and the goal of this blog is to give some great ideas for family and friends that vary in price range.

Amazon saved my life this holiday season, and all of these ideas can be found on amazon.

Idea 1: Rubik's Cube

Although these were created in the 1980's or whatever, they're becoming more popular again.  Most of my friends can solve them,  and my friend Devon just ordered about eighteen different types.

You can order a Sheng Shuo Rubik's cube on amazon for under $7.

Idea 2: Hoodies

If you live in a cold place like I do, hoodies are your life!  Hoodies make great gifts because there are a bunch of designs out there and are affordable for some of your better friends and family.  They also work for both genders. Did I mention that they are comfortable and warm?

You can get this hoodie, along with many others on amazon.  This hoodie is $25.  

Idea 3: Jewelry 

Yes, this may apply mainly to females, however unique jewelry means a lot to a lot of people.  Instead of getting the normal "best friends" split apart necklace, you can find some really interesting designs of jewelry online that would make anyone feel special. 

You can find great jewelry similar to this online at amazon.  You are sure to find one that fits the person you are shopping for! 

Idea 4: Coffee Cups

Coffee mugs are definitely on my Christmas list mostly because I'm currently living off coffee.  

Just kidding, however coffee mugs are practical and you can find many styles and designs that fit a person!

This adorable cookie monster coffee mug not only holds you famous warm drink, but cookies fit his mouth!  You can find this and many other cute mugs on amazon.  

Idea 5) Movie Gift Basket

Who doesn't love candy, popcorn, and movies?  A really great gift for a movie buff friend this Christmas is a popcorn bucket filled with their favorite candy and movies or a cinema gift card.  While these are super easy to make, you can also find them online.  

Yummy (:  I love food!  This gift basket can be found on amazon.

Idea 6) Fuzzy Blankets 

Affordable and warm, blankets are a great idea.  They come in many different colors, patterns, and designs, and you are sure to find one that suits your friends. 

This too is found on amazon, and even though there are millions out there, these are simple, bright, and incredibly soft! (Trust me, I have one)

Have a great holiday season and I hoped I helped to relieve some of the holiday stress this winter (or summer, if you live in the southern hemisphere).  

Happy Holidays!!!

Achieving the Impossible - Finding Time for Everyone

Last week I went to the most magical place on Earth.  No, not Disneyland... a plane.  I was on this magical plane for 15 hours on my way to Hong Kong. Yes, that's China, not Japan.

So maybe the plane ride wasn't so magical, but Hong Kong was.  I used to live there, and I know all of the best places to go, however TIME travel has some of my favorite things to do there.  Although I haven't ever done a helicopter tour there, I have gone to the Peak (with one of the most beautiful views of a city on Earth) and on the Star Ferry (which I almost got a heat stroke on the first summer I lived there, but love it none the less).

On my visit back, I was able to do a lot of these things again.  Although it was amazing to be back, I found it difficult to find time for everyone.

To be honest, my dad is gone a lot, and I hadn't seen him for a few months which is why I went back.  It was so amazing to see him again and spend time with him.  However, I also had a lot of difficulty seeing everyone I wanted to, mainly for three reasons.

Reason Number 1:  

Because I hadn't seen my dad for a long time too, I wanted to spend time with him.  He also had to work so I made sure that I could see him enough.

Whether it was going out to dinner or taking the MTR (subway) around the city, hanging out with my dad was awesome.   Even though I did spend a lot of time with him, it wasn't enough.  But it's okay because he's coming back to the United States to work, so I'll get to him every weekend!


Reason Number 2:

If I'm completely honest, I have to say this: I wasn't even close to being popular back in Hong Kong, but I did have a lot of friends.  I really wanted to see them all, but since they had school Monday through Thursday, I really only had Friday and Saturday to see everyone.

Although I did get to see my closest friends, or most of them, I didn't get to see all of them simply because I didn't have enough time.   I had to pick and choose, and I'm not going to lie, it was difficult.  It's not that I wanted to see anyone more than other people, and I tried my best to see everyone or hang out with people as a group.   Even though it wasn't all my fault (see Reason Number 3), I was really disappointed I didn't see everyone.


Reason Number 3: 

So as I said in Reason Number 1, I had a lot of friends in Hong Kong.  However when I went back to visit I faced disappointment when I wanted to hang out with some of the people I thought were my closest friends.  There were several people that I messaged and emailed asking if they wanted to hang out.  It was really upsetting when I didn't get responses, however it taught me a valuable lesson about who my friends really were there, so I guess it did have a silver lining!


Overall, I had a REALLY great time in Hong Kong.  I know that I probably won't get a chance to go back for a long time, and even though thinking about that is hard, I'm thankful for the chance for me to go back.

Sumi and I were really close and she is currently at boarding school... I literally started crying when she told me that she would be in Hong Kong over Thanksgiving too!

My crazy, amazing dad and I... gotta love picture phone quality, am I right?

Some of my closest guy friends from HK, Douglas and Calum, and I. We probably walked ten miles the night we hung out but it was so amazing to see them! We're all nerds ;)

Kiki, one of my closest friends from HK and I. We both ate way too much food that day...

Louisa and I (:  She's in one of my other blog posts because she is literally my best friend.  She pushed me over (on accident, of course) when she saw me (I might have surprised her).  

Thea and I... Thea and I got a lot closer last year and she always makes me laugh!  We both love food too, which helps build relationships (:

Sherry and I were in several classes together last year and she is one of the most talented people I've ever met.  It was great to see her–especially because she ALWAYS makes me smile!

Some of the cutest kids I know!  They used to live in my old apartment building and I always spent time with them.  They're like siblings to me and I had so much fun running around with them!

The view from a tower I found while exploring Hong Kong Park.  It was a 360˚ view and was ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS.  

How Much is Enough?

If you didn't know already (either because you don't pay attention to detail, have never talked to me, or haven't read any of my blog posts), I used to living in香港 (pronounced "xiang gang", or Hong Kong for those of you who don't speak Chinese).  If you want to know more about what living in 香港 as an expat is like, I highly recommend this blog.

In 香港, I had a really great life.  Although school was hard, I had a lot of opportunities and a lot of freedom.  I hung out with friends for a few hours every week too, and I became close with a lot of people.

Leaving 香港 was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  I had to leave the people I trusted and the place that had become my home.  

Louisa and I on the night of our middle school graduation.  

"Lulu" was my closest friend during my 8th grade year, and the hardest part of leaving 香港 was saying goodbye to her.  She is still my best friend.  

One of the hardest things to find time for now is talking to old friends, like Louisa.  The time change is definitely not on my side either. The only time I really have is on Friday and Saturday nights, because Hong Kong is 14 hours ahead of Utah, where I live now.

Even though the only thing I ever want to do is talk to them, I have to carry on with my life here.  If I don't make friends here, I am going to be miserable, because I won't make any new memories, and I won't have any fun over the next four years.

It's literally killing me to not see Louisa and my other friends every day.  With all of the other things going on in my life, it's hard to find time.  The only way I find myself chatting or skyping with 香港 friends is by setting up a time a few days before.  By doing this, both of us are expecting to talk to each other, and I look forward to it.  It guarantees that I will talk to them in the near future.

If you have moved, even if it's just a few towns or a state away, I highly recommend setting up a time before you move to talk to old friends.  If your schedule doesn't allow it one week, let your friends know that, and set up an alternate time.  If you don't set up a time, and choose to talk to friends on a random basis, it's going to be a lot harder to keep up with everyone.

Sometimes, life gets busy, and that's okay.  But it's important to factor in time for people you care about.  Even though leaving 香港 was incredibly hard, I came out of it stronger and with great friends and memories that I will work to keep.