I'm Movin' On

So... I've moved! I found that this blog seemed irrelevant to most people, so I decided to start a new one where I'll be posting reviews of the books I read. I haven't experienced it myself, but I've heard tell that some people's blogger blogs have been taken down without notice, and my paranoia requires that I safeguard myself from such an event. So now I'm over at Wordpress, and can find it here: http://danicacannon.wordpress.com/

If that seems like it will interest you, feel free to check it out and follow me if that's what your little heart desires :)

Uh... Hey

Well, I have not actually dropped off the face of the earth and yes, I'm still alive. Hard to believe given the fact that I haven't posted in over a year but hey, let's face it- I'm a pretty lazy person who doesn't feel like her life is too terribly thrilling.

But just in case you were wondering, here's a quick recap of some of the highlights of the past year.

 HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2!!! Went with Rachel to the midnight showing down in Idaho Falls, and ended up getting all kinds of lost. We didn't get home til after 4, and I just about ran us off the road from falling asleep at the wheel- totally worth it!

 We celebrated Jamie's birthday! Koko made her cake (if you can't guess the inspiration behind it, we probably shouldn't be friends... just sayin'), and then we proceeded to blindfold her and head down to...

  Portland! We went to Powell's Books which is the biggest and cheapest bookstore I've ever seen in my life. Oh, and a word of caution to anyone who uses any form of technology to give you directions- don't listen to it. It will tell you to turn down a one-way street THE WRONG WAY, and being a completely trusting individual, you will believe it (I obviously did not learn from Dwight's mistake).

AND THEN NICOLE GOT MARRIED! Yeah!

 I had the chance to visit my Grandpa in September, before my Dad dropped me off in good ol' Rexburg for another semester of school. That was the last time I got to see him because unfortunately for those of us still here in this life, he left us to be with my Grandma. I love you guys!

 Mud Mayhem- just an excuse to get really dirty and feel like you're 5 years old again.

This should definitely not come as a shock to anyone. When there is an opportunity to involve Harry Potter, I just can't pass it up.

 Yeah. I realize this was Halloween, but I don't really remember why we got all jazzed up. Pretty sure we just ended up at Broulim's to buy ice cream.

 Uh... yeah. We're not the most normal of people, but thank goodness we're not alone in the world. By the way, does Rissa's expression remind anyone else of a rabid llama? Anybody?

We wore ugly sweaters. This is the day I got back from school for my off-track and we were so terribly excited we threw them on right away. And had a Nerf gun war.

 And we bought hipster glasses. That are actually reading glasses that we don't need, but got them anyway to look just like all the cool kids.We're so hip.

 Anyone recall the Great Migration (Snowpocalypse) from 2008? We had a repeat this year- Snowmageddon 2012.

Surprise! Koko, Jamie, Nicole and I headed back out to Forks! Seriously, if anyone has the desire to venture out there, eat at Sully's. Good stuff.

And, of course, we rode the ferries! Never gets old.

 Does this look familiar? If you have not been here and you live anywhere near the Puget Sound, you should be ashamed of yourself. Not really, but you NEED to stop in and get one of their double scoop waffle cones. First off, it's a waffle cone- do it. Second, you get about a quart of ice cream because what they deem a "scoop" is absolutely HUGE. Go here.

 My cat learned how to wink?

 Rachel and I really love making sweets. We are also pretty impatient when it comes to said sweets. Which is why we just dump our cookies on the table and eat the crumbles instead of scooping them off the cookie sheet. Takes way too long.

 Did I mention we love anything sweet? Kiwi Loco- self serve frozen yogurt that you can actually have delivered. Because yes, we are that lazy and love it that much.

 We made a goal to make one "fancy" meal a week. Our definition of fancy- pretty much any meal that you use a crock pot for.

And after all that catching up and seeing all the new stuff that happened in my life, here's what never really changes- my love of all things Harry Potter. Also, I now have The Hunger Games posters to add to my ever-growing poster collection.

Now for some more recent news- surprise! Danica got called as a Relief Society teacher for her ward! Too bad public speaking is hands down my biggest fear. I teach my very first lesson this Sunday, AND I've been asked to give a talk in Sacrament Meeting. What? Seems like lately life's been playing a huge joke on me. Can't say I'm a fan at the moment, but we'll see how it turns out.

And hey! Maybe I'll actually update within a year this time, who knows.

A Whole New World

I have found out something incredible! Walking around the BYUI campus, I noticed that I looked a little out of place. Not a surprise, because I've always been a weirdy. That's me. But I saw that most girls always look really nice and put together. Everyday. And I'm typically the jeans and big t-shirt kinda kid. But then Rachel and I made an observation--those girls also all have cardigans. So I asked for birthday money early from my parents so I could go shopping and update my wardrobe. Part of that money was spent on some cardigans. So I wore them this week and what happened? Guys have come and sat down next to me, and talked to me (which, if you know me, never happens). I'm telling you, these cardigans have magical powers. They are magical.

Fan, Maybe?

Oh! I already thought of something else to post: pictures of my room. You'll understand why.

And So It Begins...

Man, has it been a while or what? So quick update: for those of you who didn't know, I went home for Winter Semester and am now back on the BYUI campus for the Spring. I worked while I was at home (back at the Queen, of course), and read millions of books (that could possibly be an exaggeration). Now I am determined to change my academic habits because to be quite honest, I found myself lacking any after reflecting on my time here previously.

I had a party/road trip here with a friend which took over 12 hours... Not the most comfortable experience physically, considering I don't have cruise control on my car. At least I got a calf workout for my right leg out of it? And, yes! I do have my car this semester, and thank heavens for that. I got here last Thursday night and moved into my apartment first thing Friday morning. That afternoon my roommate Rachel showed up, and we pretty much partied all weekend because apparently our other roommates wanted as much time away from us as possible. Actually I have no idea why they didn't come earlier, but Rachel and I had a crazy fun time anyway.

So Tuesday rolled around and BAM! Back to classes I go. Funny thing is, it feels like I never left. I've only been here a week and it doesn't seem like I ever went back home. Crazy. Anyway, compared to last semester, I have zero social life. I pretty much wake up at 5 am, go to classes, get home and study. That's it. Oh, and I eat, of course. Duh, it's me. After classes everyday Rachel and I hole up in our room and spend the day doing homework, laughing and mocking each other, doing some more homework, laughing and mocking various other people, and doing even more homework. One thing's for certain, at least--I'll have the best grades I've ever had in my life. Well, hopefully... I guess there really is no certainty when it comes to how well I do in school.

Now after my next class, it's the weekend, and I have absolutely nothing to do. What's even weirder--I don't mind at all. I enjoy my new apartment and having all my work done. It's kind of like when you're exercising, I've come to find out: though the thought of it isn't too appealing, once it's done you feel amazing. So we'll see how long this promptness in regards to homework continues for.

I do believe I've caught you up on everything. If not, I'm sure I may post again sometime in the distant future. I'm just as crazy and awkward as ever, and I'm looking forward to improving in time management and work ethic over the next few months.

I wonder if anyone ever looks up random people's blogs and reads them... If there's anyone random reading this that I don't know and have never met, I would just like to let you know you're a creep. And 'creep' happens to be one of my favorite words at the moment, along with 'clever.' No way is it because I like creepy people. I just like identifying the creeps out there. There are a whole lot more than you think there are, if you actively seek them out of a crowd. Hmm... I think I actually might qualify as a creep because I creep on people to see if they in turn are creepy...

Stop, Don't Do It

In a previous post I mentioned how there is one individual within my group of friends that I just can't get along with, and that I was going to try to be better about it. And I have been better about it--all of us have. But there gets to be a point where you don't take it lying down, and you have to stand up for yourself and for your friends. You can't let someone walk all over you time and again and not set them straight once and for all. Yes, I realize sometimes our situations in life can be hard, but in no way does that mean you can take it out on the people who are there for you, the ones you call your friends. It's not right, and I don't want to be hurt by your comments nor do I want to see my friends hurt by them. You say things spitefully and cruelly. You can't try to pass it off as a joke because you noticed it hurt their feelings--it's not funny. At all. So try it one more time, mister, and you'll hear how I really feel.

Frost Bites Back

So last night one of my friends had a Frisbee game, so Rachel and I made our way over to it. We get there and--there's still snow covering the field. And I'm in converse. Not sure if you know this, but converse have absolutely no insulating capability. At all. Usually the games are only an hour and ten minutes (I think), but of course last night they played until 13 points. So the game went for two hours. Rachel and I had the hardest time walking home afterward. Our feet were so cold they were aching terribly. Then once we got home, it was painful to get my cursed shoes off. I was surprised to find my feet were still attached to my body.

Oh and my Mama called me last night to tell me of how the weather is supposed to be like on Thanksgiving Break. One day she told me of the high is 28 and the low is -5. SINCE WHEN IS MARYSVILLE THAT COLD?? It's ridiculous. AND it's supposed to snow both here and there the day I ride back to Washington with my friends. So I might make it back home if we don't get stuck in a blizzard and freeze to death, or slide off the mountain pass or something. That would be my luck.

I sent some letters out that I should have sent awhile back. I kind of suck at the sending of letters... I write replies the day I get the letter, but I don't actually end up sending the letter till way later. Shoot. My Bad.

Walking In a Winter Wonderland

It snowed all day yesterday! 12 feet! ... So maybe not that much, but definitely a few inches. And it currently feels like it's 17 degrees. Can we say cold?

Even better news though--I GET TO GO HOME BEFORE THANKSGIVING! So the plan was that on the day before Thanksgiving, my family would stop by good ol' Rexburg to pick me up on the way down to Utah. Now you see, my friends are coming down to see the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 on the 18th and leaving to go back home on the 20th. The thought that just occurred to me today was, why don't I just ride back home with them instead of waiting for my family to come down and get me? Brilliant, right? I know! So now I get to go home before we go to Utah and see my friends and some of my siblings that aren't able to get time off work on Black Friday! This has seriously made my day, for real.

Bitter Isn't Better

I used to get easily offended. Incredibly so, as a matter of fact. And I've been a lot better over the past year, but it's not easy sometimes. And I feel like it's been a lot harder since I've been here in Rexburg and I've been letting things get to me too much lately especially. So I have decided that I'm going to get better at just letting things go and not taking them seriously because it's seriously no fun always being mad or upset. It actually sucks. And I need to develop this habit not only for myself, but also for everyone else's sakes. And now that it's officially written for the world to see, I need to be held to this. So if you find me taking offense and being really bitter, just tell me bitter isn't better.

Once Upon Last Night...

We got coupons to Sammy's that were buy one pie shake, get one free. There were four of us. And for some reason we decided it would be a fantastic idea to each get two. Four people, eight shakes. Just a heads up, that is a very bad idea. I have never felt so sick. I hate vomit, I hate to vomit, I hate just about everything that has to do with vomit. But last night I would have gladly welcomed some if it had made me feel any better. Talk about one of the worst ideas we've ever had.

Before that we played Capture the Flag in the gardens with a ton of people. Not really that exciting because no one knew who was on what team, and there were just too many people. But we made the best of it. And it was pretty cold out, so they had hot chocolate set out for anyone that wanted any. So Rachel and I go to get some because at this point I can no longer feel my toes, and we meet this guy. Jake. The most arrogant jerk I have ever met. Good thing Rachel and I were together. She talked to him and tried to make the best of it and be nice, whereas I stood there just sipping my hot cocoa so I wouldn't say something I shouldn't. Can you say annoying? Blegh he just kept going on and on about how he's from Southern California and how California is the best state and there's no competition. Obnoxious.

But after that and after Sammy's we went back to the gardens with just us and a few new friends to play sardines. Way fun! And we're going back tonight after Stake Conference to have some more great times.

Shoot, did I mention yet that we saw JESUS at Sammy's?! Seriously, this guy looked more like him than anyone I've ever seen. Ever.

The End

It's November?

So surprise! It's November. CRAZY! Today I was looking on Facebook and I saw that my cousin's current status is "54 days till Christmas!" WHAT? That means that it's only 47 days till the last day of the semester... AH! I feel like time has flown by so fast here, yet I feel like I've been here for years. About a month after I got to BYUI I missed home and I couldn't wait to get back, but now it's really sad to think about. Plus our guy friends that we spend most of our time with won't be here next semester--they're all going off on their missions. It's truly an awesome thing, but it's still sad. Anyway...

To get onto a brighter topic-- So I was on Netflix looking for the movie Robin Hood that came out on DVD in September. I found it but it's disc only, so I would have to wait for it in the mail. Then I looked down the list at other Robin Hood related titles and what do I find? The BBC television series Robin Hood on instant play! I'd never seen/heard of it, but I like BBC, and I like Robin Hood. Stands to reason I would probably enjoy this show, right? So I watch the first episode and fall in love with it. Not even two weeks later and I'm already a few episodes away from having finished the series (3 seasons). I love it!

So Friday night we made a trip out to the dunes. I did not know that there were dunes around here until not that long ago. It kind of seems odd to think about. We had a pretty awesome time out there, though. We had a fire and got to meet a bunch of new people--it was great! I even earned myself the nickname of Smokey. I actually wonder if they remember my actual name... hmmm... Yeah so everyone was gathered around the fire and it was freezing cold out there, so the only place in the circle that had room up close to all the heated goodness was where all the smoke was blowing. I tied my beanie around my face so that I could actually breathe, but I couldn't prevent the tears from cascading down my face due to the burn of the smoke in the constantly. Hence the nickname Smokey.

We didn't really have a Halloween here and it really made me want sweets. Badly. So Saturday I went to Twizl Berry for the first time. DELICIOUS. No joke. Red velvet frozen yogurt topped with ridiculous amounts of candy? YES. It was definitely worth it. And when my family comes to get me for Thanksgiving, there's no way they're leaving here without trying it. There's no compromise on this one.

Ho-ly, it's NOVEMBER! HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1! Need I say more? Yes, I do have my tickets for the midnight showing in Idaho Falls already, you best believe it. AND I ordered a movie t-shirt to wear for the premiere, and it should arrive here sometime this week. I'm so excited about it, I'm calm. Yes, that is possible.

So all in all, life is grand. I'm happy, I'm going to assume whoever reads this is happy, everyone is happy. Because life is good. I got another 100% on my Book of Mormon quiz this morning; Book of Mormon is the only class I have today and it's amazing; Kevin's taking Rachel and I to the store later (FOOD!), which means we are stopping to eat somewhere; there's FHE tonight; and I have a little bit of homework to do. Today is just another great day at BYU Idaho.

And I'm pretty sure this is the longest post I've ever written. Seems fitting considering I haven't been updating a whole lot as of late... Just lovin' life.

Kill Me Now

You know how there are some people you just can't get along with? Yeah, I've found one of those. I feel bad about always getting irritated with him, but then I'm around him and I remember why I always get irritated. And he's always around. He hangs out with the people I hang out with, so I'm pretty much stuck with him. Joy for me. I wish I could pretend like it's all good, but it is definitely hard. I guess I'll try to control my irritation in regards to him. I tell myself that everyday and yet it hasn't really worked yet. We'll see how well this works out. Wish me luck.

I'm Not Dead

Shoot, it's been awhile. Probably due to the fact that whenever I have down time I'm always at the guys' apartment. Possibly. Which is where I am at the moment. It's pretty much home these days, considering I'm only ever home to sleep. Anyway...

You know how sometimes you think to yourself, "Hey, I'm being ridiculous. I'm over-thinking things way too much, so maybe I should stop before I make things worse for myself." Well, that's definitely what I've been thinking for awhile now. But have I taken my own advice? Of course not, because I am a ridiculous person. We'll see how life turns out.

Books Are Delicious

The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series--if you haven't read them, I command you to do so. They happen to be amazing, and I'm pretty sure I'm in love with them. And you would be too if you read them. So go forth and read, saith Cannonballa.

You've Got Mail!

So I got an email today on my university email saying that I had a package waiting for me at the auxiliary services building. So we set out on an epic journey to find this mysterious, yet to be seen building. Come to find out it's in the middle of nowhere. So we get there and the lady brings my package to me, and it's HUGE. Okay, so maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration. But it was still big. And it was from my DQ friends, Grim-Graham, Koko, and Shnookums! Yes! Then I've gotta lug this thing back to the dorm, which isn't too close, but it was all good because I got a package from friends! I got in the door and got out my knife and cut right through that packing tape. Most random/awesome package ever! A coloring book with crayons, a vanilla candle that smells like a cupcake, a St. Louis sweater, a giant bag of Peanut M&M's, and a special kit that's for our knowing about only haha. So yeah, random but awesome! These are also the friends that bought me my dream bike for a going-away present. Yes, I am incredibly lucky. So that package pretty much just made my week. And I was having a pretty sucky week, so life is awesome now. I'm now loving life. Life is good. Now I just need to keep that in mind for when I think life sucks again...

Life Happens

So once upon a time, there was this girl who liked this guy. Mind you, this girl has liked this guy before, and he just liked one of her friends then. Anyway, back to the current story. This guy knows this girl likes him, and it's not weird at all. Everything's peachy. Then la-di-dah, one day this girl decides to find out who this guy likes, hoping it's herself. So she asks him. And it's not her. It's her friend. Shoot. Looking back, this girl should have realized this would happen, because it is the exact same situation she was in before, with the same guy. Turns out history really does repeat itself.

Suck.

You know how there are always times in life when things just suck, and you feel like a complete loser? Yeah, I'm having one of those times. And it royally sucks. So our whole dorm and a whole guys' apartment are friends, right (kind of my doing)? So all these guys plan a group date, and they all have dates to it. Three of those dates are my roommates. Can you guess who the loser is in this scenario? That's right, it's your's truly. Me. Suck. I mean I'm not a big date-lover, but still. Everyone is going except me. Saturday night, home alone. Science and scriptures, here I come.

Look Out!

Sometimes history repeats itself. But only sometimes...

Guuurrrrrl, Please

So you know that life doesn't always go according to plan, right? Yeah, sometimes it sucks. For a week I've been living in Rexburg now, and everything was all sunshine and daisies, rainbows and butterflies. Then last night rolled around. So la-di-dah, I'm doing my homework, we have FHE and I continue to finish my homework. The clock strikes ten and, wahoo! I am done! I get up and look around and... nothing. I can't find my roommates anywhere. So I text my one of them. Apparently, they left and thought I knew about it, and that I was choosing to stay home or something. Miscommunication and whatnot. That assumption would be incorrect. Anyways, they come home and the situation gets blown way out of proportion. Seriously, it was crazy. Eventually we got it all simmered down, so everything is fine now. I just keep telling myself that, hey, sometimes things suck. They don't go the way you want them to, whatever. The important thing is that you make things right, and you put what happened in the past. And preferably leave it there. It may be hard, but I'm going to attempt to take my own advice on this one.

Requiescat In Pace

So I start my morning off by waking up over an hour late. On the road by 5:00? Nope... try 6:20. Anyway, I'm excited to be going off to Rexburg and my Dad is driving me down there. So about a quarter of the way there, Dad gets a phone call from my aunt and pulls off on the side of the highway. My grandma just passed away, and when I first heard, I was sobbing. But she passed peacefully in her sleep, with my grandpa near, for which I'm very grateful. I love my grandma and I'll miss her a lot. And yet even though I just found out today, I'm not terribly sad anymore. She's at peace and she lived a long life, and she was loved by everyone who knew her. She truly was a wonderful person, and knowing she's in peace is a comforting thought.

Tomorrow morning I move into my dorm, and I can't wait. I'm not sure anymore if it's that it hasn't hit me yet that I'll be gone from home for over three months, or if it's just that I'm ready to be on my own (partly), but I'm not that nervous. This is where I need to be and my nerves aren't attacking me the way they probably would have a year ago. I like to think that I've grown up a little in the past year. I mean, thinking of classes and the work involved instills a little worry, of course. But I'm not overwhelmed, which is a miracle in itself. So as it stands I've had a bit of a rough day, but nothing that's really broken me down. I know I'm where I need to be, and that my grandma is resting in a better place.