Death by Ramen

Before I get into what I really am here to talk about let me just say how much I love ramen. For me I could care less how processed and unhealthy it is because it is a necessity. I don't know how it is made or what is in it and nor do I really want to know but it's pretty great in general. If you are hungry, eat some ramen. If you are sad, eat some ramen. If you are sick, eat some ramen. There is never a time to not eat it. Ramen is comforting and needs to be present in my life, at all times.

On another note let's get down to business. Every single person I know is attached to their phone and probably wouldn't go anywhere without it, unless your swimming of course. I am even guilty of constantly being on my phone or at least having it with me. Knowing me everything is on my phone, pictures, numbers, music, and apps. I had access to all of these thing until my phone was murdered.

Courtesy of Readunwritten

It was just a normal day after school and I was with my friend eating ramen and just chilling. The next thing I know my phone is slapped out of my hand and lands into a full bowl of hot ramen. I was a little surprised and it took me a minute to realize what had happened but it was too late. My phone had already gone through hell and was cracked and pieces of glass were missing and landing in the broth was the last straw. It was pretty upsetting put me in not the best mood. Yes, I laughed pretty hard but at the same time I wanted to cry. It may seem a little extreme and all but if you were in the same position as me I bet you would feel the same way.

BOOM!! Everything is gone and I need start spending less money and food and start saving for a new phone. Scratch that I should probably spend no money because a new phone is expensive (thanks Apple). Thank god I was smart enough to keep my old phone, but it still isn't great. My old phone is also broken so I can only text. Awesome.

Anyways at the end of the day social media is the way of communication. Nothing will change that, at least for now. After thinking about it and looking at the bigger picture I am somewhat thankful that I don't have apps keeping my constantly attached to my phone. Actually talking to people and having to go out of your way in order to hang out with them is pretty cool.

Growing Up

Courtesy of my Mom 

Growing up. It's inevitable, it happens to all of us. In the dictionary growing up is defined as to grow toward or arrive at full stature of physical or mental maturity. Yes, this is what it means when you look up the definition but it isn't what it truly means. When you grow up there are so many factors that add into it and make it more complex. Heartache, pain, happiness and enjoyment are all part of what growing up means. So many things happen such as mistakes and good things which both make memories that will last a lifetime. In the end though, growing up is hard.

There are so many things that we have to go through in order to find ourselves and know who we really are and what we want in life. Before we can reach that point (if we ever do) we have to face the realities and struggles of life. The first big struggle (at least last quarter of ninth grade) is school. Learning the material, doing what needs to be done, getting it turned in, then eventually receiving a grade. It may seem easy and a simple pattern to follow but the harsh reality is that school is hard. The stress levels are insane. No matter your IQ or GPA it is difficult.

Not only are we faced with having to go to school but our daily lives outside of school. Although some may seem like they are perfect, no one is. We all have issues and pain that we have to endure. Everyones problems are different but we all have them. From personal experience the hard part is not having the problem but how it effects you and how you handle the situation. There are so many difficult situations that we have to go through that cause so much heartache. Even though we feel like we won't make it and we want to run away we keep pushing and survive. Part of growing up is happiness and we wouldn't know what happiness is without the pain.

Courtesy of my Mom, again 

School and our lives outside of school aren't the only things that happen in life. We learn so many things from being teenagers. Everyone is trying new things, making memories and taking in the best of what life has to offer. We all just have a different point of view and see the world from different angles. I don't mean this as in the world is all rainbows and smiles and I am not saying it isn't either. The good and bad balance each other out it just takes time to go through each of those stages.

Of course these aren't the only things that add to the definition of growing up. I just think that there is no right way to define or explain what growing up is. Thus being that you can't prepare and plan for it, it is one of the things that we have no control over.

MHM FAST FOOD

Courtesy of Weheartit

There are a variety of different cuisines available to us, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and a lot of others. Knowing a girl like me I love all of them. Scratch that, I love food in general. However, I would specifically like to talk about fast food. Everyone has their weakness and occasional cravings for the unhealthy yumminess. I have learned though that the place to get food is different for every person and there are factors as to why we choose the place we do. For some it is because of where you are from or what you grew up with, for other it is purely based on what you like and what you think tastes the best. There are just so many options to choose from when going out. Wendy's, Taco Bell, Arby's, and Five Guys are just a few examples. On that note I will share my top three favorite fast food restaurants.

1. Wendy's
Okay, almost everyday either in class or at lacrosse practice the number six crossed my mind. For those of you who have never been a number six is a spicy chicken sandwich with fries and a drink. Looking back now it is probably not the best choice to eat it but I look forward to road trips and the days I just don't care. I'll just say it now the sandwich is my guilty pleasure, it's the best.

2. Chick-Fil-A
Ugh, this place is also a good time. For some people it isn' their favorite because it is more of an east coast thing (even though they are everywhere). Fried chicken, sweet tea, pickles and waffle fries are all necessities. After a hard fast paced lacrosse game Chick-Fil-A is where it is at. If I am ever not feeling it or not wanting to push myself I have to see the bright side, some nice fried chicken and sweet tea.

Courtesy of Weheartit

3. In and Out
For those of us who live in the great state of Utah are lucky enough to experience In and Out Burger. In Park City there is not o
ne in sight but if you are brave enough to venture down to Farmington or a nice day in Herriman sure enough there is at least one every two blocks. Honestly I am grateful because then I can look forward to the trip. A double cheese burger, fries and a shake is my order.

On that note, yes I love fast food and have been to plenty of places, there is also a list of places I haven't been. Being in a family I am told what not to eat and Taco Bell is on the list. You are probably wondering why it is a no. Well, being 100% honest I have no clue why I am not aloud to go and it sort of bothers me because tacos are my favorite food. I guess I'll just have to be a rule breaker and try it. Anyways, I love food which is obvious and I  have said it before but I thought it might be nice to share my favorite places.

Foxcroft

There is something about the word goodbye that makes it sound so final. Even if it is just temporary the sound of it makes it seem like you will never see the person or place your are saying bye to again. Farewell, adios, so long, and see you are much better options but it still feels like the end of something. I just don't like to say bye. Anyways, the point of this post is because I am heading off to boarding school after this current school year is complete. There are a lot of people and things that I will be leaving behind when I go but it isn't final. Well, to get to the point this post is about my feelings towards leaving to Virginia.

Park City Lyfe courtesy of me 

I think that going to a boarding school and getting away from everything and everyone here will be a good thing. So many things happen here is Park City and it is hard to escape the bad because it is almost as if we are living in a bubble. I'm not saying that Park City is a bad place because it isn't, I love it here, I just need a break. I know that being in Virginia will broaden my horizons and introduce me to new things, here I'm just not as sure. That right there is the main reason I am going.

Yes, of course I am scared to leave and be off on my own. It just makes it a little easier for me knowing that I can always come back here and feel a home. There are so many good people here and
strong friendships that I have here that let me know it will be okay. Even though I have my doubts and it will be hard I am going to go either way. Adding to that I wouldn't necessarily say that I am going to miss Park City in general but I will miss the little things and the people. Actually scratch that, I will definitely miss the people the most. I know for a fact that the hardest part of the whole boarding school thing is leaving my family and friends behind. Although I will be back in Park City all the time it will still suck. I am just super stoked that I know for sure I have so many good things to come back to.

This post is a little unorganized and hard to follow but I don;t know any other way to put it. In the end I am half excited and half not but I will be going either way and will need all of the support that I can get if I am going to make it. I know this post is a little personal and out of nowhere but I needed to get it out one way or another.

spring break

It doesn't matter if you are going somewhere exotic or staying home but spring break is always exciting. I don't know if it is so great just because it is a reminder school is almost over or just because it is a break but either way it gets me pumped.

The past couple of years spring break has had a rotation of going somewhere or staying home. Every single year it has been fun for me, even if I spend it in bed with food and Netflix while everyone else is off partying. Anyways, I am super excited for the spring that is coming up in two weeks. I get to go back to Islamorada in the Florida Keys. If this is your first time reading my blog then you don't know that the Keys are probably my favorite place to vacation. I can't quite put my finger on one exact reason that I like it so much but I am a little obsessed. Even just thinking and talking about it makes me want to be there so much more.

This year I am going with my family and we are meeting another family there. We are renting a huge house with them that has a pool, hot tub, and a path from the pool that leads to the private beach. I don't think I have ever been more anxious in my entire life to get to a place. I have been counting down the days until I am in the water and fishing. I have already decided that I can't leave without fishing, driving a boat, eating fresh shrimp and coconuts, and seeing the endangered turtles.

Last trip to Florida we went to the Aquarium. Ever since we wen

Courtesy of Drop Back Charters 

t I have had a weird obsession, most likely because it is nothing like the one we have in here in the great state of Utah. It is insane. In the floor is a giant swimming pool for turtles that have been hurt. Also there are a ton of cats running around the place which I think is pretty legit because I love cats. There are also some pretty cool parrots that enjoy yelling in Spanish, which I personally think is really entertaining. On the other hand here in Utah we have a no touch policy and everything is clean. For me I like a little chaos and can not wait to get there.

Well, anyways you can probably tell that I am super stoked to go on this trip and have another sick spring break. Just on another note I really do think that they should have a spring break appreciation day because of how much I love it.

East Coast

I belong at the beach is a fraise I use a lot, and it is true. My heart, mind, and body belong at the beach and in the water. Not here in a landlocked state we know as Utah. Everyone in my family either grew up on the east coast or is still living there. Since we go back to visit all of the time I have gotten very used to the lifestyle and I've decided it is where I should be. Anyways, I have developed a list of my top three best experiences back east.

1. The Keys
Ever since I was little I had been going to Florida but I don't remember any of these trips except one. I think I was around ten when we went to Islamorada in the Florida Keys. The house we stayed in was in town and had its own private beach with a hot tub and pool. Every day we would hit the water and go fishing which happens to be one of my favorite things to do. I even caught a fish that no one could figure out what it was. It was small and brown with white spots, I was pretty proud of myself.


2. A Delaware Birthday
For my moms 40th birthday my family met two other families and a couple of friends in Delaware, where my mom grew up. As a huge group we decided it would be best to rent one if the biggest house we could find on the beach in Rehoboth. It was not only a huge party the day of her birthday but the whole two weeks we were there it was a giant celebration. Every single day we did something new. I think my favorite part of the entire trip was when we bought around a hundred glow sticks, cracked them open and swam in the ocean while we were glowing. Even though that is super dumb, it was so much fun. That wasn't the only good time but I also decided sleeping in a closet would be super cool. That sounds a little weird, but I pulled a bunk bed, a mini fridge, and a small tv into a walk in closet and slept there. It's a little weird but I was eleven so it makes up for it.


3. North Carolina
This last September my family and I headed to North Carolina where my dad grew up. I was super excited to go being that I have never been to Carolina and it is my real name. At first I was super skeptical of the whole place but after awhile I began to love it. I fell in love with the lifestyle. It is super easy going and fun. I could definitely get used to driving the boat for thirty minutes just to pick up fresh shrimp and crabs to eat for dinner every night. Not only did driving the boat and picking crabs make me happy but every night we would meet up with family friends and eat together. Something about being with the people I love makes me love a place even more. I can't wait to go back again.

Nagshead NC courtesy Clancy and Theys 

Although those are great memories the three examples I gave don't even begin to explain my love for the beach. I could probably make a list that goes on and on but

Banksy...

Dear Banksy,

I am a fifteen year old girl finding my way in the resort town of Park City, Utah, with plans to leave next year for an east coast boarding school.  My passions include art of all mediums and photography.  You happen to be one of my idols. It would be amazing if you read and enjoyed my blog. Right now my posts are mostly random thoughts put into words but I plan to write more about my life experiences and emotions that fuel the creativity to produce the pieces of art I design in a more organized fashion. It is my plan to not only write about my artwork but to also incorporate the artists I look up to and that influence my own personal style. Although your identity is unknown, you reading what I have written would be a dream come true.

Courtesy of me

I admire your work because I think that satirical street art used to convey political views is quite original. Your use of graffiti and dark humor enable and introduce the average person to enjoy the art scene through a non traditional path. The fact that you don't sell any reproductions of the pieces you have executed on the street wall and display your art on visible public areas is the true meaning of authenticity. It is art for the masses. Your decision to use stencils to make your art easier to produce turned the art world on its ear when most gallery owners prefer bold techniques or difficult mediums to work with. Your anti establishment, anti war and anti- capitalist messages have inspired some people and agitated others. In 2013, Michael Bloomberg referred to you as a vandal and that your art wasn't art at all.  I find it hilarious that he was propelled to send his anti vandalism squad around Gotham to capture your art.

Courtesy of Stencil Revolution

It is a shame that some people are trying to capitalize on your art.  How pieces are being removed from buildings in England and being sold in art galleries in Miami is theft.  If only my creations can wreak such havoc with peoples emotions and cause Politics to rip over themselves. I hope that if you read this it will leave you wanting to come back and read more. By reading more you will you learn how art is perceived through the eyes of a high school student. You will also have a better understanding of a girls perspective on the artwork that is strung around the world in different cities for everyone to see.

Lastly, I hope that if you are out there and reading this you will come back and read more of what I have to say.

New Year, New me

HAHAHAHA JUST KIDDING. I just hate it when people say that so I thought I should. I think it is dumb when people have these crazy New Years Resolutions that are so out of reach. People make resolutions that they know that they will never accomplish so there is pretty much no point in making them. This is me "My New Years Resolution for 2016 is to accomplish the one I set in 2015, made in 2014, and thought of in 2013."  That quote right there is almost definitely going to keep going until the day I die.

ME

People never follow through on there New Years Resolution because they have to many small goals to accomplish and their mind is scattered and nothing gets done. Making one big goal may work but there is really no reason to make one. Having one main goal every year to reach is something that all of us do but we don't realize. Everyone accomplishes something each year wether it something small like getting good grades or something big like getting into collage. Yes I understand we all have something that we want to change or do during the new year and so do I. I can't lie though I have have thought of nothing to do....yet. With that, I decided that January is just my trial month for the new year and February is when I will start to make changes.

Eating healthy, getting good grades, and being able to go on vacation are many of the New Years Resolutions people have made this year. In my mind I don't really see those as resolutions because you have to work for them. This is the main reason that I don't see a point. If your really hard and strive for something than you will receive what you want. You get what you give. Nothing good will come out of something if you don't put any effort into it.

I just am very annoyed with the way people start of the New Year and make up things as they go along. Yes, this was a rant about nothing important and could probably be listed in the top ten on my list of pet peeves. Lastly I just want to say don't make a New Year resolution, all you need to to is work hard and put a little bit of effort into everything that you do.

wake up

I would like to apologize in advance for another post on the more sad and realistic side of things. If you have been reading my blog I recently wrote a post called "This Ones For You." If you haven't read it, it's about my friend who is in a coma and how bad things happen to good people. Well, he still hasn't woken up yet and everyday new injuries and problems are found which makes it a little harder for him to keep fighting. Now it has just become a waiting game until he wakes up. For me, I think Benny waking up would be a miracle. That's just it though not everyone gets a miracle but we all have to wake up at some point.

Benny :) (courtesy of me) 

If you just take a minute and sit back and watch the people around you, no one stops. Everyone just keeps going and pushing without taking a breathe and noticing their surroundings. When something traumatic happens in someones life, then they stop. The point of me talking about taking the time to notice is because we all need to wake up. We need to wake up to reality before it catches up with us. Yes, I realize we are still young and don't have a lot to worry about but either way something will happen. So, let's wake up now and take action instead of being part of the movement because life is worth living.

I don't really have a valid reason to be annoyed with subject but I am. I bet more than half the people I know or have ever met think that there is only one meaning of waking up. They think that it means an act or instance of waking up. Yes, if you look it up that is the definition that will appear but whatever I made a different definition.

As I was finishing writing this I received a call and Benny woke up!! It's amazing that he woke up but I do know that it is going to a long and hard road ahead of him. We are all so lucky to be healthy and have the sense and opportunities to change. So, in conclusion, I think that it is so important to realize what needs to be done and take care of the people around you. As of right now this may not make the most sense but in the end waking up to reality is something that is better to do now than have it happen because something bad happens to someone you love.

SUMMER

Yes, Summer is the highlight of every year that I have been alive. Even when I was little and nieve Summer was the most fun time for me. Also I am pretty sure that if you ask around more than 90% of kids will say that they live for Summer, I mean unless you are a skier and only like snow. Not only do I like Summer because I am stuck in Park City where it is cold most of the year but I strive for the heat. Not only do I like the heat but there is a never ending list if reasons why Summer is my favorite. I have tried to narrow it down to some of the best reasons along with a memory for each reason. I mean Summer is the time to make memories.

1. Late Nights

Courtesy of love this pic

For me the best part about Summer is staying up until your eyes can't stay open. I don't know what it is about the night but I love it. If you are weird like me then you are a giant ball of energy during the night. It could be a train wreck but I keep my S%*@ together. One fairly recent memory of a late summer night was when I went out to dinner, desert, then slept over at a friends. We went to dinner at my parents restaurant and stayed two hours after dinner was finished then walked in the dark to get frozen yogurt. After walking back to Blind Dog four of us pied into the two back seats of dad's jeep and headed back to the house. From there we stayed up, listening to music and laughing then I went to my friends and we slept in hammocks tied in the tree is her backyard.

2. Sleeping In 

Sleeping in the next morning is usually followed by the late night you had before. Yeah, yeah being up early makes you feel good and all but Ive got to be honest I don't care. Getting up at one, eating lunch, and then going back to having fun is the way to go. I mean if you have things to do and want to accomplish something then be my guest and get up early. One memory that I am going to share isn't a memory because it happened once and was special, but because it happened more than once. During the summer I would sleep in until noon, eat some breakfast then head out on the boat come back home and stay up late with my friends. Most of the time though I don't even need to stay up late in order to sleep in.

3. Midst of the heat

Some may think the heat isn't enjoyable because you sweat, get hot, and think your going to die. Me on the other hand, I strive for the heat. I have only had one bad experience with the summer heat and lucky enough I'll tell you. It was two years ago, in the middle of July and I was in Virginia looking at the boarding school. It was 110 degree and there were no clouds in sight and I was standing like an idiot, sweating like a pig trying to pay attention. I thought for a minute that I may actually die from over heating but I survived. 

4. Bonfires

Courtesy of tumblr

Part of the Summer experience is having or going to a bonfire. The four months of freedom we have wouldn't be complete if not going to one. One of the best times I have ever had was around a bonfire. Wether you are sitting around one underneath the stars camping or sitting in your backyard with your neighbors, the fire creates memories. Over the Summer while I was camping with family friends in the Uintas we made a huge fire and sat around it and ate hotdogs and looked at the stars. Nights like that are the best nights to have.

5. The food..

YASSSS.... Food is what my life revolves around. If I made a list of the foods that I like to enjoy during the summer it would stretch across the state of California. From drinks to desert I like it all. Watermelon, popsicles, and BLTs are all great in the heat but my heart is taken when it comes to Italian subs and soft serve ice cream. When I go back east to visit my family I grab an Italian sub head to the
beach and when I can't take the heat anymore I get a soft serve and go back to the house. It's pretty great and the life to live.

Anyways, I am pretty much just day dreaming about Summer already and we are only half way through the school year. Whoop whoop yay school!