Kalista

I've been working on some portraiture and was doing film photo yesterday but ended up doing some digital as well, and this is how they turned out. I'm thrilled with the results :)

A List of Gratitude

This is what I'm grateful for from yesterday:

I got to. . .

• sleep in.
• write a blog post about Elder Erekson.
• do my scripture study in the morning (which I've been working on)!
• pick up the chub and head on over to the campus.
• get my textbook reading done for the week.
• go to class and sit next to my twin, Hannah :)
• finish my homework and go eat lunch at Sensuous and chat with one of my childhood besties, Lexi, while doing so.
• go pick up Drew, take him home, and rush to my house to hurry and gather everything for a photo shoot.
• take pictures of the most wonderful family EVER, the Youngs (here's a sneak peek) :)

 

 

Aren't they wonderful looking? I thought so :)

 

• Then I was able to enjoy dinner with them and their kids. It was delicious... I'm kind of wishing now that I hadn't given my leftovers to Dad when I got home last night... ah well. What's eaten is eaten. I won't ask for it back!

So I would vote that yesterday was a successful day and all in good company. As for today... I would consider it equally as brilliant. Today I...

• had a midterm in my English class and it was pure extra credit. 29 points of extra credit and I got to choose which category the 29 points went in to and divide it however I wanted. It was freaking sweet!
• got to sit and chat with Hannah, cause let's be honest, she's my favorite, before my history class. It's so great :)
• got to listen to a lecture in my American Civ class about Mormons. The teacher told us that no one was allowed to proselyte during class. I laughed because that sounds like something I might consider doing. Okay, maybe not so much preach, but of course correct. ;)
• got to hang out with Brit and Kinz for a little bit. After my last class and before institute I headed over to the grandparents where they were hanging out and started making spoon rings with them. (Shh... don't tell grandma we used her old silverware ;)) And just a shout out to Neal for helping us. I can't wait to see how they turned out!
• went to Institute. I'm currently in a class called "Teachings of Joseph Smith" and let me tell ya, it's freaking awesome. I love it. Sometimes it's hard to go, but it's worth it every time.
• signed up for TWO more institute classes. I feel as though the adversaries are fighting against me since I've been proclaiming my desire to serve a mission. Therefore, I shall fight back. Go. Fight. Win. I signed up for "Teachings of Thomas S. Monson" and it only seemed appropriate to sign up for a missionary prep class. Besides, every mission prep class is different and the one that my stake offers is only once a month. A girl needs a little more than that.
• picked up the Drewmeister, took him home, and then made my way to the temple with my lovely neighbors. It's such a blessing to go every week. And it's super hilarious whenever they call Dallin "Sister" Openshaw. Seriously, at least four times in the past two weeks. It never fails. It was the funniest when the elder said it in the prayer without realizing it during the confirmation. Seriously, I had to cover my mouth because I was barely able to hold in the giggles. Of course after the prayer, both his sisters, as well as myself, busted into laughter and they asked what was wrong and joined in our laughter with us. They then redid the prayer, but seriously, SO funny.
• got to see one of my best friends before he got set apart as a missionary. I rushed over there after the temple in order to catch him before he left. I knocked on the door and when they said to come in, I rushed in to meet Izak and ask if he had been set apart yet. When he said no, I rushed to give him a hug. Seriously, the best hug ever. I'm going back later in order to visit with him, along with other friends, but gah, I'm gonna miss him so much. He's my first CLOSE close friend that is leaving. It's so hard, but it's totally worth it. So about an hour ago, I got my last hug from Elder Erekson for more than 2 years (because I won't get home from my mish till a few months (give or take) after him). Love you buddy.

2 Years Early

Look out ladies and gents: this girl's goin' on a mission 2 years earlier than planned! It's gonna be stellar! Don't you worry, the Lord has prepared me for this in subtle ways and they began flooding into my mind after President Monson made the announcement. No joke. I couldn't focus. It was ridiculous. So I decided to write them down for my own personal keeping. I didn't have to pray to know if I'm supposed to go because I already know. The announcement was my answer. Of course, I know that the Lord has prepared me so that I can make the choice for myself. He's not going to force me to go but I want to go because He knows that I am willing and capable. He has helped me prepare so that I am able to make this choice for myself. Of course I have a lot to learn still and will be studying heavily for the next 8 months. You can guarantee that I will turn in my papers ASAP and if everything goes as planned, I will have my call around the beginning of March. It's an amazing feeling. Of course, I need to figure out what institute classes to take, how big of a load I'm going to do with school in the spring and everything else that I need to figure out with my life previous to leaving, but of course, it'll all work out for the best. It'll be wonderful and I'm excited for this sudden adventure in my life.

Thank you to all of those who said they thought of me when they heard the announcement (even my bishop who texted me right after the announcement was made) and no one needs to worry, my parents are both very supportive of my decision to go. It's amazing. :)

Fast Ball

My future is basically being thrown at me at 98 mph... if not faster. For the longest time I was absolutely dreading going to college, moving out... moving on. Sometimes moving on has a sad connotation along with it, but this time it's just about moving on to bigger and better things. It's the next step of life and it's the next challenge I still have yet to face. (Especially the living on my own part...)

I was dreading the decision of which college to go to. Absolutely nuts. Well, I applied for two colleges. The first one I applied for was SUU. Felt excited about it, but then I went down there for the Shakespeare Competition the second week in October.... and to be perfectly honest, it just didn't feel right. I didn't like it. Then by the time I had gotten my acceptance letter, as well as a $4000 acedemic scholarship, I had already decided on a different school that wasn't even in the options earlier on. Not even at college day. I wish I had thought of it then. I just feel really good about it though. So guess what?

I'm gonna be a UTE :)
I applied and last Tuesday I got my acceptance letter.

No wonderful, save my butt scholarship yet... but even my dad, who's worried about money more than I am, said that I should go to the school that feels right rather than the school that offers me more money. Of course I pick the second most expensive school in the state, but hey, what's right is right. There's no doubting it.

I even stole my mom's Utah sweater,


(I was trying to hold it up and take a picture at the same time. Fail... I know.)


and I'm ready to give it back, only hoping that I'll be able to receive one for Christmas. Haha, but I told Carly the day after I got my letter, I would wear the sweater to school. We were both shouting for joy and hugging each other that morning. It was really exciting. I'm also applying for other scholarships. I'll probably be sure to let you know how it goes. Two months ago, I wouldn't have been able to tell you what I wanted to do with my life or what I wanted to be. Well, as of now, I'm going to the University of Utah, and it's going to be fantastic. I already know it.

Quick story:
On Halloween, we went up the canyon to go ziplining in the dark (which was freaking amazing by the way) and I wore the UofU sweatshirt. Well, my uncle works up there and let me tell ya... he's a die-hard, devoted BYU football fan. I did wear the sweater just to see what he would say. He did say something. He told me that I was disowned, and that I was NOT allowed to cheer them on. Well, then I told him that he would probably never speak to me again and that I had applied there. He actually congratulated me and said that it's a great school and he's proud of me (but also added that I'm still not allowed to cheer on their football team... so ridiculously funny).

Anyways, there are so many other things that fall under this subject, but let's just say that life's throwing a fast ball, and I'm not quite sure I'm ready for it, but at the same time, I'm so ready, it's not even funny! I'm embracing ever second of my senior year though. This is the time for me to do anything and everything. (Which I am... :))

Today was just an all around brilliant day...

Today was my first day in chamber... and let me tell you... it was WEIRD. Normally Carly and I split ways after seminary, but today we got to walk to class together!!! I was warmly welcomed into the class by all the kids and Durtschi. It was magnificent. They're singing this mile-long song called "Carmina Burana" that they've been practicing since the beginning of the year. Yeah... I'm totally lost. It's not even funny. I've had the music for about a month and a half now, but haven't bothered to sit down and actually try to learn the latin... or the notes... in fact, I bought a version of it that the London Symphony did, and it's INCREDIBLE, but a little far-fetched for me right now. I'm sure that if I really work towards it and spend countless hours on it (that I don't have) then I would be able to do it. Hm... Christmas Break project maybe? We'll see. They're performing it this weekend, and there is no way in the dark underworld that Hades rules over, that I will learn it by then, but they're performing it again sometime after the new year. I'll most likely make an effort before then. Promise. :)

Anyways, it was weird being in a small, mixed choir. It's definitely going to take some getting used to. We also started some Christmas music, and it was magical. Seriously, I can't wait for it. Christmas chorals are my favorite to sing.

Speaking of Christmas, it's getting cold. I hate that it snowed today. It should at least wait till Thanksgiving. (Haha, just a little side note there.)

So here are a few things that I noticed and little things that happened in chamber today:

• I'm singing alto 1. I haven't sung alto 1 since junior high. This should be interesting... I mean, you would think that alto is alto, but when you're used to singing the lowest among the women, you definitely get used to it. I don't know, I guess it's just a choir thing. But it'll be a learning experience from here on out.
• Hayden Knudsen? Yeah, he can SING. Holy tamoles. That kid can totally rip it out.
• My sight singing has gotten a lot better since I started practicing with hymns at church. Never thought it was that big of a deal, but it's awesome.
• There are three Michael's in chamber. SOOO weird. Mike Alder, Mike Thurman, and Mike... uh... HA I can't remember the other one's last name. He'll probably never read this, so I don't really have to worry about offending anyone.
• Quote of the Day by the one and only Steve Durtschi:
• "The stage can do two things for you; it will either shove you under a bus, or it will glorify you."

Haha, so epic. Today was just an all around brilliant day, from the perfect seminary lesson (about eternal marriage, which I always love), getting to sing again with people that I adore, and making the coolest potato head dude in photo today, as well as looking and feeling awesome today. It was sweet. The Book of Mormon I can definitely thank for an amazing life. Whenever I'm really good about studying it, I tend to be more calm and at ease with my crazy hectic life. That's NOT a coincidence, and I know it. Anyways, have a wonderful night. :)

Just in case you didn't know...

I LOVE photography.

I love photographing people:

• Families

• Couples e.g. engagements, married people, friends (even though I haven't had the opportunity yet, I'm sure I will)

• Seniors (or any individual for that matter)

• Children (harder, yet doable)

• Brides

• Dance Groups (date dances, dancing groups, singing groups, groups, I love working with a large amount of people)

To be perfectly honest, it's just flat out the best time of my life.

I've even started considering University of Utah.

If I read correctly (and I'm not being fed false information),

then they offer a Masters Degree in Photography.

Which is EXACTLY what I want.

Now don't start hating me if you're a die-hard BYU fan.

The Y is in my options too.

Just need to do a bit more researching.

It's only a matter of time when I'll have to finally decide where I'm going to go to school for the next 4-6 years. No big deal or anything.

I love what I do and I love capturing moments,

faces,

life.

It's kind of like capturing life as you know it and then watching yourself change by comparing yourself to that moment.

I don't know about you, but either way, it fascinates me.

Anyways, if you need your pictures taken, let's have a photo shoot. :)

Lonely Lonerdom

I don't normally worry a lot.

I don't worry about what I wear to school
or what my hair looks like in the morning when it doesn't want to agree with me.

I don't worry about what the little sophomores in my health class think about me when I tell them they're stupidity is showing and that they shouldn't be allowed to talk.

I don't worry when it comes to procrastination because in all honesty, I really am getting better with it.

I don't worry when I have a humanities test and I end up studying at lunch right before I take the test. (I totally nailed that test. I can feel it.)

I don't worry when I get in a fight with any of my girl friends cause I know that we'll be hugging and making up soon enough (especially referring to Carly, Abby and Kallie).

I don't worry too much when I make a mistake and worry about what God will think of me, because I know that as long as I learn from my mistake that I'll be okay.

I don't worry too much when I get tired, cause I'm a busy person.

But when I start becoming exhausted only a month into school, my body aches all over, I start becoming spastic, weird, moody and dramatic. (That last one's my least favorite symptom.) I freak over the stupid things and then once I realize that I'm being melodramatic, I freak out even more. It's a sad circle. I get lost in my own little world and everything starts closing in. I feel as though everyone is mad at me for stupid reasons and that causes me to feel resentment towards them.

This is when I get really worried.
I apologize to anyone that gets the bitter end of the stick.
I just really need your help.
If you really understand, you'll still love me even when I'm mean and rude.
You'll still love me when I bite your head off for something stupid (like poking me... or touching me).
You'll understand that as of lately, I really don't like being touched. It's a new thing that I can't really explain.

I'm slowly weening towards lonerdom.
But I absolutely and completely REFUSE to quit all my social activities.
I'm afraid of falling into depression and becoming even more stressed and losing all control over my feelings. I will not let this happen to me. I simply refuse and there's no doubting it.

I have decided on the positive outlooks of becoming a loner though.
I can begin depending on myself,
because even though some people get the idea
that I'm independent and strong,
I depend a lot on other people for my happiness.

Another thing that I'm worried about is that I'm starting to clash personalities with my best friend. I can feel it.
Even though we haven't actually verbally talked about it,
I can feel it. And I can feel it deep.
I just hope this change doesn't affect our close relationship.

I'm changing and I'm changing fast.
And I'm not quite sure I like it.

Back Where I Belong

I am soooo SO ecstatic to announce that I'm transferring back into choir!!! GAH! Super pumped. When I found out that I was taking Business Management (which class I am in right now) for no apparent reason besides the CTE credit, it became absolutely useless to me. I mean, Bus-Mgmt is useful in life, but not when you take it at Timp High. I don't know, that's just my opinion. I haven't learned anything new yet and it's already 3 weeks into the term. Ree-dick-you-luuuus.Anyways, it just so happens that my photo classes that I'm taking this year count as the SAME EXACT CREDIT! Yeah, I just found this out last week and it made me really excited. Yesterday I got permission to switch into Chamber at the end of the term! I don't have to wait until the semester change (thank goodness). I saw the dresses today that we get to have and DUDE. They are actually really awesome and so pretty. And they're not sparkly. (Thank goodness.) Hopefully I look good in it. Here's to hoping. I knew something was missing in my senior year and I knew exactly what it was all along. The fact that I wasn't in choir this year at all made me feel incomplete and now I'm really excited. I feel as though I'm back where I belong. It's a beautiful feeling.

So you know that wonderful photo class that I've been in? Yeah, haven't really learned anything in that class, but I've learned more than Business Management... We turned in a photo shoot already, so here they are! Well, my favorites anyways :)

I will now have the PERFECT B-day after this first term is over.
My classes will go as follows:

Stage Craft (tech)
Seminary
Chamber
Lunch (always acceptable :))
Digital Photo

You should be jealous!

UP SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE: Ha, just wait until I tell you about the paper that I wrote for Bus-Mgmt. Ha, it's complete garbage. Can't wait to tell you about it.

Revived Happiness

Jamba Juice: $5 (and some change)

Glasses from Savers: $1.99

(She didn't really buy these...)

(I really did buy these :) )

A trip to Wal-Mart: $25

Going to the park and playing lava monster in the dark: PRICELESS

This is Mason's scariest lava monster face :)



Keep Taking Pictures

I WAS gonna start a "100 Day Photo Challenge", but then I got a phone call. It was one of those random phone calls that are long distance, but you don't usually pick up the phone, ya know? Well, I picked up the phone, cause I figured it would be one of those random "you just won a million dollars!!!" phone calls. Haha, it wasn't. Now, before I go into the conversation, let me give you some background.

About a year ago, I got bored and saw an ad on Facebook for this online Photography school that is based in Pittsburg(h?) (SP?) and got bored, so I entered my information. Stupid. I know. But I did. Actually, it's a legit deal, so don't be too worried about me. Since then, I've been receiving many phone calls from the institute, asking me when I'm gonna start school and stuff. Haha, well, since I haven't graduated from high school yet, I haven't started anything else. (obviously.)

So I pick up the phone and say hello, and much to my surprise I hear, "Is Savanna there?"

Woah. Am I about to win a million dollars???

Me: This is she.

Random Guy (That I Can't Remember the Name of for the Life of Me.... We'll call him Mark...): I'm from the Institute of Art.

Me: Hi, how are you?

Mark: I'm doing great, thank you. Actually, I'm not gonna lie, I'm doing splendidly. How are you?

Me: I'm alright, thank you. (I'm not feeling well today, but of course I didn't tell him that... haha)

Mark: So I see that you signed up for information to the institute and you have some interest in photography I presume? When are you gonna sign up to do classes with us? Hopefully soon?

Me: Well, I can't yet, I'm not old enough.

Mark: Oh, that's cool, that's cool. Are you still in high school?

Me: Yeah, I'm gonna be a senior this year.

Mark: Alright, that's awesome. Are you taking photography classes and stuff?

Me: No, not yet, but I've been doing photoshoots.

Mark: Really? (He got really excited when I said that.) I see that you're from Utah. What area?

Me: Um... the Provo area.

Mark: If you don't mind me asking, the LDS area? (He basically phrased it as if asking if I were LDS. I replied yes, and he explained how he's LDS too... or something like that... haha, just made me laugh inside.) Well, I'll tell ya what... here's some advice for you. My sister is a photographer and started at a young age and now she doesn't have any free days. She's booked. If you get your stuff out there now and post stuff on the internet of pictures you take, like on Facebook and such, then people are gonna come rolling in. Especially when your friends who are RM's start coming home and getting married, you'll be booked! (HAHA!) Also, start taking pictures of kids, because people LOVE THAT. Seriously, though, you can do so well. People will start calling you and you're not gonna know what to do with yourself!

So when do you graduate? Next June? May?

Me: The end of May.

Mark: So we'll probably call you sometime in April and talk then. I know that our conversation went in a different direction, but seriously, keep taking pictures and don't ever stop! People are going to love you and you're gonna do great.

Me: Thanks. So where are you guys based? (I forgot that it was an online school...)

Mark: Well, it's based out of Pittsburgh but it's an online school. (Sweet! Cause I am NOT moving to Pennsylvania for school...)

Me: Okay, awesome. I'll have to look into that.

Mark: Great. You have a good day.

Me: Thanks, you too. Bbye.

Mark: Bye.

*click*

HAHA, totally made my day, okay? That's not exactly how the conversation went on, but it was awesome! I'm pretty sure he went on more about pictures and stuff but I can't remember half of what he said. I'm totally out of it today. Glad I picked up the phone! :) So taking his advice... I shall display some of my ALL-TIME favorite pictures that I have taken, just for you. How does that sound? And I will even go as far as posting some pictures of kids. Tell all your friends about me! I'm starting senior portraits in the fall and can do family portraits and if you're brave I'll even attempt to do your wedding. Haha, maybe... we'll see. I'll have prices posted soon. Very inexpensive, I can guarantee it :)



Kayla Smith (July 2011)

Natalie Luna (June 2011)



The Blackham Family (May 2011)



Ashlyn (April 2011)

Maddison Powell (September 2010)

If it concerns you, I would love to do a wedding.

Even if you already have a photographer, I would love to come out and help, just to build some experience. You just have to let me know ahead of time so I can plan my busy schedule around it. Or I could just start with your engagements. That I do feel comfortable with. And bridals or something. That would make me feel more comfortable. I'm doing a friend's bridals next week, so I'll be experienced with that. Haha, just let me know if you're interested :)



The Draper Temple:

I had the wonderful pleasure of going to the Draper temple yesterday with some of the young women in my ward. What a lovely bunch of coconuts. The Draper temple was so beautiful and is the first temple that I have been inside besides the Timpanogos temple. I loved every second of it.

Yesterday at work, I was in THE WORST mood. I was on everybody's nerves and just being whiney and complaining about everything that popped into my mind. It was awful. Then my one of the ladies I work with said, "Savanna, you're having the worst day because you're planning on going to the temple."

Say what?

"Yeah, people will talk about this all the time. They have a really bad day and then they find that it's not worth it to go to the temple anymore and they just blow it off cause they're having such a bad day."

Well, let me tell ya, I was NOT going to blow off the temple because I know very well that it was the only thing that would correct this bad day. Ha, see Satan? I'm smarter than you in that aspect.

Well, I was right. We got into the temple, and I automatically felt peace. Ahh... I love that feeling. Don't you? Yep, it's magical... (to say the least)...

Anyways, here are some pictures:
(And just so you're aware, these are the first pictures I will be posting of me that I do not have braces. Just so you're aware of this... sorry it took me so long! :) )

Who was the brainiac that decided to legalize aerial fireworks? Idiot...

Our backyard was on fire last night.

Thanks to some idiot who was lighting fireworks last night and caught our backyard on fire...

I don't usually call it the backyard though...

I call it,

(pause for effect)

THE JUNGLE.

Unlike most normal human beings,

our backyard is filled with weeds.

Yes, long, ugly, flammable weeds.

VERY fun to roam through (please hint my sarcasm).

Every once in a while we'll just try to mow it down.

Unfortunately, that's what takes our lawn mowers...

Poor things...

(Actually, I don't really know if that's why we don't have a lawn mower... I'm just trying to be silly... lol)

Anyways, here are a few things that you may need to know in order to receive a full life of satisfaction:

This is what our fence is SUPPOSED to look like. Nice, white and tan, and totally intact. (This section of the fence wasn't affected by the fire, thank goodness.)

This is the current state of the back fence. (And part of the west side was affected too...) Thank goodness we don't have that retarded wooden fence anymore... that would have made it A LOT worse.

See that disgusting green thing right there? Apparently that was BreAnna's favorite stuffed dog... Well... not anymore... She claims that she doesn't know how it got outside, buuuut, yeah. I don't know. All I DO know is that she was NOT happy about it...

Now to take a little bit of a close look on the damage:

This is the color that trees should look like-
(Just so you're aware, this tree lives within our sandbox... well, what's left of a sandbox... underneath our play house, which the play house wasn't affected at all by the fire, which is surprising because it's completely made of wood.)

And this is what happens afterwards...

Here are a few more pictures to give you a better view:

And here's a picture to give you a little more perspective-

I was standing on the very edge of wear the damage of fire was when I took this picture. Which is approximately 30-40 feet away. And that window that the big red arrow is pointing to? Yep, that's my sister's bedroom window... scary huh?

Well, now we can all be grateful that some random person called the police and got the firemen over to our house. It wasn't anything serious, but it definitely could have been. Thankfully my mom was able to be awakened by the police pounding on our door at 2 a.m. this morning. Thank you to whoever you are that saved our house and our lives last night. God is definitely watching over my family.

762 Days

It's done!
The braces are gone!
As of yesterday, I am chain free!
It's SOOOOOOO weird to me still.
Whenever I eat something, my tongue will automatically go to get the food out of my braces that aren't there anymore!!! :)
I seriously want my teeth to be slimy FOREVER.
It's the coolest feeling ever!!!
Every time I look in the mirror, I have to smile to make sure I'm not dreaming or something. I don't know. It's just bizarre. So here are some random facts about my braces...

Date they were put on: June 16, 2009
Date they were taken off: July 18, 2011
Length of suffering: 2 years, 1 month, and 2 days (or 762 days)
# of surgeries: 3
# of teeth pulled: 1
Happiness level with my smile: infinite

Really, the only thing that I'm going to miss about the orthodontist is the orthodontist. Seriously, they were some of my favorite people. I'm very happy with what they were able to do. It's just... I mean... This is what my teeth looked like a couple of months before I got them on...

Do you see that?
Yeah, well, my self-esteem didn't keep me from smiling even though I had a ridiculous smile. There wasn't much to change... That was visible anyways. Just the fangs... haha. After so long, I'm rather excited about the turnout. It still hurts to brush my teeth, but hey, it's totally worth it! AND I got some yummy caramel candies that are DELISH. I'm not a huge fan of caramel, but these are good. I bet you wish that I would share with you. I have an appointment on Thursday to get my retainers and everything, and I should be getting some cool pictures and stuff. It's rather neat-o. I'm also probably getting my pictures taken on Thursday as well by the wonderful Kayla Cannon. I'm rather excited! It should be wonderful to have some legit pictures instead of some stupid picture that I took with my camera and the lighting isn't even good! Haha, but I guess that's just the photographer in me. Picky picky... heehee... :)

More updates to come!!!

Fourth of July Funness...