I bought this beauty at the NBC store in New York for $5.  It makes me happy.

my week on the east coast. continued.

day 2:  (see three posts down for day 1)

This day started with an early wake up call and a trip to the temple.  It would have been perfect, but of course, I forgot my temple recommend on my dresser at home.  Bummer.  But that's ok.  I spent an hour walking around while the girls did baptisms.

the beautiful manhattan temple

After that, Kaitlan made us breakfast and it was so delicious.  Thank you very much! Then I pretty much had forever to explore whatever and wherever I could.  All on my own.  So I started in Central Park and can I just tell you how much I love that place?  Because I totally love it.  It is huge, beautiful, colorful, and peaceful. A good break from the city.

love this place.

Then of course it was back to Rockefeller because that is one place I can get to AND it makes me unbelievably super happy.

"i want to go to there." i always have! and i did. LOVE 30 rock

After having some good laughs walking through the NBC store, I went back to Anthropologie.  That's right.  I went back. haha This time I bought the things I asked to be put on hold.

i fell in love...but money kept us apart.

Aubrey met me at Anthro and we had so much fun in the fitting rooms.  It's the best, buying clothes with your best friend.

Then I made the trek to Macy's.  What girl doesn't love Miracle on 34th Street?  Plus mom told me they had delicious macaroons in their cafe.  I got there and they told me the bathroom was on the 6th floor and the cafe was in the basement. haha For real!?  But they had some really cool, old, classic escalators. 

i never found the macaroons though...

Kelley and I met at anthro  (again...I know, but she was going in for a job interview) and walked back home. While walking, we grabbed pizza and ate lunch in Central Park.  So fun!  Then we hit up Magnolia's for some banana pudding. 

to die for.

After a quick stop at home, we set off to meet everyone at the WTC Memorial.  Of course our subway got stuck...I guess someone got sick a few trains in front of us?  I don't know.  But we sat there for like 20 minutes, got little mini naps in, and then decided we had to make a run for it.  Don't worry.  We made it on time.  And it was really amazing.

it was so peaceful.

i was only 13, but i remember that day so well...

i loved the flag in the background

Next, it was off to Bubby's for some grub!  We were so excited for their pancakes...until we found out they only had those between midnight and 11:00 or something.  Bummer.  But the food was delicious anyway and we had so much fun. 

the girls

the boys

bubby's had a photobooth in the basement. favorite!

Everyone went home to sleep after this, but me, Aubrey, and Michael decided to go to the top of the rock because I wanted to so badly!

beautiful view! definitely worth it.

did you know she's my best friend?

because she's sick of my favorite picture that we took in this color room.

cheernastics!

Then, 41,032 steps since the day started, I was finally home to sleep - exhausted with nasty blisters as proof of all my walking.  What a successful day!

oops. i forgot

I totally meant to mention this last night and forgot...


I was reading through our basketball schedule and saw Cal State San Marcos (CSUSM).  For those of you who don't know, I grew up in San Marcos, CA.  San Marcos was just this little place when we moved there when I was 8.  It has become a place known for CSUSM, Palomar College, University of St. Augustine (a new OT and PT grad school), the tons of restaurants on Old Restaurant Row, and our new shopping center (that isn't so new anymore), but has a Nordstrom Rack! Not many know this, but San Marcos has the most extensive trails in all of San Diego.  When I worked for the city, my boss was over the trails and I think we had 20 something miles of trails.  It's a beautiful place.

Tons of my friends from high school went to CSUSM.  I have walked the campus.  I know everything surrounding it.  AND I NEVER knew they had a basketball team...After doing some research, I realize this is their first year with a basketball team.  Good for them! Amazing that they have pretty well known basketball teams in their schedule! But, sorry they have to play BYU and SDSU their first season.  But then again, I am so excited to play them!  That's my home!  Seriously, like my home, where my heart is, the place I love.

Something else to think about...

CSUSM is blue and white.  Their mascot is a cougar.

ahhh! I am sooo excited!

I am totally completely loyal to BYU, but part of me hurts for CSUSM.  It's their first year.  They need support, especially when they are playing teams like BYU and SDSU.  A little of me wants to wear my CSUSM shirt under my BYU shirt...but please don't tell anyone.

time out

Ok. Real quick sports break before I go ahead talking more New York...

1. Riley Nelson is so much fun to watch.  He is so passionate about the game and can get everyone on their feet.  He takes risks, he runs, he throws...yep.  He isn't perfect, but I trust him with the ball.

2.  We only have two home football games left, four games total.  That breaks my heart.  Can it almost be over already?

3.  We haven't lost since that dreaded Utah game...We are 6-2.  I am happy with that.

4.  Can we beat TCU!? I am going to say of course, but not without a fight.  This is a chance for us to come out and show everyone what we can do!


So, football winding down can only mean one thing...

It's time for basketball to start!   Not kidding.  We had our Blue and White game today.  Is it weird how much the Marriott Center feels like another home to me? Anyways, before the game, we got the normal pre game ritual. All of the sudden I hear, "Cougar fans.  It's time."  I jump and scream.  Then I realize that I had been the only one to scream and that it just came out without thinking.  A little embarrassing, but part of my was proud.  Proud that I have been there since the first time they said those words.  "Cougar fans.  It's time."  I am ready for basketball.  Bring it on!

This brings all the emotions of BYU basketball flooding back!

yes.  i am thrilled for this.

My week on the east coast.

This might take a few posts, but here it goes!

Day 1:

I landed at JFK at approximately 5:45 a.m.  Yes, in the morning!  Talk about a full day ahead of me!  Aubrey sent me full and detailed directions from the terminal to the AirTrain.  From the AirTrain to the subway.  From one subway to the next.  Then from the subway to her house.  This was the part of the trip I dreaded most.  Getting lost in a huge city with all of my luggage.  But, I did it and I made it to her house.  That was when I met Kelley (her super cool roommate who just happened to have studied Special Ed too!) and got to make sure that Dookie (Aubrey's three year old goldfish) was still alive.

he is.

After making it to Aubrey's place, Kelley and I set of to meet Aubrey who was waiting in a line so we could get tickets to see How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.  It was wet, cold, and we were in and out of rain.  So lovely.

After we got tickets, we visit Anthropologie. The walk there got us real soaked and I told Kelley that there was no way I could go shopping, try anything on...I would just look and come back the next day. ha!  Like that ever works.

should i get it mom?

Then after spending a few hours in Anthro, we met up with Aubrey for lunch.  Kelley and I were craving grilled cheese and tomato soup.  Lookie what we found!

they had tots too...at first I was suspicious about the whole idea, but they were soooo good!

After lunch, Kelley and I decided that we had better just go home to dry up and get in some much needed napping.  Rather than take the subway, we walked through Central Park home (I am doing a pedometer contest at work, so the more walking the better!).

we walked by st. patrick's. so beautiful.

super wet. super cold. but central park is still beautiful.

After resting for about an hour and half, Aubrey showed up just in time to make pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting (why i am including these details, i really don't know) before we had to run and meet THE Mark Skinner at the Shake Shack pre How to Succeed.

me and kelley

you can't really see anything in this picture. but mark took it.  it is supposed to be me, aubrey, and kelley eating dinner at shake shack

Then we finally saw it.  Loved it.  Laughed so hard.  There was a football scene that had me getting the chills because I just love football that much.  It was a very good, very successful first day in the big apple.

harry potter (daniel radcliffe). he was sooo good!

Oh and I cannot forget.  Last time I was in New York, I met Rustin.  He met me and goes, "Tati, like in Usher's new song, Hot Tottie?! I'll meet you in the lobby?"  We have been practically best friends ever since, minus that he now lives in Arizona and I was so sad that I didn't get to see him while I was in New York so....

we called him that night.

Alright.  So that was Day 1 in NYC.  More to come!

The big apple

I have spent that last six days here, in New York. I leave in a few hours, but i figured I'd write a bit in my down time.

I am sitting outside of my favorite Anthropologie in Rockefeller Plaza. I have gone in this anthro 3 of the 6 days I've been here (don't worry, I am not buying things everytime). It's just something familiar for me in this bustling city. Also nearby is 30 Rockefeller Plaza (top of the rock an the NBC store). I spent a few hours in the NBC store laughing and remembering why my favorite shows are the funniest.

I have hardly used the subway at all since I have been here. I walk through Central Park a few times a day to get from Aubrey's house to downtown. I love central park. A lot. It's beautiful and peaceful. I loved exploring it.

Well. I hop on the subway and make way for the airport in an hour. I have loved NYC. Loved being with Aubrey. Loved going to Boston and Connecticut, but Utah, I have missed you. I can't wait to be back in my classroom, with my family, and by the mountains.

Pictures and more details from my trip are soon to come :)

Dear Robi,

It was two years ago today. I texted Sam. He told me to pray for you and all I wanted to do was drive up and be with you at the hospital. I got there and you already had a ton of friends and family there to support you. When I went in to give your hand a squeeze and tell you how much I loved you, I got to meet your parents for the first time. Oh Robi. They are amazing and I know they still miss you so much. Your sister and I talk once in awhile. She is a shining star! I love visiting your family in Vegas. They are so good to us. Saying goodbye always leaves us teary eyed. You Sundell's have a very special spot in my heart.

I am in Boston right now at a singles conference. Last night, I went to a dance. John Southcott was there. It really caught me off guard! We had a quick I know you and catch up on life. Of course, it made me miss you, but it just proves how many lives you've connected.

I know you're just rocking it on the other side. Sometimes I see you around, feel you nearby, or hear your laugh. When I am feeling sad, I go through pictures and have flashbacks that have me laughing so hard I cry! Anytime I do anything daredevil-ish, I feel you cheering me on. I love you. I miss you. And I am so grateful for the influence you had, and continue to have, on my life.

Love love love,
Tati

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

At the gym today, I caught the Anderson Cooper show.  It drew my attention when I saw a clip of the Robert Jeffress interview that Cooper did.  All of the sudden there was a picture of the first vision and I was reading captions about Joseph Smith.  I wish I could have heard it, but what I was reading, almost had me crying at the gym.  They just covered the foundation of our beliefs and the spirit, like so many times before, let me know how true it all is.

There has been a lot of talk about the church recently and I am grateful for the way it has helped me to not only strengthen my testimony, but share it too.

I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, my Redeemer, my brother, and my closest friend.  He knows everything I am feeling and I have found so much comfort in that.  Because of him, I am able to return to my Heavenly Father - this thought overwhelms me with joy.  He left the perfect example.  Everyday, I strive to be more like Him.  I am undoubtedly a Christian. This is my favorite hymn and it has strengthened my testimony more than any other hymn.
I have been sealed to my family for time and eternity.  Families are forever and that is a wonderful blessing.  I am so grateful for the priesthood power that makes that possible, because I could not imagine this life being the end.  I love reading the Book of Mormon.  It brings everything together.  The words found in it are absolutely true and perfect.  I am so grateful for revelation and the gift of the Holy Ghost.  I know that President Monson is the living prophet.  I love listening to His inspired words.  He makes my heart burst with happiness.  Heavenly Father loves us so much more than we can ever comprehend.  He has given us so much, all so that we don't ever have to be alone and so that we can find our way back to Him.
The gospel has brought me so much happiness.  It is true.  There is no way something that wasn't true could bring me, or anyone else for that matter, this much joy.  Life is not easy, but the truth found within the gospel helps to give one an eternal perspective, happiness, and the strength to endure.

I love it.

You can learn more here or shoot me an email.

pandora appreciation

Sometimes I get sick of my music - like I have heard everything millions of times before and I am too cheap to buy new music.  Thank heaven for Pandora!

My current favorite station is "Next to You", a song sung by my favorites Chris Brown and Justin Bieber.  It plays all of my favorites and I am so happy with it!  Sometimes it throws in some Backstreet Boys and *NSync goodness and that just always makes my day.  Not even kidding, on my drive home from school today, it started playing O-Town.   It's been a long time since I have heard them (like middle school I think).  There is some Jesse McCartney, every version of every JB song, Chris Brown's greatests, and even some of Rio's soundtrack.  This station introduces me to some absolutely wonderful new music.  Just a few weeks ago I heard Cody Simpson.  Shoot!  I had to go out and buy his CD right away.

Now that I am talking about Cody Simpson, I have to tell you about some of my favorite lyrics because they make me so incredibly happy.  I often start giggling as I listen to them!

"She's right behind me like the pocket on the back of my pants." - Cody Simpson, Crazy But True.  Clever and absolutely had me cracking up the first time I heard it.

"You're like my favorite song on the radio, radio, radio, radio.  I could listen to you all day.  You're like a music video, video, vi vi video. I could look at you all day.  You make me do my two-step all day.  You keep me lookin' fly for you all day.  So you should be my girlfriend all day.  We are like a hit on my radio, radio." - Cody Simpson, All Day.  So much goodness in this one.  Seriously.  Two-step all day.  Look fly all day?! YES!

"Halo. Halo.  I'm not saying hi.  Baby there's a ring above your head." - Cody Simpson, Angel.  Cute.

"You're the breeze, cruising down my coast.  You're the jam, baby, I'm the toast.  It's so sweet when we're together." - Cody Simpson, Angel.  Definitely sweet.


There are so many other lyrics out there that just crack me up, mostly because I love them so much!  Let me find you a few more.

"I won't ever ever let you down like a seesaw let you down. You know why? Cause we ain't in the playground no more baby." - Justin Bieber, Bigger.

"I used to tweet you, and text you, and call you, and hit you on Facebook all the time...We were on iChat all night long." - Justin Bieber, Baby (Acoustic Version)

"No teachers around to see us dancing close.  I'm telling you, your parents will never know.  Before the lights go up and the music turns off, now's the perfect time for me to taste your lipgloss."  Justin Bieber - First Dance.  This one sort of grosses me out, but hilarious.  Oh first kisses.  Oh prom.  Ohhhh boys.


I've thought of others, but I am going to just love on J Biebs and Cody for now :)

The Livingstones.

I met Drew Livingstone the very first week of my freshman year at BYU.  We hung out for maybe a week or two and then he disappeared.  A year later he was back in my life and became one of my best friends as I watched him prepare and leave for a mission.  I never met Drew's parents before he left for Chile because they were serving as mission presidents in the Congo.

They came home not long after Drew left.  (I know this is a little confusing...I hope I am making sense) Of course, Drew gave us each other's numbers and before I knew it, I was going to Livingstone family dinners and absolutely loving it.  At that time, my family was still living in San Marcos and I would go to the Livingstone's as often as I could.

There is a reason I am talking about this amazing family.  Don and Marsha invited me, Drew's friends, one of their missionaries, and some sisters they met this summer to their house for dinner on Sunday.  There were about 15-20 people there.  We all chit chatted until dessert, when Don asked us to go around and share our favorite part of conference.  They ended with their testimonies and I was just overwhelmed with love and gratitude towards them.

They have been so wonderful and have given me so much.  (Once they gave me left over tortillas, dressing, and marinade so that all I had to do was buy pork and stick it in the crock pot for dinner group.)  They have the most wonderful kids, all of whom have been very kind and accepting of me.  They have talked me through so much.  Marsha has taken me to Magleby's with her BYU basketball tickets so that we could get chocolate cake.  More than that they have been such an example to me.  They love the gospel so much and the way they live shows it.  They are leaving for another mission, this time in Paris!  Lucky for me, they won't be leaving until we make it through football and basketball and, hopefully, a few more slices of chocolate cake!

I love you guys so much!

(Marsha, if you see this, we really need a picture together.  I just realized I don't have one with you guys and we have to fix that before you leave!)