In particular, goat cheese infused with herbs.
I would like to thank the goat cheese for adding a refreshing flavor to my salad.
Once again. I ♥ goat cheese.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Not a cloud in the sky.
FINALLY.
There are no clouds today. It's not 95 degrees outside. I actually was able to lay out and read for an hour or so and get some sun. It was heaven.
Not to toot my own horn but I also got up this morning and started my morning with what should be a morning ritual of prayer and scripture study. I will admit I have been somewhat lacking in the consistency of this ritual. However, I am striving to find it a daily habit. When I have time off from busy-ness, namely school, I try to utilize that time to do a bit of self discovery and cleansing. It normally takes a couple of weeks of silly idleness on my part to do anything worth while to discover or re-dedicate myself, but I am finally finding my path again and my backdrop is my Indiana home.
There are so many things in this world that I want to do, but I think I'm finally on to the idea that it is not up to me all of the time. There are a lot of things that need to be done. Let me go out on a limb and say that I feel somehow there can be a universal balance between the two. As long as the universe and I can come to an understanding that what I want to do and what needs to be done can be mutually agreed upon.
I choose to follow the creeds and doctrines of Mormonism because in my life, they have stood the test of time and the truthfulness of their messages stand the test of time. My relationship with God and His universe have led me there. However, although I do have strong convictions regarding the truthfulness of my faith, I have complete and utter respect for others who are seeking a pure and happy walk with Our Creator the same as I am. I feel that they will be rewarded the same for their pursuits. I want to make myself clear in the fact that the reason I chose to be baptized into the LDS faith was because I received a distinct and clear revelation to do so after a sincere and heartfelt prayer. It is not an easy road, but it has been a journey that so far has led me to some of the most peaceful and spiritual experiences in my life. I know it will continue to do so. I used to live in a world full of worry and fear. Of course I still sometimes worry, and I also sometimes fear, but there is so much LESS worry and so much MORE faith and hope than ever before present in my life.
Today I sat outside soaking up the sun (and vitamin D! Hooray for nutrients!) and listened to nature. I was reading a book and enjoying that too, but just to be outside in the world. I would stop reading for a few moments and look around and my whole body was still. My mind was still. Unfortunately, it can take a lot of time and practice alone to learn how to still your mind, but I have found that it can transcend into my everyday life. My mind, although thinking and processing, is maintaining a sense of stillness. It's a truly beautiful thing.
I could keep going on about how I loved watching the blades of grass and admiring their shapes and gorgeous green colors. I could go on about how perfectly blue the sky is and how the tree line contrasted against them in their majesty. The closest feeling I could describe it with would be how I feel when I'm sitting in the celestial room of the temple.
What would we do if we were not governed by time and to do lists? What would be achieve if we were able to engage ourselves in our truest and most honest desires of our souls? Would this world transform into do-gooders? Would we swallow all fear? Would we live in grass huts or mansions? Who is to say that we can't try this in our lives now? Who is forcing us to do things we don't feel are within our natures? What is one word that can describe us? One word that's definition is all encompassing of ourselves?
It's a lot to think about. It's great material for mediation.
So I'll go back to that now.
Oh and have you ever peeled a blueberry and looked at it? Try it.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Rain, rain go away.
Spending a Saturday poolside (and by poolside, I mean a 3 feet deep kiddie pool in my sister's backyard). But I love it.
Heading back to Indiana tomorrow from the O-H-I-O.
I'm currently reading Eat.Pray.Love. right now and I just finished the "eat"ing section. So far, I love it. It is so inspiring and so up my alley. I want to finish the book before I go see the movie but the movie came out this weekend so I need to get crack-a-lackin' on this book. I still have to read about India and Indonesia. I'll have time tomorrow on the drive back. Does reading make anyone else a sleepyhead? I swear I can't read a book without falling asleep.
I'm also currently entertained by my 2.5 year old niece Charleigh as she eats her strawberries and chicken nuggets. She's hilarious. Gotta love kiddies. She calles me "Aunt Tortney".
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Inspiration.
This is my background on my desktop now. It incorporates just a few of the things that I love and inspire me. Dance. Music. Exercise. Yoga.
Om....
GORGEOUS bedroom.
A beautiful kitchen.
My favorite magazine! Seriously. You should see my face when I see the new issue on the stand at the grocery store. I'm like a little kid who just farted for the first time.
Journal Obsessed.
I think I want to start collecting journals. I'm slightly obsessed with them. And I promise I'll write in every one!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A little dose of motherhood and countryside.
While I'm back home in Indiana for a few weeks, I'm staying with my oldest sister and her family. She has two kids: Allyson (Ally) who is 7 and is in 2nd grade and Hunter, 5, and starting his first day of kindergarten in the morning! My sister also woke up this morning with a fever of 101.9 and swollen glands and a very sore throat. Doc says it's strep. A couple of weeks ago, I watched the kids during the day and got a taste of what it's like to cater to their every whim. There is a selflessness that comes with taking care of children. It certainly takes patience. Tonight, I picked them up from the babysitter's, gave them a snack, did homework with Ally, made dinner, gave the kids a bath, and put them to bed. It definitely has it's moments for sure, but I can see why mom's love their kids so much. Mother's are so important.
Jennifer's doctor is out in a little town called New Palestine, Indiana. As I was driving her there, we were driving past all of the fields of corn and I remembered how much I love Indiana. I love the country in general. Who would have thought that me, a little suburb girl, would have fallen in love with the idea of a house with a wrap around porch in the middle of the country? Who would have thought that I would dream of gardening gloves and fresh vegetables, four wheelers, and living where it's quiet and peaceful. I love the hustle and bustle of the city as well, but I have realized that I sleep better and breathe easier when I'm out in the country. Maybe that's a personal metaphor. From the outside it looks like bright lights and fast paced, but on the inside, when you really truly understand me, it's fields and star filled skies - perfectly quiet and peaceful. There is one other place I've been that I would probably want to live just as much as an Indiana countryside, and that is in the mountains of Idaho. My friend Charlie's house is one of the most amazing houses I've ever seen. It sits up in a mountain side. There are more stars in the sky than you'll ever see anywhere else. It's almost like you can reach out and touch them. They have a huge garage for projects, a giant garden, a root garden for potatoes, carrots and whatever other root vegetables tickle your fancy. Not to mention space. And the kitchen window is a perfect picture of the mountains across the way. It's fabulous. Simply fantastic.
Perhaps I should stop dreaming and focus on the here and now but let's be honest, it's fun to dream! I will have my dream someday.
What are your dreams?
xoxo Court
Jennifer's doctor is out in a little town called New Palestine, Indiana. As I was driving her there, we were driving past all of the fields of corn and I remembered how much I love Indiana. I love the country in general. Who would have thought that me, a little suburb girl, would have fallen in love with the idea of a house with a wrap around porch in the middle of the country? Who would have thought that I would dream of gardening gloves and fresh vegetables, four wheelers, and living where it's quiet and peaceful. I love the hustle and bustle of the city as well, but I have realized that I sleep better and breathe easier when I'm out in the country. Maybe that's a personal metaphor. From the outside it looks like bright lights and fast paced, but on the inside, when you really truly understand me, it's fields and star filled skies - perfectly quiet and peaceful. There is one other place I've been that I would probably want to live just as much as an Indiana countryside, and that is in the mountains of Idaho. My friend Charlie's house is one of the most amazing houses I've ever seen. It sits up in a mountain side. There are more stars in the sky than you'll ever see anywhere else. It's almost like you can reach out and touch them. They have a huge garage for projects, a giant garden, a root garden for potatoes, carrots and whatever other root vegetables tickle your fancy. Not to mention space. And the kitchen window is a perfect picture of the mountains across the way. It's fabulous. Simply fantastic.
Perhaps I should stop dreaming and focus on the here and now but let's be honest, it's fun to dream! I will have my dream someday.
What are your dreams?
xoxo Court
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Shop it.
I might have an addiction to shopping.
I said might.
Luckily I have no credit cards in my possession. If I did, it could be a dangerous situation. You see, for quite a few years, I was too fat to wear anything cute at the stores that I liked the most. When you wear a size 20 and XXL, it's not the easiest. But now, I am in a L/XL top and 13/14 pants! I would still like to get down to my goal size which is an 8 (but let's be honest, I'd be thrilled in a 10). Anywho, I love to buy clothes now. I still don't always love the way I look in everything, but it's a definite improvement!
So, I think I get this habit honestly. From my father. He's quite the shopper himself. He has 34 pairs of shoes! I counted! Well, the other day as a some father/daughter bonding, we went up to the mall on the north side of Indy. It's a pretty fancy little mall. They have an Anthropologie store and I FELL IN LOVE. I bought two journals (because I'm slightly obsessed with journals) and I'm currently using this one.
I wish I could show you the inside because it is just my absolute favorite thing ever! There are five pages per day. There is a doodle page, a couple of pages for notes, etc. and there is even a money tracking page! Not to mention, a to-do list page. Seriously, so. much. fun. Not to mention there are stickers in the back!! Who doesn't love stickers?! (Yes, I'm 26 and I still love stickers.)
I also purchased this journal/book which I enjoy very much as well.
The front covers do neither of these books justice, but if you're in an Anthropologie store or you run across them, look at them. They are both very different but so unique and beautiful.
I finally broke down and bought a couple pairs of shorts and capris. I can't wear them on campus so I sometimes can't justify buying them, but my sister threatened to cut off my jeans. What's a girl to do?!
Happy shopping :)
Peace and health.
Court
I said might.
Luckily I have no credit cards in my possession. If I did, it could be a dangerous situation. You see, for quite a few years, I was too fat to wear anything cute at the stores that I liked the most. When you wear a size 20 and XXL, it's not the easiest. But now, I am in a L/XL top and 13/14 pants! I would still like to get down to my goal size which is an 8 (but let's be honest, I'd be thrilled in a 10). Anywho, I love to buy clothes now. I still don't always love the way I look in everything, but it's a definite improvement!
So, I think I get this habit honestly. From my father. He's quite the shopper himself. He has 34 pairs of shoes! I counted! Well, the other day as a some father/daughter bonding, we went up to the mall on the north side of Indy. It's a pretty fancy little mall. They have an Anthropologie store and I FELL IN LOVE. I bought two journals (because I'm slightly obsessed with journals) and I'm currently using this one.
I wish I could show you the inside because it is just my absolute favorite thing ever! There are five pages per day. There is a doodle page, a couple of pages for notes, etc. and there is even a money tracking page! Not to mention, a to-do list page. Seriously, so. much. fun. Not to mention there are stickers in the back!! Who doesn't love stickers?! (Yes, I'm 26 and I still love stickers.)
I also purchased this journal/book which I enjoy very much as well.
The front covers do neither of these books justice, but if you're in an Anthropologie store or you run across them, look at them. They are both very different but so unique and beautiful.
I finally broke down and bought a couple pairs of shorts and capris. I can't wear them on campus so I sometimes can't justify buying them, but my sister threatened to cut off my jeans. What's a girl to do?!
Happy shopping :)
Peace and health.
Court
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Prop 8 and Marriage.
I promise I try to avoid political ramblings as much as possible, but see as it is thunderstorming like crazy outside and I don't really have anything better to do with my time, I think I'll talk a minute to share my opinion.
First thing first, I hope not offend anyone. Secondly, my opinion has nothing to do with the fact I'm Mormon. Although my knowledge of the Bible and other things have shaped my thoughts. I digress.
I'm not really sure how I feel about all of this "unconstitutional" business. I'm so tired of people fighting about it. First of all, being gay is starting to become a fad. For some people, it's legit and that's how they feel most comfortable living their lives. For others, it's just something to do. Even the gay community, I'm sure, can agree. But instead of legalizing gay "marriage" and allow them the same "rights" as married couples, why can't we legalize civil unions for gays and allow them to be in a civil union under the State. But marriage is an act performed before God. It is a covenant with God. And if you're telling me that God accepts homosexual behavior (mind you homosexuality is a personality trait, it is NOT a race) than simply put, it's wrong. God is a loving God, but He also hates sin. ANY sin. Homosexual behavior is a sin, as is every other type of behavior associated with sex before marriage. The thing that bothers me, is in reality, homosexual lifestyles are against the nature of the human race. There are so many studies that show that homosexuality runs in families and that there are certain environmental triggers that can push someone who might be "on the fence" with homosexual behaviors running to the other side. I'm not saying I hate anyone who is gay or have any problem with them living their lives. What I do disagree with is the fact that gays want to be treated like there is nothing different about them. The fact is, that's just not true. It is not "normal" to have sex with someone of the same sex. If it was, then the parts would fit where they are supposed to. It's not like homosexuality just came into existence. It has been around for a long time, but it was looked down upon because it is morally wrong and was not normal. It is still morally wrong and not normal. I understand that many homosexuals feel they are born that way and that they have no control over how they feel, and that is fine with me, but that doesn't mean they should be an exception to the rule. If you're born blind, you're not going to live the same life as someone who has their sight. Should we allow them driver's licenses because the seeing people can drive?! Certainly not. I'm tired of the gay community wanting "special" rights to be like everyone else. If you have to get "special" exceptions, then that's a red flag that it's not what is in our innate nature as human beings.
The gay community is a faction. That is really what it boils down to. If you study politics and understand the beginning of the constitution and how factions were part of the reason we MADE a constitution, you would see that our nation was founded on Christian principles and the freedom of religion. Most of our forefathers would turn over in their graves if they saw they way we handle situations now. The men who were considered liberals were those who thought we shouldn't be under the rule of king and that business should be handled in a different manner. They weren't men who wanted to abuse and pervert the human family. They were men who went to Church every Sunday and most of them all practiced similar religions. Most were protestant.
I know I might get a lot of flack for my beliefs, and I don't hate anyone for the way they live their lives. I just wish people would stop trying to ask for special rights because they are different. We all have to adapt to our differences. I can try to pee standing up, but that doesn't mean it's right or should be accepted by everyone. I'm a woman. I pee sitting down.
First thing first, I hope not offend anyone. Secondly, my opinion has nothing to do with the fact I'm Mormon. Although my knowledge of the Bible and other things have shaped my thoughts. I digress.
I'm not really sure how I feel about all of this "unconstitutional" business. I'm so tired of people fighting about it. First of all, being gay is starting to become a fad. For some people, it's legit and that's how they feel most comfortable living their lives. For others, it's just something to do. Even the gay community, I'm sure, can agree. But instead of legalizing gay "marriage" and allow them the same "rights" as married couples, why can't we legalize civil unions for gays and allow them to be in a civil union under the State. But marriage is an act performed before God. It is a covenant with God. And if you're telling me that God accepts homosexual behavior (mind you homosexuality is a personality trait, it is NOT a race) than simply put, it's wrong. God is a loving God, but He also hates sin. ANY sin. Homosexual behavior is a sin, as is every other type of behavior associated with sex before marriage. The thing that bothers me, is in reality, homosexual lifestyles are against the nature of the human race. There are so many studies that show that homosexuality runs in families and that there are certain environmental triggers that can push someone who might be "on the fence" with homosexual behaviors running to the other side. I'm not saying I hate anyone who is gay or have any problem with them living their lives. What I do disagree with is the fact that gays want to be treated like there is nothing different about them. The fact is, that's just not true. It is not "normal" to have sex with someone of the same sex. If it was, then the parts would fit where they are supposed to. It's not like homosexuality just came into existence. It has been around for a long time, but it was looked down upon because it is morally wrong and was not normal. It is still morally wrong and not normal. I understand that many homosexuals feel they are born that way and that they have no control over how they feel, and that is fine with me, but that doesn't mean they should be an exception to the rule. If you're born blind, you're not going to live the same life as someone who has their sight. Should we allow them driver's licenses because the seeing people can drive?! Certainly not. I'm tired of the gay community wanting "special" rights to be like everyone else. If you have to get "special" exceptions, then that's a red flag that it's not what is in our innate nature as human beings.
The gay community is a faction. That is really what it boils down to. If you study politics and understand the beginning of the constitution and how factions were part of the reason we MADE a constitution, you would see that our nation was founded on Christian principles and the freedom of religion. Most of our forefathers would turn over in their graves if they saw they way we handle situations now. The men who were considered liberals were those who thought we shouldn't be under the rule of king and that business should be handled in a different manner. They weren't men who wanted to abuse and pervert the human family. They were men who went to Church every Sunday and most of them all practiced similar religions. Most were protestant.
I know I might get a lot of flack for my beliefs, and I don't hate anyone for the way they live their lives. I just wish people would stop trying to ask for special rights because they are different. We all have to adapt to our differences. I can try to pee standing up, but that doesn't mean it's right or should be accepted by everyone. I'm a woman. I pee sitting down.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Being me.
Oh hello. It has been quite some time. I'm pretty sure I start every entry off in this manner nowadays.
I'm back in Indiana for a few weeks as I am on a break from school. You know what I have decided? I'm not sure what my purpose is with this blog. Do I want to use it for blabbing on about my life, or do I want to discuss things that I don't understand or things that are important to me? Or can I do both? Either way, when I have a break from school it seems that I find myself trying to regroup and get back to who I want to be and on that list, I would like to say that I am a good writer. However, in order to do so, I should probably write.
Alas. I write.
As previously mentioned, I am back in my home state. Hoosier country. Can I be blunt? I was looking forward to coming home until my hair started to frizz and I realized that Rexburg had somehow captured a place in my heart. I often feel so torn when I come home. This time is no different. And I still cannot decide how I feel about one place or the other. So until I figure that out, I shall remain confused.
It is nice to be with family and it is nice to see old friends and play around in the city a bit. I babysat Allyson and Hunter last week for a few days. Holy selflessness batman. That's probably the biggest dose of motherhood I have ever had and I must say, wow. I commend all mothers out there. Especially single mothers or mothers who have husbands who are away a lot. I'm staying with my sister, Jennifer while I'm in town. Jen and I have never been super tight so I'm glad to have the chance to stay here. She's nine years older than me and unlike Jaime and I, we were never forced to bond. Jaime and I shared a room growing up at my dad's house when I would come over to visit, so inevitably, we became close as time went on. The kids are at day care all day, and Jen and Chris are at work, so I'm just all by my lonesome until I find some sort of shennanigans to get myself into. The weather has been less than desirable for tanning purposes, but I'll deal with it.
Over the past few weeks/months I have been inconsistent with my desire to be more healthy. It comes and goes and I teeter-totter back and forth. There are so many aspects of my life that are working in the direction I want them to, yet I still struggle with this one area. I constantly push myself to be better, as I believe we all should, yet sometimes I have to accept defeat and start over again the next day. I know we all do it. Have you ever wanted something so bad but you feel no matter what you do, it's out of reach? Now, I'm not saying that I'm giving up on anything, but man oh man, I have my work cut out for me.
I feel like I'm very diverse in my topic choices today. So I apologize for that. :)
I sang last night for the first time since school. I performed up at Morty's Comedy Club on the north side of Indy. Got 2nd place in a talent competition. I was beat by an old man in a wheelchair doing "sit down" comedy. My dad reminded me that someone in a wheelchair isn't really capable of stand-up comedy. It made me laugh. He was a funny old man, that's for sure. And I definitely am not in the Mormon bubble anymore. HA! I heard more swear words last night in 2 hours than I've heard in the last 1.5 years. One aspect of my life that I'm happy to be grounded in is music. It just fits.
Which reminds me, if you haven't seen it on facebook or youtube, I competed in a campus wide singing competition at school and I WON. Here is a video of my last performance. Enjoy! :)
Peace and happiness to you all. ♥
Court
I'm back in Indiana for a few weeks as I am on a break from school. You know what I have decided? I'm not sure what my purpose is with this blog. Do I want to use it for blabbing on about my life, or do I want to discuss things that I don't understand or things that are important to me? Or can I do both? Either way, when I have a break from school it seems that I find myself trying to regroup and get back to who I want to be and on that list, I would like to say that I am a good writer. However, in order to do so, I should probably write.
Alas. I write.
As previously mentioned, I am back in my home state. Hoosier country. Can I be blunt? I was looking forward to coming home until my hair started to frizz and I realized that Rexburg had somehow captured a place in my heart. I often feel so torn when I come home. This time is no different. And I still cannot decide how I feel about one place or the other. So until I figure that out, I shall remain confused.
It is nice to be with family and it is nice to see old friends and play around in the city a bit. I babysat Allyson and Hunter last week for a few days. Holy selflessness batman. That's probably the biggest dose of motherhood I have ever had and I must say, wow. I commend all mothers out there. Especially single mothers or mothers who have husbands who are away a lot. I'm staying with my sister, Jennifer while I'm in town. Jen and I have never been super tight so I'm glad to have the chance to stay here. She's nine years older than me and unlike Jaime and I, we were never forced to bond. Jaime and I shared a room growing up at my dad's house when I would come over to visit, so inevitably, we became close as time went on. The kids are at day care all day, and Jen and Chris are at work, so I'm just all by my lonesome until I find some sort of shennanigans to get myself into. The weather has been less than desirable for tanning purposes, but I'll deal with it.
Over the past few weeks/months I have been inconsistent with my desire to be more healthy. It comes and goes and I teeter-totter back and forth. There are so many aspects of my life that are working in the direction I want them to, yet I still struggle with this one area. I constantly push myself to be better, as I believe we all should, yet sometimes I have to accept defeat and start over again the next day. I know we all do it. Have you ever wanted something so bad but you feel no matter what you do, it's out of reach? Now, I'm not saying that I'm giving up on anything, but man oh man, I have my work cut out for me.
I feel like I'm very diverse in my topic choices today. So I apologize for that. :)
I sang last night for the first time since school. I performed up at Morty's Comedy Club on the north side of Indy. Got 2nd place in a talent competition. I was beat by an old man in a wheelchair doing "sit down" comedy. My dad reminded me that someone in a wheelchair isn't really capable of stand-up comedy. It made me laugh. He was a funny old man, that's for sure. And I definitely am not in the Mormon bubble anymore. HA! I heard more swear words last night in 2 hours than I've heard in the last 1.5 years. One aspect of my life that I'm happy to be grounded in is music. It just fits.
Which reminds me, if you haven't seen it on facebook or youtube, I competed in a campus wide singing competition at school and I WON. Here is a video of my last performance. Enjoy! :)
Peace and happiness to you all. ♥
Court
Saturday, June 12, 2010
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