Sunday, August 30, 2009

My House is a Warm House

Portia Thompson.

She really was my life line last year. She's one of the most thoughtful people I know.

And this is her "house warming" present for me, since she knew I moved into a new place. A basil plant. Her husband isn't even in my bishopric anymore.

Seriously she's too thoughtful for words.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Remodel This.

Today we had our very first Remo lab. For those of you not acquainted with dental short form that means Removable Prosthodontics - aka learning how to make dentures. Thrilling right?

Really it was two labs in one:
1. Create the Primary Impression using Compound (shown below).






2. Bead and Box the impression using wax... which basically just means putting wax rope and strips around the edge of the impression so that when we make a model it had nice edges and what not.

The fun thing about lab:
We get to use these.
Hanau Torch
Bunsen Burner

You melt, you create, you heat.

The bad thing about lab:
We have to use the hanau torch and bunsen burner.
Yup... while trying to take my impression out of my boyfriend's mouth (who sometimes has no teeth P.S.) I lit my hair on fire. Literal flames. In my HAIR. And it happened twice.

Needless to say. I need a haircut.
B
A
D

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Stranger

Today I got out of church and it started to lightly rain. So I continued walking. But then it began to pour. I pulled off the sidewalk to underneath a tree and was debating my options. I could either...
1. Brave the rainstorm and have a nice and soppy bus ride home (not ideal)
or
2. Stay hidden beneath the tree limbs and hope that eventually the rain would stop (also not ideal)

I had NO umbrella (who knew that it would rain when it was so bloody hot), and still had like three blocks to walk to get to the bus. Not the ideal situation to say the least.

All the sudden a guy walks past me with an umbrella. He sees me standing hiding from the rain and goes "Hey wanna share my umbrella?" Seeing as I hate waiting and being wet for the bus sucks, I accepted his invitation.

Turns out, Leo (my new umbrella friend) worked around Harvard as a maintenance worker of some sort. He asked me where I was walking to and I said the bus stop and then I was like "Well seeing as its your umbrella where are you walking to?" He said he was going in a slightly different direction so I began thanking him for letting me share his umbrella (because we were reaching the point where our paths would diverge) and telling him I would just run into one of the stores to wait out the rain. To this he began offering to go grab his car and give me a ride home. I declined and said that wouldnt be necessary. But he continued to insist and said for me to just wait under the awning of a store and he'd be right back. And then he took off running back where we had just run.

As soon as he left, I was kicking myself for not being more firm about saying no. Especially as the rain began to stop. But he had very nicely let me share his umbrella and I didnt want to be rude, so I waited for him to come back so I could tell him that since it had stopped raining I would be plenty fine taking the bus. I mean I learned as a child that when offered candy never get into a strangers car. That should correlate, right?

So Leo returns in his car. But it has started to pour rain again and well... sometimes I don't know how to say no when they have solutions to all my problems (like the stranger who took a picture of my heel last year... he said it was for a paper? I know... super sketch). So I got in the car.

Many of you are probably screaming out right this second. I mean taking a ride... from a stranger... something is not adding up, I'm supposed to be smart. But Leo really was just super nice. The other strangers I've encountered have tended to be rather forceful. But Leo was just pleasant. He chatted about where he was from (Brazil) and how great it is to own his own business (which apparently he gets lots of referrals for from people he's friends with) and when I mentioned I was from Canada (cause apparently I dont sound like someone from Boston), he told me that he's heard Canada is great. Dang rights it is!

So Leo dropped me off and as I'm thanking him for the ride and for sharing his umbrella, he tells me I can email him. In my head I'm going... I dont have your email. And then he goes... Let me just get a pen so I can give it to you. I mean classy move on his part. Its not like he tried to get my information. He gave me his, in the hopes that I'll get in touch.

I dont think I'm gonna email him - I feel like thats just inviting attention I'm not interested in - but I will tip my hat to Leo. He didnt give off the "I'm a creep" vibe, nor did he seem like everything out of his mouth was a lie. He definitely played the stranger game the best of all the strangers I've met.

Stranger Danger. I apparently did not learn this sufficiently as a child. And my MANY stranger stories prove that. And dont worry. My dad told me I was not allowed to get into any more strangers cars. Doing that twice is enough apparently.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Step Into My Office

My boyfriend gets many many (and I mean MANY) cavities... some people just have no luck. Poor dear.


On the plus side: Gives me lots to do!




























































Easy, right?

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Calling All Friends

I am desperate.
I need help.

A new year has begun, and so has a new cycle of exercise.
And my music is making me want to vomit right now.
Please Please Please
Find it in your heart of hearts to tell me some good running tunes.
Or any tunes.
If you happen to have the worlds greatest playlist - let me know.
It is a matter of life and death.
And I'm not exaggerating.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

The Horrible Mr. Hyde

"I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why. He must be deformed somewhere; he gives a strong feeling of deformity."

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a book about the duality of mans' nature. And it definitely was interesting. The notion that all good people can also inherently be bad people too is all too true. "I stood already committed to a profound duplicity of life."

If only people were not so weak and base, as to be lulled into the false sense of righteousness and propriety. Only "in an hour of moral weakness, to once again compound and swallow the transforming draught."

Its an interesting story about letting that baser version of yourself gain footing in your life and soon overthrow that which is good and right. What I found really relevant was that, the more Dr. Jekyll transformed into the purely evil Mr. Hyde, no matter how he rationalized it, the balance of selves became offset, until he could no longer control the transformation and became that which was most hated and abhorred. Oh Mr Hyde. If only you could not gain such strength to overcome in the end the seemingly good and kindly Dr. Jekyll. And oh Dr. Jekyll, if only you had not given him such power.

"In the beginning, the difficulty had been to throw off the body of Jekyll, it had of late gradually but decidedly transferred itself to the other side. All things therefore seemed to point to this; that I was slowly losing hold of my original and better self, and becoming slowly incorporated with my second and worse."

I think this book (which really was more of a short story), spoke to an inner worry. The worry is that we are only good when under the spotlight of society. That our motives are not where they should be. We put up a face but deep within we are not that face. When left to the darkness, our more selfish nature comes out. This falseness, in the daylight chaffs at us and curiosity of our other nature begins to weigh heavy until we give it (and our baser desires) heed. Or worse that the public face is the false part of our nature, masking something inherently wrong with us. Something that conceals the defects of our own nature, so that we appear more attractive, interesting, valuable, and end up deceiving all who lay eyes upon us.

Anyways. Think on that. I know I am.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Here's To Happy.

The other day I was talking to a classmate, who said this...

"You need to learn to be happy in whatever stage of life you are in, cause if you are constantly looking to the future saying 'then I'll be happy', it never happens. Cause there are problems and disappointments in every stage of life."

So here are some things that currently make me happy:

1. These two crazy faces.

I love that my name is Aunt Missy. I love that I can play rough and then convince them that they loved it, even if they didnt. I love that you can teach them to do funny things - like pound it or cheat at thumb wars. I love that they both have these completely unique and distinct personalities. I love that I see my family in them.

2.
"Hey wanna come with me?"
"Where are we going?"
"We're going crazy!"



















3. That these two fell in love and had the gumption to know that being happy takes more than just love.











4. That this kid is a righteous kid.









It may sound weird but Matt is slightly my pride and joy. I miss him like crazy.


5. Staying connected via stalking...
I have many blogs that I love to read.
Family, friends, people I admire.
Its quite the long list.
So if you're updating, I'm loving it.

6. That my boyfriend and I have decided to become a little more serious this year.

Last year we saw each other on a casual basis. This year its going to be a lot more up close and personal. Sparks will fly. I promise you that.

7. That I am a smart girl.
Is it vain to be happy I'm not dumb? Cause if so call me vain.
I know what I want and I know what it takes to get it.
Not everyone is so fortunate... or decisive.

8. This beautiful place.

I dont care if I'm a million miles away. Alberta will ALWAYS be my home.

9. That I have my own room.
Yup.
It is bloody brilliant
to have my own
personal little hideaway.

10. That I was raised with boys.













Sorry Takahashi's... I'm calling this one. Growing up with boys... AMAZING. I would of had it no other way. And getting to be tight with them? Unlike no other.


11. That my besties are two of the funniest people I know.

















And thats saying something.. cause I've experienced some very funny people in my time.









12. That this crew is always there for me.

For some, distance doesnt make the heart grow fonder. But with the distance from my family, I have definitely noticed that we have become a tighter knit family. Sure its out of necessity. But I wouldnt trade it for anything.

There is nothing better
than displaying your
life neatly via point form.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

I'd call myself patient. But then I'd be lying.

I'm back in Boston. And I ache for Alberta.
But I'm just gonna have to suck it up. Such is life.

I donno. I've been thinking lately alot about sacrifice and the ability to work hard. I feel like I've known for many years that anything worthwhile takes hard work and sacrifice. But sometimes in the midst of the hard work and sacrifice, you just get tired. Which I guess is where patience comes in. And remembering where you are heading. But there are people out there that truly amaze me. They have no concept of working hard for something. Of putting in the time and effort to get something that you want. Of having to sacrifice some things you would want for something that is better. Because sometimes "we have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best" - Dallin H. Oaks. But prioritizing what you want is so hard. Because there are so many good things out there. So how do you know whats really the best? And once you've decided, how do you stay motivated to achieve such goals?

Sometimes being an adult is so frustrating. And as much as me and childhood were not great friends (cause boy do I like being the boss of my own life), sometimes I miss how simple life was then. You became friends with whoever you sat next to at school, you liked whatever your best friend liked, and your biggest worries were about who you were gonna play with after school.

But I guess in that moment it didnt seem so simple. I'm just venting. Getting used to my surroundings again and what not. Getting used to the separate life I lead now. While I loved this summer - it almost would have been easier to come back if it had sucked. Because the contrast... wow. Its a contrast thats for sure. But I love what I'm doing. And that makes the distance worth it. I just forget sometimes. Silly me.

Friday, August 7, 2009

TGL FAM (Aug 1-2)

My Utah aunts and their families make the pilgrimage back to Canada usually once a year. And since my dad actually had time off we've been able to go boating. We invited the Bowie family to come boat again. And then Josh brought a full Lowry crew. It was kinda intense. And at first glance I had no clue how we were gonna get everyone on the boat. Cause there were alot of people! But it worked well actually. We went in little boating crews. Everyone got a chance to be on the boat.


And the rest of us sat in chairs near the dock (cause the brutal part about St. Mary's reservoir is that they have ZERO beach - super gay).








Uncle Will, Shenoa, Marshall and Maikal.

















Seriously the little kids were crazy. Jumping off the dock, running around crazy.






It was pretty intense.















And we even convinced Ali to go on the tube once. We went slow... and she was gripping on like she might die... but it was pretty fun.

And then there was the tube wars.


Lindsay and Aunt Tia
I have a feeling theirs was more a war against the tube than each other.



Marshall got his trash kicked by Kimball. Pictures dont lie.
And Ben and Maikal wanted to do an ultimate tube war against Marshall and Josh... but they were definitely a little on the heavy side for the boat. They're growing boys? Maybe not.









Lowry Family gatherings are filled with lawn chairs on Grandpa's lawn, a potluck dinner (which is insanity trying to get food), a little chatting... but mostly some loud arguing (all in good fun I swear!).



















This picture is the epitomy of these boys. Ben. Wow. Anthony. Seriously. Jesse. Hilarious. Marshall. Classic.
I'm saying it here and now. That picture should be framed for posterity. Tho I guess these boys will always be little spit fires. I just can't believe we captured this moment on film (they usually reject the idea of a camera).

So this is the original kids and spouses. Minus a couple couples.
Uncle Matt, Will, Rod, Grandpa, Aunt Moana, Tia, Paula and of course my Dad.
I dont think it quite compares to the classic Lowry family picture thats hanging in my house on the wall. But I like it all the same. Its kinda weird how much the family has changed and yet is still the same.

Summer Funner? (July 30)

Hello. I'd like to introduce you to my summer skin. I know its unusual to see me with pigment. I know its actually slightly shocking. But when I get to be near the sun... sometimes it happens. I mean sure... I've got some genetics going against me (Red headed mother... need I say more?) but I also have some going for me (1/2 Maori dad... come on). Being in the sun is one of my very favorite things. And the last couple of years I've missed it dearly. This summer was a perfect reminder of why I love it.

















So onto the main event.
Family Boating. There is nothing quite like it.

Seriously I love these two kids! And the fact that we got to take them boating... mmm Perfection. They are two of the funniest little people I know. Its weird seeing them grow up and have their own very unique personalities.











We headed out to Stafford on the perfect day. It was sunny. It was hot. And Dave and the kids came.





Ryder was loving the boat. Tho we did discover he can't tell the difference between Mysha and myself. Apparently we have the same hair and noses and eyes. I think he means we have all those. Silly boy.








Katie on the other hand was a little hesitant to come near the boat. So she stayed on the shore with my mom on the first run of the day.



So my Dad did a little bit of bailing - for a massage no less (dont worry he came back eventually) - and David Alan became totally a big nerd. Which left no one to drive the boat. But me that is. I mean really, how hard could it be to drive a boat? Obviously not that hard. Cause I did it.














We took a little bit of a swim break after Nathaniel and Josh tubed for a bit (which I wish we had pictures of cause we turned the tube length ways and it was hilarious). And the entire break was spent trying to convince Ryder to jump in. I mean sure, he was out with us without a parent. Sure, he's only four. But for real... we wanted him to come play in the water. He's gotta grow up sometime.











So after we discovered we werent gonna talk him into the water... I threw him in. He was fine people. I mean once we got him out of the water he stopped crying. And once I told him it was super fun he was nothing but in complete agreeance. Next time I think he'll even jump in on his own.



This here is classic Katie. She is such a funny kid.




















We BBQ'd and the burgers were completely delicious (Thanks Josh!)


When the boating was done it was time to get the kids dry and into real clothes. This might just be my favorite picture of Katie of all time. She looks so freaking adorable.
Ryder was pulling a Ben and being a hater on the pictures. Somehow boating did nothing to tire him out. If anything he was wound a little tighter because of a day spent rough housing with Nathaniel in the water.
Arent these two precious?




















This kid is CA-RAZY. Super funny. But Ca-RAZy.




There are moments when I'm a little hesitant to go boating. I'm not even really sure why. But on days like this... its just fun. It really is such a fun family activity. Plus who doesnt love boating pictures? I know I do.