Summer time and the livin's..... A PARTY!

This has been one amazing summer people. "What did you do Heidi?" you may ask, to which I will reply to the 2 people reading my blog, "What didn't I do?" Never have I swam so much. Whether it was at Ivywild,the Natitorium, or my Grandma's pool, we were out in the sun swimming and enjoying the water almost every day. In fact, I am the tannest I have ever been in my adult life, I guess I did get some of my mom's Navajo (or whatever) genes after all! I also paddle boarded for the first time! We went to this awesome place called Quinn's pond. It wasn't as hard as I thought, and I will definitely be doing it again. Let me back track a bit. We stayed in Blanding for 2 weeks which was so much fun! My favorite part of it all was kayaking on the lake, then witnessing randy tip over. Did that sound mean? I promise I checked to see if he needed assistance! We were there for the 4th of July as well. The parade was fun and the fireworks were fabulous. We got to see our good old California friends the Kerbys which was just a nice treat! We had a good game of volleyball at Ted and Shirley's which is always a good time. And of course I ate too much food almost every day! However I did to yoga and bar bell at the gym, so I wasn't a complete fool. But I shall pay for my food sins starting tomorrow. After staying in Blanding we headed back to Boise just in time to raft the Payette River with the fam. It was glorious, I hadn't rafted it in years! We stopped and jumped off the rocks while the boys floated in some of the rapids, it's tradition of course. I am happy to report that there were no fatalities, although our boats collided at one point, and both Jake and Sherstine fell out! haha I was chicken and dove into the middle of the boat to save myself, it worked. The day before rafting we had a bbq where I finally got to meet Jake's lady friend Kiah! She is super cool. We spent a couple of nights at Kaylene and Johnny's where "we stayed up waaaaaaay past midnight" playing old school mario and eating queso. Oh sweet sweet queso. Randy turned 28! I bought this awesome cake book at a used book store in Pullman, and one day we were looking through it. We found this amazing cake called "Death by Chocolate" when Randy saw it he said, "would you make that for me?" And I would do anything for Randy, so I said "Yes!" It turned out pretty good I thought, however, I will use a little less brandy extract next time. We got a little tipsy off the bubbly if ya know what I mean. I'm rambling. This past Thursday we saw the National Parks!!!! I was so happy they came back to Boise. The concert was amazing as usual, and I worked up enough courage to take to Brady Parks, the lead singer of the band. He was super nice. My next goal is to one day to run my fingers through his flowing locks. Goals people. Randy's voice was completely hoarse after the concert because he sang his little soul out! The next day we left for Lagoon. We rode all the awesome rides. I almost died on the Cannibal, never have I felt such terror as we slowly rose in the dark to the top of the steepest roller coaster in the U.S. But Randy was by my side the whole time telling me we would live to see another day. We had so much fun together, and he's just my best friend. After Lagoon we went to the Hogle Zoo where I learned that I made all the wrong life choices and should have been a bird trainer! Holy! The Bird show was magical. And I realize that I love owls, and doves. We went to chuck-a-rama (i totally just googled how to spell that) then made the trek back to Boise. Rands and I left this afternoon, and here we are back in Pullman. Back to life, back to reality. We've got job interviews and school coming our way, to which I say Bring it. I am now watching Gilmore Girls and sippin' on some Wyler's Light pretending that tomorrow is not Monday. And now a bunch of photos in no particular order! That is all.

The cake! I never got a picture of Randy holding it though....

We love each other!

About to raft the Payette! Before we left Erika said "I wonder who will die today"

Quinn's Pond!

The Grands at Lagoon!

The National Parks concert! It was soooo hot.

Fun in the sun!

I love Pullman, but I'm also a murderer.

Hey oh! We are officially moved into our new apartment in pullman! Most everything is put away, and I feel more settled in every minute. Our apartment is great and i luff it. It's so beautiful and open here. Randy and I went exploring the campus the other day and it is also quite beautiful. We attended our new ward last Sunday. Everyone was very friendly. It's funny, on the way to church we pass the "Welcome to Idaho" sign, and on the way back we pass the "Welcome to Washington" sign. Nutso. Yesterday, Randy and I decided to go check out Wawawai park to check out some camp sites and a possible swimming hole. As we were exploring it started to storm. Thunder, lightning, rain, the works. Randy and I both love the rain so we didn't mind one bit. It was a fun day with one exception. On the way home a very traumatic thing happened. I was driving through the long windy roads and all of the sudden I look in the road and there is a little bird, before I have time to react we hear this HUGE thud. The bird hits the windshield, I scream super loud, and the bird careens into the abyss.But I couldn't stop, there was nowhere to pull over and there were cars behind me. Randy told me there was no sense in going back because after a collision like that it was sure to be dead. This did not comfort me. I killed a bird. I almost started to cry as I continued driving thinking of that poor little thing just minding it's own business, then suddenly getting bull dozed by my car.*sigh* So, to update you on my life, I love Pullman, but I'm trying to handle the guilt of killing a bird also. I'm in a fragile place, people. That is all.

"152 insights into my soul!"

Times are changing people! Randy has been accepted to Washington State University. We are moving in a little over 3 weeks. What? I try not to let it stress me out too much. I just can't believe how fast these 2 years in California have gone by. I'm so proud of Randy and for all the hard work he has done. We were so blessed that Randy received a Teaching Assistantship which means tuition is paid for, he has a part time job, AND we will have a living stipend, for 4 years, Hallelujah! Such blessings. We have also found an apartment with the student housing and I could have cried when I found out it came with a washer and dryer! It has been many moons since I haven't had to use quarters to wash my clothes! From the pictures/videos I've seen online, the apartment looks really cute! It's a 2 bedroom townhouse, walking distance from campus and has a spacioius bathroom with a nice big counter and TWO sinks! SUCH luxuries! For those who have seen our tiny bathroom that barely fits Randy, you understand. Things That have Happened Recently My friend Samantha came to visit us last weekend and it was great fun. We went to the Earth Day celebration in the village, had a lovely picnic in the park, played frisbee, and went to a most delicious place called Nancy's Pizza. I kid you not, This was the thickest, hugest and most delicious pizza I have ever seen/eaten. That Nancy knows what she's doing. Sam and I went to the mall and tried on ridiculous/expensive dresses we would never buy, if you've never done this, you must. We also got to hear Ross Baron speak! He was my Stake President at the burg, and Randy took a class from him learning Hebrew. He used to live in Claremont, so I guess he comes back every so often. He is a great speaker, and I loved hearing his conversion story. Listening to him speak brought back memories of being in the burg, I still miss that place sometimes. Randy and I went and saw the Jungle Book, we loved it! Had a game night with our friends the Kerbys. We played a Harry Potter trivia game, which was actually super fun! (I know, we're nerds) Watched "You've Got Mail" twice in the span of 3 days. Such a great movie! And the inspiration for my blog title today. I've been working on writing my own songs, though I'm sure they're nothing special, writing music really helps me with deal with anxiety and stress, so it's a win in my book! I am currently planning a trip to Canada with one of my best friends Hannah Swenson. Get Ready Canada! EXCITING NEWS! Randy and I have officially decided to go to Harry Potter World!!!! They built one in Hollywood just this past April, and we decided that attending this magical land was a must. We were thinking about Disneyland too, but I've already been, and Randy isn't very interested so Harry Potter it is! I'm going to drink so much beer. (butterbeer that is) Random story that I just feel needs to be documented. I was incredibly bored one day. After Randy got home from school and we had eaten dinner, we were sitting on the couch. I was explaining to him my lack of an exciting day, and that I was just feeling bleh. So in the sweetest way only Randy could say he asked "What would make you feel better?" He started listing things. To which I kept replying "No, that doesn't sound good to me." (I'm sassy, I know) When hesitantly he said "Do you want to put make up on me?" My eyes lit up with excitement, and it was too late for Randy. So I did his make up, hair, put him in my bath robe and made him put on some of my bracelets. We were just laughing so hard and it really did make me feel better! Then he dressed me up in a suit with his converse shoes, it was quite the sight. If you would like to see, there are pictures on facebook. So in conclusion, if you're having a bad day, ask your husband if you can give him a make over, if he is pure of heart, he will agree.

The Holidays!

Here we are again kids. The holidays were rufus.(reference to never been kissed) We went to Boise to be with my family and stayed for about 1 month. I know what you're thinking "1 month? Heidi, you slacker." But Randy had a really long break before his next semester, and I make my own hours so we thought, why not? Family is the most important thing, is it not? I submit that it is. We had a grand time. The best thing is just being together.I loved (and hated) Seeing how big my sweet nieces and nephews are getting. Christmas was grand and my Dad gave me a tablet. What? For those of you who don't know, this is a big deal for me. I have no smart phone, I've had the same ipod nano since high school, and I can barely use a computer. Needless to say I loved it! And may have gone a little crazy taking pictures with it. On New Year's Day we went sledding at Steamboat Gulch in 1 degree weather. Let me tell you that I did not feel cold once. Hiking up a giant hill over and over again will do that to you. Rands and I went down on this awesome toboggan together and it just made me happy to be in the snow. So.fun. Of course as spjutes are known to do, we watched a lot of great movies. Star wars (life forever changed) and Mockinjay. Erika and I decided to make a goal of watching all 3 Lord of the Rings while I was there. (I know, I dream big).What else?... Oh yes! One of mine (and randy's) favorite bands came to Boise. The National Parks. I could have died when we figured out they would be in town the same time us. I decided it was fate. Me, Erika, Sherstine, and Randy all went. I made them get there super early for fear of tickets getting sold out. We were in this little venue above a bar downtown. The concert was supposed to start at 8, but really didn't get started until 9 and then the National Parks finally did their show at around 10. oops. And it was no where near being sold out, I'm pretty sure me, Randy and Sherstine, and the starry-eyed man recording every song on his phone, were the biggest fans there. But it was worth-it because the show was incredible! It is rare to find a band that is better live than recorded. We danced and sang our hearts out, and the band was so impressed that we knew the lyrics to their songs. Sherstine got a hug from the lead singer! While I just shyly said, "you guys were awesome." ugh. SUCH an idiot! But good news is we got a picture with them. Now, we are back in California. I'm back to teaching, I've gotten a few more students which is nice. And every time someone asks me how my Holidays were and I mention that we had a white Christmas, they wrinkle their faces in disgust and say, things like "I'd rather just dream about snow, than actually be in it." or "I've had enough white Christmases in my lifetime." This is blasphemous and confirms to me that I was not meant to live in California for the rest of my life. Randy also started his last semester of his Master's Degree. He is a champion of all things. Well, I was going to upload some pics, but the website is not letting me do that right now. Guess you'll just have to imagine it. That is all.

When I'm sick, I blog.

Well here we are again folks. (folks meaning, the 2 or 3 people who are reading this)  The weather is cool and beautiful here in California. But alas, cool weather has some downsides. Like colds. Randy started to get sick first. And I was feeling pretty good until last night. After a full day of teaching yesterday I woke up this morning with no voice. I sound like a boy going through puberty. Seriously. I haven't answered any of my phone calls because I know how ridiculous I sound, especially when I try to sing "Hello" by Adele. (yes, i tried) And since having a voice is sort of necessary to teach someone to sing, I had to cancel all my lessons. Le weep. So I had some Cocoa and have been in bed while Randy works hard at school all day. Speaking of school, Randy is finishing his Doctorate school applications, in fact he's submitted a couple already. I can't believe how fast our time here in California has gone. Randy graduates in May, and then come September we will be somewhere new. Our first choice is the University of Utah. Not only does it have a great program for Rands but it is close to both of our families. And family is what it's all about right? I think so. Anyway, we will find out sometime in February or March. If you ask me, Randy will have options, he's a smart cookie. And look at him? Who wouldn't want this hunk of burnin' love at their school?

What else? In October we made a quick trip to Boise to celebrate my Dad's 60th Birthday. He had no idea we were coming. After He got home from work he was in the garage and I promptly walked in and asked "Is dinner ready yet?" I'm so witty. We had a big party for him, and it was fun. It was hard to leave after only being there for a weekend, but we're excited to come back for Christmas. We are also excited to visit Randy's family in a couple of weeks! I am firm believer that everything is better when family is around.

Music lessons are going swell. I got 4 new students last week, it's been crazy trying to get everyone scheduled, but I love it! I wouldn't want to spend my time doing anything else. One of my sweet students Claudia came up to me and said "Ms. Heidi, because of you I got the biggest solo in my school's talent show. I beat a SIXTH grader. My teacher could tell that I take singing lessons." I smiled so big when she said that. It's the little things, isn't it?

 That's all for now! I'm going to try and be a more consistent blogger.  And I know that you've all been thinking, "I would be so much happier in my life if only Heidi Powell blogged more." Well get ready kids, your dreams are about to come true.

p.s. only 189 days until X-Men: Apocalypse comes out.

"Sunshine is from Cal-i-FORN-yuh"

September is the time I usually sing to myself "Fall is here, fall is here, time for me to get drunk." But guess what. I'm not singing that this fall because it has still been in the 90 degree range here in bless-ed California. However, I did see some pumpkins outside the local grocery store, which gives me hope. And since you're all dying to know what is new in my most extraordinary life, I will tell you. Randy is back in school, and doing great of course. He is currently at a conference in Missouri for four days. sigh. Good thing I never get scared at night and think of every bad thing that could happen to me when Randy's not here to defend me with our broom. And good thing I saw "The Visit" last week. For those of you who don't know, that is the movie about the scary grandparents. And it changed me. I may never look at elderly people the same way again. I used to be really sentimental towards them. Every time I saw a sweet elderly lady in the grocery store looking for the sugar aisle, I would tear up. But now, all I feel is fear. So if you feel the need to call me at night and tell me a funny story, I would answer. Anyway, I am teaching voice lessons and loving it. We have a new piano that is just stellar, and all the keys work! Such luxuries.

Random side -note. Does anyone else frequently have dreams of a tsunami coming right for them? I've had at least 30 (im not even exaggerating) dreams that I'm on the beach and I see a huge wave coming for me, and I'm trying to warn the people around me, but everyone just thinks I'm being a fool. So the waves come and sometimes I ride on top of it on a mattress, or I get sucked under it and grab onto a nearby tree branch. And other times I just die. Someone please, interpret my dream.

As you can tell I have written this blog tonight, not because I have important things to say, but because I am bored, and I miss Randy. I will probably regret this post in the morning. That is all.