Imma Miss You

This is the most beautiful thing I have EVER seen.
Imma miss you.
Lova dova.
(stolen from the J-RU queen herself)

My VERY Best Friend.

Today is my Mom's birthday.
I told you it is birthday week in the Staples home!
She is up in Salt Lake and Provo for Women's conference AND to see Mary.
I never thought I'd be LIVING in NYC and wishing I was in Provo.
(just for a day of course)
I can't talk about it or I start to cry.
My Mom is 49 today.
She may kill me for saying that.
But I think my Mom is absolutely stunning - regardless of her age.
So today... here are 49 things about my Mama.

1. She is MADLY in love with my Dad even after all these years. And boy do they let us know it.
2. She spoils him rotten. She takes care of that man unlike anything you have ever seen before.
3. She IS spoiled rotten. My Dad spoils her right back. It's adorable.
4. She is rarely spotted without a little mascara and lip gloss.
5. She has always had short hair - well for my whole life - and it fits her so well.
6. She's never washed her makeup off before bed... and she has perfect skin.
7. She has spock ears... She is an elf at heart.
8. She loves Clorox wipes
9. And squeges
10. And clean dishes.
11. Are you catching on here? She is a clean freak.
12. She always has a million things going on.
13. But somehow she manages to get them all done. (although her lack of to do lists drives me bonkers.)
14. She LOVES to eat.
15. She is an incredible cook.
16. She NEVER uses butter, oil, or cream.
17. She is also a health freak.
18. But my Dad is alive because of this so we are fine with it.
19. She is a chain gum chewer. No joke she eats AT LEAST a pack a day. Dark blue extra only.
20. She has the most incredible sense of fashion.

21. My Mom is the most caring individual I know.
22. There isn't a single person that my Mom has spent more than 30 seconds with that doesn't believe they are the most important person in the world to her.

23. She is INCREDIBLY thoughtful. Every little detail of every party, package, gift etc. etc. is perfectly thought out.
24. If you tell her you need ONE thing. She buys you five of that thing. Whatever it is.
25. She has an eating disorder... It is called obsession. Once she finds something she loves she eats it in large quantities. And when I say large I mean LARGE.
26. This obsession has included lucky charms marshmellows (after which the nasty part was fed to her small children), life cereal (dry only), hummus, pineapple, cinnamon roasted nuts (she bought two huge bags full at the arts festival), and reeses.
27. She passed that issue on to her daughters. That was rude.

28. She LOVES frosting. If you have a good frosting on a cake you can expect the top to be cut off quickly.
29. She is a devoted visiting teacher.
30. She has a strong sense of religion. I never doubted my Mom's testimony.
31. She is wise beyond her years.
32. She loves a good foot rub.
33. She ALWAYS holds my Dad's hand in church. ALWAYS.
34. Her shoes are all left in the box so they stay nice.
35. She has a passion for laundry. She is SO good at it!
36. She is the best Nana in the world.
37. She holds an annual Nana camp that you would NOT believe.

38. She is the perfect balance between loving and letting go.
39. She used to excuse me from school cause she kinda wanted to play with me. It's true.
40. She was a young woman's leader when she was first married and those girls all keep in touch with her. She is devoted to her callings!
41. She loves lake powell and the beach more than anyone I know.

42. She is the BEST at celebrations. She makes every holiday a big day!
43. She is my biggest fan. Well, besides my Dad.

44. I talk to her at least 5 times a day. At least.
45. She is smaller than I am.
46. Her priorities are dead on... family, religion, friends, and service. Her entire life is devoted to this.
47. Oh and koko.

48. My Mom spends 90% of her day doing things for my Dad. It is so darling. She loves him so much and I have always admired the relationship they have. One day I hope to have a relationship like that.
49. My Mom is the greatest example of loving exceptance, forgiveness, and faith. My Mom believes in EVERYONE. She wants every one to be the best at being them. I love her so much and appreciate her loving example of motherhood and mostly - how to be a warm fuzzy.
I hope you have an incredible birthday Mom!
Eat lots at the Mandarin for me!

My Dear Sister Katie...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
It is birthday week at the Staples home!
Katie is turning the big 2-9.
And the fam is going to our most fav restaurant The Mandarin for Katie's 8th annual birthday dinner.
If you haven't eaten there it is a must.
29 things about Katie on her 29th birthday.
1. Katie LOVES the Dumbo ride at Disneyland.
(all Staples girls have a love for the happiest place on earth -
but only disneyland -
disney world is too fancy)
2. Katie has never had braces and has perfect teeth.
3. She has an incredible smile and won best smile in high school.

4. Katie is incredible with kids. No joke. It is probably because she is a kid at heart.
5. When Katie was at BYU she decided to get a side job in maitenence just so she could wear the Dickies coveralls.
(the two of us couldn't be any more different)
She and her bff Hilary had never touched a hammer or wrench.
They were assigned to fix AC units.
They would typically give it a good soccer kick and bam it worked again.
They mostly enjoyed mocking the girls eternal companion pinups and countdowns.

6. Katie is the most artistic person I know. You name it - she can make it.
7. She is a drummer AND she can play the guitar.
8. She once wrote a song with some big name from her vocabulary class. It was fantastic.
9. In high school she and her friends had a "bobsled team."
They would sneak into the hydro tube (city pool slide) at night..
Strap on their elbow pads.
And fly down the tube on skateboards.
I thought they were SO cool.
10. Katie is incredible at giving back and foot massages.
11. She is an impeccable chef! Seriously.
12. She likes to hold on to things for a really long time because she is so sentimental. She still has her high school soccer cleats.
13. She is our resident design girl. She has designed every invitation etc for our family.
14. When she met Scott she turned into pure mush. It was unlike anything I have ever seen. It's pretty stinkin cute.
15. Once when I was in the hospital freshman year - sicker than a dog - she came to the rescue! She was nurse Katie. She was perfect at it.
16. She works for lifetime products. She's kind of a big deal.
17. She is a marathon runner. Last year she did the Utah Grand Slam. She even ran a marathon with a broken foot once.
18. She lettered in 4 sports in high school. Basketball, softball, soccer and track.
(She got the athletic ability I got the emotional aspect. I got the short end of the stick for sure.)
19. She is the only person in the world who talks to her Mom as much as I do. (Hence my Mom's phone bill)
20. She is 8 years older than me and is super protective of me.

21. Katie loves holidays just as much as I do. When I was little she would tell me to listen for the reindeer on the roof and then she would make the prancing noise. She made growing up SO much fun.
22. That was until she brought out the masks. She and Derek LOVED to scare me with masks. I used to cry for days over these things. Still to this day if I see a gorilla mask I have to hold back tears.
23. Katie loves to travel. She and Scott traveled all over Europe for their first year anni. I told Scott he chose the best Staples girl because she was able to backpack across Europe.
24. She is madly in love with her husband. I am so glad they have each other. They couldn't be more perfect!
25. Katie hates mice. Just trust me on it.
26. Katie loves to study other religions but has an incredible testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She is incredible at appreciating others religions!
27. One of the things I admire most about Katie is that she never has expectations for people. She always sees the best in everyone. She never expects anything from anyone.
28. I also love that she has woobie. A pillow case which she twirls her fingers around because she loves the texture of it. She doesn't go anywhere without woobie.
29. The thing I love the very most about Katie is her heart. Katie gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. She NEVER judges others. She is kind and generous and excepting. This is what I love the very most about Katie.

Happy Birthday Katsta!
I wish I could be there to celebrate!
Please eat lots of Mandarin yummy stuff for me.
Miss you and love you.
Have a FABULOUS day!

In other news...
I would also like to wish Katie Barker Christenson a very happy birthday!
Not only is it her birthday but she just graduated from Law School!
Happy Birthday Katie !
Go celebrate - you deserve it more than any person I know!

Observations From The City...

Did anyone watch Jimmy Fallon last night?
Most humiliating thing of my life.
We look like complete dorks.
We have NO clue how to dance to the whigs.
Oh well.
Great day here in the big NYC.
I found it super interesting to watch the morning commute on the subway.
I watched as an adorable business couple got on...
read the paper...
chatted a little about their day...
and then had their morning goodbye kiss right there on the subway in the middle of all of us hoodlums from the upper west side.
Darling.
I think I could do the city life for some time.
The interns noted the funny smell in the morning coming from the sewer.
Mystery of the day - where does that smell come from?
Please don't solve it.
Thank you.
Enjoyed some newspaper reading in Dean and Deluca.
Infatuation with NYC #1 -
the smell of coffee shops.
Is anyone with me on that one?
It just smells like NYC.
I felt so New York this morning...
reading my paper sipping my water...
talking on the phone...
and looking out over Rockefeller Center.
Pure bliss!
That was until I knocked over an entire stack of cups in the coffee shop.
That was graceful.

After work Nicole and I met up with Kourtney on 49th street and 6th avenue.
I just had to say it because it sounded so fantastic!
I am getting acquainted with this place.
In fact, someone asked me and Nicole if we knew our way around "these parts"
Without hesitation we said yes.
I held my head a little higher after that moment.
We learned a valuable lesson tonight.
Stop wasting your time wandering around trying to find a restaurant.
Walk right up to the concierge of any hotel.
Act like you own the place.
And within seconds you have your name on a Ma and Pa shop just down the street.
Only 12 tables and one has your name on it.
Thank you Sheraton Hotels.
After our delish dinner at a little italian place...
we hit up the show Promises Promises.
I have been extremely excited to see this show!
As many of you may know I adore Kristin Chenoweth.
How that woman get's that voice out of her tiny body is beyond me.
I saw her in Wicked when it first opened and was ecstatic to see her again.
I am going to have to say I was quite disappointed.
We ended up leaving at intermission.
The show's story line was simply blah - and a little disturbing.
But mostly just blah.
Since we weren't super entertained, the show was a little disturbing and mostly since we have to be up early tomorrow we decided to bail.
But that wasn't before we could grab a king size kit kat on our way out the door.
It seemed to make the entire thing worth it.
Interestingly enough there were quite a few leaving the theater.
We even heard one complaining about how terrible the show was.
Apparently we aren't the only ones who thought it was a snore fest.
We hoped on the Subway and headed back home.
It truly is starting to feel that way.
It seems you can really make yourself at home wherever you are.
Until tomorrow.
xoxo

PS
Please note the same coat.
I only brought one.
Isn't it almost May?
Dear Mr. NYC Mayor...
could you please give me some sun...
I'd really appreciate it!
Thank you.

Hey Upper West Siders...

I AM HERE!
And even better than that...
I am starting to feel right at home!
Everything is going incredibly well...
And miraculously I only forgot one thing.
Unfortunately that one thing was my camera cord.
Once I realized it I started taking pics with Kourt, Kylee, and Nicoles cameras...
but I am missing A LOT of pics from the last two days.
I don't want to get behind on my journaling so I will come back and update this post later.
But for now...
You are going to have to deal with a lot of writing.
Just like in London, I hope you all don't mind that my blog will turn more into a journal.
(After all, that is the purpose of this silly thing)
HOWEVER, I was just warned again about my blog.
So you should know ahead of time...
I will not be blogging about anything from the show!
Sorry!
Big bummer!
Hopefully you will enjoy reading about the life after the 9-5 job!
So here we go...
The journey begins!
Day 1.
Woke up at 2:45 AM.
My Mom is seriously a saint.
Gave my Dad a big goodbye hug.
And we were off to Vegas.
It was a great drive.
I had a good cry after reading an email from my swissy friends.
Then my Mom and I sang in the car together.
Avoided tears at the airport.
Handed over the credit card without asking how much it was going to cost for my over weight bag.
And there it was.
I was off.
Landed in Atlanta.
Short layover.
Landed in NYC.
And BAM.
I was alone in the city.
Just me.
Luckily Nicole landed a few hours later.
We hailed our own taxi.
Forced the nice man to load his van FULL of our luggage.
Loved driving into the rainy city...scared to death.
The nice taxi man plopped us on the side of the road
- drenched with rain -
4 big bags -
and HUGE smiles on our face.
We had made it!
We live in the upper west side.
(ok so its not quite gossip girl style)
Also known as the Bronx...on the edge of Harlem.
But don't let that frighten you.
I am actually LOVING our home.
The people here at are incredibly nice.
We were greeted by Anita.
I need to snap a pic of Anita.
She is going to be my new best friend.
She is Indian.
If you've ever seen Raising Helen she is exactly like her Indian neighbor who comes in with the bat.
I know Anita is going to watch out for me.
She has two daughters at home and I just adore her.
We then were taken by Rawn
(our resident assistant who says he is like an uncle to us)
to the security desk.
Everything is oober safe here.
We were assigned to rooms.
I was extremely lucky in the room department.
I basically have the pent house sweet.
It looks similar to the Helaman Halls dorms at BYU.
Not bad at all.
I have my own room with a sink and vanity...
my view overlooks the park and river.
It is gorgeous!
But...
BOY is it a different world than BYU!
So far on my floor I am aware of two other girls here...
Yup.
Boys Boys Boys.
Boys from all over the world in fact.
Boys in towels.
Boys every where.
They are quite friendly though.
And if I am lucky they speak english!
Nicole and I unpacked our stuff just in time for Kourt to arrive.
Which is when the fun started.

We got a little lost trying to find Kourt outside.
This wouldn't have been a problem...
except we all thought it was summer.
FALSE.
Cold. Freezing. Wet.
But we had lots of good laughs.
We all thought the boys would be SO proud of us if they could see us lugging these huge bags up and down stairs in the pouring rain.

I am so glad to have Kourt here with me.
It's like London all over again.
Except this time we don't have a nice Mormon family here to greet us...
tell us where everything is...
and basically hold our hand.
This time BYU has sent us out on our own!
Kourt didn't quite luck out in the room situation.
She has an apartment style room on the other end of the hosue.
This is after the kitchen has been completely cleaned by her roomies
(who I think were humiliated once they saw we were there)
Once again... a little unlike BYU.
But we kinda loved the wine bottle on the table.
We feel like legit college students with wine bottles on the table.
Her room feels like a jail cell.
But after a little TLC I think we have made the best of the situation.
Our line for the trip so far has been,
"Girls we can do this!"
We were starved.
It was 10 pm and we knew nothing was going to be open.
We stumbled upon the most darling Italian restuarant around the corner.
I can't even say the name.
I felt a million times better eating a healthy yummy meal but once I got back to my room the fear set in.
The first night was a bit rough.
I felt scared and alone.
It is scary to hear the city outside your window and know that no one you know is close.
But after a few quick phone calls to my parents and James I felt much better about life.
My mom seemed really nervous that BYU hadn't prepared us more for this experience.
But I think that is the point.
This isn't supposed to be a study abroad.
I am a senior now...
it is time to be a big person and learn how to survive on my own.
As my Dad said..
This is really good for me.
I am officially a 9-5er has of tomorrow!

Today we woke up - famished!
We went to a quick orientation.
Picked up our ID cards
and finally got to eat in the cafeteria here.
I hate...
no I despise cafeterias.
The health nut in me just can't take it.
But here it is different than the cream cheese, cream of chicken, cream of everything stuff at BYU.
Here it is like we are eating at a whole foods.
It is incredible!
After a yummy breakfast/lunch we grabbed our rain coats and were on our way.
You have to excuse the hair.
I am basically a white girl with a fro.
I don't know how to handle it with the humidity.
On our way to the subway stop by our house we stumbled on the best consignment store.
I am excited to become a local and learn all about the consignment shopping!
We quickly learned how to use the subway.
I will have to say the tube is a bit more clean and organized...
but I still love to people watch in my cute little harlem.The first thing we wanted to do today was find out where we all need to be tomorrow to start our jobs.
But we decided to get off at Time Sqaure.
Do you ever have those moments...
where you just feel liberated and like you have finally achieved your dream?
As I walked up the steps and turned the corner to see time square for the first time chills covered my entire body.
We all started screaming at the same time.
I have finally made it!
I said I would do London and New York when I was 12 years old.
And I am finally doing it.
I am working in the big apple!
Here we are... the 4 little musketeers.
There are 7 total broadcast students here.
I would guess there are about 30 total communications students here with the program.
These 3 girls have been like sisters to me over the past 2 years.
We basically live in the newsroom together.
And now here we are together...ready to conquer the world.


We took our time finding our buildings...
enjoying little stops along the way.
I had to take a pic of this for James and Derek.
As much as I pretend I like to read the Wall Street Journal...
I have to admit... that paper is like a foreign language to me.
Just outside Fox News where Kourt will be.
As we approached NBC I could hardly stand it.
I am so excited.
I don't know what excites me more...
the internship OR the fact that right within 50 steps there is a j crew, anthro, and red mango.
What else could a girl need?
Her fav. news show, fav stores, AND fav. yogurt shop.
Heaven.
After we found our job locations we went back to try to find tickets for a show.
I stumbled across this and had to take it for James.
Still not quite sure what Private Wealth Management is...
(Mr. smarty pants!)
But he likes it!
So I took a pic.

We found this really cool info place in times square.
This wall was covered in the confetti from new years.
People had written their new years wishes on all of the little pieces!

But before we could even accomplish getting tickets we ran into an NBC page who offered us free Jimmy Fallon tickets.
UH...YES PLEASE.
Love Jimmy Fallon!
We ran upstairs to get some red mango when a woman approached our table and asked if I would like to be interviewed for the Today Show.

I laughed and said umm yes but I am starting to intern there tomorrow.
I was able to meet another intern who was out helping interview AND do the interview.
And guess what they asked me...
What makes you happy?
It was a sign.
THIS makes me happy.
Just being here and dreaming big!
I am HAPPY!

Kourt snapped a few pics!
Don't worry... it looks a lot cooler than it was!
But it got me really excited to start my job!
We then rushed to get in line for the show.
By this point Kylee had ran off to join her adorable boy for his birthday dinner.
Lucky her - he just happens to be in town!
Nicole, Kourt, and I stood in line minding our own business when a man asked us to come with him.
We had been chosen to dance on the set during the show with the band that was playing.
The band is called the Whigs.
As we stood in line with the 15 other people who were picked to dance we made friends with this adorable couple.
They are from Australia and are in America for their honeymoon.
They seriously adored each other and were super interesting to talk to.
I love meeting new people in the city!
They had to take a pic of us fixing ourselves for our big debut!
Jimmy Fallon was incredibly talented!
We weren't allowed to take any pics inside of course but he was hilarious and also very nice!
If you get a chance to watch the show tonight at 11:30 central time look for us just behind the drummer.
Don't look too close.
My dancing skills are a little rusty!

After the show we were starting to get exhausted and hangry.
In addition it is FREEZING here.
Who would have known?
You are probably going to get awfully sick of seeing this coat because it is the ONLY one I brought.
We found a delicious restaurant for pretty cheap.
I had a crab cake the size of a penny that was delicious.
I love the portion size here!
Much better than Utah.
And now I am all tucked in my new bed.
While I am scared and nervous...
I am extremely happy.
I am so glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and am taking a leap of faith.
Sometimes you just have to follow your heart and believe you can do it!
It feels good!
Tomorrow is the big start day!
Can hardly wait...
but for now, this upper west sider has to get some good rest.
xoxo

PS - did I mention I am becoming a zoobie?
I am really trying not to...
But basically BYU is paying for my entire trip here.
I have been incredibly blessed.
Every one of the BYU students here has been.
Most BYU students have to pay $1,700 for this little excursion
(many are on scholarship and are actually paying less than that)
If we were to live here in this building - without BYU subsidies
We would be paying at least $1,500 a month.
While I have been refraining from saying this...
BYU is absolutely incredible.
Sorry mar!

He knows it all.

"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."
You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!"

Thanks Dr. Seuss.

Dear NYC,
See you in a few.

Sunshine.

Since I was a little girl my Mom always told me to "shine on"
Somehow I was dubbed the name sunshine.
In middle school I came home very upset because I had been mocked for smiling too much.
But over the last few days I've been focusing more on the storms than the sunshine.
This is not me.
I am never the pessimist.
In fact, I am mocked for being the optimist.
Yesterday when I walked in the door my Dad ran to me and said are you so excited?
The only words that came out of my mouth were...
"I've never been so scared in my life."
Then today I found myself saying...
"It's like I am the new kid at school... and everyone else is famous."
When I went off to London I was confident and ready to conquer the world.
I think these things become more scary the older I get.
Why is it at the beginning of something new we seem to accentuate the chance for failure?
In just 2 hours I have to be up and ready to conquer the world...
but instead of sleeping I find myself reading conference talks.
When in doubt, conference talks ALWAYS bring the sunshine back.

And now...
After reading this...

"I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you.
I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity.
I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure.
I hope you will not try to set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve.
I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know.
If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass."
— Gordon B. Hinckley

And thinking lots of my little niece above...
I think I am finally ready to "shine on."
This ones for you little Amy.

Love Letters...

My Mom said to me the other day...
"I want all of our friends' lives."
It really got me thinking.
Over the next 2 months my very best friends are going to be spread across the globe.
Jess is going on a traveling art history study abroad to italy, greece, france etc etc
Kourt is going to NYC with me
Melissa is going to Jerusalem
And James is going to Haiti.
How did I get so lucky to have such determined and incredible friends?


Dear Jess,
Waiting for you to text me from ATHENS
I am so glad to have you as one of my best friends.
You inspire me everyday
I am going to miss our heart to heart chats
Mostly I am going to miss eating tuna, eggs, and oatmeal with you
You're going to have the time of your life out there.
You really are the girl from my Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
I loved that we could share that moment together today.
It was classic.
Soak it all in.
Love you!


Dear Melissa,
I guess I will refer to you by your real name since you are getting all grown up on me.
J-RU will be the educational experience you are supposed to have.
I just know it.
You are going to be the star of the show out there.
Blog EVERY day for me.
You won't regret it
Walk where Christ walked and learn of him.
I am so jealous of this experience.
I don't know what imma do without our feelings chats.
But imma be real strong cause I am older.
Kels and I told you once we were going to send you to Africa with a sign on your back.
Well, now we are sending you to J-RU with a sign on your back that says.
Hi I am Missa pooh and imma have the time of my life.
Love you girl.


Dear Kourt...
I am lying in my new bedroom.
There is only one bed and half the stuff
Half of me is missing.
Who will hear all about my night EVERY night?
When I met you 2 summers ago we were embarking on the greatest journey of our lives.
We were instant best friends.
Soul mates really.
I don't know how it happened but now here we are heading to another big city.
But this time we are more mature.
Or at least that is what we tell the others.
We have big girl internships.
I am SO glad you are going with me.
NYC better be ready cause together we are one ball of energy.
We have a challenge ahead of us...
finding the best food, shopping, shows, people etc etc EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Here is to another journey in a big city...
no sleeping, no resting, go go go
two months of pure exhaustion and pure fun!
Love you Kourt!
And last but certainly not least...
Dear James...
When I first stocked you on facebook your Haiti pictures won my heart.
(and my Mom's)
There was something different about it.
Now I know why.
I wish I was going with you!
I wish I could help the people you love so much.
I will go one day for sure.
But I know you need to go now.
The people of Haiti are going to be incredibly blessed to have you.
I believe in you more than you know.
Did you know...you're going to save the world?
Thank you for being my biggest fan.
For missing your things to watch me on the news,
for bringing the newsroom bagels,
or me frozen yogurt when I've been there for too long,
for listening to "there's a new sign in town" 5 thousand times,
for taking me to the newseum and CNN
and always bragging about me.
You wanted NYC more than I did.
And I wanted Haiti more than you did.
Be safe out there Mr.
Imma miss your stinkin' guts.
But it's otay.
Actually... it's great.
Here is to dreaming big and having adventures to add to our collection.
Love you!

And now...
a little prayer that everyone makes it back to P-town safe and sound in a few months.
Goodbye P-town.
The crew will be back don't you fret!