Things that happen when I should be studying:

Hello!

It's finals week, which means I'm basically a hermit. I wake up early, study, go to class, study, eat, study, and stay up late studying more. 

I eat terribly, consume wayyyy too much caffeine, and discover weird things online when I'm taking studying breaks. 

(I also do things like design and order Christmas cards at 2 AM.... so that happened).

BUT, some good has come of my mindless web browsing that occurs when I can't remember even one more equation or commit one more metabolic pathway to memory and they are THE YEAR-END MASHUPS. 

I live for these. December rolls around and random awesome people combine all the top songs from the year into one song and it's PURE MAGIC. 

So, without further ado (and because the allotted time I've given myself for a study break is up) here are my favs thus far!

THIS ONE is my favorite - their talent is unbelievable. 

THIS ONE is a classic. 

And THIS ONE might be a 100% Taylor Swift mashup but.... It's amazing so you should definitely listen to it. #1989

Also, here are some medical school pictures, because I'm almost 1/8 a doctor and I haven't posted any proof at all on my blog:

#picsoritdidn'thappen

^^^ we learned how to put casts on each other! 

^^^ this was probably the coolest day of my life 

^^^ I have a friend who takes pictures of me every time I fall asleep in class.... 

What's been filling my time lately:

Well first of all, because of this little announcement I made a while back, JP and I need to find a new place to live up in Salt Lake City!

So I have been making spreadsheets, scouring the classifieds online, comparing prices and locations, asking for opinions on facebook, following up with referrals and contacts, etc etc and hopefully we end up living somewhere we love! 

It's very exciting, this whole moving business and also bittersweet because we really like where we live now. But the allure of a fresh start in a new city is pretty intoxicating, so the house-hunt is on!

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>

Second of all, we attended The Barrister's Ball aka Law School Prom again! Remember last year?

Well this year was even better, they added a photo booth AND italian sodas! haha

But seriously, JP has made such good friends during these last two years at law school, we feel very lucky to know and spend time with such wonderful hilarious people!

And last, but not least, a few links of things that I have been loving and showing everyone lately! Enjoy!

>>> If you've read Divergent or seen the movie, (or even if you haven't) you definitely should read this article! I loved it, so much. 

>>> Also, I've watched this video five times and still am almost crying laughing by the end.

>>> Have you heard about this movement? It's the most amazing innovative idea and such an easy way to make a huge impact. Join me and do it!!

A Look Back at 2013:

2013 was an amazing year. 

In some ways the most trying and exhausting year of my life, and also the most rewarding and fulfilling (and fun) year of my life. 

I studied for and took the MCAT, we moved to Europe for the summer, I attended medical school interviews, and graduated from college. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. 

But now, because this little blog has turned into something like an online record of my life, a look back at 2013:

I went snowshoeing for the first time in my life and loved it,

I attended the Sundance Film Festival and saw some really fantastic films. 

I went to my friend Hayley's wedding reception and 

hosted the 3rd annual Pizza-and-Pazookies Valentines group date.

We took family pictures before my sister left on her LDS mission to New Jersey, 

I was a bridesmaid for my really good friend Rachel (who I also set up with her husband Craig (!!!) and also now they're having a little girl in April!)

JP and I attended the BYU Law School Ball

and got waffles from the waffle truck!

Then we went to a wedding up at Sundance

and another wedding with a gorgeous view

We cheered on the BYU rugby team to winning the national championships, 

and went to Arizona so I could take the MCAT!

Then we sort of moved to Europe and explored:

>>> Ireland

Vienna <<<

>>> Bruges

Normandy <<<

>>> Sardinia

 PARIS <<<

>>> Germany

London <<<

>>> Washington, DC

New York City <<<

Then we came back home and attended this wedding, and this wedding. 

We went Crawdad fishing and 

I attended my first medical school interview!

And then guess what? We went to another wedding!

We hosted a chili-cook-off party and attended a pumpkin carving party!

We also hosted a Halloween party that was tons of fun and the 3rd annual Pie Party experienced its most successful year yet!

Then we celebrated Christmas with some decorations and a little gingerbread cookie get-together!

Thanks so much for reading. I love your sweet comments and I really enjoy sharing pieces of my life on here!

Here's to 2014!!

Here's to a New Week:

My life lately, summed up:

Dinner dates with couple friends + brunching with california friends (come visit again!) + exercising... wait, nope that didn't happen... I blame netflix entirely + watching the boston red sox game (!!!) + eating j-dawgs & donut holes + finally seeing Captain Phillips + studying for a statistics test + acing that statistics test + preparing to fly to DC on Thursday + not doing laundry + sending mail to my favorite missionary (my sis is almost halfway done!) + and of course blogging, instead of making notecards for a chemistry test.

Weekend Recap:

I officially feel like fall has arrived. 

I think it had something to do with it being conference weekend, as well as Utah experiencing the first truly *cold* day since summer ended. I got my winter clothes out of storage and even put up Halloween decorations (!!!). 

Full disclosure: the winter clothes are still sitting in their boxes in my living room. BUT, they are out of storage :)

I also managed to watch the entire first season of Friends (thanks to a birthday gift from my sis-in-law!) and am currently scouring the internet for access to the 2nd season. Even though I've already seen probably 70% of the entire series... It's fine, I don't have a problem. 

Speaking of TV shows, DOWNTON ABBEY IS BACK! I watched the season premier, cried my eyes out, loved every minute, but no spoilers! I haven't seen the latest two episodes yet. 

Okay, now just so you don't think my life is entirely lived vicariously through others on my computer screen, a little weekend recap:

>>> A few girlfriends and I made it up to City Creek Mall on Saturday and managed to find a few things that we couldn't live without ;)

>>> I also finally tried my first authentic dirty diet coke (think DC + lime + coconut). And I mean, come on, I'm already a huge fan of diet coke so I didn't need much convincing of it's deliciousness. 

>>> We also went out to eat at Pizzeria 712 for the first time in a while, and my goodness! I'd forgotten how much I love that place. 

>>> We had a Sunday brunch with my fam and walked around my parents' block. There really is nothing like Utah in the fall. 

>>> And last, but not least, one of my absolute best friends in the entire world GOT ENGAGED THIS WEEKEND!!! Markell and Jordy! (We sort of dubbed him 'Jordy' because we already had a friend who was a girl named Jordan and it was just far too confusing)

They're one of those couples that are so perfect for each other, they just radiate happiness when you're around them. 

I just couldn't be more excited for them!!

6 Facts You Should Know...

Guys! I'm so excited, I got nominated by Katie, from The Silver Lining (I'm in love with her blog! She and her husband Kevin are so cute!), to join this "answer 6 fun facts about yourself"!
Which I'm pretty excited about, seeing as I usually just post things I do on here, not necessarily characteristics about myself 
(although those do inevitably come through.... i.e. you all know I'm a study-a-holic/I love weddings/I love JP/etc).

But anyways, here are 6 facts about me!

1. Let us in on a secret you haven't shared with your readers yet. 

>> Umm, lets see... Okay here's an embarrassing secret about myself: I think I can count on 2 hands the number of times I've made an actual non-frozen dinner since JP and I have been married... yikes! But I'm making up for it now in Paris! I'm cooking up a storm over here! (I might even share some of my favorite recipes I've found soon) And a storm is an apt comparison for how the "kitchen" (it's tiny) looks after the food is ready... it's been sort of a trial and error learning experience haha. 

2. What's your favorite part about marriage?

>> My favorite part about marriage has really got to be the fact that I always have a partner in crime! I was lucky enough to marry a guy that likes to do the same things I do -- we have the same desire to travel and see the world, we love getting dressed up and going out, or sometimes really just love staying home and watching all 9 seasons of The Office. But no matter what, everything is more fun with him, and I love it. 

3. If you could have your dream job, what would it be?

 >> A doctor! (surprise surprise haha) At this point I'm thinking I might like to be a dermatologist, or maybe a pediatrician! But I'm not really sure yet. 

4. Share one goal off of your bucket-list with us. 

>> My bucket-list is mostly travelling and places I want to see -- Santorini, Greece; Cliffs of Moher; Normandy Beach, etc. But I suppose a goal off my bucket list is a little bit different, and one goal I can think of off the top of my head is that I want to become scuba certified! I LOVE swimming in the ocean, and snorkeling is great, but I'm dying to go scuba diving. 

5. How did your blog come about?

>> I started my blog almost three years ago (can't believe it's actually been that long...) to document my experience on my study abroad in London. I discovered I liked blogging, and loved how it was a good alternative for a journal (since I am the world's worst journal-writer), so I stuck with it! 

6. Guilty pleasure? 

>> Jet Puff Marshmallow Cream. I can't have it at our house because I eat it with a spoon and the jar will last a week, tops! Seriously try it, it's a hidden gem of a treat.  

Okay now it's your turn! Take it away

Kimmi

Shayla

Beth

Brooke

Molly

Pick 6 of the following questions:

1) What's the one beauty product you cannot live without

2) Favorite song of the week? Provide a link if possible!

3) Why do you blog? What makes you stick with it?

4) You have a day off from work/school/responsibility/etc, what do you do with it?

5) Where do you see yourself/your life in 5 years from now?

6) Alright, what's your guilty pleasure? (this one is too fun not to include again!)

7) What's something about yourself that your readers don't know? (a fact about you, a goal, an embarrassing moment, anything!)

8) Post a picture of what you're wearing right now! And point out how it defines your personal style. 

PS- if anyone else wants to do this please do! Leave a link to your post in a comment because I would love to read it!

PSS - Google Reader is supposedly shutting down today! So, if you don't want to miss any updates, you can easily transfer your feed to bloglovin' by following these instructions, and be sure to follow me here if you don't already :)
OR, thanks to the tip off from Kylee, you can easily import your blog list to feedly! And follow me here if you want!
As always, thanks for reading!

I'M BACK!

Finals are over!

Not only is it sunny but it's actually warm!

Everything is booked for France!

MCAT studying is coming along nicely...! 

(and by nicely I mean I wanted to rip my brain out sometimes but that's normal right?)

And I wanted to check in and give this blog a little attention, so I decided to leave you with a little link list of awesome stuff I've been doing or looking at online!

Enjoy!

This video is AWESOME. Watch it, you'll be in awe.

I just bought this for a friend because 

a) Who wouldn't want to know more about Zelda Fitzgerald and 

b) I have heard really fantastic things about it. 

Can you say summer reading list?

Also, I stumbled across these neat things on etsy and it's probably just my inner anatomy/dissection TA coming out, but I kind of want one haha. 

JP and I recently saw this movie and I don't even know quite what to say about it. It's one of those movies that stays in your mind after you leave the theater, and somehow you find yourself still thinking about it days later. I think Bradley Cooper and/or Ryan Gosling deserves an Oscar for their performance!

And I've been collecting pictures of France such as this one because I can't believe we move there in 6 weeks!! aah!

A Picture-less Weekend Re-cap:

Friday night:

We did homework. Isn't that exciting?! Lots of studying up in here. 

Oh, JP and I also went and volunteered at the juvenile detention center here in Provo (we've been doing it for about 4 months now) and can I just tell you how much I love it?! 

We help out with the 16-17 year old boys and they are really something. They've made mistakes and lost their way a little bit but their perspectives on life and why they are in jail are so interesting, not to mention a lot of them are hilarious,  so it's really been one of the best things JP and I have done together since we got married!

Saturday:

Saturday morning I had to take a practice MCAT (party time) and then decided that the best way to spend the next three hours were by laying on my couch watching 'Legally Blonde' (now that I actually know how law school really is/works, that movie is even funnier).

Then it was back to the library. 

BUT we did manage to break away for a dinner date with my parents and little brother woot woot!

Sunday:

Sunday was fabulous, full of church and teaching my little 6 year olds (love them). 

After a relaxing Sunday dinner (one of the many perks of having family in Provo) it was decided that applying for 'Amazing Race' with my older brother was next on our life to-do lists, then it was back to studying for a bit until I remembered that MAD MEN IS BACK AIRING ON SUNDAYS NOW!!!

Remember how I'm obsessed? Yep. Good thing the semester is ending soon because Sunday nights just got a lot less productive. 

**************************************

Also, can we talk about how precious my new little 5-day-old niece is?!

Lilian Laurie Smith. 

She's a doll. 

Provo Food Crawl: Lunch Anyone?

Books I've Read Recently...

... AKA over Christmas break. 

I was a reading machine during that glorious 3-week vacation! 

I love reading books of my own choosing, but during the semester I somehow can't even manage to find time to read my assigned reading out of my text books so leisure reading is kind of out of the question. 

But I thought I would share some of the books I read over the break in case anyone out there is looking for a new read! 

Keep in mind, these books are easy-to-read, entertaining, etc. My brain needed a vacation too so I wasn't looking for something to really heavy or deep haha. 

1 The "Matched" Trilogy by Ally Condie. I had been hearing about these books for a year or so and decided to see what all the hype was about. I really enjoyed them! It's a story about a future society, one that occurs after our society today self implodes (sort of hunger games-esque, without the killing of small children).   I think the first book is the best one, and then the following two aren't quite as enthralling, but I've recommended it to a few people so far, and they haven't been disappointed!

2 The Racketeer by John Grisham. Because what is better to read on a beach than a good crime drama? Haha. Just kidding. Kind of. This was already on the kindle (which I borrowed from my father for the trip, thanks dad!) and it was a very entertaining read. If you like Grisham novels, you'll like this one haha. 

3 The Rent Collector by Camron Wright. By far, this was my favorite book of all the ones I read! Such an inspiring story -- fictional, but based on true events and real places in Cambodia and even real people. I couldn't put it down.

4 The Spirit Catches You & You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman. I'm only about halfway through with this one, so I don't feel I can comment on it properly! But I found via a recommendation on this blog, so thanks guys! I'm looking forward to finishing it come April ;)

5 The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling. So this infamous first-post-potter-series-novel of JK Rowling's has received extremely mixed reviews, and I can definitely see why. It's full of adult content, so I haven't recommended it to anyone quite yet ha, but I enjoy her writing style, the story is unique, and it's completely different from Harry Potter, so you've got to give her some credit for that! 

Things I am Loving Right Now:

pulling my coats out of winter storage 

(can i get a hooray?! i still get giddy when i look at them on their coat rack)

when mr. jp informs me that "we really need to start planning what we're going to be for halloween, because something thrown together at the last minute really isn't going to cut it"

he then proceeded to ask if i would mind if he shaved his head so he can be "Bane" from Batman...

going 5 whole days without my nail polish chipping (5!)

weddings - i love love love weddings. everything about them. especially when the bride and groom-to-be met at mine and mr. jp's wedding! 

more about them later.

figuring out life plans. is there anything that brings more relief/satisfaction?

(by "life plans" i really only mean "life for the next 6 months" plans. but hey, i'll take what i can get)

teaching anatomy. i love it. it's been one of my absolute favorite parts of my undergrad experience. 

watching "downton abbey" with my mom. 

we haven't watched the newest episode yet because i've been studying for a test... and i am dying with anticipation. it is literally killing me slowly.

 when mr jp buys me sunflowers every time we go to costco... it's happened twice so far and i am determined to make it a permanent tradition.

oh, and all of these things too:

Friday Favorites

This story-in-pictures just about brought me to tears (I think the only thing holding me together was the fact that I looked at it while in class haha)

If you have a facebook account, and are friends with some particularly political-minded people, you will find this absolutely hilarious. 

I'm a huge fan of this website I recently discovered, and have spent wayy too much time in class clicking through its pages and posts. 

For the past three days I have had this album playing in my ears pretty constantly. Download it. I'm in love. It's my favorite of theirs since Hot Fuss came out a million years ago.

Along that same thought, I am so-excited-I-can't-adequately-express-it-in-words for this album to come out!! ahhh!!!

My gorgeous cousin just left for a study abroad to London (I know, rip my heart out) and is keeping the cutest blog about her adventures! I check it daily so I can live vicariously through her.  

I also might have just ordered these shoes in brown from Urban Outfitters... they were on sale! And then my friend Rachel ordered them in black, so we can be twinsies!  (and split the cost of shipping haha)

Speaking of Rachel... 

I believe some congratulations are in order for her and her new fiancé!!

Aren't they a freakishly good-looking couple? I know. 

And the best part is (besides them living happily ever after) that I set them up!! 

I am so proud. It will be my greatest accomplishment until I have a child or something. 

Have a fabulous weekend!

I have 4 tests to study for, so chances are yours will be more fun than mine :)

These are a few of my favorite things:

-going grocery shopping with Mr JP

-discovering that I have the willpower to go a full 48 hours without eating candies, cookies, or cake (I know, it's an amazing feat)

-seeing "The Dark Knight Rises" for the second time

-going swimming at twilight

-making dinner for Mr JP 

-watching "Suits" while eating aforementioned dinner

(it's an amazing show, we love it! Especially my law-school-bound husband)

and last but not least:

-getting snowcones with aforementioned husband

we like to consider ourselves snowie connoisseurs

:)

A Link List:

 Here are a few things inspiring me/keeping me busy now that school is out!

• I've watched this video no less than 5 times today! It's beautiful!
•  
• In an effort to spruce up our little drab stairwell (we live in a basement) I scoured the internet to find a good deal on this gorgeous thing! I'm obsessed with it. 
•  
• I find myself returning to this site multiple times a day, it's my new favorite!
• 
  
• I have also undertaken a little DIY craft project! So let's all cross our fingers and hope my copy of this turns out somewhat presentable :)
•  
• This song is on repeat in our apartment. Literally. I am listening to it right now. 
•  
• Also, I am trying to save up/justify buying this for Summer! The buttons down the front?! I'm dying.

SUMMERTIME!

1.  Finals are OVER.
2. The Heat won last night. (I don't really care but that makes for a happy husband, which makes for a happy wife)
3. I've had Thai food for dinner 2 out of the last 2 nights now, and I'm seriously considering it for round 3 tonight...
4. Mr JP showed up bearing gifts for me two nights ago, (i.e. a new phone case and some Burberry perfume) I was SO taken aback but then he explained that his company had a bunch of free rewards points they had to use, and he decided to buy ME stuff with them! Instead of himself! How did I end up with this guy?
5. On a healthier note, I have decreased my caffeine consumption to only 1-2 cans of Diet Dr. Pepper a day... it wasn't easy...
6. California is calling... & it's only TWO more weeks til I get to see the beach! 
7. My apartment is a mess, but it doesn't even stress me out because I know that now I have time to clean it! (Is that pathetic or what?)
8. Oh I bought some orange paint for a little project that I now have time to do! So excited!
9.  Sno-Cones are now a regular part of my diet. 
10. And my flower garden that I was obsessed with last year? It's starting to bloom again!!

So basically this whole post can be summed up with the words

HAPPY SUMMER!!

On a completely unrelated note, did you know I always wanted to name one of my (future) daughter's "Summer"?

Well, obviously the dream died when I married Mr JP. 

"Summer Brummer"

She would hate us.

What I Am Doing...

What I am listening to:

What I am watching:

The French Open:

SO thrilled about Sharapova winning, not super happy about Federer losing in the semi's...

What I am wearing:

 

Loving the long shorts from J Crew this season!

What I am eating:

 Noodles & Co. 

What I am doing:

Planning bridal showers/bachelorette parties! 

I love the wedding season haha.

A Little Self Discovery

Which Wich is at the top of my favorite-sandwich-shop list (sorry Firehouse...)

I have an inability to turn down free cinnamon rolls (but lets be honest, who doesn't?)

I can wake up, get dressed, brush my teeth, and be out the door in under 4 minutes if the situation calls for it. Awesome, I know.

I don't drink enough water. And my theory that Dr Pepper hydrates you is definitely wrong haha. 

I learned what to do when you get in a car accident.

I also found out that taking 4-hour naps sends me right into a terrible mood.

and this isn't really a discovery about myself, but while looking through Mr JP's sock drawer (I steal his socks because they are way warmer than mine, one of the many perks I've found of being married) 

I found these beauties:

Who knew the love for his home country extended even to his footwear? 

:)

Happy Weekend!

Midterm Mayhem

Midterms are OVER!

I mean, I still have two tests this next week, but two compared to five?! Piece of cake. 

I heard through the grapevine that people were waiting in line at the testing center last night for over 45 minutes!

(what does it say about me that my juicy gossip is about lines at the testing center? ... don't answer that...) 

Here are some little things that kept me going during these last six days:

This wedding is beyond gorgeous. And so so cool.

This video = hilarious. 

I also discovered my new favorite online shopping site. 

 I'm super excited about the Valentines Day present I decided on for Mr. JP.  (It's coming from India!)  

But I can't show what it is yet because I don't want him to see it.

Tumbling around this tumblr... and this tumblr...

This guy, of course: 

Oh and can we talk about how good this stuff is??