Raspberry Chocolate-swirl CHEESECAKE.....

Need I say more?  Cheesecake.... in and of itself is one of my most favorite things in this world.  But pair it with raspberries and chocolate- and voila!  There is a magnificent masterpiece :)  So, this Tuesday I went to a neighborhood chili cook-off/desert contest.  After finding this recipe, I was very anxious to try it out, so set to work making what was sure to be the dessert of a lifetime.  Due to the late hour and huried conditions I was forced to prepare my cheesecake under, it didn't turn out exactly how I imagined, and was not the most amazing cheesecake, but the results were still fairly scrumptuous.  I think that when I try the recipe again, and follow the directions more closely, the results should be even more wonderful.  Hopefully I will be able to someday be able create the deluctable dessert I have imagined.

And here... is my masterpiece.  In my opinion, it looks amazing, and in reality, it really did taste good too.  It just has  plenty of room for perfection :)

Just a Glimpse

This year I am in a Creative Writing class, which I am absoulutely loving.  On most days, my teacher will give us an assignment, which is usually an observation or activity she encourages us to participate in and then write about in our writing journals.  So, on Wednesday in class, she gave us our assignment: wear a disguise in plain sight.  Wear something we would NEVER wear if it were up to us, and recored how people treat or observe you differently. 

So, to make some excitement out of this experience, my friend Albanee and I decided to dress and act in a way completely opposite to the way we normally do.  We decided to dress as if we were gothic or emo (I'm not sure which one we would be described as.)  So, decking ourselves out in as much makeup and dark clothing as we could, we prepared ourselves to go to the store.  After QUITE a LONG time of getting ready, we drove to Dick's grocery store.  We then walked around and purchased items there and across the street at Arctic Circle.  As we tried our best to act differently, it was so interesting to observe people's reaction.  Although I know that there are lots of people that dress and act as we were trying to, it was hard to believe  -as we experienced the world in our costumes- that those people would find it normal to be regarded in the way that we were.  All in all, it was a pretty fun and entertaining experience to be someone your not.  It was good to get a view of what it is like to be someone we aren't, even if we only got a small glimpse.  It really opened my eyes to how everyone's lives are so different and we all have our own, unique stories worth worrying over and sharing.

Yes, this is me... I don't think it is a very good look for me D:

And here... Is Albanee... With her nose, lip and ear piercings

Becoming a Sophomore!!!!!

Ahhh!  After 9 years of school before now, I am finally in high school, and yesterday I officially became a Sophomore!!! It didn't even soak in... not when I was going to bed Sunday night, not as I woke up, got ready, and drove to school.  Even as I came to school this morning, it hadn't completely set in that I had entered the final stage of schooling.  Sunday night, I finally decided that I needed to prepare my stuff for the next day, and pick out an outfit.  Here's the lovely product that came from the help of my stylists... Andrew and Hayden.

Me... sporting a beautiful blue and green floral shirt, red, black and blue flowerd skirt, fabric-tied shoes and lacy white suspenders.  Fashionista? I think so :)

First day of school..... Pictures lost :'( but here my lovely 2nd day!

2nd day of school... (So my first day in classes 5-8)

Toucano's... an AP Test CELEBRATION!!!

Well here is a fabulous story to be told.  To begin, let me first say that I love Savanna very much, even though she can sometimes be very lame :)  Decided months in advance, Savanna and I had decided that were we able to pass our very first AP test (Human Geography), we would reward ourselves by taking a trip to the Brazilian Grill: Toucano's at the Gateway.  To our delight, we both PASSED our test! Following this fabulous event, we continued to schedule and put into action our mother-daughter date at Toucano's.  In a spirit of excitement, Savanna and I decided that we would dress up cRaZy together when we went to lunch, but due to her lameness ;) she bailed out on me!  Intent on still making the best of the situation, I bought a GORGEOUS outfit at the D.I. and was ready to go crazy... Even if I did it alone.

So here I am. Decked out in pink pumps from the 1900's, a lime green mini skirt, technicolor plaid shirt, colorful dangles, sparkly red lipstick, AND a fashionable hairdo with matching polka-dotted ribbon. 

Here we are again.  Savanna, who is a completely sensible, mature and normal fifteen year old, was stunned by the amazing fashion sense her friend had... and could not believe I had the flare to wear this in public.

So, determined to make an entrance, I continued on my way... DRIVING (Yes, I drove) to the Gateway.

However, I was intent on also staying modest, so I forced myself to change from my lime green mini skirt into  less sensible and boring attire.

We tried some DELICIOUS foods....

                               


And some not-so-tasty, as modeled in this picture by Savanna as she tastes a QUAIL egg.  Do not be deceived... Although they may look completely harmless from the outside, they are a nasty suprise as you plunge into the surface.  I would not advice eating them regularly as the bitter flavor may be bad for your health.



As previously demonstrated... some were not so tasty!

And... CHICKEN HEARTS!!! Which I actually found rather tasty.  Yum!

All in all, we had a pretty great time...I just can't wait to pass my next AP test and see what adventures will await me then.

Weeks 3-5

So.... due to laziness and lack of consistency, I'm no longer sticking to my week-by-week review of my time with Marc, so here is a summary of his last 3 weeks with my family.  (About a month after he has been gone)
I don't really want to take the time to upload the many photos I've taken, so I'll just say it was spektacular!  Getting to know Marc was such a wonderful and amazing experience, which I'm so glad to have had. I just can't wait until I get the chance to go to HIS home in France in 2 years.  It shall be very great :D  during his stay with my family, I got to know him so well, growing to the point where he is like another brother to me.  Can I just say that I will miss him very much and can't wait to see him again.

Week # 2... Girls Camp

Okay, so the second week with Marc, I was gone to Girls Camp, but even though wasn't in on the family excitement, I had one of the best weeks of my life...

Parlez vous Francais?

So for the last five weeks, Marc, a fifteen year old boy from Normandy, France has been staying with my family.  Our adventures started out kind of awkward because Marc barely knew us, but he quickly warmed up to our family and was soon as much a part of it as anyone else.  We went on many expeditions  with each new day full of excitement.  Here are a few pictures from the beginning of our adventures...

Day # 1





A night in Mueller Park Canyon... without Marc, who was too tired to come out after his 11 hour flight.

Great Salt Lake

Marc... showering..... already feeling comfortable as he shows his discomfort in the freezing water.