A junior in college

So here I am- a junior in college. How bizarre. There are a thousand exciting things that have happened since I last blogged. Frankly, I should be writing a paper right now but because my brother practically threatened me today, I decided it was about time to start up again. Here are a few of the exciting things that have happened since I last updated this thing.

As I'm pretty sure I've already mentioned- I started my position as the Women's Chorus president. It has completely taken over my life but I love every second of it. The girls I work with everyday are incredible and so sweet to me. Our conductor is one of the most wonderful people I've ever had the chance to work with and I have the unique opportunity of getting to know her on a level that most girls don't. I love everything about choir this year. A good Women's Chorus rehearsal can fix almost any bad mood.

After 2 & 1/2 semesters of college, I finally decided on a major. I'm going to major in English with an emphasis in creative writing and minor in editing. I hope one day to work at a publishing company and maybe even write my own novel. It feels so nice to finally have a plan for my life when I was uncertain for so long. I probably won't graduate for another two years but hey, graduating on time is overrated. I wish it hadn't taken so long to figure out but for the first time I feel like I'm in the right place. I'll take the extra semesters anytime.

My little brother got his mission call! He's going somewhere Spanishy in Ecuador. I am not happy that he'll be leaving for two years and I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up in a study abroad program in Ecuador sometime soon, but I am incredibly proud of him. I think it speaks volumes about his character that he was called to a place like Ecuador. I would be a total whining princess if I were to go somewhere like that, but Michael is so humble and such a hard worker, I know he's going to change the lives of every person he comes in contact with.

I applied to the London theater study abroad program for this upcoming spring semester. I have an interview on the 26th with the trip advisers and I'll hopefully find out whether or not I've been accepted a couple weeks after that. I would be living in the greatest city in the world (except for Vegas of course) for 6 weeks on my own, spending all my time watching plays and immersing myself in the culture. I'm so lucky that I have parents who support me and make sacrifices so I can have experiences like this.

My sister Diana graduates from hair school in a couple of weeks. I'm really excited for her. She has worked so hard in the last few months so she could graduate; going to school from like 6 am until 10 pm everyday. It's not something I could have done. She has real talent for it and I'm so glad she is doing something she loves.

My best friend Jeffrey came home from his mission a week ago. It has been so great having him a phone call away. He was such a great missionary but I love talking to him everyday.

There are two weddings going on in my life! My best friend Salym is getting married on the 20th of this month. Her fiance seems to make her really happy and that's all I want for her. Oh and she probably owes me 20 bucks because I'm sure we bet on which one of us would get married first. My uncle Tim is getting married as well to the most wonderful girl. I am so excited for Abbey to be an official Costello. I can't wait to be a bridesmaid for both weddings :)

Oh and I turned 21. It's going to be a great year.

Disney World was.....

I recently spent a week in Orlando, Florida with my dad and brother. We're Disneyland tycoons who can tell you where every attraction, ice cream stand, bathroom, and secret club head quarters is located. However, we had never been to Disney World and considered this a crime for people who love Disney as much as we do. So my upper-40's father, my 18-year-old brother, and my nearly 21-year-old self packed our bags and headed to Florida.

To be perfectly honest, I was a bit disappointed in Disney World. I estimate that I've been to Disneyland somewhere between 40 and 50 times and have become accustomed to certain standards. A Disney park is supposed to be conveniently located, full to the brim with exciting and classic attractions, and of course, coated with that certain Disney magic that is hard to describe.

First of all, it was miserably hot and humid (which I'm willing to admit probably influenced the amount of fun I was able to have). I have great sympathy for the performers in costume in the park. I've worn a character costume like those and I was dying of heat in an air conditioned building. It was so humid and miserable that is was hard to enjoy yourself. In addition to the heat, the parks are located miles from one another unlike California Adventure and Disneyland who live right across from one another. We spent a couple hours a day on buses, taxis, monorails, and ferries trying to even get to the parks.

Epcot was by far the biggest letdown. When I was doing some research before we left and read about the history and content of the park, I was excited because there would be plenty of attractions that are exclusive to Florida. I was right. Epcot has its own feel- boredom. While it is the home of "Soarin'" (the exact same setup and video as "Soarin' Over California" in Anaheim), it was definitely of a lesser quality than the one in California Adventure. Other than that, we went on a twenty minute slow-moving boat ride through some gardens and a lab where they were growing some tomatoes or something. In addition, Epcot has a really cool section where they have representations of different countries. You can walk through adaptations of China, the US, Mexico, England, and many others. While this was somewhat interesting and clearly took a lot of money to create, there was nothing to do but look! You could eat and of course each country had plenty of merchandise available, but I came to Florida to ride Disney rides!

Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom were much more enjoyable. There were classic rides like Space Mountain, Peter Pan, Splash Mountain, Small World and Haunted Mansion. While they were close to the originals in Disneyland and California and Adventure, the only ride that was better than its predecessor was Tower of Terror. I had a blast on the Florida interpretation of the free-falling elevator. The Rockin' Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios was a really great ride but it was incredibly short.

I am a huge fan of the Aladdin show in California Adventure. So when I found out that Hollywood Studios had a Beauty and the Beast show, I was ecstatic. There aren't words to describe my disappointment. They took my favorite story, my favorite movie, and my favorite characters and made hands-down the worst on-stage production I've seen in my life. They cut the show to half an hour so most of the transitions made no sense whatsoever. The leads had wonderful voices but they simply weren't good for the parts.

However, there were some pleasant surprises. The Monsters Inc. show was actually really funny, Downtown Disney was superior to the one in California, and the light show on the castle at the closing of Magic Kingdom was nothing short of spectacular. I was very impressed by the character performers in both Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Like I said, I can't imagine how miserably hot it must be in those suits and they, along with the face characters like the princesses and such, performed with enthusiasm and were very fun to watch. However, the number one thing that was better in Florida was the food. I'll admit that Anaheim's cuisine is less than great for the most part, but the restaurants in Florida, specifically in Downtown Disney were fantastic. I never once had a bad meal.

Overall, I was left a bit unsatisfied. But as I think about it, I would have been disappointed had a not been disappointed. I'll explain. If I'd loved Disney World with all my heart and thought my beloved Disneyland couldn't hold a candle, I would have been devastated. Disneyland is another home to me and knowing there was a better option in Florida would have ruined it for me. As it is, I'm glad we went to Florida because we of course had a good time despite some disappointments, I love visiting new places, and now we know that we have no reason to go back (unless I get an internship there which would be fantastic). In short, if you love Disney and you haven't gone, you have some extra money laying around, and you don't mind REALLY long bus commutes, I'd say go. It's worth seeing and Magic Kingdom definitely has that magical Disney quality to it. However, I'm glad that Disneyland's light hasn't been dimmed for me and I look forward to many more years of Disney magic to come in Anaheim.

P.S.- Oh and by the way, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was FANTASTIC. If they weren't building one in California, I'd be back in Florida very soon :)

A little bite of summer bliss

Clearly I'm bad at this blogging thing. Anywho.....

I completed my spring semester and let me tell you something. It kicked my butt. Even with only two classes I was completely drowning for most of the seven weeks. But I can happily report that I completed the semester with satisfactory grades and a lot of knowledge crammed into my brain. 

I've been lazing about my home in beautiful Las Vegas for the past two weeks and in the words of Lawrence from Princess and the Frog, it's been HEAVENLY. My tan has gone from zero to about a six in a couple of weeks. After last year's sun poisoning experience, I'm a little wary of shooting for a ten. I spend almost 100% of my time at home with the kids and Michael. My body is still adjusting to the amount of food here after the months of Yoplait and Special K. I swim almost everyday in our beautiful pool in the sweltering heat of the Vegas sun. It's my kind of Utopia.

My widdo bruver Migo graduated last week. It is crazy how the time flies. I feel like my graduation was only a few months ago. I'm already halfway through college. In all actuality though, I probably won't graduate in the traditional four years. It's overrated anyway. And I figure, with the cheap tuition of BYU and the thousands of opportunities I have there, why rush it? I certainly am in no hurry to get a career and be a full-fledged grown-up yet.

I'm most excited about tomorrow for I will finally be going to Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida!! After 40-plus Disneyland trips, I'll be seeing Disney World for the first time. And of course while we're there, we'll be spending time at THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER!!! WHAT??? If you can't tell, I'm rather excited about it. I've already put together a Hogwarts uniform and a Mickey Mouse outfit that I will wear in the park. I don't care if my dad and brother don't want to walk next to me. Disneyworld and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are no places for restraint. 

I believe that covers the most important points. Farewell my five readers. Thank you for your loyalty. And as my dear friend Mr. W. T. Pooh said, "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

What's been goin on since February

So clearly, it has been quite a while since I blogged. Between Women's Chorus, final exams, and everything else that being a college student entails, I simply have not had the time.

Like I mentioned, Women's Chorus has been keeping my very busy lately. I was a member of both the activities and publicity committee. This year was extremely special because we were honored to premier a piece about the children who died in the Holocaust. It was an incredibly moving piece and we wanted to make sure we did it justice. We focused the entire program around this piece, researched names and pictures of children, had our own Passover meal, performed publicity stunts, and a thousand other things. Needless to say, it kind of took over my life. However, I believe my hard work paid off. My wonderful choir director asked me to be the president of the choir next year! I'm thrilled, but a little nervous about the responsibility.

I would also like to mention that choosing to be president came with somewhat of a price. I was accepted into the Disney College Program for the fall. I was absolutely thrilled... I've wanted to perform with Disney for as long as I can remember. Obviously I couldn't be the Women's Chorus president in Provo and a Disney College Programmer in Florida at the same time. I decided this choir opportunity was one that is not guaranteed while I can always audition for Disney again. Also, my dumb brother is going on a dumb mission and this is kind of the last semester I'll have to be around him before he leaves for two dumb years. Oh well, I'm excited about my decision and I think I can do a lot of good here in Provo.

Also, I have finally decided on a major! I'm currently a pre-communications major and I'll apply to the communications (advertising) program in September. I'm still in Provo for spring semester because there are a couple classes I need to take before applying. Unfortunately, that means my summer has been cut in half. Big people adult decisions are not fun. I'll be done in June and cannot wait to be back in Vegas. For now, I'm living on my own because my landlord didn't sell the other two contracts in my apartment. It's nice having all this space to myself but it does get a little creepy every now and then.

Overall, life is great. I've made a lot of decisions in the last couple of months that will affect my life substantially. I didn't enjoy it for sure but I think I made the right choices. I guess we'll see :) Be kind to one another.

You know what really grinds my gears....

Having lived here for almost four semesters, Provo has wholly convinced me that there is no place quite like it. It has its own lingo (DTR, FHE, NCMO, Devo, BOM, RM, YSA), its own celebrities (Jimmer, David Archuleta, Cecil Samuleson, Cosmo), and its fair share of both true and false stereotypes (mostly true). Most BYUers also have many of the same experiences (testing center anxiety, hiking the Y, running out to their car at one am before the parking police makes their rounds). However, one of the most common situations that BYU girls find themselves in is that of "waiting" for their missionary. (Throughout are pictures of me and some of my favorite missionaries :))

My bestest friend Jeffrey

Today I was sitting in class and a girl next to me was telling her friend all about her missionary; how she loves him but that it had been over a year since he left and she is really interested in this other guy. She was asking her friend what she thought the best way to write off a missionary was.

Cameron Olsen :)

Personally, I have always had problems with the idea of "waiting" for a missionary. First of all, he is going to be gone (hopefully) for two whole years. That is a LONG time to go without dating. Now I know that it is common for a boy and girl to find true mature love at eighteen years old. They have certainly had plenty of life experience to ensure their never-ending happiness and eternal companionship. But I think when most girls say those fateful five words (I will wait for you) I simply do not think they are completely prepared for what that entails. Really "waiting" for an Elder means no ward proms (yes non-Mormon readers, I said ward proms), no NCMO's, no casual dates, blind dates, or any other kind of date. And the idea of walking around campus for two years without a ring on that left hand might make a BYU girl think twice about "waiting." If you ask most people, they will say that long distance relationships don't work. A mission is the most hardcore long distance relationship possible. If you're lucky, you might be able to email once a week. Otherwise, you get a letter a few times a month and maybe a phone call if you stalk his family and go over to their house on Christmas. Being cut off from the person you love for two years is excruciating but after time, you get used to it. And it is simply not healthy to ignore the opposite sex for two years just because you found "the one." If you were truly meant to be with that person then dating while he's gone won't affect your future together. 

LUKE NICHOLLS

The other aspect of "waiting" for a missionary that really gets me mad is when a girl makes the decision to wait for their missionary, sends him off with the knowledge that the girl he loves is at home anticipating his return, decides it's too hard, and Dear Johns him after a few months. I cannot imagine what could possess a girl to do something like that. Imagine what kind of effect that has on a poor twenty year old kid. Not only is he in a foreign place, possibly learning a new language, stressing out about the work, feeling homesick, and working his little missionary butt off every single day of the week, but the girl who he thinks loves him enough to wait for two years writes him off because she got bored. Sorry, that just does not sit well with me. Making that kind of commitment probably is not the smartest thing to do in the first place, but if you say you are going to do it, then stick it out.

Every one of these boys that I grew up with is on a mission. So proud of Gavin Nitta, Cameron Olsen, Austin Eells, Spencer Felton, and Taylor Davis!

I would like to include a disclaimer- there are plenty of amazing women out there who happily waited for their husbands while they were on their missions. Those women are simply much more patient, compassionate, and loving than a lot of us will ever be. So yes, it's possible to wait. I just know that there are too many missionaries who are getting their little hearts broken and it is starting to get on my nerves.

Just a Hunger Games rant

So I just finished reading Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games series for the second time. And yes I'll admit it took me the weekend to finish all three. They're that good. And I'm still somewhat engrossed in the tragic feeling that comes after you've finished an exceptional series (In the case of the Hunger Games, it's not quite as bad as Harry Potter but it's dang close). I don't know if this rings true for anyone else but when I'm in the midst of a novel, I find myself literally IN the story. The characters' pain is my pain. Their joy, my joy. So when I finish a book I have to remind myself that I didn't just participate in the 74th annual Hunger Games. It's an almost painful feeling; coming back to the bland and thrill-free reality I find in Provo, Utah. Ah well. The grass is always greener I suppose.

Anyhow. The first time I read the series, I was so completely obsessed with it that I flew through without taking much time to dissect them. However, this second round, since I already knew the story, I was able to spend a little bit more time (yeah I know, all of three days. But in my defense, once you get going it's nearly impossible to stop). I've officially come to the conclusion that I loved all three books and am totally satisfied with how they ended. Most of what I've heard is the complete opposite and Collins has received some terrible reviews for the last two. Here's why I'm right.

Ok first of all *****SPOILER ALERT***** I tried really hard to be as general as possible and still give a convincing argument. All you really learn from the next few paragraphs is that a lot of people die and many find the end depressing- which if you know the synopsis at all, I'm sure you could have guessed that much. Regardless, you have been warned. Any exposure to unwanted knowledge about the series hereafter is no fault of mine.

Most of the arguments circle around the fact that the series has a "depressing" ending and most of the likable characters end up dead. These books are no Dr. Seuss rhymes. They're not supposed to be! If you pick up a book and the synopsis on the back tells you that a bunch of kids get put in an arena and have to fight to the death, please don't delude yourself into thinking it's going to end in rainbows and unicorns. The book is meant to reflect a dark reality. Obviously not our own reality, a possible one for our descendants. Collins wants her reader to reflect on their most inner selves and ask what kind of person they would be if put in the arena. Would they be a Career and rip other tributes' throats out with their teeth? Would they be the one forgetting who they are and doing any despicable act to stay alive? Or would they be the one who finds an opportunity to help someone else survive even if it means their own certain death?

While the idea of a modern day version of the Hunger Games arena seems extravagantly far-fetched to the modern American, acts of this horrific nature are not too far in our past. The Hunger Games series blatantly points to ancient Rome- when human beings deemed of a lesser quality were thrown into the Colosseum (a giant arena) and killed in gruesome manners for the entertainment of others. Nearly every Capitol member has a Roman name (Cinna, Flavius, Caesar, Octavia, etc.). Even the name of the nation (Panem) refers to an old Roman phrase describing the over-indulgence and desensitization of Roman citizens that led to the corruption of the governmental system (sound familiar?). Humans have proven that they have the capability to be as mindless and cruel as the characters in the book. Collins reminds us that if we're not vigilant, it's possible to descend to that level of barbarism again.

As far as the number of likable characters that die, I found it sad yet necessary. How many of us didn't gasp out loud when Sirius died? And I know I had a moment of silence after Dumbledore fell out of the astronomy tower. While it's a good literary technique that keeps the reader enraptured, each death means something as well. And while individually, they have their own symbolism, overall they point to the fact that when two forces oppose each other, there are always heart breaking tragedies on the lower levels. Now I'm no hippie and I know that sometimes war is necessary in order to prevent an even worse outcome. But it's callous to dismiss casualties because you don't know their name and don't want to know because caring can be painful. Collins brings these characters into her story and cuts them out viciously because she wants you to care and recognize that indifference is the first step towards cruelty.

Honestly, I could go on forever. I have nothing but praise for these books. There are a lot of other points from the opposing side that I'd like to address but it's midnight and I have to be getting to bed. Yet another day in Provo awaits me. Not Panem, not ancient Rome, not a third world country.... How blessed we all are.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

"Winter" break in my wonderful Vegas

"Winter" break was usually a solid 60 degrees. Vegas knows how to do Christmas. Anyhow, I've been back in  Provo for a couple of weeks but I just haven't found anytime to blog. This semester has been rather uneventful so far but I had a lovely Christmas at home that I've decided to write about. So here's a list of some of the exciting things that happened in Sin City.

creeping on..... someone- Diana had been up for too long, it was late, and we were watching our favorite television show. One thing led to another and through a series of websites including Facebook, whitepages.com and some other sketchy stalking sites, we found out where our favorite character lives. I know. We have serious issues. But if we wanted to, we could go. And we could FIND HIM.

sleepover- I'll never get tired of sleepovers with my kids. We had hot chocolate, Christmas movies, and sleeping bags by the fireplace and Christmas tree. Perfection :)

New Years Eve- It was quite a night to remember with some great friends. No regrets!

Christmas- Well it was another wonderful year at the Lacey & Costello homes. I snuggled with my beloved bulldog Zeus on Christmas Eve and spent a great day giving and receiving awesome presents with my favorite people on earth.

Port of Subs- I had POS probably ten times while I was home. Jimmy Johns is good but it will never beat my Port of Subs.

Sherlock Holmes 2- This movie was AMAZING. I don't know how else to say it. It was so much fun seeing scenes come to life on the big screen that I'd seen in real life.

Rebel game- Most people know that I have a die-hard love for my Runnin' Rebels and I got to go to my first 

game over break!!! It was like watching the Globetrotters.

Ladyship- Of course my brother's stellar gift deserved an honorable mention. My brother bought a one foot by one foot plot of land on a Scottish estate...... legally changing my title to Lady Kelsey of Dunans. Yeah, my brother gets me.

Ka- I saw my very first Cirque du soleil show with the wonderful Brody Tippetts :)

Baking day- Every year my crazy aunts get together and bake delicious holiday goodies. And with six Layton women in one kitchen, you're guaranteed to get delicious food. And a LOT of it.

the beardo- Yes. I said beardo. It's one of the greatest gifts ever. 

Finishing Hunger Games- I read the first one forever ago but I'm a poor college student so I couldn't go buy the other two. Obviously they were on my Christmas list and a few days before Christmas, I asked my dad if I could have the second one early. Then once I finished it, I had to read the third. So I read both presents before Christmas, but can you blame me? They're life-changing.

Regan's class- I got to help in Regan's kindergarten class twice while I was there and it was SO FUN! The kids were so dang cute and Roo kept running up to me, giving me a hug around my legs and saying "Thanks for coming to school with me today Kels!" 

Spending time with my nephews!- I have two adorable nephews that were born right after I came up for school so I hardly ever get to see them. But I spent a lot of time with them during the break and I can't believe how much I love them!

2 1/2 weeks of pure happiness. I'm happy now, but it's nothing like the Christmas cheer. Until next year I suppose!