months of missing.

My thoughts on being a teacher, a letter to my baby girl (that I'm having in AUGUST! I have no idea how I'm already 5 months along...), and how I feel about moving to NYC will be happening here soon. I've realized that I desperately need some sort of outlet and I really miss writing. So here I am again, after so many months of missing on my blog.

To say my life is going to be changing soon is a bit of an understatement. I don't even know how to explain the thoughts constantly racing in my head. It is surreal and wonderful and overwhelming all at the same time. I'm an emotional wreck most days because, well, pregnancy will do that to you. But I also feel all sorts of blessed to be where I'm at. So many things to be thankful for! Know what I mean?

"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever." Alma 26:12

Life is a miracle, don't you think? I'm kind of in love with my little miracle of a life.

23.

A prime number. The atomic number of vanadium. Michael Jordan's jersey number (oh, and Nathan Scott's).

So I can no longer sing Taylor Swift's 22 with quite as much zeal as before. But it's totally fine because Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World and Yellowcard wrote songs about being 23. I'm partial to odd numbers, so I actually prefer it.

This year really took me for a spin, but in the best of ways.

Since my last birthday...
I went on a couple different road trips to California.
I bought a plane ticket to New York City on a whim.
I went to NYC and explored its glory.
I got engaged for the second time (to the same person).
I got married in the Provo temple.
I spent my first Christmas away from home.
I went on road trips with friends to Lake Mead and Boulder, UT.
I went to San Francisco with my inlaws.
I took all of my teaching classes.
I got a job as a mentor at a therapeutic boarding school.
I was hired for my first teaching job in the fall.

And I spent my birthday with my mom and then my husband, mostly just eating good food.

The only real hiccup of my day was when I decided to finally use my floating lantern (that I've been dying to use since I fell in love with Tangled) and it basically was a disaster. It didn't work at all, but I guess it makes for a good story. Think: my sister-in-law almost catching everything on fire as she waved the lantern around to fill it with air and eventually my brother throwing cups of water and my husband stomping the whole thing out. All while the rest of us were screaming and laughing at the same time.

Life is pretty good my friends, it really is.

Read my 22 post here. 

a new year.

Well, I took this year's Winter break quite seriously. As soon as I finished my last week of school (which included endless hours on my laptop doing projects and papers and studying) I simply put my computer away and didn't even look at it until I was back in school last week. In the time I spent away I had my first Christmas in California with my darling husband, I went to San Francisco for the first time and let's get real--I did lots and lots of nothing mixed in with whatever I wanted (which most of the time, meant more nothing).

Seeing as how it is basically half way into January already, I thought I might write down some of the things that have been filling my thoughts with all of this beginning/clean slate/new goals talk around town.

I've never been very good at your traditional "Resolutions." I mean, I usually set them (see: no sugar, go to the gym more, write more often...) and I usually am disappointed in my lack of motivation/initiative and generally completely forget about said goals by February 1st.

2013 seems like such a fantastic year to be different. Better. Best, even. Let me tell you why...

Twenty-Thirteen is an odd year. And for me, odds just work.
I'll be 23 this year, and as far as I'm concerned that means I'm that much closer to grown up things.
I've already started my last semester of my undergraduate career (sort of: student teaching in the Fall)
If all goes as planned, I'll be a college graduate by December!

Let's just say this: I have such high hopes for this year. I mean, 2012, you ended up being pretty spectacular. In some ways, last year was one of the hardest years of my life. In other ways, it was the very best. 2012 gave me some major growing pains, but it is also the year I will always remember as the one that gave me my Jeffrey to have for keeps. I saw Nashville, New York City, and San Francisco. I learned things about myself I never dreamed I would. So, I'd say it was a success.

SO, here's where this blog is going this year...including my hopes and dreams...and everything in between. More. Just in the direction of more. I haven't touched it in so long, and I've missed it. I really have.

And here's a glance at my hoped-for accomplishments:

Floating Lanterns. Photoshop. Traveltraveltravel. Painted fingernails. More old movies, less pointless ones. Always read for class. Visit teach, and teach well. Be a teacher. Be a gym-goer.

PS. after this post I promise more pictures. promise.

one month.

My desktop looks like this:

And in case you were wondering...so does my life. I just haven't quite had the time to put everything into its place, but I'm sure they will find their way eventually.  

On the bright side: 

I've officially been married for one month! 

What a month it has been. A million and one adventures in such a short time. We were thrown back into school, painted the bathroom, settled into my parents basement, attended a wedding, rode my favorite ferris wheel, and road tripped to CA for our open house. Part of me feels like it is the most natural thing I have ever done and part of me feels like I haven't had a lot of time to breathe.

Ever since making the decision to get married, I mostly looked forward to normal life. The after party. When the pressure is gone. The spotlight has faded. When you live life again. The every day married life. The part where I cheer for him at his intramural football games (and miss his touchdown because I was talking on the sidelines). The part where he cheers for me to be on time to school (and waits patiently by the door, lunches packed).

Sometimes I get this feeling. It fills my stomach and almost feels like butterflies. But bigger and better. I can't quite explain it, I just know that I feel it when I think about how lucky I am to have him and how much I love living my life. How it is everything good and hard and all the experiences in between all wrapped into one. I really like this normal life thing. It is even more wonderful than I thought it would be.

my very own personal ferris wheel partner.

You guys. 

Sometimes I get stressed because I'm one of those high-stress people.

Not that I have a lot of stress in my life, well sometimes I do, but I just worry and well, stress (about every little thing). 

But today (as I was being productive and getting rid of my endless amounts of clothes), 

I just kept thinking

how I am so excited for what life has in store for me.

I get to marry this super awesome guy who is perfect for me.

He used to always tell me this (how perfect we are for each other), but I never believed him.

I generally value myself an optimist. 

Though when it came to this whole marriage thing, I must admit, 

I have been the ultimate pessimist.

I've always wanted to be married, but there is a difference between wanting and dreaming of such a thing and then actually going through with it. 

I can explain it no further. And I can only imagine it is a different experience for everyone.

All I know for sure at this moment is that lately I have had this feeling, 

the one you get right before something amazing is about to happen.

The one you can feel all the way down to your toes. 

It is anticipation, delight, nervousness, happiness, and flat-out overwhelming(ness)

all wrapped into one.

I've been thinking about all the things we get to do with each other.

We get to do things like dress up for halloween together. 

Travel the world together.

Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner together.

Budget our money together.

Decide things. together.

Have a family together.

Go to the grocery store together.

I just am really ecstatic about having a permanent partner for ferris wheels, roller coasters, airports, movies, parties, hand holding, laughing, dancing, nap taking, and all those other things that are that much better when you don't have to do them alone.  

We get to be a team.

We get to be a we.

We get to be together.

And on top of all that, he's pretty darn cute. Don't you think?

give me a thousand pages.

I'm kind of into traveling.

Partly because it scares me to death.
Partly because it takes me completely out of my element.
And partly because the possibilities are endless.
An endless amount of experiences to expand my mind in ways and through things I can only imagine.
And even then, what I imagine is so different in the best way than what is real.
Than what is out there.

New York City was wonderful. Different than I imagined, but exciting and loud.
I, naturally, preferred the quiet places we found.
The other side of Brooklyn bridge. The High Line. Central Park. Random places we toured on buses and areas we wandered through.
I like artsy stuff and pretty scenes. Fewer people.   

I think that's what is so great about going someplace new.
Finding those quiet spots. In all the chaos.
The moments that make you realize people are just people.
Regardless of where you are.

I really liked those people that talked to us on the subway. And the guy that sang for us at that restaurant. Don't get me started on our tour guides, they were just too much (seriously, so great).

I'm really bad at making decisions and knowing what I want, but one thing I know for sure: I love the uncomfortable feeling I get being somewhere that is just itching to stretch me and begging me to choose and decide. That feeling feels like me growing. And I think I could get used to it.

I think I'll go to New York.

So one fine day (about a month ago) I bought a ticket to New York City. 

I've never been there before, but ever since partying in Europe for four months I've had this longing for such an adventure again. 

You know...big cities, getting lost, that kind of stuff.

And while this is on a (much) smaller scale, I kind of can't wait!

I'm staying with a friend and taking my dear friend, Natalie to explore with me.

We have a number of things we want to do, but not exactly a plan. 

Which I find to be perfect. 

The number one thing on my list?

Breakfast at Tiffany's.

And from there on out, I'm happy to just experience the big apple. 

That's what they call it right?

I just finished school for the summer
and

I'm heading out on the red-eye tonight.
Wish me luck!

a last-minute california road trip is good for:

lots of singing in the car. many trips to c'est si bon (bless those chocolate croissants). floppy hats. pink peonies. mani/pedis. reading on the beach. awkward sunburns. shopping. ferris wheels. a farewell (but also the opposite of that).

stories from the best pair of sisters I've ever met (my sweet grandma and my aunt shirley). more shopping. mexican cokes. ortega burgers. gooood food. balboa island. the ferry. and lots of phone pictures.

newport, newport, newport, we love you :) 

 

 

 

 

really, really.

Sometimes my writing droughts are a result
of too much.
Too many thoughts. Too many decisions. Too many things.
Too much to say, really.

[but I really want to overcome. I really want to say it. really.]


Yesterday I taught a real life English class.
They were breathing, staring, tenth graders that called me Miss Moon. Honors ones, at that.
I couldn't sleep the night before.
I was unprepared, I stumbled, I stared back at them blankly.
I mean, I have no idea how to teach.

In short:
I was awful.
It's pretty funny, though,
how looking back on it now,
it wasn't all that bad.
Even though, really, it was.

But:
It didn't change my mind
about doing teacher-y things
because I learned that
eventually, being comfortable up there happens
eventually, figuring it out happens
eventually, getting sleep happens.
And what already happened? One girl actually said, "This was fun!"

In other words:
I did it.
That was the confidence I needed. Just a tiny little burst.
Yeah, it was fun.

The teacher I've been placed with keeps telling me how crucial it is that teachers love teenagers.
Which is truer and more important than anyone thinks/realizes/observes.
I haven't been able to figure out if I do or not. Having never really thought about it.
I realized, the way I always realize things (slowly, surely, absolutely), that I really do.
I love them. 
They're funny. and ridiculous. and intense.
They're brilliant. and sweet. and rude. and obnoxious.
And they have potential practically bursting through their veins.

Life is fun sometimes, friends. It really* is.

*this post obviously called for the word really a million and one times, hope you didn't mind.

things to say.

It has been a while.
And lots has happened.
Lots, I tell you.
Good things. Surprising things. Happy things.

Life has happend, I guess you could say.

And I meant to write, really, I did.
I started many words, statements, paragraphs.
Put together, they might someday equal something great.

But sometimes I forget to have the time for things
like putting words together.
Which is something I miss.

So, for right now, the best I can come up with is this:


"it was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were suppose to be together... and I knew it. I knew it the very first time I touched her. It was like coming home... only to no home I'd ever known... I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car and I knew. It was like... magic."

Because I just can't get it off my mind.
It is a quote from a favorite movie.
One that I have posted before.
And for some reason, it has made more sense to me in the past couple of months
than I ever thought it could.

This is all just to say:
I'm back.
And I'm planning on staying a while.

what I love about full moons.

they are perfect for making you all sorts of
nervous.
confident.
scared.
intrigued.
wonderstruck.
hurt.

I guess that's just the way it is.

dear full moon,

please spotlight the grass, and let us hide under the trees.

most likely the sprinklers will come on and soak us.

but oh, won't it be fun?

a good story, if nothing else, to be sure.

sincerely,

me (a moon also)
PS. thanks for being beautiful.

fail.

I've already failed on what was supposed to be a post a day in May.
Shoot.

But in case you were wondering what I've done this week...
I fiesta-ed with my brother for his cinco de Mayo bday (he's 28!)
I watched lots of Sesame Street and My So-Called Life (That Jordan Catalano is quite the hunk and a half...even if he's worthless in every other area)
I read a good chunk of The History of Love (More like ate up every single word)
I relished in the musical stylings of Arcade Fire (and, being the VIP that I am, drank Perrier in their tent at the after party...might be a pic and a story on that later)
I devoured lots and lots of good food (Including authentic gnocchi...which I've been craving...win)

I've also started hanging out with strictly married couples and toddlers. (My sister-in-law has the best kind of family)

Safe to say that Texas has welcomed me with open arms.
(now I just need to find me one of those hot james dean lookin' cowboys...)

And that's all y'all!

a five-year plan.

(My bday presents for turning the big 2-1) (I was way more than pleased)

As of late I've been thinking a lot about the next five years. 

I read a new online magazine called The Violet and I came across an article entitled "Cinco: Creating a 5-Year Plan"

It challenged all to make five goals for the next five years. 

A five-year plan (anyone else think of Big Daddy??)

My mom gave me this Q&A a day 5 year journal (I had heard about it from my friend Natalie) and I absolutely love it. (another bit of randomness that added to my five year thoughts)

So.

Would you like to know my five year goals?

In five years I'll be 26. (yikes. that seems old. even though it isn't.)

By then I'll be graduated from college (this is kind of a duh one for me)

I'll hopefully have direction

and it is very likely I could have a family of my own...(if things go well)

goals.  AKA my five-year-plan.

(Because it is the beginning of May. And I'm feeling ambitious.)
(PS these are mostly things I'd like to work on right now. Even though they aren't necessarily as big as five years, you have to start small...I figure it will all add up eventually)

1. Blog regularly. (And for even more fun, I'm going to say every day for the month of May)

I want something I can look back on. Especially during these years of my life. Plus, I feel like it is good to help me figure it all out. Not sure what I mean by that, but I'm just going to go with it.

2. Run a half-marathon (this will be an adventure seeing as how I loathe running). 

I've always wanted to become a runner. Maybe if I have the motivation..like this five year time constraint...I'll really do it... 

3. Marry the man of my dreams (this one is tricky...seeing as how I have to meet him. and determine what the man of my dreams entails...)

This doesn't seem too out of reach though right? I don't plan on this being anytime soon...but it can still happen, right?

4. Become a high school English Teacher (and hope and pray I'll be good at it. and that I'll like it).

I've always wanted to change lives. For some reason I can't help but feel like this is how I'm going to do. And I am pretty darn excited about it. 

5. Read a book a week for the entire summer. (This means until September basically)

Reading is my favorite. I don't do it nearly enough and I have a whole pile I've been dying to get to for so long. 

I like this list because it is a mix of things that can be long-term and things I can do now (and will do now)

As I cross things off...hopefully I'll find another something to add to my list (of things to do before I'm 26).

february first.

I have decided I need some changes. In all areas of my life.
And February First is my starting point.

I plan on making this month wonderful (in contrast to the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad january)

and p.s. it's good to be back in the blogging world. I've missed it. 

just touched down in london town.

I HAVE ARRIVED.
my adventures in London can be found here.
I might still be updating this blog...but mostly I'll be on that one.
CHEERS!

leaving on a jetplane.

All my bags are packed I'm ready to go. 

Okay. I'm not quite ready, but I'm working on it (7am I promise, I'll be ready when you roll around). 
I've said lots of goodbyes. But none of them really felt like goodbyes.
They've felt more like I'll see you again soon. 
Deceiving. I won't be seeing anyone anytime soon. 
Except for all of those lovely ladies I'll be spending my time with in London. 
I can't believe it is actually here.
Something that I've dreamed about forever.
England has always been a place of magic and class and sophistication (in my mind). 
Real life, I believe, will be even better.
Here's to the next four months. 
Here's to an adventure. 
London, I'll see you soon. 

changing things.

I leave in ten days.

To the land of wizards and things.

I'M EXCITED.

and a little scared.

But we'll focus on the first part! 

my happy thoughts:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1) will come out while I am in London (YES)
Joshua Radin will still be on his UK tour
I get Thanksgiving off while I'm there (even though they don't celebrate it..duh)
I'm going with some basically awesome girls
including this one:

 (I love her)
I get to be in London during Fall (possibly my favorite season)
I will be living in a place with an address that actually sounds magical
I will get to start wearing my hunter rain boots
The museums are FREE
(which means I get to go any time I want)
Soon I'll be attending as many plays and musicals as I possibly can
I'm going to be someplace new
and that sounds perfect right about now.

"If we only dwell in our comfort, the world will probably pass us by, and nothing will change.

We may never become who we truly want and are intended to be." 

Kristen Moeller

living the dream.

FACT:

BUT JANE AUSTEN IS KILLING ME. 

I have no problem watching her stories. They are awesome, in fact. 

Even the 5 hour Pride and Prejudice. It was fabulous. 

Reading them, however, is a different story (ha). 

I have four weeks to read four books. (oh the joys of procrastination)

Pride and Prejudice. Northanger Abbey. Emma. Persuasion.

I know I'll like them if I can just get into them.

But can I do it?

I have to do it.

(embarrassing) FACT:

I don't do my own laundry.

I live at home, always have. I have an awesome mom. Don't judge.

Having said that, my mentality has always been...

I know!

I'm spoiled. (spoiled sweet, of course)

I should probably learn how to do this before I go...

It's kind of important.

anyway...

In a month from today I will be arriving in LONDON. 

Heathrow Airport, 7am

I'll be in a city I've never been.

In a country I've never been.

On a continent I've never been.

I've been dreaming about this for a long time now.

I want to live in London.

Exciting, no? 

Nervous?

YES.

I'm leaving my job of 2 years.

A place where I'm comfortable, with people I know.

I'm leaving Provo.

I've lived here for 20 years.

The longest I've been away from Provo? 

Once, when in Newport Beach (a yearly week long trip for the Moon's)

My great grandma died.

So we got to stay an extra week.

2 weeks. That's the longest I've been away.

And guess what I decided??

This little girl is growing up! 

hahahahah.

Well, not really. 

But I'm doing grown up things. 

Which totally counts. 

Right??

Riiiight. 

sure, she's got everything.

Proper women sick of swimmin'

Ready to stand

And ready to know what the people know

Ask 'em my questions and get some answers

What's a fire and why does it - what's the word?

Burn?

When's it my turn?

Wouldn't I love, love to explore that world up above?

Out of the sea

Wish I could be

Part of that world

hahahaha.

some things you should know about a friend of mine.

She cried once when she saw a truck upside down on the side of the road, because I drove one just like it. (even thought the truck was a different color than mine).

She cried harder when I had appendicitis and had to have surgery.

She was already at my house when a boy broke my heart my senior year of high school and I was crying uncontrollably. 

She took me to a BYU football game and expressed concern for the fans that were not in the light, because it was probably way colder in the darkness. (it was freezing all around and it was night, in case you were wondering).

She let me sing in her ear during English every day Sophomore year of high school.

She memorized the entire chew out scene of A Cinderella Story with me. (we also attempted one of our favorite rap songs...but changed our minds once we saw the lyrics...)
She has a spot on her forehead that, when pushed makes her fall straight to the ground.
She's the one I thought of when I watched Christina jump into bed with Meredith and Derek on Grey's. (can't wait to do that with her and Eric... ha).

She also turned 20 today and is getting married on the 21st of this month.
I cried when I saw her bridals (it's kind of a big deal, her getting married)


Hays, I love you lots and lots. And couldn't be happier for you.
happy birthday