Happy Birthday Bryce! 26...wow! I just want you to know I love you, and I think you're great. I hope you have a great birthday today. Also, I really enjoyed seeing you this week at mom's. You were a lot of fun. I know this letter is short, but I just saw you a couple days ago so I hope you don't mind! Have a great next couple weeks and I'll see you at Christmas!

Love,

Your baby sister.

This is my new favorite song. I crank it up in my car or at home and can't help dancing around. I hope you love it too. It's called A-punk by Vampire Weekend. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving was Thursday for all of you who are American. I LOVE THANKSGIVING! I love homecooked meals, with lots of family. This time it was at my Mom's house and her parents came, her sister's family came, and my family came with their families. It was nice because for once almost all of us were there. It was also fun because we had four generations in the same room. Grandma and Grandpa, mom, Taylor and his kids. Everyone had a great time and we all ate a lot! I love spending time with family since lately it's a rareity for me with my crazy schedule. Here are some of the pictures from the festivities.


Uncle Bryce and Hailey becoming friends.
Grandma and Grandpa P.
Aunt Lana and Hailey
Mom and Sam
My brothers except for Cory
Lana, Bryce, Taylor. First time all together in years.
Lana and Bryce. Bro and Sis.
Preparing to eat! Lana, Grandpa P., Mom

Brandon took me to this concert Saturday night. When he asked me if I wanted to go I think he had no idea how much I absolutely LOOOOVE THEM! Not to mention, I am a sucker for guys with British accents who play the piano, sing, and play the guitar, and dance crazily all over the stage. *cough* Chris Martin *cough*. The show was amazing. They had a band named Sleeper Car open for them which I am going to have to look up. I kind of liked them.

The show had awesome lasers, great video on 2 small screens and one huge backdrop screen, and then 5 globes that played video and artwork as well. The whole Energy Solutions Arena was full of people, and it was the loudest crowd I've ever heard at a concert!

Chris Martin was so pleasantly entertaining me with his flailing dance moves, and his polite British accent when he spoke. I have every Coldplay cd, and I was really impressed with their show! It was SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!!
Here's some pictures from the night. I didn't take many, the lighting messes up the shots.
The video globes.
The enormous Coldplay fan gathering!


Lana and Brandon before the show.
During the random techno show before the Headliner COLDPLAY!!!!!!! We mixed candy and crackers together for a nice treat and to entertain us. Have you ever tried Swedish fish with goldfish crackers? So delicious, right?

Hello readers of my blog. I've been posting a lot this week. Part of it has to do with me having a lot of random things to say, and the other part has to do with me doing so much homework I'm parked in front of a computer for nearly 11-12 hours a day, sometimes 14! (That's including my job!). Sometimes I distract myself from my duties with a little bit of random blog posting.

Today I decided it was time to get gas. I'd heard the rumors of gas prices having a 1 at the beginning of them, but I hadn't tested it out yet. As I pulled into Holiday Oil and pumped my gas, the total came out to $19.10 for 10.5-ish gallons of gas! At first it felt like my eyes were deceiving me, so I looked around, wondering if I'd see a big fluffy bunny, or something completely out of the ordinary for mid-day Center Street in Orem. Nothing looked suspicious so I started to enjoy myself as I read the receipt that said $19.10. I was so happy I just about grabbed the old man at the pump next to me and gave him a big wet kiss!

Suddenly, I was jolted out of my joy, and back into real life by the crazy lady behind me who's need for gasoline was apparently more important than my need to relish in the happiness of reading my receipt. She lays on her horn, and proclaims loudly so everyone in the Holiday Oil parking lot, and the Post Office next door, can now be part of our conversation, "You're done, can you get out of the way now!?" I just looked at her (probably did one of those mean looks I've been told I am really great at doing when I'm trying NOT to show how annoyed I am!) and got in my car. Taking just a little bit longer than I usually do, I slowly started my car, put on my seat belt, and decided to adjust all my mirrors, make sure my seat was at the appropriate distance from the steering wheel for optimum steering control, check my face for zits, and apply a fresh coat of my Burt's Bee's chapstick, and THEN I pulled away. I thought about washing my windows too, but my conscience told me, "You better be nice or she'll squirt us with gas and beat us with the squeejee."

Yeah I know, you're probably wondering how I'm alive to tell the story?? Well my friends... luckily the crazy woman left her shotgun at home and wasn't able to shoot me like I know she wanted to. Although I may have a bald spot. I think she burned a hole in the back of my hair with her evil burning stares while she waited for me to pull away. It's ok though. I can just start putting my ponytail over that part. Also I burned one in my rear view mirror trying to reflect my mean looks back at her. Anyone know where I can get a new one?

All mean things aside, I was so happy I saved money on gas so I bought a cute new shirt. I know what you're thinking... "Lana, that doesn't mean you saved any money now that you spent the excess you would've spent had gas prices not gone down." Well people, I know! Oh well though, I can't wait to wear my new shirt! It's my Christmas present/Doing-great-at-full-time-school,-and-nearly-full-time-work-so-you-deserve-a-present... present. Haha. I love rationalizing.

Anyway, the main message of this story wasn't about the mean lady at Holiday Oil. Or about my ability to burn things with my face. OR about my cool new shirt that I'm planning to wear tomorrow night.

It was about $1.83 gas! I missed you 1 dollar gas. I missed you so, so much. I paid a third of what I was paying a couple months ago for gas! Now we just need to get FAFSA to stop thinking I make too much! That would be heaven! I can only dream...

Sometimes it's really fun to mess with people. Recently my friend Zach and I were sitting next to each other at church, and he had his arm around me. I jokingly leaned in and hugged him cheek to cheek. Well apparently a member of our bishopric was watching us. He smiled huge, knowing he is charged with the task of marrying off all the singles in his single's ward, we knew what that smile was for. So we decided to play with him. Only this time the bishop looked instead of the other guy when Zach and I were cheek to cheek again. He laughed too, and I'm sure to his happiness it looked like another couple headed for eternal wedded bliss was forming at that very moment. We laughed and knew we were funny. Later that day I was talking to the bishop in the hall and he casually asks, "So you and Zach are dating huh?" and I just started laughing! It was a success!!!! We laughed about it later that day and Zach told me he had also been prodded for information on his new "relationship" with Lana. We decided to let people talk and think that there may in fact be another couple forming... US!

Well since we decided that, we haven't sat next to each other due to timing issues... he or I was late, so we haven't had a chance to participate in Operation Nuzzlefest 2008 again. The funniest part of this story is, the other day I was talking to one of my friends and she mentioned that people are talking about me having a boyfriend. I'm pretty sure they mean Zach! It's even funnier that I don't talk to these people that are talking about it. Oh our little plan worked! Little do they know, we both are interested in someone else. Did I mention I love messing with people? Here's why -- our ward is like a small town. Most everyone is trying to figure out what everyone else is doing. It's really funny! I kinda want to see what other funny things we can get to spread like wildfire. Nothing mean of course, but some sort of test to see how many people hear about it.

It's 3:46 pm. I just spent the past 3 hours working on my essay on Amish families. I'm done now. I can't help but think that I'm so lucky. It wasn't anything the Amish paper made me think, it was just me and my thoughts. I sit in class and a lot of the time we talk about people's problems and how to handle them. I am a psych major, so I better learn! It makes me smile to realize that while yes I have had my share of crap to deal with, I am currently feeling like I'm the master of my own life. I know that God controls everything, but I am thankful he has blessed me with the things I want and need. I have so much to be grateful for as we approach Thanksgiving next week. I thought I'd give you readers of my blog my Thankful list. So here goes:

My mom. Without her I'd have driven everyone else in my life insane with how much I need advice or just a sounding board. She is my rock. And I don't know what I'll ever do without her. I'm so thankful she's here and available for me whenever I call her (which is A LOT!). I'm also grateful that she taught me to be smart and independent, instead of just teaching me to look pretty to get what I want. I love you mama! (I give you permission to stop aging now please!)

My stepdad Sam. He never gets to hear this, and I'm being a big fat chicken for writing it here, he probably never even looks at my blog, or knows I have one. I'm so thankful for him though. He married my mom, and treated her right. He also showed me what it's like to have a father that will be there, and what's even better is he does this even when you're not really his own flesh and blood. No matter how much I pushed against his acts of kindness, or acts of fatherhood, he still loves me. I know it, and I don't know if he realizes that I know this. Thank you and I love you Sam!

My 5 brothers, and 1 sister. To my bros, you guys are all funny. All of you. I love it!

• To Taylor for being a great oldest brother and telling me to invest in my retirement.

• To Bryce for trusting me enough to call me randomly and talk to me about life.

• To Cory for letting me call and vent about dumb boys.

• To Walker and Carson (the twins), for making me smile all through jr. high, and high school when I had to babysit you both. Favorite quote from Walker... You looked up at me like you had been contemplating for hours the mysteries of the world (I think you were 4), and you said "why are your teeth yellow and mine are white?" I couldn't help but love you for being so cute and funny! And Carson, you've always given me hugs, even after you got to the age where hugs were dumb. I miss hearing you call me "Naa", because you couldn't say "Lana". I still think of you two as the little 3 year olds with buzzed heads and fat bellies. I forget you're almost 13.
  

• And finally to Jade. My only sister. I love you, and I always wanted a sister so when we moved in with your dad I was so excited to have you! You're a great example of how NOT to be dramatic, and I always admired you for staying calm when I freak out about EVERYTHING. I'm sorry we don't keep in touch very well, I know that's mostly my fault.

I'm grateful for my friends. They're so funny, and so good to me. I've been blessed with many people I can talk to everyday if I want to. And I truly feel like they love me for the weird girl that I am.

Also a few other random things I'm thankful for...

• PTO from work. Without it I may have failed this semester but because I took advantage of it I MAY NOT!!
• Dayquil - so I could do my homework without falling asleep today.
• Grandma's homemade afghans. I have a couple, and I use them whenever I'm watching a movie or tv, and it reminds me of them everytime.
• The fact that currently I am able to get a really great hug after a really long day whenever I want it. And lately all my days are really long so I need those alot!

Some scenes from a few favorite movies:
Dan in Real Life - Ruthie Pigface Draper
I watch this movie so much I pretty much have it memorized. I love it. It's such a good movie and makes me miss family.


PS I Love You - I love you til the end.
This is a song from the movie. Someone turned it into a music video. I love the song! And I watch this movie all the time!


Finding Neverland
I watched this a few days ago and I can't believe how amazing the movie is. This little boy is the best actor ever. I was fighting back tears so bad.

I got this off Tori's blog, and thought I'd do this since I'm not really coming up with anything blogworthy this week.

The point is to write the first thing that comes to mind.

*I am.... tired. This semester needs to end.
*I think.... my goal for a 4.0 is shot.
*I know.... I have worked hard, and I'm proud of me.
*I miss.... my family and friends I don't see much now. All of you.
*I fear.... spiders, car wrecks, and the grudge and the RING.
*I feel.... like taking nap
*I hear.... the copy machine going nuts. I think it jammed again.
*I smell... paper. I'm sorting the filing :o)
*I want.... to learn to snowboard.
*I crave.... watermelon and oriental chicken salad, oh and a claussen pickle.
*I cry.... 2 nights ago during the movie Finding Neverland. Peter's sad scenes break my heart. He's so adorable and quite the little actor.
*I search.... online for alternative family styles for my next essay. I love homework.
*I wonder... what I'll be doing next year when I'm done with school.
*I wish.... I knew.
*I love.... my friends and family. I'm very blessed.
*I care... about the sake of children. We talk about them alot in my classes. I'm focusing on family and child counseling.
*I always.... have an opinion. Sorry!
*I have.... so much to be thankful for!
*I worry... that I will die of tiredness this week. It's been so LOOOONG.
*I am not... worried about Obama as our president.
*I remember... telling Tori that her new house was going to fall down because I was jealous. I was such a weird kid! Sorry Tori!
*I believe... this world is in the craziest state it's ever been in.
*I sing... whenever I can. I love to pretend I'm good.
*I argue... for my opinions. I'd love to change, it's hard to change something that's been my personality since I was a kid.
*I write... my blog, papers for school, my journal, etc.
*I lose... my keys almost once a week now. I need to destress!
*I listen... to music all the time. I'm an addict. I need it. I can't quit anytime I want.
*I don't always... talk alot. Sometimes I do, sometimes I'm super quiet.
*I don't understand... why acting on a democratic right, made the LDS church members so horrible?
*I can usually be found... at work, school, or apt 215 (not mine).
*I need... a piano, Lasik, and some extra $$$.
*I forget... everything!
*I am happy... my life is good right now. Really good. :o)

If you want to try this, go for it!

B: Hey Lana how are you?

L: Hey Brandon, I have one more paper to write and then I'm done!

B: What is it on?

L: Feminist therapy.

B: Lesbian!

L: When you get back I'm going to smash your fingers in the door.

B: Well it's hard to slam my fingers when your hands are broken.

L: It's hard to break hands when your arms are sliced off at the elbow.

B: Good luck finding my arms when your eyes have been scooped out with a rustry grapefruit spoon.

L: Oh so you're going to use the spoon I've stabbed into your heart in such a strategic way that if it's moved you die?

B: Haha! Fine, you win this round!

L: You just made my day

B: You usually make my day.

L: And that made me smile.

B: and THAT made me smile.

I went to the free showing of this movie www.iousathemovie.com tonight at UVU. I left more enraged, and concerned for the state of our country than I've ever been before. I know the movie does have theatrics to persuade, but I assure you if this movie is true, this is no theatrical matter. This is a serious matter that deserves more attention than proposition 8 or any other side note of this election. Our economy is in serious trouble. And many do not know. I didn't even have a clue. I sincerely hope you watch this 30 minute clip. The movie was over an hour but this clip should be sufficient enough to pique your interest. I'm angry, and very concerned. I hope you watch it.

My favorite and most hated quote of the movie may not be in this clip. George W. Bush when asked about our failing economy said "Ask an economist. I only got a B in Econ 101." Wow thanks Mr... what was your title again? Oh.. that's right LEADER OF OUR COUNTRY! That's all you had to say?! I followed his remarks by immediately flipping off the movie screen. Thanks for nearly doubling our national debt to 8.6 trillion dollars Mr. I got a B in Economics 101. Also, FYI, the 700 billion dollar bailout has now become nearly doubled. That is 1.4 trillion dollars. Funny how they forgot to tell us that. According to the movie by January 2009 (2 months away!) our national debt will be 10 trillion. That's close to 200 grand a family! How about that?



These are my rantings, you're free to your own opinions. But I assure you this is not something to ignore. If we don't do something now, the problem is going to multiply like rapid fire. Yes it's hard to do something when there's almost no ideas of what to do, but being informed is the first step. So watch the movie clip :o)

So today I went to my Intro to Counseling class and we were learning about Feminist Therapy. I thought this particular topic wasn't going to interest me at all. I am all about women's rights but not the burning your bra, feminazi, don't vote because you'll put a man in power, don't get married because it's oppressive and gives men more power over you type of women's movement. I actually loved this class because... hold your breath... don't freak out... I found out I'm a feminist. Ok before you start making assumptions about me from that last sentence let me explain what a feminist is. A feminist is someone who believes men and women should have equal opportunities, and be able to equally be free in choosing what to do with their lives. It also promotes self-esteem and empowers women to their full potential. There are different types of feminists, and I am not the radical kind which is what I mentioned above. I am the kind that supports women and believes that we should all have an education, and be able to decide what life callings make us the happiest! Like if you're happy and fulfilled being a mom, be a mom, and if you're happy being a career woman, be a career woman. It's all about what makes you feel fulfilled and happy.

It's funny though, today I was commenting a lot in class and this guy was sitting behind me. I think he's southern, he has quite the accent, and always says "yes ma'am" to the teacher. Anyway apparently he got up and left because he was bugged because he thinks feminism is a joke (even though really the REAL theme of it isn't radical sexist lesbian bra burners, it's about equality) and he did not like that I was so into it and speaking freely about how great I thought it was. It was interesting how he was so annoyed it was enough to leave the class. I think I would've preferred he made comments about what he felt. I like discussions like that in classes. Anyway, just wanted to share what I learned and I hope you enjoyed it!

Halloween started with one of the coolest sunrises I've ever seen. I woke up to a red glow outside my window, and then a few minutes later as I was driving to work I was so thankful I'd left my camera in my purse! It looked like fire in the sky, or at least on the backside of the mountains. Sometimes scenes like this make waking up early for work worth not sleeping in.



I took a couple fall pictures outside my office window Friday as well. The buildings are surrounded with tons of trees that all just turned finally over night. I edited these with some random photo editor tool on my computer. I know I'm an amateur but I am proud of myself!


I like that I made this look like a water color or a impressionist style painting.

Last night for Halloween we all went to Velour in Provo. There was a band playing named Monkey Grinder. It's a circus style rock band and it was a way fun show. I don't know if circus music is my thing, but the way they organized the show and the sound was totally fit for the Halloween theme and it was way entertaining!

Where did the Donnie Darko-esque rabbit come from?

Oh he's closer and we don't even know!

He infiltrated the group and I have no idea he's staring me down.

Watch out mime girl! He's eyeing you now! Click this one to see the bunny close-up. He's scary!

Oh no now he's after an oil tycoon!

Hurry get in your truck!

I highly recommend clicking on this photo to see the big version. His face makes the outfit!!!!

Brandon and Lana

Cats are drawn to trees.

Zach and Brandon (Dad and Bunny)

Here's a video of a song Monkeygrinder played. This video isn't from last night's show. Last night the whole place was decked out in Halloween decor and it was really a fun atmosphere. They did play this song last night though. I tried to find a really good movie to show their circus style but this was the best one I could find. It was a fun night!