Just a list.

Everyone makes lists. I'm not much of a to-do list person, but have made several lists--long ones. There are a few main ones though. One being the what-I-want-in-my-future-husband list every young Mormon girl writes about 12 times, if not more. The other being a list of things to do before I die--my bucket list.

First, we have the obvious ones that are more like goals than anything:

Graduate from college

I am currently a business major looking to graduate in April of 2012. My emphasis is marketing. Very exciting.

Work for ESPN

This one isn't quite as likely as the first but my dream job is doing marketing for ESPN in New York City. Depending on how my life decides to go, I really want to do an internship with them the summer after I graduate. Sports marketing would be so very much fun.

Go on a mission

Whether it's when I'm 21 or when I'm old, I really want to serve a mission. I think serving as an elderly couple would be the coolest thing ever.

Have kids

Awww isn't he just the cutest thing? This is kind of a no-brainer one..of course I want to have kids. Probably four or five of them. Preferably more boys than girls and not more than one at a time. And because of that I'll probably get triplet girls. Twice. That would happen to me. However it happens, I just want kids like most other people in this world. But first...

Get married

...I have to get married. While everyone thought I'd get married as a freshman, I proved them all wrong and now there is heated debate about if I'll ever get married at all. :P just kidding. Kinda. But someday I do wanna get married. In the temple, of course. We'll see how long that takes. ;P

There are other things I want to do that maybe aren't quite as big but just make life that much more exciting (and I know, a lot of them are things that most everyone has done by 19 but hey, how many people can say they had chicken pox in Australia? That's what I thought. Don't judge):

Ride on a Ferris Wheel

I know, it's sad. I have never been on a Ferris Wheel in my entire life. Everyone tells me it's not even that great but still, everyone's been on one. A lot of it came from the movie "Charlie" which I absolutely love and a big part of it is the Ferris Wheel. I watched that movie with a good friend of mine in high school and he told me, after finding out that I'd never ridden one, that I'll probably never get the chance until I'm with the guy I'm gonna marry. I'd like to think that seeing as every time I've ever gone anywhere that has a Ferris Wheel it's always been out of service the day I'm there..

Go scuba diving/snorkeling

I kind of went snorkeling in DisneyWorld with some sharks and random fish but I don't think it really counts--we were in a big tank thing. And scuba diving would be sweet I think. I'd just have to make sure I remember to breathe..sometimes I struggle with that.

Dance in the pouring rain

I've danced in the rain before and I've been kissed in the rain before. Rain is just magical, let's be honest. But to dance in the pouring rain. Like ultimate downpour. That would be sweet. Let's be honest, I mostly just wanted to put this picture in my post.

Skydive

I just think it sounds like so much fun. I don't think could ever go alone but if I had someone with me I'd definitely be able to do it and I have a feeling that I'd really like it. And after doing it once I might not ever be able to do it again but that's the kinda thing you only need to do once. And I think it'd be best to do in some exotic place, yes? I think so.

Go to a concert

Unless you count classical concerts, which I don't, I have never really been to a real concert before. I've wanted to but whether I didn't have anyone to go with or didn't have the time, I've never had the chance. My dad took my sisters to Rascal Flatts a few years ago and I wanted to go so bad but it just didn't work out..bummer. I've had so many people tell me they were gonna take me or go with me but...fail. Never happened. Someday.

Climb to the top of a mountain

And I mean a big mountain. I've hiked little ones but I want to climb to the top of a big mountain. And those have pretty much just been Ensign Peak and then whatever we hike for girls' camp. So it's been a while. But seriously, I've never even hiked Timp or the "Y" and I live here. It needs to happen.

Go in a hot air balloon

I should've while I was in Florida since I worked like right next to one but never did..and even then that one was attached to the ground. It'd be fun to actually travel somewhere, even just a short distance, in a big, colorful balloon.

Ride a gondola in Venice

I've always wanted to go to Italy and this just seems like what you do there. Of course it would be so much better as a romantic activity, but whether I'm just by myself, with friends, or with a more-than-friend friend, I wanna go.

Ride a tandem bike

I just think it'd be fun. I actually saw someone riding one today..but they were alone so it kind of ruined the whole concept but I think it's so cute seeing couples on tandem bikes. Awwww...

Go on a cruise

I think going somewhere really exotic on a cruise would be so awesome. I've never been on a cruise but it sounds really fun. And I've heard they have lots of food on cruises..I like food. Some people that I know that have gone on cruises don't really like them but it seems like such a relaxing vacation..I dunno. It sounds like fun. At least to do once. If I could pick a cruise to go on it'd be the Disney Mediterranean Cruise. :D

Ride an elephant

I love elephants and riding one would just be really cool. That's all I have to say about that one.

Watch the sunrise

It seems like most people have watched the sunrise but I don't think I ever really have. Probably because I'm usually not somewhere where you can see it all that well and I'm usually doing other things and don't pay attention to where the sun is. And I'm not very patient either. But I want someone to sit me down and keep me company while I watch the sunrise. Watching it on the beach doesn't sound too bad either.

Learn how to wake board and/or surf

I know these are totally different activities but I've never learned how to do anything cool in the water. I've knee boarded like once and tubed plenty of times but I think it'd be cool to learn something a little harder..and a little more impressive.

Go skiing or snowboarding

I've lived in Utah for the last 7 years and have still never been. I don't think I've even ever been on a mountain that had snow on it. Yeah, sad. I couldn't tell you how many people have told me that they're going to take me but no one ever does. *cough cough* Bethany..

Catch a bouquet at a wedding

My sister didn't throw her bouquet at her wedding or I might have had a chance but I usually don't stick around at receptions long enough to see them throw the bouquet. It probably won't happen since I don't stay around for that part of the event but...it's all good. "i want to marry optimus prime." (comment by Geoff.)

Adopt from another country

I've watched several families in my home ward adopt from other countries and it seems like the coolest thing. I've also seen how stressful and difficult it can be, but I think it'd be so cool to be able to give some child a chance at a new life, one that isn't in a orphanage. 

So that's part of my bucket list. There's lots of other things like go to an NFL game, summer Olympic sporting event, and travel to lots of countries, but this was a sample. I'm pretty sure I have about 6 of these lists and I think one has over 100 things on it, but there's just a few. I'd better get started.

Outside my window: the Tanner Building. My second home away from home. Guys in shirts and ties? Yes please. Guys in suits? Yes please. I love my major ;)

*Just for future reference and the random information, my favorite thing ever is when guys wear nice, dark jeans with a button-down shirt. Ties add a nice touch to that ensemble. Just sayin..

I'd say we're pretty cute..

I love my family. Especially when I get to come home and visit them for a night. It's one of the perks to going to school close to home.

 About a month ago my sister got married. This whole situation and experience brought a new member into the family. Very exciting. It made me think about families and how important mine is to me. Let's take a look..

Daddy.

My dad is my pal. While he might call everyone "pal," I am the original. It came from the scene in "The Lion King" where Mufasa is getting mad at Simba for being stupid and going to the elephant graveyard..

Simba: We're pals, right?
Mufasa: Right.
Simba: And we'll always be together, right?

From that came the pal bonding between me and my dad.

My dad is the smartest man I know, especially when it comes to the gospel and life lessons. He is always very positive and is so supportive of everyone, especially his family. He hardly ever gets upset or raises his voice. Everyone loves him, especially hearing him speak. He is incredible at motivating and inspiring people.

Mommy.
My mom is one of the most talented people I know. Among other things she can sew, cook, and sing. I don't think I've ever met anyone who can do all three of those as well as she can. She made both of my prom dresses in high school, the bridesmaids' dresses for my sister's wedding, and occasionally wakes up on the morning of a big day and decides to make herself a new skirt. She is crazy. Not to mention she makes killer rolls, bread, and amazing desserts. She is fun to talk to and has always been very concerned about her family and how they're doing. She'll always listen to what's going on in life.

The next two I have to kind of do together..

Rachel.

Rachel is my only older sibling. She recently got married in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple to her now-husband named Jeff Hawks. While I haven't seen her or talked to her a whole lot in the past few years, She's continued to be a pretty awesome example to me and I hope that someday I'll follow her example to be married in the Temple to some great guy. So now she has a husband..



..named...

Jeff.

Jeff is the new addition to the family. For the longest time I called him "boy" and that kinda stayed until they got engaged. Then I told him he'd earned the right to be called his actual name. Actually I told him that a few months before they got engaged..anyway..he's still in my phone as "boy." I should probably change that. He's a great guy--perfect for Rachel and so awesome with my family, especially my brothers who have never had much of an older-male influence besides my dad.

Sarah.

This girl can sing, play the piano, works out like a mad woman, and is also on student council. I always hated that our dad called her "Angel" cuz that is so not what she is. But she is an adorable, sassy little thing who I am very lucky to be 4 years older than or I would've never gotten any dates in high school. We have very similar taste in a lot of things and have talked many times about our plans and how our lives are gonna turn out. The chances of those plans coming true? Not good. But hey, it's fun to dream, right? I keep telling her (and the rest of my family) that she'll definitely get married before I do. I mean look at that face..can someone say gorgeous?


McKay.
We've made fun of McKay since he was seven that he still looks like he's seven. But in the last year he has grown up so much and is now a Teacher after having been Deacon's president in my home ward. He is definitely going to become quite the ladies' man. (Not exactly sure how I was supposed to punctuate that..) He is super smart and has gotten into video editing and animation and he is actually really good at it. Very impressive. He'll probably be rich someday.

Will.

Baby of the family. And probably the most loved, let's be honest. There are seven years between him and McKay and it was definitely such a blessing to have him when he came. He is a little fire ball of energy, especially when older girls are around. I can also see him growing up to be quite the flirt/charmer with the girls. Hopefully he gets into sports and can be the one successful athlete in the Matheson family. Don't let us down, Master William!

Families are forever..

...and I am so very grateful for mine. :)

Outside my window: The amazing view of the Mt. Timpanogos Temple that I really miss when I'm at school.. I love to see the temple...

friends.buddies.sisters..Roomies..

My recent blog posts haven't been too exciting, interesting, or, let's be honest, well written (not that this one will be written any better...). I've decided it's time to write about something a little more worthwhile. Like my roommates.

Last August I moved into Heritage Halls as a first semester freshman with my best friend in the whole world, Bethany (no middle name) Richards. It was such a good feeling to be moving out to college and starting my life as an independent woman. Kinda. We were both, however, basically scared to death about who we were moving in with. And unlike the rest of my life at the time that didn't include much luck, we were blessed with 2 girls that we loved so much that we decided to live together again. (Heather and Haley, we miss you dearly!) So, at the end of Winter semester, 2010, we all went our separate ways and in August made the transition from Fox Hall to Foxwood Condos.

Since she's my best friend, I have to start with..

  Bethany

While she likes to tell the story a little different, I'll tell you how we became friends.

In 7th grade I moved to Utah and was in a speech/drama class. At the beginning of the year we had to give speeches that introduced ourselves and gave people hints on how they could remember our names. Bethany was in my class and in her speech told us that she played the piano. I had just quit all sports to play the piano and was studying with Desirae Brown. I thought it would be fun to know someone else who played the piano (more than just hymns and chopsticks) and so I did the typical 7th grade thing and wrote her a note. We passed notes back and forth and later started talking. She thought I was weird, I didn't care. She basically dropped out of school in order to focus on her piano as she was a competitor in the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition that was later that year. So I didn't talk to her much the rest of the year, but then our moms were talking at some church event and her mom invited my mom and me to come and hear Beth play. So we went and I just about died after I heard her cuz there was no way in heck I'd ever be that good. (Unfortunately it always stayed true, unlike what usually happens when people hear that phrase..:P) I went home that night and was not very happy about my mom having made me go. But somehow ended up watching her again when she played a few nights later. This time my mom made me go up and talk to her after and I felt so bad because she was crying and I didn't even know the girl. But we ended up talking for a little bit while our moms talked. We didn't really talk after that until 8th grade, when we started becoming super great friends. In 9th grade we were on student council and had several classes together. I hadn't really defined us as "best friends" cuz I had a lot of good friends, but for our biology class we had to write an autobiography and part of it was to write about your best friend. I gave one of the stupid "I just have a lot of friends" answers but one day we were in the student council room after school and her autobiography was sitting there. I decided to read it, (I know, I'm a horrible person) and in it she had put that her best friend was me. Lindsay Matheson. And since then, Bethany has been my official BFF.

Even after living together, we're still best friends. Yes, we have TONS of differences--we're so different it's amazing we could be friends. But at the same time we have quite a bit in common and do a good job respecting our differences. She will always be my bestie--we'll be those crazy old ladies who are still friends. I just know it. 

Beth is one of the loudest people I know, but she always keeps things interesting. She's very confident and can get very competitive. She knows how to get people going and how to shut everyone up when they shouldn't be talking. She is the most amazing piano player and is an amazing teacher. She's so great with kids and is going to make a great mother and wife someday. She makes me laugh and is one of the only people who sees me cry nowadays (and even that's very rare. It happens about once a year). I love our annual all-night talks and how we become better and better friends through it.

I love my bethany, beff, bethy..beth. 

Holly Melissa

Holly Heinz was the last of the roommates to move into Fox Hall. In all honestly, we all thought she was gonna be weird and hate us all..turns out she is one of the sweetest girls I know. Last year we were mail buddies and I loved it! Unfortunately this year we aren't home at the same time as much and have 2 roommates who are constantly anxious to get the mail and typically beat us to it. Since we all kind of have nicknames, we call her Holy. Unless we get lazy and forget how much she hates it and call her "Ho." She's a good sport about it.

Holly is such a caring, selfless person. Not too mention she is so adorable and is just naturally pretty. She's a great listener and will be excited for you for whatever little thing you have going on in life. She has the greatest dance moves, especially when she's standing on a chair or table. She's also super smart and has surpassed me in journal writing skills. We walk to class together on Tuesday and Thursday and it's always so great. She is such an amazing example to all of us, especially me and especially when it comes to things like remembering to read and pray. 

She is going to make some lucky guy so happy someday. 

JulieAnn

Julie. Ju. She's probably the roommate that I have the most in common with. We have the same taste in guys, except when it comes down to liking specific guys. And thank goodness we've never had to fight over them because she would totally win. Everyone loves Ju. She knows just about everything and just about everyone. And if she doesn't, she'll do something to make them feel awkward and BAM. Friends. She's the one everyone goes to for advice and she can pretty much always say something to make me feel better, especially since she isn't afraid to give opinions and can give real advice. We see the world in the same way a lot of the time so it makes conversations really great when we can both say "I could've told you that!" Love it.

Julie is gorgeous and an amazing dancer. She made one of the ballroom teams at BYU and totally rocks it. She is so smart and is just about in tears whenever she gets anything less than a 97% on a test. Because it basically never happens. She is also a great cook and is just amazing with people. I love how confident she is and how she is so outgoing and can make anyone feel comfortable. She is just a very giving, lovable person.

I love my roomies. They make me so happy. I really did get so lucky. We have a great time and while we all have our differences and issues, we all get along and are having a great year--well, at least I am. We joke, we play, we tease, and it's so great.

And now, a quote:

“I don't need to pay a therapist to give me crap. I have roommates that do it for free."

 My dad always says that in order to be successful, people need to surround themselves with winners. Often times people surround themselves with people who they see as less than them-people that will make them look good in comparison. But really we need to surround ourselves with people who will lift us up and inspire us to be better. I have definitely done that with my roommates. They all make me want to be better.

I love you girls! :D

Outside my window: the foxwood condo visitor parking lot..with no familiar-looking cars.

You don't have to flirt to be nice..

So it's a pretty well-known fact that at BYU about 25% of students are married, which is great. My sister is one of them. I'm not married or anywhere close to it. One thing I hate is when people who are married put themselves above those of us who aren't and feel like they can't be nice. I mean really. If I'm talking to you and you're married it's not like I'm trying to seduce you and it doesn't give you the right to be rude and ignore everyone. Don't think every girl is trying to hit on you because they probably aren't. Just be nice. You won't be accused of adultery for talking to people, I promise.

That is all.

Outside my window: some clouds and blue sky. Hopefully the blue sky gets closer and the clouds disappear.

Back to BYU..

I miss Florida. A lot. Like you don't even know. But it had to come to an end..

And now I'm back to BYU, college, and my awesome roommates that I love. I got back a week before my sister got married. So she is now Rachel Hawks and as far as I know she and Jeffrey are doin just great. I started business school on Monday and then missed those classes on Wednesday for my uncle Marv's funeral. It was one of those really happy funerals though..he got to spend his 73rd wedding anniversary with his sweetheart, Kirksel. I want to have my marriage be like theirs..they're amazing. I'm so happy for them. Yes, we'll all miss them dearly, but families are forever. So I'll see them again. :)

I've been so bad at keeping updated on my blog but I have to update it weekly now for my MCom 320 class. So now I have to update. Good or bad? Probably both haha. I'm in for a tough semester but after this it shouldn't be too bad..this will be my last huge semester..at least that's the current plan.

Outside my window: Black. I'm sitting on the couch and can't really see out of it. I like the Tigger on the window though. He's cute.