Just Dropping In To Say Hi..

Oh my word. Another blog post. 

Just droppin' in to say hi and give a little update.. like usual huh?

My life has been INCREDIBLE lately. I don't even think I've made any changes either. Life just rocks. 

I've met a couple new people and I reconnected with some old friends. 

Can I just ask, what is better than meeting new people?!

(Besides a long list I could make right now such as the gospel, family, Michael Jackson, Killers concerts, getting married, making art, passing a test, missing a week of school for a trip to California, going to Costa Rica..etc.)

But on the real.. It's been so great meeting people.. Actually I'm not even sure if it's the meeting people that is so great, or if it's the NOT being anti-social.
Either way... just rad.

So here's what you missed in my life lately.
Maybe or maybe not you missed out..
But I'm blogging anyways.

Asian Photo Shoot

- Sorry that I've never looked more Asian than I do in the above photo. LOL -___-
Lex came up and visited for a FULL weekend. I'm so blessed to have the friends I have. They're the best. Anyways, at about 11:30 PM we decided to start a photo shoot. I let her dress me and do my makeup.. she had to teach me how to model.
ex:
"neck out"
"chin up"
"k but keep your chin like that and stick your neck farther out"
"open your eyes as wide as you can"
"neck out"
"neck out"
"neck out"
"neck out"

some people are just made to model. Others are made for taking pictures. And thank heavens I like taking pictures... cause I was made for it.

-It was fun shooting her again. It was the first shoot that was just of her and completely for fun. All I said to her in the picture above, "put the hat on.. don't let it cover your eyes" Yeah what up Lix. You got model skillz.

In my photography class right now we are doing a big project where we are to reinterpret a classic painting. I chose to do The Kiss by Gustav Klimt:

I'm not in to showing my work before it's finished.. so in about two weeks I'll have the finished product posted. 

For digital imaging we just finished the Photoshop portion. For our big project we had to create a DVD cover. Mine looked completely different from everyone else's. I'm not sure if it is a good thing or a bad thing.. but I'm happy with the turn out. We'll see when I get the grade if I'm still happy with the turn out. haha. LOTS of thanks to Kinzie Madsen for helping me out. She's so talented in everything she does.. especially graphics and all that good stuff. I asked for her opinion a hundred times. 

So last weekend I went home for homecoming game, the marathon and conference. It was definitely one of the funnest weekends back at home. crazy as well. 

Oh yeah.. I'm blonde.

It's totes true blondes have more fun. I always forget that. Then I go blonde and I remember.

 -I finally hit my one man arabesque. Solid form.
But I'm not showing off or anything. Like with a lot of hard work and dedication, YOU TOO can hit your one man arabesque.

 - oh. maybe I only hit a half.

-I miss these girls. They both look my age. when I walked in I thought they were some of the cheerleaders!

Brandon ran the marathon. He did great! But let's be real here. I think It was harder for me to stand there waiting than it was for the runners.

Like next year when I go to watch, I need to train first. Do some back stretches. Maybe wear shoes with arch support. 

Actually I'll just bring a chair. 

-All sarcasm pushed aside.. He did so good. 

I saw a bunch of my friends or people I knew from high school running as well.. KUDOS TO THEM.

Because never in a million years could I run 26.2 miles. 

- I love this picture. Not only because of Brandon's smile after running 24 of the miles.. but my mom is so cute! She looks so stylish, happy, teensy, young and beautiful. 

- Awwww. 

haha cage is stoked.. or something.

After the marathon me and Mik ran over to Jaysa's soccer game. She's a talented one. And she's a sassy girl. haha I love her so much. Now we're twins with our white hair, asian eyes and TAN SKIN.

oh wait..

-Paisley has got SUCH the personality now. When I hold up my camera she automatically makes that face. hahahaha like what is that? adorable. That's the face I make when I throw up the peace sign and become Asian.
She's learning from the best.

-Today when I was talking to Genis she said how Jaysa is such a free spirit. Even how she dresses. Gen said, "reminds me of someone I know..."
yep. Jaysa is my twin. Style and all.


So anyways.

My life is rad. I'm supes blessed, and I'm grateful for those blessings.
Like who knew life could be so great after bleaching your hair?
Also who knew chunks (sorry maggie) of hair would fall out after you bleach your hair?
Welp. Oops. I guess I'll still be a brunette in the future.
Also can I say that conference was AMAZING. I don't know how anyone can look at those men and
women and not think they're inspired. Because let me tell you something Ladies and Gentlemen.
THEY'RE INSPIRED.
can I say one more thing? Holland.
That man says things like they are, and boy do his words motivate me.

I hope everyone got a little somethin' somethin' from Conference! I sure got a LOT from it.

hmm. What else.
I feel like I need to make a little clarification about my hair comments.
I'm smart. I know my hair doesn't make my life more fun.
But then again.. all the people who thought I was serious.. probably brunette.

Well I guess I'm going to go or something. Sometimes I luck out and get papers to write about General Education Credits.

You guys keep things chill. Because I totes can't when I'm getting down to business on the English papers.

-side note- Do you guys ever just want to abbreve. everything?
Like English pape.
or Gen Ed Creds.
or clarif bout my hair comms.

No?
Me either.

Now watch this.
All of it.

Thanks for your time.
Happy Wednesday.

-Lex

I'm just being alive.

Here I am. Just being alive and stuff! School is still going strong. Although this first month has felt like 3 and a half straight weeks of finals, I think I can do this. I can totally make it through this year. 

(Actually, let's hold off on that comment until after Winter.) 

So pretty much all I do is CISIS homework, eat, write papers, read text books, and create art. (and OBVIOUSLY sleep.. I'm still the same Lexi)
Literally, that's all I do. I know, I know... you NEVER expected Lexi Glauser to say that, huh?
Surprise. I do homework and study this year.
... and I love it....

Here are some of the projects I've done for school:

I was really nervous to be in Advanced photography but I've already learned SO MUCH. It's such a huge help and it's helping me learn to think more creatively, not just how to function a camera well. 

These two photos I did for fun.. I ended up using this same photo for the assignment above, but it was mostly just to test out my lighting equipment!
I got some pretty cheap lighting stuff just for a beginner and it was a blast to pull out and play with... but let's say I've got a lot to learn.

 I can't believe my roommates don't hate me already.. (maybe they already do..) but our house ALWAYS has some sort of art set up.. I need to work on my organization.

The coloring on these pictures are a little crazy... but these are my latest!

The lighting set up in our little house... no it doesn't look ghetto at all..

haha this was my first apple I made for my assignment... dumb.

My favorite part of these last couple weeks... I'M GOING TO A KILLERS CONCERT! I feel like such an adult. I've told everyone it's my first concert.. but I went to Styx when I was little and Miki said I really should count that as my first. So.. jokes on you guys.. it's my second one.. not so rad.
Nevermind. I'm not counting Styx. I can't remember it. All I remember is wanting a pick from their guitar SO bad. Why am I even saying all of this? I always forget how to blog. I need to get in my flow again.

So let's see. Let me inform you about school. I LOVE psychology. I really regret not trying hard in high school now because it would have helped me so much. Last week we started talking about the brain and I'm actually interested. I have never in my life wanted to know how information is processed and transmitted. Welp the good news is I do now! The problem I face now is I went 18 years without caring, and now I have a lot to make up for. I definitely didn't do the best on my first test but I'm just happy I'm interested in something other than art. THIS CALLS FOR A CELEBRATION.

So uh.. who wants to celebrate? Just let me know..


I have so many more things to write about, but I will do it later this week. I'm way too tired to get it all down.
Hope everyone enjoys their week!

-Lex

Here goes another year.

But THIS time.. It's off to a great start. 

It's only been one week and I've ;

#1. met new people

#2. enjoyed my classes

#3. balanced school and fun

#4. kept up with cleaning and cooking

and last but DEFINITELY not least..

#5. experienced some pretty crazy spiritual feelings. 

(just to warn you.. this ones getting deep)

Since I didn't share my testimony in church today, I'm going to let this post count. 

I just have to say I am SO thankful for a loving Heavenly Father and Savior. 

I have definitely made my life easier this year (and probably my moms) by being dependent on the spirit and Heavenly Father, because I cannot do it without Them.

Last year I was texting my friend Emma because we were both having a bad night and we couldn't stop crying. I sat and complained to her forever because I needed someone to "vent to." After a couple texts back and forth she sent me a text that read;

"Heavenly Father is my best friend. He'll help!"

I was SO taken back when she sent me that text. No, actually I was so embarrassed when I read it. Why didn't I think of that? 

I think of that text often when I feel like venting, moping, pouting, or having a pity party. 

Heavenly Father is my best friend, and He helps me. 

I've believed in the church my whole life. I've believed that prophets receive revelation. 

I've believed that the scriptures are 100% true.. but why haven't I thought

of having a real, deep relationship with my Heavenly father? Why haven't I thought

of using the atonement to make me feel happier and complete, rather than just for repenting of my sins?

We are blessed by having been given the opportunity to pray to our Heavenly Father at all times. We are blessed with the constant companion of the Holy Ghost. We are blessed with the opportunity to use the atonement to become closer, and more like Christ. 

We are so blessed! 

Last years college experience was just one MASSIVE trial made up of a million small ones. 

I wish I would have read the book "I Hope You Know How Much I Love You" 

(Written by John Bytheway)

But of course, I waited until now to read it. One of my favorite parts goes like this:

"Eternal Perspective is the remedy for so many mortal problems. An eternal perspective makes every problem temporary, no matter how permanent it may seem right now. And access to this divine perspective is available only from God. With the Spirit of God in our lives, we feel a decrease in our competing and comparing and we grow toward contentment. The divine promise that we can "always have his spirit to be with us" makes us more delightful, and more appreciative, and although dark clouds gather, there is always hope smiling brightly before us. And while we may ask, "why me, why this, why know?" the Spirit of the Lord gives use portion of perspective that can't be obtained from any other source, or in any other way"

WOW. Right? 

I read a talk weeks ago by President Monson, "Finishers Wanted" 

(SUCH an amazing talk.. go read it! click here)

He starts the talk with a story of seeing a sign in a window that read "Finishers Wanted"

He then says:

"From the very beginning to the present time, a fundamental question remains to be answered by each who runs the race of life. Shall I falter, or shall I finish? On the answer await the blessings of joy and happiness here in mortality and eternal life in the world to come."

So, my question has been, how do I finish? Obedience of course! 

And what motivates me to be obedient?

An eternal perspective! 

In the same talk, President Monson shares Christ's example. 

What better example than Christ? Not only did he start with an Eternal perspective, 

He finished the race of life with an Eternal perspective. 

"Though Jesus was tempted by the evil one, he resisted. Though he was hated, he loved. Though he was betrayed, he triumphed. Not in a cloud of glory or chariot of fire was Jesus to depart mortality, but with arms outstretched in agony upon the cruel cross. The magnitude of his mission is depicted in the simplicity of his words. To his Father he prayed, “The hour is come. … I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” (John 17:1, 4.) “Into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46.) Mortality ended. Eternity began."

I am so grateful for Christ example. 

I know this post is very deep... and VERY long (congrats if you're still reading) 

but I had to share the things I've learned this summer that have carried into this week.

Of course how John Byetheway and President Monson put things into words is more flawless than me. (How was that grammar?)

I wish I could explain better the happiness I'm feeling because of what I've learned. 

Trusting people new people, becoming close to people, being social, being confident in my classes, being open to failure and critiques, and enjoying new class subjects are things that are PRETTY hard for me. 

But I know that if I continue to trust in the Lord and actually try to learn more through the Spirit I know that this year will continue to get better. 

John Bytheway ends his book perfectly:

"Now it's time to jump back into this thing we call life. Today you can change your part of the world. You can add a little kindness, a little caring, a little note to a friend. And when things get rough again, and you're getting fatigued and over-whelmed, remember the little things Mom taught: Do your best, and learn to be content. Be good and keep the spirit. Be nice and choose happiness when things are hard. Don't worry, God loves you and He is near. Keep your eternal perspective. Simple? Yes. But simply true."

Now that I've shared only a THIRD of my thoughts I had today.. here is what I've been up to this past week;

I started school. SURPRISE. 

Oh and I'm an awkward picture model girl. 

I think since preschool my pictures have progressively

 gotten more awkward and more asian eyed. 

I think I need to look into posting that progress. 

My room has some really rockin' wallpaper. I

 brought my paintings so it would feel more like home... 

but it turns out to be a MAJOR clash. Way too much to look at. 

Hard working, tired girls... or something ^

I am the SUUSA photographer again this year!!

I am so excited about it because I wasn't going to do it.. but last minute they needed 

someone so here I am again! Stoked to stay involved at least a little. 

The other good news is that,  #1. I live with my best friend AND now my cousin. 

and #2. My other cousin just got home from his mission and is also up here.

Plus Connor is in Art Insights with me (My worst class) and he likes Pizza. Sooo after Art we went and got pizza and celebrated the three day weekend a little early. 

Choose the scenario that correctly fits the photo:

A. modeling

B. surprised there is a photo being taken

C. hiding Laura's really super strong shoulder muscles by doing a super

natural and super modelly pose.

D. just being natural

E. none of the above

HINT: When testing in school, it is usually best to choose the longest answer.

(I actually could have made that up)

Plus this weekend a lot of my family went up to the condo. (Which rocked because I didn't get teased for going home.. they came to me this time..pretty much)

We had a blast. By blast I mean... we ate a lot. And I was with family.

What's better than that?

 Homemakers. Naturally. ^

Plus we had a family dinner tonight. By family I mean, Laura, Michael, Erika and I. 

We took a bunch of weird picture by the table because it might not happen again. 

And it was adorable looking. (Thanks to the hipster dish ware.. good choice mom!)

(Hipsterz4life)

And to end it all.. a game night at the Cave. 

A couple rounds of Murder in the dark. 

Trampolining. cookies. muffins. watermelon. really good water

and new friends. 

Great week. 

Tomorrow there's no school.

Spiritual Sunday.

Saw my parents. 

Happy. happy. happy.

Ok. For reals though. It was super good. I'm stoked with how things are going.

Super grateful as well. 

Everyone have a fun and SAFE labor day.

Or just have a fun one. 

unsafe days make great stories.

whatevs.

-Lex