Love on a Sheetpan

I promise this will only make me funnier.

2011-03-04T00:46:00.001-07:00

And I promise to be a more consistent blogger. Enjoy!

http://evanandshannan.blogspot.com/

Then and Now

2011-01-25T19:38:00.002-07:00

Dear BYU,

Thanks for accepting me again.

Two years ago, after getting accepted to the BYU dietetics program.

Today, after being accepted as a BYU dietetic intern!

Internship: Check.

Graduation here I come :)

But I mean, can you blame me?

2010-12-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

1. I haven't been able to stop looking at my Gmail all day. It's adorable, I love Christmas, and I have Senioritis. That's all there is to it.

2. I have successful drank at least 88 ounces of caffeinated beverage today, eaten a J Dawg, Sonic grilled cheese and french fries, and have plans for Five Guys. And I filled out an application for graduation from the dietetics program today. Yes, that's right.

3. When I went to bed last night, I didn't know what time my scheduled AM final was or what the study guide even looked like.

4. I rode the elevator from the 2nd floor of the library to the 3rd. Also, successfully convinced the map desk man to turn off the rotating globe and, consequently, the loud vrmmvrmmm that rotates with it.

I've been inspired...

2010-10-05T10:12:00.000-06:00

... to start blogging again. Thanks to my good friend Annalise whose recent blog post mentioned how funny I am. So I decided its time to start sharing that humor with my readers again (all nine of you...) So, you're welcome. I'm back.

Today I have the pleasure of dining here.

And eating this...

And skipping the lines and reservations to do it.

Did I mention I love being a big deal?

Because I do.

Welcome back Pendulum Court. Yum!

The Waiting List

2010-06-10T10:02:00.000-06:00

so...I LOVE my roommate. I LOVE my life. I LOVE summer in the three one three. We are fun. That's all.

One afternoon this week I decided that what Candice needs is a waiting list to keep her schedule organized. Because of conversations like this:

Friend: "I'm looking for a girl's apartment, but I'm not sure which one."
Ward member: "Candice Hansen?"
YES. I love it.

Hence...
The Waiting List

Conversations that have followed have been equally as entertaining:

Boys signing up: "We need a closer for Saturday night. Who's got Saturday night?"

Candice: "So yea... and the singer got my number and wants to go out... NO THANK YOU! I am booked..."

Employed :)

2010-05-05T09:48:00.000-06:00

I'm EMPLOYED! My father will be so proud. I am finally contributing to society.

The Semester in Review

2010-05-03T17:13:00.001-06:00

Highlights include, in no particular order

A trip to California with Mark. My mom telling me she never wants to see this shirt on me ever again ha ha. Go Braves ;)

One EPIC fail in the kitchen. I'm embarrassed I'm a dietetics major and this still happened. Poorly known fact: Barbeque sauce is very difficult to wash off surfaces, particularly ceilings. Well-known fact: You should never microwave plastic bottles.

My Lake-to-Lake relay race weekend in St. George with my second family. Thank you Wegeners!

Celebrating my 21st with Mickey Mouse waffles :) Best birthday morning ever. Thank you Caisa for feeding me breakfast and Kristan for showing up. Man I look good in the morning...

The only time I enjoyed the snow this winter. Soldier's Hallow + Timp Gateway = fun. Dear Jamie, I miss you.

The 21st at Tempanyaki with sisters and friends. Oh how I love you Tempanyaki.

Beating Candice in a balloon popping contest. Enough said.

Going to Magleby's for a SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT. And getting paid for it. This chocolate cake is to die for. If you haven't been to the new Springville location, I highly recommend it.

My restaurant group. A few of my favorite dietetics girls. So. much. fun.

Discovering Toms.

Enjoying Pendulum Court cookies after speaking to the upcoming juniors at pre-professional night. My assigned topic: handling the stress and rigor of the program. That's right, I manage stress well.

The VP with the Prez. Come back from Ecuador, Millie, I'm ready to be in the Dominican Republic...

I heart dietetics.

2010-05-03T16:39:00.006-06:00

Maybe I'm going to be a student representative for the Utah Dietetic Association in the fall and maybe I'm really excited about it.

Doing some blood glucose testing at the State Capitol for Legislative Day. Note President Schmidt in the background. Yay UDA :)

Personality Test

2010-05-01T14:28:00.002-06:00

So this spring I am trying to get my GE's finished up, which has led me to sign up for Moral Leadership, which also doubles as a prerequisite for the engineering program. Three things:

1. Having class with a bunch of boys is weird. I'm quite fond of my all girls major.

2. Yesterday we talked about building successful teams and watched clips from Remember the Titans. Awesome.

3. We also took personality tests. A couple of psychologists defined me (quite accurately I must say) in the following paragraph:

Practical, realistic, matter-of fact. Decisive, quickly move to implement decisions. Organize projects and people to get things done, focus on getting results in the most efficient way possible. Take care of routine details. Have a clear set of logical standards, systematically follow them and want others to also. Forceful in implementing their plans.

Sound familiar?

Yes, you can fry ice cream.

2010-04-26T21:10:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, I made quwesadillas for my sisters for dinner (because the only food items in my house were: tortillas, cheese, chicken, and oatmeal). That is not a joke. Sad, I know. Since I'm getting in touch with my Spanish roots in preparation for my month in the Dominican Republic this summer :) we decided to attempt some fried ice cream for dessert! Turned out so delicious! I highly recommend making it at home.

Pretty simple really,

1. Scoop vanilla ice cream into little balls and freeze on a sheet pan.

2. Take em out, quickly roll each ball in eggs, then cover in an oatmeal and cinnamon sugar mixture and put them back in the freezer to harden.

3. Heat up some oil in a shallow pan. **Important frying lesson I learned yesterday, flick some water into the pan to make sure the temperature is hot enough, but not so hot that you're going to have splattering oil everywhere (not good.)**

4. Roll the ice cream ball in the oil for about 7 seconds or so, long enough to brown them but not so long that the oatmeal starts melting off the ice cream.

5. Then you just stick em on a warm tortilla and add more cinnamon sugar and some honey.

So so tasty! A perfect dessert after a Mexican-themed dinner. I can't wait for real Mexican food. 4 weeks until Cabo :)

To do list...

2010-04-21T00:42:00.003-06:00

In the morning I will do the following:

1. Foodservice systems final. Crossing my fingers there's a section on the napkin-folding/throw-the-best-dinner-parties packet.

2. Meet with NKN. Maybe only you will fully appreciate this Em, but I'm really looking forward to my little heart-to-heart with her. It's been at least a month and I'm about due for some more life advice.

3. Lay out. I'm having a little spring fling affair with the sun. We spent two solid hours together today and it was amazing. I love summertime.

4. Clinical final.

5. A run? Clean my room? Unpack? I don't know but whatever it is I can't wait to be finished and do it.

Happy end-of-semester!

The way to my heart...

2010-03-23T04:45:00.006-06:00

Last year for my birthday, Kelli and Kristan bought me a cookie dough scoop.
This year for my birthday, Mark bought me a cookie sheet.That's love. I swear I'm not obsessed.

Dear Annalise,

2010-03-23T04:26:00.002-06:00

I know, I know. I never blog. Sorry I keep depriving you of reading material. It's 4am and I can't sleep and I'm STARVING. I'd go get something from the kitchen except that my throat hurts and I ate all my ice cream already today. I thought you might be the only person to truly appreciate that. Thanks for missing me in class.

Love love. (yes, I did just do that.)

Welcome Spring.

2010-03-16T16:32:00.004-06:00

Number of days logged in the sun in 2010: 3
Number of days til I'm on the beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic: 103

Dear Spring,

Thank you for joining us. My skin thanks you. Please bring our dear friend summer soon.

Love Shannan

2010-01-18T23:19:00.004-07:00

I'm never going to make it to 100. Not for lack of trying, trust me. The problem is, I keep trying a new recipe, falling in love, and then baking that recipe three more times before finally moving on.

So far, these are my two favorite cookies EVER. Disclaimer: If you're not obsessed with peanut butter, these may not be the best cookies you've ever had. Also, if you're not obsessed with peanut butter that's just weird.

Peanut Butter Blossoms
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1 egg
2 T. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. granulated sugar
milk chocolate kisses

1. Preheat oven to 350. Combine shortening and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the 1/2 c. granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and baking powder. Beat until combined. Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla until combined. Beat in flour.
2. Place 1/4 c. granulated sugar in a bowl. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll balls in sugar to coat. Place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
3. Bake 10 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly browned (I cook them for 8 minutes). Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of the cookie. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. (I put the cooling rack in the freezer right away to cool and I'm convinced the cookies were more moist).

Delicious. Made them three times already.

Peanut Butter Munchies
(Like a chocolate cookie wrapped around a peanut butter ball, but better.)

1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. unsweeted cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 T. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. powdered sugar
1/2 c. peanut butter
2 T. granulated sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350. Stir together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda; set aside.
2. Combine butter and the 1/4 c. peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the 1/2 c. granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat until combined. Beat in egg, milk and vanilla until combined. Beat in flour mixture. Shape dough into 32 balls, about 1 1/4 inches in diameter.
3. Combine powdered sugar and 1/2 c. peanut butter in a small bowl. Beat until smooth, kneading by hand if necessary (it's necessary). Shape into 32 balls.
4. Flatten a chocolate ball, top with a peanut butter ball, and shape chocolate around peanut butter to enclose. Place balls 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet. Flatten with the bottom of a glass dipped in the 2 T. sugar.
5. Bake for 8 minutes (I baked for 6) or just until set. Cool on a cookie sheet for 1 minute then transfer to wire rack.

These cookies are like a peanut butter explosion in your mouth. The picture does not do them justice. Yes I've made them twice in one week and yes I'm planning to make them again on Thursday. I've also tried the Fudge Ecstasy cookies and they were quite tasty. Just without peanut butter.
Thank you Betty Crocker.

Reason 12348723949 I Can Never Leave Timpanogos Gateway

2010-01-18T23:12:00.003-07:00

I spent my weekend pretending to be crafty and this is what I came up with. I'm quite happy with how it turned out. This just solidifies the fact that I can never move. I'm in love with my room. Thoughts?

Yes, I am a dietetics major.

2010-01-15T11:51:00.001-07:00

True or False:

On multiple occasions this week, I have been asked, "You look really familiar. Did you work at the Pendulum Court?"

New Year's Resolution: 100 in 2010

2010-01-11T22:59:00.002-07:00

After putting some thought into how to make the world a better place this year because of my presence (you're welcome), I came up with what I think is probably the best new year's resolution ever made. In the year 2010, I will try 100 new cookie recipes.

That's right folks. 100 NEW COOKIES. It's gonna be a grand year. (Especially for the waistlines of all my roomies and close friends whose responsibility it is to taste all of my wonderful creations). That's approximately two recipes a week- so far I'm on track, and so far, I have two new favorite cookie recipes :)

I'm such a cookie monster, and I couldn't be happier. Pictures and recipes to come.

Fifteen.

2009-12-19T19:14:00.003-07:00

One: The hour of the morning I'm leaving the Denver airport. Thank you Delta.
Two: The number of sisters keeping me company.
Three: The number of Brooks girls in the Denver airport.
Four: The number of Diet Cokes Kristan has had so far tonight.
Five: The number of times Kristan asked the airline agent, "What can you do for me?"
Six: The number of days til Christmas.
Seven: The number of hours I'm stuck at the Denver airport.
Eight: The number of times Caisa got mad at Kristan and needed "space."
Nine: The number of days Ferris Bueller missed school. Nine times.
Ten: The hour we were supposed to arrive at the Atlanta airport.
Eleven: The number of Diet Cokes we expect Kristan to have by the end of the night.
Twelve: The number of drummers drumming.
Thirteen: The number of Burn Notice episodes I will have gotten through today.
Fourteen: The score of the Dallas Cowboys game on ESPN in the airport bar right now.
Fifteen: The number of people who subscribe to my blog on google reader. Really people? We need to improve numbers ASAP or I'm discontinuing... I mean it. If I'm not to forty by January, my blogging days are over. It's pathetic to blog to fourteen people (maybe I'm one of the subscribers...)

Kristan's Trip to the Doctor

2009-12-04T18:14:00.005-07:00

So my sister went to the doctor today to have some tests run. The doctor informed her he was going to touch her thyroid, to which she told us, "I had no idea where he was going to touch me." During her visit, she learned all about the thyroid and antibodies. She now tries to insert the word "antibody" into every health related sentence when talking to me and Caisa because she thinks it makes her sound knowledgeable.

The Semester, Revisited

2009-11-30T21:33:00.010-07:00

Highlights of the semester include (but are not limited to):

1. Dietetics! It's less of a highlight and more like... how do you say... all I've done since August, but when you're major is as fun as ours is, who can blame me?! I had the pleasure of spending about fifteen hours a week in the fabulously classy (and sometimes sassy) Pendulum Court which I love dearly... Taco salads and chocolate mint cookies, I will miss you. Most learned lesson (other than double pan cookie sheets and always check the walk-in for frozen foods that have already been pulled), in reference to pizzas in the oven: "Better out than in, that's what I always say." Thank you Rebecca.

My fabulous classmates. I will miss dancing with you to Backstreet Boys and Jessica Simpson between mise en place, batch cooking, and temping and re-temping food. (I won't miss being called bossy by anonymous reviewers...among other things).

A few of my favorite people. Who knew hairnets and aprons could look so good?!? I mean really.

2. My FHE Family. It wouldn't be truthful if I said I was excited to be called as an FHE group leader. With that being said, my family (those that actually attend) are fabulous and I appreciate your support (read: sister and roommates, I know you come because you feel obliged...which you should...but I still appreciate it) 3. The little one coming to visit. And watching her try to make it up the RB stairs. SO entertaining. Can't wait for next year Bubba!! (Don't worry, there's always the option of the Tanner building elevator :)
4. Kristan's flag football games. Favorite thing to yell from the sidelines, "Make Riggins proud!" I also enjoyed getting yelled at by her "coach" for heckling the team. Please notice the snow in the background. I'm a good sister. I know.5. Thanksgiving break!!! So glad we convinced Mom to sign us up for the Turkey Trot again this year. Please visit Kristan's blog for a recap of take one :)After the 10k with mom :)
And then after the 5k with the sisters and Aunt Daphne. Love them. We had so much fun :) Well, I had so much fun laughing at Sam and her ridiculousness. Don't worry, the antlers came out again for Christmas tree shopping. Sixth year in a row!!! We are so greatful for the CanC and the joy that these antlers have brought to our lives since Caisa's freshman year of college. So maybe my aunt got us an early Christmas present... boyfriends for Thanksgiving dinner. Kind of hysterical except that I really did LOVE it. Don't worry, I didn't go see it three times opening week (starting with a reserved theater at 1am opening night) because that would just be embarrassing. Okay fine. Maybe we waited outside in the cold for an hour. That happened. Was it worth it you ask? Well I went to see it two more times that week so...

6. Counting down for Christmas! Caisa just put up a tree and decorated her apartment and I LOVE it!! Wish my roommates and I had time and money :( I did get the pleasure of attending our ward FHE ugly sweater Christmas party. Yes that sweater is from my mom's closet. Yes the following conversation took place:

Kristan: Mom we're going to raid your closet!

Me: We need ugly Christmas sweaters for parties!

(After getting some good from her closet) Mom: Does that mean I can't wear those this Christmas?

Me: Uh, sorry if you're offended we think they're ugly. Okay thanks, bye!

Is it Thanksgiving break yet?

2009-11-23T15:35:00.002-07:00

I am so sick of sitting in the same seat in C-255 ESC. I think I'm getting bed sores.

Meet my friend Majd.

2009-11-17T17:28:00.002-07:00

Majd is from East Palestine, my first out-of-country friend. (Blogger's not letting me upload a picture so I don't feel like those who don't know Majd will really get the full effect of this post but Anna Elizabeth is pressuring me to update before I'm ready so here it is: )

The following are reasons why she usually has me rolling on the floor in laughter:

Majd: Shannan, you are so polite.
Me: I’m from the South. We’re taught good manners.
Majd: South of what?
Erica: The Mason-Dixon line Majd, I’ll show you on a map sometime.
(Millie: I don’t know what the Mason-Dixon line is…)
Seriously does no one west of the Mississipi know what the Mason-Dixon is?

Majd: My (Pendulum Court) shirt smells horrible.
Me: That’s why we have these things called washing machines.
Majd: Oh really? We don’t have those in my country.

Me: Majd, give me your number. We need to hang out. Do you have a phone?
Majd: Oh, no. We don’t have those in my country either. We just pass notes on little white birds.

Me: Majd you can’t leave that food out all day. You’ll get sick.
Majd: Girl, I’m from the Middle East. We eat anything.

Majd: (about her intern evaluations) I don’t want to go talk to her. She’ll tell me I mess everything up!

Majd: I’m so behind! Have you finished the project yet?
Me: No.
Majd: Have you started?
Me: No.
Majd: Have you started studying for the test?
Me: No.
Majd: How are you not freaking out!!

Things I've learned about myself recently:

2009-11-10T01:43:00.004-07:00

1. Courtesy of Millie Wegener, whom I love dearly: I'm a diva.
As evidenced by the following (entirely true) conversations:

Millie: We should call Shannan before we leave and see if she's still up on campus. It's dark and snowing she won't want to walk home.
Her boyfriend: Shannan wouldn't walk home in this, she'd call a taxi.
Millie: ...or a limo.
Thank you Millie.

Millie: (about a boy I went on a date with) Is he gonna be rich?
Me: Yes.
Millie: Good, you need that. No offense.
So, so true.

2. I'm "a bit" bossy. Thank you Pendulum Court peer reviews. The results are in and it was unanimous. I'm bossy. I'd be offended if I wasn't so proud to be like Kelis.

Goal: Re-establish position as "The Favorite"

2009-11-07T23:35:00.006-07:00

Things I learned this week:

1. When your dad says he's in Vegas with an extra ticket to a Cirque show the next day, you say, "I'd love to come!" And then you hop in your car and drive 5 hours to see "O", watch the fountain show at the Bellagio, sleep, and drive 5 hours back to Provo.
2. When you make a 10 hour roadtrip in the middle of the week, the weekend is somewhat of a let down.
3. When you blow off class and studying to make a mid-week roadtrip, you do very poorly on the test you take on Friday night.

So, so worth it.

The Malt Shoppe (shop-ee)

2009-10-15T22:57:00.002-06:00

I was sitting in the malt shoppe tonight, procrastinating, and enjoying sipping my pumpkin oreo malt when Caisa and Melanie started debating how long The Malt Shoppe has actually been in Provo. We were debating between whether it was built in the 70's as a retro diner or if it really was an original 50's diner. Well since I'm sure we're not the only ones who've wondered...

Tada! Thank you google.

I heart fall.

2009-10-14T00:24:00.003-06:00

Two weeks ago Kristan cooked the sister's a fabulous zucchini themed dinner. Keeping with tradition, this past Sunday we had a pumpkin theme dinner. It was fabulous! And not just because I love pumpkin. Thank you William and Sonoma!

Studying

2009-09-26T19:36:00.003-06:00

Candice: Do you want to go to the bottomless pit with us tonight? It's gonna be really fun!
Me: I can't. I have to study.
Candice: Okay.
Me: Well what are you doing?
Candice: Dropping gasoline bombs.
Me: Okay, I'll come.

I need a new major, asap.

Sacrament Meeting

2009-09-06T16:14:00.003-06:00

Caisa: Shan, isn't that the BYU setter sitting on the row to our right?
Me: Oh my gosh it totally is.
Caisa: Are you going to be able to be her friend now that she's in the ward?
Me: Are you kidding? She stole my life. I hate her.

Back to school. Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool.

2009-09-05T19:48:00.002-06:00

Yay for the first day of school! My lovely roommate Candice and I started off the day bright and early with a nice little jog and some stadiums (my favorite use of the Lavell Edwards Stadium much to Caisa's dismay) and then headed off on our walk to campus.Candice was so excited about her very first day at BYU-Provo (as evident by the brand new backpack.) I told her just because we walk through the dorms to campus doesn't mean she needs to act like a freshman. She did anyway. Love her. I dropped her off at class (so she didn't get lost) and then headed off to what is now her new favorite building-the Just Kidding Building (JKB) for my first class of Junior year!

I'm excited, can ya tell? My second class was in the Tanner so I was super excited I got to run into Kristan!!! But she was too embarrassed to let me take her picture in front of all the business people. I did determine though after spending about fifteen minutes in the second floor lobby, that the Tanner building recruits every good looking guy on campus. Really, I saw more in the short time I was there than I've ever seen in my four semesters on campus.

Next stop...lower campus to see Coach Caisa and Coach Melanie! They are so cute. We played on the trampoline in the gymnasium after Mel's flexibility class during our break. I love that they're back!

The Living Room aka The Shrine to Samantha

2009-08-26T08:23:00.004-06:00

For those of you who don't know my little sister broke her back and has been banished to the living room couch for a solid week and a half now. The following are actual conversations in my living room the past few days:

Sam: "Mom no one wants to be my friend because I'm boring."
Mom: "Well Sam you can't really move from that couch."

Sam: "Mom you haven't payed any attention to me all day."
Mom: "I was making your bed."
Sam: "My bed that's upstairs that I can't even get to?"

Me: "I don't think I'm gonna go back to school. let's just do this (sit in front of the t.v.) forever."
Sam: "Okay! I can start a blog about what to watch on daytime television and become famous!
8-9am Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire or Top 20 Countdown
10-11am The Soup or Degrassi
11-12pm Gilmore Girls or The Price is Right
12-1pm Wizards of Waverly Place or E! News or Family Fued
1-3pm One Tree Hill
3-5pm The O.C.
5-6pm Gilmore Girls
6-7 My Wife and Kids or Wizards of Waverly Place or Punk'd or Reba
7-8 Friends or That 70's show"

Sam: "Mom we have daytime television down to a science. Twelve straight hours."
Me: "Without Tivo."
Mom: "Girls that just makes me so proud. It warms my heart."

Love my life.

I'm in love.

2009-08-25T10:20:00.003-06:00

After polishing off half a pint for lunch yesterday, I decided my life is now complete. Thank you Ben and Jerry.

My Life Dream

2009-08-16T21:34:00.005-06:00

This is for you Whitney. And all my other friends who can put away a dozen cookies by themselves in one night. (If any of you are that cool.)

Kristan and I just finished watching a Food Network show on these Iron Man triathletes who carbo load with... get this... a 1 lb. chocolate-chip cookie. It just made me miss all those times we had no bake cookies before our runs. Whitney, forget school, we should move to Manhattan and join these ladies in making these...

"Possibly the largest, most divine chocolate chip cookies in Manhattan." New York Times

Levain Bakery

Tell me your mouth isn't watering.

You know it's gone too far when...

2009-08-10T10:10:00.007-06:00

So I want to be a spy.

It all started a couple of years ago with this girl:

And then I was introduced to him:

And then I read these:

And last night I dreamed that I was kidnapped and I totally pulled a Michael Westin/Veronica Mars/ Gallagher girl stunt and beat up the bad guys. Yep, I've officially convinced myself that I'm a spy.

The Search for the Perfect Tan

2009-08-08T22:06:00.004-06:00

The other day my sisters and mother and I were doing what we do best (basking in the sun's glorious rays) when we overheard a little boy whine to his mom,

"But, I was born to be hungry!"

You are so right little one. I'm just relieved I'm not the only one who always seems to be hungry.

True Life: I'm a Drama Queen

2009-07-30T23:09:00.003-06:00

Mom has been on Caisa and I for weeks now (since we’ve come home) to clean out our closets. So naturally, since Mom has given up and stopped nagging, we decided to get around to it. Typical. What an adventure. It’s incredible how long some of these clothes have lasted in this house unworn and untouched. Some might argue that my closet is so big things get lost in it. Dad says we live in excess. My excuse: Mom is a compulsive hoarder. Anyway, totally not the point. The point is inside my massive black hole of a closet lay several binders full of high school stuff. Why I saved it I have no idea. Maybe I thought at some point in my future I might feel compelled to relearn the history of our country or try to learn physics for the first time. Who knows. What I’m taking forever to get to is that inside this garbage I found some serious J-E-W-E-L-S. My journals.

Let me tell you, I laughed and laughed and laughed. Not because my writing is so hysterically knee-slapping funny, but because I am such a drama queen- and I actually take myself seriously. You’d think after living with myself all this time I’d have come to this conclusion much earlier, but hey, at least I’m pretty (or so I keep telling myself).

Skin Cancer

2009-07-19T21:26:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow I have an appointment at the dermatologist. However, it seems I planned the appointment poorly because I've just gotten back from two weeks on the beach, during which I used minimal to absolete amounts of sunscreen. I'm very likely to be scolded and warned of the dangers of skin cancer.

I have a theory.

1. Skin cancer is just a bad scam made up by pale people who can't tan. It's their way of preventing us (those who are inclined to tan) from becoming more beautiful than them.
2. Also those people who work indoors all day and can't find time to sun bathe take the side of the pale people and help propogate the idea that overexposure to the sun is a bad thing.

As an aspiring dietician, I feel it is my duty to warn you of the rising number of cases of rickets and osteomalacia in the United States caused by a lack of Vitamin D. We need our sun people!!

Feel free to use this blog as a reference: http://andimeanthatinthenicestpossibleway.blogspot.com/2009/07/14-glorious-days.html

As a side note: Jenny don't hate me. I think you're beautiful and I do realize you could die out there.

Foreclosure

2009-06-25T21:57:00.002-06:00

Conversation with my dad on the way home from the airport today:

Me: So, I came home yesterday and there was a sign on my apartment door. Something about a foreclosure and it being sold to the lowest bidder at an auction... is that bad?
Dad: Yes, that's bad.
Me: Hmm. So, does that mean I'm gonna have to live on University Avenue with that homeless guy? I mean he's nice I think but... will you just buy it?
Dad: How is it that I am so good at picking out properties and you pick the one property in your whole complex that ends up being foreclosed on?
Me: I wanted to make sure you weren't bored?

Eight.

2009-06-21T18:29:00.006-06:00

Eight things I'm looking forward to:

1. Roadtripping with Caisa.

2. Moving home!

3. Not having to eat cereal and pb&j's the next two months.

4. Going to Hilton Head.

5. Rock Band.

6. Laying by the pool with Darla.

7. Veronica Mars.

8. Candice, Caisa, and Melanie moving back to Provo!

Eight things I did this weekend:

1. Ran.

2. Drove.

3. Ate.

4. Ran.

5. Drove.

6. Slept.

7. Ran.

8. Showered. Finally.Before the Wasatch Back.

After.

Eight things I wish I could do:

1. Run a marathon.
2. Make money without working.
3. Solve world hunger.
4. Grow a garden.
5. Buy a Boxer and name it Aphrodite.
6. Convince the world make-up is not necessary.
7. Travel the world for a year. Or two. Or three.
8. Buy a yacht.

Eight shows that I watch:
1. Burn Notice.
2. Veronica Mars.
3. CSI
4. NCIS
5. House
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. How It's Made
8. Shark Week

Eight Places I'd like to travel:

1. Figi

2. India

3. Book of Mormon ruins in South America.

4. Greek Isles

5. Venice

6. The Great Wall of China

7. The pyramids in Egypt.

8. The North Pole (to meet Santa)

Eight people I tag:

1. Samantha (It's about time you blog again)

2. Caisa

3. Kristan

4. Kristi

5. Jenny

6. Rebecca (please I love to laugh at you)

7. Meaghan

8. You, you secret blog stalker!

I have an announcement.

2009-06-13T17:43:00.003-06:00

I just want you all to know that I've decided officially to be done with my, as Kristan calls it, "Vegetarian phase." This is due to the fact that I have been running a lot and need more iron. It's been a good experience, but it's time to return to normality.

So, Kristan, Caisa, bring on the Sunday dinners. There will be no more complaining about me being picky and hard to feed, so you now have no excuse for making me cook all the time.

I've made a new friend.

2009-05-20T15:18:00.005-06:00

No explanation necessary. "I don't care if I have to drive to Hawaii for sun tomorrow, I'll do it." I like her.

Summertime + Pool = Bliss

2009-05-12T14:11:00.002-06:00

Here are just a few of the reasons I love summertime.

1. You can sit by the pool all day and feel completely productive because you got a tan.
2. If you sit by the pool all day boys bring you popscicles, frozen drinks, and food.
3. You can catch up on your tv shows.
4. It's completely okay to eat popscicles instead of real food.
5. Tanning. That's reason enough right there.

Love my life.

My mom is the bomb.

2009-05-10T18:33:00.003-06:00

In response to nosy questions about her daughters love life...

"Well you know, not everyone can have a wedding date before they're even home from their mission."

Love her.

Dear Kristan,

2009-04-30T10:48:00.002-06:00

Your jeep + empty G lot = great summer parking.

P.S. Don't ignore my email then comment on my blog. It's rude.

Love Shannan

Checklist

2009-04-28T01:11:00.002-06:00

To Do List for the weekend at home:

Shopping: Check.
Pedicure: Check.
Rock Band: Check.
Steam room: Check.

Overall: Success.

The Cigarette Fit

2009-03-30T14:44:00.002-06:00

Two weeks ago I tried on Jenny's new Joe's. They're skinny jeans and they're amazing. Every morning since I have opened my closet and thought to myself "I wish I had those skinny jeans..."

It's an obsession. I'm seriously considering doing personal training again just so I can afford my shopping habits. Problem...

Two reasons I like our new first lady:

2009-03-24T20:21:00.005-06:00

1. She is a fabulous shopper and she's got great arms (I realize that's two reasons but whatever.)
2. She's growing a garden at the White House with fresh produce for guests and residents as well as a local soup kitchen. Check it out.

March Madness

2009-03-21T14:19:00.002-06:00

Last weekend I got a text from Jenny about brackets. Something to the effect of "come fill out a bracket if you care about basketball at all." To which I promptly ignored the text and went on with my night.

Last night Kristan and I are at Paul's after some intense Mario Carty Party with him and Whitney. Paul turns on a basketball game and Kristan pipes in about her bracket.

Obviously I'm shocked she made a bracket. So I ask her if she's even watched a game this season.
"No."
"How do you pick a team?"
"I pick the ones with names I like. I have Gonzaga going all the way!!!"

I'm a future dietician!!!

2009-03-16T16:54:00.003-06:00

Yay for being done with my application.

Yay for being finished with my interview.

Yay for getting into the program!!!!

Best day ever.

How am I gonna celebrate you ask?

A microbiology test and a smart cookie :)

Love my life.

It's official. I'm a cookie monster.

2009-03-05T11:03:00.003-07:00

So after my birthday and all of the cake and ice cream I ate I decided to start a diet. Here's my progress so far:

Day 1: Whine about how I couldn't eat any cookies.
Day 2: Seriously consider making cookies with Whit. Abstain.
Day 3: Eat a whole row of thin mints.

Story of my life. I suck at diets.

The Jumbotron

2008-12-11T19:30:00.002-07:00

Last night I went to the BYU Basketball game. I have been to many college/professional athletic games alike and am still fascinated by the appeal of the big videoscreen above the scoreboard.

After witnessing several people make fools of themselves and get way too excited to see their face projected on the jumbotron, I came to the following conclusion.

There is an unwritten, and yet apparently all too well-known, girl rule that reads:
"If in the event that you make it onto the big screen at a sporting event you must immediately gawk at yourself and then turn and lay a big wet on your boyfriend, date, or the random man sitting next to you."

Its disgusting. No one wants to see that.

My Family > Your Family

2008-11-29T21:36:00.007-07:00

Highlights from the week:

Sunday: My mother's church calling is in nursery. My little sister Samantha dropped into nursery and asked my mother if she could have some snacks. Well, Sam talks really fast, nursery is loud, and my mother is old so somehow "snacks" was interpreted as "sex". The fact that my mother a) thought her daughter would ask for permission to have sex at 16 and b) thought that she would do it in nursery at church of all places is comical in and of itself; however, my favorite part of this story was that my dad found it hysterical and brought it up to be repeated at Sunday dinner with my aunt, uncle, cousins, children, and grandparents. Oh yeah, he's still laughing.

Tuesday: 4 out of 5 sisters home. While talking about how excited we are to play Rock Band, mom chips in, "Oh why don't you girls play wii fit instead?" Caisa's comment: "Shut up mom we're not fat."

Thursday: I decided to sign up for a 10k on Thanksgiving morning. I figured hey, I can have an extra slice of pumpkin pie at dinner. Well we all know misery loves company. I managed to drag most of my sisters and my mother into joining me. Since my mom and I ran the 10k and my sisters "ran" the 5k, my race was earlier in the morning so I didn't get the chance to see my sisters before I left. AND WHAT A SHAME. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Please see my sisters blog for visuals. http://andimeanthatinthenicestpossibleway.blogspot.com/ Yes folks, that happened.

Friday: Picking out a Christmas tree is perhaps the most important Thanksgiving break tradition. And quite the task when you have to please 7 very opinionated, very stubborn people. We found the ideal tree as soon as we walked into the store, but it had already been tagged as "sold". Although we told the friendly Pikes worker we would make a better offer, they claimed it was not negotiable (which we of course know is a lie, everything is negotiable). After scheming how we could go grinch-like and steal it from the buyer's family room, we moved on to option 2. This is what the sisters agreed upon:

But dad claimed its size was "unpractical"- this coming from the man whose most recent project is to build a steam room in our basement. After annoying the Pikes workers to death with careful scrutiny of every tree above 10 feet...we settled on the perfect tree and moved on to decoration shopping. I think this was about the time Uncle George told us we were funnier in packs.

Come on...who wouldn't want to join us for a little shopping ? I mean look at us.

Reasons I love my sisters:

2008-10-28T10:17:00.003-06:00

3. While driving up to Squaw Peak: "Should I stop here?" "Why stop here? Go all the way!!

2. While drinking frozen hot chocolates: "You have to suck it really hard." "Mmm, that tastes better than normal."

1. In reference to sour patch kids: "Why are the children in the freezer? Is it their punishment or something?"

How To: Get a Boyfriend(s)

2008-10-06T23:29:00.003-06:00

I've been asked numerous times lately "What's your secret?" a question which has inspired this blog post. So here it is, my secret revealed.

Directions for getting a boyfriend:
It's very simple.
First, you decide on a boy. Make sure he is perfect for you, dead sexy, and out of your league. Then, you give him the title of "boyfriend" and refer to him as such behind his back whenever possible. For example, "I saw my boyfriend at church today." This method has great advantages. Namely, you can have as many boyfriends as you want! A good example is my roommate Whitney. Of course one of her boyfriends knows he's her boyfriend so that's not the best example. I personally have three boyfriends at the moment. One is in my ward and majoring in something very hard so he must be smart and the other two I met tonight and decided I wanted both of them to be my boyfriends too! See? You can have as many as you want. Plus, if you get asked on a date (not that that's a realistic hypothetical situation but for the sake of hypotheticalness), they never seem to mind if you take another guy up on his offer. The only major drawback is my boyfriends act a bit confused when they find out we're together. I'm still working on that little glitch...

"Is it okay for me to say Uchtdorf is sexy?" "No!" "Well he is..."

2008-10-04T22:53:00.006-06:00

Tween Conference Rendezvous

Being a witch! (unusual behavior)

...Luckily I'm a good witch.

See?

Good witches:

Ding dong ditch
...and leave yummy cookies

Say nice things to people like...
...In the process of frosting sugar cookies:
"We should make these into Valentine's! I'm writing 'Be my Punkin" on this jack-o-lantern. What can I write on this one?"
"Jack off!"