I'm almost a grown up

So, I'm graduating in 11 days.

Crazy, right?

That means I am almost grown up.

My government teacher in high school always called us "almost adults," and then when we were graduating he told us that we as we left high school we would really be adults.

I've decided that either he was wrong, or I was behind the times because I still don't feel like a grownup as I'm getting ready to graduate from college. I feel like I should still be playing with my Barbie's and taking my lunch to school in a purple plastic, Aladdin and Jasmin lunch box.

I definitely hope that what I was like as a 17 year old, high school graduate doesn't reflect true adulthood because if it does, we are all in so much trouble.

I've grown up a lot since I graduated high school. I think if I hadn't been there for the process, I would be convinced I was not really the same person.

These are some grown up things I have done in the past few days:

1. Applied for a job. A REAL job. That I'm really excited about.
2. did my homework the night before it was due right when I got home from work, instead of my normal routine of starting it in class the day its due
3. Finished my microfilm project almost a week before it's final due date
4. Went to 2 bridal showers
5. Got a phone call from the BYU Annual Fund asking me to give back to the school. Really? I thought they only asked people who have finished college and have real jobs! Which, I guess is just about to be me... But still, only adults get phone calls asking for them to give donations!

Now, in direct contradiction to the grown up things I did, I'm only going to write about childish things I've done recently for the rest of the post.

I've watched 14 episodes of Lost in the past two days. I just finished episode 14 of season 3. And believe me, I was shocked about some of the stuff that happened. But, the thing that shocked me most was finding out who Claire's dad is. Blew my mind.

My other favorite part in the Lost episodes I've watched was when Sawyer started talking about Little House on the Prairie. Made my day.

I finally got the books for my final research paper from the library 4 days before the paper is due.

I have successfully avoided grocery shopping for close to 3 weeks. It's just so much work...

I just watched this week's episode of Vampire Diaries. You know my mind that had already blown up from finding out who Claire's dad is? Yeah, it got hit by a bazillion nuclear bombs at the end of the episode. My mind is now a nuclear waste land. And I'm expected to take finals this week. I don't think I have ever been more surprised and shocked about a TV show in my whole, entire life. I didn't even see it coming! And that is saying something, because I pride myself in being able to accurately guess what is going to happen next. I'm almost never wrong.

And finally, I let my room get to this point... (it looks way worse in real life)

Don't tell Brooke though! Or she might decide she doesn't want to live with me again next year!

Katie's ultimate list of the best couples ever

Well the best couples from literature, TV, and movies that is. Naturally when it comes to best couples ever including real people, me and my future, yet to be determined, husband will take the heart shaped cake. (I really do have a heart shaped cake pan...no joke.)

Laura Ingalls Wilder and Almanzo Wilder

He calls her Bess. She calls him Manly. Could it get anymore perfect? Why, yes it can. He drives through freezing weather with his Morgans, Prince and Lady, to pick her up from her school so she doesn't have to stay the weekend with the dreadful Mrs. Foster. And takes her on Sunday rides through the South Dakota prairie. And builds her an awesome house with a really cool pantry. Also, they're real people! So that just makes it even better. Oh how I idolize Laura Ingalls Wilder...

Elinor Dashwood and Edward Ferris

While most people favor Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy (who I almost put instead), I decided that Elinor and Edward's relationship is way more up to my speed. Chances are this would totally be me. I can identify with Elinor. Which just makes it all the more triumphant when everything finally works out for them.

Ariel and Prince Eric

Aw, love at first sight. I mean it was fireworks the night they first saw each other. Not even the fact that she has a fish tail can keep them apart. They sacrifice so much to be together, I mean they have a whole ocean and a fat octopus between them. Plus they just look good together.

Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe

Oh, Anne and Gilbert, what else can you say. From the very beginning you know they are meant for each other, yet Anne is just so darn stubborn. And then Gilbert is so cute and charming with his good looks and Canadian accent. Then it looks like they'll be together forever and Anne crushes Gilbert's poor little heart. And when Anne realizes she made a mistake, Gilbert has the audacity to be engaged to another woman! It's all just so tragical. Luckily, they do end up together right after Gilbert is nursed back to health from the brink of death. If not, I would be forced into the depths of despair and therefore find it hard to believe that true love really does exist and make a vow with Brooke to always be old maids together.

Ella and Prince Char

Ella Enchanted is probably one of my most favorite books in the history of the world. Right up there with Harry Potter and the Little House books. When Ella saves Char and breaks the curse, its like anything in the world is possible. Plus, they wander through an old castle and slide down banisters. Talk about a pretty sweet date.

I'm a problem reader

I read a quote today that I loved. It was by Emilie Buchwald and it said,

"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents."

I have loved books ever since I can remember. I am almost always reading a book and have read almost every day since the second grade.

My parents call me a problem reader. Which to be fair, my whole family is full of problem readers. It must be a genetic condition. All growing I continually got in trouble for reading too much. It was common to hear "Put the book down!" in my house. I also got my book taken away several times because I wouldn't stop reading it.

While we were growing up my parents read to my siblings and I all the time. My mom read series of books to the whole family, and every day we would listen to a chapter or two. She read us The Work and The Glory, Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites, Harry Potter (I was notorious for getting these books taken away. My dad would come in at 11 at night and take it away from me), Little House on the Prairie (I wanted to BE Laura Ingalls Wilder. I also totally checked this series out from the BYU library and read it), and countless others. My mom started reading the Little House series to me when I started kindergarten, and then I listened to it again when Kelsie started kindergarten and then again when Karlie started kindergarten. That's probably why I love the Little House books so much.

I saw my parents reading often when I was growing up too. Parents are the ones who introduce us to books and show us the fun in escaping to new and exciting worlds. Emilie Buchwald really had it right when she said children get a love of reading from their parents.