You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!

While I was in Germany I mentioned a few times my desire to skydive.  It's on my bucket-list and I still plan to do it eventually.  To feel like you are flying through the air and completely carefree... AWESOME.

Before I left Europe, I had a small Christmas celebration with the family I was with and we exchanged gifts.  I was elated when I found out what Koko and Patrick had gotten me... It was a coupon for something back in Utah, which was nice within itself because I had literally NO room in my suitcase left.  When I got home, I was going paragliding.  

That's right... PARAGLIDING.

I was ecstatic!  However, I had to wait because it was still winter.  I kept saying, "I just have to wait till May... May."  When May came around, I started a new job, was applying to Grad programs, and time got away from me.  I kept saying, "I need to sign up to paraglide," but would never remember when I was actually somewhere I could accessible call.  One day, after carrying around the coupon for about two months so I would remember (haha...), I actually did remember!  I called, booked an appointment... and got ready to jump off a cliff.

Last Friday morning, I finally flew.  My experience was different from friends who have recently gone, in that I was on a tandem ride.  I was hooked up to a professional flyer, Matt, who actually travels all around the world to do airshows.  When he is NOT doing that, he is here in UT working as a tandem instructor/flyer.  I was not completely sure what to expect, but I definitely thought that I was going to be running, jumping, and falling a bit.  However, when hooked up to this guy, I was stepping, leaning, sliding back, and flying.  It was SO simple, and AMAZING to simply ride in the wind.  I didn't have to worry about what cords to pull or how to move the wings.  I just held on to the side-ropes and went with it.  It was incredible...

He asked if I was afraid of roller-coasters, and when I said no, I knew what was going to happen.  We dipped and dove and he went falling and flying SO fast!  Haha... I was loving it!  We also had hawks out hunting that morning and they literally got so close one almost hit my foot and one almost took my face off.  Haha!  It was amazing... sounds it, eh?

My one regret... I got NO pictures.  Lame, I know.  However, the memories were worth a lot more... It was Epic.

Next step?  Skydiving.

*muah*

THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Koko and Patrick (and Nico and Finni!) for this awesome experience!!!

Song of the Day: Here is a great song and great video by Jessie J - "Who You Are."  It's a pretty great message and I love her voice.  Enjoy! 

So... I'm an Emotional Dreamer... Good to Know.

I am an emotional dreamer. 

I'm not talking about someone who cries because they are thinking about the dreams they have for their life - though I do get teary whenever I watch Fantasmic or the "Dreams Come True" firework show in Disneyland... You just can't hold back those tears.  I am talking about someone who wakes up strongly feeling the emotions of the dream they left behind upon waking.  I feel like I am still connected to every aspect of the dream - the people, the places, the actions... and the emotions.  I wake feeling still angry, still sad, still elated, still confused, still in love... I feel it all and carry it with me throughout the day sometimes.  Haha...

I know that may appear a bit crazy, but it is what it is... I am an emotional dreamer.

What brought on this confession?

Well, have you ever had a truly BIZARRE dream?  It is one where the location, people involved, and the plot seem to switch about twenty times throughout the dream.  Where it seems to be really long, but studies show that in reality, it's only about three minutes long - if that long.  Last night, I had one of those dreams.  I started in my church at stake conference (surrounding areas multiple congregations meet together for a combined meeting), then I was at a different church.  Then, I was back at my church, but for an activity, which changed to a conference hall where I was watching a movie.  The people in the dream constantly changed, as did the circumstances.  At one point I was wearing a strapless party dress AT church stake conference...?  Yea, I have no idea where half of the things I was dreaming were coming from.

Moving on, near the end of my dream I was back in a church meeting, in rather fancy church clothes, and whispering with a boy next to me.  It then turned into a movie activity and we were in street clothes, sitting close and wrapped up in separate blankets.  We were interacting with each other and the people around us, and we were NOT dating, but we obviously liked each other... Relating to While You Were Sleeping, there was lots of "leaning."  Haha!  It's truth.

We were participating in the simplistic nuances that preempt a potential relationship... The things that you love because they're exciting and fun, but simultaneously despise as they create slight anxiety or confusion.  I am a girl who would truly love nothing more than for someone to approach me and say, "I think you're cute and I like being around you... Let's give this a shot.  Go on a date with me."  Maybe there would be some of the subtle connotations and signs given first, but it wouldn't take forever for honesty and bluntness to leak out.  I'm into that sorta thing... too bad the majority of the world thinks that's a bit too forward.  Eh.  Haha!

Anyway, back to the dream!  There is a point to telling about the dream that ties back to the original theme of this entry - I swear.  (In the words of Kim Kardashian, "Bible!" - That's for you, Katelyn.) I was flirting here and there with the boy and it was returned through stolen glances and smiles or a touch, and then the movie ended.  We stood up and continued chatting while others came up and broke into the time we wanted to spend talking to one another... You know when you can just FEEL that the other person feels the same - and you're spot on about feeling that way?  I've never really felt that so strongly as I did in my dream.  I was SO attached to this person and the emotions presented by the situation in my dream.  It felt SO real... and then my alarm went off.  Yea.

Eventually you have to wake up and slide back into reality.  So, I did just that... but first, I spent ten minutes lying in bed, staring at the clock, grasping at wisps of the dream I had just been a part of so I could see the face of the person I was so connected to in my mind.  Nope.  It never came.  I thought about those emotions all day, but the face never came to me.  I purposely stuck the faces of boys I know in the place, but none of them fit... It was weird.  I think I'm weird.  Haha!  I know it's stupid to dwell, when tomorrow it really will just be a dream and I won't even think about it anymore.  However, I couldn't help it... I was emotionally invested in my imaginary relationship.  Haha!  I was emotionally attached to a fabrication - weird!

This is not the first time that this has happened.  The other week I dreamed that my mom was trying to run a political campaign on the idea that all kids with disabilities should be issued lethal injection for the benefit of the country and I was on the counter-offensive position... running against her and furiously despising her for her cruelty.  I woke up angry and had to take a few minutes to emotionally adjust.  As much as I claim I am not an emotional person, I think that I truly am... I just don't cry a lot.  Still, I have realized that I am an emotional girl.  

My name is Linze Struiksma, and I am an emotional dreamer.  My last emotional dream was last night...

YOU?

*muah*

Song of the Day:  I am in love with this song AND video!  There are a few good reasons why, as well... Let me start by saying the video stars Rupert Grint, whom I adore.  To quote an online review,

"The video treatment gives the impression that Grint is playing Sheeran — given the actor’s resemblance to the singer (both Gingers!). It features Grint lip-syncing Sheeran’s song while hanging out on a tour bus and even penning the track on a park bench, among other settings. All the while, you get this unsettling feeling that not all is what it seems — and rightly so.  As the video unfolds, you realize Grint is actually a crazed fan, obsessed with Sheeran, living out this twisted fantasy of being the singer. There’s even an exceptionally creepy scene where Grint is sitting amongst a room of dolls, which all bare Sheeran’s face. Let’s just say, the video is probably every celebrity’s worst nightmare."

Fascinating, right?!  Right.  The concept is SO twisted! I think this is genius and intriguing... and I love the song.  Ed Sheeran is fabulous and I hope his music catches fire here in the US.  He's fabulous.  I also have a slight crush on Mr. Grint - have I mentioned that?  Watch the video and take it for what it is, but also listen  to the song.  Enjoy Ed Sheeran's song, "Lego House!"

Words Can Be Funny...

Here are some recent winner's from Eliza:

"I'm painting a miral now!" - Eliza
"A mural?" - Linze
"Yes, a muuuural.  It's going to be pretty after all." - Eliza

"This is hummy!" - Eliza, pointing to her toy hummingbird...
"What's the turtle's name?" - Linze
"..... Turtie?" - Eliza

"I just like the girls, and NOT the boys." - Eliza


"You will be the dad, and you will marry me." - Little Girl
"No!" - Little Boy
"You should marry me!" - Little Girl
"Do I have to?" - Little Boy

While on the swings...
"Should I fly you all the way up to the moon?" - Linze
"Not really the moon.  Otherwise, our mom wouldn't have a kid anymore.  That wouldn't be fair." - Eliza

Here are a few friend ones too - just for kicks!:

"I am NOT judging.  I'm making fun of them." - Kay

"It's called pride, not discrimination!" - Kay:)

 "I'll do him and...*Laughs*... Backup." - Linze

"Wunderbar!" - Mark

"I want the slightly apostate cousin..." - Hayley

*muah*

Song of the Day: "Just In Love" - Joe Jonas.... It's just FUN!  Enjoy!

A New Woman...

I feel like a new woman... I feel rejuvenated and happier. I know that I am right where I need to be in life and that whatever path I choose in the future will be okay. Whether I decide to chase entertainment or political dreams, or continue in the path of education... I am going to do great things, because I know I can. I am capable. There is SO much I want to BE... I just have to decide what I would like to chase first, and conquer that. Right now, it is Graduate School. After that...?

I just feel really blessed and I wanted to record somewhere that I felt that way, and share a bit of joy with friends and family. I am a lucky woman, and just pray that I have to strength to become all that I'm meant to become...

*muah*

Song of the Day: I know I recently put James Morrison on here, but I can't resist. This song is my favorite off his new album, and it's called "Slave to the Music." I am in love - it's infectious! In a none gross way... Haha! Enjoy!!!

A Bit... Off?

Today was just one of those off days for me... It was a FABULOUS day!  I had breakfast, lunch, and dinner with my co-hort, some of the most amazing people I know, and finished two of my Graduate classes today.  I even got back some more 100% papers and that made me happy... My "focus on school" and giving up other things is working...  I went to an AMAZING lecture for institute, and ran into Erika (my London flat-mate), which led to us discussion our ideas to move back.... serious ideas, too.  I saw other friends, and jammed with Nicole for an hour after institute. 

However, amidst all this awesomeness, today was just OFF for me.  I felt separated... I feel weird.  I can't explain it better than saying I feel "OFF," so that's what I'll stick to saying.

I could list my many stresses, complaints, personal issues, but I'll sum it up with the following; I'm tired and feeling detached.  I felt as though I needed to blog, and yet almost keep passing out on the keyboard.  That does not equal a great mix and I'm hoping tomorrow is a bit sunnier.

The one thing I can count on is that music always makes me feel better... perhaps not all the way better, but MUCH better.

Everyone has these days... Now, it's time to move past them and forge ahead.  Onward to sunshine and more sleep.

*muah*

Song of the Day:  It took me awhile to warm-up to this song and THIS version enhanced my recent love for it... This version has a girl I met this summer during stadium of fire (AMY - the lead) and I fell in love with her voice and personality - she's SUCH a fun girl.  Here's is Bruno Mars's song "Grenade," sung by Delilah from The Sing-Off!  Enjoy!

Leggings to... Jeggings?!

I hated leggings.  Then, I bought a pair to keep me warm in Germany.

I now love leggings.  That is, assuming they're not ugly ones.

Sidenote:  Also, considering you wear non-slippy underwear with them... If you don't know what I mean, don't ask.  Please.

I hated jeggings.  Why would a girl need to wear fake jeans!?  Then, I bought a pair last week because I thought I needed to give them a try to be fair.  Who I was being fair to, I have no idea... but I was fair.

I tried them today... I now love jeggings.  That is, assuming I wear a long shirt with them so it's not completely showing every piece of my body they're conformed to...  Jeggings are NOT jeans, ladies... but they're stylish leggings.

Yep.  I love jeggings.

Judge away.  Whether you appreciate it or not, I am now a jeggings person. 

*muah*

Song of the Day: This is from James Morrison's upcoming album (Oct. 11th!)... If you do NOT know who James Morrison is, you should be musically ashamed of yourself.  He is AMAZING.... a melodic master.  Here is James Morrison (Feat. Jessie J) with "Up."  It's an inspiring tune, with incredible voices and a smooth sound... Enjoy!

Picture This

I kind of love hilarious pictures and comedy in general... Thus, I bring you a "picture book" entry for your comedic enjoyment.... So, enjoy.

I actually just think the one above is cute and how we should all think, not so much funny...

An old one, but it gets me every time...

Okay, the chart above - about that... You're suppose to be able to find where your mind is really at, and I found this very humorous.  Why?  The three words I saw first were the following: MAN, NONE, FURY. 

Haha... How classic.  I guess I am raging with anger as I have no man in my life... It's odd because I don't feel like I'm angry at all, but subconsciously I am?  Right?  Haha...

I am now suppose to go calm down... with a nice Diet Coke?  Yes, please.

*muah*

Song of the Day:  I am rally diggin' Jessie J.'s new jam, "Domino."  Hope you dig it too - Enjoy!

My Life is a Sitcom... Or, it Will Be!

"Writing is like standing on the edge of a giant cliff over a bunch of water, it is freaky to do and really intimidating, but once you dive in it is so much fun." - Chad Johnson (not the football player)

For one of my MAT classes we were given the task of "learning something new."  The perimeter was vast, so I can basically do anything.  I thought about learning to play guitar and writing a song for the final. or finally sewing that tie-skirt... I have all the ties!  Haha... I decided on a million and one things in the two weeks I had to think about it before I needed to make a decision, but finally I made my choice.


I am going to write my life into a sitcom.

Let's face it.  My life would give any writer plenty of material.

Okay, okay... not EXACTLY my life, but select moments/incidents or aspects of my life - past, present, and hopes of the future.  I just have so many awkward and funny things happen to me and those surrounding me, and my family is a bit crazy (which is hilarious and fun)... I think it's time I share that hilarity and awkwardidity... awkwardness.  

So, over the past few weeks I have spent time talking to friends about ideas for plot, setting, and characters.  I have spoken with my friend Chad (Mr. Pro-Writer) about how to really write a sitcom and taken his advice in reading scripts and studying the types of shows I want to model mine after.  I try to help him out then by giving him ad ideas, but I am not as creative as I thought when it's not "in the moment."  I have talked with Chad about how to start writing... It's definitely harder than I thought.  I have a lot of big ideas, but don't know how to funnel them into a cohesive script...

I have written character descriptions and now I just have to find a place for these characters to come to life.  Chad says, "You have to build the playground before you can play." I completely love this notion.  I need to create characters that can play on and build the "playground" that is my show, then I need to build the "playground" by creating a setting and overall plot for the storyline.  Once I have that in place I should be good to really dive into the writing a script part.  So, I have the characters for the most part - I need to create a strong antagonist figure to the main character -  and I need to now create a setting... I have ideas.  I just need to pick one.  I think I'll ask some friends and other people from my MAT program their thoughts.  I need a location that allows room for truly funny things to happen, but where there is meaning behind the main character's life... where the plot (and the character) has more depth than merely the hilarious things that will happen to or because of her choices.  If I can figure that out, this could be good... really good.

They say write about what you know.  I know about school, church (not going to be my setting), home life in a few different regions of the US, working in schools, doing plays in the theater... I'm just not sure.  I don't want a traditional office space, though an nontraditional space could work.  Thoughts?  Anyone?  Really, I could use a lot of help in this aspect so I can really get started in making this idea come to life... I'm rather excited about it! 

*muah*

Song of the Day: I heard this song for the first time tonight and looked up the following video... I knew the voices instantly - well, one of the voices.  Here is Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean with "Don't You Wanna Stay."  It's a fabulous new hit!  Enjoy!!!