Things I Learned From Tinder

Yes.  It happened.  And I am ashamed.  And if you tell anyone, I'll give you a swirly.   I participated in the world's shallowest app.  Tinder is the name, and "the game" is the game.  Seriously.  Ya know how most people grow to hate the dating game? So they sign up for things like Tinder?  Well jokes on them cuz Tinder is game central.   Yeah, yeah I know there are a few success stories, but mostly...not.  Just not.  However, I had a several good laughs from some of the unbelievably ridiculous things some of the guys would say, or some of the pictures they would post.  Seriously?  Word to the wise, dude, don't have your profile picture for a dating app be of you with two bikini bimbos kissing either side of your face.  You might as well have a large sign on your forehead that says, "playa" or "tool" or "gross" or the likes.  The following are some of the things that crossed my mind while swipin' through different profiles on the app:

For swipes "to the left. to the left.  Everything you [are] in a [swipe] to the left"

• No. 
• No.
• Nope.
• Absolutely not.
• Gross.
• No shirt.  
• Gym selfie.
• Cigarette in mouth.
• CIGAR in mouth.
• Baby (some guys on there were like 17!!  Really?  Try dating the girls in your own high school!!).
• Too old (yes, I did later on figure out that you can adjust the age range you are interested in).
• No shirt.
• No shirt.
• Gym selfie.
• That gauge in your left earlobe is big enough for me to jump through.  
• No.
• Baby.
• No.
• You have longer hair than I do.
• No.
• Shirtless (I feel bad for boys who use this app and see 8 million pictures of scantily dressed girls.  Unless they like that sort of thing...in which case I feel bad for the girls who objectify themselves by posting such photos.).
• I saw the word "cuddling" in your profile.  
• I saw the word "kissing" in your profile.
• I saw the word "massages" in your profile. 
• Twelve empty shot glasses in front of you.  
• No. 
• And last but not lease...no shirt. 

For swipes to the right, I usually just picked guys I thought looked like they were clean cut and well-rounded and had nice jaw lines/structures (one of my weaknesses, silly, I know).  A lot of guys post pictures of themselves holding babies or small animals.  Props.  Like we girls can't see straight through that, but props indeed.  Right swipe.  

Matching.  Haha well not much else boosts your own self esteem quite like swiping an extremely attractive guy to the right, only to find out that HE also swiped you right does.  Sure.  It put a little extra bounce in my step. 

I really hope this is their engagement picture.

Chatting.  So once the "matching" takes place, you and your match have the opportunities to chat a bit through the app.  It's safe because your phone number/personal information of any sort is not exposed.  It is all done through the app and you can block people at any point in time.  Anyway, the chatting part was okay.  My favorite first messages that guys sent me said, "Hey Hannah, I'm not a tree hugger, but if you were a tree, I would be."  "Hey Hannah, I see you like the way I look!"  Hahahaha!  But some of the guys I chatted with seemed really nice and sincere and mature.  Others...not so much.  

So.  Needless to say, Tinder is...entertaining.  Yes.  Effective?  Mmmmm...I guess it depends on what you are going for.  It's quite judgmental.  You know the saying don't judge a book by it's cover?  Yeah that's about all this is.  Judging a book by its cover. It's how you play though.  I joined mostly out of curiosity and kicks and very quickly deleted my account/app.  I'm not saying Tinder is bad by any means!  Don't get all uppity and defensive if you have used it.  I mean, power to ya if it works.  You do your thing, ya know?  For me...I think I'll stick with the old-fashioned dating game for now. ;)   

Lately

So I haven't blogged in a bit....Between getting ready for finals, finals, moving home, and job hunting, things have been pretty crazy!!  However, I am all moved home and have a full-time job secured for the summer!  I will be working at Autosource Motors for the summer!  No, I didn't make Nauvoo this year, but honestly I feel SOOOO much peace about it.  I knew the whole time that if the Lord wanted me there, I would go, and if He didn't this time, I wouldn't.  I am grateful to have had the opportunity just to audition!  I'm already planning on trying out again next year!!  I felt good about my finals (even aced the big huge exam that determines whether on not I qualify for the social work program.  Pheww!!  That was a blessing) and then cleaned like a mad woman, packed up, and came home - where I cleaned like a mad woman again!  My brother-in-law Scott and Adam were nice enough to come help me move because my mom and dad were on a cruise...whatever...then Scott treated Adam and me to a dinner at the one and only Angie's!  Mmm...As soon as I got home, I went around applying for jobs, and calling people all over the place.  I have decided to attend my home ward for the summer rather than the singles ward, because...just because.  Also, I want to be with my mommy.  :)  So there is a bit of an update for ya!
Other than that, the summer has proven to be a good one so far!  I have gotten to spend some fun nights with friends, babysit the babies, received a letter from my favorite Icelander, had some good chats with a pretty cute salesman cough, cough Route Manager in NC, and last night I went to a wedding reception with several of my favorite people, were we dance the night away!  Molly and Jared are so dang cute and in love.  Also, I caught the bouquet!  Excellent.  Funny story:  when I was walking away from catching it, a boy came up to me (in front of everyone, mind you) and got down on his knee and asked me to marry him (I have never seen this boy in my life, mind you).  So, I played along and everyone laughed and it was funny.  Whatever.  Then when I was turning away, everyone started chanting, "kiss her, kiss her, kiss her" so like a man, he grabbed me and kissed me right on the mouth!  My bouquet still in hand, I fist-pumped it right into the air, and everyone cheered like crazy!  More laughing then took place.   Then, with some formalities out of the way...we introduced ourselves to each other.   Haha needless to say, it was an adventure for sure....I love weddings! :D Probably won't ever see the kid again, but hey!  Everyone loves a fun story.  I just really hope someone caught a bit of it on camera because well, it was hilarious.  Speaking of cameras, my friend Jalene asked me to be her "model" or whatever for a photo shoot she wanted to do.  I was super excited for the chance to do that. She did my hair and make-up, told me what to wear and how to stand, and away we went!  She is so talented.  You should really check out more of her work HERE.  Here are some of my favorites from the afternoon:

So yeah.  It felt a little unnatural for me to do the whole no smiling thing, but I think she was please with the way they turned out.  So that's good.  Again, she is unbelievably talented and such an eye for what looks good for a photo, and what things ought to be captured.
Well, I think that's all that I'll leave ya with for now.  I have a few other things that I am excited to blog about, so I will try to be better.  In the mean time, have a fantastic summer!

Shout Out...

...To Brenna...

Brenna.  Bren.  Brenzie.  B-ren.

This is Brenna McFarland.  And I love her a lot.  She's pretty awesome.  Brenna and I have been friends since we were little tiny.  I can't even remember the first time I met her, it was that far back.   Growing up, one minute we would be in a fight, then five minutes later we would be sticking fresh peas from the garden and a note of apology under the other's bedroom door.  Back to playing right after!  Bren and I are pretty dang different.  Opinions, sense of humors, sometimes priorities etc...but still...we seem to get each other pretty well.  We know each other's buttons and we know the lines not to cross.  Don't you dare cross any of those lines while she and I are together because the other will be right on your tail about it  - sticking up for the one attacked.  I love Bren because she unfailingly makes me laugh.  She's hilarious!  And we are hilarious together!  Playin' off of each other's jokes and all.  Brenna loves and let's love.  She has a way of making heavy things much lighter (without discrediting its actual hardness).  It just makes some of the hard things in life much more bearable.  She is honest and real, but kind and thoughtful.  She is ALWAYS herself - never two faced. The little things matter to her, and she helps others to realize their importance as well.  She is, in my opinion, very intelligent and logical, but has a heart of gold as well.   Bren is such an example to me of obedience.  She is obedient because she loves the Savior and does whatever He asks and expects.  I was lucky enough to live with Brenna for two years and not once did I see her skip her scripture reading/journal writing/prayer saying routine at night.  Not once did I see her refuse to do a calling, or do her visiting teaching.  It will be weird to not live with this girl anymore.  I am going to miss it like crazy!  I love it when Brenna laughs and I love it when Brenna sings.  I love that she loves Taylor Swift and finds joy in her music.  Heck, I just plain LOVE my Bren!  I love that she and I will be friends forever and I cherish the memories we have already made and the ones we have yet to make!

...To Becca...

Rebecca.  Becs.  Becca.

This is Rebecca Anne Cowan.  I love her a lot as well.  Obviously.  Becca and I have been friends since 7th grade.  However, we didn't get along for the first while that we knew each other because one time at one of my very first dances, she came up to me in the middle of dancing with a really cute boy and she told me I was doing it wrong.  It's okay...I made up for that a while later when I tackled her to the cement in 9th grade.  Now its just a whole bunch of lovin'!  Becca.  Becca.  Becca.  She is an angel.  She is a feisty, firecracker of an angel and it makes me love her that much more.  What a hoot!  Becca is the kind of girl who is selfless no matter what.  Asking her to do a favor doesn't happen because there is no need to ask.  She is already doing it, or offering to do some kind deed.  She notices and appreciates, more than a lot of people I know, the little things like the color and detail of a complete stranger's eyes, or someone's bracelet or ring.  She sees.  And what's better - she shares.  She shares the good things in life and helps me and so many others around her, to love life even when we don't feel like loving it quite so much.  She never ceases to be able to talk some sense into me with all of the wisdom that is bundled up in that little lady.  She is one of the most empathetic persons I have ever met.  She celebrates my joys with me, and is sometimes even more excited than I am.  She also, hurts when others hurt.  She does everything in her power to help and let me tell you, she.  Is.  A.  Powerful.  Help.  I honestly can't explain just how much I love my Becs.  I don't know where I would be, or what I would do without her.  She pulls me and lifts me.  She looks out for and defends me.  I trust her with my deepest darkest secrets, my crazy jokes, and with my life.  She is an eternal friend and incredible example to me.  This world is so much better because of Rebecca Anne Cowan.  I am truly blessed. :)

GOODBYE wisdom........teeth, that is.

Why am I documenting this horrible event that is not lovely or picturesque in any way shape or form?  Just because I am a geek like that.  Plus, come on.  I am not so insecure as to not be able to laugh at it.  Laugh along, I say.  Laugh!  Oh, also I think I am going through lack-of-facebook withdrawals, and am spending more time blogging the meaningless things of my life.  Lucky you, readers!  Nah, it'll be special to me one day.  

Morning of wisdom teeth extraction came, and I was a bit scared.  It wasn't too bad, though.  I got home and was OUT OF IT!  I insisted on wearing my Utah State sweat pants from best friend Garen (missioning right now), and I made sure that every single one of my visitors got a picture with me, and an adorable puppy sticker.  I guess it just seemed appropriate that my guests leave with a token of my appreciation...I don't know.  Anyway, I was very disappointed that BdubB, Becca Cowan couldn't come visit.  Apparently I cwied a wittle bit.  I did.  So!  I demanded that other BdubB Annie Tanner  come immediately.  And she did.  Way to save the day, Anjo!  I have the best of friends, don't I?  I was smiling on the inside when they came.   So, the healing process continued, along with the drug-induced loopiness, and I am now well enough to be working again!  First day back was a rough one.  Phew, I am exhausted!  

One of  the (cutest) visitors - Jare bear!  Oh my heckers, I am a lucky aunt.

Thanks, friends!

Chase was nice to let me snooze on his shoulder during 101
Dalmatians.  I chose the movie. :)

I'm looking a little "G" in this picture, wouldn't you say?

Great start to a great summer!!

1. As many of you know, I got to go to LONDON!!  It was so amazing.  I seriously felt like I was in a movie or something.  My parents sent my brother Adam and me to visit my cousin Kellee and her cute little family.  They live there because Kellee's husband, Jared, is going to school there.  This was honestly one of the most awesome experiences of my life.  There is so much history there.  I loved learning about all of it, and actually being in the place that the history took place.  I learned so much!  This was definitely not a relaxing vacation; it was one of those ones where you get up early every morning, and you run around sight seeing the whole day until you are completely worn out.  It was soooooo worth it though!!  We even got to see two Broadway shows (well London's version of Broadway).  Of course we went shopping, and I was very pleased with my purchases.  One of my favorite things we did was go to a Butterfly house.  Okay.  I LOVE butterflies.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a little bit of an obsession with them.  They have a lot of significance for me, and I just adore them.  I was in heaven with hundreds of beautiful, exotic butterflies fluttering about.    Just getting to spend time with one of my favorite cousins was also one of my favorite parts.  We would stay up late just laughing our heads off while telling embarrassing stories, or quoting different movies.  I can't wait until they move back to Utah!!  I already miss the little babies.  Adorable.  So anyway, this isn't really a cute, fanciful written post but I just thought I would share.  London is AMAZING!!  You need to go.  :)

All of the "flats" are laid out like this.  They are so dainty and movie-like.
Most of them have little front gardens with a tiny gate,
and roses or vines climbing everywhere.

Les Mis!  Adam and I are sort of musical geeks.  Whatever.

Probably my very favorite place we visited.  The Tower of London.
It has so much awesome/creepy history.
  It was built in 1078!  Can you believe that?!

Big Ben/Parliament buildings.  I wish I would have had my fairy dust so I could go fly by it
 like in Peter Pan.  I ran out last week, though. :(
I should have thought ahead.  

Westminister Abbey!  Gorgeous.  Also very old and historical and fascinating.  

Kelle and her cutie kids.  Jude dude, and Hazel Mei. 

So happy.

Best friend

They really liked Hazel.  She did not feel the same affections.

Just chillin' in Hyde park!

2.  I got an awesome job! I work at Sportsmed Physical Therapy.  I am a therapist aid, and I love it.  It is way good experience for me!  I'll also be working for my dad and Russon Brother's Mortuary.  I've done it for years now, but it's good too.

3.  I went on my first temple trip of the summer.  Many more trips planned.  It was so great, and the spirit was strong. I love going there, especially with the people I am closest to.  Umm the temple workers are hilarious, and somewhat awkward.  Story.  So, one of my best friends in the whole world, Garen, and I went to the temple to do baptisms and we were constantly referred to as each other's dates.  The temple worker man kept telling us how great of a "couple" we were that we would go on a date to the temple.  The whole time Garen and I would just kinda look at each other and chuckle, but on our way out, the awkward man told us once again, "thanks so much for making your date a temple trip (or something to that affect.) You guys are great...you gonna do a little hand-holding on your way out?  Okay bye!"
Alright.  Who says that?!  At that point, Garen and I just busted up laughing.  The awkwardness was tangible. They are cute old people just trying to build the kingdom of God, eh?  Kudos to them.  I think we were both bright red, and so we just kept walking out the door.   Anyway, it was just funny, and we had to laugh about it.

4.  First "hang-out" of the summer, my friend Becca and I sat on one couch for like 3 hours not really doing anything because we don't have friends.  We sat and named off people we could call, but all of our best friends were still at school, out of town, on missions, or just plain unavailable.  Awesome.  If that was a precursor of what the rest of the summer is going to be like, Becca Anne and I will get real close.   Haha, it's okay.  We set some excellent goals for the summer, and had some good laughs.  I'd just chill with Becs like that ANY night.  It really is going to be a fantastic summer!

5.  My sister's baby is due in three weeks!  Even though I already have 12 nieces and nephews, I get so excited for those new little ones to join us here on this adventure we call life.  So precious.  We don't know if it is a boy or a girl yet.  We will be surprised!  Look forward to more updates on that. :)

Well, those are just a few things (small to big) that have made me smile so far this summer.  More memories to come! Thanks for reading.  Cheers!