My Name is Kari Ensign

and I'm addicted to Coke. The soda, people. Come on. Who do you think I am?!? But seriously. I only drink one a day, but if I don't have that one Coke, I'm pretty sure that I start to look like this:

So, I've decided. Starting in April, I'm going to try going soda-free. Just to prove to myself and everyone else that I can do it.

I can do it, right??? Deep breaths.

100TH POST!!!

And it's a good one. Trust me.

You all should know by now that I have SUPER vivid dreams. And most nights I remember them and wake up trying to figure out what was real and what wasn't.

Last night's was vivid, but I unfortunately had no problems figuring out it wasn't real because... I DREAMT I WAS HARRY POTTER!!!! (The girl version of course.) How awesome is that?

Everyone made a huge deal about me all the time and basically worshipped the ground I walked on. But I wasn't as naturally gifted as Harry. Hermione had to help me remember spells to use in our epic battle against Voldemort by writing them on my hand so I could remember. Kind of a fail on my part.

My favorite spell to use? Expelliarmus. I seriously used it on everyone I could. First spell I used? Expecto patronum. Then I went straight to Avada kedavra and Voldemort was like, "Seriously? Already?"

I have no idea who won in the end, but I'm pretty sure it was me and my friends. And quite frankly, I'm a winner because I had a dream about being Harry Potter. Nailed it.

Music to My Ears

One of the best decisions I've made in 2013 so far? Creating a playlist of some of my favorite high school jams. Some of you have asked to see what's on this playlist so I thought I'd share it with you so you could revel and reminisce as well.

Without further ado, you can listen to my playlist here:

High School Throwback

Speaking of reminiscing - I thought it might be fun to share people/memories I associate with some of the songs on here. So, read below for a great little trip down memory lane.

Pump It - Black Eyed Peas: Always reminds me of going to Duke's Ice Cream in Flower Mound. Random? I just am pretty sure I listened to this song every time I was on my way to go get ice cream there. And I can't think of Duke's without thinking of the sexy cowboy who worked there. Can we have a moment of silence for him, please?

Great Escape - Boys Like Girls: Obviously, I can't help but think of my glorious Hollister days. Ah, back when I made $5.50 an hour. Good times.

Fix You - Coldplay: My birthday present for my 17th birthday was four tickets to the Coldplay concert. It was the first real concert I ever went to and it was one of the very best. So, of course I have to shout out to the three lovely ladies who attended that concert with me - Sarah, Whitney and Katie (my birthday twin).

Screaming Infidelities - Dashboard Confessional: Kyle Taylor = Dashboard in my mind. 

Lose My Breath - Destiny's Child: Chad and Kyle - remember your version of this song? Me too.

Georgia - Field Mob: I'm not sure why I think of you, Jon Veals, every time I hear this song, but I do. I think maybe when you heard this song play in my car was the first time you believed I really was hood.

My Life Be Like (Ooh Ahh) - Grits: This song always makes me think of all my guy friends who were a year older than me and were at BYU when I was a senior in high school. Because I think maybe this was your jam? But mostly I think of David Cluff because he LOVED this song.

Leavin' - Jesse McCartney: Obviously, this song has Chad written all over it. Remember when you were obsessed with his hair, Chad? And this song.

Too Little Too Late - JoJo: Who could forget about JoJo? I used to sit in the high school parking lot listening to this song. If it came on and wasn't finished by the time I got to school, you better believe I waited until the end of the song before I got out of my car. Such a good song. What ever happened to JoJo?

Oh Yes - Juelz Santana: Raul, let's be honest here. Any song that's hip-hop/rap on this playlist probably reminds me of you in some way. But this song is the one that without fail makes me think about you and Cosmo (may he rest in peace).

Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson: This song reminds of Laguna Beach to the max. I wished I had been able to sing this song post-prom in the limo with all my girl friends too.

Black Horse and the Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall: Mr. Harvey, I absolutely think of you when I hear this song. I don't remember anything else we did to warm up for musical, but I do remember warming up to this song. So, this goes out to the FMHS cast of Thoroughly Modern Mille (2007). And especially to you, Mr. Harvey.

Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado: Katie and Lindy - this song always makes me think of our Lifetime after-school "workouts." I always just imagine us watching this music video on the TVs when I hear it.

I Constantly Thank God for Esteban - Panic! At the Disco: I don't think that there's a song that better sums up my life than this one. I do constantly thank God for Esteban. If you don't get this joke, I'm so sorry for that. (Katie and Lindy - if you don't get this, I'm ashamed of our friendship.)

Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol: Jimmy Clews - this is our song! 

Apologize - OneRepublic: Jacob Cosby, I think this was your song on your MySpace (aah! MySpace!) and was the first time I ever heard this song, so I always think of you. Precious? Yes.

Breathing - Yellowcard: Clifford Solomon, our morning rides to seminary would never have felt right if Yellowcard, 311 or Hoobastank weren't playing in the car. Here's to my Freshman Year Seminary Crew - Cliff and Sarah. Ssshh! No talking!

Last but not least,

Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve: To FMHS's Class of 2007 - this is our song!!

There are so many more memories I could share, but this list is extensive enough. So, I hope you enjoy listening to this playlist and strolling through memory lane as much as I do!

Amen, People.

Currently experiencing my quarter-life crisis. And this article totally validates all my feelings.

Such a Big Day

Boyfriend and I both think you should all go out and purchase his debut album today - "The World From the Other Side of the Moon." 

Love you, babe.

Oh, and if you watch the video below, you can preview the entire album. I may be a little biased, but I think it's fabulous.

The Way to My Heart?

Random insight into me for the day? Dream come true - someone showing up on my front doorstep with a potted orchid. Maybe with baked goods too.

Friday Night Lights

I am a true believer that Texas high school football has a miraculous way of bringing communities together - especially in times of tragedy. I just couldn't help but feel like I was in an episode of FNL tonight. And it was awesome.

Judge me if you want, but I honestly believe high school football has healing powers and that it's good for the soul.

In what other way could two communities come together like they did tonight? Together we mourned losses and celebrated lives; together we learned to take joy in the small moments through a great game of football; and together we came to realize how blessed each and every one of us are.

Moments like this make me so glad that I come from such a wonderful place - yes, a place where high school football is the end-all-be-all and where it has such a profound effect on people's lives.

(P.S. I stopped the video at this point because after this the whole stadium became eerily quiet as the two teams knelt in prayer in the middle of the field. SUCH a cool moment. Only to be rivaled by the other completely silent moment when Coppell's band played "Amazing Grace" and I literally had tears streaming down my face - that was a first for me at a football game.)

So,

#TexasForever #ClearEyesFullHearts #GodBlessedTexas