How times flies....

They say that time flies when you are having fun. Well aparently I have been having fun, since I haven't written in here for 3 months?!?!

So - Update on my life soon to come.

Maybe some pictures if I can find them. :)

In the mean time - I am still alive.

Have you heard this yet?

http://www.michaelbuble.com/haventmetyouyet/

oh no!? you should click that link then.... because it is amazing!!! Love him.


So this weekend I received this text
"So it seems like you have a lot of guys chasing you."

my response
"WHAT?!"

Now my brain has started working and thinking and wondering. I do not understand where this thought came from. I have not seen or talked to him in months, and after ONE day (one fantastic day- fun filled - mind you) he says that... makes me wonder what I said or what impression I gave him.

Do I get asked on dates? Yes (esp. now that my best friend is gone to utah... *sigh*)
Do I like going on dates? Yes (dating is fun.... always a new experience, although I won't lie.. .it is getting monotonous - but I am not going to complain).
Do I have anyone chasing me? No - not to my knowledge, at least none that are actually serious. I have more than enough guy FRIENDS to fill my life, but none that are chasing me. Most of the time I actually contact them to hang out or do things b/c honestly I am not a fan of hanging out by myself. (crazy... I know!) occasionally I get asked out... (let's not count the past two weeks...it is an outlier - 3 potential dates in one weekend... not normal.)

So to me I do not understand where he is coming from. He, must not not realize that I seriously have too many guys friends. in fact - outside of my married girl friends (which are many...many many) I have 4 or 5 single girls I make a conscience effort to hang out with outside my sisters. (there was one more - but she left on a mission 3 weeks ago...and one of my sister's is not even single, she's engaged!). With such few girls that I actually do things with, you can find me hanging out with a different guy most every time you see me. Perhaps that would give him the impression I am being chased. Too bad all of these guys like to tell me all about the girls they are asking out, getting my opinion on them, ask who I think they should go out with, complain about the different experiences they have. It is nice - I have lots of older brothers.

But Wait - He does not see me every day - in fact I have not seen him, (despite my attempts to contact him) for - almost 7 months I think. So I wonder, why did he say that statement. More importantly - why will he not respond to me now!

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Amazing.

Incredible.

I have been searching for a book to get lost in, because honestly I just needed a good book. This is it. This is what I was looking for. I am not as eloquent as some on reviews - so if you pop over to Janssen's entry here you will find a fabulous intro - and more reasons why you should hop on down to the library and pick it up.

Honestly - it has the perfect blend of everything. Not a "girl" or "guy" book. One that can cross the genders and speak to everyone. It is beautifully written, and the plot never seems to stop. It is a continuous stream of story, that envelopes you into their world. I would put this on my high list, and am seriously considering using my boarders gift card to go purchase it for my collection.

Janssen - I blame you for not telling me it was a sequel. Well - it was my own fault, I must of skipped over that part in your entry. ;)

So I am warning everyone, apparently it is going to be a trilogy. Now I am going to die waiting to read the rest.

Go now! :)

Also --- If you check this out -- advanced signed copy giveaway of the next book... WHAT!?!?! maybe maybe maybe I could - so then I do not have to wait in line to get it!!! word!

What I really want...

My Conversation with a friend..... (hope they don't mind.. too late!)

ME:
Well despite the fact that I just told you I don't want to date... in reality I just want a functional real relationship for once.... (no offense to you or anything)

but I am sick of games, and wishy-washy crap - non-commitment and freaking-out ness. just a nice functional relationship that is working to learn and grow and better the both of us.

I want date one person and just have a good fun time. and not worry about whether or not we are in love - or if we are going to get married --- in fact I think we should not really talk about in relationship to us -- for like 3 months... atleast. maybe 6... freak...

I would like a guy who isn't afraid to be a guy - but be man enough to watch movies I LIKE - just because I want to watch them... and I will watch action movies and such no problem.

I would like a guy who isn't intimidated by the fact that I am a social person, and like to be around people, and have enough guys friends to cover a life time and then some.

I want someone who is adventurous - and okay that I am just a little less.... okay I am terrified of most things. and is okay if I just want to tag along to be there as moral support. I think it is fun to watch others jump off cliffs... even if I can't yet.

I want someone who will help me and support me in my events - because they know I will be there to help them clean-up their activities at 1am sometime later, and they just want to help.

I want someone to walk along side me. To text at any moment in the day - with my random thoughts. To laugh with over little things, like remote control singing. Who wants to randomly dance with me. Doesn't get offended when I just feel like crap. Who wants to cuddle with me... (whoot)

I want someone who loves the gospel - who puts the Lord first and me second. Who loves the temple, and follows the basic doctrines and principles of the gospel.

I want to be first choice.

I want someone who is honest. I am looking for conviction and someone who has self-control. Who can put aside what he wants for what is best.

I want someone who is not afraid to work. Who does not run at the first sign of problems, or trouble, or issues. Who is willing to get their hands dirty and not afraid to fight for what they believe in.


My Friend:
That is interesting.....

Me:
How so?

Friend:
Just to hear what you think. What you think love is, because that's what you just described.

Me:
but yeah - I guess it is what I think love is. I don't think love is easy. i think it is work, and commitment. I do not think I will ever find "love at first sight" ... I think it will be something that comes because I have grown with the person - experienced things.
i mean yes - I will be attracted - and want to talk to them and stuff... but really.... love takes time

Friend:
I agree.
I think there is also some amount of deciding to be in love too.
Of course there is that little something that makes your heart go pitter patter, but then you get to a point, and it's love it or leave it.

ME:
deciding to be in love?

Friend:
Yes.

ME:
pitter patter? yes - this is true - attraction needs to be there - or all else is futile
:) no attraction... no reason to be there... but attraction can grow in time... also. as you get to know a person
i think

Friend:
You can be attracted to a lot of people, but you don't fall in love with them.
That's where the decision comes in.

That's at least how it is for me.
Maybe other people aren't like me. But I just don't think love is something you fall into, like a hole.

Me:
lol like a hole... nice.

I realized tonight that there is a lot more to relationship and love than I realized. Only I think I knew it all the time. :)

I choreographed this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oELtc34xLgg

My awesome dance.... well I think it was awesome!!

I'll figure out how to embed it on here laters!

I choreographed this for my Regional YSA Conference, for the So you Think you Can Dance competition. I did not end up dancing because we lost a few boys... but they did awesome! whoot!

just a little list...

Sick of:
*eye infections
*sore throats
*guys who do not understand the break-up rules.
*guys who want to be my friend - or my big brother.
*18-year old girls (no offense I was one also)
*talking
*being strong
*crying
*not being instantly good at the guitar.
*the tingly feeling in my left middle finger.
*messy room
*missing you.
*pretending.
*unmotivation

Greatful for:
*amazing parents.
*the funny side of my daddy
*the gospel of Jesus Christ
*Hope
*Belief that things can change
*good books
*awesome friends -
*the ability to dance
*my vocal chords
*cumorah credit union
*little babies that you can not help but smile at.
*new opportunities
*laughter
*Kandy Tater (my car)
*good movies.
*knowing that I did not really do much wrong this time....

hump day

"Love is not blind-

it sees more, not less.

But because it sees more,

it is willing to see less."

- Julius Gordon

(borrowed from my friend mike's status...)

Today felt like the longest day ever.

Have you ever had those days? where everything seems to not go well? That was my day.

It probably started last night as I agonized over how to put my thoughts into an email. I finally finish it - waited to send it so the recipient would not accidentally stumble over it before getting off work. I pushed the send button and went to take out my contacts. As I pried - literally pried - my contacts off my eyeball - I had the fleeting thought, "this is not a good sign." My eye INSTANTLY turned bright pink...

For the past two months I thought I just had allergy problems, because the pollen this season has been off the charts. and perhaps that snowballed it - but spring allergies are basically no more in sunny - hott - Vegas. So last night - I was sure this could not be the case. I went to crawl in bed and read hoping my eyes would stop hurting so. They did not. In fact - I could HARDLY open them. As I received my few last texts from him - probably for the next few days - I just wanted to cry b/c the light from the phone was killing me. wait - I did cry - involuntarily.

So that is how I started my day - before I had even woken up my eyes hurt. and they hurt all day. Watering at will. which leads everyone to ask if I am okay - ha!

Then I had to type in 150+ checks - which I accidentally kept hitting the 'auto-fill' button. One would think this would make it easier - NO! you have to put them in order, and that just messes the system all up. some easy 10 min. task took me an hour - with someone else coming over and doing it b/c I was seriously on the verge of tears.

then I got 100 more checks from one person. Yeah I was ready to cry at that business. but no biggie - I conquered that one!

and then the day just drug on. on and on and on.

BUT tomorrow will be better -- because the

"sun will come up - tomorrow.

bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow -

there'll be sun."

CRAZY 8'S!

I've been tagged! Packrat tagged me...So I thought why not - a little update on my life - and then you might glean some info from me! :)

CRAZY 8'S!

The Rules:

Mention the person that tagged you.

Complete the lists of 8’s.

Tag 8 of your wonderful bloggy friends.

Go tell them you tagged them.

8 Things I Look Forward To:
1. fitting in my swim suite again -- w/o my 'love handle'.
2. Swing Dance class this Thursday.... :) whoot! I think I might try it.
3. Being debt free
4. Temple baptisms this friday
5. wedding receptions.... sick I know (3 in the next month...)
6. Oquirrh Mt. Temple Open House
7. Summer --- Swimming - Lake - water parties - tan! - getting in shape - movies in the park - icecream -
8. Achieving my goals... I just set some new ones... new start this week

8 Things I did Yesterday:
1. Slept
2. Went to church
3. Cried -- but not during church...whoot!
4. Sat by myself in the same room as him and didn't die.
5. Helped cook dinner...
6. Read my book
7. Texted
8. Talked to my family.... they love me.

8 Things I wish I could do:
1. Accompany people on the piano
2. Play the guitar.
3. Jump off Cliffs -- they terrify me... alot
4. See the future. that would be very helpful right now... :)
5. make more time in my day to finish everything!
6. go visit Cariann in az -- right this moment. random road trip - whoot!
7. Do Magic -- I think it would be fun... OH no -- I want to fly!!!
8. stop thinking about it......and him....

8 Shows I Watch:
1. So you Think you can Dance
2. Dancing with the stars
3. American Idol Finale
4. other shows my brother happens to be watching
5... I'm not home enough to really watch much else... if I even watch the above mentioned songs.

8 Bloggers:
Kim, Britt, Lindsay, Jenni, Kevin, Karalee, Pamela, Stef and any who want to do this. :)

Tonight I just want to cry

So I have.

Sometimes when life gets hard you just have to cry. Honestly there is nothing wrong with that.

But then you pick yourself back up - dust off your pants - and keep going. Because honestly, what else can you do?

I am greatful for my life experiences. Even the hard ones.

I will do an update post soon - promise - I am still alive. :)

Rain.....

I am going to Utah (again) tommorrow for the weekend. I decided to look at the weather... it is supposed to rain. The whole time.

This is me.

Crying.

It snowed last week when I was there for Anne's Wedding (post to follow...later this week).

It reminds me of Kusco & Pancha in Emperor's New Groove. They are floating down the river tied to this rock - after a series of crazy events. They hear the sound of the waterfall and the conversation goes like this...

"Large waterfall?"
"Yep."
"Sharp Rocks at the bottom"
"Most Likely."
"Bring it on."

:)

Happy Earth Day 2009!

This Old Earth

(to the tune of “This Old Man”)

This old Earth

Needs our help

To stay fresh and clean and green

With a pick it up; pitch it in; and throw it in the can –

This old Earth needs a helping hand!

How-to-do-the-first-date-thing...

Today I was reading the Rules Girls most recently post on how to do the first date thing. I love it! I wish so many more people could read it.

I have found so many times guys try so hard to impress on the first date - and it just turns out to backfire on them. My mom has termed it 'creative dating'. Some of my most fun - and best dates were simply and easy. No pressure dates.

Here are some examples from my limited and yet extensive dating experiences.

*Mini-Golfing -
Now this was not your traditional mini-golfing experience. We went mini-golfing around campus. We started having to hit it from the bottom to the top of the hill. There was 3 couples - and one of the couples would pick the spot to start, and another couple pick the ending destination (the hole) and off you go! Pretty hysterical! After we golfed (or just plain hit the ball) around campus - we went and got ice cream. This too was not your typical ice cream trip. We went to the local grocery store and got some vanilla ice cream. Then we each went and picked out our favorite cool-aid flavor. We went to the park, put vanilla ice cream in our mugs - and sprinkled on just a tiny bit of the flavor. We tried mixing flavors - talked and tasted each others creations. I learned alot about him - his likes/dislikes - crazy random things. It was casual, nice, creative and fun.
(note... we went on a few more dates - he is one of the few people who was ridiculously honest with me, because he created a friendship with that first date. He is now married to another girl - and she is super cute!)

*Sunrise Walk
The sunrise Walk I have been on a few times with a few different guys - but every time it is one of the most memorable activities. Usually we go pick up some sort of breakfast food - donuts and OJ - and then go for a walk to watch the sunrise. It is really a nice opportunity to chat - get to know the person and enjoy nature.

*Corn Maze
Personally I am not a huge fan of being scared -- but these were some super fun dates. They are a little more expensive - but usually it gives you an opportunity to get the know the person. Plus you are wandering around this cool field. I have played Tag - hide-n-go-seek --- or just simply wander seeing who can get from one end to the other the fastest.

*Card games outside
This is such a fun activity. We put out a blanket on the lawn - and had a little picnic. Then we played cards until way late in the evening - just laughing - asking random questions. I learned what color their tooth brush was - lol and other such things.

*Tent
This was in high school - and my best friend needed a date last minute. It turned out to be a really fun date though! The guys came and picked us each up. They then blind folded us, and tossed a coin driving around for probably about 15-20 min. I honestly thought we had gone into the desert. When the car stopped they helped us out of the car (with our blindfolds still on), and lead us up this hill. (interesting how the world changes when you have a blind fold on... b/c it was really this tiny incline ha!) They lead us and sat us down and took off our blind folds. It turned out we were in a tent. We played battle of the sex's - and had some snacks. When we came out - we were actually just around the block from my house in the front yard of my best friends home. It was really fun - and I thought creative.

*Sky-Mania
This activity is a little more on the expensive side - and you have to make sure your date would enjoy this activity.... but it was a blast for me! Sky-Mania is a place in Vegas that just has a huge room full of trampolines. You can pay by the hour or half-hour increments. They have tramps on the walls, floor - all over - so you can literal jump on the walls - do flips - fly through the air. They also have a spot for dodge-ball. so fun!

*Movie in the desert/woods
I have done this date more times than I can count - but it is always nice. You pick a movie - and go with it. Don't forget the TV - extension cords - converter - DVD player... etc. :) and roasting marshmallows - doing a bonfire have also been some fun things to add to it.

*Night Pictures
A couple years ago I had the opportunity to go with my friend and take some night pictures. One of the successful pictures is my blog picture. :) For this activity you need a tripod - and a good camera that you can set to manual settings. A little knowledge of camera's is helpful. :)


*Snow People
It does not snow much in Vegas, but in Idaho it snows like crazy --- occasionally. I have actually done this date in Vegas and Idaho. You just get all bundled up and go play in the snow! Build Snow people, a Snow Fort, have a snow ball fight - make snow angels - use your imagination!


*Fall Walk
I love the fall - and my most favorite thing to do is go for a walk in the crisp fall air. One of my friends found out that I love this - and we went to the park - walked and kicked the leaves. We climbed trees - played tag on the playground, sat and swung on the swings. We got ice cream from the ice cream truck -- simple and fun.


*Flour Tag
This is just a fun activity that I participated in. You come all dressed in black. You take sock (preferably older socks where the toes & heels are a little warn out...) and you fill the bottom of it with flour. Each person has their own sock, and you start out with someone "it". You race around playing tag - and how you know are "it" is when you get 'hit' or smacked with the sock filled with flour. Game proceeds until you are super tired or completely covered in flour dust. :) Note: We played on a play ground so we had a few more obstacles.

*Dance Date
These dates are esp. fun for me - because this is something I love to do. For me a dance date is not necessary when you get all dressed up to go to a formal dance - or Sadie's Hawkins. It is when the boy just takes me dancing - latin dancing, swing dancing, or just simply dancing in the living room. I love it! :) So many times I have just had so much fun being crazy and dancing.

So as you may be able to tell - I love ice cream - and just hanging out. Looking back I have had some great opportunities for simply inexpensive dates - and those have been my favorites. :)

Oh where, oh where can my library card be....

I finished Dramarama by E. Lockhart tonight. As I debated whether or not I wanted to dash off to the library to find a book for lunch tomorrow - I started to look for my library card. Can I explain the panic that consumed the next FIVE minutes as I racked my brain trying to figure out where I left it last.

See, usually I leave it in my car - in the little tray - so that I always know where it is - and have quick access to it when I have my "10-min-till-the-library-closes" panic. Tonight it was not there. Nor was it in my wallet. Or my purse. I dumped everything out of my purse - which consisted of my checkbook, wallet with various gift cards waiting to be used, glasses case, and schedule for work. I pulled out my little wallet with my id and cards in it. It was no where to be found. I thought about my jeans pocket... but they were in the wash, and I had checked the pockets. usually when I forget or neglect to do this, I end up with gum stuck to my clothes. I have become quite diligent recently in the pocket checking.

My panic increased as I realized I had no earthy clue where it could be. I turned and glanced at my night stand, my little cloth drawer unit - nope nope not there. As I did one last glancing sweep over my room - I spotted a pile of business cards sitting on my alarm clock/ipod station. I quickly hopped over -- and there at the very bottom of the pile was my precious library card. JOY!!!!!!!

So now I have the following books on reserve.... okay I went a little over board. oh well...

The hunger games / Suzanne Collins. -- well this one was on reserve from before - and it says it is "in-transit" -- which means I get to read it soooon!!
Magyk / Angie Sage
Flyte / Angie Sage
Physik / Angie Sage
Queste / Angie Sage
The thief / by Megan Whalen Turner.
That summer / Sarah Dessen.
Sun and moon, ice and snow / Jessica Day George.
The smile / Donna Jo Napoli.

When am I going to have time to read all these books? heck - I've already read Graceling, The Disresputable History, Jellicoe Road, Ender in Exile, All three of the Fable Haven books, Stealing Heaven, Savvy, and a few others I can not think of right now. Never mind my lesson for Gospel Doctrine. :)

**Note: I linked some of the books to Janssen's fantastic reviews - because frankly - I get many book suggestions from her recommendations. I love to see what her take was on a book - and her reviews never let me down. Plus her blog is just a good 'everyday read'.

The Key

"Relationships are the single most important thing.

People are the single most important thing.

This is the key.

This is why the death of a relationship of any type can be so painful."

~Kim's Blog~

I have been trying to reason with myself on a few events that have transpired lately.

First: I have been shafted - by the same guy - for the third time - in less than a year. I found myself pondering how this could possibly happen again. What did I do to let it come to pass again. I learned and realized last night - that I did not do anything but like him. In my heart of hearts - I was holding out for someone I knew would let me down. Not only that - but I thought it might be different this time. To my surprise - and dismay - it was not. That was my mistake. How to I fix it? I do not. and that is a hard bite to swallow.

The interesting part is I am not angry. I am sad, frustrated, and hurt. More disappointed than anything else - and I have lost some of my trust in this person. But honestly it does not matter that much. It does not make me angry or want to retaliate - it just makes me smile a sad smile and move on.

It is amazing how when one door seems to be closing - a window is being opened. I can say that I have been as honest and up front with guys as I would like them to be with me. I am learning to live the standard I would like to be held up to. As a result I have seemed to find or notice more of the type of people I would like to be around. I have made a few new friends who are fantastic - they fit nicely into a place in my life I did not know I had vacant. And they help me smile.

I also had the opportunity to see some old friends this weekend. I was very anxious to see them again because of a crazy past. I was not sure what to think - we had been such good friends and it was just left to wither. But it was so nice to see them - and I realized how important these people are in shaping me to be who I am today. It was fun to catch up - to see their families - and hear their stories. I am grateful for such opportunities. They remind me of what is truly important in life.

So despite the fact that something painful occurred - there were a few more things that softened it and made the weekend worthwhile.

*Note: Wish I had some pictures. I forgot my camera... and I know the various photographers took pictures of me (I went to two wedding receptions) but I only have one of me and the cutest little red head I have met to date. It is on facebook if you would like to see it. :)

A little change...

This is a little post to let you come check out the fantastic layout Stacy made for me!!!

She is incredible! ;)

THANK YOU!!!

(I'm still working on the various text colors...

soo let me know what you can and can not see the best....

ha I love colors to much!)

Rules Girl

I am a Rules girl.

I find that at different times in life I am in need of different things. (what?! crazy huh!) Right now - I think I need to just stick to the rules.

What are the rules?

I found the perfect blog that explains this quite nicely. CLICK HERE to read about what it means to be a Rules Girl.

Today's Entry is about marriage - and I love it. So many times it seems that 'us - single girls' are so focused on marriage that we forget about the dating part. now remember this is my opinion...but I have had quite a few discussions I believe that a date is a date. It does not imply future commitment, or eternal marriage - it just means I get to spend a couple of hours getting to know you. If it goes well - you are second date worthy. If not - I'll think about it! :) but it does not imply we are getting married. Now of course every boy guy has potential - but realize I am only planning on marrying one!

So I am going to follow that rule the most --- step-by-step -- can I go on a date? would I go on another? am I feeling anxious? easy - step-by-step process.


So I will let you know how it goes.... so far - so good. ;p

Pay it Forward/Five for Five

Here we go folks -- on more chance at this fantastic opportunity!!

About a month ago I did the Pay it Forward - and I have only had one person respond (lucky Jen!)... so that means two spots left!

I recently did it with another friend - so here I go again! :)

Read closely...this is how it works...

{The Rules}
1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!

2. Winners must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

3. The gift that you send to your Three Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!

4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Please take the button and post it on your blog; start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

SO, REMEMBER... it is good... :) Pass it forward.

Marriage -- is what brings us together today --

In honor of the month of love - and my friends getting engaged & married I thought I would give a shout out to ya...

Lizzie & Bryan (finally! yeah!!), Isle, Katlyn and Jared, Anne M., Sarah M., Jeff C., Brian B., Tracy T., Jordan.

CONGRATS ALL!!!

I realized that I am grateful so many of my friends are getting married before me - because I will have so many people to hang out with when I get married too! JOY! and so many people to learn from and lots of reception ideas to borrow! hee hee ... someday!

25 Am-tacular facts

25 Random things about Me

1. I love to dance with boys. Ballroom, Swing, Latin, which is about it. I don't grind – so don't try!

2. I've never been snowboarding – but I am going this weekend. I am sure I am going to come back with giant-size bruises.

3. I have never danced in the rain. But I have been kissed in the rain – once.

4. When I was in high School I thought Starbucks was evil --- now I love and am addicted to Vanilla Bean Blends with Carmel or Hot Chocolate. It is di-vine.

5. I sleep on my side – with my stuffed animals. They are fabulous.

6. I actually like guys with facial hair – but only when I am dating them and can get away with touching their faces. Otherwise – usually I think they look like truckers. Scary.

7. Yes – I am scared of truckers. I hate driving by myself and stopping to get gas. The men just make me nervous.

8. I've never been fishing – or camping in the snow – or snowshoeing for that matter. Parachuting scares me, bungee jumping – yeah 'bout that.

9. I love to climb up things – I just freeze at the top and can not come back down. So I do not go up – because I have had to be rescued from the top one too many times.

10. I really do not enjoy running. But I try *cough cough * to go at least once a week. I would rather do aerobics, or dance, or swim or anything else. I can stand it if I am listening to music though.

11. I LUV SOCKS! Esp. toe socks – newest love. But I love putting on new socks. I will wear them until they have a hole. And then it is OFF – new socks! It is what I ask for at Christmas and my birthday. New socks.

12. People usually call me by my whole name – it just flows – "amber allen". I was thinking about when I get married…. They will have to just call me amber… ha!

13. At my first branch my manager banned me from giggling, skipping, jumping, laughing, twirling, and dancing around the branch. (jokingly)

14. I used to hate doing my hair – I refused to put make-up on – and I was deeply entrenched in early 90's styles.

15. I have known 3 people personally who have passed away. Each was tragic in its own right.

16. I have only had one type of ‘real’ job outside of college – before and after.

17. I love doing secret notes. In high school I would write random notes and put them on people's cars.

18. I did not listen to the radio until 6th grade. I did not even really know it existed. But I believe that in popular music – late mid-late 90's is the best. And I hated country. With a passion. Made my mom turn it off whenever she tried to listen to it. (Note: Now I love country). First fav. Song – “I love you… always forever….near and far we’ll stick together….”

19. I am a planner. I have been attempting to plan my life pretty much for as long as I can remember. The only problem is – things never go as planned.

20. I have a dream of riding in a hot air balloon. One with lots of colors.

21. If I had been a rebel – I might have gotten a tattoo of the sun, moon, and stars. *don’t judge.

22. I am currently laying in my bed at 7:45pm… it is almost unbelievable even to me.

23. My car is named Kandy Tater. She is Kandy Apple Red…. She is one of the best cars I have ever driven. Even if she is a little lower to the ground.

24. At UNLV I am a declared music education major. I changed it to Business just before I had even taken one music class – and just before I started at BYU-Idaho.

25. When I was younger – I was once the substitute for a giant Winnie the Pooh.

**Bonus: 26. Over 70 people that I know got engaged or married last year.

I tag - Britt; Cariann; Lindsay; Pamela;Janssen; Mrs. Packrat :); Nikki (one Peachato...); Anyone who chooses to!

Dating bankers.....

Head Line on Yahoo.com

"Blog charts woes of dating bankers"

A co-worker called me over today to point it out.

With my dating skills - he thought this was pretty funny.

Check it out if you dare... just beware - there are some interesting ladies out there!

Faith & Trust

"Faith is always pointed towards the future.

Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and

events that will yet be efficacious in our lives."

Remember Lot's Wife

Holland, Jeffrey R.
January 13, 2009

BYU Devotional

Two weekends ago I traveled to Provo to go to the Draper Temple Open House, and visit my sister, and see some friends. It was a fantastic weekend. The Draper Temple is soo beautiful - if you have an opportunity to attend the open house - please do!!

On Sunday I went to Kim's ward (where I always go - and the bishop thinks that I am in the ward... I was there 4 times last semester... ha!), and they were having Ward conference. It was amazing to me how the message seemed to be just for me. I had the privilege last semester of having dinner over at their Stake President's home thanks Scott! Pres. Childs is just an amazing man, with an incredible wife and family. His talk was based on the quote "I know in whom I have trusted" from 2 Nephi 4. He talked about turning out heart - our wills - to Heavenly Father. Looking towards the future - with faith.

This seemed to be just what I needed to hear. It seems like I get so caught up in making things happen I forget to rely on the Lord and put my faith and trust in Him. His plan is so simple and clear. If a decision or action fits into His plan - it will all work out the way it is supposed to. :) All I need to do is trust in the future - and not fight against the pricks! (my thoughts)

Also throughout the meetings on Sunday - reference was made to President Monson's Devotional Speech from earlier that week. I decided I was going to read it. I just finished it. Incredible. Pres. Monson says " God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go." I think that coupled with Sister Monson's response to Pres. Monson when they were first married "We are not going back. We are not going home. The future holds everything for us." - is my motto for this year.

I have been many places in my life - made many different decisions - and I have been stewing trying to figure out what I really want to do with the next year. What goals I have for myself. I keep trying to change the initial plan to something that might be better. While I still have no idea what the future holds for me and I do not know where this year is going to take me at all - I know that it holds everything. I just have to keep making good decisions - and he will lead me where I need to be. Masters, MBA, work experience, dating, marriage, moving out or staying home - no matter what I will not look back at what was - but live in the present and look to the future.

Goals for 2009:

*Ops Sup or Acct Rep by middle/end of the year.

*Take GMAT by April & August (incase I bomb it the first time....)

~study for the GMAT

*Take GRE

*Work out atleast 3 times a week - measure this by "borrowing" Janssen's idea with stickers on my calendar'

*Write in Journal once a week.

*Perform a random act of service once a day. Pray for these opportunities.

*Continue to read - atleast 2 books a month.

~1 motivational/industry book

~1 fun book

*Do my VT every month.

Quote of the Month

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass....

it's about learning to dance in the rain.

PAY IT FORWARD!!!

I've been watching my friends do this - and when I read Lindsay's blog - I figured I would join in. Why not!? ;)

Read closely...this is how it works...

{The Rules}

1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!

2. Winners must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

3. The gift that you send to your Three Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!

4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Please take the button and post it on your blog; start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

SO, REMEMBER... it is good... :) Pass it forward.

To react or not to react - that is the question

As usual I was reading a blog - and I felt inspired by this "hater" post I read. It made me feel a little better, and she has a fantastic sense of humor.

Recently I have been under attack. Now, for many of you including myself I have no idea what I did to this person. But it has been made very apparent they do not like me.

I wish I could say that I provoked them, that I was unkind, or even that I attacked. But I did not. In fact - I have never met them, never had a conversation, I did not even know they existed until the moment they responded to a comment I made on Facebook.

**ooooo ahhhhhh Facebook** It is true. This all occurred on Facebook. Amazing what one fantastic socializing tool can do.

I have learned from the past few days of puzzling, creating witty responses, and agonizing over what I could have possibly done to this person to deserve such responses - that in the end I just had to smile and hope that if I ever meet them - we can smile and be friends.

I have come to the realization once again - that I am an emotional reactive person. In college I learned ways to put some distance between me and my reactions - but every now and then I slip up. Initially on the attack - I had so many awful things to reply - but I realized that it would profit me nothing. So in the end - I just took a step back - and put some time and distance between me and the response.

What are some techniques you use to avoid over-reacting?

What does Nefarious mean to you?

I received an email today with this word in it. They used it to explain their intentions. While I know what it means - I decided to look it up just to see what the 'real' definition was vs. the 'amber' definition. These are my favorite I found. ** I bolded the words I liked - while keeping the definition. Just in case you would like to source the information later.
nefarious 
–adjective
extremely wicked or villainous; iniquitous: a nefarious plot.
Origin: 1595–1605; <>-ious, with intervocalic s > r
Dictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.

ne·far·i·ous
adj. Infamous by way of being extremely wicked.
Latin nefārius, from nefās, crime, transgression : ne-, not; see ne in Indo-European roots + fās, divine law; see dhē- in Indo-European roots.
ne·far'i·ous·ly adv., ne·far'i·ous·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth EditionCopyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

nefarious
1604, from L. nefarius "wicked, abominable," from nefas "crime, wrong, impiety," from ne- "not" (see un-) + fas "right, lawful, divinely spoken," related to fari "to speak" (see fame).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper

nefarious
adjective extremely wicked; "nefarious schemes"; "a villainous plot"; "a villainous band of thieves"
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.

Nefarious Ne*fa"ri*ous\, a. [L. nefarius, fr. nefas crime, wrong; ne not + fas divine law; akin to fari to speak. See No, adv., and Fate.] Wicked in the extreme; abominable; iniquitous; atrociously villainous; execrable; detestably vile.
Syn: Iniquitous; detestable; horrible; heinious; atrocious; infamous; impious. See Iniquitous. -- Ne*fa"ri*ous*ly, adv. -- Ne*fa"ri*ous*ness, n.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

**I find it interesting that this person thinks that their plan is wicked to the extreme. It makes me smile just a little bit. Too bad I had a pretty nefarious scheme as well.

Am I selfish?

I want blue-eyed - blonde haired babies someday. not today though

does that make me selfish?

Simple Pleasures

Today - I feel awful. I pray I'm not getting sick-- but I am afraid it is too late for that.

So here are so good things that made me smile.

*Sugar Cookies at Subway*

I have been waiting all year -- and last year -- for these cookies to come to the Vegas market. They are the best. Do not believe me? just walk/drive yourself to your nearest subway and take a taste. yummy - sugar - deliciousness.

*Ginger Ale*

This is the best soda pop made on the planet. Makes your stomach stop gurgling End of story.

*Funny Customers*

The perks of being at the same branch for an extended amount of time is that you really get to know your customers - and vice versa. I love that my customers remember certain facts about me - or things I am going to do and ask about it on the return. In return I love learning about the various lives and taking part in them.

*Freshly Washed Blankets*

Last night I put some of the blankets in the laundry - and pulled them out of the dryer this morning. I love the smell of freshly laundered stuff. Smells sooo good.

*Carry-over text messages*

I am notorious for falling asleep while texting - or talking - or emailing - or reading. This morning I woke up to a nice text message from my friend.

*Chatting with my Mom*

My mom always seems to be full of wisdom for me. Even if I do not want to hear it. :)

*Reading*

I just finished The People of Sparks - such a fantastic series thus far. Today at lunch I started a sequel to Ender's Game.... just as good thus far! ;)