The Story of M(E!)

Free chocolate!

2011-10-27T14:59:00.002-06:00

Or at least a chance to win some. Go here to find out! :) You know you want to!

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Happiness, Your Heritage

2010-11-19T23:19:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite talks...ever. :)

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Happiness, Your Heritage

it has been...forever!

2010-11-19T23:10:00.000-07:00

i haven't posted forever and this really will not be much of a post. just this: i miss my family. every holiday season i think i get even more emotional, i wish we could all be together again. it is a good thing to miss them, shows how much they mean to me! :) i love you familia!

Complicated...

2010-04-07T00:06:00.000-06:00

And by that I am not referring to the Avril song (isn't it an Avril song?!). Just referring to my crazy complicated life. Just when I think I've got it, I don't. :) Haha...it is crazy. The last little while there have been ups and downs and tons of craziness. I have had tons of fun but also much confusion. That is life though...

Anyhow...I need to sleep now so I will write more later. Sometime.. :)

This week

2010-03-31T19:58:00.001-06:00

Will be good! Granted it is almost over I know but the best thing so far?! Today was my Friday!! That in itself makes me so happy! Tonight I am headed to Applebees for half price apps with great friends and then a movie after. Tomorrow my little brother Shilo flies in to stay for a few days. We will have lunch with my sister Brianna and then later do outdoor laser tag (probably in the rain!). Friday we will head down to Ephraim and visit our Uncle Beryl and then Saturday and Sunday is conference! See?! Great week!!

Peace, love, happiness.

Ernie

2010-03-30T22:06:00.000-06:00

That was my nickname. One of them anyhow when I was little...although I wasn't really called Ernie. More or less when we would watch Sesame Street Brianna and I always saw the "B" & "E" on their beds and knew it was us. :)

But this post isn't about that, it's about laughing, movies, smoothies and so much more. It is about some great friends.

I have been spending tons of time lately with my incredible roomie Megan and 2 guys in the ward, Randy and Patrick. The funny (and somewhat sad) thing is that we have been in the same ward as these guys since August and yet we are finally getting to know them and can I just say they are amazing?! They make me laugh and smile and are so much fun. As cheesy as this sounds I feel like I could be friends with them forever. I know it probably will not happen, that's just how life goes! Right now though I still with them as long as I can. It's like we are the 4 musketeers (there were only 3...technically I know but...oh well). It is friends like them and so many others I have here that reminds me of why I am down here in Provo.

I know there are moments that I lose sight of that, there are moments of sadness, anger, worry, but really? There are more moments of happiness than anything. How grateful I am for all my friends down here that I have. Whether I haven't seen them in a while or whether I see them everyday I love them all the same and I am so thankful for them. How blessed I am for them!

Ways you can tell I am bored at work...

2010-03-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Today hasn't been that busy, especially for a Monday! I have already pulled charts through Thursday (usually I just pull for the next day), gotten surgery charts ready, called people back, answered phones when they ring, etc... Now there is only one doctor working the rest of the afternoon, everyone's charts are ready, there are no patients in the waiting room, the phones are dead so what no? I've filed all I can up here (lots needs filed downstairs but I cant do that in case the phones ring, people come, etc...). So yes...these are the ways you can tell I am bored at work:

1) My facebook status changes...a lot!

2) I post random links on my facebook because I am reading up on PopCandy, KSL, Wikipedia, etc...

3) I chat with you on my gmail chat (although I actually haven't chatted with anyone today! Yet...)

4) I post on your facebook wall

5) I blog!! Ha ha

And since this is random and I am being random can I just say one thing? I am craving skittle and whoppers like it's nobody's business. :) El Fin!

In memory...

2010-02-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

I had news last week that an old high school friend had gone missing after kayaking up in Alaska. I knew how much he loved it up there, I had spoken to him a few times just online in the years after high school. He was always such a great guy. So kind to everyone, a big teddy bear really. He had gone through a lot in his life, more than any of us will ever have to, more than any of us will ever know. I just heard word today that he is gone. It is so sad hearing this but good to know he is at peace. I am praying for his family. How fortunate they are to have the gospel in their lives so that they know he is in a better place. You will be missed Jamie.

"Take me back to the wild places where the mountains meet the sea, back to the last frontier back to my serenity. How long will it be until the only tracks I see are made not by man but by the animals of the forest the bears, wolves, deer and moose of Alaska. North to where time is measured not on a watch but by the ebb and flow of the tides, my wristwatch is the sun and moon, my calendar is the season. To be watched over by the ravens and eagles as they sit atop of a 800 year old perch sheltered against the squall as I silently stroll beneath across my moss carpeted living room to my bed of cedar bows. How long will it be before I am home again"

James Crawford, January 2010,

Things I love...

2010-02-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

rain! downpour, drizzle, mist, any and all of it.

some people say it makes them depressed.

me? it makes me depressed to not have any...

music...without out it i would be nothing. it soothes my soul.

it speaks to me. it takes me away.

dance parties. once i finally got out of my bubble...i realized

how amazing these are. the best cure for stress too!

cardigans...just because

moccasins, maybe because i secretly want to be a hippie?

or maybe it has to do with me thinking we were part native american when i was little?

or...maybe just because they are awesome.

friends, i love them and need them- always. :)

family- they are everything to me. i love them always. i miss them always.

i will be with them...forever. <3

washington, words cannot express the wonder of this state.

or at least the wonder of the west side. ;)

seattle...i love this city. i love the people. everything about it.

why am i not living there?

the beach...especially canon beach & seaside. so beautiful.

and luckily on the drive there i get to stop at the...

goonies house! yes, i know exactly how to find it.

how could i ever forget?!

and last and one of the most important? LOVE.

that true, head over heels, together forever stuff.

haven't experienced it yet but when i do it will be...amazing.

and true.

and...forever.

how do i know this? because of this.

I love my life.

Happy!!

2010-01-31T23:32:00.000-07:00

Ok if you look on my facebook you already know this but I am so happy!! I had the best weekend ever (you wouldn't think so right?) And seriously you know it's the right thing when you do feel happy after something such as breaking up. I feel relieved...yeah I am still trying to figure out life and what's next and when Mr. Right will come along but it is so good to get out the one with Mr. Wrong (not that Klark was mean or anything...just...not right!). Anyways...I feel great! I love you all! :)

Surprise!

2010-01-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

Ok this shouldn't really come as a surprise to anyone because well...in my life, it just seems to happen a lot. I'm single again. I am getting so sick of this whole game, sad huh? I really am though, I keep dating nice guys but guys that are too afraid to actually move on and do what they are supposed to in life. And no that isn't being harsh. :) It's just the truth...young men these days are kinda lazy...they want the wrong things in life. Oh well, good luck to them!

Anyhow...that's it. I'm good...it sucks of course but I am good really. :)

Finding Joy

2010-01-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

We hear it all the time now, times are rough. With the economy among other things people are more scared and worried than ever before. We all go through things that are rough and hard. Some days worse than others and then the next moment you may seem fine. To combat these things I have been trying to change my attitude so that when facing those I can remember that there is always hope and we can still be optimistic and happy even in hard and rough times.

One of the ways I have found to combat it is to look up little quotes every day from Apostles or Prophets. They have been great and although I find ones that I like that help me I have found that they have been helping others and that makes me feel good. I have been trying to post them on Facebook knowing that many people are on there. I don't know if they will affect anyone but if anything I am learning and seeing more and plus for those of my friends who might see it who are not members of the Church, maybe it will make them think.

One I found today was this:

“There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic. Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike, we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds: 'The best is yet to be' ("Rabbi Ben Ezra," in Charles W. Eliot, ed., The Harvard Classics, 50 vols. [1909–10], 42:1103).”

L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity", Ensign, Nov. 2008, 7

And another I loved that I found this week was this (I really really love this one!)

"The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, ... See Morethe greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Happiness, Your Heritage," Ensign, Nov. 2008

I am fortunate enough to have always felt the love of the Lord and Heavenly Father in my life. Through family, friends, the Gospel, even small things like my car running and having a job--they are things that help me to remember He is always there. Even then I still like to have more reminders and these little quotes help. :)

Hopefully if anyone reads this they feel the same way. It is true, life is hard and can be so rough. But we will all make it through so long as we remember Him and his sacrifice. Remember those things you are going through, the pain and the joy you feel--he also felt that. He knows. That I am truly grateful for. I love you all and hope that if you are going through anything hard at this moment that you will remember you are loved and blessed.

Just another one to leave you with from one of my favorite talks:

“Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said, ‘I will not leave you comfortless. [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].’ ”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “None Were with Him,” Ensign, May 2009

Whoa...

2010-01-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

I just realized something. Hopefully I will change it now that I realized it. You know those times when you start worrying about something and because you are worrying it makes it worse? I think I am doing that...not that it is bad, it is just one less thing I want to have to worry about. :)

Be happy everyone. :)

Posts...

2010-01-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

I know, I need to post more often. I have gotten out of it again (was I ever really in it?). Dang it...problem is there is so much I want to say but can't say it because I never know who reads these.

That doesnt mean I want to write about anything or anyone in particular. It just means I cant write what I want. I guess that is what journals are for huh... :)

All I can say is I am ready. I know many may wonder what that means, don't read into it that much. Remember it is just me talking, I am simple. I am just ready, for a lot of things. The end.

Happy Tuesday everyone...

So...

2009-12-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

I miss my family. I always say this, but I do. Growing up SUCKS! (Sorry Mom and Brianna...it was all I could use to express what I feel). I still live the life I have right now and have fun but dang it...I still miss it all.

Fridays...

2009-11-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

I love them and I hate them. Love them because the weekend is after it but hate them because work on Fridays is always crazy busy. Ahh, gotta love life. I am still grateful for them though and I am not complaining about work, I am happy I have a good job!

Next week is Thanksgiving... I wish I could go to Colorado (sorry Brianna) and Rexburg (sorry Amity) but I will be staying down here. I just need to figure out where down here now. I am grateful for all the offers I have had, it is always good to know I won't be alone.

This is short...and random (aren't they usually?) but I've got to get ready for work before I run out of time! If you have time check out this beautiful song today...I discovered it yesterday and I love it. It's called Poison & Wine by The Civil Wars. I love music...it makes my heart happy. :) Have a great day all!

Chicken Lips & Lizard Hips

2009-11-16T00:22:00.001-07:00

This week could be interesting with work and planning an activity that I fear might not go so well. However fear is a sign of weakness and I just can't have that so instead I am going to say this week will be awesome. Stressful? Pretty dang sure it will be but hey...I am pretty amazing so I know it will all work out. :)

Still not sure what I will do for Thanksgiving. I've got to figure that one out soon, it is creeping up sooner then I thought. It will all work out though whatever I do. Good thing is my appetite has finally returned (and with a vengeance I might add...I was eating a ton tonight, a ton I tell you!) which means I will have room for all the delicious food. Maybe my stomach knew that Thanksgiving was coming. :)

Ward Conference was today and it was good. Bishop Lott reminded us of never forgetting or neglecting the little things. That has been a very strong message this last year with the Stake Presidency and bishopric. It is so true though, we can't forget the little things, they are what create the big wonderful things and give us power to do so much. There is a part of a conference talk that I shared with my visiting teachee tonight that had to do with that in a sense. I love those conference talks. They make me happy...when skies are gray (Amity this is when you chime in).

Ever realize things about yourself, things that have changed (for either the good or bad) but can't figure out how to get back to them (only if you are getting back to the good that is. :) )? I have noticed that about me for awhile. My spunk, although not gone, seems to have taken a vacation. I know at least partly why this is but I wish I could get it back. I wish there was just this button that I could flip on and have it all be back. Alas there is not, that is ok though. I love my spunk enough to get it back. :) I had part of it Saturday night when I was wandering around with 2 of my wonderful roomies as we were going to and from our friend's Mexican night. Maybe it was that we had been decorating or maybe it was from the random people who had been trying to talk to us outside our apartment (I think only so they could weasel us into unlocking the pool gate for them so they didnt have to climb over again. I for one wanted to watch them hop it.). Whatever it was I liked it...a piece of me was back then for sure. I was crazy and awesome. Those who don't know me might have thought I was tipsy, I was just having fun. Laughing out in the cold air, dancing (if you can call it that) around the street. It was fun and I loved it. I want more random little adventures...even if all it was consisted of crossing the street to our friend's apartment. :)

I know I must be the most random person ever. My posts don't ever have much flow but I figure this is really just for me and if people happen to be bored and read this well...more power to them, right? Hopefully something I say puts a smile on your face...or maybe it will make your eye twitch. Sorry Brianna I confess...it was my blog that gave you that twitch for a month. I must sleep now though, I should have awhile ago but that's life.

Goodnight world, friends, family. Goodnight moon.

P.S...Did you all know I am amazing? Yeah...it's true. Cats out of the bag. Best part is...you all are amazing too. :)

This time of year...

2009-11-07T12:05:00.001-07:00

Dickens had it right when he said "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times." I fully agree. I love this time of year more then people can comprehend. I love the colors, the smells, the weather (although yes I want to cry when driving in snow), the sounds and the company.

People wonder why or how I can listen to Christmas music so early or want to decorate so early. I will tell you why. Christmas time for me is not about presents or things of that sort. To me it is so much more. It is the time that I get to remember my amazing childhood, the fondest memories, the greatest times of my life. The colors, the joy, happiness, music...they all remind me of those times that I got to spend with family and friends. I hear a Christmas song playing and I think of those times and it fills me with so much joy that I can't help but smile. My heart warms and fills with all this emotion and love. How could I not want something that brings me that joy around?

Now why do I say it was the worst of times you ask? It's knowing things will never be the same. It's knowing I am too poor to fly home for Thanksgiving or Christmas. It's growing up.

It shouldn't be a surprise to many people that I wish I was younger again and back with my family. I miss them more than anything. We grow up, my siblings create their own families and I sit back and watch. I am happy for them and I like how our family is growing but I still miss those times. I miss it all. I guess that is why it is hard for me to grow up, hard for me to face that fact that I just keep getting older and try as I might...I just can't go back.

That is why I love Christmas. That is why I listen to Christmas music so early and want to decorate and fill every space with Christmas joy. It gives me part of my past, it reminds me of those times and that as much as things will change...I will still have those memories and my family with me...forever. :)

So please, when I turn on the music before Thanksgiving or spout of my love for Christmas like a crazy lunatic...just let me do it. :) Sometimes it's just what I need...

Mom, Dad, Jennifer, Miranda, Vernon Lee, Austin, Brianna, Colby, Amity, Shilo and Daniel...I love you all more than words can say. :) I hope you all know that.

And to my friends...I love you all dearly too and I am glad that I have some of you here when I have to be away from my family. Thanks for all you do.

Baby It's Cold Outside...

2009-11-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Ok so actually it feels pretty good outside considering the lower temps we had last week. It was actually cold inside...in my shower. Ah yes, I woke up earlier than usual ready to get a head start on the week only to be greeted by the coldest shower I have had in a while. It did wake me up however and forced me to take a quick shower. :)

I am ready for this week, or at least ready for my day. Yesterday was a great day full of talks and testimonies packed with power and hope. I loved it. We face so many ups and downs in life but we always get through, always. I love knowing that, I love knowing that Heavenly Father loves and trusts me enough to give me the trials he does and He knows that with those I will take them and only become stronger than before. That is great trust, I can't let him down, right? :) I hope everyone (if anyone atually reads this?) has an amazing day, pick up your shield and sword and go to work. You have a whole army behind you. And in the words of Bobby McFerrin...don't worry be happy. (Sorry...couldn't help it, I am just one cheesy girl) :D

When It Rains It Pours

2009-10-25T02:26:00.003-06:00

So this post is going out to my family, although I don't know who will see it. I just want to let you all know how much I love you. I really do think you are all the greatest. I miss all the times we have had and am so grateful I got to have them with you all. :) I love times like when some of you would play Peter, Paul and Mary and we would all sing. And Christmas memories I love. I just love it all and thinking back on all of those things makes me so happy and definitely gives me the reassurance that Heavenly Father really does pour out the blessings to me. I love you all very much and I hope you always remember that!

Complex...

2009-10-20T23:22:00.002-06:00

It's amazing the ups and downs you get in life. Big or small. I have had some lately, small as they are they still get to me. The ups...well they are great, exciting and make me happy. :) The bad thing is that when I get those I hear something or assume something I suppose and then justify the ups so that although they are still ups...they aren't as good as they were. Then there are some things that are ok...not ups for sure...just ok and one little thing (actually it is a big thing...) makes it a down...a big bad down. I hate getting that way. I hate when I am happy and excited that things can bring me down just as quickly. I wish I could change things so that they weren't. Maybe in a month...

As a side note. I am happy and things are good. :) Don't worry...the downs aren't bad and they won't last.

Date!

2009-10-19T07:52:00.002-06:00

I'm pretty excited. It's been awhile since I have gone on a date, let alone be asked on one. I know...most of you are wondering what I am talking about since I was just in a long relationship. Well, Kevin and I had fun but we didn't really go on dates that often. So yes, I am excited to be going on a date. It was by one of my good buddies and it will be fun. :) Yay!

Ok...it sank in.

2009-09-27T08:24:00.003-06:00

If you saw my last post you know that Kevin and I pulled the plug for good this time. It's a good thing and it was nice to finally be on the same page and know what to do. I feel that it is right but man the realization of it all hit me hard last night. That is the worst part about being alone and by yourself, you think of it constantly. I could have been out with friends which probably would have saved me many, many tears last night but I think tears are ok at times. I think it is better that I get it all out now than bottle it up and explode later. He and I had good times and he really was one of my best friends. Knowing that that aspect will change is the hardest part really. We both agreed to be friends still which is great but it will not be easy and may take some time at first. I really do wish I knew what Heavenly Father had in store for me... I know, we can't ever know but sometimes I wonder what I have ever done right? Was I supposed to move to Utah even? Sometimes I wonder. I always hear about people getting these strong feelings or convictions with their prayers and I never feel it. Not ever. So it always makes me wonder what is wrong with me...but then I had a friend talk to me the other day and he was saying how when he felt like he could go one way or the other it was because he knew the Lord trusted his decision and agency. So then I know...although I would rather He just spell it out for me, I know that Heavenly Father trusts me enough to choose part of my path. The only question now is how well have I been choosing it?

I'm Single!!!

2009-09-25T21:22:00.001-06:00

And I actually feel good about it! Crazy huh? We are still going to try being friends because we both value each others friendship so much but yeah... I feel peace with this decision which is something I have needed very much these last couple weeks. :)

Alone

2009-09-19T13:05:00.002-06:00

That's how I feel right now. That's how I feel a lot actually. Sad? Yes. Lame? Yes. True? Not entirely, but for the most part yes.

I think if they say the 20's are the best time of your life they lie. It's been the worst. Without a doubt, the worst.

The end.

I love your blog award...

2009-08-13T22:23:00.004-06:00

****Please note this is not my real blog post, just something I did because of boredom, look below this post for the REAL post! :) Thanks!! ****

1. Where is your cell phone? in my purse but i don't even count it since it is that cheap piece of...yeah.
2. Where is your significant other? somewhere out there (now i have the song from an american tale in my head...)
3. Your hair color? brown, although i really do miss the red that it was. it was rad.
4. Your mother? the best, sorry all....she really is. :)
5. Your father? strong, leader, great example
6. Your favorite thing? music, music, music...
7. Your dream last night? sadly i can never remember my dreams
8. Your dream/goal? to be a mom...and the best dang mom ever (aside from my mom of course)
9. The room you're in? my bedroom, 2nd to last night in this bedroom, kinda sad. :(
10. Your hobby? collecting music, genealogy, movies, laughing.
11. Your fear? not living to my full potential
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? in a home with my awesome (future) family, although i wouldnt mind being back in the beautiful northwest as long as i am with happy i can be anywhere.
13. Where were you last night? my apartment...
14. What you're not? quiet
15. One of your wish-list items? have everything paid off. :)
16. Where you grew up? Centralia, WA
17. The last thing you ate? pineapple and water...since all my food is at my new apartment i don't have much to eat...
18. What are you wearing? my old BYU-I gym shirt and shorts for pj's
19. Your TV? small but legit
20. Your pet? the dogs back home, dogs are awesome.
21. Your computer? Mac iBook G4
22. Your mood? calmish
23. Missing someone? my fam, kev, my old friends and the good times we had. :)
24. Your car? Toyota Camry
25. Something you're not wearing? a...watch?
26. Favorite store? Target, i still love the Home Depot though, seriously. I love the smell of the wood. :)
27. Your summer? Not bad, but def not last summer. I know...don't live in the past.
28. Love someone? Everyone, really truly. I have this thing where I just love people. People make me happy and I love being happy. :)
29. Your favorite color? Brown and green, must be the northwestern-er in me.
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Umm...sunday, when the bishopric was released. They were the best ever!!
I now award the following 6 people the "I love your blog award":

Brianna Olsen, AmyJo, Laura Miller, Katie Bitter, Dave, Lecia

Busy, busy!

2009-08-13T21:50:00.003-06:00

You know I get these moments during the week where I think, "wow...i have all these things i should write on my blog" and then i get to my blog and my mind stops. See now you know why I don't blog much. :) I think I just enjoy reading others more!

This week has been crazy for me! Kev has been gone which could be good or bad depending on how you look at it I guess, good only because I am moving apartments. I am just going down to #21 when I am currently in #24 but still...I own so much that it is hard to find new places to put everything. Plus this new apartment is actually a little smaller (not sure why but our apartment complex is full of random sized apts...it's odd) and that creates a challenge! Not to mention the fact that I feel bad for the other girls bringing in my loads and loads of stuff. So back to Kev...the only reason it is good he is gone is so that I am not distracted, I have been able to get a lot more done earlier than I thought so that when he comes back this Saturday I can be with him. I am waiting anxiously for that!

It has also been busy preparing for the temple, that's right in only 1 week I get my endowments out! It's exciting and I admit I am a little nervous but I have had some people talk to me about it and all so that helps. :) I am also excited because some of my family will be able to come down, I love my family SO much!! Then the next day my cousin Ryan is getting married to my roommate (ok...she won't be that for long though!) Trisha and I will be able to attend it since I will have been through the temple! I am so excited for it and come on...I helped in part with that one so I deserve to be there, right? ;)

For those that don't know I sold my scooter, although it was very sad what has gotten me through it is knowing that my car is almost paid off and it will be so much better to get that paid and out of the way. A car is a little more necessary than a scooter. :) Plus once I get my life set in order maybe someday I will get another scooter. Even if I don't it was so fun to have at the time and gave me some wonderful memories. :)

I hope everyone is doing well! I wish you all the best in every moment in life. Life is too short to waste, live to your potential. :) This gentleman came into our office and told me "you look at the right things and the bright things in life and you'll feel better" -T. Arde Adams. I love that and he is right, there are times when we get discouraged but really, we have so much more to be greatful for than we have things to complain about. Be happy, love your life and live it! :)

Love you all!

The Good Things...

2009-07-25T14:53:00.001-06:00

I love the good and simple things in life. :) Like this morning I made some homemade coffee cake and hashbrowns while I did some cleaning and listened to some good old country music. Now I know, I am not exactly a country music fan but sometimes I just can't help it. Hence the reason I have a country playlists. You just never know when the craving will hit you.

So some sad news...I sold my scooter a couple days ago. I am trying to look at the big picture of it all though, the money went towards paying off my car...so now I am almost done with that! That enough keeps me happy. Although it is very missed and every scooter I see I look at with envy I know it was right. I can always get one another time...another day...hopefully.

Is it time?

2009-06-07T23:33:00.003-06:00

Anyone miss me? I know...I am the worst at writing on this thing. I need to be better...but life flies by too fast and I am always too busy doing something. Yes, even if that something is nothing. So life right now, it's good. No complaints. Same old, same old. Still working at the foot doctor. My year of working there was the end of April and so now I get a weeks paid vacation and paid holidays. My free week though was up right after that since I went home for my little sister's wedding. It was great to be home and be with everyone. We had almost everyone there except for Shilo who is on his mission in Argentina, Daniel who is in the Baltic mission and Brianna's husband Andrew. We did get to talk to Shilo and Daniel though on mother's day which was great. :)

My scooter got hit about a week ago. Some pizza delivery guy (boycott Papa John's! ha ha) backed into it cracking one side and causing it to fall over on the other side where it is now scratched and cracked in spots. It isn't too bad, just cosmetic damage. Luckily I tracked the kid down and his insurance is paying me, it isn't enough to cover fixing the damages but it is still a great amount so I am not complaining. Here are some pics of the damages...

Nice huh? Other than that there isn't much. I am now activities co-chair in my ward which is a crazy calling. It is pretty stressful! On top of that there is just too much to do during the summer and not enough time to do it. We are all having fun though which is the best part. I have really come to love being down here. I wouldn't trade my experiences here for the world. Hope you are all doing well. Remember to smile and be happy! I love you all!

Roller Coasters...

2009-04-28T11:17:00.002-06:00

I like them...so I should like the craziness in life that is like a roller coaster, right? Hmm...no. I will write more later about the devasting week I have had. I am intrepid...I will be fine.

My motto...I love this!

2009-04-13T17:05:00.000-06:00

"Laugh your heart out,

dance in the rain,

cherish the moment,

ignore the pain,

live, laugh, love,

forgive & forget,

life's too short to be living with regrets."

I guess it's about time...

2009-04-11T21:58:00.005-06:00

I know I must be the worst person ever at blogging...but here goes.

Life lately is good. There are ups and downs but that is life, right? I am happy to have a good steady job, a roof over my head, a wonderful guy in my life and as always my wonderful family that...even though I don't get to see them much I know they are all there if I need it. I miss them...a lot.

I love having so many siblings but I have to tell you that is the hardest thing ever not being around them anymore. I miss them all more than they realize I think. My parents too. I stayed home longer then most people my age because of school and then my job at the pharmacy and I really didnt mind it. Granted once I moved out I realized I really couldnt move home again and feel the same...but I always miss it. My parents (they really are the greatest EVER), the house, dogs, the beautiful green of Washington, rain. I think I always write about things that I miss when I am melancholy. I guess it doesn't help that it is raining outside either. Everytime it rains it makes me miss home so much. Add some great mellow music, a tired mind and a sad disposition and you have me right now. I think I see a pattern on a lot of my blogs...I write many of them when I am sad. Hmm...

I am excited to go home in less than a month for Amity's wedding. I will get to see almost all of my siblings then which will be nice. I think Amity will let me do her hair and makeup for her wedding too which will be awesome. Trisha (my roomie) and Ryan (my cousin) just got engaged and she said I can do her makeup and hair for when she gets married...I am excited! We will practice til then but it will be great (and Trish if you are reading this don't feel obligated to have me do it if you really don't want it... ;) ).

Well...I think that is about all my brain can handle right now for blogging. I would like to say I will write more soon but let's face it...I probably won't. Love you all! Hope you are all well, happy and safe.

Craving Sunshine

2009-03-04T14:40:00.006-07:00

The weather lately has been teasing me. The sun makes me want to be outside and go do outdoor things! Like...riding my scooter! There are some things that make me so happy and my scooter is one of them!

I think that moving into Sparks was one of the best things I have ever done. I have had so much fun here and met some amazing people! I don't think any place could compare. I know that you may think that I could do this at any place, but I really think there is something here that brings us all together. It is great. We have done so many fun things. Chelsea made us go to a thing her home ward was doing for YSA's last night. At first I wasn't too keen on going but she said we had to go anyways (I wanted to go to Velour to see Joshua James!) and we ended up dressing up 80's style. It was so much fun!

Here is Sarah, Chelsea and I doing our glamour shots.

Here is one of Kevin and I. Gotta love our outfits, huh? :D

And our group pyramid. Apparently I had my knee on Garrison's spine. Oops!

I have been having a great time lately. Kevin and I have been dating for 3 weeks now and it has been great. Even though he has had to put up with a lot of my craziness, he still doesn't seem to mind it. I love being with him and love how we are open about everything. He is truly amazing!

Well...speaking of craving sunshine, Megan in our ward just invited all of us to do a 'sunday' outing. We are going to walk to the park and sit out in the sun. Although it is cold it is so beautiful out today! It is also supposed to snow tomorrow...I need as much of the sun as I can get! :D I know this isn't long at all and since it has been forever since I have been on here I should write more but hey...you get what you get!

Love you all!

Recliner Chair

2009-02-11T20:22:00.002-07:00

I speak of this often. This meaning the incredible playlist on my iPod which I have dubbed Recliner Chair because of the peace and comfort it gives me. Ha, how strange does that sound? Ok really...close your eyes and picture this (after reading this of course); you are sitting in the most comfortable recliner chair ever, seriously you have never sat in a better one before. That is this playlist. It is the best mix of "quiet" songs ever! I swear I can be in the worst of moods and listening to this playlist makes me so calm. I love it. I also love all of you and because of that I give you a taste of my precious mix in my playlist on here. If you want to hear the real thing, just ask. It is amazing. Really.

Side note: life for me lately is great. I went through a rough 1st month really, January was...interesting shall we say. Ok, basically I really disliked a lot of that month. A lot happened and I was pretty depressed and bummed out a lot. I know why for the most part and the best part is...I am over it! I kicked back into my normal happier than i should be-hug freak-crazy- music loving-self. It is true...I am back! :D Love you all!

White Horse

2009-01-08T22:55:00.002-07:00

I saw an elderly couple today holding hands. I think that is the cutest thing. I love how you can tell that even after all these years they still love each other as much as they did in the beginning. I want the storybook ending, I want true love, I want to find "the one." That is why it is taking me longer and in the process I am finding out so much about myself that I love more and more. It is a great time to reflect on me and the things I am doing in my life, though they may not be much to many, they are great to me. That is why I am not rushing out going to find just any guy, any schmuck as I put it to some, to date and marry. Heck no! Who cares how old I am or am getting. When it happens it happens and when it is right, it's right.

This may be a lame post (I seem to be good at that) but I couldn't help it...

Love you all!

I feel pretty...

2008-12-29T22:58:00.003-07:00

oh so pretty. Ha ha, no but really. I do. Sometimes I look in the mirror and think, "dang, I am gorgeous!" Other days...not so much. No worries folks, I am definitely not full of myself. You know though when I was home for Christmas I was looking through some old photos and holy cow...I was...yeah. No, I was beautiful, just in my own very (very) unique way. Yep, that's it...I will just keep telling myself that. :)

I love how random I can be. Hope everyone (if anyone reads this...does anyone read this?) has been having a splendid Christmas & holiday season. Peace, love & happiness.

There's no place like home for the holidays...

2008-12-24T11:29:00.002-07:00

I flew home yesterday from Salt Lake to Portland. It was an adventure however getting there. I was very fortunate considering the 4 days before I flew out most flights to Portland were cancelled. The weather here in the Pacific Northwest has been crazy! There was so much snow and ice they couldn't have anyone land. The day before I was to fly home I was having a panic attack all day. I was questioning everything; what if they cancelled my flight? What about the drive to the airport? I know I worry too much but the thought of not being able to come home for Christmas scared me. I know our Christmas this year will be simple and meager and most of my family will not even be here but Christmas to me is just being home where I can be with my parents and whichever siblings happen to be there.

I woke up at 4am Tuesday morning after having about 2 hours of sleep to leave for the airport. We left at 5am and to my surprise and relief the freeway was clean and clear. No sign of ice or snow. Once we got to the airport around 6am we waited for our flight which was to depart at 8:30am. Around 7:00am it started snowing. I started worrying again (I know...I worry too much!) wondering if for some crazy reason they would say it was delayed or worse...cancelled. Around 8:45am we finally boarded our flight and after waiting for the airway to clear and for the plane to get deiced by the "Iceman 1" we took flight. We were the first flight from Southwest to head into Portland after it being shutdown. I was ecstatic! What luck! The flight went very well and after almost winning the Christmas trivia game they played on the flight (I should have won...I knew all the answers) we landed in Portland just a 1/2 hour late around 10am Pacific time.

It was then I figured all of my worries were behind me...until we waited for our luggage. Because of all the cancelled flights they had lots of luggage but no one to pick it up. They also didn't know whose luggage they were sending and keeping at the airports. We waited and waited and finally found out that half of the luggage from our flight had come and half was (they hoped) in Salt Lake still. The next flight would not be in for another 2 hours and that flight kept getting delayed. After stressing a bit and filing a report with the airline I left for a bit with my parents while my dad went to buy his Christmas present...a bowflex stairclimber (i do not know why...) we returned just in time for the other flight to come in. Again we waited for the luggage to come. We watched for our flight number and the flight number that it supposedly was supposed to come on. There was only one problem, there was so much luggage and not enough workers to sift through it all. Our airline had only one baggage carousel and it was so full they could not put any more luggage on it. After talking to many people around us who had also been waiting for their luggage from my flight we figured the best way to remedy the situation was to take matters into our own hands and remove the luggage from the carousel. Now doing so could actually get your arrested but by that time what did we care? We just wanted to get our luggage and leave that airport!

There was one gentleman and his wife who helped and then my friend Kyle, my sister Amity and myself. Occasionally some others would grab some luggage and hand it to us. We started pulling tons of luggage off the carousel that we knew had been on there for almost four hours now. Eventually new luggage was being put on but still none from our flight. We kept pulling and moving luggage and as I was over setting some in a pile I heard my sister scream out. "Elyse we found it!!" I was so excited I started running and screaming and hopping up and down. I almost wanted to cry. My luggage was found! We then started helping everyone else find their luggage from my flight. Every time a piece was found we screamed and cheered. The best part about it was you could see the stress melt away from everyone and the Christmas spirit come alive as we all helped each other and cheered. There was one woman who said we made her Christmas, her mother had gotten out of surgery a couple days before and she had been stuck in the airport for 4 days waiting to get to her.

I had been so worried and angry before knowing my luggage was lost. How could I live without my luggage? The thing is...I could have. So what if it had been lost? It was full of material things that really do not matter. What mattered was that I was home and safe with my family. That is why in the end helping everyone else out at the airport is what really mattered. I wanted to help everyone else find their stuff and leave to be with their families. Christmas is a time where families should be together and be happy. We don't need presents or cookies or anything grand. We just need to be together.

I know this story is long and most likely many of you will not have read this far. I just want you all who have read this far to know how much I hope you have the best Christmas ever. Cherish the time you have with your family and friends who are near. Every year our lives change and we never know where we will be or what we will be doing the next year so make sure to make this year count! I hope and pray that you all will have the best Christmas ever! Merry Christmas!! Remember to believe!

Things I Miss...

2008-12-20T23:30:00.003-07:00

I know this is my second post of the day but I have been thinking lately about some things that I miss. Here is just a small random list;

Jogging with Dave
Jill McElvain *I love you Jill!!*
Tyler Cook
Shows in Seattle & Portland
Raves in the canyon
Alex and Jakey Peacock
Summer 2008...everything about it
Riding my scooter
My mom and dad and siblings
My amazing nieces and nephews...they are the best
Rachael and all the fun we had when she was down here
Amity and our rave in my room with glow sticks dancing for mom and dad
Rain
Television class at Centralia College
My mom's cooking
Our dogs back home...Buddy, Sophie, Boo & Little Pup
Our past dogs...especially Aravis. :(
My grandma & grandpa
My Uncle Rik
My 1983 Toyota Tercel hatchback...it was primer gray color and had duct tape on the back. It may have been ugly but it was so much fun!

And last but not least...Melia. I knew it would be rough having her move out but it is even worse that she had to leave earlier and that she has to go through all of this. I miss talking about our scandalous shows, our spontaneous trips, I miss matching clothes, riding my scooter to the park and reading Breaking Dawn. Prune in June...Melia I love you!

Hiding Out

2008-12-20T21:49:00.003-07:00

Sometimes the best thing in the world to do is to hide out away from everything and everyone. I have been experiencing that a lot lately. It is my time to unwind and relax. I have been more social than anything the last few months and (as strange as it sounds) it has taken a toll on me. I have taken some time lately just for me...to sit and relax and not have to worry about anyone bugging me or wanting to talk. It is just me...and maybe a friend here or there. I fear I may have insulted some people with my actions in this but in truth I say do not take offense. Get over it. I love you all but I just want my space now and then.

Last night turned out to be one of the best nights ever for me because I did this. Trisha and I (yes Trish I know I cannot keep any secrets...) locked ourselves in the apartment and had a wonderful time. We ate delicious food and watched two wonderful chick flicks...Little Women and While You Were Sleeping. It was a much needed break from everything. I loved it!

I suggest to all that you try this sometime...if you are a little social butterfly like me, stop and take time for yourself. It feels great!!

Finally...

2008-12-10T21:36:00.002-07:00

After all this time I am finally posting a new blog. After a month of a busted computer and being busy with work, being social with my ward, attempting to go on dates and more...I am finally back.

Life is flying by faster then I would have ever thought. The pivotal moment of course was turning 25. Yes, it is true. I am now a quarter of a century old. I have told some that I am going through my quarter life crisis. You laugh, but believe me it is true. Every birthday, every year growing older I have not felt a change. To me it was another year passing, another year to progress. This year was different. Turning 25 has been one of the scariest things in my life. It has made me realize that time is short...and I am running out of it. Now I know that 25 really is not that old but looking around me I feel it is. I spoke to one friend a couple weeks ago who said now that he is 25 he realized it is scary and that he is lonely. As cheesy as it may sound I know what he means. It is the years of watching all of your friends find their eternal companion while you wait and wait...and wait. It has pushed me to do things I never would have done before. Now we know it isn't anything bad, I mean...come on, this is me we are talking about here. However it has made me slightly bolder in pursuing guys...so far this has not worked out for me...ha ha. I am kind of at a stand still about it all and not sure what to do.

I am scared.

Now isn't that something to read after having me absent for over a month? I just figure it is what is on my mind right now. It isn't anything grand or exciting like some of yours (especially yours Alex...they are always good) but it is just me...and that is enough. Love you all.

I Love Your Blog Award

2008-10-21T19:36:00.006-06:00

Thanks Jacqui!
1. Where is your cell phone? on the kitchen table and the shelf (in the process of changing)
2. Where is your significant other? somewhere in this world...somewhere...
3. Your hair color? brown
4. Your mother? the greatest, strong
5. Your father? jack of all trades, wonderful
6. Your favorite thing? music
7. Your dream last night? not sure
8. Your dream/goal? get out of debt
9. The room you're in? kitchen
10. Your hobby? collecting music, genealogy
11. Your fear? not living to my full potential
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? in a home with my awesome future family
13. Where were you last night? apt 35
14. What you're not? shy
15. One of your wish-list items? being home for Christmas
16. Where you grew up? centralia, wa
17. The last thing you ate? a frozen burrito that has been in the freezer for months...yum
18. What are you wearing? jeans, tee and my cozy slippers
19. Your TV? small
20. Your pet? dogs...i love them all.
21. Your computer? Mac iBook G4
22. Your mood? anxious
23. Missing someone? my family
24. Your car? my camry and my scooter
25. Something you're not wearing? a cardigan...which is unusual for me.
26. Favorite store? target
27. Your summer? probably the best ever
28. Love someone? everyone...forever and ever
29. Your favorite color? brown & green
30. When is the last time you laughed? today...everyday pretty much
31. Last time you cried? last week
I now award the following 6 people the "I love your blog award":

trisha, dave, janel, chris, alex, jessie

What makes you happy?

2008-10-13T22:55:00.002-06:00

I love that people think I am younger than I really am. One friend said he thinks it is because of my happiness. There are a lot of things that make me happy and really if I took the time to right them all down my list would never end. It gets you thinking though, what makes you happy? Although you may be in one of the most stressful times of your life (and trust me I have been feeling it more than anyone knows) there are still those things that help to lift you up.

Here is a list of some of them for me, keep in mind that it is mostly just what is coming to mind as I sit and type...it is very random!
music...currently that being either Christmas (yes Christmas) or my folky/indie mixes.
hot Chocolate (with friends and giant marshmallows)
cozy blankets
fall mornings..cold, crisp and sunny
singing (lately it has been either Lucky with Josh or Marty Robbins and Peter, Paul & Mary songs with groups of people)
family
friends
hugs...i used to not like them, i love them now!
scooters...ok maybe just my scooter
sammy's
the beach
home
portland
seattle
rain, rain, rain
did i say hugs?
my roomies
photos
caramel apple cider
John Wayne movies
my life

Like I said...it is random but it is just a small list of things that I love.
Be grateful for all you have...the good and bad. Everything helps us to become better than we were before so long as we look at it that way.

Jack's Mannequin's new album is messing up my iPod

2008-10-02T11:15:00.002-06:00

Seriously, every time I listen to that album on my iPod it eventually shuts off and restores itself. Kinda creepy. The little bit that I have heard of the album, The Glass Passenger, I do like. Who knows, maybe it's gremlins?

bad mojo

2008-09-01T08:16:00.002-06:00

Why is it some things in your life can go so well and then other times everything seems to fall apart around you? Ok, I know that I really do understand the answer to that. Sometimes it is just hard to admit. Trials are great right? Once they are done with and you have learned and grown from them yes. During however...it's a different story. During you are confused and hurt and in this case today feel the most most idiotic unwanted person on the face of the earth. Oh what a wonderful feeling? No, I think not. Sorry, I know this is the most boring post ever. I just needed to ramble on to someone or rather something. Don't worry, I never let it last long.

Olympic Happiness

2008-08-11T00:33:00.005-06:00

Oh the happiness. Just nearing the end of my amazing weekend (which I will have to write about later since I really need to get some shut eye) something miraculous happened. During a simple game of mafia with the Beijing 2008 Olympics on in the background we decided to pause a moment to watch the men's 4x100 relay. I was tense and excited watching this race, I naturally wanted USA to win for many reasons. The 3rd swimmer, Cullen Jones was slowly lagging behind the French team and although excitement still rushed through me I could almost feel a loss coming on. My adrenaline started pumping even more quickly however when Jason Lezak, the last of the 4 amazing swimmers on the USA relay team, jumped in and started swimming the last 100. It was amazing! All of us cheering, the excitement spreading like wildfire through that small apartment. How could we not be ecstatic? Those last few seconds he came through and touched the edge of the pool just seconds before the French team. It was unbelievable how in that last stretch he seemed to get superhuman strength and helped to win that gold medal. I love the Olympics. :) Go USA!

37 seconds...

2008-07-26T10:41:00.000-06:00

It may be somewhat crazy but I find that some movies bring me so much joy and happiness. Mr.Magorium's Wonder Emporium is one of these. It is one of those movies that, once it is over, I feel so happy and content. Strange as it may be to have a movie do this, it is true. Here are two of the great lines I love from this movie:

Mr.Magorium: 37 seconds

Molly Mahoney: Great. Well done. Now we wait.

Mr. Magorium: No. We breathe. We pulse. We regenerate. Our hearts beat. Our minds create. Our souls ingest. 37 seconds, well used, is a lifetime.

and then...

Mr. Magorium: You're life is an occasion. Rise to it.

See? They are silly lines from a cute little movie and yet they mean a lot. Think about it. 37 seconds that we all take for granted. 37 seconds, we have so many of and yet we let them pass by without even thinking twice. 37 seconds...are amazing.

2008-06-28T13:40:00.000-06:00

Clean checks

2008-06-28T10:30:00.000-06:00

So we have a clean check this morning. I am not too keen on sitting around waiting forever for them to come and check so that you can get ready for the day. The plus however is that the apartment is clean...even if it doesn't stay that way for long. A clean apartment is always good!

After getting home from work yesterday I cleaned and then went up into Provo canyon with Trisha and Beau to a bonfire Ryan invited me to. It was fun but weird since we didn't really know anyone else. Come to find out most people didn't know everyone...we still left fairly early since they both hadn't cleaned yet.

I like everyone here this summer. There have been a few stressful roommate situations but I work through them. I have been trying to be as social as possible and try to accept everyone, because why not, you know? It has been fun and I love my job.

New...

2008-06-12T15:21:00.000-06:00

So I am new at this and in truth I am not the blogging type. Who knows if I will even be able to keep up on it! I will try though.

For anyone who doesn't know I am currently in Provo, UT and have been for almost a full year now. I love it here, although it isn't the great Pacific Northwest which I love I have fun and my friends are great. I have been working as a receptionist at a foot and ankle clinic for almost two months now and before that I was working at Dillard's. I found great friends there but I am very happy to be away from it.

I was dating someone for awhile but the day after our four months together he decided that it wasn't right. Not the best for me but what else can you do?

I guess as of now that's about all...