GEEZ where does the time go? Here my blog has sat here for almost a year with nothing exciting happening on it at all. Well, that should about sum up the past year! Nothing was happening so nothing was added :-) HAHA...and I'm kidding!
I have spent the past year working and going to school (such has been my life for MANY years now!) and just trying to figure out why I'm here, where I'm going, and how to get there. If you have answers, feel free to share!
This past year, I have spent time trying to make sure that the goals that I put into play actually were accomplished. I am happy to say that for the most part, they have! I have been lucky enough to find myself more financially stable, healthier than I have been in years (lost almost 50 lbs...with many more to go!), made time for reading, friends, and even the challenge of cooking...which I will probably never do again! I moved out of my 324 sq ft house that I lived in for almost 3 years, and even bought a car that has made a difference in my life for reasons I can't even explain! I have put in countless time and effort into my volunteer work at Streetlight and have seen the goals that the team set at the beginning of the year surpass what we thought was even possible. I also wanted to start volunteering on the Foster Care Review Board and was able to go through that process, be approved, and placed on a board (about a 6 month process). I'm thankful that I have the time and availability to contribute to my community and to gain experience that is going to make me more successful in my career. I have been able to purchase the computer I WANT which reduced my stress greatly! I made it a point this year to go back to Utah and see family and friends. Since I missed my 10 year High School Reunion due to a work trip, visiting Utah wasn't just about seeing friends and family I already keep in contact with, but I was able to see friends from school, catch up on their lives and families, and realize how incredibly far we have all come in life. I think it was better than going to the reunion actually so I'm happy it worked out the way it did. I have also been lucky enough to travel to St. George, Utah to support my little sister in the marching band and color guard competition she was in and steal a few extra minutes with her between her practices and performances. I'm so proud of her, she makes me laugh, and I'm thankful that I get the opportunity to continue to see her grow up even though I have spent most of her life in another state. My travels will continue as I go to Colorado next week and to Midland, Texas for Christmas to see more family. When most people put down "travel" as a new year's resolution, they are usually thinking something exciting and exotic but to me, my travel goals were to see family and friends that I haven't seen in a long time. Although there are people that I won't get the opportunity to see, I think that I will put "travel" down for next year also so I make it a point to continue to keep in touch with those I love. I am blessed (although some don't see it that way) that I have the time and freedom to make this a priority!
I still have a few things on my list that I hope to complete before the year is over such as the puzzle that is only partially done in my living room but hasn't been touched in WEEKS or actually applying for my passport. I'm not going anywhere but I want to be ready just incase an opportunity arises. They aren't big goals by any means but ones that I hope to finish before the beginning of the year. And if I don't, I will be thankful for the goals I have accomplished! New Year's is my favorite holiday and my most favorite time of year. Some people just see it as another day but I really use it as a time to evaluate where I have been and where I want to go. My life can get busy and bogged down with a "to do" list the size of China and an email inbox that is longer than that. It is too easy to get lost in those lists and forget to do something for yourself. I am so grateful for the year I have had. For the things I have been able to do. For the control that I feel that I have. For the friendships that I have made. For the small successes and the steps forward. I have also had heartache, breakdowns, tears, fears, and uncertainties. I have had doubt and disappointment. I have faced challenges that I thought I would never be able to overcome. But you have to take the good with the bad!
Sorry it has been so long since I last posted but hopefully this brief description of my life has brought you up to speed :-)
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
I would rather blog than do homework!
It's been a long time since a "survey" has been passed around. I stole it from Jody's blog and it seemed to fit the perfect procrastination project I was looking for :-) Enjoy!
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Started my Master's program, paid off debt, and lived without regret!
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
After graduating in Dec 2008 I gave the year 2009 a break of all pressure for resolutions and just did things that made me happy, didn't do things out of obligation, and slept ALOT! I have already set my goals for 2010 and I'm well on my way to accomplishing them. It's going to be a busy year but I'm excited!!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
YES YES YES! I know so many people that had a baby but no doubt - the arrival of Baby Edward made my world perfect!! Not only did I get to spend 3 weeks with my BFF but I got to spend 3 weeks taking in all the love of her three little boys. I have never waited so anxiously for something and have never been so devastated to have to leave. Check out these handsome little boys on Edward's blessing day.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No. My Grandpa passed away the year before but we waited for his memorial service. It was in Newport Beach, CA on a boat in the ocean - just were he liked to be. It was beautiful!!
5. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A better body, a bigger savings account, and more time traveling to see people I love.
6. What countries did you visit?
The US of A!
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why:
There were many experiences this year that I won't forget - Santa Barbara for our work "training" will definitely be something that will be remembered FOREVER! It was AWESOME!!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Truly living the life I wanted to live and doing the things that make me happy. Not to say that there weren't moments of tears, sadness, and stress but really, I think making it through without regret is pretty fabulous!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting into better shape.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes - but nothing that left me unable to live so I'm thankful.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My book collection!! I had either spent countless hours in a Barnes and Nobles or Borders reading books that I loved but couldn't afford to buy because I was SOOOOOOOOOOOO poor or books that I loved but sold to get money for food and gas throughout my very poor college years. Now, without struggle, I have them all on my bookshelf. I bought them all!! Sounds stupid, but for me, it was one of things that I promised myself that I would get back one day and now I have them back.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I'm sure that there is someone here that I should be recognizing but I can't really think of one - I'll let you know if it changes.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Probably the same ones that always do - random strangers that clearly appear to be horrible parents. It drives me crazy!!!!!
14. Where did most of your money go?
Taxes?? Haha! Probably to bills as it always does but I was also lucky enough to buy new clothes when I wanted to, an airplane ticket across the country, and to school tuition for the start of my Masters program. It was a great year!
15. What did you get really, really, really get excited about?
My trip to North Carolina and the Santa Barbara trip.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Don't laugh - but probably "This is my now" by Jordan Sparks. It just seemed to be what played at the right time in the right moments.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? HAPPIER for sure!
ii. thinner or fatter? THINNER (although NOT by much!)
iii. richer or poorer? RICHER (although NOT by much!)
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Play my clarinet.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Laundry.
20. Did you fall in love in 2009?
You could say that.
21. What was your favorite TV program?
Teen Mom, Days of Our Lives, Grays Anatomy...the list can go on - I LOVE TV.
22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope.
23. What was the best book you read?
I read so many!! Jodi Picoult came out with "Handle With Care" and she is my favorite author so I guess I will have to say that one.
24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I didn't make one.
25. What did you want and get?
A job, a bigger tank for Goose, a new TV and the Wii. I got it all!!
26. What was your favorite film of this year?
mmmm...either "He's just not that into you" or "My Sister's Keeper" - I know, I'm a total GIRL!
27. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28. I remember going to dinner and going shopping for my gift :-) I also got the book I wanted.
28. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
mmmm...winning the lottery...
29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
The same as always - as comfortable as possible.
30. What kept you sane?
My friends at work, sleep, and books.
31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I always fancy Ellen Degeneres and Pink. If I could combine Ellen's personality and generosity with Pink's body I would pretty damn amazing!
32. What political issue stirred you the most?
The fact that we are still waiting for the "John's Bill" to go through in Arizona. It didn't get passed last year but it is going up again this year. Branded and the community are trying to protect underage girls from being forced into prostitution.
33. Whom did you miss?
Lacy, Dan and the boys - Joyce and Luke - Courtney P - Jessica A - Taylor, Derek, and Steve - and my little sis Bob.
34. Who was the best new person you met?
Tina.
35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
Live without regret, don't carry other's guilt, and SLEEP when you are tired!
36. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
There was a time I packed my dreams away
Living in a shell, hiding from myself
There was a time when I was so afraid
Thought I’d reached the end
Baby that was then
I am made of more than my yesterday’s
This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment
But I look around
I can’t believe the love I see
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts
That was then, this is my now.
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
Started my Master's program, paid off debt, and lived without regret!
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
After graduating in Dec 2008 I gave the year 2009 a break of all pressure for resolutions and just did things that made me happy, didn't do things out of obligation, and slept ALOT! I have already set my goals for 2010 and I'm well on my way to accomplishing them. It's going to be a busy year but I'm excited!!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
YES YES YES! I know so many people that had a baby but no doubt - the arrival of Baby Edward made my world perfect!! Not only did I get to spend 3 weeks with my BFF but I got to spend 3 weeks taking in all the love of her three little boys. I have never waited so anxiously for something and have never been so devastated to have to leave. Check out these handsome little boys on Edward's blessing day.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No. My Grandpa passed away the year before but we waited for his memorial service. It was in Newport Beach, CA on a boat in the ocean - just were he liked to be. It was beautiful!!
5. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A better body, a bigger savings account, and more time traveling to see people I love.
6. What countries did you visit?
The US of A!
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why:
There were many experiences this year that I won't forget - Santa Barbara for our work "training" will definitely be something that will be remembered FOREVER! It was AWESOME!!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Truly living the life I wanted to live and doing the things that make me happy. Not to say that there weren't moments of tears, sadness, and stress but really, I think making it through without regret is pretty fabulous!
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not getting into better shape.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes - but nothing that left me unable to live so I'm thankful.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My book collection!! I had either spent countless hours in a Barnes and Nobles or Borders reading books that I loved but couldn't afford to buy because I was SOOOOOOOOOOOO poor or books that I loved but sold to get money for food and gas throughout my very poor college years. Now, without struggle, I have them all on my bookshelf. I bought them all!! Sounds stupid, but for me, it was one of things that I promised myself that I would get back one day and now I have them back.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I'm sure that there is someone here that I should be recognizing but I can't really think of one - I'll let you know if it changes.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Probably the same ones that always do - random strangers that clearly appear to be horrible parents. It drives me crazy!!!!!
14. Where did most of your money go?
Taxes?? Haha! Probably to bills as it always does but I was also lucky enough to buy new clothes when I wanted to, an airplane ticket across the country, and to school tuition for the start of my Masters program. It was a great year!
15. What did you get really, really, really get excited about?
My trip to North Carolina and the Santa Barbara trip.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Don't laugh - but probably "This is my now" by Jordan Sparks. It just seemed to be what played at the right time in the right moments.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder? HAPPIER for sure!
ii. thinner or fatter? THINNER (although NOT by much!)
iii. richer or poorer? RICHER (although NOT by much!)
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Play my clarinet.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Laundry.
20. Did you fall in love in 2009?
You could say that.
21. What was your favorite TV program?
Teen Mom, Days of Our Lives, Grays Anatomy...the list can go on - I LOVE TV.
22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope.
23. What was the best book you read?
I read so many!! Jodi Picoult came out with "Handle With Care" and she is my favorite author so I guess I will have to say that one.
24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I didn't make one.
25. What did you want and get?
A job, a bigger tank for Goose, a new TV and the Wii. I got it all!!
26. What was your favorite film of this year?
mmmm...either "He's just not that into you" or "My Sister's Keeper" - I know, I'm a total GIRL!
27. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 28. I remember going to dinner and going shopping for my gift :-) I also got the book I wanted.
28. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
mmmm...winning the lottery...
29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
The same as always - as comfortable as possible.
30. What kept you sane?
My friends at work, sleep, and books.
31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I always fancy Ellen Degeneres and Pink. If I could combine Ellen's personality and generosity with Pink's body I would pretty damn amazing!
32. What political issue stirred you the most?
The fact that we are still waiting for the "John's Bill" to go through in Arizona. It didn't get passed last year but it is going up again this year. Branded and the community are trying to protect underage girls from being forced into prostitution.
33. Whom did you miss?
Lacy, Dan and the boys - Joyce and Luke - Courtney P - Jessica A - Taylor, Derek, and Steve - and my little sis Bob.
34. Who was the best new person you met?
Tina.
35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
Live without regret, don't carry other's guilt, and SLEEP when you are tired!
36. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
There was a time I packed my dreams away
Living in a shell, hiding from myself
There was a time when I was so afraid
Thought I’d reached the end
Baby that was then
I am made of more than my yesterday’s
This is my now, and I am breathing in the moment
But I look around
I can’t believe the love I see
My fears behind me, gone are the shadows and doubts
That was then, this is my now.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
I'm aware it's been awhile!!!
I know it as been SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO long since I have actually posted but hopefully I can be forgiven. The past couple of months have been crazy busy but super fabulous! I ended 2009 well and am ready for 2010! I cleared out all the old so I am ready for the new and have set my goals. I am already busy and have a packed scheduled through MAY! I can already tell that this year is going to be a good one!!
I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas and were able to celebrate the New Year safely. One of my goals is to keep my blog updated (which I have heard lots of people say is one of their goals, but I think it's a good one so I'm using it too) and will try to at least post 2 times a month...unless nothing is going on then it may only be one time a month but I will try to be exciting just for you :-)
I wish everyone a happy and wonderful 2010!!!!
I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas and were able to celebrate the New Year safely. One of my goals is to keep my blog updated (which I have heard lots of people say is one of their goals, but I think it's a good one so I'm using it too) and will try to at least post 2 times a month...unless nothing is going on then it may only be one time a month but I will try to be exciting just for you :-)
I wish everyone a happy and wonderful 2010!!!!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
DEAR OL' AF HIGH
My heart goes out to the American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard tonight. Last night after an incredible competition and a "clean sweep" for 1st place they were faced with a tragedy on their way home. A bus driver passed out and lost control of a bus leaving one of the teacher's to try and take control. Although her actions may have saved the lives of many students, her life was lost in the accident. There were several injured and many taken to the hospital for precautions but most are home safe.
After each competition the band circles together and sings "Friends". I remember it being part of the tradition and meaning so much to me. Tonight, this is dedicated to the band, color guard, and most of all, Heather. Although there is so much work that goes into being a member of that marching band and at times the last thing I ever wanted to hear was the voice of one of the instructors telling us to keep going or to do it "just one more time" I also never felt so much love, compassion, and heart from our instructors, director, and even our band mom and dads. Although this isn't my direct loss, I feel so deeply for everyone there. Please know you are in so many people's thoughts and prayers.
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
I can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter of your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
And with the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you live in
Is the strength that now you show
We'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
To live as friends
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
No a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
After each competition the band circles together and sings "Friends". I remember it being part of the tradition and meaning so much to me. Tonight, this is dedicated to the band, color guard, and most of all, Heather. Although there is so much work that goes into being a member of that marching band and at times the last thing I ever wanted to hear was the voice of one of the instructors telling us to keep going or to do it "just one more time" I also never felt so much love, compassion, and heart from our instructors, director, and even our band mom and dads. Although this isn't my direct loss, I feel so deeply for everyone there. Please know you are in so many people's thoughts and prayers.
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
I can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter of your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
And with the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you live in
Is the strength that now you show
We'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
To live as friends
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
No a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Time for school again!!
I have VERY MUCH enjoyed the past 8 months without school. I have loved the time, the sleep, the normal schedule, the ability to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it, it has been FABULOUS! I have been able to get involved the the groups that I volunteer for, spend time with friends, stay up late, sleep in, work normal hours, and read for fun!! It has been WONDERFUL!! I thought I would wait until January to begin a master's program but I guess I just couldn't wait that long. I applied and have been accepted into a master's program at National University in La Jolla, California. I am going to be getting my degree in Public Admin in Non Profit studies and can't wait!! I'm nervous to begin and the flashbacks of the insanity have come full force, but I can't wait forever! In order to run a non-profit, I have to have it - the sooner, the better. Depending on how long it takes me to do my thesis I can be done in as little as 14 months but we shall see if I can do it. I would love to be done by December 2010. Wish me luck!!
Anyone up for a celebration in Cali when I'm done???
Anyone up for a celebration in Cali when I'm done???
Friday, July 10, 2009
INNOCENCE SOLD
He put her out on the street tonight
Too scared and trained to even fight
He forces her to be raped for a price
She’s so confused, this Pimp appeared nice
He stripped her of her hopes and dreams
Thought he could exchange it for a new pair of jeans
At 13 she was trying to find her own niche
But now can only hope to become his Bottom Bitch
She is tortured and raped, no sense of control
Her innocent life is no longer whole
She needs a place to run and hide
Somewhere to fix what’s been broken inside
With nowhere to go she stays where she’s at
With a master manipulator who beats her with a bat
She’s told she deserves it; he reminds her she’s his
A piece of property on his “for sale” list
This doesn’t happen far from here
It’s not a foreign country’s issue to bear
Even if you close your eyes
The innocence of this little girl still dies
Since you’re home and safe tonight
Please kneel down and pray that she’ll be alright
For tomorrow she’ll be back on the street
Sold to a stranger, a price they will meet
By Jessica Blanco
Visit: brandedphx.com
Too scared and trained to even fight
He forces her to be raped for a price
She’s so confused, this Pimp appeared nice
He stripped her of her hopes and dreams
Thought he could exchange it for a new pair of jeans
At 13 she was trying to find her own niche
But now can only hope to become his Bottom Bitch
She is tortured and raped, no sense of control
Her innocent life is no longer whole
She needs a place to run and hide
Somewhere to fix what’s been broken inside
With nowhere to go she stays where she’s at
With a master manipulator who beats her with a bat
She’s told she deserves it; he reminds her she’s his
A piece of property on his “for sale” list
This doesn’t happen far from here
It’s not a foreign country’s issue to bear
Even if you close your eyes
The innocence of this little girl still dies
Since you’re home and safe tonight
Please kneel down and pray that she’ll be alright
For tomorrow she’ll be back on the street
Sold to a stranger, a price they will meet
By Jessica Blanco
Visit: brandedphx.com
Saturday, June 13, 2009
9 YEARS IN THE MAKING!
I have now lived in Arizona for NINE years!! Can you believe it? I can't! The drive down here was the first of many adventures - none of which I could have imagined when I left Utah. I thought growing up was a challenge in a world that I didn't understand but then I learned that growing up didn't happen until after 18 years old and that the world that I didn't understand only expanded. I was lucky to leave home with some of my best friends with me. Taylor and Derek moved here with me and I couldn't have done it without them. They made it easy! They made it hard when they decided to move back to Utah and I had to decide if I was going with them, or if I was staying behind - OBVIOUSLY, I stayed behind. I had many moments questioning my decision but it was the right one. I still miss having them here!!
I can't believe what the past years have brought me. I have never been happier, more sad, more scared, more satisfied, more achieved, more devastated, more everything!
I'm so thankful that I made the choice to move here after high school. I can't imagine my life any other way!
Take a walk down MY memory lane!
(Pictures are in no paticular order - just how the downloaded - but they are some of my most favoritest moments)
Arizona maybe a desert but it's a beautiful one! I found a spot that has brought me peace and serenity. I used to come to this spot and read, pray, cry, and even a time or two it has provided me a very nice sleepful rest. I have celebrated life here. I have cried about life here. It's a very special spot!
Call me an old lady but one of my favorite things to do here is go to the casino and play BINGO! And thanks to Joyce - we survived a small moment of unemployment by winning BINGO! (I don't recommend gambling of any kind when you don't have a job - we were just lucky - not responsible!)
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These are MY boys!! I will love them more than any other woman can ever possibly love them. I will always owe it to them for being my guiding light when I wanted and needed to leave Utah. Without Taylor, Derek, and Steve, I don't know where I would be!
For the years that I worked at the massage school these moments were my favorite! We used to hold our own therapy sessions at IHOP where we solved the world's problems, predicted the future, talked each other out of bad ideas, gave each other hope and love and enough umph to go back to work the next day! We also owe these times to Big John who was our server at IHOP every time and was our sounding board when we needed one.
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True friends! Courtney and Joyce have made me laugh until I have cried, and have made laugh when I have been crying. They help me survive! Courtney started out as my instructor at massage school, my boss when I worked there, a dear friend as time went on, a roommate a little bit later, and a best friend after that. People wonder how I survived living with her - I wonder how I would have survived without living with her! Joyce and I were just destined to be friends. We understand each other when no one else does, we don't need to make excuses for who we are, and she has been one of my biggest life supporters in everything that I have done and do. She gets me. What would I do without them??
This is my turtle, Goose. He is now 2 years old. He has a personality all his own but I love him!
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OH MY LACY! I can't imagine my life without her! I met her when she was my boss at the massage school - little did I know that she was going to be my best friend! People say that no matter where you live you find new friends that "you can't imagine your life without" - but really, I was brought here so I could have Lacy. JLCC can't be done without her!
If you can't tell by the picture - we are studying! Kelly is the only reason I made it through my bachelors degree. She wouldn't let me quit even when I wanted to. Proof once again that I wouldn't have been able to survive anywhere else! Kelly was here, so I had to be.
Carla and Rachael were able to come and visit me last year. We had SOOOO much fun! Even though we all live in different places in the country, we are lucky enough to have had this time together!
GRADUATION! Need I say more??
I can't believe what the past years have brought me. I have never been happier, more sad, more scared, more satisfied, more achieved, more devastated, more everything!
I'm so thankful that I made the choice to move here after high school. I can't imagine my life any other way!
Take a walk down MY memory lane!
(Pictures are in no paticular order - just how the downloaded - but they are some of my most favoritest moments)
Arizona maybe a desert but it's a beautiful one! I found a spot that has brought me peace and serenity. I used to come to this spot and read, pray, cry, and even a time or two it has provided me a very nice sleepful rest. I have celebrated life here. I have cried about life here. It's a very special spot!
Call me an old lady but one of my favorite things to do here is go to the casino and play BINGO! And thanks to Joyce - we survived a small moment of unemployment by winning BINGO! (I don't recommend gambling of any kind when you don't have a job - we were just lucky - not responsible!)
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These are MY boys!! I will love them more than any other woman can ever possibly love them. I will always owe it to them for being my guiding light when I wanted and needed to leave Utah. Without Taylor, Derek, and Steve, I don't know where I would be!
For the years that I worked at the massage school these moments were my favorite! We used to hold our own therapy sessions at IHOP where we solved the world's problems, predicted the future, talked each other out of bad ideas, gave each other hope and love and enough umph to go back to work the next day! We also owe these times to Big John who was our server at IHOP every time and was our sounding board when we needed one.
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True friends! Courtney and Joyce have made me laugh until I have cried, and have made laugh when I have been crying. They help me survive! Courtney started out as my instructor at massage school, my boss when I worked there, a dear friend as time went on, a roommate a little bit later, and a best friend after that. People wonder how I survived living with her - I wonder how I would have survived without living with her! Joyce and I were just destined to be friends. We understand each other when no one else does, we don't need to make excuses for who we are, and she has been one of my biggest life supporters in everything that I have done and do. She gets me. What would I do without them??
This is my turtle, Goose. He is now 2 years old. He has a personality all his own but I love him!
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OH MY LACY! I can't imagine my life without her! I met her when she was my boss at the massage school - little did I know that she was going to be my best friend! People say that no matter where you live you find new friends that "you can't imagine your life without" - but really, I was brought here so I could have Lacy. JLCC can't be done without her!
If you can't tell by the picture - we are studying! Kelly is the only reason I made it through my bachelors degree. She wouldn't let me quit even when I wanted to. Proof once again that I wouldn't have been able to survive anywhere else! Kelly was here, so I had to be.
Carla and Rachael were able to come and visit me last year. We had SOOOO much fun! Even though we all live in different places in the country, we are lucky enough to have had this time together!
GRADUATION! Need I say more??
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