Solving the World's Problems; One Blog at a Time

I'll Be Home For Christmas

2009-12-24T16:24:00.016-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: Once upon a time, there was a cute, "soft hearted", friendly, pink gingerbread man named Dante. He lived his life righteously and despite his yellow eyes, he cared for everyone in all of CandyLand. He was very popular and nice to everyone. Infact, he became the mayor of CandyLand. Well, one day, an evil child by the name of Anderelia, who was made of nothing but stuffing(like from a stuffed animal),came and tried to take over CandyLand. It was CAOS! So of course, what did Dante do? He just had to try and save everyone! He got everyone in safe places and then went out and tried to stop Anderelia. However, she had more power than anyone in the world and she knew very well of Dante's "soft heart". Though Dante was able to save his friends and townspeople, he did not survive the power of Anderelia. She found his soft spot and ripped him right in half!The Evil Anderelia laughed in her actions and then ate him right up! Dante's friends saw all of this and decided to take their own action! They got a bunch of big water hoses and sprayed her down so that all of her stuffing completely disolved! That was the end of Anderelia. Though a bitter sweet ending for Dante, the memory of his life lived for the people of CandyLand, LIVES ON! R.I.P: Dante, December 2009! The End.*

I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me. Please have snow and MISTLETOE?! Gross!(: Well, I am home and there has been snow. A white Christmas in fact! Mistletoe? Well, maybe I'll get lucky on New Year's Eve(: HA! Well, I've been home for a week now and I got 2 more to go. It's been super nicely awesome! I've watched a lot of movies. Mainly the classic Christmas ones that I ALWAYS watch: *The Polar Express-for the 2nd time this month-its my absolute favorite! *My 2nd favorite-It's A Wonderful Life-such a classic heartwarming film and you can never go wrong with Jimmy Stewart! *All 3 Santa Clause movies-out of order *And if I'm lucky, I'll get to watch The Christmas Story....haha.

It's all been super great! I love being around my family at Christmas time. We did our traditional "delivering of goodie plates" last Sunday night. I love doing that! Especially decorating the cookies! Mom and I also sung "What Child is This?" in church that day.

Anyways, Happy Christmas to everyone today! Yeah I'm going British this year(: I just watched Harry Potter 6 the other day! Last night consisted of holiday festivities with Duane's family in Taylor. We did a little caroling, ate snacks and had a little talent show, involved the adorable Kalisha and Charlotte! All the kids did "The Nativity Scene". Christmas has been splendid today! A couple months ago, my digital camera screen shattered on the inside. Yeah. So-mom and Duane got me a new, and nicer digital camera! Woot! It's a Nikon coolpix 10 mgpx! And its blue and beautiful! They also got me a Canon printer so that I don't have to use other people's printers now! Woot! I got a few other things and it's been a very nice Christmas! It's nice to just relax and stay in pajamas all day(: Woot woot!

Tomorrow, mom and I at least, will prob hit up Walmart. Yeah-the day after Christmas shopping-ridiculous! But, I need to get a couple things, and mom wants to hit up the christmas stuff half off.

Well, I hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas Day! Remember that it's not really about the gifts and the decorations, or even the snow. Christmas is about our Savior Jesus Christ, who is God's greatest gift to all mankind. We should remember the Savior all year round, and remember his life and sacrifice for us. That's better than anything we could ever recieve!

Merry Christmas! I love you all!

21 Philosophies

2009-12-09T18:29:00.018-07:00

*Random thought of the Day:

Is this bird dead, or is it faking death? What do you think? Yes-it is a real bird. I found it in plain view on the grass on the EA Campus-just lying there in all its pathetic-ness and I think it is totally playing dead! Apparently, this happens all the time. oh-not the part of birds playing dead, but birds just dropping dead on campus at any time. "This is some kind of wacked-out conspiracy" (Madagascar). Need I say more? The End.*

That's right everyone. My title is what it is. I'm 21 years old now! THAT, is a wacked-out conspiracy! Ok, so it's just life. Whatevs. I think it's more wierd that my little brother just turned 13! Anyway, my birthday was pretty good, despite the stressful week it's been due to a list of this and that. Unfortunantly, I had my Christmas concert the night of the 8th, but it wasn't too unfortunate because the concert was awesome! Went very well! But, that's ok because this weekend I had a party at my apartment! It was totally amazing! I had several friends come and Emily made me a really cute cake!

I was sung to and then we broke out the dance music and the glow sticks. Thats right! It was fun! Literally though-we broke open a bunch of the glow sticks and flung the stuff inside all over my apartment so that the whole living room glowed in the dark. Now, I know what some of you are probably thinking-does the glow stick stuff stain or come off the walls or clothes? Yes it does. Infact, when you turn on the lights-its completely faded. Ok, so we got some on the curtains....which came off.....mostly.....ahem.....and apparently glow sticks have like fiber glass in them or something. But we swept and vaccumed the floors afterwards! I know I know-some 21 year old responsibility right?! At least I wasn't getting wasted(:

Devon found a new boyfriend too(:

Pictures of the glow stuff didn't come out well-but still looked cool(:So the party was rockin for a couple hours, then died due to lots going on that night!

What else has been going on? Well, last weekend, my good buddy Scott Amberson came for a visit on Sunday night! We had a granola party! My friend Chris had a homemade recipe for it so we got the stuff and a bunch of us made some! I still have plenty left, in which I'll be taking home to Show Low with me this week. I also had yet another succesful semi-annual waffle party! Yay! I had a good turn out with some good waffles!

Hungry Boys! Me and Devon!

So I guess to say the least-it is party season. You know me-I'm always throwing parties around this time of year!
Finals have been this week. I am in the midst of them. Pray for me(: So far, ok. I just honestly want to be through them and get home to Show Low! It's definantly time for a break!
I am still waiting to hear back from a couple of schools. BYU-Idaho, NAU, and Utah State. So basically all of them. It's annoying waiting! I'm gonna see if one of my friends that lives here in Thatcher, will check my mail during the break in case anything comes in the mail! Because with my luck, something might.

Anyway, life has been super stressful the last couple of weeks and thats all there is to it! Luckily, I've had some breaks with all these parties and such. And that is my update! More during the break is to come i'm sure!
Have a good week everyone!

The Point of No Return

2009-11-18T11:02:00.014-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: "It is our choices that show what we truly are, for more than our abilities." ~J.K. Rowling(Harry Potter series author)
We all have talents and abilities. But we all have to try to make the best choices that we can, to get to who we truly are or are becoming. It's not as simple as it may appear. Especially since the phrase 'who we are' is kind of broad if you really think about it. But the main idea of this quote, is make the right choices that are best for YOU. Not anyone else, YOU! This is where we are allowed to be selfish(: Only you and the Lord know what's best for you. Even if it's not entirely the direction you think you want to go, you have to do whats good and what's right. Only then will your abilities fall into their proper place. The End.*

Well, as you can see, my title is the POINT OF NO RETURN. Well, I guess it's kind of ironic that I just so happened to have the amazing experience of seeing Phantom of the Opera, the broadway show LIVE last weekend! IT.... WAS.... AMAZING! Wowzers! I love that show and the cast was excellent! Ok, the guy who played Raul, kinda sucked I must say. He could sing no doubt, but his acting-not so much. Maybe I just finally have found the annoyance in his character all together, but he really was annoying at the show. The Phantom however, as well as Christine, had BEAUTIFUL voices! It was so good. It's probably still not my favorite show that i've seen, Wicked tops them all, but it was still pretty awesome! I went with my friend Jason, and mom and Duane also joined us. They even treated us to Olive Garden before the show(: Fun stuff! I also added to my collection of other posters from the other 2 shows I've seen and got a Phantom poster of course! It fits nicely on my wall(:

Thanksgiving was of course this past week. I joined my family, Aunt Kathi and her family, and Uncle Kris and Aunt Jessica even came for Thanksgiving day with their cute little kids! It was fun and rather relaxing! We had some fun with the game "Curses" of course(:....

It was fun hanging out with my cousin Sheree, and playing with my adorable little cousin Avery(:

We also took a little walk/hike at the bottom of the Catalina Mountains in Tuscon, near my grandma's house. It was nice to get out and be active.

The same day, we also went and saw one of the best movies I think ever made! "THE BLIND SIDE". SO SO good!!! Based on a true story and starring Sandra Bullock. Wow. She can play any part it any movie. I loved it-I reccomend it to everyone! The food of course was all amazing! I love the fact that after working out 3 times a week, I can come and eat all this food and eat sugar and pie and more food, and not feel guilty about it, because I know on Monday that I'll be going to the gym again and running it all off(: It's been a good weekend!

In other news, I've officially started applying for college. Haha. Sounds and feels like I'm a senior in high school all over again. However, when I was a senior, I applied for EAC and that was it. That's where I was going and that's where I've been.(and really need to leave soon(:) But my 4 schools, [possibly there may be a 5th in the works], are BYU-Idaho, Northern Arizona University, Utah State University, and Utah Valley University. My 5th one might be University of Utah or possibly even ASU.

Not sure. But, applications are nearly done. Just a few things left such as sending transcripts and then of course i'll be signing up for music school/scholarship auditions at the majority of the schools. It's really crazy. I'm kinda worried at whether I'll get in or not, or what's going to happen. But i finally realized that all I need to do right now is just apply and see what happens. If something else comes along, and changes my plans, or another option comes up, I'll deal with it when it comes! dot dot dot... Story of my life.

So, the real meaning behind my title. As it gets to the end of the semester, I've realized that it is the point of no return. So I realize that the song is about the passion of the Phantom of the Opera for Christine, but I've learned that words can have more than one meaning. In the song it says,
You have come here

in pursuit of your deepest urge

in pursuit of that wish.....

Past the point of No Return
No backward glances
Past all thought of "if" or "when"...
abandon thought, and let the dream descend...
Past the point of No Return
the final threshold-what warm
unspoken secrets will we learn?...
I have come here
hardly knowing the reason why...

Past the point of no return...
the bridge is crossed, so stand and watch it burn

We've passed the Point of No Return

Extremely beautiful words. And have a lot to do with my life I gotta say. To put it deeply, i'm finding that it is time to let my dreams descend, with no backward glances. I'm sure there are unspoken secrets that I will learn. I am learning the reasons why I came to EA. And I'll keep going until I leave here, because it is passed the point of NO return. The past is in the past and the future is full of so much for me. I may not know what it holds, but God does and he knows what direction to put me in or help me decide. I feel so inadequate most of the time, but when I pray, I know he has so much mercy still and knows that i'm at least trying.

Well that's my schpill for this blog(:

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and always remember the things you have to be greatful for. Whether it's a lot of not. Take advantage of each day and live it to the fullest, being greatful for what you have in your life.

Have a great week!

Just Haven't Met You Yet...Motivation-ZERO!

2009-11-09T11:07:00.007-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: My favorite song of the week! "Haven't Met You Yet" by Micheal Buble! This song is seriously my new happy song! I think I listen to it 5 times a day! It's all about love and how its going to be, whenever you meet that special someone. Micheal Buble just has a way with words. Ok, so I don't know if he actually wrote the song, but he's got an amazing voice and this song is so cute and happy! So, watch the music video! It's not my perfect idea of this song, but at the end of it-I really do feel like dancing everytime I hear htis song! Enjoy! The End.*

Well Well Well! November is speeding by faster than ever! I'm getting nervous with some things. I do have my recital this week. I'm not too terribly nervous, yet, but I'm sure it will go well. I'm more nervous about passing music theory right now. I think I can pass, but that's not really the point unfortunantly. The point is that I'm missing things that I'm learning. Like-they aren't engraved in my head real well and it doesn't help when I'm supposed to be connecting everything together in one way or another. It's nuts! Pray for me(: I need to make it through somehow!

This past week has been pretty good. The weekend even better of course(:

On Friday afternoon/evening, I got into an organizing/cleaning mood and did some organizing in my room, as well as cleaning the bathroom and doing dishes. I was home alone so I figured I might as well get something useful done. Though, I COULD have done a little homework, but you all know me-I find distractions whether intentional or not(: I"M WORKING ON IT!

After my cleaning/organizing spree, I went on a date with a guy in my ward. He is in my FHE group and also my home teacher, so we see each other a bit! It was tons of fun! We were with Heather and Joe, and another couple that are friends of ours. We had a fire outside of Joe and Jordans(my date) house and did tinfoil dinners which were awesome! We also had some cobbler. Then we went inside and played "Curses" hee hee! Such a fun game! If you've never played it-I recommend it! I had played it once before, but this time was way nuts! We had so much fun with the curses that were given to us haha!

After that, we decided to end the night, seeing as it was late, and some of us were getting up early the next morning for...

THE ANNUAL CHILI PICKING! Woot! Ok, so it was my first time going. I missed the last couple years of it due to whatever my reasons were(: It's a big service project and so a bunch of us institute kids went out about 45 minutes to some big chili fields and well-picked chilis! We were hot in the sun, and it was tiring, but we had fun hanging out together and singing songs and throwing the "bad" chilis at each other(: I left a little early, sadly missing lunch, but went home and got clean again, so as to be ready for Hannah and Heather's bridal shower! Double the fun. Good thing there were "doubles", otherwise it would have been "double" lame(:. It was slightly single lame though haha. Not a whole ton of people came, but I'm just glad I wasn't the one throwing it for once! The cake was great. It was "Kitchen Themed" bridal shower, hence the somewhat lameness(: But we had fun and our good friend Kendra Perkins came to visit for the weekend so she and I chatted during the shower and I was the photographer, naturally!

After the bridal shower, me, the twins, and Kendra had a girls night! Woot! We started by going to Denny's for a lovely meal, in which we laughed throughout most of! Afterwards, we went to the RedBox and rented "The Proposal"! Good movie. I had seen it in theatres this summer, but the twins hadn't watched it so we enjoyed a good laugh! After the movie, for old times sake when Kendra was our roommate 2 years ago, we did MADLIBS! Haha-if you don't know what those are-well, find out! Good times. Then of course the "fiances" HAD to come over because heaven forbid the girls spend one night without seeing their boys for a little bit(: We had a great night!

Church was awesome on yesterday! The institute missionaries-Brother and Sister Slade spoke and I really enjoyed it! They are a really neat couple and just love being around the young adults! And, being the ward music coordinator, I had 2 girls do a piano/violin duet as a special music number and it was beautiful! I have always wanted to play the violin! Maybe when I'm 85 I will learn.

Sunday evening, I had the opportunity to go to mission prep. No, I'm not going on a mission, but Heather's fiance Joe, asked for my assistance. He teaches mission prep and invited several people like myself to role play as potential investigators! So, I went into a room with 3 boys preparing for missions and they taught me the first discussion. I knew they were nervous so I didn't ask them TOO hard of questions about the church(; They did a good job and it was really neat for me to see kinda how missionary work works! And to kinda get the feel of an investigator as well. Way fun and I was happy to help out!

Oh its Monday once again. Bla bla bla. So far I've made it through the day! Minus the music theory part....Wednesday there will be no school which makes me jump for joy! I can sleep in, maybe play some raquetball, and probably practice since my recital IS on Thursday. Joy of joys! Ok, I really have to write a politics paper now that I've been putting off.

Have a good week everyone!

LOL-Lots of love!

Changes....In Weather and Character

2009-10-29T16:58:00.011-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: "He who is too busy to pray is busier than God ever intended him to be". True that. We must remember that prayer is what gets us through the day and through the night. Prayers in our heart throughout the day keep us from temptation and provide our safety and answers to questions. Prayers for others help them as well as yourself. The list could go on. So pray always and counsel with God, so that things will work together for you good! The End.*

November. Fall. It's all here. Nuts!
First of all. Fall Sing went amazing! And strangely-it was my LAST Fall Sing. Out of the 3 shows, Friday was probably my favorite performance! I always seem to do better when my family is here(: Yep-Mom, Duane, Dallas and Andrea came! My brief homesickness went away when they came! Thanks again for coming guys! I really appreciate their support and they loved the show! I truly felt the power of music as I sang with my choir. I know sometimes I complain about my director and the things that go on in the music department, but as far as being in A capella choir is concerned, I suddently remembered why I'm doing what I'm doing, as I sang our songs. I love feeling that way! Next to feeling the truth of the Gospel, and the Spirit, power in music is the best feeling ever! Over the last couple of years, Dr. Bishop my director/music theory teacher has introduced the meaning of words. And it has made all the difference in our harder songs especially. Even if they are in Russian(:

I'm greatful for the experiences I've been having in choir. I look forward to the remainder of the year and the music that will continue to change my life.

The rest of last week was fun! It was also homecoming week so they had dress up days everyday. I took advantage of a couple days hee hee(: I dressed up for 'hawaiian tourist' day. Me and my friend Hailey are below(: On thursday, it was costume day so I went as a cowgirl-my true self(: It was awesome! I am a small town girl for sure! And I love wearing my hat!

Friday was just spirit day so I wore my purple and gold. Saturday, after some raquetball with Chris, we had our last concert in the afternoon. After which, I went to the EAC football game and we slaughtered Pima. 47-6. Pathetic really! Good game though, but cold! It has certainly started getting cold here! Nuts!

Saturday was also of course, Halloween! So, I decided to go all out and dress up for a party! At the apartments I live, they had a big block party! Basically, there are about 5 or 6 buildings of apartments and what they did was put music in a 5 or 6 apartments and blasted it really loud and there was dancing in all of them. It was awesome! I didn't really think much about a costume and I didn't want to do the cowgirl thing, so I was a princess!/Giselle from Enchanted(: I wore my tiara and put my prom dress on and curled my hair! It was way fun! I just danced the night away with friends! I did that til about midnight and then decided it had been a long day so I went home and crashed! Good times!

Sunday was fast sunday and was pretty awesome. I love testimony meeting. We then talked about missionary work and service in Sunday School and Relief Society...two things at which I need to work on of course(: Learned a lot!
We then had a really awesome CES Fireside broadcast with a talk given by the amazing Dieter F. Uchtdorf! I gotta say, he really is one of my favorites! He talked about finding out who we truly are, and dating haha. Go figure. But he gave those of us who are single, hope(: Not that I didn't have any, I just tend to get dissapointed or jealous sometimes. Especially when all your roommates are either engaged or dating someone(; Literally, all of them now haha. Oh well. Life goes on. I'm doing what I'm supposed to and thats the best I got!

Anyway, I have a busy few weeks ahead, ish. Mostly just tests to study, auditions to prepare for, and my Fall voice recital is next week-woot! Ah! Here I go!
Have a great week my people!

True Confessions

2009-10-26T10:52:00.005-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: The Book of Mormon is true. If you've never read it or don't have a testimony of it, read it. I started re-reading the Book of Mormon a few weeks ago and have found once again, the power within. I also had the wonderful opportunity to teach relief society yesterday and the lesson was on Elder Jeffrey R. Hollands talk from conference this month. Those who watched conference know how powerful his testimony of the B o M was. It was really neat to talk about his testimony, as well as a few others, and I also talked about some of the things we learn from and do with the B o M. I think my lesson went well(: I truly felt my testimony strenghthened even more of it's wonderful truth. I challenge all of you to read it. Read it again, if you've finished already. There are things you can learn and study each time it is read. That's my testimony! The End.*

Well, time is sure going by super fast. This semester is over half over and I'm actually really glad. I'm not really burned out on school neccisarily, I'm just ready for a break and to be with my family. Thanksgiving break alone will be nice next month! I really think I'm started to get burned out on EAC. Don't get me wrong, I absoutely love it here! But I'm also ready to move on to bigger and better things. (Even if I don't know what those things are yet(:)

I've been in research mode the last week or so, looking for schools to apply to. A lot depends on what I really want to do with my music. See, music theory and I, dont' always get along(: We have a love hate relationship! It's ups and downs with us all the time haha! But, I'm really trying my best to do well and pass because I need to graduate in May. Part of my problem is that I seriously have a slight form of A.D.D. or something! That or I just really get distracted sometimes! My focus needs work. I mean, I'm doing ok, I just sometimes lose focus on the task at hand. dot dot dot.....I'll get there. Just lots to think about right now in a day in my mind!

I'm enjoying my other classes for the most part though. I decided to drop my Teachings of Isaiah Institute class however. It was on Friday's at 11:00, which on Mon/Wed, I have free to work. So Isaiah was getting to be too much and I wanted that hour to work. I don't really NEED the class to graduate or anything, and I gotta be honest, the teacher wasn't the greatest. That might sound bad, but hey-it was my choice to drop!

I'm starting to enjoy choir a little more. It was rough for a bit there because of how different things are this year, and I don't know as many people in the choir. But, we've really pulled together and we have our Fall Sing Concerts! I think it will go really well! I personally need to go over a couple of the songs that I still don't know the words on very well.....but I'm excited anyhow! And I get to see my family...well, for probably only about 15 minutes since they are coming and going very quickly, but I'll get to see them-yay! Anyone who wants to make a last minute trip down here to Fall Sing is welcome too-just let me know! And my apologies for not telling anybody ever in time about my shows. I'll try to do better next time-but please come this weekend if you can! Call me for details(:

This weekend was pretty busy for me. Friday night, I went on a date up to Fry Mesa for tinfoil dinners. That was pretty awesome! After my date, I joined my roommate at Caitlyn Jeff's totally awesome birthday party! Lots of people and lots of dancing and partying-WAY fun and just what I needed! I didn't get to bed to 2 AM(:

Saturday, I got up, got ready and was supposed to start homework but ended up talking to my mom for a while. Then I had to run to the store to get a gift for a friend's bridal shower later that day. After that, I studied for Politics with a friend, which I'm still not done with that ridiculous study guide! Then I went to EAC's Fall musical, which wasn't entirely worth my time. "The Emporer's New Clothes" is pretty cheesy. But they did do a pretty decent job with it. After that, I went to Shauna's bridal shower, but not for long because then I went home and studied some more, before I went to the Football game, which we won apparentlly. I also didn't stay for all of that since I also had plans to go watch a group called "Light Entertainment". A group of high school kids that do show choir type stuff. They came a couple years ago and are not bad. Typically high school students though, if you know what I mean(; Oh and I got another letter from my dear missionary-Stephen! Woot! No, I don't actually "have" (QUOTE ON QUOTE!) a missionary(: Or do I? It's debatable haha! That's all I'm sayin....

After that long day, I went home and went through my lesson and hung out with Jason for a little bit.

Now it's monday, and I'm trying to get done what I didn't on Saturday....bleh! Oh and I forgot my phone at home this morning(I'm a little attatched to it), and my hair is being temperamental! Gotta love Mondays! Have a grand week everyone!

If you're friends jump off a cliff, would you jump with them? Yes, apparently I would!

2009-09-29T20:31:00.019-07:00

*Random Thought of the Day: Divine Nature and Individual worth. What do they mean? President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "We each have an inherent wish to create something, that did not exist before." I love quotes. I'm a quote queen. And having heard many many quotes over the years, I'm pretty sure that that one is one of THE MOST powerful quotes I've ever heard. Perhaps it has to do with my life right now a little bit, but I think I'll add it to my wall. No matter what talents, strenghths, or abilities we each have, each one of us does have power to create something. It doesn't just have to be a wish, its a POWER. And we, individually, are the only ones that can do something about it. Everyone can be creative, even if they are not the creative type(: Need more? Check out this video from Pres. Uchtdorf. It was directed towards the women of the church, but can apply to pretty much anyone. Enjoy!

Oh my gosh. Like forever its been since I blogged! Like yeah, I know. (sorry i LIKE had to LIKE get my teenybopper moment in there for some reason)I can't believe how busy my life has been! Yet, I'm starting to finally find more excitement than an Ipod Touch(: Or at least, I'm doing more exciting things, or maybe I've just tweaked my attitude a bit(:

First Story. It has to do with my title. Yes-I would jump off a cliff if my friends do it. Once. I did it once and I won't do it again. So, there's a place up near Mt. Grahm called Fry Mesa. Basically, there are a bunch of Mesas' around and different parts to go do fun outdoor activities. I'd only been one other time and that was at night and we went 4-wheeling. Anyway, my friend Chris invited me to go with him and his brother and some of their other friends about 2 weeks ago. I knew we would be swimming and such, but little DID I know, I would be doing more scary things in one day, than ever in my life. Ok-I overexagerated, but still. It was quite a day! Up on Fry Mesa there is a big dam and a small lake. Thats where I jumped off the 12 foot rock cliff. It took me about 5 minutes before Chris finally convinced me to jump in with him. The water was cold and I don't do the best with heights, and I also don't like the general feeling of falling. But hey-what else can you do when a cute guy convinces you to jump in with him?(: So that was scary and I was done with that little activity.

After swimming for a bit, we all took a little walk over to where there were some small waterfalls and ponds. However, to get up the ponds, you have to climb up yet another rock cliff-this one being about 15 or so feet-by rope. I thought, ok, I can probably handle that. I'm not a rock climber or even a repeller for that matter, but I climbed right up that cliff in my barefeet. The ponds were really cool! Literally, it was cold. But still fun!

After we played around for a while, we decided that it was time to start heading home back to the truck to go home. Here's where my new problem started: Climbing DOWN the rock cliff. OH boy. I was scared to death. How on earth was I going to get down without falling. At the bottom of the cliff, there was a pond, but not a deep enough pond to not get severely injured, or break an arm or leg if you fall.....(picture shows what it looked like)so, with encouragement from my friends, and one of the boys climbing right below me in case I did start to slip, I slowly made my way down the cliff. I was so greatful for the encouragment from the others! Once I got down to the bottom, I thought about it and realized hey-that wasn't so bad and I think I would do it again. Fear overcome...mostly(: It was crazy! However, me and my analyzingness sometimes, I found some lessons from that experience and actually bore my testimony about it the next day! Rock climbing-is like life. Sometime you hit a rough spot, but you have to keep taking little steps and listen to the good people surrounding you, such as your leaders, friends and family. Even more so-you have to trust in God to help you to hang on tightly, even if all you have as support is one rope and a few good people. Thats the lessons in a nutshell!

Ok. My next story! I had the incredible experience of attending General Conference this last weekend, LIVE! Yep! It was so so awesome! I went with Emily and Derek and my friend Chris-same one who I jumped off a cliff with haha! We left Fri morning and drove the long 12 or 13 hours to Provo, Utah! Derek and Emily went to Derek's mission reunion there, while Chris and I met up at the BYU creamery, with my good buddy Curtis Gardner! I miss Curtis! He's so awesome! (There Curtis-you're in my blog(:) So we hung out with him and then went to find a friend of Chris's on campus. After that, we headed back with Ema and Derek to Lehi where we stayed the night at Derek's aunt and uncle's. Saturday morning, we got up and got ready for the day. We watched a little bit of the morning session of conference and then listened to the rest in the car on the way to Salt Lake, where we later attended the afternoon session! Which was so extremely amazing! Oh my gosh...I loved it! None of us had ever been so we really enjoyed it. We had pretty cool seats too in the balcony, front row center!

The boys got to attend Priesthood Session, so Emily and I hung out on Temple Square and went to the visitor's center where we had a good chat with some sister missionaries!

Another cool thing is that we kept running into people we knew! Just friends from EA and Emily and I even saw a family we knew from Show Low! Small world!

After priesthood, we walked the 6 blocks back to Derek's car...we then went to visit an old mission companion of Derek's and then to Provo so Chris could see his cousin for a little bit. We also made a stop at walmart to get food for the trip home. We did this all before midnight and then went back to Lehi for the night. However, we were all a little hyper, and ended up staying up until about 2Am(: Chris discovered how ticklish I am and well....I now have a beautiful bruise on my left arm, from our "fight" that according to him was self-inflicted because of me provoking him(: Whatever... He'll pay(:

For some reason, none of us decided to set our alarms for Sunday morning. So instead of leaving at 8:30 Utah time, we didn't leave Utah until 10:30. (We also made a stop in Highland to see Emily's grandparents). Finally, we made the trip home in more than 13 hours due to random, not necisarily neccisary(say that 10x fast!) stops. We did get to see Brooke and Nathan in Flagstaff though. And I got to see my family in Show Low for a little bit-had to get something from Mom! And it made me a little homesick since i've been so burned out with school lately, but oh well! It was a really great trip and we all had tons of fun!

I hope you all enjoyed conference as much as I did! I really learned a lot and definantly heard some things I needed to hear. I prayed before conference that I would recieve some inspiration in some decisions I'm going to have to make in the not so near future, about my future(: There were several talks about recieving revelation and listening to the spirit. I loved it! Especially Richard G. Scott who happens to be one of my all time favorite apostles...He said, "Consistantly follow the promptings that you recieve...Our Father expects you to know how to recieve help from the Holy Ghost....Sometimes that guidance comes when you least expect it." That last part was my favorite. I really have had tons on my mind lately about what i'm doing after I graduate from EA in May. I have several options that I'm starting to research and i'm pretty sure this will be one of the biggest decisions I will ever have to make, which really is a new thing for me. However, as many of the speakers said, I must, above all things, trust in the Lord to guide me. I feel at peace knowing that he knows what I'm supposed to do with my life each step of the way, and He knows the right places and the right times that I need to be.

I hope you all are doing well......Until next time.....

The Best Days of My Life

2009-09-17T17:08:00.006-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: "We become what we think about. If you prepare yourself, the opportunities will come."-Mark Bryce. What powerful words from EAC's President. He is such a wonderful leader. He said those words at a speech he made on Thursday(more about that below), and they really hit me. If we are doing our part in whatever it is we are doing with our lives, and we are prepared for just about anything, we will have the opportunities that are supposed to happen. We WILL become what we are supposed to be. True and powerful words for a college student I think! But anyone else as well who is living their life in a good way. The End."

Here's a typical scenario. It's Thursday. You wake up and just do not want to get out of bed and go to your 8:00 class, even if it is Politics and very worth your while. However, you still hit the snooze button about 5 times before finally deciding that you really should get out of bed, say your prayers, though still half asleep, and then get ready for the day. And it is SO close to Friday. You wonder if you will make it through the rest of the week.

Thats the gist of how my Thursday started last week.

I went to my first couple of classes, did somewhat ok on my Aurel Perception quiz (I think), and then headed over to the Auditorium for "Constitution Day". I'm not really sure why they call it that. Basically, all the students are invited to go and hear Mr. Bryce, the school President, give a little speech about how much he cares about the students, etc etc! Well, there are also door prizes at the end. Each student is given a raffle ticket when they walk in. I think that might possibly have been one of my main reasons for going(:. And well-President Bryce did give a very good speech as well! (More on that later) Anyway, so he gives his speech, and then they start the drawing for door prizes, which include a very expensive Ipod Touch, a dvd player, giftcards....well, just a little more background info, just the day before, I had been telling a friend that I really wanted a new ipod because I have a lame shuffle. Well......the first prize they were drawing for was the "big one"-that being the Ipod Touch. Well, suddenly, the read off my number on my raffle ticket. Loudly, I yell "NO WAY!" The crowd looks at me and my friends and roommates sitting by me laugh and get all excited. So I run up to the stage to claim my prize! IT WAS SO AWESOME! I couldn't believe it! I had just won a very expensive Ipod Touch...FOR FREE! I was so thrilled! I seriously never win anything!

After that happened, the rest of my day was seriously awesome! I mean, yeah I was in a good mood, but everything else just went well and fell into place! So amazing! So I've been playing with my new "toy" and enjoying life! I was just waiting for something exciting to happen in my life and it did!

Ok. THATS enough of that. I'm so bad at this blogging thing lately. But the good thing is, I think I've done more homework and studying in the last couple weeks than I have in the last couple years. Sad huh? I mean, don't get me wrong, I did try hard for the last two years, but something just hit home this semester and I'm suddenly 3 times more motivated and actually taking more time to study and do homework. Heck-I'm even going in at least once a week for Aurel Perception tutoring so that I can have better rhythm and not look like an idiot in class(: Go me! Ha...I'm not selfish I swear!

(:Anyway, its been goin well, just lots and lots of work. BUT, I only have got stressed out once and that was last night. I just really hate when I get through a day, and don't get all that I wanted to accomplished. And last night was just rough. I'm lucky that I really am enjoying all my classes, otherwise I would just be miserable and get less done....like I did with math(:

Last weekend, mom and Duane came down to a funeral in Pima, and stopped by my apartment. It was good to visit with them for a short time.

Also, I'm not sure I mentioned this before, but my good buddy Jordan Beals left for his mission. He's one of my band members(: So now him and Stephen are gone and its so crazy! I miss them both so so much but I'm so proud of them for going on missions! Stephen and I have been writing every couple of weeks so now I'm just waiting for a letter from Elder Beals(: I love those boys! I'm pretty sure us and Jason will be friends for life! Even if I don't marry one of them haha!

Other than school and work, nothing too exciting is happening. I'm pretty content with my life right now. Just trying to relax and for heaven's sake, keep my dang schedule straight!!!! Ah its nuts! I'm not even taking as many credits as last semester but I'm going more nuts this year! Pray for me haha, so I don't lose it!

I'm very greatful for my institute classes and my ward, and my wonderful friends, and The Office, and 10 Things I Hate About You-the tv show, for keeping me sane and giving me a little break once in a while(:

Speaking of my crazy life, I finally have an update for you all, and now I must yet-study more! Go me!

Have a great week everyone!

Faceplanting and nothing but fun!

2009-09-08T10:37:00.012-07:00

Yet no random thought of the day again. I will get back in the habit again-cuz its my thing!

Wow! What a super cool Labor Day weekend I had! Woot! I had the opportunity to go camping with my dad, Mitchell, and my brother Brandon and his wife Jen. We met up with my dad's good friends Al and Sheryl-who are so awesome! Al is way funny and has known me since I was a baby! All of Al and Sheryl's family and friends were there. Everyone was friendly and we all had a good time! We camped up near Whiteriver. I went up Friday with two of my roommates and camped with everyone Saturday and Sunday. I came back to Thatcher with some friends late Monday night. It was very beautiful at our campsite, with the creek nearby. It was a very relaxing weekend. My phone had no signal so I shut it off and surprisingly lived without it for a couple days(: Didn't care who wanted to get a hold of me or what time it was-perfect!

On Saturday when it wasn't raining, we played wiffleball(not sure if I spelled that right). For those who don't know what that is, its baseball with those little plastic white balls with holes in them, and plastic bats. Well, I had my little embarrassing moment with that, [as per usual when I play any kind of sport]. Yep-I fell on my face. So, it was my turn to bat and I hit the ball-yay. Well, I only made it 3 or 4 steps to 1st base because the next thing I knew, I was on the ground. I completely biffed it! So I kinda just rolled over on my back and everyone made sure I was ok and then I got up and ran on to 1st, wiping the dirt off my jeans! Lucky for me, or not, they got a GREAT picture of me on the ground(: Leave it to me right?!

We did a little bit of playing in the creek. Well, me, my stepmom Anne, and sister in law Jenn did anyway! Good times!
I also brought my guitar which by the way I've been learning quite a bit and gettin the hang of it! So, I took it camping so I became the entertainment around the campfire(: It was fun and good practice for me!

It was actually interesting being around all those people because none of them were LDS. They were all pretty much Christian/non-denominational, But, I got into a few good religious conversations with a couple of them. It's interesting because they all believe a lot of the same stuff me and my family do, but they just don't have the full truth. So I put my two-sense in and listened to some of their beliefs and left it at that!

Another exciting thing that happened this weekend, happened on Friday. Ok, so many of you know that I have this thing about old Ford and Chevy trucks! Oh my gosh-I love them! So, one of my lifetime dreams has been to get to drive one someday. Even if that meant re-trying to learn how to drive a stick. Well-my opportunity came! So, before I left on Friday, I went with Betsy, Hannah, and Hannah's fiance Adrienne to Adrienne's uncle's to get a trailer we needed to take to Show Low. Well, Adriene's uncle had an old 60's or 70's Ford truck in his yard. So what do I do? I get out and take pictures because I loved this truck! It was even light blue-my favorite color!

Well, other than a thrilling weekend, it's already almost Friday again! yay! I'm positive i'll have updates after this weekend or next week! Lets hope so anyway!

I'm enjoying my classes for the most part! I like the things I'm learning, especially in my politics class hee hee. My teacher states his opinion very freely. And I agree with him on a lot of things, especially as he is certainly proving more and more what idiots are running our country right now(:

Life is going good. I love my life in Thatcher and all my awesome friends! LIFE IS GOOD!

Have a great weekend everyone!

In Good Company

2009-08-24T15:37:00.003-07:00

*Random Thought of the Day:I got nothin today sorry!

Ah the life of a college student has thus started again. Many lives as such have started but we're talking about mine today, as usual(: [I really am not that selfish].

Well, I'm almost back in the hang of things for school. It's crazy being back again at EA. 3rd year running! Most would want to be out of here by now but not me. That and I still have to at least get my associates degree. So far, my classes are not too bad. I'm worried about my music classes because its hard work and i'm a bit slow(: But i'm lucky to have such great instructors as always, and great classmates who I'm sure will be willing to help when I get stuck.

It's also been so great to be back in A capella choir! I love it so much! Sadly, I did not make it into Company, the show choir. I was a bit bummed, but I did my best and I'm over it now! I'm still in the best choir ever and I'm going to audition for one more thing next week-Girls Quartet. Once again...one of my friends asked me last night, "What HAVEN'T you tried out for?!" (: Well my friend, and all those reading this, I want to try to have a few new experiences this year, as it will probably be my last at EA. And I can't pass up such awesome experiences with the awesome music program that EA has to offer. So I'll see what happens! If anything, I'm still in a capella and am enjoying the music I am studying.

My computer class will be pretty basic. I'm learning about basic programs on computers. Should learn a bit, but also repeat stuff I already know!

My politics class is definantly going to be interesting. Already is infact! I'm looking forward to learning more about what's going on in this country. Politics really are ridiculous, and my friends ask why I'd want to take a class about it all, but the things that go on in the politics world and the government are on a 'need to know basis'-and I think everyone needs to know, rather than judge or assume what they think they know, which is the case with many people. I'm willing to learn and get some opinions of my own.

I'm really enjoying my institute classes as well so far. I'm taking Book of Mormon-1st half, and Writings of Isaiah. By the way, you should all know that learning about and reading Isaih, depends on your eternal salvation?!!! haha. Ok, so maybe thats not entirely accurate. My teachers brought that up though(: The teachings of Isaiah are good to know though. It tends to have this reputation of "Oh, Isaiah is too hard to read and understand." Well guess what? Its not. Not if you actually take the time to read and understand this amazing Prophet and what he has to offer. I'm just sayin....!

Anywho, I'm really glad to be back. I've got the same roommates. Well, the twins, Hannah and Heather and then our new girl, their cousin Betsy. But...Hannah and Heather are both engaged! Yep-the twins have been dating these boys that are both from Thatcher most of the summer and are gettin married! Wierd! 2 more friends out the window haha. It's exciting though! I will be getting 2 new roommates in January. No more comments on that! [see comic for the truth in it all(:]

It's been fun to see all my other friends too and meet new ones!

I look forward to this school year and hope and pray that I can just do my best and do what the Lord wants me too!

P.S. Speaking of obedience, I'm getting called to be the ward music coordinator/specialist tomorrow(:

Hope you all have a grand weekend and week!

Until next time...

Anxiety and 108 Days of Summer

2009-08-14T20:49:00.011-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: In R.D. Lainge's Politics of Experience, he says, "We live in a moment of history where change is so speeded up that we begin to see the present only when it is already disappearing." You see, thats the beauty of the positivity of life. History and life is changing as we know it. So what? Yeah, it is changing fast. But we have to learn to enjoy each moment anyway. We do watch time go by fast, especially as we get older. When I started high school 6 years ago, I thought it would be the longest 4 years of my life. In the blink of an eye, I'm now about to start my 3rd year of college. But yet, I have tried to enjoy all the moments throughout the years. And I continue to do so. Just something to think about. The End.*

Holy.....one week left. Seriously, I'm so so antzy and anxious and slightly impatient! I can't wait to be back in Thatcher. I have one day left of working at the theater and that is on Monday, which leaves me all week to do....who even knows! I'm thinking that a "Lord of the Rings" marathon with my brother Mitchell is definantly in order. I've wanted to do a million different movie marathons all summer, and now I only have a week to do it. So I gotta get at least one in! I'll probably also do a "Twilight" night with my girl Kelsey. Such a lame movie, but really great at the same time. Pathetic we are(:

This past week was pretty chill. My mom and my siblings all started school. Its so wierd that Dallas is in Jr. High already! He even has a class with one of my favorite teachers that I had in JH. Way way cool! So, since they started school and Mitchell has been working some, I have just been playing with my new laptop and preparing for Emily's 2nd reception-woot!

Which, went pretty good! Ok, so I was pretty stressed out the entire day on Saturday since I was in charge of almost everything. Luckily though, I had lots of help from the other bridesmaids and some random people(: We decorated Saturday morning and then I had to get all the dresses ironed and do my hair! CRAZY! Reception went well-got to see a lot of people I hadn't seen in a while from my old ward! It was way cool! I was also very excited to see Emily! I think this past week while she was on her honeymoon, was the longest we had ever been apart. Well, I went to EA without her for a semester, but things were a little different then. I'm so glad her and Derek will be in Thatcher a little longer so I can still see her some! Anyway, it was a fun reception. Emily and Derek actually got into a cake fight this time while cutting the cake lol! And we all had a little dance party when most of the guests had left! so fun!

I was dead by the end of the night. And I'm honestly glad its all over!

This week I can focus on a getting a few more things done and hangin out with a couple more friends and packin up what stuff I brought with me home! Mom and Duane will be taking me to Thatcher on Saturday morning. All my friends will pretty much be back by then so I will be thrilled to see them! Woot!

So, there's an update for ya all! More to come next week as I get back into the swing of Thatcher life again! Woot! Have a splendid week everyone!

Blonde Jokes and the wedding of the year!

2009-08-06T10:10:00.017-07:00

*Random Thought of the Day: Today I have a story.

3 Blondes were in an elevator when suddenly the elevator stopped and the lights went out. They tried to use their cell phones to get help but no such luck-even the phones were out.

After a few hours of being stuck, with no help in sight, one of the blondes said to the others, "I think the best way for us to call for help is by yelling together".

The others agreed and all 3 of them inhaled deeply and began to yell loudly "Together! Together! Together!" HAHAHAHAHAH! So, maybe I'm making fun of myself now since I'm part blonde again. Yup-pulled out the ol highlights again! I like it. I like my red hair, but its nice to have a change sometimes so I highlighted it and cut it! My new school look this year(: And probably my true colors are finally showing. They say redheads are worse than blondes sometimes(: At least thats what one of my music instuctors always says! The End.*

Emily and Derek's wedding was this weekend! The picture of them walking towards the temple is something I framed for them and gave as a wedding gift. My dear friend Jason is amazing and did it for me! So cool!
Anyway, the wedding was AWESOME! Well, I didn't actually get to attend the sealing seeing as I'm still young and all(: But I heard was very neat and incredible!

But preperations went semi-smoothly and the reception in Mesa went decently well! Emily didn't get TOO stressed, just got sick of hearing her name as we decorated(: Friday night was dinner and I and the best man, Sterling, said a few words and talked about some memories of Emily and Derek. It was fun and decorating took way too long(: But I got to see my buddy Kaleb who was one of the groomsmen so he teased me all weekend and we argued-just like always haha!

After finally going to bed around midnight-30 on Fri night, (me, ema, and emily-bridesmaid/ema's future sister in law, and the little girls and ema's mom stayed at a family friends house.)Anywho, we got up about 6:30 saturday morning to start getting ready for pictures. Us bridesmaids and groomsmen did pictures before the wedding. After the wedding, we went to the place I was staying, and did lunch. Then we went to Derek's dads and hung out til the reception. Reception was pretty alright. I controlled the music and just kinda hung out!

It was a really long day! After Emily and Derek left, the rest of us cleaned up and then I headed to stay the night at my brother Brandon's. What a weekend! I'm so happy for Emily and Derek!

I did also get to do some shopping on Friday when I got to Mesa. It was cool. I met up with my friend Shauna Perkins and we ate lunch and shopped around. I got some school clothes...and-I picked up my new laptop! YAY! I ordered it a week or so ago and got to pick it up in Mesa. I'm so excited! I have been wanting one FOREVER! I finally found a good deal on one and went for it.

Now, I don't have lots going on. I'm down to two weeks of my return to the point of no return. Haha-thats a good line! Just one more reception to do next weekend and then gettin ready to pretty much head back to school! Life is grand! Like a piano! hahahahaha-man I'm good(:

Have a "grand" week everyone!

Questions of Life and the countdown

2009-07-26T21:44:00.008-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: We as human beings, often ask the question to many things, that is "WHY?" Small children and animals are often known to ask this so called "WHY?" Ok, so others ask too....Some of these questions are:

~Why do banks charge a fee for 'insufficient funds', when they already know there is not enough money?

~Why does someone believe you when you say there are 4 billion stars, but have to check when you say the paint is still wet?

~When we are in the store and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, 'It's alright?" Well it really wasn't alright so Why don't we say "That really hurt, why don't you watch where you're going?"

~In Winter, Why do we try to keep the house as was in the summer, when we complained about the heat?

Wow. So we are all idiots apparently? Its interesting the way the mind thinks, or rather, doesn't think. That's why I at one point wanted to go into Psychology..to understand the human mind. Good thing I stopped right there! I might have gone nuts! Well-these were a great laugh anyway(: The End.*

My last couple of weeks have been good. Time is really going by super fast! 3 weeks from today, I return to Thatcher for school. I went down there last weekend and took my online astronomy final. ah...it was rough! I pulled a C in the class. That was rough too-kinda. Somehow I missed the fact that there was a study guide to use. I studied, but just my own stuff. Dumb really! Oh well, I passed the class and no longer have science classes to worry about. My teacher was really great and I learned a lot! It was fun to go to Thatcher. I got to hang out with my roommates and see a couple of other friends. I miss my bed!

This week, I went out to lunch and a movie with my mom. If you haven't seen "The Proposal"-I reccomend it! Its such a cute movie. Has Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in it! Way funny!

I also got to spend some time with my adorable nephew Nolan! His grandma brought him up for a few days so I took him for a few hours a couple days. He is a crazy kid and talks a lot! At 4 and a half-he has the mind of a 6 year old and will be starting kindergarten this fall! He had fun with his Uncle Dallas too(:

In other "school" news, I was able to get completely out of taking math again.

So, last semester, I took a math class that I'd already taken once. I got a D both times. Ridiculous really.....the thing is, I tutored a lot this past semester and still didn't quite get the whole math idea or something. So, after discussion with my EAC counsler and the Dean of Students, we decided I should take a learning disability test just to see if that was the problem. So, due to some connections of my mom, I found a "psychologist/resource teacher" and took a test for every subject pretty much. The results came out and I had some pretty low scores in a few things, particularly Math Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. See, I learn by repitition mostly. Things have to go over and over in my head for me to remember or understand them. At least with things like math. Give me a piece of music-I can memorize it in a week if needed. Math and science and some other stuff-not so much. So, I now have a "documented learning disability" in math. Kinda pathetic, but I'm ok with that because I have very little patience for math anymore. So maybe this is the easy way out, but really-I need to just chilax from math...for good(: I will be replacing math however, with a basic computer class. For this fall semester anyway.

Here is my entire schedule for Fall of 2009!

MON/WED/FRI

Computers 103

Music Theory III

A Capella Choir-yay!

And Possibly...Company Showchoir-if I make it when I audition(:

Fridays-I'll be taking Teachings of Isaiah at the Institute-very excited about that!

TUES/THURS

National Politics...don't judge me(: I'm interested!

Aurel Perception III

A Capella Choir

Class Piano III

1st half of the Book of Mormon

I'm excited to start school...mostly(: I'll be returning to my same job working for the business department so that should be good. 22 Days baby!

Work at the theatre has been good. Unfortunantly they have cut everyones hours, but money is money these days and things are working out! Plus its nice having the benifit of free movies when I'm not working(: I've now seen every good movie thats out that I wanted to see! Free of charge!

Anyway, I'm glad I have the weekend off and some free time. I attended the temple again this morning and it was pretty awesome! I went with the youth, as well as my friend Rebecca, in my mom's ward. It was cool. I love being at the temple!

Hope you all have a wonderful week! Until next time......

The Climb

2009-07-18T13:52:00.008-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: "Nobody can predict the future but it’s worth trying to influence the direction." We never know what lies ahead. This is coming from a girl who generally speaking has a 5 year plan. I'm just about down to my 5th year and have no idea what's next. Oh don't get my wrong-I have my ideas but I'm not sure what exactly to do first. Perhaps its a lesson of learning even more trust in the Lord. So, we can't always predict what is next, but 'influencing the direction', is our part. Part of our own personal future plans is making the decision part and then praying about it. All in all, if we are living righteously, it all works out how it should. I know that maybe I've repeated that a lot lately, but its a lesson worth repeating. So, influence your own direction and the 'predictions' will happen. The End.*

5 weeks! 5 weeks and I go back to Thatcher. Ah...I'm really not sure that I'm ready for school yet(: I got a little burned out last semester and the summer break has been nice. Plus my online class is burning me out too...bleh! 1 more week of that!

I had a pretty busy week. Between classwork and preparing for Emily's bridal shower and what not, busy as always. Emily's shower went well! We had a good turnout and played some fun games and ate food! I'm glad its over though...one less thing to worry about(:

I got to attend the temple this week. Emily and I are trying to go once a week til school starts and its working! I love being there! I feel such peace in the Lord's house. Being there makes me look even more forward to getting married there someday!

Well, life goes on. Here is yet another short update. Life isn't too super exciting except for a few things here and there(;

Have a really great week everyone!

Busy, Heat, Busy, Eat, Busy, Sleep, Busy, Compose, Busy....

2009-07-09T16:42:00.004-07:00

*Random Thought of the Day: Perfection. What's the real meaning of the word? The definition in the dictionary says that perfection is: a quality, trait, or feature of the highest degree of excellence. Well, I think we all know that no one or nothing is actually "Perfect". We all make mistakes and we are supposed to. How else will we learn? Why am I talking about something we know already today? Well, Harriet Braiker said, "Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing." We can always shoot for our best, which is the excellence. But it's never going to be perfect because God knows how imperfect we are, as long as we at least try. I'm learning that more and more these days. But it seems that each time I get discouraged from making a mistake, I hear the spirit tell me that its ok. I did my best and I need the mistakes to learn. After all, "No one is perfect... that's why pencils have erasers." ~Author Unknown. The End.*

I found a new job! I got hired on at the local theatre! I do only have about 6 weeks left of summer, but they were willing to still hire me so yay-my parents don't have help me as much! I just prefer to make my own money! Happy Day! I really like the job too. It's very laidback and easy and they are letting me have Sundays off(for obvious reasons) as well as Saturdays, due to the fact that I have something going basically every saturday til I leave between my class and Emily's wedding. So hopefully I can get in a good amount of hours for the last month or so that I'm here. Any little bit helps! It's truly been an answer to prayer getting this job. Things always work out.

I have been super super busy this week! Its nuts! My Astronomy class is SO much work! I have to keep remembering...2 weeks left-thats it! I just have a lot of studying to start doing for my final which is on the 25th down in Thatcher. Plus keeping up with my 3 labs a week and exams. AHHH....but I'm doing my best(; Emily's bridal shower is a week from this saturday so I'm trying to get all that together, plus help her with some other things.
Last night, I got to go on a really fun blind date. I'm not usually fond of blind dates but I was excited for this one and it went well! One of my mom's best friends, Elizabeth, set me up with her nephew Josh. We doubled with Ben and Chelsea. Ben is Elizabeths son and him and his fiance Chelsea have been friends of mine forever! So we went to dinner at Denny's and then went bowling and then played Mario Cart at Chelsea's, which Josh and I did terrible at(: But we laughed about it the whole time! Josh was a cute guy and we had a lot of fun together!
Mom had foot surgery yesterday. All went well and she should return home this evening, most likely in a cast for a while! Thanks to all of you for your prayers for the surgery! Our family appreciates it!

Well, this is not too exciting but I gotta work on yet more, Astronomy! Have a great week everyone!

Alpha Centauri?! Yoga?! My life is brilliant!

2009-06-30T13:00:00.021-07:00

~Random Thought of the Day: Fact: Alpha Centauri is INFACT a star, INFACT, the nearest star to us(: I once thought it was a country. And now that I'm taking Astronomy, it makes sense! I just wanted to throw that out to Stephen, Jason and Jordan(: The End.~ PS. Dallas is getting taller than me now. No longer AS tall, but TALL-er :( All I can say is-what the H?!

Ok. Life as I know it is pretty good right now. I mean, as good as it can get that is! I started online Astronomy this week....ahh...the first lab was already confusing. Its ok though-I can get it right? Its just different taking an online class and all. But I'm sure I will learn a lot because I do love the stars and being outside. Well, I won't be outside until the end of the class when I go to Thatcher to take my final(yes i'm very excited about it)! So we shall see how it goes.

My other "latest try", is.......Yoga! So its very random but it really seemed like something I should do! They have this class through the city and I'm probably going to just go a couple of times due to lack of money. I went Tuesday for the first time and it was very interesting! Hard actually-I'm not in the best shape and am working towards getting a better shape and Yoga does that, as well as relaxes you apparently!

Our 4th of July holiday was pretty awesome! We hit up the parade. And I saw my dreamtruck...again....(: Ok so its not neccesarily my dream truck but I sure would like to drive one someday!
Parade was pretty cool. Not too hot outside either.

After that, in the afternoon, I went to Fool's Hollow Lake with some old friends, as well as some friends from EA. Including Curtis-yay! He's so cool, even though he is mean hee hee! I know for a fact that he was glad to see me though(: I'm sure gonna miss him since he won't be at EAC anymore!

Anywho, then I went home and Brooke and Nathan came over! Yay! So we visited them for a while and then we went to a bbq at our old Bishop's house-The Adams! It was pretty cool. Ok, so Kaylee DRAGGED me to play volleyball. PS-I'm not so good at sports, but especially v-ball. But her family was nice and didn't care that I'm incapable of NOT hurting myself or others. Haha-no it was not too terrible. We ate some great food and watched the fireworks right from their backyard! Smile!

The summer is going by faster than I thought. I'm not really working. Just doing some work for my parents and continuing to teach Jake and Anna piano lessons and babysitting a bit as well. I'm glad I have my class to keep me busy though, as well as TRYING to compose....ah...I need to get more in the groove. Lots of music in my head that needs to be written down! However, I am making the best of the summer. Its been very interesting the things that have gone on this summer and the life lessons I seem to be learning. I certainly know the Lord and the gospel are teaching me a thing or two. Those of you who recieve the Ensign monthly, may I suggest that you take a few minutes to read this short article entitled "Getting beyond Getting through It". This article was truly and eye opener for me because this girl was going through some similar emotions that I was until recently. I have learned though how much my parents[all 4 of them(:]care about me. They know whats important to me and that I do try my best and that I'm not perfect. My Heavenly Father certainly knows that too! He just wants me and all of us to hold on to whats important and keep sight of whats good and righteous. Though I've hit some trials this summer, I've learned that "Having trials is an invitation to grow....its a chance for us to become better and grow and learn, even if we are living righteously." I hope we can all remember that.

Have a really great week everyone!

Dare You to Move

2009-06-25T10:02:00.002-07:00

So I have to say, I really need to get more in the habit of running. I know I have said this before, but I'm having a new outlook on things...once again. [It's just part of life ya know?] I'm finding that running is something that lets me be by myself and actually have time to think. Of course, I have a lot on my mind right now and as I ran this morning, but in general-it takes me away from the madness in my oh-so-sometimes-thrilling life. Plus, when I run, I listen to my ipod and I find theme songs for life as I know it at the time. This time, the theme song, one I've heard many times but never thought about much or how it had to do with my life right now until I was thinking and running. I'd like to share the lyrics with you today. Its somewhat of a love song, but I've learned from Dr. Bishop that there are many ways to look at lyrics of a song.

All We Are by Matt Nathanson

I tasted tasted love so sweet

And all of it was lost on me

Bought and sold like property

Sugar on my tongue

I kept falling over

I kept looking backward

I went broke believing

That the simple should be hard

All we are we are All we are we are

And everyday is a start of something beautiful

I wasted wasted love for you

Trading out for something new

Well, it's hard to change the way you lose

If you think you've never won

Cause all we are we are

All we are we are

And everyday is the start of something beautiful

And in the end the words don't matter

Cause in the end nothing stays the same

And in the end dreams just scatter and fall like rain

Cause all we are we are, all we are we are

And everyday is the start of something beautiful, something real

ALL WE ARE WE ARE

I've learned a lot this week. Sadly, I'm seeing a repeat of last summer....rough....yet different situations and this time I actually know how to deal with it a lot better. I'm working on a lot of "self" things and its been good. I know I have to be greatful for what I do have, and have faith in the future. I'm greatful for the following things:

~My music. (: Where would I be without it? I love the inspiration I've had this summer and the people that inspire me. Music is my heart and soul.

~The scriptures. I tend to slack off a bit during most summers, but not this time. I'm determined to read everyday and learn more from the Book of Mormon. It's so powerful and gives me hope.

~My family...who teaches me not to give up hope and not to be so selfish(:

I start my online Astronomy class on Monday and I'm slightly looking forward to it(: I know it will keep me busy and it will be a fun class. Plus my friend Tiffany is also taking it with me so we can help each other out(:

Other than that, nothing is really going on. I'm just lookin for work and composing and planning Emily's bridal shower and helpin her with plans! Yep-trying to stay busy as always!

Have a great week everyone!

LOL!

Just a small town girl livin in a lonely world

2009-06-14T14:47:00.008-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: OK so this random thought is a tribute to my dear Stephen! Who is leaving on his mission tomorrow. He is going to(and I quote)" the Western America Mission...which is Ogden Utah." Lol! I'm so excited for him! So, in "tribute" to him, I just want to put this list on here that he made about me that probably wouldn't have gotten me through the sometimes boredom of World of Music class. Steve is the one on the end in the blue. This pic was me and all 3 of my favorites during music man! I love them!

The LIST:
YOU KNOW YOU'VE BEEN AROUND RACHELLE WHEN.....

~You start painting your toe-nails with white-out. (it really was nail polish..stephen just got confused)

~ you say "butterscotch" when someone asks "How are you?"

~ you hate high school musical even more

~ you start calling her premadonna or the Princess Warrior

~ you wear a warrior princess tiara because you can!

~ you AND your best friend start having dreams about her

~ you burn or nuke your fish sticks

~ you start saying "What the Rachelle?!"

~ your arm gets stuck in your car window

~ you start telling people not to speak in public

ah...good times....good inside jokes. Stephen you are so cool! You will do amazing things and make everyone laugh on your mission! Good luck!

The End.*

So, this past week has been pretty great! Thatcher was flippin amazing!

Monday, I just hung out with Jason and Jordan and went to institute. Monday night, I went to the hot springs for FHE! It was so fun! I had never been so it was fun to play in the water with my friends!

Tuesday, I didn't do a whole lot, but hung out with my people and took some pictures of Emily and Derek and then I played raquetball with some friends that night! Super cool! Unfortunantly on tuesday, I picked up a cold or flu so I was really sick when I left wednesday morning. So when I got home, I just slept alot! Still feelin a little sick but much better!

Thursday night was so great! I had the opportunity to go with some other young single adults to do baptisms at the temple. I really enjoyed it! It had been over a year since I'd gotten to go to the temple so I was long overdo! It was an amazing experience being there with friends! I hope to go more this summer.

Other than this week, nothing much going on except Duane and Andrea moving in! What a hectic house we have right now!

Well-there is my quick update for the week!

TTFN!

Home Sweet Home and yet more, wedding bliss

2009-06-08T11:04:00.009-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: When asking a friend once how life was, he responded with "Life is like a box of chocolates. I left them in the sun too long and now they are all melted and don't look very pretty!" (: Well, some of these days I feel like that. But yet, life seems to go on right? Especially when adjusting to change. The End.*

I'm in Thatcher. Let me tell ya-true bliss right here! As much as I love my family and living free, I sure have missed my own bed and my apartment and my friends. I actually slept good for the first time all summer last night! Ok, so I'm only here til Wed morning, but I'm going to sure enjoy it! The twins are here for the summer so its been fun to see them, as well as Jason and I'll see Jordan today, and probably hang out with my boys most of the time that I'm here! Yay-I love my boys! Unfortunantly my work won't schedule me much so I have basically this whole week off! So I'm glad Emily invited me to come down with her.

Today I'll be workin on her and Derek's slideshow for their wedding cuz Jason is good at that stuff!

In other events, Mom's wedding has come and gone! Crazy! And it was a crazy day! Below we have pics of our new little family. And then there is the 4 generations. Me, my mom, my grandma and my great grandma! Sweet huh? Ok, so it was EXTREMELY windy....:( there were a few good pics of me not having to hold down my hair or my dress....hmmm.....but oh well.

Emily and Cassidi both came to the open house. Emily actually helped alot with food and stuff so I thank her tons! PS-the pic of me and those 2 girls-yeah, first picture EVER with both my best friends at the same time! See, Cass and Ema have never hung out really or been friends so I'm changing that! Cuz they are way too much alike(:
Brooke came too! That was happy! I love you Brooke!

It was super great to see all the family and friends! I had fun! Congrats mom and to my new stepdad Duane!

Not too much else is going on. I'm in the somewhat process of finding a 2nd job or perhaps better one due to complications at Licano's. Bleh. So we shall see what happens. I am continuing to compose and try to stay busy! But a nice little get away to Thatcher is going to be good....already is(:

Those of you whom I got to see this weekend-Awesome! Thanks for supporting my mom!

Hope everyone has a grand week!

TTFN

Long Slow and Moving Forward

2009-05-31T18:47:00.006-07:00

Random Thought of the Day:"Don't stop Believin!" So, there is this new show right? Well, they just showed a preview episode and aren't actually starting it until the fall which is lame cuz I'm dying to see the rest...but anyway-just thought I'd share a clip from it-I absolutely LOVE this song now, because of this show "Glee". Enjoy!

So whats been happening in this oh so thrilling life of mine? Where do I start....
I would vent a little, but no one else needs to hear that(:
What it all comes down to is that home life is hard to adjust to, and so is a "real job". And so is not being around my EAC friends! Oh and my job has been rough. They are "requiring" me to be available on Sunday's now. Ridiculous huh? It's sure a good thing that the Lord is being understanding because I think he knows how much I need this job and that its hard to just find a new one like magic! So guess what? I'm dealing. Just dealing.

I did get a little break and got to go down to Mesa yesterday. I drove mom's truck and Emily, her mom, and her sisters went with me. We found Emily a wedding dress(after 1 store and 2 dresses later and 50% off...yes Emily is that simple of a shopper), we were done! So, then we headed to the mall to look for some bridesmaid dress ideas since Emily and her mom will be making those dresses. (They're so talented!)So we found some ideas and then Emily and I went to my dear friend Tiffany Milletts(Now Marcy)reception! Tiffany was SOOO beautiful and I'm so happy for her and Spencer! They are perfect for each other. Emily was able to get some ideas for her wedding reception as well since Tiff had ALMOST the same colors Ema will have. It was fun!

After that, we went and hung out at the Hofelings(my former seminary teacher). It was fun! Emily and her sisters swam and me, I of course forgot my swimsuit! Oh well-I love seeing the Hofelings! They are so great! We got back early this morning due to my working today. This afternoon was super cool though because my dear friend Curtis came to visit me! He is here being a counsler for the Show Low EFY going on, so he stopped by to say hello! So there Curtis-I mentioned you in my blog(:

So, now I'm back to work...kinda. As though they have ACTUALLY scheduled me! Yeah....2nd or better job anyone?! Anyway...Mom gets married this coming weekend-woot! I'm very excited to see family and see my mom happy and such(: Plans have come together well. Pictures to come for that I'm sure!

Well-I figured someone might be interested in what has been going on, so there is my short blog for the week!
have a great week everyone!

Something Worth Your Time

2009-05-22T11:30:00.007-07:00

*Random thought of the day: I have recently become aware of the fact that a person can live 6.1% longer if they "give" more than they "take". And old wise man told me that the other day. Its very true. You should give more than you take. It not only shows service to others but you become less selfish that way. I think I'm going to think about that and work on that more. The End.*

1: I found a job, for those of you curious(: Shortly after returning to Show Low, I was "lucky" enough to get a job as a hostess at Licano's Mexican resturaunt. Woot. So far, so good. I'm startin to get the hang of things. Mostly its learning the computer. Seating people is easy. So hopefully it all goes well for the summer. I also am teaching a couple kids piano lessons. A little extra cash is nice(: Lots of money to make this summer!

I'm trying my best to have some fun this summer and enjoy it, though the difficulty of adjusting to home. [tossing a turning at night(:, its hard to not be in my own bed!] I have to remember that its temporary and I'm "lucky" to have free living and food!

Also, its been strange because in the last week or so, I have run into several friends that I haven't seen in a couple years. People I graduated with and such. It's been fun though and I've exchanged numbers with a couple of them so we can hang out this summer! It certainly has made up for missing my thatcher friends! It's also brought back alot of memories.

I gotta say, when I left Show Low, and especially as I got involved in a new life in Thatcher, I decided to really leave Show Low and most of the people behind. Besides a couple of my best friends of course. It took me some time, but I finally realized that it was ok to move on and leave some things and people behind. Especially as I met some really amazing people at EA! So, it really has been wierd running into old friends.

Last night, my brother Mitchell graduated from high school. That was very strange too. I'm so proud of him though. My whole family is. My dad came from Farmington and Grandma Kay from Tuscon. It was great! Grandma Kay took us out to lunch. Mitchell was really excited to be done! Good luck to his future!

I also got to see my dear Cassidi graduate! I'm so happy for her as well! She will do great things!

Other than that fun stuff, 2 weeks til my mom's wedding. I can't wait to see all my family and wear my new dress and all that jazz(:

I'm also starting to help Emily with her wedding plans as well. She has "assigned" me as the Music Coordinator/DJ/Slideshow coordinator/maid of honor/bridalshowerplanner(: It's what I do(: I went dress shopping with her yesterday and she found one amazing dress! Its gorgeous and she looks gorgeous in it!

Well, I"m off to help mom clean the house. The joys of being home(:

Have a great weekend everyone!

Cowgirls in California; self discovery

2009-05-12T07:50:00.010-07:00

Random thought of the Day: Today's "random" thought, is that I decided to make a list of the top 5 greatest love stories/movies ever:(In no particular order I suppose because it really depends on my mood!)

1~Pride and Prejudice: Mainly because of this one line from Mr. Darcy-"You have bewitched me body and soul and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on"

2~Little Women: All the love stories that happen with these sisters, especially Jo, the main character, are so perfect. Though I always thought Jo should have married her best friend Laurie, she found her true love in the end who asks her "Will you have me?" and Jo responds-"With all of my heart!" Sigh....

3-The Holiday: "There are different kinds of love..."or so this movie so very well explains. Need I say more?

4~27 Dresses: You often find that opposites attract, even if the other is cynical or stubborn. Don't I know it(:

5-Twilight: So the movie sucked, but the whole series was incredible. I mean, completely 2 different people from literally two different types of worlds just fall in love. It's slightly undescribable.

Well Well. I'm into my summer. Where did the semester go? I ended rough I must say. My grades weren't all they were cracked up to be per se. I have yet to figure out how i'll EVER pass a math class. dot dot dot... Well, the semester ended alright though. I got to spend some quality time with some of most amazing and closest friends! (and I already miss them(:) I also hosted my semi-annual waffle party! Not as good of a turn out as last semesters, but we still had loads of fun!

Emily and I had a great trip to California. We stayed with my wonderful cousins-Andrea and her family! I love my dear andrea! We got wierd and crazy as usual(:We love our red hair so much, we braided it together haha! Sorry Andrea-I just HAD to put a couple of our silly pictures on here! And her siblings and my aunt and uncle are so sweet! Thanks for letting us stay!

Ema and I went to the beach. It was overcast and the seagulls ate our chips...twice... but it was still fun!
Yes-we did decide to to go cowgirl style the entire time in California(:

It was a nice relaxer before coming back to Show Low and having to look for a job....(: I'll update on how THAT goes(:

But its nice to be home for the summer and be living under a free roof with free food! My mother is wonderful! And she lets me drive her awesome truck(:

I'm a little bored for now, but I've been able to work on some of my music and just hang out and watch movies or whatever! I've strangely chosen to start attending the single's branch in Snowflake for the summer so maybe I'll get somewhat of a social life soon(:

Well-hope you all are having a great week! It's time for me to watch American Idol!

TTFN....until next time....

I'm at the end of my LOOOOONG rope!

2009-05-03T14:28:00.005-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: My "Band".Ok so my random thought this blog, is talking about 8th Grade Graduation. No, I don't mean my 8th grade graduation 5 or 6 years ago. I mean the 8th Grade Graduation that I hang out with. Allow me to explain: Me and 3 of my buddies, Jason Whetten,Stephen Evans, and Jordan Beals, like to get together as a "band" and make music videos of random songs! Well, so far we have only done two. And Stephen and Jordan actually leaveon their missions this summer, so it may be the end of music videos(: However, here is the website of our blog with both videos on them. http://eighthgradegraduation.blogspot.com/ "The Inspiration", I was not in,(I was filming some and being the "manager") but I did make my premiere in "Teardrops on my Guitar". So-enjoy the life of me when I hang out with these crazy guys! (Whom I love so dearly by the way(:)

Yes Yes, I'm definantly at the end of my long rope! As said in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: "What light through yonder window breaks?" And boy I can see the light ahead. That light that will set me free from school for a little bit! I prayed and fasted and hopefully made it through my finals! It's been SO busy this past week. I was preparing for finals, turning in remaining assignments, throwing a bridal shower for my dearest Tiffany, and just having some fun as well! It all hit me friday night. Well, the tiredness of it sure did. I was at an institute activity and out of no where-BAM! Exausted! I sure slept good that night(:

As I finished off this school year, I think about the things I've learned and how much I've grown and changed in some ways. I suppose I compare it alot tomy first year here and how completely different I am. What it all comes down to is that I've grown up. I still am my outgoing sometimes crazy self and I'm all about doing random things(:, but I'm learning more about myself and the way I think, which is really scary by the way! I've learned a lot of myself from the people I'm around. A friend of mine once said, "The Lord puts people into our lives to mold our character." That has stuck with me a lot because its so true. I know each and every person I have known this year, has added to the "molding" some way or another. Even if I wasn't best friends with all of them, I have had a lot of really good examples around me. And I appreciate it a lot. Each of you know who you are(:

Its so sad to see some friends move on, but its happy at the same time. My best friend, the girl who has been there with me since we were 12, the girl who put up with me during our ups and downs througout the years,and she even followed me to EAC(:,got engaged last night(: I'm extremely thrilled for her! I get to help her plan and all that and that is always exciting, but its very strange(: She always ALWAYS swore I would get married first. Ooops-guess I missed the memo(: Though it will be wierd having her off and married, I'm so happy for her and Derek and wish them the best!

Though many are moving on, while I stay and continue my education, I won't forget those who have changed me in ways I couldn't even imagine.

My testimony has strenghthened, my views on things have different outlooks in some situations, and I know its all because thats how it's supposed to be. This is part of my test from the Lord to see how well I do in life and help me become closer to him.

I hope to be an even better person when I start school again and gain new friendships, while reuniting with old.

As my life motto goes, "Learn while you live, love what you learn."

I've done this this year, the best I could anyway, and I'm gonna keep going and pushing my way through life I suppose!

Thank you to those who have inspired me and been there for me.
Summer now begins and I am thrilled!
TTFN

Wedding of Bliss...The Inspiration?

2009-04-15T13:45:00.015-07:00

*Random Thought of the Day: "Thou Shalt not judge others". I've taken to heart these words lately. It's actually more like "Thou shalt not judge your family". I've decided that ya know, my family can make whatever decisions they want to. What matters is their happiness right?

I used to be really judgemental and a little self-righteous. 2 things I regret to this day. I learned not to judge so quickly when an incident, and beggining of many trials, happened to one of my family members. I realize that judging others can lead to wrong assumptions and accusations. Sorry, but where's the fun in feeling like an idiot? And where's the fun in arguing with your family members all the time? So, I decided that I'm going to try and relax a little bit more(in general as well), and let things happen how they should. I suggest the same for anyone who feels this way. In Matthew, Christ taught of righteous judging. "Judge not that ye be not judged....For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measure to you again." Pretty self explanatory I'd say! The End.*

Ok. 2 weeks of school left. 2 BLASTED WEEKS! I can't wait to be done! College life is so rough sometimes. (I know, understatement of the day right?) Anywho, I think I'm going to make it through though. I'm still trying to have some fun and enjoy time with my friends, especially those that will be leaving and not returning, in just a few weeks. Sad Sad day! I'm trying to adjust to those changes! I'm usually ok with change. When high school was over, I could almost care less about who I stayed in contact with. I did with a few close friends but, I was so ready to move on with my life and make new friends, which is what I did. But now it seems that I'm closer to my college friends and some of them are now moving on even further. Its weird. Yet, life goes on still right?

I did get to take a trip to Las Vegas this past weekend. My older brother Brandon got married to his fiance Jen! Woot! I went with my dad, Anne and Mitchell. It was a nice ceremony, just in a hotel suite with family and a couple friends. You can see pics of the different sights and such. The one of the flowers...well-i think I found a new hobby! Flower arranging! I got to help with that and it was pretty neat! It was great to see everyone and Vegas is pretty dang sweet! I also got to see Hoover Dam for the first time! yay! And to explain the shirt I found that says"I'm too pretty to do math" Well-I had a "tramatic" math issue this week that involved alot of tears so I think i'm going to have this shirt made for me because it just works!

Other than that cool little trip, I'm countin down the days and trying SO hard not to lose my motivation. I already lost it a little bit while playing raquetball with some friends for almost 2 hours the other night and then running through the EAC campus sprinklers.....haha(: anyway.....

Starting tomorrow is our annual SPRING SING! Woot! I will post about that later.

Once that is all done, all I have to worry about is Finals. And finding a job for the summer....more to come about that soon as well!

I hope all is well for everyone! Have a nice [insert word here]!

Laugh...even when you want to cry.

2009-04-02T17:43:00.009-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: I have two random thoughts today. 1-I'm madly in love with.....James Marsden. Haha-sorry Jason, now is not the time(;
I think I've proclaimed my love for James before, but I'm watching 27 Dresses as I write this blog and I just love him. Sadly, he's probably married and he's like 30 or something.

2nd Random Thought: “We work in the dark, We do what we can, We give what we have, Our doubt is our passion, and our passion is our task, The rest is the madness of art.” ~Henry James~

Life is art. I am seeing that lately. The quote speaks for itself yet, I challenge those reading this to think considerably about it and what it means to each of you in your own way. Send me some comments-tell me what you think!

Ok. I figured it was time to blog again. Nothing thrilling has happened recently...unless you count the fact that my stress level has gone up and down a few times[Don't act UNsurprised folks-its the first time this semester that I've about lost it! I'm doing much better than I used to!]and I had A headache for over a week. Bla bla bla....done complaining for the day! It does me none good.

Well, things are winding down. Approximatly 20 days of school left! [This doesn't count finals week...whats the point?] I prefer to see it in days than weeks at this point. I'm keeping up with all my homework and music events-master class, voice recital, choir concerts-gonna be a crazy time! I have truly been enjoying this semester, this whole year infact, but its definantly time for a summer break! Sadly, I will be taking a class online this summer but its well needed. And, I think it will be a self discovery in a way, taking an online class. I know what your thinking-thats random for Rachelle to say.
I've recently had a lot of self discovery for myself. Allow me to point a few things out:

*1: Focus. I need to be more focused. The reason I don't make connections or completely understand things in my classes, is lack of enough focus. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to fix that. Any advice??? I know its something only I can do but its taken me this long to figure out so I need to do something about it to help me pass my finals.

*2: Ok Cassidi. This one's for you(: I thought about how you once said you felt like you are so self-obsorbed or way into yourself too much haha. Something along those lines. Well, speaking of trading personalities, I've been that way a little bit lately. Ridiculous I know! Well, I realize it can push people away or make me ungrateful or [insert phrase or word here]. So: New goal-think about others. Not to say I'm always like this, I just sometimes think of myself too much!

*3: I want to accomplish something big. With my music. I look around at some of my peers, especially the ones that are music majors, and I feel slightly intimidated. There's so much I can be doing with my music writing and I'm going to do it! I want to see something of mine published. So, maybe you're thinking thats contradicting the whole self-obsorbed thing, but its not! This is for me. A sense of accomplishment is something I seek for. [I am a Warrior Princess after all(:]

Ok so, thats me venting. I have goals to be better. Maybe its because I had a very very wonderful Master Class yesterday, helping my voice to become better and helping me to have motivation in my music life.

And, General Conference was this weekend. I love hearing from the brethren and the prophet. They are so amazing! I learned a lot from their stories and wisdom! It was a great refresher.

Life goes on and I'm gonna work on laughing, even when I want to cry(:
Have a fantastic week everyone! Don't do anything I wouldn't help you with!
Shazam!

Quicky!

2009-03-20T21:06:00.011-07:00

So.....back in January, I did my first experience of singing Kareoke! I sang with Simon and we did one of the duets from High School Musical 1! Haha-it was awesome! We even sang harmony haha! So....here is a short clip from it a friend of mine filmed(:

Other than my cool video and stuff.......its been a busy week! I accomplished quite a bit and actually hopefully even passed my anthropology test yesterday!

Today, I went to a stake relief society activity. It was way awesome! I learned a lot about resource management, health, and keeping the spirit and such! And we got free lunch(:

Anywho, tomorrow I not only teach relief society but i'm singing with my friend Tiffany in sacrament meeting. We're just singing Where Can I Turn For Peace with some harmony and a little a capella. Should be good I hope!

I can't believe that this year is already getting close to an end. I already got my schedule scheduled for the fall. Yep-I plan on returning to good ol EAC for another year.

Things are winding down but speeding up at the same time. Its very strange. Especially since its been 2 years already since I graduated.

Story of my life!

Have a great week everyone!

7 Weeks, I may literally be on fire!

2009-03-15T13:08:00.012-07:00

*Random Thought of the Day: Someone once said, 'If you're working really hard towards something don't take a break till you've achieved your goal' enough said. I'm taking this quote to the extreme...well just taking it into consideration as I get through the last part of the semester! You should take it into consideration too...and I mean YOU! The End.*

Spring Break came and went. Figures! Plans changed a bit this week. Due to some random reasons, my roommates bailed on our camping trip which we were supposed to do at the end of the week...this changed plans for all of us involved which was supposed to be several friends...oh well.
So, after staying in Show Low until Tuesday, I went back to Thatcher and hung out here til Friday.

Emily and I did a bit of shopping and of course hit up Olive Garden on friday.
Yesterday we went to the awesome Renaisance Festival! We had a lot of fun!

I was very happy to get my main reason accomplished at the festival..that is..chocolate covered strawberries! Yes. It's my favorite dessert. All should know that if I'm ever upset or having a bad day, give me chocolate covered strawberries and you'll be my new best friend! PS...I was also told randomly and told to the public by some guy at the fair that I would be lit on fire while he juggled in a straightjacket. Um..ok...!

I also decided that I am a warrior princess! and no...NOT Xena the warrior princess! Rachelle: The Mormon Warrior Princess! I seek and fight for supernatural powers such as faith, divine nature, individual worth....haha jk. I seek for many things in life but I'm not going to list them here!

So yeah, Emiy and I bought tiaras cuz we felt like it! We got to hang out with Adri and Sterling and some of their friends! They went all crazy and dressed up haha! FUN!

Then of course there was the Wyldeman show which is my favorite haha! It's way hilarious!

Anyway, it was a great day!

In other good news......5 girls that I know got engaged over Spring Break. 3 of which are in choir, 2 of which are pretty much my best friends! So, a shout out of CONGRATS to Tiffany and Spencer, and Jenn and Dace! I love you guys and I'm SOOO excited for you and wish you the best! This pic is me Tiffany and Jenn several months ago! I will miss you girls but I love you both tons!

Well, nothing too exciting otherwise is going on. Well, I do only have 7 WEEKS OF SCHOOL LEFT! AH! I'm not even sure what my plans for the summer are. I hope to have that figured out very soon! But for now, I'm getting lots of things done and trying to keep my grades up, while at the same time working on some personal music projects. Yes, I got motivated to compose again. I'm hoping the motivation will stay up, as well as time to write my songs. I'm currently working on some piano solo arrangements. All I can say is that they are "in the works!"

Things are getting hectic but yet I still manage to try and enjoy myself to the best!

I have nothing more to say....so farewell until next time my fellow readers!

Personality Change: With Thoughts of Cassidi

2009-03-08T17:04:00.012-07:00

*Random Thought of The Day: Rule #1 when Shopping with other people-DON'T shop with boys-EVER! Either they are pickier than girls are, or they just make fun of you for being "such a girl", and wonder why you have to take so long trying "stuff" on! I apologize to all girls for not knowing this rule. I'd never shopped with guys until Thursday when let lose into a mall for 4 1/2 hours! The End.*

TOUR: The Sequal

This week was my 2nd choir tour of the semester. [Band too] Well, I wasn't very excited about going. Most of us weren't. The whole [surprising but true] thought that we didnt' want to miss another 3 days of school, was really weighing down on our minds and lives as we knew them! (K that was dramatic...but seriously...) So, I decided it was ok because I got completely ahead in my classes so that I wouldn't miss so much. And I figured hey-after this is Spring Break, and I might as well make the best of it, hangin out with all my best friends!

And, tour turned out pretty good! We went to several small towns; Benson, St. David, Vail(East side of Tuscon), and a couple other places. All performances at high schools but it was pretty fun. I kept myself entertained by flirting with all the boys(: Hey what can I say? Cassidi is rubbing off on me! It's awesome!

Funny Story to go with the picture of the "dead" manican(:

So, Ren, me and Meagan were chillin at Old Navy. Meagan and I are standing there looking at swim trunks with Ren(most likely arguing about it because again-girls should NEVER shop with boys). So as we stand there discussing, we suddenly here and feel this CRASH right behind us. The manican had fallen and no one else was around, but there was a plastic football at its feet. "Hmmm..." we thought. We couldn't figure out if we had accidently knocked it over or if someone had really thrown this very light football at it. So we looked at it and asked each other, "Should we pick it up?" We decided not to and just walked away(: Oh and as shown, Meagan put the football in its hand. Sometimes people, or manicans, just have bad falls while playing football! It made for a good story(:

So, we did 7 performances and as said above, spent a little too much time at the mall in Tuscon haha. Ah...oh well, I bought a new dress for my mom's wedding and hung out with my crazy choir friends!

And now, I'm on Spring Break!!! I think I've gotten my mind to actually relax too, which is a miracle! Relax is not in my vocabulary normally...as most people know.

I went to Mesa this weekend and met up with my family. We went to the Phoenix Zoo with a bunch of Duane's family. It was pretty fun! We did the zoo thing and then had a barbeque. Anna, Duane's niece has a cute little daughter and it was her birthday so thats what the party was for! Great food-I ate a lot! We got home late Saturday night.

Today, after a lovely church, I hung out with the beautiful Cassidi hee hee! We did what we do best...take pictures. Ok well, our best is drinking daquiris, but still! It was fun to catch up with her and chill!

The rest of this week will be super I hope. I'll be here in Show Low til Tuesday and then I'm going back to Thatcher...bleh. Long story, but I gotta go back with Emily and hang out while she works. Yay! Guess I'll do homework and watch movies the whole time..I'm down with that(:

Then her and I are going to Mesa to do some shopping and on Saturday hit up the Renaisance Festival! Yay! I will post pictures from that next weekend!

Anywho, I hope you all have a grand week. Don't do anything I wouldn't help you with..any of you!

Mood Swings and the Story of my Life

2009-02-22T20:48:00.014-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: I'm sorry but I can't take Facebook anymore...and I don't even have one.

REASONS NOT to have a Facebook:
1. The Whole "Relationship Status" thing...just confuses people! People seriously FREAK OUT if someone suddenly puts 'It's complicated' as their status, or just put that they are suddenly 'single'. It makes small towns really look like a small town. Get over it people and quit gossiping!

2. People are starting to make facebook accounts...for their rubber chickens. Really? I mean-REALLY?! It's like-GET A HOBBY for goodness sake!

3. Everyone is majorly addicted to Facebook. And I quote, some new famous sayings,

"Do you have a facebook?"

"Of course I do! So does my Mom!"

"Sweet! Let's be facebook friends. I'll add you!"

Seriously...people spend hours into the night chatting with friends and changing their status or whatever. Again...get a new hobby!

4. Back to the obsession thing...people like Christy Dobbs are trying to collect a thousand friends on Facebook. You can only have so many friends.

5. If you really want to try to find old friends, well, get their email or their phone number. I avoid contact with most people from years ago. Once again, you can only have so many friends and unless your still stuck in Show Low for whatever reason, you've probably made new friends elsewhere(:

6. Get a Blog.

THE END. PS-If you are reading this and currently have a Facebook account, my apologies..sorta...you should know that I'm opinionated and the Facebook thing was getting on my nerves so move on and keep all obnoxious comments to yourself. Social networking is over rated....Thanks!

So, I went over 2 weeks without blogging..big deal! Nothing exciting happened til this week haha!
Well, I've also been trying to still catch up from being on tour....not to mention, I ended up being sick for an extra week or so. Sinus Infection...bleh! I started running a fever last week so I went to an urgent care place and got put on perscriptions...which had terrible side effects of giving me major mood swings...RIDICULOUS and ANNOYING. I mean, I was crying over things that I usually blow off...arrggg....But I had to keep taking the pills til they were gone. And life goes on....

Valentine's Day this year was well...ok. I mean, being Single and all is GRRR......Great! Haha..no really-it was alright. Saturday morning, was the wonderful groundbreaking for the Gila Valley Temple, soon to start construction! My a capella choir sang a special number so we got to sit right up front. Neil A. Anderson was the main speaker. He was great! It was a nice ceremony...but....COLD. And not to mention, I was still very sick and sleep deprived. So sadly, I didn't get to enjoy it as much as I would have liked. Oh well. I went home and took a 2 hour nap! That night, Emily and I who(she was sick as well with a cough), went and saw the movie "He's Just Not That Into You" Holy moly....It was HILARIOUS! Pretty much one of those movies that guys and girls can take notes from about relationships. It was so great! Plus it had several of my favorite actors in it...Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck....they were great! After we saw that movie, we went back to Emily's while I ate Ice Cream and some goodies my mom sent, and we watched "10 Things I hate about you". It was fantastic! I was mainly happy because I had a whole bag (plus 2 boxes) of conversation hearts! Seriously-they are my favorite part of Valentine's day every year! (Of course..there was the time I got Josh Groban concert tickets, but thats besides the point!) Anyway........and life continues being single(:

Well, I'm done with The Music Man. Its great because I made some awesome friends with the other assistants! They are so cool! And I grew attatched to a couple of the kids as well(: Music Man was fun, but now I have some extra time back! I'm sure I will fill it up with more studying and such...The Pictures below are Me with the other assistants and some of the kids,including my adorable redhead girls!

On Saturday, my family came! I was SOOOO happy! I missed my mom! Her and Duane and Dallas and Andrea came for the day! So, we took a drive up to Mount Grahm. and had lunch and took some pictures. Emily came with us too.

After that we just hung out at my apartment til I had to be at the play. Then my family came to the play and it was awesome!

*Thanks again Mom for the box of food! You rock my world. Yes I just said that.

*PS-Dallas is officially as tall as me. I don't like it.

Well, other than all that jazz, nothing TOO terribly exciting is going on. I go on YET another choir tour next week, followed by a hoped to be amazing Spring Break! I'm not quite looking forward to tour...mainly because I JUST got caught up in math from the last tour. Yay-another 3 days of school to be missed. Oh well. I have to go and I'll make myself have fun!

Now...I have to go do homework. Have a wonderful rest of the week everyone!
Peace Out.

I'm A Muskrat!

2009-02-09T18:37:00.021-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: "Music kisses back the key to the heart, washes away the everyday dust from the soul, drives away the prowling demons".

In the past week, I've learned much about the heart and soul of music. I really don't know where I'd be without my talent of singing and the music I have learned and grown from. Especially here at college. Music is part of my heart and soul and does wash away the fears and hard things in my life. Here's to Eastern Arizona College Tour: February 2009!*

I'm returned....as of 3 Am this morning..bleh! First we leave at 2 in the morning, and then return at 3 AM! So yes, I'm in lack of sleep for the last 5 days from late nights, early mornings and uncomfortable rides on the bus! Yay for me.

Ok, enough complaining. It was SO worth the little sleep! Oh my gosh..Tour was AMAZING, TERRIFIC, AWESOME, FUN, and seriously, Life Changing in a few ways! Not only did our choir become an even closer family, but there were SO many neat experiences that took place. Allow me to give a rundown(;

We left at 2 Wed morning. I got to ride in one of the vans with some buddies, which turned out to be quite entertaining! Kaleb and Ren gave me a hard time the whole way. Punks! Ok, so I gave teased them right back, plus it was EARLY in the morning, and, we all have become great friends now! Derek was in the van with us too, as well as a couple other people. PS-Choir boys have too much love for each other sometimes(:, hence the photo of Derek and Kaleb "cuddling" But we just hung out and talked and laughed and slept the whole way! It was awesome! We arrived in Ephraim, UT late afternoon and prepared to go to Snow College to do an exchange with their choir, and perform that evening for the community. It was great-they had an awesome choir! Unfortunantly, I still had my cough (still have it as I write in fact), so I was dead by the end of the concert. Not feeling well at all. Thanks to Kaleb and Ren, and their wonderful priesthood, I got a blessing and was feeling much better the next day!

Thursday, we headed to Spanish Fork to the American Leadership Academy, which was basically a performing arts high school-very good kids! We did an exchange with them and then headed to the Utah Valley University in Orem. There we did another awesome exchange! Then we went to our hotel in Provo and prepared for our evening performance at the old Provo Tabernacle....which was AWESOME!

Not only were the accoustics absolutely incredible, but we could truly feel the spirit in this performance. Way Way amazing! I also had the chance to see my friend Tommy Montoya who I knew in high school. He is attending BYU and came to the performance. My friend David McCleve also came. It was great to see old friends!

Friday, we went to Lehi High School for another exchange. Pretty cool!

When we arrived back in Provo again, we then had 5 hours of free time. Yup! It was way fun! About 10 of us went over in one of the vans to hang out on BYU campus. It was really great! It was raining, but I had fun hangin out with my friend Josh. And-I got to meet up with my amazing and beautiful cousin Andrea! Ah! I was so excited! I miss her so much! She is also attending BYU and so we met up for a little bit at the bookstore. Yay!

Friday night, we had a really neat exchange with the Brigham Young University Singers. They were really great singers! It was cool to exchange music and meet alot of them. Me, Jenn and Will(the cool redheads) met another cool redhead from their choir and took a picture with him! What can we say-Redheads rule!

After the exchange, we went back to the hotel and I went on a date! Derek had this friend from high school who goes to the Y, and we had met the night before when he came to hang out with Derek. So-the next night (Fri), we doubled with Derek and another girl from choir and went to a nickle arcade! It was pretty fun. And I got to play DDR which made me happy! Then, Robert and I hung out and talked back at the hotel. It was great! I like going on dates!

Saturday, we met up for yet another exchange with the BYU Young Ambassadors. Ok, if you have ever seen them do a show, you know what I'm talking about when I say-FLIPPIN AWESOME! They are SO good. Our show choir within A cappella exchanged with them and then we all went and enjoyed a show they were putting on. It was so good! They are extremely talented! Very good show!
After that, we went to a nearby LDS church building to do our final concert for Simon's ward.(He is a member of the choir and is from Provo). They fed us dinner and then we put on one amazing show. Unfortunantly we were all very drained emotionally and probably physically! Before the concert, we had a really nice talk with Dr. Bishop our director and were able to share feelings about our choir and such. Lots of tears(: Why you may ask? Well, again I say, our choir is like a family.
We have grown SO close this year and even more so on this tour we did. I made friends with people I didn't really talk to as much before. I even made up with someone who I was really upset with before this tour. It was really amazing to feel so close. It scares me to think of NOT being in the A capella choir. It's another home for me when I go to choir each day, and to be around some of my best friends. Truly, through Dr. Bishop, my friends, the music, and the words and meaning behind our songs, we have grown to love each other so much and I know this will be an experience I won't forget.

Sunday morning, we got up early and headed to Salt Lake City to our final, and most wonderful experience of tour. We went to Temple Square and had special permission to go in and watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearse and then watch their live performance of "Music and the Spoken Word". It was incredible to hear MoTab sing LIVE! It got even better after the program. We were able to up into the choir loft where MoTab sings, and sing for Mack Wilberg, the director! By the way-this never happens. They don't usually let "random choirs" go up to sing there(: So what an experience that was!!!! Truly incredible! It was a great end to the tour!

Finally, it was time to say goodbye! We headed out of Salt Lake for our long 16 hour drive. I was able to get a little bit of sleep, but not as much as I wanted:( Oh well, I enjoyed hanging out with friends and relaxing.

I'm trying to get back in the hang of things here at school. I'm very tired today and will probably be heading to bed early this fine night.

The Music Man is being performed next week (already!) and so rehearsals are taking place every day this week! Ah-crazy! I think it will be a great show though. It's been kinda fun working with the kids and re-experiencing my favorite musical! I'm sure they will do well!

Anyway, its very late and I'm in dire need of sleep! Have a wonderful week everyone!

Weekend Joy!

2009-02-03T08:36:00.012-07:00

*Random Thought of the Day: Forgive and Forget. What does it really mean? I'll tell you this much-I have sure learned a lot about it lately, and surely gained a stronger testimony of forgiveness. Sometimes, someone may really offend or hurt you. And, I'm one who sometimes tends to hold a grudge, which, due to recent events, I decided needs some work. I've learned that it's easier to let go sometimes, ESPECIALLY, if the other person doesn't apologize or simply doesn't care. Ok, so its actually kinda hard, but really-what else can you do? This is why we are told to pray for our enemies and those who despitefully use us. It helps in the forgivness process. A couple of steps though take place with forgiveness. 1)If you have done anything to offend them, repent of that first. It's kinda like being the bigger person. 2) Pray for that person and their forgiveness and pray for them to have a softened heart.

Even if they never do their part of it, as long as YOU have moved on and forgiven THEM, thats your part done and as I've learned, the Lord blesses you for following those commandments and trying to become more like him. Forgive. Then forget it ever happened. Life really does go on that way.*

Hey All! Thought I'd do a quick update...and I mean quick since today is SO completely insane. I would have updated this weekend, had I been able to figure out my picture dilema..don't ask.

So, I gotta tell ya-this past week went by fast, but slowed down at the end! I was very glad when Friday hit and especially when Friday was over! I was sick with a terrible cough and congestion all week(still am). I had a really great weekend though, which is what I'm writing about today!Funny Story:

So, Friday night, I went on a date with a friend of mine and 2 other couples. Our activity involved rocks! We went and gathered a bunch of big rocks and took them over to a hill nearby on the side of some back roads. With the rocks, we spelled out HELP. Why help? I don't know. I reccomended CTR or MARRY ME or something. But the boys decided on Help. So, we spray painted them white so that you can see it with your headlights when you drive up to it at night.

After that, we enjoyed dinner at Denny's.

The next day, I get this call from Stephen, my date. He informs me that him and Jason decided to go see what it looked like during the day. Lo and Behold, 2 cop cars were parked at that hill, taking "evidence" pictures. Jason and Stephen were pretty sure they might get in trouble. So, thank goodness Jason's uncle is a sheriff in town. He called either his Uncle or the Sheriff's office and told them that well, it was us just having some fun on a date. The sheriff's office laughed! I thought it was pretty hilarious myself. They told Jason next time, don't spell HELP. They'd gotten several calls about it that day. My illegal act of the weekend(:

Saturday, I had another date with my friend Tom and also 2 other couples, including my roommate Hannah. We went to this really awesome place called Red Knolls, just outside of Pima. There are a bunch of caves and holes that we explored, after having some lunch! Pictures! Yay!

-Tom and everybody in the caves.

-Me and Tom-hangin out on the rocks!

-Climbing in and out of caves

-Fun Stuff!It was all a great weekend!

And....in about 8 hours from writing this blog, I'm leaving for my choir tour in Utah! YAY! No really, we are leaving at 2 AM! I'm so excited! (not about 2 am but yeah anyway...)I can't even tell you how excited I am! I've been looking forward to this trip forEVER!

So, I need to go pack and I'll definantly have pictures from my trip! Woot!

Have a great rest of the week everyone!

If it works for me, then it works for me-David Archuletta

2009-01-23T16:18:00.008-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: Dreams have meaning. Or so I've been told lately, with some of the weird dreams I've had. So I've thought about it.
1-There was the dream about my mom deciding to adopt a child, so no problem-she found some children being sold at Walmart (which was a totally normal thing apparently!) and she bought a new little girl, in which she wanted to change the appearence of due to the child's messed up hair and face. 2-Then there was the dream about my best friend Adam pretending to be in some sort of mafia, that was against his ex-girlfriend. 3-Then the 3rd and final wierd dream, my best friend Cassidi's stepdad just so happened to be Barack Obama. Which actually was pretty cool because he was really nice, had lots of money and sent us on a shopping spree (on scooters), in Europe!

So the analysis' of my dreams??? 1) I'm pretty sure I was just wierded out, or shocked or something, the fact that I'm getting a new stepsister. Yes-my Mom is getting married this summer. (Mom-don't freak out-everyone's going to find out anyway and not from me so I might as well spread the word! Besides, most people that read my blog are family and already know(:) Anyway, so thats that on dream number 1. 2) Adam tends to be distant, or not distant but busy and its so hard to read you Adam haha! But I realize from that dream that he is a smart kid and has plans and goals and I dont' know what I'd do without him. As far as his ex-lets not go there! 3)And then the whole Obama thing....well, it really proves that I'm over the whole fact of him becoming President. In the dream-I really liked him, mainly cuz I had to since he was Cassidi's dad and all. People need to just shut up and quit talking so much crap about him because he is our President and believe it or not-will probably do SOME good! I loved riding on a scooter in Europe too!

Point you ask-think about your dreams when they are deep or strange. Usually there is some wierd meaning that you may be able to use in your life. The End.*

Yay! Its another weekend! T.G.I.F! Thank George It's Friday! And Saturday...and Sunday....

I had a good but busy week. Monday there was no school, which turned out to be a really great day! A guy I sorta know who is attending school here, asked me to go paintballing with him and about 6 others. It was SO much fun! He had never been, and I'd only been once. I even got a battle wound! Got hit on my legs and it left a nice bruise(: Totally worth it though! Plus I was with a cute guy(:

This week, I started getting more exercise! Yup-I'm now in a habit of playing raquetball and running 2-3 times a week...and boy am I feeling great! Sore, but great! I like the fact that i'm accomplishing at least one of my 2009 goals of eating more healthy and getting more exercise!

School is going well though. I'm trying my best and working on my motivation level!

Friday night, I had pretty much a lot of fun! First of all, I went to a Kareoke night at the Institute and guess what-I actually got up there and sang! I first sang The Start of Something New from "High School Musical", with my good buddy Simon who is into HSM as much as I am(:. I also sang with a few choir friends Seasons of Love from "Rent"! It was WAY fun! I have never really done anything like that so it was pretty cool! A friend filmed a bit of my singing on her phone, but were still workin on getting it OFF her phone(: Hopefully I can find a way to put it on here soon!

After hangin out there and socializing, I went on a date with my friend Drew. There were about 8 of us and the boys made crepes for us girls, which were pretty good, considering I don't usually care for crepes much! Then we watched "Red Eye" which was SUPER intense and suspenseful! If you've never seen it-DO! Prepare for violence, but good suspense and great acting! We all had a good time.

Saturday night, after getting several things done, I hit up the EAC basketball game. I really get into those. Especially the fact that we sadly, and surprisingly lost this one :(. Good team, intense game, but tough ending! Better luck next time!

Today is another beautiful Sunday! I taught again in Relief Society. The lesson came from Elder David A. Bednar's talk on Prayer, from Nov conference. It was definantly one of my favorite talks! My lesson I must say, went really well. I truly felt the spirit so strong during it. My testimony of prayer was strengthened a lot. It was great! I really love teaching the gospel.

Anywho, I'm enjoying life right now, more so than usual! I trust in the Lord and that gets me pretty far down the road!

Hope you all have a splendid week! And remember to Pray always!

Gradual..ly getting into the swing of things!

2009-01-16T14:47:00.006-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: "If music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die." ~William Shakespeare, Twelth Night. Yes I believe my food is music right now! I seem to eat, breathe and sleep music sometimes. I love Shakespeare! Enough said. Another random thought-I got a new cell phone! Its flippin sweet. Yay. The End.*

As in my title-I'm gettin into the swing of things! "Gradual" is of course the name of one of the songs we are furiously working on in choir. It's a hardcore semester...kinda. I am taking on a lot and learning yet more about hard work.

My piano class turned out to be a bit harder than I thought it would be. Mainly because I'm very rusty! I quit taking lessons back in my junior year of high school and haven't done much with the technical/theory stuff since then. Now i'm basically re-learning my scales and skills. It's crazy! I didn't expect to have to be practicing piano as well as voice! BUT, I'm looking at the bright side of it because A)I have to do this class B)I am glad to be picking up my piano skills again and C)It keeps me busy because I honestly don't have anything else going on except school. And I'm ok with that!

Music Man rehearsals with the children's theatre are going well. The kids are crazy! But it brings back memories of doing the show when I did it in high school, and I made a couple new friends. The other "assistants" are college students also and are pretty funny guys! It's fun helping the kids learn their lines and songs and again-brings back the "joyful" memories of learning all my lines in the plays I have taken part in! The show will already be performed about mid February. Very fast coming! But it should be great!

Last night, I got to spend some time with some of my best friends-woot! First, Emily and I went to the apparently popular "Jilibertos". Literally-every college student has been there and anytime I tell someone I hadn't, they are SHOCKED that I haven't had such amazing food. So finally, Emily and I went last night and everyone is right-pretty much AMAZING food! The best mexican food I've ever had! It's real too! And cheap! I will definantly be returning!

After that, Emily and I went grocery shopping and then we went to Derek's and watched "Horton Hears A Who" with a bunch of friends. I'll admit-it was a better movie than I thought it would be! Cute! Good for any ages-especially kids! Plus Steve Carell was one of the voices and he is one of my favorite actors! It was super fun!

And finally, today is Saturday! The day shall be chill because I also have no school on Monday as well-woot! I will be cleaning a bit, doing laundry, homework, practicing and playing raquetball, followed by feeding some friends chicken enchiladas tonight! What a day!

Honestly, there is not too many exciting things going on at the moment! School is hard to get back into, mainly because I'm already tired and just want to sleep all the time! But, I'm learning quite a bit in my classes. I feel most happy in my music classes, even music theory(:! Ask anyone who is around me a lot or talks to me, I am DEFINANTLY a music major. I literally DREAD going to math and anthropology because they are not music classes! But such as life right? In less than 2 weeks, I'll be going on my first choir tour to Utah! I'm thrilled really(: So for now, I just deal with the so called "Requirements of Life". (That should be a title of a book).

Well-thats an update for the week! Thank goodness its a weekend!

Hope you all have a good one!

Signing off......

Once Upon A Time, there was a girl that lived in Thatcher...

2009-01-07T18:01:00.007-07:00

*Random thought of the day: This random thought is kinda long I know, but please take time to read it!

The End Is Not Here. Or at least thats what Jack and Suzy Welch in Business Week Magazine said. In specific words, "We know that real pain lies ahead. But we believe that when the pain eases-and it will-the global economy will be stronger and sounder than ever. We just have to get there-and we will..." It's true, this world looks like its going to go into a depression. But if we think confidently, there is no fear. Jack and Suzy Welch also pointed out this: "To get through this crisis, leaders need to talk about reasons for confidence. America is loaded with energy and creativity; it's a culture that exalts entrepreneurs, who drive every recovery....The end is not here. A new beggining awaits." When I read this article (its nice working for the business dept-I can read up on the things going on in this world!). Anyway, as I read this over a few times, I compared it to life in general. Sometimes we have trials and hard things we have to go through. I know I certainly have. But, the pain will ease, and just as this world will one day be ok, we too as individuals, can become strong from it all. For our country, we have our leaders that are supposed to guide us. Though the government and the president may not always be the best people, they are trying right? Then as individual Americans, we have our own leaders and "guidance counselers of life". In my case, its my parents, my college instructors and even my friends who are the best examples! And above all, I have my Savior and Heavenly Father to guide me through the good and bad of life. I've gained more of a testimony of that lately. I went through something kinda difficult over Christmas break, but though it was somewhat small and I'm still getting over it, its amazing the things I've learned from it and the better outlook I have on a lot of things. Above many things, one thing that I believe, is that everything happens for a reason. Though little or big things get in the way sometimes, A new beggining always awaits and I look forward to it!*

Well, school has started! Yay!

But first, let me share some photos of the wonderful experience I had going to see The Lion King! Woot! Yep, our family, along with my best friend Cassidi went and saw it last Saturday at Gammage Theatre! Completely Incredible! We had a lot of fun! The show was awesome and so much amazing talent! I really want to buy the soundtrack! I was impressed with the animals especially and their choreography! What a fun experience. Cass and I had a little fun of our own too! See Pictures(: Also, a few pictures from a couple weeks ago that Cassidi and I took! We like pictures alright?! Gotta document EVERYTHING these days ya know?

Of Course we got our strawberry daquiris at Olive Garden...they had REAL strawberries in them(:

Well, back this whole "school thing"!

Here is my schedule this semester. (take a big breath!)

Mon/Wed/Fri, I start at 8 AM and basically will be going until 7 PM!

Music Theory II

World of Music

Math

Cultural Anthropology

A capella Choir

Class Piano

The reason for going til 7 PM ish is because I also add my work hours in, and my new adventure of helping with the Safford Children's Theatre. Yes. I volunteered myself for that too! They are doing the Music Man in a couple months so, with my experience of singing and acting, I'll be helping the kids do their version of The Music Man! Should be fun I hope!

On Tues/Thurs, I start with Aurel Perception II at 9 and only have that, math, choir, and institute.

I think I will love Tuesdays and Thursdays because of the less busyness. Of course, I still have to add voice lessons somewhere in there! I know-I"M CRAZY! But the thing about it, is that I don't care! I prefer to stay busy and especially right now. I want to learn how to handle excessive busyness, therefore, to learn how to have better control of my stress and patience. I think its good for me. And its not like I have anything else to worry about! As long as I'm having fun and happy right?! Of course right!

It's good to be back in the swing of things. This semester I'm sure holds some good things for me! Including TWO choir tours! Yay! One to Utah and one to Tuscon! Should be awesome!

I'm ready to really get working hard again and really enjoy my life here where I'm supposed to be. Christmas break this year had a few eye-openers and now its time to really spread my wings and fly!

Here are some goals I've set and I also have a goal and some motivation to keep them this year!

*Eat Healthy/Exercise regularly

*Take More Pictures

*Smile at Everyone

*Make a new friend

*Share my testimony more

*Morning AND night scripture study

*Finish a song

*Read important, informational books

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Song of the week: Car Crash-Matt Nathanson

2009-01-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Christmas, Merry New Year!

2008-12-27T09:38:00.014-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: My random thoughts today are more of Ponderings found by google. I know-I can't ALWAYS be original(:

*If you can't drink and drive, why do you need a driver's license to buy liquor, and why do bars have parking lots?

SERIOUSLY! NO COMMENT!

*If a cow laughed real hard, would milk come out her nose?

Cows are humans too? What?!

*Why do they put Braille dots on the keypad of the drive-up ATM?

Idiots! If you're driving blind, you won't even make it to the bank honestly.

*Why do they report power outages on TV?

*Since Americans throw rice at weddings do orientals throw hamburgers?

Now THAT-would be a site to see!

*Daylight savings time - why are they saving it and where do they keep it?

I'm sorry-but I mostly thought this was funny because it's probably something I would ask(:

*Do you think that when they asked George Washington for ID that he just whipped out a quarter?

Ah...I would ask this too!

*When you choke a smurf, what color does it turn?

HAHAHA! Seriously, what color WOULD they turn? The End.*

Well anyway, Christmas 2008 has come and gone! Pretty much, this whole year has come and gone. W-I-E-R-D. I'm surprised at all the things that have and haven't happened lol!

Christmas this year was swell! I got some pretty awesome gifts.

It was nice spending time with the family. We spent Christmas Eve with Duane's family in Taylor. It was fun! We went caroling and had dinner and some talent. I sang-it was alright!

Christmas day, after opening presents, we drove down to Tuscon to do a big lunch with my grandma and great grandma and aunt and uncle! There was wonderful food! Then we just chilled for a while. The next morning, we woke up to snow in Tuscon. Yes, its true. We brought it with us from Show Low...oops! After a trip to Target, we headed back up to Show Low. Fri evening, we had yet another Christmas party with Duane's family! Very nice people! I was feeling kinda tired and sick, but I still had fun.

So overall, a pretty nice Christmas. See following pictures for proof! As you can see, Mitchell was like a child when he saw his Xbox 360 for Christmas! It was like taking a kid to a candy store...high schoolers these days...(:

Christmas Eve of course we had a little nativity scene done by the children. Dallas was a wiseman.

Christmas morning fun!

I got Happy Days, season 1 on DVD! Woot! Its such a great oldies show!Good Times!

And now, 2008 has come to an end. I think it all went well. It started well yet rough with school, and other unexplained travesties(yes Felicia-I used one of your words), but all in all, I can't believe how much I have learned this year! Though much had to be learned through trials, I still go by my motto, "Learn while you live, Love what you learn" (Copyright:Rachelle Brewer, 2008) There is always something you can learn from every experience in life. I'm "learning" that more and more(;

Allow me to take a moment to think back on some things I have learned:

~It is ok to ask for help when you need it.

~Faith and trust go hand in hand.

~As of recent, I've learned more about being selfless and being more caring. Others matter more than yourself 80% or more of the time.

~Things happen for a reason.

~I've learned how much more to appreciate my family and my parents when I'm away from them for long amounts of time!

~I've learned not to make a big deal out of some things. The calmer you are in situations, the better prepared you are for the outcome.

~Police officers no longer take the excuse that your speedometer doesn't work. If you're criminal speeding, you still get a ticket and a court date(:

~Making memories has a good outcome.

~Friends are some of the most important people you can have in your life. Whether someone looks at me wrong, breaks my heart, or even if I'm as happy as can be, I have some of the greatest friends that are there by my side no matter what. They will threaten someone with an airsoft gun if they have to(:, or be happy and giddy with me and talk about life, eat icecream, and have a daquri! It's incredible how much my friends have and will do for me. I hope I'm as good of a friend as they have all been. You know who you are!

.....And I'm sure there are other things not off the top of my head that I have learned and of course have yet to learn!

I suppose it's been an ok year! If anything, it has certainly ended good!

I'll post pictures from New Years and my soon to be experience of seeing the Lion King later! And Soon I'll be back in Thatcher! Rock On! Stay tuned...

Happy 2009 everyone! Hope you all had some great holiday memories made!

TTFN!

2008-12-16T10:42:00.016-07:00

*Random thought of the day: Fact: Bears Eat Beats. Bears. Beats. Battlestar Galactica. Haha-jk..thats from the office and NOT my random thought! Fact: Hard work pays off. Not to say that I never work hard, I just have worked hard-ER this semester and found the joys of good results. When you work hard for something you really want, with trust in God, and if you're living righteously, there is your life lesson right there! Things come together for your good. This, I have learned. I pulled off all A's and B's (with the exception of a C in Aurel Perception because I have no rhthym). Crazy eh?! Not to be boasting or anything, but I really have learned about hard work! Those of you in school still, all it takes is motivation, courage in yourself and well, hard work to get the important things done!*

Well, I'm finally on Christmas break! And in a way I'm thrilled! Mainly because I don't have homework or practicing to do for a couple weeks, and I love Christmas time!
As you can see, there are a lot of pictures posted from last week! Some being from my totally awesome birthday party! It was great! I have such cool friends!
Here is me with my adorable cake-woot! Emily is way artistic and talented!
Then of course some of my crazy friends, Felicia and Curtis. Don't be embarrased guys-you're the ones who posed for the camera! We all had fun! We talked, ate cake and watched 27 Dresses!
On Wednesday last week, I had a Waffle Party! (And in the mornin..I'm makin waffles!)It was fantastic! Here is the evidence! Caitlyn and Will chowin down on top. Jenn really enjoys her waffles! And then we have the 3 coolest redheads EVER! Me, Will and Jenn! Will-dont' be upset about my hair! (I recently added blonde highlights to my hair and Will was "offended" Especially when Jenn was the one who did my hair!) Anyway, the waffle party was great and I had several people show up! A good get-together before the break!

After finals finally got done, Emily and I headed to Mesa for a couple days! It was cool! We wanted to do a little Christmas shopping and see some friends and my family. We saw Twilight for the 2ND time(: I know-we're obsessed a little bit! And we also got to see the Christmas lights at the Mesa Temple which was awesome! On the way to Mesa, Ema and stopped at this gas station and found the most hilarious sign ever! Need we say more?!
On Saturday,we headed back to Thatcher. We attempted to stay until Tuesday morning, but due to the snow storm coming towards the mountains, we ended up leaving Monday afternoon. So yes-there is snow in Show Low right now! We had to drive a little bit in it, but because of two prayers by us and our family,and careful driving, we arrived home safely Monday evening! At least we had fun on the road!
On Tuesday I actually got to go sledding with some EA friends who live up here. It was fun til I got hurt. Felicia-DON"T LAUGH! And Curtis-Don't laugh because Felicia laughed! Anyway-I was on a sled with Emily and Nick and we sorta crashed and I pulled or strained some muscles in my legs pretty well...go figure! Oh well-I got some good footage of my friends sledding! This included sledding on a laundry basket which Trevor thought was a pretty good idea lol!
Anyway....other than sledding-not too much goin on in Show Low. I'm sure I'll blog some more next week after something exciting happens! Hope you all are having a jolly holiday! If not-well do it anyway!
Merry Christmas everyone! Have a good one!

20 Things....the end of the rope!

2008-12-08T13:35:00.009-07:00

*Random thought of the day: "There are more men than women in mental institutions-which goes to show who's driving whom nuts." (: Wow. You know it really can be the truth sometimes! Truth be told, girls ARE more complicated than boys. Why? Because girls can't understand why [most] guys are so laid back and don't worry about every little thing so much. The End.*

Well-can you believe it? 19 years of my life is over. That's right-I turned 20 years old today. Crazy stuff! Here is me-now 20(: haha.. I'm still comprehending it! Each year it gets more wierd! But, its been a good birthday so far. I had 2 finals today..yep-lucky me-its finals week too! But, so far so good. I got some awesome cards and money from family and my mom made my entire day by sending me David Archuletta's cd-I love him! That and my pretty much favorite movie-27 Dresses! Thanks again Mom! And 2 of my roommates and several of my good friends and I all went to lunch which was awesome! I seriously have the greatest friends EVER!Tonight will be FHE and I'll probably watch one of my new movies (I also got The Music Man from a friend(:). Anyway, in honor of my birthday, I thought I'd just write 20 things that I can remember from the past 19 years, as well as 20 things I like or am greatful for. Haha-ok maybe not quite 20 things, but several. Call me crazy if you will(:

1. The top thing on my list will always be music. I love every part of music, even the hard music theory stuff(;, and Music will always be a part of me.

2. I remember having a birthday party when I turned 5. All the girls plus 1 boy, Joseph Holyoak, came to my party. Crazy!

3. I love movies. I would watch them all the time if I could. Watching movies helps me get away from real life sometimes!

4. I remember being 10 because I loved 5th grade! Mrs. Munde to this day is still my favorite teacher!

5. I love friends. I will forever be greatful for the friends I have made at EAC, as well as the ones I've stayed in contact with. They have all done something for me in one way or another. I hope I am as good of a friend as they are and have been to me! This pic is from my 3rd birthday party! sorry its a bit blurry!Hannah and Heather are my roommates now(: The other friend is Natalie-who is now married! Crazy huh?!

6. I remember turning 12. Young Women's was awesome!

7. I love love stories! I'm a sucker for chik fliks! Andy Bingham once said this about me, "Rachelle smiles because she likes watching people fall in love(:" Its so true!

8. Turning 14 was the year of stake dances! Woot!

9. I am also a sucker for broadway musicals! I love the classics especially! They make me happy! I hope to go to New York and see a broadway show there someday!

10. I turned 16 and got to go to EFY for the 1st time! I changed a lot after that. I'd had rough sophmore year and then went to EFY and there I built up my testimony and became stronger!

11. I love big hunk candy bars. They are rare and I hope they never stop making them! Oh that gooey goodness!

12. Being 17 was great. It was my junior year and its when I changed the most. And all because of the greatest experience I had in high school..>Beauty and the Beast! Yup. I changed a whole lot during those 5 months of hard work and stress! I had a lead role but I also made some of the best friends and found a bigger love for the stage and broadway than ever before. I learned about hard work and true friendship especially.

13. I love taking pictures! I don't consider myself too photogenic, but I really like making memories. I have an entire picture wall in my room! It's super fun!

14. I turned 18 and pretty much though I ruled the world...especially being a senior(: Right after I turned 18 is also when I met Beau. About some of the best 6 months I have ever had. Alot of good memories. Wierd how things change(:

15. I love strawberry daquiris! They really solve the worlds problems or just make you more happy than you might already be! Me and Emily made some at midnight last night-it was way awesome!

16. I remember finally being at EAC my first semester and turning nineteen! Crazy that that was only a year ago. Time went by so fast!

17. I love the color baby blue! I want it as one of my wedding colors. And it looks good on me(:

18. Finally...I remember this awesome day of turning 20! Thats right...as I finish this blog, my roommates have thrown me a surprise party tonight! Wow....this is fun! They decorated while I was at family home evening and invited a bunch of people over. Ok so, no one showed up til after I was home haha but Emily made this awesome cake! So cute! I was so excited! again, I love my friends and roommates! Hello Felicia!

Anyway-I have had a great day! I suppose I'm cool with turning 20! Now I just gotta finish with finals week...yay! I'm ready for a break!

Hope you all have a great rest of the week!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....joy to the world

2008-11-28T18:16:00.011-07:00

*Random thought of the day: "Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often" ~Johnny Carson

Isn't that the truth!*

Ok-so I didn't go completely crazy in good ol Show Low...I repeat...not COMPLETELY crazy(: But it is true that some families are just insane. I had to convince my best friend Emily that she really did want to come home and spend time with her family instead of spending it alone...all because of her large family and all the cooking she would have to help with(: Love you Ema!

It was rather nice being home. I arrived Wednesday afternoon and hung out and practiced and started a little bit of homework. Yep-had to bring the work home with me.

Thursday I decided was to be a lazy day! Yep...I got up and began to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade which I love. Then...it somewhat sadly began snowing. It had been raining all morning, but then turned to snow, which caused our satellite TV to lose signal, until basically the last half hour-ish of the parade. Oh well. After that, I watched some more TV and hung out with the fam and played on the computer a bit. I then decided to break down and watch my favorite Christmas movie EVER....The Polar Express. Oh how I love that movie. It makes me feel like a kid and its just cute! I usually wait til at least December 1st to watch it...then again I also usually wait til the day after Thanksgiving to listen to Christmas music..I did it the day before this time(: So, I watched that movie and then took a power nap. I'm really not used to taking naps so I don't know that that was a good idea!

After my nap, it was finally...CHOW TIME! Oh how I'm thankful for food and especially Thanksgiving food. It was awesome. My mom's boyfriend and his daughter joined us for Thanksgiving so we all ate and enjoyed each others company. It was wonderful food! YUM! Leftovers are especially good the next day! And my mom made her cherry pie which I absolutely LOVE! It was amazing.

After the food was more chill time. Then Thurs night, I went over to hang out with my friend Jourdan McNiel. She just started at BYU-Idaho this semester and was home for a break as well. So I went with her to the Parkers house and played our famous game of Scum! This is what I used to do when I was in high school. The Parkers was totally the place to hang out-so it was fun for old times sake! And I had more pie there too....guilty! Sorry but I just gotta take advantage of this goodness because I am a really pretty healthy eater normally! We had fun!

Friday, my mom and I got up around 8ish and for some "stupid" reason, we went out shopping. It's official-I've become a scrooge when it comes to Christmas shopping. No longer am I good at it, but I hate the crowds as well. Too many people pushing their way around each other for sale items. Now-dont' get me wrong, I am A CHEAP SHOPPER! I LOVE SALES! Especially when it comes to buying gifts, because I'm a terribly poor college student(:. But, the crowds...oh the crowds. Annoying. And all the cashiers and managers are completely stressed out and grouchy, especially if something goes wrong. Trust me I know, I was a cashier for a year...bleh....Take this picture for example...I mean seriously....that is what the electronics at our Walmart REALLY did look like on Friday morning.

and so on and so forth....

It's kinda been making me realize more and more the true meaning of Christmas. It's great to get gifts for loved ones and have lots of junk to eat, and have parties and celebrate and such, but honestly-the rushed crowds and gifts are not what its all about. More about that as it gets closer to the holiday......for now I have my Christmas Music-especially my good friend Josh Groban, who should be the only famous person allowed to ever sing my favorite song "O Holy Night". *Side note to Curtis-take me seriously. Just do it! (:

Saturday, was......TWILIGHT DAY!

Here is my personal review: I was very impressed! It wasn't completely amazing...and they didnt' go into alot of detail on certain parts of the movie but I still absolutely LOVED it! I give it a B+ grading! See, when I read a book and then I see the movie, I generally like the movie better, for the sake of seeing it in real life. I guess I"m not always very imaginative(: I like to see it all really happen too! Anyway-it really was pretty awesome! And shockingly, Kristin Stewart did a better job playing Bella than I thought she would. And pretty much every guy in the movie was flippin hott! Even James, the bad guy vampire. And it was kinda cool that the bad girl vampire is a redhead and her real life name is Rachelle. Sounds familiar eh haha! I thoroughly enjoyed Twilight and am hoping to see it again and very soon! I reccomend it mainly to those who have read the books and are female(:

Saturday night, my Grandma and Great-Grandma came into town. Dallas, the baby of the family is actually growing up and turned 12 last weekend. And so he got ordained to the Aaronic Preisthood! Crazy crazy stuff! My Aunt and Uncle, Kathi and Ray, along with their two youngest boys, came as well on Sunday! It was really neat to see Dallas on his special day! Can't believe he is growing up so fast....(: So, Saturday we went out for Mexican food, and boy do I need to get back on a healthy streak again after all that I ate the last few days! It was nice though.

NOW...I have arrived back in Thatcher. Its Monday and I already have a stress headache...grrr....It's overwhelming all the things I have to do this week. Mainly all in prep for finals. Plus I have 2, not 1, but TWO concerts this week. Tomorrow is our Festival of Carols which is choirs, band, AND Orchestra. Yup. Should be a good one. Mom's coming for it and bringing the stuff I left at home this weekend(: Then on Sunday is the annual "Messiah" performance. That should be pretty awesome too. I'm sure I'll blog about it.

So, its quite the week ahead of me. I hope I can handle it! I'm sure if I do whats right and prioritize my time, the Lord will truly bless me and help me to do well in finishing out this semester! He's helped me thus far, so I have faith that He won't let me down!

Have a fantastic week everyone....pray for us poor, hard working, stressed out, sleepless, wild college students!

Without Love, Life is like the seasons without summer

2008-11-22T11:04:00.004-07:00

*Random Thought of the Day: Since I really enjoy The Office, this reminded me of it so I thought I'd share

Things to say if you get caught sleeping at your desk....

Number 5: They told me at the Blood Bank this might happen.

Number 4: This is just at 15 minute power nap they raved about in the time-management course you sent to me.

Number 3: Whew! I guess I lfet the top off the white-out. You probably got here just in time.

Number 2: Did you ever notice sound coming out of your keyboards when you put your ear down real close?

Number 1: (Raising your head slowly)"...in Jesus' name, Amen'.

LOL right????!!!!*

Hey all you friends and family! Another busy 'heptagon" of my life has gone by...and thank goodness! I like that time is going by fast. I'm ready for the semester to be over. In more ways than one! I'm glad this semester has been going decent, but it will be nice to have a break/refresher. Thanksgiving is however coming up this week! I'm excited. I will blog more about that next weekend.....

This week started out with a fun little ward Family Home Evening. It was a FIESTA! We have a lot of students here that are from the Colonies in Mexico. Some who are in my ward, and a few of their friends made some amazing tamales! Very good food of course! Then they taught us some basic mexican dances! It was so much fun! I love that style of dancing! It was fun to learn a thing or two.

The rest of the week is slightly a blur...as happens so often! Just doing the school thing I suppose. I am doing a lot better in Music Theory so I think things will turn out well there!

I'm loving choir though the most. We have 2 more performances coming up. Our Festival of Carols on December 2nd, and then we perform the 72nd Annual "Messiah" on December 7th. I'm excited for both! I love performing with the Acapella choir-its one of the best experiences to have, being in this choir!

Last night, I got to see Madagascar 2! The first Madagascar is my favorite animated movie ever. This one was...cute, but not gonna lie-1st one was better! I laughed my head off in the 2nd one, but it was sorta silly in some parts! Good though. Everyone loves the penguins! I went to see it on a date with my good buddy Tucker Brown and a couple of his friends. We had meant to go see Twilight....but due to EXTREME long lines, it didn't happen. Oh well-I plan to go see it with my mom and a couple friends at home next weekend!

Today is a Saturday and I suppose I should get some cleaning and homework done. Joy. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend of love. Because without love, Life is like the seasons without summer, without love, life is rock-n-roll without a drummer......

Have a good one ya'll!

What's Yours is Mine, and What's Mine is Mine

2008-11-12T17:04:00.007-07:00

*Random thought of the day: I hate excercise. To me, getting up in the morning is a moving violation. The only exercise I get is pushing my luck, stretching the truth, and jumping to conclusions, although, I have been known to carry a grudge. (: Ok-so I didn't make that up, but I thought it was funny, and its how I really am and feel sometimes! I have "funny luck" rather, as Alex would say; I am a terrible liar but I try!; and heck yes I jump to conclusions-bad habit really; and I try not to carry grudges but I do get annoyed with people easily sometimes! Thats it for randomness!*

Its been AGES since I've blogged...I know....quit freaking out everyone! My life was stolen by aliens. I mean...my 10 page english paper, which could be very similary truth be told. Which by the way is DONE! Done and out of my life FOREEEEVER! What a load off my shoulders. Though, I have learned much about Islam and politics, I hope it will be a while before I have to write another paper like that....oh how I hope!

I also made another huge accomplishment-that being my voice recital. Yes lucky me-it was also yesterday/last night. And it went awesome-not gonna lie! I felt really good about it. The piece was a german song and its a very happy/chipper/cute song. So, all semester my voice teacher has been saying to sing it like Jazelle from Enchanted! Anyone who knows me well-knows that Enchanted is practically my favorite movie! [I'm the one who saw it 3 times in theatres and then bought it on DVD the day it came out(:] Anyway-I also just happen to have red hair like Jazelle and I can sing. So-I put on an adorable dress of Emily's and did my hair all cute, with a flower and everything, and I sang as though I were Jazelle! It was awesome! Kaleb, my accompanist was even "threatening" to make me be in character (I was a little nervous...), by saying he was going to throw little birds at me(: No worries-the performance went great!

In other quick news....I guess I should say Congrats to Barrack Obama, our new President of the United States. So, since I decided I"m officially Republican, it should be interesting to see what happens the next little while. Honestly-I was a little "upset" when he won. As you all know-half my jokes on my blog are about Obama. Well-I'm over it. Because obviously, he was meant to have won, and who knows-maybe he can bring SOME good to this country. There must be some hope right? At least Proposition 102 passed and that is at least some good for now. Only time will tell the things to come. Hey-thats a good quote!

So you want to know whats been going on in my life do ya? Let me think.......well I kinda said already about my english paper/recital-which has taken up alot of my time. BUT.....PS-Simon says hi! Anyway......last weekend, I took a little trip. To the valley. I suppose it was an ok trip. We did family pictures, which i'm sure most of you will see in Christmas cards. So-I went down on Friday with Whitney and stayed at Kris and Jessica's. They took me to a lovely dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. Very good food!

I luckily had time to work on and get a lot of my english paper done! Lovely I must say. It was good to see my mom and my brothers though! I just miss Thatcher whenever I leave. I will probably go through withdrawels when I leave for good.

Anyway, now that life has settled down a bit...ish....my new project is oh-passing music theory and Aurel Perception. Of course I'm failing my music classes, that being my major. Its ok though. Promise! My MT teacher, is seriously the best! I will owe him big time when I leave here. And even when I get through this semester I will owe him. He has pretty much been going out of his way to help me out. I have been going in to work with him one on one so that I can review the things I've learned thus far in the semester, and really understand them better and work on my short term memory issues. [apparently my short term memory is not very good]. But yeah, he has been a big help this week and I have a lot of faith that I can pass and do well this semester. My instructor is LDS and so he is just way cool! So....good luck to me!

Life is good. I'm looking forward to buying Jenn a puppy! [Don't ask] Life is life as I know it. Now its another joyful weekend of relaxing and doing extra music theory homework!

I'm singing in church on Sunday. I love performing! Should go well.

Hope you all have a nice weekend...remember-don't do anything I wouldn't help you with!

TATA!

Life can be...Enchanted!

2008-11-02T12:22:00.008-07:00

Pirates! Thats right-I've been wanting to be one forever and since college students go all out for Halloween, I just had to be part of the crowd(; So me, Emily and Derek dressed as such! And I must say-we looked pretty great! I have better pictures on my digital camera, but I haven't printed those yet so this one's from my phone! Lots of fun!

Me and my favorite kids! My niece and [2] of my nephews(: It was fun to see them last weekend! My Show Low Choir buddies! Kyle Pratt, Me, Sharla Norton! Good times!

John Schmidt-Yes, I was in the front row, center seat. I'm just that lucky...and we got there really early.

Random Thought of the Day: This is one of my favorite jokes ever! It takes me back to memories of doing Beauty and the Beast in high school!
So there were these two muffins in the microwave. Suddenly, one of the muffins says, "Man, its hot in here!"
The other muffin exclaims, "AHHH! A talking muffin!"
LOL. Thought I'd share some enlightment for the day!

Well, I hoped you have enjoyed the above pictures! Time to explain!
It's been a splendid week. Up and down all over the place really. On Monday and Tuesday, for pretty much the first time this semester, I accomplished TONS! I actually looked at my schedule and to do list at the end of the day and realized that everything had been accomplished. Not to say that I never do anything, its just that I don't always do everything. So, it was quite a wonderful feeling. As shown above, Tuesday night was AWESOME! Those of you who know the LDS pianist, John Schmidt-he is amazing! I have seen two of his concerts previous to Tues. [He came to Show Low...I actually got to meet him the 2nd time(: No lies.] and I always love hearing and seeing him play. He is quite the entertainer! And it was awesome to be able to sit in the front row, center seat where I could see very well. He put on a good show as always and I wish I could play as good as him! Very amazing talent!
Bad news, I began catching a cold on Tuesday and was officially dead by Wednesday for a few days infact. But you know me-I kept going on with the things I needed to do! The cold also didnt' stop me from going on a date Wednesday night to see...HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3!!!!!! Oh my gosh it made me happy! It was flippin AWESOME! Yes yes, I am a huge fan of High School Musical, but this one topped them all! It had a good ending to all the movies, with better music and dancing and it was just kinda cute! I reccomend it to all ages, unless you're my roommates who just make fun of it...WHATEVER! I like it! Yeah-its cheesy but its still fun and this one really was good! I went with my mighty "Protector", which would be Simon. Hee hee-he's one of my choir buddies and really-he protects me. Even from flies at 1 in the morning....we did a double date with our other friend Kaleb and another girl. It was very entertaining. Especially when Simon kept getting excited and hitting me during the movie because he wanted to know what was going to happen next. It was like being with a child lol!

So that was Wednesday. Thursday...still sick...bleh...and high on drugs(: Meaning nyquil and stuff. Luckily I was still able to get some things done, though practing my voice music was hard, and I was able to relax that night. Friday..thanks to my Jenn who gave me tylanol cold medicine, I slept very well and felt much better Fri morning! Still a bit stuffy but feeling fantastic! PS-Happy Halloween two days ago(: I know I certainly had a great day, and mostly night. As above picture, I just couldn't resist dressing as a female version of Jack Sparrow! Emily and I did the works-the dark makeup, beads, whatever. It was so much fun! That night there was an institute carnival and dance so we enjoyed ourselves on the dance floor all night! And boy are people creative around here! There were some awesome costumes including a tie rack, grapes, hippis, trashcans, and all sorts of other crazy things! I took some pictures but of course, they're still on my camera(: After the dance, me, Ema, Derek, and Simon watched Muppet Treasure Island. I was hoping to watch Monster House, or something more Halloween-ish, but well-I lost that one! Oh well-it was fun!
Yesterday, I got some homework and practicing done-yay-and then went to the EAC football game, where we sadly lost against one of our biggest rivals, Snow College from Utah. Man-we tried to "snowplow" them, but no such luck. Good Job EA-season's over and life goes on.
After much cheering and cold feelings[...literally-it was cold outside], I tagged along with Jenn and Abby[Jenn's roommate and my RS Pres(:] to Abby's bf's house. Hector, lives with a bunch of guys from the Colonies in Mexico! So they invited us over for some enchiladas! Oh my gosh--pretty much the best meal I have had in a long time! You gotta love REAL mexican food! Those guys could cook! Rice, beans, the works! I can't believe I ate all of it too! After that, we played a couple rounds of BS, and then went home! Quite the entertainment really!
Today, was Stake Conference of course, for everyone in Arizona! I personally really enjoyed it. Boyd K. Packer and a couple others spoke some wonderful words of wisdom and I learned alot! All the speakers truly brought the spirit. I hope those of you who are also in AZ enjoyed it as well(:
Now, the weekend is near being over...again! I hate it when that happens! I have tons more things to do this week. And to think-I'll be taking 18 credits next semester....i'll be lucky to ever be home then! And life continues.....Have a wonderful week everyone!

Reasons Not to Be An Idiot-Watch and Learn

2008-10-29T16:30:00.002-07:00

Life of a Music Major

2008-10-25T16:56:00.004-07:00

*Random Thought of the Day: Definition of Time: The component of life that keeps everything bad from happening at once.

Ain't that the truth! Time is of the essence? If that means anything. I too often find myself run out of time. But truth be told-maybe its just the fact of making better use of time, or prioritizing the things done with the time available. I find myself writing a schedule everyday and lists of things I need to get done for the day. I reccomend it to any busy person, and especially college students. I mean, there is the fact that my short term memory is, well, short! So I have to write things down and plan things out. I like to have a plan! So, time lets you do how you will...if that makes sense. Think hard about the time we have for anything...whether everyday life, or in general!*

Well-I realize its been 2 weeks since I've blogged...for good reasons! 1-I've been SOOO busy. 2-I figured I'd write about everything all at once...that meaning that there is more that can happen in 2 weeks compared to 1 week...duh.

Let's start with last week shall we.....so it was another normal week. Though-the stress I fear, is starting to come. Man is it ever! In just a few short weeks, on the same date of November 12th none the less, I have my 10 page research paper due in English, and my voice recital is that very same day. How lovely is the work ahead of me! I'm going crazy of the fact that I'm a little behind and math wants to kick me in the face right now too...stupid metric system...like i'll ever really use it. Ok-thats not entirely true, but I still don't like it. And Music Theory is kicking my face as well. Ah....thank goodness the little things matter. That meaning-daily prayer and scriptures can be more powerful than you think.

Last weekend was a nice little break. I headed with Emily and Derek to Show Low. It was Show Low's homecoming! So I of course went to the game-yay! Ok-NOT yay-Show Low lost against Snowflake-NO COMMENTS CURTIS! ...I'm Serious! But the game was still kinda fun-I can't believe I still know the fight song! It was fun because I got to hang out with my Kelsey girl and my roommate Heather and my BEAUTIFUL Cassidi! Oh how I miss her! Distance makes the heart grow stronger(: Remember that dear Cassidi! Anyway-game was fun. I saw some old friends and yeah....Saturday...well it was kinda lame. My mom was on a hike all day and so I just chilled with my brothers-which was actually kinda cool! We didnt' argue. We watched Monty Python-silly movie. Then I kinda just watched movies and did a bit of homework...etc. Then my mom came home and we went to Walmart. Lovely. Sunday, I went to my true home ward-Show Low 1st ward! I miss all those people so much! They are like my other family! It was awesome to see everyone...and see Ema get teased about bringing her boy home(;

Then I got back and got into this crazy crazy week! Like really-INSANE! I'm a bit dissapointed that it went by so fast. Besides the typical school junk...it was FALL SING WEEK! That being-my 3 performances of choir! I love this time of the school year! I had a wonderful experience this time round too! The performances this past Thursday, Friday and Saturday went well! I personally thought I did the best of Friday. Plus my mom was there-maybe that was why! Oh and my hair looked great that night hee hee! But we had some really great songs and I just love Dr. Bishop-he is awesome! Truly an inspiration to me! He teaches in such a way that I know blesses our lives as choir students and we are just like a family in the A Capella Choir and he is like our dad! It's awesome and I'm so glad I can be a part of it! It was a strenghthening to me to know that if I can at least continue doing well in something, its singing! Some other things just take more time, but thats ok I suppose.

Another exciting thing that happened yesterday, my sister Stephanie and her family came for a visit! Sadly they couldn't come for the show, other plans, but they stopped by for a bit! Oh how I miss my favorite kids-my niece and nephews! They are getting so big and I love them so much! It was great to see their family!

Life is fantastic! I gotta keep telling myself that! Testimony meeting was today for us [Stake Conference next weekend] and I really felt the spirit there. I bore my testimony and enjoyed others' testimonies as well. I always forget how powerful once a week church can be. It really makes me think and ponder about a lot of things in my life. Things I need to work on and such....and again, makes me remember how wonderful my life is and how greatful I should be for the things I have in my life!

I hope you all are having a great weekend and have a great week! Take care everyone! PS-Pictures from Fall Sing and my niece and nephews will be posted soon!

"I can sum up life in 3 words...It Goes On."

Emma

2008-10-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

Life is a Song...Sing It!

2008-10-12T12:27:00.008-07:00

*Random thought of the day: I have been sadly unaware of the fact that...washers and dryers, sometimes eat socks! Wierd huh? I read this definition of a clothes dryer the other night. It said that a clothes dryer is an appliance designed to eat socks. Here are two jokes to prove that this really happens!

-I just bought a state-of-the-art washer/dryer. It talks. This morning, it told me what it did with the other sock!

-Q: What do you call a cat that gets thrown in the dryer and is never found again?

A: Socks

I totally didn't get it, as per usual...dot dot dot...cough....I have never lost a sock, that I know of, in a washer or dryer. You would think that could happen at college ya know? Oh well. Lesson to be learned-I should watch my socks carefully and be nice to cats. That is all.*

Its been a good week. I sorta almost lost my mind again...ah! Things just get wierd and crazy sometimes. Basically-I wonder why I'm a music major sometimes. But then I remember, Oh yeah, I LOVE music that much, that I'm willing to try and learn the technical theory stuff because I know I'm going to use it in someway or another [unlike math], and so I have to keep going and do my best. All things considered, I'm a work in progress girl! I got a lot accomplished after my little flip out though(: My mom told me to clean my room lol! It really helped once I had a clean atmosphere, to get things done.

I have a new addiction I have to admit. The Office. I know I had mentioned it before, but that was when I had just started to watch it...but its been a while before I was finally able to find the 3rd and 4th season. I LOVE THAT SHOW! It seriously makes my day! Its flippin hilarious! Some of it is so stupid but thats mostly what makes it so funny! I will forever be greatful to the creater of this show! Its addicting.....the roommates and I finished season 4 and Season 5 is still on tv so we're waitin for that one to come, or we may just have to look it up online(: Anyway-I reccomend it to anyone. Well, kids won't understand it at all, but its great!

This weekend was nice. No school Friday due to "Fair Day". Yearly tradition states: The Gila County Fair goes Thurs-Sat. They give us a no school day for that/Columbus Day. Its awesome! So Friday, I relaxed and watched my show of course. Then, our amazing friend Kelsey came! It was Soooooo fun! We love having her here! Friday evening, we went to the fair. Company, EA's show choir group, performed, as well as the 6/4(6 guys, girls quartet). So we watched them and then decided to see what the fair had to offer. Emily, me, Kelsey and Hannah went on 1 ride. We decided to at least do one for fun. I got my cotton candy so that made me happy! After chillin at the fair for a while, me and my roommates decided to go get some KFC and then go home and watch a movie we had rented....27 Dresses(: Kels had never seen it so it was a must see! We stayed up for a while talking. Fun stuff! Saturday, the plan WAS to go up to the mountains for a picnic, but turns out it decided to rain instead(: So we deleted that plan and hung out around here instead. We watched more Office, and had some homemade chicken noodle soup, made by the wonderful twins! Then, despite the rain and cold, we went to the EAC football game. Half of it anyway. It got too cold and boring. Then it was back home. I went to Emily's to watch MADE OF HONOR. K-it was cute and funny and Patrick Dempsey is hott, but it was NOT his best movie I must say. I was slightly dissapointed with the movie but its ok. Whatever! So Emily, as well as our friend Nick, and I watched that show.

Today, I taught again in Relief Society. I think it went really well! I loved the lesson I taught. It was about getting through trials. I had my friend Caitlyn sing a special number as part of it. I used Emma Smith as an example of getting through trials so I had her sing this song called Emma. Its from the Nashville Tribute to Joseph Smith. It is so amazing! Look around on another post above. Take some time to watch the video with this song. It truly shows how wonderful Emma Smith was. I cried when she sang, but luckily made it through the rest of my lesson! I truly felt the spirit today.

Now, its a new week to start. Friday I will be returning to Show Low for the homecoming football game! Wierd to think that i'm an alumni at Show Low High School! Go Cougars!

Hope you all have a great week.

My New Favorite Song...again....

2008-10-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

The Faithful do not murmer in affliction, but are thankful for God's Goodness

2008-10-05T16:05:00.007-07:00

Random thought of the day: MOVIE REVIEW: Eagle Eye! It's awesome. Went with several friends last night to see it. Ok, so basically the good action is what made it good, and the fact that Shia LaBeof is incredibly sexy(: Cassidi and Emily-all I can say is WHATEVER! We have different tastes in guys so get over it! (: But anyway, I needed a good action movie so I really liked all the car crashes and stuff(: Do I sound like a total girl or what? Ok so the movie was intense. I reccomend it not to children, because of the violence. It's one of those movies you have to really follow from the beggining. Kinda different story line. If you don't know what its about, look for the preview on YouTube or movies.com. That is all.

I have had a really great week! I love being able to say that! I actually like being busy for the most part, which is I guess somewhat normal(:, but I like the fact that I'm doing well still in my classes. I've never felt so accomplished and good about school. I'm amazed really at how things are going. Probably because last year was so rough....but I'm amazed that I can keep a balance on things, for the most part. I guess this week I was just thinking about a lot of different things and call it "soul searching" if you will. I just feel like there are a lot of things I can do better, to become a better person. And whether it was through things other people said, or my institute classes, or what, I just feel there is more I can work on, spiritually. And I believe my main focus should be school right now, which is good cuz that's where I'm at anyway! I need to get through this semester and end with a bang! (Holy...and the semester is already about half over already!)

This weekend really helped because it was General Conference. Yay! It was really amazing infact! Quite a lazy weekend really. The roommates and I watched it online right here at our apartment. I loved all that the brethren (and 2 sisters) had to say! Very inspirational as well. I personally liked Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's talks! I also truly felt the love of them, and our dear prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He is wonderful! It's been great to be on a spiritual high this weekend and have some refreshers and help for what's to come the rest of this semester.

So, life is good. Life is positive. Life is...life. And you know why? Becuase of what Elder Wirthlin said, "Come what may, and love it."

Have a fantastic week everyone!

Home Away From Home

2008-09-27T19:42:00.008-07:00

*Random thought of the Day: Quote, "If there is only one reason to vote for John McCain, its Barack Obama" (: All the more reason to vote for McCain.*

It's true what the little bird told you. I'm home for the weekend! Yay! I have been happy to be out of Thatcher for a few days. Unfortunantly....SOMEhow, my homework followed me home. Rude! My english paper thats due Monday, just jumped into my schoolbag, and my schoolbag jumped into the vehicle and we were off! As well as my voice music. LALALA! Its ok...I got my paper done-ish. After about 5 hours-ish, the final paper is done. Thank goodness I got the rough draft somewhat mostly done by Thursday! And thanks again Curtis for your help on it! You're awesome!

The past week has been...bittersweet. I know I blogged a couple times, but those were short and to the point stuff I guess...I don't know what I'm even saying. Sometimes my mind is all over the place! Anyway-It got really good as the end of the week came and I got ready to come to Show Low! I got here yesterday late afternoon. The missionaries came over for dinner which was cool! Not to mention-they were pretty cute...ahem...anyway...it was fun chatting with them and my fam. After dinner, my mom and I went to Tyson Adams and Necia Moffats reception. I have known both of them for a while. Tyson was in my ward growing up and in my high school. Necia went to our rival school but was also at EAC last year so now they're married. Ah...marriage is for married people Cassidi and I say! Hee hee! Anyway, it was fun to see some old friends and such. Then, I went home while my mom-who apparently has a social life too(;-went out with friends, and I "started working on my paper"..ha...well I wasn't really with it because I was watching one of the greatest movies EVER. 27 Dresses! It's pretty much on my top 10 list of movies! *PS-That list is to come next blog(:I think....

Anyway, so today I just worked on my paper this morning, after eating Mom's amazing waffles(;, and then I went and babysat in Torreon. Yep-landed a job this weekend! There goes money for my utility bill due on Tues! Yay! It wasn't too bad. There were two girls ages 2 and 4-adorable. Crazy but cute! Easy job and just a few hours. Then I came home and watched the awesome General Relief Society Broadcast! It was really wonderful! I love the presidency! They have such a strong spirit and a wonderful example(: I really liked what President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "Come together with Faith, Hope, and Charity and things will come together for your good." That is SO awesome! And true! I think I should live by that more often(: He is a wonderful man, called by God(:

After that, I finished my paper [now in the process of some editing]. Then I went out with an old friend, Chelsea, and we got daquiris, of course! It was fun catching up with her and remembering the past good times we've had! Now, I'm up late of course, and I have lovely 8am church tomorrow with the fam! Then its back to my good ol life in Thatcher! I miss it when I'm home, but at the same time, I don't. But I am greatful for my life in Thatcher. I'm just enjoying my time there alot this year! Though stressful and busy, I still love it and the friends I have!

Hope you all had a grand weekend and have a fantastic week! More to come in the day in the life of well, me.

TTFN

Soundtrack to a life

2008-09-23T19:23:00.005-07:00

So, I'm stealing this idea off Cassidi's blog(:

Since my career [hopefully], will be doing soundtracks for movies, this is kinda fun. See-the reason I want that career, is because I always have a song in my head for every situation in my life, or others' lives. I find it a lot of fun because really, there is always a song for everything.

Below, is a list of a few people with a song that goes with them and kinda why. Don't feel left out if I didnt' include you(: I have a lot of close friends, but yeah anyway...you get the point.

Cassidi-We're at the Top of the World by The Juliana Theory. Cass-you are my world! And we will always be at the top because we can push and shove sometimes, and sometimes life is rough, but I know you'll always stick by my side and I promise to be by yours! Thanks for everything and keeping my life exciting...even though we're far apart(:

Emily-Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye. Not only can you and I totally jam out to this in your car, without caring how people look at us, its really true that there 'aint no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough, ain't no river wide enough, to keep me from gettin to you!" You're my best friend and I love you that much!

Kelsey-Bad Day by Daniel Powter. Kelsey, though mostly through email, you've always been there for me on my bad days, as well as my good days! But this song is chosen for you because there was a time this summer, when things were all down hill and you called me. And this song just happened to be on your radio! Love you girl!

Mom-You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban. Mom-you do raise me up always! Thanks for encouraging me, and pushing me along. Thanks for everything! I love you.

Tiffany-Picture to Burn by Taylor Swift. Ok, so we can't slash any boys tires or write hate notes, because well-that would be mean. But if it really gets out of hand, we can just burn some pictures! I love you so much. I'm glad we can stick together through stupid times. Yes I said stupid times. You are one sweet girl and I don't know what i'd do without you, or our icecream situations lol!

Jen-L.O.V.E. by Ashlee Simpson. Ah..it all started with the girls night. Which then led to waffles and purrring(: I L.O.V.E. you a million waffles. Thanks for moral support, way too many laughs, John Tucker jokes, and all that jazz.

Adam-I Will Remember You by Jessica Andrews. With everything we've been through together, the good and the bad, in years to come, I'll never forget! I know you'll always be there for me and I hope I can be just as good of a friend to you.

Felicia-Wouldn't it Be Nice by The Beach Boys. [Go Figure!]It truly is our happy song! 'Wouldn't it be nice if we were older then we wouldn't have to wait so long..."Felicia-you're amazing! You know if somethings bothering me and even if I dont' tell you what it is, you just give me a hug and try to make me smile. Thanks girl! You make my day always!

And anyone else who I didn't mention that have made my day or just been my friend, thanks. You're all an inspiration in my life, in one way or another!

~Rachelle~

If You Change Your Mind...turn around baby

2008-09-22T17:18:00.003-07:00

*Random thought of the day: *Added on by yours truly

WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED:
Men Are Just Happier People-- What do you expect from such simple creatures?

Your last name stays put.

The garage is all yours.

Wedding plans take care of themselves. *You just get your tux and show up!

Chocolate is just another snack.

You can be President. *Women apparently can now too!

You can never be pregnant. *Sadly, you have to deal with us being pregnant though.

You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.

You can wear NO shirt to a water park.

Car mechanics tell you the truth.

The world is your urinal. *Uh....better not be.... losers!

You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.

You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. *Como cars? What?

Same work, more pay.

Wrinkles add character.

Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.

People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.

New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.

One mood all the time. *Not always true

Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. *I personally prefer guys that are more sensitive and like to talk.

You know stuff about tanks.

A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. *Girls have the right to bring 5 bags!

You can open all your own jars.

You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.

If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.

Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.

Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.

You almost never have strap problems in public.

You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

Everything on your face stays its original colour.

The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.

You only have to shave your face and neck.

You can play with toys all your life.

You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.

You can 'do' your nails with a pocket knife.

You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.

You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.*

I'm extremely tired today. Its lucky I got an hour nap today, otherwise, I might say something really stupid or incoherent. I have a lot of things on my mind today. Boston is really sounding more like a great idea.

I just came up with my own new quote.

"It's hard to know whats real, when it all seems so right."

I can't explain exactly what I'm feeling right now. I'm havin a rough time with something but yet, I know its going to be ok. Somehow, but it will be alright. Maybe I don't make much sense because I'm not explaining very well. But, sometimes I guess my blog could be for venting. But I'll stop now.

I did have a good weekend, for the most part....Friday night was a lot of fun. Had a choir social, and an institute social. Both were TONS of fun! I hung out with my friend Kaleb all night. He is awesome(: My friend Kelsey was here visiting for the weekend as well so we enjoyed her company!

Saturday we all kinda got a few things done and then Saturday night had a big group date. My date was Kaleb and we were with my roommate Heather and Kelsey and their dates, as well as Emily and Derek. We had SO much fun! Ema and I made dinner and then we played a game at the park. It was crazy! Good times....

Sunday was a very spiritual, yet somewhat emotional up and down day. Whatever. I enjoyed church though. Also....I got set apart for a new calling! I am a Relief Society Instructor! I am VERY excited for this! I love teaching so much! I hope I will do well in serving my ward.

NOW, its another week of who knows what. And, now I'm off to do something useful since nothing has been done today.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

My New Favorite Song-Thanks Ema!

2008-09-17T17:07:00.002-07:00

Turn Right and Look For Fire!-WH

2008-09-15T18:36:00.008-07:00

*I am a random thought. Apparently it happens to the best of us. No real random thought for the day. Sad and unusual, but life goes on.....*

Another week or so gone by....things are going amazingly well! You are all lucky to be reading my blog today however, because for some reasons, I have been in such a good mood today. It all started when...well, I won't tell you when it all started due to the secrets of my mind(; But, I did go to Math today, to find out that I did VERY well on my math test. Infact-out of everyone else, I got one of the highest scores on my test! THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED! Things like that, concerning math anyway, NEVER HAPPEN! It's all thanks to my focus I suppose. I am really glad I have the Lord's help so that I can do well and keep focused and hard working while I am in school. Yes-I have my distractions, but its all been good and I'm doing pretty decent in all my classes. I'm not bragging I promise, I'm just very happy about it! But because of my math test, and other reasons, I just had a fantastic day.

But lets return to the past shall we? This weekend perhaps. OH my my my! Have I mentioned how much I love weekends and play time? And how every Monday, I wish it was Friday again?

This weekend was absolutely AWESOME! I have pictures to prove it! Friday night, I attended a scholarship banquet. There they "officially" presented my scholarship to me and there was a very wonderful dinner. It was really neat and I felt special!

After the banquet frenzies, I went to the first Institute Dance this year. Me and Emily had a lot of fun. The "theme" was "HIGH SCHOOL STEREOTYPE". Instead of an actual stereotype, we just decided to represent Show Low High School! We dressed in green and gold-the works. And pretty much danced ALL night!

Saturday came, which meant more FUN! Emily and I arose early to head up in the mountains on a hike. Mr. Rich, who is an instructor I know here was taking the "Outdoor Club" up on a 3 mile hike. So there were about 8 of us. My good buddy Kaleb, who I know from choir and such came along as well. So me him and Ema hung out the whole time! It was awesome! I got made fun of alot by Kaleb, because of course I kept falling as we came down hill at the end of the hike(: My balance seems to be off(: Oh well-we had some good times and some great inside jokes created! As shown, lots of great pictures!

By the time we arrived home Saturday afternoon, I couldn't really walk! Well, I could, but it was very painful. See-not only was there the dance and the hike this weekend, but Emily and I also went running last Thursday evening. So I am still a bit sore! Trust me though-It was all WORTH IT! Hopefully there are more good times as such to come!

Sunday was good. Besides being sore, I gave the lesson in Relief Society. I think it went alright. It was on the Plan of Salvation. I really enjoy teaching so I think it was an ok thing!

Anyway, life is really awesome right now! I just smile and try to be happy!

Happy Monday Everyone!

If you ask me if I like him, I'd lie

2008-09-03T17:33:00.010-07:00

*Random thought of the day:

I have created another quote! "The Wind will take me where I shall be meant to be." Ok, so in a way its an oxymoron or something. It made sense in my head alright! The point being, the wind does take me where I should go. Who controls the wind anyway? God does. He blows it everywhere if he wants to. Or just in Thatcher when he sends rain, like he did last night(: So if he wants me to blow in the wind, or for the wind to knock me off balance, or for it to push me in the right direction, thats what will happen. As represented in the movie Moulin Rouge, wind is creative. Wind can go in any which way it wants. [Thanks again Alex for your help with my English worksheet!] So-go with the wind. Go with the Lord's plan for you. Life, believe it or not, can be alot easier that way! That is all.*

My week has been pretty great! My motivation level is still going up and down as far as school is concerned. (: Its alot harder than I thought it would be to get back in the school mood. Crazy stuff. I'm trying to enjoy it though! This past weekend was of course Labor Day Weekend! I LOVED the break! I'm already ready for another weekend...2 more days.... Friday consisted of the annual...MUD BOWL! My roommates were all gone for the weekend, but I went with Emily and we had a blast! The picture is of me, Ema, and her roommate Caralee and our other friend Nate. As much fun as it was, I was a little sore from being tackled and I got a beautiful painful splinter in my foot. [After 2 days, I finally allowed Derek to get it out]. But I suppose it was somewhat worth it!

Saturday consisted of cleaning the apartment, doin a bit of homework and hangin out with Emily. Saturday night, was AWESOME! I had a GIRLS NIGHT! I invited Tiffany, Anna, and Jenn, who I'm in choir with over. We ate pizza, chocolate, virgin daquiris, and talked and laughed and gossiped and watched John Tucker Must Die(: The works! We had so much fun. It had been a while since I did a girls night!

Sunday was church, which was really really great too! The wives of the bishopric spoke in Sacrament meeting. They are our "Shadow Leaders" and I love those sisters SO much! They are such great examples to me, and everyone in the ward. As they spoke and gave just their simple short messages, I felt the spirit and felt their love for me. It was great!

Sunday evening, I was at Emily's again of course! Her family was here visiting so, Curtis and Derek and I were all over there for dinner and then we watched The Single's 2nd Ward.

It was great. Then...on Monday morning, Curtis took me out to breakfast. Good fun I suppose. After that, I joined Emily's family and took a drive up to a place called Noon Creek up in the mountains. It was BEAUTIFUL! See pics to know what I mean! We had a lot of fun takin a little walk along the creek! We are hopefully going to take the boys and go back up there this weekend! I love the mountains in this desert area! God's creations are amazing!

So, that was basically my weekend and I didn't want it to end! 2 more days, 2 more days......

Other than that fun amazing junk, life is goin alright I guess! College life rocks my face off.

I hope all of you had a great long weekend and have a good rest of the week! Keep checkin out my blog for new pics and such, as they are about to come!

PEACE!

Move Along Move Along Like I Know You Do

2008-08-27T15:03:00.008-07:00

Random thought of the day: I decided that driving an old Ford pickup truck would be awesome!!! I saw a couple of them here in Thatcher and suddenly decided that would be cool. Unfortunantly-I would probably have to learn how to drive a stick because I'm guessing most of them are sticks..maybe...But yeah-I think they would be kinda fun! But i'm just saying(:

A week and a half of school done with. Yet-this is only the beginning. Already this week, I have had a list of stuff to do each day. That of course has included homework and other important things. I'm working on prioritizing. My problem-I still tend to be lazy sometimes. Another thing to work on I suppose! I think I am enjoying my classes. But that would mean that I'm saying I like work....HA! Yes-my classes all seem to be alot of work. And extra work. I'm a little overwhelmed I'll admit. Mainly with my music classes still. It's amazing how much I don't know. It's hard to take it all in. Plus keepin up with math and english and now voice lessons. Yes-the real hard work has begun. About 4 hours a week of practice. Not to mention-I have a Norwegian, German, AND Italian song to sing. No-not all 3 languages in one song, 3 different songs of those languages(: I didn't know that it was even possible to sing Norwegian. German-eh, I've done it before and its not my favorite. Italian-sigh....I LOVE singing Italian. Its the language of love you know(; I'm excited to be singing lots again, I just pray I can handle everything well this year!

This past weekend was lots of fun. Ok-well, I did go to traffic school...joy. Anyone who doens't know that story-well there is probably a reason you don't(:

So Traffic school on Saturday was lame, then I came home, slept, ate, cleaned [roommates were gone for the wknd], and late Sat. night, Ema and I made dinner for Derek and Curtis! They liked it! We made chicken parmesian and this cheesecake pie stuff. YUM! Its fun making dinner for other people. Especially boys cuz they appreciate it more(:

ANYWAY

Nothing too interesting else is going on right now. Just enjoying the college life I suppose.

PS-I gave in to drinking the choir water. Shh!

Have a good life...i mean...week everyone!

I should be sleepin instead of dreamin about you....

2008-08-19T16:21:00.005-07:00

*Random Thought of the Day: "I hate so much the things you choose to be"-Micheal in The Office, season 2, final episode. I love The Office! Its probably the most random funniest show ever! I highly recommend it. You kinda have to be in the mood for it though. And I suggest watching it from Season 1 til now. Its awesome! That is all.*

Well, school is in session. Mozeltof! So far, so good. Of course, I say that now. Then the hard stuff begins. Very soon infact. I am pretty positive that I will enjoy my music classes the most. Music Theory and Aurel Perception. As well as choir and voice lessons. I'm so excited for all the new music stuff I'll be learning, and the improving I will do in my lessons. I also have math and english 102. Both will be tough. English however may not be too terrible. I have a very awesome teacher! I had her for Eng 101 and she likes me so as long as I work hard and stay focused, I'll be ok! Math..well math will be math. [yet another thing I'd like to light on fire]. I am trying to look forward to this year and trying to get on top of things. Because bascially, since the day after I returned to Thatcher, I have been out every night! Hee hee! It's been so fun seeing all my friends. This picture is blurry I know, but its me Derek and Ema being wierdos(:

Thursday, Emily and I went over to my friends Curtis and Derek's to watch a movie and we have been hangin out with them every night since. They are really fun guys! I actually went on a date with Curtis on Saturday night. We went with his other roommate and a date to dinner and we played a crazy game at Walmart and got Sonic smoothies and went and played at the park! It was SO much fun! Probably one of the funnest dates I have ever been on!

So, I've had several late nights. I have also lost alot of sleep since I got here. Not from staying up late, but I just can't sleep right now. Its caused alot of headaches and neck and back pains. Yay for my chiropractor Dr. Goodman-I'll be paying a visit to him tomorrow. So yeah-after 4 nights of not sleeping more that a few hours each night, I finally resulted to sleeping pills last night. And well-as nyquil always does, they knocked me right out! Lets pray I just sleep tonight!

So its been great since I got back. Now my focus needs to probably turn to school a little bit more and I also start lessons next week! Woot woot! Hope everyone is having a fantastic week!

Don't do anything I wouldn't help you with.

TTFN

This Is Home. I'm Finally Where I Belong!

2008-08-13T19:41:00.008-07:00

*Random Thought[s] of the Day: Always have a budget plan. I can't tell you enough how amazing BUDGETING is! I have a spreadsheet that I keep updated and it keeps me organized(: I recommend it, especially for college students such as myself. So yeah......any questions or more details? Ask me! Another random thought of the day-You know what being a hostess reminds me of? Hostess snacks! So did that mean that I was a hostess snack at the Crowne Plaza? Like-a ding dong, or a twinkie? Felicia told me-Just don't be a ho-ho(:*
I AM HOME! I AM IN THATCHER! Truly, the place where I belong. My life as I know it is here right now. I was overjoyed with happiness(thats almost an oxymoron)when I drove into Thatcher with my friend Dace yesterday. I was happy to have left the heat of the valley. I went to Mesa on Monday night and started packing all my stuff. Tuesday I went to get my last check at work and turn in my ugly royal blue shirt. Tues night, I went out to Olive Garden with Brandon and Jen. And yesterday morning, before I left, Jen and I went and did some shopping so I could get a few clothes for school. It was great! Now, I'm back, and...just about organized and I have food to eat! I was very happy to see my beautiful roommates!Whitney and I actually stayed up talking and catching up for a while last night. And I got to see some other awesome friends who are back as well. And hey-already met some new people too! School starts Monday so I have a few more days of freedom!But I'm glad I can spend that freedom here.

I believe I am ready for school to begin. I'm excited for [most]of my classes. Mainly my music classes. It should be a good year. I really have learned a lot from this summer, believe it or not. Its been rough but I am trying to look at the good stuff that came out of it. For example,*I became closer with my best friend Adam*I had a really good singles ward to go to*I got some experience doing hostessing*I made some good friends at my work*And finally, I got a new nephew!
Ethan Micheal DamBrosio! He is adorable and is healthy! Born on August 11th, at 7lbs,5 oz. [much smaller than Stephanie's other kids btw]

So, i'm glad to be here and start a new year. Here is a quote to sum it up I suppose.

"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results."

I want to try to live by that this year. Be more positive and...well-making lemonade of course(: I want to be more outgoing and be a good friend to those around me. So here I go!

Stay tuned for more of, "A day in the life of one unique girl!"

Life Up In The Air

2008-08-04T19:01:00.006-07:00

Random thought of the day: Anyone who votes for Barack Obama....shouldn't. That's it.

The following lyrics by Cheri Magill are alot of whats up with my life or how i'm thinking right now:

Up In The Air

I long to write my plans in pen

I often find myself wondering when

I wish that I could see the finish line

I'd like to be given some kind of sign

With life up in the air my faith has learned to fly

I know whose hands are covering my eyes

Wherever I land will be hallowed ground to me

I know that He has placed me where I should be

I've seen so many forks in the road

But I've been shown which way I should go

I've blinked and years have faded away

I see how things have fallin into place.....

~This week, or rather mostly the weekend has been bittersweet. Several ups and downs, as has happened alot in the past year. I stayed really busy last week with work and such.

Saturday, I attempted to head up to Show Low for a couple days, which is where I am now. However, my car broke down near globe and an hour outside of Show Low. It overheated and then eventually would not even turn over and try to start. Stupid mistake on my part-I didnt' bother checking the oil before I left the valley. So, my mom came and got me in Globe Sat. night and we left my car on the side of the road where it broke down. (PS-Got my first ride in a police car-a cop took me into Globe with my stuff to wait for my mom there. I looked like a starving musician because I had my brothers guitar with me and a suitcase and had to wait at McDonalds...no I did not get a picture)In the long run, my engine ended up locking up. Therefore-I will not be going back to school with a car, which is ok-I'll survive-ish. However, I had to quit my job in Chandler a week and a half early due to not being able to make it back down there. I will go back there on Monday though to get all my other stuff packed up and take care of a couple things with work. And then at some point next week I will just head back to Thatcher for school. Lets just say-its been a long last few days. Very stressful infact. After the summer I've been through, I've had it with all of this(: BUT...its ok. Because I've had alot of encouragement from my mom and other family and really awesome friends. Encouragement to keep going and just keep putting my trust in the Lord. He is testing my faith by putting these few trials on me I'm sure. I know I'm being shown which way to go. I even landed a couple of babysitting jobs here in Torreon like I used to do in the summer. That had to be pure luck! Sometimes, like the song by Augustana, I just do want to go to Boston! There I'll find a new life. Or New York! Somewhere far away from here. Not to run away from things, but sometimes I would rather just do that. I have been lucky to see some rain here in the mountains. And I had a virgin daquiri last night, so half my problems are solved(: I also have gotten to spend some amazing time with old friends from HS-Chelsea, Jourdan, Alex-you guys rock my face off! And I plan on seeing some more buddies this week as well.

So....onto Plan B I guess! Sometimes life hands you really sour lemons and they hit you hard in the face. Good thing I like lemonade so much so I'll just have to keep it comin! Thank you so much to those who have been there for me, whether its been the whole summer or just recently or whatever. I dont' know where I would be without any of you! Have a good week everyone.

Lemonade

2008-07-23T15:42:00.001-07:00

On the road again

2008-07-21T13:05:00.007-07:00

Random Thought of the Day:

Ok, so today I don't really have a "thought" per se, but here is a recipe I thought you all might like to try sometime!I sorta invented it myself.

BACON/CHICKEN SNACK

~Get biscuits or bisquick to make biscuits.

~Before cooking them, cook a few pieces of bacon and break them into little pieces.

~Cook chicken, or get canned chicken, and break that into pieces as well.

~Put the chicken and bacon pieces in each biscuit. Just pieces all squished all over them. Then place in the oven for about 10 minutes or so.

~When they are finished cooking, place your choice of warm cream of mushroom/chicken soup all over biscuits, or sour cream, or ranch dressing. Whatever sounds good to you, or just eat them plain. I at least reccomend a little butter melted on them.

I tried it today and it turned out pretty good! So go for it!

*Another week has gone by and I now am down to 4 weeks left til I return to EA! This past week has definantly had some ups and downs. Details that I will choose not to get into. But let me tell ya-the Lord has sure given me some comfort as always. I have done a lot of stupid things before, but I sure feel his forgiveness each time. I guess you could say that I'm learning more about learning from your mistakes. Such as life right? Many people, including myself, are always afraid of failing and messing up. But as my life motto goes, "Learn while you live, Love what you learn." As long as I try to strive and make everyday a good day, I'll be alright!

I worked every day this week almost and it was not too bad besides a few things happened. Friday was awesome because I had the whole day free. My friends Emily and Kevin came down here to hang out because our other friend-Sam West, got married. So we hung out all day on Friday and went to the reception Fri. night, as well as dinner at Olive Garden(:

After dinner, my other friend Adam, joined us to watch a movie at my house. It was fun and turned out to be a long night. Adam and I stayed up til 4 in the morning just talking! It was so fun! We hardly ever get to talk and have heart to hearts, so it was really nice.

About 6 hours later, I woke up very exausted and got ready to go to my sisters baby shower. She is having another boy in August! It was fun. We mostly just ate and talked and watched her open presents. She got a lot of really awesome stuff for the baby so she will be well off for a while!

After the shower, I of course went to work.

Then...Sunday! Woot! Yesterday I headed up with my friend Sterling to Show Low/Snowflake. One of our friends, Travis, who I went to school with this last year and is one of my best friends, gave his "non" farewell mission talk. He did SO good! I'm so proud of him for making the choice to serve. He will be going to Guatemala! I'm going to miss him so so much though! It was a little sad saying goodbye to him. But he is definantly doing the right thing.

It was a lot of fun though because we hung out with Felicia-she is amazing! And also-Curtis, who I also go to school with, was there. He was Travis's roommate last year so it was really awesome to see him. After sacrament meeting, Me, Sterling and Curtis all went to Felicias to hang out until the setting apart and dinner that Travis was having at his house. We went to that and just had a lot of fun! I really needed a good day yesterday and I got it! My friends are so awesome.

Then, Sterling and I went back to my house in Show Low and stayed the night and arrived back a couple hours ago. My grandma was also in Show Low visiting so that was great!

So all in all, it was a really great weekend.

Now i'm back and ready to finish off my summer with a bang I suppose!

You all have a wonderful week!

TTFN

Twilight!

2008-07-16T10:37:00.001-07:00