The Best Days of My Life

*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!

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

*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

*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!

*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

*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

*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!