live.laugh.love.

bodybugg

2010-07-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

I think i'm getting one. And I am SO excited.

I started an online sign language class. Best decision. ever. I missed it so much. Only about a month left here and I'm already feeling both excited to go back and sad to leave this summer behind

Home

2010-06-18T14:47:00.001-07:00

Lately, I've been doing a lot of this

and a lot of this

and probably a little too much of this

and not enough of this

and you know what??

Even with a messy room, this is a pretty great summer

BIttersweet

2010-04-18T15:51:00.001-07:00

Well, I only have 2 more days here at the Riv in Provo until I'm Arizona bound. All but one final done, and I am itching to be finished. I have been packing, and am shocked at how much stuff I have. It's a little bit ridiculous.

I am SO excited to go home. But at the same time, I am going to miss THESE GIRLS more than anything.

I miss....

2010-04-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

- writing and reading like I did in high school. I'm an english major, I'm meant to read and write.
- my family and friends at home. (can anyone say 2 weeks?!)
- feeling like I know where "home" is
- warm weather Aprils
- singing

I'm excited....

- for finals to be over
- to see Katie's prom pictures (so mad I won't be there)
- for Mrs. Evans' retirement concert
- Diamondbacks game?
- to see Curt play football

it's time. only 14 (13 if you count the way i want to) more days

This weekend

2010-04-05T12:31:00.001-07:00

was amazing. We got to listen to men of God testify of the Savior and celebrate His life.

Marisa, Xan, Jerina, and I went up to Bountiful to spend the weekend with her grandparents. On Saturday, we were watching Conference with her young cousin. When President Monson was walking past the camera, she asked him who that was. He said that's the president. She asked him if he was the prophet, and he said "Yep! That's MY prophet."

He is my prophet. I love him and pray for him, because he is the Lord's mouthpiece on the earth. He, along with the apostles, lead the church and I am so grateful for their faith and words of peace and guidance.

Happy late Easter everyone!

OH YEAH.....SIXTEEN DAYS

Excitement

2010-04-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it happened. I got the call today from Freshman Mentoring, telling me that they would like to hire me. After telling my current boss and ironing out the details, I am now the newest Peer Mentor for the 2010-2011 school year. I am thrilled. This is a job I know I am supposed to have. I love praying about things and then seeing how your prayers are answered. you don't always see it but it is cool when you can.

SOOOOO..this means that I will be home in less than three short weeks. It also means I have to get really good grades on my finals to make my GPA good. Which makes me nervous. But it's ok. It's worth it.

Because its worth 4 months at home.

Today

2010-03-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

Today, in Relief Society, I realized that a lot of my time is spent in the thick of thin things. Say that 10 times fast, and then come back to me.

Ok, ready? I spend too much time worried and stressed and overwhelmed. And about what? Nothing that has eternal consequences, that's for sure. I worry and I cause myself to be sick about things that, when it comes down to it, won't really matter in the long run. So instead, I am going to try to focus only on the things that really matter. I am going to try as hard as I can to focus on those things that will bring me closer to my Heavenly Father and do my best on all of the other things that I have in my life. I know that all the "good" things in my life will ultimately bring me closer to my Savior and Father in Heaven, but I want to make sure that it is really the "best" things that I am doing on a daily basis.

This is the beginning of my journey to a life without being stuck in the thick of thin things. Here's hoping I'll get to the end of that journey at some point in my life.

Festival of Colors

2010-03-27T23:44:00.001-07:00

There is an Indian temple in Spanish Fork that has a festival that celebrates the change from winter to spring. We heard all about it, so we decided to go check it out. The premise is everyone throws chalk, and you get COVERED. So this morning, we got dressed in clothes we didn't care about at all and took off to the temple. We got there and the place was just covered in people. After watching a few traditional Indian dances, everyone stood up, and the countdown started at 20. When it got to 0, everyone threw handfuls of color up into the air. That moment was the craziest thing I have ever experienced. There was so much color in the air that it was like a cloud over the crowd and you couldn't see ANYTHING. The color was scented too, so you could hardly breathe. After that, you just threw it at each other or rubbed it onto people. It was so crazy but so much fun!! We were absolutely COVERED in color.

pictures

2010-03-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

Jerina and I did a cooking lab for one of our classes. and absolutely LOVED it. SFL 110 next semester?? i think so!

Happy valentines day everyone! Love this girl to pieces.

AH basketball games and roomies. two of my great loves at BYU.

let's just call it an obsession and leave it at that.

can we go back now?? thanks :)

the excitement is killing me

2010-03-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

first off, i have blog envy. i'll get back to that. also, today i have an aversion to capitalization. don't ask me why. i guess i'm just feelin the lower caps. its just that kind of day i guess.

let's play catch up, you and me. ok??

so ... plans were to stay in provo. for what seems like the rest of my life. not that i don't love it. i promise, i love you provo. even with your idiosyncrasies. last weekend, i went home (i'll get back to that too. because it is worth blogging about. one hundred percent) and dad and grandma told me that i need to come home for spring semester. (april-mid june) this sounded REALLY exciting. so exciting that i just found the need to use all caps on a no-caps kind of day.

and then i came back to provo. and marisa decided that she wanted come home for summer semester too. which means april-august. with some serious juggling this week, we've made it happen. we are coming home for four months. bliss.

maybe..

so i've been working in the off-campus housing office for BYU since the beginning of august. good job. really like the people i work with. it's been great. but i had the opportunity to apply to work with the freshman mentoring program. and i took it. i was supposed to hear from them sometime in march about an interview and it got to the 22nd and i still hadn't heard. which made me sad because i wanted this job. a lot. and then on the 23rd, jerina and i were sitting on the bathroom counter (this happens every day) and i got the call. and the interview. and hopefully, the job. i'll have to wait another two weeks to find out, but i am sure crossing my fingers. the snag is i applied to start in summer. i told them that i would still love to start then if that changed their decision in hiring me, but i would love to go home. so we'll see.

so that's the catch up.

every time i read other people's blogs i get really mad. because i want to be like them. they always have cute things going on, write really funny entries, have super cute pictures etc. it makes me jealous.

arizona trip deserves a separate post.

and i might even post pictures.

FRUSTRATED

2010-02-17T15:11:00.000-08:00

This semester has been SO hard. I feel like it has just been a cycle. I don't do well on a test or a paper or whatever it is and then I get even more frustrated and don't feel like working hard to do better on the next test or assignment because I am so angry at the previous grade. I take some comfort in knowing that pretty much everyone else I know has a really hard semester too, but somehow it doesn't make me feel THAT much better. I just feel like a loser. And I feel stupid. And I absolutely despise feeling this way. I hope that my future students never feel the way I'm feeling.

I'm done with this.

CHECK IT OUT!!

2010-01-23T11:49:00.000-08:00

Katie started a photo blog. She is an INCREDIBLE photographer...but she's only updated a few pictures so far. Check it out to see all her amazing pictures!

kfarnsworthphotography.blogspot.com

BYU Sports

2009-11-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

I have a slight obsession with this sport ^. and with this one....

So you could understand that I'm just a little bit excited that basketball officially starts tonight. and that the football season isn't quite over. Best time of the year for sure..

Oh yeah. And we are going to get snow tonight.

It's a cycle, and it just keeps going

2009-11-09T14:55:00.000-08:00

I always know when things are about to spiral out of control. I shut down and stop doing the essential things that I know are going to get me through. My motivation slows to a abrupt halt and I can't seem to find any spare motivation lying around. I'm stuck. And frustrated. And it feels like I can't get out.

I love BYU. Don't get me wrong. It's not that I dislike anything that I'm doing (even though my roommates might tell you otherwise). It's just that I get stressed. And for some reason, in my academic life, I deal with stress but shutting down until the last possible second, and then I word-vomit productivity out of my brain. It feels like if I wait until the last minute and have no choice but to do it, it somehow comes easier, or better. And I absolutely hate that about myself. At the beginning of the semester I was so on top of everything. My assignments and readings were done on time, if not early. I was motivated, excited, ready to learn and to do my best. And I'm still ready to learn. But somewhere along the line I lost some of my preparedness, some of my excitement. And now I'm just praying that i can somehow find it again.

I feel like I've really been neglectful by not writing about my roommates. So here's the rundown.

Obviously, Marisa is my roommate. We've been best friends for six years. She's what keeps me sane, and she's who makes me laugh more than anyone else.

Next is Xan-- we call her Peach. She's from Georgia. She loves Georgia. She's our youngin. She's loud and crazy and on the color guard. Also, she doesn't cook. Take it back. She could cook if I gave her a specific recipe and told her to cook it. She is just very indecisive.

Then we have Jerina. From Hawaii. Yeah, she's pretty cool. It's fun to have our little Hawaiian girl. Love her to death-- she is always so sweet and looking out for everyone. She and I make pancakes for the rest of the girls every Sunday morning. It's tradition.

Alyssa is the oldest, and is getting married in June. She spends her weekends with her boyfriend, so we don't see her all of the time, but she's in the English teaching program so it's fun for me to have someone to ask questions about what I will have to be doing soon.

Jessica is the other apartment blogger. She's a writer and works an incredibly early custodial job on campus. I couldn't do it and I'm impressed that she can.

Those are the girls. Having a blast with them, and so excited for some time to go by so we can throw Alyssa a bridal shower.

Bonfires, Mini Golf, and IHOP

2009-10-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I miss the ease of summer semester so much that it frustrates me. School has been overwhelming and I am starting to really feel the heat from some of my classes. No matter how much I work to catch up, I am ALWAYS BEHIND. But I am learning so much that it almost doesn't bother me. Almost.

On the bright side, we've been really lucky to make some great friends in our ward and have had some really great experiences so far. Last night for FHE, we went to my favorite (OK maybe not my favorite) place in Provo, Canyon Glen Park up the Provo Canyon for a bonfire. I think that I could just put down a blanket and sit in that park for hours, no bonfire, no entertainment. It is so relaxing and peaceful and beautiful, and I have amazing memories from the summertime. I am really blessed to have a great FHE family and had plenty of fun trying to start a fire, roasting marshmallows and Starbursts, doing crazy dances that we learned from our British girls, and listening to an amazing spiritual thought.

Sunday night, after an amazing dinner at Nan's, I came home to Heath, Jerina, and Xan (roommates and a friend) setting up a mini golf course in the apartment. Now, every time Heath is over, it is time to play golf apparently. I would just like to point out that the Georgia cup is the cup we put on the ground. Good thing Xan doesn't read this.

It wouldn't be freshman year if we didn't do 12.30 am IHOP runs. Just slightly hilarious.

I am so lucky, and loving school. Just a LITTLE bit jealous that my family is headed to Rocky Point tomorrow. Oh Mexico, I miss you!

It's Cold

2009-09-30T12:18:00.001-07:00

Let me explain to you...

-it snowed in the mountains

-it's supposed to snow down here. today.

-the 46 degree walk to class at 7:45 felt mighty warm when i left class at 11:50.

-my nose is red.

that's all.

I got Tagged

2009-09-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

Kirsten tagged me in this blog post, so I thought that I would go along with it...since I'm not doing anything else at work (except for the stack of papers to be filed). Here are the rules. List ten Honest things about myself and tag 10 other bloggers who I think are honest in their blogging.

Here is a little insight on me:

1. I have a slight obsession with TV shows. It's lessened...a lot..since I've been at school, but I still have to watch some of my shows online.

2. I have separation anxiety when I'm away from my best friend too long. It's odd. I know. But I'm ok with being odd.

3. I drink a lot when I go out to eat. Not like..."drink"...but I have like 3 cups of water to every one cup of water that my friends drink. I'm just thirsty.

4. My dishwasher has been "broken" for the past month and a half. Last night, SURPRISE. It's not broken. We've just been handwashing dishes because we like to.

5. Sometimes, I'm socially awkward.

6. I get really frustrated that people are totally fine with hanging out with me until they find out I'm a freshman. Usually by the time they realize it though, we're already friends. And they're stuck...Can't tell you how many time's I've heard "You're 18?!?!"

7. I get really nervous about school. Because I know that I want to be an English teacher, but I'm not the best writer, and I'm not the best at grammar. But I really love to teach. And I love English. And that's what should matter, isn't it?

8. People rarely spell my name right. And sometimes it really irks me. It shouldn't, should it? But sometimes, it does. And other times, I almost wish I could change the spelling whenever I wanted. That would be kind of cool.

9. I really love BYU. And the temple (except for how cold it is on the way to the temple at 6 am). And being LDS in general. It's awesome.

10. I'm really bad at asking for help in simple things. I wish I wasn't. Mom's fault. Thanks Mom. haha kidding!

I tag Leigh Ann, Jen, Amber, Alicia, Jessica.

"Wanna Go Home"

2009-09-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am so excited. I am so excited. I am so excited. I'M COMING HOME. I can't wait. Countdown is less than four days, and I am going crazy I am so excited.

Things that I'm excited for:

1. Home cooked meals.
2. Conference on the couch.
3. Seeing a movie with sissa and buddy.
4. Just being home.
5. Seeing the Merrill kiddos.
6. Stealing things (like shampoo and toothpaste) from mom's stash.
7. A good washing machine.
8. A car to go places.
9. mattie's face.
10.hami vs. chandler??

and so many more things

What I'm packing:

1. enough clothes to get me through the weekend.
2. a toothbrush.
3. makeup.
4. my scriptures.

and that's about it. because i'm going to steal lots of things from home. like a few loaves of homemade bread? my dad thinks i'm crazy. i probably am.

but i'm going home.

This Man

2009-09-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

This man is called of God. I can't even think to try to deny that after this morning. I am blessed enough to attend BYU, where I, this morning, got the opportunity to sit on the second row of the Mariott Center, and listen to the Prophet of God teach the students of this amazing University of those men of God that came before him. He spoke of the favorite foods and songs of the prophets that have presided during his life time. He spoke of their guidance and of what message they would want us to know.

He told us that Heber J. Grant would have told us to be persistent, to never give up.
That George Albert Smith would urge us to have a compassionate heart and to serve those around us. That David O. McKay would want us to have consideration for others, not ourselves. He reminded us of Joseph Fielding Smith's example and advice to be studious, of Harold B. Lee's ability to be persuasive, and of Spencer W. Kimball's true and complete devotion to serving the Lord. He advised us to be, like Ezra Taft Benson, generous in all that we do, and to be courteous, searching for the best in people as Howard W. Hunter did. Finally, he spoke of our last beloved prophet and of his guidance to us. President Monson told us that President Hinckley would have us always do our best, that we should honor holy ground like he always did, that we should know with a surety that Jesus lives.

Last of all, he told us to look to our Savior for direction just as we look to those great prophets that have led His church in these latter-days.

I am so incredibly blessed to be able to sit in the room with the man who communicates with God in a way that I cannot even comprehend. I know that he is a prophet.

Sometimes...

2009-09-11T14:41:00.001-07:00

I want to sleep in so bad that I would rather cut off my right arm than go to class.

Marisa and I laugh so hard that I think I might die.

My roommates make me smile. or roll my eyes. or love my life.

I miss my home and family so much that I want to cry. and most of the time I do.

I really love my job. Especially days like today when I had to go bed bug hunting and just the sight of my boss picking up the mattress was priceless.

I think that college is exactly the right place for me to be.

I don't think college is the right place for me.

I'm amazed that I got into BYU, and amazed at how AWESOME this school is. I am so lucky.

I'm so proud of my best friend that she probably thinks I'm dumb.

I want to explore every part of Provo.

I forget a world exists outside of Provo, and when I'm reminded, just want to GET OUT OF HERE.

All of the time, I'm loving my life more and more.

I miss you guys.

A lot.

Overwhelmed but Excited

2009-09-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

This pretty much explains my BYU experience this far. I can't explain the excitement...something about a new school year just really is thrilling to me. I absolutely love to learn. I'm one of the few people I know that get excited over buying new pencils. Maybe it's a good thing that I want to be a teacher?

But I also have this awful fear of failing. I dread feeling inadequate. And I'm learning that I'm just going to have to get used to it. There's nothing I can do about it. All of my classes are going to be a lot of work and a lot of time. I'm so nervous. But...I am SO EXCITED.

I love college so far. I know I've only been in class for 3 days, but so far, the challenge of learning these new things is super exciting to me. I may not be able to do anything for the next four years of my life, but I sure will learn a lot!

First Birthday out on my own

2009-08-30T17:47:00.001-07:00

So all that I have to say is that I have to have the best roommates EVER. Really, my best friend is the best roommate I could ever ask for. She stayed up until 2 am to decorate our huge white board so that I would have an awesome surprise in the morning. The girls all had a present for me, and I got to open a present from my mom this morning too. Its been such a wonderful day, and I absolutely love my new ward. I'm crazy emotional though, and it's really hard to be away from my family. Its all an adventure...and I promise to write more about the roommates soon!

Anyone out There?

2009-08-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

All of the friends that I made over summer have gone away. Home, on vacation...anywhere but Provo. So for now, the girls and I are stuck trying to figure out something to do. With the 4 of us. Should be fun...

Wish List

2009-08-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

Add these to my wish list...

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50151001.

$9.99. Ikea.

i want these

2009-08-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

I want one of these headbands so bad.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6920784.

so very, very bad.

"Off Campus Housing, this is Alli"

2009-08-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Work work work. I am the newest receptionist/representative in the Off Campus Housing Office at BYU. I answer phone calls, help anyone who comes in the office, and go out into apartments and do inspections for students and landlords. I really like my job. However...

I GET BORED. Yesterday I finished a book. Today, I'm blogging. and it's only 9:15 in the morning. I've heard that we are about to get realllll busy. I sure hope so. And I'm positive that I will be longing for this free time once we start getting crazy. But for right now, I'm just hopin' and wishin' and prayin' that something fun comes my way...

I'm all moved into my new apartment. Waiting for roommates to come join me. Wondering how in the world I have managed to accumulate SO MUCH STUFF. And bewildered as to where to put it all. Marisa usually is the one to know where to put everything. I don't love my new apartment, but I'm learning to love certain things about it. Like...

my AWESOME white board that is already mounted on the wall
comfortable COUCHES with super cute PILLOWS that mom made
living in a BASEMENT apartment

And then there are things that I really am just STRUGGLING WITH. Like...

the showerhead that is approximately 4 inches shorter than me
having absolutely no kitchen shelve space
the lack of lighting

There are always pros and cons....I'm just hoping to find more PROS as the weeks go on.

Provo+Europe

2009-08-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

I have been absolutely awful at posting on some of the most important things that have happened to me. Europe was truly incredible. I'll do another post soon to tell all about it, but I can't even describe how amazing it was. We got to sing in St. Mark's Basillica in Venice, and see the Queen's car in London. We got to sing in a tiny, enclosed castle in Montreaux, Switzerland, and visit the Swarvoski store in Austria. I am so lucky to have had this experience and to have met the people that I met. And then...
PROVO. I've been living here for just over a month now. And I absolutely love it. I have had so much fun and have met some great friends so far. School starts in 2 weeks, and I'm counting down the days still the start of school (because that will mean someone had a birthday!!) and excited for all of my roommates to move in so I can get to know them. It will be interesting moving into this new apartment after being in the one I've been in the past summer. The weather up here is INCREDIBLE and I've so enjoyed being out of the AZ heat...although I loved going home last weekend. I'll post Provo pictures here too...but go to my facebook if you want to look at all of the europe/provo pictures!! will update soon...I promise.

GRADUATION

2009-06-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

It finally happened. I am done. And loving summer. I don't know how much my mom loves me having summer because I don't really do anything. Today all I have done is read and go to the gym and teach 2 voice lessons. I love it. But she doesn't! Graduation was on the 30th and it was really a great day! I leave 2 weeks from yesterday for Europe, come home for a day, and then head to Utah. Should be full of adventures...can't wait.

CATCH UP

2009-04-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

Prom was a lot of fun! I've never understood the whole hype of prom, and i guess i really still don't. BUT I did have fun...All State choir was this past weekend in Tucson and was so much fun. I feel really lucky to have been in the choir the past three years, especially this year when it wasn't a normal year for me. I loved the whole weekend, the friends I made, and the music I learned. Only 4 and a half weeks of school left. Hallelujah!! I have really nothing else new in my life, I'm very excited to be done with AP tests next week!

Prom Pictures :)

2009-04-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Goodbye

2009-04-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

Put your iTunes on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song down no matter how silly it sounds.
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY? Angel- Jack Johnson

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY? Right Round- Flo Rida

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? Gravity- Sara Bareilles

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY? Hero/Heroine-Boys Like Girls

WHAT'S YOUR LIFE PURPOSE? Anyone Else But You- The Moldy Peaches

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? Go Girl- Pitbull

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? Wine Red- Like Vines

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN? Can't Behave- Courtney Jaye

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND? Nearer My God To Thee- Brandon Brown

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE? 4 Minutes- Madonna feat. JT

What is your life story? Sunshine- Matt Costa

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? I Miss You- Blink-182

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE? You Can- David Archuleta

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? Moonlight Sonata- Beethoven

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? Breathe- Taylor Swift

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? You're Not Sorry- Taylor Swift

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? It's Only Life- Kate Voegele

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? Don't Stop the Music- Rhianna

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? My Life Would Suck Without You- Kelly Clarkson :)

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN? Risque- Cute is What We Aim For

HOW WILL YOU DIE? Oh, it is Love

THE ONE THING YOU REGRET? The Way I Am- Ingrid Michaelson

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH? Right Now- Akon

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY? To Be With You- David Archuleta

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED? Violet Hill- Coldplay

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST? Forever & Always- Taylor Swift

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU? Crush- David Archuleta

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? Just Dance- Lady GAGA

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW? Hope You're Happy- Dashboard Confessional

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS? Goodbye- Secondhand Serenade (funny how that worked out)

More Trip Pictures!! oh...and prom dress?

2009-04-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

I have a confession...

2009-04-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

I blog stalk. Maybe it's because I have the phone I have, but I love just sitting and reading people's blogs. It fascinates me to see what people write about, what they deem important enough to share with the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm just a lunatic writing on here, so I love reading everyone else's thoughts and ramblings. Enough about me being a creep.

I thought I would post California pictures! I had such an amazing time with my best friends on the beach and at Disneyland! I am so lucky that I get to go to Europe and to college with my best friend!! Hope you all enjoy the pictures...we went for a choir competition, and we got first place and gold medals in both divisions we were in! It was an amazing trip...

HELP!

2009-03-24T17:14:00.001-07:00

Well, the newest adventure in my life has been the VERY REAL search for an apartment. Marisa and I will be moving up to BYU the day after we get home from Europe. It feels a little bit overwhelming and crazy right now, but I guess that this is what best friends are for. She has to take a class in summer semester to get into fall semester, so we are moving up in the summer for her to take that class. Get this, she is taking a jogging class. Hopefully she can pass on some of her new jogging knowledge to me because I absolutely hate jogging on most days. Other than that, however, we will be doing....absolutely nothing. We will try to get jobs, but we are under the impression that we can't get a job on campus because we won't be enrolled and because we would only want an off campus job for about 6 weeks, we don't think that we will be able to get a job at all. Hopefully we will. But before we can even figure out this whole job situation we need to figure out a place to live. Why is it so hard?! I just keep hearing from everyone how easy it is to find an apartment near campus during the summer, but that doesn't change that I've never done it and have no idea how to do it. And that it seriously stresses me out to even think about getting myself and Marisa an apartment. I love the idea of being so independent but lets face it, I'm 17 years old and have never had to do anything like this before. I can't wait to move to Utah though. I am very, very excited. Hopefully some of my Utah friends and cousins will come and make sure we are entertained during July and early August!! So, school is really almost over. It is incredibly surreal. One more quarter and I am done! It is a huge relief but I really can't believe it.

This past weekend I was on trek. It was really hard and a big challenge for me, especially being one of the older kids and feeling like I had to be an example. The first day, after pulling about 10 miles through 2 feet deep sand and up hills and over rocks, I was ready to sleep. It was awesome to have the opportunity to just walk and think. Nature has a way of reminding me what Heavenly Father has blessed me with...especially because "nature" isn't on the top of my blessings list. The second day was very likely the hardest. About five miles of pulling straight through the sand left me worn out and ready to sit down and never get back up. However, after a lesson with all of the other women, it was time for activities. We could shoot guns, do archery, jump rope, make leather bracelets, or get our hair washed. I'll give you one guess to figure out which was the most popular stop. The line was so long as I walked past the hair washing tent to archery that I decided to stop and ask if they needed help. Instead of doing any of the other activities, I washed hair the rest of the afternoon. It was tiring to stand up and wash, but definitely worth it when the lines cleared up and Marisa washed my hair. I appreciate so much the amazing luxuries I have in my home. I loved my trek family and all of the experiences I had this time through trek...thank goodness it is only every 4 years!!

Choir Concerts

2009-03-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

We're on our second to last choir concert. our FIFTEENTH choir concert. It feels so strange to know that this huge part of my life is so close to ending...only one more before its over. Hours have been dedicated to this music, and there is something so rewarding in that. That I have worked HARD and now I get to share with others what I've worked so hard for. On the other hand, sometimes choir concerts are just frustrating for me. I feel like I don't get to sit down and enjoy them. So tonight, I'm going to. I AM NOT GOING TO MC. Hallelujah. No sitting backstage the whollle time. I get to be a normal student. Love it!!

I love my friends and I'm so glad we get to be in choir together. It's been fun to have people to talk to about choir things to...and to go to our many, many events. I LOVEEEE THESE GIRLS. They are my best best best friends and I'm so grateful for them (Yes, I know you're reading this T) Love you all dearly!!

Best Friends!!

2009-03-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

BLOG LOSER

2009-03-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

I've neglected my blog. And I just found out that there is a scholarship out there for people who blog about their PASSIONS. ummm hello? what else do people blog about. So, let me begin blogging again. Not because I should have to get a scholarship, but because I remembered the purpose. I LOVE to do this. I'MMM BACK!!

Missed you all dearly. Since I last blogged, my good friend Kirsten is pregnant, (yay friend!!), I got accepted to BYU- Idaho AND BYU (yay Kirsten's baby can have a babysitter!), I've made the Arizona Southwest Regional Choir for the 3rd year in a row, and I am almost a 3rd quarter senior. 10 more lonnnng weeks of school. And then I'm done. And then Europe. And then COLLEGE. Hallelujah.

Can I just explain to you how awful the past few weeks have been, knowing I'm accepted to college and yet, sitting in high school. Can anyone say senioritis?!? It's awful. Really. Ok no more complaining, because my life is AWESOME. I could not ask for better friends or family. They have been so amazing to me lately. As soon as I can figure out how to be smart, I'm going to post my senior project on here....with the actual Wicked music. Which, by the way, my mom just bought tickets to. WICKED. TWICE THIS SUMMER. Happy happy, joy joy. I'm thrilled.

It's hard growing up. Don't laugh at me ok! Applying for jobs and scholarships is really not fun at all. AT ALL. Good "learning experience I suppose. "It'll make ya tough"...thats what Dad would say anyways. I'm so close to being ready to say BYE BYE to my senior year. YESSSSSS. I'm really just done. It's been a great learning year, but i am sooo done. Good to chat with you all again! I'm trying..ok!?!

Come what may and love it

2008-10-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

Elder Wirthlin's talk yesterday morning particularly stuck out to me. "How can we love sorrow filled days? We can't, atleast not at the present. If we approach adverstiy wisely, it can lead to great growth and great happiness." He gave us ways that we can deal when things don't go exactly the way we want them to.

1st: LAUGH. He told a hilarious story about a blind date his daughter went on. Look the talk up to read it- it's worth it.
2nd: Seek for the Eternal
3rd: Understand the principle of Compensation (like Job)
4th: Put your trust in our Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son

I think that this was an incredible talk and really taught such an incredible principle. It reminded me of Elder Bednar's talk about not getting offended (which was also a great talk). This weekend I was reminded how lucky I am to be living today when there is a true prophet of the Lord on the earth who testifies and counsels to us of the Savior and the truth of the gospel. Conference is becoming more and more meaningful as I grow up and need more guidance in my life. It really is a challenge to be a teenager...and it is comforting to have apostles testify that my Reedemer knows and loves me and that my Heavenly Father is there to answer my prayers.

ROCKY POINT: the party starts tomorrow!!! Very excited- 15 years and counting!!!! It's different every year, but alwaysss fun. Can't wait. And Utah after that??! How lucky can a girl get?? Updates from the trips soon...

I have a problem

2008-10-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

During breaks, I become a blog addict. I blog stalk, I write, and I continuously think about what I should write. I am, in a word, obsessed. It is pathetic and it leaves me wishing that I could spread out all of my obsessive blogging time over the rest of my life instead of just condensing it into a tiny 2 week period of time. I really do love to blog- sorry to be inconsistent!

PICTURES!

2008-10-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

So, some of you wanted pictures...ENJOY

(they're all from my phone! LOVE IT!)

HAHAHAH Sister Seamons....wearing my sunglasses....great times
Hamilton vs. Dobson ME and ASHLEY
Me and Kody....friends since 7th grade!
This is Carlie. Her mom (Natalie) is one of my Young Women leaders and i took ms. carlie to her soccer game last week. Hilarious.
My babies!!! I love my Jaxon and Kylie...and Taylor and soon to be new baby!

FOOTBALL GAMES!!!
Marisa and Nathan (when we sang at the Diamondbacks Game)
MMAT=BFF
I LOVE MY HUSKIES!!!
She doesn't get out much!

Katie- notice she's cross-eyed??
My super cute brother- when did he grow up!?!
A Typical night out for dinner...
Family!!
BYE!!!

Senior Year

2008-09-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

OK, so I know I need to update you all on my senior year. Needless to say, it is crazy. I feel like I am going insane. So now that we are on break I feel like I have time to catch you all up on what I have been up to....

School-wise, nothing exciting. I'm taking a schedule that is fairly rigorous but keeps me entertained at the same time. I have AP English 12, AP Statistics (funnn, I know), 2 choirs (Sol and Schola), Economics (double fun), and an Independent Study Sign Language Class. We get to travel to 8 of the local elementary schools and teach kids sign language every Friday. This has been so much fun for me- I love little kids and I love signing!! In addition, of course, I'm taking Seminary and LOVING this year. Its amazing what a little attitude change can do for a person...I am learning so much about my Savior's life and all that He has done for me.

Extracirricular (it really is one word) activities have got me goin' crazy. I am this year's Choir Co-President, Link Crew President, Best Buddies Secretary, and a member of the National Honors Society, and the Hamilton High chapter of Invisible Children. I have had so many opportunities to serve this year and although I have been questioned by teachers, sponsors, and my parents for getting "too involved", I think it's a blessing that there are so many opportunites available to get involved at my school. Best Buddies has been a really exciting, scary, new adventure for me. For those of you who don't know what this is, it is an organization that, not unlike Big Brothers Big Sisters, pairs students up with their peers that have some sort of mental handicap. My buddy, Alex, has cerebal palsy, and I wasn't able to meet him at our matching party because he can't go outside in temperatures over 85 degrees. I met his mom, though, and this should be a really cool year. It is going to be a challenge to hang out when he can't talk or walk but I can't wait to meet him.

Outside of school life.....hahahahh what outside of school life? Oh, you mean doing homework, taking the ACT, or getting ready to apply for college? Yep, it's stressful. Ha no, I'm joking. I still have fun with the friends, go to football games (GO HUSKIES), and de-stress as much as I can. As for now...I'm off to watch Ironman. Which I haven't seen. And I'm REEEALLLLY excited to see....so, bye. More soon!

Katie

2008-09-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

Katie has started a blog...she has finally joined the rest of us. I haven't been on to write in FOREVER- but that doesn't mean I haven't been reading everyone's blogs. I just read them on my phone! Katie's blog is katherinemckenna.blogspot.com. Visit it and post a comment!

Scattergories

2008-07-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

Play this just like you would scattergories. The letter of your first name is the letter that you have to answer all of the questions with!Good luck!

1. What is your name? Alli
2. A 4 letter word. AUNT
3. A vehicle: Audi
4. A city: Austin, Texas- (thanks Daniel)
5. A boy's name: Alex
6. A girl's name: Alice
7. A beverage or drink: Apple martini- not that I've ever had one
8. An occupation: Architect
9. Something you wear: Apple bottom jeans
10. A celebrity: Angelina Jolie
11. A food: apple
12. Something found in a bathroom: Avon makeup...
13. Reason for being late: Animal messes
14. An animal: Aardvark. Double points for the double a!
15. A body part: Adam's apple
16.Something you shout: AY! or All right All right All right All right All right HEY! (ok, I know, only at EFY would you yell this. and then clap. and then yell again.)

Summer

2008-07-27T16:35:00.001-07:00

As the last sweet hours of summer drain away to nothing, I find myself reminiscing over the beauty I have discovered these past 2 months. The Bahamas- which I have yet to blog about- showed me some of the most beautiful and glorious beaches, sunsets, and waters I have ever seen. My trip to Girl's Camp revealed to me some of the most beautiful girls I have ever met and I thank my Heavenly Father for giving me the opportunity to serve those girls in such a position that I have become friends with these younger girls in a way that could never be erased. My trip to EFY has given me the beautiful gift of a stronger testimony, a better bond with my Savior and my Heavenly Father and friendships that no doubt can last a lifetime. It might just be because I am older, but I have been changed this summer by everything I have experienced. I cannot fully explain the depth of what I have learned and the person I have become because of those people such as counselors, young women, and friends that have touched me. I know now that with the help of my Father in Heaven I can overcome my trials. That although I may feel discouraged I am never forgotten.

I've also felt these many blessings as my family continues to pray for my Grandma's health. This past week she underwent her first round of chemo. Although it has been so scary to watch my grandma go through this, it has strengthened our family so much. We have been blessed with great faith and wonderful grandparents as examples. Even as they were sitting in her hospital room, they found someone they could share the gospel with- how amazing is that? We are truly blessed.

So, as I prepare myself mentally to go back to school, I pray that I might ever be searching for that person in need of service, or that person who is waiting to hear the Good News of the Gospel. I pray that this year may be what a "senior year" should be. I pray that all may be well. Ill write about the Bahamas soon (i promise). Sorry I've been so horrible! I love you guys!

EFY

2008-06-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

So, I missed an important day in my blog's life. One year ago on the 16th was the first day I ever blogged. And believe it or not, that blog entry was titled "EFY" and was (shocker) about efy. At that point in my summer last year I had just returned from EFY and was so happy and dedicated to all the things I had decided I would do better this year. Where does that determination and focus go? Why do I forget each year the feeling I get when I know that I can be better? It is so frustrating to look back and realize all the things I could have done or should have done so I'm determined to only look forward because I can't change the past. Each year as I look forward to and plan for EFY I get so excited but I am always so scared that I will be dissapointed- that this year won't measure up to the years past. But they always do. This is the first year that I get to go with all 3 of my best friends. That alone makes this year better by far. We are going to have so much fun through the drive up to Utah, the late nights, early mornings, spiritual moments and screaming moments. It should be so amazing!
By the way...the date was so much fun.

Date tonight...

2008-06-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

"Cuz I'm A Blonde"

2008-06-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't color my hair. This is just Hazel's favorite saying because it describes her actions pretty well. This latest episode has actually been my favorite as she has locked herself out of her house and Randy (her husband) wont be home until tuesday. She and her daughter are staying with us until Tuesday, and until then, PARTY! We got our nails done and they went shopping for new clothes. It really is so fun! Girl's camp (by the way) was dirty but very fun. I am NEVER that peppy and spiritual in such a short amount of time.
I'm going to pull a little bit of a Kirsten and bring up a small part of political news. I'm interested to see how the Clinton-endorsed Obama campaign works out. Unlike Kirsten, I really detest Hillary Clinton. I think politically, she may be a good leader and is a relatively conservative Democrat. However, she just rubs me wrong. Maybe I'm wrong for this but I'm so glad she is out of the race-not that I'm thrilled that this helps clear the way for Obama. I think she pulled the "woman card" too much and especially now is making too big a deal of having made "progress in women's rights". She has never struck me as a feminist until it worked to her advantage. It will be interesting to see what she does in the next few weeks for her political peer.
I am loving summer. I am loving the relaxation as well as some of the freedom to enjoy my friends and plan for next year. Hope everyone is doing well. More later.

Girl's Camp

2008-06-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Before I get started on my girl's camp commentary, let me just tell you all: I CUT MY HAIR. And it is SHORT. But, I love it so much. It really is fun and so easy to do and its great! No pictures, so you will all just have to see it!
Anyways, back to Girl's Camp. I have never been excited for it before this year. I hate to camp. I hate the idea of being dirty and sleeping on the ground and having to change in a tent. And the dirt that gets under your fingernails? ya, that's gross. BUT this year is different. This year (maybe it's just because I'm a SENIOR- and sooo mature) but I have decided I will have a good attitude-It is my responsibility as a YCL to make sure that this is the best year possible for my 3rd years that I am in charge of. It is my job to make sure that not only do they become closer to their peers but to their Savior and closer to understanding that they are daughters of their Heavenly Father who loves them. It has just hit me so strongly what weight I have on my shoulders as Laurel president, as a YCL and just as an older girl. Although I'd like to think that as teenagers, we all listen to our parents, we really don't as much as we should. I know that, growing up, I depended on the advice and examples of those girls that were in the position I'm in now. So...as I prepare this final day for girl's camp...it is with excitement for the first time maybe ever. Because now I realize that the tents and port-o-johns and dutch oven meals aren't the point of camp. Because of those things we can focus on the most important parts of life instead of on our worldly possessions and on Satan's temptations. I am grateful for the opportunity to simplify my life and teach the gospel by example. YAY!

O.M.G.

2008-05-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

OMG. Oh. MY. GOSHHHH. Kirsten got me started on this fun little obsession last year. SYTYCD has become a post-mutual fascination...my leaders come over and watch it with me. So who will take the place of Neil from last year? (the man i fell in love with after watching him dance and then found out he used to play volleyball) And who will be the next Sabra and win it all? All I know is that there is a SYTYCD marathon on right now from last year and i plan on watching it and getting alll psyched up for the premire on thursday night. If you don't watch it yet...you really should! Kirsten- I MISS YOU. come back to me.

Alright, Alright, I get it!

2008-05-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

HEY! None of you are juniors in high school still...cut me SOME slack. Although I SHOULD write an extremely longgg post right now, I have an AP test early tomorrow morning and I am just taking a short break from studying. First on my list to tell you is that I was selected to be the Link Crew President for the 2008-2009 school year!!!!! I am so excited for this next year of Link Crew- I LOVE FRESHMEN! Next on my list is to tell you that All State was incredible. I ordered both a cd and dvd so when we get it we can have an All State-watching party. Fun fun. Next up is PROM...wow. Ok very interesting to say the least. Very awkward as well. Can be summarized by just letting you know that we didnt have a ride to or from prom...ya. Pictures fom that joyous night follow:Mitch and I The whole group of us...there were 22 couples.

Needless to say, prom was an adventure. You will all kill me because Mattie has all of the Boston pictures so I cant post any. But let me just tell you that I am ready to move there. I love it so much- it is like a smaller cleaner New York...and it has an H&M. I fell in love with that store...It is so great!! Need to go study-love you all and sorry I am so horrible.

ALL STATE

2008-04-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

I just want to start out by saying...ALL STATE IS NEXT WEEK! For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about: I get to sing in a choir with 199 other extremely talented high school students from across the state next weekend at Gammage. I am so excited. Today was the first time I have heard any of the songs with more than 2 parts. My choir director's husband is the choir director at Dobson High School and I took the short trip over to Mesa to have a rehearsal with them today. It was amazing. I love talent and I love beautiful music. There is this guy (not for me, don't get excited) that goes to Dobson. My friend Courtney thinks he is just gorgeous. While I agree that he is good looking, he is much to short for me. However...he has the most amazing voice I have ever heard. Can't even explain to you how amazing it is. So i texted Courtney during rehearsal and told her that he has a life-altering voice. I've learned my lesson. For the next half hour I got to hear "I WANT HIM". It was hilarious. The girl couldn't even talk to him when she had the opportunity for a whole weekend. Why do we do that? Why can't we just suck it up and talk to the boys we want to? Girls, girls, girls....

Strange, I Know

2008-04-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

My friends and I have this wierd obsession. Actually we have quite a few. But one of the wierdest is to go look at model homes. It might not be that strange...if we were atleast in college. Or married. Or atleast out of high school. But we're 16 and 17 years old. Why do we do this? I have no idea. It is so much fun to go exploring beautiful houses that we will probably never get to live in. It makes me want to drop out of high school and marry someone rich right now. WOW justttt kidding. Couldn't ever do that! Seriously though, some of these houses are the prettiest houses that I have ever seen.

We have other strange traditions- "exfoliating" (which is a code name for something else, ha), always sleeping the same way on my couch, making fun of Tiana (sorry friend), stealing each other's stuff without asking. Ok, so the last one isn't that strange; I think all teenage girls do that. I love my friends though. No matter how wierd we are we are best friends and that's what matters. Now before I get too cheesy I'm going to stop writing about them. At school, I'm in a club called Link Crew. We're involved with welcoming the incoming freshmen to our school and in making sure, throughout the year, that they are making a comfortable and fun transition into high school. But who are we kidding- when has high school ever been comfortable? Needless to say, it's a difficult job but one of my favorite things so far that I have had the privilege to do in high school. I have decided to run for President of Link Crew for next year and the only requirement is that I write a letter to the Link Crew Sponsors explaining why I should lead this group of leaders. What qualifies me for this job???? Any answers for me!?

Miracles

2008-04-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

Some people don't believe in miracles. But I guess I would have to tell them that they're wrong. My grandma was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (cancer) about 2 months ago. Prior to this the doctors thought that osteoporosis was the cause of the multiple fractures in her back. Turns out they were wrong. Luckily they told her that worst possible she had 5 to 10 years. She has been on multiple medications for the past 2 months. After last month's blood test the doctors were thrilled with the results. Her blood count was up and she was looking like she was on the path to a great recovery. Yesterday, she had another blood test that told her that her blood count was back to normal. Not back to before the medication...back to NORMAL. As in: what it should be. She will still be on the medication to prevent her blood levels to go back down, but seriously? How much more could we ask for?

The doctors told her that 3 years ago...having this disease would be a death sentence. Now we can just be grateful for the resourcefulness and amazing qualities of modern medicine. However, I'm proud to say that I know that our many prayers, fasts and blessings had a huge part in it. It is truly a miracle

Thank Goodness

2008-03-30T16:07:00.001-07:00

Thank goodness for leaders. There are those people in all of our lives that have had an impact for good as a leader or friend. I have the assignment in my American Sign Language class to sign for five to eight minutes about one influential person in my life. It has got me thinking about who those people are. The obvious ideas came first- my parents. My parents have taught me, if not everything, most of what I know to be true today. They have loved me and guided me since I was born and helped me shape my character and identity. My next thought was my Young Women leaders. I have become so close to all of my leaders over my many years being in Young Womens. Now, being the Laurel President it is especially evident to me how much they love each girl and are concerned for them. I can see how much effort goes into making sure that each of us feel as if we are welcome and safe in our classes.

The next people I thought of were my school teachers. There are varying ways in which these people have influenced me. Each of them in their own way reinforce that my desire to teach has purpose- I see it everyday. They must love it or they wouldn't put up with the job. In particular, I have been blessed with adults that have, like my parents, shaped me at a time in my life that is so important. My high school years develop who I will be for the rest of my life. I have a teacher this year, Ms. Hatch, that has taught me much more than AP Biology. She has taught me to have passion for everything that I love- to commit to those things which are important to me. She is LDS and I for this reason I feel a connection with her. But it is more than our religion that connects us because now that she has led me by her example she has formed a bond with me that she may never know is there. I'm grateful for her and how hard she pushes each of her students to make them the best they can be. Mrs. Evans, my choir teacher, has also been such a strong influence in my life. I want to "be her" when I grow up in the sense that I want to do the same job that she does and in the way that she does it. She too has a passion for life and for the things that are important to her. I have developed such a strong relationship with her over the past 3 years and she has taught me to have confidence and recognize beauty and talent in myself and in others.

I have so many people to thank for the person I am today. I've never really thought about the saying "it takes a village to raise a child" but i guess it really is true.

CONGRATULATIONS!

2008-03-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Today is your day. You're off to great places- you're off and away. You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go...And when things start to happen,don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along.You'll start happening too.
OH! THE PLACES YOU'LL GO

Dictionary.com cites the word "adventure" to mean 'an exciting and unusual experience, a bold and usually risky undertaking'. Since I was young (which I guess I still am) I have loved Dr. Suess' Oh The Places You'll GO. One wall in my bedroom has the words posted on it, a constant reminder as I wake up each morning of the potential I truly have as a daughter, sister, student, leader, and servant of my Heavenly Father. I don't know why this book has had such an impact on me. I think for some strange reason I've always been a little "old for my age". Not to say I am more mature than those my age because we all know I have my immature moments. But...I don't know, let's just say I'm pretty sure I have the soul of a thirty-five-year-old inside me. When I was little I just connected to the story's outer beauty- ok so i didn't call it that, per say. But I loved the pictures, the message so far as a 7 year old can understand, and the funny rhymes. As I've gotten older, I've realized how true the words really are.

Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best.Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don't Because, sometimes, you won't.
I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.

I'm grateful for the direction I've recieved in my life from my parents, teachers, leaders, and friends. They have each, in special ways, taught me to be the person that I am today. They have taught me the true potential I have, but have not protected me in the condescending manner that I have so often seen that is explained by "I want to protect her". I know, because I have been taught, what I am up against. And it's scary. But, I know I can do it.

And will you succeed?Yes! You will, indeed!(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS

So, with this realization, I've decided not to live my life in a constant struggle. I've decided that life is for adventure- unexpected and unusual as it might be. I'm going to live my life in a way that constitutes happiness and success. I'll move mountains. Will you?

If I had ONE Wish

2008-03-20T19:44:00.001-07:00

Now, I know this wouldn't be my ONE wish if I had anything to choose from, but it is a dream I've held for forever. I want to go to England. Not too farfetched right? Expensive, but not horrible.

I think that there is something magical about this country...It's probably not real but in my mind I just see this almost fairytale, sophisticated, cozy country. British people just crack me up and I'm completely fascinated with the whole culture. I know I'm being naive. But just let me be a teenager for 5 minutes-this is my wish!

On a more realistic note: I had an...interesting morning. My goal this Spring Break was to RELAX. And I've done a pretty fantastic job of it. So far. Until Amber and Kirsten decided to invite me on their 6:00 a.m. adventure to the Rec Center. I am NOT a morning workout person. I go to my personal trainer at 5 in the evening and do my normal workouts at 7 because this is the only time I have to. Running in the morning was not a fun thing for me. However, I have something new to suggest to everyone. Feeling a little down?? Try having a row-machine race against Kirsten. Amber and I were just irritated that we didn't have a camera to document the hilarity of it all. I dont know why it is so funny to watch her on a row machine, but I promise next time I will have a camera handy. (I beat her, by the way)

It's pretty pathetic that I loved the Rec Center way more than I love my normal gym-especially because I pay tons of money for the gym (well, my parents do, anyway) and the Rec Center is free. (for awhile) It was amazing fun.

Sundays

2008-03-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

I think that Sundays are the most wonderful, relaxing, perfect days. My dad is such a goofy person. He is one of those Bishops who is very proper, always doing things "The Right Way". I love Sundays because watching him sit on the stand is the funniest thing I have ever seen. He gets this hilarious look on his face when he hears people mess up. Not quite dissappointed, not quite amused. A mix between the two. It's almost better than hearing him use the phrase "Yea, even the Book of Mormon" as he conducts the meeting. Almost

I love Sundays because my mom makes the best dinners. I have the best Mom in the world. I swear I'm going to fail at being a mother no matter how good I am because I have her to measure up to. It's horrible but I'm so lucky. I love Sundays because my Young Women leaders love us girls so much. We got the "chance" to have a presidency meeting today. I love the respect they give the girls-it's almost as if we're adults and we have important things to say! (imagine that) I also love that shortly after eating dinner, the Home Teachers came, quickly followed by my mad dash out the door to get BACK to the church to sing in yet another musical practice! JOY

I love Sundays because they are rejuvenating, peaceful days. I even get the chance to read!!! Amazing.

I love Sundays because they are the Lord's day- they must be perfect.

Crazy, huh?

2008-03-14T22:07:00.001-07:00

Well, I know it is probably just because I am on Spring Break, but I have the blogging bug. I have blogged non-stop today and yesterday...and I'm loving it. My next two adventures today were to chop off my hair and buy $100 True Religion jeans. I love both of them!!! My hair is shorter than shoulder-length and I was terrified to cut it but i seriously love it. As for the jeans...I splurged and the jeans fit amazingly. (Is that a word??? Probably not, but I don't have an AP English teacher reading this so I think I'm ok) I'm currently watching Sydney White with my family..."I'M A DORK!" I love this movie-it shows that its OK to be wierd and the outcast and not always fit in. Not to mention that Amanda Bynes is the epitome of cheesy wierndess and plays the part perfectly. Have a great night!

Oops

2008-03-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

I just wrote a realllly long entry...and then for some bizzare reason it would not only not save, but deleted when I tried to post it. I will now continue on to give the reader's digest version of what I typed earlier...
Yesterday, I got in a car accident. After deciding that 50 balloons was not enough to fill Marisa's room for her birthday surprise, I jumped in the car and drove to Fry's to get more balloons. As I was pulling into the parking spot, I tapped the gas instead of the brake, and as a knee-jerk reaction slammed down on the gas. I smashed into (as my mom calls it) a "brick structure" and the car is pretty damaged. Not pretty at all. I spent the next 2 hours shaking and crying-it was probably the most terrifying thing I have gone through in my life. I am so lucky that no one else was even around me. Then it would have been exponentially worse. The worst part of the whole thing is the periodical jab my mom gets in now-"Do you remember which one's the brake" or "Hey, the gas is the skinny one on the right" or (more incredulous) "How in the world did you manage to do that??". It's horrible. It always comes with the little smirk she gets when she's trying to hold back a laugh...I will get her back for this!!!!

I'm SORRY

2008-03-11T16:08:00.000-07:00

SOO, in the last few days I have been badgered to write a new blog post. I hadn't realized that anyone actually read my blog. But I guess I was wrong. So, for all of you faithful friends (ha, good joke) I'll try to update you on my life a little. I've just been struggling, trying to keep up with my never-ending school work. I just love high school soooo much. Outside of trying to keep up with my AP classes in order to get into my DREAM SCHOOL...my life is pretty grand. I just got called to be Laurel Class President in our ward, something that is pretty exciting to me. I've grown up with Laurel Class Presidents that have influenced me in ways I cant explain- to have the chance to maybe be that for some of the young girls in my ward is incredible. I also have had some other sweet things happen to me recently. I made regional choir and had an amazing concert at McKlintock High School a few weeks ago. The conductor was pompous and was a jerk, but it was all for the music (I had to repeat this to myself multiple times over the weekend) and the end result was amazing.
I also just found out that I made ALL STATE CHOIR! This means I will get to perform at Gammage on April 12th. This is huge, Gammage is a place that I could only dream of singing at, and now that dream is coming true. I am so grateful for the chance that I get to sing in this incredible choir this year...I was super sick on Friday for my audition and by some miracle I still made the choir. I must be doing something right...
Other than that, my life is pretty much normal. I'm still teaching piano as much as I can, and it is a great job to have as a teenager. I love it. I'll try to keep more updated!

Saturday is a Special Day...

2007-11-29T14:14:00.000-08:00

it's the day we...go on fun dates. Saturday afternoon I have a date with my best friend's cousin Alex. He's actually a NICE guy. That in itself is a miracle, especially if you go to my high school. Updates to come later...
I've had the oppotunity recently to just "hang out" with my cousin David. This last weekend I met his girlfriend Katie and absolutely adore her. I love growing up and realizing how close David and I are- he is one of my best friends in this world. I have been calling him "favorite cousin David Hakes" and cannot begin a conversation without those words. I even texted Katie and said "Hi favorite cousin David Hakes' girlfriend! How is your day going?" Yes, I am a goof. I accept this sad, but true fact. I've become so much closer to not only my cousins (David and Bethany in particular) but I have also become closer to my aunts. Growing up, even though it comes with so many trials and responsibilities, is a TON OF FUN. Especially when you have such fun, smart, wonderful role models like my aunts to look up to. I LOVE MY FAMILY!

I realize that I have been a horrible blogger. Which I don't completelty understand because I love to just sit down and write aimlessly. So- I'm going to try to do better! Talk to you soon

A to Zzzzz

2007-10-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks for tagging me kirsten!
a... attached or single... single
b... best friend...my 3 girls-mattie, marisa & tiana
c... cake or pie...i love cheesecake but i love pie too
d... day of choice... saturday. it's calming but fun
e... essential item...lip gloss/chapstick
f... favorite color... yellow
g... gummy bears or worms... hmmmm....worms
h... home town... grew up in Tempe, az, now it's CHANDLER (c-TOWN)
i... indulgence(s)... procrastination, movies
j... january or july... july. even though i loveee winter july is so fun.
k... kids?... Yes! I can't wait. i just have to graduate and find a husband ha
l... life is incomplete without...music and love
m... marriage date... sometime in the future..lets say 6 years from now??
n... number of siblings... 1 Brother, 1 Sister. They are crazy kids
o... oranges or apples... apples
p... phobias or fears... being alone. not literally. like emotionally??
q... quote(s)... my favorite is the one thats from coach carter (no, kirsten, you didn't make it up)
r... reason to smile... friendship, love, music, beauty.
s... season... i love every season.
t... tag two... spencer & jen
u... unknown fact about me... most people know everything... ha
v... vegetarian or oppressor of animals... i am not a vegetarian!
w... worst habit... procrastination
x... x-rays or ultrasounds...i've broken my arm so i got x-rays then
y... your favorite food... layered sald and pineapple cheesecake
z... zodiac... virgo.

Quotes

2007-10-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you will not see the shadows". - Helen Keller

I love quotes. Almost as much as I love movies. Possible because the quotes are from the movies...hm, genius! Although Hellen Keller jokes are hilarious, she really was an amazing person. I'm learning how difficult her learning must have been; it is hard enough to read sign language with 2 good eyes! She is amazing. The next quote is from Coach Carter. One of the basketball players, Timo, is in a rough spot in his life. Throughout the movie, the coach asks him what his greatest fear is. It is not until the end of the movie that Timo stands and admits his true fear. If you haven't seen this movie, it's incredible. That might just be because I'm a sports freak though!

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

The LAKE

2007-10-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

We just got home from Roosevelt Lake. It's an annual trip we take with 3 other families, and it was SO AMAZINGLY FUN. even though the girls were soooo lazy and sat around watching America's Next Top Model, we enjoyed ourselves. This morning we woke up at 530 and walked out the door with random swimsuit-sweatshirt-shorts combinations and dragged ourselves onto the freezing boat. The air was 65 degrees and the water was 75. needless to say, it probably would've been a lot smarter to get in the water, but it was too hard to move. we just stayed piled on top of eachother until one of us would be brave and go wakeboard. It was crazy fun!

Sisters

2007-10-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

I'm realizing the importance of having SISTERS. yes, i only really have one sister, and i love her to death. but we're in the stage of life right now that we don't always....agree. so sometimes it is hard to realize that we will be the best friends each other could ever have. To me though, having a sister is more than having the same mom (although she's pretty incredible too). I have so many sisters that are blessing my life so much! My best friends are my sisters- we're learning that as we learn that we fight and as we walk into eachother's houses and feel at home. My leaders are my sisters- they teach me the things that they have already gone through and warn me of dangers ahead. I love sisters- even if Katie and I don't always show it.

Tagged

2007-09-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

I WAS TAGGED
5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
1) I was in 1st grade
2) Went to Rocky Point
3) Dancing to Brittney Spears
4) Playing with Eric Urry
5) Living in Tempe

5 things on my 'to do' list today:
1) RELAX (school is officially out for 2 weeks!)
2) Clean my room
3) Finish a personal progress goal
4) Go to the movies with friends
5) Go to the gym

5 snacks I enjoy:
1) Smoothies with fresh fruit
2) My vegetable "creation"
3) Carmelitas
4) Chips and Salsa
5) Mangoes!

5 Things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1) Repay my mom for everything she has ever done for me!!
2) Travel Europe
3) Buy myself a car
4) Donate money to charity!
5) Pay for college!!!!!

5 Bad Habits:
1) PROCRASTINATION
2) hating to clean
3) not being able to say "no"
4) Letting things get in my way of doing important things
5) Interrupting people

5 Things I would never wear again:

1) patched jeans!
2) my hair parted down the middle
3) Disney clothes
4) Pigtails
5) i'm not old enough to have this many things i wouldn't wear again.

5 of my favorite toys:
1) DVR
2) Computer
3) phone
4) iPod
5) car

5 people I tag:
I dont have 5 people...I tag Kirsten

Boys

2007-08-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

boys always say that girls are more drama. i've witnessed today that boys start all the drama. and keep it going. and then blame it on the girls. Boys are simply ridiculous. but still, we love them. why is it that girls put up with the boys in their lives even when they make them cry? it seems to be that we can't let go, we can't move on, we can't let the "chips fall where they may". we're in our high school years. we need to hang out, have fun, let loose, and MEET OTHER BOYS. for my part...i'm rooting for "the other man". (only my best friends will know what that means.)

The Trip

2007-07-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

I am currently on my family's Church history trip. We are at a Comfort Suites in New York, waiting to go to the Hill Cumorah Pageant. How exciting is that?!?! We have spent hours upon hours in a 15 passanger van and seen so many amazing things! Last night we stayed at this disgusting little hotel in Canada near Niagara Falls. It was the worst night of the trip. It seems that Katie can't stay on her own side of the bed, the fire alarm didn't want to stop shrieking, and Curt thought that yelling at it would make it stop. Atleast we would have breakfast when we woke up, right? Ha, we ended up leaving the disgusting breakfast bar and ended up at a GAS STATION. This resulted in all the boys getting GROSS chocolate milk and chugging it, leaving me to think that my brother would throw up all over the car. You can imagine my discomfort at this. The falls were beautiful, or "awesome" as Kyle calls them. We were SOAKING wet after this. The two themes for this trip have been "doughnuts" and "Amish people". And Katie asking every five minutes "What does that mean???" Followed by the rest of us rolling our eyes. Maybe we should just use small words from now on. This is our seventh day on our trip..and i can't wait to see what will happen next!

Friends

2007-06-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

I love FRIENDS. I think i have the best friends in the entire world. Seriously. Because it's summer, its hard because we don't see each other very often. So when MARISA got home today after being in utah for 10 days, i practically tackled her when she got to my house. Seperation makes the heart grow fonder?? I think so...but I'd rather not test it again. I've never laughed so hard in my entire life than wehn I'm with these 3 girls. From Utah to carmel apple dipping, John "Bythewater" to the crazy lady doing my toenails thinking that she was inspired by God, "exfoliating" to 98.thrizzle, these girls are my life. They laugh with me, cry with me, put up with me, and love me even though i'm crazy. They are amazing and i love them to death!

Mila

2007-06-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

mila means miracle. one of my best friends, kelsey, is mila's dad's cousin. mila was almost 3 years-old, and at the age of 2 had already been diagnosed with brain cancer. This sweet, sassy little girl passed away this week, and I had the privilege to attend her funeral today. It was beautiful, but SO sad. This little girl truly was a miracle, because I know that she chose to come down to earth, fully aware of the pain that would come along with her short journey here. She came not only to stregnthen herself, but to teach those of us who were lucky enough to be around her. She gave everyone stickers as her greeting. So, appropriately, everyone who attended the funeral today received a sticker as a reminder of the giving, loving spirit that Mila had. She was loved so much, and her family and friends all miss her very much. It makes me realize how lucky I am to have the knowledge and the comfort that comes along with it of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know because He died on the cross, I can live with my Heavenly Father once more, just as Mila is now. I know that she is in a happier place!

my SIBLINGS

2007-06-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

you know those days when everyone just is funny? you have funny days and not so funny days. and today, my brother, sister, and I were FUNNY. or maybe just tired...at lunch my brother and I were CRACKING UP and even my sister, trying to be annoyed, couldn't resist bursting into laughter. we were to the point where, had we been my mom, we would have been snorting. thank goodness i am not EXACTLY like my mother!
If i can explain a little about my younger sister...we are both...hmmmm how can i say this? We get a little obsessive. Some people would call it a good quality, we're focused, driven, and determined. SOOO we got the piano music for the EFY medley, the most amazing song. everrrr. i love this song so much. we're to the point right now where we actually FIGHT over who gets to play the song when we sit down to sing it together. She always wins, maybe i'm just too nice! ha it's days like today when i realize how much i really LOVE my family.

Family

2007-06-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

I just spent all night at my grandparents house. my mom has 4 sisters and 2 brothers, leaving me with about 24 cousins. let me just tell you its a madhouse when we all get together. i've learned that it's necessary to take advil after a get together. but i love them more than anything in the world. the craziness and the chaos is so worth it...the little kids are the most perfect, innocent, beautiful little things EVER and i can't wait to have my own!! even though its so far away! it makes me appreciate the quiet at my house so much more!

EFY

2007-06-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

i've never been to a place that is as MAGICAL. except for maybe Disneyland. but this week has been an amazing spiritual, social, stregnthening time. its one of the things that i am always excited for, but i don't even realize how much i NEED it until i'm there. I met some pretty amazing people...i miss them like crazy already. i learned sooo so much. This week makes me want to be a better person and to be around better people. Here's a "quote of the day" from my FANTASTIC week.

"True FRIENDSHIP helps give meaning to LIFE. It is an ANCHOR to the soul...stronger than the chords of DEATH."