Dear 2009...

I just thought you should know, I am TOTALLY ready for you to be gone. I guess I could end at that, but no, no, I will explain why I am ready for you to disappear:

• Breakups - Yeah it was due to come, but WHY did it have to hurt so so bad? And WHY did it have to linger for months? Plus it was a FANTASTIC way to start out 2009. Just sayin..


• Parasites, Travelers Diarrhea, whatever you wanna call it. I will not go into detail about that one!


• "Satan" broke down. (aka my car)


• Taxes. This year my electronic filing didn't go through, so I had to pay a penalty (Ok, not your fault, but why in this year?)


• IRS Tax Audit - I am young! Why so early?! And why did I have to pay for that???


• "Satan" broke down. AGAIN.


• Swine Flu. Whether I've had it or not it still sucks.


• Robbed at gun point. Not just me, but my entire branch had their lives threatened!


• Passing kidney stones. Worst. Pain. In. My. Life.


• The passing of Grandma (blessing in disguise, but still hurts)


• "Satan" breaking down for the third time now costing over $2K to fix.


• Siblings in trials.

Now, 2009, you have brought some great things this year and I'd be too negative and completely ungrateful if I didn't recognize them:

• A beautiful niece born earlier this year who just lights up everyone.


• A handsome nephew who couldn't have been born at a more perfect time. What a beautiful way to end a horrible day (the day of the robbery..) and he just completes my sister's little family.


• My wonderful brother faithfully serving the Lord continually and loving every moment of it.


• A trip of a lifetime to Guatemala. Granted, this resulted in illnesses, earthquakes, slight fears; however, it brought serenity, peace, love, strength, friendship, fireflies, flowers, adventure, laughter and fun to this year. I reflect on a particular moment there every day.


• My family. I am SO BLESSED to have them every year and to be sealed for eternity, but this year, in it's trials, have brought me SO close to them. My mother is my best friend. She makes me laugh and I trust her with all my heart. My father is my biggest fan and greatest supporter. My siblings. I have so much fun with them. They are my favorite people to hang out with and I'm excited for Casey to return to the fun next year!


• Finding out another beautiful baby will be coming to our big family!!!!


• My job. Despite this economy, I have been very fortunate to work where I do and still have a job.


• The gospel. I haven't been the best at prayer or scripture study or even my callings, but how I love the Lord and this gospel. It has been such a strength.

And now, 2009, I hope to "book-end" this year with a great bang...... Please let it be fantastic!!.....

CANCUN ~ Coming December 6....

(Picture Courtesy of Google)

Happy Halloween!

September has come and gone...

...and October started with a bang. Not a good bang, but a bang.

October 2, my beloved Grandma Roma passed away (to me, it was rather unexpected - I thought she'd live longer than me) and she's in such a more beautiful place. I miss her more than she could know. Her funeral was beautiful and I'm so proud to be her granddaughter. I had the honor to give her life sketch/eulogy with my sister, Debbra, and I am in awe at her life she had. She was so funny, so determined, so mischevious, giving, and willing. I love her so much.

Earlier that week, I started my new position at the Jordan River Branch. It was a big adjustment, but it's been good. I enjoy the people I work with and the atmosphere of the branch. I just hope I can continue working hard to meet the expectations given to me!

Other news, the son of a gun who robbed us at Murray was caught. I will forever thank whoever the guy is who tipped the cops. Turns out, the same robber robbed a different Credit Union three weeks later and when those pictures came out, I KNEW it was the same guy. I wish he'd understand the stress and emotions he put us all through.

My wonderful baby brother has been out for over a year and is fully enjoying his mission experience. He has been so busy going back and forth between Germany and Austria and loving every minute of it. He's such a fantastic young man and a great missionary. I'm very grateful for him and the blessing he is to our family.

Rho (the sorority) has become a fun thing in my life. After a few awkward weeks, I finally feel like these girls have really become some great friends. We've had some fun activities, fun group dates with some terrific guys and lots of laughs. I'm happy about the decision KayCee and I had in joining and giving it a shot. I recommend it to anyone out there single and adventurous!

I have a feeling my 2009 will be turning around for a GREAT hit for 2010. I have some exciting plans coming up (no I'm not getting married, or pregnant) and I hope to be accomplishing them before the new year comes. We'll see!

~S

Dear Sammi,

Today as you were sleeping and resting, I internally watched you. I understand you're not feeling well and that you've had a rough 2009 - particularly the last few weeks, but there are a few things I should remind you of:

First of all, the Lord loves you. You've never doubted that, but it's never a better time to remind you. Remember D&C 84:88.

Second, you have GOT to stop comparing yourself to others. More than likely somebody compares your life to their own. Besides, if we compared apples to apples, you'd probably get some terrible trials you wouldn't want. Leave it be.

Third, you're beautiful. Stop telling yourself otherwise. Yeah you're not who you were in high school, but really, who is? I personally think you've become more beautiful because you've learned so much that the only place to put everything you've learned is in your tummy, bum, face, etc. It's not worth what you've learned and become just to become something else physically.

Fourth, with that said, I'm not disregarding health. You can be healthy. You should try to be healthier - just a thought.

Fifth, remember your personal mottos: Live, Laugh, Love; Laugh Often; and "Life is to be Enjoyed - not endured." Right now, you're only enduring it. Gotta admit, Sam, through 2009's trials, you've had some awesome things happen and some interesting memories, right? Keep living your dreams. Just because you want some dreams now, doesn't mean they'll come now. Sometimes you have to have a different dream come true for the other dreams to follow.

Sixth, count your blessings. Over and over and over. I know you'll never forget what you saw and experienced in both China and Guatemala, so before you feel harsh about life, put your mind there for a minute. That'll humble you. You've got a great life, and you're taking it for granted.

And last but definitely not least, love yourself. For heaven's sake, it shouldn't be too hard. I love you. The Lord loves you. Your family and friends love you. Continue serving, loving others, setting and accomplishing goals and dreams. Make every day, week, month and year count so when you reflect back, you can say, "Dang that was fun." Once you get there, then the rest will come. You know the only way to experience joy is to experience hardship. Put it this way, with the things of 2009, you've got some joy coming!

Remember who you are..

Love,

ME

Tie Mega Tampon

With all of the hustle and bustle of this past week (including an armed robbery and passing of kidney stones), there has been one slight highlight: I have joined a Sorority.

Yes it's true. I never thought in a million years that I, of all people, would join a sorority. But alas, I have - The Lambda Delta Sigma Chapter Rho. I figured my life hasn't gone in any direction I ever thought it would, why not make it fun so my friend KayCee and I decided to do it. Fortunately, this is an LDS Sorority so it's not as creepy or wild. We've still been in the Pledge and "Rushing" stage, but so far we've really enjoyed it! It has definitely pulled us WAY out of our comfort zone and we're still not quite there, but we've met some great, new girl friends, some fabulous Frat boys and had some fun. I'm excited to see how this will pan out!!

~S

"Today's test is tomorrow's testimony"

Today as I sit at work and ponder upon the last few days' events, I can't help but post this post. This past Tuesday (September 2, 2009) brought a day of emotions and fear to me due to a terrifying experience I cannot or willnot openly discuss (you can read it on http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=7780567), however in times like this, many blessings come to pass and I have so much gratitude I need to express:

• I can't imagine experiencing what I did with anybody else but my terrific friends and co-workers.


• I'm glad the entire security video is not posted for the public


• I'm so grateful I work for the institution that I do where we share religious beliefs


• I'm grateful each one of us were in the right places at the right time


• I'm grateful for our safety


• I'm grateful it wasn't worse


• Most of all I'm grateful and humbled at the members we have.

I wonder about the people who wake up in the morning and think to themselves, "Wow, my credit union was robbed yesterday. I should take them a treat." or "I know my teller loves Diet Coke, so I'll bring her one and a fresh lime because she sure needs one." or "It's three days since the robbery, but these two tellers are working so I'll swing back around and give them Sausage McMuffins for breakfast through the drive-through." It just amazes me that they take the time out of their hectic schedules and care for people they hardly know when their own families may be going through more than their tellers are. The robbery opened my eyes to the love of God and the wonderful people who have the desire, not just need, but desire to help others. I will strive to be more like them in every way, and I thank my Heavenly Father to be blessed and influenced by such wonderful people.

Wake me up when September ends..

Yes, this month will be a crazy one. As you may notice, I have accepted a new job promotion that will require me to relocate to a new Branch. I am honestly petrified.

I've been at my Murray for so long that'll it'll be hard to leave, BUT this leaves good

opportunities for me, so I've gotta advance forward, right?

No worries on the teeth thing, it's not like I'm missing any or anything crazy like that. I'm just one of those who's willing to let them sedate me and have at it at my teeth. Kill 80 birds with one stone. That has got to be finished. ASAP.

I need a home. Well, I have one, but I need a new one. With my new job, the commute will be a bust so I'm looking for a place to live down south. Any tips and hints would be greatly appreciated!

With all that said, I am B.R.O.K.E. for a while! Pray it all works out!

Peace and love to all~