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Sunday, August 7, 2011

Update for the Year

Probably, right? I guess it's time for me to update the cyber world about my life these days.

Crazy. Changing. It's been good and bad all rolled together. Here's what's gone on for the past six months:

*Finished my first semester back in school (finally!) - and just about to start my second. It's about time I grew up ;)
*My sister-in-law, Mandy, passed away a couple of months ago and I gained such an amazing testimony for our Savior because of her. So blessed for that.
*I was built up, only to be torn down and rebuilt to be stronger
*Had probably the craziest month in my working life. Our manager had twins and we had one teller leave and I had to play boss for a while. So hard, and so glad we have help and it's calmed down!
*Took an adventurous Bahamas Cruise/Orlando vacation with Marne' and KayCee (post of its own coming later)
*Spent a fabulous weekend in St George with my nieces and nephews. I need to go down more often!
*My dad had a motorcycle crash that nearly ripped my heart apart (all is well now...I just don't handle it well..Daddy's girl)
*Made the decision to move back to Bountiful the weekend after our vacation and it took me totally by surprise. The three of us are moving on.
*Found out a little boy is joining our family in December. Can't wait for the little guy.
*I get to live with the sweetest kid in the world again.
*Heartaches
*I've had my front tooth chip three times now (for the love Sammi, stop grinding your teeth at night!)
*Been surprised at myself a LOT this summer with a lot of things changing!

Anyways, lots more and of course, there are stories with each of the bullets. All in all, life is great. It's wonderful and I'm so blessed. I have a lot of things racing through my mind that I want to figure out, but I am so lucky. I've laughed a lot, played a lot, and I've learned a lot. There's not much more I can ask for!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Easy E

Back in August, my cousin Eric passed away suddenly. I hate to admit, but we weren't as close as I am to some other cousins, but I looked up to him and loved him the same.

Not a day has gone by since his death that I haven't thought about Eric.

Eric and I are only a month apart, so we grew up going through the same things, but ultimately changed paths the older we got. He made a name for himself and lived life fully. He has completely changed my outlook on life. When I went to his funeral, I was stunned at how amazing his funeral was. Seriously, I had never felt a more powerful, wonderful, and beautiful love and admiration for someone than I did during those two hours. I listened to the many kind things people said about him and the wonderful things he did and the life he lived. He chose to be happy and accomplished just about every dream he put his mind to. He was successful, funny, talented, well-rounded, and terrific. I made a conscious decision then and there that I would strive to be as happy and successful as he was. (you can read his obituary/life story HERE)

I want to feel as happy about life and accomplishments as Eric did. I want my happines to radiate and touch others like his did. I don't ever want to take my life for granted. I want to finish school (which I've already started again), I want to see the world (more of it), I want to be educated, charitable, civil, polite, sympathetic, religious, and successful.

On that note, I'm adapting a new theme song. This song was used (among others) for a medley composed for Eric by Kurt Bestor.

Feelin' Groovy

I re-dedicate myself to living life! Here's to you, Easy E, and for the influence you've had on me. Until we meet again!

~S

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Christmas

This Christmas was good. Special, in fact. I don't know what made it more special than other years, or if it just gets more special the older I get. This year, unlike last year, we had everyone there. It was fantastic.

This was my first year out on my own so starting a new tradition for myself was interesting. I made sure to keep my heritage in mind and made sure St. Nick came for my roommates earlier this month. In return, KayCee made sure Santa returned and I got to experience having a stocking for the first time in my life! We just did friend presents this year and nothing more or less but that was fun. I tried making it a point to wait until at least Christmas Eve to open presents (which I did just fine...) but some couldn't wait and opened theirs days ago.

Since Christmas Eve fell on a Friday this year, the Credit Union closed for the weekend, which was a nice change! I enjoyed my Christmas Eve morning by sleeping in and lounging the day away. Then it was time to meet up with my family for our traditional Christmas dinner at the Sizzler. We've been going there for as long as I can remember, and I think I love it more and more each year! It was great having Doug and Casey back this year along with my other siblings and the kiddos. After our delicious dinner, we headed back up to my parents' house for a traditional sing-a-long/story of the birth of Christ - complete with stick puppets for the grandkids. It's so great to have such a wide range of people participate and sing and the true meaning of Christmas was really there.

Time for gifts. Each year we, as siblings, draw names for Secret Santa. This year I got the Burkhards (my sister and her family). We had a $25 limit to spend. I decided to get them a "Family Night" gift complete with a movie, game, and treats. They seemed to like it! Casey, my cute returned-missionary brother drew my name this year. The kid has always been able to make me laugh and he didn't cease this year with my gift. I immediately knew it was going to be good when I saw my family whip out cameras for my reaction. I open my gift and there is a plush, leopard-pring Snuggie. But...nestled inside the Snuggie was a gift certificate. I turn it around and it says, "Gift Certificate for a Date with {guys name}, Love your Baby Brother." I about died. I was laughing uncontrollably and completely embarrassed. I joke to friends daily that "I need a man" and Casey delivered this year. Casey has a good friend a year older than me or so that he is having take me out - the guy even signed it (I'll post a picture a little later..maybe..).

After the sibling gifts, my parents gave theirs to us. This year they each gave us a TomTom GPS along with tickets to see Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engval, and Larry the Cable Guy this March. I was so excited I had goosebumps. I grew up listening to Jeff Foxworthy with my dad like they were nursery rhymes. I'm a big fan of the Blue Collar Comedy group. The grandkids got little kids' laptops and dolls/trucks from their Nana and Papa and we as kids gave my parents an overnight stay at some fancy place. It was great!

Because my sister and her family have moved to St. George earlier this year, they were able to spend the night at my parents' house as well. Santa caught on that they were up north this year and delivered to the kids and Doug's son, McKay (who also spent the night). Bright and early the whole family was up watching the kids in excitement over their new gifts from Santa. Kids sure make Christmas special. It was so much fun to see how elated they all were all morning. After presents, my sister, my mom, and I made breakfast and we relaxed, played games, dosed, and laughed the early morning away. The Burkhards had to leave around noon to go to Dan's family's house and Chad and Kendra were at the McAlister's that day. My parents, Doug, Casey and I lounged a while longer, watched Jurassic Park, then finally got ready. We headed down to the Gateway and saw "Unstoppable." Definitely a good movie!! By that point, we were all partied out and called it a night. I headed home to enjoy the rest of the evening in peace and quiet (lots of kids = lots and lots and lots of noise!).

I hope your Christmases were just as merry as mine! Here's to the new year coming and goals on improving!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

2nd Annual Thankfuls - detailed (and long!)

I know I'm a few days late on this, but better late than never. I've thought a lot this month about what I'm especially grateful for and even thought about doing a "blessing a day" type of post daily, but let's face it...I'm a horrible blogger. So without futher ado...

*My mother. I can't even begin to explain how much I love her and appreciate her. Since I've moved out, I have grown to love her more than I ever thought possible. It's true that distance makes the heart grow fonder. I miss her daily. I've thought a lot about my life and specifically the struggles I had as a child with fears, depression, etc. I wasn't an easy child, but she was always there. The nights she slept in my bed, or in my parents' bed. The times she'd hold me during my worst times (she still does!). She never once made me feel less than her number one priority. I don't know how she did it. As I got older, she became more than my mom. She became my best friend and the funniest person I've ever known. No one can make me laugh harder than she does. We laugh all the time. We couldn't sit together at church without giggling uncontrollably. She knows me inside and out. I don't get it, but she can 'sense' what is going on without me telling her. Strange, but true. I could go on and on, but it would never fully express my gratitude for her. I thank my Heavenly Father and lucky stars for her specifically.

*My dad. I could have put them together and say I'm grateful for my parents as a whole, and while I am, it doesn't do them justice individually. My dad is my numero uno. Always has. I have been a daddy's girl my whole life. He is my biggest fan. He always seems impressed with me and my life regarless of how I feel about my own self and accomplishments. He worries about me, he cheers for me, and he supports me in all of my decisions. He treats my mom like a queen and my sister and me like princesses. He is my brothers' favorite guy and it's a no wonder. He is a special, special man and I'm just as thankful for him as I am my mom.

*My siblings. I am SO grateful for each of my siblings invididually. I have such a good relationship with each of them, and their spouses. I'm SO grateful for the gospel and adoption for allowing my sister and brother to be part of our family forever. I can't imagine how I'd be without them. And over the last year, events have brought us closer together. I'm grateful we love each other and spend time together. Movies, midnight 7-11 runs, lunch dates, etc. They're terrific. I am so grateful for the kids they have. I think I may love them more than my own siblings! :) Emily, Rachel, Nick, McKay, Eva, Kara, Adam, and the sweet baby we miss and baby to come.

*My job. I've said it before and I'll say it again, but I'm so lucky to work where I do. The values the company stands for and for the people I've worked with and work with today. Right now, in this period of my life, I couldn't ask for a better team than my branch. We are a branch of girls, but we all get along great, we laugh hard and work hard. Each one have been an inspiration to me and help me see the better in myself and encourage me to be better. I'm fortunate that management appreciates me. I try to work hard and earn trust and responsibility. I'm glad for an opportunity to get to know and help at another branch for a bit.

*My roommies. KayCee and Lidia. These two ladies have become more than best friends, they've become sisters. I couldn't have asked for better roommates and we have had a lot of fun. We love and respect each other and we all get along extremely well. I owe them a lot for things they've done for me.

*The gospel. Now that I'm out on my own, I've had to be better at getting myself to church and put myself out there in a *gulp* singles ward. Man, that's hard. I'm glad I'm in the ward I'm in. It's been a lot of fun and the bishopric is terrific. There are two people there who have been the sole reason I have stayed in the ward slowly getting to know people. Dana and Duane. Apart from the going to church aspect, the gospel in itself is the biggest blessing. This year has posed some hard times towards the Church and our leaders. I'm grateful and honored to say that I support them 100%. I have felt of the gospels truths and I'm a better person for it. I need to be better with all activities, but I know the Church is true.

*The opportunity to provide for myself. All things. I'm grateful for the means to pay my bills - and on time - each month. For the ability to buy my own groceries, gas, utilities, car, rent, etc. Especially in this economy, I'm so grateful.

*My experiences. I've experienced quite a bit the last few years that have dramatically changed me. I am such a different person now than I was 5 years ago. Obviously there's a lot I want to do and fix, but ultimately, I'm happy for the places I've been, the adventures I've had and the wicked trials I've conquered.

*Music. I can't live without it. It's the best way for me to feel and express emotions, my life's events, and there's just something about karaoke-ing in the car on a nice commute/drive!

*Technology - specifically my phone and laptop. I am always a second away from chatting with my family whenever I want/need and keeping up on the lives of my friends. Facebook and blogs have been a lot of fun to stay connected to people I haven't seen in years but I still know them daily.

*My car. Ah, it's a wonderful car. I got a new(er) car earlier this year and it has been such a champ.

*Prayer. I need to be better about this, but I love knowing help is just a prayer away.

*My calling. Quite a difference from my last few callings, but I love the opportunity to help and serve regardless of the "magnitude."

*Laughter. I laugh a lot. I live to laugh. I feel it's the way I survive. I laugh at the stupid things I do (I'm so awkward sometimes) and life is always funny.

I could sit all night and list every thing I can think of that I'm grateful for, but I had to express my greatest blessings. I can't go without saying it. I am such a lucky person and I don't realize it enough and I more often than not take it for granted. What a wonderful year it's been and hopes to creating more blessings in the year to come!

Monday, November 1, 2010

So, how've you been?

It's been too long. I've thought about blogging for over a month now but the longer I put it off, the more things I need to blog about and the more I don't want to spend time blogging. Vicious cycle.

I turned 24 last week.

I am ancient. At least that's how I feel. It is so crazy to think how fast time flies and how much and how little things have changed and gone on in my life. This time last year everything was changing and happening and I could barely keep up. This year has been low-key. With that being said..I have decided to change that in my 24th (technically 25th) year of life. It's more like my New Year's Resolution, I guess. I promise my 24th will be awesome. I don't know how yet, but I've got some ideas and hopes brewing upstairs. We'll see..

As for life otherwise, I'm still figuring out where my feet belong on earth. I've gotten past the frustration part to now where it's funny. I am so not who I thought I was or who I was going to be at my age and I'm good with it. I laugh often. I play often. I think that's pretty good. It makes it easier to decide what fun thing is next.

I have a good job and work with some of the greatest people. I'm extremely grateful I'm where I am. I didn't know why it felt right to transfer when I did, but I now know. I'm impressed I've been able to make it on my own so far. I'm sure my parents didn't think I'd last :) but I have. It's been hard to give up traveling on a whim and shopping, but it's been so much fun living with my roommates. They are my best friends. My sisters. I have a place of my own and I love it. I'm happy. I choose to be happy.

Not much of an update, but I hope to be a bit more proactive and keep things updated more often.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Meet Rob Schneider. Check.



This past Friday, the opportunity came and with some coaxing and bribing to KayCee to come with me, I crossed this off of my bucket list! I was beyond ecstatic and giddy. I absolutely love this guy. I love his movies and his stupid humor and when I found out he was coming to Utah, I jumped on the chance! I have wanted to meet him since I saw him on "Hot Chick." He is so friendly and as funny in person as he is on the big screen.



Yeah it's pretty much my new favorite shirt.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Time of my life

The phrase has been on my mind so much lately. It's like it's become my motto. My creed. For the good and the bad. I've pondered what this could mean in all sorts of aspects of my life and I've discovered it means all that it entails.

My young adult life has been the time of my life. This is the time where I can be whoever I want to be. Make my life exactly what I want. I don't know what I want...Last night, I prayed until I fell asleep. Granted, it wasn't while kneeling, but as I lay curled up warm in my bed, I poured out my heart and feelings. I have never felt more open and honest to anyone than I did at that moment with my Heavenly Father. It felt so good. I'm not meaning this post to take a Spiritual turn by all means, but it put me in a reflective, mellow mood today. I prayed for help on where I want my life to be. I thanked Him for the millions of blessings I've been given, but knowingly take advantage of, unfortunately. I've experienced numourous things I never thought would ever happen, overcame trials that seemed impossible, and I've done things I never thought I would, and it has been awesome. The time of my life. But, I feel empty inside. I am not completing something and I cannot figure out what it is. I have gone through every possible option in my mind to fill that void and I can't tell what it is. Will it be filled when I'm married and start a family? Is it just some depression I'm feeling? Is it because I've been complacent for so long? Or am I honestly going through a "quarter-life crisis?"

I need China. Or a China-like experience. I was able to clear my head and figure out what I wanted in life and I felt rejuvenated. I have forgotten what it was I wanted to do. Or I did it and it's time for a new phase and step in my life. I can't keep running away though. I have to be able to figure out how to work things out as an adult!

No worries, I'm not posting this as a Debbie Downer, but more to "think outloud." Believe me, I am making some adjustments in my life right now that I can already tell are significantly helping, but I'm still missin' something. Any of my other young adult (single and not single) friends feeling this way?