Hey boy hey

Confession time people, so this might be obvious to some of you that know me really well BUT I must confess my love for BOY BANDS and TEEN IDOLS.  

NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, 98 degrees, LFO, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Mandy Moore, Lil Bow Wow, the list could go on, and the 90's were full of them.

My love started when I first heard "Tearin up my heart" and saw the handsome men of NSYNC the best boy band in my opinion... (I was in about 4th grade at this time) I was more then obsessed with them, every magazine I would cut out pictures of them and post them on my bulletin board, race home from school to watch the music videos on TRL and of course I had my favorite member. Funny story one of my friends also loved NSYNC and she put the poster of them on the ground next to her bed with a blanket over them when she would go to sleep.  Hahahaha it was hilarious!

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, had my heart with his bleach blonde curls and killer dance moves.  I just knew we would one day make the perfect couple, I mean our birthdays are both in January so I thought it was a sign. Makes sense right? In a ten-year-old mind it totally did.   

Fact is that Justin and I just weren't compatible, I mean who could compete with Britney Spears, I couldn't. Well maybe now, I mean the whole shaving her head thing was crazy-town but now he is with the gorgeous Jessica Biel, I am so happy for them.  Ha sense the sarcasm? Ok I still have a crush on that fool.

Anyway, the generation now is experiencing what most of us did in our childhood, the explosion of teens being super successful and becoming idols.  Now its, Justin Bieber, The Wanted, One Direction, Selena Gomez, Carly Rae, just to name a few.  People are going CRAZY for them.  

Let me set one record straight, sorry Justin and Selena your teen power couple title will never top the original Justin and Britney duo.. CLASSIC! 

So now that I am in my 20's does this mean I can't be obsessed too? Oops I did it again... too late... I have the Bieber Fever and not sure it will be gone anytime soon.  I actually just bought his new CD, I have no shame I freakin love it!!!  I love One Direction, The Wanted and well Carly Rae, I probably won't call you but I love your song.  Despite the fact I think she will be a one hit wonder:)  

Why do I love them or their songs? Well if you like them you already know why.  The songs are catchy, about being in love, cheesy, yet clean, and always seem bring out some type of dance moves, or just acting out what they are singing about. AND let's get real we all wish we were teen idols and famous! 

I honestly think I will be listening to boy bands until well forever.  Yep I will probably be the crazy mom bumping the songs in my car and taking my kids to their concerts and all that jazz.  Pray for my children, haha they will be so embarrassed!   

But REALLY I think this picture is wayyyy more EMBARRASSING.  What were they thinking? Seriously.

 XOXO

Long Distance Love Affair

Ok, you may be thinking STOP! Court, no one wants to hear about your EPIC fail of a on again and off again long distance relationship for the past 2 years, (thank my lucky stars that ended) BUT don't get your panties in a bunch just yet... I am taking this in a very different direction.  I am going the DISTANCE... ok joking but hear me out.

I think it has been since I graduated college that I have realized how many long distant relationships I am in... Not the love kind silly but friends that have moved out of the Grand Canyon State to bigger and better opportunities. Well let's say more then friends, my family.  I have been blessed with AMAZING people that have come into my life and am sure as heck going to keep them around.  These friends are all over the country now, which can be difficult at times, but incredible to see how we are STILL involved in each others life's.

Here we go I am naming a few place as to "where in the world" my FRIENDS are..

-South Bend, Indiana

-Chicago, Illinois

-Salt Lake City, Utah

-Santa Maria, California

-San Diego, California

      

-Charlotte, North Carolina

 Most of these people have been in my life for years now, some I lived with, had classes with, or went to high school together.  They have all deeply impacted my life in one way or another.  I have had so many different experiences with all my friends; being a freshman at ASU figuring out our way around the city of Tempe, trying to study for countless hours but getting distracted by our spontaneity,  road tripping to Mexico/Cali/Vegas, crying over boys, laughing so hard we cry, dancing in clubs, ditching classes to lay out, sleepovers, countless hours on the phone, texting, going to sushi, eating fast food way too late, walking to the gas station, football/basketball games, celebrating birthdays, pillow talks, shopping adventures, singing at the top of our lung in our cars, lake trips, giving advice and taking advice when we don't want to.. AND the list could go on and on....

Valuable lessons they have taught me...

- Friends will love you most when you need it especially at your rock bottom

- Sticking up for yourself gets easier with age

- Making mistakes doesn't always mean they are bad

- If you hang out with me long enough you will start drinking DIET PEPSI

- Being a supportive friend is an understatement

- Chocolate is always the best problem solver

There are so many things I have learned from those around me and so thankful for their examples that real, genuine people still actually exist.  I can't explain how happy I am to hear from each of them whether it is an hour convo on the phone, a simple text, or finally seeing them after a long period apart.  I feel like I need to thank technology cause without it I am not sure if we could keep up as easily with people's crazy life's.  Facebook, Twitter, blogs, instagram and emails, help me keep track of my peeps and stalk each of their lives.  I love it when people call me and automatically bring up something I posted, awww they do care about me and keep tabs on me... I TRULY LOVE THAT.  Stalk away! haha!

I am a person that takes my friendships pretty serious, being a loyal friend is a priority to me and always has been.  I would do anything for my friends no matter what.  I am not the most open person out there so for people to really get to know me and become a close friend takes sometime with me. I am the first to admit that :)  

It is interesting how friendships can change because of time and circumstances but at the same time it feels all too familiar... I have been so lucky to reconnect recently with one of my favorites from junior high. (Yes, Emily I hope you don't mind this post)  Emily and I were like two peas in a pod in junior high, we were the two extremely tall brunette girls in a sea full of short blondes.  We used to hang out all the time, and do everything together.  But when I moved, things changed.  We didn't get to see each other that much and our lives went in different directions.  She lived in Utah, married, and now has a kid, where I live in AZ, single, thankfully no kids haha.  We would always get together when I visited Utah with all the girls but hard to talk to all of them especially when we only had a few hours.  Luckily Emily's hubby has an internship in AZ and she is here for a few weeks this summer.  We have been able to see each other and grab dinner and catch up. I have been able to see her in a different light, she is a mom and a really good one at that.   

I have loved seeing her and it takes me back to when we were really close and how much I have missed her.  So I hope she knows NOW that this friendship isn't going anywhere haha.  

What blessing friends are in each of our lives :) 

XO 

Changes

Let's start with some Tupac... (yes I must confess I do like rap music)

 "Things will never be the same" 

That is one thing he got right, from this moment forward nothing will EVER be the same.  

Like they say 'The only thing that is constant in anyone's life is CHANGE'.  

Sometimes that is a harsh reality to face and maybe it isn't necessarily the change but the adjustment that comes with the change.  I don't think many people like change or should I say the change they don't want, don't expect, or never believed would change.  I can't lie, I am not the biggest fan of major changes in the moment but as I have gotten older I have realized that all change is necessary, and hindsight is always 20/20 so this is easy for me to say now and will be even easier in 30 years.

As a kid you feel like life is pretty predictable, you have a bed time, you go to school at the same time, and around the same people, but as you learn more and grow up things tend to CHANGE.
I felt like I had many changes happen in my life so FAST, I didn't know which way was up.  My parents divorced in 2003, my sister left for college in 2004, BOTH my parents remarried in 2005, My mom, brother and I moved to AZ in 2005 with my step family.  I started my junior year at Gilbert High School, not knowing anyone, and had to drive my younger step bro and his friends to school that I had only known for a week.  YES this was an insane part of my life.  I was so angry and  mad that my mom got remarried and moved us down to AZ, I was a bitter teenager thinking my whole life has been turned upside down... (I must confess, I had no motivation to do super well in school, thinking I would just move back to Utah soon anyway, but I was really struggling in Pre-Calc so I used to go to my car during that and sleep until my mom found out I was ditching all the time. I was such a punk) I tried my best to put a smile on my face everyday and make best of the situation because I knew no matter how hard it would be now, it can only get better.  The thought keep coming "Maybe I should just go back to Utah"... well that didn't happen and so thankful I stayed in AZ.  I have been so blessed with my decision to stay here and make this place my home (for now).

I was back and forth from AZ to UT a lot my junior and senior year of high school.  By law my brother and I had to make sure we separated our time between both parents equally, due to the divorce agreement. Talk about ADJUSTING... AND Both my parents had new spouses that I didn't really know and I was living with new family members? WEIRD!  I watched both of my parents CHANGE in their relationships with a different person and sometimes I had such a hard time wondering why they couldn't be better and happy with each other.  BUT I am so thankful that both of them found someone to be better and happier with them then they could ever be together.  I have learned a lot from watching my parents and thankful for the change even though it wasn't easy but it has taught me so much about myself and what I want in my life.

I have had so many experiences that have CHANGED my life...and my PERSPECTIVE 

For most of my college career I didn't live with LDS girls, and at times it was extremely difficult for me.  I have always known the gospel is true and know that there isn't anything in the world that is truer then our gospel.  Although it was hard to live with girls that don't live by our standards, I had amazing opportunities to serve them and share the gospel with those I lived with.  I had one roommate start taking the discussions, gave Book of Mormons to a few of them, some received priesthood blessings and always extended invites to church and church activities. I have yet to see any of them enter the waters of baptism, but I still have hope that one day that seed I helped plant will grow and become members of the church.

At the bold age of 23 I have lost 2 friends within a year.  It has been hard to have friends at this age lose their life's and especially feeling that we are too young to go.  I have come to terms with how fast life can change and that we aren't in control.  It has made me realize more then I could ever write on paper or type on a computer how much the Savior loves each of us.  Kendra and Tanner's circumstances were completely different but help me to understand different aspects, from pray, the atonement, serving others and most of all feeling the love of my family and my Savior so strongly. I have found so much comfort in knowing we can all see them again.  The impressions they left on my life and I know many others are blessings I will be forever grateful for.

Often time many say it is the small and simple things that will change your life and it is true just like it says in Alma 37 6&7.  One day I was on my way to work and stopped into a QT to grab a drink, and if you have been there before you know they kinda hurry you when they ring you up.  I was standing in line just behind an older man I would say he was around 70 ish and struggling to get is money out so he put his drink and donut on the counter, and the man ahead of him in line was in nice business clothes and could tell he was in a rush, well the cashier was confused and asked the middle aged business man if it was all together and as there was some confusion then the man said yes and paid for the older man's items.  As the old man looked up and asked how much the cashier said "he paid for it". In shock the old man walked out to kindly thank the man for paying for his morning snack and the business man said 'no problem' and jumped in his Range Rover and drove away.  For some reason that day, that situation hit my heart.  This man paid so nonchalantly and went about his day like it was nothing and the other man was in awe for his generosity.  It made me think and know how important it is to serve others.  This small act made an impression on me the small amount given created a grateful and loving heart.  My impression of the man driving the Range Rover changed, and maybe that is what I needed that day to see the kindness of someones heart without judgement. 

Never in a million years did I expect to have some of these type of experiences; divorce, death, moving, not being married and many missionary opportunities.  But have enjoyed each trial and triumph and the journey life continues to take me on.

As I look back on my life experiences and the many things I have learned, most importantly I have seen change in MYSELF. I had stake conference yesterday and Elder Tad R. Callister from the Second Quorum of the Seventy came to speak to us and he said "Heavenly Father doesn't expect PERFECTION but he does expect PROGRESSION everyday".  How humbled I was by his words, and my want for perfection should be translated into my progress for CHANGE to become better each and everyday.

I have a lot to look forward to in the next few weeks, months, and years.  All I know now is change will happen and progress is needed.

XOXO  

I am always playing CATCH UP...

So in April I went to San Diego to see my friend Amber who is going to school there.  I needed a mini vacay and flights were cheap so I took Friday off and went to see her.  I loved it there, went to the beach everyday, went on a hike, and hit up Coronado.  That was such a highlight just riding our beach cruisers around all day going from shop to shop and laying out on the beach just soaking up the rays.  I loved every minute of it and am already planning my return.  I am a beach bum at heart. <3

My sissy poo came to visit all the way from North Carolina.  GOSH I have missed her.  So many of you may know that my sisters best friend is basically my sister too.  Kristen has been in my life since I can remember.  Our family hates that she lives far away and we hope she comes home soon.
While she was here we had such a blast catching up, swimming, BBQ-ing  and going to the Dbacks game. Most people think Kristen and I are sisters and we look more a like then me and Emily.

I went to the Drizzy Drake concert with my little brother and one of his friends in early May.  It was actually a really good concert, I was somewhat surprised but boy did I feel out of place.  The crowd was very diverse there and concerts are always good places to see some crazies to help you realize how normal you really are. Hahaha. I enjoyed the experience and spending time with my little bro.

MOTHER'S DAY...

I don't know what to say or how to start, well I guess to say how thankful I am for a loving mother. I have been surround by strong women my entire life.  My grandma and mom have been amazing examples to me. My mom is the most amazing person I know! She is incredibly strong, devoted, giving, kind, blunt, funny, loyal, affectionate, and the list could go on forever.  My mom is so supportive and don't know where I would be without her.  She is an amazing example of someone who loves to serve others, devoted to the gospel, and inspires me to be better.  I always remember her being there for me growing up, even though it was hard for her to make the time between 3 kids, and working full time especially after my parents were divorced she did her best to be there and always knew she was my biggest fan.
Some of the best memories... Late nights laying on her bed talking for hours, eating otter pops on our big porch during the summer, her helping me make posters for my student body campaign, driving carpool, going to get Big Gulps from 7Eleven, catching her reading her scriptures or praying, and of course our road trips just singing some "Love Shack".  I have had so much fun with my mom, and our relationship has only gotten stronger over the years.  When we moved to AZ we became best friends.  It was an adjustment but so glad we had each other to rely on.  She has cried with me, celebrated my successes, and laughed with me through it all. I am beyond blessed.

Well Memorial Day is the first official mark of summer, and well I am a tad bitter to the fact that I am all grown up and don't get summers anymore.  Who thought that it would be a good idea to have to work ALL YEAR LONG? Who ever it was, was clearly not thinking that the little kid inside of all us that really just want to play outside, ride our bikes, walk to the pool, and go on family vacations.  So, because I don't want to use to many of my PTO days I made a list of things that I want to do this summer.  Most are quick trips or just things I haven't done before.  Take a look, join me if you dare and I hope to be able to cross most of these off by the end of September.  

Lately I have realized how bad I am at taking pictures of things that are happening.  This summer it is my goal to be better at it.  I just forget, or think 'oh I will snap one later', or my classic excuse 'hmmm I don't look too cute today' hahahaha I am so lame.  BUT hair done or not, make up on or off, you will be seeing more pics! Get EXCITED!

ATTEMPT #1565887621321987132487363598546452132

To reading AND finishing a book this summer... Ok I am exaggerating a tad but I can start books get about halfway through and then get bored of it and NEVER FINISH.  I am adding an other attempt and I already picked a book out...I am really excited to starting reading it, and hold me it finishing it please:)

Until next time,
xoxo

RaNdOmNeSs

     So, random.... I swear I use that line at least once a day.  I like being random, and keeping people on their toes (only went the time is appropriate though)  It makes life interesting and exciting well at least I think so. I decided to CONFESS some of the random things I do or say. Please do NOT judge me haha ok you can but you may think some are weird but bet I you do weird things too.

- I HAVE to and I mean HAVE to put chapstick and lotion on my hands every night before I go to bed.  I seriously cannot fall asleep unless I do this.

- No matter what toothpaste I use, I am always thirty after I brush my teeth, morning, night, afternoon whenever time it is I need water right after.

- I like my toast burnt, not black but pretty brown.  I guess I just like the crunchiness of it or something like that. I am not quite sure why but my toast is always burnt.

- I play with my hair CONSTANTLY, yes most people pick up on this, whether I am nervous, anxious, or just bored I am twirling my hair in between my fingers.  I am sorry it is just so soft I can't help myself hahaha.

- I hate CATS... I really hope I don't offended any of you by saying this but cats just are creeps.  I have never liked them and feel like at any moment they will just pounce and claw your face off or something crazy.

- Along the sleeping lines, I have a certain pillow I have to sleep with every night.  It is the perfect size to hold on to as my dreams take me on crazy adventures.

- Reading books, something I have never found entertaining or appealing.  My family all likes to read except for me.  I can't finish books EVER! I don't know what it is but I think I just feel like I have so many other things to do then read so I almost feel guilty for taking the time to just sit and chill. If it isn't news or entertainment oriented I won't read it. I honestly don't know how I made it through college sometimes.

- I still love playing Solitaire on my phone.  Yes, I am not a big card game person but solitaire is one thing I like to do to waste time or just quite my mind.

- I would rather eat dessert over a real meal.  Yep, I can handle having a candy bar or cookie for dinner or lunch and be perfectly content.

- Deciding what to wear in the mornings is probably the biggest and hardest decision I make all day, kidding but seriously that is why it can take me so long to get ready and why my room is IMPOSSIBLE to keep clean.

Ok, so here are just a few random things I tend to do that not that many people may not know so I hope you ENJOY me and my weirdness.



XOXO

Queen of Quotes

I LOVE quotes!

 I have so many written down, on my mirror, in my drawers and just everywhere you can think of.  I like the short simple ones, cut to the chase and make a point.  So I wanted to share a few of my favorites :) Enjoy!

"Quality is not an act, it is a habit."

 ~Aristotle

  "Can isn’t a word, it’s an attitude."

~Unknown

 

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

~Martin Luther King Jr.

"We tend to become like those whom we admire."

~Thomas S. Monson

"We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do."

~Mother Teresa

"And yeah I got flaws, I know I'm not perfect 

But all ups and downs, will soon be worth it 

When I get there "

~Lupe Fiasco

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent."

~Eleanor Roosevelt

 

"Always know in your heart that you are far bigger than anything that can happen to you." 

~Dan Zadra

“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.” 

~Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” ~Helen Keller

XOXO

All the SPRING things...

As many of us are gearing up to take a Spring Break, or just getting excited about the warmer weather... I decided on what are some of the NEEDS and MUST HAVES of Spring time...

Here is the list

1.  Chap stick-  I am so particular about my chap stick. I can only use THE Burt's Bees, I seriously have one and keep one everywhere.  I have been using Burt's since about 7th grade and pretty sure I will be using it the rest of my life.  

2. Sunscreen-  Now, some people think sunscreen is for whimps, but I ALWAYS use it no matter what. I wear it for many reasons, I love the smell, hopefully will prevent wrinkles, the feeling of my skin being burnt hurts like hell, AND I really don't want to get skin cancer.  I think everyone needs to be aware of how dangerous the sun can be and should wear sunscreen every time you go out in the sun.

3- Moroccan Oil-  This stuff is amazing!!! If you haven't tried it you totally should.  You can use it on dry or damp hair.  I discovered it last year and have been using it ever since.  It makes your hair soft, glow and I swear it makes it grow.  I really like it in the summer because the sun, lake, ocean, pools, and product do a number on your hair and this helps protect it. 

4- Nails-  I love having different nail colors.  It is something fun and easy to change.  What is big now is the neural colors or less intense colors, BUT to be honest I love when my nails make a statement or are just super bright, it lightens the mood.

5- Colored Jeans- At first I WAS NOT a fan, but my friend Ashley talked me into getting a pair of mint green pants and I LOVE THEM!  They are super cute and feels like it makes me expand my wardrobe and get more creative with what I wear.  I think it makes things fun and finding shirts and accessories have been a blast.

6- Striped Shirts-  I have become obsessed with striped shirts.  Mostly the over sized ones that you can tuck into your skinny jeans or skirt or wear with leggings.  Although some may say this is not a flattering look I really am all for it!

7- Pop of color- 

 I have always enjoyed wearing bright colors and adding some much needed flavor to some dull outfits.  I have a hot pink cardigan that I love to wear and that color seems to be very popular right now.  I will have fun with this look for sure!

 

8- Spring Training-  Close your eyes for a second... Now think of the warm sun hitting your face and legs, the smell of hot dogs on the grill, fresh cut grass, the crack of the bat, eating sunflower seeds, and men that look flawless on the field.  Ok that is not a DREAM that is Spring Training... I love going to baseball games because the atmosphere is like no other.  I can't wait to go to a game next week :)

9-Filling out your NCAA basketball bracket-

Let the bets begin...

I love watching college basketball.  Everyone gets excited about who they think will win, how much money they should bet, and what players will do well.  Each game is only 40 minutes but in that time your bracket and fall apart within seconds. I love the intensity of each game and how much emotion is in it and the upsets are inevitable. 

 10- Frozen Yogurt/ Shaved Ice- 

Well the warmer weather calls for some good old Froyo.  I love frozen yogurt and all this little stores out there.  It is nice that you can have whatever you want and not feel so guilty eating because it is not as bad as ice cream and putting fruit on top of it makes it even better.  One other place I love is Bahama Bucks,  SHAVED ICE all year round and every flavor possible. 




XOXO