Maureen Elizabeth

My New Mission Blog!

2011-01-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

http://sistermaureendavis.blogspot.com/

I won't be making anymore posts on this blog for a while. So if you want to hear about what's going on for the next year and a half, check out this Blog. Hope it'll be good. :)

:)

2010-11-27T23:54:00.000-08:00

Could I express my happiness in one word? NO! I'm feeling a mixture of Pure bliss, excitement, nervousness (the good kind), gratuity, love and warmth!
So you're probably thinking shouldn't you post this as a facebook status or something? Well my friends, Facebook doesn't have enough room for me to write everything I want to... hence the blog.
This week has been absolutely Amazing; from Monday to Sunday and everything in between. I spent time with good friends the night before I drove 11 hours home to Arizona. It was the best evening Ever and the next thing I know, I'm sitting with my family again after months chatting about who knows what. Next day I'm learning to bake all kinds of Thanksgiving delicacies, for the future of course, and playing games with my sisters I forgot all about. Day after that is Thanksgiving where I stuffed myself on so much good food I didn't know what to do after. Then I went to watch the cutest new Disney movie - Tangled. Definitely up on my favorites list - especially with the voice of Zachary Levi as Ryder. :) Dare I continue? The following day I'm decorating the whole house with Christmas goods and listening to Christmas music all day long only to end up playing with my family all night. Yesterday - I wrapped a present, discussed mission particulars, picked my secret santa name, played the piano, went to a BBQ (where I filled myself again) watched a movie with old friends that I haven't seen in months and had an absolute BLAST! And guess what happens today? Only an 11 hour drive back to Provo to see my friends again and to see the sweet decorations my roommates put up while I was away.
I probably sound selfish... But can you help it when you're given everything that makes You happy?
:D

IT'S HERE!!!

2010-10-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

We'll I FINALLY got it!
I woke up this morning slightly anxious to see if my call would arrive today. Bishop Lott said it should be coming this week. So I went to school hoping to stay busy for as long as possible. I came home at four o' clock, walked into my apartment, dropped everything on the couch, grabbed the mailbox key, walked to the mailbox and assumed they wouldn't cram the packet into the small slot so it must be in one of the bigger boxes. The first thing I saw was the kep needed to open the larger mail boxes and I got excited then I looked up and realized the huge envelope was right behind the keys. I had to stife a shriek of joy - not kidding.
I wasn't going to open it until 7:30 that evening so the next three hours were a bit crazy. I brought my envelope everywhere with me, and every now and then I went from completely giddy and sqealing in front of my roommates to quiet and contemplative. I didn't know where I'd be called but during the last hour I told my roommates that I wanted to go foreign really bad and because of that Heavenly Father was calling me stateside.
Everyone put their guesses on the map and I sat there watching everyone anxiously. Finally it was 7:25. Five minutes to go and I was getting really nervous, I almost wanted to wait longer because there was so much pressure in that room! Finally I ripped off the envelope and tossed it aside. Everyone in my apartment was standing up, staring, and the 10 people on skype were all staring as well. I placed the packet in front of the call letter. I got so nervous i'd begin reading then stop. I think I actually spun once before I actually began to read it, I was so excited! I finally began and read one line at a time:
Dear Sister Davis:
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the California San Diego Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.
You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, Februauy 9, 2011. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president.
I knew it - in states. :) I was happy for it and the more I thought about it the more I was sure that was where the Lord wanted me. So, sorry Canary Islands, maybe I'll visit you later. Well now I just need to get ready and WAIT! Oh brother! This is going to be the longest 3 1/2 months EVER!

To Do...

2010-08-07T12:03:00.001-07:00

Can I tell you how exciting today is?!! (*Dripping with sarcasm*) Well for starters I've been cleaning my room. It was a disaster and now its only a little better... I'm still working on it, slowly but surely. It doesn't help that now that I'm actually writing in my blog I've been very distracted writing new posts, checking out everyone else's blogs, and checking facebook every half hour. My life is SOOOO boring! I've decided that I need to spice up life but I don't know where to start... or what to do to start.

I know what needs to be done today, I just don't want to do it. :P

1. Get new mascara and a new toothbrush from the store
2. Start reading my chemisty book (my mom says its the only way to stay on top of that class)

3. Pack up for my return to Utah

4. Start getting my dental and medical records filled out

5. Call Erin Anderson to get my hair cut and colored... I'm considering going back to my original color... brunette, yes? or stay blonde? Hmmm....

Me with brown hair

Me as a Blonde

Choices... Choices

6. Finish Cleaning my room... I finished my desk... now onto the rest of the room.
7. Update my Ipod's songs
8. Make a CD for my friend
9. Have a sleepover with my cousin :D
10. Practice the Piano for Church tomorrow
11. Practice a song to sing at church... yikes.
12. Finish my laundry
13. Hang out with my family before I leave for the next 2 years!!!
14. Study Preach My Gospel, the scriptures, etc.
15. Try new foods to prepare myself *gulp*
16. Hang out with friends before they all go off and get married when I leave. :P
17. Clean the car...
18. Learn new meals to cook up at school
19. Update my recipe book
20. Go visiting teaching

ETC.

All in a days work... HA! I have a lot to do in the next three weeks.... oh why oh why must I procrastinate? Alright, I better stop blogging and get to it. If anyone has a suggestion on how to do these things any faster please let me know! :) Thanks! And may your days be uncluttered and organized!

To My Avid Readers

2010-08-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I'm officially telling people. I'm planning on going on a mission! No, this isn't the same thing as when I told everyone I was going in my senior year to convince them that I wasn't getting married. I've made the decision and I'm going!!! In about a month I can put in my papers, which means in a month and two weeks I'll find out where I'm going to be serving for the next year and a half! Which also means that in 5 or so months I'll no longer be here! I'm really excited, if you couldn't tell. ;) But what has really been interesting is that the more I've considered it, the greater I've also wanted to stay here, for whatever reason... It's a consistent fight that I've been putting up with but now that I've decided it seems to be a little easier. Hopefully I can get everything done in time, what with another semester of school, getting all my medical records, and preparing to go somewhere new (with challenges I don't know about yet) it'll be busy but I'm ready. Bring it on! :)

I'll fill you in when I get my call, keep your fingers crossed that I can go somewhere with Good food. ;) Haha well, till we meet again!

I stink at this...

2010-06-16T20:08:00.001-07:00

Alright!!! Updates from Maureen's life; because she's too lame to write out a post for each new adventure she's merging them together.

So I went up to the Y for a semester, and pretty much loved it. Sorry Sun Devils, you are still a part of me but I've become a Cougar through and through. :) I love the weather changes, the mountains, living a social life, living on my own, even living with 5 other girls. (Not that that is a big change and all...) It was a blast getting to know so many other people from different states and with different ideals. I LOVED it! :D

Well I finally got home to good ol' Mesa. Which, needless to say, is Super hot, and I'm still not used to it. When I got off the plane I saw my sister and mom, Maddy started crying when she saw me. Aw, I love her too! Well I began to work soon after at my dad's office again. And every now and then I do some new crafts. Becca has become my craft friend. We just do whatever random idea comes to our heads. Such as Tie Dye...

Splatter Painting...

Etc.

Well I've also been to many receptions and showers lately as it is just the time of year for all my friends to get married. Oh boy. From Kristin Porter Pear (who's a year younger than me), to Tara Schlappi Bodrero, who just had to go through a brain tumor surgery and will have to continue with a year of chemo. She's been so strong during this whole thing. We all love her dearly and are praying for her and her family. She now is happily married to wonderful Josh!

Well I've also been given a new calling in my ward... Relief Society Pianist. I can't play to save my life!!! So I've been practicing to get better and at least play with my right hand! So far I haven't needed to play so we'll see how that goes. :)

I'm loving my ward and I'm trying to be optimistic when it comes to work. AND I'm trying to be more social and hang out with my friends before I head up to the Y at the end of August. So call me up and lets get together! ;)

Now when I'm not at work and not hanging out with friends... well I have a secret to divulge. I've recently become an Avatar fan. No, not the blue people. I mean I've become an airbending fanatic. My sisters and I have been watching all three seasons, because we want to, and to prepare us for the movie that's coming out soon!!! July 2nd - So go see it! And to add to that we've also been watching Sonny with a Chance. (I'm secretly a 12 year old, I swear) But I love its humor and the drama that surrounds Sonny and Chad. Haha this is funny to hear me talk about it, but its true, why deny my true personality? hahaha

As for guys in my life... eh I'm not falling madly for anyone right now, just trying to keep my head clear as I go to school and work. So boys, steer clear! I still want to go on a mission. :D Maybe to Italy? haha OH! that reminds me. My cousin Alison just got off her mission! And a month after she got home her little brother is getting married, her younger sister, Carly has a one-year old! And her older sister Emily got married and is now pregnant! My family has been changing a lot! :) But I love it. Haha now I feel like I'm rambling... so its probably a good place to stop. If anything major happens in my life I'll try to keep others updated... but I'm still working on staying on top of blogging. Anyway... Talk to the few of you left later. ;)

Ode to Utah

2010-02-25T12:21:00.001-08:00

Wow, so I'm getting slightly sick of checking out blogspot and seeing the Bones picture every day, sooo.... I'm going to write a new post entitled... Ode to Utah.

OH Utah, with your mountains so white, your temperatures so cold and your shorts out of sight. When all the sky is dull and gray, I smile big and what do I say? I love you Utah! I love the changing seasons! I love the white of your ground and the.... Oh who am I kidding I can't rhyme!

So in that case I'll make a list of all the things I love about Utah!

1. Mountains outside my window

2. There are actually seasons here

3. More cause for Hot chocolate, YUM!

4. BYU is lots of fun, and surprisingly I'm doing well in school. ;)

5. I see lots of fun people every day

6. I'm living on my own and loving it

7. My roommates are the BEST EVER! Ezackly...

8. WE non-stop quote up here

9. There are lots of fun guys up here..... ;)

10. I have found peace at last in a world of much chaos. Never have I been happier with my life. :) its FanTastic!

11. Oh and my family lives only an hour away! I love Sunday Dinners!

Ok so that list is kinda short, but honestly I can't think of all the different reasons I love Utah. I think the highest on the list should be *I love being Social all the time, and I LOVE living on my own and even though I have to work on my cooking skills I'm having a Blast! :) Thank you Utah!

THE END!

Bones, the Nacerima and a Light Bulb

2009-12-01T22:50:00.000-08:00

(This is my final essay for my anthropology class, I loved it so much I had to share! Tell me what you think. :D ) The first time I ever heard about anthropology was when I watched the TV show Bones. The main character is a forensic anthropologist and despite her lack of feeling she has a very interesting outlook on life. The way she sees things is so different she sometimes needs a sidekick who shows more emotion to understand the human side of life. She is an example of a completely and solely scientific perspective. While I had no idea what this meant at the time, I did know I was nothing like her, but I wanted to understand her viewpoint. When I began this class I didn’t know what to expect; I didn’t know if I’d just be learning scientific facts about other cultures, or if I would read more about the ideas behind a culture. I found out when I read the first assigned article, “Body Ritual Among the Nacirema” by Horace Miner.

I’ve always been the type of person that believes anything she reads, well almost anything. So it isn’t surprising to learn that I thought the Nacirema really existed, and that I was confused and almost disturbed about what they did. As the article states, the Nacirema believe the body is ugly. They have shrines in their houses devoted to ceremonies that avert the bad characteristics of the body. Just after reading about these rituals I was appalled to think that people would hate themselves and try to change through these rituals. Of course I didn’t understand much about the actual ceremonies, but it didn’t sound fun or nice. While I continued to read I learned that the Nacirema also went to these spiteful “holy-mouth-doctors” just to endure more torture to their body. I remembered thinking, “What are these people thinking?! Why do they have to hurt themselves to become what they think is good? Who started these traditions anyhow?!” I was completely confused and frustrated with the Nacirema. It didn’t help when I read about the temple ceremonies that poke and prod these natives to supposedly heal them. The Nacirema keep coming back believing it will work, even when many have died. I was thoroughly disgusted with these people and their beliefs in magic and witch-craft. I couldn’t believe that these people really existed, and if they did I didn’t understand how they could ever be happy.
When I posted my opinion of the article I quickly learned that I had been tricked. My reading skills had failed me once again. The Nacirema was really just American spelled backwards, and the whole article was someone’s perspective of me, and what I do regularly. I reread the article and each time I came to a part I had been previously disgusted with, I realized what the author was really describing, I laughed. The “shrines” seemed like bathroom sinks where we wash our faces to keep clean, and apply lotions and make-up to cover up our many flaws. The “holy-mouth-doctors” were really dentists who regularly check our teeth and mouth so that we stay healthy and don’t get sick, and yes we do go even if we know it will hurt. The “temple ceremonies” were actually just describing the hospital where we go to get better when we are really sick. Some people may die while they are there, but we know that the hospital saves more lives than it takes, and the doctors do try everything to keep us healthy. I even realized the article talked about privacy in the bathroom and psychiatrists. I was completely astonished at the reversal of my feelings towards the “nacirema.” I learned a few things after reading this article and discovering its real content. I learned to my embarrassment, that I need to work on my reading comprehension. I know that the author was trying to tell us that we can’t take everything we read and place opinions on what we don’t quite understand. He wrote the article this way to get a reaction from the audience, to astound us, and show us how easily we believe the chapter without reading the book. I now realize that as an anthropologist you have to immerse yourself in a culture and understand it before you judge their actions and beliefs.

Riding the Rails... Yet Again

2009-11-14T09:50:00.001-08:00

Ok so most of my life experiences now take place on the Light Rail. I'm on their 4 hours a week which doesn't seem like a lot but when you're on the light rail it feels as if it takes forever. Whether thats a good or bad feeling I haven't decided.

So as of last week I've seen some very interesting things on the rail. From gays cuddling (which I thought was just a bit awkward), to a girl making her own cigarettes. But what happens inside isn't always the best entertainment. While we were at a stop light waiting to go most of the passengers were glancing out the window at a few boys who were making a movie. One was on top of a wall while the other two were on the ground managing the camera. The boy on top started rollerblading on the wall (it was one of those decoration walls that looked like hills) and all the passengers on the rail gasped as he jumped off and did a flip onto the sidewalk. It was thrilling and I think the most excitement that some folks experienced that whole day. Haha

Well not even that experience compares to what happened two days ago. I got on the light rail after taking a test in Microbiology and I was ready to sit down and relax. Unfortunatley all the seats were filled so I had to stand. There were a few girls who walked in after me and we all stood clumped together trying not to fall over when the light rail came to a complete stop. It didn't help that one of these girls was on her bike and trying to keep that up as well. By the time we had hit the 3rd stop a few people had left but not enough for me to sit down. So I stood against the wall next to the girl on the bike (as her name shall be from now on). Just then about 40 students from a nearby elementary school boarded our car. (another 90 boarded the other cars) With no seats available they all stood in the center milling around aimlessly. The teacher of course was trying to get them to hold onto something before the light rail started up again, but too late. When we started moving 30 of those kids who hadn't grabbed anything started falling on top of the girl on the bike, which obviously lead to a domino affect and she started to fall on me, bike and all. Fortunately I was against the wall so I could help her prop up her bike as the kids got rearranged. I have never heard the light rail get that loud as it did with all those kids present. I couldn't help laughing as I watched all these fourth graders. One boy was stealthily walking around trying to avoid his teacher's eye while some of the girls were laughing and giggling in the corners. Another group of boys were all holding on a bar and glancing at me and the girl on the bike and smiling then quickly looking away when they noticed us looking back. Many of the adults there, whom I had never seen smile, were now smiling and laughing as they asked the kids how old they were, or what they were doing, etc. I don't think I was the only one sad to see them leave. Kids are astounding, they bring an innocence and life that makes many people smile. I didn't see one person on the light rail that day that wasn't smiling! :D

Oh to be young again and full of life.

Adventures on the Light Rail!

2009-10-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

And now for the newest and most widely sold Magazine, The New Adventures on the Light Rail.
We have here with us today the Editor of the highly entertaining article, "The Tale of the Light Rail," that has been read and enjoyed by many, Maureen Davis. She is here to answer some of our questions about the Light Rail and what to expect when riding it.
1st question: So what is it like?
Maureen: Well, it is actually quite entertaining, I get to people-watch while I'm riding the rail. There are so many diverse groups that come on the train! For instance today I sat next to an african american family (mother , two daughters, and her boyfriend) Across from me sat an arabic man, an asian woman, her hispanic husband and their son and daughter. And of course there are the few caucasions spread through-out.
2nd Question: Do you talk to anyone on the light rail?
Maureen: Yes, not very often though, I usually just like to observe, but today an interesting lady was on the train when I got on to return home. She was a bit jumpy and never stopped moving. As soon as I sat down across from her she started talking. "Wow they look so young! Young lady are you in college?"
"yes"
"And what're you 19?"
"haha yes I am"
"Freshman?"
"No, a sophomore actually."
"So young! My son's 20 but he dropped out of high school, had to get his GED and now wants to be in the military, but he has to take a few classes in college first. He said if the teachers here were like the ones in high school he'da never dropped out! His name is Harbin, in French that means 'great warrior'. His dad named him, and our daughter too. I'd never have chosen french names. Her name's Mychelle - meaning 'sent from above'."
"They're beautiful names!"
"I know, but I named the last one, because my husband and I got divorced."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"Happened a long time ago. Oh bye Patty! She's a good friend, so is here Lynda! We're all hobo's riding the rail."
Lynda chimes in, "She didn't really mean it she's just joking!"
I laughed
"Right, ya I like to joke around, its fun. So what's Your name?"
"Maureen"
"Maurie? Oh thats a nice name." Said to another girl who just walked in "I love you braids!" Back to me, "I used to have long hair, it went down to Here! But then this guy had me cut it really short and now it won't grow out. Thats why I divorced him. But I had to have it cut because I needed a surgery. I had cancer. What do you want to major in?"
"Nursing"
"nursing huh? well I did that too, though it wasn't as high as you plan to go, it was simple stuff thats why I have all these scars from shots! Well have you ever been to Bank-One Ballpark? I used to work there, it was fun but that was back when they won the world series."
Lynda says, "Ya I used to know one of them presidents there. Is that what they're called? Presidents right?"
"no hunny I think you mean the security guards"
"no no no it was someone else, president right?" She looked imploringly at me.
"I really don't know."
"Oh. Well there's one black guy there who knew my record, --I was in a least once for arsony --"
"But we All make mistakes, don't we?" She looks me up and down, "well most of us anyway."
Lynda starts up again, "Anyway he said hi to me! He was all like hey ya Lynda!"

(silence)
"Well here's our stop. It was so nice to meet you!"
I said goodbye smiling wide. What pleasant people!
Well that sums up our talk with Miss. Davis! Thank you so much for being here!

Slowly Recovering

2009-10-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

Ok so as the title states, I'm slowly recovering..... from sheer boredom! The beginning of this school year was just so incredibly boring! School wasn't that hard, I didn't know many people, my favorite TV shows hadn't started, etc.
Well Now its all picking up the pace and quickly too!
Starters : Midterms are next week, and I litereally have a midterm or Something for each and every part of class next week.
Institute: I happened to sign up for devotional in Both classes next week (Monday and Tuesday)
Anatomy: I have my second anatomy exam (Tuesday)
Micro LAB: I have my Lab practical/midterm (Tuesday)
Micro Lecture: I have my second micro exam (Thursday)
Ballet: I have a midterm that includes half dancing and half writing (Thursday)
Anatomy LAB: My first practical over blood, heart, blood vessels, and lungs (Wednesday)
Anthropology: My second Exam (Friday)
YIKES!!! Do you think that schedule is busy? I submit that it is not. At least not until you include my homework assignments included in half of those classes, and my church assignments these next two sundays, not to mention watching my favorite TV shows! WOW!
So my TV schedule... (this is super sad!)
Tuesday night: NCIS
Wednesday night: NCIS Los Angeles (recorded on TiVo)
Thursday night: BONES
Friday day: FRINGE (recorded on TiVo)
I do believe I have gone insane! And I like to hang out with at least one friend on the weekend, but its always nice to have more than one! ;) I think I like to stay busy, I like to stay on my toes, though I think I must be crazy bc I don't get good sleep anymore... huh. Oh well! After next week hopefully it won't be as insane anymore. :)

Results

2009-09-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Ok for the three of you who still read my blog. ;) I'll be keeping my old blog (aka this one) but I'll probably write less in it from now on (because what can I say life gets busy) so if you want to read my private blog just give me your e-mail address. Thanks all.

Random Quoting Fun!

2009-09-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

Alright so... My sisters Maddy, Erin, my cousin Danielle and I have this family website where we share stories, pictures, movies, activities, and such. Its really amusing! Tradition dictates that when you turn 13 you can join the website and contribute. Well as we four are the only ones above 13 so far we practically rule the roost. Since I'm the eldest cousin on my mom's side, you'd think I'd be in charge of the whole site, but my 15 year old cousin very much deserves the spot of head coordinator. She's awesome. So this post is dedicated to her. Danielle Larsen.
One of the topics on our family blog was Quotes. We had to each write a few quotes from something... Well... she out did us... as always. Here's her quote from a computer game that she loves. Monkey Island.
Murray and Guybrush's conversation:
GUYBRUSH is a pirate and MURRAY is an evil disembodied skull
Guybrush: You know, you'd look great with a melting candle on your forehead.
Murray: I'm getting the feeling that you're not taking me very seriously
Guybrush: No, I am
Murray: Really? Then let me here you scream in terror!!!
Guybrush: Well, I'm too petrified to say anything
Murray: Wahhahahahah!!!
Guybrush: Why do you villians always laugh so much?
Murray: Well, I wasn't laughing at anything in particular, somewhere there's a fish nibbling on my foot and it really tickles!
Guybrush: Was your mother's father bald too?
Murray: I'm not bald! I just have a really high widow's peak
Guybrush: Well at least you won't ever have to worry about what to wear
Murray: Well, I guess that's true
Guybrush: And excessorizing will be really easy
Murray: That's also true--and I look great in hats
Guybrush: There ya go! I'm going now

My challenge to you is to write in the comment box you're own favorite quotes! Go ahead, get started! :)

Making a Different Blog

2009-09-06T23:07:00.001-07:00

So not that many people read this blog much or anything, but for my more interesting stories and more intriguing details in life, I've decided to write a new blog. Hopefully I'll write more in that blog about daily life. I'll continue in this blog to write about cool ideas and stuff, but my private blog will include more things about me. So if you want to read my other blog I'm starting go ahead and give me your e-mail address's. Mine is sweetrivergirl90@cox.net. E-mail me if you want to read the blog! Thanks to all you devoted fans. ;) haha

Hey - Low Leetle Keeds!

2009-09-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

I have a few things to tell you all!

1. I use a funny accent every now and then, when I'm happy and just being myself (hence the odd looking title)

2. In choir a few years ago we sang my favorite song ever. Its called The Awakening. It's a song about a person who has a dream that there is no music in the world, that it is silent. It is a nightmare and he tries to sing out, but he can't. Finally he bursts from the dream and wakes up singing. No more will the songs go away. I love the song! And I really wish I had the version of the song we sang. But I do have a version that is really well done.

Have a listen!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPgspgLNm4E

3. My sister and I just finished watching Prince Caspian, the credits began to roll across the screen when this song came on, and now it's one of my favorites for the time being. :)

Regina Spektor's The Call! It brings a lot of meaning to lots of different things, and could be taken in many different ways. Ah the beauty of the mind and music, what they create together is Extraordinary! Check out the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0R2Hnu5wZQ&feature=related

4. I love comments! :)

5. I have a new calling in church that I think is going to help me tremendously along with the others I'm helping but it is kinda amusing that there is such a calling. I'm in the mingles committee!

6. I love singing... I think my family's annoyed with me because I sing so much at home, while I'm doing the dishes, walking around the house, doing chores or getting ready for the day. I wonder what my roommates will think of me when they realize how much I sing. ;) Or even my future family... hmm... there Will be music in my family! Music is part of my life! (Have you noticed?)

7. I LOVE Friends! Jen, Chelsea, Becca, Amy and I have been hanging a lot lately before Becca left for Utah, Amy left for Idaho and Chels left for Jerusalem. Its been so much fun, and I've actually learned more things about myself when around them. And I hope that we stay bestest friends through college and life! That would ROCK! ;) Haha Friends inspire us, lift us up when we're feeling down, listen when we need an ear, and give advice when we feel lost.
"No Gift can Compare to a Friend Who's Always There!"

School Starts Yet Again

2009-08-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

My parents took a picture of me every year on the first day of school. You know, the traditional picture you take five seconds before you leave out the door, with the cutest clothes you own to make a great first impression, and your backpack slung around one shoulder. I have one for every year I've been in school... until I hit College.

College is great! It's got it's perks: like your first day really lasts 2 or 3 days of school, you can choose classes, professors, no one tells you what to major in, you get to decide! You can stay near home or go far away, you can live at home, on campus, or in an apartment right outside of school. So many choices, no real demands, other than "choose your major before junior year" and "you have to do these classes to get in this major" AND You now have to pay for education. Thats all. Nothing too hard right? If you are a scholarly person you should do well without too many problems - try to have a little bit of fun though - if you're a party-er you'll definitely have fun (just don't have too much fun) and remember good grades really do help you make money in the future... And you thought grades didn't matter anymore! HA!

With every semester I attend, I find it more and more interesting. For example: This year's "first" day(s) was/were a blast just bc I got awesome teachers and have fun subjects. I'm taking Anatomy, Microbiology, Anthropology, and Ballet! Ballet? yes. I think its fun to take a random class that I'm interested. Last semester I took a Broadway class, that was fun. So my ballet teacher and I get along, she's really nice and I think I'm actually going to enjoy this class a lot! Its going to be tough bc i'm not That flexible but we shall see, so far I'm doing good, and getting an A should be easy. Score! So Anatomy is the same as always, lectures that are quite interesting, and lab that is difficult and super fun! For example, we're learning about Blood already, in lab we had to prick ourselves to find out our blood type and so on. So my TA couldn't tell if i was O+ or AB+, guess I'll never know. Man all that puncturing my skin for nothing. ;) And today I went to Sunsplash with Amy and Anatomy was so much in my head that I thought the lazy river was a bloodstream, the water obviously plasma, the red innertubes = red blood cells, and the people have to be the platelets and white blood cells. So those people who felt lke slowing down the whole stream of things were obviously the platelets bc they started clogging traffic and the other people who barged through white blood cells... ya I'm a nerd and I know it. :)
So my microbiology class... well its not going to be easy... but so far we've already looked at pond scum and started determining what the lifeforms are. Interesting, hopefully with my weekly study group we'll get A's. And my teacher... He's hallarious. When you first look at him, you thing total biology geek, you watch him for a little bit and you think... Nervous? He cannot stop Moving! whether he's banging on the desk or jumping around through the room he's crazy. he looks 20 but is really in his late 30's. He is super funny and completely obsessed with 2 things. Microbiology, and teaching. Perfect! Haha he says his class is hard but we'll actually learn something and come out of the class brighter by the end... if we work hard of course.
Anthropology is a rather boring class, even for an online class. Reading a chapter a week isn't my forte, but if I do I almost get a definite A+, So thats a good thing right? Well other than those classes I have my institute classes which I love. Brother Herbst calls himself the Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher. And Brother Wold, my favorite teacher ever, is teaching us the old testament. Which is hard, when you don't exactly like the old testament but he's a really good teacherm and so far it has been very interesting.
Well other than all that, I guess the only other thing is that I have to ride the light rail between campuses. Ha, I'll have to write more about that later. I do believe i could come up with MANY stories of things that happen on the light rail. It is sooo fun to people watch! Anyway.. that is my week in a nutshell. The first week has come and gone, with no pictures. Oh well there's always next year. :)

Dedicated to MY red-headed Sis

2009-08-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

Pictures are like memories frozen in time, they say a million words about the most random things I do. For example: I have a picture of my sister and I in a photo booth making silly faces at each other. When you look at it you may think hmm they are silly sisters, or Oh! They are soo cute! or even, I wish I had a sister with red hair. And the most random person might think to themself, I wonder if they eat tomatoes. But when I look at this picture, I remember where we were: Maddy and I wandering around Knottsberry Farm looking for a rollercoaster we can both ride that Maddy wouldn't feel like she was losing her head on, or the fact that we rode on the Mad Hat cups, Jaguar, and boat ride 10 times each.

When I think about our silly faces in the picture I think of all the many times we've died laughing on the floor about the silliest things that didn't even make sense (but no one can help laughing when you hear Maddy's laugh - She's hallarious).

And when I think of the times we've died laughing I think about the random movie sayings we quote around the house 24/7. My mom doesn't think we know how to have an intelligent conversation when we quote movies half the time.

And when I think of all the things we've quoted, I remember the time we wrote in the sand... the silliest things EVER! We had a hay day of sand quotes! Oh Joy!

And THAT's what I see when I look at a picture! Oh the joy of memories! :)

Sometimes...

2009-08-07T00:49:00.000-07:00

A Veces... Sometimes...
Sometimes I wish you couldn't get colds from staying out in the rain.
Sometimes I wish I could be smarter.
Sometimes I wish I had the determination to get things done.
Sometimes I wish life was a musical -> I'd probably be the one singing the dramatic ballads.
Sometimes I wish I wasn't so picky.
Sometimes I wish people had the decency to just say whats bugging them and get on with it.
Sometimes I wish I listened to my own advice.
Sometimes I wish we didn't grow up, that there really was a Neverland.
Sometimes I wish people didn't change.
Sometimes I wish they did.
Sometimes I wish I could be a well-known heart surgeon saving lives right and left, and
Sometimes I wish I could curl up in a ball and hide from everyone.
Sometimes I wish that I knew everything, then I realize life wouldn't be as fun.
Sometimes I wish I could control people
Sometimes I wish people would tell me what to do so I didn't have to think.
There are a lot of "wishes" and "sometimes" in the world that Sometimes I just wish life was perfect. But perfect doesn't exist here right now so I guess I'll have to patiently persevere.

The Laundry List

2009-07-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things that I need to finish in the next month...

1. Read about 5 more books to finish my 10 book goal this summer

2. Get all my books and such for school

3. Talk to my long-lost-brother. :p

4. Tell any and all males ages 21 and older that I cannot date them for the next 5 months

5. Play with Friends (this is top priority)

6. Write letters back to... hmmm.... 5 people? or more.

7. Organize my room... which is kinda important before school.

8. Finish this Nancy Drew game.

9. Get a bulleten board and put my picture colage on it. (Learn how to spell)

10. Figure out housing for winter semester... thats kinda tricky.

11. Take any random pictures with people that I can.

12. Dye my hair blue or red... I haven't decided yet... hmm...

13. Learn 5 languages... uh Rosetta Stone anyone?

14. Watch Wicked and paint my nails green and black!... oh wait... CHECK!

15. Sing Wicked songs around the house at the top of my lungs

16. Learn how to play the guitar

17. Learn how to do finances

18. Get on Broadway!

...These are beginning to sound like long term goals...

19. Graduate from College with BSN/RN --> Go Nursing!

And don't forget 20. According to my 6 year old sister - get married in the next month. I don't know how well that one will work out. But we shall see. :)

Post Script: Fulfil... LIFE!!!

Going CRAZY!

2009-07-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

A few more friends leave, a few less continue corresponding, and it keeps getting closer.

School is drawing near and I'm in the process of getting things organized for school, WHILE I'm working at my dad's office and trying to spend more time with my family. Life can be hard to balance.

I used to think It's alright, soon it will be easier, soon I'll be able to relax more, to enjoy my time more... well, that was a ridiculous thought. I decided that obviously I have to keep working to make a better future for myself but I should spend some time to focus on myself too in the process. Balance is key! But what to balance, and how does school, church, friends and work all balance? Different measurements of each? It is terribly confusing.

Anyway, there are lots of new things that have been happening in my life. 1. I'm moving into my churches Single's Ward next week, and I'm frightfully nervous. 2. Getting into BYU for Winter semester! 3. I've Finally decided on my Major! (took me long enough) and I'm going into Nursing! How awesome? right? 4. I do believe that practically all of my friends have left on their missions who were planning on going. So now the limited few left have to stick together (which is hard when we're college students, traveling and going to different colleges). 5. I've come to know myself a LITTLE more than before. Not that I'm close to figuring out myself entirely of course. 6. And I've had quite a few experiences that are hard to believe actually happened. For one I learned something about someone I would've never guessed. And NO, I'm not telling who or what. Don't you love me? ;) Another experience came from a friend who I've lost contact with, I've learned how important it is to be there for friends, bc there may be a time you need them too. And there have been many other amazing experiences that give me more hope for the future!
Well I don't really know what else to say... I hope I've crystalized it for you. :) Keep reading, even if you don't respond I know there is someone out there reading this nonsense... even if it is just me. ;)

And now for Pictures with Maureen and Chels

2009-06-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

So I went to Utah a few weeks ago to visit Chelsea Ellsworth and to look around BYU. It was super fun! I was able to go to some classes with Chels and we watched a million movies or so. I had a blast! Well, while we were there, we decided to take a drive to a lake, but on the way we passed Aspen grove so we decided to turn in and look at the campground where we share many memories. We drove up and took pictures, and it was so much fun to reminisce! Well here are some of the pictures we took on my camera. (her camera was WAY-cooler because it was an old fashioned camera she got from her grandfather.

After taking pictures of the mountains we went by Bridal Falls and took pictures there.(sorry its sideways)

Chelsea and her cool camera!

Following our road trip we went to a park she knew to take pictures. It was an awesome park!

This concludes our taking pictures tour. Summary is that we had a blast and I enjoyed carrying around a camera for once! (which I usually despise) It was a great trip. Thanks Chels for the fun!

Inspirational Musica!

2009-06-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

So I wanted to share a few songs that whenever I listen to them I can't help but feel complete joy and/or peace. So I wanted to post them for you all! (since my music player is being stupid)

The first song is a guitar solo from a movie called Uncorked. I wasn't able to find the solo alone but I found a clip with the part (skip to 4:24 min if you want just the solo)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YtxPhd4Ku4

The second song is "I Stand" by Idina Menzel, I tried to find a link but there wasn't a good one so you can go to this link but personally I would just listen to the music and minimize the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-kO8bH0QQ8

The third song is based on a poem and is called "Human" by The Killers, I don't know why but I love this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvVOoCKjonY

The fourth song is "If Today was Your Last Day" by Nickleback, I usually don't like songs by Nickleback but this song had a good message that I enjoyed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qejVzYDXc2A

And I like "Decode" by Paramore a lot, but that song actually doesn't make me peaceful, haha I actually get angry when I listen to it... the anger that makes you feel good to be angry for those 4 minutes when you can't be angry any other time. (hopefully that makes sense somewhat)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lpzK1GeVAI

There might be a few more but I can't think of them, so for the time being just listen to these. :)

Photography?!

2009-05-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

Ok so... I'm a slacker I know. But hopefuly this summer I'll write more. I love writing random stuff, I like playing with people, I Love singing, I truly enjoy traveling, I like acting, And I love helping others (hopefully though nursing in a few years). There are so many things that I like that its hard to keep up with everything I want to do!
Well I found something else I like to do on top of that list! haha Photography! I don't havea professional camera, and in fact its my sisters old camera, but its tons better than my old camera! It also has lots of picture options that are really awesome! So... I decided to play with it one day and I'm showing you some that I liked! :) And yes Annie, a lot of them are of me but hey my sisters were busy... what else was I supposed to do? ;)

I tried using lots of different color tones for pictures then I tried Negative! It was awesome! Especially taking pictures of my cieling. It looked like a solar system! Cool huh?

So I can take photos next to eachother in sets of 2, 3, and 4, here are some examples!

I found that my dining room was very pleasing to the eye in black and white. (and turned to a slight angle)
And Finally, I found the perfect place to take really cool pictures! And no you can't steal my spot!

I love My New-Old camera! Can't you tell? ;) Yay for photography!

AGONY!

2009-04-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

Yep Agony.
~My sister was in the school play this year, Into the Woods. I loved it but one of my favorite songs had to be... Agony! yep the priceless princes singing of their woes when it comes to girls. Who would have thought?!
(For more on Agony the song visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc_GEhu6oCY)
Ya well for some reason I realized Agony comes in more forms than just a silly song.
For one, it comes in the form of physical pain. No I haven't felt agony due to pains, but annoying pain from sleeping the wrong way on my neck the other night.
Two, agony can be severe annoyance with your siblings. grrr... Hey no one said living in a house of moody teenage girls would be fun.
Three, agony can be emotional hurt felt for others who are stupid in their decisions. And I'm not talking big life altering decisions, I'm talking small decisions that eventually lead to a stupid mess that you can't get out of. Why are people so stupid? honestly! ok pesimism hopefully leaving.
Four, and lastly, agony can be guilt for doing something wrong that has flipped lots of switches that you would rather not be switched. It is the unceasing annoyance that says "you started it" "that was your fault" "why don't you ever learn?"
Agony.

Annoying

Gross

Overwhelming

Nusiance

Yuk

Short, Sweet and to the Point!

2009-04-07T21:13:00.001-07:00

Favorite Twilight Spoofs! Gotta Love 'em! ;)

First watch the trailers if you haven't already...

Trailers:

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxjNDE2fMjI

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tQk8pKnnVY

Cuz that makes these all the more funny!

Spoofs:

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxLaUa-Qnmo

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dompotjTeIA

Again maybe this just may be super funny because I'm half asleep, I haven't decided yet... Enjoy!!!

Boot Camp!!!

2009-03-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

For the joy of all those who read consistently and get angry when I'm slow at writing new posts... here's a new one! ;)

Tonight I attended BOOT CAMP! The most killer thing of all killer things! (well at least I think so) Tonight I realized how weak my arms really are. While trying to do push ups and lifting one arm off the ground, my other arm was shaking so much I literally fell on myself. Of course that was after earlier stretches, but still I don't think I've ever been that shaky. Anywho! my arms kill, my thighs ache, my triceps are burning and I'm surprised I can move my hands enough to write this! Then again I better be able to move again soon... I still have homework to do. :( Well It was tricky and very difficult! But after the burning sensation leaves and your body is numb to the aches and pains, its not all that bad. ;) Hopefully tomorrow when I'm dancing, I won't kill over and fall on the other girls. :p

If anyone is considering boot camp as an extra-curricular activity that gets you in shape, I definitely recommend it! Try it out and see what you think!

Spring Break Babysitting Memories

2009-03-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

So whenever my parents go out of town for the weekend, me being the oldest, I'm left to babysit the girls. I'm not complaining or anything, it can be lots of fun! Well This time was special! Me and Maddy usually try to find something obscure and random to do so that the little girls think we're cool older sisters! So this time we decided Water Works!

With the hose and a wall (and of course oursleves) we can make art! Check it out!

This is Emmy and Olivia's water mark

We also had some water fun!

Happily Never After

2009-02-21T11:14:00.001-08:00

****SPOILER ALERT****

I'm revealing information about the movie Becoming Jane so if you haven't seen it, see it now! haha

Just a month ago I watched Becoming Jane. For as long as I can remember I've always loved Jane Austen books. They were some of my favorites, so watching the supposed movie of her life was pure joy to me. Well I always new Jane never married but as much as I like the truth I Love Happy endings. Her's is not the happiest. Happy endings do not always come to the Good-hearted.
The whole movie I knew something would go terribly wrong with the man she loved. But I figured he'd pass away which would be sad but I thought it would be tragically happy! Instead someone lead an influential uncle astray. "HOW DARE HE!" I must say that I hated, and yes I really hated, the character who ruined Jane and Tom's happiness. Everything would have been perfect and gone so well, even though they would be poor they would have been sincerely happy! But NO! some stupid guy had to get in the middle and just ruin everything. Although Jane and Tom did not blame the other for the problems that came between them they were seperated and didn't hear from or see each other for many many years. How sad to love someone so much just to torn from them due to someone else. Ok ok I know it wasn't only that guys fault. The way Tom and Jane thought also hindered things but honestly I could not forgive the injustifiable character who ruined that happily ever after. Happy endings do not always come to the good-hearted.
Well after a month of letting the character injure my thoughts I realized that there was no point to getting angry. Its all in the past, and because Jane was heartbroken she wrote the beautiful novels that I love so dearly! I suppose that through the hardest trials, those who endure become the most beautiful of all, on the inside and outside. :)

So i've decided... That I want to write a novel! Haha this will peobably take many years (and many editors to fix my mistakes) until I can publish. But just you wait! I will find a way to relay all my thoughts through stories! :D And I will make sure all my female heroines get everything they deserve and more!

Newest Book!

2009-02-11T20:32:00.000-08:00

Haha to respond to Kristin's comment, Yes, the Goose Girl is one of Shannon Hale's books and Enna Burning is the next in the series. Well my 13 year old cousin wrote out a list of books that I should read this year! One of them being the Goose Girl! And yes I read it! :) Haha that makes the 3rd book in the past two weeks and thats amazing with all the schooling I have this semester! :) Yay! haha So I finished Goose Girl today. It is an amazing book! I think it is one of my favorites now! ;) Oh the woes of being a princess who talks to birds.... It is a fabulous book! And once I write a list of all my recommended reads this will be near the top! ;) I LOVE BOOKS! :)

BOOKS!

2009-02-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

Wow its been way too long! Sorry all you dedicated fans! haha :p Well I've been keeping up on my reading as of late and I just finished 2 books this week and I'm starting another tonight! Can't you tell, I love books! :)

Alright the First book I read recently was titled Fairest by Gail Carson Levine. If no one has read any of her books please read Ella Enchanted first. The movie is completely different and the book truly is much better! THEN... you should read Fairest! Its really interesting! And every moment when you think the story will go one way, totally changes and it really keeps ones interest! :) [Side note: This book will probably be favored among girls, sorry guys, you can read it but I'm not so sure it would be a favorite of yours.] Its like a chick flick for a book with adventure and spells and evil mirrors and bad fairies, man eating ogres, goblins and more! :) but you boys wouldn't enjoy it ;)

The second book I recently finished is called Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. I know I know you all are thinking gee Maureen you're reading little kid books now. I would say these are more early-teen books, thank you, and It is really a good book. Like Fairest it keeps you guessing the whole way through, and it slowly unravels. Its about a girl who thinks she's too weak to do anything. She lives up in the mountains and has to overcome many trials, from a horrible tutor to a gang of bandits who try to kill her, to fully understand her life and purpose!

OK I know you again are all thinking, well Maureen really likes these girl power stories... (Trevor) But whats wrong with that I ask you? For once the prince doesn't have to save a damsel in distress, she can do it on her own! Haha alright I'm done rambling now. I suggest these books to anyone who is bored, girls and guys. But I still figure girls would like them more than boys. ;) READ ON!

The Dull Life of the Average Teen Girl

2009-01-20T21:39:00.001-08:00

So as far as it goes, and average teen girl is very conflicted in the jaws of Life. It is a complicated road, a narrow winding path that sometimes leads to a dead end so we just have to turn ourselves around, pull ourselves off the ground and look for something good!
We all face trials, and the average teen girl gets, well about the average fair share of hers. She has to be bullied a bit, go through all her awkward stages feeling completely alone and she has to face her worst nightmare...Boys. Yep the scariest things on the planet! Right next to crocadiles of course.
Boys are terrifying! They stop your heart at any given moment, make you rave like a lunatic on how cute they are, make you overthink EVERYTHING, Drive you insane, give you those puppy dog eyes which of course means only mischief, and much much more. They are one of the most deadly creatures on the face of the planet! Killing girls right and left, of course they're not Exactly dead, just mostly. Which is the worst kind. Each girl who has been "killed" by one of these characters endures remorse, grief, pain, an undeniable longing to shed many tears, and a sense of hopelessness, and this side effect lasts many moons, in fact usually months if not longer. It is a bitter sweet taste that hangs over each of these average girls. They were brought in to like something so wonderful and then thrown down a garbage shoot the next second.
*Sigh* whatever will be done? I suppose Boys just need to overcome this "scaryness" and I have just the Idea. Missions! But will they help? Stay tuned for the next episode of The Dull Life of the Average Teen Girl.

Continuing Where We Left off

2009-01-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

Sally and Tristan stepped out onto land and looked around them. It was an eerie island, covered with dense fog. Sally had heard of thick fog and how sometimes it can create magic among the forest, or maybe she had just read a story about it... Well She decided she wanted to take a look around the island. Tristan looked worried as if they were about to die, and shook his head. "Come on" he said "We need to get back to the boat."
"NO! I want to have an adventure" She said. She glared at Tristan. He glared back. Then he started to look worried again. Sally thought What a baby! He can't leave his parents alone for another day? She sighed then walked further into the forest.
"SALLY!" Tristan moaned. But he scampered after her following closely behind.
After a while of walking in circles Tristan muttered under his breath "You're going to get us lost, we need to get back to the boat." Sally just sneered at him and kept walking.
Almost an hour went by and they hadn't seen anything besides the tall green trees, moss covered ground and absurdly dense fog. But Sally could not stop now, not until she saw something magical in the fog.
Another hour went by and now Tristan was mad. "Sally I'm not playing anymore games. We're going back to the boat. NOW!" Sally was always yelled at and was used to it. But there was a sense of urgency in his voice and so for once in her life she obeyed. "Alright. But if I notice anything on the way back we have to stop and look at it first."
They headed back to the boat and Sally smelled the smoke strongly now. She looked everywhere searching to see if she could find out what it was. Finally she saw something red in the distance. She started running toward it. Tristan noticed he couldn't hear her footsteps behind him anymore, and turned just in time to see her blue cape flash behind a tree. He ran after her hoping to not lose his way. When he found her she was standing a few feet away from a small pond staring up into the trees. He ran over to her side and looked up. 20 ft above his head were a pair of rather large red eyes, Dragon eyes.

*To Be Continued...Again!*

Saving the Best for Last

2008-12-26T14:49:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine me ever not being able to come up with at least Some thing to say? Well I have nothing to say, nada, nunca, nothing at all! sad day. So i'm going to share with you a story.

Running Amuck

In a country, across the wide open water, lived a little elf named Sally. Sally was an incredibly frustrating elf! She would run all over the woods throwing toilet paper up in the branches while the trees were asleep. Then right before leaving the forest she'd shout out loud so that all the trees saw her running away with empty tp rolls. She would then go to the village to cause more havoc. Flowers lost their petals mysteriously, crops would be partially eaten then left for the crows, anything that wasn't firmly in the ground was tipped over... Sally just wasn't a good elf.
One day a clever boy came to town. He wasn't an elf but a human, he'd crossed the wide waters and come with gifts of the most peculiar kind. He had been sent by the King of the country across the wide water to try to convince some elves to come back to visit the king. The elves were all astonished. They didn't know what to think of the king. They had heard that the King was a mean man who treated any other species unfairly, and none of them wanted to go back with the boy. The boy begged for at least one to come back with him. Finally one of Sally's neighbors pushed her to the front of the crowd and the rest of the elves cheered! They were glad to finally get rid of Sally and her mean ways. So Sally agreed to go back with the boy. She wanted a new adventure away from all those annoying elves.
While on the trip over to the King's country, she learned a bit about the boy. His name was Tristan and he had worked in the kings palace almost all his life. His mother and Father were the Kings cooks, so he was the official errand boy. He had practiced sword fighting whenever he could, and was planning on going a great adventure some day to fight the mighty dragons. Sally listened because there was nothing else she could do in the boat. It took them a week and a half to get across the wide waters. For the first time in Sally's life she was bored. She had nothing to do but listen to this boy who talked about nothing but this far away kingdom and his family. She would roll her eyes for him to see whenever she could. 3 days went by and Sally was soooo bored. She slept and ate and ate and slept and listened to Tristan and rolled her eyes and made designs in the water with her finger.
On the fourth day of their voyage Sally smelled smoke. She wondered if they were close to any land. She looked around and saw a small stream of smoke rising to the north. She wanted to know what it was so she told Tristan to turn the boat that way. But Tristan didn't want to go north. He wanted to go west to his family. Sally stared him down for a minute or so then said, "so much for all your hopes and dreams. You aren't ever going to go fight Dragons. You may know how to fight, which I doubt, but you are to scared to leave your mom and dad. What adventure will you go on? One where your mom and dad follow every step you take? Some adventure! You're lame!"
Tristan stared her down for a minute, scowling, then slowly turned the boat northward. They headed toward the smoke for another day or so before actually reaching something that looked like land. It was a small dark island no bigger than the Kings castle, that had a constant fog surrounding it. It was rocky and had few trees, but something smelled delicious, so Tristan and Sally decided to take a look.

*To be continued...*

8 Pieces of Eight

2008-12-23T19:14:00.000-08:00

Ok Aubrey Tagged me to do this, so here it goes...

Eight things I am passionate about:

~The Gospel

~Singing (really truly!)

~Reading

~Family!

~Friends

~Rain!

~Beautiful smells (memory smells)

~Love :)

Eight words or phrases I use the most lately:

~"Good Grief!" (Said Just like Charlie Brown)

~"Oi Vey!"

~"I'm soooo tired!"

~"Are you excited for Christmas?" (Mostly used at work)

~"Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" (Again used at work)

~"What?"

~"Um...I don-know"

~"Go away-ay" (I stole that phrase from a moose)

Eight things I want to do before I die:

~Fall in Love! (I know, its the first on my list, and Sorry I stole it from Aubrey)

~Serve a mission! I'm SOOO Excited!

~Finish College and get a degree in some major :)

~Learn at least 3 Languages other than English

~Have a Family!

~Travel to Many other Countries!

~Touch someone else's life, inspire someone else

~Serve everyone anytime I can!

Eight things I need right now:

~A BIG hug! Like Jen's! :)

~Fudge! Yum!

~Clarity

~Happiness! (I asked for it for Christmas)

~A major...

~More time.

~More energy! Pretty Please?

~Peace of mind about Everything!

Eight places I want to visit:

~England

~Wales

~Ireland

~Italy

~Jerusalem

~The Amazon

~Niagra Falls

~My grandparents house! I love it!

Eight favorite restaurants:

~Outback

~Olive Garden

~Charlestons

~Macaroni Grill

~Oreganos

~Texas Roadhouse (actually never been there but Maddy likes it) :)

~Tia Rosa's

~Red Robin (haven't been there either, I haven't been anywhere I guess)

Eight TV Shows I watch:

~Chuck

~Bones

~NCIS

~Pushing Daisies

~Eli Stone

~Maybe an episode or two of House

~Arthur

~CyberChase (haha I love kids shows!)

Eighth picture in the eighth folder:

This is me and my Sadies group back in Sophomore year! ah Good times!

Eight people I tag to do this same post:

Heather, Kristin, Stacey, Chelsea Ellsworth, Sean Hill, Jennifer Freeman, Linndsy Curtis, Kathy!

Christmas!

2008-12-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year again! Its cold and chilly, even in Arizona! Everyone's eating hot chocolate, and watching Christmas movies (or the Princess Bride) and everyone is coming in town to spend time with their families! (They're really only here for the friends. haha jk) Its a wonderful time of year! When we spend time with eachother and spread Christmas cheer, helping families out that need a little christmas of their own and caroling to strangers, That is a christmas that helps each one of us feel a little closer to Christ! Sometimes I wonder why it has to be only this one time of year when we feel uplited and joyful, not that it doesn't happen occasionally throughout the year, but It's nice when people of every different faith draw closer to the same goals of helping others and because of it, feel the spirit! Why can't that happen all the time? I love Christmas! So Now that I've told everyone that, I do believe my christmas is complete! :) I love you all! Have a very Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year!

Movies of 2009!

2008-12-10T16:01:00.000-08:00

Ok... I know this is probably incredibly annoying. Yes I'm just giving run-downs on what should be some excellent movies this coming year. Hopefully I'll get back in the habit of writing interesting stories and such! :) But till then, here's a list of movies I think will be highly entertaining.
First is The Proposal, Sandra Bullock stars in it and she has always been a favorite actress of mine. It should be a fun, humorous movie!
http://www.firstshowing.net/2008/12/09/sandra-bullock-and-ryan-reynolds-the-proposal-trailer/
Second is 17 Again, I know I know another movie with Zac Efron, things couldn't get worse. But it looks REALLY good and funny! I definitely recommend (of course I haven't seen it yet, so I can't really recommend it... but you know what I mean.)
http://www.17againmovie.com/
Third is Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. Come On! who doesn't want to see a Harry Potter movie, dressed up in wizarding atire, at midnight! ;)
http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthehalf-bloodprince/
Some other movies that look ok/good are:
Push, Inkheart, Star Trek, Toy Story III, Night at the Museum II, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen, IceAge Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Sherlock Holmes, Valkyrie, And Race to Witch Mountain, which is based on other movies made back in the 70's that I used to love. http://www.inquisitr.com/8750/race-to-witch-mountain-trailer/
And in May of 2010 Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and Iron Man 2 come out! This is so exciting! :D haha I hope everyone is excited for the upcoming year! And not just with movies... haha but here's a list of them if you ever get bored!

For all you CRAZY Star Wars Fans! :)

2008-12-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

My Uncle found this and I just couldn't stop Laughing! Hope you enjoy! :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk5_OSsawz4

Another random star wars story....

My Other Uncle and his family LOVE anything star wars... so they introduced me to George Lucas in Love. It is the story of George Lucas and how he actually came up with the Star Wars story. Again if you are absolutely obsessed with Star Wars this is sooooooooo Funny! Enjoy! :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2i_nLClAUU

Music is in My Soul

2008-12-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

So I have missed music like CRAZY! I haven't had time nor space in my schedule to add it to my schedule at school so after my senior year my life became pretty colorless. Music is the color of life! :)
Because the lack of music I needed to add something, so I started going to my ward choir, I joined in the Messiah with some friends and I was asked to join a small musical with some people in our ward, The Forgotten Carols! And I must admit that Daniel Throckmorton and Aubrey Noble have helped me to go back to listening to Music regularily so I want to thank you both and everyone who has contributed to music in some way or another. I LOVE it! ok that was my random rant for the day! Thanks for listening! :D

Atlantic

2008-12-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

RULES:
1. Put Your iTunes, Windows Media Player, MP3 Player, or whatever on Shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly it sounds!
4. Put any comments in brackets after the song name.

If someone says, “Is this okay?” You say?
Calling All Angels {First line: I need a sign :D }

How would you describe yourself?
Keep Your Mind Wide Open

What do you like in a guy/girl?
Tragedy {so true}

How do you feel today?
I Like to Move it Move it

What is your life’s purpose?
Everytime We Touch

What is your motto?
Just the Girl

What do your friends think of you?
Drops of Jupiter

What do you think of your parents?
This Never Happened Before

What do you think about very often?
Adiemus

What is 2 + 2?
Beyond the Sea

What do you think of your best friend?
Daughters

What do you think of the person you like?
I Woke up in a Car {Yes this is the name of the song}

What is your life story?
I'll Make a Man out of You!

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Go the Distance

What do you think of when you see the person you like?
Oceano

What will you dance to at your wedding?
Ready to Run {watch the music video! Its so perfect! Its by the Dixie Chicks}

What will they play at your funeral?
Just so You Know

What is your hobby/interest?
Save the Last Dance for ME

What is your biggest fear?
Behind These Hazel Eyes

What is your biggest secret?
Breathless

What do you think of your friends?
You Are Loved

What will you post this as?
Atlantic

Haha some of these are pretty funny! :) try it yourself whenever you get bored! :D

The Real Ending of the Not So Happily Ever After Story

2008-12-02T18:40:00.000-08:00

Ok so I'm actually finishing this story right here and right now! Thank you everyone for contributing your comments! I loved them! But I need to finish this story now!

So the princess was left alone to work on her princess studies and become the best princess she could be? I don't think so. The princess was WAY too dramatic to not complain and get on everyones nerves due to her endless rants about prince number 5. Well one day a thought accured to her to take another walk outside. (since the prince left she stayed inside too much). She took a stroll in her huge garden and realized something she hadn't thought of before. There was too much here in the world that she couldn't waste the precious minutes of her life in the past. Looking foward was the only way to be happy. So she set out finding what used to bring her joy. She re-connected with friends she hadn't seen in a long time and laughed till her sides ached! She found spending time with family joyful and spending time thinking about others much more exciting! She learned to cope with the hard things and push though struggles remembering to constantly take "one step at a time (cuz) there's no need to rush!"
Life has constantly gotten better for the Princess! She enjoys it immensely! and hopes to continue being happy. Maybe she shoud just stay away from princes from now on. ;D

The End

Happy Belated THANKSGIVING!

2008-12-02T17:58:00.000-08:00

Ok I must admit I'm going to be the biggest copycat ever! I know its December, but I have been super busy these past weeks and have had no time to comment. Brittney and Aubrey have inspired me to write all the things I'm thankful for on this post. So, better late than never, I'm going to write them now!
I'm grateful for a loving caring family who stick with me through thick and thin and teach me many life lessons that I would never know, and for giving me many opportunities to become a better person.
I'm grateful for all my friends who have continued being friends even when we're miles (states) apart. I'm also grateful that they are kind enough to be forgiving, because I need all the forgiveness I can get!
I'm so grateful for the little dog Honey that greets me with a wet tongue and a paw on the knee everytime I walk through the garage door.
I'm grateful for sisters who are willing to stay up late in the nights to listen to my over-extended stories and for their patience with my lack of time.
I'm glad I have a few good friends who will listen to all my drama and give me their inspiring ideas or share in my sadness.
I'm grateful for the girl who has constantly been my friend even though much has come between us.
I'm grateful for the boy who gave me three chances to fix things and continued being my friends after all the drama.
I'm grateful for my church leaders who have continuously inspired me to be better and have taught me what to do.
I'm grateful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Without it I would surely be lost and confused.
I'm also grateful for my Heavenly Father who sent me to this earth to gain a body, to be tested and to be given the chance to return and live with Him again.
I'm grateful for all those young men and young women serving their missions and taking time out of their lives to serve the Lord and their fellow men. Even though it may be sad to see them go, they inspire me and make me want to go on my mission even more every day! Thank you!
I'm grateful for my two best friends who love me no matter how crazy I am and who still want to hang out with me whenever they are in town,
I'm grateful for friends who keep my ego in check and remind me to be humble.
I'm grateful for my Mother, who has become one of my best friends and has offered me advice that I probably wouldn't have listened to from anyone else.
I"m so grateful for all the beautiful nature here! For Rain, beautiful Sunsets, sunny skies, cloudy days, trees, flowers, streams, ponds, lakes, oceans, rain forests, jungles, desert (sorta), just everything really! We really are blessed to live in a land of wonder!
I'm even grateful for America! Although our government is pretty corrupt and the economy is failing we still have freedoms here that we can't find in many other places. America is a blessed land. We are so lucky to live in the Promised land.
I could include so many things but I'm going to wrap it up here and say that I'm thankful for trials, as strange as it may seem, because trials although unpleasant are here to help us learn and grow. I'm also thankful for all my friends! We have all gone through thick and thin and its nice to know that they are still there even when they live in different states and may never see you again. I know they're here for me and that they want whats best for me!
Thank you again! I love you all! And I'm so grateful for the plan of happiness! I could not have been truly happy without it!

TWILIGHT Frenzie!

2008-11-23T17:57:00.000-08:00

um... ok. Twilight (the movie) is different from Twilight (the book)... of course. Its super fast in the beginning which is kinda disheartening because there are many good parts in the beginning... but oh my can you say Hillarious? wow I know none of the guys will appreciate this but I must share.

So I went to the Midnight showing for the mere fun of going to midnight showings... and since I didn't have class till 2 pm on Friday... why not? So there was a really really long line that wrapped around the building! but... there was also 3 showings of the movie, explainable. Me and Stacey Smith went together and were one of the last in line because we didn't get there till 9:30pm I know crazy! But it was worth the wait bc there was only us two we got really good seats anyway. So we're sitting there waiting for the movie to start and we practically fall asleep from being up so late... ya we're old. Haha well the previews start and there is an awful preview that was sooo disturbing, if we hadn't been there to watch another movie I probably would've had nightmares. Anywho... The movie was good!

What was so great was that they mainly stuck to the movie, and Edward grew on you after a while, Bella was actually fairly good except for the scene at the end when she can hardly breathe bc she's freaking out. Woah! Calm Down Bella! Anywho Rose was a bit... annoying, and Jasper was Really odd. But it was still good! What was really funny was that at the parts you usually wouldn't laugh at our whole theater was cracking up! It was the funniest thing to see the Cullens walk into the cafeteria and to see Edward look as if he were about to vomit when Bella was entering the room! It was awesome! Anyway... I won't spill anything else for those of you who haven't seen or read it yet. It was good! and actually boys its ok to watch. ;) But if it becomes you're favorite movie... well that would just be odd.

For all you Fans of Harry Potter... go check out the newest trailer for the 6th movie! Its Freaking Awesome!!!! And Just to let you all know it comes out Aug 21st 2009 (I think) So GO see the it! Preferably the midnight showing with me! :)

Once Upon a Time...

2008-11-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

All good fairy tale stories begin with those 4 dear words. Well what if a story that began that way ended badly? Would we trust those four words with as much belief in the completely happy outcome? Well let me relay a story I heard, that was DESTINED to be a good story!

Once Upon a Time... a Beautiful Princess was walking about in a garden full of flowers and fountains and all manner of beautiful nature. To see this scene you would asume it was a painting by Da'Vinci! But alas it wasn't it was Real! And the princess was sweet and dear and loved all her fairy tale animal friends (who of course could speak to her and only her). She was lovely and had a gorgeous voice! Whenever a prince would hear the tune he'd follow it forever wanting more! Those princes couldn't get enough of this glorious sound! And when they saw the singer their hearts skipped a beat or two! They must all be in love! All be in love you say? That doesn't seem very likely! She can only love one! Oh but who should she chose? This is Not fair She thought. For one prince was cunning and handsome and undeniably smart with a bit of sarcastic humor. But what about this one? Tall slender with dark brown eyes, a playful sense of humor, also very smart and unbelievably flirtatious. The third prince stepped up to meet the princess. He was sweet, shy and calm with his own sense of humor, but overall he was very well balanced and very comfortable to be around. Then the fourth prince moved forward, he was very intelligent, a complete goof ball, yet very knowlegdeable for the amount of books he read and the experiences he'd been through, he could relate very well. Then the fifth prince stood out of the crowd. He was definitely different. He didn't have a specific talent and wasn't amazing or outstanding at anything, he simply was an average prince with a keen sense for flirting and standing out among the crowd.
Well the Princess was very confused. So she set up a test to find out which she loved the most. None of the princes knew anything other than the order to return home. Later that day she sent out a royal message to all princes. She decided they would each have to explain why they liked her. The first named off all her talents and said why he liked them, the second and fourth followed suit. The third explained how he never liked anyone before and couldn't explain how he felt. But the fifth... well he just said "I like you. I know I do. I don't need to explain anything." The princess soon became annoyed with him and started arguing. But it was not in the role of a princess to argue so she stopped writing him.
The second task had each of the princes asking her to balls of some sort and giving her goodies from sweets to recreational game pieces. But for some reason the fifth prince just took her to the royal ice cream shop and she had to take Her royal carraige to pick him up. What is up with this guy? He doesn't know any rules of decency. Yet later that night, she was astonished at how much fun she had talking. Just talking.
All of the Princes had at this time become good friends with the princess that it was impossile to choose. So she avoided it at all costs. She loved them all as dear friends and had a special connection with each. But why did they have to be 5? why couldn't they all mix and be the perfect one for her? But of course nothing could happen. Unfortunately her friendly wizard friend Merlin II was on holiday and even if he could do something she knew she would lose something special from each prince.
GOOD GRIEF! She was about to give up completey until the third prince surprised her with a game to play to waste time. The number game. One would need to hit a ball into a different number hole a certain number of times to win. It was Random but fun, she decided he was the one! But alas, things didn't work out perfectly and so she moved on. Their friendship diminished and she hated the loss. She almost vowed not to like anyone again but prince #1 was just so much Fun! So after lots of debating with herself she gave in. Alright sir my heart is yours.
Then something tragic happened. In the middle of her bliss the 5th prince she did merely miss and He decided to pronounce his love for her gone. She felt heart broken. Why must he treat me in this fashion? He was never nice to begin with. But now...
There was something wrong. She shouldn't care like this. Why did she? Well needless to say she messed up everything with the first prince and decided to like someone who had declared his love for another. Was she mad? Jealous? What is this feeling so sudden and new? ah... loathing!!! But why? UGH! Well she gave up. There was no hope left. She couldn't like the 2nd prince. He was her Bestest friend ever! And the fourth prince was sweet but he had some Dragons of his own that needed defeating. She couldn't expect any sympathy from the other two who probably felt used though it just wasn't true. She had nothing left but her princess studies to keep her going. Then... the tricky 5th prince decided he liked her once again. She was annoyed even more now than before. How dare he think I can forgive him for all that he did and except him now? He was completely ridiculous, but something kept urging her forward, closer to that prince, she decided if she didn't try something she may die mad! or maybe she'd die mad either way but at least she would know. Right?
Well dear readers... she accepted his hand, and she gave him her whole heart. He was sweet but not as much as the others. How could she like him? It was plain ridiculous. But alas she did and things continued down that road and they were engaged for a while... until he had to go to war. He was sent out early and he never returned. So now the princess continues her schooling rather glumly and argues ever more, she also has little to do or say so nearly nothing is done.

The End

Well readers? Tell me did you enjoy it? I'm sure I didn't. It was a ridiculous story with no happy ending! The author should be sued then put in a basement to correct this awful story. It must be rewritten! That is all there is to it. So I believe it is your turn now. Tell me how this story should REALLY go! You can write it in the comments when you're bored or on your own page to show the world that Once Upon a Time really does end "Happily Ever After!" Thank you for your courage and daring in accepting this assignment, hopefully it will become the Best story ever! Thank you Thank you. Till we meet again!

Till We Have Faces vs. Twilight

2008-11-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

Ok so now I figured that talking about books is fun! So here is a book that I've been reading lately; Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis, a very outstanding author and one of my favorite. Its not a fantasy book but more of a "myth" that shows life through the eyes of an ugly princess. It is the myth of Cupid and Psyche retold through the eyes of Psyche's ugly and bitter sister Orual. Orual makes many mistakes due to her possesiveness of Psyche and her love for her. It shows the life of the two princesses and how they cannot understand the will of the Gods "till we have faces". Its a really good read and everyone can enjoy it (keyword "can", I know many people probably wouldn't like this type of book but it is really good). It keeps going when you think it will end but it keeps you in suspense. Sometimes its disheartening but at other times you realize how true some lessons are. Really Good Book! Recommended! **** (four stars). haha
On the other hand there is another book series that I have read. Yep. Twilight. The book all girls rave about. (Keyword here... "girls") I don't think guys need to read it. Sure some of them might enjoy it but its a totally different level for girls, and I don't know how well guys can appreciate it the same way girls do. Its totally romantic and adventurous which is AWESOME! but it gets a bit hmm... Interesting at times. So boys, sorry, but my suggestion is don't read it. For any girls who are bored and want to do something, Read it! Great book, really fun! Also **** (four stars). Its about a girl Bella who falls for a Vampire and a Werewolf. Imagine that. But she has to choose which is better while trying not to die at the same time. Many people or things are after her, wanting to break her and she has to escape while not harming any of her loved ones. Good Book, but something my mom would consider a junk book.

So if you want to actually Learn something from a book, dont read Twilight, read Till We Have Faces. If you feel like wasting time with something that catches your interest, is easy to read and keeps going, read the Twilight series! :) Good Luck!

And our New President is...

2008-11-05T19:20:00.000-08:00

Obama.

I know people are heated in debate about which candidate would be better and why they're happy and/or sad about what happened, but do we really need to bite each other's head off?

When I heard Obama would be our next President I have to admit I felt dissapointed and confused and scared. Some guy I didn't know very well was about to become president and I didn't know how my future would turn out under his leadership. The second thought I had (which happened to take a whole day to have) was that although McCain didn't win, I could still live the same life I've lived. Obama hasn't taken my rights, he can't and even if I don't agree as much with his policies I probably wouldn't see much in action because presidents have limited powers. All because our founding fathers thought of limited powers! (I know that lots of you are thinking wow what a dismal person to think such things but I'm just honestly telling you my train of thought, k) Well my third thought was that the government is no longer divided. EVERYONE, well ok Most people, hope for divided government because divided government balances powers and ideas and contributes to making a good America! and frankly more work is done. And no offense to our congress... wait... no... complete offense to our congress... Listen up! We the American People want things to be done! Congress, stop sitting around arguing! I want a better tomorrow, thats why I elected you! And yes not everyone is bad but honestly I'm sick of MY money (technically my parents) being wasted to fund stupid stuff that NO ONE cares about! (except of course all of you who want extra money) Listen the reason I voted for McCain is that he has always been a man who wanted to get things done, he and Jeff Flake are some of the few who rant on Pork-barreling. He strives to help America, not like the lazy do-nothings who take $1 billion from the American people to fund a bridge that to the people it would help, don't want, Just so they can keep their seats in Congress, and get more money.

That and many other reasons are why I voted for McCain. He's a good man, who wants to do good. And while I don't know Obama that well, I suppose I'll get to know him over the next 4 years. I believe that if we all pull together and stick up for what we think is right we'll be able to make a difference! I also believe that what our founding fathers had to say "United we stand, Divided we fall" is correct. So instead of falling apart because the man we don't know or didn't want is President, we should support him and let him know what we think (how we are to do that I haven't quite figured out yet...) but I believe that this country is capable of lots of good! Debating isn't the answer. What's done is done. This includes any propositions. They were voted on and now we need to do what we can to make the best of them. Eating another persons head wouldn't succeed in doing anything other than making yourself a cannabal. So don't do it.

I encourage everyone to let go of their frustrations and their urges to bite people, and look towards the good that's left. It's the only way we are going to survive in this day and age. And if we really aren't happy about this president in four years time its ok because we'll vote Mrs. Ries in 2012 anyhow! :) I love my country! I love my rights! And I love this people! And incorporating a bit of religion into government, I pray for the best! Amen.

Moving On... No One Ever Said It Was Easy!

2008-10-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes change comes at a hard time in your life. Sometimes you sit down and think "Why me?" And other times you think "this is perfect timing!" Well what if it happens to be both? What are you supposed to think then? Which emotion controls the others? ...Why do you have to be emotional in the first place about any change? And why can it be so down right hard!?

Yep obviously change has happened in my life and I don't exactly know how to handle it. Ok... thats a lie. I know how to handle it because Many people tell me how to, but what if I don't want to do it that way? *sigh* if you don't know I suppose you'd be rather confused. Well Darrik Farmer just left for his mission for my Church. He's off to Brazil! And I couldn't be happier for him and all the other awesome guys who will soon be doing the Lord's will and serving others! (upcoming missionaries: Matt Hoskisson, Kendall Sirrine, Tanner Neville, Joe Kjar... etc.) But the hard thing is that he's gone... and he was a really good friend of mine. In fact when all my other friends went to school in other states he was still here, one of the few! And we got to be better friends over the past month. Well he left on tuesday and now I have mixed over-joyous and sad feelings that are battling over which I should be from time to time. Ugh. And whats kinda awesome but harder to handle is that All my guy friends are leaving in the next few years too! And since I've sworn off dating for a while its going to be a long 2 -3 years! ;)

Well I've decided to just be happy about it and while my guy friends are gone what a perfect time to perfect myself and serve the Lord in my own way by serving others here! My goal is to show my love to others out there who need it! I'm excited for all the guys to go off and serve their missions! And I know they're all excited too! Good luck! And God be with you till we meet again!! Go Missionaries! :)

Conference! ~I Love to see the Temple!~

2008-10-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

I failed in writing about it earlier so I'm going to right now! well... Conference weekend: a time to dwell on things of the spirit and hear from our leaders who are inspired to tell us what we need! It was so awesome to be able to go to Utah and go to the Conference center, unfortunately I couldn't get in the center so Me, Chelsea, Trevor, and Sean went to the theatre right next to it to listen from there.

Wow! I'm forgetting everything! I went up on Friday to stay with Chelsea Ellsworth, my bestest friend! (we've been friends since 2nd grade) Becky Fowkes, another friend since 2nd grade, came down later! We had so much fun staying up late hanging out with high school friends, and waking up late, eating from random cafeterias, and watching Iron Man! It was fun to have a reunion so soon after graduation! haha I'm going to miss all of them so much. Hopefully we'll all keep in contact! That includes Chelsea, Sterling, Perry, Becky, Trevor, Sean, Ryan, Melody and even all the friends who weren't there! (Christine you better keep in touch ;D ) Well after lots of partying and Conference I was able to go to my grandparents house in Farmington with Chelsea! It was really cold though so we stayed bundled up in doors. My aunts, uncles and cousins were also there for Sunday dinner so it was a blast hanging out with everyone! Hopefully I'll be able to do this again! I'm so grateful to Chelsea for letting me stay over! Chels, your apartment rocks and you seem as happy as ever! We're hanging out during Christmas break!!! :) Well again this is a reminder to everyone to keep in touch! I love you all! :D

~BOYS~

2008-10-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

BOYS!!! They bring trouble, drama, uncertainty, confusion and sometimes life filled with woes. Well I've got to thinking... what if its me that is bringing it upon myself? Ya sure guys add a lot to it but what if its my problem too? Well all the guys reading this are probably thinking WOW she finally got it through her head... Bravo Maureen! and the girls are probably like... its boys faults! Well I've been in deep thought over this for the past few days and I have to hand it to the guys, they deal with a lot! Girls like me love drama... being right all the time, more drama, getting what they want, more drama, speaking in endless phrases that to guys don't make sense, and attention. But in our defense boys forget, they don't get us, and they don't like to talk as much as we do (which I still don't understand). You'd think we (boys and girls) would all get that we're different and move on but we tend to cause even more trouble. Why is that? And why in the end will we do anything for them even if they do something we consider stupid? Well I don't think these questions will be answered anytime soon or ever really... Its a confusing subject really, but hey they say opposites attract maybe we complete eachother in a way... nah! ;) ha ha jk! well please respond, I'd like to hear your opinions!

Sad Day Over!

2008-10-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up to a burst of screams. Our dog is back! Some neighbor found her! Nothing to worry about anymore. Welcome home Honey!

My lost little Doggie!

2008-10-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well little Honey B. took an adventure today, we didn't realize she had left, or that she wasn't coming back. Please come home Honey! wherever you are. If you ever knew Honey or just want to help please keep her in your thoughts. Thanks.

CHUCK!!!!!

2008-09-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

For any of you who are obsessed with CHUCK like I am you're going to be ecstatic around 8 o'clock tonight!!! The Premiere of the 2nd season of Chuck is tonight! Just for those who haven't seen it before I'll give you a rundown.

Some nerd named Chuck (who works at the Nerd Herd at the Buy More!) He has everyday issues that any geek would have: Boss is annoying, competition between fellow workers, a best friend Morgan who no one knows where he comes from, girlfriend issues, oh and did I mention he happens to be working undercover with other government undercover-agents. But the problem is that he got into the spy business by mistake. His X-best friend hacked the worlds most important computer that contains top secret pictures that reveal top secret info. His friend just happened to send all the pictures to Chuck where he gathered the pictures and now their stuck in his head. So as the so-called "Intersect" he must help 2 awesome undercover agents in saving the world. But being Chuck it can get a little tricky...

So if you're really bored tonight, or I guess in the next 2 hours... Watch CHUCK! you won't be dissappointed!

BOOKS!!!!!!

2008-09-27T13:00:00.001-07:00

Ok so I felt like sharing one of my favorite series with you all! I love the "Uglies" series! I know it sounds all mean and all but it is REALLY good! If you like adventure/suspense and a tiny bit of romance on the side its one awesome series! The books go in this order.

Uglies

Pretties

Specials

Extras

Awesome books by Scott Westerfield! Read 'em!

Escape (es-Caugh-pay)

2008-09-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

"hey thats funny, its spelled just the same as excape..." Name that movie! Ok so I feel like sharing my life as much as possible. don't ask my why but I think its bc I'm bored. So... School. Its like the Fish bowl of life, you can either look at it as the glass half full or half empty. Either way its the same. Anywho... School is metaphorically a place to learn but what really happens during college hours? is there any learning involved? Today my teacher in English decided to have us write on how an individual essay is different from a group essay. I'm pretty sure I didn't learn anything in that class today. Then I had Chem. Well my teacher has her 10 minutes of fun before a new chapter is explained so today while our 10 minutes of fun was being talked about, I couldn't hear 1 single word because a few non-charismatic students sat to my right with their mouths Wide open carrying on about the Very Exciting ways of life and how they just wrote an essay to some person for some thing on some day this week and some dude was going to give them some prize for being some kind of cool and doing it. I must say my ten minutes of fun were erased and made into ten minutes of the most drolling talk I've ever heard! oh my word! It's like the girls version of gossip! He said this and then I said "NO-WAY!" and he said "uh huh" and then I was all "cool" and then we played footsie for an hour during a soccer scrimage! because we were passing the ball! totally cool right? Oh dear. It was a sad day, I don't think I've lost so many brain cells in one hour before. Then again if I had had a balloon filled with helium during that class that would be another whole issue entirely. :) So overall today was an Un-learning day where I wish I could swish a fishy tail and es-caugh-pay as Dori would say. Anyhow I'll try to keep you informed on my menial everyday instances at school... or home... or abroad... or anywhere I guess! But you get the picture. Later!

What did you say?

My Life!

2008-09-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

I'm so completely Blissful! Can life get better? I submit that it cannot! :) Fitting in with school surroundings (finally), getting better at college, supporting my government by voting, doing homework, working, gaining new friendships, cutting my hair, having fun with good friends, Life is sure good all around! I wish everyone could be as happy as me! :) ok my optimisms caving in. Haha anywho... keep that smile on your face! You never know who's day you'll change for the better!

High Flying McCain!

2008-09-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

When McCain told America that the candidate for Vice was a female, the world took a deep breath! A female in the presidential office of either vice or pres. was forgotten when Clinton was struck down in the primaries. Now there is another chance to have a female lead this nation. (Even though as McCain would say he's "already been through torture") America is still trying to figure out if McCain's seemingly well-thought out decision will be beneficial to him or just hurt him more. It was a pretty gutsy move on his part, but if America was mostly ready to accept Clinton as Pres. what's so different now? Governer Palin of Alaska definitely has the spirit for office. She seems eager to be running with McCain and helping our government as much as she can! It was hard for America to learn right after McCain announced his choice that Palin's 17 year old daughter was actually pregnant. Many started stressing that Palin needed stay at home time for her daughter. Who will end up on top? McCain with his female side-kick or an African American Obama who hypnotizes people with his smooth talk and apparent good looks? I guess we'l find out soon! So DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!!

Killing the Toro Spirit and Moving On

2008-09-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

yes. It's really a sad comment but very true. The Toro inside me has died, i'm now a Devil (officially. Yes you can rub it in my face now Trevor) It's kinda depressing... But on the plus side! I get to sleep in late, do fun stuff for longer periods of the day, classes aren't that difficult, I've been reading like crazy moving from one book to the next, I have 2 days to do homework now, I'm loving Chemistry (which is a shocker) and Engineering class is AMAZING! we made rockets today! And my group was able to get the most height from our rocket! 130 ft into the air! It was absolutely Awesome! I'm so excited for that class! we're just working on rockets and measurements for the next few weeks! Heck Yes! I suppose I'm not exactly "killing" the Toro spirit within but realizing the fact I must move on now. I will be able to keep it with me and show pride for my school but unfortunately from a distance. But we must always smile as we move through life and take what we learn and apply it! So for all you High Schoolers... College Rocks! To all the College people... Keep me updated and it will Rock even more! haha I miss everyone and love you all! stay in touch! But as for now, I'll continue writing about my life so that it seems like we're all here again! haha Later!

(ok ok so the rocket above isn't actually the one I built, But mine was Definitely Cooler!)

Stalkers...

2008-08-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

This is dedicated to a really good friend of mine. :)

Today was a strange day. It started out like any normal day... sorta. I slept in till about 930 waiting for something to encourage me out of bed, but nothing did so I sat there for another 30 minutes just pondering. Well I had only one class to attend today bc my chemistry class was canceled. But unfortunately I just didn't feel like attending my english class when my teacher pauses between every sentence for about 5 minutes and because whats the point of driving for 30 minutes to a 50 minute class to just drive home again? It was really ridiculous and I was about to just ditch altogether when the words ran through my head... "Don't ditch. Ditching is BAD!" So of course I felt compelled to go anyway.

I headed to school feeling like it was going to be a bad day. I got to the parking lot and found the perfect parking spot! (which never happens) but I still knew it would be a bad day. So i went on sulking and ran into my cousin. She had a big smile on her face and I rarely ever see her, but I just Knew it was going to be a bad day so I stayed dismal. Then I walked into my dratted class and sat down next to people who actually talked to me. What a shame today was a bad day. Now I can't enjoy it. Well my teacher went on his empty discussion and I knew the answers to all his minimal questions... bad day. So he told us to all write a letter to our friends. A fun activity and easily diverting but today was Destined to be a bad day! So I continued my bad mood as I walked out of the class 2 minutes early and headed to my car. AHA! It was a bad day.I generally checked my car three times to make sure I never left my keys. But today because it was destined to be bad I had forgot to check and sure enough I had left my keys in the car and locked the doors too. Oh man! so much for a fun day. My mom had to drive out to ASU to give me the back up keys, so I had to wait for a half an hour in the Institute building. ugh. Well thats when i spotted it. 4 Boys all sitting at different tables and they were staring! Scary! So I sat down at a table hoping not to be noticed... um too late. A few guys walked past giving me "the look" apparently of approval. I quickly tried to text friends and make my face look as uninterested as I could. Well half an hour passed and no sign of my mom. The Institute started locking up so we were told to go outside. I moved to the outside bench fast putting my stuff around me so that no one could sit right next to me. For a few minutes no one showed up, then The guy came out. He was about 21 and a half and a bit shy. He sat on the bench next to mine and started asking me questions about what I was doing. What is this guy thinking? can't he tell I'm trying to seclude myself? I just want peace and quiet! I don't like boys! AAGH! Run away! But it was too late. He was already smiling his big toothy smile and said "Hey I gotta go now kiddo! It was awesome talking to you! Hope to see you again soon! Bye." I don't want to see him again. I just wanna see my mom. I looked around frantically. There she was 25 feet away. I dashed toward her and jumped up to her window. "Hi mom! got the key? Hey thanks!" Finally safe at last! So much for my not so good... very bad day. I left and headed home.

*This writing is completely full of Exagerated and Sarcastic stuff, and No returned missionaries do not scare me!*

My dad and his companion on their mission!

Starting College at ASU

2008-08-29T17:09:00.001-07:00

College is NOT the same as High School. (Just in case anyone was wondering.) I've been through my first week at college and am officially a SunDevil! how inticing! :) But one thing I've learned is that no matter how hard you try the teachers just won't act the way you want them to. Some give you all the information you need and expect you to know it by the final, others make you work for it and see if you can answer your own questions without questioning yourself! But those few teachers who I promise do NOT know what they're talking about... you gotta live with it and it reeks! Fortunately I only have one of those teachers. But unfortunately its my Math teacher. my favorite subject destroyed right in front of my eyes and nothing I can really do about it.

Word to the wise...

1) Check out RateMyProffesors.com! It saves you from creepy teachers.

2) DO NOT Procrastinate anything. You Delay... you lose! End of the line.

3) get smart! Don't buy your books until you've actually been to class. Let them tell you what books to get.
4) Get as many credits from AP classes as possible! It really does help.

5) When signing up for classes its nice having a person who's already been through the process to help! So be kind to all your friendswho are a year older than you!

Thats about all I can say now. But if I ever have any more advice I'll be sure to keep you all updated! :)

Rocking Out California!

2008-08-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

Well recently I just got back from California! I have been hanging with 4 other really Crazy girls! all of which made the trip a blast! haha they were awesome! we spent lots of time at the beach letting the rays of sun come down and burn us... we were kinda red after the first day at Coronado beach! oh ya i forgot to mention we stayed on Coronado Island in a little resort off the beach right outside of San Diego! it was soooooo cool! we had fun playing in the sun, boogy-boarding (I know, I know I messed up with spelling) and making sand castles (more like tree castles), shopping (like many teenager girls do) and riding tandom bikes (mine and Amy's kept breaking down over and over). It was super fun! its actually almost sad being back... bc that means school starts up now. Well at least we had our fun moments! I loved it and will miss the 3 girls who are off to Idaho but hopefully we'll be able to play again soon!

Sleeping Beauties~ it wasn't that comfortable...

yep.... its our tree castle~ so much fun!

<---- Us at the beach! going nuts as always!

Nannying for a Week!

2008-08-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well, first all I have to say is that being a parent is REALLY tiring! I had my fair share of being a mom last week and though only a small glimpse of the future I want to spend as much time as a kid as I can! I love kids I have a few younger sisters and I love them! I'm excited to be a parent but I'm putting it on hold for the time being. :) My Aunt lives in Virginia and has 3 kids. Jack - 7, Sydney - 5, and Ella - 2. All adorable children! I loved being able to play with them, but along with play came designated responsibilities. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, keeping children entertained for as long as possible, setting up playdates, of course waking up at dawn and going to bed later so I can have some me time. I was fortunate to have my aunt with me as she was recovering from a surgery, but she couldn't lift anything heavy and I was their for not only kids but support and Cleaning! :) which actually was a fun part of the day! I was shocked at how just cleaning little things made my day better. Well I'm home now and I miss Virginia's cool weather, my relatives and their outstanding kids! Thanks for the experience!

The Dark Ka-nig-it

2008-07-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

Ok ok I know i'm quotting Monty Python and its lame but hey Ka-nig-it's are cooler than Knights. (according to me) And frankly if they had called Batman a Ka-nig-it maybe the movie would have been more happy! That or maybe they should have ended with the song, "You're My Hero!" (an old 80's rendition of a true love hero). I finally saw the movie for the first time tonight after missing the chance of partying with friends at the midnight showing. I haven't decided whether i'm dissapointed by the fact everyone told me it was amazing and it didn't live up to my expectations, OR if I just didn't enjoy it that much bc it was soooo dark. I can see how it is a great movie! It is full of super special effects, good acting, and it keeps you on your seat. But it also shows evil in unlikely places and corruption and you feel like you can't trust anyone. It's a dark movie, Good! But dark. I've heard of movies being dark, even Iron-Man was classified as dark by some friends, but it turned out being good. So when I heard this was dark I assumed nothing more. But it seemed pretty clear afterwards why Heath Ledger might have died from this movie's thrill and frightening ideas. It was good and any thrill seeking adults should see it! Just don't expect me to watch it again. It was Dark and spooky and reminded me a bad chaos that doesn't need to be etched in our minds. Watch it and make you're own decision! As for me... well you already know.

Pioneer Day

2008-07-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

I know its shocking to realize that not many people know much about pioneer day so let me tell you a bit about it... pioneer day is celebrating when the pioneer's came to Utah to settle down and live here. Anywho its a BIG deal in Utah and they have fireworks on this day and a parade too. It is quite fun to have an excuse to do more partying 20 days after Independance day! :) Well the most interesting part tonight was actually not the fireworks, pie or celebration with family, though it was a blast, the most Interesting part was being burned by plastic. Yep strange as it sounds, 10 seconds after I lit a piece of plastic it flew onto my arm searing all 100 or so layers of skin. So I have a white dent in my arm strangely enough. It'll add to the other injuries I've recieved this week while jumping from 30 ft cliffs into the Colorado river on a rafting expedition and wiping out on the alpine slide while going as fast as I could possibly go! Haha warning here comes a daredevil! She's completely changed! haha life is fun!

Day 1 of Blogging

2008-07-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

For a long time now I've hardly heard about blogs. They seemed to be just some other excuse for plastering your information all over the internet for the world to see. I wasn't into the idea till I saw my friends. She was into blogging for a month or two before showing me. It was my inspiration you might say. I have a changed heart. Haha well it helped to have a whole blog set up for Mesa Arizona friends and have myself included on the fun. Just to communicate with others in different ways is astounding. Well I'm sure I'll be on here a lot during the summer but once school starts I may be slow. I don't understand blogging much but I do know this is NOT going to stop me from speaking aloud. The TRUE form of communication! Haha thanks for reading my rambling nonsense. Till we read/write again.