Singled Out

Alright all you non-single people out there, this is for you! I hope to develop for you my past weekend so that you'll feel as if you were right there with me. Soaking in all that is wonderful about being single! (insert sarcasm)

Friday night.
My night began with a birthday party for an old roommate. I got there early and visited with her before more guests showed up. Finally some mutual friends arrived which are really the only people you talk to at parties. Never do you meet anyone new. And if you do never do they continue to talk to you long enough to know if you want to be interested in getting to know them better. So you just stand around talking to the people you've known for years about the only things you know you have in common. In this instance, common acquaintances and sports.
I was standing talking to an old friend about ... well I don't remember. I saw a fairly attractive male walk in and say hi to my friend. We met eyes. I smiled. We both stayed in our groups that we knew and then I left. Magical right?

I then headed over to another birthday party. This one was a 'black light' theme. I went alone again and had friends there at the house. No one I'm really close with so I was often left alone as the people I was with ran off with someone else they knew.
I found myself in the basement of the house where the 'dancing' was going on. There was no dancing! Everyone was just standing around in a big circle awkwardly swaying from one foot to the next, staring around the circle at one another. AWKWARD! So, what do I do? With this group of about 15 twenty something year olds I just yell out, "Okay this is awkward and really lame. So what we're going to do is each person has to do something and we'll go around the circle and copy them. That way we're all doing the same thing and no longer staring at one another." There were yells of "Yeah! You start!" So I did. Then I tried to pass it to the guy next to me and he just stood there. Mortified. He said his mind went blank. I said "It doesn't matter what you do. It's better than us just standing around." He wouldn't budge. He just stood there like a deer in head lights. So a girl grabbed it. We kept it going for about 5 to 10 minutes. People were laughing. We seemed to have fun. Then people started getting hot and tired. They dispersed quickly. I think if it hadn't been dark more people would know really know that I was the crazy girl making everyone have a good time.
I didn't stay much longer after that.
I drove home and thought. I hate parties!

The next night I first headed out to a wedding of a friend. I went alone. Knowing I'd see someone there I knew. I parked my car and swung my left leg out of my car to hear a beautiful long tearing sound. Yup! Jeans ripped! Starting at my inseam and ran right along the left cheek. (no not my face) I think. Well that's just great! Luckily I was wearing a long coat. But I could feel some cool air and I was just hoping that it wasn't visible. So I carefully walk into the wedding and get in line. I didn't see anyone. So I realized I'd be standing alone with a huge rip in my pants. Apprehensive to move much, I slowly turn around and whom do I see but my friend Natalie! We both were so pleased to see one another. My joy was that now I had someone to tell me how visible my rip was. She reassured me that it was not visible.
After the wedding was a 'fondu party' my friends were throwing. Yes still with a tear in my pants. I show up and of course immediately tell my good friends that I had a rip the size of my hand along my butt! Two of which kept telling me to take off my coat. I didn't hear the end of it all night long. Pretty dang funny! What did this party consist of? Standing around and talking to people I knew. At one point I did talk to some new males. But we talked about how there were a ton of guys with beards at the party. So we started giving out awards for each beard... Needless to say that didn't go far with those guys. Later my friend and I plopped down on a couch for the rest of the night. Finally I was able to take off my coat! I left close to midnight, glad I saw my friends but again. We could have done that without a party.

One more night. Then I'm done.
Sunday night. Ward prayer. Why do we have ward prayer? Some have referred to it as ward stare. My experience, the same people go all the time. I go because I want to get to know the girls in the ward better. Plus when I try and talk to the guys... nothing. So I leave ward prayer with a friend and drag her along to a desert night hosted by another friend of mine. I was met by an old high school friend. The single world in this city is pretty small. Everyone knows someone. So I talked to him for awhile. Then I went to another friend from college. Then another friend. Finally after being there for an hour talking to no new people it was time to leave. I then see a guy that I happen to see every night this weekend. Someone I would go on a date with. But we've known each other for years. Has he ever asked me out? No.

So I ask you? What was the point of that all? 6 social events in 3 days. I think the idea is to meet people. But turns out I never do meet people. I just go to support my friends that are having the event because I care about them.

So do y'all miss being single?

(I'm really not annoyed with being single. I'm happy. I just hate the 'social single scene.' LAME!) 

Best friends

What makes a best friend?
Is it that you spend all your time with them?
Is it that you trust them?
Is it that you want to tell them everything going on in your life?
Is it that they understand you? And even if they don't understand you, they want to support you in  your decisions so you'll be as happy?
Is it the fact you have something in common?
Is it because they bring out the best in you?
Is it because they 'get' you?
Is if because you're going through the same things at that time?
Is it because you've experienced hard times together?
Is it because you've known them for so long you just can't help but keep them apart of your life?
Is it the fact that they make you want to be better?
Is it the fact that they simply care about you and want to know what's going on in your life?
Is it the fact that you can totally be yourself and know that you'll still be accepted?
Is it because you know, that no matter what you do they will always love you?
Is it because they make you laugh?
Is it because they listen to you ramble on and on about the same things that go through your head?

I think it's all of the above and more. Because I've got 'best friends' that can fit each one of these.

Here's a shout out to best friends! Those still in your lives and those from the past! For all the hours spend laughing, crying, and listening. For all the time spent caring and making memories. For all the stupid inside jokes. Here's to the late nights on the phone talking about bad dates, or great dates. To all the friends who don't give up. To best friends that will drive 100 miles just to spend a few hours with you. Ones who were in your life for a short time or for a lifetime. To all those who drop everything the minute you call. For all the encouragement and support. For all the big and small moments in life shared. For all the sacrifice involved. For just simply being there.

To those of my 'best friends' reading this. No matter where we are now, know that I'm forever grateful for you. Know that I've always felt so blessed for the friends I've had in my life. I've always offered a prayer of gratitude in behalf of those friends the Lord has placed in my life. Turns out I kind of like having people around me and being apart of my life. I sure do love you and always will!

R.O.A.D. Trip.





R is for Reunion. This road trip was to go celebrate my mission presidents completing their service to the Lord.

This is Allie and I waiting in who knows where for our turn on the highway shut down to a one lane road.
Best quote from the drive down.

Jesse, 23 yr old Male whom also served with us.

"My Dad asked if I was going to cut my hair(he has a mullet) and shave. I said "No." I'm an adult! I can do what I want!" This was repeated many times over the 72 hours we were together whenever someone made a really stupid decision.

Brian and I decided since we were at the temple together we might as well elope! ... For about a minute while we took this picture.

Weird memory for day two: Standing by a pool in my swimming suit talking with 5 former Elders in their swimming suits.... Things were a bit different last time we were all together...

O is for Hugs! You know like X's and O's :) I got to give my mission president a great big hug! The moment they walked into the chapel we all jumped up and ran over to them! Instantly there was a line of 30 some odd 20-year-olds resembling children waiting in line to see Santa. 

It felt so right to be sitting in the chapel listening to the awesome testimonies of my mission president and his wife. I'm so honored I got to serve with them and watch and learn from their example.

This is Brooke and I just chilling at President's house...

The hardest part of the trip was when Sis. Smith said 'I've missed you so much. I just want to sit down and talk with you...' Having to tell her I had to get in my car and drive 10 hours to get home and go to work the next morning was not something I wanted to do. I wanted nothing more than to curl up on the couch with her and talk for hours... One day.

A is for Adventure

Well we're on the road cruising, knowing that we were going to get home around 2:00 am (I had to be to work at 7:00) Then all the sudden... This.

Highlight from this though... Jesse putting on my Rollerblades and going up the highway and then flying past us 10 minutes later. I was laughing hysterically.

Now on to the adventurous part.

They made us turn around on the highway, we're not sure if they made us but people were and we couldn't see why it was closed so we did as everyone else did. Then we were directed to an exit that put us going back south...well we sure as heck didn't want to go south. We ended up stopping some people and got directions to go up this random road and we were told it would turn into a dirt road and to take two lefts then we would get into Flagstaff...Um...okay.

Well we took it. After some time we weren't finding the dirt road and we were headed in the wrong direction. Allie voiced concern. They already knew I was nervous. So we stopped. Jesse pointed out the this road wasn't going to no where so we should just see where it goes and then figure it out then. The thought came to mind, to trust the priesthood holder. Allie and I were both thinking too much. So we start driving again and around the curve in the road not 50 yards ahead of us was the dirt road. Followed by a sign leading us towards a state road.

Allie and I found it very funny that we stopped right out of site of the dirt road. Allie and I laughed and reflected on how maybe in life we panic or get scared or question just that much too soon. Just right before something is revealed.

What we gained from this very bizarre detour was a beautiful drive through the mountains in Arizona. We saw the sun setting on these beautiful small lakes with trees all around. It was breathtaking.

D is for DEAD tired!

I got home at 4:15 this morning... My alarm went off at 6:00 so that I could be to work at 7:00... I calculated that I only got a total of maybe 9 hours over the past 72 hours.... Yes I'm shaking a bit and a bit wobbly... Good thing I'm sitting down at work.

Memory Challenge.

This is me. Rollerblading with good old Abe Lincoln!

The best best friend ever. Never can we not hang out and create fun silly memories.

Mediocrity... I think not!

I heard some say recently that most people are mediocre. When I heard this I thought it was pretty harsh. But I think he was right. He then went on and said that the the definition of 'talents' needed to be altered.
I liked this thought.
What are you good at? Immediately we think of artistic or athletic things. Something that can be viewed or measured. Something to receive praise for. Well maybe you don't but I do.
tal·ent –noun 1. a special natural ability or aptitude
So what are your talents? I believe we've all got them. First think of the things you are good at, then think a bit deeper. I used to think that it was prideful to think I was good at things. But a dear friend pointed out that it's when we start comparing ourselves to others that it turns to pride. That helped me a lot. I learned it really is such a good thing to recognize those things that we are good at or have a special natural ability or aptitude for. The Lord thinks so too.

Matthew 25
15 And unto one he ^agave five ^btalents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability;
In the story we know how the one servant with five went and multiplied it and the one with two also multiplied his talents that he was given. I think this is very hopeful because there are a lot of things that I want to be able to do and be good at. I want to be more patient and I want to be a better student, I also want to learn about photography. So no matter what we've been given we can always add to it. But like the one servant who hid his talent if we don't even recognize those great things about us, there isn't much hope for increase?
So as many of us may feel mediocre I say that we have many talents that aren't mediocre, and the great part is that we can gain more!

Here are some I've noticed in others....
My mom: She's amazing with children. They never doubt that she loves them. Which I never have.
My dad: Honesty. I've always said he's the only honest lawyer out there.
My sis-in-law: Kindness
My big brother: Naturally brilliant. He was reading the newspaper at 2!
My other big brother: Apologizing... I hated this at first. But it's something I'm trying to pick up.
My uncle: being silly!
My bestie: Giving service.

And just to list two friend I know for sure will read this...
Jen: Most courageous person I know.
Melinda: Lives life to the fullest.

What are your talents?

More fun for girls!

So I really think I've got the coolest friends.
Remember my friend Jen I told you about? 'My Friend Jen'
Well she's simply the coolest and she's doing a give away right now for a gift certificate for Sephora. Go here Writing Like I Am Popular and check out the rules. It's super easy.

Now I'm not a big makeup person but I thought maybe some of you would like to know about it. It's open to all and everyone.

Enjoy!

Ladies! Check this out!

 Okay so I'm totally bragging about my new shoes that I got yesterday!
I was introduced to this local company through my friends blog. Styled By 3 They had a contest for a free pair of shoes from christensens shoes. Well I didn't win the contest, but now they have a deal where if you enter the styledby3 promo code you get $10 off each pair of shoes! And shipping was like $3. And they are located out of St. George!

I love my new shoes. I need to now make reasons to go out and wear them. But I wanted to share in the wonderfulness that is this company! I hope you can find something you like and then get $10 off! It's legit!

Oh and I forgot, they sent me 20% off coupon too!

Love it!

Blogging! It's completly legit!

So whoever decided to start making blogging freaking LEGIT you're awesome! I've got some of the coolest friends who like to do giveaways! Here is another one for you! My awesome friends, Liz, T, and Nat have a style blog. They are doing a thrift challenge right now but also have an awesome shoe giveaway going on. I've known these girls my whole entire life! Litterally! Well Nat and I didn't meet until she was born. But I love them all dearly! So check out their awesome blog and enter to get a pair of way fun cute shoes!

http://styledby3.blogspot.com/

My Friend Jen...

Do you have a friend that without fail will say something that shocks you every time you see them?
I do. . . Her name is Jen.

Do you have a friend that had a childhood crush on Harold Ramis, aka Egon from Ghostbusters?
I do. . . Her name is Jen.

Do you have a friend that knows all of the 'best' places around town?
I do. . . Her name is Jen.

Do you have a friend that can teach you all about 'the big doll house?'
I do. . . Her name is Jen.

Do you have a friend that is an expert on Buffy the Vampire Slayer?
I do. . . Her name is Jen.

Do you have a friend that is writing the Best New Musical of the Year? To include the new hit song, "Horse Bra?"
I do. . . Her name is Jen.

Do you have a friend that in spite of feeling inadequate will step up, work hard and prove to 100's of people that she can do something she'd never done before.
I do. . . Her name is Jen.

Do you have a friend that is exceptional at showing others how much she loves and cares about them?
I do. . . Her name is Jen.

Welcome Baby Cash!

Also I must send a big CONGRATS to my awesome friends Meg and Colby, for welcoming baby Cash into this world yesterday! I can't wait to meet him. He couldn't have gone to better parents! Love you Meggie!

Wedding Weekend

Well this past weekend I got to spend two whole days with two couples I love dearly. Friday I got to attend the weddig of two of my favorite people in the world. Kristi and Mark! I'm so excited for them!
Saturday I also got to attend the wedding of my best friend! It was such a wonderful ceremony and I feel so lucky to have been there to support Dave and Jen!

Here's me and all my boys!

So we couldn't make the outside dirty so we did the inside!! And it was pretty clean at that! :)

There was also a picture of Abraham lincoln in the back seat and a pirate wench! :) I always have so much fun with my high school boys! Love you guys! And congrats again to Dave and Jen! And Kristi and Mark!

This is Gavin. He is my good friend Brynn's little boy. I'm not related to him at all but I totally love him! Look how cute he is as a frog!! I'm glad he got to come visit us on Halloween!
Hope you all had a fun Halloween!

Congrats Parker!

Saturday I got to spend the day with some of my favorite people! Below is a picture of me and my boys. We have all been best friends from high school on. It was so much fun to spend the whole day together it's been ages since we've all done something. The wedding was beautiful I'm so happy I got to go and be there for Parker.



Here is a picture of the car. I hope you like the Vampire face. That was Colin's idea! We couldn't stop laughing. It really was a great day!

This was just too dang cute not to share with everyone.

This was after Emily caught the Bouquet. The bouquet she swore she didn't want to catch, but almost fell over backwards to grab! Glad it was you Em! ;)

Congratulations Steven!

One of my favorite people got married today! Congratulations to my Steven!
Aren't we all cute kind of matching! It's about time one of my Siggies got married!

Last night was a very needed event. It was a "Real Sigma" get together. Six of us were officers in our Sorority back in '05-'06 and the other three are just apart of us. We used to do everything together! We had not all been together for a very long time. Probably mostly due to Jane serving a mission. But still. It was very nice just to have dinner and relax and talk. Oh and Laugh! We are good at that. Shan and her Honk and Weeze! Even though a whole lot has changed, our friendship is still there. Which makes me very happy! I love you all!

Well this is what I did this weekend! Can you recognize where I am?. . . . That's right Classic Skating! It was adults only night 16 + . You had to show ID to prove your age. Luckily for us they didn't ask. We had such a fun time, we have decided to make it a monthly tradition! See we do more then go to football games!

Life Long Friend

This is just a small post to Celebrate one of my friends. Happy Birthday on the 24th T! I think it's pretty rare for people our age to be able to say that we have been friends for 24 years!(well almost 24 years) T and I have litteraly been friends since birth. And I count it a huge blessing that she and I are still friends to this day! You are a huge blessing in my life T. I'm so glad that we have been able to grow up together and help each other along the way.

I love you! Happy 24th on the 24th!

I tried to scan a picture to prove the length of our friendship, but the scanner didn't work: (