Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Sigh of Relief

I feel like, even though it is a blizzard outside, going out and dancing in the streets. It would be a slight understatement to say that of my seven semesters at the U, this fall 2010 semester was the most difficult. Tre had just moved away, I was carrying a very full load including classes, work at Archibald's during it's busiest season plus being the executive director of UPC. I was stressed the entire semester, because I just wanted to do well. After finals week was over, I felt relieved--I felt as though I had done well on my 5 exams and even if I hadn't, it was over and I could be happy about that. Above all of that, Tre was coming home! He arrived early morning on December 19th and left late afternoon the day after Christmas. Honestly, one of the best weeks of my life.

When Tre was first deciding he was going to leave, I told him that if he chose to transfer, we would be breaking up. I just didn't think we could do it, but we are! One semester down, and I feel good about our relationship. I actually think that it was just what we needed, in a relationship that lasts that long it may be easy to get complacent, but now we have found a new appreciation for one another. I love that boy so much and we had such a good time over the week.

Christmas, per usual, was fantastic!! I love this time of year, just spending time with family and friends. Plus, my wonderful boss gave me the entire week off so that I could maximize the amount of time with my family and with Tre. I got everything I wanted and more.

The morning Tre had to leave, I was very sad and cried throughout sacrament meeting and as I took him to the airport. But I am grateful for this opportunity that he has to get his schooling paid for and to do something he loves so much! He makes me very proud while he is gone and I know that in the end, it will all be worth it.

Then, it was back to reality. I have been working every day this week and cleaning up the Christmas aftermath. Plus, I have been trying to work up the courage to look at my grades. I felt really good about my finals week performance, but as time carried on I started doubting myself--maybe I didn't do as well as I thought?

Right now I am supposed to be at my friend Alyx's wedding, but due to the horrible blizzard outside, I decided it was safer to stay home. Only problem? I am bored. The boredom got to me! I decided to check my grades and.... I got an A in anatomy!! That class is very difficult and requires more attention than most jobs and somehow, I pulled it off. I am pretty proud of myself. Because, you see, in order to get an A, I had to get a nearly perfect score on my final (only missing 5 points) and it happened.
Man, life is good.


Tre and I, eating at Teppanyaki. Yum!


After, A group of us went to see the lights at Temple Square--so beautiful!


My Grandpa. I love him so much. You can always count on him for a good laugh :)

I love these ladies so much.


Oh, the other bright spot in my life? This little bun in the oven that I canNOT wait for his arrival!! 101 more days :)



:)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Day Twenty Five

What Would Be Found In Your Bag



1. A lot of space --> I carry a semi-large bag with not much in it.
2. Wallet (IDs, gift cards, receipts and credit cards)
3. Lip Gloss --> Minty preferably from Bath and Body Works or Victoria's Secret
4. Mints --> Gum repulses me
5. Couple of Pens
6. My car keys

Monday, October 4, 2010

Day Twenty Four

A Letter To Your Parents


Dear Mom and Dad,

I want you to know how much I love you. You have always, since the time I was little, provided the greatest example to me. I am the woman I am today because I have had parents like you. I often think to myself that I am very lucky to have been given parents who are so accepting, forgiving and loving as I have. Most kids are scared of their parents, but when something bad happens to me, the first thing I want to to do is run home to tell you because I know you'll listen, care, and give me the best possible advice.

I know odds were stacked against you, getting married so young, but you got through everything...together. That is something I really admire in the two of you and hope to emulate some day with my own husband and children.

You are both great providers and have helped me emotionally, physically and financially so that I could have everything I have ever wanted. I have been successful due large part to the two of you. Which is also what pushes me to keep going, because I know that I owe you to see things through. I have been given every opportunity and therefore, I have no excuse to not reach my full potential. I want to make you proud as you have done for me.

People always tell me that I am spoiled, I smile and say "I know". I am not a spoiled brat however, there is a difference. I know this because I am very grateful for everything given to me. I don't want either of you to think that the little things don't matter, because they do. Little notes of encouragement, help with assignments or activities, or just an "I love you" at the end of the day means everything to me. I thank Heavenly Father every night for the two of you. I wouldn't be where I am today, without you.

There is so much more to say, but I have homework. :)


Don't take these words lightly: I Love You.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Day Twenty Three

Something You Crave For A Lot

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Day Twenty Two

What Makes You Different Form Anyone Else?


I am girly, yet tough.
I am compassionate, yet blunt.
I am pretty, yet a total scrounge.
I am loyal, but I don't give second chances.

I don't take anyone's crap, and I will fight to defend myself against anyone.
I value family above anything else; they will always be my first choice.
I am very self-motivated; no one ever has to tell me to get my work done.
I am very practical and am constantly thinking about the future. I won't do something today that will ruin my tomorrow.
I am fiesty.
I like blood and gore.
I am confident; I don't care what people think about me.
I don't embarass easily.
I am brave.
I am highly organized, except when it comes to my room or car.
I am funny.
I am determined; I strive for the things I want most in life.

I think all these things combined make me different from anyone else.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Day Twenty One

Holy Crap! Can you believe it's already October?!

anyway....
A Picture Of Something That Makes You Happy



There are many things that I could have posted about, but when I first read today's topic, one thing popped into my head:

This is my baby! Well, not MY baby, but Kristin and Brandon's soon-to-be bebe. I have been begging them since the got off their honeymoon (over four years ago) to have a baby. They always told me no. On August 6, I slept over at Kristin's house (ya know, what sisters do) and we were looking at proffessional photography sites-something that we both LOVE- and pictures of babies started showing up. I whined yet again and Kristin replied with "if you want a baby so bad, have one yourself!" (REAL mature, Kristin). Then on August 8th, Brandon and Kristin came over to "talk to my dad", but he was caught up at church. They had other obligations that day so they had to leave and said they would be back. I had to go do UPC stuff later that night. Kristin text me and said "Where did you go?" I told her I had office work to do and wouldn't be home til really late. She told me I sucked. I agreed.

My mom then text me and asked me to pick up a crockpot from Kristin's on my way home. I told her to tell Kristin to leave it on the front porch because I wouldn't be home until about 2 am. I stopped at Kristin's house and walked up to the porch to get the crock pot and attached to it was this note:

I was so excited, but sad at the same time that I had missed everyone finding out together. And sad that it was 2am and I couldn't talk to anyone about my excitement. I cried.



Ever since then, all we can all think about is BABY. We have already started a box of gifts that we have slowly started buying. Can't wait for April 10th!!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Day Twenty

Someone You See Yourself Marrying


Well seeing on how we have been together for almost seven (!) years, I'm gonna have to go with Tre


We met in Ms. Paredas' fourth grade class. I had a little girl crush on him until.... him and his friend Dennis made fun of my lips and told me I had "fish lips" (common when I was that age). I distinctly remember saying, "I don't like you anymore Tre". And his friend, Dennis said, "see! I told you she liked you". I replied back with a witty remark: "I meant just as a friend! I don't even like you at all anymore!"


Then, honestly, I don't remember seeing or thinking about Tre for many years. His friends hated me and my friends in 5th-8th grade, because we thought we were so smart and cool (which we were!). Then in 9th grade, my school started "team fridays". Because we both had last names that start with S, we were on the same team and he was the ONLY person I knew in there so we became friends. I had another boyfriend at the time, but I started to have a crush on Tre, yet again. I remember writing Tre a note (cuz that was the cool thing to do!) asking him to go to the Halloween Dance, but only if he liked me back. He ended up coming and we danced a couple of times. Our group of mutual friends were just watching us and you know how you just basically spin in circles while you dance at that age? Well, anytime Tre would be facing them they would tell him to ask me out. On the last slow song of the dance, Tre asked me out and I said Yes. First order of Business? Go home and call my other boyfriend to break up with him (scandelous!).

We've had our problems along the way, but in the end we have always ended up together.

Currently, Tre lives in Missouri finish his schooling and to play basketball. It's been the hardest thing that we have had to do in this relationship, but I know if we can get through this then we can make it through anything.

He can bring out the best in me; he believes in my whole-heartedly and makes me feel as though nothing is out of reach for me. Whenever I have a bad day, I call Tre and he can help me through whatever I may be facing at the time. I don't really like talking about my relationship, because I feel like people are so cynical and because we have had problems in the past, they expect and hope to see us fail. But Tre and I both live to prove people wrong. That's what we plan on doing.
I love him. My family loves him. If we were to end up together, I would be perfectly content with that.
I love who I am when I'm with him and only hope that I do the same for him. I know that if we are meant to be, the Lord will provide the way and there is no need to worry about it.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Day Nineteen

Nicknames You Have and Why


oh me oh my....



From My Mom:
  • Pauline (my middle name)

  • Dolly (probably because I'm the youngest and only girl)

So when I worked with Kristin at Grandma's restaurant Kristin gave me the nickname:

SMACHEL

which then led down a slippery slope of names to follow:

  • Smachen

  • Shmachel

  • Shma

  • Shmigion

  • Machen (Still commonly used)

  • Machie

  • Mach

My girl-friends from high school called me Spraychel (she was a cartoon for a commercial).



My work friends and college friends call me Rae Rae (college spelling) or Ray Ray (work spelling)

Rob calls me Baby Ray or R^2 (Ray Ray) Because our group of UPC friends had a family story where Rob was the Dad "Papi"; Alison was the oldest sister, then ashley, Jeremy and Erin were twins (Er-Bear and Jer-Bear); then there was the tween: Meesh and Baby Ray.

I like them all because I love all the people who gave them to me and it's more personal.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Day Eighteen

Plans/Dreams/Goals You Have


short term:

*don't procrastinate: do assignments as they are assigned to reduce stress levels
*get good grades this semester as well as the next 1,2,3 (I don't really know how close I am to graduating...)
*save as much $$$ as possible
*take better care of myself: wash my face every night, keep my room clean, etc.
*get my patriarchal blessing

long term:
*graduate with more than good grades (3.7+)
*do well on the DAT (dental admissions test)
*get into dental school (as close to home as possible)
*get married in the temple
*be financially responsible enough to own a house
*have children (i think that if I was put on this planet for one reason-it is to be a mom)
*Be completely happy

some things from my bucket list:
*swim with a dolphin (i plan on doing this on my honeymoon)
*go sky-diving
*learn a foreign language-fluently!
*learn to say "no"
*go skinny dipping
*stay at lake powell on a house boat
*sit courtside at a lakers game
*learn how to take amazing pictures
*fulfill jury duty on a (semi) high profile case (perfereably murder-i watch enough shows)
*cliff jumping
*rent/buy a really expensive car
*horseback riding on the beach
*learn sign language
*visit all fifty states before 50


Monday, September 27, 2010

Day Seventeen

Someone You Would Want to Switch Lives With For One Day and Why


hmmmm. . .


I would have to say Miss Rihanna


1. She is absolutely gorgeous!
2. She is strong woman. She got beat up by her boyfriend, and she wasn't ashamed. Instead she came back with a vengeance: releasing her best CD yet.
3. She is funny. Did you see her on SNL?
4. She is extremely talented. I love her singing voice. That is one talent that I covet.
5. You can just tell, by the way that she carries herself, she is way cool.




Sunday, September 26, 2010

Day Sixteen

My Hiatus is over. I had to study for my four exams last week and so the blog had to take the backseat.
Then the topic for today was dumb! "Another Picture of Yourself". Oh brother, there are a million and one topics you could assign to write and they repeat the same one in 30 day time period? So I'm gonna talk about
My Weekend
it started Thursday, I got done with my week of school at 3:30PM. *Sigh of Relief* I thought this week was going to be super hard, but guess what? If you study and prepare, even four tests can't get you down! (I need to ingrain this in my memory so that I quit procrastinating all the time!) After class and meetings, Me, Joyce and our friend Fonzie went to dinner to catch up.
Friday, I woke up, attempted to clean my room (fail), then went to shopping and lunch with Alison. She buys tons and I buy nothing, typical.
That night, Me, Joyce, Alison and Rob went to dinner at Olive Garden and then went to the homecoming dance. It was better than last year, but still not great. But hey! we had fun anyway. After the dance, we all went and slept over at Rob's new place.
Saturday, I worked (and for the first time--in a long time-- Work was great!) then me and Joyce went to our friend Nuthaniel's place.


All in all, it was a really good end to a stressful week. Good friend, good times and fun. Just what the doctor ordered.







Sunday, September 19, 2010

Day Fifteen

Put Your iPod on Shuffle and Record the First Ten Songs That Play

1. Ciara- My Love
I don't even know/like this song.
2. Lady Gaga- Bad Romance
She is a genius. Went from nobody to a huge star so quickly because people can't quite figure her out. We hate to not understand.
3. Leona Lewis- Angel
A good song, but there are better on her album. She is really talented.
4. The Black Eyes Peas- Missing You
Love Song turned Techno.
5. P. Diddy ft. Keyshia Cole- Last Night
I have this song because of KC-her CD "Just Like You" is one of my favorites.
6. Nelly- E.I.
I like Nelly. He is so gangsta :)
7. Ginuwine- So Anxious
I think Brandon gave me this CD "100% Ginuwine" when I was little. I would listen to it as I cleaned my room.
8. Kenneth Cope- White Dress
My favorite religious musical artist! His lyrics make me cry, even if I've heard the song a billion times. Get his CD "Hear My Praise".
9. Saving Jane- Girl Next Door
Just like Taylor Swift's "You Belong To Me". Except this song came out way before.
10. Maroon 5-Harder to Breathe

Wow! My music selection is so random!!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Day Fourteen

A Picture of You and Your Family
Me, Tyler, Janet, Kristin, Dad and Brandon
Real Salt Lake Soccer Game 07.24.10
Me, Mom, Becca and Erica
Making Peanut Butter Fingers in Hawaii
December 2008
Erica and Me
Hawaii December 2008
Brent, Me, Brandon, Kristin, Tyler, Ann, Mom, Dad, Grandma Hepworth and Grandma Sellers
Christmas 2007
Mom, Dad, Ann, Tyler, Kristin, Brandon, Brent and Me
Thanksgiving 2008

Our Family and Randy's Family
Boating July 4, 2009
Ann, Kristin and Me
Twilight Premier 2008

Friday, September 17, 2010

Day Thirteen

A Letter To Someone Who Has Hurt You Lately



uhmmm.. I can't think of one and even if I could, I don't think I would air dirty laundry.
so I'm changing this one too. It is now:


A Letter To Someone Who Has Made You Smile Lately.
Mom,
I don't ever want you to go one day feeling unappreciated. I recognize all that you do for this family and I want you to know that I appreciate it all. I wouldn't be the strong, independent woman I am today, had it not been for a strong, independent woman standing behind me 100% of the time. I know I can always count on you, and that helps me get through any tough thing that is thrown in my path. You are such a good person, and I look up to you in so many ways. I love you so much.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Day Twelve

How You Found Out ABout Blogspot and Why You Started One

Well, I already talked about this a little bit on the second day of why I named my blog what it is, But here we go again...
Brandon started a blog for Kristin as a surprise for their wedding. I always enjoyed reading what either of them had to say. I decided that I would start one (because I have so much free time, ya know?) to keep the cyberworld (AKA, Grandma K) informed about the busy lives of Dad, Mom, Brent and I. I mean, people probably don't really care because I'm not funny or particularly interesting, but whatever. My Grandma likes it, so I will continue to do it.
Dedicated to You G'Ma :)

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Day Eleven

Another Picture of You and Your Friends


(gee...they must have run out of ideas)

Ali-Shon, Baby Rae, Jer-Bear, E-Rhino, Swappy and Schmob

Kenz-O, Spraychel, Madi, Schmorg, Allee-Mo-Ballee, Yoyc and CarolAnne OrangeHead

Me, Nut, Ted, Jess, Ty, Allee


Meesh, Alison, Me and Swapp

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Day Ten

Songs You Listen to When You're Happy, Mad, Sad & Hyped


Lyrics really speak to me and so I can listen to almost any genre as long as the lyrics are good. I mostly listen to rap, hip-hop, top 40 and love songs. With that being said, this is a really tough question to answer because I don't listen to a particular song with each emotion. Anyhow, here's what is playing on my iPod right now:


Bruno Mars- Just the Way You Are
I think it gives a good message to a society obsessed with the "perfect image"


Eminem ft. Rihanna- Love the Way You Lie


B.O.B. ft. Haley Williams and Eminem- Airplanes Part II


Chris Brown ft. Tyga and Kevin McCall- Deuces


Taylor Swift- You're Not Sorry


Snow Patrol- Chasing Cars ( a subtle love song )


Drake- Find Your Love


i LOVE finding new music. So I'm open to suggestions.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Day Nine

Something You're Proud Of

I am proud of my persistence. Two years ago I was set up perfectly for this position at my school. I tried hard to not get caught up in it, but when the people selecting keep telling me how great I was and how perfect I fit the job, it was hard not to. I had put in so much time and dedication my freshman year and when I didn't get the next position, I was more than disappointed. I was notified that someone else had been selected while I was at work; I cried so much that they had to send me home.

The thing about me is that I have a lot of passion. So when I had given everything I had and it wasn't enough, it was devastating. I thought about quitting the organization altogether because I was hurt and a little embarrassed. I decided instead that I was going to show them that they had been wrong in not selecting me. I worked even harder than I had the year before- even as just a volunteer.

My work paid off and I was selected as the Director position of the Crimson Nights board. Through that position, I made some of the best friends in life and learned so many things about myself and about the world.

It would have been easier for me to throw myself a pity-party, but I didn't. I made the conscious choice to make the situation better for myself, worked hard and then enjoyed the reward-thoroughly.

I am proud of myself that I didn't let my pride get in the way of something that I really wanted and even with a bruised ego, I picked myself up and earned it all in the end.

Curtis, Erica, Me and Shab
Community Service Board 2007-2008
Position: Associate Director

Me, Erica and Steven
Crimson Nights Board 2008-2009
Position: Volunteer/Board Member

Ashley, Alison, Me and Erin
Crimson Nights Board 2009-2010
Position: Director


Me, Joyce, Jeremy, Kelsey, Andrew, Neena and Alyx
Union Programming Council Directors 2010-2011
Position: Executive Director

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Day Eight

Short Term Goals for This Month


1. Stop procastinating and stay on top of my school work
2. Get a grade I can be proud of on my first anatomy test: September 23rd
3. Finish this 30 day challenge and not give up like everyone always does (ahem...Kristin...Alison)
4. Reduce the amount of cuss words I use each day (sorry grandma :/)
5. Keep my room semi-clean (clean-clean is just out of the question)



I will let you know how these pan out.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Day Seven

A Person/Event that has changed your life.


I thought of many pivotal moments in my life that could be the answer to this question. When it boils down to it, there is only one event in this life that dramatically changed the course of my life.

On November 30, 1997 my family was driving home from Tyler's soccer competition Thanksgiving weekend. We got home and I remember hearing my mom screaming from downstairs and thought to myself "Oh mom! She probably saw a mouse or something". I walked out of the bathroom and Brent and Tyler were sitting on the staircase trying to hear what Mom and Dad were talking about so I sat with them. Brandon came upstairs and said, "Jory died." We started to cry.

Jory was my oldest cousin from my Uncle Kim's family. He had just gotten back from a mission about 8 months earlier and we just learned he had died.

The four of us kids went downstairs to my parents' room where they were talking on the phone to someone who delivered more bad news: it wasn't just Jory. Our cousins Heath and Rick had passed away too.

Their whole family was driving home from their aunt's house. Uncle Kim, Aunt Darlene, Kimi, Kelly and Shannon in one car. Jory, Heath and Rick following behind in Jory's brand new mustang. Uncle Kim watched them the entire drive home through his rear-view mirror, so he saw when Jory's car was side-swiped by a semi-truck which blew the tire and caused the car to steer into oncoming traffic. They were then hit by an oncoming expedition. They ran to their boys' aid and saw the Jory and little Rick, only 11 years old, were already gone. Heath, who had been asleep in the backseat, was alive but in critical condition. They life-flighted him to the hospital and tried desperately to save him, but couldn't. In a flash of an eye, their family had been cut right in half.

My family drove to my grandma's house where the rest of the family was waiting for us. I remember the song "How Do I Breathe Without You?" by Leann Rimes came on the radio.
"How do I get through one night without out? If I had to live without you, what kind of life would that be?"
I couldn't imagine an event being more tramautizing. I know that they ONLY way we made it through was by the grace of our Heavenly Father. He wrapped His arms around us and helped us to make it through. This event testified to me the presence of our Heavenly Father-he is real and cares about my problems.

This event taught me the importance of Family. That it's the most important aspect of this life and so we need to make our families our main priority. I know that this is what caused my family to be so close, because we were able to see how fast things can change and so we cherish our time together.

I saw the damaging effects that this event had on people. Some fell away from church, some fell away from family, some fell away from living. This event taught me of the reality of Satan's power. He made people (even me, sometimes) believe that God didn't care about us, because if he did, he would have never let this happen. The truth is, bad things happen to undeserving people every day. This event gave me perspective. I know that Heavenly Father only gives us what we can handle. I know that if bad things happen, it is because our Father knows we have the strength to endure it. Keep that in mind.

It's been nearly 13 years since this tragedy occured and I'm sitting here bawling as I write this, because it feels like it was yesterday. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my cousins and I try to live like Christ so that I can make it back to Heaven to see them again. While I am saddened about the event, I am grateful for the knowledge that I gained from it.


I love you Jory, Heath and Rick.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Day Six

Favorite Super Hero and Why


Well, I'm sure I'm supposed to write about Wolverine or Superman- but that ain't gonna happen-


For Christmas a couple of years ago, my Mom bought me the Season 1 DVDs of Veronica Mars. I opened it, and because I had never heard of it, I was thinking to myself, "oh, gee thanks." (I know! I'm a brat!!) So there it sat on my shelf for quite some time. Finally about a year later, she said "Oh! Let's just watch it. If you don't like it after five minutes- we can turn it off". I reluctantly obliged.

Good thing!
Veronica Mars became my obsession: I couldn't get enough!! I would think about watching it all day. The plot goes something like this: Veronica is a smart-ass high school student who works with her dad as an undercover private investigator. She solves small crimes in every episode while working on a big case throughout the season. The action is intense, the girl is witty and the whole show is just entertaining.

I want to be like her. She is tough and doesn't care what anyone thinks of her. Veronica knows that family is the most important; so flakey friends don't matter. She stands by her convictions and is so sarcastically hilarious. She is all the things that I want to be.

If you haven't already, rent borrow, buy....do whatever it takes to get this show!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Day Five

A Place You've Been


This actually works out perfectly. I was just thinking to myself that I never wrote about the cruise I went on in March so now I can!!

In March, the week of my birthday, I had four midterms and an interview for a scholarship position. Needless to say, I was very stressed. On my (21st) birthday I stayed at the library studying until 11pm-I know! I'm living the college life. haha

So that friday, Me and my three best friends: Rob, Alison and Joyce drove down to St. George for the night. We stayed with Uncle Ryan and Aunt Brook. The next morning we woke up really early and drove to San Diego. We boarded the Elation ship by Carnival Cruises and set sail to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

That was the first time I had ever been out of the Country, my first (real) road trip, and my first trip without any parental supervision.

We had such a good time and the only thing that I fear is that life will take us in such different directions (Rob is applying to Medical School!!) that we won't be able to do anything like that again. If that is the case, I can still smile because we had so much fun and made so many memories.


<3<3<3