My Best Friend

This past Wednesday I found out my best friend was coming home from her mission early due to illness. I will not be going into detail about what she has because I believe that is personal. However, I will talk about her and what a strength she has been to me throughout my life.

Allie and I originally met in 7th grade... I don't remember how or exactly when, but I remember her being a part of my life throughout Jr. High. Apparently she had a bit of an attitude and liked to tease people. I say "apparently" because she was always super kind to me even though I was the one person EVERYONE seemed to enjoy teasing. I was an odd ball and I had a pretty big crush on a certain boy and I didn't know how to go about liking him... he was the wrong person to like because he enjoyed teasing me behind my back as well. Anyway, said boy was friends with Allie and he and all his friends joined in teasing me... however! Allie always stood up for me. I once asked her why and she told me it was because I was always so kind to everyone and many of the people who teased me didn't even know me. Allie even tried to deter me from liking the one stupid guy, I sadly ignored her and things got worse in 9th grade until I stopped liking him - a story for another time.

Allie and I lived in the same LDS Stake and our Young Women's groups would play each other in basketball tournaments. I loved playing her team because we both would get super aggressive and would occasionally hurt each other because we knew the other could take it (we once gave each other bloody lips). I believe that this is where our friendship first began to blossom and laid the groundwork for later conversations and support.

Allie and I continued our light friendship until the second semester of our senior year when we had British Literature together and also sat next to each other. I loved that class, but especially so since I had it with her. We began talking a whole lot and she would give me some of her snacks... our class was right before lunch and I was always starving. We began planning for our first year of college at Salt Lake Community College, where we were both planning on attending, and carpooling arrangements and other fun college stuff. All around this time period, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and I was super weak and tired. Allie was always there for me and helped me through that very difficult time.

Then came Summer!!! Allie and I continued to spend a lot of time together especially since our wards were combining for girls camp and we were both the eldest girls so we got to do devotionals and stuff. Needless to say, we spent a lot of time together. THEN our stake organized a singles ward and we were forced to attend since we were bother 18.. I had been 18 for 5 days at the time. We were wing women and went to everything together! Our ward even thought we were sisters.

When college began we carpooled, attended institute together, joined an LDS sorority together (ZETA), went to church together, and hung out every moment possible. My family practically adopted her and her's adopted me. The stories get really long winded now, so I will summarize! We served on South City Institute's Institute Council, ZETA officers, ward committees, etc. You couldn't separate us! Where ever I was, she wasn't far behind, and vice versa.

In my Sophomore year of school I began to attend the Redwood Campus instead of South City and Allie and I started spending less time at school together. We still spent the time on the weekend together along with sorority stuff. She was there for me when I had family troubles, she kept me on track with the boys I dated, she was chief interviewer for my prospects. She read me like a book. She knew when I was upset, mad, frustrated, or down on myself.

Allie started prepping for her mission during the beginning of my Junior year of school and I was attending the University of Utah so we saw less and less of each other. I know God had a hand in our slow separation from each other so when she left for Nashville Tennessee, it wasn't as hard. I admit, I wasn't super excited about her leaving me, but I also knew that it was the right thing for her to do. I love her and wanted what's best for her. Thus, I wrote her. I updated her on all my boys and she was absolutely full of good advice. Then... she started getting sick, but was pulling through like a trooper. I didn't expect anything less since she ran a marathon with mono... yep, MONO!

Allie's dad died a couple of years ago and NO ONE COULD TELL unless I told them (she wasn't about to). She is like Giselle from "Enchanted." If you don't love her, then you're weird. Just sayin'. She has been huge support to me! I love her so much!

Well I got to see her for the first time on Saturday and she was visibly skinnier... she didn't have room to lose weight! She was slow moving... she was always a runner and often would run into my arms. She spoke with a level tone... unlike her usual excited cartoonish voice. She was sick, and I recognized that my role has changed, I'm now here for her. I probably know more about what she's going through over any of her of other friends.

Allie is the most magnificent woman I have ever met and she will be my best friend forever. She will always be there for me and I for her.

Get well soon Allie,

I love you!

Just Decide

I was in a weird mood last night.

I was giddy.

I was silly.

I was confidant.

I was outgoing.

I was positive.

I was pretty.

I was happy.

It made me think. Why was it weird to be in that mood? Everyone around me seemed to enjoy my presence and my positive attitude. Am I just not happy all the time?

NO

Was it the effect of a perfect day? It wasn't. It was actually quite stressful and rushed.

What was it? -------------- Well! I'll tell you with a quote.

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." 

                                                                                  - Abraham Lincoln

I had decided to be happy. I chose to focus on the positive moments of my day. I counted my blessings.

Just decide to dance in the rain. 

Therapy

First off:

          No, I did not go to a shrink.

Why pay for what your friends can give you for free?! :)

I have an assortment of fantastic friends! I've been able to see many of them this week... and then again, not a lot of them (Does that make sense?). Don't worry, I will not begin to draw out what I did each and every moment of everyday this week... I think I'd fall asleep from boredom by simply writing it!

However, this was an interesting week because it was, in fact, fall break for the University of Utah (A wonderful thing. Whomever came up with that one gets a gold star on their forehead.). I worked, I played, but that's just the half of it. I got to go Nightmare on 13th on Tuesday with my wonderful friend Elisa. It was and 11/2 hour wait in the line (Bounce-back night. Avoid whenever possible) thus Elisa and I got to talk. A Lot. Elisa is the type of person who tells it like it is. One of my few truly blunt friends and I love her for it! So that was therapy session numero uno.

Numero dose occurred throughout the day on Wednesday when my friends Taylor and Sam drove with me to Cedar City to see Noises Off at the Shakespearean Festival. This was not a get-everything-off-your-chest therapy session... I'd have to say it was a leave-your-troubles-behind-in-Salt-Lake-and-just-enjoy-a-day-away type of therapy session! Sam and Taylor were just a JOY to drive with and I loved meeting up with my old favorite roommate - Annie! Just a good day that ended with a soccer game... nothing like getting out the wiggles from a 3 hour car drive like a good game of soccer. Well, Taylor thought so anyway. ;)

I worked all day on Thursday so when I got off around 9, I was very excited to hang out with a bunch of my dear friends! Before plans were made, however, I got an emergency text from a dear friend (who will remain nameless) who really needed a hug. Well I really could use a hug too so I headed out her way. I ended up being thoroughly entertained by scolding someone whom could not hear me because they were on the other end of a phone line. :) My friend sure seemed to enjoy my acting and commentary! I lease I hope she did. I ended up sleeping over and we had a grand time. I got therapy by NOT thinking about myself for once, try it -you'll like it!

"Friday, friday, friday is my favorite day"... I will continue singing that song in my head while I write the next paragraph. I got a break in between jobs and I got to get a dose of nature's therapy! Disc golf with Taylor! I'm really not that good at it, but it was a beautiful day and I could actually see some improvements in my throwing! LOVE IT!

Saturday. I needed A LOT of therapy. Well I began with momma-daughter time. Always a joy. However, work that morning was a little sour and I just didn't do as well as a should have. LUCKILY, Ephraim came to visit me and have some lunch and he was available to talk after I got off work. Well, we went shopping (Because that is what I do when I'm upset, I shop... or actually try on cloths. I buy the cloths because I love them and that usually doesn't happen because I'm picky.) in different places. Him, online for Halloween costume stuff. Me, at Down East for some new wardrobe items. Well, I ended up buying stuff, but not after slicing my finger on a metal plate in the dressing room. Don't worry though, the staff took care of me and I hopefully won't need stitches (Truth be told, I'm afraid to look and see just how deep this cut is... it might start bleeding again... and I'd rather not faint.) Once I felt well enough to pay and then drive I got to go home and get all prettied up for Olympus High's production of Annie Jr. It was fantastic and I was blessed to go with my dear high school friends and catch up with them afterward at Ice Burg.

I finished up fall break with family dinner where I made my routine comment on how old my baby brother is looking these days, a movie with my amazing momma (August Rush - T.V. edit, don't watch it. They butcher it.) and the weekly game night at Russel's home! It was a blast and I got to play my second favorite game, Make it Awkward. I got to see some more of my wonderful friends, some of which I have not seen in a very long time, and then go home and watch more episodes of Psych on Netflix (Sooo glad I signed up for that!).

Thank you my dear friends for a wonderful week of various therapies! It was just what the doctor ordered and now I'm ready for school to start up again... well sorta.

Being Written

I'm really starting to get into this blogging thing! I'm actually enjoying it profusely! I think the main reason is because I now realize that IT'S OKAY if every post isn't a production. Just some random thoughts and little moments where I keep learning to dance in the rain is enough for me.

"People's Punisher isn't about being read... it's about being written."

Oh the words of Gurkin give me comfort. Who is Gurkin you ask? I am appalled at the even idea that someone who reads my blog doesn't know this movie reference. (I may have just contradicted myself just then...) I suppose I can tell... if you really cannot recall. Gurkin is the 'Grumpy' character from 'Sydney White!' Only one of the best revamped Disney movies... okay, Cinderella Story is pretty awesome! However, I shall always like Amanda Bynes more than Hilary Buff, just sayin'. 

This is Gurkin

ANYWAY! (Notice how I did not put an 's' on the end of the word 'anyway,' that is because it does not belong there! It is singular, so please be so kind to stop saying 'anyways.' It would make for a much happier Aubrey ;) ) I was thinking earlier how much I want to update my blog! It's almost like a journal... but then again, I really don't want my journal open to anyone to read on the internet! Then this wonderful quote came to mind. I can honestly say that most of my motivation stems from simply openly writing my thoughts and adding fun pictures if I would like. I really don't like my handwriting and typing is so much faster... plus you can change the font! I get tired of writing in my journal much faster than I get tired of writing on my blog. No worries though, I will not use this blog to air my dirty laundry. I have even deleted/modified posts when certain aspects no longer represented truth. I did not divulge the reasons for these edits because they were PERSONAL. As in, NOT for the public of the world wide web.

I won't go as far to say that I don't enjoy when I find out that people are actually following my blog. I actually love it! I especially love it when people comment *hint hint*. Even Gurkin is overjoyed when he finds out a student group on campus gets together once a week and reads his blog.

Let me reiterate... I will not use this blog as my journal, but as my creative writing outlet! (There aren't many sources for me to do that anymore... too many essays for school about boring subjects.) I almost feel like I'm saying that as a way to convince myself that I will be vague about my personal life in most of my posts. If I step over a line, please tell me, okay? Okay. 

Back to 'Sydney White,' it's awesome. Watch it.

I'm Aubrey Nance and I love dancing in the rain!

I'm a dork!

Things I've Learned @ the Grub

I've worked at the Cowboy Grub for about three months now... I know not that long... and I've learned quite a few things.

• People have different managing styles and people like different managing styles.
• I really don't like people who beat around the bush.
• Visitors are the BEST!
• Old people don't tip well.
• Latinos are huge flirts!
• If you're going to tell me to do something better, just tell me bluntly. Don't waste my time on a lecture that is keeping me away from my tables.
• I'll just tune out and spend the time you take thinking how much you're bugging me. I won't remember what you wanted me to do.
• Assume everyone is stupid (I knew this before, but it never ceases to amaze me how true it is.)
• Some people and just downright determined to have a bad day and leave a bad tip. There is nothing you can do about it but be kind and put most of your attention that will tip you really well!
• Some people will tip you well no matter what you do!
• Some people can be persuaded to leave a really good tip.
• I'm no good with old people, however, I shine when I serve people with kids!
• When telling stories, be sure to preface it correctly, have a climax, and bring it home! (The preface is most important though.)
• I LOVE being sassy!
• Boys like to "gossip" too.
• People are pigs!
• Be uber thorough!
• ALWAYS (or as often as possible) tell your table that you're going to school to be a teacher... especially if they have kids!
• Pero is SO GOOD in hot chocolate!
• Dancing when entering the server/kitchen area improves morale for yourself and coworkers. 
• Don't do a booty shake in front of the cooks.
• Avoid smashing your hand against the corner of a metal table. 
• Khaki pants do not look good on ANYONE!
• Spare pens is always a must!
• Smile at EVERYONE!
• Eat desert first.
• Hot chocolate is my guilty pleasure.
• Fresh peach pie is heaven on earth!
• You make BANK when serving banquets and other parties!
• It is possible to be too thorough.
• Always enjoy your job, it makes it much easier to go to work!
• If a table doesn't like you, don't stress out! You'll just get worse... besides, they'll be gone in a half hour anyway and you can try again with the table that replaces them!
• Sometimes people just want to be left alone.
• Don't stand in people's way!
• Always put a positive spin on things!
• Working weekend nights is no fun.
• Carrying trays is HARD. I had no idea they were that heavy WITHOUT anything on them!
• Avoid corners, barriers, walls, doors, and people as injury tends to occur when you run into them.
• People are generally good.
• Don't work with friends, become friends with people you work with.
• Always look busy!

Ta Da! Feel free to comment and ask questions! Maybe I'll write about working as an assistant teacher next... hmmm. Intriguing! 

Late Night Thoughts

Yes, I'm up at 4:20 am and I have to get up at 7:30 am for my math class. Truth be told, I put a hold on doing my math homework to go to a movie with a very dear friend of mine, Ephraim. Awesome guy. We saw "Moneyball" with Brad Pitt. It was actually really good. ANYWAY! I don't regret making myself stay up extra late to finish the homework that is due tomorrow morning.
Why? I'll tell you.

• Nothing is better than talking to a friend who listens, understands, knows when to give advice and when to sit back.
• Sleep is overrated, memories are not.
• I really needed a break from homework.
• It's always wonderful to be with someone you can be 100% your self with. No walls necessary.
• Less time = More productive.

There is probably more, but my mind is shutting down. Go figure. 

"Don't be afraid of being who you are in front of certain people, they'll find it out eventually anyway! Love yourself and others will love you." - Me :)

I get to dance in the rain tomorrow! Yay rainstorms!

Goodnight!