One Year Ago

There tends to be times in my life when I really look back on the past year. Some people do this at the start of a new year, I suppose I kind of do it then, however, I tend to do it all the time. I'm a person who remembers dates really well and when I approach a memorial date I will think back to a year or more before and how everything is different. It is amazing what happens in a year!

Last year at this time I was beginning to date a guy... I'll just call it as it is - he is a player. I have met bigger players in my time, but he definitely deserves that title. His influence permeated for MONTHS after he physically left. Thinking back, I wish I had seen the signs and taken more precautions rather than letting him in so quickly. You think a girl would learn.

Well, I did. This player's influence eventually lead me to dating the love of my life, Anthony. A man who is everything BUT a player and also happens to be my very best friend.

Dear friends, please learn from my example. Do not kiss on a first meeting. Do not play into their hand. Do not let them make you the bad guy. Do stand up for yourself. Do remember your divine worth.

Do dance in the rain, even if you dance alone.

Just a Thought

... or dance... ;)

Count Downs

Advent Calendars: Crafty countdown activities that show up in December in every corner of every house!

I've had a fair amount of them in my life from candles, chocolate boxes, candy on the tree, fabric fireplaces, and some you just have to see... Anyway, I like these things! I even have countdowns on my phone! The app automatically added a countdown to The New Year.

The first app I added myself was not for Christmas... It was to my wedding to Anthony Badger! (Don't get me wrong... I still created a countdown calendar for that.)

My mom laid down the law the night Anthony proposed. Besides that night, no wedding planning until AFTER Christmas.

I'm SUPER excited for December 26th.

But even more excited for June 10, 2013.

What You Didn't know About Engagement Rings

I've been dreaming about getting married my whole life, I think most girls do, but there's something that should precede it.

Getting engaged.

I realize you could technically skip this step... oh well. The main aspect of getting engaged is getting/ wearing a ring. Now depending on what kind of ring you get, your experience could vary from mine. However, my ring is pretty much the most stereotypical ring you can imagine so I'm going to talk about it.

What You Didn't Know About Engagement Rings

You can't rest your cheek/head on your fist.

No more fist bumps! Use your right hand.

Careful when you run your fingers in your hair... Your ring will get caught in it.

Your fingers get thinner when they're cold... So your ring likes to slide off. Be prepared to keep your hand in a fist outside.

You can scratch your hand when you wash them.

Drains now scare you.

You will constantly be shining it.

It will easily distract you.

Back handing people is much more severe.

You feel like a lady when you show someone your ring.

Putting gloves on just became a difficult task.

Boys don't back off.

Chemicals reach a new level of dangerous.

Well what are some you have noticed? Please comment below!

Through and Through

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."

- Dr. Seuss  

Be You through and through.

I've worked with kindergartners this past year and I noticed something about them, they have their own personality!!! I'm sure some people out there are saying "well duh!" but think about it! For the longest time I thought that we develop our personality over time, which is true. However, I feel that we are WHO we are from birth. Different aspects about ourselves change, but I think that is just the process of trying to "find yourself" when you are young. You lose track of "who you are" in pursuit of "who they want me to be."

Once again, I must ask you to think about it! How did you act when you were little? Is it very similar to how you act now? Probably... unless you are fake now. :) Well, I did think about this! I was the little ray of sunshine. I was spunky, silly, loud, emotional, smart, controlling, and violent (we have footage of me hitting my older brother when he was teasing me... or I was just being silly... when I was 6... he didn't retaliate, which infers that it happened often.). Guess how I act now? The same. I simply have more life experience to help me relate to others around me.

Your kindergartner teachers knew you before you became you. Some of your self-destructing tendencies were evident when you were 5 and your teachers were trained to see them... and possibly warn your future teachers. 

:D 

What happened between now and then? Life. We all get to go through adolescence, it's a right of passage! Hopefully you learned something about who you don't want to be. I know I did. I'd much rather be confident, loud, and loving than insecure, quiet, and fleeting.  

Don't forget the things you used to love. 

Don't forget the things you used to want to do.

Don't forget the things you used to want to be.

Chances are they probably aren't "used to" still.

I used to love dancing at random happy moments.

I used to want to go to the Museum of Natural History.

I used to want to be a teacher.

I still do the walking man whenever something awesome happens.

I went to the Museum of Natural History 14 years after missing the field trip.

I'm two years away from getting my teaching license.

I used to love watching Disney movies.

I used to want to go to the Westminster Park.

I used to want to be a model.

I get more excited about a new Disney movies than anything else.

I drove by the park today and stopped to swing on the swings.

I get to model a winning outlook every day of my life.

In the words of Peter Pan

"If growing up means it would be beneath my dignity to climb a tree, I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up! Not me!"

That's Really Me

I was looking at pictures of me and my friends or family and reminisced about all of the happy memories associated with them when I suddenly realized,

that's really me. 

I suppose I've grow up knowing what I look like in pictures and in the mirror, but how often do I actually have a sense of who I am and what I look like during the 99% of the day when I am not looking in the mirror. I have somewhat recently discovered that I forget how I look as I'm going throughout my day. I forget I'm not wearing make-up or my latest shopping purchase. I am me, Aubrey, through it all. Sure, some days I feel off. Although, it's not because I actually look "ugly," but it really stems from who I feel like. My friend actually named my insecure self as a way of secretly communicating that I'm not being who I really am. If you were hoping that I'd disclose the name of this "other" me, I'm afraid you will be disappointed. It's called secret communication for a reason. ;)

Something I have discovered about myself is that I'm at my best when I'm around children, followed closely by when I'm dancing. Children are the most wonderful thing in the entire world and I love them. I tend to have more patience with children than I have with my friends... or anyone for that matter. Nothing makes a day better than the love of a child! I went to the zoo recently and I found myself watching the children more than the animals. Their reactions to the creatures around them was so entertaining and pure that I was mesmerized with joy. The kindergartners I assisted in teaching this past year graduated a week ago today. I am so proud of them and I love and miss them terribly! Seeing the kids at the zoo eased the pain for a while. Although, I'm afraid that I will never get my kid fix. It's an addiction I never want to break.

The Spark

By Aubrey Nance

In a world that is so dull and dark.

There is, in fact, a little spark.

A spark to make the day less gray.

It tends to blow the blues away.

This spark ignites no tiny flame.

You may ask, "what is its name?

"This thing so pure at heart.

"The muse of so much art.

"An inferno you should never tame.

"Whose wielder would need no fame.

"A glorious thing more valuable than gold.

"You know its name, or so I'm told."

My next remark would gild the lily.

"It's the love of a child, silly."

Curiosity Killed the Cat

GOOD!!!

Curiosity is a good thing, cats are bad.

Obviously, I strongly dislike felines. I'm not sorry if that statements offends you. If something this stupid offends you Then you're dumb. Get over it.

Moving on, I do have reasons for disliking these creatures. Ready? Go.

1. They are mean.
2. They are creepy looking at night.
3. They are bad luck... Apparently just the black ones are... I still have my suspicions.
4. They are often running loose and come out of the bushes startling everyone out of their socks.
5. They are too stubborn to be trained.
6. They walk through their kitty litter and then jump on the counter. GROSS.
7. They use sandboxes as their litter box!
8. They eat birds.
9. They claw.
10. They are lame when compared to cool wild felines.
11. They destroy upholstery.
12. I'm allergic to them.

As Bob Barker would say: "Please have your [cats] spayed..."

Heal and Trust

People get rejected. It happens. It's called life. However, I tend to - like many people - think back to the most recent relationship that was somewhat successful. This happened one night when I was having a hard time being single with seemingly no hope for the future. It was one of those relationships that ends without any particular explanation and I'm left to myself to sort it all out. But... I can't... So I did what I always do when I don't understand or when I feel weak.

I prayed.

I prayed to understand, I prayed for strength, I prayed for peace. To be honest, prayer is one of the things I've been working on getting better at. I tend to be so tired from my overly productive day that I end up falling asleep while praying. This was not one of those prayers. There was earnest power behind it. However, I still forgot about it by the next morning.

The next day was Stake Conference for the Holladay YSA Stake. They changed the Stake Presidency at this meeting so it was filled with talks from the "old" leaving and the "new" coming in. Some talks were long and some were very very short.

I remember one talk in particular though. He was a missionary, and older missionary. His wife had just sat down and what she said was lost to me as soon as he opened his mouth:

"One of you is looking for an answer to your question, he said, it may even have been last night.... I'm going to answer that question. Christ suffered in Gethsemane. He suffered more than any other. On his way out of the garden, a group of men met him. One of them lost an ear to Peter's blade. Christ reached out and touched his ear and it was healed. I testify that Christ will reach out and heal you, but it won't be your ear.

"It will be your heart.

"He will touch your heart and it will heal. Trust him." then he ended his talk. I wiped away my tears in vain as I looked over at my new roommate who was crying just like me. I felt the spirit. It was so strong. I feel it even now as I record the events. I know that my HEART will heal. I just have to trust in the Lord, for it is through Him that I will be healed.

Counting

"A friend is someone who does things that count, but never stops to count them."

It's invigorating to finally just be happy with myself and recognize all of the blessings that I have. It is interesting because my biggest pitfall in my personality is to blame myself for everything. It's not a healthy habit, but I am getting a handle on it with a little extra help.

I started a habit of writing in a journal when I was about 13 years old. I did not have very many friends back then and it was my release, that and poetry (I won't let you read it, it's just depressing). ANYWAY! I've cultivated that habit and I have filled many many books with my random ramblings. It's really fun to look back at what I was doing _______ days/months/years ago. However, when I'm really tired I tend to write an itinerary of my day and it is really boring with very few memories. Which is strange considering that I strongly believe that everyday is filled with the little moments that make life worth while and those are the moments we should be focused on. So what did I do? Wait for it....

I created a memory book! Just a little book where I write at least one memorable thing for every day. It's been awesome! It gives me a real chance to look back on my day and search for those little things that made me grin and laugh. At first it was really difficult to think back for some memorable moment in a average day. So I started noticing during the day and I'm so excited to get to write them down! I've discovered that the little things don't get to me as much anymore! I think of ways to make the best out of any given situation. I have more patience with my students and customers.

I have an eternal perspective.

You're probably wondering what the quote at the beginning of this post has to do with anything I've talked about yet... just wait, it does, and here's how: We should not stop to count all the good deeds we do in a day, whether it be for a friend, coworker, family member, or random stranger! However, there are things we should count, like true friends, the moments that make us smile, the things people do for US, our talents, our positive attributes, and a bunch of other positive things. I'm not saying we should all get egotistical. I hate that! I'm just saying that no one likes a pity party and they are so avoidable if you just focus on the postitive!

I don't want to focus on the things I'm good at. That's for me to know and for you to find out. ;) Although, I do want to focus on the things people have done for me in the past few weeks. Yes, I'm going to talk about my tremendous friends. I know I do this a lot, but you tend to value what you haven't always had.

I have the best friends ever! I will not name them because I have to draw the line somewhere and I always hear about it if someone didn't make the cut. I love you all!!!

I have friends who let me vent to them, friends that wake me up from my delusions, friends that say they fail to find something wrong with me (Thanks for pretending), friends that will drive to give me a hug when I really need it, friends that randomly visit me at work and create a record for the most refills, friends who leave HILARIOUS voicemail messages(yes, I save them), friends who create rules and then kindly remind me of them, friends who won't let me think badly of myself, friends who will rescue me from a bad situation, friends that get mad when I say I can "maybe" go on a trip, friends who get mad at those friends who got mad at me for saying maybe, friends who laugh at my stupid jokes, friends who will only go to a party if I'm there (that makes me feel awesome), friends who say they feel like they've known me for ever rather than a few months, friends who love talking through movies, friends who go on drives, friends who go on adventures, friends who stay up talking for hours at IHOP, friends who say I'm beautiful even when I haven't showered for a week, friends who fight over whose ward I should be in, friends who make blanket forts, friends who go on midnight runs to Walmart, friends who love to EAT no matter the time of day, friends who give me piggy back rides, "shanaenae," friends who dance, friends who sing, friends who make me laugh, friends who make me cry, friends who dress down, friends who get spiffed up, I have friends and it's the one thing I've always wanted.

I'm going to start posting my memorable every day experiences on the sidebar of my blog... I hope I can figure it out! I'm excited to show you how awesome life can be... even with a life as busy as mine.

"Life's not the amount of breaths you take, it's the moments that take your breath away."

- Hitch

Ctrl - Y

It's interesting how life tends to work itself out. So many factors influence our EVERYDAY life that it is quite improbable for one moment to determine the rest of our existence! However, moments can greatly influence our future and often do! We cannot press undo and shouldn't want to.

On December 31, 2011, my little sister, Helene, sent me a text that read "it's 12:00 am on January 1, 2011. You get a redo, do you take it?" My answer? NOOOO. First off, of COURSE you don't redo it. A year is a long time and why put yourself through all the hard times again. Sure you can avoid some, but there will be others! I'd much rather have a year of past experiences than have to relive what I've already been through. Once was enough.

However....

There are differently those nights that I wish I could redo or relive, just to see what had happened. Once again, these are impossible stupid things to dwell on. "What if"s are stupid! Even in present situations. For example, I once was dating a totally awesome and handsome guy. Now, we weren't exclusive and I was also interested in this other guy who seemed interested as well. Guy #1 wanted me to be his girlfriend, but I had reservations because what if guy #2 liked me too. One night I realized, HOW STUPID AM I?! I was putting off a sure thing for a what if. I went with the sure thing.... Well now you're wondering what happened to that guy. It didn't work out, but I did make the right decision. How do I know? Guy #2 started dating another girl around the same time and it did work out, thus they are getting married. Talk about God's plan right? Whatever is meant to happen will happen.

Thus I've chosen to push Ctrl-y on my life. It's worked out up to this point. Yes I'm single, but I've got the best friends in the world, two jobs that I LOVE, an adorable bachelorette pad, a spunky car, a hilarious family, and a date every weekend. I am living the dream. I'm creating memories that I will tell my kids one day.

In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday....

Oh, The Places You'll Go

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own.  And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

...

You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!

Ctrl - Z

Do you ever feel like you've missed your chance? You made a wrong decision, chose another path, or focused on the wrong thing and it altered your life so much that it seems impossible to undo the damage.

I think I missed my chance. I made a wrong decision, chose another path, and focused on the wrong thing and it altered my life so much that it seems impossible to undo the damage.

Losing Drive

There comes a time when you just are not as motivated as you used to be. It can happen with school, dating, work, social life, homework, ballroom dance team, dating... Some areas of my life are taking priority over others even if they shouldn't.

School:

Working on my fourth year of college! The last time I was so unmotivated was about two years ago when I was finishing up my sophomore year at Salt Lake Community College. How did I get through two more years after that? I got my Associate's Degree, before I took all the elementary education class offered, and transferred to the University of Utah. Well I cannot do that again, well I could, but that would be a very stupid thing to do. So I'm just pushing through with an even busier life with two jobs and the ballroom dance team. Leaving me very little time for homework... haha oops!

Work:

I have two wonderful jobs!!! I work in a diagnostic kindergarten as an assistant teacher. I love teaching those little 5 year-olds! They make everyday so much more fun!!! Some days they drive me crazy, but I still love 'em!
My second job is at the Cowboy Grub as a waitress. I love it too... some days it ruins my fun by preventing me from having fun with my friends and, then again, I work with a bunch of my friends. Some of the customers are crazy and some are super cool... then there are a lot of average ones too... :) I LOVE serving families because I love those kiddies! If you make the kids love you then the parents will love you too!

Homework:
Not going to waste my time on this subject. I'll just tell you that I have 3 hours with nothing to do and I'm choosing to do write on my blog and organize EVERYTHING ELSE.

Social Life:

I am a girl who has way more guy friends than girl friends. It's so much more fun that way!!! My guys range from all types of life styles! There's the Trio which consists of Griffin Mansell, Russell Davis, and myself. I love hanging out with those two, they just make me happy and we're goof balls!!! There is Ephraim Jaussi who is my movie buddy. We both love talking during movies and thus we go to random movies on random nights and critique them and make fun observations. I've seen some VERY good movies with him. Anthony Badger is my facebook buddy... hehe yep. To clarify, he and I have AWESOME conversations over facebook. In person we just make fun of each other and say ridiculous things. Tyler Voorhees is an old friend. We hung out a ton back when I was 18, but he got married to an awesome girl a couple years ago and I don't see him as much. He just is so positive and I love being around him. Josh Bates is one of my very best friends. I've found so much peace in our conversations during long drives. On the girl end, I have my set of girl friends who know everything about me: Allie Vincent, Sarah Matheson Snow, Amy VanTienderen, Elisa Warren, and Katie Butters. I love those girls more than you know. Their random texts of love and fun just make my day so much better!

Ballroom Dance Team:

Yep! I'm on the University of Utah Ballroom Dance Company again!!!!!!! It's so much fun and I can't even go to all the practices because I'm working so much. I just get to learn what I missed over the weekend and be ready for the next practice on Mondays. I get to raise $150 of sponsorships so if you're interested PLEASE let me know!

Dating:

Ah... dating... Let's just say that I've been trying to date as much as possible lately... I've sadly been unsuccessful though. I been spending time with some pretty awesome guys as of late and they remain nameless as to avoid awkward situations in the future. Just know that I'm totally up for blind dates... please?  

All in all my life is pretty busy, but I'm loving every minute of it! Whatever ups and downs may come, I love dancing in this roller-coaster of a life!

Broken or Unfulfilled Promises.

People tend to say that they will never hurt you. Lie. You CANNOT guarantee that! Please stop saying things like that people! It just makes it hurt more in the end.

Also I'd appreciate it if you didn't promise to fulfill a childhood desire and back out at the last minute. I get all hyped up only to have it come crashing down every time. I'm not good with disappointment. I've had way to much of it through my childhood and adolescence.

 I think 90 % of those who read this don't really know what I've been through and I won't put it on here.

I'm always looking for the silver lining, but still trying to dance in the rain.

The Golden Rule

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Seriously people, do it.

It's not so fun to be on the other side. 

Teaching

"Teacher's hefty salaries are driving up taxes and they only work 9 or 10 months a year! It's time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do - babysit! We can get that for minimum wage. That's right. Let's give them $3.00 an hour and only the hours they works, not any of that silly planning time, or any time they spend before or after school. That would be $19.50 a day (7:45 am to 3:00 pm with 45 minutes off for lunch and plan -- that equals 6.5 hours). Each parent should pay $19.50 a day for these teachers to baby-sit their children. Now how many students do they teach a day... maybe 30? So that's $19.50 x 30 = $585.00 a day. However, remember they only work 180 days a year!!! I am not going to pay them for any vacations. LET'S SEE... That's $585 x 180 = 105,300 per year (Hold on! My calculator needs new batteries).
"What about those special education teacher and the ones with Master's degree? Well, we could pay them minimum wage ($7.25), and just to be fair, round it off to $8.00 an hour. That would be $8 x 6.5 hours x 30 children x 180 days = $280,800 per year. Wait a minute -- there's something wrong here!
"There sure is! The average teacher's salary (nationwide) is $50,000. $50,000/180 days = $277.77 per day/30 students = $9.25/6.5 hours = $1.42 per hour per student -- a very inexpensive baby-sitter and they even EDUCATE your kids! WHAT A DEAL!!! Heaven forbid we take into account highly qualified  teachers or NCLB!"

- Stolen from my Aunt Kim who stole it from a friend. :)

If you're anything like me, you got really frustrated while reading the beginning of this quote.However, it couldn't have ended better! So why have I chosen this career that pays so very little? Because it truly makes me happy! There is nothing like a child's hug or smile to improve your day!

I work as a teacher's assistant at Upland Terrace Elementary in a developmental kindergarten classroom. I really really love it! Everyday is different. My students are in different moods and dispositions. However, they are still adorable!!! Sometimes they say "I hate you Miss Aubrey" when I won't allow them to do something. Then two minutes later I feel little arms around my waist and see two big eyes looking lovingly up at me! Even today I was helping a student put on their hat and coat and he all of the sudden gave me a hug. Not common for that one. My whole day is full of laughter and funny comments! Then there are moments... emphasis on the word "moments"... when their worlds seem to be falling apart and I get to comfort them and coach them through these new feelings their still learning to cope with.

I had a hard childhood. I was bullied, friendless, and struggling to keep up with the curriculum. My teachers kept me going. They loved me even when no one else did. So THAT is why I want to be a teacher, to help children find hope in a seemingly hopeless world.

So,

from one teacher to another,

or more importantly,

from a student to my teacher.

Thank 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!