Sister Status

I know a girl
I've always liked through the years

I was young and awkward,
She was a smile in the hall

youthful and misunderstood
She was the neighborhood walk and a listening ear

A young adult and sickly but stubborn
She was a hand on my back walking up a snowy mountain.

Alone and broken hearted
She was an encouraging letter

Single and strong
She was a girls' night in.

In love and planning
She is a sister by my side.

People become friends
Friends become good friends
Good friends become old friends
Some become best friends
Few become family.

She has sister status.

My Mother

I love my mom. I really really love her!!! She is the most talented woman I have ever met! She can do EVERYTHING. Sew, bake, shop, stretch a dollar a million miles, decorate cakes, talk for hours, listen, and love.

My mom has done so much for me. When I moved out recently, she was sick that morning and couldn't help me move all my stuff over. I was sad, but I knew she never stays down unless she's really sick. I worked at 4 that evening and came to find out that she was going to move all the little stuff over that was missed. When I got off work she was there ready to help me put stuff away. The next day I was really busy with school, work, and ballroom rehearsal and didn't have time to unpack. Well my mom borrowed my key so she could clean. When I got home later that night my room was put together and my stuff put away. It was such a blessing and so peaceful after a very long day. :) She did it because she loves me.

Back in Jr. High I would not talk to my mom about boys or anything of consequence because I was so embarrassed. Then an amazing thing happened :) I realized that she would listen and I said to her, on one occasion, that she is my best friend. Her response startled me. "I'm not your friend. I'm your mom." It stuck with me. I didn't understand it back then, but now I know that having a true mother is so much better than a best friend any day.

My mom has helped me through so many trials and prevented many too. I have learned so much through her example. I am striving to become like her. I have big shoes to fill and it's intimidating at times, but I know that as long as I'm the best me then she'll always be proud of me.

Thank you mom.

I love you.

Happy Mother's Day.

Your very proud daughter,
Aubrey

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

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!

Count Your Blessings

Thanksgiving is an interesting day. The United States of America was the first country to dedicate a day to give thanks. Think about it. We all get a day off a school and work to focus on those wonderful things we have in our lives. We spend the day with family! No one is alone on Thanksgiving. Those without somewhere to go automatically are instantly invited to friend's table for a feast of gratitude.

In honor of the beautiful Thanksgiving Day in 2011, I give thanks for all the blessings I have in my life.

• My mom. She is not my best friend, she is my mom. A mother with a listening ear who is never judgmental. She taught me to love everyone, even if I don't love what they do. She taught me to give everyone a second chance... and a third... and a fourth... you get the idea. I love her more than she knows and it's my life's ambition to be just like her. Thanks Mom!!!

• My dad. A man who as always pushed me to be my very, very best. The man who can fix anything, whether a bike, a weird-smelling furnace, or a china set. A man who's greatest pride is the accomplishments of his children. Thank you Dad.

• Cameron, my big brother. He always watched over me from a distance in school. Tried to help me avoid doing embarrassing things... sometimes to no avail. :) Our friendship has grown stronger since he returned from serving a two-year mission in Bangkok, Thailand. I will always look up to him. Thanks for always being there Cam.

• Helene, my little sister. No one can bug me as much as she does, but no one can love her as I do. She is possibly my favorite person to fight with, however, since she's been in Savannah, Georgia for an internship with Del Sol, I miss her more than words can describe! She is always my go-to for fashion advice, she tells me what was going on bluntly, and she is a master manipulator... good thing I've been trained how to spot it. I love you and miss you Helene!

• Brandon, my baby brother. Oh my goodness! He is hilarious! You know those social filters that we all pick up along the way? Well he doesn't really have one... and he doesn't care! I love his unconditional love and how he isn't embarrassed to give his biggest sister a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I'm so grateful for my little Buddy!

• Allie, my best friend. She is such an inspiration to me! She recognizes the good in EVERYONE and loves them just the same! Thanks for listening and advice--ing Al!

• Sarah, my best friend. A friend to everyone. A girl who as seen me through it all! Thanks for loving me still!

• Elisa, my best friend. She can tell me straight. No beating around the bush, but she sure knows how to pamper a girl when she's had a hard week. Thanks for putting up with my ditzyness!

• Tyler, my best guy friend. He helped me through a hard time in my life and set my college life out on the right foot! Thanks Ty!

• Josh, my best guy friend. Wow, he sure can see me like no one else and read me like a book too! He's hilarious and crazy and that's why I love him! Thanks for the long talks Josh!

• Grif, my best guy friend, my dance partner, my entertainment. From our deep talks to busting out songs at the top of our lungs, he is my favorite person to hang out with no matter my mood. He has also introduced me to so many awesome people who have impacted my life for the good. Love that guy! Thanks Grif!

• Russel, my best guy friend. The guy who comes off as a total goof ball, but is a total sweet heart once you get to know him. Thank you for listening and offering advice, or even simply giving me a hidden hug when you recognize those moments where one is desperately needed.

• Ephraim, my best guy friend. A guy who knows everything about me and loves me anyway. A guy who will not let me think back of myself and has every right to think bad of me. He forgave me even when it would've been completely understandable if he didn't. Thanks for the awesome movie nights and late night waffles! Thank you for listening.

• Bryant, my boyfriend. Oh my, he's hilarious! I always seem to be laughing when I'm with him. I know I can depend on him for anything! Thanks for the memories Bry! I look forward to tons more!

• My awesome house. It's adorable and it's affordable. I'm learning so much on my own!

• The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know it is true.

• God, my Heavenly Father. He loves me and I love him.

• Jesus Christ, my savior and friend. I couldn't make it without him. 

• My Totally Awesome, simply fabulous, hilarious, forever caring friends. I will never forget you!

• Polly, my 03 Mazda Protege. I couldn't survive my life without her! Keep going baby!

• My laptop. 
• My scholarship.
• My teaching job. I sure do love those kids!
• My waitressing job. SO much fun to work there.
• Pie
• My cell phone.
• My bed.
• Movies
• My movie collection.
• Netflix
• Utah
• Snow
• Music
• Brownies
• Cookies
• Ice Cream
• Hot Chocolate
• Lactaid
• Food
• Teachers
• Aunts and Uncles
• All the little moments that make the best memories.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

- Count Your Blessings by Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

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!

Here We Go Again!

Another year has begun!!! I'm starting my second year at the University of Utah and I love it!!!! :D

(I know I didn't write all summer... I was busy having

too much fun and I didn't have internet at 

my 'plex so I couldn't update when I wanted to.)

Another busy semester is facing me! I really am working full time this semester. I have two jobs to do it! I am a Para Educator (AKA Assistant Teacher) in a Special Ed Kindergarten Class at Upland Terrace Elementary. I am also a waitress at The Cowboy Grub. I love both of my jobs, but they sure do keep me busy. Next on my plate is the full time school schedule I'm holding. I'm taking Math, Linguistics, a Reading Methods class (which also requires me to be a reading tutor on Tuesday and Thursday mornings), and a Zumba class (I needed one more credit hour for my scholarship to be valid). 

In the mean time, I'm also enjoying the new friends I made this Summer! My best friend, Grif Mansell, introduced me to a bunch of his high school friends whom I love to death!!! We play games like Wasser-Krieg (V-ah-s-er - Kreeg) which means "water war" in German. It's like water polo and rugby combined... with LESS rules. I got elbowed in the eye and woke up the next day with a slight black eye. It was awesome! We also play Frisbee golf... I'm really bad at it, but I still think it's so much fun! Then every Sunday night we have fantastic game nights! Oh my goodness, these people are so much fun!!! 

• Russell is a huge goof who likes to push people's buttons... and them into pools. He seems to especially like pushing my buttons. He's going to get hurt one of these days...
• Sam is the sweetest guy you could meet. He always greets me SO warmly! I look forward to hanging out with Sam, he's just a pleasure to be around all the time.
• Ashley. Oh this girl is beautiful inside and out! I love joking around with her. Also she makes me look good at Scum... the worst game ever. 
• Taylor is hilarious!!! He does it all! Music, dance, act, play sports, and looks cute while doing it. haha. Taylor is the type of person who is up for anything, anytime. 
• There are definitely more people whom I love but it would take way too long to write about them! 

On Another Note

Sometimes I find myself asking "why." Why did he break up with me? Why am I killing myself off for college? Why didn't he like me? Why am I working two jobs? Why am I not getting answers to my questions? 

The answer seems to keep coming back, "BE PATIENT." Not an easy thing for me to do ;)  However, I think I'm finally seeing the fruits of my labors! God really does answer prayers and sometimes you don't get the answer you were expecting.. you get something so much better! I know that's cliche, but it's SO true! About 3 weeks ago I got the rude realization that I wasn't going to get what I wanted. I was super sad for about 2 days. It was really hard and I didn't know what to do with myself! I just kept my chin up and pretended like nothing was wrong. Well after those two days something even better came my way! I feel like I'm living in a dream.

"If you want your life to be a fairytale, you have to be your own fairy godmother."

 Sometimes the "why" questions don't need to be answered. I think little clues for the reasons can be seen and those tend to give me hope, but I also know that those aren't always the real reason things happen. Sometimes you date people and it doesn't work out. Maybe it was because something was going to happen that wasn't supposed to, maybe you already learned the lesson in the short period of time, or maybe it was really that you were supposed to introduce your two friends. I used to want to play match maker, but now I realize that it doesn't work like that. I've introduced a ton my friends to people and nothing comes from it and then sometimes it does. I think I'd much rather be a tool in the Lord's hand and be pleasantly surprised with the results then give Him all the glory.

"'Why' questions are such a waste of time. Ask 'How can I turn this around?' and 'What can I learn from this?' Life is too short to be living in the past."

Ready... and Breath!

I've had to keep reminding myself that this month.

I went through a lot, but I was able to handle it!

Most of my pain has been relieved,

let me explain :)

Back Relief:

My back feels so much better! There are still moments when it's tender, but that's what happens with back injuries, they never really go away. I'm okay with that now. :) My coworkers have been awesome and let me rest my back for a week or so until I was up for lifting things, like children, again. My amazing friends have given me lots of back rubs and shoulder massages and helped me pop my back when it got stuck in a funk.

School Relief:

Finals are finished, finis, terminado, klaar, terminat, finito, and fertig! Hallelujah! I finished everything I needed to do. I may have not done it all with flying colors but I did what I could with the metal capacity I had at the moment. I used my planner and found joy in crossing things off that I finished! I know that I have one A, I think the rest will be B's but I don't really care anymore! Now I just need to register for next semester! Woot woot!

Social Relief:

I still miss my friends, but in a good way. Ephraim was able to come back like once a week so I got to spend time with him! Allie left, BUT I got a letter from her yesterday! :D She loves the MTC and thinks I would love it too... I think she was hinting at something haha. But that's not on my current list of things to do... SO ANYWAY! I love her and I'm so glad she's doing what she feels is right, just like I am. I have also been able to spend time with my other friends. Yes, we were all busy with finals for about two weeks there, but now we're all done and making big plans for the break... or at least lots of little plans! Oh and I still don't want a boyfriend, but the thought doesn't make me break out in a cold sweat anymore. I think I'm ready for anything my Father in Heaven has planned for me! And I have every one's Christmas presents ready and I'm so excited to give them out! I don't even know if I can wait 'til Christmas!

Family Relief:

I get to see my mom more! I'm done with school and I can see her after work and on Saturdays! We even went shopping yesterday, SO MUCH FUN! Love that amazing, talented, beautiful woman! My dad and I have been on better terms lately! We just give each other space and I'm home more because school and finals are over. Happiness in the household.

Moving-Out Relief:

So life happened and Elisa may not be moving out with me anymore, she is deciding on which college to go to and then she will move out/in with me if she ends up going to the University of Utah. I and totally supportive of this decision and I want her to do what is best for HER, not me. However, I have found a totally awesome duplex and I will be moving in with my childhood friend Annie and possibly my friend Alexis if all goes well. (Elisa might move in once the school situation is sorted out.) I'M STOKED!!! I have sent in my application to the landlord and they will let me know asap! I may be on my own at the first of the year. I also will probably be dirt pour, so the simple pleasures will be my entertainment! :) Oh so happy!

Colon Relief:

My doctor and his nurse are pretty much my heroes right now! They have taken care of me these past three years as I have been dealing with my ulcerative colitis. Amazing people (once again, as in strikes AWE.) My body hasn't really reacted to the stress even though I ran out of medication for like a week or two. It's been handling it like a champ! I know I have been blessed and I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father. PLUS I haven't even had a flare up even though I let my defenses down over the past few days. I'm healthy and happy once again!

I have so much to be grateful for!

My friends and family have been absolutely amazing.

I could not have made it through with out them.

It would take way to long to write.

Basically I have been able to

LAUGH, TALK, DANCE, PLAY, SLEEP IN,

and just be happy again.

Christmas break, here I come!

Slacker... and Tributes ;)

Okay... so I am a slacker when it comes to my blog(s) lately! School started and my new job and I've been basically away from a computer for days at a time! I work Mon.-Thurs. 8:45-3:30 then I have a class those nights from 4:35-7:05... and after that I either do homework or something social... you guess which one happens more. Fridays I work from 8:45-1:30... and then party all weekend! Oh... I work at an elementary school as a Special Ed Aide! BEST JOB EVER! Those kids are soooooo cute! I definitely have my favorites (and yes there are multiple!).

BUT life is good! ZETA has started and I love it! I barely see my best friends in the world. I see a lot of my guy friends though! Thus NO drama ;) No wonder I haven't gotten a flare up this semester yet! WOOT WOOT!

So I want to tribute three beautiful women who have helped me in my life in the past month!

Allie Vincent:
Allie has been my best friend for the past 2 1/2 years and I love her SOOO much! She has recently received her mission call to Nashville Tennessee!!! She is pretty much the most beautiful person I have ever met! She's absolutely hilarious, spontaneous, talented, kind, and SO TOTALLY THERE FOR YOU! She once ran a marathon with mono... she didn't know she had it at the time but she felt sick and STILL finished! AMAZING!!! I love her love her love her! She's practically my sister and my siblings' sister too!!!! (that's a big deal) She tells me how it is, good or bad. I love her and she gets mad at me each and every time I tell her how amazing she is!

Sarah Matheson:
Wow, this is a girl you want to hate because she is so beautiful and talented and kind and... practically perfect... BUT you can't. It's pretty much impossible. She lifts everyone around her and never thinks of herself, but she's got quite the collection of people who would do anything for her! Sarah is not dramatic... drama just comes to her because dramatic people are drawn to un-dramatic people... not that I'm dramatic or anything ;). She is always saying kind things and loving everyone she meets! I was a wanderer when I first met her and she gave me a home! I will love her forever.

Elisa Warren:
Soon to be my roommate. Elisa always puts others first and is so much fun to be around. She is so smart!!! She is taking 7 classes this semester and is handling them like a genius handles one class! We have all these awesome plans for when we get a place together and I'm seriously stoked because we just know how each other is and how to handle even the worst situations. Elisa listens. Always a good quality, but she really listens and doesn't jump to conclusions... too often ;) she is reasonable and so nice! She is my Blondie and I am her Sally Secretary! I love how she always tells me how it is no matter what. She doesn't sugar coat things for me, which is what I need!!! Oh I love Elisa!!!

I pretty much have the best friends ever!!! I love them all and I can't write about each of them on here... it would take way too long and I'm afraid that I would leave someone out! But anyway... my friends are playing Rock Band in the next room aaaand I should probably join them!
Don't forget to dance in the rain!!!

Last Day of School/First Day of Summer

Yesterday was my last day of school. So when I finished the last of finals, I proceeded to enjoy my first day of summer!!! :D

Last Day of School:

- Woke up at 7:30am to drive my little brother to school.

- Went to my last Technology in the Classroom class at 9:10 (We watched everyone's final home-made movies)

- Came home and wrote my LAST final paper. Submitted at 1:15 (due @ 1:20)

- Screamed cheered and danced around... in my head

First Day of Summer:

- Went to see what my big bro was doing today cuz I got nothing. (He's been home from his mission in Thailand a WEEK people!)

- Went to BigOTires to get my dad's tires switched to summer tires :D

- Drove my brother (Cameron) to Big 5 to buy running shoes. He actually took my advice about which to buy. I am surprised... but proud :)

- Wendy's Trip! JBC and Crispy Chicken Sandwich (guess which one was mine)

- Highland Park Elementary Trip! Cam met my mom's coworkers (mom works in the resource classroom as an aid) and I checked something my mom had in her purse... hehe

- Tried to go have Thai food for lunch (I was secretly scared) and the cafe thing was closed. :'(

- Went to Checker Auto Parts to buy de-oxidizer for my car's headlights.

- Waited at BigO and read magazines. I'm officially caught up on Spring fashion hehe.

- Went home and de-oxidized my headlights. They look AMAZING. I love my beautifly Nissan Sentra all that much more now. (Belle got an eye job hehe)

- Went to Firehouse Carwash and Detail and got Belle (my car) all clean... but the driver-side mirror broke off... the [cute] guy who dried off my car felt horrible. I was happy that I actually got to talk to him! Mom and I glued it back on when I got home. :)

- Last Blast at SkyBox baby! It was so much fun! I think I played a total of 3-4 games while I was there... I talked the rest of the time! Oh and then I got to country swing dance with Griff Mansell outside. He's such a good dancer! So much fun... and then I kicked my shoe at him when he teased me. It didn't end well. SORRY GRIFF!!!!!!!

- I finished off my night by talking to my mom on her bed for an hour... and skipping out on the Iron Man 2 midnight showing. I was to see it when I'm AWAKE! :D

- I got my cell phone back at midnight! hehe YAY

Well that was my Thursday/Last Day of School/First Day of Summer! Long I know... Trust me I left out A LOT of details! :D Allie knows it too.

"Life's always a party if you're easily entertained!"

- Aubrey

Here are just some memories from the last week(s) of school!

10 Days and Counting

My older brother, Cameron Nance, comes home on April 30, 2010. That is a grand total of TEN days away! I honestly can't believe it. He has been gone for 2 years, 1 week, and 4 days. It's SO surreal! Cameron has been such an amazing example to me over the past 2ish years. He has been so diligent even when he was terrified to go out in the first place! (You should see the pictures of the day he left, he couldn't even smile he was too scared = hilarious!)

So much has changed over the past two years. I graduated from high school and am about to graduate from SLCC with my associates degree, I actually started dating, I got my first kiss and a couple after that ;), I've made life long friends of people I never thought possible, and I bought a car. Helene, my sister, was 14 when he left and she is now 17 (he left right before her birthday and is coming home after her birthday). She has blossomed into a GORGEOUS young woman, but I still think her personality is the same. I don't think Cam will recognize her, seriously! Then there's little Brandon. He was 10 when Cameron left and WOW he has grown so much! Cam left a little boy and is coming home to an almost teenager (he turns 13 in May). Then there is mom and dad who have both grown a lot, but they are simple changes so I won't mention them.

We all miss and love Cameron so much and wish that he could stay because he loves it in Thailand so much! BUT I signed up for 2 year and he will be gone for an extra 3 week (too long) and it's time for him to come home hehe.

Needless to say, I plan on "dragging" Cameron to my single's ward the Sunday that he gets back. Then two weeks later I plan on dragging him to Moab with my single's ward trip. Shell shock here we come! SO EXCITED!!!!

Countdown Clock by Zoodu.com

I Love:

I started writing a list of things I love on my facebook status, but then I found out that I couldn't stop writing! Sadly there is a limit of characters for a facebook status... so I'm going to write it here! It just goes to show that when you count your blessings you remember what you do have. Then suddenly the things you don't have don't seem to matter as much anymore.

I love: Long talks with Allie Vincent, inside jokes with Pauline Fonua, hearing about Maxine Fonua's mission, parties at The Pie, drinks [of water] on Max Chamberlain, going to the gym, shopping trips with Elisa Warren, screaming after getting tickled in the car by Morgan Aldous and having that be his punishment as well, awkward comments by my little brother Brandon, that my older brother Cameron comes home in a month and a half, my mom [nuff said], Aaron Allen and Mike McBride fixing my mom's van, institute firesides, South City Institute Friday Forums, Hungarian lessons, writing music, singing at the top of my lungs in any location, taking pictures, photoshopping pictures, Brie Allen's kangaroo stories, leprechauns dancing around the ZETA room, Coldstone trips with Kallie Sommercorn, smiling, the musical talents of Griffin Mansell, Catchphrase, Country music, Ballroom dancing, being thrown in the air, GREEN, Spring, sleeping in, sledding, my room, my bed, reading, Spring Break, teaching, little kids, talking, teasing my sister Helene, all of my flipping amazing friends, and MY LIFE!!!