A little bit of...

In an effort to get back into writing on my blog I am doing this tagged blog, which may seem unoriginal, but...especially before the actual Valentine's day is upon me (I've already started all the prep work for it weeks ago), I intend to write several small, simple blogs updating on my life. So...here we go!


4 Shows I Watch:

* Lie to Me
* Psych
* The Bachelor
* Bones

4 Things I am Passionate about:

* Being your best self
* Fashion
* Libraries/Books/Bookstores
* Family/Friends

4 Phrases I say a lot:
* Absolutely...
* Period. The End.
* And that's how it's done...
* Yeah!

4 Things I have learned from the past:

* Always, always forgive-grudges and hurt feelings only hurt you if you hold on to them
* Good work ethic will take you further than anything else
* Laugh, really hard, at least 3 times a day...seriously....
* Never measure yourself against another persons strengths and never measure someone by their weaknesses

4 Things I did Yesterday:
* Dinner group with Andrew, Jeffrey, & Aaron
* Worked at the good ole Flower Patch
* Ok...I'm cheating cuz I did this Monday-spray painted shirts with Mills and the girls for her birthday-I love mine!!!!
* Spent time with Danielle

4 Places I would love to visit:
*Hawaii-it's happening this summer-for reals-if I do nothing else this summer, I will do that!
* Australia-I miss it and my Jess (need to see her 2 beautiful little girls!)
* D.C.-I think people underestimate my absolute love for that city!
* Greece/Italy-I can't separate my longing for the two and seeing the sights/architecture

4 Things I am looking forward to:

* Having a successful Valentine's Day at work-and a really long nap afterwards...
* Checking off all of my New Year's Resolutions
* Having a family
* Reed and Meggie having their baby-I'm so excited for you guys!

4 Things I love about Winter:
* Christmas Music
* Getting to go home for a visit
* Season of good movies!
* Waiting for summer

4 People to Tag:
* Rebecca/Carly/Jenna/Shane/Cassie Frazier
* Katy Worsley/Raegan Nelson
* Emily/Liz/Marci/Sac/Linx/Chelsea/Lindsay
* Caroline Orien/Danielle Magelby
(ok-I really cheated on that one, too-I'd be in even more trouble if more of my close friends or family had regular blogs)

Only in dreams

I have been doing a little bit of research in to dreams recently and am finding, when it comes to this, I really am a child because of my lack of knowledge on the subject. I took Psychology at BYU but must have been in a dreaming state during any discussion that happened on dreams. I found this quick blurb online and have found it very interesting...back up, this research and sudden interest is coming from the fact that I'm starting to dream (I know technically we all dream-I've just never remembered mine) and the subjects, themes, and setting of my dreams have been verrrry intriguing to me. Some seem to have no significance at all, but on pondering I realize they areweighted to the things and people I care about, the things that I want the most, my routines on a daily basis, and the things that I am uncertain about and thus create fear. Anyways, here's the quick excerpt...

Although dream dictionaries give meanings to dreams and various ways of dream interpretations exist, dream psychology believes that the association between objects dreamt and their meanings is subjective. What is indicated by a particular dream depends on what the dreamer associates the elements of his dream with. It is suggested to write down your dream and decipher what each of the constituent of the dream conveys. It is important to understand what you associate with a particular thing you dreamed of. The thought or emotion that you get in relation to a certain color, object or a person in your dream, can serve as a clue to interpret your dreams. After having a dream, you can make its write-up, identify your psychological associations with the dream images and link all of them. More than what the elements of your dream symbolize, it is about what the elements mean to you.

Cool, right!?!? And I've found it's absolutely true. The last little while at work has either been slow or insanely busy and so I've had those still moments to kind of analyze and see what my dreams mean to me...as I've been counseled before though, I think I should write them down because the wide range of dreams I've been having and I want to remember them. This is not going to happen on my blog. Those of you who know me know that I'm not really a big talker/sharer on personal information. I much prefer to listen and help-which is probably another reason why I slack writing on my blog. I want to hear about all of you and just give small updates about myself along the way. Also because some of the dreams have been very personal or shaking-so this isn't really the forum I want to do that...but maybe one or two will come out along the way. Jeffrey and I actually discussed one the other day and were trying to analyze it-just know it involved me being a very important part of the lives of every member in the Will and Jada Smith family (Jada, Jaden, Will, and Willow. That one was pretty entertaining! Anyways...to end on a lighter note and a song from Cinderella (in my head I hear Chloe singing it...)

A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
the dream that you wish will come true

Chicken Soup for the Country Music Lover's Soul

Ok-so I love all kinds of music-those of you who know me know this. Because I love so many different kinds I go through phases where one dominates my life. This summer involved a lot of country-thanks to a few friends who I have found also appreciate it. Usually country music gets a bad rep from people my age. Honestly, if I did not have some Nashville roots, I'd probably had never given it a chance. Some of it is out of control with cheesy lyrics that don't hold a lot of depth (lets be honest though how many rap songs do...think about it & I like that too), but it's the twang that gets to me-just can't handle it. However, over the last couple of weeks, some lyrics have been speaking to my soul. Some of these songs I have loved forever and they are just resurfacing and now have a little more perspective on life than that pretty awkward girl (10-15) who lived in Nashville. So...I want to provide a quick sample for those of you who doubt or have no opinions on this...a little chicken soup or what have you...remember how those books used to be a big deal...haha! Also please note the best time to listen to these and we all know I recommend listening to at full volume in the car with windows down!


This is the song that inspired the idea for this post but gave me a good motivating boost that day...may have some cliche notions but don't judge. Timing: When you need to get through the yucky, grey stuff

Jo Dee Messina "That's The Way It Is"
"...Well I know from expirence nothin's ever gonna make perfect sense
Oh, one day you get what you want but it's not what you think then you get what you need...'

This song...maybe a lil more targeted towards the girls and conversations we've had recently...timing: when you've been on a really bad first date...just remember...it's gonna happen...these terrible dates won't last forever.

Rascal Flatts "Bless the Broken Road"
"...I think about the years I spent, just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost, and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand you've been there, you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true"

This song has been a teaching point for me recently-I have not always been good about opening up on things I need help with but as of this summer and needing a lot of help many friends have come to my aid, have gotten me to open up and although I still have a very hard time with it, I am thankful for those of you who this song represents. Timing-I dunno to realize who your "people" or "person" are...

Lady Antebellum "I Run to You"
"...This world keeps spinning faster into a new disaster so I run to you, I run to you baby
When it all starts coming undone baby, you're the only one I run to, I run to you"

This song...timing: realizing that through any of the bad that is going on that there is also some really great and when it comes down to it...really, honestly, you and your life and the way you live it and the way it's going if you're staying motivated and working hard and surrounding yourself with great people-is pretty dang great!

Keith Urban "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me"
"...And the sun is shinin' this road keeps windin' through the prettiest country from Georgia to Tennessee
And I got the one I love beside me my troubles behind me I'm alive and I'm free who wouldn't wanna be me"

Okay-maybe this one is more unique to me because most girls just get mad when a boy is dumb or hurts them...I just really do question what they're thinking (not because I think that they'll never do better than me or anything), but usually its over stupid things and I can't be mad but just wonder why they'd ever take it as far as they did, sometimes if they knew all along how they felt.

Taylor Swift "A Perfectly Good Heart" (one of her few that I don't feel is laced with boy hate)
"...Maybe I should've seen the signs, should've read the writing on the wall.
And realized by the distance in your eyes that I would be the one to fall.
No matter what you say, I still can't believe that you would walk away.
It don't make sense to me, but:
Why would you wanna break a perfectly good heart?
Why would you wanna take our love and tear it all apart, now?
Why would you wanna make the very first scar?
Why would you wanna break a perfectly good heart?
It's not unbroken anymore. How do I get it back the way it was before?"

Take it easy: listen to this one and realize that some of the things that seem soooo monumental and that they may break you or make you a crazy person are going to pass-now this is just for the little things...the bigger things take a little more work but...this should help for the little things...really I want to post all of the lyrics to this song because they are funny and make a few crazy things seem a little more light.

SheDaisy "Don't Worry 'Bout a Thing"
"...Ever sat yourself down when the seat is all wet
Or see your "ex" sucking face with a little brunette
Don't worry 'bout it, no don't worry
Ever lost your religion, ever lost your best friend
Or found your last record in the bargain bin
Or been stuck in a divorce like crazy glue
Or scraped someone else's gum off the bottom of your shoe - Boo hoo!
Life is funny, life's a mess sometimes a curse, sometimes a blessing
Don't worry 'bout a thing, don't worry 'bout it
Life gets sticky, life can bruise sometimes you win sometimes you're losing
No matter what it brings don't worry 'bout a thing"

Okay-this one makes me cry every single time but one thing that we can say about family is that they do talk about family (2 of my other favorites are Martina McBride's "In My Daughter's Eyes" and Tim McGraw's "My Little Girl," but this one talks about the whole fam...maybe I wouldn't advise to listen to this-I usually switch it when I miss my family-I have a love/hate relationship with this song...

Carrie Underwood "Don't Forget to Remember Me"
"...This downtown apartment sure makes me miss home
And those bills there on the counter keep telling me I'm on my own
And just like every Sunday I called momma up last night
And even when it's not, I tell her everything's all right
Before we hung up I said "Hey momma, don't forget:
To tell my baby sister I'll see her in the fall
And tell me-maw that I miss her Yeah, I should give her a call
And make sure you tell Daddy that I'm still his little girl
Yeah I still feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be don't forget to remember me"

Okay...those are just a few random tidbits-enjoy! I loved researching this-hope it helps-helped me-and maybe I'll do this again with another form of music-so much to go around!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Start of Something New

Ok-so though I may no longer be in school, I still use it as a marker in my year.
1. It is the time I have to realize that my friends can't just play whenever I get off work.
2. During finals it's the time I wonder I have any friends at all.
3. It's the time I realize I am and forever will be sorry for ever going to a school dance because things like Homecoming and Prom take over my life and I don't even get to dress up for it.
4. It's the time Provo goes crazy again (I like it during Spring/Summer because there are less students).
5. It's one of the times I really miss my parents (My mom would always write us this back to school note that encouraged us for the year and focused on our strengths and abilities and my dad would give us a blessing with the same motivation of the note in mind)
6. It's the time I really really wish I could get new school clothes....I remember this happening every year but I guess then I was waiting all year for it whereas I go on little shopping sprees year round now----yes Carly & Jenna---little ones!
7. It's the time, like New Year's, where I renew big goals...Andrew and I brainstormed on several this week and I decided my big two for this year are going to be....dah dah dah dah...learn to ski & renew my piano skills.I have had access to both for years but have yet to take advantage of the "Best Snow on Earth," and during my last move to UAC, lost the power cord that connects my keyboard but after realizing that my skills are quickly fading, I have decided to start back at it...get ready roommates (although Marci independently requested that I get a chord as well).

24/7. 3-6-5!

So close to being my birthday again! 2:49 a.m. July 14,1986. I have so many things to be happy about this birthday! I am going to miss being with my family, like usual, but I am so happy Carly will be here. Also, with my birthday being right in the middle of the summer, it is rare for many people to be around. My friends have been all over this summer (Europe, California, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona, and all their homes etc) but I am so glad so many will be around tomorrow. We'll see what the day brings! Raegan was already nice enough to give me an early bday present and went behind my back and switched around the schedule at work to where I don't have to be there all day-really excited! I have some planned skype time with the fam to open my presents that arrived a few days ago, all wrapped, ready to go, and tempting me. Dinner plans to be announced in full detail tomorrow and maybe something for the weekend-we'll see

We are the World

I feel like this week has been great! I worked more than I wanted to but I had some serious highlights throughout the week. The biggest highlight was Special Olympics. I had the chance to go with Carly, Kyshel, Raegan & Joey, and Jake and volunteer on Friday. I purposefully took off the morning so I could go. Best decision ever! We got to go and cheer and hang out and dance in the beautiful weather with people who could lift the spirits of anyone around them. I had a overwhelming number of declarations of how beautiful I was and then kind requests if I would be their girlfriend. I had to leave for work eventually and then went back for the dance with them that night, and even though I ended up having a very long day, I felt completely energized & would love to do that again next year. (Pictures to come-Kyshel had the camera).

And just a little thought. I got to be a part of 2 amazing lessons today. Kath gave a great one in my ward and I visited Carly's really quick to hear her lesson. Kath shared a great lil poem/thought thing that her Nana had shared with her when she graduated from high school and I loved it so I'll just post that and be out, but it's just made me think that even though my life is not always in order, I'm doing pretty good because of the things/people/thoughts I surround myself with. So....check....life inventory list today=good!

After A While

Author: Veronica A. Shoffstall

After a while
you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't always mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't always promises
and you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and and your eyes ahead with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers
And you learn that you really can endure, that you really are strong and you really do have worth and you learn and you learn
With every goodbye you learn.

Return to Me

So...much time has passed since my last blog. My favorite posts to read are flashbacks so I'm going to write one. It occurred to me the other day that I have now lived in Provo longer than most places in my life. Kind of a scary thought. However...looking back, I wouldn't change a second of it. Lots of experiences-some good, some bad-but all worth it. As I am trying to figure out exactly how to live out my life's dream and figuring out how to get there, I've had the chance to look back on how great time has been here. (I'm taking the GRE in a month & hopefully going to do architecture so I can do a complete project-design the building, decorate the inside, and design the landscaping as well!) My life is pretty dang great! So here's a little snip-it of my life in the last 5 years...

1.AMAZING Freshman year-came out not expecting anything and starting off new and making some amazing friends, had an amazing roommate

-Highlights: getting mono(insert very sarcastic tone), MANY volleyball games, getting to see Reed off at the MTC with Mom & Joni, climbing trees for the 1st time!

2. Sophomore year: not so hot-almost didn't come back-not the greatest year of my life-lost most of my boys to missions (obviously okay but i didn't like getting left behind)

-Highlights: Sixin'it up, home for Lake of the Ozarks, amazing experience at G. Conference

3. Junior year: spur of the moment decision to come back to Utah-best decision yet! Loved my roommates (Chelsea, Caroline, Whitney) and started to figure out what I wanted to do with my life

-Highlights: The Holiday (every few days with Chelsea), "Parties," Job at the Flower Patch, late night food runs + temple stops, introduction to the NBA (always loved college basketball but thought the NBA were sell-outs with no heart: The Suns changed that for me), summer dinner group (Chelsea, Lindsay, Liz, Whitney), Floral Design with Lara, 1st full summer away from home :(, tonsils removed, D.C. vacation

4. Senior year: Added on a 2nd school interest (landscape design) and wrapping up school with a full load for 4 semester

s in a row-i was very tired but very happy to be done at the end

-Highlights: Time with the E-Z girls, time with Reed, Chelsea's wedding/roadtrip, 1st speeding ticket ever, Journey concert, Summer of Meggie, Reed/Meggie's wedding, graduation (the whole family + Ben) came, St. George with the McArthurs, MEXICO CRUISE!

5. 1 year later: Being the manager at the Flower Patch and taking lots of time to play has left so many highlights but a few would be...VP 9 and my disappearing act from time to time (Cody & Liz being my parents & scolding me for it & Kandis making late night calls), game nights, St. Louis time (not time in STL but time with my boys!),lots of concerts, lots of trips, my MINI, little trips home more often, not V-day, Mothers Day, or Christmas really with work and how it keeps me up to my eyeballs in flowers, visits from Carly & Jenna, Skype, beautiful new computer, building my library, lots of time at Barnes& Noble, Mexi Tues, AZIAN weds, 'merican Thurs,

Casino night, hot springs (death march)

...honestly, those only touch the surface and have no details at all but I am so glad i decided to brave it and come to Utah, despite never having had the desire to be here-I love my life and can't wait to move on to the next part!