sweet marie

movin' on

2010-07-16T15:29:00.003-07:00

i created a married blog.

i'm aware i'm not married yet, but i wanted to write down our story while i can still remember all the little details. so the first few posts will be all about us, from the very beginning. and that means this little blog of mine is finished after today.

check it out: www.cassieplusjeremy.blogspot.com

see you on the other side, folks!

i'm spoiled.

2010-07-12T11:34:00.002-07:00

let's recap the past few months, shall we?

in april, i went here [huntington beach, CA].
in may, i went here [valencia, CA].
in june, i went here [carlsbad, CA].
anybody noticing the pattern here??
it's july 12th. and i have no plans to go back to california (or anywhere, for that matter) any time soon.

i guess that's what happens when you're young and poor and trying to plan a wedding and saving all your pennies because you're soon going to have rent to pay on top of all your other bills.

really, though. i wouldn't have it any other way.

i didn't forget father's day.

2010-07-04T23:04:00.003-07:00

i'd been trying to think of what i could post about my dad for a while. it's not that i couldn't come up with anything, i just didn't know how to sum up my dad in a blog post.

my dad and i have always had a good relationship. i'm the baby girl, what do you expect? ha, just kidding. but really, we have. of course we have our differences and growing up i sometimes thought he was mean for making me wake up at 5am to lay grass in the backyard. but i understand that now. if you know anything about him, you know that he is one of the hardest working people ever. and i'm really not exaggerating when i say that. he is one of those people that doesn't use his sick days at work, even when he is sick. (one of our differences ;)) over the past month and a half he has practically LIVED at southwest airlines to pay for my wedding.

one thing i think most people know about him (and if they don't, they can figure it out pretty quickly) is that he loves his family and he loves the gospel. he has been the best example to me on how to teach and how to live. i'm so thankful and blessed to have him as a father.

i love you, dad. i know it's weird for you that your youngest daughter is your first one getting married, and i know that if you had your way you would always be the only priesthood holder in my life. i'll miss all the times you and i were the only ones home and we'd talk about anything and everything. just remember the one thing that will never change: i'll always be your little cackie lebi.

going to the temple

2010-06-25T06:52:00.004-07:00

and i'm gonna get MARRIED!

WHAT??!

just kidding. i know no one was really surprised.

september 24th is the big day.

i couldn't be happier :)

just in case anyone forgot, i'm marrying this guy.

everything will be alright

2010-06-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

dear mom,

remember the time we went to the mall and when we were leaving we walked out the wrong door and thought the truck was stolen? and dad drove out to pick us up and didn't say anything as he drove us straight to the truck because he saw it on the way in. and we tried to justify it with the oil spots...

remember when we went to california with lindsay and we sang our hearts out to "give me one reason" because we were stuck in traffic? and lins and i were terrified because you would speed up when other people would brake. and then we saw that man who was at least 30 pick his nose and eat his boogers (disgusting).

remember after dad was in his accident you had to give him shots but we didn't know it was a retracting needle and after you did the first one you asked where the needle went? the look on dad's face was priceless.

i know things are really crazy right now and you feel like the world is on your shoulders. i don't blame you, i just don't want you to forget the good stuff. remember D&C 121:7-10, "my son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment. and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands." i love you mom. keep on keeping on ;)

love always,
cass

catsup

2010-06-08T22:43:00.001-07:00

this is a little late, but just over 2 weeks ago i made another cali trip. jeremy and i went with his aunt and uncle (nate and tashina- who are only a few years older than us) to six flags!

sorry, it's kind of dark. none of us had cameras so all our pictures are on cell phones. and since i'm the only lame one without an iPhone or droid.. i'm stealing pictures from facebook.

it was SO packed and i'm pretty sure there were at least 30 school buses in the parking lot. we rode 3 rides all day. never going on a saturday again. it was still a fun trip though! and everyone knows how much i love my california so just being there was good enough for me.

the only real reason i bring that up is because i'm going to california again this weekend (!!!!!!) and i figured i better blog about this before i go. yes, this will be my 3rd cali trip in 3 months. yes, i think i should just move there too.

in other news, j & i started watching this:

yes, i'm aware i'm a little late considering the series just ended. we're almost done with season one. i have a love/hate relationship with this show. here are some things that often come out of my mouth while watching:

"WHAT?!"

"are you kidding me?"

"ew"

"what does that mean?"

"she speaks english!"

"i'm so confused"

"ewww"

etc., etc.

it's really perfect timing considering all my tv shows ended a couple weeks ago and glee ended tonight. p.s. could not have been happier with the glee finale. except the whole thing with a certain someone's mom and a different certain someone's baby (don't want to give anything away in case people haven't seen it yet). CREEPY. if you've never seen it, they're replaying all the episodes this summer. WATCH IT. it will change your life.

also, i got accepted to ASU for the fall. two more years and i will be DONE. (i swear if one more person asks me what i'm going to do with an english degree i'm going to punch them.) i feel like it's really not that big of a deal since i've been going to community college but i'm still happy about it. my parents are huge sun devil fans and there is a good chance i will be their only child to graduate as one. when i texted my dad to ask if that won me brownie points, he responded "YES IT DOES!!"

score.

that's all for now.

xoxo

staple it together

2010-05-24T22:32:00.006-07:00

last week i turned the big two-oh and to celebrate i went to the d-backs game with my family, jessica, jeremy and cameron. i'm also lame and took no pictures (except of conor jackson, but those are really just for me).

ikea finally came out with a good nightstand to go with the rest of my bedroom furniture. i'd been itching to get it so i finally did as my birthday present to myself. i've never actually done that before (the present to yourself thing) but it made me happy and i have every intention of doing that every year. and no one can say anything to you because it's your birthday and who would be rude enough to tell you you can't buy yourself a gift on your birthday? idiots, but they don't count for anything.

it doesn't look that brown in real life. i promise i didn't buy a brown nightstand to go with all my black furniture. i also bought the lamp and clock for a total of $22. who can beat that?? that is why i love ikea.

since i got the nightstand and there wasn't exactly a place to put it, i got to rearrange my furniture!! this is one of my favorite things to do. don't ask why. kelly says my husband is going to get sick of me wanting to always change things around. oh well, he can deal.

anyway, here is the new set up. i love it so much more than the old set up.

there is more i want to do but i'm out of money at the moment (i know, story of my life) so anything else will have to come later. for now i'm happy for the change.

"all that i am, i owe to my mother"

2010-05-09T09:35:00.002-07:00

my mom has this thing about her that i've tried so hard to emulate. she has the ability to accept people for who they are, no questions asked. and i mean really accept them- no judgements, no gossiping about them later, nothing. i think a lot of that is because she is a tell-it/see-it-like-it-is person. and because of that, people tend to turn to her for advice and such. right now she is having to deal with her mother who has alzheimer's, her dad who is trying to cope with his wife having alzheimer's, taking in a foster child and a few other things that i probably shouldn't mention on here, all while working full time and taking care of kids and a husband (but don't worry, she still finds time to go cool places like canada and puerto rico).

"there is no one perfect way to be a good mother. each situation is unique. each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. ... what matters most is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else." -m. russell ballard

happy mother's day, mama! i love you and i'm glad i did whatever it was i did to deserve you as my mom.

what if

2010-05-03T07:36:00.001-07:00

guess who's back?

for full story click here.

time bomb

2010-04-25T00:30:00.002-07:00

dear sunburn,

really? don't you think it's kind of ridiculous that it's been a week and i'm still red?

dear tax season 2009,

ooooh the stories! i guess the thing i will always be thankful for is the stupidity/paranoia that without a doubt comes out in people when tax time rolls around. like the man who left a message and actually used the phrase "cease and desist." that will never stop being funny.

dear cold sores,

why must you show up around the time of EVERY vacation i go on? what is that about?

dear oregano's,

heaven in my mouth. that's what you are.

dear macbook pro,

welcome to my life.

dear savings account,

i agree, it probably was a total joke to even set you up. i'm sorry i never let you keep a decent amount of money. i have good intentions but i think we both know those don't always mean anything. i'll try harder.

dear eagles,

thanks for not dying before i got to see you. it really was the best show i've ever been to. also, i think joe walsh is a little crazy. just sayin'

dear arizona,

my thoughts on summer: the hotter the better. please and thank you.

dear american idol,

how do i say this? this season sucks. i can only imagine how next year will be without simon when it's already this bad. maybe let's consider calling it quits..

dear future,

i don't know what you hold but i've decided to stop worrying. come what may and love it. i'm working on it.

dear 20th birthday next month,

i have one word for you: ew.

xoxo,

hotel california

2010-04-22T07:23:00.006-07:00

remember how tax season ended on april 15th? it did. and on april 16th i got the heck out of arizona and had a lovely weekend in huntington beach.

i went with friends hillary, brendy and morgin. we had SO MUCH FUN. nothing cures me like a road trip to california, and the girl time wasn't so bad either.

saturday we spent a huge chunk of the day at the beach. and i got REALLY sunburned. it's 5 days later and i'm still red. and before you be like my dad and say "you're dumb!" i have to defend myself. the only sunblock we had was spf 70 and i knew if i put that on i was going to get NO color and that would have totally defeated the purpose of going to the beach. so i put some on my face and was going to put more on the rest of my body after a couple hours.
well.
i fell alseep.
and it was overcast.
and you know the rest of the story.

sunday we went to the newport temple and even found a singles ward to go to! we maybe only did that in hopes of finding cute boys (there weren't any) but the point is that we got to take the sacrament, right? (right.)

funny stories:
1. we were sitting on this wall watching people play volleyball and a big group of guys walked by. they made it almost all the way to the water when one of them turns around, walks back to us and says, "um... you forgot to ask me for my number when i walked by earlier" HAHAHAHA! if you're wondering, yes we got the number and we applauded him having the guts to do that.

2. hillary had on a bright neon yellow bathing suit (that was super cute) and she had a victoria secret tote that said "love pink" on it and the straps on that were also yellow. there was a different group of guys that walked by and one of them said "she loves pink but she's wearing yellow..." hahaha, it was great.

things i learned:
1. driving in california makes me speed like no other.
2. when they put the north and south entrances to the freeway on the same side of the road i get REALLY confused.
3. i need to live closer to the ocean.
4. when the back of your knees turn purple from the sun, moving becomes extremely difficult.
5. i can be easily persuaded to agree to run a half marathon.
6. i am going to become one of those people who flakes out on things they never really meant to agree to.

no worries, i'm already trying to figure out when i can go back.

ob-la-di, ob-la-da

2010-04-11T21:35:00.003-07:00

my friend megan and i email back and forth during work a lot. and sometimes, we say funny things.

i've provided examples:

m: i wish i worked for an airline so i could get free flights.
c: i think i want to marry a pilot.

-------------------------------

m: it is my favorite coworker’s birthday today, and i got her a zebra print snuggie. it’s a HUGE hit!!!!! HAHAHAHAHHAHA
c: there was a snuggie at the gift exchange my parents do with my dad's side of the family and my dad got it and then it was stolen :( i was sad. weezer made a snuggie and i think i need it.

-------------------------------

m: i want in n out burger sooooooooooo bad
c: good thing they have one up there now! that actually sounds so good right now. i think i just decided where i'm going for lunch
m: we are so cool! lets exchange pictures while we're eating haha

-------------------------------

m: and i want you to know that i am so bored that i just dissected my wrist pad. well, it used to be my wrist pad, now it’s just a huge pile of plastic all cut up. i regret this decision………

-------------------------------

m: so just now, my phone was in my purse and it went off and i realized i never turned it down this morning. so it was on FULL blast, while someone was calling, and my ring tone is…………… the Sesame Street theme.

-------------------------------

m: WORK IS BOOOOOOOORING
c: I JUST SPENT THE LAST 3 HOURS PUTTING TOGETHER A TOY ROCKING TYPE HORSE. yes, it really took me that long. and i broke the noise maker and it took forever to fix because those screws were RIDICULOUSLY tiny. ah. and my back kills like a friggin mother. i don't want children.

-------------------------------

m: i am so annoyed with 97% of my coworkers.
c: so far, i'm only annoyed with 20% of mine.

and now she is moving to egypt for the summer. who is going to provide my entertainment at work??

still fighting it

2010-04-04T18:39:00.001-07:00

the other day my mom picked up my grammy and met lindsay and i for lunch. it's hard to do things like that because she no longer understands anything. when she talks, she rambles about nothing and what she says doesn't make sense. we have to laugh because if we don't, we'll cry. we were trying to get her to make a funny face but couldn't get her to hold it long enough for the camera to capture it. while we were laughing about it, grammy said, "this is the most fun i've had in a long time." and for those few seconds she didn't have alzheimer's anymore and we were laughing like we always do.

it's those moments of lucidity that make the rest of the time easier. because we're reminded that even though the disease has taken over, she's still in there somewhere.

i'm not buying it either, but i'll try selling it anyway.

2010-03-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

i decided that since i made my "i want to work out" plea three weeks ago, it was about time i actually did something. so i went pretend running.

how does one go pretend running, you ask?
you walk.

and before the comments come, i didn't walk the whole time. i did actually run. i just walked [a lot] more than i ran. and let me just say there's nothing like smelling manure for a solid half hour.

but the point is that i did something, because i could have sat my little behind on the couch and happily ate my fatty dinner whilst watching the biggest loser. (don't worry, i did that after the pretend run. BUT, i drank water instead of soda! go me!!!)

and for your viewing pleasure, a horrible quality picture from my cell phone of me during my pretend run.
p.s. have i ever told you how impatient i am? where are my results??

i'm actual

2010-03-14T21:59:00.006-07:00

this week i was feeling down. so i decided to list the things i am good at. then i decided to share- with you readers. all five of you. because we are supposed to share our talents.

things i'm good at
-talking. fast and with unnecessary details.
-spending money i don't have.
-memorizing people's birthdays. you only wish you had this talent.
-watching more tv shows than a person should.
-driving and not getting tickets.
-sneezing.
-playing crash bandicoot on the playstation. any CB game on any from of a playstation. i'm that versatile.
-making sand octopuses.
-facebook/blog stalking.

and before you think i'm letting all of this get to my head, here is a list of my non-talents.

things i'm not good at
-anything athletic.
-eating healthy.
-cleaning and/or keeping anything clean.
-being on time.
-paying attention in geology.
-drawing. i made it to the art show in 2nd grade but it's been downhill since then.
-keeping in touch with people.
-being patient.
-losing.

oh look, here is a picture of me pretending to be athletic.

don't be fooled. i promise i didn't even hit the ball.

and just so you don't think i'm lying, here is a picture of said octopus.

make it work!

2010-03-11T21:30:00.006-07:00

let me tell you why i love thursdays.

reason #1i agree, this is the most awkward photo ever taken.

but seriously, look at this face and try to tell me it's not reason enough to watch.just sayin'

moving on.

reason #2
reason #2.5
michael scott: if there is one thing i hate more than the mafia is a liar. i wish the mafia would go out and kill all the liars. and bury them in my yard. and i wouldn't tell the cops a thing. not that i would be lying per se, but i would just get really quiet all of a sudden.

reason #3
i think that's all the explanation needed.

wouldn't you agree? running always slows you down

2010-03-04T22:31:00.001-07:00

i've been working out.

hahaha. no, that's not entirely (or even a little) true. can't even say it seriously.
what i should say is that i want to work out.
at least 4 times a week, i go to bed with intentions of getting up early to run the next morning. i set my alarm and everything. half of the time, i don't even hear it. the other half, i hit snooze for an hour. then once i'm up, i swear off soda and all things sugar.
and then i get to work. and i stare at this ALL DAYand really, how can i not grab 2 or 10?

plus, this is right down the hall(*please note the soda to water ratio)
and my boss asks me almost every time i go in there if i want one.

is it sad that i'm going to become obese and no one is even going to think twice about it?

but really, it's not even really all about weight. i'm ridiculously out of shape. i probably haven't run a mile since my freshman year of high school.

so, here are my new goals:
-run a mile without wanting to chop my legs off afterward
-actually run the whole mile
-do a pull-up without pushing off the ground (yes i'm aware that would mean i'm not even really doing a pull-up).
-be able to run to my car when i forget my wallet without having to take a breather
-stop telling people i have asthma, because i don't (but i am supposed to use an inhaler before any physical activity).
-stop using my back issues as an excuse.
-do sit-ups or push-ups during all commercial breaks (you won't even believe how many shows i watch).

i'll keep you posted.

life in the fast lane

2010-02-28T17:04:00.002-07:00

yesterday we threw a surprise birthday party for my papa's 80th birthday. his actual birthday was january 11th. nothing says surprise like a party 7 weeks late!

i love my papa and g'ma :)we ate, we talked, we laughed and we took some MUCH needed family pictures (not like the one above, by a professional). we also played a little game to see who knew the most about him. there was a lot i didn't know, so it was nice to learn more about his life. my papa is probably the hardest working person i know. he is still working! (he delivers bread with my uncle.) you definitely can't tell when you're around him that he is 80! i'm glad i have him as a grandpa :)

snails see the benefits, the beauty in every inch.

2010-02-21T20:11:00.003-07:00

i'm trying something new.

optimistic [op-tuh-mis-tik]
-adjective
1. disposed to take a favorable view of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.

"it isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. it all works out. don't worry- i say that to myself every morning. it will all work out. if you do your best, it will all work out. put your trust in God and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. the Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. if we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." -president gordon b. hinkley

maybe. (probably) (but really)

2010-01-27T21:07:00.003-07:00

maybe i have a really strong urge to get out of arizona and i get a little depressed when i realize i can't.

maybe it's still my lifelong dream to meet jc chasez.

maybe i wish jim halpert was a real person so i could marry him.

maybe i'm addicted to ruffles baked cheddar and sour cream chips and dr. pepper. and maybe that's how i make it through the tax season days sometimes.

maybe i wish i wore glasses.

maybe one of the things i'm worried about with tax season + full time school is that i won't have time to watch all of my tv shows. and maybe that makes me shallow and maybe i don't care.

maybe my room is a wreck and since i don't know where to start i just don't clean it.

maybe i want to start documenting my life with lots and lots of pictures.

maybe i think the reason my spanish teacher is awful at explaining things is because said teacher is a man.

maybe a hole ripped in the crotch of my favorite jeans and maybe i'm going to wear them anyway.

even as the world outside is spinning.

2010-01-23T08:41:00.003-07:00

my grammy suffers from alzheimer's disease. she's only 73. she wasn't officially diagnosed until 2007, but i believe it started long before that. between october of 2000 and april of 2002, her son and both of her parents passed away. i think that's when it really started.

every day it gets worse. first she didn't know any of her grandchildren. then she didn't recognize any of her own children. now she sometimes doesn't remember who my granddad is.

some days are better than others. one day she was cold and when we gave her a blanket, she knew that her mom had made it. then another time she walked into a room, looked straight at my granddad and said, "where's frank?"

if you had asked her the day before he died, i don't think she could have told you who the prophet was. but when President Hinckley passed away and she was told about it, her humble response was "oh no" because she understood what that meant.

in december, my grandparents went to the christmas concert my stake puts on every year. for the song "I Believe in Christ" the congregation and choir sang the first verse, and then only the choir continued on. after the congregation stopped singing and it was just the choir, i leaned over to look at my grammy. she was singing with the choir. my grammy, who doesn't know who i am, remembered and sang the words to "I Believe in Christ."

in Doctrine & Covenants 1:39 it says "For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever."

i guess my point in all this is there are things that matter, things that matter less, and things that really don't matter at all. she may not always remember it, but my sweet grandmother believes in Christ- because the the truth abides forever. she has no idea what it meant to me to watch her sing that song, but i'm thankful i was there to see it. and i'm thankful that even though she doesn't know she's doing it, she is still teaching by example.

the fam at their 50th wedding anniversary party, Nov 2008.
(missing Elliott, Lindsay, Lena & Jayden)

you remember me forever!

2010-01-12T21:29:00.003-07:00

dear 2009,
cardinals playoff game + pinedale weekend + snowboarding for the first time + meeting the phoenix suns + disneyland/hollywood/six flags + golden birthday (19 on the 19th) + the vegas + AAR show + san diego + americon idol concert + changing major + buying my own car + provo + buying my own bedroom furniture + emily's wedding + provo again + emily's baby + shannon's wedding + boston + dane cook + countless girls nights = a successful (and expensive!) year.

dear tax season + full time school,
bring it. (and then watch me eat those words)

dear boston,
i miss you. but i'll be back to continue our love affair (just not in the winter).

dear every day between now and april 29th,
hurry, hurry, hurry. the faster you go by, the faster i get my boyfriend back.

dear drivers on lindsay road,
the speed limit is 45, not 35. thanks.

dear new years resolutions i've already broken,
sorry, but waking up the first time my alarm goes off and eating healthy just doesn't work for me. i pretty much gave up all hope when i was late to work because i woke up 20 minutes before i had to leave and then decided to stop at walgreens for snacks. we'll try again next year.

dear mom and dad,
remember how we haven't taken a vacation with the whole family since washington d.c. in 2005? i'm thinking san francisco. ready, set, go!

dear answering machines,
i think the explanations on how to leave a message are unnecessary. it's 2010. we know how it works.

dear self,
exercise, exercise, exercise, exercise. seriously. do it.

dear 2010,
i'm ready for all you've got in store. i think.

have you ever played halo? have you ever taken the boston trolley tour?

2010-01-03T18:01:00.003-07:00

i said goodbye to 2009 and hello to 2010 in none other than boston (aka bahstun), MA. kelly called me monday afternoon and asked how i felt about going and i couldn't say yes fast enough. so she, cameron (her boyfriend), lindsay and i left early wednesday morning to begin our fabulous trip.

wednesday night we decided to go to the original cheers! (where everybody knows your name :)) the food was pretty good and it was just kind of a cool atmosphere. it was funny though because when we walked in to get a table, they asked how many and whatnot and then asked if we would be drinking. when we said no, they sent us to the back room (which still had a bar in it so i didn't really understand the point in that).

on new years eve we went to see dane cook!! kelly and cameron had 2nd row but lins and i were up a little bit. it was SO good and he was, of course, hilarious! boston is his home town so that kind of made it more fun. (and p.s. the post title is a line from one of his jokes, and then our own little spin on it).

mr. cook himself.
lindsay, me, kelly, cameron after the show. (that whole arena was completely filled, by the way. pretty impressive for a comedian. and it's like that wherever he goes.)

the days were spent doing random things around the city. i LOVED every second, even the snow (and for anyone that knows me well enough knows how much i absolutely despise snow and being cold). the buildings were so cute. even the subway was a fun little adventure.i'm officially in love with the east coast. and now, i want to go back.

something like that

2009-12-14T20:02:00.001-07:00

remember that one time when i was ten years old and had a ton of writing assignments to do for school?

let me refresh your memory.

from if i could have a kitten
"if it were my dad's decision i wouldn't have a kitten or a cat. if it were my mom's decision i might have a kitten, but not a cat. unfortunately, kittens grow into cats."
once a genius, always a genius. best part is, i don't even like animals. i have no idea where that came from.

from about me
"the things i do best are math and spelling. ... i'm good at talking on the phone. i'm also good at just plane talking. ... i'm not that great at spanish, i can't speak it very well. i'm not good at cleaning."
in my defense, i did not spell the word wrong. i simply used the wrong one.

from my red ribbon
"...i deserve to wear a red ribbon! no matter how it looks, you deserve to wear one too. ... what is the point in taking drugs? all you get out of it is you will probably die. if you do it to be cool, you're not, and a lot of people think you're not. if you want to kill yourself, go ahead, but i still think it's a dumb choice."
i don't even know how to respond to that.

from about my room
"my parents feel my room is messy. they always tell me to clean it up, but it never happens. they always say it is a pigstie. even when i clean it up real good, it's not clean, well sometimes it is. most of the time my room is messy because i throw my clothes all over the place. my parents go pretty easy on me."
this may or may not still be true.

from my exciting day
"the most exciting day in my life was when i went to my first nsync concert. ... even though i was getting over the chicken pox when i went it was still so fun! i went on june 6, 2000. i will remember it forever! ... the people who were involved that day were lindsay, kelly, jenny, christy, me and of course nsync along with all of the other fans. ... i'll probably bring in picures when i'm student of the week."
hahahahahahaha.

from my kind of holiday
"my favorite holiday is christmas. ... the best part about this holiday is the love. i also like the giving. also, of course, like everyone else, the presents. i love the presents. christmas is the best time of year."
:)

guess it's true. old habits die hard.

under my tree

2009-12-02T09:39:00.001-07:00

i listen to johnjay and rich on 104.7 kiss fm every morning.

during the Christmas season, they do a little thing called Christmas Wish where people write in about someone they know who is in need of help. they aim for families with children, so that the kids will get some sort of a Christmas. my sister and i were almost crying on the way to work this morning listening to it. it's about a half hour long, but i promise it's worth listening to. click here to do so.
they grant a Christmas Wish every day in the month of december. click here to listen to them all as they post them. just look for someone's name with the words Christmas Wish next to it.

on a side note, just thought i would share one my favorite things about the holidays. it would be listening to this:and no, i'm not kidding. it brings out the 11 year old girl in me :)

happy hoildays!

time passes

2009-11-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

oh. my. gosh.
so, i'm not usually one to do this. don't get me wrong, i'm completely addicted to the series and all but i just think people go WAY overboard with it sometimes. because as wonderful and amazing and fantastical as it is, it is FICTIONAL.
with that being said,
OH. MY. GOSH.
if you haven't seen it, run right now and do so. getting rid of catherine hardwicke is the BEST thing that ever happened to the series. i would give my soul to whoever made that decision. this one is about a MILLION times better than the first. did you read that? A MILLION TIMES BETTER.
thank you chris weitz for not letting me down.

just blame the limelight

2009-11-15T18:44:00.003-07:00

i finally got my room clean enough for pictures!
because i know you've been dying to see it.
SO, here you are:
my bookshelves that i LOVE.
and the wall above my closet, that i'm not so fond of. i need to fix it, i'm just not sure what i want to do yet.

yes, i'm aware of how pathetic that little tv looks on my dresser.
yes, i do use my brother's old ps2 as my dvd player.
yes, i store water and cereal in my bedroom. if i don't, people steal it.

my picture wall! quite possibly my favorite part of the room.

there you have it. i know, i know. maaad decorating skills.
i like it, and i guess that's the important part.

don't stop believin'

2009-11-11T22:07:00.002-07:00

dear girl dressed head to toe in zebra print,
if that outfit doesn't qualify you for what not to wear, i don't know what will. there is such a thing as matching too much to the point where you're not even matching anymore. make sense? good, now burn the tights.

dear h&m,
welcome to arizona. and thanks for finally opening when i'm too poor to go. really, that is awesome.

dear phoenix suns,
remember this? no? that's ok, at least you guys are killing it so far this season.

dear glee,
you may or may not be my new favorite show. i haven't decided, but i'm going to go ahead and refer to myself as a gleek from now on. and i kind of want to chuck a slushy in someone's face now.

dear bedroom,
i told you you'd get clean. it only took like what, 4 months? my personal best.

dear twilight,
fourth time around and still good. props to you (&SM).

dear writers of the office,
i would really like to meet the person that came up with the line, "i am not superstitious, but i am a little stitious." they should make a statue of you or something.

dear readers,
if you would like to know why i avoid shopping at walmart when possible, please click HERE. but only if you are okay with being appalled.

dear byu,
i take back what i said, you're not as bad as i thought. but if i get another cold sore before i come next time like i have the last 2 times, i reserve the right to change my mind again.

dear friends/classmates,
stop getting married and having babies. you're making me feel old and i don't like it.

ex's & oh's,
me

funhouse.

2009-11-08T19:32:00.006-07:00

my family went and took pictures together. nothing super special, we just got a tripod and took them ourselves. some need some serious editing but most are cute.

the whole fam
connor, kelly, cassie, lindsay, mom and dad.

my cute parents
siblings
check out kelly's legs. hahahaha!
mom & connor
dad & girls

we had a lot of people laughing at us because we were goofing off the whole time. it was fun! i love my family :)

h-ween

2009-11-01T22:50:00.008-07:00

for halloween this year i decided that since i have like 2 friends here, i should go to provo. wise choice on my part. usually i dread halloween because i never have cool enough ideas for costumes and i just find things like that uncomfortable. but this year was a blaaaast. my costume, a rockstar, was nothing special but considering i haven't dressed up for halloween since i was 11, i think it turned out pretty good.we had some trouble deciding what to do because there were a lot of options but we finally settled on a place and had a fabulous night getting sweaty (i.e. dancing). next year i hope to find a man to go along with my womanizer idea.

the whole weekend was crazy fun. a highlight was paying this lovely friend $5 to walk into target like this:she got a bloody nose in the car. that was all that was available.

and now, catching up on my shows :)

i say a little prayer for youuuu (my best friend's wedding)

2009-10-25T21:59:00.004-07:00

this weekend my dear emily got married.

this is us at efy, where our little friendship started, 3 years ago.

(please don't ask why basically all the friends i have right now came in one form or another from the fact that i went to efy in 2006.)

at the reception. she looked amazing!!

and to clarify, i am only in jeans because i came straight from something else and had 20 minutes before the reception was over. there was no time to change.

and now, the good stuff.
friday was the bachelorette party.
and oh what a PARTY it was.
here is almost everyone that came:

yes, i am aware i am short. though in my defense, some of them are wearing heels. and that just isn't really my thing.

she didn't get a bridal shower, so we played a couple bridal shower games too.
our toilet paper wedding dresses:
(please note the paper man in the background ;))

me and hillary. the winners. because we rock. please ignore my face.

it seriously was aaaaamazing. we had so much fun.
NOT PICTURED:
the gifts. because some were wildly inappropriate :)
we are already making plans for the next bachelorette party.. now we just need someone to get married.

wishing well

2009-10-21T22:40:00.001-07:00

advice for my future children:

-always go to church. always have faith. always trust in the Lord.

-while driving, the middle lane exists not just to turn, but to also brake before the turn. it is not necessary to brake in the normal lane and make everyone behind you slow down. and quite frankly, if someone rear ends you because of it- i will not blame them.

-your life is not complete until you've seen every episode of all 10 seasons of FRIENDS.

-music is essential to life. don't even bother trying to convince me that bands like fall out boy have good music. i will disown you.

-participate in school activities.

-jealousy and regret are wasted emotions.

-get good grades in high school so you can get scholarships. i will love you more if i don't have to pay for your college.

-if you ever decide to jump off the roof onto a trampoline, i don't want to know. unless you break something.

-read books. lots of them.

-if you want to avoid a quarter life crisis, don't let fear keep you from doing what you want to do.

-karma. it exists.

quote of the year

2009-10-16T23:23:00.002-07:00

"A couple of hundred years ago, Benjamin Franklin shared with the world the secret of his success. Never leave that till tomorrow, he said, which you can do today. This is the man who discovered electricity. You think more people would listen to what he had to say. I don't know why we put things off, but if I had to guess, I'd have to say it has a lot to do with fear. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, sometimes the fear is just of making a decision, because what if you're wrong? What if you're making a mistake you can't undo? The early bird catches the worm. A stitch in time saves nine. He who hesitates is lost. We can't pretend we hadn't been told. We've all heard the proverbs, heard the philosophers, heard our grandparents warning us about wasted time, heard the damn poets urging us to seize the day. Still sometimes we have to see for ourselves. We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lessons. We have to sweep today's possibility under tomorrow's rug until we can't anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin really meant. That knowing is better than wondering, that waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beat the hell out of never trying."
-Grey's Anatomy

take your time

2009-10-12T17:20:00.003-07:00

as if i didn't have a big enough homework pile to do
i just made this for my desktop background.
except certain parts are driving me insane
so i'll probably make a new one
(but i'll wait until my homework is done... maybe.)

in other news, i got a mattress this weekend!!!!
...why is that exciting?
because i've had my bedroom furniture for almost 4 weeks now, but had no mattress. i got everything moved into my new room right before i left for utah, but since jessica took my old room, i had no where to sleep. so i'd been sleeping on the couch and/or floor for about 2 weeks.

but no more!!

pictures coming soon!

what i wouldn't give

2009-10-05T23:02:00.000-07:00

dear grey's anatomy,
so here's what i'm thinking. you need extras, i need money. do you see where i'm going with this? i don't even need a real acting part. a coma works just fine for me.

dear new moon movie,
please, for my sanity, please be better than twilight was. with the new director and bigger budget, things are looking good. don't let me down.

dear lady gaga,
you are a freaking weirdo.

dear soda,
its been a week and i miss you dearly. figure out a way for me to drink you and not gain weight and we'll talk.

dear fun,
even though that is the lamest name i've ever heard for a band, i quite enjoy your aim & ignite album. it's not the same as the format, but i'll take it.

dear desperate housewives,
sorry it took me 5 years to start watching. i had no idea what i was missing. i promise to be faithful if you promise to not quit now that i've jumped on board. deal? deal.

dear chuck palahniuk,
oh how you bring out the twisted side of me. though i have no idea if that is a good thing or a bad thing. p.s. i envy your writing style.

dear christmas,
in case you forgot, you ain't coming until december 25th. don't get me wrong, i'm excited and all, i just don't think its necessary to start with the decorations just yet. let's at least get through halloween.

dear oreos,
you will be the death of me.

dear construction by my office that has been there since FEBRUARY,
aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!! finish already!

dear october,
i got to wear my kind-of sweater today, and that pleased me. bring on the cold! and by cold, i mean high 60s, low 70s.

sincerely,
me

that's what she said.

2009-09-28T00:13:00.001-07:00

i went to utah. and i loved it.
wait. what?!

it mostly had to do with her
and that i got to meet all the friends she has made so far.

plus, i got to go to lunch with this girl, which was fabulous. (why the CRAP didn't we take a picture woman?!?!)

i went to a byu football game. don't worry, i didn't convert. ASU forever has my heart.and i really just have to say that had i had a weapon with me, i'd be in prison right now. we had the most obnoxious girls sitting behind us. i won't go into detail other than the fact that the phrases "what the crizzap" and "geeze louise, DOUBLE geeze louise!!" were used. followed by giggling.

saw this movieand fell in love with asher book.

AAAAND, i ate at costa vida every day. seriously.

going back in a few weeks. can't wait!

p.s. please ignore the cold sore on my lip. for me, stress = cold sores. which really is stupid, because like THAT is going to help.

they got more bounce in california than all y'all combined.

2009-09-27T00:29:00.003-07:00

remember that one time when i spent a week in the fabulous california?
i finally got the pictures! (thanks bethanie)

don't worry, that tan is long gone. and i know what you're thinking, "what tan?" that's as dark as i've been since 7th grade when i wasn't afraid to wear shorts.

there was a reason i posed like that, but now i can't remember.

this is why i sometimes despise my curly hair. can you say POOFY?! (this and the fact that in 8th grade a kid once told me my hair made me look like a poodle. i never really got over it.)

lovely.

the whole gang!

it was amazing! i'm so thankful to have a wonderful friend who likes me enough to take me on trips with her. we've already decided we're going to make it a yearly vacation with our own families :)

be calm

2009-09-21T08:44:00.001-07:00

i have a new bff: STRESS. we're like two peas in a pod, there is just no separating us (trust me, i've tried).

i've seen this on multiple blogs (because i am a blog stalker. the bsa {blog stalkers anonymous} group is in the works) and decided to make my own. these past few weeks have left me feeling tired and overwhelmed. and did i mention stressed? i need cheering up. so here it goes; my very own happiness list.

30 things that make me just plain HAPPY.

1. singing in the car as loud as i possibly can.
2. strawberries.
3. the smell after it rains.
4. letters from missionaries.
5. cheap sunglasses.
6. spontaneous vacations.
7. the simplicity of sundays (the ones without a hundred meetings).
8. discovering new music artists.
9. tv on dvd.
10. awkward situations.
11. the heat of an arizona summer.
12. the feeling in your stomach during a huge drop on a roller coaster.
13. writing of any kind.
14. imagining the library i'm going to have in my house.
15. reminiscing with my family.
16. adventures.
17. thank you notes.
18. learning new songs on the piano.
19. laying in the grass at night.
20. buying things from ikea and/or target.
21. finding inspiration in something unexpected.
22. my new room.
23. pedicures.
24. text messages.
25. mexican food.
26. orange trees.
27. st. johns, arizona.
28. shoes.
29. candid photos.
30. driving around at night in the winter with all the windows down and the heat on full blast.

screaming infidelities

2009-09-12T11:10:00.003-07:00

please, i beg of you. watch these. in order.

to see them all (because oh yes, there are multiple) go to youtube and type in "greatest freak out ever"
you will not be disappointed.

i won't sleep if you won't sleep

2009-09-08T02:04:00.000-07:00

no worries everyone, my insomnia is back. or maybe i'm just up because i'm stressing over everything i have to do this week. and trying to figure out how i'm going to have time for it all.

yeah, that's about where i'm at right now.

you know how sometimes you struggle with something, and the answer hits you in the face like a brick, and then you feel stupid for not having figured it out sooner, because uh, hello, its a freaking brick?

and you know how in the scriptures, the word remember is repeated over and over again?

and you know how its used so many times because, oh its probably important that we remember?

well. i forgot.

when i started this post, i had something completely different written. and then i went to refer to an old post. and i saw this, so i read it again (much needed). but that wasn't what i was looking for, so i kept scrolling.

i found what i was looking for. and i read it. and then i found what i was really looking for. you know, the thing i had so stupidly forgotten about.

"You need His help, and you know that you need His help. You cannot do it alone. You will come to realize that and recognize that more and more as the years pass. So live that in good conscience you can speak with the Lord. Get on your knees and thank Him for His goodness to you and express to Him the righteous desires of your hearts. The miracle of it all is that He hears. He responds. He answers--not always as we might wish He would answer, but there is no question in my mind that He answers."
-Gordon B. Hinckley

i remember now. and somehow, i don't think i'm going to have a problem falling asleep.

p.s. my english teacher showed us this link this week. for all you who asked me what in the world i was going to do with an english major, there you go ;)

at least i'm not as sad as i used to be

2009-09-03T07:27:00.002-07:00

dear columbia,
i got pretty excited when i found out you allow visiting students for a semester. that is until i saw the $28,000 price tag. but oh, was is a fabulous five minutes.

dear facebookers,
it really is not necessary to list every single activity you participated in that day as your status on a daily basis. we get that you have a fun life, and we're really happy for you. we have fun lives too, but we also have jobs and things to pay for, and therefore cannot simply waste our [parent's] money on anything we please. it also is not necessary to create a photo album for every single month, and fill it with over 100 pictures. i'm sorry, but that is ridiculous.

dear ikea,
i'm moving in.

dear chick-fil-a,
could you please tell your employees to not stick half their body out the window when handing me my order? i was really close to the window, and he was practically IN my car. it was very uncomfortable for me.

dear nike,
i really want to buy your running shoes that have the built in space for the nike + ipod running sensor. but i just can't justify spending that much on something we know i'll only use for a week when i could use that money for other things. such as my columbia fund. or my next trip to ikea.

dear new york city,
don't even worry, i'm coming. not until mid-2010, but i AM coming. i would come sooner, except that a) i have school, b) tax season shows no mercy, and c) you cost a lot of money [that i currently don't have].

dear dr. pepper,
you make my bad days better, and for that i am eternally grateful.

dear lins,
no offense, but thanks for moving out so i could take over your bedroom :) really though, i'm proud of you. i'm glad we work together so i can still see you everyday. thanks for always setting a good example for me, you rock as a big sister.

dear fall television,
oh how i've missed you so. please just start already.

dear ellen degeneres show,
yes, i do check your website everyday because i am determined to get tickets during your 12 days of giveaways. and i will be sad if i don't get them. i ordered a t-shirt last week, i think that means i deserve tickets.

love,
me

paper bag

2009-08-30T22:13:00.007-07:00

i'm in a fake therapy class.
fake because therapy isn't a class.
fake because i'm with strangers.
fake because it's a writing class.

my english class this semester is "personal and exploratory writing." i've only been to one class so far. after we went through the syllabus and the rules, we sat in a circle and talked about the class touchstones. and the importance of not judging others. and trust. and not being offended.

and no, i'm not kidding. that whole part of it is going to take some getting used to. but i'm really excited for this class, and i can tell it will be my favorite this semester, without a doubt.
because i get to start writing. no research. no grammar worksheets. its almost a free for all. i'll get little prompts, but i can turn it into anything i want.

this is what i've been waiting for.

"peter used to say, 'the only thing an artist can do is describe his own face.'
you're doomed to being you.
this, he says, leaves us free to draw anything, since we're only drawing ourselves.
your handwriting. the way you walk. which china pattern you choose. it's all giving you away. everything you do shows your hand.
everything is a self-portrait.
everything is a diary.
...
because everything is important. every detail. we just don't know why yet."
-excerpt taken from chuck palahniuk's diary

no questions, no answers

2009-08-27T13:15:00.001-07:00

tuesday. 12:41pm. phone call.
me: (blah blah blah), how can i help you?
client: i need the papers!
me: okay, may i have your name?
client: but the papers!
me: may i have your name please?
client: its for the (says half of a company name)
me: okay, but may i have your name please?
client: but i need the papers! the papers!
me: i understand that, ma'am. may i have your name?
client: THE PAPERS!!!!!
me: WHAT. IS. YOUR. NAME?? (lindsay said i was rude. i don't think i was rude, or didn't mean to be at least, but you could tell i was frustrated.)
i gave up and put her on hold.

today. 9:39am. phone call (same person)
me: (blah blah blah), how can i help you?
client: i have an appointment. where do i exit on the freeway?
me: where are you coming from?
client: phoenix
me: okay, exit stapley
client: what?
me: stapley
client: what?!
me: exit STAPLEY, and turn left
client: i exit university?
me: no, stapley
client: hold on
friend of client: where do we exit?
me: stapley
friend of client: can you spell it?
me: s-t-a-p-l-e-y
friend of client: s-t-l-p-y
me: no, s-t-a-p-l-e-y. stapley
friend of client: oh, stapley?
me: yes. do you need further directions?
friend of client: no

and then they came in and spoke to lindsay just fine.
at least they make work interesting sometimes.

night drive

2009-08-26T21:04:00.002-07:00

look what i got! look what i got!

2009 chevy cobalt
complete with power locks & windows and cup holders in the back seat (neither of which my old car had)
AND. my favorite part.
a usb port for my ipod, so that when i plug the ipod in, it shows up on the radio screen and i can scroll away without ever having to look down at the ipod itself (for safer driving, of course).
and some other stuff i haven't paid any attention to (because of the ipod deal) such as xm radio (that will only stay as long as its free!) and blue tooth.

and now i am so broke its not even funny. ah, growing up.
i don't care. i have a new car and i love it.
:)

straitjacket feeling

2009-08-23T22:30:00.005-07:00

...yeah. we'll see.

here's to hoping this week is [just a little bit] better than the weekend was.

vindicated

2009-08-21T10:36:00.001-07:00

i'm going through a phase.

all i want to do is go places. travel. see things. do something.

i meant it when i said i couldn't stop thinking about pres monson's finding joy in the journey talk. i've been focusing a lot on not worrying anymore, especially about things that are totally out of my control. BUT, i don't really believe in the whole "whatever happens, happens" business. we choose where we go and what we do, nothing just "happens." we were given agency for a reason, what a waste it would be to just sit back and let life happen.

and its not just the "big" decisions that matter - its all the little ones that got us to the big decisions in the first place.

"if you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. if you don’t ask, the answer is always no. if you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place."
-nora roberts

hey thanks, thanks for that summer

2009-08-16T16:30:00.003-07:00

so long sweet summer,
i stumbled upon you and gratefully basked in your rays
so long sweet slumber,
i fell into you, now you're gracefully falling away
-chris carrabba

dear summer 2009,
i think we should break up. we've had a lot of fun, but school is starting and i'm actually pretty excited for it. school brings a form of organization to my life that you, unfortunately, lack. if it makes you feel any better, you kicked summer 2008's butt. i would even go so far as to say you beat out summer 2007, and that's saying something. really, you're going down in the books as an absolute success.
yours forever,
me

can i just say that WHOA i start school in a week? as excited as i am, i'm sad summer is ending.

highlights:
countless girls nights
the proposal (i've only seen it 4 times)
the vegas
all american rejects concert
changing majors
trying to clock my running speed
x-men origins: wolverine
discovering MOJO!
california
harry potter 6
response from adam lambert
friends getting calls/leaving on missions
(500) days of summer
american idol concert
karaoke party!
getting through all 4 seasons of the oc (almost done)
transformers 2
institute/bowling nights
farkle!
spending enough time in the sun that i don't blend in with the walls anymore
family feud tryouts
mill ave trips
weddings
& other random adventures i can't think of right now

AND, just to not jinx the rest of my summers...

bummer deals:
first car accident
planning 2 cali trips and not going either time
friends getting calls/leaving on missions
getting sick for the 3rd time this year
running out of gas IN the parking lot of the gas station
...i think that's all.

yes, i've had a rockin' summer. but i still have a week and i fully intend to make the most of it :)

as i said, i'm sad. but i'm ready for school and for what little fall arizona gets. plus, i only have school mon-wed. and i don't work fridays. and i fly for free... meaning i can spend many a weekends in utah with bethanie. this might just be my favorite YEAR ever.

take it easy

2009-08-10T00:21:00.005-07:00

dear bedroom,
who was i kidding? i can make no such promises. though now i am only a few loads of laundry away from having a clean floor, there are still drawers that need to be cleaned out. and seeing as how you and i will be parting ways very soon, it appears that is actually going to get done.

dear connor,
i'm glad you weren't too embarrassed to sing all those songs with me. but i'm still kind of mad at you for quitting football.

dear treadmill,
our love/hate relationship is about to flip back from hate to love. i stepped on the scale the other day and it wasn't pretty. and now that you've been moved back inside, i figure its time i get some use out of you.

dear nsync,
was it really necessary to break up? if i send you the tape of that song i wrote all those years ago, would that help?

dear asu,
i take back what i said, you actually made the switching majors thing easier for me. not about the tuition though, that is still too high.

dear immune system,
are you kidding me? that's all you've got? its been 3 weeks and my nose is still running and i'm still coughing. i am glad i can breathe again, however.

dear california,
i'm really really bummed i can't come visit this weekend.

dear byu,
just wanted to let you know that you are furthering my dislike for utah. i don't know why my friends think you're so great, but now they're leaving me and i don't know what i'm going to do. so, thanks for that.

dear self,
stop spending money!!!! you're forgetting that even though you have enough for furniture, you still have to buy a mattress and bedding. i'm pretty sure sleeping on the floor in the middle of the bed frame will only be fun the one time.

dear stephenie meyer,
please please please publish midnight sun.

xoxo,
me

we are family

2009-08-09T20:04:00.005-07:00

my dad turned the big five zero today. so, naturally, we had a karaoke party for him on saturday night.

this is us, (kelly. dad. mom. connor. lins. me) singing what we call our family "theme song"

and no, it isn't "love at home" or "families can be together forever"

it's "get over it" by the eagles. and if i remember correctly, that became our theme song quite a while back on a car ride to st. johns. it's the one song we know all the words to, and any time it comes on we belt it out.

with that being said, happy birthday, dad! i love you and am thankful for the example you've set for me and for everything you've taught me (yes, i do listen to you). don't worry about the fact that you're halfway up the "stairway to heaven". the one thing you'll always have to hold on to is the fact that mom is older than you. (sorry, mom!)

chest

2009-08-05T17:30:00.002-07:00

this is why i love my life:

our family portrait.

sometimes, i think we have too much fun.

p.s. "chest" is our names.
C assie
H illary
E mily
S hannon
T ara

no worries, the shirts are in the works.

roses are red, violets are blue...

2009-08-03T22:42:00.003-07:00

go see it. it's more than worth the drive to scottsdale.

p.s. saw the trailer for paper heart. so excited!

note to self

2009-07-29T00:27:00.005-07:00

dear cold sore,
go away!!!!!! please.

dear asu,
the fact that your degree program for an english major is only at the phoenix campus is really making this switching majors thing difficult. also, tuition is too much.

dear costa vida,
i've asked you before and i'll ask you again. please move by my house. they just cut down the corn fields and there is plenty of room. don't forget about the drive thru.

dear creator of the credit card,
what were you thinking?

dear paper chain on my wall,
i'm happy there are only 297 links of you left. but there are (approximately) only 271 days left, and i can't decide how to go about fixing that.

dear dad,
i'm happy you only changed your work schedule for 6 weeks. i'm not feeling the whole me getting home after you've already left for work and going all week without really seeing you thing. and, i still want to go to ah-so's.

dear taco bell,
if costa vida does move closer and gets a drive thru, don't fret. you won't be replaced. though i am kind of annoyed that you were closed when i went to go get food tonight and it was only 11.

dear upset client,
i hope you weren't trying to be professional in that letter you sent us. as a general rule, the phrase "pull the trigger" is never really appropriate.

dear bedroom,
i promise i'll get around to cleaning you this weekend. maybe...

dear arizona,
i don't know why everyone is complaining. i quite enjoy your heat. though to be totally honest, i would cheat on you with california if i had the chance.

dear insomnia,
we've never been friends, and i prefer to keep it that way. any time you want to leave, let me know. i don't like tossing and turning all night. i miss sleep.

love,
me

the good life

2009-07-21T22:33:00.002-07:00

kelly and i went to the american idol concert this week. call me a dork, i don't care. it was cool :) i took a plethora of pictures (mostly of adam) and video, but i'll spare you. here are some favorites.

when i woke up monday morning, i had a really bad cold. but the tickets were a lot of money and well, let's face it, we all know how much i love adam. there was no way i was missing it. i had a bad runny nose all day so we went and bought those little mini tissue packs to take with us. i went through about 4 of them. YEAH. it was miserable. i look ridiculous in all the pictures because my nose is bright red and my eyes are super watery, hence the black and white & funny angle of my face. i was trying to hide it.

bottom 6: michael, lil, anoop, matt, megan, scott

ah, i love it! adam & allison.

we waited after to get autographs and had 40 year old women trying to get in front of us via shoving, standing uncomfortably close, & saying, "can you move so we can stand next to each other?" uh, no. they already were next to each other, they just weren't at the front. it just made me laugh. yeah, we went out there but we didn't push our way through, we just waited. funny people.

most of them were really nice, and we got autographs for my mom from all those ones :) these are the only good picures i got of them outside during the signing and whatnot. my camera was close to dying so i wasn't taking pictures at the beginning.. those people just weren't as important. ha ;)
danny.

matt.

kris.

ADAM!!!!!!!

...again.

it was fun, definitely glad i went. they all sound so much better live. i'm actually looking forward to all of their solo albums.

california post coming soon. i don't have the pictures yet.

let me just bare my soul via blog post

2009-07-20T00:06:00.001-07:00

i'm changing my major.

to what? english. i've always had a passion for writing. and reading. so i figured, why not? i haven't gotten too far in school to switch. its now or never. i choose now.

i've gotten a lot of different reactions to it (seriously, there was a little debate on facebook between two friends, my mom, my beehive leader and myself) but my mind is made up (for now, at least). i've been thinking a lot about it lately and i really don't want to do nursing. i was looking for the easy way out when i chose that (shorter time in school, job security, good pay) but its not what i really want to do. i know some people think i'm crazy. did you see those things i just listed? who wouldn't want a career with those as elements? well, me.

ever since pres. monson's talk finding joy in the journey, that is all i've thought about. i've never been one to live in the now. it was always future or past, but never the present. i'm not spontaneous. i think through every decision i make, very thoroughly. i make little pro/con lists in my head and debate with myself. i fear the unknown. i have to have some sort of a plan or i stress. even if i don't stick to it, a plan of some sort is a necessity. i've never been an optimist (someone actually told me the other day that i am cynical... but i prefer to call it being realistic ;) ) and i'm sort of a paranoid person. i assume the worst in anyone and anything so that just in case i'm right, it will be less of a shock. less disappointing. i told my dad that once and he told me that was a sad way to live. i didn't agree with him before, but i do now.

i've learned a lot this year. remember my dreamer post? that list keeps getting bigger! some are serious, some are silly, but i'm serious about all of them. they say the first step in accomplishing a goal is writing it down. check. right after i wrote that post, i thought of so many other things i could have added. such as lines like, "don't let your dreams be dreams" (jack johnson) and "i'd rather sleep my whole life away then have you keep me from dreaming" (sara bareilles). oh well. maybe i'll do another one someday.

so what does me changing my major have to do with all of this?

for the first time in my life, i don't have a plan. an english major gives a lot of options and not a lot of job security. i don't know what i'm going to do exactly, but i'm going to do something. living the dream, baby! ha ha ha :)

and if i fail? well, then i fail. but i gave it a shot. (the format)

move along

2009-07-09T20:45:00.002-07:00

today, bethanie and i went to in-n-out for some fries. we went in the drive thru, ordered and pulled up to the next car. two cars in front of us there was a woman in a huge truck. when the cars in front of her pulled forward, she didn't move. you could tell she was in park so i thought maybe she would just wait for the cars to move one more time. well, they did and she still didn't move. not only did she not move, she opened her door, stuck her head out and screamed "they aren't working. just turn your car off." the guy in the car in between us, aka tattoo man, was talking to her but i couldn't hear him. she just kept saying "they aren't working." and the whole time this is going on, the cars keep pulling forward. there was a car behind me who wasn't quite up to the thing to order so i yelled and told her that the guy couldn't order until she moved and all she would say was "but they aren't working!"

finally, the guy behind me backed out of the drive thru so me and tattoo man could get out too. we parked so we could go inside to get the food since we had already ordered it. when i got up to order i said, "uh, i just ordered fries in your drive thru and there is a crazy lady who turned her car off and she won't move and she is claiming that you guys aren't working." one of the workers turned around and said "i know! i went out there and she started screaming at me telling me we weren't working and i just kept asking her to pull forward because we had her food." tattoo man came inside too so we all started talking about how bizarre it was. in the mean time, she had finally decided that yes, the people at in-n-out are working and that she could pull up to the window. i didn't notice she was there until tattoo man yells, "yeah, if you don't want to hear it just close your ears! don't even serve her you guys, just close the window." so apparently she heard us, which i did feel bad about but i was watching them talk to her and she was definitely on something. it was so funny. she was seriously CRAZY.

anyway. i needed something to do to help me avoid doing laundry/packing, so i thought i would share that fun story. why can't everything i need just magically show up to california? i hate packing and preparing for trips- too much stress for me. but don't worry, i will be in heaven come saturday.

goodbye 110 degree weather. see you in a week.

next stop, VEGAS please.

2009-07-05T21:30:00.001-07:00

i should warn you now, this is really long. i just couldn't take stuff out. i want you to have the full effect of the vegas.

about a month ago, i learned that the all american rejects were playing in the vegas on july 3, leaving us to party it up in the vegas on the fourth (yes, we call it "the vegas"). since my friend bethanie and i were trying fit in a trip there this summer, we were stoked. after reactions from parents however, we kind of just let it go. then on wednesday (july 1), we just decided, why not? by the time we decided that we could do it and once we got our parents to agree, we had just over 24 hours to put together our 3 day trip. after a lot of phone calls/texts and even more stress, we figured it out. we didn't actually have a confirmed place to stay until about 11 on thursday and we left friday morning. hence the stress. BUT, we went and we loved it. our friend ashley came with us and it was seriously so fun. i think the most common phrase used was "i love the vegas!" the traffic on friday was no good. my dad wanted us to drive thru flagstaff to get there, which was okay except it took us over 4 hours just to get to flagstaff. YEAH, it was ridiculous. after that the traffic was normal. and then it started raining. at first it wasn't bad, but then it started pouring and i literally couldn't see the hood of the car. we pulled over twice and just sat hoping it would light up and it really didn't. we finally said a prayer (seriously, i've NEVER seen rain like that. i was scared to drive) and it became light enough for us to feel comfortable driving in. then later, there was a truck with a motor home attached to the back. we were about a half mile behind it when we noticed the motor home swinging back and forth. it wasn't bad, but we thought it was weird that the guy wasn't pulling over. about 2 minutes later it was swerving so bad it was going over both lanes and came extremely close to hitting the car next to it. if that car hadn't been paying attention and slammed on its brakes, the thing would have hit him. we had to slow way down for that and thankfully the guy finally pulled over. it was scary. i really wanted to get a picture or video of it but i was preoccupied with terror. after all that and with 6 stops (including when we pulled over because of the rain) it took us NINE hours to get to the vegas. yes, 9. needless to say, we took the normal way home :)

we got there so late that we had to get ready and eat really fast to make it to the concert. the show was at mandalay bay (if anyone has been there) but it was outside, something we were not aware of. they have a little wave pool/fake beach with sand and everything. they put the stage in the middle of the pool, but since we were all wearing jeans, we just stood at the edge of the sand. of all the shows i've been to (and i've been quite a few because i love it), it was probably one of the best. i don't know if it was because it was outside in the fake beach or because it was the vegas, but it was the most fun i've had at a show. the lead singer was so funny to watch. he would just dance and it was hilarious. my favorite time was during the song "fallin' apart" but sadly i do not have video of it. i do, however, have video of part of "gives you hell." you have to watch the whole thing to see the funny part.

seriously entertaining. we kept looking at each other and laughing and saying "i love him" because he was just good. the whole thing was amazing. i wish they would have played longer though, they only played for just over an hour. it was so worth it though.me, ashley and bethanie just before we left for the show

our feet in the sand at the fake beach.

happy!

he used two microphones for a couple songs. it sounded sweet.

yes, he had his shirt off the whole time.
yes, we enjoyed that.
yes, we (bethanie and i) have found our new obsession.

saturday we woke up and headed to the strip. we walked around the mall for a while and walked through the venetian. that place is amazing. if you ever go to the vegas, the venetian is a must see. its gorgeous. friday night we stayed at someone's house, but saturday we had a hotel. we left to go check in and freshen up. we went to dinner and watched fireworks sitting on a wall next to our hotel. that was cool because we could see the whole strip so we watched about 10 different fireworks shows at once. then we headed back to the strip. there were SO many people. we didn't take many pictures that time because we couldn't really stop, and we didn't want to make one person stand too far away from the other two, and no way was i trusting any of those people with my camera. our rule was to never separate, no matter what. we walked through the bellagio and that is really cool too. the water show there is awesome. we really wanted to go to caesars palace and the forum shops but when we walked up the fire alarm was going off so we voted against that. sunday we woke up and just drove home.waiting to get on the tram to take us from treasure island to the mirage.

on the tram.

me & ashley at some fountain.

wax version of michael jackson.

blue man group. we tried to copy the faces. i failed.

we think we're funny :)

yeah, they were getting married.

that was a real person. it freaked me out.

me & ashley and the umbrella room in the venetian.

me & bethanie at treasure island.

fashion show in the middle of the mall.

they were fighting over that spot on the bed. i, being the good friend that i am, took pictures.

our elevator had a mirror for a ceiling. a picture was necessary.

on the wall watching the fireworks.

me & ashley

me & bethanie

the trip was amazing and i loved that it was a last minute, "hey, let's go to the vegas this weekend." the AAR show rocked and i recommend their new cd to any and all. i will say i was shocked at the amount of people that had kids with them on saturday night. it was 11 at night and there were kids everywhere on the strip. i thought that was weird. the vegas is dirty and a little scary, but the hotels are beautiful. the only bummer thing is we were booked to stay at the bellagio, but since none of us were 21 we couldn't stay there. since every hotel has a casino in it, the person checking into the room has to be 21. bummer deal. it was a blast. we're hoping to go back to another show at mandalay bay. don't know when, but we'll be going because we love the vegas!

hide and seek

2009-06-22T17:21:00.003-07:00

8 things I am looking forward to:
1. california
2. harry potter 6
3. new room
4. new car
5. school
6. thursday
7. girls weekend in august
8. did i mention california?

8 things I did yesterday:
1. went to 4 missionary homecomings/open houses
2. planned my week
3. blogged about my wonderful father
4. slept
5. went to visit both sets of grandparents
6. finally got my itunes to work
7. gave my dad the best fathers day present
8. slept more

8 things I wish I could do:
1. spend the rest of the summer in california. or hawaii
2. cook
3. be better at saving money
4. draw/paint
5. anything athletic
6. move out
7. NOT waste so much time on blogger/facebook/twitter
8. lose 10-15lbs. magically. without diet or exercise.

8 Shows I watch:
1. the office
2. grey's anatomy
3. law & order/csi
4. biggest loser
5. american idol
6. america's next top model
7. jon & kate plus 8
8. what not to wear

8 favorite fruits:
1. strawberries
2. bananas
3. oranges
4. grapes
5. pineapple
6. cantaloupe
7. nectarines
8. raspberries

8 Places I'd Like to Travel
1. brazil
2. austrailia
3. russia
4. caribbean
5. paris
6. new york city
7. africa
8. asia

8 Places I've Lived
1. a
2. r
3. i
4. z
5. o
6. n
7. a
8. :)

8 People I Tag
1. lindsay
2. shannon morgan
3. tara cottam
4. natalee cordner
5. tara cordner
6. rachel foxcroft
7. tashina birch
8. carissa routsong

three letter word for hilarious? dad.

2009-06-21T16:01:00.003-07:00

"he didn't tell me how to live. he lived, and let me watch him do it."
-clarence budington kelland

why MY dad is the best.

he is the hardest working person i know.
he will forever see me as his baby girl, which makes it that much easier to get him to give in to what i want :)
he loves my mom.
he introduced me to the eagles, chicago and elton john.
his love for the gospel.
he thinks he can grow a beard.
his sense of humor. i admit it, he is pretty funny sometimes.
he can fix almost anything.
he'll tell you exactly what he thinks about something, but usually not until you ask him for his opinion.
he is a good listener (though he may have been forced into this with the three daughters thing).
he would do anything for his kids.
he will fall asleep on the couch and we can make a ton of noise and he will just sleep, but the second we try to take the remote he is up.
he is always willing to serve.
he taught us kids how to work (though he'll tell you we still don't know the meaning of the word).
he has lost a lot of sleep over the years, but doesn't complain about it.
he is always there, no matter what. we can always go to him if we need something.

i love my dad. all of us look up to him and we all have to talk to him before making decisions because we know he'll be honest with us. i really hope i marry someone like him.

happy fathers day, dad. i love you :)

can you dig it? YES i can.

2009-06-18T16:06:00.007-07:00

i have the best friends.
picture quality is stinky, i know. that's what happens when you put the camera on a self timer and don't check to make sure the edge of the wall isn't in the picture.

this is outside of MOJO. mojo is very much like ocean blue, (for those that have been there) but much cuter. its self serve frozen yogurt and you pay by the weight. its on mill ave, and its pretty much the best.

much better. i love girls nights.

on a side note. adam lambert did a live chat the other day. it was through comcast and you could submit questions that had to go through a filter and then certain ones were passed on to adam that he answered. and what do you know, MY question got answered! i submitted a few, and pretty much the only reason i asked this one (because quite frankly, i'm sick of all the hype over it) was because i figured it had a better chance of being answered. and i was right. ANYWAY, here is my happy happy moment.

[Comment From cassie]does it bother you that everyone made your sexuality such a big deal?
Adam Lambert: It doesn't bother me. I'm sure that it's interesting to people, but I do think that we should focus more on the music, because ultimately my sexual preference really doesn't have anything to do with me as an entertainer.

and i agree with that. make fun of me all you want, i was excited. for those of you that are obsessed with adam too (megan howell... i am all for stalking him with you) click here to read the whole thing. they actually did this chat thing with all of the top ten. click here and scroll to find whichever one you would like to read.

california in t-minus twenty three days. yessss.

blue side

2009-06-10T01:11:00.004-07:00

for whatever reason, i've been wanting to blog lately. i don't even have anything to talk about, but i just... want to. do not ask me why.
so for those that actually read this (mom), you get to read my ramblings about nothing.

the gilbert police department put a speed radar on my street. at first, i thought it was stupid. and then i remembered that episode of the office when they all run past it and see who can get the fastest speed. no worries, we definitely tried it. tennis shoes and all, i ran as fast as i could, and NOTHING showed up. it was blank. how sad is that? we figured out it doesn't clock you until you're going at least 15mph. of the ones that legitimately tried, connor and cameron were the only ones that could get anything. they tied at 18mph. kelly and i had cameron ride on his bike next to us and clock us and according to him, we were both going 12mph. seriously though, it is kind of pathetic that i couldn't run that fast. and then i remembered, oh yeah, i haven't run a mile since i was a freshman... 5 years ago. anyone that knows me knows i have a very strong dislike of exercise. i avoid it at all costs so i really shouldn't be surprised. i was so determined though. kelly and i made a plan to do sprints all week long and then try again at the end of the week to see if we could do it. we were going to make a video. i was really excited because i thought maybe that could be my motivation to work out. but much to my dismay, the thing was gone when i got home from work today. i think they moved it to a different street and if so i want to find it. the good news? kelly and i have no need to do sprints and i can stick to my lazy ways.

i have a new favorite song. "gravity" by sara bareilles. it will be played on repeat for at least a week. actually, her cd is in my car and it really is the only thing i listen to (along with adam lambert's version of u2's "one"). "vegas" is a good one too. would have been really fitting for my dreamer post had i remembered about it.

a friend and i are watching all the seasons of the o.c. and i was reminded of how much i love andadam brody & ben mckenzie
thank you warnerbrothers for bringing these wonderful (and lets not forget attractive) men into my life.

you may say i'm a dreamer, but i'm not the only one

2009-06-04T23:22:00.003-07:00

when you cry, be sure to dry your eyes
cause better days are sure to come
and when you smile, be sure to smile wide
and don't let them know that they have won
and when you walk, walk with pride
don't show the hurt inside
because the pain will soon be gone

when you dream, dream big
as big as the ocean blue
cause when you dream it might come true
when you dream, dream big

when you laugh, be sure to laugh out loud
cause it carry all your cares away
and when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
and it will help you feel okay
and when you pray, pray for strength
to help you carry on
when the troubles come your way

when you dream, dream big
as big as the ocean blue
cause when you dream it might come true
when you dream, dream big

and when you laugh, be sure to laugh out loud
cause it carry all your cares away
and when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
and it will help you feel okay
and when you pray, pray for strength
to help you carry on
when the troubles come your way

when you dream, dream big
as big as the ocean blue
cause when you dream it might come true
when you dream, dream big
-ryan shupe & the rubberband

someday, i'm going to write a book. an actual novel. even if i'm the only person who ever reads it (and i will be because i am way too much of a chicken to ever share something like that with anyone. its that whole "welcome to a life of insecurity and paralyzing self-doubt" thing. plus my indecisiveness. bad combination those three are.) i'm going to do it. i've always wanted to. mostly just to say that i did, and to check it off my list of things i want to do in life. but i will do it.

i decided today that i miss reading. i used to read all the time, but then my addiction to that switched to tv (more time efficient, and a tad more entertaining) and quite frankly i don't have time for one, let alone both. sometimes i tried to fool myself into thinking i could watch my shows and read my book at the same time, but i was totally kidding myself. i would get through a whole tv show and a few chapters in the book and realize that i didn't know what happened in either one. so then i had to waste (not waste...) more time because i had to watch and read what i missed, separately. i think i want to reread the harry potter books this summer. but i also want to read funny (as in meg cabot's the boy next door) books that aren't cheesy and that actually make me laugh out loud. i'm torn. i know i can do all of that but i can't decide which to start on. also, i will gladly take any suggestions of good books to read.

elder scott came to our stake conference this past weekend. it was a very neat experience to only be 9 rows away from him. that was a whole kind of spirit i had never felt before. at the end of his talk, he told us to dream dreams that seem impossible. then trust in the Lord, have faith, and make them happen.

i decided to add that little list on the side. knowing me, i'll probably get sick of the way my blog looks in a few weeks and redo it and take it off. but for now, its there, written somewhere for me to see. baby steps.

"twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. so throw off the bowlines. sail away from the safe harbor. catch the trade winds in your sails. explore. dream. discover."
-mark twain

Car Crash - Matt Nathanson

2009-05-27T17:21:00.003-07:00

Anyone ever heard that song? Because I got in an accident today, and it is not as cool as he makes it sound. Haha :) I had just left work and there is a LOT of construction on University by my office and it goes to one lane. You know how sometimes you drive home from somewhere and when you get home you don't remember the drive? It was like that. I never looked away or anything, my phone and iPod were in my purse. My mind just blanked and all of a sudden traffic stopped and hard as I tried, I didn't. Or didn't in time anyway. I slammed right into the guy in front of me. I was so freaked out I called Lindsay and made her come help me because I didn't know what to do. I was still right by my work so she got there in about 2 minutes. She talked to the guy and wrote down all the information. It really wasn't that big of a deal, my car doesn't even look bad. It just totally freaked me out because I've never been in an accident as a passenger, let alone as the driver. Thankfully the guy didn't want to call the cops so I didn't get cited.

His car, the worse of the two.

Mine

The only real damage to my car was the front bumper by the lights. The lights are loose and there is a small scratch on the bottom of the car. That's really it. That little dent in the middle was already there.

Yeah, I know it wasn't terrible, but it was scary for me. Thankfully he wasn't hurt. I have a slight headache but that's about it. And now, my insurance goes up. Joy.

Whole Lotta Love

2009-05-26T00:12:00.003-07:00

Summer plans are slowly coming together.
It shall (so far) consist of this:
(just pretend I'm laying next to it/in it with iPod/book in hand)

This:

But more importantly:
(told you I was obsessed)

This:

With:

This:

With hopefully a trip to:

NOT PICTURED (mostly because they're on the "hopefully" list):
--A new car (at the VERY end of summer, closer to fall actually. And by new, I mean new to me ;) BUT it will also by purchased by me, so I will OWN my very own car. So, still something to be excited about)
--Bedroom furniture (depending on a) if my dad will give me Lindsay's room when she moves out (not likely, but I refuse to give up), b) in the event that he does not, if I can convince him that it is a good idea to put furniture that doesn't fit in my tiny bedroom, even though I have no suggestions as to what he should do with the furniture currently in there and c) how big of a dent I want to put in my car money)

And many more things that I cannot think of because I just looked at the clock and remembered I have work at 8am, causing me to therefore forget the rest of my summer happiness.

All I can say is, I LOVE Arizona. I love the heat (even though I question my sanity almost every time I get in my car- why again did I choose black?) and everything that goes with it.

HAPPY SUMMER!

"Ain't Nothin' Gonna Break My Stride

2009-05-24T17:09:00.015-07:00

Nobody gonna slow me down. Oh no, I got to keep on movin'"
Thank you Matthew Wilder for providing for me my theme song last week.

WELL. Lots of things to blog about.

First is my birthday! Last Tuesday I turned the ripe old age of 19. Which means next year I will be in my 20's. Ew. Since my birthday was on the American Idol finale, we decided to go to dinner on Wednesday instead (no worries, we DVR'd it and were able to catch up so we we're watching Arizona's version of live to find out who won). After American Idol I went to Mill Ave with Bethanie and Rachel and we just walked around. Since I was turning 19 on the 19th, we were going to take pictures with 19 random guys (stolen from Gilmore Girls), but quickly remembered that all the guys on Mill Ave are creepy and that it was sort of a lost cause. So we went into American Apparel and dressed up weird and took pictures of that. And we got ice cream :) We did get one picture with these 3 random guys, but only because they approached us. I can't remember why they came up to us but we asked for a picture and one of them looked at me and said, "uh, can I sign your butt?" Yes, seriously. I told him no, and then he asked if I would sign his. I said no again, so they settled for the picture. It made for a great story.

In case anyone forgot, I love Adam Lambert. Like really. He is amazing. So you all can imagine my reaction to Kris winning. Don't get me wrong, I like Kris and I'm starting to think it was better that he won so that Adam won't have to release that ridiculous "No Boundaries" as his first single (anyone else notice it was a little too high for both of them? and why can't they do a song that doesn't have the theme of 'I can do anything'), and so he will have a little more freedom with his debut album. But I am still bummed. Seriously, I could go on and on about this but I'll spare you. Congrats to Kris. Adam is still my favorite (really... I've found my new obsession).

My friend Bethanie graduated from Highland this year! Since the majority of my friends are younger than me (plus the fact that the ones my age moved away or are on missions) we decided to just pretend I was graduating. She was senior class president so she got to speak at Baccalaureate (by default, the student body president is an idiot and planned a senior prank that got a little out of hand, therefore forfeiting his speaking rights) AND at graduation and she did awesome both times! I went to her Baccalaureate, seminary graduation (which she sang at) and the graduation at Highland. I didn't go to my Baccalaureate last year and only stayed at seminary graduation long enough to get my diploma (certificate? do they call it a diploma just for seminary?) because Jeremy was leaving (that part coming later) so I was a little preoccupied. I was glad I went, it was all really cool. And of course it rained at the graduation. And we all sat through it. It made it kind of cool, but my hair + rain = weird wavy/curly mess that doesn't look good no matter how you fix it. It was fun though and it was fun to sit at the graduation and cheer for all my friends without having to worry about myself and walking/tripping, etc.

As mentioned before (kind of), Jeremy has been out for a YEAR! He is doing really well and was able to baptize a woman not too long ago. They have some investigators that he isn't sure are too promising, but something is better than nothing. It's crazy to me that its been a year and I keep thinking "oh sweet I'm half way done" and then I think "ugh, I have to do that all over again." But all is well :)

And you call yourself lucky...

2009-05-10T10:58:00.002-07:00

19 (one for every year I've been alive) reasons I love my mom.

She chats with me on google while we’re both at work.

She got me addicted to reading (though I’m not as bad as her yet).

I had to explain to her the concept of the “that’s what she said” joke.

I laugh more with her than I do with most people.

She tells it like it is, and doesn’t beat-around-the-bush or sugar-coat things. And she passed that on to all of her children.

She lets me listen to the music I want in the car, even though I know she doesn’t like some of it.

She is just as obsessed with Twilight as I am.

She’s my friend as well as my mother.

She’s always just let me be me.

She helps take care of her own mother, even though she works and has 6 people living in her house she has to take care of.

She loves sports and isn’t a “girly-girl.”

She listens to all my ridiculous goals and ideas and doesn’t tell me I’m crazy or that I can’t do it.

She has the ability to accept people for who they are.

She makes friends at the grocery store.

She decided what she wants her grandchildren to call her based off of a child that has no relation to us.

She makes up phrases such as “serial hair stroker” and “surrogate grandchild.”

She pretends to not like the t.v. shows I watch but then starts asking questions when I’m watching them.

She actually said “uh, the American Idol finale is on your birthday… so do you want to go to dinner Monday night or do an early dinner?” to me the other day.

She’s the best mom, end of story.

Happy Mothers Day, Mom! I love you :)

Let's Hear It For The Boy

2009-05-04T14:51:00.006-07:00

Well, I am a miracle worker. I know, I know, big shocker. Tell you something you don't know. What I did may not seem like a big deal, but I am very proud of myself and I even got a "thanks for helping" from my dad. I am claiming all credit too. So, what happened? Connor decided to quit football. He has been telling us for weeks that he is not playing and we all told him he has to and that is dumb but he refused. Summer football (or Spring. I don't actually know but some form of it) started today and he went! Why? Because I convinced him that he should. When I told my dad he said "what did you say to him that I didn't?" Well, first of all, I am not his parent which automatically means he is more willing to listen to me. Second, I covered all the angles. He didn't have a real reason for quitting, he just didn't want to get up early all summer long and he wanted to be lazy. I told him that I went through 4 years of high school and didn't participate in one extra curricular activity and that I regretted it. He said he was still playing baseball. I told him baseball won't give him the body that football will. He laughed, but he knows I am right. He said his friend Hunter wasn't playing. I told him that was a ridiculous reason and that his other friend, Jesse still was so he wouldn't be alone. I told him my dad would be more lenient on him because if he sits on his butt all summer long that won't go over too well with either of my parents. He wanted to get a job. I explained that if my parents were willing to let him not work, then he should do it as long as he could and if next summer he wanted a job then he could get a summer job. (I also told him working sucks.) I told him he would regret quitting. Maybe not this year and maybe not next, but by his senior year he would have wished he had kept playing. I told him that if he could give me a legit reason for not wanting to play that had nothing to do with laziness then I would leave him alone and I would tell everyone else to leave him alone. And he couldn't come up with one. And I know what you're thinking, "what's the big deal?" The big deal is that our family waited 15 years and nine months for this kid to start high school football and no way was I going to let him quit after one year so he could sleep in this summer. So, no worries. Come September we will all enjoy seeing this againon the football field of Mesquite High School.

The kid will remain a stud. Crisis averted.

Judy, could anyone be loved anymore?

2009-05-03T14:00:00.001-07:00

Well, I wouldn’t call it a vacation. I would call it a VA-walked-around-three-theme-parks-in-four-days-and-now-my-body-aches-CATION. But don’t get the wrong idea. I had a LoT of fun and it was a much needed break from life. I just think for my next trip, I’m going to the beach and doing nothing but sitting, getting tan and sleeping :)

Lindsay and I woke up early Wednesday morning and headed straight for Disneyland. Day one was spent mostly at California Adventure. We rode the same 3 rides over and over, with another thrown in the mix as well. We went to Disneyland for a couple hours too before heading home. And can I just say that (even though this makes me pathetic) it is ridiculous that they put all the good rides so far away from each other. I seriously think they are singlehandedly trying to cure obesity, minus all the people they give the scooters to. I was so tired after the first day I slept for 11 hours that night. Day two was just the opposite- most of the day spent in Disneyland with a couple hours in California Adventure and a little shopping at the end of the day. It was a good two days, though I have to admit Disneyland is not as fun when you’re not 8 or don’t have little kids to help with the excitement.

I know it's kind of hard to see, but when we were walking out after the ride to see the pictures, there were guys standing next to us and one of them saw my face, pointed and said "oh, that's pretty." Lins and I looked at each other and laughed and one of the friends looked at us and realized it was me and said "dude, she's right there." The guy apologized and asked me if I knew where the camera was and if I did it on purpose. I said yes, but seriously, who makes a face like that on accident?!

Friday we went shopping. Or planned to until we got to the mall and realized that was a total dud. There is a store called H&M we wanted to go to that they don’t have in AZ but we were sadly disappointed with the selection. I still ended up with a skirt, shoes and two pairs of earrings though so I didn’t leave empty handed. Two friends flew in that afternoon and we had time to kill before they got there since shopping was a total joke so we decided to see State of Play. It was so GOOD! I loved it. I haven’t seen a good movie like that in a while. After a little drama with the hotel ($18 a day for parking and rooms that reeked of smoke when we asked for non-smoking) Jared, Brian, Lindsay and I headed off to Hollywood!

I’ve never been in that part of California and I gotta say the people are WEIRD but it was cool. We saw the Kodak Theatre and all the stars with celebrities' names and the cement block things where they write their name and give their footprint or whatever. We all had dinner at California Pizza Kitchen and went back to the hotel.

Saturday was spent at Six Flags. Jared’s mission companion JR and his wife Summer joined us in our festivities. Oh and combined with all the walking were HILLS. So my worn out legs became even more sore with all the walking up and down at Six Flags. They’re probably in on the whole curing obesity thing. Or they just don’t take into consideration all the out of shape people who haven't run a mile since their freshman year of high school and consider 10 sit ups a month exercise such as myself. Laaame.

On one of the water rides (that I voted against going on). I didn't get that wet thankfully. Mostly only from Brian splashing me.

Jared, Me, Lins, Brian

Brian, Me, Jared, Lins, Summer, JR

Anyway, we rode 7 rides which was pretty good considering it was a Saturday and the shortest line we waited in was an hour and a half.

Sunday we went up to Huntington Beach before heading home. Lindsay and I didn’t really feel well so we sat and people watched while the boys shopped. Yes, I realize how backwards that sounds. I think probably the funniest thing of the whole trip was our GPS. She was helpful when we didn’t need it and not helpful when we did need it. Judy, as Jared named her, had a tendency to change her mind. I think she was bipolar. She took us on lots of creepo side streets to get places and when you were driving she would say “turn right” so we would turn right and then she would say “sharp left” and we would have to shoot across the road. It made for an entertaining trip though!

I’m definitely glad I went and I was grateful for the break. Next time, no theme parks.

Hello, Mr. Heartache

2009-04-20T21:46:00.001-07:00

Um, is anyone else as in love with this kid as I am?

Just wondering.

Here Comes Goodbye

2009-04-13T22:36:00.001-07:00

Tax season ends in two days. It ends in two days. In TWO DAYS! And in two days, I get my life back. No more 14 hour work days.

Yay :)

In October, I'll miss it. I'll be just as excited for it to start as I am right now that it is ending. But for now, it is ending and that is all I care about.

To celebrate, Lindsay and I have planned a not long enough vacation for the week after.

CALIFORNIA, here I come.

Ok, I can die now.

2009-03-26T01:19:00.003-07:00

I'll be honest, I'm not even sure where to start. I feel like a 5 year old on Christmas. I wanted to blog about this right away while I'm still all hyped up so I wouldn't forget anything.

Ok, I went to the Suns game. I had a VIP pass that allowed me access to all the back parts of the arena and whatnot. How? Lindsay and I have our connections :) It was really weird because since we have obviously never had the chance to do anything like this before, we felt a little out of place. It was not at all what I was expecting. We were with Ze and Samara, Leandro Barbosa's trainer and girlfriend. Everyone knew who they were since they go to all the games. WELL, we get in and take our seats. Then we figure out that Lindsay and I are really supposed to be sitting in the opposite end of the arena. Luckily, the people whose seats we were sitting in never showed. One guy did, but he just sat in the empty seat next to us. He actually was very nice. His name was Caliph (ha ha, Lins I just figured out why you asked him to spell it) and he is one of the shooting trainers for the team. Well, my dad, Kelly and Connor were at the game also. My dad got tickets from work but they were in the 3rd to last row in the top section. When we told Caliph, he took out tickets since those seats weren't being used and took another girl's ticket and went and gave them to my family so they could sit closer. And we had just met him! It was so nice. They were sitting in the handicap section and said it was a little weird but at least they could see!
Since we had the special pass, we were allowed to go to the "family" area and get food and all that good stuff. It was cool. I felt important. Ha ha! This is us with Ze during half time.
Our little passes said "Barbosa Guest." Sa-weet!
It was a really good game. We saw Shaq and Steve Nash's wives, they were a few rows in front of us. Matt Barnes' wife was sitting behind us and she was very very nice and really pretty. And his twin boys are ADORABLE! Seriously, so cute. It was a little hard to pay attention to the game with all the talking going on around us and trying to get the fam in better seats. I really only saw the 4th quarter. It was one of those perfect games though. Lots of excitement, and we won!!

Ok, here comes the good part :)
Ze had told us that he would introduce us (finally) to Leandro. We were waiting and waiting and finally he comes out and I started to get nervous. That is totally dumb because he is just a normal person, but whatever. He introduced himself to us and Lindsay even talked to him in Portuguese. Never in my life have I ever desired more to be able to speak Portuguese! He was so nice though, took a picture with us no problem and talked to us a little. He signed our passes and came and gave us both hugs before leaving. It was so amazing. We waited around forever and then more players started coming out. Lindsay is more brave than me so I made her ask to take the pictures! Ze took our camera and said "I will go" and would walk up to whoever it was and say "these are my friends, can you take a picture with them?" It was so funny! I am so glad he did it though!
This is Leandro. He was sitting in the chair and Lindsay said, "Leandro smile" and he did so we took a picture. Definitely the nicest one there.

LB!
This one is my favorite.
STEVE NASH!
I was so excited about this one because he has been one of my favorite players for a long time. He was definitely the nicest next to Barbosa. He actually introduced himself to us and shook our hands and asked how we were and what our names were. It was like a 10 second conversation but I don't even care. Best 10 seconds of my life.
JASON RICHARDSON!
He was surprisingly nice. I didn't expect him to be rude, but when we asked for the picture he said "oh sure!" like we were silly for being afraid to ask.
MATT BARNES!
He was fairly nice. I don't think he cared about taking a picture with us, but he probably didn't want his baby in it. Oh well. Look how cute that kid is!
DAN MAJERLE!
This one was not as big of a deal to me as it was to Lindsay. To be honest, I didn't know who it was until Lins said his name. I know who he is, but I didn't know it was him when I saw him. I guess I'm too young. It was still cool though. He was really nice and I felt bad asking because his hands were full. Then, Ze had accidentally flipped the button to record. So we have two recordings of us standing next to him smiling. Its funny. He was kind and patient enough to wait for us to figure it out.
GRANT HILL!
He wasn't rude, but didn't seem thrilled about it.
SHAQUILLE O'NEAL!
He was so excited to meet us, as you can tell. Actually, the camera flashed twice and he started to walk away after the first one so that is why he is looking away. He is HUGE! I was wearing 3 inch heels and wasn't even close to hitting his shoulder. I know I am short but my goodness! Ha :)
Have I mentioned how cool this was? I hate to use the word "cool" but there really isn't any other way to describe it. Even though some of the players blew us off, they still took the picture and I am grateful for that. I think I will create a Suns wall in my bedroom. Ha ha! I am SO glad I got to have this experience! It was the best day.

My new goal? DIAMONDBACKS! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY!!

2009-03-12T20:35:00.012-07:00

Today, Kelly turned 23. Usually when it is someone's birthday in our family, we go to the restaurant of his or her choice. But not today. Today, Kelly decided she wanted a turkey. And that is what she got. I walked in from work and thought it was Thanksgiving because of the smell. I have no other explanation, except that is so her. I asked her why and she said "Because when do we eat turkey? At Thanksgiving and Christmas. I want to have it again." SO, this was her plate:
The card I got her :)
Here is KELLY over the years.

I don't really know, because I wasn't alive, but supposedly she had quite the belly. As shown below.

She LOVES watermelon.

Ha ha ha. I couldn't resist.

Family pictures 2001. I think.

Washington D.C. 2005

Christmas 2005.

Thanksgiving 2006.

July 2008

She wouldn't really let me take pictures of her. This was the best I could do.

My favorite Kelly story is one from when she was little and I don't think I was born yet (and even if I was its not like I knew about it). Every night when she would go to bed she would ask for a drink of water. Well, my dad decided he was sick of it so he told her that if she asked for a drink of water that night, she was going to get in trouble. A little bit after my parents put her to bed, she walked out and looks at my parents and says, "milk, it does a body good."

I think one of my favorite things about Kelly is her ability to laugh. When she and I are together we usually act really immature and just have fun. We have our disagreements, of course, but we never stay mad at each other for longer than 60 seconds. I'm glad to have her as my sister. Happy birthday Kell!!

The More You Know, You Know You Don't Know Anything.

2009-03-06T12:00:00.003-07:00

Thing's I've learned this week:

-Not everyone knows the difference between "mustard" and "mustered"

-I am "so lucky" to have a poster of Edward (Twilight) in my office. (Yes, someone actually said that to me. No, I am not the one who put it up.)

-When buying a box of paper from Office Max, ALWAYS use a cart. It is heavier than it seems. (My arms still kind of hurt... as pathetic as that is.)

-Do not attempt to carry a box of paper from Office Max to your car while wearing heels.

-Gossiping is hearing something you like about someone you don't- and repeating it. (Thanks dad. I will be sure to quote you in future Sacrament meeting talks.)

-If you poop in a small accounting office before your appointment and it is so bad that it can smelled no matter where you're sitting in the office, an "out of order" sign will be placed on the bathroom door- even if its not true. (I've posted on something like this before. Yep, same guy.)

-Good companion = happy missionary.

-Never yell at the receptionist. 99% of the time, it is not her fault.

-Even if it is her fault, being rude does not make her want to help you. And she certainly will not be in any hurry to do so.

-Adam Lambert from American Idol is gay...? (I am kind of bummed about this one.)

All in a week's work!

Ready & Waiting

2009-03-01T20:13:00.008-07:00

I went snowboarding for the first time last weekend- that was an experience. I actually had a lot of fun, though I didn't decide that until after. I fell at the very beginning and bruised my tail bone. It honestly hurt so bad. Still does. Then I was terrified because it hurt even worse every time I fell after that. I would get going and do really good, but I was going too fast and it freaked me out and since I didn't know how to slow down, I would fall to stop myself. I was getting frustrated and every time I fell on my butt, I would sit there for a good 20 minutes before I could convince myself that walking down would take too long. I felt so bad for Lindsay because she refused to leave me so she would just have to wait. Then, finally another friend with us came and taught me how to go down toe-side. This was SO much better because I was able to slow myself down that way. Plus when I fell, I fell forward, not on my butt. I was done after that. I really really wanted to go down again but I knew I would regret it later. It honestly hurt to sit down, which made the bus ride home really fun. I'm still glad I went and want to go again next season. Maybe by then my butt won't hurt anymore :)

My friend Hillary moved to Utah this weekend. We had our last girls night on Wednesday because her going away party was Thursday. I don't know where the idea came from, but we decided to make shirts. We bought men's v-necks at Walmart and went to work.
Hillary designed the GNO, which stands for Girl's Night Out. I just had to clarify because we were asked if it meant gyno. NO! We had to laugh at that, but seriously, who would wear a shirt that says gyno?! The bottom right says CESH which stands for our names: Cassie, Emily, Shannon & Hillary.The bottom says "they have more fun than we do" which is our little saying. It actually came about on our last girl's night when we were taking the pictures with the panty hose on our faces. We were talking about putting them on facebook and Hillary said "we should, so people will see them and think 'they have more fun than we do!'" It was funny and we say it all the time now. As for the top- they all have different meanings. Mine says "Jeremy" in Russian. I sent him a picture and he said I wrote it right. Whoo! Ha :) Shannon's says "Pooter" and I'm not really sure what the purpose behind that was. Emily's says "Woot Woot" and that is some joke between her and her boyfriend. Hillary's says "bologna." The story behind that- she met this Hawaiian boy and his name is Malosi. One of her friends was talking to her about it and said "what's his name? bologna?" or something to that effect. So, I guess it wasn't ALL girl's night. But what else were we supposed to talk about? ;)

As for this kid:He is doing really good. He FINALLY got transferred and is much happier. He was in Ryazan for the first 6 months being in Russia and had a slacker of a companion. Combine that with having no meetings and 10 active members in a city of 600,000 people and you have a really hard mission. Not that now it is so much easier, but he likes the area he is in now much better. The city is called Nignie Novgorod and he says its much cleaner than Ryazan. Plus he and his companion get along really well. Actually, his current companion was his brother's best friend from the MTC. So that is kind of cool. They've had a few meetings that he is really excited about. Hopefully something will come from one of them. There is a really good chance he will go his whole mission without ever having a baptism. His companion who has been out for I think 19 months hasn't had one. It wasn't looking good in his old area but maybe now...? We'll see. Either way, I'm glad he is doing better. You can tell he is so much happier in his emails. He has been out for 9 months now. Crazy!! And p.s.- he was really proud of that jacket. I don't really know why, he is just a dork sometimes. :)

HA HA HA!

2009-02-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lanae!

Remember Lot's Wife

2009-02-17T21:02:00.006-07:00

No, I do not attend BYU. However, I came across this talk given by Jeffrey R. Holland at a BYU devotional and fell in love with it. I just felt like sharing some of my favorite parts from it.

"So, as a new year starts and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone, nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead, we remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives."

...

"When something is over and done with, when it has been repented of as fully as it can be repented of, when life has moved on as it should and a lot of other wonderfully good things have happened since then, it is not right to go back and open up some ancient wound which the Son of God Himself died trying to heal. Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change, and improve."

...

"Now, like the Anti‐Nephi‐Lehies of the Book of Mormon, bury your weapons of war, and leave them buried. Forgive, and do that which is harder than to forgive: Forget. And when it comes to mind again, forget it again. You can remember just enough to avoid repeating the mistake, but put the rest of it on the dung heap Paul spoke of to those Philippians. Dismiss the destructive and keep dismissing it, until the beauty of the Atonement of Christ has revealed to you your bright future, and the bright future of your family and your friends and your neighbors. God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are, and with His help, where you are willing to go."

...

"Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us and that Christ truly is the 'high priest of good things to come.' ... Keep your eyes on your dreams, however distant and far away. Live to see the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, of trust and divine love that will transform your life today, tomorrow, and forever."

If you should feel to inspired to do so, you can read the whole talk HERE.

Oh, You Won't Catch Me Around Here

2009-02-10T22:00:00.004-07:00

Well, since I know you all have been dying to know what's going on in the life of Cassie and it has been almost a month from my last post and I have nothing in particular to write about, you get this wonderful random mess. Enjoy.

If you haven't noticed, a lot of my post titles are song names and/or lines from a song. They aren't just random things. Sometimes the song will have something to do with the post, and sometimes I just happened to be listening to it at the time of the post. Just so you know. This particular one? From the song on the playlist in the side bar.

Three years ago today, February 10, was the day my dad got in the snowmobile accident that broke his hip. I remember that day very clearly. I was at the park with friends when Connor called me and told me that my dad had gotten in an accident and was going into surgery. I didn't believe him, so he had to put Kelly on to confirm it. This sounds like he died, which he didn't, (obviously) but it was a big deal for our family. He went from wheelchair to walker to crutches to limping (which is what still happens when he tries to run. haha!) to walking in four months. I had just gotten my permit and since he wasn't allowed to drive himself, I became his chauffeur. I took him to haircuts, ran random errands with him and drove Connor to many baseball practices. I'm sure I complained at the time, but I totally didn't care because I was just so excited to drive. Lindsay and I were going to get him an anniversary card today to be funny, but we forgot somewhere throughout the day. We did remember though dad! I'm glad that everything turned out so well and that he is ok :)

I am excited for American Idol this season! My favorite guy is Adam:I don't really care for the eyeliner, but the kid can sing. So far, not really impressed with many of the girls. I'll get back to you on that.

My mom asked me the other day if we (us kids) thought she was weird. I told her yes, but not in the way she was thinking. And no, I am not rude. My mom (most of the time) doesn't get offended over things like that. Its one of my favorite things about her. She asked, so I answered. But anyway, I don't think she really understood what I meant. Then, the next day, she, Lindsay and I were talking and she got up and did this weird dance thing before leaving the room and I told her "That right there, that's why we think you're weird." I think she understands now. And mom, don't worry because I am so much like you (which I am totally all for) that it is pretty much guaranteed that my kids will feel the same.

Work is crazy, good, busy and never boring- that's for sure. So far this pay period (Mon-Fri of last week, yesterday and today) I have worked 70 hours. And I know what you're all thinking- "Welcome to the real world." Well, thank you very much! Since this is my first real job all this is new to me. Yes, I worked tax season last year but I was still in high school and therefore didn't work as much. I got home last night and I was so tired and I got upset about something and my dad said "Wait until you work the same hours and come home and have dinner to make and kids to take care of. You won't have any time for yourself." Ah, something to look forward to. Because Lindsay already posted about this, I'll spare you the rest of the work details. I do enjoy working with her though and we carpool so it saves a ton on gas! Whoo!

My calendar is still set on November 2008. And if you couldn't tell that I've been neglecting my room from that, you can tell by all the clothing on the floor. So much for 2009 being the year I get organized.

Jeremy is doing good, but I'll save that for a later post.

And now, off to bed.

Road Trip!

2009-01-19T22:05:00.004-07:00

This weekend me and two of my friends, Rachel and Bethanie, went up to Rachel's grandparent's house in Pinedale. We drove up Saturday and came home Sunday. It was a quick trip but it was a lot of fun. What should have been a two and a half hour drive became a four hour drive on the way up because we kept stopping. We wanted to get a lot of good pictures out of this so we stopped whenever we wanted to. It was nice to not be in a rush and to be able to enjoy the drive. Our first stop? Taco Bell, of course.After we left Payson we started to see snow. There wasn't a ton but we found a place where we could pull over so we could snap a few pictures. This is the best we could do with the self timer.

Next we stopped at Bison Ranch just outside of Heber.

Finally, we made it to their house :) This is in their yard.

Sunday we went to church. We only stayed for Sacrament meeting because we wanted to go to the Snowflake Temple. I forgot my heels and I was SO mad because they are really cute. I was glad I had those flats though because the only other shoes I had were my vans.

Rachel's great-great grandfather built this sweet barn a long time ago. We decided it would be a good spot for pictures and we got a lot of good ones. I wanted more of the three of us but it was hard to find places to put the camera to do the self timer. The ground only worked in so many spots :)

It was a really fun two days. It made me miss going to St. Johns. I may have to convince my parents it would be a good idea to go up there again.

"They have more fun than we do."

2009-01-14T18:30:00.011-07:00

The other night I got together with a few friends I haven't seen in a while and we had a girls night that included Olive Garden, Bride Wars, oreoing people's houses, buying squirt guns and invading people's houses with them, running, pictures, panty hose on our heads and lots of laughs.

And in case you were wondering......this really hurts.
And yes, that is mascara in the corners of my eyes. All of our eyes were really watery and when we finally took the panty hose off we had mascara all over our faces.

I don't know how we got all that done in one night but it was a blast. I felt like I was in jr. high again. The four of us have an interesting friendship. Two of them were already best friends, but the four of us started hanging out about two and a half years ago and we don't see each other often but when we do its like it hadn't been 6 months since we'd last hung out. I love these girls.

Cardinals Game!

2009-01-04T20:47:00.007-07:00

On Saturday my family went to the Cardinals game! My dad bought us tickets and we sat in the 20th row. Most of us have never been to an NFL game because they're always on Sundays and it was a lot of fun.

In the car on the way there:

At the game:
It was so packed!
game faces:final score!! :)

Three doors down performed at half time, and the lead singer (Brad Arnold) also sang the National Anthem before the game.

I also discovered how well the zoom on my camera works. I know the pictures aren't really all that clear, but I was still excited. We were sitting by the corner of one of the end zone's and I was still able to take shots when they were on the opposite end of the field.
It was way fun and I'm glad my dad thought to get tickets!

Don't Blink

2008-12-31T13:46:00.006-07:00

I'm a slacker. I really have so many other things I should be doing right now but I wanted to fit in one last post in 2008.

Christmas Eve we had a bunch of my mom's family over. We ate, played games and did the hokey pokey and it was really fun.
We took pictures with these signs for Jeremy and my cousin Weston. They probably think we're weird but I'm alright with that. We kind of are.

I went to a show my friend played in Phoenix and found this on a trash can in this little alley. I thought it was funny.

I also got to talk to Jeremy on Christmas Eve. That was probably my favorite part of Christmas. I went to his house and he talked to us on speaker phone for about two hours and then each of us took a turn talking to him. I wasn't expecting to be able to talk to him by myself so that was very exciting. I am very glad his mom let me do that :) He is doing good but he says its really hard. The people of Russia are rude and he says no one smiles so its hard to keep your spirits up some times but he tries. He had a lot of funny stories to share and a couple scary ones. He has been gone for 7 months now. Weird. It was really hard to give the phone up and my emotions were all out of whack the few days that followed but it was totally worth it.

It is so crazy to me that today is the last day of 2008. This year flew by. A lot happened but I'm glad to have a brand new year begin. Plus, come tomorrow, I can start saying Jeremy comes home next year. I know I'm getting ahead of myself but I don't care :)

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

2008-12-17T23:48:00.004-07:00

After many stressful days and taking two finals while having only slept two hours the night before, I am DONE with my first semester of college. I am free (for now). And this is how I feel about it:

Now, as soon as I finish putting together the 1800 mailers we're sending out at work, I'll really be able to enjoy my break :)

She Did It!!!

2008-12-13T13:44:00.003-07:00

Today, Lindsay graduated from BYU-Hawaii. I am so proud of her for finishing school. It is a very exciting day for her as well as for the rest of my family. I wish I could have been there to see it. And now my parents only have 3 more to go (assuming the rest of us make it) ;). Who would have thought this little girl would have made it through college?!

Haha, just kidding :)

Congrants, Lins! You made it!!

I Should Be Sleeping... Or Doing My Online Class

2008-12-03T23:26:00.002-07:00

Saw this and it looked fun so here it goes.

1. Put your MP3 Player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY??
"Hello Mr. Heartache" by the Dixie Chicks

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
"Fighter" by Christina Aguilera

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
"Losing Grip" by Avril Lavigne

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
"Stupid" by Sarah McLachlan
Hahaha, yesss.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
"Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" by Chicago

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
"My Paper Heart" by The All-American Rejects

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
"Stevens Last Night in Town" by Ben Folds

WHAT IS 2+2?
"Set Yourself on Fire" by Stars
Ah, my true feelings toward math

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIENDS?
"All We Ever Needed" by The Rocket Summer

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Whatever's Left" by Snow Patrol

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

"My Apology" by The Get Up Kids

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
"Secret" by The Veronicas

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
"Outta My Head (Ay ya ya)" by Ashlee Simpson

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
"The Long Run" by The Eagles

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
"Mayberry" by Rascal Flatts

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
"Free Until They Cut Me Down" by Iron and Wine

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
"Popular Mechanics for Lovers" by Beulah

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
"Love Makes The World Go Round" by Ashlee Simpson

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
"O Girlfriend" by Weezer

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
"In Between Dreams" by Jack Johnson
Hahahahaha. Sweet.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
"Oklahoma - Texas Line" by Rascal Flatts

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
"Tiny Little Fractures" by Snow Patrol

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
"L.O.V.E" by Ashlee Simpson

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?

"Believe" by Yellowcard
I'll take that as a yes.

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
"Total Eclipse" by Bonnie Tyler

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
"Outrageous" by Britney Spears
;)

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
"Then I Did" by Rascal Flatts

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?

"Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer
Ah, 18 months ;)

This was fun. I think you all should try it. It made me laugh.
Now, off to bed.

How Sweet It Is

2008-11-30T16:05:00.007-07:00

Yesterday was my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary party. It turned out so cute! A lot of people came, and it was so good to see everyone. The slide show Kelly and I were working on actually turned out alright, though its no where near done. We had some last minute complications so she just quickly finished it so we had something to show, but we'll be making it complete some time in the near future.

Some of the guests:

And we of course took family photos as well:
Frank & Corinne with their kids.

The whole group.Missing: Lindsay, Lena, KC & Jayden.
And yeah, we're all sort of wearing the same colors.
No, that wasn't planned.

Then, while everyone was cleaning up, Kansas and I went and took some pictures of our own.
All in all, it was a very fun day.

And yeah, so I got lazy with the thankfulness posting this week.
But to close out the month, I am thankful for my wonderful family, immediate and extended. They are truly some of the most amazing people and I am so glad I have them in my life. I am thankful for the gospel in my life. I don't know where I'd be without it and I feel so blessed to have grown up in a home where the gospel was taught. I am thankful for the holiday season. It's always a good time for reflecting and remembering all we have.

I also can't wait until Lindsay gets home in just over two weeks! We missed you yesterday, Lins (along with the others that weren't there)!

Hear You Me

2008-11-24T22:10:00.001-07:00

As if I didn't have a pile (LITERALLY) of homework to do.

I'm tired.
I'm stressed.
I'm overwhelmed.
I'm worried.
I am in much need of a break from school.
And I get headaches pretty much daily now.

But it doesn't even matter.
I will finish my homework tonight.
I will do good on my 2 tests this week.
I will make it through 1:30pm Wednesday when my 4 day weekend will officially start.
I will finish the slide show.
I will wake up happy tomorrow.

Thanks mom for finding this card. Even though you didn't have me in mind when you bought it, it still helped. And I laughed, which is always a plus.

This made me smile.
My mom, then me at about 3 and a half:
My dad tried to convince me that we don't look alike.
What's funny is if you look at her pictures from high school and compare them to me now, the resemblance is pretty much gone.

1. I am thankful for my mom. She has been super stressed lately but still manages to feed us. I think that is pretty awesome.

2. I am thankful for my ward.

3. I am thankful for warm clothing. Sweat pants, big jackets, socks, the whole deal. I don't even care that we don't really need them in good ol' Gilbert, AZ. I love it.

Rockin' The Suburbs

2008-11-22T18:47:00.003-07:00

YESTERDAY:

1. 6 months! I am thankful that I have made it 6 months and only have 18 more until Jeremy comes home.

2. I am thankful for everything this whole mission thing has taught me. It's not easy. I've definitely grown a lot and even though some mornings I wonder how I'm going to make it through the day, I'm grateful for the experience.

3. I am thankful for the small things. It's always the texts, phone calls, hugs and little talks that make a world of difference for me.

TODAY:

1. I am thankful for this little boy:

His name is Cole and I started watching him when he was born almost 2 years ago. I started to watch him less and less when I got a job and then when school started this semester it made it even harder. It's been about 2 months since I've watched him but when he saw me he got this huge smile on his face and ran and gave me a hug. It made me really happy, I've missed him.

2. I am thankful for jeans and a t-shirt. It's my favorite combination.

3. I am thankful I enjoyed Twilight. I am glad the movie didn't ruin my love for it. I've talked to a lot of people that didn't like it and said "they should have done this" or "they should have done that." Yes, they very well could have. But then someone else would have had a problem with it. I thought the characters were amazing. Can you imagine having to play that role knowing that everyone is going to bash you if you so much as roll your eyes the wrong way? How intimidating. The movies are never as good as the books, but I think they did an awesome job. Was it cheesy? Yes. Did I laugh when I wasn't supposed to? Yes. Will I be seeing it a billion more times before it comes out on DVD? Yes.

For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic

2008-11-20T20:53:00.004-07:00

1. I am thankful that my chem teacher let me pick up my test and leave so I was able to make it to Natalee's reception.

2. I am thankful Lindsay is coming home in less than a month! I'm sad she won't be here for Thanksgiving.

3. I am thankful for my cell phone. I know that is a little funny but I left it at home today and I was so paranoid that the one day I forget it would be the day I would break down on the side of the road. Luckily, that didn't happen. I'm just glad I have one, it makes me feel safer.

AAAND, I'm going to Twilight tonight!!! I am excited, but am telling myself it is going to be awful. That way, if it really is, it will lessen my disappointment level. But if it's good, I will be pleasantly surprised :)

Cannonball

2008-11-19T22:13:00.003-07:00

1. I am thankful that missionaries get p-days in which to email/write letters. Yeah, I get another one in the morning! I am also thankful that Jeremy's mission president allows him to email me, even if it is only two paragraphs.

2. I am thankful for the young mens and young womens programs in the church. I know I'm not in YW anymore but I'm glad I was. It's a good thing for the youth. I even miss it sometimes.

3. I am thankful for conference talks. I've been in a sort of bummer mood lately and I've gone and read a couple talks that have given me comfort.

Walk On Me

2008-11-18T16:27:00.003-07:00

SUNDAY:
Really, I don't remember. But, I was thankful for stuff. Promise.

YESTERDAY:
1. I am thankful that the day went by relatively quickly. Mondays are always my longest day of the week, but it wasn't so bad.

2. I am thankful Connor went on a walk with me :) He was so funny! There was a man that had turned the corner and started walking behind us (and it was dark) and Connor kept turning around to see if he was still there. Then he looks at me and says "ok, we need a signal" I asked what for and he said "like, ok, if that guy comes and puts a gun to you and I can't see it, just go like this [stomps foot on the ground 3 times] so that I'll know something is happening." He kept doing little things like that and "protecting" me. It was so funny. He is such a good brother.

3. I am thankful for DVR so I don't have to stay up until midnight to watch my shows.

TODAY:
1. I am thankful that I only have a month left of school this semester.

2. I am thankful for music. It keeps me sane. Seriously.

3. I am thankful that gas prices are going down. Even if it doesn't last, I'll take it for now.

White Horse

2008-11-15T23:59:00.007-07:00

1. I am thankful I've been really busy lately, even if that means I'm stressed more often. It helps the time pass.

2. I am thankful to be out of high school! I was talking with a couple people about stuff that happened during that 4 year period. I definitely don't miss it.

3. I am thankful that I got to babysit these cute boys:(Braedan, Austin and Jordan. We were having issues getting the pictures taken; this is the best one I got.)

and that when I walked in Jordan went "CASSIE!!!!" and acted all excited to see me.
We were sitting watching a movie and Austin looked up at me and said "guess what?"
Me: "what?"
Austin: "guess what I'm going to be?"
Me: "what?"
Austin: "a dad"
Me: "oh, really?"
Austin: "yeah. because then I can go on dates with my mom and dad."
How cute is that? I love these boys!