Inauguration 2009

I'm not big in to politics. Most people aren't; however I can realize a history making moment when I see one. 01.20.09 was one of them. Don't get me wrong, I voted for the other guy, but I would not miss yesterday to save my life. I watched the entire thing while getting caught up on work at the office (thanks heavens for high speed internet.)The amount of human flesh in one arena was striking and Of course our new president never lets us down with his speeches. I was uplifted and inspired. I love how he can make our gloomy situation seem almost like a game. It reminded me of WWII and how mom's lefts homes to work in factories to make bullets, families saved grease for the military ... It was that same spirit. I'm honestly excited for 2009. It will be our best year ever - both financialy, family wise, spiritually.

I'm glad I was part of this. I know I will talk to my kids about this when they are in school. Here's to our new president, heaven knows he enters in the midst of chaos. He needs all of our support.

"This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

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Stef

This is Stefanie. Four years ago we randomly met while being recruited to the U's Public Relations Student Society - PRSSA. We both had great leadership abilities so we became co-presidents, tripled the dying organization and saved the program. Fast forward four years, Stef was there the entire time I dated, broke up, dated, broke up again, dated, got engaged, got married to Ty. She was one of my bridesmaids and dearest friends who just "gets" me. Stef is one of the only people that actually gets my jokes and I could spend hours and hours discussing lifes challenges and victories.

Stef has become such a sweet part of my life. She is gorgeous, generous, funny, wild and talented. Last night I attended probably our last sleep over for a while - Stef is moving to California in two weeks. I am so happy. This is the dream we had in our senior college year, but now she is actually doing it. I miss her even just typing this but man what an adventure! Stefanie has so many things ahead of her - including a devastatingly handsome husband.

So here's to Stef. To our wild college days and to the future adventures. Top five memories with Stef:

10.Riding trax on our college graduation date
9. The marriage curse on all of Stef's friends
8. Visiting the emergeny room on Halloween 2006
7. Double date with the Carmen Electra comment
6. Applying and interviewing for the same job on the same day
5. Shooting the tube and running from security
4. Running PRSSA
3. Monthly lunches to get caught up
2. Manti pagent and thinking Ty was digging Stef
1. The Grand America, night before my wedding

Lost it

I lost my camera. Really. I remember talking to people who lose expensive things such as camera's, blackberrys, passports .. etc and thinking "uh? hello, earth to airhead" I mean how do you lose things like that? I hate karma. I remember the last time I used it was New Years day. My family and I headed to the bowling alley and I thought "perfect blog moments to be captured," and there were! I remember thinking about posting my cool memories several days later but could not find my camera. No biggie. Days go by and I'm getting worried. I start to trace back my steps. I go to my parents house, ask around, look around. Nothing. Tonight in a vain attempt I actually went back to the bowling alley and ask if anyone turned in a camera. In West Valley. Two weeks ago.

So now I'm actually in the stage of "man I suck" and so sad I lost my Cannon SD. I LOVE this camera. Compact, great images, rechargeable batteries. It was my parents present when I graduated college. sniff, sniff. Just thinking about it makes me really disappointed in myself. The hunt continues but I'm really bummed. We still have Ty's camera but it's big, bulky and so, so not my Cannon SD. Please pray for my sweet camera.

PS Please dont remind me that Bahamas in less than 3o days away and that I could well miss out on capturing my most exciting trip ever in my life.

Gargoza

My new calling is testing me - and not in the ways I am used to. I feel like the awckard girl in the midst of a big group. I'm not the typical leader but I'n not under 18 - I'm just there. Tyson is super supportive. I had an appointment on Wednesday that meant I could not attend mutual - well it canceled at the last minute so I ran to the church just in time to catch the group. We headed up to Gargoza, where they give you rides up the hill and all you have to worry about it sledding down. fast. alot. I was starving since I thought I would have dinner when I got home, so the deep fried donuts were heaven. The entire way there I was feeling weird - I did not have much to discuss with the girls or even the leaders. I did the regular "How's school?", "how is your family?" "was Christmas fun?" ... ugh. It felt like a blind date. After the first hour I finally started to loosen up and actually be myself and guess what? The girls actually started to talk to me. We talked about college and dating and shopping. For the first time I actually felt a connection - shallow as it may be - but a connection! I came home and felt great. Tyson asked me how it was and for the first time I could actually say "good" and not have it be phony. This week is Stake Conference so I don't have to worry about teaching.

I can't believe we are half way through January already. In less than 30 days I will be flying to the Bahamas. I am actually looking for a cute new swimsuit and can't wait to take out the flip flops and capris. Ty is headed to Logan today for an appointment and I really want to go - but I promised Stef I would go to her party and I would not be going except she is moving to California and I'm afraid I would regret missing it.

One Word

Here are the rules: Answer the following questions with one word only. Then pass it on to others.

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Where is your significant other? Business
3. Your hair color? Black
4. Your mother? Amazing
5. Your father? Gone
6. Your favorite thing? Working out
7. Your dream last night? Relaxing
8. Your dream/goal? Freedom
9. The room you're in? Office
10. Your hobby? Blogging
11. Your fear? Failure
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? SNSD (Senior National Sales Director)
13. Where were you last night? Mott's
14. What you're not? Lazy
15. One of your wish-list items? House
16. The last thing you did? Young Womens
17. Where you grew up? West Valley
18. What are you wearing? Hoodie
19. Your TV? Off
20. Your pet? None
21. Your computer? Communication
22. Your mood? Grateful
23. Missing someone? Tyson
24. Your car? Durable
25. Something you're not wearing? Make up
26. Favorite store? Nordstrom
27. Your summer? Amazing
28. Love someone? Yes
29. Favorite color? Yellow
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Monday
32. Music? Relaxing
33. Who do you tag? Everyone

New Years

Again I have not had time to post pics - but they exist. New Years eve was awesome. As normal, my mom threw the biggest bash. We had prime rib, salad, rice, mash potatoes, and tons of appetizers. We hung out the family, danced and had a great time. I had an appointment on New Years day and so I was worried about that all night - the result. I was exhausted and fell asleep on my brothers bed by 11 pm - dress, make up on and hair still done. I was "out" as my little bro would say. I woke up early January 1st. Call me crazy but the first day of 2009 Ty and I got a new agent and did a big roll over - so this year will be our best ever!!!

It's funny because this new year is already a blur. Friday I ran the office, then went bowling with my family. Saturday we trained our agents, headed to Logan for an appointment and got home around midnight. Today I taught my first lesson in Young Women .

Tangent - those of you that know me would never see me as "shy", however today I was so scared. I had nightmares that I would forget my lesson, get to church half naked and have bad breath. Ridiculous. The funny thing was that when I got up there, I looked at one of the leaders and she motioned that I had some thing on the side of my mouth. ON FAST SUNDAY?! How is that even possible? Anyway, after reclaiming my dignity I taught. The spirit was present and the president said I did "fantastic". Sigh. This calling is testing me. Testing me in ways I have never experienced. I'm honestly scared, but not giving up. This is where I am meant to be. I've never been a quitter, my mom taught me that.

After church (which bytheway now starts at 9 am) I had meetings. Tyson made me some amazing spaghetti and I slept for an hour. We visited Kellen and did our team conference call.
I had my 09 goals written about a month ago. I have a copy on my desk, my bathroom, my shower, my planner. I love goals. 2008 was a fantastic year. I never would have imagined this much success, happines, strenght and support. I forever grateful at the blessings in our lives. I recognize the source. I strive to do the right things for the right reason. So here's to 2009 - may it be the year that the Lord wants us to have.