Miss Melis

A little bit of this, a little bit of that

2012-01-26T20:30:00.000-08:00

The past five months have been full of twists and turns. Most of them unexpected, several of them I hoped for, and others I have despised. It's taken a toll on me in a lot of different ways. I've discovered that I loathe change. I have a really hard time adjusting to new situations, new environments, and new stages in life. But I'm coming out on top and starting to live the life. And I'm loving it. Here's the brief timeline of my past few months...

(My little brother and I celebrating my three acceptances into grad school!)

(My mom, me, and J.B. rockin at graduation!)

( Me and my bird legs wakesurfing at Lake Powell like a pro)

(Me, Alli, and Mauri! Livin the roommate dream)

(My brief visit to the great state of Washington. The minor family , finally, got baptized! It was such a great weekend, and I was so blessed to be able to go.)

(Spencie, Me, Mauri, Alli, and Rob after the Halloween Half Marathon. Chels ran it too, but we lost her somewhere in the huge crowd!)

(The babies with Santa! Baby A was actually stoked that Santa came, he just has a funny way of showing it...)

That's the general re-cap of what's happened in the past little while. This next year is going to be fabulous. I've decided to focus on myself this year and focus on doing what's right and helping
others. Here are a few of my "resolutions" if you will.
· Call more, text less
· Read the BOM by the spring G-Con
· Run my second marathon (I'll be doing the SLC marathon this April!)
· Get a 4.0
· Write in my journal more often
· Fulfill my callings and work in the temple again (I think it'd be amazing to work in the SLC temple!)

Those are the basics of my "resolutions." My family is also doing a "biggest loser" competition. Haha! I love my family! It will be great for all of us to get into shape and just be overall healthier. I made the goal to lose ten pounds. Ha! I've never tried to lose a pound in my life, but here's my chance. I'm super competitive and hate to lose, so
I'm working hard (I say that while I eat a mini bag of m&m's). So I've been training for my upcoming marathon and doing p-90. Holy crap that's tough! But it feels so good and keeps me sane. I've learned that when I don't exercise regularly I go a little nutso. Running keeps me sane. Plus it lets me eat candy. Yum.

I've got some traveling plans in the works right now that I'm totally stoked for. First up is Las Vegas for spring break!!! I'm finally making my dreams come true and going to see Celine Dion!!! I giggle when I think about it. I'm ecstatic about it. So that's in March. In May the fam is going to St. George to see Spencie do the Ironman. The kid is a champ. He asked if I
wanted to do it, to which I replied "I'm not a man..." When they come out with the "IronWoman" then I'll consider it. So that's May. June I'll be heading to Oregon for my Granny's 75th b-day celebration! Woot woot!

(I'm hoping we get another just as fabulous family photo like this one taken in 1998.)

In August I'm going to Ohio to see one of my BFF's, Rechelle, to marry her redheaded boyfriend.

(Love this lady. She came to my farewell wearing jeans and thought it was the funniest thing she'd ever done. )

I've never been to Ohio. I've never wanted to. It'll be good though to see a different part of the country. It's been awhile since I've been to the East coast. I'm starting to think of where I should go for fall break... Lately I've been wanting to go to Costa Rica. I've heard good things about it, and it's apparently fairly cheap. So sign me up. Anyone want to join me?

So that's that. A little bit of last year, and a little preview for 2012. What an exciting time. While 2011 had some serious challenges, it was the best year of my life. I learned a ton and accomplished so much. I graduated from college with honors, got into all three grad programs I applied to, was a research assistant, finished my first semester of grad school, bought my first car, moved out, taught a few college classes, learned how to wakeboard, snowboard, and wake surf, and went on several mini vacations. It's going to be hard to top! But I'm up for the adventure. Life is so good.

Can men and women really be friends?

2011-12-07T19:55:00.000-08:00

Man I wish I was more talented at this whole blogging business...

Watch this vid on youtube. Super funny. And totally true.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_lh5fR4DMA&feature=share

On another note. I've only got one more week of finals and then my first semester of grad school is over! Freedom! For two weeks anyway...

My Thoughts Exactly

2011-07-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

"I forgive myself for having believed for so long that... I was never good enough to have, get, or be what I wanted." - Ceanne DeRohan

Summa Time!

2011-06-01T20:17:00.001-07:00

Good thing my homie Will Smith used to be a musical man. What would I do with no summer theme song. "Summa summa, summa time!" Oh the lyrics of a fabulous season.

(my first ice-cream on a stick of the season!)

I decided I needed to set some goals for this summer, lest I accomplish nothing and waste my days away. So, my top ten adventures this summer are... (drum roll please)

10.) Hike Timp Caves

No this is not a picture of me. But it could be.

9.) Watch as much of this show as possible...

And learn to lift my leg like that. And get calve muscles like that. I know that wont happen while I'm watching the show. So...

8.)

I'm going to have to run this race. Yes. Have to. I may have to buy a new foot and two new knees to do it, but I miss running crazy distances at all hours of the day. I see other people running and I want to hit them with my car. Not really, but I think you can sense the envy I have when I see others hitting the pavement while I sit around and eat bon bons all day.

Moving on.

7.) I need to spend a lot of time here...

In order to look like this...

Haha! I saw this pic and about died! I don't really want to look like that, but I want to get a fabulous tan. So tan that people wont be sure if I am white, or black. I've got 3 months...

6.) On the 6th day of summer, I really want to see...

Jesus! Sort of. I want to go to the Mormon Miracle Pageant. AKA the Manti Pageant. It's June 16-18 and 21-25. Who's with me?

5.) I need one of these... Yes, it's a passport. Yes, I am 25. No, I don't have one. I need one. And I need the Coach passport cover. Yes. Need.

4.) I want to read 5 books. That seems lame, only five, but I have a problem starting books and then actually finishing them. My goal is five for this summer. Five and the Book of Mormon. I don't really count that as a book... even though it is the best book ever! If you'd like to know more about it, go to mormon.org, or just ask me!

And I have no idea what these books are. They do not look like my type of books though. If you have suggestions on books, please let me know!

3.) MOOOOOOOOVE.

And it really might take more than two men, and several trucks. I've got a bunch of junk. One of my bad habits is I find everything sentimental, and therefore keep way too much junk. I atleast admit it, right? I'm moving to SLC as soon as I get me one of these...

2.)

Yes. I need a job. Bad. Currently I have two temp jobs. One as a summer camp counselor, and one as a health educator with the Department of Public Safety. I tell teens not to drink and drive, slow down, and wear their seatbelt. Lets just say I'm a natural. But I need something a little more permanent. Growing up is so hard... Luckily I have the most important summer event ever to keep me motivated. And I mean ever.

1.)

This picture represents the greatness that is my favorite holiday. The 4th of July! For me the celebration begins with Summerfest, June 11, and continues through the 24th of July. Fireworks, BBQ's, parades, hot weather, swimming, and so much more. It's a fabulous time of year. I love it! And, this year the 4th falls on a Monday, so you better believe I will be having a 3 day celebration! Stadium of fire on the 2nd, party on the 3rd (in a religious, keeping the sabbath day holy sort of way), and parade morning of the 4th, fireworks at night, and a BBQ everyday! Life does not get any better than this!

Oh summa time.

It's going to be one fabulous summer.

Song of the moment...

2011-05-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

Time to tell me the truth
To burden your mouth for what you say
No pieces of paper in the way
'Cause I can't continue pretending to choose
The opposite sides on which we fall
The loving you laters, if at all
No right minds could wrong be this many times

My memory is cruel
I'm queen of attention-to-details
Defending intentions if he fails
Until now, he told me her name
It sounded familiar in a way
I could have sworn I'd heard him
Say it ten thousand times
If only I had been listening

Leave unsaid unspoken
Eyes wide shut unopened
You and me
Always between the lines

I thought I was ready to bleed
That we'd move from the shadows on the wall
And stand in the center of it all
Too late, two choices, to stay or to leave
Mine was so easy to uncover
He'd already left with the other
So I learned to listen through silence

Leave unsaid unspoken
Eyes wide shut unopened
You and me, always be...
You and me, always be...

I tell myself
All the words he surely meant to say
I'll talk until
The conversation doesn't stay on
"Wait for me, I'm almost ready,"
When he meant "Let go,"

Leave unsaid unspoken
Eyes wide shut unopened
You and me, always be...
You and me
Always between the lines

Crazy 8's!

2011-05-25T20:35:00.001-07:00

After a super intense day, I am finding myself wasting time and blog stalking people... and I found this jewel...

8 T.V. Shows I Watch

1. Say Yes to the Dress

2. Say Yes to the Dress, Big Bliss

3. Say Yes to the Dress, Atlanta

4. VH1 Jump Start

5. The Office

6. Glee

7. So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD)

8. Cupcake Wars

(Honestly I don't have time to watch a lot of t.v. Or at least I didn't until school got out. And yes, apparently I'm a little obsessed for Say Yes to the Dress, but who isn't.)

8 Favorite Resturaunts

1. The O.G. (Olive Garden)

2. La Jolla Groves

3. Cafe Rio

4. The Chocolate (don't know if that counts, but one item here is the same amount of calories as a full meal anywhere else)

5. Texas Roadhouse- really it's only for the rolls

6. Red Robin

7. Subway

8. Jamba Juice

8 Things I Did Yesterday

1. Zumba

2. Took a two hour nap... at 7:45a.m.

3. Took a test, ugh

4. Watched Dr. Oz- it was an episode on whether or not childhood obesity is a form of parental abuse. Super interresting, if you're into that sort of thing, and I totally am.

5. Watched Oprah. How could I not.

6. Wrote up lesson plans for classes today. Boring.

7. Umm...

8. Read my scriptures

8 Things I look Forward To

1. Summer

2. Vacation, all I ever wanted

3. Sleeping tonight

4. Grad school. GO UTES!

5. Getting a big girl job

6. SYTYCD to start!

7. Harry Potter 7.5

8. Getting a passport and using it

8 Things On My Wish List

1. Warm weather and a tan (does that count as two? I say no.)

2. A scholarship for grad school

3. World peace. And yes, my list is in order of importance

4. For Oprah to come back already

5. An NSYNC reunion tour

6. Lime green TOMS

7. My knees not to suck so I can run

8. A vacation. Or multiple vacations

8.5. To see Celine live!

8 People I Admire

1. Jesus

2. My mother

3. My father

4. The person who invented sticky notes

5. P-Money (If you really know me, you know exactly who I'm talking about)

6. My favorite professor, Sue

7. Anyone who dresses up in a mascot costume on a 100 degree weather day

8. Elizabeth Smart (I'm watching the news, but sure, why not.) (And P.S. John Edwards has a love child that he lied about? Is that the new political trend? That does not earn my vote.)

Now you know a few more useless facts about me. Your life just got that much better. You're welcome.

I'm Gunna Bleed RED!

2011-04-02T18:59:00.001-07:00

That's right. My blood is running RED. I got accepted into the U. I applied to three different Grad programs at the U (truth be told I'd rather go out of state, but tuition is $$$), and I was accepted into two of them. The other was my third choice, so no tears were shed, except maybe from my mother because it was the program she wanted me to go into. Master's of Social Work, her baby. Now I have to decide between the other two, and I have to do it within the next week. Program 1: Master's of Public Health. An awesome, awesome program, and the "gold star" of health programs as one of my teachers calls it. It's very clinically based, and is super intense. Lots of Doctors and Nurses actually apply for the program so they can have the MPH letters behind their names because it makes them legit. I can get any health job with this degree, and I can do lots of research, which I love. Program 2: Master's of Health Promotion and Education. My favorite teacher, the one I'm working on a research project with (and at the end of it, I will be published! woot woot) has practically paved the way for me in this program, so that's nice. I will focus on obesity and eating disorder prevention, which is my passion. If I choose to go on and get a Ph.D. then this program is the way to go. However, if I choose to just work, then I limit myself by not having the MPH credentials... lame. Decisions, decisions. And I have no clue what to do. In other exciting news, the Justin Beber movie, Never Say Never, has changed my life... okay, maybe not. But it was probably the best movie I've seen in a long time. I'm currently waiting for it to go to the dollar movie theater so I can watch it over and over, one dollar at a time. Shay and I went to see it for our Valentine's Day date. It was fabulous. We rocked our J-Bieb tee's and jammed for all TWO HOURS that the movie lasted. It was blissfully magical.

(Don't judge me. I don't know how to rotate the picture, or delete them... Or make new paragraph unless there is a picture in between them. I'm lame, I get it.)

Baby Searle and Sister Hendricko came home! I now only know one missionary left in the WKM. Crazy. I used to own that place and know everyone there. But, my last comp is now home, and all but one of the elder's from my last district. Seems like yesterday we were having my going home party, and playing pranks on eachother, but it was nice for me, Lowry, Hendricks, and Baby Searle to be reunited. The four of us had a blast in our district. Man, I miss the mission every day still...

I'm a Senior, so I decided that I no longer had to go to class all day, every day. I played hookie for a day and went and saw "So You Think You Can Dance" auditions in SLC. It was magical. Me, Shay, Steph, Jen, Travis (he loved it more than the rest of us) and Vicky all went together. We were supposed to dress like we were going to the club... I've never been clubbing, how am I supposed to know what to wear! Anyway, I'm excited for the season to start. Mainly because I want to see if I'm going to be on T.V. and because when SYTYD is on, that means it's SUMMER!

Less than a month to graduation. I don't know if I'll make it... but I'm sure trying. It's getting harder to go to class, especially because it's starting to get sunny outside. Side note- Spencie wants to run a marathon. I said, perfect, sign me up. We ran 11 miles yesterday, which I skipped Stat's to do, and I got mega sunburned. But running in the sun was totally worth it. However, my knees are like the knees of an 80 year old 500 pound man. I don't think I'll be able to do the full marathon with my knees. Maybe I can do a half. In the mean time I told Spence I'd bike next to him while he runs. We'll see how that goes... Anyway. Life is ch-ch-ch-changin! I'm growing up so fast...

GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!

2011-02-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

I know January is the time that people set goals, but I'd rather just forget January, and start fresh in February. Don't worry, I'm 25 and I still struggle to spell February... I have to think about it every time. It just doesn't seem like the letter "R" really fits in after the letter "B". It's rather annoying to me actually.

I digress... Goals. Setting new goals have been on my mind since November, but I have procrastinated setting new ones because I have had no idea what I want to accomplish. I'm still slightly clueless. My mission President, the amazing PMB, had me set three, one year goals, prior to me going home. I am proud to say I accomplished all three! Here's the review:

1.) Attend an activity once a month. As outgoing and friendly as I am, I hate social settings. I'd so much rather spend my weekends at home, alone, and do something I want to rather than force myself to be social. My last month in the mission I was burned out of being social. Talking to lots of people, forcing awkward dinner conversations, and being with someone 24/7. I wanted to dig a hole and never come out. So I made the goal of doing one social activity each month.

My first calling at home was as a member of the activities committee. Then I served as RS 2nd Counselor, and was in charge of planning monthly activities. God would do that to me... Above is a photo of the fabulous 80's exercise party we planned. It's kind of blurry, thanks to the fabulous lighting in the church gym, but that's me, dressed in an 80's outfit, following a Richard Simmons exercise video that was projected on to a very large screen. We had healthy smoothies, Just Dance on Wii, and the Karate Kid playing for those who wanted a little less physical activity. We had a dance off as well to Micheal Jackson "Beat It" for the boys, and Cindy Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" for the girls.

Thanks to my fabulous callings, it was easy for me to be social. And as time went on I didn't have to work at it anymore. Not that I'm some fabulous social butterfly now, but I can hold my own.

2.) Attend the temple twice a month.

It was really easy for the first two months because I was only working about 20 hours a week. But once school started up in January it got a lot harder. But, being as blessed as I always am, and I say that humbly, I was asked to be an ordinance worker in the Timpanogas Temple. My bishop told me he submitted my name and that it would be an amazing experience for me. He also told me it was only a 6 month commitment. When I arrived at the temple for my interview with a member of the temple presidency, I was informed that it was a 2 year commitment! I haven't done anything in my entire life for 2 years! I change schools every couple of semesters, my mission was only 18 months, and I haven't lived in the same place for two years since I was in High School. But, I told them I'd do it and I haven't regretted it since.

Being in the temple each week has given me a new perspective on the gospel. It's so simple, and plain, yet deep and complex at the same time. The temple allows all that are worthy to come and feel of God's love, and learn according to their level of current knowledge and preparation. I love seeing people's faces as they enter the temple. They always seem to be smiling and grateful to be in the house of the Lord. My life has been extremely blessed as I've been able to spend each Thursday night in the temple for the past year. I've still got at least a year to go! But I look forward to the new things I will learn and strengthened testimony that will come as a result.

3.) Run a marathon. I thought it would be appropriate to have a physical, spiritual and social goal. My physical goal was to run a marathon. Michelle and I ran a half marathon two weeks before I entered the MTC, and it was fabulous. I decided then that I wanted to run a full marathon. On the mission I ran almost every morning for exercise. I would make my companions run with me, bike next to me, or drive me to the local High School track and sit in the car and sleep while I ran. I conned a few companions into running 10 miles with me too. I was a pretty hard core sister. Companions either feared me, or loved me. Anyway, I came home and found a marathon to run. I trained for what seemed like forever, but in reality it was only 4-5 months. I would have to wake up at 5 am some days just to get a good run in, but it was worth it.

My marathon was June 11, 2010. We started running at 530 am, so all of those early morning

runs paid off. It was raining for the first half of the marathon, so I was soaked from head to toe. My shoe was so weighed down with water, it rubbed against my foot and bled from mile 10 to mile 26. It looked sick, but didn't hurt at all. I got super tired, and my muscles were in so much pain around mile 23, I told myself, "if I see my family drive by, I'm getting in the car with them and going home!" Haha, luckily I didn't see my family till I rounded the corner to the Provo Mall parking lot, where the finish line was. Travis was there first, and he called Jenny to tell them I was coming. They saw me run by, and they cheered for me, and then they ran to the finish line to watch me cross. I actually have a video of me running, but I look so ridiculous in it, I have opted not to post it. I tried to leap across the finish line in joy, but when I landed, I stumbled and almost fell! Haha, it was amazing! Despite the weather conditions and bloody sore, I finished in 4 hours and 17 minutes. Not too shabby for a first timer! And, I'm just about to start training for my next marathon...

When I finished, they awarded me with a fabulous medallion, which makes running 26.2 miles totally worth it! My family, Stephanie, Michelle and Brock all came to watch me finish. I have the best family and friends in the world!

On to my new goals. I still don't have any concrete ones, but I want them to be awesome. My current ideas are to graduate college (which is going to happen, so it's kind of a lame goal), read 5 books that I really want to, read the New Testament, get a real job, go to grad school (that's out of my hands right now), buy my first car, move out (I don't know about that one though, so don't get too excited Mom), and pick up a hobby. That's all I've thought of. I can't decide which one's I really want to do though, so it makes it hard. None of the goals above are screaming at me. What to do... Any ideas? I need to hurry and get started because time is passing quickly...

1 Year Plus!!!

2011-01-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

I figured since I've been home from my mission for over a year, it's about time that I updated everyone on my life. Here are a few, yes, only a few, of the pics of the exciting things that I've been up to in the past year. In no particular order. I'm not that blog savvy, sorry.

Oh the Doty kids... how we've missed each other.

Baby A, my oldest nephew, is getting so big! And he needed to be potty trained, but big boy panties scared him. So me, my two sisters, and SIL put them on our heads and danced to music to show him how cool they really are. Now we know why he pees his pants when he wears them!

Yes. I got a snuggie! Actually, some members through me a going away party the Sunday before I went home, and one of my favorite families gave it to me! Best. present. ever.

The girls of 14E. My roomies before the mission. This is us at Danielle's baby shower. Too bad all three of them had to ruin my life and get married. Now my roomies are my parents, and younger siblings... not like room roomies. But housies.

I went back to WA for a visit. I got to have lunch with a few of my favorite elders, and see a ton of people that I taught. It was a fabulous week.

My little Michelle got married to the other missionary she was waiting for. It's a good thing I like Brock, or we could have some serious issues... Her wedding was beautiful, and it was my first time wearing heels. Ever. As long as I just stood there, everything was okay.

My BFF Hilary and I trained an ran a marathon together. This is probably my all time favorite photo of us. And trust me, we have a lot of good ones.

I ran, and finished! my first marathon. I had a friend from school, Lindsey, who ran it as well. They gave us fabulous medals when we finished. I tried to scam a "Boston Qualifier" shirt from the table, but the man wouldn't let me have it. Something about shaving off 37 minutes from my time...

This was the first time my entire family had been together in about 2 years.

Me and my little Bro-ha, Spencer. We partied for a day at a REAL game. I looove soccer.

Me and my dark hair (it's now super blonde). I loved it. I grew out my hair my entire mission. I would tell people I couldn't cut it because in Utah you have to have long hair to get married. Then you cut it the week after you tie the knot. It's always been a dream of mine to fool a boy into marrying a girl with long luscious locks, only to chop them after they can't get out!

A classic tradition of Utah County residents is to attend Festival of Colors. I don't really understand the purpose of it, but it was fun to get super dirty and nasty for a day... or a week because the color stained my hair.

I dated a cute little boy. Don't judge my hair in this photo... We went to the Festival of Trees and my favorite tree was the one over Josh's shoulder. He said, "Your favorite tree's are the ones where you can't even see the tree!" So true.

My Mom's side of the family had a little reunion on the Oregon coast. I love the Oregon coast. So do my cousins, as you can see by this photo.

I celebrated my favorite holiday, the 4th of July, in style. A bunch of us camped out for the big parade in Provo. We basically rock.

I've done so many other fun and amazing things too. I'm in my last semester of school, and I just finished my Grad school applications. Crazy. I'm working in an awesome, somewhat boring, but awesome job on campus as an intern the the VP of Academic Affairs- I'm kind of a big deal. I went on a super fun trip to Lake Powell, and even learned how to wake board. My current hobby is snowboarding, but once the snow melts I'll be back to running. I've made new friends, learned a ton, and been unbelievably blessed. I'm excited to see what my future holds!

Destination: beautiful

2011-01-25T12:51:00.001-08:00

If you had asked me on New Years Eve if I was looking forward to 2011, I would have said, "Yes!"
If you were to ask me today, I would say, "Yes. I'm looking forward to 2011 being over!"

I have big plans for this year. Graduation, getting my first "real" job, maybe moving out of my parents house- maybe, hopefully starting Grad school, and learning lots of new things. I should have made the connection that 2011 would bring a lot of change, and I am not the fondest of change...

So far January 2011 has brought change, heartbreak, challenges, trials, and several blessings. However, I cannot wait to bid adiu to January... in less than a week...

Music really speaks to me, and lately I've been having a desire to listen to music I used to love a few years ago. Mae says it perfectly in their song "Sun"

Here are the lyrics...

I'm a mess, I guess.
It's what I've asked for, it's what I've needed.
Well, you know me better than,
or at least you did then something happened.
But once again, well, something's happened.
The confidence you held in us is
the rope we almost hung ourselves with.
At times I wonder if we really took the steps
to break right through it.
I know that there were better days,
but to see the light and to feel the rays.
Life was always back and forth
and we were idling or making useless progress.

Waiting for the rain to stop.
Destination: beautiful.
Seems that I'm still waiting for the sun. (Whoa yeah)
Someday will come back to us, if you're willing, let it go.
Why won't you just let this be your sun? (oh oh)
It seems like yesterday we had the world our way.
But some (whoa) say we're headed for destruction.

i'll ask you "What in the world should we do?"
This light is green our break is through.
Are we not trying or we're trying too hard?
Well, you know I never want to miss,
I hold on tight and reminisce.
But it's bittersweet to me.
When time stands still as it's trapped inside
the letterbox you gave back to me.
But I'm the one who keeps on reading.
But I'm the one who wants to let it go.
I'm the first to speak.
You're the last to know.
Another scene that we're creating,
I need to know if we're still making useless progress.

Waiting for the rain to stop.
Destination: beautiful.
Seems that I'm still waiting for the sun. (Whoa ohh)
Someday will come back to us, if you're willing let it go.
Why won't you just let this be your sun? (whoa ohh)
It seems like yesterday we had the world our way.
But some (whoa) say we're headed for destruction.

Waiting for the rain to stop.
Destination: beautiful.
Seems that I'm still waiting for the sun.
Someday will come back to us, if you're willing let it go.
Why won't you just let this be your sun?
It seems like yesterday we had the world our way.
But some (whoa) say we're headed for destruction. (whoaaa...)

I guess to put it plainly, I'm just waiting for the rain to stop.

Waiting for "Destination: beautiful"

Here and There

2008-03-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

Oh man. Lots can happen in 6 weeks. Who knew right. Lets get started.

So I did get my call. Yay! KENNEWICK WASHINGTON! I was worried before opening my call that I wouldn't hate where I was going and not want to go. But, I'm way stoked so good. I got my call in the mail on Wed, and opened it on Friday night. Lots of peeps were there, all people that are really important to me for one reason or another. Anyway, I opened the call and I was reading it out loud right. Well, I wanted to see where I was going before I read it to everyone else so I was hurrying and scanning the paper while reading and I saw the word Kennewick- and I screamed! Ha ha, I thought it was foreign! You know, Kennwick England or something. Oh well, Washington can seem foreign right? No but really, I'm so excited. The countdown as of right now is officially 3 weeks and 3 days. Whoa, that's fast.

I've never been a big shopper. Scratch that. I love to shop, but I HATE to spend lots of money. Sadly I dress like a scrub so I've had to buy all new clothes for the mish. My mom has helped, but I've done my fair share of spending. Who thought buying an entire new wardrobe would suck so bad. I didn't. So, I've officially bought 6 skirts, one dress, two bulky pairs of shoes, one watch, and 3 pairs of G's. Don't worry I don't plan on wearing the same 3 pairs of underwear the next year and a half, but I just want to try a few out before I decide what I like. I never knew they had so many different fabrics and styles. I thought it was a one style one fabric kind of thing. Who knew?

So who doesn't need a break every now and then. I know that I'm not in school so I don't technically get a Spring Break, but everyone else does so why shouldn't I take one? So I did. I took a week off from work and went on a cruise. I had a theme song for it too. "Baby let's cruise, away from here..." It was so much fun. Seriously. I went with Michelle, my roomie, and a whole bunch of people from Utah State and our ward were there too. So, we could go off and do whatever we wanted but then meet up with a bunch of friends and random people. So fun. I got to go Snorkaling, and Horseback riding in Mexico. Who does that? Me, thats who! It was a blast, and I really want to go on another trip right now. Guess I'll have to take Washington, but that's fine with me. Bring it on...

IT'S HERE!

2008-02-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

I had some of the worst anxiety in my life today. I couldn't sleep last night for more than ten minutes straight. I just kept thinking, "What if it doesn't come tomorrow? How long will I have to wait? Will I be suprised if it does come?" Who knew.

So I'm at work and it starts snowing like crazy. I'm praying we don't get snowed in again. Then, we have staff a meeting and I was going to sneak out early, but my boss kept me out of the meeting and working on the floor. One thing right after another. Lastly, two of my co-workers ask for a ride home, and I willingly oblige. The snow is crazy and the roads are pure ice, but I finally make it home. I run into my apartment, well it was more like a waddle because I didn't want to fall, I grab my mail key, camera, and roommate to witness the magic. Here's what went down.

Me in the mail room...

Me next to my mail box...

Me opening my mailbox. 14E! ...

I had to check to make sure it was really mine. And yes, I did scream...

There it is! I don't know what it says inside yet, but its gotta be great. Great would not be a place with abnormaly large spiders or extreme cold temperatures.

No really, I'm totally stoked. When I finally do open it, I'll blog that too. But for now thats all you get. Pictures of me checking the mail. But it was worth every second I'm sure.

TOP TEN

2008-02-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

So Aim tagged me... Ten facts or weird things about me. Here it goes:

1. I currently don't eat red meat. Actually the only meat I do eat is Chicken, Turkey and Fish. And I rarely eat Fish cause it costs too much. Basically I eat just chicken. Its not the first time I've gone off red meat either. It's the third.

2. I can wake up at anytime I need to without setting my alarm. I just think of what time I need to wake up before I go to bed and then magically I wake up at that time. Sometimes it sucks, other times when I forget to set my alarm it's magical.

3. I hate to get wet. Yes this includes showers. Kinda sick, I get it. I don't like to swim, hot tub, bathe, be sprayed with water... you name it, if I'm wet, I don't like it. I have no explanation behind this theory either.

4. When I paint my nails I don't just paint my nails, I paint everything on my hand/toes. I find that if I paint all around the nail, then I wont miss any. Besides, the excess eventually washes off.

5. I can guarentee that 95% of the time the radio is turned on I know the words to the song that is playing no matter what radio station it is on. I call it a gift. The other 5%? Either a brand new song, or its really not worth listening to. Yes this does include radio jingles.

6. I once kissed a half black man and it was amazing.

7. I used to only wear hand me down clothes. But they weren't from my sister, they were from my brother. I went through a really long stage where apparently I thought I was a boy.

8. The only thing I collect is sticky notes. I love them all. Even the boring yellow ones.

9. In 7th grade I broke my nose 3 times. The first was with a waterbottle, second was with a volleyball, and 3rd was doing a three legged race. I've got skills, I know.

10. I have a thing for brothers. I don't understand it either, but for some reason I always have a crush on a friends brother. As of today my total brother count is 6.

That's that my peeps. Jenny, you're next. Peace.

Life Isn't Always Beautiful, But It's A Beautiful Ride

2008-02-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

THE FLOOD OF '08

2 am and I'm not awake... well I wasn't. I woke up to the sounds of my roomies talking. I hear laughter and joking. Talking about boys- mainly Jantzen, Kristin's BF. "What would we do if he wasn't here?!" followed by more laughter.

I hate missing out on anything. I don't care what's going on, I want to be there. But it's 2 am and I have to be up at 4:30 for work. Why are they talking so loud? I want to be there, but I want to sleep. I decide to sleep anyway because its the right thing to do. Next thing I hear is "What's the after hours emergency number again?" I'm awake.

I walk out of my room and slosh. I step into a huge puddle. Our apartment flooded.

Total bummer. Our water heater apparently had a rush of pressure and flooded. Luckily Jantzen was there and was able to shut it off before it got too crazy. It still flooded the hallway, kitchen and part of the living room. We called the emergency number and no one answered. We tried again... and again... finally 40mins later there was an answer. We weren't the only ones to flood. 6 other apartments at the same time! Crazy. By the time I woke up though, most of it was already cleaned up, but I did do my part to help...

I know I look hot. Don't hate. I put on my boots and started shoving water from the carpet into the kitchen to mop it up. That black stuff on the kitchen floor is dirt from the carpet. Sick. At least now we get our carpet cleaned!

Yay for team work. I took this while I was sitting on the couch watching them clean =)

At about 3 am we went back to bed. We couldn't do much and since we had been able to shut our water off fairly quick we didn't get it near as bad as the other apartments. Thanks Jantzen and Danielle for being awake to hear the water! Our carpet is now ripped up. It smells like mildew. My place feels muggy from the water evaporating from the floor. And our place is a mess. No worries though- we've been making the best of it!

Yes, we did take a photo shoot in front of the fans. Jealous?

Life isn't always beautiful, but its a beautiful ride!

I Really Do Love My Job, But...

2008-01-09T16:19:00.000-08:00

I just need to vent. I already did to Michelle, but it's not enough.

Why do I love my job?

Because I'm helping people I've truely come to love- most of the time.
Because it gives me something to do since i'm not going to school this sememster.
Because it helps me feel like i'm making a difference in the world.
Because I get to act like a kid.
Sometimes I get a free therapy session. It should be required with my job though.
Because the girls think I'm cool.
I get free meals and snacks.
It gets my foot in the door with what I want to do with my life.
I get to watch movies on the weekend at work.
There's always someone there who asks about my love life, or lack there of.

Thats all I can think of right now. Only ten reasons. Pathetic. Luckily I only have a few months left. No really I do love my job, just not today.

I was supposed to go skiing with the girls. Well I had to stay back, which is fine really, my life goes on. Not skiing, totally okay with me. Supervising a girl who takes two hours to clean a bathroom, when it should only take half an hour. Literaly. She had half an hour, but because she wouldn't sit and scrub the tub, like is required, it took her two hours. I don't get it. It's not okay.

Then, my superviser tells me that if the same girl sits for an hour and a half then she can earn a trip to go outside. So she does it, with a major freak out. "I can't sit anymore. I've been managing my anxiety all day. I just want to give up, it's too hard!" Seriously. I mean I have sympathy and all, but she's been there over a year. You'd think by now she'd be okay to sit for an hour, but no. So she finally calms down and earns her stupid trip for outside. I leave for a meeting, and I get pulled out by her therapist saying- "No, you can't tell her if she sits that she earns a trip. You need to go tell her she can't go outside." I was so mad. First off, I didn't tell her that she could go out. My superviser did. Second, the thereapist doesn't have to deal with her freakouts- I do. And Third. I was supposed to be off two hours earlier but because the girls who were supposed to come to relieve me went to the meeting I was stuck with the crazy! Ugh. I'm bugged big time. So I told her. And then I left. I feel bad for the staff that had to deal with the freakout after. They should have shown up on time.

So whatever. I head back to the meeting and it's almost over. It was a two hour meeting and I was there for about ten minutes. Right before the end of the meeting my Manager person says, "Oh, and to the morning staff (and i'm the only one there because everyone else went skiing) if it's snowing you need to make sure you wake up extra early so you can be here on time. It didn't happen today." Rude. I left my house 15 mins earlier than I normally do. I was the first one to arrive. I got half way up the hill and got stuck. My poor car, Fanny, smelt of burning clutch and I had to roll down the hill and wait for the plow. So the guy who plows was right behind me and says he'll hurry and do one pass and I should be able to make it up. Nope, wrong answer. Anyway, eventually I made it up, but I was 15 mins late, everyone was, which meant the girls woke up half an hour late, but it was okay because everyone got ready in time anyway. I just felt personally attacked.

I'm over it. Now that I've shared my frustration, its out there, and i'm done. Completely rid of the bad vibes. At least I hope. I just keep thinking, I love my job, I love my job, I love my job...

All I Want For Christmas Is...

2007-12-19T16:42:00.000-08:00

While at work yesterday I started falling asleep- not my fault... Ok, my fault. Anyway, to keep myslf awake I wrote a letter to Santa. Here it is

Dear Santa

For Christmas this year I could only think of a few things I would like. I know you're old so I hope that didn't give you a heart attack or anything! Welp, here it is-

1. A digital picture frame. I already have about 5 million picture frames in my room, but I have about 10 billion pictures I would like to display so I think this is the best option.

2. Some clothes. There aren't any in particular that I want, but I need some skirts and stuff to get ready for the mish.

3. A sheild for my camera screen. I get really paranoid okay!

4. A perm. Not the nasty poodle kind, but a nice one that wont make me look like a wet rat. That way my hair will be equally curly all over.

5. A fancy watch. I would like it to be silver, kinda big, but not overly large. Classic and working preferably.

That's really all I could think of. I'm sure with time I could think of more, but there isn't time for that since Christmas is in like 5 days! Kinda lame- I know. So Santa- try and work with it... You're the best!

Melissa

P.S. I have been nice =)

Yes, I should be studying for finals...

2007-12-06T19:07:00.000-08:00

Today has been an amazing day. A-mazing. Granted I worked an 11 1/2 hour shift, and have done completely nothing since then for school, and I'm planning on leaving in a few minutes to go watch a movie... regardless it's been just what I needed.

First things- I got up this morning to a note written by my roommate. You see, we have cleaning checks tomorrow and I hate to clean. It doesn't really bother me, unless its laundry, but there are a million other things I'd rather do right- who wouldn't. Plus its almost finals and who wants to worry about cleaning when you've got school. Back the the note- it was just a funny quick one in reply to a note I had left saying I'd clean the bathroom. It made me laugh. Maybe because it was 5am, maybe because I'm glad my roomies don't hate me because i'm a slob. Infact, they like me inspite of it. I love em.

Then I get to work and find out we're going skiing in three weeks. I can't wait! Who wouldn't want to ski on someone else's dime hello! No but really, I have so much fun at work. Sometimes I get super frustrated and want to smack the girls, but overall its a good time. Like today, we had to feed the horses and I took 4 girls to do it- 4 of my favorites... alright they're all my favorites. Anyway we were out there and they were teasing me of looking like Cindy Loo-Whoo. Whatev, its not the first time people have thought that. Then I joked with one of them saying I couldn't wait till she graduated so I could beat her up cause then she wouldn't be a client anymore. She responded with "Attack the Whoo!" Then all four of them jumped on me and started hitting me. Totally made my day! They are adorable and I love my job. Sometimes it's hard though. Especially at this time of year where they all want to be home for Christmas but they can't be. I've never really been homesick in my entire life, but I was today for the girls families. They had a therapy group where they got to talk about their feelings and they all just cried cause they missed home. I started crying as well. I'm such a whanny! I don't know how they do it...

Then I got home and just played with my roomies for... it's been about an hour and a half now. Danielle and Kristin both have boyfriends who are always over but its cool cause I like both of them tons- but that just means that Michelle is always my date- my hot date! No but we all ate dinner and then I had to clean the bathroom like I said I would. There was a time in my life when I was obsessed with lysol and I have a can that I love to run around with and spray. It kills 99.9% of the germs right. So I started spraying it and they all made gagging noises and complaining, but really I am saving us all from being sick. I put the can away, made a short joke to Michelle, she grabbed the can and chased me to my room, but I locked the door, and then she continued to spray it under the crack. She sprayed so much the carpet is wet! Sick. And if she used up that whole can she better buy me a new one!

I've decided to stay up here next semester, but not go to school. That was a way hard decision for me. It took a really long time to decide what I wanted to do. I really want to just leave for my mission tomorrow, but my papers aren't even in yet, so thats not happening obviously. But after a lot of thought and talking with my parents and bishop, and Jesus, I feel like its what I should do. I don't know why, but do I know why anything in my life is going the way it is right now? No. I just do what I'm told.

So thats my life right now. I can't wait for this weekend. I'm going to Bountiful to see The Forgoten Carols with Michelle and her family, and then seeing Motion City Soundtrack with the roomies on saturday. I've been looking forward to that concert all semster and I cannot wait! I don't know that I'll see the boy this weekend. I'm kinda weird about it all right now. When am I not wierd.

Last thing. On Monday we had FHE and we decorated sugar cookies. I was the best sprinkler ever! One kid even asked me to make him an all sprinkle cookie. It was pretty tasty looking... ha ha. So much fun. I love the holidays, that's for sure!

I'm In Logan By Myself With Nothing To Do But Homework

2007-11-23T19:02:00.000-08:00

I LOVE DOING THESE!
It brings back a strange feeling of 9th grade when I would fill something like this out and then mass email it to my friends. Ah my youth...

5 Things I was Doing 10 Years Ago:

1. Being the best News director for Cruise the News, our 6th grade news show that was broadcast to the entire school.
2. Going to the Maturation clinic... traumatizing
3. Dressing in my older brothers hand me downs cause I thought I was a boy
4. Riding in the back row of the bus home from school cause it was cool to sit there.
5. Playing soccer- I was known as psycho

5 Things I was Doing 5 Years Ago:

1. Taking my first AP test.
2. Failing my first AP test.
3. Working at Fazolis, giving away free breadsticks
4. Nannying for my cousins, where I went to my first pro baseball game. Yes, it was amazing.
5. Ditching school with Steph to go to the mall in my car Juanita, to try on ugly prom dresses.

5 Things I was Doing 1 Year Ago:

1. Working three jobs while going to school full time...
2. Missing the AAR concert so I could study for my chem final
3. Meeting my very first nephew!
4. Hanging out with Steph in the science lab at school where wierd guys who just got back from there missions, 6 months ago, tried to talk to us but had a hard time because they still had an accent.
5. Playing with Steph and Al at church and ward parties, while we laughed at Crairline, and oogled over my BF who did church lessons on power point.

5 Jobs I've Had:

1. Regulator at an Eating Disorder Clinic
2. Slave at Sara Lee "Nobody doesn't like Sara Lee, but I think she's a b****"
3. Steph's personal assistant at the Eagle
4. Catering at the Hospital- the least important job at a hospital ever.
5. Manager at Jamba- yes I was known as Jamba Juice Melissa, and I'm okay with that.

5 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Ate my weights worth in Thanksgiving food
2. Drove back to Logan to be alone for the rest of the week =(
3. Watched the Macy's parade on t.v., one day I'll do it live though!
4. Won a family game of Last Word
5. Sang in the game Rock Band... I was so good too...

5 Snacks I Enjoy:

1. Grahm crackers with milk
2. Wheat thins
3. Fiber One bars
4. Baby Carrots
5. Craisens

5 Things I'd Do With a Million Dollars:

1. Invest
2. Pay for all my education
3. Buy a hot car
4. Buy a house
5. Pay a butt load of tithing!

5 Things I Hate Doing:

1. Driving to work in the morning when my car is really cold
2. Doing laundry
3. Going to bed when everyone else is awake
4. Missing out on stuff
5. Cleaning my room

5 TV Shows I Like:

1. The OC
2. American Idol
3. The Office
4. Full House
5. The Hills

5 Biggest Joys:

1. Getting good grades
2. Playing with Baby
3. Making people laugh
4. Hanging with my family
5. The girls I work with making progress

5 People I Tag:

Considering only two, possibly three people read this, and they've already done it...

Just Livin the Life

2007-11-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

So tonight could have possibly been the best night of my life... but it wasn't. I missed The Audition with Boys Like Girls, and All Time Low in concert. Together. Live. In Utah... bummer. I may possibly never get to see them live again ever in my life. Or at least in this life. Ugh. Why me.
On a lighter note I got to see my mother tonight. It was magical. She's up here in Logan interviewing at USU to teach school here. Pretty sure shes money in the bank and they really want her, but we shall see.
Monday was a fabulous day. I went to the SLC on a whim... or "On the wings of Love! Only the two of us together flying high..." okay or not. My roomies and I decided to have a day of spontaneity. It turned out to be so much fun. We had heard of this place called Spoon Me, and they have tee shirts that say "If You Love Me Spoon Me." So funny we just had to go. And we did. What a blast. I seriously love my roommates. They are crazy. It must be their young age.
Yesterday at work we had Broadway day. Everything we said had to be sung. It lasted through breakfast and then we got sick of singing. So we just played name that tune with Broadway songs. I love my job.
Today I actually went to class... okay that's an exaggeration. I went to A class. I'm so sick of school its not even funny. I can't wait to graduate. Too bad its going to take me approximately 7.3 more years till I'm done. What a bust.
Last weekend I went on a date. I'm not really a fan of dating I decided. I know that just because you go on a date with someone does not mean you will be bound to them forever. But after date two and they say they want to see you again, then I start to panic. One day I like him, but who knows what the next day will bring. And I really don't like to talk on the phone. So when he calls, or anyone for that matter, I don't want to answer. Texting is okay though. But then there are long conversations that would just be easier if they were spoken. I prefer my digits get the exercise so I'll pass.
Next week is Thanksgiving. I love Turkey. And Stuffing. Something about dried up bread that has been re moistened has its appeal. I love it. Then comes the day after... Shopping! This year will be stellar as always I am sure. Steph got her hubby and his brother, aka my future EC, to come stand in line for us. We will be done in no time. Yes.
My mission papers should be completely ready to turn in by Thanksgiving. I'm hoping I will be able to hurry and get them in ASAP and then get out ASAP. I'm taking time off from school so I'd rather just get out and get back in a hurry. But I will enjoy every second I'm out there no worries. I just want it when I want it, and I know that's not how it works. Can I ask why not?
Well, that is all for now. Tomorrow is another eventful day at work I'm sure. What day isn't eventful though when you work with crazies. Don't get me wrong. I love it and wouldn't want to be doing anything else. But they are crazy, hands down. I fit right in.

What up!

2007-10-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

So once upon a time I got a blog. The end...

K- so I'm not sure how I feel about all of this blog stuff, its kinda like publishing your journal online for the world to read. But, sadly, I save the really juicy stuff for my journal, so everything here will be less dramatic, less intense, more boring. Whatev

Yesterday I had the night off. Having Friday nights off is not unusual for me, but occasionally I do work. The unusual part of my night is my rommie Michelle was up here. Score! We decided we should not be bums and play with people. We hit up Li Lo ( not the real one, but that would have been cool) and went and watched a movie with a few peeps. Yes peeps. I believe that is a word that should make a comeback... like fannypacks. Anyway, so about 10 mins into the movie my old age hit me and I fell asleep. So then I left. As a side note, it was only like 11:30- who's the cool kid on campus now?!

Don't fret yet my peeps! (See it has a nice ring to it) I continued on with my night to another house, where another movie was playing. This time I lasted about 7 mins before I fell asleep. So then Mich and I called it a night. Yet I still did not make it to bed till about 2 am. Who knows why. Whatev. Chalk it up as another successful Friday night.

2007-08-29T09:49:00.001-07:00

Sweet. I know nothing of this, but its all for you Steph! =)