Mopar girl meets Ford Focus

I never thought I would ever say I enjoy a Ford. Me, the Mopar [Chrystler, Jeep, Dodge] girl driving around a white 2006 Ford Focus ZX4 SE. Yes, that is right. I now own a Ford Focus. Aaron got it for me. I hate my Chevy, and Aaron hates trying to fix my Chevy... so he got me a Ford.

Isn't it cute?

God Appreciates Your Miracle!

Is it just me, or does everyone seem pregnant these days? Every time Aaron and I go to the store I swear 1 in 5 women is hugely pregnant! Not to mention Facebook has been over-run by belly and ultra sound picures. Oh, and don't forget the baby progress app that seems to be on Facebook walls, blogs, phones, and calendars. My word! No wonder so many of my friends have suddenly become baby hungry! I suppose that can also be attributed to the fact that a lot of friends also have newborns-toddlers to show off. Perhaps it is just the age I am at. Facebook makes me feel old sometimes.

Just Call Me Sadie

Can you name the movie my title came from?

Well, I figured while I get the A-Typical married blog all set up I will update my blog on the wedding. In short, it was a royal pain in the ass!! 5 days before the wedding my car died. (It is still parked at Prime, next to my motorcycle.) 2 days before the wedding my mom bailed out, Saying I was a selfish Bitch and my wedding wasn't all about me. Also that Eva was frustrated with me, and I shouldn't be so demanding. All I said was I didn't want a penis cake at my bachelorette party... oh, and Aaron and I had ordered an ice cream cake because we don't particularly enjoy cake. (All that drama over cake. Ridiculous. But, She was right about one thing, my wedding wasn't all about me because it wasn't just my wedding. It was Aaron's too. So we made decisions together. Heaven forbid.) Anyway... after my mom bailed out of the wedding I called Eva to make sure things were okay with her. She was fine, and didn't care if Aaron and I had an ice cream cake because it was our wedding. She also let me know if she had been frustrated she would have told me. So, with that settled, I went to my dad and talked with him. He said he would make sure my mom didn't cancel the food order from Costco, and he would help pick it up. The day before the wedding I had my Maid Of Honor-Johanna with me, and Tasha Kay. They came along g for the dress fitting and hung out with Aaron and I for the rest of the day! That night we joined Brooke, Sunnie, and Jennifer back at the apartment for a small get together while Aaron put our table together in the kitchen. We had Jenn and Jo sleep over in the living room so I would have help in the morning. Well, the morning arrived and as I was in the shower, Aaron explained to my girls I had to eat during the day or I would be cranky. I was already cranky. We had found out at 1am that night my mother had bought a shirt for the wedding, was coming and wanted Jo and I to come over for breakfast. We opted to not. We had too much to do. Well, with all that lovely stress, I lost it. I started having heart pains during the night, but brushed them off. Bad idea. While I was in the shower my  heart gave a wicked twist, skipped a few beats, and I just started sobbing. I shut off the water, got a towel and walked right out to Aaron. Who at first didn't quite know how to react with me in a towel... but, he recovered and just pulled me into a hug, and calmed me down.  He left to finish a few last minute details like picking up and setting up tables and chairs. I pulled myself together and got ready for the day. Jenn drove me to Sunnie who helped me with my hair. However... at Redwood intersection of 4100so. and Redwood Rd there was an accident. A white mini van driven by an illegal immigrant with no insurance had hit a cop on a motorcycle. She hit him so hard it totaled the van, knocked the cop out of his boots, shot him 60ft in the air and 20ft out. You could still hear him screaming in the gutter when I got to the salon. Needless to say, traffic was a nightmare. It got even better when I learned Aaron had come back to the apartment while I was with Sunnie, Jo had left the apartment, and it was now locked. My keys were inside. I had to call Aaron, and wait for him to unlock the door so Jo and I could get my dress put together. Anyway... we were running late. Classic right? Late to your own wedding... but we were late for helping set up... Until we realized there was traffic all the way down 9th east. We spent 45 minutes trying to get from 4500 so to 6200so... doesn't normally take that long. Hahaha! In the end it went alright. We lined up and attempted to walk without laughing too hard. Miranda and Emma had started the walk, but rather than follow the words of everyone and walk to my mom at the front, they sort of wandered. Ryan cracked a joke, and we all started to snicker. It was so fitting. The rest of the evening proceeded to be unpredictable, and quite memorable. Though we still have yet to get our wedding pictures back... we had two photographers. Both talented men, and we are infinitely grateful for offering your services! My daddy teared up as he explained the choice for the song we danced to. My dad wrote the song. It was a song I used to fall asleep to as a child. I would stay up as long as my eyes would let me and listen to him write this song. The older I get, the more I understand the song, 'The Road' which you can actually get on itunes. (The road - The M-AK) It was just a fun evening! Aaron and I left a bit early. We were both exhausted, and just ready to leave. We ran through a a bridge of sparklers to a very decorated truck, and parted ways with our guests. At the apartment we received another surprise. Jenn had made a path of rose petals and candles that led from our front door to our bed. I literally laughed, right out loud. I couldn't help it. It was just too picturesque, and I was so flattered at her attempt to make at least one thing about us. Aaron carried me across the thresh-hold in true Aaron/gentlemanly style. Together we blew out the candles, cleaned up the petals and changed our clothes. We had friends coming over. We spent the rest of the evening with friends, and then sleeping. Yes. Sleeping. No sex. Just sleeping. The weekend followed suit. We left the city on Sunday and went up to Petes Hole for a few days. Which were lovely and exactly what I wanted! This first month has been fantastic! Being married to Aaron feels so natural. Which has been a blessing, as real life hit us kind of hard the weeks before and after our wedding. But Aaron is unbelievable! He knows how I work, and he just understands what I need without my saying anything! We have been living true to newlywed style. Flat broke. Hahaha! Which I am truly grateful for! I never wanted to be given the easy life when I first started out. We have been blessed to be able to make ends meet, and not having over-drawn bank accounts. But it is a matter of serious budget work, and learning to trust and lean on one another. We have constantly remind ourselves that we have more than others, and family that has been working above and beyond to help us out! I am so excited to see what happens with our next billion months together!

High Fives and Screaming Headaches

You know ... if my kids ever ask to elope I am going to say YES!!! GO!!! Gah! There are so many people who's faces I'd LOVE to high five!

Big Hearted Pains

I have this person that I care a lot about, and I know that they are seriously hurting right now... but I don't know if I would be out of line in asking them if they are okay.

Well, I already know the answer to that, so I guess I more want to know if there is anything I can do for them, to help ease the pain.

... You know?

But... would my interfering help or harm? Would it be a bad decision? Should I just wait and see what happens?

If they wanted to talk with me, they would have contacted me... right?

Maybe I'll just ask Aaron. He'll know what to do.

For you... anything!

A few points I want to make:

• I am now 23 years old, I have 3.5 months to my wedding day. I have always said, I would be married in year 23.
• I finally met [in person] LaTasha Kay Widdison.
• I have the worlds greatest [future] In-laws!
• My favorite, and amazing, best friend Alaina Mills has been home for almost 3 months now! I couldn't be happier and more thrilled to be able to spend as much time as possible with her!
• Most importantly, I finally have a man in my life that I can and do depend on for anything and everything! Aaron is the best man that I know! Which is a good thing as I am sealing myself to him for time and all eternity 21 July, 2011 at 8:00am at the Salt Lake City Temple!!!

Let me just gush for a moment please. It could be that I am just that annoying love-sick girl at the moment, or it may truly be that I am without a doubt happy, and secure with my life situation right now! I have a man that I love, and that loves me back. Unconditionally! He is everything I have ever wanted in a man, right down to his defined chin, height, eye color, and yes, even shoe size! He is everything, and more. He fills in the cracks I left when I pictured my perfect guy, In my journal I have a very detailed description, that is even a little fairytale-esk at bullet points, for the perfect man. -- Aaron fulfilled them, and added more. I can't tell you how grateful, and amazed I was when I re-read that list, and was able to put a check by each thing. Fairy tales aren't supposed to come true. They are supposed to be pretend, yay disney you suck... Thank putting the prince Philip image in my mind and then leaving me to face the world of un-perfect men type thing. Right...? Wrong! Aaron has his faults, don't get me wrong, but they aren't faults you normally find. At least not the ones I have dated in the past. Aaron is not a flake. He is not all talk. He is not a meat-head. He is not a liar. He doesn't take advantage of situations. He isn't lazy, judgemental, shallow. Aaron is a gentleman. He opens every door, and pays for every date we go on, ,and makes sure I am happy, and that I have what I want and feel I need while still allowing/helping me feel capable and independant. Aaron knows how to compromise with me. He gives me my freedom, but still has this ability to put his foot down, and have me respect it. I have never met anyone that could do that. Any time anyone tried, I felt smothered, and I would run the other way. I would fight back. I don't with him. Aaron defends me, without making me appear weak. I could go on forever about how wonderful he is, but we all know a great man happens because of even more amazing parents. So I have to credit a lot of Aaron's behaviors and character to his parents teaching. Ron and Eva are the most amazing people, let alone parents! All of their children are phenomenal people! I feel so blessed to be able to join and be a part of their family! I look forward to Tuesdays for Durrant family night! I love that this family takes time out of their life, and busy schedules to spend time together as a family! It truly is amazing to feel the love and harmony a family can have for and with one another! That is something I have never had, but always wanted. I am truly excited for the future!!!

Sideways Glances, and Judgemental Passes

This has been my  most controversial Facebook status update. There are a few remarks I refrained from saying on facebook, and have decided to put them here on my blog. If you don't like controversy, or just don't like the fact that I am vocal, and opinionated... then I'd suggest you stop reading this post. :)

Jessica Meredith Gustafson is a little confused... The woman at Walmart had a straight up 5 o'clock shadow.
(Perhaps confused is the wrong word. Shocked might have been a better word choice.)

Jennifer Crofts Sanda Lmao! I saw a woman on TV with a beard the other day! Sad day for them!
(Jennifer has had laser hair removal. The hair on her face started to grow in darker, with the increase in medications she was taking. It is a common side effect.)



Jessica Meredith Gustafson Amen!


Tasha  Seriously? I saw someone in my ward with a mustache!
(Many woman have a 'stache' thus the popularity of upper lip waxing.)


Adella It is a common side effect of PCOD or PCOS. There is every possibility that she is in a lot of pain, a lot of the time. Having your hormones all messed up sucks.
(Cousin Adella, I'd have to agree. Having your hormones all messed up does suck, but there are many ways to fix the side effects of that, especially when it is uncomfortable hair growth.)



Dianna eeek


Casey  Nice. Walmart is never without interesting folk.
(I will refer to this again later... but http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/)

Leah I'm so scared now. Women shouldn't have any o'clock shadow that's why there is waxing!!!
(Leah is one of the ones I mentioned. She goes in for waxing regularly. It isn't uncommon, and it doesn't make her less of a person. In fact, I find it commendable that she takes such good care of her personal hygiene! She has come a long way, and she will be the first to tell you that!)


Adella There times when you can't wax. Say like if you are getting laser hair removal, your doctor wants to keep an eye on the situation, or your skin is too sensitive. It is really a sad situation for the women. Your hormones make you feel halfwa...y male, halfway female. You gain weight easily, but it won't go away without some severe dieting and a hefty exercise routine, and even then it is slow going. Your menstral cycle is crazy erratic, and often means cramps that put labor to shame. You become insulin resistant so you are at a high risk of becoming diabetic. A lot of them spend years and years telling their doctors that something isn't quite right, just to have their doctors think they are just seeking attention, and by the time the doctors agree something is wrong you can't turn back the changes your body started. Depression is a side effect, but can you really blame them? Their bodies don't do the primary thing they were designed to: be female. Something we all take forgranted when it is just natural. When I see women in this state I just want to hug them because it isn't easy.
(I have no doubt it isn't easy, but this woman obviously did not care about her personal hygiene. She had tattoos from her ankles to her elbows. Her hair was greasy, and her clothing unwashed. People like that are really sad, but she is working at walmart. She has a regular paycheck. That would allow her to pay for a shower with soap and shampoo, laundromat, and her insurance would cover laser hair removal. She may have a $35 co-pay, but what is that amount every 3 months compared to the amount of shaving cream, razors, and the public humiliation that comes with being a woman with a 5 o'clock shadow?)

Eva Was the circus in town? ;)
(Come on now, this is just funny!)

Jessica Meredith Gustafson I hope not! Clowns give me the heebe jeebies.


Katie Some rude, inappropriate comments for someone who probably wishes every day they didn't have the problem.
(This is where it gets controverisal.)
Jessica Meredith Gustafson Katie, if it makes you feel better, I at first couldn't tell if it was part of her tattoo collection, or a real 5 o'clock shadow. I was genuinely surprised.


Katie Im glad it makes people feel better and superior to judge and make fun of people who look different. This is why our world and society is the way it is.
(I was floored by this comment for two reasons. 1: That entire comment is a judgement. and 2: Based upon the comments that had been made up to this point, no one was having superiority issues, unless you count Katie.. No one was making direct comments to taunt this cashier, if you'll read them again you'll notice no one was even really talking about her personally, but more about the fact that facial hair on woman is based upon hormones, and it is probably an uncomfortable situation for those who suffer with it. Now had someone said 'That woman should be put in the circus' or 'She must have gotten a sex change' then I would understand where Katie was coming from.)Jessica Meredith Gustafson Katie, calm down. Most of the people who commented on this status are good people. No one was seriously making fun of her. Personally.


Jessica Meredith Gustafson Katie, calm down. Most of the people who commented on this status are good people. No one was seriously making fun of her. Personally.


Katie Im not sa

The Rose

The Rose - LeAnn Rimes with the Gay Men's Choir of Los Angeles



Yes, I am LDS, and yes I am a Christian, and yes, I understand the views of both on the topic of gays... but I also believe God loves all his children, without condition. I will keep my full views to myself for now, but know that I love my gay friends/family, and though I may differ in beliefs, and opinions from them I refuse to judge and exhile someone because of the way they choose to live their life. It is not our place to judge, it is our requirement to love.

1 + 2 = A Good Day!

1: Steven Tyler rocks my world! The man is amazing, and every time I see him on that judge panel Ragdoll starts going off in my head. AH!


2: I love my 2-year old stud-muffin baby brother! The kid is stinking adorable, and keeps me laughing all day!

Life's Little Adventures - Updated

I believe in honor of the new year, I will re-post my 'Life List' and update those items I have accomplished.

The ones in bold I have already accomplished.

1.) Tour the UK and Egypt  

2.) Learn to speak French and Spanish fluently  

3.) Swim the English Chanel 

4.) Be financially stable enough to donate to others  

5.) Find balance between taking care of myself and giving to others

6.) Go camping

7.) Go skydiving  

8.) Go Ivy League 

9.) Get Over fear of Mexico 

10.) Fall in love with my best friend  

11.) Go on a cruise  

12.) Buy a car, of my choice.  

13.) Acquire as many old books as possible

14.) Memorize how to spell pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis 

15.) Visit the East Coast during autumn  

16.) Finish the 50 books to read before you die list 

17.) Go abroad and teach English  

18.) Kiss a boy from every zodiac sign

19.) Live outside of Utah 

20.) Move out of my parents house  

21.) Reconnect with people from my childhood

22.) Find that one soul I can take to 'Neverland' 

23.) Do something with my photography 

24.) Learn the constellations 

25.) Go to Disneyland, and Disneyworld  

26.) Get my Bachelors degree before I’m 25  

27.) Visit the temple every week for a year

28.) Jump a waterfall 

29.) Pay a compliment to someone every day for a year

30.) Experience New York 

31.) Go back to Washington D.C. and tour everything there 

32.) Ride an elephant 

33.) Learn to play the piano well 

34.) Get baptized. 

35.) Climb Ensign Peak every week for a summer

36.) Be able to beat all the 'Gus' girls in a race 

37.) Sell a photograph I have taken 

38.) Learn to ski/snowboard 

39.) Learn calligraphy 

40.) Lose fear of singing in public 

41.) Read a 1,000 page book. 

42.) Go Kayaking/canoeing  

43.) Run mile in 5 min 

44.) Join ballroom team 

45.) Earn all girl scout patches. 

46.) Set up a steady savings account 

47.) Memorize a poem longer than 5 stanzas

48.) Play in an orchestra  

49.) Visit Amish country  

50.) Kiss in the rain  

51.) See the Aurora Borealis  

52.) Learn to play the guitar well 

53.) Find someone I trust with everything and anything  

54.) Write a book and get it published  

55.) Bear my testimony in sacrament 

56.) Have an extensive vocabulary  

57.) Make-out in a walk in refrigerator/freezer, car wash, and the SLC library 

58.) Reach over 10,000 songs on itunes 

59.) Kiss a stranger  

60.) Help someone else gain self-confidence

61.) Visit every art museum in Utah 

62.) Visit all 50 states 

63.) Learn to love everyone around me for who they are, and are trying to be 

64.) Build a tree house 

65.) Plant a garden 

66.) Own my own house 

65.) Re-gain contact with a best friend from the past

66.) Develop own style 

67.) Graduate from High School 

68.) Graduate from College 

69.) Learn to do flips and handsprings 

70.) Fill a sketch book 

71.) Learn to paint 

72.) Write a song and sing it for someone 

73.) Get married in the temple 

74.) Free climb a cliff face 

75.) Learn to rappel 

76.) Tend a rose garden I planted 

77.) Tell someone I love them and mean it whole heartedly 

78.) Appreciate the small things every day for a year

79.) Be the first to point out the silver lining in every bad situation for a month

80.) Write a gratitude moment every day in journal for a month

81.) Experience something no one else has 

82.) Develop a true relationship with Christ 

83.) Learn to be self-less 

84.) Go streaking and skinny dipping

85.) Make a new friend every month
86.) Go backpacking
87.) Learn to shoot a gun
88.) Dance naked around a bonfire
89.) Go hunting
90.) Drive a truck

Dirty Snow

Ready set... DONE WITH THIS GROSS SNOW, GRAY SCENERY, AND THE BLASTED COLD!!!

Mkay, I fail at blogging take 567...

Here is the un-official announcement that I have dragged my feet about posting.

The story of Aaron and Jess:

Initially I met, or sort of met Aaron at the 2009 Super Bowl party. ( You know, the one between the Steelers and the Cardinals. Where the Steelers WON!!!) Aaron is Patrick DeVaney's best friend, and I happened to be friends with Amber DeVaney. I was sitting on the couch watching the game, when Patrick and Aaron come smashing through the room and sit on top of the people sitting on one of the couches, being loud, and rude, and pardon my French, but royal Assholes to everyone. My distaste for someone had never been peaked so quickly. What irked me even more, was Aaron carried himself differently from anyone else in the room. There was such a different spirit around him. I'd felt that pull from someone once before, and I wanted nothing to do with it, especially if the guy was as rude and pompous, and self-righteous as Aaron seemed to be. (Ironically enough, Aaron immediately 'wrote me off' that night as well. He though Cameron was mine. He'd dated girls with kids before and wanted none of it!) In fact, when Amber started pointing to people and telling me who they were, and sort of informally introducing me to those I didn't know, I got up and left when she said "This is Aaron." I really didn't want to know him! I used Cameron as an excuse. (I had him with me as my family was on their cruise. Cameron was 6 weeks old at this point. If you'll remember this post from that time. I had stayed behind to watch baby, and make sure he had someone there that knew what was going on, and that he was familiar with.) Over the course of the year I grew closer to Amber, and got to know Patrick fairly well. Their dad Lonnie would share his opinion of "You should date Aaron" each time I came over. I made the mistake of asking who it was that owned the Dodge Viper SRT. I received quite the shock when I learned it was Aaron's truck. My first thought: ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!? THAT ASSWIPE OWNS ONE OF THE SEXIEST TRUCKS ON THIS GREAT GREEN EARTH!?!?!?!?!?!?  

 (This was the truck. Pee-your-pants gorgeous right!?)  The hard truth? Yes, he did, but he sold it as car payments+fuel+Insurance= No money for anything else. He now drives Buck, which I am absolutely in love with. Aaron is well aware I am only dating him for his truck and marrying him for his money. :) (For those of you who can't read sarcasm -- I am totally joking. I actually like Aaron, but only just a little bit. I promise!) Anyway, I avoided Aaron, and he stayed clear of me. I honestly did not like the guy! I couldn't understand how he had friends. He still wanted nothing to do with me, as no one had informed him I did not have a baby. (Because apparently I looked like I'd just had a kid... Yeah, couldn't break my peak of 109 lbs at that point in time, thank you dentist/hospital/heart!) There were a few moments when I'd give him the benefit of the doubt, then he and Patrick would do something stupid and annoying. At Amber's wedding in October Aaron was sort of forced to stop in and say hello to me while I was curling Monica's hair in the bathroom. Lonnie and Patrick wouldn't quit bugging him about it. I however, was super annoyed with him. He was being moody, and beyond ornery. I thought he should just go home if he was going to be a bother the whole day! It wasn't until this summer that we even started talking. Patrick put up a picture of Aaron dressed up as Joe Dirt/Hillbilly. I commented and said "Aaron, we should be friends." He took me seriously, and I accepted. He didn't place who I was, just that I'd said we should be friends I wasn't actually being serious when I'd said that. I was being facetious, he didn't quite catch that part, so he sent a friend request on Facebook. I accepted the request via mobile Facebook. I knew I knew his name, but couldn't place where from, or why it felt so familiar, but I had the distinct impression I needed to accept his request. Aaron began to comment on my status updates, and we'd have mini conversations over Facebook. After about a month (July '10) of these Facebook comment conversations Patrick started to insist Aaron liked me. I didn't think anything of it. I had no interest in seriously dating anyone. I was quite happy with my flippant ways, and my very open, very versatile dating life! I learned Aaron didn't want to date. Period. To put it simply, he'd been through Hell and back with several different girls, and had given up. Meanwhile, God had a different plan for us. Sunnie and I ended up going to Lava Hot Springs for the ward camp out. We both felt like we needed to go, though neither of us really wanted to go, or understood why we felt a strong need to be there. In the end I am really glad we did go. We found Patrick, and Aaron sitting in one of the Hot Springs, and sat down with them. Almost immediately Patrick splashed me and Aaron pulled me under. Hello, nice second-first impression... HA! The next morning (that night wasn't all that amazing... Sun and I were told the wrong location, so we pitched our tent with a bunch of stranger. Aaron and Gavin came over, carried our tend [which was still up] and moved it to the right location) Sunnie and I stuck with Patrick and Aaron. Chatted it up, and left early with them. We followed them to a random location where I was taught how to shoot a gun. :) Sunnie was re-taught how to shoot, but Aaron ended up feeling stupid when Sunnie hit the target right off the bat. Aaron - "You already knew how to shoot a gun didn't you." Sunnie - "I'm a hunter's daughter." Aaron - "Well I feel like an idiot now." BAH hahahahaha! We still laugh about that! You know what is funny about all of this, I didn't process this was the Super-bowl idiot until after I realized I had a small sort of crush on Aaron... Ironic right? Aaron asked me to be his girlfriend Sept. 10, sitting in the back of his truck under a curtain of stars. I knew I was going to marry this kid after about 2 weeks of dating him. It scared me to death, but I knew it. I could feel it. So could he. And so we reach the point we are at now. December of 2010, and planning a wedding. AHHHH! I never thought I'd actually get married. This is going to be a new adventure!

I am unofficially announcing this. Yes, on the internet. I know, smart right!?

I am getting married in a special month on a super neat day in the year 2011 to Aaron R. Durrant. (Obviously...) I'm going to keep the details to myself for now, you'll get them if I love you... Or if your are Tasha and you happen to be the person I text when I am freaking out. :)

I will say this: I AM NOT OFFICIALLY/TECHNICALLY ENGAGED YET! Meaning, Aaron hasn't "officially" proposed yet, and Yes, this is my fault. I asked him not to propose until January 2011 at the very earliest, no holidays, or birthdays... I know it's a little funny, both of our parents are getting tired of us dragging out feet about it... but I have my reasons, and Aaron is just patient enough with me to agree to my plea!

Day 12 (10/28/10) - How you found out about Blogs and why you made one

In all honesty I don't really remember how I heard about blogs. I've always seemed to have some sort of a blog type website.

I made one so that I would have somewhere to put my thoughts. It's faster to type them than to write them down, though I do keep a journal, and secretly I wanted input on what I was saying. I wanted to know if what I had to say was worth saying, and if I really did have a talent with words outside of achedemics. (meaning english teachers that liked my poetry/essays)

Struck By Lightning

For as long as I can remember lightning storms have been a source of excitement and wonder for me. Some of my favorite childhood memories come  from the summer storms that would blow over the top of our little 'gingerbread' house. My dad, brother Ryan, and I used to sit on our back porch and watch them in the summer afternoons. My dad would tell us stories about his childhood, and we'd laugh about the things Leesa would do, or how angry mom would get over the most ridiculous things! That backyard, defined by the line of trees, roses, and fence the Reids constantly protected from our "monkey fanatics" provided the greatest area for 3 siblings, and a handful of daycare kids to play around in. We had trees to climb, sprinklers with a mind of their own, ghosts, the best trampoline you could imagine, grass that seemed to go on for days when it came time to drag out the lawn mower, but best of all a covered porch big enough for a platic kitchen set, a picnic table, a 4 chair outdoor table, a park bench, and carpeted in the fake backyard turf/carpet/thingy that I swear was stolen from the backyard of the Brady Bunch. The thing was huge and covered by green fiber-glass that we weren't allowed to walk on because it would break. (Though we learned we could still jump off the roof and onto the trampoline if we climbed the garage roof, or walked on the boards that formed the support of the fiber-glass stuff.) That roof was the BEST place to watch lightning storms! Nature really is a wonder. I hadn't thought about that old faded red porch until last night as I was laying on the cement in the middle of temple square watching the lightning dance across the heavens. I was thinking about how much had changed in the last 10-15 years of my life. The people I had met, and wondering what would have happened had my family never moved from Bountiful to South Jordan. Would I have grown up the way I did, and chosen the classes I had in high school. Would I have re-connected with some of my old elementary school friends as I have recently, or would I have drifted from them the way I have from the people I did go to high school with. There really isn't a way to know what could have happened, or would have happened. I came to the conclusion that everything had happened for a reason that I wasn't yet aware of, and I had met the people I had met because I was supposed to. Makes a girl wonder why, but I guess those answers will have to come later on in life, or when I see it all rewound and re-played on a big screen in Heaven.

It's strange that all this introspection was brought on my a simple lightning storm, but I'd guess it's all part of the magic and wonder that comes with a strip of energy striking the earth, and lighting up the sky.

Title: Struck By Lightning

Photography thank you to: Anna

Hell Hath No Fury Like A Blonde On A Soapbox...

Ventation of things that have really irked me this month...

1: Being given the write off because I have blonde hair.

(P.S. Jo sent me this flair button, and I thought I'd share it...)

2: Having an argument started over whether or not Facts carry emotions.

 (P.S.They do not. A fact is a fact. Opinions of the fact carry the emotions.Your opinion of the fact will incure what you feel and how you feel. Not the fact itself. IE whether or not a death is a tragedy or an honor -- either way that person is still dead!)

3: People who can't keep their opinions to themselves, especially biased ones that are based mostly on assumptions.

4: Being called overly dramatic after stating my opinion that every person is owed common courtesy, no matter the circumstances.

5: Having judgement placed on my head because I refuse to take a situation personally.

6: The lack of respect, and foresight, and the increase in cowardice being shown by the men passing through my life at this moment.

Carpe Diem - Seize The Day

Carpe diem quam minime credula postero – "Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future"





Carpe Diem: Seize the day 


We always put off being happy, convincing ourselves that after this one last obstacle we will find happiness. The truth is, there is no better time than right now to stop and create happiness for ourselves! Because if not now ... When? Life will always be filled with challenges and excuses. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy and satisfied with how things are anyway! 


Alfred D. Souza said: 
" For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life." 


Crystal Boyd wrote:
"So stop waiting until you finish school... until you go back to school... until you lost ten pounds... until you have kids... until your kids leave the house... until you start work... until you retire... until you get married... until you get divorced... until Friday night... until Sunday morning... until you get a new car or home... until your car or home is paid off... until spring, until summer... until fall... until winter... until you are off welfare... until the first or fifteenth... until your song comes on... until you've had a drink... until you've sobered up... until you die... until you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy... 


Happiness is a journey ... not a destination!!


Thought for the day: 
Work like you don't need money, Love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one's watching."


Time after time we sit and wait for happiness to come to us, to find us. When we should be giving our hesitations a seat in the back and move forward towards those goals and dreams that make us happy! Rather than focus on why we can't be happy right now, or what more we have to do until we can be happy... let us focus on what we are doing to be happy! When we are actively pursuing that which makes us happy, we find that we already are. 

RedBull Rebel!

Mkay... Whelp, I've officially had crappy enough news, and had a hard enough time that I'm breaking the rules! I want my wings so I'm buying an overly large RedBull and I'm downing it! 

BLARGH!!!!!!!!! STICK IT TO THE MAN!

(Thank you Visi for the first photo in this set of 3. I couldn't get it right, and it just looks cooler in Russian!!!)

'Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.'

 -Abraham Lincoln

Irritable Male Syndrome

Men do suffer from a from PMS! It is called IMS: Irritable Male Syndrome. It has been proven and I will defend its case! I can't tell you how many times I have come in contact with a guy friend behaving like a girl on her period! It's hilarious and annoying all rolled into one!

Check out the Study Here!

"I'm afraid to sink, I'm afraid to swim. I'm sad to say I miss my friends I know that I'm supposed to step away but they need me to stay"

Again Today - Brandi Carlile. I woke up this morning with a specific part of this song stuck in my head. It was very ironic, especially as I handn't heard this song in awhile. After the happenings and conversations of last night and the continuation this morning I realize there was a specific meaning for those lyrics being there. "I'm afraid to sink I'm afraid to swim. I'm sad to say I miss my friends. I know that I'm supposed to step away But they need me to stay." 

(Don't forget to turn the music player [at the bottom of the screen] off!)

Broken sticks and broken stones
Will turn to dust just like our bones
It's words that hurt the most now isn't it
Are you sad inside, are you home alone
If I could just pick up the phone
Maybe you could see a better day
And you won't waste away
under my watchful eye
Because I'm your hero and you're my weakness

Who's gonna break my fall
When the spinning starts
The colors bleed together and fade
Was it ever there at all
And have I lost my way
The path of least resistance
Is catching up with me again today

I'm broken down, not good enough
The broken promises add up
To twice their weight in tears which I have caused

I'm afraid to sink, I'm afraid to swim
I'm sad to say I miss my friends
I know that I'm supposed to step away
But they need me to stay and keep a watchful eye
On all my heroes and all their demons

But who's gonna break my fall
When the spinning starts
The colors bleed together and fade
Was it ever there at all
And have I lost my way
The path of least resistance
Is catching up with me again today

Not today
Not today

Was it ever there at all
Or have I lost my way
The path of least resistance
Is catching up with me again today
Broken sticks and broken stones
Will turn to dust just like our bones again today
I'm broken down
Not good enough
The broken promises add up again today

Was it ever there at all
And have I lost my way
The path of least resistance
Is catching up with me again today
Again today 

Jack and Jill

Jack and Jill went up a hill to fetch a pail of water

Jack fell down and broke his crown

and Jill turned him into her parrot.

Back down through town 

Poor jack could be found

Being shown all around as Jill's trophy

Jack thought himself blessed

To be the one Jill loved best 

And proudly spouted the words that she gave him

Thus Jack was deserted

Thanks to the words that he'd spurted

For his friends lost all patience with him

Jill said Jack never you mind

The rest of the world is blind

For Jill had fallen in love with her creation

Poor Jack thought her true

(Though the poor soul had no clue)

She was not the one to love him through the hereafter

Jack sought to travel the world

He was such a beautiful bird

And Jill promised to him her forever.

So Jack gave her his heart

Though he knew it wasn't smart

And he banished all thoughts of his mistake

When home Jack returned

That poor soul learned

How Jill had not for him waited

A prince had come, and in town he had found

A beauty he wished to be crowned

Twas Jill, that unfaithful girl he'd chosen!

Jill flattered and wooed 

Her predicament she did brood

And wrote poor Jack a 'Dear John'

Now Jack was betrayed

His poor heart tattered and frayed

To that hill with heavy feet he did trod.

Sitting atop he did cry

Asking, Dear Father, Why?

My soul is now broken in two!

A Dove did descend 

And reminded him of his friend

Then left poor Jack with a bottle of glue.

The boy stayed his tears

As he grappled with his fears

And looked down in the grass where he sat

His old crown he saw there

Full of hope Jack shouted a prayer

And set to work with his glue in hand

The task now complete

Jack looked down at his feat

The crown sparkled and gleamed like new

On his head still it fit

There forever will it sit

For Jack finally learned his lesson

When your heart says to you, 'No'

And still forth you do go

Down the hill you are sure to tumble

But when truth you do follow

And your pride you do swallow

Peace and love will be yours in the end

On occasion they do go back

Atop the hill for dear Jack

So he can remember the lesson he learned.

 Jack with his crown

Should never again frown

As forever the two will live in Happy ...Comradery...?