When?

When did it get to be October? Yes, I know, October started on Saturday. But where did January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August and September go? I swear 2011 just started. I'm feeling reminiscent today, so I want to post some pictures of me and Paula throughout the year. Here goes:

January:

February:

March:

April:

May:

June:

July:

August:

September:



2011 has been a really hard but good year for me. I've had some amazing experiences and painful moments. I can't believe how fast it's gone already, and with the holdiays approaching it's going to go even faster. Here's to the rest of 2011! May it be amazing too!

Be Warned...

This post is not for the queasy or weak stomached. At least not the pictures anyways.

Anyways, today I donated blood for the first time. :) I was super nervous, but Paula and I did it together, so it made it better. Plus, I got out of class!

I'm warning you. The next picture shows a needle poking out of my arm.

I saved three lives today. I'm proud of that.

BFF

My best friend is perfect for me.

I had so much fun at lunch with her today. We have a lot of fun just talking together and laughing about things people say sometimes.

Paula: Mr. M isn't in his closet!
Me: His office?
Paula: Yeah, his closet office!
Me: Cloffice!
Paula: *bursts out laughing*

Yeah, the conversations we have probably don't make any sense to anybody but us, but that's okay. We understand each other!

I Got It!

Today, I got a video of Paula and I doing the Parent Trap handshake. :)

Here it is!

Yeah, I know. We're beasts. :)

Random Should Be My Middle Name

Paula and I spent a half hour of our lunch today perfecting this. After about a thousand tries, we got  finally got it right! I'm not very good at these types of things. I have a hard time remembering how to play patty cake!

We picked kind of a random spot to do it, in between two staircases by Mr. Mendenhall's office (vice principal). It was so fun! We got a few strange looks, but it was totally worth it. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. :D

Sorry, I don't have a video of us doing it, I'd have to hack into the school's security cameras for that. haha. Believe me, I'm tempted. :)

I Miss This Place

When I look at this picture, I look at it fondly.

When I look at this picture, it conjures up emotions for me. I love it. I want to go and visit again.

When I look at this picture, it makes me want to accept the college offer I recently recieved from SAIC. School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

When I look at this picture, it makes me want to pack up and move there for school.

When I look at this picture, it reminds me why I live here. It reminds me that Chicago is my favorite vacation spot. It reminds me that I probably wouldn't love it so much if I lived there.

When I look at this picture, it will always remind me of my first big trip and the first time I visited a big city.

When I look at this picture, it reminds me of my best friend, and all the fun times we have no matter where we are.

Day 2...

"A" Day is a lot different than I thought it would be. But, then again, it was only the first A day. We'll have to see how it goes.

Paula and I decorated our locker today. Yes, ours. Because of the lovely construction, only a small amount of lockers are available to be used. Well, all of those lockers were given away at Back to School Night. Before I was able to get one. So, Paula arranged things and was able to get one, so for the time being, we're sharing. So we decorated. :)

And then, we climbed in it. Yes, we fit. This locker is ginormous. However, I would have never, ever, ever  fit in this in January. I can very proudly say that I have lost  45 pounds since February. However, I didn't "lose" them, because I don't miss them, and I definitely do not want them back. Bye bye, poundies! I hope to never see you again!



I survived!

I survived the first day of my Senior Year... It went by pretty fast!

I woke up this morning feeling nervous and anxious, but I knew I would be fine. So, I got up and ate breakfast, did my hair and makeup, and got dressed in my first day outfit.

We went a picked up Paula, and then headed to the school. During the short ride, I maintained my composure, and looked calm and collected, but all the while butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

Ashley pulled into the parking lot, and we got out of the car. The moment I stepped foot on campus, it felt right, it felt familiar, and it felt so good to be back. My anxiety faded away and I was in my element.

We opened the doors to a swarm of people and I recognized a few familiar faces amidst the crowd. I did my obligatory salutations, exchanged cordial greetings and gave a few hugs. I smiled and realized that I missed people over the summer. I missed talking to people and making them laugh. I missed being me... At least the me I become when I'm at school.

I notice a change in myself in different social situations. If I'm comfortable, I become a very chatty, somewhat of a social butterfly. I take on different roles when I go to different places. At school, I'm the person who loves to talk and make people laugh. I love that part of me. I love being that person.

I found and gathered friends with the same first period as mine, and together we tried with no avail to find our classroom. We asked a multitude of teachers, staff and administrators, but no one seemed to know where Mr. Randy Richards was located. After my entourage and I located my first period (with some assistance), the rest of the day went fairly smoothly. Seeing as today was the first day, we attended all eight of our classes and then went to advisory (homeroom). During my classes nothing went wrong, and I felt happy, calm, and relaxed.  Upon that realization, I breathed a heavy sigh of relief and thought to myself "I can do this, no problem". A smile spread upon my face and I carried it with me confidently for the rest of the day.

To draw the day to a close, the entire student body attended an assembly. We arrived to our seats in the auditorium and I anxiously sat, eagerly awaiting for it to begin. I then realized where I was sitting. The Senior Section. I felt a rush to be sitting there. The Senior Section. (If you hadn't noticed, I'm still adjusting to the fact that I'm a senior). The house lights went down and I cleared my mind.  The SBO's ran the length of the newly renovated auditorium, and hopped up to center stage. As per Ogden High tradition, they, in unison, screamed into the microphone

"WILL THIS ASSEMBLY PLEASE COME TO ORDER?!?"

I bolted to my feet and cheered as loudly as I could, a sense of pride welling up in my chest. In that moment, I lost sensation in my body, allowing myself to soak up the moment in entirety. 

The assembly went on, and at every opportunity I had, I participated. During Ice Cream and Cake and Ogden Will Shine, I sang and danced wholeheartedly. As a Sophomore and even a Junior, I didn't feel the pride and love for my school that I felt today. I don't know what made today any different, and I don't know what changed inside of me, but I like it. I love being an Ogden High Tiger, and I'm now, very proudly, a member of the Senior Class.

Here's to the Class of 2012! Hail to the seniors, the mighty mighty seniors!!!



Packed.

The term "packed" or "packing" generally implies that one is leaving for a period of time. Yes, I'm leaving. For two (almost three) days. To... idaho. 

I've spent a good part of my life going to Idaho for some reason or another, seeing as it's fairly close to my native Utah. However, this time, I'm traveling to a part of Idaho I've never been to before. Conner, Idaho. I know what you're thinking. "Where? I've never even heard of it!" Come on, people. Has anybody ever heard of anywhere in Idaho?

Anyways, I'm kind of excited. I'm going with Paula. We're going to Burley for the rodeo and fair and I'm going to meet some more of her family. WooHoo! Unfortunately, she got her wisdom teeth out yesterday. So, she's kinda... really miserable. I'm hoping she'll feel better soon. Hopefully.

How Much I Love My Best Friend

My best friend, Paula, and her mom just bought a house. Well, before moving into the house, they wanted and needed to make some... improvements.

Over the past two days, I went over there to help them out. I'm always looking for an opportunity to serve, and I really, really wanted to help!

Yesterday, we painted the trim and the living room. :)

So. Much. Fun. Seriously, it doesn't matter what we're doing together, I always have fun with this girl.

Even today, when we were peeling four layers of wallpaper off of the walls, I found myslef thinking

"I wouldn't rather be anywhere else."

I love spending time with this girl, and I'm going to miss the crap out of her this weekend! She's off to LA, you know, living the life and partyin' in the big cities!

So, even though the wallpaper was long and tedious project, I had fun. Even though I sliced my fingers open with the scraper, I had fun. Even though I can't text because of the bandaids on my thumbs, I had fun.

I'm so happy I have my best friend. :)

That Boy...

That boy doesn't make me smile much anymore. Well, at least not in the way he used to.

We didn't go out on a date this week, and that's because of me. I chickened out. I'm not afraid to go out with him, I just didn't feel right about it. I thought I liked him, but I don't feel anything. No feelings of attraction, no spark between us, no light in my eyes.

He's still a great guy, and I like him, but just as a friend. We could be really great friends, and I hope we will, but I never see him being my boyfriend.


Has anyone else ever felt this way? Or is it just me?

Paula gave me some great advice by saying "If it's not there, it's just not there. Don't waste your time finding out something you already know." I love you, girl! What did I ever do without you?

Hallelujah!

My best friend is finally home from her week at Sports Camp. I'm so glad we got to spend some time together today. No matter what we're doing I still have fun.

So Paula, I wasn't bored today sitting in your kitchen just talking. I love you, and I'm so glad you're home! ...even though you're leaving on Thursday for LA. You busy girl!

My Best Friend Is My Other Half

Well, I just thought I'd dedicate a post to my best friend, Paula Kay!

She's leaving for six days, and I'm pretty much going to be lost without her. I have so much fun with this girl and I love her with all my heart! I couldn't function without her, she is my friend, confidant, and other half. We doing everything together, including go to Chicago! (I'll post about that later)

(We know. We're insane.)

I am so dang happy she is my best friend. I don't know what I did to deserve somebody like her as my best friend, but I'm sure happy she is!

I love you, Paula Kay! You're the best! Have fun at sports camp! See you saturday! (P.S. Don't worry. I'll mail it!)

Chicago... The trip of my life!

Oh, Chicago. Where do I even start? I am in love with this city!

I mean, come on, how can this not be the greatest city ever?

Here is a link to my pictures from Chicago.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2215802798533.2133468.1351486139&l=a54eff52c1&type=1

I had the time of my life there. It was so much fun!