It's True

I Love Christmas.

Christmas is just a great time of year. I mean, it would be a million times cooler right now if there were now *hint hint, wink wink, Snow Gods* but it is always just great. I just love it because I get to just think about all the good things in life.

Also there is shopping.

But mostly the good things in life.

I was planning on writing a post on the first (go figure that I was planning...) but as you can tell, I haven't. You must give me credit though that I have NOT missed a day of my advent calendar. Best month early present ever.

Anyways, I was going to write about how I have all these great memories of Christmas and blah, blah blah, and it would go on every day until Christmas. Seriously, I was so psyched for this. I had the things I wanted to write down in my head, and it was all beautiful and snow covered, with french hens and lords-a-leapin' everywhere. Well, I just decided not to write them then. I mean, I wanted to but I didn't at the same time. So that is why you get this AWESOME story at the beginning of this post.

I feel that my ramblings are slightly entertaining, so you better have enjoyed yourselves.

Now moving on, I am not the only one who loves Christmas in my family. My mom (hell, all the of the Burts) are CRAZY about Christmas. Nancy is one of those crazies that turns on FM 100 on November 1St and blasts the tunes out loud. She listens to it nonstop. It is always going on. And she just doesn't stick with one style of tunes. It ranges from Kurt Bestor The Beloved Choice), Crooners, Jazz, Pop, Country, Horrible songs, MoTab, Classical, everything. It is just out of control.

I went home the other day to steal some holiday stuff. I was thinking "Oh hey, there won't be too many cd's to look through for Christmas." Oh I was so wrong. I came into the den with a huge pile to put on the computer...probably around fifteen *non of the horrible stuff, you see* and my dad just looked at me like my mom was rubbing off on me. Well, she is and I think that is great.

Really though, my mom has always gone above and beyond for Christmas. My mom has always had it beautifully decorated with pine scented candles and ornaments galore. It has always been a winter wonderland and it has always brought the good warm fuzzies of the season in my life. It is just a perfect time of life in general.

Pretty much I feel like I should just hold a sign that says, "I love Christmas and my Mom" all the time.

December is just a special month to me. I love that I have a reminder of how good life is. Don't get me wrong, I love to think about all the goods through the rest of the year, but things seem to scream--or whisper--these things a little more. I love that I get to think about all those that I love and appreciate in my life and how I can show them that. I love how I get to see my family more often and share good times with them. I love that Christ becomes a common topic in the daily life. I just love it.

Christmas time. It's here.

Catch 22

Oh hey, guess what.

My birthday is in four days. (It's pretty much in three since it is ten o' clock, but I guess I will be literal still.)

So for the past few years, I have been kind of doing a "Oh hey, I love my year and all that I have" type deal. Since I have done this before, and since I want to, I am going to do just that.

I swear, every year that I write one of these things (IE birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Yom Kippur...) I always say that this has been the hardest year of my life. That makes more sense than not because it was the most recent. Sometimes I am a genius.

REALLY.

Honestly, though, this has been an incredibly hard year for me. I thought that I have been at the lowest points of Earth before this, but now that I have seen them I realized that I wasn't anywhere close to where I thought it was. We really don't need to dissect this past year month-by-month because those months are still coming along. Some of them are purely enjoyable; others, not so. But no matter what comes through them, there has always been something beautiful. I have found it so incredible that there is so much good when there is so much bad. It can even be the traffic light not turning red while you zoom through the intersection. It could be getting mail two days in a row. It could even be someone telling you that you are beautiful.

These good things are always sprinkled throughout the days. Sometimes, a whole day is just pure goodies. But on the normal days of life, these good things are like candle in the dark. Just incredible. They always come when you need them most; more likely than not, you don't even know you need them until they appear.

Anyways, I guess I can get off that tangent. Good intro of my I-Love-Life-And-All-That-Jazz. it is just weird this year to be "older". I know I am young. I am incredibly young (until a child is around me.) I just feel so...old though. Physically, yes where there is stress and buggers in life. But mostly mentally and emotionally. I don't know when it happened, but I really feel like an old soul. Now I may sound like I am bragging, but I promise you I am not. I think a lot of this has come from the past...geez, few years now with all the life "experience" I have gained. It is just weird sometimes to feel this feeling that you don't even know who you are year-wise.

Again, weird tangent. I am sure it will be useful in the whole of this.

Hopefully...

But back to this year. Since last September it has been such a ride. There really is no other way to describe it right now. I have been just through so many different situations and experiences that it is just weird to think that it all only happened in a year. A lot of it feels like it happened forever ago; some, feels like it happened yesterday. But I can assure you all that all that has happened has happened.

One thing that has felt like it never happened until conveniently now, was the mission. I have made amends to this. For a time, I lived vicariously through other girls. It helped immensely. I mean, the best decision that I have made since then was actually being okay that I wasn't going to go out again. When I finally was fine telling others, it was like the world was lifted off my shoulders. Now that the twenty-second is coming up again, though, I feel some sort of dread. I just don't want to deal with it and pretend it isn't coming up. Maybe, though, it is the best thing to think about it and how I have felt. Not being able to go out in the field when I was supposed truly broke my heart. Maybe the best way I can describe the feeling that I am having is that *scenario time* you just ended a great relationship on a bad note--friend, family, lover, pet--forever ago. You wiped your hands from it and just forgot about it. WELL you find out that you are actually going to have to run into them in the next few days. You try to think about how you will act, how they will act, the whole air of the scene, etc. It is almost like you are sitting near an edge that you are not comfortable with going to the actual edge for the fear of the fall. Yes, this is how I feel. I am sure that it will go smoothly, but there will still be pain. But almost every lesson learned in life has some sort of pain attached, right?

Right, Chelsea.

So yes, this is on my mind right now. In fact, everything from the past year is occupying my waking thoughts. I am really trying to find lessons I learned, achievements that were accomplished, life that was well lived. It has been hard. It has been painful. But like anything else in life, it has been good.

So Gratitude number one. I am honestly grateful that I *almost* served my mission. I kind of feel like the almost doesn't need to be included. I know that one of my biggest tasks that was accomplished was being able to do my work for myself. Having that when everything seemed to fall apart was the biggest strength that I had and have to this day. Being able to serve there when I was hopeless for the few months after made me realize that your mission can be anywhere. There have been some women that needed me to do their work for them and I was able to provide that. That was therapy in itself. That was the biggest tender mercy the Lord could ever give me.

Working with my girls while they prepared to go out was another way I served it. Because I was prepared enough to go out, I was able to help them go on without me. I still give them my love and support because I got to see how much they love the Lord and how much of a desire they had. It was just great. They got to learn how to do it with a badge on and I got to learn how to do it with the people around me.

Gratitude number two. I am grateful that I was able to catch my sickness before I left. In fact, some days I am grateful for my sickness in general. I hate it, I can admit that. The hate has come later than earlier on. In the beginnings, from it I learned acceptance, patience, and even peace. I was grateful for it. It helped me become a better person. In the door frame of the upcoming year, I don't share those feelings as much as before. I have learned that sometimes, it takes a while to figure out how to make yourself feel better. I have learned that so many things will make my life easier or harder in that day. It has been hard. Lately, I have almost felt like a kid thinking (and even saying) that all of this is stupid and it isn't fair and I don't like it. Well it's life. My favorite analogy to use with the women, with my 4H kids, and myself is this: we all have a bag that we are given. In this special bag, there is poo. Now everyone's bag isn't the same. Different things are with the poo, different quantities, what have you. But if you are able to see everyone's bags out in the open, you realize this: They all stink. No, your bag isn't the only one that stinks. In fact, once you realize that everyone has the same pain in different clothes, it makes living with others-and sometimes yourself-easier and more enjoyable. So yes, I am grateful for my bag. I am not grateful for the particular things in it, but hey, I am the only one who owns it so I might as well learn to love it. Or to live with it.

Maybe be mutual friends.

That leads to Gratitude number three. My...what should I call them, my "support group". Before all of this, I had a really hard time accepting help from people (granted I am still this way at times) When everything fell apart, I found out that I have some incredible people that helped me pick up the pieces of the mess. Daily I am still amazed at how many people have helped me. First shout is to my parents. Mom and Dad, you two are my rock down here. I don't know how or why I was put into your little family tree *the great Austin Accident I call myself at times* but I have not been out of awe for so long. I really don't know why you put up with me but I am eternally grateful that you have and still do. You have done so much...it's a miracle in my eyes. You have always been there to listen to me, to withstand my blowouts, to comfort me at my lowest times. You have also helped me to learn how to leave this and to become my own self. You are always there for me though, it really just blows my mind. I love talking to you every day, mom. I love having you as my friend...even when you call me and then you tell me you have to go right after. You always lift my spirits (or try to, which is an even more amazing feat) and you always take care of me. I hope and pray that I will be a mom like you. And dad, you are just....incredible. You have helped me the most through this. Our quiet time talks about life and all it offers has helped me. I hope that I can become as kind and caring as you are, which I am sure is impossible to reach. You have taught me so much about myself and what kind of person I need to be in society. You have also taught me to love others, mom, and the Lord. You are a man among men and I am so proud to have you as my dad.

Then there is Ang. Ang is my perfect sister and I don't mean that in an unkind way. I really think she is perfect. I can always count on her, as a friend, as a therapist, and most importantly, as a sister. You are so kind and caring. You always listen to me when I frantically need to talk to you. You love so well and so much. In fact, you are just like dad. I love it when I hear songs and I think about us trying to sing along (which we never can) and eating gross Mexican food. I love you to the moon and you have done so much for me.

Cami and Chanel, you are family so you get to join this. This year has been really neat because we all see so "grown up" now. You two have always been there for me and have always been lights in my darkness. From elementary to EFY, from our "road trip extravaganzee" to college life, both of you have been there for me. I have always been able to count on you and you honestly have never let me down. I am just so grateful for you both. I feel horrible putting you together. It's like making you wear matching outfits all over again.

Really, I have the most amazing family on this planet. I feel that they want me to become the best I can be ('cause I am in the army you know...) Then there are my friends, my angels on earth, that have been here. Yes, sometimes I am a nasty, nasty friend. Amazingly, though, you all still come to help me. Whenever I have needed one of you, you have been there. You all have come in amazing ways too; third grade, an answer to a prayer for a job, other's loss of family, Weber State, and worse than Weber is from singles wards. I don't know why I have been blessed with so many great friends because it shouldn't be fair for me.

Really though, all the people in my life; friends, family, lovers (only kidding) have been so incredible to me. You have all tried to help me on the path to enlightenment...or just being me and you all have accepted me for who I am. You accepted and helped me while I was getting ready for my mission--both times--and you help me with every day things that come in life. I have been blessed with too much. I have the best family, the best friends, the best support staff (Lord of the Rings and diet coke all the way) and I have the BEST everyone in my life. I wouldn't be the person I am if I didn't have all of you in my life. Like Paulo Coelho said in the Alchemist "We do not realize that those who genuinely wish us well want us to be happy and are prepared to accompany us on that journey." I still don't realize this but I feel like you are all in the caravan as it is, so I will just be grateful that you are.

Gratitude four. To cut things short, I am grateful for life. Life is hard. Some days, it is almost unbearable. But even with that, life is magical. It is incredible. I will be the first one to admit that life sucks. It seem long and it's hard and not fair. But there is no denying that there is magic in it, that there is something more than we see. Like I said before, there is so much good that is sprinkled in the days. Sometimes, those good things don't seem to show up for a while, but even though they seem like they don't show up, they really are still there. I remember while I was still starting my job here, I hated being here. The women were mean, I didn't feel like I could do it, and all this other junk. Well, I started working on it and it still sucked. But one day when I came home from my other job, I noticed that the floor was vacuumed without me asking. The ones who hated me most actually did their chores while I was gone. I felt like I have never been so happy in my life before. Through all the times of stress, sadness, hurt, sickness, death there is always something good to help you lift up and be able to make it through that minute or hour or day. Again, with Paulo Coelho's words (I have his quotes by me...I didn't plan this, promise) "It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary."

Life is hard. I have had a rough time, I will admit. But so much good has been accomplished through it all. I have beat my own odds that I made for myself. I won't say that I wouldn't wish to change things. There is a million things that I would have changed if I could. I have realized though that I can't and so they are glorious milestones that I have passed to get to where I am right now. I am so happy to close up the end of this year and to "start" anew, to start refreshed, ready to seize what is to come. Yes, next year will be my "hardest year yet", but it will be okay because I have strength to endure it with the Lord, family, friends, new acquaintances, pets, lovers (only kidding), coworkers, clients, kids, Paulo Coelho, everyone.

But the most important one who will make sure it will be the best year yet?

Me.

So I am doing much better at updating than I thought I was. Way to go, champ.


Yesterday at work, I found out that one of the fridges was disgusting. Not just "ew, this is gross" but "Oh my gosh, I want to die because of the pungent smell and rotten food spilled everywhere." So my awesome manager skills came out and I pawned it off to three girls. One was completely willing; the other two...well, not so much. So I did what any person would do.

I bribed them with ice cream.

First off, I would pretty much do anything for ice cream. In fact, I think the majority of people (at least 83% of the population) would do anything for ice cream. It is just a great thing. Unless you are lactose intolerant. Then it is just sorbet for you.

They totally jumped on that bandwagon. I even jumped on that wagon. I am a very convincing person, apparently.

So the cleaning started. Two of us almost threw up. It was the grossest thing I have every seen. Well, maybe not the grossest thing, but it was pretty gross. Like an eight out of ten. The stench was incredibly strong. I think an animal might have even died in there. The more crap we got out of it, though, the better is was going. I mean, we were laughing and just acting like immigrants (potato famine type, of course).

I was then time to wash all the shelves. We were washing and carrying on until

CRAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHH

Yeah, the biggest shelf in the fridge broke. Not just broken into two, but it broke into a million little pieces. Glass was flying everywhere. I even found a shard of it in my hair later on that night. After that happened I yelled at everyone to evacuate and put on real shoes. I scuttled my way out of the wreckage and went to get shoes. Of course, I was too lazy to put on lace ups. So what shoes did I choose?

My teal suede cowboy boots, of course.

We all went into the wreckage prepared this time for it. Being the adult I am (mind you, everyone is older than I am in the kitchen by at least two years) I told them not to touch the glass and I picked it up off the stove. I did this by getting one of the brooms and sweeping it off. We also got the Ghostbusters vacuum out to clear the area. Pretty much the floor is safe for others.

Once again, I saved the day.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

Today is great because there is no post on Sunday

Before I start writing about my "summer update" (aka, nothing really happened this summer except work, so I am just going to have to b.s. some stuff) I thought about one of my favorite moments of camp.

So there we all were, toasting marshmallows in coffee cans, when I brought up that we should all tell ghost stories. Now these kids were reasonable ages for stories. It's not like Connor or anyone like that was there. So we were all trying to think up of stories that we knew and then I remembered that I made up one when I was in sixth grade.

Now I was a super creative kid when I was.....a kid. I mean, sometimes (ok, probably most) I don't show off my creative vibes, but when I was younger they were showing alright. So we had an assignment or something in sixth grade that required us to write some sort of fiction. Since it was Halloween time, I thought that it would be super cool to write a scary story.

Uh, not too cool, Waterfall.

I came up with the creepiest story. I mean, it is not THAT original, but it freaked my little sixth grade self out. You see, what happened is that there are three girls house sitting. The house is near a penitentiary (original, I know) while they are there, though, a killer is on the loose. So the girls lock up all the doors, windows, etc. and they feel safe. Well, one of them gets hungry during the night so she goes down into the basement to get ice cream--or whatever--in the freezer. She doesn't come back up. The other girls are pretty freaked out. One of them decides to go down. She doesn't come back up either. So the last girl is just freaking out. If I were here, I would have just peed my pants, sad down, and cried. Maybe she did that. BUT she started hearing something from the basement.

THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.
thumpthumpthump.

She keeps on hearing it. So she is like, ok self, get a grip. She starts going down to the basement. There is blood EVERYWHERE. And then she sees it: Her friend lying dead on the ground and the other one with her legs trying to climb up the starts. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.
thumpthumpthump.

Yeah, this was the story I decided to tell the kids. They were amazed that I came up with this. The boys loved me for this (Hermanos) and the two girls were pretty jealous. So then our ghost story time turned into "oh hey, let's just talk about serial killers." The creativity stopped there except for the way that people died.

Of course, none of the stories met up to my amazing one.

The next day, they came back and all of them were saying things like "Miss Chelsea, I had nightmares from your story," or "Oh hey, I couldn't get that story off my mind. I am so glad I live on the ground level already." Sometimes, I shouldn't be trusted with the little ones.

Also, I had a little gremlin that followed me for the last two weeks. No, she was not a REAL gremlin, but she earned the name (?) She was Ellie, the spunkiest, naughtiest seven year old I have ever met. She was super shy at first, so I sat with her the first good half an hour trying to have her talk and what not. Well, when she opened her mouth, it was evident that it would never shut again. For example, when we were making the s'mores (a lot happened that day) she just looked at me and shouted, "I'M BLACK AND I'M WHITE!" I just looked at her and said, "well you are pretty lucky cause you get to make two races on everything that asks for it. I only get to mark one."

That was our bonding moment.
Or
The moment that I lost all my freedom because of Ellie taking over my life.

Seriously, that girl could not leave me alone for the life of her. Between her and Connor, I had no say over anything. She became useful though when she decided that she was going to be my bodyguard. That led to her taking all the tags and whatnot in the games from me. I no longer had to sit and scream. Evolution would be proud of this.

Ok, so I guess I should try to figure out what I did this summer.
I sure didn't learn how to do a cartwheel.
Oh well, until next summer....

Uh...well, I went to one amazing concert in July. It had three incredible bands in it: The Devil Makes Three, Blind Pilot, and THE FANTASTIC JOSH RITTER. Seriously, I haven't been that giddy for a long time and it was quite embarrassing. Amazing music though and an amazing venue.

I made a couple friends in Bountiful. Two of them took me on a ride to see Satan's Mailbox. Now if you are like me, you are thinking, "What is this demonic madness?! Did someone make their mailbox to look like Satan?" Well, yes and no. While we were driving there, some song from the Lord of the Rings started playing and we were all freaking out because it just added to the suspense of this mailbox. Well, this mailbox is just a clear glass box with LED lights that change to all the colors of the rainbow. When it changes red, however, it is the deepest and scariest shade of red you will ever see. So that is why they call it Satan's Mailbox. Lame but cool at the same time.

**side note fact: I am terrified of the color red. Not when it is the paint of a car or a shirt, but when it is as a light. To me, it looks like blood and murder and I just get really nervous. So never decorate your house in plain red Christmas lights and you want me to visit you, because I won't.

Oh, during the month of June, every Tuesday one of the Lord of the Rings movies was played in an ACTUAL theatre. I had to go because it wasn't just in my house. I convinced (more like she begged) Stephanie to go with me and it was great. After the Fellowship, when we were leaving, she turned to the person next to us and said "We'll see you next week!" I was thinking, uh, what the hell. So I asked her what she was doing. Her reply? " We might as well make friends since we will be seeing them for the next two weeks."

One of the MANY reasons why she is my best friend.

So we did that. I will admit, I was freaking out about going cause, I don't know, I could be a nerd or something. Who cares, I just have horrible anxiety about social situations. It was seriously the best thing ever. I even keep the ticket stubs by Jesus in my wallet. That is how great it was.

I pretended that I jogged. Then I took a month off (aka July) I will start it up....tomorrow.

OH! I am now volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and I have my very own little sister! She is great. We have gone to the art festival, a super cool pet store (it was on the way to the zoo) and seen movies. She is seriously the bees knees. She is thirteen and I act like I am thirteen, so it works out great. We are even going to see "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" which is my favorite play. Which is pretty sad. But cool at the same time?

Yes it is, Chelsea.

Also, Harry Potter came out in July. I got to see it a day earlier than everyone else *Thursday at 4:15 PM* It made everyone jealous. Also, I sat between two guys and I bawled through the last half of the movie. Did I care that I was between two complete strangers that were also attractive guys? Of course not, because EVERYONE WAS DYING.

**Side note again: I also had to stop reading the book three times because I was crying that hard. I also could not stop crying for two days after finishing the book, so I had to start the series over.

So pretty much I have just been watching movies. Oh, and I have been reading a buttload. The mix is eclectic, but so is everything else in my life.

So I guess summer hasn't been TOO bad. I am not going to school this fall semester, so I guess I am just going to live in an endless summer
....that will get colder
...and darker
.....
but that means layers!

Cheers.
Ch.Wa.

Diners.

I miss them.


No, but seriously, I have been missing diners since I moved home a couple years ago. I remembered their lost presence today while I was driving home from Smiths. I was thinking "Oh hey, Chelsea, you really haven't eaten today. Maybe you should find some food." I really didn't want to UNTIL I thought about pancakes. My thought process is just so amazingly out of whack sometimes that I just like to see what will come up next in my thinking.

Back to pancakes. So I was just thinking there is no place I can get some pancakes this late (There probably was. These places will be addressed shortly.) I mean, it is nine thirtyish! People are all old here and fall asleep at six in the evening! Then I thought about the one time that Stephanie and I went to Village Inn after seeing the ABBA Tribute Band and we stayed there until one in the morn'. Thinking about that late timing mixed with Stephanie made me think of going to diners all the time while I was back east. I mean, they always make the best pie, they are always open, and it is just a great place. So now I want to go to a diner.

Pancakes are a second choice.

And naps at six o' clock are in a tie with pancakes.

Catnap.

Cheers
Ch.Wa.

Work/Job/Occupation/Wildest Dreams Come True?

So I have been M.I.A for awhile.

...

Awhile means over two months. We all knew this was coming, though. I mean, how often do I consecutively blog in weeks times? Uh, never. So all of you stop whining and just feel blessed to be able to read about my life once again.

Ok, so I have been doing some deep, deep, deep thinking about this and the thinking is that there are going to be TWO different updates on my life.

Please keep on shedding those tears of happiness. I am sure you all will write a journal entry that goes as follows:

"Dear Journal.

Today the BEST thing happened to me. Chelsea Waterfall is going to write soooo many posts on her blog now. I was just trying to figure out why I have been feeling like there is a huge void in my life. After reading her news, the hole was filled right up! This is pretty much in the top five greatest moments in my life! Oh I am just so grateful that she writes now!

Oh, and Tommy was totally hitting on Meagan. Poor kid has no chance."

Ok, I really hope and pray that none of you have journals that talk about the sad pursuing of Tommy with Meagan. Oh, and also that you don't write things like that at all. BUT I do try to cater to all, so if that be the case, then I am glad that I am in your top five greatest moments.

So I guess I will start with the nitty-gritty post first. This one is what I would like to call "Trabajor" because I sometimes speak Spanish. For the English speakers of the world, just take a gander at the post title. Yes, I am going to talk about work.

***I just want to let everyone know right now that while I was writing this last night (ie 13 hrs ago) a freak spider ran across the desk. This led to me freaking out and running to my room. I am amazed that I am back in here. We all know, though, that I have a hard time living without technology--email and facebook--so you all lucked out.

Work has been good. I did both the manager job at the group home and a 4H summer camp. Let's start with the shortest update one.

So the group home situation is good. I have survived two months. Ok, I guess "survived" sounds like it has been HORRIBLE but let's be real here; there were a few days that I survived. 85 percent of the time has been pretty great. There are still a few boogers here that try to drive me nuts, but I just ignore them and tell them that they are being reported. That really will shut anyone up. But really, in the past couple months I have dealt with really anything that you can imagine. I am not kidding when I say that. I really hope that if I ever get pulled over in the Bountiful area that it will be by one of the police that have come over. We will have a good laugh about past times and I won't get a ticket. That won't happen, but it is great to imagine.

But really, the job is great. I honestly amaze myself with what I am doing. EXCEPT when I am tired and I am woken up. All of us have learned that is not a fun moment.

Oh, and I finally got furniture in my place. That means that I don't sleep in the kitchen anymore. Pros and Cons with that.

So honestly, I have a mind fog and I really can't think about what to update with that job. Oh, except one of the best moments have been driving someone up to the C.R.U while singing at the top of our lungs "Livin' on a Prayer" that was just a great, great moment. That will go under my top fifteen in my journal entry. Tommy will be left out of it, though.

Now on to 4H. Let's get this straight. I completely adore 4H and my junior high kids from the school year, so I was a bit hesitant to entertain K-12 age. Uh, they are pretty fun too.

We will start with the Hermanos. The Hermanos came into program the first week. Since I pretend that I am a Spanish wiz, I just called them hermanos. Little did they know that that is an actual word, not a cool nickname. Good job on that one Tony. Tony was the oldest and Alec was the latter. Alec and I became BEST FRIENDS right off the bat. This happened by us mispronouncing each other names, then run a farther distance to shout it at each other. Bizarre, I know, but magical. We just goofed off and had a blast. Oh, and the poor kid accidentally felt up three of the girls while playing games. He was so embarrassed but seriously, it was hilarious. And I was one of the victims with a stick while playing a game. Hilarious.

Next we have Mr. Connor Eric. Connor is six. He is a red head. That automatically makes him my favorite. Connor had a thing with the swing. He always wanted to be on it and he always wanted me to push him. Now I half-arsed some underdogs to him because it is impossible for me to push someone well. Well, he still loved it. So while I was trying to prepare snack or get lessons ready, I would hear a little scream...

"MISS CHELSEA! UNDERDOG?!"

Sadly, I wouldn't obliged to his wantings. Still, the kid loved me. Also, once we were making rockets out of PVC pipes and we had to use some heavy duty glue. We told all of them not to sniff it and we thought we monitored it well.

We didn't.

You see, Connor had a hay day with the glue. At the end of the rockets and me finding him sniffing them, he was as high as a kite. At one point, he was swinging on a pole and saying that he was "climbing it like beaver because they climb trees." After this information was told to me, I made sure I was by his side to hear what he said. He also said "Miss Chelsea, the trees are talking to me." I inquired more about this tree talking by asking him what they are saying. He just looked at me and said, "I don't know I don't speak tree! They sound like BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH"

We also had a mascot. He is the scariest stuffed animal that I own. He is a beaver and his name is Bart. Well EVERYONE loved Bart. They wanted to carry him around, push him on the swings, get him snack (bark chips, of course) and just hold him. Connor's sister was one day walking around with Bart in one arm and she said to me, "See, Miss Chelsea? You can hold a baby like this and talk on your cell phone." Uh, yeah, I won't be trusting you with any babies after that display of affection.

We did a ton of fun activities:

• A circus week which led to face painting, making hula hoops, and a horrible skit that the kids made up


• Science week where we made some sweet bubbles and of course, the water rockets


• An Archeology week where we made fossils, did "digs" and make up some crazy dinosaurs


• Some craft week where we made sweet buttons, duct tape stuff, and other things (I was sick that week so I have no clue what they did.)

And some other things. The most important thing I learned from club is that I cannot play tag or any game where there is risk of getting attacked by anyone. You see, I don't run or attack anyone. I just stand there and scream. I never knew I screamed that much, but seriously, I am terrified when people run towards me and try to get me out. So, as teachers, we decided that if there is a zombie Apocalypse, I am one of the first to die because I won't do anything but cry. So much hope in my future when it deals with Apocalypse.

Speaking of staff, I worked with amazing girls. We had so much fun and clicked so well. You may ask how well we clicked. I will tell you: We clicked so well that we would even hang out after work. Amazing, right? Seriously, summer camp was awesome. I am going to miss those Hermanos (aka only Alec).

Oh, and it is terrible when all the kids team up against you and soak you. I felt-and probably looked-like a wet cat and almost cried. Those little boogers....

**right now, two of the girls and singing some freak song about integrity. I am ready to leave for the day

That is my cue to go. I should be more creative than this, but frankly, I am quite sleepy.

I almost quoted the Beatles.

I should work on the next post so I can stuff you all full of blog posts before my next hibernation from this.

Ok, bye.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

Rocky Took a Lover

Hello, hello everyone! Sometimes, I pretend that I have a HUGE blog following (think Oprah big) so I want to talk like that today.

Ok, probably not. But it could be cool.

So the first week of the job is done. What a week! Seriously, it has been the most interesting thing ever. I am glad that is was a BAM! week, though. I mean, if I can deal with that, then I can deal with ANYTHING. Really, I wish I could tell everything, but I am sure that is against conduct or something.

But then again, I am not licensed in anything.....

Maybe I will share later (?)

Well, I might as well tell some of this week.

Monday: I moved into the home. HIGHLY stressful. I have never taken so many Ativans in my life. Thank goodness I still had them. *And really, I only took one the whole day. That is a big deal to me* So, really all I did was move in and eat popcorn. I think I watched a movie. No, I think I read. Let's just say I did both.

Tuesday: I decided to start jogging. My thinking was that it's not TOO hard. Uh, yeah, really should have thought that one through more. No, but it wasn't too bad. I went to the library with a couple of the ladies. While there, my phone went off and it started screaming "Home on the Range" because 1) I feel that is a great ring tone for the summer and 2) because I forgot to turn it on vibrate. I got a lot of awesome looks for that one.

Wednesday: Saw Craig and talked about work. I bought a book to read. I templed it up. I was also trained that day by the previous girl, Jessica. She is pretty much AWESOME. She showed me how to run the home and how to deal with...things. Yeah, it was an interesting day. All throughout it, I was thinking in my head.

"What the HELL am I getting myself into?!"

Ok, it wasn't THAT bad, but it was really fun. I got to ask a ton of times, "Have you called the Crisis Center?" I think that is going to be my mantra for a long, long time.

Thursday was even better. I had one of the girls blatantly say that she doesn't like me or want me there right in front of me. I was like, well, you are nice but guess who is mister manager? I am reeeeeallly nice when I am at work. We did chores, and went grocery shopping. There, Jess and I found out our foot pressure type thing and that was cool. After that, I was off hours, so I went to see my friend (shout out to Kara) and her husband. There, I was given a gift of a can opener. You see, it is hard to eat canned food when you don't have that tool. I graciously accepted it.

Friday: The winner of all winners. I watched a movie with the women *seriously, great job when on hours* and then I hung out with Kaneez. She helped me decorate the place and that was fun. So, pretty much, no one is at the home on the weekends. So really, it was a chill day.

Saturday: This is the REAL winner of winners. I had my days mixed up. So I went to the library's book sale and then I went home to see the padres and steal furniture. I also got a free meal out of it. Props to my parents there. On my way home, I picked up Jess and she helped me even more with my place. Well, all hell broke loose when we came home. There was some drama and I finally blew up. I mean, they have been asking for it and it only lasted for a few minutes, but when it happened, it happened. I even strained a neck muscle in the act. After I cooled down, then we had a heart-to-heart. I felt HORRIBLE for it and we talked about ways how we can make this change and transition easier for everyone. I drove Jess home and I was exhausted from all the events. When I went home, I apologized for my behavior and so did they. Ever since, it has been better.

*Oh, and somewhere in the week, I locked all my keys in my room. Not cool, Waterfall*

Sunday: This was yesterday. And yesterday was an AMAZING day. I got to go to my new ward, and let me tell you something about it. It is just incredible. The people are great, the bishopric seems great, AND I already made friends. Ka-ching there! But really, it is exactly what I needed. I love it when blessings like that happen. I mean, I know that I was supposed to move here and all that, but it makes it even better to see some great things come from it.

I mean, I have wanted to move out for a long time. In fact, I feel like it has been a needed thing. So this job came along with rent paid for. Then, I had the interview right after I freaked out about not having a job for a month (more details are needed there, but I am too lazy to write them) and all this other stuff happened where it was evident that I am supposed to be here. Now, that doesn't make any of this easier, though, especially after New York. That damage is still there and it will take a while for more healing to happen. So, honestly, I was feeling like this will be the same way. But, so far, it hasn't. In fact, I really don't think that any of that stuff will happen again. This is my own transition time, and I get to have it at a transitional home. Coincidence? Maybe not. It has been hard, and it will still be hard, but I feel like it will be worth it. So here is to last week!

OH! I am getting a couch and table tomorrow. It is like Christmas. I can finally move my bed into the bedroom. Happy, happy day.

DOUBLE OH! I am going to be a Big Sister (no, my parents aren't procreating still. That would just be...stupid on their part) No, but I am going to be a Big for Big Brothers Big Sisters. I am SUPER psyched.

So look out, world. I may start taking over.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

Life on Mars?

Oh, hello cruel world.

It's me, Chelsea. So I have been meaning to blog since....a week ago, but I finally have found time in my *lazy* schedule to write it up, so here it goes.

Well, big news.

I MOVED!!!!

Yes, this is a very true fact. I have moved to Bountiful to pursue a job. That leads to my other news.

I GOT A JOB!!!

Yes, once again, I have risen from the ashes like a glorious phoenix (Really shouldn't write after jogging. My similes are out of this world) and have found myself another job.

You see, I was super stressed about my 4H one ending in May then having a month-long break until mid June. So I was flipping out and I was thinking, well, I better apply for another job. So I went job searching and I found a promising job. So I applied for this in April and didn't hear back from it until May...8thish. At this point

I WAS A MESS

BUT. I was freaking out about it and I was like, well, I might as well pray about it and BAM! I had a call for a job interview. Now, I know it sounds like I make it sound like a miracle, but seriously, in my eyes this was a miracle of miracles. So I had the interview and then I had to wait again. The waiting lasted FOREVER. I pretty much gave up on the job until---once again---I prayed about it and BAM! I got the job! Yes, praying does help. It is especially helpful too when your priorities fit in with the Big Man's too.

So I had my HR meeting last Wednesday and they were just giving me all this information and things that I needed to do before I started the job. So we were talking and the mention of a drug test came up. That, and a fingerprint test (which was AWESOME.) So I was thinking, yeah, I will just go get a drug test. All you have to do is pee in a cup, right?

Well, sort of.

So I went to the clinic to have the test taken. The nurse, Hector, came out and called for me. So we were chatting up a storm and whatnot when he took me into the "testing room". There were two stalls, a counter, and HORRIBLE 90's dance music playing. I even dare say that it was the song "Be My Lover" on. So I was thinking, okay, I guess I will go into the other bathroom. That led to an awkward stare down we had until he said, "Well, do you want me to give you some privacy?"

You have got to be kidding me. Not only do I have to pee in the same room with someone, but with a freaking MAN! I didn't want to make a big deal out of it, so I just sheepishly went into one of the stalls. Let's be real here, though. Horrible 90's dance music doesn't make it any easier to pee. So I sat there and miracle of miracles, I was able to fulfill my drug test.

The worst part about it though? When I came out of the stall, he looked at me and said "Wash your hands now." Uh, excuse me? You really think that I am not going to wash my hands after I tried to pee in a cup (almost impossible) and with your presence in the room? Yeah, I think I don't need a reminder to wash my hands.

So with all the "fun stuff" done, I was able to move in...that weekend. Well, no one was prepared for me to move. So, after a few breakdowns, I was able to put myself *and stuff* together and make the trek down to Bountiful. So pretty much I am living with my bed in the kitchen so I can watch television at night. I will post pictures. The hospital is bringing me furniture this week, so I am not too worried about that.

I might as well unveil my job to you now. I am working with Davis Behavioral Health and I am actually a live-in companion to a transition home. So, let me put it this way.

I am like an RA for a dorm...or something like that. Really, though, it is not that bad of a job. I know I have been working for two days, but seriously, eight women is not THAT bad....

But then again, one is enough.

I am really excited to see where things will be going with it though. So I will really, really, REALLY try to update A.M.A.P. I will send pictures too.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

Keep it secret; keep it safe

So I am just chilling watching the Celebrity Apprentice with my mother, when she gives me the best news ever...

Nancy speaking: So I was talking to Chris and he said that the movie theaters are going to be showing the extended editions of The Lord of the Rings in June....

I didn't hear anything else she said. I pounced onto Google and through much typing, I found this:

The Lord of the Rings IS playing in Freaking Layton!!!!!

I almost cried. Literal tears of joy. So now my plans are to find pe

ople to go with me (hell, I will even go by myself to this) and get my AWESOME tickets. BEST. NEWS. EVER!!!!!

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

While Away

this is an

excerpt from a previous post that was not published...Written on April 14,2011.

I really, really, REALLY have a hard time updating and keeping up to writing once a day.

I will keep on trying my best.

Day 11: Something You Hate

I am quite a temperamental person, so I m

ay hate a lot of things. No, not hate. I get annoyed by a lot of things. So what are some things that annoy me? Well, let me tell you

• Loud chewers
• Nail pickers (and biting your nails doesn't count because I would then be annoyed by myself)
• People who slow down but don't get into the median when they are about to turn
• Snapping to music that should not be snapped to
• The television being extremely loud during commercials
• Utahns
• Provo drivers
• People who interrupt a conversation and start talking about whatever they want to
• My kids telling me that they have no homework when I know that they do
• Pretty much anything that deals with driving (I am more than positive that I make driving a miserable experience for everyone else on the road too)

There are a ton more things that annoy me

but I am in a "nice" mood, apparently.

Now on to the next day

Day 12: Something You Love

Now I know the previous day (pretend that it was a different post, not the few paragraphs that are above this "day") I listed things that annoy me. Yes, I admit that a TON of things annoy me. That is just how I run. I am *slightly* getting better at letting things slide and ignoring them, but it is still a huge work in progress.

Now today, I get to talk about things I love. Now, I could put something I love, but that would take too much mind power to choose just one thing, so I will make a list once more

• My family (no brainer)
• The gospel (another no brainer)
• My AMAZING friends
• Working with 4H and Program C.A.R.E.
• Lord of the Rings
• Harry Potter
• Music
• Del Taco chicken tacos (A sad farewell I had with them pledging myself to be veg.)
• A good book
• Really witty people
• Birds
• (Post ended after Birds)

This is an excerpt of a previous post that was not published...on April 24, 2011

Oh hello.

Apparently, I cannot update my blog every day. I tried really, really, really hard, but as many people have told me...

Trying is doing nothing.

Now, don't get me wrong. Trying something new is something good. But saying that you are trying to do something is--a lot of times--meaning you aren't doing anything about it. For example:

My dad wants me to do something. I know that I need to do something. Do I do it though? Nah, I just say that I will try to do it. It saves me the at moment of not doing anything. So in a way, I won that fight by not doing anything.

Yeah, that probably didn't make any sense. But people tell me to just decide to do something than just saying that I will "try" to do something. Yes, there are more people than my dad that tell me to stop saying that.

Ok, it might just be another person. But still, two or more things make a plural....grouping.

So I am still trying to decide if I want to finish all that boasting stuff. I mean, I do have some GREAT things to say about myself (I know you are all dying to hear what my biggest insecurity is) but I don't know if I want to do the work. I mean, it all seems easy to do, but I want to sound so cool and all word powerful. So I may or may not keep on doing it.

But really, I will be doing my favorite band day. That one is the best one

End of post.

This is the newpost...Published May 11, 2011

Hello hello! I am back by popular demand. I know that you all have been weeping into your pillows, crying outinto the night,

"Why oh WHY won't Chelsea update her blog?! I need it so desperately right now!!!"

Oh I know how you people think. Don't try to cover it up. Babies...

No, really though, I am quite positive that the previous scene that I described did not happen in anyone's lives. IF by chance it did, you are now my best friend and my best enemy. Congrats.

No, but really, I don't know why I haven't updated at all. Ok, I do know why. It is because I am lazy. I let the natural man take control over my blogging life. So this is my my moment of repentance to the blogging world. Look at me go.

But really, I have been a little busy with work and pretending I have a social life, so it is really hard to fit this in. But really, the main reason is that I am lazy. So let's make amends together about this.

I just looked at the other days of that challenge thing (trust me, it was a challenge) and none of the questions are THAT great. So I will just update about my life instead. Since April, nothing really has changed that much. I had to work at Church Headquarters and I got stuck in some freak security thing. That was pretty cool.

I guess that is it. FALSE! No, but that was the first thing that came to mind. Really though, life has been pretty chill. I have been working, like always, and just trying to live life up to the fullest. My 4-H job ends on May 20th, so that is a little sad to realize. I really hate endings to good things. I mean, I love that job. I love thekids. I love my coworkers. It has been the BEST job ever. I just don't want to say goodbye to my kiddos. They are something awesome, I can tell you that. Plus, I don't have anyone else that I can harass and tease every day. But really, it will be a pretty sad day.

My best friend, Mikelle, got married on April 29th (yes, her wedding was the royal wedding.) That was fun to see her get married. It was a beautiful ceremony, she was gorgeous, and it was great fun to help with the reception and goof off.

So yes, there is that. Oh, so my friend, Stephanie, and I went to an ABBA tribute band that played with the Utah Symphony.

So.Much.Fun.

We were smack dab in the middle of theaudience surrounded by old people. ABBA makes you kind of want to dance. Well, when you are in the middle of old people, it is probably not the best choice to stand up and start dancing. So we did some awesome seat dancing until one of the singers told everyone to stand up. When he said that, we practically fell over ourselves because we jumped up too fast. So much fun. After that, we decided to be creepers and meet the tribute band after the concert. So there we were, hiding in a dark corner in the back of Abravanal Hall painting our fingernails. The people were super cool, from Stockholm, and we made their night by waiting out for them. We then went to Village Inn for breakfast and talked for four hours. Great night.

I finished The Return of the King. You may laugh and think, "Oh Chelsea, you just finished Lord of the Rings. That is something that is not worthy of being in your blog." I tell you that you are speaking ill words saying that. I LOVE LOTR. It was so great to read it. I loved every minute of it. Now I am reading The Silmarillion so I will be a Tolkien master for a little while. It is just so great.

Cinco de Mayo happened. We hada huge fiesta at work. I wore a sombrero all day. It was great.

I went down to Provo this last weekend to see Cami and Chanel. It was great. Pretty much all we did was eat food and make friendship bracelets. It is always great to see them. I have some great friends in my life--them included.

On Mother's Day, I was washing dishes and I cut my finger on a knife. That was pretty painful.

Monday, Steph and I went to a concert in SLC. We saw "Of Montreal." Craziest concert ever. The more I think about it, it would have been a great concert to trip to. There were a million colors, gay rights activists in the songs, people dressed up as pigs, confetti, a rapping Asian, and glitter. Pretty much it sounds like one of the clubs that the SNL character, Stefan, talks about. It was just out of control. So much fun though.

So yeah, I guess that is a really condensed version of everything that has gone on. Really, life is pretty mellow. I am just enjoying the ride. I think some big things are going to be happening soon. As it is said in LOTR alot, the winds are changing. Something is going to happen. So yeah, I will keep on updating (hopefully) more often. There will be some good stories I am sure of it. There you go.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

I've been busy.

Possibly I have been lazy too. So here are four days crammed into one. I sound like a true college student

Day 7: Your Most Treasured Item

My heart. Without it, I would be dead. That is a true fact.

Day 8: Something That Makes You Laugh

Too many things make me laugh. Friends, family, stupid YouTube videos, yeah really anything. But something that really, really, REALLY makes me laugh is, sadly, myself. Sometimes I can be really clever. Plus, I have a huge imagination and I am constantly making up scenarios in my head and what I would say. Yes, I need to think of better things.

Day 9: Person Who Has Gotten You Through the Most

There are too many people to mention for this. But God and Christ are number one (no brainer, right?) my amazing family, really good friends, and other people that have had faith in me that I can be better and do more with my life. Yes, I have been blessed with many angels.

Day 10: Person You Do the Most Messed Up Things With

Messed up things, eh? I guess it would be Cami and Chanel. We would--and still--have some fun times together. For example, we made this amazing drink that we called C&C Rootaid. It consisted of root beer, lemonade, and a "special ingredient." And what was that ingredient?

Our spit.

Disgusting right? You are very right, Chelsea. But we were probably...twelve, so we didn't know better...maybe.

But yeah, we have too many stories to mention in one blog post. I mean, we have been friends since third grade; that is a lot of messed up stories. But really, the rootaid is one of my favorite memories.

And we made good money off of that too.

Our spit is priceless and delicious.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

Today is day six. That means it is my sixth post. That means that I should introduce the new topic for today.

Day 06 - a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

Day 6: A Person You'd Love to Trade Places with for a Day

The person that I would want to trade places with for a day would be Meryl Streep. I think she is one of the classiest woman in the world (she could even be the classiest woman ever.) She has so much poise and talent and she does well in all her films. I just wonder what it would be like to be that feminine and, I don't know, just amazing. Yeah, that would be great to be her for a day.

But

I then started thinking about really who I would want to trade places with and I came to the conclusion that I would really trade with anyone for a day. Think of the things you would learn from any person's life. The possibilities are infinite. You would be able to give the benefit of a doubt to more people from just experiencing a different life, a different perspective, a different challenge. It would also be great to really experience the knowledge of that we all are very much the same in thoughts, passions, goals, emotions, and so many other things. It could just be the neatest experience to have.

So yeah, I guess if I could, I would be in any individuals shoes--but hopefully Meryl's.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

חמש

Day five already here--and almost gone. This one will be fun though, promise

Day 5: Favorite memory

Memories, like the corners of my mind. Well, Barbara, I don't really think there are any corners in my memory...box. Ok, so I guess there would be, but still, let's pretend it is a nice oval. That is a nice shape.

This day challenge has had me really thinking though. I feel like I never remember anything, so it has been fun to really try to remember my favorite memory. So thinking it over, I have come to the conclusion that there are WAY too many favorite memories. For example

• Going over to Grandma and Grandpa Burt's house. There are too many good memories from that house (i.e. the amazing swimming pool, the fourth of July, playing Pokemon cards with the cousins, having the cousins make me cry after they called me Satan, cleaning the house with my grandma on New Year's Eve because I was home alone and scared of a thunderstorm, etc.) But my favorite memory would be with Grandpa Burt. You see, grandpa really never made anything in the kitchen. Even though he never cooked or anything like that, he would always make me peanut butter and jelly (homemade raspberry, of course) sandwiches. These sandwiches were special though. After he would make the sandwich, he would get a jam lid and press it in the center of the sandwich, making a circle PB&J. I loved it when he would make me sandwiches. Those sandwiches, clocks, and him playing the piano are the things that remind me of gramps. Great memories.
• I would love the times when McCall and I would play together. Pet Shop toys and Barbies ruled our worlds. The best thing that we would do, though, was get her dog Licks all hyped up and have him run around the couch in this mad dash while we would stand on the couch and scream. That always put Melinda in a tizzy. That, and playing Tom Petty's "Free Falling" full blast with us jumping off the couch and shouting the words were some great memories with her.
• The trip with my mom, Aunt Jenny, the boys, Ang, and me to Las Vegas was great. Having my mom and aunt do hand actions to Alanis Morissette's song "One Hand in my Pocket" while driving the van was great.

You know, thinking about this makes me realize that any memory with my family-good or bad-are my favorite memories. We have had some great times and even through our down moments, we have always been able to pull together and show our love for each other even more. One of the biggest memories that I have is when my brother and sister-in-law rented a red convertible Mustang, picked me up in Harrison, and got me out of my nannying job. I was such a mess because there were so many emotions, but I will never forget how much that meant to me. There are some great and crazy things we do for the people we love. So it is fun to look at any memory and find something good from it. You are able to see how really stupid you were, how scary that moment was, or just relish in the joy you felt. With every memory that I have, I feel some sense of joy because I am able to see how that incident in my life, and how I remember it, helped to shape me into the person I am today.

In short, every memory that I have is my favorite memory. How lucky am I for that?

Extremely lucky.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

Fyra

Day four. Let's just get this over with.

Day 4: Favorite thing to do at night.

You have to be kidding me. What kind of question is this? My favorite thing to do it sleep. Sleep and read with the occasional clip of a movie. Really though, nighttime is made for relaxing. So yeah, Day four was HIGHLY disappointing. Let's make up a different question, shall we?

Revised Day 4: Would you choose insanity or death

Insanity. At first, I was thinking "I would rather be dead. The end." But then I was thinking, what if it were a fun insanity, not a horrible one. I mean, look at all you can do. For example, Van Gogh painted AMAZING things. Of course, he didn't sell any of them, he cut off his ear for a prostitute, and tried to kill his artist roommate (Gauguin, the artist)

BUT you will be famous after you die. No, but really, insanity doesn't seem that bad. You just have a different perspective of life. It would be just a new adventure in life. You might not even know that you are insane, so that is a plus. Besides, anyone can die. So yeah, I guess that is my choice. The end.

"The Reaper", Van Gogh

Excerpt from "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Why Are We Here?"Gauguin

Day Drie

I made it to day three. This is one of the proudest moments of my life.

Day 3: Favorite Television Show

Oh, the good ol' tube. I really don't have a favorite show right now, but I do love watching "The Amazing Race." Who doesn't want to watch people travel and do ridiculous tasks in the most random places?

Answer, not many people don't want to.

Really though, my favorite shows aren't on t.v. anymore. The show that I LOVE with all my heart is "Arrested Development". Why did they cancel the most amazing show? Probably because it was too amazing. It is one of the most hilarious sho

ws that has been on television. Ever. Pretty much I just watch reruns of that and "Flight of the Conchords". I am sure I like other t.v. shows, but I just can't think about that right now.

Oh, and I will always have a soft spot for Degrassi. You may make fun of me now.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

The Deux

So I really wanted to not post tonight, but if I don't have the willpower to answer a stupid question tonight, then how will I accomplish anything in life?

Yeah, I am making this that big of a deal.

Day 2: Who has been the closest to you the longest

My mom, hands down. I mean, I was in her womb for nine months and she has known me for almost twenty-two years. How could I NOT put her down? But really, not to get gushy or anything, my mom is seriously my best friend. We always hang out and goof off, I can talk to her about everything, and she always makes me feel like I am worth something. She has always been at my side, even when I didn't want her to be. She has helped me in the hard times and celebrated the good times with me. Yeah, my mom is pretty awesome.

A close second would be Cami and Chanel. We have been BEST FRIENDS since third grade. Yeah, we had a little break in our friendship, but we have always been close after that. They really are my "sisters" and we always do great things together. I love them so much and I know they love me. I am so lucky to have two amazing people as my best friends. It is neat to think about all that life has brought us and how we are able to keep a connection, even with our paths of life changing. They really are two of the most amazing people I know. I cannot get over the fact that they still want to be friends with me. Man, I have truly been blessed to have them in my life.

And I could not end this post without mentioning my dear sister, Angie. She has always been my older sister (yeah, laugh all you want) and she is almost my best friend. We have the most amazing friendship and I am so blessed to have her in my life. I miss her like crazy and I always want to be with her. She is an incredible person and I have always looked up to her. The amazing thing is that she has never let me down. How often does that happen? Not very often, I answer. So yeah, I love her to the end of time (which, in a scriptural sense, there is no time. So I love her in an infinite amount. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.)

Really though, I have been truly blessed to have these four people in my life. And Dad, Dave, Em, and Greg, you have impacted me too and I love you dearly. Don't beat up on Ang too much.

So there you go. Day two is done. Twenty-eight more to go.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

Day numero Uno

So...

I guess I can start with the first challenge. I am halfway embarrassed that I am doing this. Oh well, right? Maybe you all want to hear me talk about myself?

Yeah, I thought not.

But here it goes!

DAY 1: 15 facts about myself

1. I have two spleens. Try to beat that.
2. I like salad. Not just like it, but I crave it. If I could, I would eat a salad all day, every day.
3. Speaking of salads, I have recently converted to vegetarianism. Please don't "feel bad" for me. I made the decision and I am more than happy with it.
   
4. I love Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter more than I should. It is a problem.
5. My hobby is music. Not playing instruments, I am too cool for that, but I will spend hours finding new bands, making playlists, and just broadening my horizons in that area.
6. I make myself comfortable around people that I have recently met. I also take a long time learning about them. They, like myself, like to talk about themselves, so I give them that time.
7. When I was younger, I used to ride my bike around the neighborhood and I would imagine that it was a horse and that I had a pet falcon. It was pretty awesome.
8. I love to write letters. Everyone loves mail, so why not send them a piece of love in it?
9. I am really good at making ugly faces. It is pretty much a talent now.
10. I have a knack for making any situation pretty enjoyable. It is probably because I goof off in everything? Maybe.
11. My favorite color is orange. I look good in orange. That equates to me looking like an orange at least twice a week.
12. I love reading and I love collecting books. I want to have a HUGE library when I have my own house with so many different books in it. It is my dream.
13. Whenever it is anybody's birthday that I know, I secretly wish that it would be my birthday instead. Birthdays are just great.
14. I love to wear skirts or leggings. If I don't have to, I just don't wear pants.
15. I only bite my thumb and pointer fingernails. The rest of my nails look exquisite.

That took a good 45 minutes. You all can thank me later. Get ready to hear from me tomorrow.

Cheers.

Ch.Wa.

Hey Ya!

Hello, hello, hello world! It has been awhile, hasn't it.

So I have been meaning to update since, well, I guess since my last post. We all know that that was SIX months ago. Holy cow, what have I been doing? Well, I really don't know either. I have been trying to remember, but I halfway don't want to (too much effort) and I halfway don't want to tell because my life has been pretty boring. I mean, I guess I could try to think of some highlights, so I guess I will?

Sure, why not.

I stopped my job at Dillard's the week of Halloween. I was able to get a job with 4-H again though. My boss just called me up out of the blue and gave me a job. It was great. So now I am just hanging out with junior high kids every day. I seriously have the BEST job. I love it so much and the kids are just....great (on good days) Really though, I am blessed with it.

My best friend, Ashlee got married on November 5th. She was a gorgeous bride and I am so happy for her.

My other best friend, Cami, was married on December 28th. She was also a beautiful bride. They are both doing so well. It was so great to attend the temple with them both. it truly is a special place and I am so grateful that they were able to be married there for time and all eternity. I am blessed with great friends.

This year has been slow. I was not able to attend spring semester, so I have just been working for the weekend. I got another gig with a non-profit organization called Friends for Sight. I go to different junior high schools during the day and test the kids' vision. It has been a ton of fun going to other schools and associating myself with more junior high kids. I don't know why I like them so much, but I do so I might as well be fine with it.

I found out that I have two spleens. That was pretty exciting.

And...yeah, I guess that is pretty much it. I wish I could tell more about life, more adventures that have come to me, but like has been pretty normal. I should never complain about normalcy though.

Who knows what could happen when you least expect it.

Well, I am kind of ready for that to happen. I mean, life is comfortable now so I need something to spice it up. I am going to school for the summer semester. Cross our fingers that I will get my associates. I really should have it now for how long I have "been" in school. Yeah, I haven't been the best student at times, but I am ready to work my tail off this time.

I am looking at other jobs to add with my ones (the Friends for Sight gig is pretty much over until the fall, same with 4-H with the exception of a few summer camps) Some ones are pretty interesting so hopefully I will be able to get something fun.

I have thought about doing those lame "30 day challenge" things on my blog. I need to be more motivated to write. Plus, it is always fun to talk about yourself, right?

You are so very right, Chelsea.

Yeah, I wish I could give a cool update like "Oh, I went to the moon with Lance Bass", or "I found the lost city of Atlantis." But I have just been in a comfortable spot.

I hope I get my feathers ruffled soon.

Ch.Wa.