Ok, I just need to say this and let it be said

So, I really like facebook. I check it all the time! I have the app on my iPhone so whenever I have a minute or so, I'll log on and see what people are up to. But let me tell you what I really can't stand lately: status updates. I think it's high time we all realize that sometimes some things are better kept to yourself. For instance: "Sometimes it sucks being a girl sometimes..." Seriously? We all know what you're referring to, and quite frankly, we don't wanna know! I'm not sure as to what the motivation for a status update like that is, but let's just sum it up by saying, if it has something to do with a bodily function, it's probably best left off of facebook (or any other public forum for that matter). It's just gross. Secondly, I say let's ditch the negativity too. I know that it is your right to put whatever you want on your status on facebook, but why would you want to be viewed as a negative person all the time? Sympathy? Well, I guarantee that 99% of your friends are going to skim it and skip right over it without giving it a second thought. How about whenever you feel like making a status update talking about how unhappy you are, look for something positive to write instead. I guarantee finding something positive to talk about will be a lot more beneficial than talking about how much life sucks. Just a thought. I understand that everyone needs a minute to vent their frustrations, but don't use a public forum to do it. Call a friend, or go for a walk, anything. I guarantee finding something positive to talk about will be a lot more beneficial than talking about how much life sucks. Just a thought. I don't mean to ruffle any feathers here, I just think we're not doing each other any favors by focusing on the negative all the time.

911

I'm sure there are going to be a lot of posts like this over the next day or so but I'd just like to take a minute to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for this country. I'm incredibly grateful to live in a land where I have the opportunity to persue an education in any field I choose. I'm glad that I don't have to walk out of my house in the morning, and worry about stepping on a mine or becoming the victim of a stray bullet. I'm grateful to know that if something were to happen to me or my family, we'd have access to adequate medical care and that the dilemma isn't "Where is my next meal going to come from?" but "What fast food place sounds the least disgusting for lunch today?" Those are just a few examples of the countless blessings we enjoy every day because of where we live. I suppose sometimes it takes a profound event like September 11 for us to experience the fear that some live with every day, and to truly appreciate what we have as a nation. Let's not forget. While I believe some changes are being made in our country, some not necessarily for the better, I still think it's our job to remain patriotic and optimistic. If we lose that, what do we have left? God bless America, and may we all remember to take pride in the opportunity to be a part of it all.

Want some free chocolate?

As the unofficial "candy slut" I feel the need to let you in on this little known secret. I was a little bit skeptical about this at first but it's really free, no-strings-attached candy. Go to https://secure.realchocolate.com/ and fill out the info and within a couple weeks, they send you a coupon for free chocolate. It really works and you can do it more than once. Enjoy!

Dancing

You probably wouldn't know it from the looks of me now, but I used to dance in high school. I wouldn't say it was something I was particularly amazing at but I enjoyed it for the most part, and it was a great way to keep in shape (I had such great legs back then, I don't know why I complained about them). I loved my jazz and hip hop classes, but for some reason ballet was always my favorite. I was cleaning some things in my room today and I found my old pointe shoes. I decided I'd put them on, just for the heck of it. Well, that wasn't such a good idea. Ouch! I used to be much stronger... It kinda made me miss dancing though. The thrill and the rush of working so hard at something and then performing it on stage. I wish it was something I worked harder/was better at. One thing's for sure, if I have little girls, they're going to be dancers. No doubt about it.

I realize that skydiving, paracuting, and flying are inherently dangerous activities which may result in my serious injury or even death... BRING IT!

So I can officially cross "skydiving" off my bucket list. That's right, I totally jumped out of a plane flying at 12,500 feet, freefell at 130 MPH and parachuted down to the ground. It was seriously the most amazing thing I've ever done in my life. I'm already ready to do it again. After a looooonnnnngggggg drive up to Ogden (we were stuck in traffic for about an hour, I was ready to murder), we arrived at Ogden Skydiving Center. I was way nervous, but definitely more excited than nervous. We met the check-in lady and she handed us each contracts, where we literally signed our lives away. Since it was my first jump, I rode tandem with an instructor named Sugi. He was pretty cool, and when I asked him how many times he's jumped, he said he'd ballpark it at about 2,000! We got on the plane and rode for about 20 minutes, while the instructors tried to freak us out. As we were taking off, Sugi said, "I'd say we have better than a 50% chance of making it through this alive." I told him I'd take it! They were saying stuff like, "Hmm... what does this do?" or "I'm not sure, I've never done that before." There was a giant florescent Orange sign on the back of my harness that my instructor was kind enough to read to me. It said something to the effect of "even if your parachute is manufactured correctly and everything is executed exactly as it should be, you might still die." I know he was trying to make me nervous, but I really just thought it was way funny. Definitely the most awkward part of the evening was when Sugi said, "Alright, are you ready to get cozy?" He pulled me back so I was right up next to him and literally strapped me to him. He explained that as we jumped out of the plane, I needed to arch my back, put my arms out so they were shaped like a W, and kick my feet back so they were touching his butt. I told him he'd have to buy me dinner first. :) So we got up to 12,500 feet and the little light by the side of the door turned from red to green about as quickly as I went from pretty chill to FREAKING OUT as far as nerves are concerned. I kinda waddled up to the edge of the plane, and crouched down as I was hit with a rush of cold air. I forgot it was supposed to be cold up that high. We jumped (okay, I'll admit it. He pushed me) and immediately did a backflip out of the plane. I can't even attempt to describe to you the rush I felt at that point. It was seriously SO insane! I literally felt like I was flying. It was absolutely amazing! We fell for about a minute before Sugi pulled the 'chute. It was a pretty chill, relaxing ride down from there. We did a few corkscrews and stuff like that, but mostly it was just a slow descent back to the ground. We landed on a little grass strip right next to the runway and I had to just kinda sit there for a second and regain my senses.

I've kind of made skydiving a metaphor in my life. Yeah, it's dangerous and has the potential to kill me, but if I backed out just because of the risks, I would've missed out on the best ride of my life! So let that be a lesson. Take risks, and enjoy the ride!

Until the next big adventure, Peace out!

Best. Picture. Ever

I came across this little beauty while reading Carly's blog. I can't even get over it. Hilarious! I'm so glad I have such a weird family... :)

missing my boy

So we're down to the last 7 months before Ian gets home, I couldn't be more excited, truly. Lately I've been missing moments like these:

Senior Sluff day at Aspen Grove

Senior dinner Dance

September 2007 at Sand Hollow

Graduation day

I never really noticed before how happy I look in those pictures. He seems to bring out the best in me, and that includes making me incredibly happy. I can't wait until I get to walk up and give him a hug for no reason at all, or cuddle up to him when we're watching a movie, or any of those other simple things that I took for granted before. February won't come soon enough. love you babe!