An Angel Above

I would love to sit here and tell you all about my amazing weekend, (because it was amazing), but I find that I cannot. Not with the tragedy that happened yesterday.

Yesterday, a new member of my sorority Pi Beta Phi died. She was only 18.

She was skiing and when she was on the chair-lift, she had a seizure and fell off. She died half an hour later. She must've fallen over 75 ft.

My sorority is in a state of shock right now, and I wish I could do something to help them. All I can give is my loving support to my sisters. For that is what they gave me when my step-father was dying and at his funeral, they all came and it touched my heart.

A lot of people don't understand what a sorority is, and to that, I'm sorry. Everyone should experience that type of bond - for it is something I will treasure always.

"Sisterhood is many things. It's a warm smile on a cold and rainy day, a friendly hug, a cheerful hello... It's all that a good and lasting friendship is, only better. It's treasured. It's sacred. It's knowing that there will always be someone there for you. It's dreams shared, and goals achieved. It's counting on others and being counted on. It is real."

I don't have the answers, all I can say is life is short. We never know when our final moment is arriving. Never take life for granted, or those in your life. Tell people you love them...constantly. Be thankful for the life you have. 

‎"It is not length of life, but depth of life." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Don't sweat the small things. Live each day as if it were your last. Make a difference. Help someone in need. Give, always give to others. Did I mention be grateful already? Love everything and everyone. Always make up quickly after a fight - you may not get that second chance. See the beauty that surrounds you. 

Live. 

A-

My heart goes out to you my sweet angel. Please watch over and guide the others through this hard time. You will always be remembered, not forgotten. May your memory be eternal. Sleep. RIP.

"Sisters are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."     

TGIF

HAPPY FRIDAY BLOGGERS!

Usually I'm excited for the weekend, but I'M REALLY excited that it's Friday today. This week has been a stressful one...why you ask? JOB HUNTING. How many interviews...and jobs did I apply for? I think it was about 12. YIKES.

It's so difficult. And I've been re-evaluating my future and that just becomes exhausting if you know what I mean *sigh* Luckily though...it's FRIDAY!!

First on the agenda for today, is shopping with the best friend! I have all these Nordstrom's gift certificates from Christmas, so I'm going to get something cute for tonight (I'll get to that). Then all the girls are going to Macaroni Grill for my girl Eleni's 21st Birthday! Woot!! She's such a cutie. Then...we're going to Lumpy's Downtown to celebrate her big event. No joke, over 100 people are going. I wish I was that popular geeze!

Then tomorrow I'm waking up and going with my boy to find him an apartment. We're going to look at some really nice ones, so I'm excited. I know I'm not moving in, but I'm so excited to help decorate it :) (Been on Pinterest way too much...he should be scared).

After that, going to my friend Jason's house to have a few drinks and get ready for the Utah Hockey game!! I haven't been to a hockey game in a really long time. Excited!!

So that's pretty much my weekend. I don't even want to talk about this week to be honest. Just focusing on today!! All I know is I started the week thankful and positive, and I lost that a lot this week. I know it's life, but I need to clear my head! Don't you agree?

Anyways, have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

PS: Two great pictures:

How adorable? I still want one...

Salvatore brothers looking fine (mad Vampire Diaries wasn't on last night)

I Am: Grateful

HAPPY MONDAY FOLKS!

I'm reading all these self-help books because they just make me feel better. If you've ever read the secret, then maybe you've heard of The Power, by the same author Rhonda Byrne. Some people think that the Law of Attraction is just a myth, and to them I say: I'm sorry. I'm not sitting here saying that if you just say "I want a million dollars," it will happen...right away that is. You still need to work for things that you want in this life, what I'm saying is the more you show love and are grateful for the things in your life, it will multiply and it will open your eyes to a whole world of possibilities. Try being grateful and showing love for everything today; your mood will heighten and you will be full of positive vibes. You cant be negative and positive at the same time...so choose! You'll see a different day completely!! I'm going to make a list of all those things I'm grateful for right now:

• Family
• Friends
• Boyfriend
• Pets
• House
• Car
• Laptop
• Camera
• Health
• Money
• Environment
• Education
• Future
• Creativeness 
• Teaching

etc. You can go on and on with a list...and I usually try once a week. Sometimes things happen in your day that tip the scale...if that happens, CHANGE IT! Hurry and think of something you are thankful for and love, and it can really change your mood quickly. 

This weekend was great and I had some wonderful times with friends, and the boy. We got great food, shopped, celebrated birthdays, saw War Horse, and watched the football game (sad 49ers lost though).

What did you do this weekend?? Also, I did my hair a week ago...it's darker and a little shorter. Definitely needed (healthy to the max). Here are some pictures:

<3

Overall, great weekend, great friends who I haven't seen in a while - and yea...that's about it! I must say though, that I'm very excited about the Creative Writing class I'm taking on Wednesdays. It's 6 sessions, and I have a brilliant instructor who used to teach at Westminster University. It will be great to expand my writing skills, something I definitely need to work on. I don't know, something about writing makes me unbelievably happy. It's the way I express myself and the stories that are floating around in my mind.

MAIN GOALS: Teach children & be a published author <3 Here's hoping! 

For Those Who Can't

So when I was at Zumba last night, my teacher Sarah (who is amazing by the way), mentioned they are having a Zumbathon in SLC UT to find the cure for ALS. Of course this hit home for me; anyone who has read my blog, knows my step-father Greg passed away last April to this horrific disease. I think anyone who likes Zumba, should do this charity or at least donate money! Too many people die from this, and we need to find a cure - someday, I hope.

Here is the link to the video which talks about this wonderful charity event: Zumbathon Augie's Quest
This is beyond important and needs to be spread around! Let's help in anyway, shape, or form that we can! PLEASE.

I haven't written for a week, but I forgot to share this cute picture from Monday:

From my cute boyfriend on our first anniversary...I got lucky. 

He just treats me so well, and it's so exciting to think of a future with someone. I'm not trying to get ahead of myself, but this is the first REAL (I call it) relationship I've been in. It's a mature relationship...how about I put it that way. And it excites me! He's looking for his own place this weekend, and I'm going to help a lot and of course make it look cool inside. I've learned well from my step-mom who's a brilliant interior designer :) 

So does anyone have the Kindle Fire? My good friend has it, and it seems amazing. Actually reminds me of an iPad (which is something else I really want, but don't need). I have the original, smaller Kindle, and I don't think I need another one...but just wanted your opinions if you have one and love it or not!

Or should I wait and get an iPad 3 or nothing ;) 

I'm getting back into writing lately, and it feels so good. I got bummed because I didn't get the teaching job I wanted; so writing is something I'm really focusing on. I'm even thinking about going back to Grad School to get licensed as a public school teacher which I think would open up a lot more opportunities.

Tonight I'm going to Layla's, a Mediterranean restaurant with all the women in my family. Cannot wait for hummus and flatbread!! I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!

PS: Beauty & the Beast was amazing to see on the big screen in 3D!! Next on the list is to see War Horse because I heard it was amazing! And...Titanic, Star Wars...what else is coming out???

Reflecting

I feel like I haven't been the best blogger, especially since 2012 hit!! Busy busy times. Trying to find a new job (hard), having a boyfriend for the first time in a long time, dealing with stuff from my past, writing my novel more..etc...etc.. I wish I could blog everyday, and I'm sorry I haven't been commenting as much on all of your lovely blogs! I miss all of you. I'll be better - promise!!

So I had quite the weekend, went to Jackson Hole with my group! It was so much fun: great food, cowboy bars, tubing, fancy dinners, dancing, shopping etc etc. It was ten times colder than it is in SLC though. Like it actually hurt being outside! Maybe I'm just a wimp...hmm. But today is a blizzard in Utah, so I guess we're finally getting our winter wonderland.

Here are some pictures from this weekend:

It was so nice to just get away with good friends! I need to take little vacations more often I think!! Next I definitely want to go to Sun Valley Idaho - one of my favorite places :)

So I was told I was in the City Weekly newspaper this month. They had an event at Piper Down, and I was there so yup - pictures! Cool being famous ;)

Today is actually my one month anniversary with my boyfriend. I cannot believe it's already been one month since we became official! Where does the time go? Then again we've been good friends for five years, and "dating" for three. I feel very lucky I finally found myself a good one :)

Speaking of love, I'm a dork, but my favorite couple on Vampire Diaries, Damon and Elena, finally kissed (only took 3 seasons!)

So excited, tonight I'm going to hang out with my girls: Jaussolexina (yes, it's all of our names put together...we are cool). We are going to go see...dun dun dun, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 3D!

I cry every time in this beautiful movie!!

I'm beyond excited; it's my top second favorite Disney movie of all time (The Little Mermaid is first). Then we are going to Porcupine - can you say chicken noodle soup?? :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Happy Martin Luther King Day! Here are some quotes, from such a wonderful man:

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King, Jr.


Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Light Up the Sky

I know it's my second post for today..but this one is quite different, and even shorter.

I had a great memory today of the past. It was during a really dark time of my life, and my best friend helped me through it. I realize that we are never alone, even if sometimes we feel like we are.

Thank you for this message. 

Only Human

Sometimes I truly don't understand life. I've been through life's trials for over two years now; yes, even though they've made me stronger, my heart and soul can only take so much.

I'm only human. 


Everyone says, God gives you as much as you can handle...well I've really had enough. I'm tired. I'm worn out.

Every time something good happens in my life, it's followed by something negative. Yes, it's probably my thinking process as the Secret would say, but it's what I've noticed. I'm going through something that I thought was over. Something that I already paid for.

It's truly unjust, and unfair.

At this point I just want to move and get out of this state. I feel as though I've been suffocating for years, but I'm trying to keep breathing. Breathing life. Breathing positivity. But sometimes it just becomes too much.

I'm only human. 


I need to focus on my life more and re-evaluate things. The positive from the negatives. The things I can change, and the things I clearly cannot. Maybe then will I have some answers.

Find Your Purpose: Unlock It!

Well as readers of my blog know, I'm a huge book nerd! I love books more than anything...well besides writing that is. I love the book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. She's a very talented writer, and I notice I write a little bit with her style. Maybe that's the connection. Also, one of her characters, Jace Wayland, is probably the hottest fictional character in a book novel (my opinion). I'm so happy that the 5th book in the series, had the new cover revealed today. I had to show it because I'm such a dork and because it's Jace and Clary on the cover...ahhh!!

They are going to make it into a movie (still I hope), and even though I'm really not happy with the Jace they picked (Jamie Campbell Bower...wanted Alex Pettyfer), I'm thrilled with the Clary who is Lily Collins.

Beautiful!!

Cassandra Clare also has a Prequel series to the Mortal Instruments called The Infernal Devices. The novels out are Clockwork Angel & Clockwork Prince. Her writing seriously gains talent with each novel, and I'm very impressed.

Another author I'm impressed by, is Amanda Hocking. I spoke with her when she wasn't a big deal at all. Her novels were...eh, and she had a lot to learn, but I admire her because no publisher would publish her many books, so instead, she self-published and sold her books for a dollar on Amazon Kindle. Now she makes more than a lot of people and publishers were fighting for her. I have all her original books, but now they re-did most of them to make them look more "presentable" I guess. I hope that her being in the industry doesn't change her character, because I really looked up to her that she was so different and really followed to what she loved. I'm really excited for her new book called Wake as well.

It's just cool I have like four emails from her, and now she's so huge in the writing world! Her new book the Watersong Novels, looks a lot like what I was writing...makes me nervous. But each author has their own tale right? I always have so many ideas, but putting it down is harder for me for some reason. I feel like my writing skill isn't where I want to be yet, but I guess I just need to keep writing.

That was actually a New Years Resolution: to write more. My boy definitely helps me with that goal because he's a writer as well. And my best friend Mary too! Sometimes you just need to find the time to do what you love; that's how you accomplish your goals.

I'm big with writing Children's Novels as well again too, so I need to get more books on their level and write for them. I love Ella Enchanted, it was one of the first books I ever read and it was just so...magical. It's what first pulled me into the trance of Fantasy Fiction, which is something I'll most likely be writing. Then of course the Harry Potter series took off, and look at J.K Rowling now. Her story always amazes me...truly. She is my idol hands down and Dr. Seuss because he opened the imagination which is something I want to expand not only in books, but in my classroom someday. A dream of mine would be to be a kindergarten or first grade teacher (still trying to find a job), and to have my novels in my classroom. How amazing would that truly be? It can be scary to expose yourself in such a manner, but it's worth it in the end.

I saw Hugo the other day, and it really made me feel like I need to keep going after my goals. Have any of you seen it? I loved it, absolutely loved it. I loved the concept that we are all pieces in the ultimate machine (life), and we all have a part...a purpose. And if you aren't fulfilling that job, then you are "broken."

Favorite Quote:

• Hugo Cabret: I'd imagine the whole world was one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts, you know. They always come with the exact amount they need. So I figured, if the entire world was one big machine, I couldn't be an extra part. I had to be here for some reason. 

Find your purpose - unlock it

Happy New Year!

2012

Is finally here!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Years Eve!! Because I sure did, especially because I got a wonderful New Years kiss from my sweetie (which I haven't truly gotten in years). I was with great friends, family, and I couldn't think of a better way to spend the holiday and the holiday seasons. 

The last year has definitely been a roller coaster; I had the bad with the good, the worst was losing Greg. The best was finding myself throughout all of this. With that I realized what I wanted to accomplish in this world: teaching and writing. I expressed myself in a healthy way that truly helped with the healing process. I became more positive about the here and now and with that I somewhat became "alive" again. Before that, I just lived each moment with my head down, just wanting to get it over with. I'm so happy that that part of me is finally gone. Through the darkness I saw the light again and I now know, that I can get through ANYTHING. There is always that light at the end of the tunnel, and the silver lining that comes with it. I made new friends, spent time with old ones, and found the most amazing guy that's been in front of me for 5 years and I didn't even realize what we could have together. He always tells me, that we had to go through all the bad to get where we are now, and I truly agree with that. I am finally in a real, and mature relationship, whereas before I spent so much time trying to find what I truly wanted in a guy and in my life. Now I know what that is, and I can totally see the difference. 

With that being said, I wouldn't be here without the love and support of my family especially my hero, my mom, and my friends. My mom really was my shining light that never left my side, and I never left hers. We needed each other, and I'm so happy that we found some type of peace within each other. Watching someone die slowly from a horrific disease such as ALS, you wonder if your life will ever be the same. I'm not sure it will, but all I know is that it's going to be a new "normal" of a life now, and that's okay. That's life. That's why we're here right? Life is always shifting, and we need to adapt to the changes it brings, even if it feels impossible. 

In this year, 2011, I grew up. I'm finally an adult at the age of 24 and I'm ready to live it to the fullest in 2012. 

Now here are some pictures...as usual ;)

Christmas Eve 

Christmas Day 2011

New Years Eve 2011

Me and my boy :)

I hope you all had an amazing New Years Eve, and I hope for the best for all of you in the upcoming new year.