Hallow's Eve

For those of you that didn't know...I LOVE HALLOWEEN!  I always get SO excited!!  Every year I sit and stew about what I want to be, because I always want a way sweet costume...but I usually end up being the same thing?  Or something very similiar...

For example...last Halloween (in Chiner)

And this year....

Hmm...maybe next year??  Happy Halloween!

Peace!

i hate school.

i failed my first test of my entire life last week.  

i

hate

school.

I sort of figured out how to change my blog a little bit...kudos to myself.

...guys...I'm moving...to Provo.  It's that time of year again.  But here are a few tid bits of summer...

It's been a million years...

So yeah it's been a while since I've updated the BLOG, but I think I figured out why...my blog is not cute.  Who wants to help me fix it?  I know you're all more up to date with this stuff than I am, so don't all raise your hands at once now...HELP LONDON!  The bloggy needs an extreme makeover!

Thanks!

Final Test

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY EMBRACES EARTH DAY

In efforts to show their participation in Earth Day, Habitat for Humanity is having a free car wash Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Provo, Utah.  The car wash will be held at their hardware store.

“We’re more than happy to do the car wash for free, as long as the people will come talk to us about Habitat for Humanity while their car is being washed,” said Kena Jones, manager of Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds hundreds of homes for the less fortunate all around the world.  Their goal is to decrease the number of poverty-stricken, homeless people by putting as many of them as possible in homes. 

“Our goal is just to inform as many people as we can about Habitat for Humanity, and what our mission is about.  If more people were informed about what we do, I think more people would be willing to help out,” said Jones.

“Habitat for Humanity is constantly having different activities and fundraisers going on.  After the car wash we will be having a concert and a woman’s build.  There are several ways to help volunteer,” said staff member, Louisa Martinez.

Habitat for Humanity is able to build these homes because of the constant support they receive from sponsors and volunteers from all over. 

“One of the best parts about having a location in Provo is that they are surrounded by thousands of college students that can help out without donating money.  There are builds that go on every day where skilled professionals teach you how to build these homes, it’s pretty neat,” said Bobby Burnside, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer.

Habitat for Humanity is constantly looking for volunteers.  To learn more visit their website at www.habitat.org.

HAPPY FOOL'S DAY

I love that it's now April, although you'd never know it by the weather, right?  Go away snow!  

So I really love April Fool's Day...and usually I sit and stew for weeks over what kinds of tricks I want to play, but it really snuck up on me this time.  I didn't realize it was April Fool's until I got my first text of the day from the Ryther...that's when I noticed the date.  Immediately I started frantically racking my brain for ideas...I was fresh out of tricks, sad day.

I just really wanted to do something I haven't done before...

I've already...

put honey on all the toilet seats

ruined the milk

filled the toothpaste with soap

put up For Sale signs

put flour in the sheets

changed the clocks

set alarms

made mom cry when i told her i got in an accident

told my babysitter i broke my arm, and actually had her take me to the doctor

broke up with a boyfriend

and

told a friend i was moving

I wanted to do something I hadn't done before, so I went to work, and then one came to me.  Granted, this is not one of my best ideas, but it's given me giggles...I decided I wanted to play a trick on a good friend of mine (who will remain nameless, for my own protection).  So I called a bunch of different family members of mine and gave them this person's number and told them to ask him about his car he was "selling" (which of course is not for sale).  I had people ask him how many miles it had, what price he was asking, if they could test drive it, stuff like that... 

Each time someone called it got funnier and funnier...He answered the phone almost every time, and he seemed to be getting more frustrated with each call.  His response was usually, "You know what, I'm not selling my car, so don't call me!"  ha ha ha 

What's even funnier is, the times when he doesn't answer, I tell them to leave him really long messages and call back several times.  

The best part, is the message I got from him a while ago saying, "I keep getting all these calls from these idiots who think I'm selling my car..."

I've been laughing the whole day...

Another Assignment...

MCDONALD’S SHOOTING

A McDonald’s clerk was shot at early Saturday morning in Salt Lake City when she explained to the customer that only breakfast was being served. 

Immediately after the clerk told the customers that only breakfast was served at that hour, a white Dodge Intrepid pulled forward to the window, and two male Polynesians got out of the car, one pulling a shot gun from the trunk.  The suspect fired one round at the drive-up window, then quickly sped off.

No employees were injured according to Salt Lake City’s police report.

http://www.slcpd.com/crimestats/crimestats.html

I want...

I recently got back from Santa Barbara, California and it rocked my socks! We did so many fun things...it was just the break I needed from school and work. But I hate coming back from trips...I feel like I'm in a weird funk and I hate trying to get back in to the groove of things. Because of this, there are many things I want.

First and foremost, I want to be back in SB...badly

I want to sleep in

I want to play guitar hero on Trista's couch

I want to bask in the sunlight on the beach

I want to eat BJ's pizza and pizookies

I want to listen to shine

I want to laugh with my friends about the dumbest things

I want to see Chris in an in-n-out hat

I want to balance on a see-saw

I want to go to disneyland

I want to stay up late watching movies

I want to argue over which movie we will watch for a half hour

I want to be so tired that everything is funny...oh wait, i am

I want to eat an in-n-out hamburger and chocolate shake that is more than 1,000 calories

I want to go shopping

I want school to be over

I want to be able to take 4 hour naps

I want to see becca's booty

I want to make fun of Chris for being grumpy

I want to laugh with my girlfriends

I want to not shower for a week

I want more hair ties Trista!

I want to be in Costa Rica with ma and pa

I want Marcus to get his license

Is that too much to ask?

The Feature Beat

I talked to 5 people about what they'd want to hear about in the feature beat and this is what they said:

Madelyn Tucker:  Wants to know what events are happening at Thanksgiving Point.

Marcus Peterson:  Wants to know what concerts are taking place at UVU.

Jane Dee:  Wants to know about theatrical plays.

Todd Radden:  Wants to know about on-campus involvement and activities.

Jordan Rushton:  Wants to know about concerts as well.

Excitement. Grooviness.

So I don't know if grooviness is a word...but I really like the word groovy, so I think that grooviness should definitely be allowed.  

So I need to write on my blog again, but I was hurting my brain trying to come up with something to write about, so I decided on something real original...spring break.  Ok, so it's not that original, but it's still something we're all thuper duper excited for, right?  We're at the point where when you hear that alarm clock in the morning all you want to do throw it through the wall.  I used to like walking through the halls going to class...but each step is such a drag now...and you can almost physically feel the enthusiasm that has been sucked from the classes.  I give a big "Hail yeah!" to the person who enforced spring break.  It's that little push that gives us that boost of rejuvination to finish out the semester!  

And that is why I am excited.  I get a break!

Bring on sunny California!!  I am so excited to break out the summer clothes and be done with Utah for a week.  Hopefully my bod will get re-acquainted with the sun again and I won't come home as pasty white as I was when I left.  Road trips rock.  Junk food.  Music.  Friends.  Squishiness.  I can't wait!

Write An International Article

Disney Goes Environmental-Friendly

 

Around the world, Disney has decided to be more cautious of the environment, and reduce the amount of pollution they put out each year.

On Monday, the Burbank-based company said that Disney is planning to reduce greenhouse gases it emits from fuel consumption at the theme parks by 50 percent.  Disney will also be reducing as much as possible, electricity usage. 

Just in 2006 alone, Disney produced 566,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide gases.

Aside from reducing pollution and lowering electricity consumption, Disney is also making efforts to reduce the amount of garbage they send out each day. 

Disney employee, Johnny Zarbock, said that by going to these measures to become more environment-cautious, Disney will save a huge cost savings.

“In the long run, it will help us to achieve our goals, and we’ll be able to expand more,” said Zarbock.

Disney has also decided to run all of their trains on biodiesel, which is made with cooking oil from the resort’s restaurants and hotels.  This allows them to recycle their products more affectively and environmental-friendly.

Disney is also going to great lengths to better provide healthier menu choices at all of their restaurants and concession stands.  Usually they consist of processed foods, and sugar, and instead of French fries and soda, they will be providing healthier side dishes, and milk, juice, and water, instead of soda.

Disney was unsure of the reaction they would receive nationally and with the international theme parks around the world about these healthier decisions.  In the United States, two-thirds of the parents accepted it.  In Hong Kong over 95 percent of the parents have accepted these healthy decisions.  In Paris; however, most of the people said they would order healthier drinks, but only 15 percent said they would choose a healthier side dish than French fries.

“The reasons for these decisions could be different.  Many people see Disneyland or world as treat or special occasion.  They may be willing to eat a little unhealthier,” said nutritionist, Whitney Taylor.

Disney is constantly organizing resource conservation initiatives and programs that will educate the population on maintaining a healthy environment.  They’ve also put together information on their websites for people to look to as a personal source from the comfort of their own home.

A week of lessons

Why is the saying true, "When it rains, it pours?"  Anyone care to shed some light?  Things can be just fine, and then you hit a speed bump--rough, but you get through it, only to find yourself in front of 10 more.  That is so how this week has felt.  Want to hear how it started?

It all started on Monday when I was looking forward to having fhe with my family and going out to celebrate my brother's birthday.  That all had to be rushed though after the bishop called me and told me he wanted to see me at fhe so he could meet with me after.  All right, I will come.  After our fhe activity that I was completely unprepared for, he pulled me aside and asked if I would accept a calling.  I've always been taught to never turn down a calling because that calling was for you specifically.  Well, after he told me what he wanted me to do (which I will disclose later) I never debated longer and harder about saying no than right then.  Nonetheless, I accepted, but I feel extremely inadequate, and I'm scared out of my mind.  Pray for me.  Immediately following the calling, he gently reminded me that he wanted me to speak in a few weeks.  Bah...all at once!!  I love my bishop...but I want to cry.

Tuesday--other than my really long day at school and an upset friend...Tuesday and I got along.

Wednesday--I got locked out of the office at work.  Then later that night I went to institute and it was an amazing lesson!  I felt the spirit so strong!  My spirits spiraled downward rapidly though when I went to get in my car and noticed that someone backed in to me leaving a massive dent with no note.  This is when I really want to utter a string of profanities...(but didn't).  

Thursday--way too long of day.  But at the very end of the day at 12:05 am I realized that I forgot to turn in 3 assignments that I will get zero credit for now.  

I was hesitant to post this, because I don't want to be thought of as a complainer; however, tonight was the last straw, and writing about my feelings made me feel better.  I love life.  It's good to me most days.  I'm just excited for a new day.   

It's All About Having Fun...

So last weekend I went bowling for the first time in a long time. I wasn't really that nervous though, because my date just got home from a mission. So even if he WAS good at bowling, he's probably lost his touch because he hasn't played for a while. These were my thoughts walking in to All Star Lanes Saturday night. 

After carefully selecting my bowling ball (getting the right poundage and finger holes) I stepped up and threw down everything that off-track bowling taught me all those years in elementary school. 

Line up your target

Take a few steps forward

Bend your left leg...and release the secret weapon in your right hand

Let me be the first to tell you this is easier said than done. Let's just say, my hot pink bowling ball became very acquainted with the gutter very quickly. Meanwhile, Trevor is not only kicking my trash, but he's doing it with style. He's throwing down the spin action...

So I decided I needed to do something different...switch things up a bit...So I had him show me "the spin." I quickly decided that I should stick to what I knew best. 

I walked in to the bowling alley feeling pretty confident that I hadn't lost my touch from 5th grade. I was trash talking and willing to throw down a bet. But after bowling 4 straight games in a row, it doesn't really matter what the final score is right? 

It matters that we all had fun!

The 80's

So, I recently got talked in to going 80's dancing, tonight actually. I've only ever been once, and it was a long time ago. But I've often thought of life as young adult in the 80's and I can't help but think how much fun it would have been to grow up during that time. The 80's rocks.

Very bold, groovy, fashion statements
Awesome hair styles
Timeless dance moves
THE BEST MUSIC EVER

So much goodness has come from the beloved 80 decade. All those that grew up during that time...London is bitterly jealous. Life back then just seems better. And correct me if I'm wrong, but for the most part, wasn't dating actually normal then? Dating has turned in to mind games and "hanging out" now.

I could just be living this fantasy in my head, and if I am, leave me be. But life just seemed simple and FUN in the 80's. One big dance party.

All I have to say is:
What's the matter with the clothes I'm wearing?
Can't you tell that your tie's too wide?
Maybe I should buy some old tab collars?
Welcome back to the age of jive.
Where have you been hidin' out lately, honey?
You can't dress trashy till you spend a lot of money.
Everybody's talkin' 'bout the new sound
Funny, but it's still rock and roll to me.

Write A Press Release

Write A Press Release

CONTACTS:
UCCAP Chair:
Shana Hamilton
utahcountyCAP@gmail.com
801-815-8504

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

SUPPORT CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

Utah County Child Abuse Prevention Team is hosting three special events to promote child abuse awareness this month. The UCCAP team coordinates efforts to prevent and respond to child abuse and has put together a special luncheon, a 5k race, and a 2008 Blue Ribbon Day.


UCCAP's Luncheon will be held April 14, at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. It is open to the public. UCCAP will honor individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to protecting and advocating help for children.


The 5k race will take place at 9 a.m. Monday, April 20, at Paul Ream Wilderness Park. Runners must turn in registration forms prior to the race. Registration fee is $15 for adults, $5 for children under 12.


The Blue Ribbon Day will be held April 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It involves several activities for the entire family.

February

So I decided today that February is just a hard month. It's hard for a lot of reasons (at least in my opinion).

1. Winter is still very much here, and it's kind of annoying because it's when we're close to Spring--like we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but Winter won't move its butt.

2. For those that are in school...It seems like February is when classes get harder. There are tests and big projects to work on that, seriously, are no bueno.

3. Ok I know this is stupid, but it is the holiday month of Valentine's Day--which may or may not be amazing, depending on if you've found that significant other.

4. Did I mention it's still freezing outside?

5. I had to say goodbye to a cousin who recently decided her fiancee was cooler than me.

6. I know I had like 10 other way good reasons, but I can't remember them.

I guess what I am getting at is that I am exhausted. I feel like my days are planned for days longer than 24 hours, and I can never accomplish everything that I want to. February has been good to me though--it hasn't all been hard. We had a fun time celebrating birthdays and weddings with family from out of town, and that has been fun! But I really cannot wait for a break. For those of you that are wondering, Spring Break is in one month. Yes.

Te Amo Mi Misionario!

So...got home from school today...and there was an awesome letter from mi hermano with 2 memory cards loaded with pictures and videos!  After spending an hour looking through pictures and stuff, I just felt so blessed to have a brother serving a mission.  

My brother, Chance, is serving in the Chile Santiago North mission!  He left April 9, 2008, and has been out about 10 months!  For those of you will siblings that have left on missions, we all know what a glorious fun-filled day it is to drop them off--yeah right.  Until this day, I did not know my body was capable of crying out that much moisture.  But like most things...time made it a little better.

I think it was only the first few months that I really really missed him, and longed for him to be back home.  But when I left for China and started that adventure, I was pre-occupied with so much that I didn't have time to mourn over his absence.  Since I've been home from China things have been better.  Christmas was hard...I still miss him so so much, but it isn't as painful now.  I really, more than anything, am just proud of him and the good decisions he's making.  He is such a good missionary and example to me!  He's one of my best friends!  Love you buddy.

(This is Chance on his balcony with the Hipodromo in the background)

Because Video Messages Rock!

I'd like to start off by thanking my readers...all 3 of them.  Ya know, I was really skeptical about this whole 'blogging' thing, I just kept thinking, "Why?  Is anyone even going to read it?"  The answer is, "No.  Most of the world won't..."  I've decided I either need to:

Be more creative

Be funnier--which is hard because I'm hilarious.

Add more pictures?

Spice up my life a little more and do something drastic, like body piercings or tattoos.

Maybe it's none of the options above.  That being said, thank you faithful readers.  (Professor Hamilton, I hope you didn't think I was being negative about blogging.  It's fabulous.)  

I thought I'd write a little bit about my latest guilty pleasure or current obsession.  Video Messages!  They are so wonderful.  I was recently introduced to them by my dearest, Ali.  Wow, thank you for showing me.  My life just got way more exciting.  

Reasons why video messages rock:

It's like real life, but not really

You get to see AND hear the person

You can add music to the video and...shabang...you have a music video

You can do things without feeling as embarrassed in real life

So naturally the best way to end this entry would be to put a video message at the bottom right?  The answer is yes.  I would so love to do that; however, I really have no idea how.  So let's just pretend I did and it rocked.  

Happy Sailing!

The Draper Temple

Over a month ago I signed up as a volunteer at the Draper temple--thinking I might be doing some ushering, or at least be inside the temple.  Instead I was a designated sandwich maker...not quite what I had in mind, but it was still cool.  My mom and I worked on the last day for all the VIPs...aka...the important people,  (my invitation was lost in the mail).  It was actually a really neat experience seeing how everything was run and how organized they were.  After our shift was over some "high ups" gave us the green light to go through the temple when there was a little down time.  

Thoughts and feelings:

1.  First of all, it's five minutes from my house.  I feel so lucky!!

2.  That temple was one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever been in.  It was immaculately clean and decorated with the finest furniture from all around the world.  As I was walking through I kept thinking, "Ok, this room is my favorite," but then I'd walk in the next and think the same thing.  So beautiful!!

3.  I have always thought I would get married in the Salt Lake temple, like the rest of the world.  It's an amazing temple with so much history and most of my family has gotten married there.  However...after going through the Draper temple, I think it may be a toss up between the two.  We will see which one wins.  I should probably find my significant other before I further the wedding plans. 

4.  I want to be a temple worker!!  The peace and warmth that you feel there is indescribable.  All you feel are good things.  I would love to be around that all the time!  

The Draper temple is open for at least another month and a half...if you have not walked through it, slap yourself silly and go through.  It's remarkable!

An Assignment For Class (Write a News Story)

An Inaugural Address

This morning at 10:00 am in Washington D.C., Barak Obama was sworn in as the 44^th President of the United States of America. 

Immediately after, President Barack Obama gave his first speech as President. 

“I stand here today, humbled by the task before us,” said the President.

His speech was started with gratitude and appreciation for former President George Bush.  He then thanked the public for the chance to serve them and the country.

The President addressed the public about the nation’s difficult times right now; explaining the stresses and strains that have made influenced the economy for the worse. 

The President said, “The challenges we face are real,” and they are many, but they will be met.

The challenges the country is facing are new.  The way they are being handled is new, but the nation’s values are old and true, “they are the quiet force of progress,” President Obama said.

He praised the public for choosing to have hope rather than fear.  Then said that all are equal and free, and everyone deserves a chance to pursue happiness. 

The President moved on to explain that greatness is not a gift, but that it is earned.  America has the freedoms that they do today because of its ancestors and their sacrifices they made years ago. 

He assured the public that things would be difficult no matter the time.  The Founding Fathers dealt with unimaginable things, but made it through.  He encouraged the country to pick themselves up and dust themselves off. 

President Obama encouraged the people to continue to be hopeful.  The economy will get better.  Changes will be made to better the country and the world.  He assured the public that costs would be more affordable.  He is concerned about making things work, whether the government gets bigger or smaller.

He closes with a quote from the Father of the country.  He urges the country to press on and to “keep your eyes fixed on the horizon.  God Bless,” President Obama.  

I still miss it.

I haven't written much about the last part of my China experience...because it was the hardest.  There were times when I felt like I would be in China forever.  At one point there were 5 calendars up in our rooms so that everyday my roommates and I could cross off several days.  I was so ready to be home...or so I thought.  

That last week finally came, and suddenly I was feeling like I didn't have enough time to do the things I wanted to do before I left... forever.  I felt like I had so many pictures to take, places to visit, and goodbyes to say.  

Those last few nights in China were a joke.  Even with prescription sleeping meds, I still wasn't sleeping more than a few minutes!  I was so excited to be home with family and friends; however, I never anticipated my goodbyes to be so hard.

I broke the news to my kiddles that I was leaving about a week before...this is the reaction I got...At least I know that some of them loved me! 

I honestly never thought that saying goodbye would be so hard.  I developed such a strong attachment for these kids!  It's amazing to me how we can know so clearly the love that we have for each other when we can hardly speak one another's language.  Leaving these kids was one of the hardest things ever.  I'd take anyone of them home with me in a heartbeat.