one day shy of 2 months of neglect...

Maybe I should be more diligent on keeping my blog up to date, or maybe I just miraculously have a life! Probably the first to be honest.

Quick overview of the past month or so; I started a new job! I'm now a pharmacy tech, and I finished all my computer training so now its to the books, classes, and the big scary test to get licensed or something. My pay increased! as well as my hours, so life is good on paying off the bills side of things.

My parents are amazing and are helping me pay go to the doctor to fix some stuff. (as I am uninsured at this time...) The first visit was really tough as I found out some things that I never imagined having to go through. BUT its been a complete blessing. My life has changed more than I can express in words. And I am so grateful for my parents and close friends who have been there to help me adjust to my new world.

Brayden has been having some trials with seizures which just makes me appreciate how much a love of parent to child. I mean, I'm just his aunt and I love him so much.

Adam is buying a house! So I decided to give up my 3 day weekend over labor day and offer my services as "painter." We went shopping for house accessories on Saturday (which was amazing) and mom and I helped pick out paint colors. I think we started some excitement on his part :).

That night going from Tremonton-Logan-home I got a massive headache. Okay, honestly it was a migraine. I've only had one before in my life and my dad gave me drugs, stuck me in the darkest room in the house with an icy/hot patch on my forehead and slept it off. I wish that were the case for this one. IT WAS HORRIBLE. I could feel it come on about an hour to an hour and a half before we hit Adams house. After that I was just miserable. If I found a compfy position for the migraine my legs would cramp or the seatbelt would dig into my back or... well, you get the picture. Honestly- the longest 2 hours of my life!

Sunday was stake conference and I was so excited to go! E. Hammond and E. Hales were going to be there and we were getting a new Stake President. HA! After that night my head still hurt. But- because of my awesome-self-sacrificing tendencies on Friday I had offered to work 1-530 for a girl whose kids were coming home...? yeah I dont know. So I forced myself out of bed and went to work. Around 530 I got a very sad text from one of my dearest friends that her mom had passed away. Now, to me- her mom was a second mom. Her family is like a second family. Its been kinda tough as I've only ever had to deal with one other death in my life. But they're all doing well and there has been an outpouring of love and support for them.

That night there was a POD fireside. It was this couple who didnt find eachother until she was 39 and he was 41! Okay, to a bunch of single adults in the heart of mormon-ville where (whether anyone intends to or not) you feel the constant pressure to fall in love and start making babies, it was an awesome breath of fresh air. Neither one had been married before and each had their own incredible stories. And they kept coming back to the eternal perspective which definitly helped with dealing with all thats been thrown at myself, family, and friends lately.

I lost my camera for about 3 months- I found it luckily but have yet to utilize its potential. Im going canoeing/camping/boating *hopefully* this weekend, so I will make up for that.

On the "getting fit" side of things; almost a year of paying for it and I'm now starting to hit the gym like an addict. A little extreme, but fairly honest. My awesome friend Stacey did this local weight loss challenge and was super dedicated on going. Well, I've discovered this magical thing called a work out buddy. ITS AMAZING! We go, we work out with our headphones in, cool off and talk for 10 minutes and then go home. Yeah, much more motivating that going alone in the middle of the night. And within the first 3 weeks I've lost 6 lbs! 4 more and I get a pedicure, oh yeah baby Im excited!

ahh... to update my blog

So there for awhile I was really good at updating this baby. Well, that soon failed and I find myself a month behind... again. Life is going. Still working on getting to SUU in the fall. Some new hurtles have appeared today, but I'm keeping the faith (and I hope you all will too- I'm going to need it). Right now I'm super tempted to just throw in the towel and spend the rest of my life in Idaho... sorry HAD to throw in some sarcasm. There is still a ton to do but I've decided to force myself to do a little someting something everyday, that way I'm not cramming in the end. Geeze, you'd think I'd learned a thing or two in 21 years...

So, I really REALLY suck at getting back into the gym after I get sick. I went tanning a few times last month, but no excersise. THEN I got the flu (yeah... I know right) and that was 2 weeks ago or something and I still have this nasty-phlem infested, hacking up a lung cough. But on Wednesday I text my friend who is kicking butt at going to the gym and had her pick me up. It felt so freaking amazingly good!! I skipped yesterday but I went in this morning and I'm tired (not so stinky after that AMAZING shower) but I feel soooo good! Golly, I might actually keep this one up!

My friend Brandon stopped by the other day and we went over all the reasons Im a total loser. Thats right folks, I admit it, I am a major loser. He calls me sometimes at like 1130pm and the next day I always seem to freak out at him saying, "What are you doing calling me at 1130?! I'm asleep! I need/like/want/LOVE my sleep!" Then he says, "Ang, how old are you." and that instantly shuts me up. There are other ways Im a loser that I dont really want to admit here, publicly on my blog, but let is suffice, Im a loser. I think he's going to make a facebook quiz, "Are you more of a loser than Ang" yeah, I cant wait...

I LOVE FOX NEWS! and so do my parents. Seriously, all day long (except for randomo shows on other networks we only watch the re-runs too because we havent been keeping up because of Fox) Fox is playing. Right now, currently, I go to the gym- Fox. Come home from work- Fox. Recorded everyday TWICE a day, Glenn Beck and dads favorite O'Reilly. Ah, it makes my soul SOAR when I come home and they're watching it without me being home. Gosh, my parents rock. OOOH! and then we get into political discussions over some random act of Obama taking more power then he has ability to take (or something equally alarming), or whether or not the 2nd coming is soon... really, its amazing. Please, do yourself a favor, stop watching those other news networks- Im not a conspiracy theorist, promise, but they are all in bed with one another.

MAMAS DAY!!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

My mom is in Utah for the weekend and I had to stay home for work, BUT I would just like it is a FABULOUS DAY!!! Its THE nicest day outside that we've had all year. Hardly any clouds, the wind is low, the birds are singing, and so is my soul!! If you've ever lived/visited/driven through Idaho you'd be well aware at how ridiculous the wind is here. Yesterday and the day before would have been incredible if not for that stupid wind. But that doesnt matter, because today its BEAUTIFUL! Obviously Im really happy about the weather. :) Anyways, so I got this off my desktop- it just looked so pretty and made me SO happy that the weather is turning around (till it snows 2 feet next week or something).



This week has had its ups and downs but I have definitely learned a lot and had to rely more fully on my Heavenly Father to help me through. OH! and my fantastic parents. Can't forget them!! They truly are amazing and am so grateful for them. Also, I'd like the thank Kleenex. Could not have made it through without causing some major damage to my wardrobe!! So many others, I cannot list them all. To you I am also grateful. Right now, Im forgetting everything that might bring me down and focusing on the wonderful weather!

Oh to grow up, what a wonderful adventure!

I find that girls my age are pretty into Disney princesses. I for one have never been a die-hard princess lover, until the real-live Peter Pan came out and I discovered my LOVE of Peter Pan and thats when I realized that I wanted to be Tiger Lily. The coolest Princess EVER!



I went to 2 plays last week, one at University Place in IF and one at Hillcrest High School. The college one was "See How They Run" and the high school one was "Peter Pan." HANDS DOWN the high school production was a trillion times better and not just because of my love of Peter Pan. My friends lil sister was Peter and the acting was GENUINE for all the cast. The kids definitely did the characters justice. The college production was lacking to be sure. I think a lot had to do with the personalities of the actors. They seemed cocky and unable to connect with their characters. Last weekend in 24 hours I saw 2 plays and a dance recital. Talk about lots of artsyness :)

Ah... beautiful

My friend posted this on my facebook, its pretty much amazing. Watch it. Share it. Believe in it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX8X_FsBCDk

A quick understanding of my love of politics...

I've been meaning to do this for... well... forever and am just now getting around to it. I've also posted this on facebook but understanding that some of you have withstood that temptation while some would like to avoid complete and utter black-hole time wasting capabilities facebook breeds I have posted it here for you cnvenience. Enjoy!

More often than not when asked what I want in a job/career/major, those who ask are left with lots of uncertainty with my mental stability. Thoughts of committing me are often attributed to my answer to these questions. Usually they take a moment and think of something nice to say like, “That’s ambitious!” or “Wow, good for you.” I guess if I didn’t care so much about our government and freedom I’d have the same kind of reaction. Let me explain, I am not insane nor do I like the game of politics, I love democracy and the ability of the individual the founding fathers set up in our government. This is why I care.

Last year I was able to attend 2 caucuses outside of Idaho; one in Sioux City, Iowa and another in Reno, Nevada. There I solidified my love or as it has been called by others: my passion for politics. Sitting in the gymnasium of a high school in Iowa I saw the simplicity of our government. Gathered together were the members of the community. Each candidate was announced and then a member of the community would represent them and tell others why they should vote for them. Then they were separated into precincts where their vote would be cast. To each a small piece of paper was given. Each wrote down their vote. Each vote counted and the winner announced. It took me back to my government class in high school where we watched a re-enactment of our founders creating the constitution. The simplicity in which the voting was embodied by was humbling. The Iowans were there to do their civic duty and cast their vote for the republican nominee.

Just over a month later it happened again; not as easy and manageable as Iowa, but the same sobering presence was again there. Even with the crazy lady who stalked us and tried to rob us of our freedom of religion and thought, it was all worth it. There, in Reno high school, the community stood together. Individuals came together to become one.

Not one in choice of nominee, but one as a community. One as a nation. Creating that unspeakable bond we as Americans share throughout the miles that may distance us and forging a unity that even the chains of political agenda or parties can break. We love that we are free. Free to worship how when or what we may; free to think good or bad about our government and able to speak against those who cover us in a blanket of numbing stereotypical titles that bind us to small minded political correctness.

We as citizens have not only the right, but the responsibility to stand up against those that oppress us and take away our freedoms. When the citizens of this nation stand together, united with one common goal or thought those that represent us are bound to a government that gave them power to do what the people demand. WE the people gave the government the power. I, the individual did not give up my ability to choose what is best for myself or for my family. I, have the potential to make something of myself, however, that potential is within me, and cannot be simply given to me.

This is why I love democracy and capitalism. Everyone has unlimited potential. Regardless of race, sex, or age, we as Americans can “change our stars.” Our nation was founded by individuals who were tired of being oppressed. Those who represent us were once these people. No longer is the case and new individuals are rising. Joe the plumbers voice is being heard all around the country and many like him are standing together and choosing sides. Not ones of Republicans vs. Democrats or Liberal vs. Conservatives, but the only one that matters; freedom vs. oppression.

The power of the individual to affect change good or bad is why America is great. Not because the government is all-powerful, all-knowing embodiment of the savior of the country. In history, our government has never saved us from anything. Citizens have stepped up and made those life altering sacrifices for our country to save their families and posterity.

We the people, for the people, by the people; this is why I love America.

April showers... brings May Flowers!

Alright... Obviously I stink horribly! at blogging/emails (Right Chels?) Im going to start trying HARDER on this one!

March was a pretty intense month. Except right now I cant really remember much of it! Ups, downs, and turn-arounds I suppose. BYU-Idaho got out on Friday which means Brianna left me. :( devastating to be sure. But it gives me a reason to plan a trip to Montana! Woohoo!! Okay, I am actually exciting. I hear its really pretty and lets face it- I like pretty! I guess I love traveling or something. I miss my cousin Bryce's wife Chelsea like CRAZY! When they lived here we would randomly get together and go shopping and just spend time together. But since they've moved to Seattle I hardly ever hit Target (my bank account approves though) and I miss just hanging out and having Chelsea and Ang time. Vacations to Montana and Washington this summer! Well, if I can afford it.

So, I really did mean to work out a lot. and I did! for 2 weeks... then it died miserably. I worked the late shift one night and ate an entire foot-long sub. I hadnt eaten a lot, it was 7 and I was really hungry. I love veggie sandwhiches... and got a little carried away. So, at 1030 I decided to go running. Thinking e 1/2 hours would be enough to digest enough to run. Ha. What a joke! I thought I was going to explode, implode, throw up, and die all at the same time. I ran for like 8 minutes and quit. It was honestly the WORST work out ever. At that point I lost motivation and skipped out for like a month. Im pathetic, I know. Then I started drinking Mt Dew again and well I could really care less about what I eat. Man, I suck at this plan. But I've had so many comments about how I look the past 4 days that Im going to continue on my original plan. Wish me luck!

I hate the weather here. One day its snowing like crazy, the next its all melted and 65 outside. Both of which do nothing for my allergies. I never had allergies till my sr year in high school. Now, I get itchy watery eyes, and my head feels like its going to explode about 90% of the time. Throw in PMS and I want to die. What a great week. :)

Conference was incredible. I skipped work and watched it all. Basically I dont know how anyone can live without the upliftment the GA's talk brings. I balled through the 2nd session on Sunday. Like, curled up in my down comforter alone in my basement balling my eyes out. It was fabulous. So much strength and insight. I've been listening to talks from Fall '08s conference when getting ready in the mornings and am looking forward to doing the same with this last session. I highly recommend downloading them to you iPods/cell phones/blackberrys and randomly listening to them. Honestly, its the best thing Ive ever done.

On Friday I had this impulse to run to utah. Dont ask, I get these sometimes and akbout 77% of the time I run with it. I had a hair cut/eyebrow wax at 6 at the beauty college and figured you know, an hour there and then I could make like a baby and head out. HA! Yeah, I forgot about the little fact that they have basically no idea what they're doing and that it takes forever! (remember last years hideous perm... white rods... 4 hours sitting in that darn chair) So I get home about 830, scarf down a mini pizza I bought at the gas station and about 845 I head south (much to my fathers objections about how late it was and all). I get to my cousins house about 1150. We stay up and paint nails, catch up, and make a Maverick run for the essentials, Mt Dew, twix and reeses peanut buttercups (my new obsession since the anti-sugar thing). At 930 AM I wake up and take her to work down in Draper. Annas car is a manual. Brock, my friend from my college days taught me how to drive stick back in 07. Since, I havent touched one. So of course I want to try again. The key wouldnt turn. WHAT THE HEC?! Oh, put in the clutch. It keeps dying and not moving!? Oh, the E-brake was on. Yeah, it was a wonderful start. I decide to make my life a little easier and run to Jamba. (what? I gave up sugar??) I did pretty well for the most part for having learned 1 1/2 years ago.

At this point Im really good at driving on streets, parking lots just irritate me. Anyways, I go visit my friend from my college days Quinette who was working at Nordstroms Rack. Shes amazing and I cant figure out why I havent seen more of her. I bought the cutest pair of purple heels there :) and then headed down to Draper to play with Anna while she was at work. While there I consumed 2 bottles of green tea stuff. Pretty good. Not the best, but I can already feel the goodness from it. So maybe I'll invest some cash into that... probably not though.

Basically Utah was fun. We went shopping and I bought a super cute shirt! Then we had a reception, wal mart fun, and I headed home about 915. Getting home just before midnight.

Where did February go...?!

Well, February was pretty much a month of life changing decisions!! A lot happened that totally changed my life. In December I decided that I needed to go back to school. It was a hard decision for sure. I knew that I didn't want to go back to BYU-Idaho. Its just not the place for me. I had reluctantly accepted ISU as they have a campus in IF and I could live at home and keep my job.

Then life changed drastically. I started dreading going to work and my personal life fell apart. On one particularly difficult day Jace randomly text me and offered an option that I hadn't even considered. Before I go on I really need to thank Jace for texting me. It really meant and means a lot. Back to the story- he said that I should move to Cedar and go to school at SUU. What?! I'm not stuck in Idaho!? I called my mom later that day to talk about it and just honestly thought a lot about doing it. I mean, I've always wanted to go down there and I needed a definite change in my life- so why not go somewhere where I'd still have family behind me and yet is completely new?

The next night I checked the website out. I've given up on majoring in PolySci as there aren't really jobs in that field unless you want to go onto some sort of a masters program- which lets face it, I don't see myself doing. They only offer PolySci criminal justice... not a huge selling point. But I was looking at other majors and I've been toying with the idea of Business Marketing and Communications-Public Relations. These both offer a large range of jobs inside of the political sphere and I am interested in both. At this point I'm siding on PR as I'm really good relating to people and working with them. On Sunday I met with my branch president to talk about some other things and told him what I have been thinking and he was definitely supportive.

Monday I was looking around the website again and just did it and applied. The next day I sent in all the transcripts and well... I got in! So now all I need is a job along with millions other Americans but I'm really optimistic! (On an honest note, I'm scared out of my mind! I love living with my parents -that's right, I'm almost 21 and ADORE living at home... which makes me want to move that much more, cause, what normal 21 yr old loves living at home??)

So life got really crazy there for awhile and I put aside a lot. One of those things was getting fit. HAHA! If you couldn't tell by my above story- I got depressed. Like worse than normal. I didn't really leave my house except for work and was completely ok with not talking to anyone and just sleeping for days on end. So my work out routine died a sad terrible death. I think I gained 10lbs during this time. I know, bad- very bad. Its been bothering me that I haven't wanted to work out like at all. I usually have some sort of desire to go, but I had none. Last Friday I forced myself in. Then on Saturday I designed a plan that I should be able to maintain.

During breaks at work I read a lot of women's health magazines or ones like it (as they all have weight-loss guidelines) and pretty much any TV or radio show you'll hear something about loosing weight. I heard one Sunday driving back from Utah that the reason "The Biggest Loser" contestants lose weight is because when they work out, its a hard-core work out where they are constantly pushing themselves for a long period of time this increases their calorie burn. Also, I cant deny myself too too much. I'm going to crave crappy food and if I don't allow myself some of it I will binge and fail. So here's the plan (as of today):

No sugar (at least that I can help, so no candy or my favorite- fruity drinks)
Keep carbs at a minimum (everything has carbs just keep in mind how many I'm eating)
LOTS AND LOTS OF WATER (I've been dehydrated since birth...)
Protein (that's right folks, I don't eat protein very much. my family calls me the vegetarian)
Work out everyday (which usually means 11:30 at night :) I love 24 hour fitness)
No work outs on Sunday
SUNDAY IS FREE DAY! (so I'm not constantly denying myself, and I'll be able to eat dinner with the family)

AND! I have an award system... possibly the best part about this... other than getting fit...
10lbs: Pedicure at a beauty college. Cheaper and they're life changing.
20lbs: Complete hair dye. It's a surprise what I want done, but its going to be a professional job.
30lbs: A new Vickies bra, lets face it... mine wont fit anymore.
40lbs: I have always wanted a pair of "hooker boots" you know, knee high, stiletto heels... yeah. I have a hard enough time finding shoes that fit my abnormally high arches but then you throw in fat calves and its impossible to find boots. Since I'll be smaller they wont be so hard to find, and I'm not capping how much I'll spend. :)
After 40lbs I'll evaluate if I want to lose more and then create more awards, yay!!

Mom and I went shopping and bought some stuff- lots of yogurt, cheese, some sandwich meat, veggies, meat... okay so I don't have a lot of variety in what I eat. I've had steak twice this week... more water than I've ever had in my life (combined) and lots of yogurt. My post-work out binge. Work outs have been awesome. On Saturday I jogged 2 miles! Something I have never done in my whole life or even have considered attempted, I don't know, it just happened. Monday I did it again, this time my muscles protested a bit more which makes me happy- I must be doing something right. I've been doing some weight training as well but my upper body strength is that of lifting little kids up and that's it. Its pretty pathetic. Last night I was just trying different machines and was constantly changing the weights to 10lbs. Go me.

At this point I'm focusing on me. Not letting other peoples lives influence me, who I am, or what I want. It's time that I stop taking care of everyone around me and take care of myself. Its going to be hard but I know that I can do it.

Oh January...

So it just donned on me today... January is almost over! Where did the time go?! It honestly seems like yesterday I was just spending the day/night with friends celebrating New Years. Geeze, what a crazy month.

Lets see, a couple of Fridays ago Chad and I went to Pocatello to see My Bloody Valentine in 3D (since its the nearest 3D theater). We left around 3 (since its 1 1/2 hours south of Rexburg) and went to the 5:10 showing. We checked rotton tomatoes and it gave it a 5, so we thought it would be an AMAZING movie right?! It was R because of gore (slasher movie right?) and nudity. Usually this means some random boobs flopping around which you can easily avoid watchig. It was a classic slasher movie. Meaningless murders with hardly any plot. About 30 minutes into it though... theres about (I'm not kidding) 10 minutes of a girl running around completely naked. And the producers didnt hide anything. Yeah, so we walked out and asked for our money back. Well, the production company has a strict, "No cash back policy." Ha, so they KNEW people would walk out- right? So they gave us comp. tickets. What are we going to do with comp tickets to a theater in Pocatello?! Luckily I was able to sale them to a guy at work who wanted to see the movie; or else we would have been out $9 each. But the worst thing was, was that there was a family with kids around 12 in there. What are these parents thinking?!

Then we went to IHOP and waited 45 minutes for a Viva La French Toast- which we shared. AND the server was incredibly awkward. AND one of the other servers was trying to talk his way into hanging out with us for the night. Just a few reasons why I hate pocky.

After that we went to his sisters house just to say hi. His niece's name is Brooklynn and shes completely adorable (must run with the name). Heres a funny little tid-bit for ya. His sister was trying to figure out a name for her, and she thought, well, shes going to dance, so what name would look pretty on a jacket? and the name was Brooklynn. You know, all cursivey and such. Made me laugh.

That weekend I got this stupid stomach virus. I wont go into detail (your welcome) but basically I slept for about 70% of Saturday and Sunday, had stomach cramps (comparable to PMS cramps- the worst I've ever had) and lots of running to the bathroom- and like 2 1/2 of those HUGE gatorades, and a few crackers. I lost like... 8 pounds in 2 days. I vowed never to eat again... haha.

On Monday I was tired of being home so I forced myself out of the house. Of course I ended up in Rexburg but most of my friends were doing homework that they've procrastinated doing for well over a week (mind you, this was like the 2nd or 3rd week of class). So it was just Chad and me again. He wanted to go somewhere pretty and since I had never been to Teton/Jackson we made a road trip!

We got back pretty early so we decided to get a Red Box... ha. What a joke. There arent enough red boxes in Rexburg to supply the college students. So we ended up back at his apartment and watched Redemption (I think thats what its called) of 24. Basically its a 2 hour pre-movie thing to this seasons 24.

Let me be clear. I have had an aversion to 24 since the first episode. All I hear about is how amazing it is and the fans are well... fanatical. So, I've never watched it- until MLK day. The next week I watched the first 5 or so episodes of this season, and cant wait to watch todays new one.

I went shopping on... Tuesday?? with my friend Brett. Im so lame, after about an hour Im done anymore. What happened to my shop-o-holic-ism?

This last Saturday I had some fun! My friend Kristy and I went to this new restaraunt on the pier called Iggys. When we walked in I couldnt help but feel a slight twinge of recognition... like I had been there before. Only after I sat down did I realize, drrrr... whenever the family goes to Logan/Tremonton and we get dinner we usually end up in Logan at Iggys. I love their calzones. MMmmmmMmm. Afterwards we went to see Inkheart. Basically, I was kinda having a rough day but after I saw that movie, I was completely happy. It was so so so good. Im in love with Brendan Fraser. It had enough explosions to make the fellas happy, enough drama for the ladies, really good eye candy ;), and really good plot. It wasn't hockey or anything and just amazed me the entire way through.

So there you have it. This is pretty much what my life consists of outside of working all the time.


Waiting for the movie to start, looking sexy in our 3D glasses


At the Teton Dam. Again, we look sexy. (And Chelsea, I am indeed wearing the DKNY shirt I bought of ya!)


THE PRETTY TETONS! I have a pretty hilarious video of this too. Check out my windshield! What can I say, I live in Idaho- its a sin not to have a crack/chip in it.


No, this is not an engagement photo. We both just look super sexy.


This one isnt as blurry as the other one; and its cute too.

And on a "lets not start family rumors" note; Chad and I are not dating. We're just really close friends. Im still 100% single and loving it!

UPDATE!

So apparently... I seriously need to update this a little bit more often. But honestly my life is kinda boring. I work a lot and I play a lot... mostly in Rexburg which happens to be 45 minutes away from my house. Here are some awesome pictures!!!



My twin cousin Anna and I goofing around in Logan.



My best friend Chad and I at temple square... we drove down and back on the first day it snowed... brilliant I know right.