Yes; I am back in Logan, in case you were all wondering- and lovin' every minute of it!
One of my goals this year was to be more outgoing and meet lots of people. Well, I'd say that I did a very good job today in living up to that goal.
I went to a fireside up on campus.. I didn't know my roommates had left already, so I just walked up by myself. (which turned out to be a better situation anyway.. forces you to talk to people other than your roommates or whoever you're with.)
Well, along comes a boy. Tall, blonde, blue eyes, BOW TIE.. just to give you a visual. We talk. He's new. We sit together at the fireside. He's funny. Probably nothing more than just friends. But it was nice to meet someone new.
Walking home. Frat boy harassing passersby yelling out tv or movie quotes, asking us to guess what it's from. He's ignored. I play his game. He's impressed that I knew the answers. We start talking. He's average height, has darker hair, with a 5 O' clock shadow. Asks me how church was. I tell him it was a fireside, and that it was great except I didn't understand the new ward boundaries that they had rearranged. He says he stopped going to church because he didn't understand it. I share a few words about how awesome the Gospel is, and that he should go back. He doesn't know what to say. I smile. We shake hands. I started walking home.
Five steps later, two unfamiliar boys are waiting for me. One with a shaved head, tall, medium built. The other; light brown hair, nice smile, very attractive. They say, "Did you just go up to him and tell him he should go back to church?!" (Our fireside was about bringing the inactive back into the church, and befriending them, etc. So they were pretty impressed that five minutes after the fireside ended, I was already befriending the inactive.) I tell them that we just got talking, and the words just came out of my mouth, pretty naturally I might add. We get talking. Find out the attractive one is from IONA. He went to my rivalry high school. His apartment is to the right. He says, "We're in apartment 12. Now you have no excuse not to come and see us." I'm flattered. I promised I'll make it over sometime. And I walk home.
So.. to sum this all up:
1. I met 4 new people within two hours. All of which were men. Two of which were very good looking.
2. I shared my love for the Gospel with someone who might have needed it.
3. I was a lot more confident when talking to people than I ever have been.
and 4. I think I will be walking alone from now on. I guess I'm more approachable that way.
Pretty successful Sunday, I'd say.
Also, I was catching up on Conference Talks today, and came across one that I really needed to hear. (or read, in this case.) It's from the most recent Priesthood Session called, "Continue in Patience" By Pres. Uchtdorf <--- Truly amazing. It's days like these where my heart just swells with gratitude and love for the Savior and this Gospel. The Church is TRUE. amen.
8.29.2010
8.18.2010
trust issues
if something is too good to be true.. it usually is.
.. on that note: that job is a no-go.
turns out, the whole thing was a fake.
i called my mom [bawling] telling her the whole thing was a fraud, and that i had no job.
i spent most of my money on things i didn't need, because i was expecting a $300 check that week.
i didn't go down to logan to look for jobs, because he made it certain to me that i got the 'job'.
now i'm sure that all the employers have already hired who they want.
i still have no job.
no money.
and $1500 i need for housing when i move down.. in one week.
when this all went down, i couldn't help but to be so angry.
i thought, "why does nothing ever go my way?" "why, why why.."
then my mom said, "just be grateful that you found out before it was too late."
who knows what would have happened, had i met my so-called employer.
i don't know what he was up to, or what his motives were, but it ended at that.
you can't trust anyone through the internet.
if anything, this whole experience just opened up my eyes, and made me realize that scary things could happen over the internet.
i listened to what my mom said and i am so grateful that i didn't go to logan with hopes of a great job, show up to my first day of work to find out there is no little boy, or wife, and maybe not make it home. i don't care to know what would have happened to me. but i'm so grateful it ended there.
on a slightly different note: how do i make my blog private?
.. on that note: that job is a no-go.
turns out, the whole thing was a fake.
i called my mom [bawling] telling her the whole thing was a fraud, and that i had no job.
i spent most of my money on things i didn't need, because i was expecting a $300 check that week.
i didn't go down to logan to look for jobs, because he made it certain to me that i got the 'job'.
now i'm sure that all the employers have already hired who they want.
i still have no job.
no money.
and $1500 i need for housing when i move down.. in one week.
when this all went down, i couldn't help but to be so angry.
i thought, "why does nothing ever go my way?" "why, why why.."
then my mom said, "just be grateful that you found out before it was too late."
who knows what would have happened, had i met my so-called employer.
i don't know what he was up to, or what his motives were, but it ended at that.
you can't trust anyone through the internet.
if anything, this whole experience just opened up my eyes, and made me realize that scary things could happen over the internet.
i listened to what my mom said and i am so grateful that i didn't go to logan with hopes of a great job, show up to my first day of work to find out there is no little boy, or wife, and maybe not make it home. i don't care to know what would have happened to me. but i'm so grateful it ended there.
on a slightly different note: how do i make my blog private?
8.10.2010
Bringin Home the Bacon
I was dreading the whole job search thing again. When I got home from Oklahoma, I was planning on going down to Logan to look for a job, because without one I wouldn't be able to move down there for school. Well, this morning I decided to look around on the Internet for some jobs before I headed down. I saw a a job listed on Craigslist for a part-time nanny. I typed up a quick email stating that I was interested, and I got a reply shortly after.
Well, I got that job!
Duties include:
Well, I got that job!
Duties include:
- Household chores
- Running errands
- Caring for a 3 year old boy
Hours/Compensation:
- 2-6pm Monday-Friday, 20 hours
- $300/week
Yep. You read it, I'm getting paid $15 an hour to play with one little boy! They're from London, and he's being re-located for his job to Logan, Utah. He said as soon as I agree to the position he'll have his financial advisor forward a check for $300 through express delivery, so I get paid immediately. They don't arrive in Utah until August 29th, which is perfect because I don't move until the 25th.
How sweet is that?! I didn't even have to stress about driving to Logan applying for every job available, crossing my fingers hoping I get one. Just a short email did the trick! Answered prayers? I'd say so!
8.01.2010
GNO
One of my favorite things about being single is being able to have a GNO whenever I want! I don't have to ask the hubbs for permission to leave his side for the night, and I'm free to mingle/flirt without everlasting consequences.. it's the best!
Well, since I've been in Oklahoma, my sister lets me tag along to all of her GNO's. On Friday we hit up Cheesecake Factory to celebrate National Cheesecake day.. all cheesecake's half off. My herb-crusted salmon was completed with a big ole' slice of White Chocolate Carmel Macadamia Nut Cheesecake, that I shared with my sister. Jealous much? Then we hit up Bricktown (Down town OKC) for some dancing! So much fun! Makes me miss college a lot. Ran into some crazies, "Hey! Be nice to my friends, it's their first time in America!" or "Pretend like I'm one of the girls just dancing in your circle." And while walking back to the car, "You know what's wrong with this picture? A bunch of smokin hot women, with no guys. I'm serious, (as he points to every girl) you're smokin hot, smokin hot, smokin hot,etc.. "Although, he did emphasise smokin hot when he pointed to Leah. "SMOOOOOOOKIN HOT!" haha, I had to laugh. So, all in all, Friday night was a huge success. Big thanks to my sis Leah for allowing me to tag along with her and all the other married women! Makes me feel so grown up!
Speaking of grown up.. what's with all of my nieces and nephews thinking I need to settle down and get married?!
i.e.
"Laurel how old are you?"
"20!"
"Why aren't you married then?"- Avery
or
"Laurel, when are you going to have kids?"
"When I get married."
"Well, hurry and get married then!" -Sheldon
or
"Hey Laurel, Greg's single, maybe you can marry him?" -Jace
WOAH hold up kids! Let me live my life, let me have my GNO's, let me have fun! Why settle down now?! Sheesh. :)
*for the audience that may have been confused throughout this whole post; GNO= girls night out.
Well, since I've been in Oklahoma, my sister lets me tag along to all of her GNO's. On Friday we hit up Cheesecake Factory to celebrate National Cheesecake day.. all cheesecake's half off. My herb-crusted salmon was completed with a big ole' slice of White Chocolate Carmel Macadamia Nut Cheesecake, that I shared with my sister. Jealous much? Then we hit up Bricktown (Down town OKC) for some dancing! So much fun! Makes me miss college a lot. Ran into some crazies, "Hey! Be nice to my friends, it's their first time in America!" or "Pretend like I'm one of the girls just dancing in your circle." And while walking back to the car, "You know what's wrong with this picture? A bunch of smokin hot women, with no guys. I'm serious, (as he points to every girl) you're smokin hot, smokin hot, smokin hot,etc.. "Although, he did emphasise smokin hot when he pointed to Leah. "SMOOOOOOOKIN HOT!" haha, I had to laugh. So, all in all, Friday night was a huge success. Big thanks to my sis Leah for allowing me to tag along with her and all the other married women! Makes me feel so grown up!
Speaking of grown up.. what's with all of my nieces and nephews thinking I need to settle down and get married?!
i.e.
"Laurel how old are you?"
"20!"
"Why aren't you married then?"- Avery
or
"Laurel, when are you going to have kids?"
"When I get married."
"Well, hurry and get married then!" -Sheldon
or
"Hey Laurel, Greg's single, maybe you can marry him?" -Jace
WOAH hold up kids! Let me live my life, let me have my GNO's, let me have fun! Why settle down now?! Sheesh. :)
*for the audience that may have been confused throughout this whole post; GNO= girls night out.
7.27.2010
Things to Look Forward to:
I never thought I'd say this, but I can't wait for school to start up again. I miss so many things about Utah State and yet, I was so excited to get out of Logan for a while. funny, right?
i miss roommates.
student wards.
FHE, that usually included free food
having a schedule
attending class
studying in the library
hitting up the cafe in the library
spoon me
my old job, not boss
institute
dances
bonfires
cutler dam swimming
parties
bbq's
extended family, grandparents especially
visiting my sis in provo
friends
having something to do all the time
weekend trips to slc
aggie sports games
getting so excited to go home for the weekend
free gym membership
aggie ice cream
& much, much more..
I wasn't sure if I was going back to school or not this semester, but I thought about all the things I was going to miss if I didn't. Despite all the money it costs to attend and to pay for rent and everything else, it's definitely where I'm suppose to be.
SO SHOUT OUT TO:
Emily Kofford
Elicia Sadler
Megan Bell
Mandy Allen
... hope to see you there! 
looks like heaven to me.
7.09.2010
untitled
i have a months worth of catching up to do..
Traveling: so, we left phoenix--> drove 18ish hours with three kids to make it to idaho falls. (it would have only been 15 hours had we not gotten stuck in two hour backed up traffic from a car wreck and summer construction.. but despite the fact that we were in the car for so long, the kids were actually really good.) --> i got to hang out with my family for two weeks and during the most important time of year, the fourth of july! (idaho falls has the second best firework show in the nation, only next to philidelphia.. hollla!) --> after our two weeks were over, we then took off to oklahoma city (19 hour drive), which is where i'm at right now.
Festivities: we made it to idaho falls just in time to help my family pack up and move.. perfect timing, right?! in all honesty, i was glad i was able to be there to help. without the help of my brother who's on a mission, and my dad who travels so much, i'm sure my mom was glad to have another set of hands to help pack up and move boxes. i'm excited for my family to move though. i wish they would have found that house when i was living with them though! it's up on the hill, so the view of the whole city is incredible. i'm excited to visit! And we're right next door to the Christensen's. Tyler, their son is one of Layne's best friends.. and Layne always tells me how stoked he is to be neighbors when they're off of their missions. He said, quote, "Being neighbors with Tyler is going to be the sickest thing ALMOST ever to happen to me! I can't wait to be standing in our European underwear on our balconies!" haha, that's quite the visual, Layne!
I was able to drive up to Logan for a couple of days and spend time with my grandparents and extended family. My cousin had his mission farewell, and he did an amazing job! So good luck to Elder Schenk who just left for Brazil!
Being home isn't complete without one of our infamous game nights. we pulled out some oldies for this one.. POGS! i totally dominated, by the way. Laynes skeleton slammer definitely didn't disappoint! i also dominated in a little game of Poker. maybe i should take my luck all the way to vegas!
the fourth of july was amazing. the parade was a little long, but all worth the wait when i saw my sisters dancing in their kangoo jumps! HA HA! it was actually really good, and it didn't look stupid at all! you put all the other floats to shame! my dad reserves rooms at the Shilo Inn every year, so we have prime seating arrangements for the firework show. we got to eat at the banquet dinner and listen to Ali and Christina sing the National Anthem. they are amazing. I'm so grateful to know them, and to have been such good friends with Ali. I have never met a sweeter girl than her. they made it to Hollywood on America's Got Talent.. so everyone vote for Ali and Christina- and look them up if you haven't already! Seriously, do it. I hope and pray for the best with them.
Randoms: when i was in phoenix, i went to my sisters ward and saw a familiar face.. Elder David Fager! haha he's serving a mission there. it was weird trying to catch up, cause you couldn't be like well let's go to lunch or something! We just shook his hands and shared spiritual thoughts.. haha
i emailed layne late on a sunday night last week, and i was just looking through my inbox and i see an email from him already. it said, "DUDE don't get off, stay on and talk to me!" it may or may not be allowed, but i stayed on anyway and we emailed back and forth for an hour until his computer time was up. it was like we were texting again, it was awesome! i might have to email him in the late hours of the night more often! ..i might also have to check with the missionary handbook to see if that's even allowed.. But layne is doing so well, he had two baptisms last week and was on cloud nine. check him out at elderlaynerasmussen.blogspot.com, if you haven't already.
And I hope my mom doesn't mind I'm posting this, but I just laugh every time I think of it. My mom, Leisha, and I were cleaning all day and my mom was trying to get the vacuum to work, and apparently nothing was going right for my mom that day. So she said, "do I need to say a little prayer?!" and I said, "Yeah, and maybe you need a joint to ease your troubles too." "Why, so I can poke my eyeballs out with it?" haha Leisha and I thought that was so funny. My mom is so sweet and innocent.
side note: i don't do drugs, nor turn to them when days have gone bad.
pictures to come, maybe videos, depends on what my dad uploads cause he took all the pictures!
Traveling: so, we left phoenix--> drove 18ish hours with three kids to make it to idaho falls. (it would have only been 15 hours had we not gotten stuck in two hour backed up traffic from a car wreck and summer construction.. but despite the fact that we were in the car for so long, the kids were actually really good.) --> i got to hang out with my family for two weeks and during the most important time of year, the fourth of july! (idaho falls has the second best firework show in the nation, only next to philidelphia.. hollla!) --> after our two weeks were over, we then took off to oklahoma city (19 hour drive), which is where i'm at right now.
Festivities: we made it to idaho falls just in time to help my family pack up and move.. perfect timing, right?! in all honesty, i was glad i was able to be there to help. without the help of my brother who's on a mission, and my dad who travels so much, i'm sure my mom was glad to have another set of hands to help pack up and move boxes. i'm excited for my family to move though. i wish they would have found that house when i was living with them though! it's up on the hill, so the view of the whole city is incredible. i'm excited to visit! And we're right next door to the Christensen's. Tyler, their son is one of Layne's best friends.. and Layne always tells me how stoked he is to be neighbors when they're off of their missions. He said, quote, "Being neighbors with Tyler is going to be the sickest thing ALMOST ever to happen to me! I can't wait to be standing in our European underwear on our balconies!" haha, that's quite the visual, Layne!
I was able to drive up to Logan for a couple of days and spend time with my grandparents and extended family. My cousin had his mission farewell, and he did an amazing job! So good luck to Elder Schenk who just left for Brazil!
Being home isn't complete without one of our infamous game nights. we pulled out some oldies for this one.. POGS! i totally dominated, by the way. Laynes skeleton slammer definitely didn't disappoint! i also dominated in a little game of Poker. maybe i should take my luck all the way to vegas!
the fourth of july was amazing. the parade was a little long, but all worth the wait when i saw my sisters dancing in their kangoo jumps! HA HA! it was actually really good, and it didn't look stupid at all! you put all the other floats to shame! my dad reserves rooms at the Shilo Inn every year, so we have prime seating arrangements for the firework show. we got to eat at the banquet dinner and listen to Ali and Christina sing the National Anthem. they are amazing. I'm so grateful to know them, and to have been such good friends with Ali. I have never met a sweeter girl than her. they made it to Hollywood on America's Got Talent.. so everyone vote for Ali and Christina- and look them up if you haven't already! Seriously, do it. I hope and pray for the best with them.
Randoms: when i was in phoenix, i went to my sisters ward and saw a familiar face.. Elder David Fager! haha he's serving a mission there. it was weird trying to catch up, cause you couldn't be like well let's go to lunch or something! We just shook his hands and shared spiritual thoughts.. haha
i emailed layne late on a sunday night last week, and i was just looking through my inbox and i see an email from him already. it said, "DUDE don't get off, stay on and talk to me!" it may or may not be allowed, but i stayed on anyway and we emailed back and forth for an hour until his computer time was up. it was like we were texting again, it was awesome! i might have to email him in the late hours of the night more often! ..i might also have to check with the missionary handbook to see if that's even allowed.. But layne is doing so well, he had two baptisms last week and was on cloud nine. check him out at elderlaynerasmussen.blogspot.com, if you haven't already.
And I hope my mom doesn't mind I'm posting this, but I just laugh every time I think of it. My mom, Leisha, and I were cleaning all day and my mom was trying to get the vacuum to work, and apparently nothing was going right for my mom that day. So she said, "do I need to say a little prayer?!" and I said, "Yeah, and maybe you need a joint to ease your troubles too." "Why, so I can poke my eyeballs out with it?" haha Leisha and I thought that was so funny. My mom is so sweet and innocent.
side note: i don't do drugs, nor turn to them when days have gone bad.
pictures to come, maybe videos, depends on what my dad uploads cause he took all the pictures!
6.13.2010
Childhood Mem's
*Kudos to Melissa for providing me with this latest blog post. What a gem, seriously. :]
Lisa Frank.. EVERYTHING. Notebook, backpack, folders, pencils, etc. I was obsessed.
Barbie Jeep.. minus the creepy kids.
1. Where did you grow up?
I lived in Grace, Idaho for the first two years of my life, then we moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho where I resided for the next 17 years.
2. Do you consider your childhood a happy one?
The happiest. I couldn't have asked for a better childhood. I loved the fact that I had a big family. It was a huge challenge for my parents to raise us all, but I loved every minute of it.
3. Do you have any siblings?
Ha.. I have 5 other sisters (3 older, two younger) and 3 brothers (two older, one younger). And I love 'em all!
4. Who did you think was the smartest person in the world?
I lived in Grace, Idaho for the first two years of my life, then we moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho where I resided for the next 17 years.
2. Do you consider your childhood a happy one?
The happiest. I couldn't have asked for a better childhood. I loved the fact that I had a big family. It was a huge challenge for my parents to raise us all, but I loved every minute of it.
3. Do you have any siblings?
Ha.. I have 5 other sisters (3 older, two younger) and 3 brothers (two older, one younger). And I love 'em all!
4. Who did you think was the smartest person in the world?
Definitely God.
6. What about being a child do you miss the most?
Going outside to play knowing that the whole neighborhood would be outside too.
7. Where did your family go on vacation?
We've been to several different places, but I always just loved making short trips to Grace, Idaho to visit with my grandma. Those were the days..
8. What is something you really wish you hadn't started earlier in life?
I can't really think of anything I wish I hadn't started.. But one thing I wish I had started was the piano. I played for a little bit, but never practiced and hated it. Now, I'm trying to teach myself and it's not as easy as I know it would have been if I were younger.
9. Did you have any serious accidents or illnesses as a child?
6. What about being a child do you miss the most?
Going outside to play knowing that the whole neighborhood would be outside too.
7. Where did your family go on vacation?
We've been to several different places, but I always just loved making short trips to Grace, Idaho to visit with my grandma. Those were the days..
8. What is something you really wish you hadn't started earlier in life?
I can't really think of anything I wish I hadn't started.. But one thing I wish I had started was the piano. I played for a little bit, but never practiced and hated it. Now, I'm trying to teach myself and it's not as easy as I know it would have been if I were younger.
9. Did you have any serious accidents or illnesses as a child?
Nothing too serious. I cut my wrist open using scissors when I was trying to make a quilt for my Young Women's project. And I have a nasty scar on my knee when I fell hardcore on my way to church. Nothing stitches couldn't fix.
10. Did you have any nicknames?
Boo-Boo.. let's not talk about it.
11. Name 5 school days accomplishments.
-The only one I can think of is becoming a Geography Bee finalist for our school. How sad is that?! I had pretty good grades though. I was in advanced choir for four years.. Nothing too awesome.
12. What stories have been told about yourself as a baby?
My grandma would always tell me what a terrible child I was in church. She said my dad had to take me out every week; and every week as I was yelling, I'd never fail to wave and say goodbye to the bishop behind the pulpit.
13. Did religion/church play a part in your childhood social activities?
Oh yeah. Girls Camp. Primary Activities. Mutual. My parents were very diligent in making sure we went to every activity there was.
14. What objects do you remember from your childhood? to list a few:
11. Name 5 school days accomplishments.
-The only one I can think of is becoming a Geography Bee finalist for our school. How sad is that?! I had pretty good grades though. I was in advanced choir for four years.. Nothing too awesome.
12. What stories have been told about yourself as a baby?
My grandma would always tell me what a terrible child I was in church. She said my dad had to take me out every week; and every week as I was yelling, I'd never fail to wave and say goodbye to the bishop behind the pulpit.
13. Did religion/church play a part in your childhood social activities?
Oh yeah. Girls Camp. Primary Activities. Mutual. My parents were very diligent in making sure we went to every activity there was.
14. What objects do you remember from your childhood? to list a few:
Always had one of these on our home from grandma's!
We were way into pogs and slammers. I think we still have some too.
Lisa Frank.. EVERYTHING. Notebook, backpack, folders, pencils, etc. I was obsessed.
Barbie Jeep.. minus the creepy kids.
A short and easy read for when I needed an extra point to meet my A.R. goal. And I will admit that I read every one of these books..
Wouldn't go anywhere without my gellie's!
Seriously, the best computer game ever.
*I could make a whole blog post about memories as a child. I probably will, in fact. the 90's were very good to me.
6.07.2010
The Big 22..
Layne may not be able to read this awesome post I'm dedicating to him, but I just thought I'd share with the World Wide Web how much my big brother means to me:
Layne in a nutshell.
Still his goofy self, even on the mish.
By the way.. If any single ladies are reading this- My brother will be available in a little over a year and a half. Although, I will have to approve. ;)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAYNER!
I might just have to print this off and send this to him..
- He takes such good care of me. He helped with college applications and gave me lots of encouragement. That meant the world to me.
- He would always come visit me in Logan. I loved having him there to hang out with me.
- He would always send me thoughtful texts or facebook messages. I saved every one of them.
- He doesn't care what people think of him.
- He's such a goof ball. It's easy to forget all of your problems when you're around him.
- He's makes about 20 new friends every day.
- He's very smart.
- He may not think it, but I think he's a great speaker and I love hearing him bear his testimony.
- He's good at everything he does.
- He's the life of the party.
Layne and I weren't close at all growing up. We just didn't have much in common, and it was hard for us to get along. After we got over the fact that we were complete opposites, we became best friends. It was hard seeing him leave for 2 years because we were so close. I would miss our late night talks,and his spur of the moment visits to Logan. But I know that his descision to serve a mission will be the best descision he has made thus far. Since he's been on his mission, I have felt closer to him than before. He is such an amazing example, and I love hearing from him every week. I wake up every monday morning at 2 am just to read his emails. That's the perfect way to start off my week, is hearing from him. I can't wait for him to return with HONOR in 1 year and 8 months.
Layne in a nutshell.
Still his goofy self, even on the mish.
By the way.. If any single ladies are reading this- My brother will be available in a little over a year and a half. Although, I will have to approve. ;)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAYNER!
I might just have to print this off and send this to him..
6.05.2010
Dear Social Life,
See you in two months!
Since my social life went down the crapper, you'll have to endure posts all about my nieces and nephews. Which should be totally fine, because they are so fetchin' cute! Not to mention hilarious! But as for the whole social/dating scene.. probably won't see a lot of that for a while. Anyway, enjoy some cute pics of my niece and nephew!
1
Sweet little boy.
Classic Avery
-I don't have any pics with Jace, I wonder if he'll let me do a photoshoot with him?
-and I was bored with my hair and decided to cut some bangs. Looks a little rough, but it's okay because I'll see my sister soon and she'll fix em up for me! Right, Chelle?!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)