27.

Well hello!

Yesterday was a great day.  It was National Talk in an Elevator Day, Olympics Opening Ceremony and much more.

First off, I went to lunch with Marisol.  We started this tradition last year.  We try to go to a new (ish)/locally owned restaurant with good food right before she leaves for school.  Last year we went to the oh so good Mona Lisa (which is now closed...boo!)  This year we went downtown and tried Merr's Family Restaurant!  MMMM.  It was delish.  We each had a turkey BLT with avocados and a side of fries.  Then we shared something called "Chocolate Overload."  Yeah...it was a good thing we shared.  That was heaven but definitely an overload.  To get to the restaurant we took an elevator so that we could celebrate National Talk in an Elevator.  It was fun!

Excuse the crappy quality of my cell phone camera.  From there I headed home and picked up my siblings.  We piled in my little car and headed to the Reel Theatre to watch....drumroll....HUNGER GAMES.  Yes, it's true I'm obsessed.  I just love that book and movie.  My siblings and I have been very un-patiently waiting for it to come to the Dollar Theatre.  It was my third time seeing it and I still loved it.  I can't wait for the release on August 18th.  Woo!

When I arrived home I had a lovely letter from my best best friend.  I've been awaiting this letter for almost 2 weeks now.  It was an exciting moment!

Yeah...do you see that adorable ring??  I know, I'm lucky.  Raschelle Goodman is the best!  Only 1 month and 8 days until I get to see her again!  It will be an exciting reunion!

Then I watched the Olympics Opening Ceremonies with the fam.  I love the Olympics.  Seriously, it is an obsession.  I just love watching how talented and dedicated these people are.  I also love how the world comes together and competes.  It's beautiful.  The ceremonies were not nearly as cool as Beijing but I did enjoy Voldemort's presence.  The Harry Potter nerd in me was thrilled.

Then I headed to a friend's house for an outdoor movie.  We watched Megamind...always a good choice.  It was a good night minus the little scare where I thought I lost my brother.  Turns out he was just waiting by my car.  Sheesh....crazy kid.

(:

Today's Holidays are:
National Dance Day
National Milk Chocolate Day
National Day of the Cowboy
Hamburger Day

Tomorrow's Holidays are:
Lasagna Day
National Lipstick Day

July 26th

Hello!

So yesterday was National Chili Dog Day, Aunt and Uncle Day, and All or Nothing Day.

First off...chili dogs.  Well that did not sound in the least bit appetizing so my brother and I made spicy chicken alfredo and bread sticks.  I think we were much better off.  (:

Second...aunts and uncles.  I know I took the lazy way but I posted on all of my aunts and uncles facebook walls.  That was super easy because I am blessed to have an incredible family.  My aunts and uncles have been extremely supportive of me all through the years.  Now that I am in college I live closer to all of them than I do my immediate family. They take good care of me while I am away.  I love my aunts and uncles for the humor they bring and the examples they set.  (:

Third...All or Nothing.  I had big plans for this day when I first started researching these holidays.  Many things came to mind.  I was going to eat something super delicious and not stress a single bit over the calories.  Marisol and I were going to bike the 20 miles around Lake Lowell.  But when the day finally arrived I went to the other side of the spectrum...I opted for doing "nothing."  This may sound lazy, but after the crazy experiences I keep having this week (refer to previous post) I decided to prevent further injury and keep my sanity intact by enjoying the comfort and safety of my own home.   I think it was a wise choice.  I can report that I am in one piece and did not witness any near death situations.  Hooray!

Today's Holidays are:
Barbie-in-a-blender Day
National Talk in an Elevator Day
Take Your House Plant for a Walk Day
National Sleepy Head Day
National Creme Brulee Day
Olympics Day

(:

I'm Back!

Well it's been a little while and I have something to admit...I have been a slacker in my celebration of obscure holidays.  But I only decided to do that to fill up my time and I have been pretty busy with other things so I guess it's all good. I do have some good adventures to share though!

Here's 3 exciting adventures I have had in the past week.

#1 I bought a car!
I definitely feel more grown up now and that is exciting.  I am the proud owner of a green (ish) 1997 Mercury Tracer.  I bought it from an old woman who had her license taken away because her reaction time was too slow.  It is in almost perfect condition.  I am very excited about this car.  It makes me super happy and allows me to have a lot of adventures!  I've saved up for my whole life to buy this thing so I'm very proud of it!  YAY!

#2 Monday
Monday was supposed to be a pretty chill day.  And it was...until about 9:30 pm.  I am the FHE coordinator for our ward.  We decided to combine with another Singles Ward and go tubing out at Indian Creek.  We met at the church around 6 pm and then carpooled out to the creek.  After everyone was there we headed into the FREEZING water.  The current quickly carried me forward.  One of my best friends got in at the same time but was having some trouble with her tube.  As time went we ended up getting separated.  I wasn't too worried since we both knew a lot of the people there.  I finished out the 2 hour run of the creek and was one of the first ones out.  I waited as everyone came out of the creek.  Eventually it seemed that everyone had arrived at the meeting place except for Marisol and another girl named Deanne.  I started to get worried.  I ran back down to the river and she was no where in sight.  Then I started asking everyone in the group if they had seen them.  No one had.  I was slightly worried at this point.  They had reportedly never made it to the first area by some cliffs where there was an option to get out early.  We decided to head back to the head of the creek and look for them.  My brother and I ran along the bank from a road above the head to the head.  She wasn't there.  Then we got back in the car and began driving along the bank and through subdivisions looking for them.  It was dusk and we were anxious to find the girls.  We met some other searchers back at the head and set off on foot on the opposite side.  We crossed a bridge and follow a trail.  Eventually we had to walk along a railroad track.  Here is the part where some of you may call me stupid.  Don't worry...I know I am.  I had called my mom to tell her the situation and why we were running late.  All the sudden my brothers who were just up ahead of me yelled to get off the tracks.  I jumped off and a few seconds later a train came past.  I'm not sure how I didn't hear it but I do know that there were angels watching over me.  I couldn't back up that far because there was a barbed wire fence.  I just sat there stunned until I found an opening in the barbed wire that I could fit through and then I just stood and prayed until the train passed.  It was intense.  After the train had passed I received a call that the girls had been found.  We headed back to the church where I immediately embraced my friend.  I wish words could give justice to the feelings I experienced.  I was completely relieved, shaken, and full of gratitude.  If this wasn't enough I watched a girl almost drown in the first set of rapids because her tube was not providing enough support.  I couldn't help though because I was being carried away.  It was a little scary.  My emotions were high that night.

#3 Saving a Life
Marisol leaves for college next week so we wanted to spend some more time together this week.  Yesterday it was hot so we decided to go to the lake before institute and take a little swim.  My little sister and brother joined us.  We drove out to Lake Lowell and got in the warm water.  My siblings stayed close to shore to swim in the shallow water.  Meanwhile Marisol and I swam out to the little ball and rope things that rope off the swimming area.  We were just floating and chatting when we notice a 14 or 15 year old girl behind us.  She was making a lot of noise.  We thought she was laughing.  We asked her if she was ok several times until we heard someone from the dock yell, "She's not ok!  Help her!"  After that I bolted off to get her.  I reached her and tried to support her.  Within a few seconds two other guys swam up.  One of them grabbed her other arm and we supported her and tried to calm her until the Sheriff boat pulled up.  We tried to help her climb up.  She was definitely in shock and she had no strength.  She was finally able to be put on the boat.  Then the sheriff took her to the boat dock.  Marisol and I went back to swimming.  Eventually 2 ambulances and a fire truck arrived.  I guess she wasn't able to stand.  I believe she was treated for shock but she wasn't transported to any emergency facilities.  It was pretty intense.  I was just glad she ended up being ok.  Talk about being in the right place at the right time....sheesh.

So I think I am done with these near death experiences.  I think I have had my fair share for one week.  Haha.  I am feeling overwhelmingly blessed to be alive and have my friends and family alive as well.  I guess I just never realized what a blessing it is to be alive each and every day.  It makes me want to live each day to the absolute fullest and make sure to tell everyone I know that I love them.  I just don't want to have not said something and then never have the chance to.  This life is a blessing and I am so glad I was granted at least one more day.  I love my life, family, and friends.

I'm a lucky girl!

(: