Always Look On the Bright Side of Life

*Whistle Whistle Whistle* 

---"Attitudes are contagious.  Are yours worth catching?"----

Way back when I was a tiny little adorable, pretty, princess, angel of a daughter, (haha) I had the hardest time getting out of bed. I'm pretty sure I've said this before in my blog. Oh well, listen/read to it again. I hated going to school. I wanted to stay home and play and not go to school and have my teacher tell me what to do and well learn. I also made up these crazy stories of having no friends, being picked on, and I would just come home and throw tantrums about how awful my day was. Blah. haha. So I would put up a fight every morning. Every morning!! I would have to be awaken by my dad and I would literally lay there and my parents had to dress me. I would fight it. The only way I would kinda cooperate is if they turned on the Jetsons. haha I was such a brat! I even remember faking sick many, many times. I think I tried all the tricks; hot water, penny under the tongue, lots of stuff. Anything to try and make myself sick. (Too bad I was awful at faking and my parents always knew) I remember my mom asking me "Where does it hurt" Nothing really hurt so I would just respond with "everywhere" or "my tummy." haha. Oh me! Anyways, my parents got fed up with it (as any parents would) and my mom came up with a plan. Which had a big impact on me to this day. It changed my outlook on life. She posted a calendar on the back of my door. And every day I had to find one good thing that happened that day. Then I had to come home and tell her about it, then I could make an X for that day on the calendar. I think if I made it the whole week, I'd get a prize on Saturday! (Little kids and  prizes. haha) Well, because of this brilliant idea I now always look on the bright side of life. I naturally, have a positive attitude and don't spend so much time wasting away being negative. I can guarantee you, that if someone asked me about my day I will always say something 'good' that happened. I'm going to be completely honest, I hate negativity. I can't stand being around it and I hate dealing with it.

Some people (you know the type) just have this negative outlook on life. I mean you can't talk to them or listen to them without them constantly finding bad things about every aspect in their lives. I mean every aspect. They have no hope about anything. They are constantly going on and on about how bad things are and complaining about everything. I'm sorry, I can not stand it! Life is never that bad and there is always something good that is ongoing in your life. I don't expect everyone's life to be perfect or to not complain or have some negativity. Hi, my life is far from perfect and every once in a while I will complain, but I am not constantly doing this. I am not looking at everything bad that is happening to me. (Remember you chose to come to Earth, you are the one who said 'yeah life on Earth will be hard, but I can overcome. It's worth it in the end') You have control over your own attitude. You choose how you want to react to a situation. There is constantly so many blessings in your life that you're take advantage of. So stop running your mouth about how terrible your life is, and take a look around. Make a list! I'm all for writing lists about the happy things. Or have a happy book. Or buy a book of 14, 000 Things to be Happy About (I have this book btw, it's incredible!) If this is too difficult for you, talk to me I'll help you find the goodness. But seriously, do not drag on and on about the downfalls of life, no one wants to be around your negative outlook. Doing this will only make you not have any friends, or make your situation worse. And if I'm around a negative person, I will either make a comment about it or I will walk away. I can't put up with it! I am all about helping people see the beauty of life and doing everything in your power to be happy. Because let's be real here, Happiness is like the best thing ever. Anyways, I'm done venting now. ;)

"Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. "

Word. xoxo

I forget

I LOVE Salsa dancing. It's such a sexy dance! haha. Besides that, it's so fun! Especially if you get a partner that can A. lead well B.Willingly to have fun and goof off with you and C. Is semi attractive. haha. But seriously, I like having a partner and just shakin it on the dance floor. (This post makes me sound like I'm some freak. ha) I always want to put on a twirly red dress and high heels and dance away. Oh one day. I went with some friends salsa dancing tonight at Salsa Chocolate in Provo. It was a blast! And I must say my friends are very talented at Salsa dancing. They all look so dang good on the dance floor! Plus it wasn't awkward at all. Because usually there aren't enough guys for girls so people get left out. Curse the guy/girl ratio! That's why you're suppose to bring equal guys and girls, but my poor friend was the only male who wanted to come tonight. What a pimp! But it worked out well. It seemed like everyone was constantly dancing with somebody. Guys were really good at asking random girls. Way to go men! I don't mean to make this sound like I'm racist or prejudice but I tend to attract Mexicans. I know that sounds awful, but it's true! On more than one occasion I can tell you stories of incidents with me attracting them. I don't mind it, I find it funny. So, I danced with a lot of Mexicans tonight. haha. But it is salsa dancing, I mean that's their dance, their culture! I'll tell you what some of them really know how to move! It was so cool just seeing them goin! I think I danced with this one guy like 20 times. He was asking me to dance. It was really fun though! We had a good time! The last time I went Salsa dancing besides the dance class I took, was on a date with a guy. Always good times with Salsa dancing. I think it's a perfect date activity. You get to communicate without a lot of talking. Plus you get to stare at each other without making it awkward. And it's a good way to see how well y'all work together. I approve. haha. Oh and random, I met this girl I use to know when I was like I don't know 8 or 9. She use to be best friends with my cousin and we always played together when we were kids. She lives out here now, and she not only recognized me, but remembered who I was! That's a good memory. Most of the time I can remember a face but no idea of names or how we know each other. Then you play that whole, 'do I know you? You look familiar. Where do I know you from?' game. haha.

Because they are incredible....


Because she is adorable...


Because basically this is how it was tonight...sweat and all. haha

And just as a random side note...I want to start taking the Zumba classes at my gym. They look awesome! Dancing to some sick beats. Holla!!

Alright happy weekend! yay!! xoxo

Roll em'

Disney Movies! Seriously they always make me happy. Get in touch with your inner child. =) What's even more great...quoting Disney movies. The best. Especially if someone knows what movie you're quoting from and quotes with you.

My friend has this puzzle...I want it. It's a 3-D globe puzzle. It has Disney movies on it and the year they came out. Awesome.  

This is the part where I would list some of my favorite Disney movies....that would take forever. There are soooo many that I love. And I was reminded tonight about the Disney movies I use to constantly watch as a kid. Basically Disney is amazing. I need to have a Disney movie marathon night very soon.

xoxo

Sometimes...

All we need is some ice cream and a hug....(Bowling for Soup anybody?)

k not so much ice cream, not that big of fan. Maybe frozen yogurt and a hug?

And maybe someone to cuddle with...cause it's dang cold outside!  =P

haha. that's all.
xoxo

Opinions, Opinions, Opinions

Happy show my love for the people I care about day, um yesterday!!

But in all serious, I've actually enjoyed my Valentine's Day weekend. Shocker! I received  beautiful roses that I wasn't expecting at all, from my daddy. They are beautiful, and blooming away!! And I love the way rose petals feel and how amazing they smell. One of the best smells in the world. (The picture is kinda what they look like...i can't find my camera cord again to actually show y'all. ha)

I spent Saturday going to the gym, going to Barnes and Noble (spending hours in a bookstore=heaven), and making these amazing croissants with chocolate kisses in them (Yummy), and watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. 

On actual Valentine's Day, I spoke in church...eek!! I've been staying up until 3 or 4 in the morning working on this talk since I was asked to. So naturally my sleeping habits are all out of wack. I put a lot of thought into my talk and was really excited to give it. (But also so anxious. More so actually writing it than actually giving it). But it went well, I think! I was the first one to talk, which is always nice, and I spoke like 10-15 mins. (I don't really know how long exactly...again anxious) My topic was on communication with Heavenly Father and more importantly how He communicates with us. It was a well written talk if I do say so myself. And if you are interested in reading it, I'll be happy to email it to you. It's too lengthy to post on here. I took some deep breaths. Stood up and just like that it was over. I don't even know if people got anything out of it. I tried to pace myself. Talk slow, actually speak how I went over it in my head and how it sounded to me. (which it definitely didn't turn out how I wanted it too)  But I stumbled over my words, choked on spit, and worst of all I lost my place. (Ii was prepared this time and brought a paper to help keep me on the right track. Didn't help, I just kept moving the paper to the side because it kept getting in my way. haha) Also, I have this huge issue with irreverence. It drives me nuts! I mean absolutely nuts. It's hard to listen and feel the Spirit when people keep talking about unimportant things. So I was very distracted during my talk because of those people who were talking and laughing I had to bite my tongue so I wouldn't stop in the middle of my talk and say "Seriously do you mind? If you're not going to listen, take it outside in the foyer, you're stopping the Spirit from dwelling here." I even made it a point in the beginning of my talk to say keep your ears and hearts open to the Spirit and what it's trying to teach you. (That's the nice way for me to say, be respectful and learn)  Oh and it drove me even more crazy since some of the people talking were my friends. I'm like at least show some respect for me as your friend and put a lid on it! ( I really loved how some of them even came up to me after church and said I did a good job on my talk..how do you know? You were talking the entire time!!) I have serious issues with people that aren't reverent. Really shows they know why they are at church...oh wait, no. Reminds me of when I was in primary and I got so excited if my job on Sunday was to stand on the stage with my arms folded and my finger to my mouth to remind people to be quiet and reverent. Maybe my ward needs to have that. Goodness...

Anyways, hopefully people got something out of it. A lot of people complimented me on it afterwards. I wonder if they were just being nice because they could tell how nervous I was. haha. But really some people were sincere about it. One person told me that they liked how simple I was in my talk. Hey that's what I do, I don't like complicated things...small and simple, easy to understand and grasp. They also asked me if I ever considered serving a mission because apparently I would make an excellent missionary. aww sweet. (The answer? Absolutely I've thought about it and I think it would be an incredible experience. However, it's not really in the cards for me.)  And someone else told me it's exactly what they needed to be reminded of. I kinda laughed because one of the members from the bishopric told me he thought I was hilarious, so funny. eh who would have thought?  

I went to ward prayer and I actually stayed around for a little after to kinda socialize. I usually like to leave unless someone stops me to talk, then I don't mind. But it's awkward standing around doing the whole hey, how's it going small talk. I need some real conversations! haha. I talked to one of the guys in the ward. He's a cute kid, kind of interesting and unique, but all around a nice guy. He was joking with me about something I mentioned in my talk about guys and embarrassing myself. (Which happens a lot) And he said 'Oh so good looking guys make you nervous?' I laughed and said 'well couldn't you tell how nervous I am right now around you?' haha sometimes I'm so witty....not really. But it was kinda funny. I would probably be interested in him more if he wasn't so full of himself and a little arrogant. (One thing that's a huge turn off to me) He then decided to take some time to point out all the guys in the room and name them and tell me how good looking they also are. haha. I will admit there are indeed some very good looking men in my ward, however most of them are 1. full of themselves 2. awkward and can't hold a conversation 3.  they just don't ask anyone out. ...silly men.

I also received amazing decorated sugar cookies from Chris and Kara. They're the sweetest! It was really nice of them to think about me. And Dayners sent me a fantastic wicked valentine's card complete with the song "As Long As You're Mine." Made me happy. I love feeling loved.

But the main reason for this post was to give my opinion on certain things. Particularly the whole idea of everyone and their dog getting engaged over Valentine's Day. That's not romantic, it's pathetic. I think I've had at least 6 people I know get engaged in the past 72 hrs...please, how lame! And all of them are so chessy and not creative at all. All I know is when the time comes for the lovely man of mine to ask me to marry him, he better be dang smart about it. Romantic and definitely not on Valentine's weekend. Blah. I also have some other thoughts about the things people say about engagements and um dumb reasons to get married...but I don't know if those people read my blog or not (I highly doubt they do, but you never know) and I can't make it so it's not obvious who I'm talking about. But I will try. haha.

 I feel as though if you get engaged and then break up and there are usually good reasons for it. Especially if one of the main reasons for breaking it off is because you both were going in different directions and got the answer they are not right for you. That stuff usually doesn't change so I don't think getting re-engaged will magically solve things. Marriage doesn't make things easier. I also think that people who haven't had that much um dating experience, but they get lucky and end up with someone even thought they've had no prier dating experiences then they shouldn't pretend they know what they are talking about just because this one worked for them. I don't really want advice from someone who has no clue what I'm going through (this also had to do with certain trials) and especially if they say things like 'oh I know how you feel,' because you don't! You haven't gone through it or anything remotely similar. Maybe they are just trying to be sympathetic, but I don't need that! Why would I want to listen to someone who has no experience in this area of life? I also think dating 6+ years is entirely too long and not be engaged. I would lose my mind. I'm sure no one understood anything I was just trying to say...aha at least I feel better even if you don't have a clue what I'm talking about. haha.

I've come to discover recently there is a wide variety of people who read my blog, some of them I'm surprised they are interested in what goes on in my life. haha. I should probably be careful what I say on here. haha. Start speaking in code. Nah, I don't say anything terrible on here. I just refer to people and experiences I have and I probably shouldn't be too specific in certain details. (People could take it the wrong way and get offended). eh my thoughts. 

I've also realized I really love helping people. (I've always know this, I was just reminded recently with certain things that have taken place) Mainly, because it makes my trials not seem so bad, and when I see someone else overcome their trials I know I can also overcome mine. I also think I learn more from others experiences so I learn from their examples what to do and what not to do. That way I won't have to go through things like they have or if I do experience something similar I've already learned the lessons and know what to do. haha. I love talking and more importantly listening to people and helping them recognize what they are going through and steps to overcome it. I love giving advice, and helping people turn to the Lord in their time of need. I love being an instrument in God's hands. I love being there to lift another's burden and to bring a smile to their face even if it's just for a second. I love taking care of people and showing them love. I love being able to help them recognize the hand of the Lord in their life and how much He really is aware of us. I love feeling needed, important, and feeling like I've impacted someone. It gives my life purpose.  I love it, I really and truly do love it. =)

   

Well, another long post to add to my blog. haha yikes. Ain't life grand?!

xoxo

I Just Wanna....

LAUGH

I want to laugh really hard. That side splitting, rolling on the floor, chocking for air, tears streaming, milk coming out your nose, making no sound, about to pee on yourself, snorting, ....laugh. That would make my life right now.

Um, so in other news, there is this group/event on facebook entitled "Tell Her She's Beautiful." I think this is a wonderful idea. Some kid thought of it and this is what he said at the beginning of the description "It has come to my attention that as I grow older, girls get more and more self conscious of themselves. This hurts me, because every girl is beautiful in their own way. They all want to live up to standards that the media has set for them, like being paper thin or double Z breasts. It really breaks my heart to see all of the girls to wallow around and hate who they are and think they aren’t worth something. I’m making this event so everyone can tell anyone that they think is beautiful, that they are beautiful. Just tell them. They don’t hear it enough, and they want to hear it. Tell anyone; tell your friend, your mother, your sister, your cousin, your dog for all I care. Let’s show girls that we don’t care about the standards that they set for themselves and that we like them the way they are.  Let’s show every girl that they really are beautiful. So tell them, it’ll make their day. Girls, you ARE beautiful."

And in all honesty what girl doesn't want or need to be reminded that she is beautiful? ;)

I then came across this website http://operationbeautiful.com/ I think it's so creative. You leave anonymous post-it notes in random places saying sweet encouraging things...mainly telling people they are beautiful. I'm totally in....

kk that's all. haha

xoxo

Valentine's Day and then some...

Are you ready for this?...haha.

Valentine's day is quickly approaching. urg. (I almost posted a picture of cupid face down with an arrow through him...brutal. But then you'll think I hate love and everything to do with Valentine's day, which isn't true!) However, the day frustrates me. I mean is it really necessary to have sales on all the valentine's stuff and like put it in my face that I am currently unattached? The flowers, oh the beautiful flowers everywhere (oh how I love them, so pretty). Is it really necessary to come out with love movies (Valentine's day anyone?...I'm going to see it actually, even though it looks so lame!)  The cd's (oh look another compilation of love songs, joy. I also kinda enjoy these). So many lovey-dovey-gushy Valentine's day stuff...ahaha the madness! I love, love, it just sucks being single around this day? Yes?! Even if I'm not dating anyone and just went on a date with someone I'd be okay with that. eh well, that still might be weird seeing as it is Valentine's day. haha. I'm telling you, one day I won't have to worry about this...one day.

On the positive side, I think I may have found some good guys to possibly date, maybe. We will see. I have to find out more about them and their certain situations. I'm so hesitant about it all though.  I am trying, honestly, to not be so negative about dating and guys. Aha, it's hard, so incredibly hard for me. I tend to hold back, a lot. Partially, because I am scared to death to go down the same roads I have in the past. Getting hurt, it's part of life and the whole dating scene. But every time it gets a little harder for me to be open and let someone new in. Makes me think of that quote" The hardest thing is loving someone then having the courage to let them love you back." I also think I have this idea of guys that they are going to treat my badly. Only because every guy turns out to do that to me and be like the last one...another jerk to add to the pile. Blah. I don't deserve to be treated badly! I wish I could see that in the beginning and save myself the trouble of going through all of that? Again, part of life...I know. I feel like when I do find a decent guy, we're only friends. This is the case for me. ( I'm sorry but I like to be friends first before anything more can happen. It's who I am) My entire life, I have met some okay guys, but we always get past the point of the dating phase and just become really good friends. (Dating phase as in at some point they actually are interested in me, why they don't pursue it? I have no idea!! Because it is possible that I may actually feel the same way. However, I find this out later. Opportunity missed.) Which being friends is fine and dandy most of the time, but every once in a while it can be very bittersweet at the same time. (The good, no pressure and you can really get to know them. And if it develops into more there are definitely benefits to that. The bad, you may see them only as a friend and it may not develop into anything more. Also, things could get awkward. haha)  I just need a really good guy. Someone who can get past all this and prove to me that it is possible to be respected properly. (weird wording) haha. Also, I need them to actually see me for me and well don't give up on me? Because, I can be pretty amazing. haha kidding...but seriously. Sorry, definitely more information than you wanted to know, yes? Ramble, ramble. This makes me come off like a freak haha. Basically I just need a guy to date..psh. (If only I didn't feel the need to constantly explain myself in every post).


I also realized recently that it drives me crazy when I ask a simple question (more specifically to a guy) as in 'How are you doing' and they just go off. 'Oh I'm sad because of this this this, pity me give me sympathy'. I understand you want someone to hear you out, I don't mind listening but why do I want to listen to all of your problems when you don't even take a second to take an interest in me? All I want is a simple and sincere 'Oh how are you doing, Stephanie?' It's generous and people need that sort of thing sometimes you know?  Anyways, that's a whole other subject with many stories....blah blah blah.

 As, a side note we had a lesson on dating last Sunday. Let's just take a moment and laugh....hahaha. I have never found so many things so humorous. People have some weird ideas about dating...oh provo. There is this constant need to get married right now, and start making babies. Seriously, you have eternity...slow down tiger. Why must everything be forced? Enjoy life...yeah?! I really wanted to stand up and say my opinions but people wouldn't understand the simplicity of it all. Some people had some decent input, but really this is what it comes down to (and you don't have to agree with me, my personal opinion here); Guys need and should take initiative. It's their job. (I don't care if it's okay for girls to do it these days. It has to do with being a gentleman and well being a guy. Get over your shyness, step up and ask a girl out. Take a risk!), girls don't and shouldn't wait around...not worth it (Waiting around kinda makes you come off desperate and well what a waste of time), girls don't need to be rude (be honest if you aren't interested don't lead him on--especially if he's sweet and you take advantage of him. Not cool!)-- that definitely goes for the guys too, girls don't want to hear about all of the other girls you're interested in and vise versa, there is such thing as being too much and um creepy, hi...have you heard of a date?--That means go on them. -- Actually plan something and go out not this 'hey we should get together sometime.' but an actual 'lets go on a date' (Dates can be simple. I preferably love going to get hot cocoa and talking or even going to the park), the whole idea of "the game" is absolutely stupid don't play---you will lose them, honesty--honesty---honesty (If you can't be honest or they aren't honest with you, why would you do that to yourself?), don't think anyone is too good for you, don't settle for less than you deserve, just be yourself...if they don't like you for you then obviously they wouldn't be good for you--move on, communicate and actually listen, also relationships are give and take--more so you give--so actually care and love the other person, accept faults---we all have them, don't expect someone to change who they are, heartache happens--eventually it will work out and all be worth it. 


----Brought to you by Stephanie's thoughts. Haha. ( Which I feel like most of the time are mean or come off harsh...yikes) Oh my little rants I get into. Sometimes they need to escape. You know you love them! =)

xoxo

Trust That Things Will Work Out

"Hear me when i say when i say, i'll believe nothing's gonna change nothing's gonna change destiny. Whatever's meant to be will work out perfectly...."

I am always looking for a song or a quote that fits my life, at this exact moment in time....I'm such a freak. haha. I also like putting pictures with my posts, however I can't seem to find on that fits this post. blah.

Well, I must say that today has been an incredibly fabulous day! (Well, so has the week thus far.) Why you ask?....oh let me tell you. 

I went to the gym today, which always makes me feel 10xs better. It helps me get that anxiety out and you know the stresses of my life, work the frustrations out, you know? haha. And, I love my gym because it has a freaking cinema in the gym where they play movies while you do cardio-work. Holla! It makes me just so happy! Best idea ever!

Then, I went to a semi-job interview...where I got a job!! You have no idea how excited I am. It just so happened that my bishop sent an email out to the ward asking if anyone needed a part time job. My awesome next door neighbor who knew I was looking for a job, ran over and told me the second she got the email....thank you Emily! Well, I met with him today and I start Friday. EEK!! I mean grant it, it's not full time or as many hours as I would like, but I mean it's a job. Income baby!! I'm ecstatic. Too bad no one seems as happy as me? Come on peeps getting a job is dang hard in this economy, especially in college town. 

Next, I went with my fabulous roommate to Costa Vida, which is just delicious. We laughed up a storm about funny stories and past times in our lives. Aha friends. 

My mom called me, and asked if I checked my mail. I thought it was kinda random, wondering why she wanted to know that. Well, she sent me a cheer up care package. My mom is incredible! I love her. It was so sweet of her and really exciting to get mail. haha. She also included a card and post it notes with cheesy cute messages on all of the items. :) Totally something, I would do. It definitely cheered me up. Even across the country, my mom knows exactly what I need. In this care package she gave me twilight chocolate bars (Man candy), my favorite hot cocoa  -Arctic White(something to keep me warm), bath and body works hand sanitizer (something to keep me well and they smell good), an S pin (Bling to hang on my purse or in my room)....seriously I loved it. It was a wonderful surprise.

Then, I had the opportunity to experience my first BYU basketball game. Don't judge, because I've never been to one. It was awesome. My adrenaline was just pumping. aha so wonderful. Plus, we won! oh yeah! I love my school. Even more so, i love the men on the basketball team. haha. It was also cool to watch the ballroom dancers during half time, except there was some hideous frilly costume the girl's wore..yikes. I have pictures but I can't find my camera cord...so never mind.

I got Hello Yogurt with my roomies....heavenly. 

I feel like there was tons more of stuff that made my day awesome, however I forget. But the moral of the story is, don't give up. Everything has a way of working out perfectly. I seriously have to tell myself this everyday. I also need lots of others to remind me of this constantly. haha (i have a love/hate relationship with the saying) Honestly though, as hard as it is to see this in the midst of trials and hardships...it really does work out. The important this is to don't doubt the Lord (He has a better view of the plan then we do and it can make us eternally happy if we only trust Him. He also is very, very aware of us and our heartaches/desires.), keep doing the important things(read scriptures, studying, praying constantly, going to the temple...), Don't worry/sweat the small stuff, It's important to focus on making yourself better and having faith that things honestly will all come together, despite the downfalls and uncertainty keep a positive attitude, count your blessings, just have fun. --Lots of people reminded me of these recently. Thanks family and close friends. 

I have more to say about my thoughts, but another day.I feel like my posts are getting longer and longer...so sorry! Eh...have a fabulous week!

xoxo