Dear Home Teachers EVERYWHERE

Its kinda like a dear boys...but with a twist!

So Ok... Let's be totally honest.

Home teaching in a single's branch/ward is AWKWARD!!!

[Before I rant...let me explain to those who may not know.  Home teaching is a program in our church where 2 gentleman are assigned to families (however that family may be organized) and provide help.  This help comes in spiritual upliftment as well as service]

Its weird.  The guys are awkward..and you are awkward.
And you sit down and they are staring at you.
And you hardly know them and they want to know all about your life.

And they always pick the MOST INCONVENIENT (for you...but most convenient for them) time to see you (aka...the LAST Sunday of the month)

Its just weird.  And honestly more often then not is NOT helpful.

But it doesn't HAVE to be.
There is a reason for it.

I have had dozens of home teachers in the past 5 years of my singlehood.
Most have been icky.

But a few really helped me.

One brought me ice cream and smoothies the nights before my big tests.
One companionship randomly left notes and/or cookies on my door step just to make my day better
One companionship decided to come the next Sunday, even though it meant they wouldn't get to count their visit, because I was so crazy busy. (So nice to not feel like just a check-off).

I used to hate the program and would just wish I didn't have to have home teachers.

But now..I don't have any.  I was told that other people need home teachers more than me.
Other people need access to the priesthood, service, a friend, and assistance more than me.
 I guess they feel my level of activity in the church makes me immune to all the things home teachers could give me. (don't even get me started hahaha!)

Well I must have stopped going to church and not noticed, cause guess what?
Since my home teachers have been taken away, I have needed at least 10 blessings priesthood blessings, several car jumps and HUNDREDS of kind words of concern and comfort.

So now you ask "why didn't you call someone else?"  Ummmm....like who??
Home teachers are like mandatory friends.  I don't feel comfortable calling anyone else.  And even if I don't feel super comfortable calling my home teachers...its easier to call them, cause they "have" to help me.

There is a reason for this program.
And it breaks my heart to know, that I am not able to get anything from it.

I guess the point of this little rant is that...well, I guess I have a testimony of this program now.

And to all home teachers out there... Please take care of your people.  Please see it as not only a priesthood responsibility, but as an honor.  You are a stand in for the Lord.
If He could fix my car or tell me EXACTLY what to do, He would.
But because of the way things are...He can't.  So come fix my car, and come give me a blessing.

I don't know if you know how grateful we, your home teachees, are for that.

Dear 4East

You know the song by the Rolling Stones?
"You can't always get what you want"

Don't take offense-but I did not want to be placed with you for my practicum (final semester nursing internship).
You are adult med/surg floor.  You specialize in hearts (my least favorite body system).  You take a lot of detox patients, and lots of dialysis patients (UGH!).

But do yo know what the next line in the song is?
"But if you try sometimes, you just might find....you get what you need"

You have given me an opportunity to practice my skills in a nurturing atmosphere.
You have given me an AMAZING mentor who wants to challenge me and turn me into the best nurse I can be.
You have given me the opportunity to increase my knowledge and skills in regards to the heart and renal systems.
You have given me the chance to increase my comfort level with adults (kids are easy, parents a breeze, but adults and adults families have always made me just a little nervous haha  weird I know)

Yeah its certainly not what I wanted...but its what I need.

I feel like a real nurse.  12 hour shifts are long.  I sometimes feel like I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off.  But it feels good...it feels right.  I enjoy it!

so thanks

also PS.....enjoy a little musical snack....

judge away: I like the cover better!

Dear People Hoping for an Update

hey ya'll

wanna hear what is happening to me right now????

lets do a little run down...

Social life: lacking due to circumstances+nursing school.  but i am not too disappointed in it.  its just the way it is at the moment.

School life: finished another semester with decent grades and most of my brain remaining.  walked across a stage in a silly hat and was awarded a diploma cover.
started a new semester.  and will be CRAZY busy!  this is how it will work

Monday: library job 7-5; evening, leadership course
Tuesday: hospital internship 6:30-8; evening, study for test the next morning
Wednesday: Med/Surg II class (test every other week) 8-3, library job 3-5 ; evening, NCLEX studying
Thursday: hospital internship 6:30-8; evening, clinical paperwork
Friday: 7-5 library job; evening OFF
Saturday: STUDYING (by the pool of course!)


every minute of my day is planned.  but its all for a good cause.  and i HATED not being busy this last semester so it works out well!

Church: still a Relief Society teacher  i also have been filling in as sacrament meeting chorister. but all this is influx with the summer turnover in the branch.  plus i go home so much...and with the way life is rolling right now, i'm considering the family ward. i feel like it might suit my needs better.  so like i said...FLUX.
i also meet with the missionaries ALL the time.  i really enjoy being able to watch investigators grow and learn in the gospel.


lots of busyness....

missing and loving all ya'll!!!!!!

Dear Bloggers

I know it has been a while.  I'll explain this weekend.

With LOTS AND LOTS of posts!  Get ready!!!!

Dear Those Who Came Before

Thank you for your sacrifice.

You gave this country the ultimate gift--your life.

Because of you we have freedom, liberty and safety.

You are the people who make this country the great place that it is!

You are the ones who made my fun weekend possible!!!!!!!!

Dear Phrase "It Could Be Worse"

Yes and no.

I know that this is an assumption...but I have found that you are a disguise for the phrase "Suck it up...other people have it harder than you."

I think most of us could admit that yes it could be worse.
But whatever we are dealing with still is hard.  Still TOTALLY sucks!!!

I've played this song before....but did you listen to it?  More importantly did you watch it??
I was touched the first time...but when it came up this morning it almost made me late for church
(ps...don't try to put on makeup while a sad song is playing...just a tip)

As I sit watching this video...you cross my mind.  I haven't suffered the losses these women have.
Yeah it could be worse.

But I'm not gonna let you get me down...make me feel bad for thinking that my problems are terrible!

Because no matter what my problem is, my Savior Jesus Christ thinks its a big deal.
He never says "It could be worse."  He says "I know its hard.  I know you are hurting."  He says "I'll carry you...its gonna be alright"

He doesn't care if He has to carry you across the ocean or a tiny creek. To Him, He's carrying you over a bunch of water.  It doesn't matter how much.

Dear Future Fiance

I decided tonight you are going to have to propose to me twice.

Yes I am greedy and demanding....you are the one who decided to marry me in the first place.
I consider this your problem now ;)

First proposal...sweet simple and private.  Just us and a VERY WELL hidden photographer friend! (and don't show me the photos till later..I don't want it to get spoiled!)

Second proposal...big elaborate and CRAZY.  Be creative my love!  Its so fun!

Like I said...you signed up for this...have fun!!!!!!!

;D

Dear Favorite Thing Friday Fans

Haven't done one of these in a while...so thought I would throw one up!


What are my favorite things today?

My finally softish feet after my personal pedi last night
The large sum of money I made from selling some books this morning
The hope that more money will come when I sell some more tomorrow.
The thunder that shook the library earlier
The funny look of the office (the are gonna clean the carpets this weekend so everyone's desks look super nutty)
Salt and Vinegar potato chips.  SERIOUSLY addicting
"You are so cute I wanna bite your cheeks"  Who the FLIP says that???
My Eric Hutchinson Pandora radio station

Dear People Who Are Always on My Side

The past couple of days I have talked to lots of people. Some have had my back...and some haven't.
Not that they were actively not having my back.  I think they thought they were.  But they really weren't.

And that is not their fault.  That is my bad.  I should have understood they were just trying to help.

But for me, the people I talked to who were on my side...they were the ones who I felt had my back.

If you haven't noticed...its been a cranky week haha.
Lots of busy-ness.  Lots of stress.  Not enough sleeping or eating.
I feel like that is a mantra of mine.

With all the craziness, I had to talk some of it out.
It was one of those "it just isn't ok" moments.
Some people tried to talk me out of it.  "Its not that bad"  "You are fine"  "Suck it up" and other stuff.
And yeah..they were right.  100% right.

But the four people who understood and said "yeah that does suck" "yeah you have a right to feel upset"
"no-what happened/is happening is not ok".  The ones on my side.  Those are the ones I felt had my back.

Validation is important for us all.  We all want to feel like we are justified.
Its also important to not wallow and throw a pity party.

And that's why I love phone calls with the people on my side.
It starts out with listening...followed by "that sucks"...followed by "but its gonna be ok" and "its all gonna work out...somehow, someday".

That was what I needed and I got it!

So thanks...especially to "Meredith"
You are always on my side....always got my back.

Dear Phrase "One Hot Mess"

you fit very well today.

When you roll around in the mud you are bound to get dirty.

I think it is time for a shower!!!!!!!

Dear Boys (Number 19 my friends!)

Dear boys posts work so well with this new format!!

As always check out Elise-y!!!!!!!






Dear Boy Who Wants to Help MeYou are so sweet for thinking of me.  But want to know the backwards crazy truth??  You asking almost makes it harder.  Cause what I really need...you can't do.  And that bums me out.It shouldn't....but it doesLove Wishing Things Were Different

Dear Former FriendThanks so much for dropping me!  And what is the saddest part is that I'm pretty sure you didn't drop me for the reason others might expect.  I think its for something else.  Which makes me even more sad!LoveA Sad Former Friend
Dear FlirterSorry babe.  You are bad at this!  And besides...it really ain't gonna happen!!!LoveA Sorry Girl
Dear YouI don't even know what to say.  Seriously speechlessLoveMe
Dear MickeyStill Jason Mraz-ing it up???I am!LoveMinnie
and so.....

Dear Next Person Who Tells Me I Should Stay In Columbia

Watch out...Cause I might punch you in the FACE!

Sorry...that is mean and cranky. But here is the thing.

The past 12 months have not been happy months for me.
One year ago today, I came out to Columbia.
And it has been hard!

School is hard and stressful. Adjusting to a new place and all the stresses that come with living on your own is not a whole lot of fun.

Don't get me wrong. I have had happy moments. I've had good times. And I have learned SO much! People here have touched me and changed me.
But those moments and those times are fleeting. They don't last.

I'm young. I'm single. I have a career that allows for a bit of flexibility as far as location is concerned.

If I had a husband or kids or something that kept me here, I would work it out. I would learn how to be happy here. I would embrace my life here.
If I was in a position to create a permanent life; I would be more than happy to!

But I don't have to. So why would I stay in a place where I don't see a happy future?

Why would I stay somewhere that I always can't wait to leave and dread coming back to? Why would I stay in a place associated with so many rotten memories? Why would I want to stay in a place where people are unkind?

Like I said--if I had to work it out...I would.

But I don't. So I'm leaving.

Sorry if that breaks your heart.
Honestly--it doesn't really break mine.





PS...sorry if this offends someone. I don't mean to. I just want to share my true honest feelings.

MOVIE MONDAY!!!

Dear Young Women in my Home Ward

None of you are regular readers...or readers at all.

But if you were you know that this topic has been my soapbox of late.
So I feel like I have to say something.

As I went to the temple with you I was very concerned by something that was said.
I was walking in front of a group of young girls "dissing" each other.  One responded that she thought the girls needed to work on their "dissing"

Anyone who knows me knows that when I feel very strongly about something, I have trouble keeping my mouth shut...even when in my head there is a constant mantra of "keep you mouth shut Stephanie...mouth SHUT!"

And I really didn't have much right to say much since I am not their leader...but no leaders were around...and I can't just stand there and allow unkindness to be encouraged!!!!!!!!!!

So I encouraged the girls to not work on their skills in "dissing" but instead on being kind and complimentary.


Then later in the evening I watched a leader belittle and insult one of the young women.
What an example!

It broke my heart.

I remember as a young sensitive 14 year old girl being told negative things about my body by a young women leader.
The words that were said were so untrue it was laughable.  But it was so hurtful to me I cried the whole evening, and was very self-conscious for the remainder of the summer.
And almost 10 years later I still remember it like it was yesterday.

My point is.  Unkindness is hurtful.  And that hurt doesn't go away easily, or quickly.

We need to be careful what we say to others.  We need to be kind and complimentary of others.
You never know how harmful or hurtful something you say could be.

Sometimes you can't avoid hurting someone.  It is done on accident.
But avoid it as much as you can.

You are beautiful young women...who have the opportunity to be lovely.

Be lovely..I know you can

Dear Summer Sales Boys

Is it a prerequisite to be attractive????

The Frontenac Ward has hit the MOTHER-LOAD!!!!

I have a feeling you guys have been out here for a while...and have tried the Singles Branch...and have found it (as I have) to be...well odd.  And strange.

But its alright!
The family ward is safe!

And I'll be home a lot of weekends.....and my super cute friend will be home in just another month or so.

I think you have made the right choice :)

Dear New Hair

You are a little shorter.....

And a little lighter....


Although not much different at all.  A bit disappointing.
And highly boring!!!

But OH WELL....what can you do???
Just gotta work it!





PS...I know you all want pictures...but its Saturday and there was NO WAY I was going to put on make-up.  So......tomorrow.  Promise!

Dear PCHS Class of 2012

You guys warm my heart. Seriously I love you!

When the orchestra played this song at your Baccalaureate...I felt like it summed up my feelings perfectly!
The feelings of pride for your accomplishments.  The feelings of excitement for the next chapter of your lives.  The feelings of sadness for the closing of this chapter.
Beautiful song!!!

(Maybe I'm biased-but our group sounded WAY WAY better-especially the opening solo!) 

Also...push play NOW...before/as you read.  Its a long song haha

When you gave Mr Gannon, your principal who "graduated" a year before you, a standing ovation and chanted his name...it warmed my heart.

When I watched two brothers who have been sharing a music stand for years share one for the last time....it warmed my heart.

When I watched the kindergarten children I was the 5th grade safety patrol for walk across the stage and get high school diplomas...it warmed my heart.

When I was ambushed with hugs by two of my sister's best friends...it warmed my heart.

When I saw and heard about the excitement you all had for the accomplishments of others...it warmed my heart.

When you stood and clapped out of sheer respect for a veteran of our armed forces...it warmed my heart.

When I watched many orchestra members surrounding Mrs Crock for a picture..and then watched as she hugged and looked thoroughly distraught at the loss of each of her students...it warmed my heart.





You are going all over the country...you are splitting up.  You are going to new places....and doing new things.

Can I share some advice...as a girl who was in your position a a short 5 years ago
(oh good gravy I am OLD!)

Keep in touch as much as you can.  A good friend is one you may not talk to for what seems like forever, but when you do, it feels like no time has passed.  You pick up right where you left off.

Work hard.  But don't forget to play a little too.  Balance is CRUCIAL...and possibly the greatest lesson you will learn in college.  You are at college to grow...in all aspects of your life.  Don't let one take over the rest.

Its ok to be scared.  Its scary!!!!!  But don't let your fear paralyze you.  New things help you grow.  New things help you learn about yourself and other people.

I know it sounds cheesy..but listen to your heart.  I know I know.  But really.  When making any decision...from "do I go to the keggar"; to "do I go pre-med or pre-law"....listen to three things.  Your heart...your brain....and your gut.

Take advantage of your opportunities.  Study abroad, go to concerts, plays and lectures.  Go to football games and swim meets.  BYU kids go to/watch devotional (trust me!! Tuesdays at 11...you won't have class so you might as well!!!).  Take a class you don't NEED to take but want to.  Join a club, play intermurals.  Explore your or another religion, get a new hobby or talent, or increase what you already have. University's a a microcosm of opportunities you may never have again. Take advantage of it!

Homesickness is as real as senioritis....and it can SUCK!!!  But remember...no one has died from homesickness.  And there is always someone else who is also homesick...find them and you can commiserate.  Trust me it helps!

Make good choices guys!  My friend and I have a phrase we like to say about ourselves...sadly almost always in retrospect.  "That was a poor choice!"  They say you should live a life without regrets.  But let me just say....it's easier to live a life without regrets if you live a life you won't regret.  Avoid the things you will regret...as much as you can!



I think Nick said something along the lines of  (I paraphrase) "Today is first day of the rest of our lives.  But so was yesterday and so is tomorrow."  I couldn't agree more!!!!
Remember its about what you do with each day.  Live it up guys!  Reach your highest potential.

Be extraordinary.

I know you can!!!!!

Congratulations Class of 2012!!!!!!!!

With Much Love--

From a Swilly Girl: PCHS Class of 2007

Dear Muddy Twister Yoga

Right hand plant.  Left hand shovel.  Left foot inch deep in the only blank mud space.  Right foot waving dangerously in the air while you try to figure out where to safely put it!
Oh and yeah...my backside...way in the air!

It was muddy and wormy.  My yoga skills stink apparently.  Legs--calves shaking, thighs burning, many lightheaded moments.

But we were at the temple.  And that made it all ok...all worth it.

Even outside in muddy jeans and a grubby t-shirt...with dirt making its way under every fingernail and turning your pink toe-nail polish into a dingy shade of...who knows what!


Too bad the cute landscaper guy was married.
It would have made the night a 100% success ;)

Dear Dog that Lives Across the Street

Do you bark like that when your owners are home??

Cause seriously its CONSTANT!!!!

If I were that family I would be strongly tempted to send you to a "farm where you would have lots of room to play" and stuff.

But I suppose you could win some serious awards for being a good watch dog.  Burglars stay away from that house out of sheer annoyance!

I don't think you mean to be annoying...you are just high-strung.
How bouts a nice dose of Ativan....or Valium.....or Vodka.

I just have such compassion for your nerves!
Seeing as they are our constant companion every time our neighbors leave.

Dear Dumb Bird

Our house is not your house.

If you haven't noticed...you are not pecking at a wooden tree....you are pecking at a ALUMINUM gutter!

I'm not a wood pecker myself....but I feel like you are not going to get very far in life if you peck things that aren't trees.

STOP THAT!!!!!
You'll hurt your beak!


(if you caught that reference you get extra brownie points!)

Dear Year Ago Stephanie

I'm reading a book right now...a compilation of letters.
They are from famous successful women.  And they are written to their former selves.
What I Wish I Knew....

I know a lot now...Its a Sunday for you.  You're going to church with the greatest ward in the world.  You are gonna get to go on a walk later with Iggy.  A trip to the temple grounds is gonna happen later tonight.

A conversation is going to happen.  A conversation about the future.

I should tell you to cut it out!  To not have the conversation cause its only gonna bring you heartache.

But eh--what the heck!
Live a little

At least you will learn from it!


Life doesn't always follow the plans you make.  Sometimes you have to make new plans.
But don't let the fact that your plans almost always fly out the window and get flushed down the toilet stop you from making them.

Your life for the next year is going to be a constant turn-over of plans.  The minute you make them, they will come crashing down.

But its all good my dear...cause the second set of plans is almost always better than the first (almost being the key word...you'll see what I mean in a couple months)

I wish I could tell you the exact formula for happiness.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news...but all your trial and error experiments this past year haven't gotten you there yet.

So just keep guessing is the best advice I can give.  We'll figure it out someday!

Dear Person Who Invented Mother's Day

Alright- I am going to express and unpopular opinion.  Hold onto your hats.

Mother's Day is a STUPID holiday.
And like when I said I don't like Valentine's Day...I don't say this because I am not a mom.
I know moms who hate this holiday too.


Today a nice older gentleman wished me a Happy Mother's Day.  And for many years when I have been home (with my family) I have been wished such a happy day..and given a gift as a token of the ward's appreciation of me.  REALLY????

I never have been a mother...and think by trying to celebrate me...you are diminishing the amazing things that real mothers....like my own...do.

I've never taken care of a puking baby in the middle of the night....or carried one around inside of me for 9 months either!  Never sent one off to school everyday or took pictures at concerts, dances and other events.  And never have I been a chauffeur...done laundry for more than one...or cooked for a group of various ages and picky-ness levels.


They try to turn Mother's Day into Women's Day (which it is NOT) in an attempt to not marginalize those of us women who have not yet, or will never be blessed with children in the traditional manner.
And I suppose this is all well and good.  But (again..maybe an unpopular or strange opinion) but I would like to be marginalized today!

Maybe its just the way certain people spin Mother's Day.  Its all about the awesome things moms "do" and "are" which just turns into a list of things moms feel bad about cause they "should" be doing them or "should" be like them.
And its all about how moms are so much better than dads.  It drives me crazy when we get so feminist we become anti-boys.  But that is for another letter :)

Point of this letter though is this.  Happy Mother's Day to all the MOTHERS out there.  You are all great.  But can I tell you that everyday instead of on a day when someone told me to?

Thanks!

Love
A Swilly Girl

Dear Followers

If you haven't noticed...we have had a little change here in Swilly land.

I love letters.  Love getting them...love writing them.

So now I will write letters to you guys...and to the world

Welcome to Letters From a Swilly Girl!

Love

A Swilly Girl

WE ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION..............

We know it looks weird right now....it'll look better later...
PROMISE

Dear Dr Walker

You have totally ruined my ability to get married!

Haha...not really.

Dr Laura Padilla-Walker changed my life.
Her 8 AM Child Development class I never missed made me wonder if maybe I should switch my major.
Her Adolescent Development class made me know I was for sure in the right major.
Her Moral Development class made me think and write and learn in a WHOLE NEW WAY!!!!
She almost convinced me to stick with research instead of nursing  (quite a feat!)

And she made it so I now can't get married. hahaha

She was a brilliant researcher....still is of course.

And while I was in one of her classes she had a study published about video games.


In this study she found that VIOLENT video games are REALLY REALLY harmful.

Now I am sure that, like her, I'm gonna get a lot of people upset about my views.  So I am going to say this upfront.  This is merely my opinion and what I interpret her findings to mean.  I do not condemn nor feel this is "doctrine" of any kind.

Here are my feelings.....
Violent video games can be very graphic and very real.
They change the way people think about life..the glorify it and make it acceptable to kill.

There is

Things They Are a-Changin

I am almost positive this is a song...maybe its times???
Beuller ...Beuller
Who cares.....perfect theme song...for this next week or so.


Blog wise at least.

Next week is my week off  (Last day of my finals was TODAY WAHOO!!!!)

And I have been thinking about a change for a while.  But knew I wouldn't have time to give it the full attention I wanted to.

SO......change is gonna happen.  Hopefully we like it....stay tuned :)

Also lots of updates will come with it :)


Love to all my followers and commenters....YOU GUYS ROCK MY SOCKS!!!

Who-da Thought??

Somewhere in Corinthians Paul mentions that he delights in his weaknesses and trials and afflictions..

I have always thought he was TOTALLY off his rocker.

But this week I have been wondering about that.

The other day I was talking to a friend who is concerned that his upcoming departure would overly complicated his desire to date another friend of mine.

Because I began a relationship 3 weeks before leaving...I have a bit of experience in this predicament.

If you had asked me last July and August if I wished Chicken Boy had never asked me to dinner, I would have heartily said YES!

But as I was counseling my friend I realized...I was so glad he had.
Obviously the relationship was not meant to be long-term.  But it was so essential for that time.

Looking back, knowing that at 9:01 it would be a race to see who would get to their phone first and call, was very comforting.  I was forced into a new situation and new circumstances.  But he was "there" to support me through it all.

He cheered me on..got excited for me.  Tried to help in every way he could.
He was the one I called when I broke down in hysterics

Today while reading in 1 Nephi I found a scripture I had marked with "xxxxx, 5/2011"  I had forgotten a scripture he had sent me on a particularly rough night.

I honestly do not know if I could have survived those first few weeks here in Columbia or of nursing school without him.
And honestly, I would not have done nearly as well on all my school work if he had not dumped me and I needed to throw myself into something!

I learned about love and I learned about being there for someone.
I was happy...sad at times of course..but very happy during a time I would have otherwise been heartbroken.

At the risk of sounding vain...I looked REALLY
good while I was dating him ;) 

So (several months later of course) I think everything happened EXACTLY like it should have and worked out quite PERFECTLY

Life is a crazy rollercoster...that I will never understand.

But what I do strongly believe is that EVERYTHING happens for a reason....and at the time when we most need it!

So...dear friend who is nervous.  JUMP!!!!!  Don't let timing stop you.  Cause everything will work out JUST PERFECTLY

The Touch Barrier

...it was broken.  Its official.  Totally broken!

Shall I explain what I mean?
When there is a guy and a girl....if something is going to happen the touch barrier must be broken.

I have found the gentle arm rest is best.
And hug initiation is important too.

Sometimes us women have to take matters into our own hands...and we have to break it.

But then other times.....THEY DO!!!!

So nice to not have to do the work all the time  ;)

The Theory of Anticipation

First I wanna say a quick hi to any new visitors from
 Love is the Adventure.
I LOVE LOVE Miss Elizabeth...
so often she writes just what I'm thinking!


Now I realized yesterday
I haven't shared a theory with you guys in a while.
And I have one that has been simmering for a little while...
and after a Tuesday night chat with a great friend I discovered we were no longer rare...but in fact well done :)

So...lets talk about kissing.  hehehe

Close your eyes...think of the best kiss you ever had.
Now think about what happened before it.

How long had you waited?
Had you been waiting and anticipating its coming?
Not to the point of anxious "build up" but just a hopeful...yearning is the wrong word, but you catch my drift :)

Let me tell you a story.  Once (aka many times) there was a boy.  This boy was not really much to hold back the kisses...until he met a girl he liked.

If it was a girl he really liked he would make her wait.
(Now I do not approve of this particular method of mind-games, but I appreciate the result)

First date:
              "Of course he didn't kiss me..its a first date!"
Second date:
              "I want him to...but its still early"
Third date:
              "I hope he does! Oh well, he's just a slow mover"
Fourth date:
               "ok am I picking up the wrong signals here?"
Fifth date:
               "Is he ever gonna kiss me?"
Sixth date:
                "Oh my gosh! Is something wrong with me?"
Seventh date:
                "AHHHHH!!!  I'm HIDEOUS!!!"
(this step could go on for a bit)

"Final" date:  (this varies based on the situation)
                      a. "Oh heck I'll just kiss him myself!"
                      b. "If he doesn't this is our last date!...
                           OH well then!"
                      c. "FINALLY...oh WOW!"

Now aside from the crazy mind games.....this kid has a point

Source: Uploaded by user via Ruthann on Pinterest

Totally true.  That FINALLY is pretty great.

So gentleman...the key is anticipation.
Hold off.  Make us go a little crazy.
(key word is A LITTLE..not A LOT!)

And ladies...don't let them too soon.  Trust me you will thank me for you very own finally moment later ;)




So what do you think??
Am I high as a kite?
Or right as rain?

Dear People of the World

Its a dear boys and a dear girls day.....
DEAR EVERYONE!!!!

don't forget to check out Elise-y





dear tasmanian devil
You are terrible!  Trust me...I will be getting an A in this class if I have to fly to Tasmania myself and enter it into your gradebook myself!!!!
love
a girl who is mad..so watch out!

dear summer sales boys
ooo la la!  Hold onto you polos, khakis and clipboards...cause we, my friends, are gonna have a ROCKIN summer!!!!!!
love
super excited for the upcoming showing of AWESOMENESS

dear noah
you can have all of me...forever...everyday...
just saying.....
love
wishin i was Allie

dear guy on the diamond ring commercial
I'll take it if she won't!!!!
love
diamond's best friend

dear beard boy
Too bad you are dating that one other girl...
who is prolly more your type anyway but....
love
the girl in the leather jacket

dear ben folds fan
Too bad we can't get to know each other better.
What CRUMMY timing!
love
resigned girl

and finally...


dear UNAVAILABLE BOYS
Why are you always the ones I am attracted to??
The ones who I could have I don't want.
But if you are unavailable...of course I find you attractive!
love
girl who hates murphy's law of dating!!!

Until You

So I have a pretty extensive music collection.  (although sadly not as extensive as I would like haha)

Recently I put it ALL on my ipod.  We are talking SERIOUS RANDOM SHUFFLE-NESS

I think both my computer and my ipod have favorite songs.  Cause I often feel like I hear the same songs over and over.

But this morning...a new song came on.  One I haven't heard in a while.  One I had forgotten how much I had loved.

A friend of mine once said the reason they loved music was because it felt like a friend.
Sometimes its a new friend.  Sometimes its a friend who has always been there for you.
And sometimes its like an old friend you haven't seen in a while, but you pick back up right where you left off.

Ever had a friend who says everything out loud you are thinking in your head?

That is music for me.

So Mickey.....here's another one for our collection.