2010 in a nutshell!

Wow. I literally seems like yesterday that I was writing my blog about "2009 in a nutshell". I know I probably say this every year but WOW. This year went by really fast. So many BIG things happened in my life that i'm wondering if I even payed attention to the little things in life...It's sad to admit but although a lot of wonderful things happened this year, I don't think I lived up to my full potential in life. I think this is the first year(and probably not the last) that I wish I could kind of turn back the clock and re-do some things.

But I want to be a positive blog so I am going to tell you the Top 5 things that happened to the Ortiz' in 2010!


1. Of course, we bought a house! This was a BIG step for us! But it was probably one of the best things we could have done! I love it!





2. I graduated with my bachelors degree at the University of Utah! Woot!

3. We went on our wonderful trip to Seattle to meet George's Grandma and Grandpa!

4. A big this that happened early in 2010 was that my dad was told he most likely had Liver Cancer. All year we were preparing ourselves for the worst news...because it took them about 6 months to find out. Well, in the beginning of November, I got the best news that my dad did NOT have cancer but just a banine sist on his liver. So, my dad can continue to be the wonderful dad he is!! Praise God.

5. In early June I started my new job trainer at my work! This was a big thing since I was graduating...I didn't really know what I would do, when suddenly this opportunity came at the perfect time... Praise God again.

Here are some other things that happened as well...

• We celebrated our first anniversary
• we went to see Lion King live
• George's business really took off
• we went to Lava Hot Springs
• George spoke at Lakeside for the first time
• I am getting WAAY better at guitar...someday going to be able to lead worship by myself!
• I learned how to make ceramic pots
• I got addicted to McDonalds Sweet Tea
• We gave blood for the first time
• I got to really see my cousins Lindsey and Kim for the first time since I was a little girl
• George went to the Zoo for the first time
• I bought an ipad
• We went to the Rodeo for the first time
• We layed down tile in our house
• We made so many new friends! Some new friends were really old friends that became good friends again!
• We made Candy Apples for the first time ever!
• My cousin GraciAnna got married!
• My sister moved to Virgina!

That's all I can think of that happened....but i'm sure a million other things happened too...

Anyways, I'm glad 2010 is over....and I am SOOO excited for 2011!

The 4th!

George and I woke up to an epiphany today! This is our 4th Thanksgiving together! I know that doesn't seem like anything spectacular...but WOW! We have been together for over 4 years now.

This is an extra special Thanksgiving because its our first thanksgiving being home owners!

After a miserable two weeks of being unsure when we are getting our home(which has caused me such stress, i have a rib that popped out of place from my spine! yikes!), we FINALLY got our keys yesterday. Once we got them, we went there and the first thing we did is.... Change all the light and outlet covers! I know weird.

But we are home owners!

Here are a few pictures of our lovely home!

This is our little tint kitchen!

This is our front room. I LOVE the little loft on the top floor...

This is the one we choose!

I needs some fixin' it is great!

I'm not that uninteresting....PART II(tangent)

So I left off with me finally making it to George's house late at night. Before I can continue this story I think I need to explain how George and I met...Because I have never blogged about it so I think this is a good time for a little curve ball in this story.

June 2006:

I had just got my first real job outside of high school. It was the Layton Barnes and Noble. Back then, I knew nothing about books...so don't ask me why I even applied at Barnes and Noble, but there I was. By the end of the summer, I had been promoted to the cash lead and I felt on top of the world. One day I was working at the info desk and come to find out I am working with my arch nemesis that day. George. The pretentious, mysterious weirdo. George and I had never really talked before but I knew for some reason I didn't like him. Or maybe it was that I got the vibe from him that he didn't like me...I don't know. Either way, we didn't like each other. We were sitting at the info desk and for the first time EVER he spoke to me. This is what he said:

George: "You know, sometimes when I am here at work, I pretend everyone here are Star Wars characters"

Ha. Ok. So not only is he pretentious and mysterious but a COMPLETE nerd. I just laughed and looked at him weird. (To this day I make fun of him about this)

From that moment on, this George person intrigued me. He was so... interesting. After working with him a little longer, I learned he was engaged to a girl I grew up with(which was kind of weird). We had very few interactions because I still got the vibe that he didn't like me. I remember specifically during Christmastime, I was singing at this church in Ogden for the Weber State Choir and I saw George there. The first thing that came out of my mouth was, "What are YOU doing here?" He replied "Brooke wanted to come". For a moment, I remember feeling a little disappointed because I thought maybe...he came to see me. But then I remembered he didn't like me and he was engaged so that couldn't have possibly been the case.

After Christmas, I moved to Salt Lake so George and I no longer worked together. But because all of my good friends still worked at the Barnes and Noble in Layton, I would still get together with them regularly. Well, one night around the beginning of February, all of us were going to go to Denny's. When I got to Denny's... George was there. And again, the first thing that came to my mind was... you guessed it... "What are YOU doing here?" George never hung out with the Barnes crowd because he was always with Brooke. He didn't really explain what happened but I got the impression that they broke up. And for the first time, I really felt for the kid. That night, our co-worker Dan, invited us all to go to his church the following day. I had never really been to a christian church so I thought, what the heck. And went.

The only other person who ended up going was... you guessed it again. George. It's like I couldn't get rid of him! hehe. That day, for the first time, I got to know the real George. Not the Star Wars character dreamer George. Or the "I love Brooke" George. Or the "I didn't have time to dry my hair so I stuck my head out of my car window" George. But this kind, inspiring, and sadly heartbroken man. He told me about what happened between him and Brooke. She cheated on George with my ex-boyfriends best friend. So, I knew the guy...well. For some reason, this weird and unfortunate connection between us really brought us together. We found comfort in one another.

From that day on, we were inseparable. We spoke just about everyday, He came up to Salt Lake and visited me. We even went on an epic trip to Zion(For another blog). In 2 short months, he had become my dear friend. I never thought of George much more than a friend only because both of us were pre-occupied with our own love lives. I was chasing dreamily after a guy and George didn't know if he could ever love or trust anyone again from what he had been through. But we were there for each other, and I think above all, that was what we needed.

Until one day in early April, I hear that George was in the hospital. He broke both of his feet.

From then on, I didn't get to speak to him much. I didn't know why, but he wouldn't answer my calls or texts... It's like...he fell off the face of the Earth. Then I find out, he's moving home to Vegas. He needs surgery and he is going to live with his mom. I was truly heartbroken. I felt as though in a few short months, I had gained a best friend and lost one. One moment he was there, and the next, gone. Without even saying goodbye.

Eventually he began to write me emails from Vegas. We wrote back and forth to each other for a few months. Pouring our troubles and trials of life to each other. One day, we concluded that I was going to drive down to Vegas to visit him. I needed my dear friend George.

So, I decided to drive to Vegas....and brought a friend.

And that is the end of Part II(tangent)

Buying a home.

Ugh.

George and I are in the process of buying a home.

This is going to be my testimony right here right now that it is a pain in the TOOCHIE!!!

But we have 3 we love. All three homes we love some things about them and some things we don't love so much.

Home #1 : Clinton

Built in 2002. BEAUTIFUL neighborhood. Smallest house in the neighborhood. LOVE the outside. Beautiful good sized lawn and backyard. Weird layout of the house. Needs all new paint and carpet. Kind of cramped(Seriously considering knocking a wall out and putting a window). All one level. BUT it has....don don don! A walk in closet!! My dream! Large kitchen.

HOME #2: Clearfield

Built 1984. No Garage. Not so nice neighborhood(But not bad), Cute exterior. LARGE backyard. Completely remodeled inside...it's AMAZING! comes with BRAND-NEW stainless steel appliances. This is a ready to move in-er. We probably would have a hard time re-selling it because of the neighborhood though...

HOME #3: Layton

Built 1986. Pretty nice neighborhood. Ok exterior. New carpet, new paint. LOVE the layout of the house! Love the backyard! SMALL kitchen... comes with appliances(not stainless steel though). Needs new light fixtures.

Oh my goodness. I have no idea what to do. I would be happy with any of them.

How will I decide?!

I guess i'm not that un-interesting...PART 1

A little while ago, we began our monthly staff meeting having to tell something interesting about ourselves. I couldn't really think of anything. The first to go was my Co-worker Linda(you know who you are) who had a crazy story of her lying about her age to date someone 7 years older then her. It was pretty intense. Then Steve,my other co-worker went and told about how he was possibly abducted when he was little. Then others went on to tell about their adventures dating the guitarist from Incubus and getting to cook for George Bush...my life seemed so...LAME!

I had nothing. The coolest thing I had to show was that I can make a three-leaf clover out of my tongue.

Since than I have really been wondering why in my past 22 years of life, I haven't had anything crazy happen in my life. Have I lived my life in some odd bubble? Have I not been adventurous?

I came up with a conclusion. Maybe I haven't dated a rock star or gotten abducted. But my life has certainly been an adventure! The year of 2007 in particular stands out to me. And now that I look back, I don't know why I didn't share these stories...because these events shaped my life.

REWIND!

In the early summer of 2007, I was working at The Buckle in the Gateway. One day, a co-worker and I were eating lunch outside when this guy in his early 20's came up to us. The first thing I noticed was that he was dressed kind of strange...but as soon as he opened his mouth, I understood. He said, "Excuse me, I have 2 tickets to the Jazz playoff games tonight...and I was wondering if either of you would like to go with me" in an elequent British(or so I thought) voice. At this point, we just stared at him. We look at each other. My co-worker thinking this is a huge joke. Me on the other hand, found it intriguing! My co-worker says without too much hesitation; "Sorry, I can't, I have to work tonight." But being the naive 18 year old I was, I was determained to go with this guy.

Somehow I convinced my boss to let me go to the Jazz game with some complete stranger. To this day, I don't know who was more retarded. But I went. It was awesome! I had never been to a Jazz game before(Believe it or not) and I had never done anything so stupid and gutsy in my life. But Scott(who is Australian) was a very nice guy. He was 21 and was touring America following the NBA playoffs. We had a lot of fun getting to know each other. I mostly remember making fun of him and his accent when he said "Go Jahzz!". We had so much fun he asked if I would go to the next game with him. Of course I said yes! (How often do you get to go to Jazz Playoffs for free!? And besides, I wasn't dating anyone at the time...so I didn't feel too bad). So we went to the following Jazz game.

It doesn't end there.

After the game, I was supposed to go to a party at my friends house. So I asked Scott if he would like to go and meet some of my friends. He came with me and we spent the night laughing about ridiculous things both Americans and Australians say! Sometime during that night he was telling us his next stop was Vegas and that he was going to fly there in the next few days.

This is one of those moments when you look back and think... "Could I have possibly been any stupider?!"

I said to Scott, "Hey! I am actually driving down to Vegas this weekend to visit my friend(George)! Why don't you just come with me and save some money!"

Scott was a little reluctant but thought "Hey, she looks pretty harmless" and took the offer. While the rest of my friends had their mouth open thinking I have completely lost my marbles.

So that weekend, I picked Scott up from his hotel and we headed down to Vegas. Because I knew my mom would NOT have been ok with this, I decided not to tell her and she thought I was driving by myself(Which was still not her ideal situation. But in my mind it was better for her to think I was driving alone than with a complete stranger from half way around the world.)

But of course my friends were pretty worried about me and told me to text them every hour to make sure he didn't rape or kill me. So I did.......Until....I accidently left my phone at a gas station in Cedar City. Thats when all hell broke loose.

My mom was frantic, my friends thought I was dead on the side of the road. I had no way of getting a hold of anyone(including George because I didn't know where he was in Vegas) THAN as if nothing else could have gone wrong, I ran into one of those orange cones and knocked off my side view mirror on my car.

By this time, I think Scott was thinking it would have been easier to just fly. But we had some fun going down. We stopped in Zion so he could see the beautiful park! And he also went the most famous thing in America.... Wal-Mart!! haha!

Finally somehow we made it to Vegas. I got Scott to his room in the Balagio where I somehow contacted George I think through MySpace and found out where he lived. I said good-bye to my friend Scott who I got to know pretty well in a week. And we decided this was an awesome story that shouldn't end somehow! But that was about all we decided! Than I left.

That night around 1 I finally found George's house and...George. : )

And that is the end of Part 1! Hehe!

OK, this is like the worst picture of me...I was wearing a 2XL shirt... ew.

A Kuna Matata!

Oh man I haven't blogged much lately because not a whole lot has happened(Seriously)! I did just celebrate my birthday! Which was fun!

George and I went to see Lion King then stayed in the Swiss Family Robinson room at the Anniversary Inn. It was one AMAZING night!

Tee Hee! We signed our nicknames underneath the bed. (we are so bad!) hehe So if you ever go into the Swiss Family Robinson room on 500 S. look for our sigs!!

George being a nerdy-mc-nerdyton!

Our awesome room!! Which we quickly made messy some how!

Both of us look slightly miserable...but for just cause! I was upset because George had a migraine and was miserable and I was mad he was not going to enjoy our awesome night we had planned! I also locked my keys in my car(AGAIN) which was kind of upsetting. Luckily I have the best Step-Dad ever who drove all the way down to Salt Lake to bring my spare key to me! But other than that, our evening out was awesome! I would HIGHLY recommend seeing Lion King if you can spare the dough! (We obviously did not buy the tickets...)

Other than that, it's been about the same old for George and Becky Jo. We might be buying a home soon!! But other than that, we are kind of going through the motions!

I guess the only thing really different in my life now is the lack of school. After 16 full years of school, I am finally done. This is the first fall I have not gone back to school since I was 6. I never thought i'd say this but I really miss it. Especially with this being the first day of school, I feel weird not signing up for classes and walking around campus and buying books(I know...weird). I'm just at a new stage of life...I need to embrace it!! I guess.

These mashed potatoes are so creamy!

Today George and I watched one of the best movies ever!

A few months ago, I went into my bosses office and set something down on his desk and left. I heard him laugh and he said "TOAD"(which is what he called me) and I came marching back to his office with a face of "You called me?" and he just laughed. He always said I reminded him of someone and at that moment, he remembered who it was. He thinks I am just like Sandra Bullock in this movie. And that moment I had with my boss was just like the moment Sandra Bollock had with her boss when she set her wedding invitation on his desk.

Now that I have watched it again, I couldn't help but laugh! I am also kind of offended he thinks so. She's almost socially awkward in this movie!

Me? Socially awkward? Never.....

Giving Blood

Today George and I gave blood!

It was my first time...Honestly, I didn't think i'd be able to give blood because last time I checked...I was anemic. But when they tested me today, I actually had a TON of iron.

Crazy.

Anyways...it was cool I guess. I probably wont ever do it again because it really hurt and it's making me queazy even writing about it.

So i'm done writing about it now.

But now I can say I did it!

yay!

Our first year

I know this is like 2 weeks late. But I thought i'd share a few pictures from our

FIRST ANNIVERSARY!

May 16th, 2010!

I love you George!

Cutting our year old cake! It was actually quite delicious!

The view from our balcony! This picture does NOT give it justice!

Our room!

Our room again!

Best morning breakfast on the balcony!!

Yes. I am eating yogurt with a fork. That's all they gave us!!

Here is a video that shows all our adventures in our first year of marriage! I just hope every year will be as great as this one was.

Enjoy!

An update of recent events!

SOOO much has happened in the past few weeks and for some reason, I haven't been compelled to really write about it. But I should...just because all the cool cats do it right? So here it goes!

1. On May 7th, I graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelors degree in Speech Communication and cultural studies! Wooh! It was SUCH AN AWESOME experience. But to be honest, it made me kind of sad. It made me realize that I have spent the past 4 years investing my life in this education and didn't bother to make any really close friends while I was at it. I had a ton of acquaintances I graduated with but not a single person I'd call my friend! It's just so weird how different college is from high school... In high school I can't really think of anything significant I learned but I gained life long friendships. In college, (hopefully) I learned something...yet not a single friend was gained. Sigh.

2. I GOT A NEW JOB!! Starting in a few weeks, I will officially be a Corporate Trainer here at America First!! I am so excited to have the opportunity to do something new and something I think I'll actually enjoy rather than...well you know. So yes! No more HR intern! Wooh!!

3. This last weekend, George and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary!! It was amazing! We stayed at the Anniversary Inn on 5th South in Salt Lake in the Palace room. It was awesome! The only problem was, when we got back to our room after spending the afternoon seeing Robin Hood and eating amazing food at Benihana, our room was 95 degrees! So, we spent most of the night outside on the balcony while our A/C was blasting! We still had a great time though and it was just nice to just get away!

4. So on Monday, George and I had the day off so we went up to the U to buy a psychology book for a class i'm taking and we decided to buy an iPad! I'm not going to lie, it's pretty cool! Although, George really wanted it for business reasons but he hasn't really used it yet! But I still love our new toy! I just hope it's worth the money we spent on it!

Ok, so before I continue with this list, I just have to say, these past few weeks have been so great that I have been wondering if there will ever come another point in my life when so many good things happen at once! I hope so, but you never really know do you?

5. So now comes the things I am fearing most in my life right now. My dad. A few weeks ago, they found a growth on his liver. The doctors have been doing tests on it trying to determine what it is...and well, all the doctors seem really concerned. They aren't sure if it's cancerous but they do think it's something serious.... We wont know for a few more days but I am so worried because Liver Cancer is awful and painful and very hard to treat... So I am just hoping and praying for the best... But I think my dad is taking it all really well. He is actually feeling pretty good so it's hard to imagine he might have cancer in him. But I think if he did get diagnosed with cancer, he wouldn't regret a thing... He's been a pretty amazing person, giver, friend and dad. And I know if he gets the privilege to stay on this Earth even longer, he will continue being the amazing person he is...and that's what brings me peace.


6. I don't really know if I have anything else to update in my life. Maybe just that George and I aren't sure what to do about our living situation. We've been back and forth on buying a house...but I think we are both just really uneasy about that big of an investment... But at the same time, I don't know if we can stomach paying just as much as a mortgage would be on renting a place! So, I don't know what the right thing is to do... but hopefully we'll figure it out soon.


Well there you go. All caught up.

Eye patches.

Yesterday, George and I went to lunch. As we were eating lunch, a man came in and sat at the table right next to us. Pretty normal right? Well, no. Because this man, had an eye patch! To most everyone else, that's not completly unusual or in our case funny. But it was funny. We looked over and started giggling as quietly and descretly as we could. Before you think of us as completely descrimatory people, let me explain....

In November of 2007, it was a usual day. Mid day George called me to tell me he had a HORRIBLE stomach ache is going home sick. (Which is weird for him since he NEVER takes sick days). When I got out of school, I came home and he was rolling on our bathroom floor in complete and utter misery. So, what do I do? I go to the gym. I'm such a sweet girlfriend(at the time). But on my way to the gym George calls me and says, "Will you come get me and take me to the doctor?" So I did. I took him to the insta-care in Layton. As soon as George explained his pain to the doctor, she said, "you need to get out of here and go as quickly as you can to the emergency room!" The pain was being caused by his appendix and the doctor feared that any moment, his appendix would burst. Not a pleasant thing to hear especially after thinking he just had a nasty case of the stomach flu. So of course, at the sound of this, I became hysterical. We rushed George to the hospital and had to wait like...30 minutes to get onto a bed. Once he was in a bed, we waited about 2 hours for a cat scan to make sure it was his appendix and than another hour until they finally wheeled him into surgery.

Ok. So by now you're probably wondering, what the heck does this story have to do with an eye patch right? Oh just you wait...i'm getting there.

So, I think it was about 1:00 am when George had his surgery. My mom and I just stayed half awake in the waiting room. Finally at around 3:00, the doctor came out and told us it was a boy. Just kidding. but that would have been funny right? No, but the doctor did say that everything was fine, they got it out just in time before it would have burst but that his appendix had created tissue to protect it which made it extremely difficult to get the appendix out without completely damaging the tissue. Because of that, George would be in a lot more pain and sensative than usual.

At around 3:30, I got to go into his room and finally see him after the surgery! He was completely out of it. But he was going in and out of conciousness... So, while the nurse was checking on him, George wakes up and looks at her. She looks down at him and asks if he's feeling alright.

Immediately, George responds with, "Can I ask you a question?" the nurse concernedly says "Of course, what's up?" and honest to heaven George said this in the most SERIOUS tone... he said...

"Could you see a man on the street wearing an eye patch and not think he's a pirate?"

The nurse was dumbfounded! You could tell she was replaying his question in her mind trying to make sense of it and wondering how that could have ANYTHING to do with him feeling alright.

After giving my mom and I a quizzicle look while we are literally laughing our heads off, she concluded that we were all nutty and left.

The best part of it all is, the next morning, George had no recollection of saying such a thing! But he did. And it was awesome!

And now you know why when we saw the person with an eye patch and laughed.

Arrr Matey!!

Standing Ovation

So today was the last day of class on the University of Utah campus. Which means...I still have 2 more classes in bountiful I have to attend but this morning was the last time I walked on campus to go to a class. Weird. As if it wasn't weird and almost emotional enough, something crazy happened!

The one class I actually had on campus this semester was a class called Power Basics. It was taught by a highly esteemed Business professor by the name of Alan Saudamir. Awesome guy. I took a class from him my sohomore year called foundations of business. I learned so much in that class! So when I heard he was teaching a class called Power Basics, I knew I'd have to take it at some point! Finally, I got around to it and I don't regret it one bit! Although, I wish I would have been more attentive during class, all in all, I learned quit a bit about the business world according to a consultant perspective.

But anyways, so today I went to class. He tried to sum up the entire class which he did oh so elequently and finished by saying "You can act superior or you can be superior. Remember that this summer and throughout your journey in the business world."

Suddenly everyone started standing up. I was thinking to myself "How rude, he just finished and you're in a hurry to leave?" but then...everyone started clapping. This has never happened before! A roaring sound of gratitude and acknowledgement! It was amazing! I stood up with them and gave him his recognition.

This is weird to say but I was almost moved to tears. But I can't help but feel so blessed to have such an awesome and definitely unforgettable last day of class!

Thanks Professor Saudamir.

Graduation!!! One giant step to uncertainty.

So, 3 weeks until my GRADUATION!


I have been waiting for this day to come for 4 years! I can't believe I am done. I should be so excited! But i'm not. I'm not excited...because I am afraid of what is going to happen next...or rather what ISN'T going to happen next. Is this how it should be? Have I worked so hard for this? Have I just wasted 4 years of sleep, time and MONEY to not find a job and end up being an intern for the rest of my life? I know i'm exagerating but I just feel so lost. I really want to be hopeful. I want to know something will come up but right now I just feel so unsure!

None the less. I am really proud of myself for sticking through it. I am not going to lie. EVERY semester it seemed I was second guessing if going to school was even worth it. EVERY semester I had that annoying professor that made me do ridiculous assignments. EVERY semester I lost sleep and time from things I cared about. But it's over now.

No more response papers
No more group projects
No more 15 page essays about something I couldn't care less about
No more chartwells meals(YAY!)
No more early morning relaxing train rides
No more people watching on the 220
No more FREE public transportation!
No more applications for student loans!
No more calling the student services and getting the WORST service possible!
No more doing homework on the grass
No more layed back campus life
No more comparing with students who schedule is crazier
No more intelectual conversations about third wave feminism with random people in the library
No more all night study groups filled with pizza and bad ideas
No more 25cent blue books I always somehow forgot to buy before tests

It's over! It's my time to shine!! It's time to grow up. It's time to move on.

Ready? Yes.

Set? No.

Resurrection Day

What does Easter mean to you?

For me,

Jesus died on the cross in payment for my sins...

For that, I am forgiven.

Today, Jesus rose and conquered death...

For that, I am saved.

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in 
you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal 
bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
Romans 8:11

Seattle!

At last! I found time to post pictures of our epic trip to Washington/Oregon!!

It really was a wonderful trip...and here are the highlights...

The Space Needle!

Meeting up with the great Roos Family!

Pikes Place Market(Not my favorite...too fishy)

First Starbucks!! Mmmmm Coffee...

The Underground Tour!

The Fremont Troll!!

Getting to meet George's grandparents for the first time. great people. : )

No. I'm not a PC Microsoft.

Making our own album cover at the Music Museum in Seattle

The beautiful sunset ferry ride to the peninsula after finding out I didn't make a reservation anywhere for this night. But not even the cold misty water could dampen our spirits.

Walking through the Olympic National Park rain forests.

Most beautiful beaches I have ever seen

Forks!!! Minus the hot werewolves, vampires and all around coolness.

Great food!!

Especially Chipotle burritos, local mexican food and especially

Henry's 12th St. Tavern in Portland!!! (Seriously, best place ever)

And of course. Great coffee. Really great coffee.

I also got to meet up with my cousin whom I hadn't seen since I was 16, got to go to an authentic japanese garden, went to the first spaghetti factory, watched a lot of the Food Network and "Say Yes to the Dress".

2,500 miles later

and a handful a memories...

Best trip ever.

Fool me once, Shame on you. Fool me twice, Shame on me.

I have heard this saying about 20 times in the past 3 days.

Why?

Because I have successfully been robbed from 3 times.


Robbery #1: Summer of 06'

It was a hot summer day! So I decided to stop at a gas station in Kaysville to get a Frazil. If you don't know what a Frazil is, they are amazingly wonderful slurpee drinks. But anyways, I went into the gas station carrying my keys and wallet and started serving myself a frazil. Well, a man came up next to me and also started serving himself a Frazil. He said "hi"very kindly and asked how my day was. I said "good" and continued to focus on my Frazil. Well when I went up to the counter I realized I didn't have my wallet! I was like, Oh, I must have left it in my car. But while walking out to my car, I realized "NO! I didn't leave it in my car, I had it with me when I was getting my drink" Just as I realized that, I see the man and about 2 other guys drive off in a white truck.

Crappy huh? It actually turned out ok. I guess the guy who seemed very nice and gentlemenly just was looking for cash. Once he grabbed my wallet and saw there was no cash in it, he shoved it in a random mailbox and drove away. A few days later someone called me and told me they sent my wallet to the police and I could pick it up there.

All turned out ok.


But shame on him!




Robbery #2: Thanksgiving 2007

Me, George and our friend Mike decided to drive down to Vegas and have Thanksgiving with George's mom. When we arrived in Vegas the night before Thanksgiving, it was really late so I left a few things in my car(my mistake). On Thanksgiving day, I think around the afternoon, I finally went out to my car to grab my stuff. Well, you guessed it. My stuff was gone. My friend Mike left the backdoor unlocked so my stuff(ipod and accessories, a watch, and worst of all, my laptop) was easily taken.

ARRRG!!! I was hysterical. I went to the police and since it's Vegas, I am sure a stolen laptop is the least of their worries! But I was so upset. Mostly because it wasn't just a laptop, it was the device that stored ALL of my essays and homework that were due.

But even through all of this, I knew it could have been worse. How could it have been worse? Well, I had a spare key sitting on the passengers seat of my car. So, the person who robbed me wasn't that smart because they actually could have just taken my whole car.

But the story gets better. The next day while we were driving home from Vegas, my car got a crack in the header and died.


Shame on me.



Robbery #3: March 15th, 2010

This one is the most vague. Mostly because I don't know when or where it happened... But this is what I do know.

Monday evening: I take my friend Anna out for dinner and ice cream. After we went to get ice cream(I paid with my card), I dropped her off and went to the church. On our way to the church in Syracuse, I put lotion on(important I promise). My car stays at the church for about 2 hours until George takes it to our friends house in West Point. We stay in West Point until about 11 than drive home.

Tuesday morning: I leave the house at around 9 to go to the gym. On my way to the gym I was going to put lotion on but looked down and couldn't find my lotion. "That's weird" I thought to myself. Before I get out of my car to go to the gym, I make sure my doors are all locked because there was a guy in the car next to me.

When I get out of the gym, I get in my car and get ready to go to the store. I look down and notice my cigerette burner is open. "That's weird, I think to myself." "Thats never opened"

Than I realize in a panick! "IT'S NEVER OPENED BECAUSE MY IPOD CHARGER IS ALWAYS PLUGGED INTO IT!" Thats when it hit me. My ipod, ipod charger and aux chord are gone. I freak out and call George, he said to call the police and everything should be ok. I was ok. Not too big of deal. Well I get to the store and go to grab my purse and realize. No purse.


By this time, I'm just exasperated.


Anyways, I am not going to go into detail but I concluded it happened at my church because there I know my doors were unlocked. I also concluded that the person who stole my stuff was just some kid who wasn't going to really try to use my cards.

I was wrong.

So through this whole ordeal I lost; An iPod, iPod charged, Aux chord, purse, $75 worth of eye contacts, work badge, $99 coupon for a facial, my wallet, drivers licence, debit and credit card, and social security card.

I am sure there were some other things that I'll realize and regret having in my purse later but for now. I'm mad.

What makes matters worse, The person who took my card used my card at 2 places. One at a gas station and spent $74.52. The other, I guess we'll find out in a few days.

I know eventually everything will work out but...jeez. I'm not going to lie. This just totally sucks.

I think it's time to get a car with automatic locks. And it's time for me to stop leaving valuable things in my car.

Shame on me.

A thought from Jessica

I just read this post from my friend Jessica that was begging the question,"What if you could go back and re-make decisions you had made previously", or "What if you could see where you would go if you made a decision?"

Oh man. Wouldn't that be great?

But it's not that way. Most of the time, we are all just shootin in the dark. But are we? Personally, I don't think so. The reason? Because I believe that God has a plan for my life.

If you are reading this and scoffing at the thought of pre-determaination well read my personal story and see if you still feel the same way after.

4 years ago I graduated High School. My life so I thought was going to be on a fast track to success. For my last semester of High School, I did an internship at America First in the Marketing Dept. The plan was, once my internship was done, they'd send me out to a branch where I can work as a teller. Life would be peachy.

Well it didn't happen that way. On the contrary, after I graduated and finished my internship, and America First wouldn't hire me as a teller. I interviewed with 4 different managers and they all were un-willing to take me as much as the HR recruiter Dan recommended it.


Life sucked.


I was graduated with no job. I felt rejected and lost. I spent a whole semester trying to shine so that I would be able to get a job(Because I had NO other job experience, I didn't think it'd be able to get a job anywhere else).

So, I ended up being a movie extra for about 2 months. I made good money but I knew I couldn't an extra for the rest of my life. So I started putting out applications anywhere that was hiring. One of the places was Barnes and Noble. Obviously, I was a little resentful about the whole situation because I really didn't see myself working anywhere retail. I had my heart set at working at America First.

Much to my disbelief and reluctancy though, I actually got the job at Barnes and Noble.

You're probably now asking yourself, why are you telling me this story?

Well... it turns out. This job CHANGED my life.

At Barnes and Noble, I met a someone who brought Christ into my life and changed my life forever. But that isn't it. If I would have done what I wanted to do and gotten the job at America First, I never would have met my husband, George.

I guess what I am saying is, 3 and a half years ago, I would have given anything to go back and try and change things so that I would have gotten the job at America First then.



Now, not a chance.

Weight of the world

Sigh. This is a long blog

I feel like writing is my theorpy lately. I am SOOO emotional lately. I really need to figure out a way to get it under control. I feel like it's to a point where whenever someone comes and talks to me, they have to be cautious of what they say in fear I might break down at them. It's awful!

That's not really what i'd want to talk about though. I want to talk about a problem I have. I don't know how many women actually read this blog but I hope this blog will change the way you think about yourself.

At my church we are going through a study about Fireproofing your marriage which is a study based on the movie "Fireproof". If you haven't seen it, you need to.

Anyways, today our study was about parasites in your marriage. Which is anything that comes in between your marriage. It could be something as small as a husband watching too much t.v. and something as big as pornography and alcoholism.

When we first started talking I was like "Nah, I don't have any parasites I cause in our marriage!" But after really discussing what a parasite was, I found out that I do have a parasite. In fact this parasite is probably THE BIGGEST problem in mine and George's relationship and I have never even realized it before.

What is it?

My weight.

My self-esteem.

My self-worth.

All of these are self inflicted parasites that slowly take away from mine and my husbands intimacy and love. I am so concerned about how I FEEL that I never listen to when he tells me I'm beautiful. I don't believe him because what he thinks is beautiful, is not what is beautiful in my eyes.

Anyways, I don't want this to be a blog where I am wanting re-enforcement that I am beautiful.

THAT IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF THIS BLOG.

The purpose is, for fellow women, the majority of us compliment each other on the things we wear or the way we look right?! Well why do we do that? Personally, I compliment people on things that i'm jealous of. such as:

"I love your hair...it's so cute"

"Oh my goodness, that is such a cute shirt"

"You look so good, I would never look like that in that outfit"

First off.

This is so unhealthy. We are focusing on outward appearances instead of what really matters.

Secondly,

We are just comparing ourselves to one another

We all do it!

WHY!?

So, my challenge to all the women out there to stop complimenting each other on the things we SEE about each other on the OUTSIDE but rather things you SEE on the INSIDE.

Personally, I would take it much more to heart if someone told me "You're such a strong women." or "You have such confidence in yourself, I find that so inspiring!" rather than "Aw, you look so cute in those jeans"

Do you know what I mean?

I know i'm not the only one with this problem and I know we could all be there for each other and help us have a healthier relationship with ourself and ultimately, with our husband and God.

Please, just think about it.

On another note...

My best friend since 2nd grade had her first baby today. It's amazing how we are all growing up! Congrats to Meg and Ryan! Hopefully they'll pick out a name soon for their little boy! ( The first picture is my favorite because I caught her reaction to seeing her baby boy for the first time. )

Isn't it amazing.

It's hard to think I am having problems with my self esteem while someone else is bringing a life into this world.

A person so beautiful. Peaceful. And perfect.

Just the way they are.

: )

Siamese Cat.

So tonight was an interesting night. It started off much like most nights...George and I were just home playing a game... talking. Than we both start craving ice cream. After discussing for about 30 minutes where we were going to go get ice cream, we just decide to go to Wal-Mart pick up ice cream and take it home. (This is when the story gets interesting I promise)

So I'm driving on I-93 to go to Wal-Mart and all the sudden I see a cat in the road! But it wasn't dead! I saw it's eyes and it was sitting up! I was like "OH MY GOSH!!! THERE WAS A CAT IN THE ROAD!" George didn't think much of it because there are a lot of cats whose lives sadly end on that stretch of road so he figured it was dead. But I knew it wasn't! So, I did what my humanitarian self would immediately react to do. I turned the car around. George starts freaking out "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!". I replied, "I have to save that cat! It's going to get hit!"


Sure enough when we got back to where the cat was we found it just still sitting in the middle of the road! I was scared to death I was going to witness this cat get run over. But every car that zoomed passed it missed it by inches! So when the cars cleared I ran out into the middle of the road and grabbed that cat(really not thinking what course of action I would take next) and took it back to my car. The cat was definitely alive but very limp....but it started purring as soon as I grabbed it.

I hurried and took it back to my house! Since it was so dark I couldn't tell if it was bleeding or seriously hurt. When I got home I put the cat down and it kind of toppled over. So I then thought maybe it couldn't walk. But a moment later it dashed away into the kitchen and hid.


So now what. We have a seemingly healthy cat running around our house with no collar. My first instinct was to take a picture of it and post fliers all around the neighborhood and keep the cat in the garage. But after discussing it over, we concluded the best thing to probably do is take it to the part of neighborhood closest to where we found the cat.

So we took the street near the highway and let it loose. He looked around for a second than ran off(really looking like he knew where he was... or at least i'm really hoping)


I can't help but just wonder why it was just sitting there in the middle of the road. When we found it, it had what looked like a bloody nose so the only thing I can think is maybe it just got side swiped by a car or something and got to wind knocked out of it... regardless...I really am hoping and praying that cat finds it's way home...

I guess it's out of my hands now... but at least I know I wont be seeing that cat on the side of the road tomorrow...

Good thing dreams don't always come true...

I absolutely love being married! It's the greatest and most enjoyable adventure of my life!


For the most part, George and I have gotten used to our daily routines...all though they aren't quite consistent yet! Every morning, I wake George up and usually he acknowledges me with a grunt or pretends like he is already awake. But this morning he did something a little different!

Becky: George...it's time for you to get up!
George: *Annoyed grunt
Becky: (a little more firmly) George, you need to get up!
George: *Rolls over grumpily...obviously ignoring me
Becky: Laying there stunned thinking "he never ignores me!"(I was slightly offended by his reply!) *Shaking him now. George, you really need to get up, you're going to be late!
George: *Turns over. "You are so mean!" *Than rolls back over
Becky: (Dumbstruck and feeling horrible) "I'm sorry baby! I was just trying to wake you up on time...."

Finally he turned back over looking really sad and explained to me that he just had a dream that we were driving in the car and I was listing off all the things I hated about him!

Isn't it weird how emotions you have while dreaming roll over to real life? But it did encourage me to be a better wife and to make sure I tell my husband more things I love about him. I'd much rather him dream about how much his wife loves him than how much she hates him.


So George,
here is a list of just a few things
I ♥ about you!
: )


1. You're my best friend... as stated in my wedding vow!
2. You listen to me
3. You love to shop
4. You're sexy
5. You never raise your voice at me... even as frustrating as I am to be around some times
6. You will ALWAYS take time out of your work day to listen to the boring things that happen to me!
7. You really don't ignore me
8. You defend me
9. Your brown eyes!
10. The freckles on your lips
11. How great you are with kids...(it assures me what a great dad you'll be someday!)
12. How you will talk to anyone!
13. You laugh at my stupid jokes
14. You laugh at your own stupid jokes
15. You don't gossip
16. You love to cuddle
17. You let Fritz sleep on your pillow
18. You let me beat you at games
19. You are sooo smart!
20. You like buying me things!
21. You're honest with me
22. You pinky promise sealed with a kiss
23. You're crazy hair that is perfect when you wake up!
24. You're wonderful sense of style!
25. When you look at yourself in the mirror, you always tilt your head and pull on your hair
26. I can beat your at wrestling
27. You're adventurous
28. You help me with laundry
29. If it was up to you, you'd clean the toilet every 6 months! hahaha!
30. You're so kind to my family!
31. Your impression of catching a touchdown!
32. You tell me i'm beautiful at least once a day
33. You can't touch anything that is hotter than luke warm
34. Your middle name is the same name as my pet turtle growing up
35. My cat has the same name as your grandpa. : )
36. You rap to my singing!
37. You're a great guitar player!
38. You taught me how to spin my pen!
39. You pretend to know how to speak French!
40. You always have such confidence in yourself!
41. You inspire and encourage me everyday!
42. You are such a hard worker!
43. You make great announcements! : )
44. You rub my feet!!!
45. You are so patient
46. You're a really good driver
47. You make sandwiches out of all your meals!
48. You're so easy to please!
49. How you always sing with a song even if you don't know the words...you just make some up!
50. You have great taste in music! (I told you so)


I could probably go on forever...but for the sake of anyone else reading this blog, I'll keep the rest between us two.


I ♥ you Georgie.

2009 in a nutshell!

Well,

A new year and DECADE is here again! 2009 just flew by!! I think it's probably because I spent the first 5 months of the year planning a wedding... and during those 5 months, I literally felt like I was in a time warp... it's kinda weird. But I thought I would do the same thing I did last year...I will share my top 10 experiences of 2009!!!

10. I officially became a SENIOR in College!! 18 more credits and I will be an edumicated girl!

9. My ADORABLE 2nd cousin was born. Pretty much the cutest little girl ever! Harmony Grace Lee!

8. I turned 21! Chicka!

7. I revolutionized my life and switched to a MAC. And I'm not going BAC!

6. I caught a fly ball at a raptors game! I stunned my dad and made him proud!!

5. I ran my first 5k!

4. George and I made a non-profit organization called the Youth Legacy Mission for our Youth Kids! Hopefully 2010 will be a big year for them!

3. We ventured to the great Bryce Canyon!

2.went to Universal Studios

1. WE GOT MARRIED!!

What a great year. Definitely some rough times... My grandma Lil passed away which has been so hard on my dad but it ultimately has brought us closer as a family which I am so grateful for! I think out of all the not too great things that has happened have left me a better person in the end. Regardless, I am looking forward to 2010 and what it has in store for us.... I am sad about a few things... Like I wont be able to be a youth leader for the next 5 months and I will gain a substantial amount of debt this year with my student loan AND a house. But on the bright side, I will be graduating, buying a house, and beginning my career! So, what's not to be excited about?!

2010, here we come!