Twentieth Day

Blog 1

The town you live in

I live in Provo, UT. College town USA. I really like where I live because it is close to just about everything. But I have to admit Provo isn't my favorite. I'm not sure what it is but Provo just isn't as warm and loving as Orem. Orem will always be my home. They might be right next to each other but they are completely different. Maybe its because everyone comes and goes so fast. Or maybe it's because most people are still in school so they are too busy and too clicky. Jake agrees. Provo is cold. And I don't mean the temperature. For some reason its hard to get to know people and be friends with people here. Since we moved to Provo we just haven't felt like we fit in for some reason. In Orem it just always seemed like we were one big family. It didn't matter who you were. Rich/poor, young/old, Oldsmobile/ inactive, kids/single. We all helped each other out. We were all friends. Orem: family city, USA. Which is why when we move again I hope it can be to a place like Orem. I would say we would just move to Orem but it's pretty expensive.

Blog 2

A hobby of yours

Scrapbooking
Art projects
Reading
Writing

Those are my general hobbies. But lately my hobbies are:
Tickling
changing diapers
Feeding
Playing

d1a9y...read between the lines

Blog 1

Someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted away

Ok, I have to be honest, I just randomly picked this topic. I was following the topics that my cousin was doing on her blog but I've now caught up to her and she doesn't have a day 19 yet. So I went to a friends blog and picked one of her topics. And now that I have that out of the way...
There are a lot of people that I wish I were still friends with. But life happens and we just drift or change. So I don't know who reads my blog but I'm just going to be honest and list the people I really do miss. If you're on this list and think we are still close you might want to give me a call cuz I'm not so sure we are. If you aren't on the list and think you should be...its obviously been too long.

Tracy
Darian
Danielle
Michelle
Emily
Kira
LeErin
Katie
Kathleen

Blog 2

A talent of yours

I guess my biggest talent I have is my artistic talent but I feel like I've already done this post because of the one I did about a piece of art. I've had a lot of practice and its paid off. But I'm a perfectionist so I never think it's good enough and I don't have the time or more like the patience to do it. Maybe I'll find a way to put some of my art on here. Some day.

Responsibility

Why can't people take responsibility for their own actions? It drives me nuts!
Someone is speeding and gets pulled over and gets a ticket. Their response? That stupid cop gave me a ticket!
A kid is talking in class. The teacher sends them to detention. Then they hate the teacher.
someone commits a sin and then is told they need to repent of it. Then they hate the religion.
An employee gets caught slacking off on the job and then they hate the manager who writes them up.
It just doesn't make sense. If YOU were doing something wrong and got caught it is not the person who caught you'd fault. YOU chose to do it. Take responsibility for YOUR actions.

Day18

Blog 1

Favorite Birthday

I think one of my most memorable birthday's was my 6th birthday. It was actually warm enough to have an outside party and it was my first real "friend" party. Lots of people came and we played games and I got the cake I had wanted for awhile, a Barbie cake. Which was a cake that had a Barbie doll in it and the dress was made of cake. I also got a family party and my Grandma Karen and Grandpa Grizz came and I got a diaper bag full of baby doll stuff. I was so excited!
Other birthdays I remember:
8- party at McDonald's in Wyoming.
11- skate party at classic skating
13- just a fun party at my house.
14- dress up party. We got our hair and make-up done and went to dinner.
16- date party. Not so great but I remember it.
18- party at Jordan's house. Would have been more fun if I actually had friends.
22- I was sick on my birthday is all I remember.

Blog 2

Whatever tickles your fancy

So I think for this one I'll steal an ABC list from my cousin's blog.

Age: 23
Bed size: King
Chore you hate: Folding the laundry after its done
Dogs: Nala
Essential start of your day: Putting my contacts in
Favorite color: Purple
Gold or silver: Silver
Height: 5'0''
Instruments I play (or have played): Piano
Job title: Receptionist
Kids: Kyler
Live: Provo, UT
Mom's name: Leslie
Nickname: Lyssa, Lyssy, Lyss
Overnight hospital stays: Oct 3-7 2010, giving birth to Kyler. I loved staying at the hospital.
Pet peeve: Arguing and hypocrites
Quote: "We are free to chose our actions. We are not free to chose our consequenses"
Right or left handed: Right
Siblings: 7
Time you wake up: Mon and fri 6:30. Wed and some sat 7:15. Tues and Thurs 10:30. Sun 9:30
Underwear: garments
Vegetables you dislike: cauliflower, squash, asperigus
What makes you run late: waking up late, clothes, and poopy diapers
X-rays you've had done: Just on my teeth at the dentist
Yummy food you make: pancakes
Zoo animal: I like the tigers and penguins

DaY SeVeNtEeN

Blog 1

This month

April. This month wasn't too exciting. I went to work. Quit my job at my dads work. Kyler had his 6 month birthday and doctors appointment. He weighs over 15lbs now. No wonder my back hurts. He had his first Easter this year. Which wasn't too exciting but it was a really good day. My mom and family came over for breakfast and then Kyler and I went to my dads for dinner. We got new renters this month. So far so good. Jake and I have now known each other and been together over 4 years now. Hmm...that's about all I can think of for now.

Blog 2

A piece of artwork

Being somewhat of an artist this is kind of hard to pick. One of my favorite, and I think one of my best, pieces is the painting I did for one of my classes at UVU. It is of an American flag with the Marine Corps logo in front of it. I think it's one of my best because it's actually finished (I always lose motivation before I finishk a painting), and it may have been an assignment but I got to pick exactly what I wanted to do. And I put a lot of heart into it. At the time I was dating someone in the marines.Part of me wants to sell it because its probably the only piece I could make money off of and well the whole ex-boyfriend thing. So...if you're interested make me an offer!
A little about my art:
I don't do real life. I can't draw anything with a face very well. I draw a lot of spring. In other words, flowers, butterflies, landscapes, that sort of thing. I like to draw still life and 3D buildings and stuff. I like acrylic paint and sometimes watercolor. I like oils but its a lot of work and takes too long to dry. I also love ceramics and using a pottery wheel. I like to draw Celtic knots and cool designs. I like to scrapbook and I do some floral work. With my mom being an artist along with my uncles and step dad I guess you could say I inherited it and I really am an artist at heart. If only I had more time, and space, to do it.

Sweet Sixteen. Day 16

Blog 1

First kiss

Do you want the whole story or long story short? Long story short: His name was Jeremy. Ok, you're right, the whole story might be better.
I was "going out" with Jeremy and he asked on our first date if I was still VL. When I said yes I'm pretty sure he made it his new goal to steal my first kiss. I wasn't so sure about kissing. I had a couple of boy friends before him but they never tried to kiss me. Weird! I was 17, definatly passed my sweet 16. So I tossed around the idea, playing hard to get while he tried to make a move for a little over a month. *side story...I told my friends about the 'first kiss drama' and they decided that because they hated Jeremy they should not let him be my first kiss. So he took me on a "date" and then attempted to kiss me at the door step. Little did he know my other friend told me of their plan....I turned my head when he made a move. Ouch!* So Jeremy may think he got his way by getting my first kiss but it really was me deciding that is what I wanted. Needless to say it was short and sweet. More like just a brush of the lips. Of course the next day I got the real thing. *back to the side story...my friends did not know I had kissed Jeremy. So at one more attempt he took me on another date. This time I gave in and let him kiss me. (I know, I was a lip slut, 2 guys in 3 days) He did not find out that he wasn't my real first kiss until much, much later. And Jeremy never knew what happened 2 days after our first kiss.* It may have been wrong of me and maybe a little mean but meh, I like the story and hey, they both got what they wanted and I got double action! Ha!

Blog 2

A song that makes you cry (or nearly)

2 come to mind but its been awhile since they've made me feel that way. Mostly because the reasoning behind them is gone.
Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day
Run by Snow Patrol
And sometimes How to Save a Life by The Fray

I also used to always cry when I heard God Be With You Til We Meet Again

Half Way! Day 15

Blog 1

Dreams

Dreams...this word could mean 2 things. It could mean things I wish/hope for or things I actually dream about at night. I guess my dream for life would be to be a successful wife and mother and then to be successful in my career as well. I wish I could go to school but the reality is life happens and things don't always go the way we want. Not that I had a drastic change or something in my life. I just didn't realize, when I planned my life as a child, that life isn't always as easy as it seems. I always thought I would go to college, get married and have a couple kids and then be a full time teacher. Well, then I decided I didn't want to be a teacher. It was harder to go back to school not knowing what I was going to do with my schooling especially knowing I'd have to pay for it all, eventually. Then I decided I wanted to be a wedding planner. One online class for only $500. Would have worked out perfect if it weren't for our stupid renters not paying us month after month. And then we decided it was time to start our family. And now I have a great job at a pediatricians office working good hours. Things are great, they just never go as planned. And I just have to keep reminding myself that. I'm a major perfectionist so when things don't go to plan I tend to feel frustrated. I just have to remember that just because plans changed doesn't mean things are bad. I just have to live for today and make the best of it. G
And then there are the dreams I have at night...I have a pretty good memory so I can easily remember my dreams. Which is sometimes nice but sometimes not because if it was a bad dream I have a hard time getting it out of my head. Luckily, I don't have many nightmares. I refuse to watch scary movies because I'm afraid of having nightmares. I dream about work a lot. Which is sometimes annoying because I usually dream about the stressful parts and then I can't sleep well. I like dreams. I thinks it can be so interesting to think about the stories your mind puts together when you're sleeping.

Blog 2

A fan

As in what I'm a fan of? I am a fan of music. I've been in 2 official fan clubs. Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco. I used to be able to tell you everything there is to know about those two bands. But now I'm a mom with better things to do then follow other peoples lives. And now I'm sad to say Panic! came out with a new cd and I didn't even know about it until I heard their song on the radio. Sad day for me, realizing I'm growing up. Here's what I can remember...
Fall Out Boy:
Patrick is the lead singer. Pete Wentz is the bassist and back up singer and he writes most of the lyrics. And he is married to Ashley Simpson (I'm not sure why!) and they have a son named Bronx Mogli Wentz. Andy is the guitarist and joe is the drummer. Their producer or label or whatever its called is Fueled by Ramen. Sad. I used to know a lot more.
Panic! At The Disco:
Brenden Urie is the lead singer. I kissed him on the cheek. He grew up LDS. Ryan Ross was the guitarist (I sadly just learned he isn't even in the band anymore). I kissed him on the cheek too. He wrote a lot of their first lyrics. And I don't know the other band/former band members names. They are from Las Vegas and were made famous by Pete Wentz.
And that's all I can think of for now.
I'm also a fan of Edward Norton and Jonny Depp isn't too bad either.

d-A 4-teen

Blog 1

What you wore

Today I wore my butterfly jeans. (They have a pink butterfly by the back pocket.) And a light pink shirt and pink jacket. White socks and my pink and tan shoes. I wore pink earings, my wedding ring, promise ring, and silver ring. And a rubber band in my hair. (And of course my underwear and bra.) Guess you could say I was "pretty in pink" today.

Blog 2

A non-fictional book

I'm not really into non-fiction so this might be a tough one. Hmm...got it! The Book of Mormon.
I hadn't ever really read it when I was younger so I'm glad to say that Jake and I actually read the whole thing a couple years ago. What a testimony builder! I mean, growing up I read bits and pieces and heard the stories but it wasn't until I actually read the whole thing that I realized how amazing it really is. And it completely shocks me to think how many people don't believe it. And don't believe that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. Honestly, I think if you don't believe The Book of Mormon is true you haven't read it. And if you have you must be pretty strong to keep telling yourself it isn't true. Seriously, what an AMAZING book!!! I recommended Everyone read it at Least once. It will change your life.

D.A.Y. 13

Blog 1

A Picture

Seriously? Maybe later.

Blog 2

A fictional book

Just one?! I can't pick. OK.....The Big Empty. Alright, so its actually a series of 4 books but it might as well be one book. Its one of those series where each book has a cliff hanger ending so you go crazy until you can read the next one. Which is why I have made a rule for myself: DO NOT START READING A SERIES UNLESS YOU ARE POSITIVE THE LIBRARY OWNS THEM ALL. You may or may not have heard but the Orem library does not own the last book of this series. Therefore, as much as I like these books I do Not recommend reading them....unless you talk to me first. I Do own the last book, thanks to Jennifer. I'd say she was just being nice but its more like she couldn't take my complaining anymore. And she loves me a lot. Anyway, about the book(s);
Its set in the 2000's and tells a group of teenagers stories about surviving what's basically the end of the world. I don't want to give too much away. It can be kind of scary if you start to think about how easily our world could turn into what happens in the book. Read it. Or don't. But remember if you do, call me first.

On the 12th day of blogging...

Blog 1

What you did today

Up at ten. Kyler and I got dressed and ate breakfast. Then we went to Orchard Park to visit some of the residents that I miss. It was a lot of fun. Then we went to my moms to say hi and so that I could feed Kyler. Afterwards we went home and while Kyler napped I cleaned the house. After he woke up we played for a bit until daddy got home. Then we all went to Costco and bought a very nice tent for this summer and then went back home. We debated about what to eat for dinner and finally decided on fritos and taco meat for me and brotz for Jake. And now here we sit, in front of the TV. Kyler in his play thing and me on my phone.

Blog 2

(I'm an idiot) whatever tickles your fancy
When I started this whole "30 days of blogging" thing I did not realize this meant I can blog about whatever I want. I get it now. So I pick...I take that back...Jake picks...cookies.

Jake makes the worlds best chocolate chip cookies. He made up the secret recipe by taking the best parts of other cookie recipes. His family, mostly his dad, love it when he makes cookies. And so do I. I do wish we could eat them all before they go bad though. Even if we do give most of them away. I just hate for anything to go to waste.
The secret recipe is going to be passed down to Kyler, when he is old enough. Yum yum yum!

DDaayy 11

Blog 1

Your week

Sunday: church
Monday: half day of work
Tuesday: day off and running errands
Wednesday: back to work
Thursday: day off, just me and ky
Friday: work again
Saturday: day off to clean the house

Usually not too exciting.

Blog 2

A photo of you taken recently.......yeah, you know the drill.

A Big Fat Hen. Day 10

Blog 1

What's in your purse

Purse? Do I have one of those? I have a diaper bag. Does that count?
In the diaper bag you can usually find :
Diapers (obviously)
Wipes
Toys
An extra onesie
An extra outfit
A binki or two
Vitamins
Mylicon drops
Advil
Droppers for all 3 of those
Ointment
Nail clippers
Lotion
A changing mat
Gum
Pen
Femanine products
Nursing pads
My wallet
Phone
Keys

And I think that's it for a usual day. It gets pretty heavy but hey I'm building lots of muscles with the bag on one arm And a 15 lb baby on the other.

Blog 2

A photo (seriously?!) of you taken over ten years ago.
So I would have been 13 or younger. Just picture me with shorter hair and big ugly glasses.

Did I hear a Niner in there? Day 9

Blog 1

A Wish

If a genie gave me 3 wishes I would wish for:
1- A happy, healthy family.
2- Enough money to never stress about money.
3- To be a successful mother and wedding planner.

Blog 2

A photo you took

Once again...check back later...

Day Eight! Great!

Blog 1

Beliefs

Although most people may not realize it I am a very opinionated person with lots of beliefs. I just don't like to argue or upset people so I know when to keep my mouth shut.
Beliefs on religion:
I am, and always have been, a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And although my testimony has struggled at times I have always known what I believe. I believe in The Savior, Jesus Christ and the Atonement. I believe in repentance and forgiveness. I believe in the Holy Ghost. I know God answers prayers. I believe in eternal families. I know God loves all his children and I am a child of God.
Beliefs on children:
I am the oldest of 8, I have one child of my own and a handful of nieces and nephews. I now work as a receptionist in a pediatrician's office. I went through school thinking I would be a teacher or a child psychologist. I always knew I would be a mom and really looked forward to it. I have taken a lot of classes and done a lot of observing, which has taught me a lot. I'm not saying I'm anywhere near perfect, I just have my own opinions about children and how they are raised and what makes a child who they are.
I believe children need attention. The right attention and the right amount of it. A child who constantly does things to upset their parents probably isn't getting enough good attention. And after so long they make it a habit. Thinking that's the only way to get attention and realizing its a lot easier to get their parents attention if they are doing something they shouldn't.
Children learn by example. If you don't want your child to do something, don't do it. If you want them to do something, do it. Don't be a hypocrite. Its one of my biggest pet peeves. A parent lies and then yells at the child for lying. Where do you think they learned it? A parent yells or hits and then tells the child not to do the same. A parent shows no respect but then demands it from the child. Children and constantly learning, take the time to teach them.
Children need patience, love, respect, and help, to get through life.
Beliefs on life:
Treat others the way you want to be treated. Bottom line.

Blog 2

A photo that makes you angry/sad.

Seriously? Another photo one. Well the first thing that comes to mind are pictures I've seen of the children in Russian orphanages. As some of you know, we plan on adopting from Russia...when we get out of debt, but before we die, obviously. It makes me sad to think about what children all over the world, orphans or not, have to go through. People just can't take a minute to help someone else or to even help their own country. Children are just so helpless. I just don't understand how people can be so cold hearted.

Seventh Heaven...Blog Day 7

Blog 1

A Moment

One of my most favorite moments was....
Jake and I had just started dating and he still lived in St. George so my friends and I decided to take a road trip down there for a few days. While down there we went down to Vegas. We had a really fun day walking the strip and going to the M & M Factory, Coke Factory, and of course The Cheesecake Factory. After dinner Jake and I decided to spend some time by ourselves. He told me he wanted to "buy me something". I was kind of confused by this. Since when do guys like to just buy girls things? Haha. So we decided to go to the mall. We walked around and I couldn't think of anything that he could just buy me. So we went to Zale's....yeah. Anyway, we ended up looking at promise rings (because I wasn't ready to get engaged, we'd only known each other 3 weeks). I picked one out right before closing and we were supposed to meet our friends back at Ceasar's Palace at 9. We rushed back as fast as we could, running most the way. We finally go to Ceasar's Palace and decided we could slow down, now that we were there. *and here's the moment* we walked up the side walk a little ways and stopped. If you've never seen the front of Ceasar's Palace it has tall tree's, I'm not sure what they're called but I'd say the tree's you think of when you picture Tuscany...and there are little pools of water and a little lighting and well it was just a beautiful spot. And he kissed me. And maybe it didn't last very long but for that moment I'm pretty sure time stopped and we were the only people in the world. It was my most magical, movie like moment I'd ever had.
And just a side note* I text him the next day, on the car ride home, and said that I was ready to marry him. :)

Blog 2

A photo that make's you happy.

Once again, I can't put pictures on here from my phone. But one that comes to mind is....any of Jake and I and any of Kyler. I might have to add pictures later...so check back in awhile.

Day 6

Blog 1

A picture of the last item you bought...

Well, I can't put pictures on my blog from my phone so I don't think this one's gunna happen. I'm not even sure what the last thing I bought was. We went grocery shopping yesterday but didn't buy anything too exciting. So I guess this blog isn't going to be too exciting either.

Blog 2

Whatever tickles your fancy

What does that even mean? Like what makes me happy? Ok...
Kyler. He makes me S-M-I-L-E!!! :)
Jake. He makes me giggle.
Music. I am a big fan of music.
The ocean. Who doesn't like the ocean?
Ice Cream. Always makes life a little sweeter.

And lots more! But I'll stick with those for now.

High Five, Day Five

Blog 1

Favorite Memory

October 4, 2010, in other words, being in labor with my beautiful baby boy. Most women probably want to forget labor but I really didn't have it too bad. If you want to read about Kyler's birth you can visit my other blog...jnacohoon.blogspot.com. I just loved that moment when he was actually here. I could see him, hold him, kiss him. And he was so perfect. I just couldn't get over it. Not too big, not too little. Just perfect and pink and automatically I developed a whole new level of love I never knew exsisted. And it grows more and more each day. I doubt I'll be as lucky with my next children but honestly because Kyler was so easy I almost can't wait for my next one. I thought pregnancy would be hard and although it had its unpleasant parts, the good out weighed the bad. I thought labor would be hard, and although it didn't go exactly as "planned", it was perfect. Everything went so well in the end and just knowing my baby would be in my arms at the end of it made it so much easier. I thought motherhood would be har, but I've found that it only gets hard when I don't have time to do the things I want and spend the time I want to with him. I love being a mom more than ANYTHING! :)

Blog 2

Favorite Quote

"It's best to think of how to carry your load, not how heavy it is."

and

"There isn't anything that happens that can't teach us something, that can't be turned into something positive. One can't undo what's been done, but one can use it creatively."

I can't remember exactly where these quotes came from but I think at least one of them is from a book by Madeline L'Engle.

Day Four (4)

Blog 1

Who you've been closest to, longest.

That's not a family member....hmmm...probably Michelle. She and I have known each other since the 4th grade. We weren't really close until Jr. High but have been pretty close since then. Of course we've had our in's and out's throughout the years but we always manage to stay friends and catch up every once and awhile. A few tid-bits from our friendship:
We are both short, which is always a plus :)
My full name is Alyssa Michelle. Her sisters name is Alissa. It just works.
We used to play store and sell just about everything in our rooms. We even had pretend money and made credit cards. Our store was called "Hurley", named after her dog. It was a very serious business.
We've always gotten along well. No big fights or disagreements.
We have always just somehow understood each other.
I love that even though we're growing up and making our own lives we don't forget about each other. And I dont think we ever will.

Blog 2

Favorite Book

I really like The Giver and A Ring of Endless Light. I like more teen fiction than anything else and growing up it was anything by Roald Dahl. The BFG. Witches. James and the Giant Peach.
I love to read but I am kinda picky. I don't like scary, mystery, too much detail, sci-fi, and I don't like much non-fiction, in general.
Harry Potter was pretty good but I still need to read half of 6 and all of 7. Also, I don't like reading whateveryone else is. That being said I haven't read Twilight and it took me awhile to even start Harry Potter.
Speaking of series...The Big Empty was a pretty good series but just a word of advice...don't start a series unless you are sure the library owns them all. Otherwise, it could cause a lot of anger towards the library and a lot of torture on your part, not knowing what will happen next. Yes, I speak from experience.

Third Day...

Blog 1

The parents

I have 6.
A mom and step dad.
A dad and step mom.
And a mother and father-in-law.

Blog 2

Favorite TV program

I don't have an all time favorite and lately I don't even have a favorite.
Some that I've liked in the past are:
Gilmore Girls
House
NCIS
Family Guy
Criminal Minds
Friends

I'm not really into TV. It's probably one of my least favorite pass times. I hate having the remote. I'd rather have someone else pick the channel.

Day 2, today...

Blog 1

First Love

Ice cream. Loved it since day one. When I was little I would say "I meam"
My favorite has always been vanilla because you can add anything to it, followed by mint chocolate chip. I love ice cream.

Fall Out Boy. My first love in music. It was love at first listen. I don't like their newer stuff as much because it has a different feel to it. (I blame Ashley Simpson for giving it a pop feel.) They were my first obsession. I joined their fan club. Wanted to marry Pete Wentz. (Still love him, even if he is with Ashley. I guess it's only fair, I do have Jake, I can't expect Pete to be alone forever. Haha)

Alright, alright, I'll answer the question the way it was intended. But talking about past relationships isn't always fun.
His name is Kevin and although he was my "first love" he was not meant for me at all. Anyone that met him would know why. I'm sure he'd get a kick out of this if he read it bit I'm banking on the fact that he doesn't even know this blog exsists.
Why was he my first love? I'm not really sure. I should have got out before our relationship started but teenage emotion is a little crazy. I will say he was nice at first. Then he joined the marines and his mean, manipulative side came out. And I guess I thought I couldn't leave....
And then Jake came along! And he rescued me! My knight in shining armor! And then I learned what it was like to love and be loved. And I couldn't be happier.
A lot of people thought Jake and I got married too soon but honestly it had to happen that way or it wouldn't have happened at all. I was so messed up from that relationship that getting married was the only way I could completely remove him from my life.
Jake was an answer to a lot of prayers. Not only mine but my parents and friends as well. Everyone but me could see how unhappy I was. I met Jake and it was like turning on the light in the darkness I had lived in for so long.
Jake showed me what it meant to love and respect each other and that it is possible to have a happy relationship and not fight all the time. Jake and I don't fight. We don't really have anything to fight over. He never disrespects me or says anything that could hurt me in anyway. He knows how to say "I'm sorry" if he does upset me in anyway and he'll do whatever it takes to make me happy. I am treated like the princess everyone told me I should be. And the very best part is that I get to spend eternity with him.

Blog 2

Favorite Movie

All time favorite movie: The Princess Bride
Who doesn't love that movie?

Recent favorite: What Happens in Vegas
So funny, so cute.

Favorite Disney: Meet the Robinson's
I love that movie lately

Favorite "kid" movie: Ramona and Beezus
Cutest movie ever.

Favorite when I was little: Beauty and the Beast and/or Aladin
Beauty and the Beast was the only one we owned for awhile but I loved it and Aladin turned into my new favorite. I wanted to be jasmine when I grew up. I mean I knew she wasn't real, I wanted to do her voice. I would practice all the time.

30 Days X2...Day 1

*for BIRD...I know, I know, the titles aren't right lately but I think I've decided to only use them if they really fit. Otherwise I have to go way out on a limb to make one work. Ok, now on to the blog!

I see a lot of "30 days of blogging" on people's blogs and it looks kinda fun so I guess I'll join the crowd. I doubt I'll be able to blog everyday so it will be more like "30 blogs where I write about the thing the list tells me." Since there are so many out there I couldn't decide which one to do. So I picked two that I liked that don't really require pictures. I might add pictures later, when I have a working computer. I'm going to do both lists at the same time to get it done faster.

Day 1, Blog 1...

Introduce Yourself

My name is Alyssa and I've been married 3 1/2 years to the most amazing man in the world. This month, on the 18, we will have known eachother for 4 years, but it seems a lot longer. We have the cutest 6 month old baby and I couldn't love anything more than him. I live in Utah and I always have, except the year I lived in Evanston, WY. I come from an amazing family with 4 parents and 7 siblings. I have a best friend named Jennifer and I don't know what I'd do without her.I am a perfectionist who is still learning that nothing can ever be perfect. I easily hide the person I really am underneath what I want people to see. I have a fantastic memory that is sometimes more of a bother than a blessing. If you ask me I will be honest with you, unless it's something that could hurt your feelings. I am a people pleaser, to some extent. I wish I could be friends with everyone and be just as close to people that have moved out of my life as we were when our friendship began. I have a hard time saying goobye and a hard time meeting new people. I'm shy at first but once I open up you won't be able to shut me up. I don't go to school but I love it. More money, more time, sign me up! I hate confrentation and arguing. I hate war and fighting and if I had one wish it would be...world peace. Ok, maybe not but it sounded good.

Blog 2

Your Favorite Song

This is a HARD thing to answer. There are new songs everyday and new things going on in my life all the time. It would be almost impossible for me to pick. I love music a lot, a lot! So I'll pick a Few favorites...

The first one that comes in my head as an all time favorite is:
How to Save a Life by The Fray

I just love it. Love the piano, love the singing, love the lyrics, love the band, love it.

Hmm...maybe that wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. Yeah, I think I'll just leave it as that.
Done and done.

Some poetry from my past...

Life Happens

We met and all my fears were left in the dark.
We met and I noticed how much you really care.
We met and my life was put on hold.
We met and my other thoughts vanished in an instant.
We met and I knew you were there to lend an ear.
We met and all I know is peace.

Life happens, change takes place.

Life happens, but forgiveness is the key.
Life happens, our paths in life are changing.
Life happens, we can only hope for the best.
Life happens, we wish to end up in a better place.
Life happens, wondering what the future will be.
Life happens, and I only notice when I want to.

Life happens, and I notice, only when it is close to my heart.

That was a "found poem" I wrote in high school. It is made up of lines I pulled from some of my other poetry and writing projects.

End of the Road

Life is a road, twisting and winding.
Making its way through all the experiences.
Some roads are short and go but a small distance.
Other roads are long and go "up hill both ways".
No road is the same as another.
Yet all our roads cross at some point.
We head towards the horizon.
Not knowing when we'll reach our destination.
Many roads end suddenly, without warning.
I want to be on the road that goes on forever.
The straight path is easiest.
The ones that turn are more fun.
Don't ever think you're too tired to go on.
Think of the adventures that lie ahead.
We cannot know where our road will lead us,
Only hope it ends up in a good place.

This next poem is one I wrote on September 11. It describes how I lived that day...

America the Beautiful

Eighth grade science and the teacher is late.
He comes soon after with a look of hate.

The students all question his look of fear,
Then wonder why our teacher has a tear.

He turns on the TV to watch the news,
We see the policemen and firemen crews.

One building's been hit and we see the flames.
Then listen closely as our teacher explains;

"The Trade Center's been hit by a man no one knows..."
Looking back to the TV, we watch as the other tower goes.

We go to our classes and the emotions the same,
Reality's sinking, this is real, not a game.

Some years later and the emotion's still strong.
It's sad that this war has gone on for so long.

America the Beautiful, our country will always be,
We're no longer "invincible", that's easy to see.

More poems to come later...

...Thus striking a blow on all evil and making this world a better place to live in.

Part II
Last week we went back down to the house to finish cleaning up and get it ready for our new renters. We left early Tuesday morning and got there a little after ten. Jennifer came with us, which was a huge help. It was good to have an extra set of hands to clean and help watch the baby.
We started with the kitchen. Jennifer scrubbed the freezer and then started on the stove. Little did she know that would be a 3 day project. Who knows the last time it actually got cleaned. I started on the microwave. I'm still not sure how it took me so long to clean such a small space. Jake started by patching all the holes in the walls.
I'll skip all the little details but lets just say I had never been so thankful for gloves and having worked in housekeeping for almost 5 years.
I am so proud of Jake. He painted the entire house in 1 day. He steam cleaned all the tile and ripped out all the carpet. He is such a hard worker. I'm so thankful to be married to a man who knows how to work hard and get the job done.
Jennifer was supposed to be back to work on Thursday but lets just say I had a little bit of a meltdown when we went back to the hotel to pack up on Wednesday night. We had so much left to do and I felt horrible having to leave Jake there to finish. I was also having a hard time dealing with the fact that Jake and I have been together almost 4 years and since about June of 2007 we have not been apart over night. I was going to have to drive back without him, unpack without him, go to bed without him, and wake up without him. My anxiety level was a little high and Jennifer decided my sanity was a little more important than work. I'm so grateful for that because even thinking about it now I know I would have lost it if we had left that night.
We did leave Thursday afternoon, before Jake but knowing he was only a few hours behind me I was OK. The carpet came in that day and I couldn't be in the house with the baby so there was really nothing else I could do.
Jake said he felt like he was on a home make over show where they finish at just the last minute. The family moving in were still driving and wouldn't get there til late so someone in their family agreed to get the keys from Jake. Whoever it was was had seen the house before we started cleaning and Jake said they were in shock with how amazing it looked.
After all our hard work we're really just hoping it pays off. We need good renters who pay rent and I think we might actually have that now. (Fingers crossed) Now if we could just get the $2000 from the people who still owe us. (That's not including the $3000 owed from our first tenant. We have pretty much just decided we aren't ever getting that.)
Do Not Become A Landlord If You Don't Absolutely Have To