Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming

Oh my... how long has it been since I wrote a decent blog post? FOREVER? well maybe. 

You know how people are always like, I have nothing to blog about! That would be me, but I wont say that cause its a cop out. 

The truth is, I don't feel like sending each individual picture from my phone camera to this here computer. So you fellas are in the dark..

However just to document the last couple of blogless months, I have  copied an pasted a couple of Facebook beauties just for your viewing pleasure... I am going to pretend that all of my 14 readers are not already my friends on Facebook and have not already seen these pictures.

My listie (little sistie) came down for the weekend and we celebrated Christie and Lydia's birthday by going to the aquarium... so fun!

Birthday girls!

Midnight madness at IHOP

I went to a Diamondbacks baseball game with Melistie and her BIL for 4th of July and it was awesome. I felt so American watching baseball and fireworks.

My bistie (big sistie) got me a real life pinata for my 20 something birthday back in May... made my whole day! By the way, that is a weird angle and my bottom half doesn't actually look that disproportional.

I would love to say that big things are in the works and maybe I will be having some great things to blog about. The truth is, I am looking for a new job, a new place to live, and a new church calling... none of which have made much progress so life will continue to be boring for a while. Hopefully not too much longer cause I may go a little crazy if something exciting doesn't happen... like now.,

One Little Light in the Darkness

How will you be remembered?

If you died, what would people say about you?

Have you made an impact on the world?

My sweet cousin JaKelle went home to her Father in Heaven this week. JaKelle spent several months in the hospital battling for her life. I truly believe that those long 12 weeks in the hospital were part of her mission here on the earth. During that time, JaKelle brought together so many people, families, and communities. People had the opportunity to fast and pray and do service. For me, that time built my testimony of the atonement, of prayer, of the plan of salvation. My faith was strengthened tremendously.

Just to think that one small girl, one sweet spirit, had that impact on me... but also thousands of others!

If I died today, that would not be the case... not even a little. 

At her funeral service, I realized that this 17 year old girl was an amazing example. Every memory and thought was full of light and joy and happiness. JaKelle is a light to this world. She left behind no negative memories or feelings. She left an impact on the world. There were hundreds of people at her service, from all walks of life, and all faiths, sharing similar stories of the impact JaKelle made during her 17 short years on this earth. 

What an experience!

After the service, we each tied a message to JaKelle on a yellow balloon. My message was this:

"Thank you JaKelle for being such an amazing example to me and so many others. Your life has inspired me to stay strong, and be more positive and grateful for everything in this life. May your spirit continue to bless those of us you left behind."

I know that JaKelle returned to her Father with honor, having completed her mission on this earth. 

She will not be forgotten.

I love you JaKelle...until we meet again!

See some of her impact here:

http://www.bunkerfuneral.com/#top

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTwbuu_bqa4&feature=share

http://chrisandmelissahayes.blogspot.com/2012/06/jakelle.html?spref=fb

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Pfk28vEtgw&feature=related

Ho Hum Di Dum

So this morning I woke up, took the pups for their morning jog, ate breakfast, read my scriptures, applied for two jobs, took a shower, got dressed and all ready, put some dinner in the crock pot, threw a load of laundry in, and headed out to the car. I started the engine and looked at the clock. It was 10:42 and I realized... I have not a place in the world to go. I could go hang out with my mom, but shes reading a new book and would probably be annoyed at my presence. I could go hang out with my sister and her babies, but I really am trying to not spoil Lucy. I could go shopping, but I have nothing to buy...

Oh the life of a non working, non social life having 20 something year old in a new city.

So... I headed to the library. I got 4 new books which I'm not super excited about, but I will probably end up reading all 4 before Friday {which I did last week} I got some cd's to add music to my gym playlist, and I avoided signing a petition to over turn some law about illegal aliens. {I'm pretty sure we shouldn't be TRYING to make it easier for people to break the law and come into our country illegally... I would never try to sneak into France or something without a passport... hello!}

I need some suggestions on books to read, and I need some new recipes on food to cook, and I need a social life and a job {not that I want to work, but it may be nice to have something to do every day... oh and it might be nice to have money and such}.

Please comment if you can provide any of that for me... Ill take what I can get!

Been thinkin'

I don't remember where I found this quote thingy from, but I like it... my new life's mantra-

For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin- real life.

 But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. 

At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So

treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. 

Happiness is a journey, not a destination

11 of 2011

11 from 2011

1. I moved from St. George to San Diego the first weekend of the new year and lived in a hotel for 2 weeks.
2. I got an awesome job that I loved as a program director for a non profit organization called SAY San Diego.
3. Moved from the hotel/storage to an apartment in San Diego
4. Two months later I moved from that apartment, that I hated, to a new apartment closer to my job.
5. I turned 28 (yuck) and got to spend my birthday weekend in Arizona with my family (and my 2 year old niece Lucy that shares my birthday)
6. I drove back and forth from San Diego to Arizona 4 times this summer for baby shower, the birth of a new niece Lydia, baby blessing, and General conference weekend.
7. I was called to work as an Ordinance worker in the San Diego temple... AMAZING!
8. I got to serve as the young women's secretary for a quick stint before I moved... loved it!
9. I got laid off from that job at the end of October due to state budget cuts
10. I filed for divorce three weeks shy of our three year anniversary... big decision, big life changes
11. I moved from San Diego to Gilbert Arizona... best decision I've made in a while!

12 for 2012

1. Get a job... there has to be one out there that is perfect for me somewhere in the 115 that I've already applied for.
2. Move into a new home with a yard for Kobe and a washer/dryer inside... no more quarters EVER!
3. Attend the temple at least 2 times per month. The new Gilbert temple is being built 4 miles from our house!
4. Sign up for classes... I want to do a dance class and a cooking class of some kind
5. Attend at least 1 NBA game... Suns vs. Lakers or Mavs... so fun!
6. Take ONE great vacation trip... excluding family functions.
7. Get a more practical car... good bye SUV hello great gas mileage!
8. Breed Kobe... he needs a girlfriend in a BAD way... and I need some money please!
9. Have a good attitude... don't be negative unless I have a {good} reason (just being practical)
10. Plan an epic party or event! Theme it up!
11. Read one new book a month
12. Journal, blog, and scrapbook regularly... keepin up and catchin up

If You Dont Know, Now You Know

It was just time...

I have been very hesitant about writing too personally on my blog mostly to protect the privacy of people other than myself. I can sometimes be pretty cryptic in my descriptions of events and such. People ask questions, and I don't blame them... I am curious when I read other people's blogs too.

 I am pretty confident that the few people who read my blog are either complete strangers OR close personal friends and family. I don't have any enemies that I know of, so I'm sure people wont desecrate my personal stories. With that being said, I think I'm ready to finally tell you all what you already think you know. I'd rather have you hear it from the horses mouth (me) rather than through the grapevine (gossip)

Here we go...

Richard and I have decided to end our marriage. 

And by decided, I mean, we did actually end our marriage... about two months ago.

My parents were divorced 10 years ago, and I have stated time and time again that I would never never NEVER do that, never even consider that. I take my temple covenants seriously. I take my word and my promises seriously. I would not give up like they did, there is nothing that is bad enough to break those covenants... NO MATTER WHAT!

I've always believed that. I believed that the day I was married, and a year after I was married, and I believed that until the day we walked into the court house. 

Gosh I love that man. I love him with every cell of my body. I will always love him, there is nothing in the world that could happen to make me stop loving him. Marriage isn't just about love.

You hear people say, "as long as you love each other, you can get through anything." It's not true.

Richard and I were together for 51 months and married one month shy of 3 years.  Neither of us wanted to get divorced, but it was the right thing to do. I can't explain it... and I don't have to... this is a decision that is so so personal to us, no one else needs to understand. 

Just for sentimental sake... lets remember the simple times...

Just know that we still love each other so much. We respect each other and we only want the best for each other. We are confident that this new chapter in our lives will bring us both happiness and be the opportunity that we need to fulfill our missions here on earth.


Thank you all for all your love and thoughts and prayers. We have felt it big time and are so grateful for your support.

Fellin the Groove

It's a rainy yucky day today which actually fits my mood perfectly... I took Kobe to the dog beach and let him run around in the rain and get completely soaked and yuckied up... he loved it and I loved it

These songs are making me cry right now...you know when you just need a good cry and an entire bowl of cookie dough? I just love the songs... listen and LOVE!

Taylor Swift- Breathe

Sara Barellis- Gravity

Someone like you cover- Charlie Puth and Emily Luther

(my friend posted this cover on Facebook and I fell in LOVE- they were on Ellen today and just got signed to her label! Im buying their CD)

Food for the Soul

I love this guy... did you know that I met him and had lunch with him {me and 200 other people but whatever} at BYUI before he was an apostle? Elder Uchtdorf, Elder Bednar, and Elder Scott have a soft spot in my heart... I cant wait to see what they talk about at General Conference this week...

Here's a spotlight from the Women's conference:

You are not forgotten.


Sisters, wherever you are, whatever the circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love.

—President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Monday Rants

Blogging doesnt count as media does it?

My church is doing a media fast this week to get ready for General Conference.

We are supposed to go the whole week without TV and Internet and Music and Texting.. Im dying and its only been 24 hours! So I decided that blogging doesnt count.

It's Monday and I hate it. So here is what is annoying me today:

1. When you buy sparkly nail polish cause the picture looks like its saturated, but in fact its like clear with sparkle flakes... stupid

Exhibit A- this is annoying

Exhibit B- this is what I was going for

2. Annoying people outside stores. I hate when I'm walking up to a store {It was Target today} and some guy with a clip board asks me if Im a registered voter... none of your business, I just want to go into Target... if youre cute and you have cookies in your hand, feel free to sell me some...otherwise leave me alone!

3. People that are lazy and expect everyone to cater to them. Example- in June we started telling parents that their kids had to have a whooping cough shot before they could come to school in the fall. Fall came around, 200 students showed up without the shot. We gave them a 30 day extension... go get the shot. Today 20 parents calling and yelling at me cause they have 4 days to get the shot and their doctor doesnt have an open appointment... not my fault, and not my problem. "but my kids gonna get kicked out of school and I dont have day care!" well you should have gotten the shot 4 months ago when I told you to in the first place. Take some responsibility people!

4. When its 60 degrees in the morning and over cast, so I wear a {light} sweater and boots, then by noon its sunny and 80 degrees... seriously people make up your mind!

 

5. When job descriptions dont tell you how much they pay. Its annoying and why does it have to be a secret? Obviously I dont want to take the time to apply for a job that doesnt pay enough for me to live off of.


6. Everything pumpkin flavored. The second fall rolls around its pumpkin bread and pumpkin cookies and pumpkin rolls, etc. I dont like pumpkin stuff, so please lets include some chocolate flavored recipes. Thanks

7. Having to wait until THURSDAY to see my sisters, my mom and MY NIECES! Longest week of my life... why cant I just call in sick the rest of the week and take off to Arizona today?

Why does every Monday suck?

Sometimes you just need to hear it

Read this talk by Elder Holland...

It's one of those right things at the right time for me

Are you battling a demon of addiction—tobacco or drugs or gambling, or the pernicious contemporary plague of pornography? Is your marriage in trouble or your child in danger? Are you confused with gender identity or searching for self-esteem? Do you—or someone you love—face disease or depression or death? Whatever other steps you may need to take to resolve these concerns, come first to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Trust in heaven’s promises. In that regard Alma’s testimony is my testimony: “I do know,” he says, “that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions.” ¹³

If you are lonely, please know you can find comfort. If you are discouraged, please know you can find hope. If you are poor in spirit, please know you can be strengthened. If you feel you are broken, please know you can be mended.

You Know What Im Talkin' About!

You know those days when you just need a chocolate fix?

Don't lie, we all have them...

Well today just happened to be one of those days. It's a doozey... stress and sickness and pain...

I took a trip to Target right in the middle of my work day specifically to satisfy this craving. I couldnt decide between peanut m&m's and peanut butter m&m's... its a real dilema!

I was just going to get both but I didnt want to use my card for like $1.50 and I only had .97 cents in change. I finally decided on peanut, I couldnt really commit to eating a whole bag of peanut butter ...

The whole way walking to my car I was regretting my choice, this craving was the real deal and peanut butter sounded SOOOO good.

Whatever, Ill just make do with the yellow bag. I tore into that package and dumped a few in my hands and WHAT DID I BEHOLD?

MIRACLE OF MIRACLES...

Peanut Butter m&m's! Like 5 of those guys just mixed right into my regular peanut delicacys... AMAZING! fixed my craving right up and I got the best of both worlds.

Sometimes its the little things that can just make your day.

Thank you to the M&M factory workers that may have accidentally bumped into the conveyor belt dumping those 5 guys right into my bag... you never know who's life youre going to impact!



I'm Super Smart

My diet consists of variations of the following ingredients:

Top Ramen

Chips and Salsa

Ranch Pretzles

and

Ketchup {some times on food}

My worst enemy... canker sores in my mouth!
What am I supposed to do? Ignore my left over chili's chips and salsa ?

Nope, ate the whole thing... my mouth is on fire...

it was totally worth it

Really?

Happy Monday-

I was awoken (14 minutes before my alarm was going to go off, which by the way is before 6 am) by barking... and not happy barking but annoying get out of my face barking...jkfd;lasdkflkj!

I woke up to find that puppy went crazy during the 6 hours that I was sleeping. Literally every toy he owns were strewn around my bed room along with his empty, overturned, abused food and water bowls. There were ripped up tissues and over turned rugs and empty DDP bottles (from the recycle bin) and Im pretty sure a kitchen sink...

Who knew what happened or why he went crazy. I should have taken a picture but I was too pissed and half asleep (I may or may not have taken a sleeping pill last night... Ill never tell!) As soon as I tore myself out of bed, Kobe slunk under the bed right to the very middle where I cant reach him... oh he knows the wrath... I went in the bathroom and did not talk to him the rest of the morning.

When I was leaving he tried to come apologize (climb up my leg and lick my knee with that oh so cute puppy look) and I went straight out the door without any acknowledgement. Happy surprise when I turn on my car and some incoherent trashy CD was blaring right into my groggy ears, woke me right up and pissed me right off... Note to self, dont let boys drive car ever again...

 And now Im feeling guilty about Kobe sitting home all alone thinking Im still mad at him... which I am, but I feel guilty about it...

Oh Monday, I hate you.

Oscar NMW

I have been super over the top Oscar the Grouch lately, no one knows why... do you?

Heneyway, I was laying in my bed sulking last night and thinking about how annoyed I am at the world and I decided to put on my lime green tee shirt and paint my nails green

just cause I'm such a green grouch

Then I decided that I don't love that new sea foam green color that I bought at Target for $1 cause it looks like my fingernails are moldy...

So i took it off, put on a purple tee shirt and painted my nails  the lilac $1 polish from Target...

Much more happy and not so Grouchy... unfortunately I could not find any paint for happying up my mood, so I am still a Grouch, just with purple nails.

(p.s. why I felt the need to change my shirt to match my nails, I have no idea)

Since You Asked

One of my loyal readers, that doesnt know me, emailed me and asked to know more about my background. I started to write my life story, but decided that was boring. So I decided to make some lists about me instead

Family:

1. Dad- Rex and his wife Lisa live in St. George

2. Mom- Allison and her husband Scott live in Bonney Lake WA- moving to Phoenix area

3. Sister- Christie, husband Daniel and daughter Lucy (second girl on the way) just moved from Texas to Mesa AZ

4. Me and husband Richard, dog Kobe- live in La Mesa CA

5. Sister- Melissa, husband Chris, dog Hooshie- live in Gilbert AZ

6. Brother- Scottee- lives in Bonney Lake WA, moving to Tacoma

7. Sister- Kailey- lives in Bonney Lake, moving to St. George

Places I've Lived:

1. Del Rio Texas (where I was born)
2. Sacramento California (1-6 yrs.)
3. Bremerton Washington (6-9 yrs.)
4. Fort Worth Texas (9-18 yrs.)
5. Rexburg Idaho (2002)
6. Vancouver Washington (summer 2002)
7. Rexburg Idaho (2002-2004)
8. Fircrest Washington (Summer 2003)
9. Back to Rexburg (2003-2006)
10. Sparks Nevada (summer after College 2006)
11. San Diego California (2006-2008)
12. Sumner, Bonney Lake, and Kent Washington (2008-2009)
13. Saint George Utah (2009)
14. Back to San Diego! (2010- current)

Places I've Worked:

1. Chicken Express (1999-2000)
2. Marble Slab Creamery (2000)
3. Razzoo's Cajun Cafe (2000-2001)
4. First Command Financial Planning (summer 2001)
5. Pier 1 Imports (2001)
6. Garden Ridge (quit after 1 day! 2001)
7. Rexburg Opinion Center (2002)
8. Hanks Sports Cards (summer 2003)
9. Target (Fall 2003)
10. Quiznos (2004)
11. Spud Harvest (Fall 2004)
12. Subway (2005-2006)
13. Juvenile Detention Center (2005-2006)
14. Victoria's Secret (Summer 2006)
15. Charlotte Russe (Summer 2006)
16. Broad Horizons (youth treatment- 2006-2007)
17. N&M Marketing (for 2 weeks in 2007)
18. SAY San Diego (2007-2008)
19. Benson Vision Source (2008-2009)
20. ATA Consulting (2009-2010)
21. Target (Holiday 2010)
22. back to SAY San Diego! (2011- current)
Texas

States I've Been to:

2. New Mexico
3. Arizona
4. Arkansas
5. California
6. Colorado
7. Delaware
8. Hawaii
9. Idaho
10. Illinois
11. Indiana
12. Iowa
13. Kansas
14. Maryland
15. Missouri
16. Montana
17. Nebraska
18. Nevada
19. New Mexico
20. Ohio
21. Oklahoma
22. Oregon
23. Utah
24. Virginia
25. Washington DC
26. Washington
27. West Virginia
28. Wyoming

Likes:

Dancing
Scrapbooking
Crafts
Reality Shows (Biggest Loser, American Idol, Bachelorette, etc.)
Reading
Nail Polish
Head Rubs
chips and salsa, top ramen, and fajitas
Twix and Snickers
Chilis (the restaurant)
The Beach
Spending time with my family
Dislikes:
Swearing
Loud Music
Tuna, eggs, ham, cheese, apple pie, and popcorn
Butterfingers, dark chocolate
Trashy reality shows (i.e. Jersey shore, Mob wives, Real World, etc.)
Long nails
Massages
Bad attitudes for no reason Kids with no shoes or pants on at the store

The Joy of Cupcakes!

How cute are these cupcakes?

My niece Aubrie had a teddy bear picnic 5th birthday last month, and her mom Jessica made these by hand!

I was so impressed! Apparantly the flowers are marshmellows cut at an angle... cute idea!

And I love the ants with the picnic theme...

I am decidedly on a theme party kick ever since Melissa and I did the Minnie Mouse birthday for Lucy (see here).

Now Im into baby shower themes... what is a cute one that you have been to?

Im Not Even Embarrassed

I'm bored... and what do I do when I'm bored?

I would like to say that I bust out my sewing machine and whip up an impromptu craft, or bake some amazing meal complete with beautiful table settings...

The fact of the matter is, when Im bored I watch TV.

I'm not even embarrassed by it cause Im not a chronic TV watcher. I hate just sitting, flipping thru channels and settling on something to watch. Watching TV just to watch it...

I like to watch TV when there is something specific on that I love.
Like the NBA finals (GO MAVS!), or Friends or King of Queens or anything on TLC... I have a reality show obsession.

Its my happiest day on a Saturday and there is a great "Say yes to the dress," or "cupcake wars" marathon on TV... I could lay in bed in my pjs all day and watch it and not feel guilty one bit.

Since I have no kids, or callings, or responsibilities outside of work, I have that luxury... and Im gonna take advantage while I can!

Since American Idol, Gray's Anatomy and Biggest Loser just ended... I have to choose my summer shows that Im going to follow.

These are the shows my DVR is set to record as of now:

Monday's- Bachelorette (I always swear Im not going to watch it, but I get sucked in)

Tuesday's- 16 and Pregnant (or the new Teen Mom thats about to start)

Wednesday- nothing yet... any suggestions?

Thursday's- So You Think You Can Dance

Friday's- What Not to Wear

Sunday's- Khloe and Lamar and Keeping up with the Kardashians (another guilty pleasure)

I have made a goal to not watch TV other than these unless there is a special or something on...

What are your favorite shows?

Tidbit of Strangeness

Tuesday's Tidbit

Do you have a weird quirk? Strange habit?

I have to spit into the sink when I wash my hands... every time no matter what...

Makes things awkward in public bathrooms

What's yours?

Fast Five... I loved it!

I've been having complaints from the peanut gallery about posting recent pictures... "what are you up to Kimmie? You never give updates on your blog, just complaints..." Chill people!

{Im tryin to make it seem like there are actually more than 2 people {at the same conversation mind you} that have asked that...}

Well- here's whats up...

I moved... again... that would be the THIRD time in 4 months...

NO, I DO NOT LIKE TO MOVE!

I hate it worst than I hate stepping in dog poo on the bathroom floor in the morning {which I did this morning, disgust... but poor sick Kobe pup :(}

If you remember, when we moved to San Diego in January we had a big annoying last minute decision on where to live. I frankly got sick of searching and just moved into a place cause the deposit was cheap...

Bad idea cause the 2 bed 2 bath was $1250 a month and I HATED it there!

So, I decided to downsize to a 1 bed 1 bath, save $400 a month and live a tid bit closer to work and the ward that I LOVE!

This is what my life looks like now...

Going from having 2 bed rooms to 1 bed room is more of an adjustment then I thought... I have no where to put all this stuff! Im gonna have to get a storage unit or something... plus now I have a brother in law sleeping on the couch and keeping his stuff in the tiny coat closet... BUT thats what happens when youre living in San Diego, you cannot afford any pleasures in life... but I live close to the beach!

 

Speakin of that, I got my first sun burn of the season!!

I got to the beach and pulled out my sunscreen... apparantly I use it too often cause it was completely gone and I was NOT about to spend $12 on sunscreen at a souvenier shop when I could buy the nice spray on kind at Target for $4.95 thank you! Hence the burn...

Oh and I got the stuff the make THIS

... which Im obsessed with!

So look for a tutorial on that coming soon! And also pictures of my tiny apartment once I get rid of all the excess...

It's not going well

I broke a mirror when I was moving this past weekend... pretty sure thats 7 years bad luck to add on to my already reliable Kimmie Curse luck...

Not only that, but I went to Wal Mart to buy a replacement mirror... $15 later I was walking down the stairs to my apartment and the mirror caught the railing and cracked in half

You probably shouldnt talk to me for the next 14 years or my bad luck will rub off on you.

I decided to not buy another mirror and risk cursing my posterity... so from now on I will only know what I look like from the waist up thanks to the bathroom mirror...

Please tell me if I have something on my pants or if my shoes are mismatched