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New Photography Blog

2010-12-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

I hope that you've enjoyed this blog! Times have been so crazy these past few months, and I've started a few new endeavors, one of which has been cosmetology school and the other, photography.

My new blog has my favorite photos that I've taken the past month.

Enjoy!

Sarah Michelle.

Shampoo-Bowl Confessions

2010-07-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about a phenomena closely related to airplane confessions known as
Shampoo-Bowl Confessions.
You know, you're sitting next to a complete stranger in the airplane and by the end of the ride they know deeper, more intimate things about you than your spouse, mother or closest friend.
Why is this?
I think it's so easy to spill everything because they are completely, unemotionally involved in any way to your life. They won't be involved. They will hardly remember you past baggage claim. It's an unattached, third party observer that acts more as a diary, just in person form. There is no judgement passed, and you are still socially acceptable since spilling now known intimate details.
The best part is... you'll never see them again. How cathartic an airplane ride can be, given your neighbor is a great listener.
As I'm about to enter into the culture of hair, nails and other fantastically shallow aspects, I realize that there's a lot more to this profession that I am increasingly excited about... and anyone who has had their head shampooed knows what I'm talking about.
Shampoo-bowl confessions.
I meet my hairstylist, whom I hardly know. It's a color weave, so I know I'm going to be approximately 1-1/2 hours with this individual. She sits me down in the hairstyling chair and we start our innocent small talk.
She asks me what I want done today. I begin to trust her. I listen intently to what she plans to do with my hair and pick the colors that I want done. Oh- and while she's at it, might as well add a trim because well, I trust that she won't take too much off the ends.
She starts, and our conversation gets to deeper subjects. Family, friends, work, and school. I begin to talk about things I would only write in my diary. Thoughts that may be mean, or suaded if I was in different company but are more free because she has no emotional or social tie to my personal life. She is only my hairdresser.
Then I'm in the shampoo bowl. It's a pretty personal thing, now that I think about it. I don't let just anyone shampoo my hair. The only other person that's washed my hair is my mother.
I feel trust, and I feel like I can tell my human diary anything. She is, after all, shampooing my hair. Confessions just spill out like word vomit. I can't seem to stop, and somehow I don't want to stop everything that I'm saying. All social filters evaporate. She has dozens of clients, and she may not even remember me.
I feel safe.
Conversation seems to flow. She seems to be asking the right questions and listening intently.
Well, in reality, I can't tell if she's listening or just concentrating really hard on cutting my hair.
Either way I feel better. I know that talking through it has placed my problems in the air and maybe I've found a solution or two in the process of cementing my thoughts through my monologue.
She's done. She styles it. A little poofy, and she may have back-combed a little more than I'm used to, but my soul is lighter and my mind confident in her ability not only as my hairdresser, but my personal psychologist. I think I'll come back to her again. Better leave her a good tip...
I fiddle with my hair and fix my usual part in my rearview mirror.
She was fantastic. I'll even recommend her to my friends.
Yes, shampoo-bowl confessions have quite the impact on the whole hair-cutting process.
I simply can't wait.

In my Distinctive Mind

2010-07-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

I am Emotional but it makes me passionate.

I love Collecting Coffee Cups. And I adore Herbal tea.

History excites me.

Why can't everything smell like Christmas?

I Sing in the Shower: a lot of Country, sprinkled in Musicals.

I Laugh at what no one else sees.

Let's go D.o.w.n.t.o.w.n.
             See the Old Buildings,
                                           walk barefoot,
                     Take a Picture or 2 or 3..

Bring Time.
          That's all we're going to spend.

To All Women that Inspire Me.

2010-04-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

My Kate

ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

She was not as pretty as women I know,
And yet all your best made of sunshine and snow

Drop to shade, melt to nought in the long-trodden ways,

While she's still remembered on warm and cold days-

My Kate.

Her air had a meaning, her movements a grace;

You turned from the fairest to gaze on her face;

And when you had once seen her forehead and mouth,

You saw as distinctly her soul and her truth-

My Kate.

Such a blue inner light from her eyelids outbroke,

You looked at her silene and fancied she spoke;

When she did, so peculiar yet soft was the tone,

Though the loudest spoke also, you heard her alone-

My Kate.

I doubt if she said to you much that could act

As a thought or suggestion; she did not attrat

In the sense of the brilliant or wise; I infer

'Twas her thinking of others made you think of her-

My Kate.

She never found fault with you, never implied

Your wrong by her right; and yet men at her side

Grew nobler, girls purer, as through the whole town

The children were gladder that pulled at her gown-

My Kate.

None knelt at her feet confessed lovers in thrall;

They knelt more to God than they used- that was all;

If you praised her as charming, some asked what you meant,

But the charm of her presence was felt when she went-

My Kate.

The weak and the gentle, the ribald and rude,

She took as she found them, and did them all good;

It always was so with her- see what you have!

She has made the grass greener even here with her grave-

My Kate.

To be remembered in this way!

-Sarah Michelle

I LOVE LIFE

2010-04-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

Life Isn't About Finding Yourself. It's About CREATING Yourself. George Bernard Shaw

I am SO excited to start the newest chapter of my life...
It all begins MAY 1, 2010.
Stay tuned.....

Sarah Michelle

Due for a Post

2010-02-11T10:05:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
I know that I've been due for a post lately, so I'm going to post some pictures from recent weekends.

Enjoy!!

----x--- X ---x----

Sarah Michelle

Confessions of a Serial Dater

2010-02-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

I cannot pinpoint the moment I began to pay attention to the opposite sex. However, when I was a little girl I remember being really curious about relationships. Disney movies were a favorite viewing choice in my home and I couldn’t help but notice that every one of these couples lived happily ever after. Moreover, the idea of a Prince Charming fascinated me and I have been on the search for one of my own ever since. I believe this was the foundation of my current predicament.
Eventually, as I matured past Disney movies, I observed my parents who have been an anchor to the reality of what constitutes a functional, blissful relationship. They have been able to live ‘happily ever after’ for a little over 25 years.
I took upon myself the goal to be just as happy and functional at an early age. Of course I couldn’t be in a relationship by myself, so by deductive reasoning I knew this meant that I needed a boy- not just any boy, but my Prince.
Through the years I have made dating an art, yet I remain single. This is because I have become a professional “Serial Dater”.
Having two older brothers afforded me the opportunity to take mental notes on the qualities they enjoyed in women. They spoke of how women look best with qualities such as only a little make-up, clean and fragrant hair, a great smile, and confidence. They also talked about what they enjoyed on their dates, like when a girl opened the car door for my brother from the inside after he had let her in. I really treasured the advice, and I hung onto every word my brothers spoke because I admired them. The last thing I wanted was to be a nuisance to them or any boy who had ‘Prince Potential’. Plus, they are boys. They know what they are talking about; so I let them unknowingly guide me in the “how to catch my Prince” quest.
I remember a book mentioned by one of my brothers that focused on winning friends and influencing people. I read only the first few chapters, but it gave me some great insights on how I can be a likable person. This information has been particularly great because it has been a key factor in how I get a boy’s interest. I learned about asking questions, because people like to talk about themselves. When I get a boy to open up to me, I know I’ve got his interest. He is pleased that someone is interested in him and begins to feel interested. This is when the game begins.
Most everyone who has dated has heard of the “Dating Game” but few people actually know much about the game, particularly the unspoken rules. A serial dater knows all the rules. The Dating Game is challenging because of the unspoken rules and one has to be very alert in order to avoid mistakes. These mistakes happen usually without cognizance, and consequences include a bad impression and/or no subsequent dates with the same individual. Unfortunately, one does not know all the rules at once. It is a long process and takes many date interactions before one gets familiar with the rules. In high school I became very good at getting a boy’s initial interest and so by employing the skill over and over I was able to gain a lot of dating experience and gradually became very familiar with the unspoken dating rules. I made tons of mistakes. One mistake in particular was calling a boy right after our first date. I not only called, but I am pretty sure I texted him several times as well. I was viewed as desperate and clingy and in spite of a wonderful first date I wasn’t asked on another. Why? It’s because I didn’t wait for the unspoken grace period!! A lot of the Dating Game involves a grace period because one doesn’t want to come off too strong in the beginning of a relationship and scare the Prince off. I have since been careful to let the boy call or text me first.
All girls approach relationships differently, but they can be categorized into girls who just can’t obtain dates, girls who are “one of the guys”, girls who have steady boyfriends, and then there’s my category- the serial daters.
Being a serial dater is not a position for pride. I know there are plenty of girls that wished they knew the secrets to the Dating Game, but it’s been more of a detriment than a blessing. I am unable to make a relationship last past 3 weeks. This is because 3 weeks is about the time it takes for one of us to lose interest. The relationship does not progress because I do not let it. I cannot let one relationship progress above another- it’s not the way serial daters work. A serial dater maintains control in the game and a way to keep control is to make sure all prince potential is treated equal. This is where the conflict comes in, because I’m supposed to be looking for my Prince! If I treat all of the boys equally, how will I ever progress far enough to know if one is my Prince?
I think serial dating stems from insecurities. I have a great fear of letting someone get past the first, second and even third date only to find out I am not their Princess. Being a serial dater is a weakness.
I don’t know how I became as literate as I am in such a subject as dating, but I realize that progress can be made towards an actual relationship. Progress will come as I focus on becoming literate in relationships and as I forget about the dating game, no matter how entertained I am by it. I also have to realize that there is no perfect Prince. In remembering my parents relationship, I know that it has involved sorrow, disagreement, and life hasn’t always been perfect in their "happily ever after”. But their relationship is functional, and they work together for their happiness.
I realize that a relationship is a risk. To be truly full of joy and in love I run the risk of being totally heartbroken because I know that my chances of finding Prince Charming in the first deep relationship aren't good. A relationship must be so much more fulfilling than this game I play, no matter the heartache that may accompany it. Moving to the next level takes a move that I am willing to make. It is a leap of faith as I declare a silent challenge to one boy that must outlast the rest. I hope he can rise to the challenge and succeed, because being a serial dater shouldn't be a permanent situation, rather groundwork to a better one. I will maintain my silent challenge and my Prince may never come, but I think I'm closer than I've ever been before to my happily ever after.

Sarah Michelle

Do We Understand PTSD?

2010-01-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

I am in shock right now.
My uncle, Patrick Lamoureux, has PTSD. This isn't what has thrown me into shock. I am shocked because I am just now realizing how serious this condition is to our veterans. If you click on my title, it links to a blog dedicated to my Uncle and his story.
I was on my mission when this tragedy occured, and I remember hearing only brief parts of the story. Today I actually took the time to read the stories and watch videos on YouTube.
I can't believe something like this has happened so close to our family, but I'm praying all the time for my Uncle. I hope that the website link helps you understand a little bit more about PTSD and it's potentially devastating consequences.
Let us educated ourselves on PTSD and help our Veterans!!!

Sarah Michelle

Back Into the World... Yet Not of It.

2010-01-20T15:05:00.000-08:00

I'm BACK!
...and it's different.

Wow, has the mission changed my perspective on life!
December 5, 2009 I was released from my calling as a missionary in the Idaho Boise Mission.
I can't believe how short it was... even though the first 2 months felt like 6, as I continually gave myself to the Lord and His work, time flew.
So, here I sit. I have come back to Southern Utah University (woohoo!) to finish my degree.

Life is definitely different now. I feel older, for one. I have joined the unorganized club of returned missionaries, and I am experiencing what we call "Transition".
Transition is a strange word that we use to describe the almost excrutiating process of going from full-time servant of the Lord to... mantle-less, tagless,
regularity.
The rigorous hourly schedule is no longer a part of my world, nor are District Meetings, Zone Conferences or President's Interviews.
My meals are not taken care of by the Relief Society, and I don't have any kind of income every month. (I'm working on it!)
I don't have a mission credit card to pay for the gas I would need for the car I don't have anymore.
I miss having my companion. I miss experiencing life x2! (it was especially helpful for journal writing, which I'm slacking on now) and I miss being able to UNLOAD all my doubts, fears, and concerns to an empathetic ear. I miss someone telling me it's going to be okay. I miss it all.

But, you know what? I miss the adventures with the people of Idaho the MOST.
Idaho may not sound like anything spectacular, but it is where pieces of my heart now lie. It's incredible how much devout service towards others has completely changed my life- and left me wanting more. I gave my life in service to my Lord, and I have since found it.

I found my life on the mission. I found my purpose. Yes, I do miss all the 'perks' and even the blasted morning schedule!
I think that during the transition, it's normal to miss all of these things... but the key to a great transition is using the mission as a springboard to the rest of my life.

It wasn't the best 18 months of my life.
It was the best 18 months FOR the rest of my life.

Now it's time that I used the mission as a foundation!
I see the world through different eyes. I see the world through more spiritual eyes; eyes that show understanding in our purpose in this life.
I continue to fall short of what I learned as a missionary, but one thing I will always take with me is a love for everyone around me. I will serve others until the day that I die! And even then, service doesn't stop there!

I am and forever will be a missionary from the Idaho Boise Mission. I'd like to think that I am transitioning well-- and a good transition consists of putting to good use the skills I gained as a missionary. These skills include using time wisely, waking up early, teaching effectively, and most importantly inviting others to come unto Christ.
I am a member missionary- and I'm grateful that I'm back, and that it's different.
Sarah Michelle

I'm Goin' to BOISE IDAHO!!!

2008-06-24T12:56:00.001-07:00

I get set apart tonight at 7:30, then leave for the MTC tomorrow morning.
Great Day! I have so much to do!

So, I guess this is farewell. I don't know if I'll be able to keep up this blog while I am gone because of rules... But everyone is free to email/write me!

My Address is:

Sister SarahMichelle Lamoureux
IDAHO BOISE MISSION OFFICE
1111 South Cole Road
Boise, Idaho 83709

If you need an email address, contact my mom at cathy.lamoureux@us.army.mil and she'll send you all the information you need. She may even put you on the weekly forwarding list if you so desire:)

Well-- Farewell Everyone! I'm Going to Boise!!

Love,
Sister Lamoureux

The Last Night

2008-06-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

It was my last night in Cedar to really hang out with friends, so I planned a get-together with my friends. We planned a movie night under the carport watching Single's Ward using a projector. While I was getting ready (I had just put whitening strips on my teeth) a knock on the door surprised me. No one was supposed to be coming for another house. Sure enough, Gilbert comes running down the stairs screaming "Sarah!! One of your BOY-FRIENDS are here!" Weird. I started asking him questions.
"Is it Mark?"
No.
"What does he look like?"
He has blonde hair and *monotone* He-talks-like-this.
"Brady??"
I don't know.

It's Brady! But since I had the strips in my mouth it sounded more like "Itsh Brayyydeeeeesh!"

My BFF of only a week had come to see me all the way from St. George. What a great surprise! I hugged him and he handed me some flowers... that he no doubt picked from the yard. But it was still a very sweet gesture;)

So he came with me to pick up the projector, and everyone started coming over. It was a great night-- thanks to everyone that came!
Brady had to leave during the film, so I took him to his car, and we chatted for a bit. As we said goodbye my cousin Will and his two buddies Travis and Kody rolled up in Will's truck.

And then... Kody proposed! With a real ring! Of course I said yes, and we took engagement pictures. Don't we make the cutest couple? haha
Unfortunately, that's not enough to stop me from my mission... so 18 months from now he'll be showing up with the family at the airport with the ring.
I must say, even though we were joking around... I really did love the ring. I kind of want it. haha Oh well-- I had a few moments of glory:)

So, then life was great after that. I chatted with my best girlfriends and it made a great end to the night.
Thank you Lorin for letting us use your movie, and Mark for letting us use your projector!

Turns out I love the Single's Ward... but didn't watch the movie. I shall try again in 18 months:)
Enjoy the pictures, everyone!

The Last Night

2008-06-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

... and then Kody decided he couldn't wait 18 months and proposed to Will.

Love,
Sarah Michelle

The Farewell

2008-06-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

It was an overwhelming day, but one of the most memorable of my life. How many women get to experience their own missionary farewell?

I am so grateful for my family and friends who have supported me through this whole adventure:)-- We filled the Rock Church's Sacrament Meeting to the overflow. A youth speaker started off the talks on the influence of friendship, and I was able to speak as well as my grandparents and my mother, who bore her testimony.
Then the real fun began! The extended family came over for lunch and we just played, laughed, visited and enjoyed the sun. Such a beautiful day.
A few friends came over to play... and I had one very sad goodbye.
It's incredible the strength that I feel from all their support!

Annnnnd I used my new camera to take pictures. I edited them so everyone looks amazing:)

One final event tonight.
We're watching Single's Ward under the carport:)

Love Always,
Sarah Michelle

ps. Enjoy the pictures-- they say thousands of words.

Farewell Cont'd

2008-06-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

Farewell Cont'd

2008-06-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

Farewell Cont'd

2008-06-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Farewell Cont'd

2008-06-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

Farewell Cont'd

2008-06-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

My Last Huzzah! in Salem...

2008-06-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've been having wonderful adventures since my last blog!
After the wonderful week of R&R at Grandma Pat and Grandpa Joe's, Mom Rachel Gil and I flew to Vegas, and drove to Cedar. We stayed there for a little bit, and then drove to Vegas to pick up Megan on our way to California to see Mike, Steph, Pat & Co. yay!
We stayed at our friend's, the Snells, where I kept the neighbors awake at 1am with an uncouth conversation on BMs... Now they know that they need to have at least one good BM per day:)
Following the trip to Cali, I hung out in Cedar a little while longer and gave a rockin' farewell talk in my Single's Ward (Univ. 10th- Holla.) and went on a few dates and had a few adventurous last moments with good friends.
I just got back from a little slumber party at my high school/college roomate Kristie Hurst's new house where we talked and partied with:
Kristie (Brunette Beauty) husband Wes (Sad I didn't get a picture :(), Jake (Adorable Baby in Blue) Pidge Litster (Blonde bombshell) and husband Jeremy Litster (Blue striped shirt) and their darling baby Lilee... she's in pink.
Thanks to Pidge and Jeremy who gave me the wonderful present of a camera for my mission. I was able to take these fun pictures... We're all such a good-looking bunch of humans:0)

And here's the best of the bunch::

2008-06-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

We tried taking pictures of the girls (+babies)... Jake was immobile and Lilee was very passionate about something...
Then we tried just the pictures of the babies. Jake decided a nap was best.

2008-06-21T19:24:00.001-07:00

Close-up of Jake's "Blue Steel" and Lilee's beautiful face... she is a little sweaty from being so active. Her hair cut is so cute:)
And then the last picture is Pidge, being the great mom she is.
What great examples my friends are! Love you all--

Sarah Michelle

R&R

2008-05-26T06:40:00.001-07:00

It's been a wonderful few days on the Lamoureux Farm. I have been having a hard time actually finding activities, but when the cousins came all we did was play:)

Thank goodness for family. I'll be sad to leave this place, but I am ready to get back into traveling around and soon-- the rigorous schedule of mission life! I was so pumped up yesterday when I saw Sister Missionaries at the little LDS branch in Marion, Virginia. They were both from Utah, and had some great advice for when I enter the MTC.
They mentioned looking in the vents? There's supposedly time capsules from previous Elders and Sisters:)
Maybe I'll be lucky enough to find one... or store one.

Less than one month left until I report!

Well, I'm going to clean up and pack-- for this afternoon we leave for yet another adventure:)

Xxos,
Sarah Michelle

Deja Vu

2008-05-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

I saw a bug.

I screamed, of course.
Unfortunately right when my Grandpa Joe was entering the room. To those who don't know my Grandpa Joe, he's handicapped and spooks easily.

Sorry, Grandpa!

The worst part is, I never got to kill the bug. I know it's lurking in a bag of chips waiting to lunge at me!

The Difference Between Then and Now:

2008-05-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take the opportunity to refresh my memories on what I learned before I moved to college, and now. When all my experiences are done for the time being, and I am starting this new adventure... College will just have To Be Continued...

Then...I didn't know how to recognize the spirit to save my life.
Now...I know when it comes, and when it leaves.

Then...I dated chumps.
Now...I can say no. I hold myself to a standard, and I hold those who take me out to a standard. Girls notice guys with standards, and to me, nothing is more attractive.

Then...I couldn't wait to leave my parents.
Now...I miss them everyday.

Then...Advice was for suckers and dependents.
Now...I drink it up. I need all the advice I can get!

Then...I needed the Lord every day.
Now...I need the Lord every day, and know it.

Then...I didn't know about authority, and that power is given not taken.

I observed true charity. I have learned a little more about what the "real world" is. I have been a little more polished from the blackened lump of coal into the diamond I am. There are a few more polishings, pressings, and cuts to be made before I am perfected. And I can't wait to look back a few more years from now and look and how much closer I am to perfection.

The Week before the Next Chapter of My Life

2008-05-05T21:00:00.001-07:00

So, this week has been wonderful. My cell phone was hurled into greasy water, my car won't come back to life..missed sacrament, and last night I found gum in my hair.

*ahem* let me reinterpret this:

I used my insurance and bought a new phone which I can resell later (investment, baby), the Brave Little Toaster, R.I.P. gave it's all, and I was able to use the truck my grandparents left so I wasn't without ride, I was 'married' for an hour and a half, and I smelled like mint turned peanut butter and diet coke.

And I was also able to eat out with my two best friends Karin and Sydney. I am so grateful for the many blessings God shoves into my life whether I recognize them or not:) I am grateful that I am able to recognize the blessings when they come.

And tomorrow morning I head off to Germany and spend my first night alone in a motel room! Woohoo!
I try to be excited so the fear won't rip me to shreds:) Remember my already stressed heart? yeah. This could get ugly.

Anywayys-- It's time for me to pull an all-nighter and get myself packed and ready for my 5am headout!

Chapter 21- Get Ready, Because Here I Come.

2008-05-02T15:41:00.001-07:00

And C.S.A?
That means Cellphone Separation Anxiety.

:)
Glad that's over with!

The C.S.A

2008-05-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

Oh dear oh dear oh ...dear.

So, just how lovely is my life? I have a story.

I am by myself this weekend as my grandparents have gone to Hawaii, leaving me in charge of ...everything. This means more responsibilities. I pick up after myself, do the laundry, feed the cat, and.. feed myself.
If anyone knows how I cook, feeding myself is one of the hardest responsibilities I have. I love cooking, but it's always a chore finding food I like.
Well, luckily my grandparents didn't leave the cupboards completely bare and after a few minutes of scavenging I found some BBQ sauce, chicken, and some bagel chips as a nice after-dinner munchie.
The chicken was moist! A very proud moment of mine:) The dinner, in my eyes, was a success.
After my fabulous meal I cleaned up the kitchen, and cleaned up my mess (another responsibility I am left with!). The pan I cooked the chicken in was pretty nasty so I set it in the sink with some soapy water to be tended to in a few hours.
Now, this is the part after dinner when the kitchen is clean and I don't really have anything to do- and I have the munchies as a side effect of boredom. So, I broke out the bagel chips. Mmmm. Bagel chips. I had eaten almost 1/3 of the bag and I was tipping it to look inside, shakin around the chips a little to see which lucky chip I would grab next.
Then, a SPIDER jumped out at me!!! Out of the bag of bagel chips!!!
I hurled the bagel chip bag (and grotesque spider) across the kitchen and screamed a pitch so incredibly high, only dogs could hear. And even above my shrill scream I heard the *bloop* that made my heart sink.
I forgot that I had my cell phone in the same hand that flung food and fiend.
Even then, I didn't want to get my phone right away! Yeah right! I had no idea where that 8 legged freak was, and I knew it wanted to come back for seconds!!
I thought about it for a few more moments, spit out the bagel chip I had been munching on THEN reached in the warm, soapy BBQ flavored water for my phone.

Yep. It was vaporized. Destroyed. Obliterated.

And I was left with stress tears in my heart tissue. The adrenaline had me so pumped up, I couldn't sit down. So, I just paced back and forth around my kitchen.

The problem is, not my cell phone. Good thing I have insurance.. The problem is now I have a literal fear of little creatures streaking across my food. I haven't been able to eat anything but fridge food for the past 2 days. Dry goods just rub me the wrong way now- I can't take a chance on chewing spider ever again! What if I ate some spider eggs? I'm doomed!!

Sigh. well, maybe I'll get over my fear... but what happened in the next 15 minutes makes me doubtful.

Lorin came over to study for our intercultural communication class with me. He knocked, and when I pulled the door open the first sentence he says to me is "WHOA that's a big spider!"

yeah. Another spider was dangling from the door frame.
I ran screaming, and consequently recieved more stress tears. I can't take it!
If anyone is planning a surprise birthday party for me, please... Please tell me first. I'd rather act surprised then recieve one more blow to my weakened heart!

Oooh! Mails here!
Oh- and Grandma Barb left me a message on the phone...
"Hi Sarah Michelle! Ali said it snowed up in Cedar Hills. Did it snow there? We're at the beach right now.. the sunny, sunny beach. It's so wonderful and warm! The kids are playing in the water, and we're sitting in the sun. Well, just wanted to rub it in. Love you!"

Love you too, Grandma B:)

haha I really do. I'm glad they get a vacation! I hope in the next few days I'm here I don't start a fire..
Or worse, eat a bug.

Love,
Sarah Michelle

2008-04-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

self·ish /ˈsɛlfɪʃ/ –adjective 1. devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.
2. characterized by or manifesting concern or care only for oneself: selfish motives.

Synonyms 1. self-interested, self-seeking, egoistic; illiberal, parsimonious, stingy.

It's interesting that only now am I able to see that the line I had drawn between being assertive and being selfish is terribly uneven.
I never understood that on this strait and narrow path in life it's so much more about the people enduring the journey together than one enduring it alone. I realize now why I have such a hard time in relationships. Not just boyfriends, but siblings, friends, relatives...
So many people have put their interests above mine, and I selfishly took advantage of that genuine love.
I wish I had learned this lesson many years ago, if someone had just told me what I was doing wrong and what exactly to think and how to fix it.
But I guess this is the lesson that's only learned through life's beautiful experiences.
Wow. I feel like my whole life has shifted, and I look back on all the people I've wronged and it feels... horrible. I feel like Alma the younger when he gets the smack in the head everyone's been praying for. Why was I so stubborn? Why did I have to hurt so many people, and stain so many memories?

I am not trying to bash myself into the ground, but I am doing some retrospective thinking. And this involves looking at the ugly side of my life. I think I've been trying to hide it from myself too long, and I'm grateful at least that I learned it now... instead of later.

In these next few weeks I hope to redraw the line much more evenly, and I know that with effort I will see the change in my life I've been needing so desperately these 21 years.

Love,
Sarah Michelle

2008-04-25T08:38:00.001-07:00

2008-04-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

Busy Week(s)

2008-04-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

So the hardest part of the semester has arrived. The last 3 weeks. The 3 weeks that will determine the pass or fail in a class. The 3 weeks of piled on projects, last minute material, and hundreds of students gathering in the library to study. Little do the students know that during finals week the last place they should study is the library- it's more of a social feast than good study time. Nothing gets accomplished but a few hellos and conversations with long lost fall semester friends.
They're not really friends...but the people they sat by... maybe they had a group project together.. or ran into eachother for a few awkward conversation minutes on campus.

Sigh. I'm definitely going to miss campus.
Classes, teachers, books.. The stress is even going to be missed. I love the school atmosphere. If I could stay and learn forever, I would. There are so many people to learn such knowledge from! Not just teachers, but I have had some of the most profound talks with classmates. I could learn a few concepts from just reading the books, but in college I get to experience it. And that's where the difference lies. I get to live what I learn.

I read the talk today by President Thomas S. Monson in this month's Ensign. He gives such great counsel.
1. learn from the past.
2. prepare for the future.
3. live in the present.

and don't delay!!!
I do love my life, and I hope that I take the opportunity to really live it. Even though it's the hardest 3 weeks of the semester, it's also some of the most memorable. This is the time when we say our last goodbyes. The turnover happens soon. So let's make those memories, and make 'em good. Go big or GO HOME!!
:)
Love,
Sarah Michelle

Dedication

2008-04-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

I dedicate this link to my brother Mike and Sister in law, Stephanie. They are about to embark on such an incredible journey, and I wish them all the Luck in the world!
I love you two.
:D

http://pixiesplace.com/trainride/

Critter in Animation

2008-04-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

I don't remember if I've ever talked about Critter sleeping in my room.
But, Lorin showed me a video that describes what happens better than I ever could.

Enjoy!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=w0ffwDYo00Q

Story Time

2008-04-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice story for the family to chew on.

Grandma had ordered some pizza for us. It was canadian bacon and pineapple--without the pinapple. Pizza Hut didn't deem us worthy of it- but we showed them. We had some crushed pineapple in the fridge, so we brought that out. Nnyeh.

After the prayer, I'm just looking at Grandma putter around, grabbing the little foods or utensils that are always overlooked before the prayer, and I turn my head to Grandpa, who just snagged a piece of pizza. I thought to myself "Is there anything he won't eat?". I guess I thought out loud, because Gramps answered with "Nope". Grandma just arrived at the table then, and said "Well, maybe some of your concoctions he wouldn't touch."
I stared at Grandpa with a betrayed face that read "Is this true?"
He looked back at me and said matter-of-factly, "You gotta draw the line somewhere!"

Then I ate my pineapple-less pizza.
Well, critter is staring at me, then at the door. I think he's trying to tell me something...
Love you, Lamfam!
Sarah Michelle

2008-04-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law, Stephanie tagged me. Problem is, I don't know 3 other people to tag.
Anyways, I think that these questions are great. So, naturally, I'll answer them and let everyone bask in my glory.

10 years ago...
I was 11, and I was living in California. My best friend was Jenee Opper, and we would run around the streets of Temecula like little waifs. I can't believe my mom let me bike all around that area. I went back a few years ago, and the places I biked to are FAR FAR AWAY. This was also the year I discovered the truth about Santa Claus.

5 things on my to do list...
In Life?
Or Today?
Well, On my To-Do list of Life (no particular order), It would be:
1. Graduate College
2. Serve a mission
3. Get married in the temple
4. Birth Children. That's right. I said Birth.
5. The Spiderman Kiss.

5 snacks that I enjoy...
1. Pudding. Mmmm. I'm sad because I'm looking at an empty pudding cup.
2. Cold pizza
3. Cheddar Sun Chips
4. Cottage cheese and Fruit
5a. Frozen Grapes!!
5b. Oatmeal Cookie Dough. :)

What would I do if I was a billionaire ...
1. Buy lots of jewels and (I'm going to spell this word how it sounds)
Spanish DeBloons.. and long pearl necklaces, put them in a nifty trunk I bought from Pier 41 (Naturally I can afford that store), and bury it all in my huge backyard. I will make my own treasure map... then when I have children, I will make them unearth the treasure. Then we'll go to pizza hut and spend our jewels.

5 things people don't know about me...
1. I am in love with David Archuleta's version of Imagine.
2. I sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow in the shower, every shower.
3. I dance around my room when I'm getting ready for the day. Taking my time in this way causes unecessary lateness to class.
4. I have a secret love for Dorito Breath.
5. Manic Monday is my favorite weekday!

Sarah Michelle

Awkward Door Scene---

2008-04-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

Reality? Maybe... but definitely amusing.

2008-04-02T13:50:00.000-07:00
So, that's what happened in the papes.

:)

Now.. I've got a comic to share.

2008-04-02T08:34:00.000-07:00
Matthew Johnson
posted 3/31/08 @ 10:48 AM MST
I'm glad you wrote that, it makes mroe sense to me now. I kinda thought you were saying guys should be okay with waiting for a girl who wants to pursue her education and resists dating. Kinda like "Well, you can't date me now, but after I graduate, give me a call!" (thats taken to an extreme) I think a girl who says that is expecting way to much patience! But I totally agree with what you wrote above...

2008-03-30T21:38:00.001-07:00
Sarah Michelle Lamoureux
posted 3/30/08 @ 10:30 PM MST
Matt, I can definitely see your point. And I do think that there are great friendships to be made in class, that can be explored. Dating has many different aspects to it, and there cannot be just one blanket rule. But, there are principles that should be followed during dating, and I offered a principle that I know makes dating more successul and enjoyable. My article addresses dating in the classroom, but I hoped that people recieved the deeper message. The principle I am talking about is patience, which is so crucial in dating. A real relationship takes time to develop. I think there's a tendency to panic because people may think "There's no time! We're all busy college students- and if it doesn't happen this semester, and if I don't ask her out now, then it will never happen!". Then "the game" starts: He asks her out, she says yes. There really is no connection point except that they are in the same class, but that's okay, she's cute and they'll get to know eachother more on the date, right? But how 'real' are people on the first date? Well- First date goes great, and there are plans for a second date. Here's where it gets iffy: He calls her to make plans, but she can't. She has a paper that she just has to write. He's a little put off because he's wondering if that's the real reason she said no- the paper could be a clever excuse. Then the next weekend, he calls again, but she has to turn him down again, because she's already made plans (she is, after all, still single). Now, he's just given up. Two tries is enough.. There was another girl in the study group he had his eye on, so things get awkward between him and girl #1, and he moves on to girl #2. I see this time and time again, some variations, but generally the same! We've all been through it- And why? Because there is a tendency to disregard a firm base of friendship first. We trick ourselves into thinking that it's okay, because dating is what we're supposed to do- that dating is to get to know the person. I agree with that to an extent.. I feel that dating is to get to know a person BETTER. But how do we know when it's not too late, or too soon to ask? When there are a few more conversations, a few run-ins around campus.. when you've had a chance to see her interact with others, and have a general idea of what she's like. Something a little more substantial than 'she's cute and laughs at my jokes.. yeah, this could really go somewhere!'. This is dangerous thinking, yet it happens more than a lot of people care to admit. There has to be a few more conversations. No games. If you study with the person, then get to know them and build that friendship with them. No hidden motives- and that's something I address in my article as well. That the Game is what first destroys a relationship before it begins. It's starting on false pretenses. I think it's great to enjoy another's company. I don't mean to imply to cross the girl off the dating list completely if she's in the same class; I imply merely to stop- and think. Enjoy your time, and enjoy the semester. Think how well the first date will go when you've been able to experience so much together! There will also be an understanding that has developed. You know you don't have to panic when she turns you down for a date- because you already have a script for her personality, you're more accepting of a decline, even though it's still hard. I hope I've cleared up a few questions on this matter. I don't mean to cause any restrictions in dating, because it's all very personal and individual- It should always be used at the individual's discretion. If anything, I hope people learn from my article that dating should never be a game. Games last only a short time, and it implies there's a winner and a loser. But dating can be a win-win situation, and a very good learning experience, not to mention one can come away with a best friend in the end. All it takes is the practice of patience and understanding. Cheesy, I know.. but it works, and it's an honest way we can all abide by.
Of course we are still friends!:) haha I enjoy a good conversation. If you have any more questions please feel free to email me, or call;) Sarahmichelle318@yahoo.com ps. Thank you for the article, as well. I hope I didn't come across as a feminist who hates men, and I'm a really depressed person who wants to spread misery across SUU campus. haha

2008-03-30T21:36:00.001-07:00
Then I recieved this reply to my post from my good friend Matt Johnson. I really appreciate a good debate! I'm so glad someone commented on my article:)
... And In my next post I'll show my reply.

Matthew Johnson
posted 3/27/08 @ 9:55 AM MST
Smeesh, I don't understand the point of your article. Are you saying people should rule out dating their classmates? That just because a girl is in my class, I should cross her off as a potential date? I'm sorry but I think that is a ridiculous idea. College is an opportunity to pursue "higher education" but what is "higher education"? If you think higher education comes from text books and peer reviewed journals, well I respectfully disagree. (I hope I can explain myself clearly on this one...) Pursuing a major and a degree are noteworthy goals, but that is not what college is about! When I talk with people in the work world there seems to be a general attitude that a degree is just a piece of paper that shows some measure of qualification (how much the qualification is respected really varies from person to person.) In May I graduate with a degree in Human Nutrition. I've learned lots of wonderful things about Nutrition, Food Science, Chemistry, etc., but I wouldn't consider them the most important things I've learned at SUU. To me a "higher education" involves learning that you are part of a greater community that needs your support. The world is begging for your contribution, college is a chance to learn how you are capable of supporting that community and why you must! Part of your ability to support that community involves text books and research, but a greater portion of how you support your community depends on the way you treat other people, the family you hope to make, and your relationships with others. I've dated classmates and I confess I've organized study groups in hopes of getting to know girls better (Side note- this isn't always the motive! If your a girl, and you've been in a study group with me...don't jump to conclusions! ;)) Our study groups are filled with laughter and learning, we still get A's on our tests... so what's wrong with that? I look to date girls that share interests with me, what better place to look then in my classes? Where else do you expect me to go?! I think it's unwise to rule out a group of people as potential partners and lable it as a "professional move." As an example: Bro MacAffee used to prohibit dating in HOPE choir. He thought it would get in the way of their performances. A church leader told him he thought it was a bad idea to prohibit dating in any sort of a group... I was there when Bro Mac said "I don't agree with it, but I know to follow my leaders" At the end of that semester I think there were 4 couples engaged in HOPE Choir. I completely disagree with you (we are still friends though!) To say dating girls in your class is off limits just doesn't make sense to me. I'm sorry if some guy has tricked you into a study group and has had different motives, but spending time with the wrong guy isn't necessarily a bad thing (as long as respects you, if he doesn't respect you... get out of that situation!) It will help you develop people skills, learn to work with others, and sometimes being in the wrong situtation helps your recognize the right situation. I respect the fact that you are not pursuing a "MRS degree" but I fear that a lot of girls mix their priorities. I want to say this with as much sensitivity as possible... I imagine its very tough to be a girl and make the decisions you have to make (especially an LDS girl... do I pursue a mission? a career? a guy?? Those a extremely tough choices!) But I think it is a mistake for a girl to rule out dating or the chance for marriage while she is pursuing her degree (I know you aren't saying that, but its a point I want to make) Love is a crazy thing, you never know when you are gonna find it. Hopefully when it is found people will recognize that they should make appropriate sacrifices for it. Sometimes they might even have to sacrifice their life plans... it's a scary choice but I believe love will bring more happiness and satisfaction then a career. Anyway, I write too much... please read the following article, I think its worthwhile! http://www.townhall.com/columnists/DennisPrager/2008/03/11/why_are_so_many_women_depressed_part_i

Classes for School, not Dating

2008-03-30T21:32:00.000-07:00
So I am a published writer!
I had to turn in an assignment: an opinion about any topic, for my Thinking Critically Class. And I was actually published! Here it is: Published 3/27/08

I address dating in the classroom.
I've always wondered about the motives of the men on the dating prowl - men who skip class, possibly essential for graduation, for a lunch date with a pretty girl more fitting to their fancy.I'm sure I'm not alone in my reason in coming to college. Contrary to popular Utahn belief, my reason is not to earn my "MRS Degree." Instead, I seek a higher degree of education.The social scene is enjoyable, and I think that in order to truly succeed one must immerse themselves in the activities provided at college, networking and making life-long friends.
Going on dates is a privilege that I enjoy, and I always look forward to the adventures in starting relationships. The butterflies in the stomach; the awkward, unsure moment right before holding hands; and DTRs are common but special dating experiences. Even though dating is a good thing, and necessary to a lot of college students' personal happiness, there is one taboo place I feel a dating relationship should never begin: In class.
Classmates are co-workers. We work to better educate ourselves to make a difference in chosen fields of interest. We have a need to be efficient, we need a good work ethic to get the job (our assignments) done; as soon as we enter the room we get to work, listen and learn.I consider school like the office, and I wish to remain professional because eventually the quality of my education will lead me to my dream job.It is mean and calculating for a guy to ask for a girl's number under the presumption of studying for an exam, when in fact he wants to ask her out. It is a break of trust, and no one should feel obligation to work with someone so dishonest. (This is just as true for girls ... I have met some downright scheming women.)
There may be cases where one finds their soul mate in class. But, in the small chance that ever happens, it would be worth the few months of waiting to find out.First, determine if they are even worth waiting for, and that may change your whole perspective. She may be worth a Friday night, but is she worth a few months of dating and a plethora of awkward moments?
The crush may fade near the end of the semester anyway and you may be grateful for taking the opportunity to focus your efforts on a 3.7 GPA, and not your dazzling study partner.Please, do not jeopardize the education of yourself and your crush because you absolutely must have that get-to-know-you time.
I know more than a few guys who have underestimated the power of patience and have come on too strong and too fast, drowning girls with text messages and pointless phone calls that annihilate any inclination those girls may have had to date them.
So do everyone a favor and when in doubt, wait it out. Education depends on it.

Sarah Michelle Lamoureux is a sophomore nutrition major from Heidelberg, Germany. She can be contacted at sarahmichelle318@yahoo.com.

The First Day of True Adulthood

2008-03-24T15:27:00.000-07:00
Okay, so I haven't gotten the call yet, and I'm just anxiously waiting.

It might not even come this week! Which would break my heart... slightly.
But I am looking forward to opening it, and hopefully opening it soon!

Thanks, Bob and Dad for the Birthday Present! I love it:)

Ooookkkay. Time to talk about what happened on the BIG 21 B-Day!

Grandma and Lorraine took Jessica and me out for lunch at Costa Vida's. The place has delicious food. Then I just did what anyone who just became an official 'Adult' does. I hung out. I decide to get my butt up for at least a little while, do some lunges in stretchy pants and whatnot...

So, I'm working out around 6pm because Lorin hadn't called me to settle a pick up time yet, and I am sweating up a slip and slide all over, and at 6:30 I get the call: "Can you be ready in 20 minutes?"
"Uh. Sure." -At this point I look at my sweat stained shirt.. and realize I'd better hop in the shower quick. Good thing I'd recently washed my hair...
So I get ready, and look all cute for our night out.
I come upstairs, and he's waiting (he's a little late, it's about 7:00 when he shows up.. but it's endearing, since he arrives just as I finish getting ready. It's perfect timing, is what it is.) with a cup of flowers. Daisies, my favorite. He's brought me flowers on all but the first date! last date he brought fake flowers. This time he brought 21 daisies in a cup-- the cup, because, let's face it..he's in college and it's just as good as a vase! haha and 21 is the obvious number..;) He explained that he couldn't find a bouquet with 21 flowers, so he bought a plant and cut them off! --pure genius.

Well, then we went outside where I got into his car, and there was a camera waiting. "We're going to document this night of debauchery".
Debauchery, if you bloggers are as unawares as I was of the meaning, I looked up on dictionary.com and it says:

1. excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures; intemperance.
2. Archaic. seduction from duty, allegiance, or virtue.

I think it fit perfectly into our night. and now there's evidence.. evidence to burn;)

Lorin took me to Mesquite. And there were many amazing moments that were had. Some too sensitive for the public eye.
So, I will leave it at that. Thanks, Lorin for a great time.

The call should come this week. I'll keep ya'll posted.
Xxo's,
Sarah Michelle

Day of March 6, 2008

2008-03-06T21:48:00.000-08:00
In approximately two weeks, I will know with a surety where I'm going to live the next chapter of my life.
It is surreal.

...Did I even spell that word correctly?

No matter. The beginning of this week was interesting. On Sunday, I thought Thursday would take forever to come around. Boy was I proven wrong. My days were so long, yet time sped past me.
I had one meeting after another today, but I made sure that I took the time to do what I needed to do. There was no reason to rush myself. Anything I choose to do deserves the time and effort I put into it, so I'd better do it well.
I took time to visit with a friend right before The Meeting, I gained a greater appreciation for her, and I know we became closer as we talked. She has such a great way of connecting with others, and I really admire that in her.
I was still in my street clothes, so I changed in the Institute's bathroom, hoping no one walked in as my boots and random clothing were flung haphazardly on the counter. I just left them in a nice little pile in there, for me to pick up when I came out. Why would I bring them with me into the interview?
The visit with President Johnson was so comfortable, and the spirit in the room was relaxed, and peaceful. It also fostered a good atmosphere for a chuckle or two.
I am so grateful for him. He is a good man. The interview lasted about a half hour--and I passed!

So.
It's all really happening.
*yay!*

Love, Sarah Michelle

Sunday, February 24

2008-02-24T20:53:00.000-08:00
I am a Latter-Day Saint. I am untroubled. I move with confidence.
I am determined to rise to the challenge- rise to the challenge of keeping standards that proves I am improving upon myself, that I am growing beyond any capacity I ever wished possible through any other means.

This is it.
This is what I'm here for.

Golly. Church, Institute, Firesides.. they are all such wonderful blessings that help me to succeed. It helps me open my mind, cross new horizons.
I have such a testimony of how this helps me grow. I know it's the one way I can be safe in this torrential, unsure world.
I know it helps, through trial, I know.
And I'm so thankful for the option to choose. Any choice will help us change. Question is, how are people changing? I know with the gospel, this girl is changing for the better.
Phew.

Love, Sarah Michelle

What a Handsome Couple

2008-02-20T09:11:00.000-08:00
I thought the family would want to see the cute matching outfits Lorin and I wore to the Institute Dance. It was a merry evening. haha

The week of: February 10-16

2008-02-16T16:15:00.000-08:00
So, a lot of things happened this week, but I'll try to condense it down.

Sunday, was the fireside and various other meetings. But this fireside was extra special because Justin Osmond (Yes, definitely related to the osmonds and looks like them, too! Gorrrrge-ous...) came and spoke to us, and how we can get excited about the gospel.. which is already exciting enough! He sis a wonderful job on Joseph Smith's First Prayer in sign language, played the violin while reciting "the Masters Touch", and many other wonderful things. It was incredible to see the size of the line of people wanting to meet him. I think we were all star struck. The best part was, he spent time talking to each and every person that came up to see him. His brother is a magnificent organist, and played for us.. and his parents had also come down to see him speak. What a great family!
Monday, I had the opportunity to go to FHE and play a round of BUNCO! We had played it a few weeks ago, and I had the great privilege of being the one with the greatest amount of wipeouts... usually people don't aspire to this position of stink. But, because I was so ridiculously good at wipe-outs I got a prize! ... a candle for stinking so bad... and some butterfingers...
But this time, I got the highest score out of everyone! What a great way to redeem myself:) So I got a little squeeky bathtoy octopus and some reeses pieces. mMmm Delicious!
Tuesday, I ... I don't remmeber life on Tuesday for some reason. Oh yeah! I remember now. It was a fun night! I was asked on a date, and we doubled to La Fiesta.. afterwards we went to the Harlem Globetrotters show at the SUU Centrum, where my date left to 'use the bathroom' and when he dropped me off at home, he had a flag with a cute inscription on the back. What a sweetheart. :) I think he has earned a second date.
Wednesday--- I don't remember This day all that much, but it was fun! Oh wait, I remember now.. there was Enrichment night with the whole 3rd stake, and we had Costa Vida cater while we did a service project. So much fun- We packaged books for new mothers to read to their newborns. Sister Dettamanti and Sister Johnson were quite the team as they spearheaded this activity. Thanks to those sisters whom I didn't mention, like the Presidency, for helping us out! Great job!
Thursday- I kept thinking it was Friday because so much was going on! I basically forget every day, and then I go back remembering what happened.
Oh! It was Valentines' Day! I spent it setting up for the Institute Dance later that evening, "A Night on Broadway" ... most of it was spent tacking down a red carpet.. haha and it involved a fun trip to Wal-mart with my good friend, Mini and a nwe girl on council who is so fun, Megan. Good, good times! Aaaand then Jess and I had planned on going to a 9pm movie, so I headed over to her house so we could head over to the theaters together. I opened the door, and this little 2 year old boy was running around her living room, Cars was playing on the TV, and Jess was holding a 1 month old baby girl. I guess she was babysitting for the night! I didn't mind at all, because I was so tired... and I ended up falling asleep later that night holding the cute little baby, Rachel. At least, that's what I think her name was... she is such a sweet tempered infant.
Friday night, I spent the day just running around getting ready for the dance that night. My friend, Lorin had asked me two weeks prior at bread and soup night.. I don't know if I mentioned that story, but it was in front of.. of a very large crowd. After he had dedicated the song "I wanna Grow Old With You" by Adam Sandler, he says "Because I still have the mic, I want to take the opportunity to ask you, Sarah Michelle, since you can't possibly say no.. to the Institute Valentines Dance!"...
and my face was bright...bright B-r-i-g-h-t- red. Fun times.
After a few moments of trying to shake my head yes, and he didn't understand.. I yelled "ALRIGHT! I'LL GO WITH YOU!"

haha
serves him right...
:) I was trying to say yes with my head nod, but he couldn't read it! ah. so I went with him to the dance.

And our outfits matched! We wore black and white... and he brought me some of my favorite flowers, Gerber Daisies.
Then we danced the night away- it was so much fun! Not awkward at all... and I loved dancing with the other couples there. It was just a blast, and we were able to dance most of the slow songs together, which was nice to know that I wouldn't be without a partner on those songs.
All in all, a very very good night. I imagine that's how prom is supposed to be.. but in most high schools, people aren't very mature yet, and dances get nasty sometimes. So, it was good to be in a nice atmosphere with a very charming date.

So, today I just went and saw "definitely, Maybe" with Jessica. and I've just taken a break from cleaning the house to write this all down.
I talked with Mike and my Father in the past few days, and I miss them. I want my parents to know how much I love them! Their anniversary was on the 13th of February.
And, my friend Brittany Twitchell is now Mrs. Brittany Westwood! Chad and Brittany were married Friday the 15th in the St. George Temple. I love it:)
So, I think I'll thank the Lord for all my many blessings! Life is just so wonderful.
With All My Heart,

Sarah Michelle

Day of: Friday, February 8th 2008

2008-02-08T18:40:00.000-08:00
And
..

She sits at the computer, not knowing what to do.
There are a lot of thoughts that are going through my head right now.
It's already February, and what have I done with myself? With my goals that Ihad?
I really wish that I was accountable to someone other than myself. It would make life so much easier.

Anyways, last night I went to Provo to see my brother in his play "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
It was so interesting- I want to think a little more deeply about it, but my brain is going out of service right now. I really don't know what my problem is. I think for the past few days I've been having a hard time concentrating. I hope I'm not coming down with anything... serious.

Well,
I don't know what else to post. I think that my sister in law might have something on her blog-
http://www.ms-eternalfamily.blogspot.com/
She took a pretty rockin picture of Patrick last night, as we were all so proud of him!

Anyways. There's not much else that I can write I guess.
Have a beautiful night, Loves.

Sarah Michelle

Day of: Wednesday February 6, 2008

2008-02-06T15:33:00.000-08:00
So yesterday I thought it was February 6th, the whole day.. and now I think I'm in that movie, Groundhog's Day.
Awesome.
I wonder what life will be like tomorrow?

Well, in any case, it's been absolutely wonderful. I'm just wasting a little bit of time on the computer before I hit the books. I know that this is very theraputic- writing things down, I mean.
And I'm glad to write, because... it's cathartic. Another word for theraputic I guess. I don't know- I heard it in one of my classes, and I pretend that I know what the word means when a co-student bleets it out. All this college "Smart talk".
I don't know how much longer I'll be able to keep up my facade. I think the time is coming when people realize I'm not so intelligent, and they throw me out of town. The other day I was listening to people talk about "Academic Writing", which is quickly becoming a way of the past as we near the future... And I have a vague idea of what it is- it's what I can't do- which is to sound smart.
It's not a huge goal of mine, anyways.
I thought it interesting.

Well, I've been thinking about a few things.
One of which is time. I want to live life today: To do what I'm doing while I'm doing it and to be where I am when I'm there.

It makes sense! I know it does, because I can understand what I said.

But, truly- If i'm going to spend my nights studying I better put forth the effort, and put forth the time to do it. I had better see the project to the end. If I'm going to watch a movie with friends, I'd better enjoy the decision that I made, and enjoy my friends- not worrying if I did all the studying for that night. And that's the thing: I need priorities, and I need balance.
It's a good thing to have priorities in college. I wonder why guys get so upset with me when I tell them I have studying to do at the same time they invite me to go somewhere. They're in college, too! Don't they understand that just because they have free time, it doesn't mean that we all do! Especially not me.
Anyways, I hardly get 'me' time, so when there's a spare moment- you betcha I'm going to spend it selfishly on myself.
:)

Anyways, those come so sporadically, that it's hard to go on dates as it is. Of course, sometimes I just can't say no to a weekend date, and I end up going... The trick is saying yes when I don't have anything going on.

Another tangent:
It's just SO HARD to spend a 4 hour date with someone, regardless if it's the weekend or not!! BOYS: Especially on the first date- Keep it short, and sweet. It's so ridiculous to spend 4 hours with someone I hardly know. What's supposed to be small talk, just "scratching at the surface" turns into some huge self-disclosure session.. I then feel an obligation to this stranger- Then the next time I'm asked on a date, and I say no- {because I have other priorities... like school work which, I'm not sorry- I'm here to go to school, and that's my main focus! NOT to get my MRS degree}-
anyways, when I say no because of other commitments, there's this huge offense committed and they are unlikely to ask again.
THIS IS RIDICULOUS. Just pay attention to signals- you're not all idiots.

Plus on the date, I find that so much self-disclosure on your part is just overwhelming. It creates this panic inside me- because I don't want to be trusted with all this information! Of course I'm not going to blab away your secrets, since it was given to me in confidence- But when I'm thinking over the night's events, I'm definitely not thinking what a nice time I had with the boy I want to get to know more-
I fall asleep in a panic- about this luggage that's been given to me to carry around for awhile. Trust me, not cute.
It can get very distracting when I'm trying to focus on homework later that week and my mind wanders to your hideous situation.
What. the. Deuce.
Keep it to yourself. Keep me interested. Don't talk, and take me home.

Phew*

Alright, now that I went on about that, I might as well continue.
There's not much else to talk about- but I'll say one last thing about guys and dating:

Guys- If the girl isn't giving you the green light, give up. Please.
If you want the green light, become her friend, and make her interested. This may take time. Having one good first conversation doesn't mean get her number. Nor does it mean she wants to give you her number. Some girls are just flirtatious and friendly, some girls are just making polite conversation, some girls are getting another guy jealous, and some girls are bored. Very few girls are interested in you during that first conversation. Have a few run-ins with her, and see if a good conversation is possible again.
This way, a friendship and trust is developed. This way, she's more likely to give you green lights. This way, she will say YES without hesitation, to a date with you.
Pay attention to the green light.

When you take this beautiful, interesting girl on this date- keep it under 2 hours, please. We all have lives to get back to- schedules to meet. She has already cleared the night for you, so if the date goes well- and you're about to drop her off, maybe she'll invite you in to talk for awhile. And then it's a mutual want- a want to stay together just a little bit longer.
Then- no more than 20 minutes later, GO HOME.

Sigh.
I'm done. I feel like I've had a generous amount of dating experience..
This is my opinion, and this is how I prefer my dates to go- this is as an LDS girl in college, who isn't young enough to be naive about boys, but not aged enough to know everything.
This is what I know I like- My goal in talking about this is the hope that guys may get more dates... in the right way. It's hard enough as it is to start a relationship- It's more effective when one thinks about advice given, and tailor the information to what their dating style is.

It has been my experience that some guys are clueless. All they know is they think this girl is cute and fun, and want to spend time with her. BUT PLEASE- if you guys want to continue dating this fun, cute girl, you must be more controlled, and tactful. It can be such a painful, blunderous event when one isn't prepared.
Hey- preparation is half the battle. I know that when one is prepared, they are confident. And confidence is attractive. SoO attractive! It means the guy 'knows' what he's doing. It's kind of cute when boys are new at the dating game and clueless... but please, it gets old. Those guys that are clueless- they only get so far. Basically as far as the deep end of the 'friendship pool'. In the relationship water park, this is the mother of all kiddie pools. Congratulations, Newby.
So, get your experience and prepare yourself. Then all things shall work out for your good.

Guys, sometimes girls are mean as well. I've had my moments.
This will become the topic of a future post: THE PROBLEM(S) WITH FEMALES- A WOMAN'S PERSPECTIVE.
Watch out:)

Love ya'll.

Sarah Michelle

Week of: February 3

2008-02-03T15:38:00.000-08:00
Before I write anything I wanted to thank my Heavenly Father that my little sister, Megan, is not dead.

I could hardly breath. I was standing in line, with the rest of my family, and we just stared at her body on the gurney. She was struggling. She was hooked to so many tubes- The most ugly of them all, the breathing tube diving into her neck, assaulting her precious body. Although I hated that tube, I knew that it was necessary for her survival. I don't know what happened, I was too late to save her- I couldn't breathe. I felt a numb, nauseating feeling wash over me. What happened? I wanted to scream. I think I did- But why couldn't anyone hear me? I looked around, and everyone was going about business as usual-that is, going about their lives in the most normal way possible. Before I could really get into worrying about my own horrifying state, a movement caught my eye. For some reason, they were disconnecting the breathing tube. "STOP!!" I screamed, as I ran towards them, my hands outstretched. They continued. Part of them- part of them were family. My sisters.. my brothers.. why didn't they see that Megan still breathed? She breathed imperfectly, but she was still alive! Were they not going to help me help her??
There was no way I could reach her. I watched them look upon her, and give her one last reassuring stroke on her forehead, now dewed with persperation. She was still alive!!! Couldn't anyone see that?? Put the tube back in! Put in that hideous, wonderful tube! Can't you see what's happening?
But still, nobody noticed. I was a spirit as well. Nobody could hear me, see me... notice my futile efforts to save my little sister.
And then, I watched helplessly as Megan struggled for her one last breath, and she stopped moving.
Even in death, she knew I was there, comforting her with my arms around her lifeless body. I hugged her and cried into her shoulder, still warm from life only moments ago.

Then I woke up.

I still had a hard time breathing- I was seriously thrown into a panic attack! First of all- Why was I only there in spirit? And second of all- What kinds of idiots do I have for family members?

No, that's unfair. It was how my dream had portrayed them- they just didn't know what they were doing, and assumed the best way was-
I can't even think of it anymore, it honestly makes me sick.

And these are the kinds of dreams I have during Sunday Naps.

...maybe I shouldn't nap anymore.

SO I know I haven't posted in awhile, Buuuut I feel that this one needed addressing. So I decided I had a little bit of time- and viola!
This month is going to be one interesting month. Last month I had a lot of surprises- a few of which were, my old college roommate, Pidge, gave birth to her daughter Lily Grace a few days into January. Good job, Jeremy;) She's one CUUUTE baby!
January brought a lot of good, new things- new, fun friends. New professors... my job isn't new, but there are a whole new batch of students to teach.
New Institute Council Members, new Best Friends, and new memories etched forever in time.

January also brought in a few blasts from the pasts, and contact was reestablished with an old, dear friend. Not just a few times did I love and lose this semester- And there have been a few interesting moments brought to my attention. It's been great. I know these descriptions are vague but I wouldn't be able to do them justice if I explained any more than necessary. Especially here on this blog.
I'm sure a few priveledged readers will one day read what I have written about these precious moments in my journal- a more in depth review and accounting of my adventures here at Souther Utah University.

I have also started down a path that is going to change my life forever. I know it's a good path- and I'm proud to be the first girl in the history of my family to walk humbly down this road, the first girl with an opportunity such as this, and taking it. I walk down this path alone, but never lonely.

I'm so grateful for opportunities, and the opportunity to be guided by the Spirit.
It's so hard to make decisions between two choices that I know are right. But when I choose and I get the overwhelming feeling of peace and joy, I know I can move forward in complete faith, and I'm strengthened.

When I was having a moment when I really needed a good friend to help me out of a possible depression (Which is never of the Lord), A good friend told me through a simple text a quote from President Faust.

"Doubts are the means to deepening our understanding of what we already know."

And I didn't understand it at first.. but after pondering on it, I know this:
That without an opposition in all things, I will not be able to understand which choice is right. It is utterly impossible. If I only know one position, that one position will always be right to me.

With illumination comes a doubt. That doubt will not last, because once I've tested my knowledge through faith, I will know that what I've been taught is true and good and the right.
There are hard choices to make, and I may doubt them even right after I've made them. But the peaceful feeling that underlies all the doubt and momentary sadness will not be ignored. Doubt will always be overcome, and then my understanding of why is deepened.

I'm so grateful for agency, and opposition. For without it, how can I feel joy when I've made the right choice? How will I ever progress to that state I desire for myself, and for my brothers and sisters?
I couldn't, and I wouldn't.

But I'm so grateful that I CAN!
Keep Moving Forward.

And this is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

PS. Fatty- I remembered that awesome little man you made in likeness of you on Ben and Jessica's WII. Do you remember? He had a tight mouth, big forehead.. and a mole in the middle of that forehead.

hahaha
I remembered him during a sweet prayer after a great Sunday school lesson, and I almost had to leave the room fearing I'd burst out laughing!
But I controlled myself:)
You awesome, childish human...

And the moral of this story is:

Please don't take the tube from Megan.

Love,
Sarah Mich'elle

Week of December 18-25

2007-12-25T13:44:00.000-08:00
Happy Christmas 2007.
<3

This week was definitely an adventure. After getting rid of jet lag, (I flew here right after finals on the 15th) I hope that I don't remember how bad it was so I won't hate the next time I come out. It's been a wild time since we arrived. The parents have been taking the married couples around to the various sights to see, castles and churches and whatnot.
I got some flu bug, and so I was weak for a few days. Pretty soon I got my strength back, better enough to go to Paris Saturday. We took a midnight bus. We woke up to a beautiful sight of the Eiffel Tower.
I would put the picture up here, but I'm picture illiterate, and it hasn't been working as well as I'd hoped. But I have some other pictures from the adventures we had.
I've got to tell the readers, that even though I had such an amazing opportunity to go to Paris, and I saw many, many things that most people never get to... the Best Part was feeding the birds, and taking fun pictures with the family.

Here's Patrick. I lovingly call him Fatty. Among the birds he's known as "Sustenance".

Mike and Ben were more calm than Patrick, and I... I might've freaked out a little. Our feet were covered in them birds!

Notre Dame. Think: Gargoyle. I just don't think I was that convincing.

We paused on our way up the 70 meters of stairs.

Today was a great day. I admit, I started off a little grouchy.
Okay, I was a lot grouchy.
But, After I had a few moments, and said a little prayer, everything became clear, peaceful. I'm like a werewolf when I'm cooped up inside without much light or exercise for days. I get my cranky on.
But, good thing I was able to overcome. I don't know how my family is going to survive the next 3 days together. We're traveling around, going to various places.
I'll tell you what, reader... I'm excited to go to the castle. The very castle that inspired Disney's Cinderella Castle.
After all, my name does mean Princess.
just kidding;)
But seriously. My name really does mean princess.

I can't find my iPod.

So, I don't know what else to say, except that I got a pretty cool brochure of the towers of Notre-Dame.
It was free.

Merry Christmas, everyone. I think that I'm going to remember this one for years to come. Previous Christmasses I still have to heal over. It's been different every year, and I still feel pained every time I relive certain ones. But I'm getting better. I just need my space for awhile.

One more thing. I had a really spiritual moment with my mom this morning. I was really in the thick of my black cloud, when she came in to talk to me. She told me about an experience she had about realizing the meaning of Christmas recently. She has grown so much closer to her Saviour. I am glad that I could have that moment with her. It's one thing to listen to her voice on the phone. This was something special, something priceless. I could tell she really meant what she told me, and she really did experience the pain, then the hope and the joy of putting her faith to the test.
I have an amazing family. I take them for granted. I waste a lot of my time. Meaning, I don't use the precious time that I have now to the fullest potential. I'm trying to change, honestly. It's just hard to break a habit, and harder still to make a good one.
Regardless, I am willing to try, if it means memories are being made.
I love my Heavenly Father as well, and I am so grateful for Jesus Christ's sacrifice. My brother, my Saviour.
Happy Christmas, Jesus. Only you could make it so special.
Love,
Sarah Michelle

Friday, December 14 Ps

2007-12-14T13:10:00.001-08:00
PS. Karin will KILL me if she found out this picture is on the web.

...........................................shhhhhhhh. Don't tell Karin.

Friday, December 14

2007-12-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

So today is Firday and last night I had a wonderful date with a guy named Lorin. He's a pretty cool kid. We had "German Night" including Beef Stroganoff, beans (the green kind), German Chocolate Cake, Root Beer, and sausage all in the living room. It was such a thick dinner... so late at night, too. Haha. But it's okay. We both didn't eat much because while we were moving the table into the living room our food got cold, and it was freezing in his apt, so it didn't give us much of an appetite. Phew.

We both drooled water on ourselves throughout the course of the meal. And to complete this bonding moment, we both put hot sauce on out stroganoff. Highly recommended.

...made my upper lip sweat.

ANYways. Then Karin and I hung out after my date. We stayed up so late, because she was writing a song and I was baking cookies! These didn't turn out so bad, actually. I'm pretty proud of myself!

Well, we decided to feel mischeivous again and ding dong ditch some cookies. So we did. I had no shoes on. And instead of ding dong ditch we honked the horn. Then we drove back aroundthe block, and honked a second time. We were turning back to honk a third time and see if they got the cookies (which by now were frozen blocks, seeing it was 10 degrees outside...) and I realized that it was midnight.

And they live in a neighborhood.

With families. Families with little children who don't like to sleep.

My apologies to the families on 920 West in Cedar City, UT. I am a Moron.

So, I have a pretty picture from our night out.

Love you all. You've been a great audience.

-Sarah Michelle

Week of December 7-13

2007-12-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

So ...

IT's THURSDAY THE 13th!!! AHHHH!

*ahem*

This weekend was a good one. I had our last Institute function for the semester on Friday. We had rooms with all the holiday traditions. I spent my time decorating for the event earlier on, and then went home to get ready for the dance. My good friend, Karin came over and we drove to the Institute Dance together. Jess was going to come, but she wasn't feeling well, even though she looked SO HOTT. lol. She bought some boots from me, and she was wearing them with new jeans and had some cute make-ups on. *yayyy*

After Karin and I got attacked by 3 guys after the dance, we decided to go home. (Mom, Dad, I'll have to tell you this story. It's quite the ..tale....)

I spent the night at Jessica's because the next morning we went to STG ...and SHOPPED! whoowhoo!

That was so much fun. Jess and I were about to pass out because we were so hungry after shopping all morning, so we went to Cafe Rio where we DOWNED a burrito. haha. Our faces were always a few inches above the plate the entire time. I'm sure the other patrons knew they were witnessing a magical event.

Sunday was a good day. It was the Fireside, and not only that but the family Christmas Party! Oh man, we had a great time! I didn't come home from the fireside until after dinner, and that's when everyone was passing around the $5 gifts Grandma bought. It was a white elephant party! But they were good gifts...:0)

Then we played a nice game of Catch Phrase. Grandpa had some incredible one-liners.

Grandpa -"It holds your skin together"

Us- "Cells" "shirts" "lotion"

Grandpa- "Bones!"

Jessica wrote them all down somewheres, but we just can't seem to find them... I half joked that I threw them into the fire. What if I accidentally did?

Ohhh welllll we'll never ever know!

So this week has been finals week. I had a good date on Monday night. We went to the Messiah. It's the first time I ever remember seeing it live. I can't remember if I ever went as a kid, ... I'm pretty sure we didn't... Still, it was good seeing it and listening to the beautiful voices! Especially the little boy in the soprano section...He's got some squeeky pipes ;0D heh heh

I have a few more finals, one today and one tomorrow. And then I'm done. I have a date tonight (We're going to cook a "German" meal. Homemade root-beer and Beef stroganoff. Is that German? lol. He's never made it before, and we all know I'm Chef Magnifique. This aughta be fun.

Then Friday I leave with Mike & Steph in the afternoon down to VIVA LAS VEGAS! I'm pretty stoked/excited/joyous about that. It's going to be one amazing trip these next few days. Let's hope I'm prepared to fly all by my lonesome. Still, I'm glad I'm going through San Fran. I pray that everyone else going through Chicago will be okay. There's a huge blizzard on the East Coast right now, and I pray it doesn't get worse... but passes right along.

In any case, I'm so glad that this week has gone so well. It's finals week, and it's a good one at that. I just take it easy, because I've been studying hard all semester. It's now time to relax and review:0)

Anyways, Mom and Dad and family, I hope you're all doing well. I'll keep you posted within the next few days, and hopefully this all goes well.
Love you All!

-Sarah Michelle

Ps. Grandpa had eye surgery today. Can you tell which one?

The Thanksgiving Weekend

2007-11-27T17:39:00.000-08:00
Oh man it was awe-SOME.

Watched Enchanted. And Hairspray. Hung out with Ali and her kids. They are such a cute family!
Read two books. One was a murder mystery... I became hooked again! Okay, for you readers who don't know what happened last time I really got into Mary Higgins Clark: I read many of her books a few summers ago, and I was staying with my grandparents at the time. I became so paranoid that I KNEW my grandpa was going to kill me, and stash me away in the walls with the other carcasses of disliked grandchildren.

...and shame on me for succombing <--sp?? one last time to her exciting terror... the words, the detail! I just couldn't help myself...
And so the plot thickens...

I read a pretty cool book, The Wednesday Letters. I'm pretty much a fan of love stories.
I went on a walk...
Said some stuff...
hung out around the house...
Tried to bath Critter (aka SATAN) and got a nasty gash on my belly, and my right hand. So, now when I shake people's hands, I get to see the disgusted look on their face when they scrape across my wound.
It's a happy feeling.

OH! And I went to church on Sunday to Jessica's ward, which is a married ward... so that means children! ... I was enjoying being irreverant, and finding the little baby beside us entertaining. She is a very active little thing, and it was fun to watch how the mom dealt with it. I was pretty amazed when I looked over and saw the baby waving around a rubber chicken. I laughed out loud, raising the level of my irreverance. Who has a rubber chicken besides clowns and/or comedians? On top of that, who has a rubber chicken, and let's their kids play with it during church?
What I want to know is: Where can I find this supply of rubber chickens? Are they bred on a rubber chicken farm... or do I join a special club where rubber chickens are given to the most elite members?

One day I will figure it out. This meaning of Life.

So much fun. So Grandma fixed taco salad for dinner tonight. I put so many onions on my plate... I know i'm going to be leaking onion from my pores for the next week.

Well, that's it for now. I'll update you more later!
I forgot to mention my parents, and my siblings far far away in Germany. I got to speak to them, and it was wonderful! I love to hear what's going on over there... Only 3 more weeks from TODAY and I'll be Home for Christmas...
You can count on me;0)

<3,
Sarah Michelle

Week of November 11-19

2007-11-21T09:39:00.000-08:00
I don'tknow what to write, really on this blog. I feel like so much has happened. I'll just give the highlights.
Monday- FHE with Ward, we watched Meet the Robinson's on a projector. AWESOME movie.
Tuesday- Met with my nutrition professor, looked over diet and look forward to future improvements.
Wednesday- Hump Day.
Thursday- I defined my relationship with this guy, Scott. He's a great guy. We decided to date eachother still, but date others as well. It's a good thing.
Friday-This was a good, long day. It was spent at school and then getting ready for the Institute dinner'dance social. The theme was Fall 'N Snow. The Institute would have the Fall theme where dinner would be provided, and then the couples would be taken over to the school in horse drawn carriages where the dance would be decorated in a winter theme. It was so much fun to decorate! We put potpurri on the tables and tea lights, and long stemmed candles on a few select round tables. Then white christmas lights were strung. (This was all at the institute). We have a few pictures... but they're mainly polaroid. I'll see if I can get some digitals! Oh man, did we have a good time going around and shooting candid photos of everyone! I had a date: Scott.
Saturday-MMmm. Saturday. I baked some oatmeal raisin cookies, then went to the temple. Um. My car ran out of gas on the way to the Institute where my ward was meeting, and I had to coast into the parking lot! awesome. SO we went to the best place on earth, then had dinner at Golden Corral. Suh-weet!
After that I had a date, and we went to the basketball game. We lost. That's okay, though. We're still pretty amazing. This guy's pretty cool...His name is also Scott. Don't get Scott #2 confused with Scott #1: DTR man.
Sunday- Church, and the fireside! Woohoo! it was a beautiful fireside... My friend Karin and her sister Lori and I went to watch the testament at Scott #2's house. Good times. Then he asked me out to lunch for Tuesday. We'll see how that goes in my next blog posting...
Monday- WOot Woot!
That's basically it for now!
Love,
Sarah
Ps. Turkery day is this week!!!

Week of November : 4-10

2007-11-10T11:26:00.000-08:00
This week was incredible.
So Sunday was my brother Patrick's birthday, as you might have seen my little dedication to him. This week I got two incredible texts from him:
(Yesterday's) : How goes it sister of mine? Do you hear the people sing singing the songs of angry men?

When I got this I was at the Institute Volleyball tournment, and there were plenty of men and women to listen to.

Then, my favorite.. I was driving down the street when I got this text:
Here I sit, broken hearted. Came to poop, but then I farted.

Oh Fatty, I love you! You brighten my day! haha

So I need to tell the story about my ding-dong ditching experience.
I had to pick up a few things at Wal-mart, so my friend Karin who had been exercising with me, came. She said "I don't know why, but I feel very mischevious right now!"
I agreed with her. So, we decided to ding-dong ditch our friends. We had a harder time deciding who to do it to, since most of our friends either lived in apartments, or we just didn't know where they lived. It would've been awkward to dingdong ditch an apt, since the friends aforementioned lived on second/third floors. So, they would've caught us running down the three flights of steps.
I decided to dingdong ditch a house of boys that I love dearly. I had a FuzzyWuzzy ball with googally eyes on my dashboard. We wrote a message on an attached ribbon, (Guess Who? :]) and left it on the door handle. It was pretty hard for us to knock on the door, because the boys are fast! They would've caught us for sure.. But luckily, we mustered up all our courage and knocked... (Come to find out, they heard us laughing before we knocked, so they knew we were coming. but didn't know we would run away until they heard the pitter patter of our anxious feet.) we ran back to our car, histerical with the giggles, and I put my car in reverse with the lights off, and tried to navigate down the dark road full of cars on both sides. One of the guys came running out of the house, confused, and it made us giggle even harder.
Then I felt my car run into something...

No worries, it was only the curb! So I put it into drive and slammed on the gas. If anyone knows my car, it goes from 0-60 in a half hour. But it was faster than the boy, and we made a getaway!

We get the supplies at Wal-mart, and we start to feel mischevious again... and we decide to go back. This time I had a paper airplane that a friend made for me. The game plan was to hide behind the bush (Right in front of their porch) and when they answered the door, we'd throw it, watching it glide to nicely and land on the steps... or them. Then we would pop out and yell Surprise!! and all laugh together, and they would invite us in for hot cocoa, as smiles, sunshine, and rainbows would radiate through the house.
We thought it was a fail proof plan.
So we place ourselves behind the bush and Karin is in charge of throwing the airplane. I knock
on the door and run behind the bush. The door opens, and Karin throws the airplane.
The airplane doesn't make it anywhere near the steps. It doesn't make it anywhere. It flew somewhere into the bush right in front of us, and we start laughing... uncontrollably.
This goes on for 30 seconds, or more... And we hear the guy who answered the door utter something that sounded annoyed.
Then the door shuts...
We're still laughing at our clever joke, and walk to the door. I knock. No one answers. They obviously didn't hear me, so I knock again, more determined. Still no answer. Starting to feel the giggles leave, I grab my cell phone and start texting and calling them. No one answers my calls or my texts. Where was our sunshine and rainbows? Where was the Hot Cocoa?
Bummer...
We realized that our ding dong ditching went wrong. So we got in my car, heads hung low. So sad! I felt so bad, I never meant anything bad to come of it. That's one lesson learned: No ding dong ditching unless it's a plate full of cookies and goodness.

So Karin goes home and I need to start working on my project, but I can't concentrate. I keep thinking about those guys and how wounded they must feel. How sad!
Then I get a phone call from one of the guys.
"Hey Sarah! What's up?"
"Hyrum! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean anything bad by ding dong ditching! I didn't mean to make you guys mad, I'm so sofydsyuwea jdskal ayhrie Etc. Etc. etc...15 minutes later etc...."

"We didn't even care. It's not a big deal at all!"

"oh."

And then we made fun small talk, and hung up the cell.

Good good times.
So I made some delicious cookies... These ones actually turned out alright! And I ding dong ditched them on their doorstep the next night...
And now they don't hate me.
:) I love bribery cookies!

Anyways, let that be a lesson to you all. Let us all be kind to on another, and make sure that when you're feeling mischevious, just... ignore the feeling. Unless it's coupled with sunshine and rainbows.

So that was a good time. Then I gave an incredible Informative speech on Thursday morning. Itwas about the Bystander Effect, and to help people. Always. And I had Indiana Jones theme music playing, and I ripped off my jacket and saved someone's life. It was awesome.
Friday I was at school all day. I took an exam and got a 98%!
Then, I went to the Volleyball tournament for Institute and kept score... and hung out with the amazing Institute people. I love Institute so much! I am learning so much... and the classes are almost over, but I am going to sign up for a bajillion classes next semester and learn more and more! I'll probably take a mission prep class, as well:)
Then BRYN ANDERSON GOT ENGAGED! I don't know if you remember her, Bob, but she was in the Chesterfield stake and she loved basketball. So we had a celebratory bonfire for her last night. It was so much fun! Then I came home and crashed on my bed:)
I love the weekend!
Well, I'm going to go for a walk with Karin up the canyon now... get some Vitamin D! WooT Woot! we haven't spoken since Monday, so I'm so happy to finally see her and talk over out week:)
I love you all so much, and I am so excited it's already November!
Looooove Yooou!!!
-Sarah Michelle

Brother's Birthday!

2007-11-04T11:36:00.000-08:00
FATTY!
IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!
You're 23 years young
and I would have sung
about your brilliant life,
but it would cause strife
to everyones ears.

That was for you, Boo!
My brilliance outshines Shakespeare. *sigh* I amaze myself.

-Sarah Michelle

Maya Angelou's Poem

2007-11-03T11:14:00.000-07:00
A Woman should have
enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to

A Woman should have
something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour

A Woman should have
a youth she's content to leave behind

A Woman should have
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age

A Woman should have
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra

A Woman should have
one friend who always makes her laugh and one who lets her cry

A Woman should have
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family

A Woman should have
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored

A Woman should have
a feeling of control over her destiny

Every Woman should know
how to fall in love without losing herself

Every Woman should know
how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without; ruining the friendship

Every Woman should know
when to try harder and when to walk away

Every Woman should know
that she can't change the length of her calves,the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents

Every Woman should know
that her childhood may not have been perfect, but its over

Every Woman should know
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more

Every Woman should know
how to live alone even if she doesn't like it

Every Woman should know
whom she can trust,whom she can't,and why she shouldn't take it personally

Every Woman should know
where to go be it to her best friend's kitchen table or a charming inn in the woods when her soul needs soothing

Every Woman should know
what she can and can't accomplish in a day a month and a year

-Sarah Michelle

One small step for Sarah Michelle...

2007-11-03T11:03:00.000-07:00
'One Small Step' for me now, means one giant leap for the future Sarah Michelle. I'm 'hip'. I'm 'with it'... at least, I'm getting there. This blog is so that my family can keep in touch with me, and we can post things on eachother's blogs. I'm pretty excited about it!
"It Could Happen To You" is the title of my blog, because I have such random stories to tell. Still, it could happen to you. Unique, wonderful stories to accompany a unique, wonderful life.

It's A Beautiful Life!