Week of December 18-25

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

PS. Karin will KILL me if she found out this picture is on the web.

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

Friday, December 14

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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...

'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!