I know that I've been due for a post lately, so I'm going to post some pictures from recent weekends.
Enjoy!!
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Sarah Michelle
11 February, 2010
Due for a Post
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!!
I know that I've been due for a post lately, so I'm going to post some pictures from recent weekends.
Enjoy!!
03 February, 2010
Confessions of a Serial Dater
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
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
21 January, 2010
Do We Understand PTSD?
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
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
20 January, 2010
Back Into the World... Yet Not of It.
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
...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
24 June, 2008
I'm Goin' to BOISE IDAHO!!!
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
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
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!
"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
... and then Kody decided he couldn't wait 18 months and proposed to Will.
Love,
Sarah Michelle
23 June, 2008
The Farewell
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.
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.
21 June, 2008
My Last Huzzah! in Salem...
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::
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::
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