Speaking of Seniors...

Speaking of Senior Recognition, it was 10 years ago yesterday that I graduated from High School. In many ways it feels like yesterday, but in other ways it seems like it happened a lifetime ago. High school wasn't always the best time for me. In fact, some of the hardest times of my life happened in high school. But with the help of some great friends who I still keep in touch with and love, I can honestly look back with fond memories and say that it was a good experience. Maybe its a survival mechanism that we humans have that allows us to remember the good times and forget a few of the hard ones. I recently received an invitation to my 10 year reunion that is scheduled for July. When I first found out that a reunion was in the works my thoughts were, "I didn't want to see most of those people when I could see them for free. Why would I pay money to see them now? The people that I care about and want to keep in touch with, I already do." But after some thought I've gotten over it. I think everyone can look back on their high school days with mild embarrassment and a few regrets. I think its time for me to get over it and start over. So yes, I will be there at my reunion in July. I was recently looking through a memory book that I kept my senior year. There was a section where they asked the question, "Where Will I be in 10 Years?" Here were my responses:

Physical Change: "I will be fat and pregnant."
Living at Home or Independently: "Definitely Independently."
Have I Graduated from a University?: "Yes, with a masters or more."
Engaged, Married, or Dating: "Probably married."
To Whom: "The man of my dreams! Who else would it be?"
Employed as What: "A chemical engineer on the side, but most importantly a mother."
What Kind of Car: "A Lexus."

I had a good laugh after reading this. I wouldn't consider myself fat and I'm definitely not pregnant (although not by choice). I do live independently (thank goodness!) and I have more than a masters. I did marry the man of my dreams. Actually, I take that back. The man I married is by far superior to the man of my dreams. I am not a chemical engineer (what senior girl says that they want to be a chemical engineer when they grow up? Only nerdy ones like me!). And I don't drive a Lexus. But overall I think I've accomplished most of my goals and have become most of the woman that I wanted to be. It's still a work in progress, but I'm headed in the right direction.

This next section is for Amie (I think you are the only one of my friends from high school that actually reads this blog). In the same book I said that you would be residing in Washington DC employed as a history teacher, driving a Dodge Neon, and that you would have shorter hair and lots of kids. How did we come up with this stuff? I am very grateful that you do not live in Washington DC because it would be much harder to see you. I said that Temina would be living in Montana employed as an elementary school teacher, driving a mini-van, with shorter hair. I didn't do too bad with that one!

Piano Recital

Last week I performed at my first piano recital in 15 years. I began taking lessons about a year ago and have really enjoyed it. I'm not perfect at practicing, especially when life gets a little hectic, but I love having something different to do that stretches my comfort zone a little. Between studying chemistry at BYU and then attending Pharmacy School, I have been predominantly using the left side of my brain for the past 8 years. It's good for me to learn how to be a little more musical, and I honestly believe that doing so makes me a better pharmacist. At this recital it was me and a bunch of 9 year olds (and a few high school students too). Yes, I was the only adult student, but that made it more fun.

Senior Recognition

This past week my ward had a Senior Recognition activity to honor all of the graduating seniors. We have nine girls graduating and they are amazing! I have been in Young Womens since most of them were Beehives and we have had a lot of great experiences together. I will miss them a ton but am so proud of them all. Good luck ladies! I'll sure miss you!

A Few More Pics of the House

Around Christmastime my friend Amie asked me to post more pictures of my new house. Now it's May and I am finally getting around to it. Here you are Amie, just for you, because I love you.

This is the family room downstairs (can you tell that I haven't gotten around to putting many pictures on the wall yet?)

The patio...aka the backyard. It's kind of nice not having much yard work to do!

Remembering Mom

I am so grateful for all of the remarkable women in my life, especially my mom, stepmom, mother-in-law, and grandmothers. They have all influenced me for good and have been wonderful examples of selflessness and sacrifice. I love you all and hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day! Me and Grandma Massey at Spirit Lake last summer.

Me and my stepmom Cheryl (and my dad too!)

My mother-in-law Karen after graduating from Nursing School

My Grandma Merrill, my mom Robin, and me last summer at the Salt Lake Temple

Carl and his Grandma Cynthia (aka Grannie) at her house in North Carolina

Confessions of an Unbalanced Blogger

I unexpectedly got off of work a couple of hours early today and couldn't decide what to do with my free time. I could've done something practical like sweep the floor, practice my piano, or read my book, but I decided I should probably update my blog. The last couple of months I have been a very inconsistent blogger. Since my miscarriage in February it has been hard for me to want to visit the blog world at all...my own or others. I honestly don't know why. I'm certainly not bitter at my friends who have kids, in fact I look forward to seeing updated pics of my friends' families. Maybe there is a part of me who feels out of place in the blog world--who knows? Anyways, to all of you who still actually visit my blog, here is an update of my (albeit boring) life:


In April, 3 of my great freshman-year friends and I got together for a day. Mary Ann and Brie Ann stayed for almost a week and it was fantastic! I love that we are able to keep in touch despite the time and distance. Thanks again girls for a wonderful day!
A few days later I went down to St. George for the Utah Pharmacists Association Convention (aka the "Nerd Convention"). Several of the technicians I work with also went down and we stayed in a condo together (thanks again LuDean for sharing your connections!). Here is a tiny picture of me and my girls...I stole it from Amanda's Facebook album and haven't figured out how to make it bigger. That's my punishment for always forgetting my camera and not taking my own pictures.

Hmm...what else? Carl and I started a super-budget earlier this month and are committed to having all of my student loans paid off by September. I want to be as financially secure as possible by the time I have a baby (assuming that happens before my 80th birthday) so I can have the choice to work as little or as much as I want to once I am a mother. It will take some sacrifice and self-discipline but will be worth it. Speaking of self-discipline, Carl and I have a 2-week European cruise scheduled for September. Assuming we have our student loans paid off by then, if you were me would you go on the cruise or start paying down the mortgage? We feel torn between living it up while we still can and being responsible. I would love to hear what you think!