Vote with the BIG PICTURE in mind tomorrow!

OK, so I couldn't help but notice that a few people are talking about the votes they recently cast for the President of the U.S of A recently. First of all, let me congratulate all of those who took that initiative!!! What an honor and a priveledge we have as citizens of the US to vote!!!!

However, I must also speak my mind on the issues some people are voting on. I have seen Gay rights and Birth Control in some people's remarks relating to why they voted for a candidate, and I am SHOCKED that such a vote was cast in regards to those issues. In fact, I am DISGUSTED that this was the issue on the forefront of some people's minds as they sent their vote off to be counted!!!!

Let me expound a bit on this- I'm not here to say that Gay rights or birth control regulations are ridiculous issues. In fact, it's really hard to draw a line on both issues, even for me (one who is strongly against both for personal reasons). I know that there are many out there that feel very strongly about these issues, and I mean no disrespect. However, what makes me ill about voting for a candidate concerning those issues is this- it's simply not what's at stake in this election.

Let me repeat that again: Gay rights and Birth Control are NOT major issues in this election!!!!!

For you personally, you may feel that these are important issues, but please understand that although you may feel this way, it's not a make-or-break for the country. I would love more religious tolerance and rights put through myself, but I understand that this is an issue that doesn't really apply enough to the difference in the candidates this round. Those issues are figured when the two candidates running are equally qualified for the BIG things, but the smaller things distinguish one from the other.

So what IS this election about? The mainstream media has done an excellent job on masking and blurring the answer to that question, so I can understand why so many are being deterred from the truth here. The truth is this: this election is about THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY. I'm not saying that based on a bias or a focus of a particular party- it's just plain fact. Let's put it this way... Are you wondering when more money or SOME money ( in a lot of cases) is going to come your way to fund all those expenses? To pay off those student loans? To pay for groceries (higher prices now, by the way)? To pay for GAS? Well friends, you're not going to improve your chances of higher income and lower prices by changing the definition of marriage. Sorry... it's just not going to happen.

One thing I would encourage every person to look at before voting tomorrow is a basic economics book. Look up supply and demand and pricing strategies. When you do, you will find that when core expenses (beginning at the government level) rise, so do the most basic prices of  consumer goods. So for example: when gas prices go up, so does the price of corn in a grocery store. It costs more money to drive the tractor that plants and waters and harvests it, right? To cover the extra expense, the farmer has to charge the buyer more. That comes straight to you everyone- all the extra expenses come straight to you. The government doesn't cover the extra costs of that corn. YOU DO.

That's just one example- I can think of THOUSANDS more. However, I just want to drive home one point to everyone as voting day approaches: Think of the economy when you vote, not the smaller issues that could be discussed and resolved later. Obama would like to continue to raise gas prices (he's said that outright. Fact check me. I dare you), deduct spending from MAJORLY important sectors of the United States's budget, and continue to fund programs that are unneccessary and financially crippling. He doesn't treat the country as a business (which... sorry ya'll.. that's actually what any country is. Those countries that balance their budgets and create a "profit" or sorts through their internal processes and external activities are the ones that experience growth and prosperity. Again, not opinion. That's fact. Ask ANY economist- Republican, Democrat, or in-betweener), he treats it like a celebrity photoshoot every day of the week.

Choose a president who loves this country for what it is and what it always has been! Choose a president that doesn't seek "change," but rather constant IMPROVEMENT- there IS a difference. This country was founded upon basic values and principles, and we have to stick to those principles, especially considering the reasons for voting for someone. No more celebrity appeal! That's not what the man's for! He works for US. Would you HIRE someone like Barack Obama to run your company? Someone who has ZERO experience handling money well or even keeping promises well? Think about it long and hard. Trust me- you'll get more than you bargained for if you vote for the wrong reasons tomorrow... 

VOTE WISELY AMERICA!!! GOD BLESS US ALL!!!!

I AM ENGAGED!!!!

Hello everyone!!!! YES!!!! I AM ENGAGED!!!!!!

I know that so many people are going to be clambering for details on this exciting event, so in order to be able to tell you all with as much detail as possible, I decided that a blog post would be the best way to tell our story. :)  For those of you who kind of already know our beginnings, you can skip to the end haha.

THE BEGINNINGS: HOW WE MET AND HOW WE STARTED

Last September my BEST friend, Jessica Frazier, came running up to me after I got home from work one night and excitedly told me that she had met a very good lookin’ Southern guy at an outdoor movie, and above all, he had the most UNBELIEVABLE accent. Jessica wanted me to meet him, because she knew that my soul was from the South, and Southern men made me weak at the knees. Of course, I accepted that tantalizing invitation to meet this mystery man.

The following Sunday (September 25^th), the opportunity presented itself, and Jessica lead me over to Christopher’s apartment. When we arrived,  we were informed that Christopher wasn’t there- wah wah… However, when his roommate heard that we were looking for Christopher, he quickly called him and told him to run over and meet a bunch of girls that were waiting for him in the living room. Christopher soon came through the door, and my jaw dropped (in my mind at least). At that point, Christopher and I immediately began talking about anything and everything, and we continued to do so for the next 3 hours. Chris got my number and told me that he would call me sometime.

We saw each other the following Tuesday at Institute, and that’s when Christopher officially asked me out. On Friday night, September 30, 2011, we went on our very first date- YAY!  We headed up the canyon to make some tinfoil dinners and roast some mallows over a fire- SO FUN! After having a night full of talking and chasing raccoons around the park, we headed home, and I was SUPER excited about this guy (I already really liked him at this point).




Me and Chris at Jason Aldean!!

After that, the weirdest thing happened- Chris started ignoring me! I was so baffled that after we had spent an amazing evening on the most brilliant date I had ever been on, he wouldn’t text me or call me. Rude! I was convinced that he was playing me at that point (after all, he would text me one day, I would answer him, and then he wouldn’t text me back for TWO DAYS!!!!! And HE started the conversations! AH! Enough to drive a girl CRA-CRA!!!!). This went on for several weeks, and it was so frustrating.

The turning point came when I miraculously won tickets from 101.5 for the Jason Aldean tickets on October 22^nd. I told myself that I was going to ask Chris to go, and if something didn’t happen that night, I was not going to deal with the craziness anymore.

Luckily, Chris and I kind of hit it off that night and had our first kiss that night after the concert (YAY!) On the night of October 30, 2011, Christopher Chase Owens asked me to be his girlfriend.

Since then, it’s been incredible!! Here we are 11 months later and SO in love!!!!

THE ENGAGEMENT:

So today is our 11 month dating anniversary, but our year anniversary of our first date. So yesterday, Christopher wanted to take me up to Sundance to celebrate our amazing year together. Of course, I bought into the fact that we were just celebrating another monthly anniversary (although substantially more important even then), but something inside of me kept thinking “man, this would be a great day for him to propose…”  I shooed the idea because 1. I felt like there was no way he had talked to my dad yet, and 2. There was NO WAY he could have the ring with him.

So we went out to dinner at the Foundry Grill (delicious by the way- I highly recommend it), and I just couldn’t stop asking him why he hadn’t proposed yet. He downplayed it and told me that he PROMISED me it would be before December, but that I needed to be patient so that he could find the exact right time to do it. By the end of the dinner, I was convinced he was DEFINITELY not going to propose for a while. We then decided to take a 3 mile hike to Stewart Falls. It was a gorgeous hike, and Christopher kept noting at how amazing it was that we had been together for an entire year.

We finally got to the top and saw the most amazing view of the canyon, waterfall, and the sunset with the full moon rising at the same height as the sun. It was seriously something from a movie. Christopher turned to me and asked me if I wanted to dance (well… duh I did), so we turned on some Brad Paisley and slow danced as the sun sank behind the mountains.




Jessics in her brilliant disguise!
What a little con artist... haha

All the while, I notice this really strange couple across the river. I was actually pretty grossed out, because every time I looked at them, they started to make out (or so I thought). Little did I know that it was Jessica and a friend of hers sitting there taking pictures of us (she had a seriously MAGNIFICENT disguise)!!! Before I knew it, Christopher had grabbed his jacket, pulled something out, turned me around, got down on one knee, and asked me to be his wife with the most GORGEOUS ring I have EVER seen in my ENTIRE life displayed in his hands.

THE PROPOSAL!!!!!! I love him :)



I…WAS…. STUNNED!!!!! I couldn’t even say anything for like 30 seconds, but through tears of joy, I finally said the magic word (“yes” if you were wondering). Jessica and her buddy finally emerged from the trees, which resulted in me crying and laughing even more. It was literally the most wonderful moment of my entire life!



This is not a great pic of the ring... but it is STUNNING!!!

I woke up this morning and just couldn’t stop thinking about how excited I am for the next phase of my life with Christopher. I love him so much, and the thought of being his wife for all eternity is still making me tear up as I write this. I am so excited to share my life with him as we enter the temple together this April!!!

Mark your calendars for April 27^th!!!!!! Woohoooooooo!!!!!!!!

 

 

If you want to make $100,000 a year, I've got you covered. Let's do it this year.

Stop EVERYTHING and GO TO THIS EVENT in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA! The speakers here are teaching people how to take their own business and turn it into an endless flow of money. You will see money coming in than you paid for your whole trip BEFORE YOU EVEN LEAVE THE EVENT! WHAT????? Just don't forget your laptop!!!!

I'm totally signed up and ready to go. I can't wait to see you there! You may or may not be seeing some celebrity faces there too... :) People Magazine could be talking about this one for a while- Let's put it that way.

SEE YOU THERE! Click this link to sign up (there is also more information on this page so you can see what's going on during the 3-day-event). 
https://thewin.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/3054000/d6a72fc6c8e9313c

Give me a jingle if you are wondering about it. The email is Krissy@TheWinOnline.com.

An inspiration note- Don't Let it Go!

So I'm now to my final weeks in Georgia. Sorry I have been so bad at keeping up with the updates! I've really been way too busy to even mess with the blog, so I apologize.
As I have spent time in Georgia, I have begun to realize several things...

#1- I love Georgia. Can't wait to move back!
#2- The only opinion I care about is Chris's. I love him so much!
#3- Not using your AC to save money is probably the stupidest thing you can do on a Southern afternoon...
#4- If you get stopped by a train here, don't expect to move for at least 30 minutes. Just shut off your car and do a little reading to pass the time.
#5- When you are discouraged, the best thing to do is work your butt off to show everyone up.

Refering back to #5, I LOVE this tactic. I will forever be the queen of critical inspiration (which is my own little term for "people think I can't do anything and that I'm still 5, so I'm going to show you that not only am I not 5, but I am 100% capable of supassing even your greatest expectations (thank you very much)."

If people are really so narrow-minded to think that you are incapable of becoming something, I challenge you NOT to throw their opinion out the window. Funny as it may sound (and I might have stolen this one from my favorite Disney movie...), "Let it fuel your actions! Heed my words Goob. DON'T let it go." Perhaps that is taken a bit out of context, but nonetheless, I have now employed it. You never want to let it poison you (like it did to my friend Mike Wagoobian) or to put others down, but if you use someone's unnecessary jab as a positive challenge, then suddenly your whole life becomes this Olympic sprint that never ceases to entertain you and those who are watching. It's cool! If you are anything like me, there is nothing like somebody telling you that you're never going to amount to anything. Pshaw... yah... watch me. :)

Weddings, The WIN, and Date Night!

Howdy ya'll!

Just thought I would do a little blogging today. I needed to catch up.

First: Lindsey is MARRIED!!!!! I am so happy for her and Dane. They are literally perfect together :) Here are a few pictures from their wedding (for some reason they are all showing up blurry in the picture... They aren't actually blurry in real life just to let you know).

Awww- Chris and Allie! Such buddies.

The sissies

Can't help but love Dane's "Thumbs up"
here haha.

Next: Working like mad! I am no longer heading to Vegas for various reasons, but that's alright because I am working on the NEXT convention which I will 100% be going to in September. Sure to be an amazing couple of days. I can't wait it! I love my job!!

For those of you that don't know, I work at The WIN (Women's Information Network). The coolest part of my job is that I seriously am assisting in changing the WORLD. I'm not kidding- being a part of this organization means meeting people in all different countries and teaching them how to live better lives and improve their businesses. It's been such a fulfilling experience, and I've only just started! It's something all the speakers in the WORLD should check out- we'll take you to a GLOBAL level with your messages- we've already executed the largest gathering of women in the history of the planet. That was last year. We'll break our own record this year!!!!

Check us out: www.TheWinOnline.com and www.GlobalWomensSummits.com

Also: I love Georgia! I am going to have culture and landscape shock when I go back to Utah for the Fall. It is so utterly beautiful here, and I feel like I am home in this place. We had two days of pure rain the other day, and I seriously LOVED it. It smells like Hawaii after rain- so lush and damp. I love the heat too. I fixed my AC, so now I can enjoy the indoors AND the outdoors. So happy!

Finally: I had a date night with Chris last night! Love Chattanooga (Riverbend is still going on up there! We missed most of it unfortunately). Afterwards, we went and picked WILD blackberries- SO good. We got some delish Steak 'N Shake and then watched "The Vow." Haters can hate about that movie, but I loved that it didn't have the expected outcome that everyone was waiting for. It was way heartrenching!!! We enjoyed it.

Missing all my Utah peeps though, especially Jessica!!! Love you love you love you!!!! However, I really do love it here. This is seriously where I was meant to be.

One month in GA and going strong!!

It is currently 5:15 PM, and I am BOILING UP in my little townhouse. Yikes! At least it's beautiful here. Hey- someday I might even have AC!!! It will be a great day when I don't smell smoke throughout my house when I turn it out...

Here's the update though! I am LOVING Georgia. It's been such a great experience. I am learning so much by being here, and although there have been some days of struggle admittedly, I do not regret having to experience them. It's so exciting!!! I'm living proof that life happens and we survive! :)

Yesterday we had a HUGE lightning storm, and it was quite the light show!!! For brief moments at a time, the sky was as bright as noon day. CRAZY!! I enjoyed watching it, but I won't lie... I had this fear that it would turn into a tornado... It was unfounded because there was no wind, but the rain was heavy and the thunder was cracking and the lightning was bizarre in color, intensity, and frequency. Lucky for me, Christopher was on the phone and told me not to worry about it. 

Other than that, I've just been working my tail off over here. My boss is sending me to Vegas for our convention in a few weeks, and after that I can relax a little bit. There is just so much to do between now and then, so I've been working like crazy to try and accomplish everything every day. Cross your fingers for me! 

Last but certainly not least, my house has been overrun with fruit flies. I HATE fruit flies! Found one in my bag of bread today. Sick. Me and muh roomie are going to destroy them- they'll wish they'd never been hatched!!!!

Overall, things are going so good though! I am looking forward to the next couple of days. Work that I love, then Weddings, friends, and Christopher of course. You can't get much better than that!!! Things are taking off. :)

Now to be bombarded with pictures!

Kinsley at her graduation!! So cute :)

Um... Do you see why I love this man?

The old plantation by the river. Original from the Civil War!

Another Beautiful Summer night in GA!

My new favorite pastime is picking wildflowers.
There are a million here.

I don't think you can see them, but there are a TON of
lightning bugs in this picture. I have never seen one
before!!!

THIS is a lightning bug. Freak of nature right??? Love em.

I thought this would turn out better than it did...
It's a balloon if you were wondering.

Travis's Graduation

Aw poor baby! Ali was SO overheated at the outdoor
graduation!

Eli stirring up mischief as usual. SO FUNNY!!! 

Check out that blood-red sun! I've never seen anything like it!

Yay! My first blog GIVEAWAY!!! And it's a GOOD one...

Hey eveyone!!! I am giving away an ANDROID TABLET!!!! All you have to do is join the FB event and do what it says, and you are ENTERED!!! Here is the link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/242073472564244/

The drawing is happening on June 30, 2012, but you have to start doing stuff now to get as many slips into the hat as you can. DO IT. It's SO easy, and the prize is worth like $400.00. Be smart about it and DO IT!!!!!

There is no weird info you have to provide; just your name and email address. NO credit cards. NO age. NO extra offers you have to accept. It is what it says because I CREATED THE EVENT- not my company. I made the prize. I buy the prize and hand it to you (well... in the mail if you are my Utah homies. All my Georgia and Tennessee pals can get it in person).

Can't wait to see you on the FB event!

I'm Here!

(Hey guys- I wrote this one out on April 29, but I neglected to put it up until today. So here's the update from last weekend)!

Hey everyone! I finally made it. Here I am in Fort Oglethorpe, GA for the next three months, and I couldn't be more excited about it!!!

The journey here was a LONG three-days drive. We went through Wyoming (ugliest state ever), Nebraska (most boring drive ever), Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and finally GEORGIA! if you in include Utah, that's NINE states in just three days! Talk about seeing the country. I now know that I would never want to live in most of those states, and the South is the most beautiful place on the mainland. :)

Along the way, Dad got pulled over by a cop for going four over in Nebraska. Yes. In the middle of nowhere. Four over. He also made him get out of the car, walk over the cop car, and get in. YES! Can you believe that???? I thought it was hilarious- we both did really. Pretty sure the guy had a different agenda (DUI check maybe?). Mind you, if we were swerving, it was because the wind was SO BAD. We JUST MISSED  a storm that was about to turn into a tornado as we passed over the Missouri State line. Crazy! We just laughed it off and called it a new experience (and a GREAT picture haha!)

When we got here on Saturday evening, I was reunited with Chris (Yaaaayy!!). It was so fun! He met us at the Hamilton Place Mall and took us to Famous Dave's BBQ in Chattanooga for some real Southern food (Delish), and then we got ice cream and toured Ringgold. It was fun to be able to do that with my daddy too! We then slept it off in the Hotel for Dad's last night with me. I miss him already (he left yesterday morning. Don't get to see him or my mommy for three whole months). Wah Wah. :(

The apartment is so cute though! I'll have to take some pictures, because it's seriously like a Southern Dream. Porch. Rocking Chairs. White with Green shutters and a green door. I'm also right next to the battlefield, which happens to be a GREAT running spot. I'm hopefully going to try that one out  after I map it out :)

Hello Georgia! Lovin' you so far!

"Hello my name is Krissy. I'm a Mormon. This is the Truth."

    Hey everyone- I’m sure most of you have seen the brand new video out from some BYU students that are members of the USGA. As a straight Mormon college girl who knows many gay individuals, I wanted to put my 2 cents in on this issue to perhaps clear up some confusion that the video created. (Here is the original video for those who have not seen it yet. Also, my music is probably going to interfere with you hearing it on my blog, so just go down to the very bottom, and the player can be paused FYI. Otherwise, you can see it on YouTube if you search "It Gets Better BYU").

   First of all, I’d like to say that I think that those people in the video were trying to do a good thing. However, we can all see by the many anti-Mormon comments beneath each video that it’s actually hurting the Church’s image because of its representation of our church. Let me just remind everyone who watched that video that those who created it are students of the university, not official representatives of the LDS church. If you look to our doctrine, we have spoken many times on our stance on this matter.

   To clarify, I will say this: I have many gay friends. I’ve worked with them for years due to my involvement in the arts, such as piano, theatre, and dance. I love those people very, very much, and they will remain my very good friends forever. However, I can honestly say that their urges, should they choose to act upon them, will be cause for repentance in the future just like if I decided to have sexual relations outside of a marriage. Now, I know that some people are going to tell me how that’s unfair because gay individuals cannot marry in our church. However, same-sex marriage is considered a sin in our church outright because of the simple fact that it is against God’s plan, which is perfect- we speak of this and God’s definition of marriage and family in the Church’s “Proclamation to the Family.” God creates all in his image, and the only way that God could have created us, his children, is through a sacred marriage between man and woman. There is simply no other way, physically or spiritually, to define it properly.

   There are many reasons for this definition, but the biggest one is because you cannot procreate together, which is a basic commandment. Now, the true key here is “togetherness.” Creating children together, as husband and wife, inspires unity, love, and longevity in family life and spouse relationships. It teaches life lessons that cannot be learned any other way. There is an empty place in everyone’s life, whether they feel it immediately or not, when children are absent from a marriage.  It leads to true happiness and teaches us to be like Him, the most perfect being in the Universe and beyond. This is why God teaches us thus, not because he is a hateful or spiteful God. He loves us! Just like any other parent, his purpose is to make his children truly happy. Only He knows how to get there! (For more on this sacred topic, I would read, “Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments,” a talk given by my dear cousin and member of the 12 apostles of the Church, President Jeffrey R. Holland).

   However, I must mention that when a gay partnership participates in adoptions or artificial insemination to try and fulfill that commandment, it mimics the true commandment, which has an entirely different purpose and goal in mind. By mimicking such a sacred bond that God has designed, the blessings of having children are missed. In fact, the psychological and physical harm that comes to a child by being raised in such a contradictive home is enough to not only negatively affect his/her life, but the hundreds of lives that he/she comes in contact with, directly or indirectly, in the future.

Now, I could write a novel on the many reasons and beliefs behind the Church’s stance on homosexuality  but I believe that our church leaders say it best. President Boyd K Packer said…

 “Pure love presupposes that only after a pledge of eternal fidelity, a legal and a lawful ceremony, and ideally after the sealing ordinance in the temple, are those life-giving powers released for the full expression of love. It is to be shared only and solely between man and woman, husband and wife, with that one who is our companion forever. On this the gospel is very plain.

We are free to ignore the commandments, but when the revelations speak in such blunt terms, such as “thou shalt not,” we had better pay attention.

The adversary is jealous toward all who have power to beget life. Satan cannot beget life; he is impotent. “He seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” ⁸ He seeks to degrade the righteous use of the life-giving powers by tempting you into immoral relationships.”

(see Boyd K. Packer’s October 2010 General Conference talk, “Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” for his full address).

   With that said, I would like to say this: The USGA said it right when they stated that there are people who love you. There are! You should never consider suicide as a better option than confronting the problem. You have a right to life just like any other person! You have a purpose in life that is greater than you know. There are supporters out there who are willing to speak with you and work with you to overcome this trial. Most of all, God loves you, despite your struggles and weaknesses! However, God will not allow you to transgress His laws. There are laws and ordinances of the gospel that MUST be abided to attain glory in the Celestial Kingdom. Anyone can argue that, but it’s true despite what people would like to say. When one chooses to embrace a homosexual lifestyle calling it, “who they are,” they are doing nothing more than denying their divine heritage. There is a way to overcome every sin and temptation. Scripture, both in the Book of Mormon and the Bible, reiterates this time and time again.

   The Lord presents us with trials, but we should look as them as challenges to step up and prove ourselves as strong and courageous people. Looking at them as a hindrance defeats their purpose, as trials are given to us to strengthen us by first breaking us down. Ignore that fact, and you lose the purpose to your life and eventually find yourself far away from the path you hoped you’d be on.

   Finally and most importantly, no matter what you’ve done or where you’ve ended up because of your choices, there is a way back. Perhaps you have prayed to have your trials removed, (specifically to have gay feelings removed) and your pleas seem to go unanswered. Remember that all prayers are answered in God’s time frame, not yours. Your faithfulness with serve you well, and if you endure, even if it takes years or even a lifetime to overcome, God will always answer your prayers that have righteous intent. God will love you no matter what, but he will only be able to reward you if you embrace the atonement and trust Christ, the brother that understands every sickness, every pain, and every temptation. As much support as  you seem to find amongst your peers, you will always find more through you Savior, who offers more than love and support, but forgiveness and redemption.

   Turn to God with your hardships. Do not be led to believe that you are simply, “born this way.” God created you with divine truths and a divine purpose, so seek to follow His simple teachings and you will rediscover that to which your first knowledge, your preearthly knowledge, disposed you. 

****Side note: To those members of the USGA, I hope that you will further clarify your mission as BYU students and as members of the church, because I think that it was a little bit of a miscommunication to both non-member and members. However, I think that offering a support group to those struggling with the same hardships in order to find a righteous solution and a pathway to recovery is a great thing! I know it's possible to overcome same-gender attraction. You can do it! You're strong people with abilities beyond your comprehension!****

Cell phone scamming- it's getting SCARY.

 I just got a call from my best friend, Jessica, so I answered it worrying that she was in trouble (considering that it's 2:00 am and hardly the best time for a casual phone call). When I picked up, some thug demanded why I hit his car, that I left my number on a note on his windshield, and that he was "losing his patience" with me. He proceeded to demand my insurance company and information, which I refused to give him (hence the "losing my patience" line). He then started calling me a B-word, and continued to yell at me over the phone.

I had just woken up in a daze, worried that Jess was in trouble. I was extremely alarmed when this guy answered when I said, "Hello." Because of the fact that I could barely think straight in light of the manner of my answering the phone and my fear knowing that it was Jessica's phone number (and thinking that some guy jumped her and stole her phone to call me), part of me almost gave up my insurance company's name. However, I didn't, and that was lucky. This was probably THE scariest phone call I have ever received, because it came with a personal threat over the phone!


THIS IS A SCAM! Don't let it happen to you. In my case, it appears that the guy was working on committing what's called "Hard Insurance Fraud." This fraud entails faking an auto accident, taking insurance information from someone, and filing a claim to get money. The thing is, if you give up your information, they can claim pretty much as much money as they want, because you are basically admitting that you participated in such an incident by giving out that information. You know what that means if they win- you're insurance hits the roof!

What's scarier is that this guy/company/whatever or whoever it was not only demanded confidential information, but they hacked my phone records and my contact list to #1- Find out who my top contacts were and #2- hack their identity through my phone to ensure that I picked up. What the heck?? I had no idea that people could do that! Beware--This is a multi-million dollar industry in auto alone. Get educated on what's going on to avoid it.

 Who knew that fraud could get so dang scary!!!!  Here's some basic tips that can help you figure out if a call you are receiving is a scam.

1- You receive a call or multiple calls (after hanging up or ignoring once) from any number you don't know. I had this happen about 20 minutes before "Jessica's" call. I woke up to a 208 number calling me, and I know plenty of people with that area code. I ignored it the first time, but they persisted to call twice more, so I finally answered. It said something like, "Thank you for answering. Goodbye." I was like, "Ohhhhh great. Now I'm in for it." I really didn't connect the dots. In fact, I fell asleep again (since it was 1:30 am) until the next phone call awoke me. That brings me to my next point....

2. You receive an odd call at an odd hour. That's what scared me the most- Jess called me at 2 am- so unusual for her unless she's in trouble. I answered outright because of my worry. However, you can imagine my fear and my surprise when J-Quizzy answered me. Talk about scary! I envisioned her in a dumpster in some dark alley and some guy having stolen her phone to call me up!

3. You have a personalized ringtone for that person, and it doesn't go off when they call you. Jess has a VERY distinct ringtone, and my normal ringtone went off when "she" called. I figured it was a phone error and thought nothing of it, but it should have alerted me that the call was not genuine and certainly not from Jessica's phone at all.

4. Someone calls you demanding personal information over the phone. This is a classic case of fraud. NEVER give out pin numbers, IDs, Social Security numbers, or, in my case, Insurance information of any kind.  They'll milk you for everything your worth! My good friend was conned by a message telling her to update her credit card information and saw $300 withdrawn in California the next day. Look out. Yikes!

5. Some unknown number leaves you a message and requests that you call them back. These scammers are typically from out of the country, even though the number is a US number. They are often from Canada or Africa, and they hire US workers to do their dirty work. When you call that number back, they charge you upwards $100 dollars a MINUTE, beginning the second you dial the number. Talk about a painful bill that month.

If any of these happen to you, don't give in to the demands for money or information. It's the scariest, most intimidating type of fraud I have EVER come across in my life, and I can see how they are backing people into a corner virtually and getting information because of intimidation and fear! What a sad a scary use of technology!

Contact your phone company if this happens to you. This will help everyone in the long run, and the phone company will help keep you safe by looking into it. Just be aware that it's happening, and people are going to great lengths to steal your identity, the identity of others, and everyone's money. The more aware you are, the less likely you'll get scammed or damaged from such activities.

Men and Sushi- Keep it a secret!

Hey guys! It's been so long since I've written a darn thing, but it's that time again- the time where I am waiting for my next class to start and have decided to waste time blogging instead of studying. So what else is new, right? :)

I overheard some dude chatting at school today and I almost died of laughter right there. No, he wasn't meaning to be funny unfortunately- he was actually 100% serious. Please forgive me if you, as a man, have ever done this and it is truly a part of you, but in my deepest and most serious opinion, unless you are Asian or some type of islander, telling people that you are dying for a piece of sushi does NOT make you manly. It, in fact, emasculates you...

Really... It's a feminine food if you are a Haole (white guy). It's really fine to like it- I'm not saying that eating it takes away your manhood. I'm simply stating that telling people you crave it is not manly. The only person you should ever admit that to is your woman, because it's likely that she's the one who actually got you hooked on the stuff.

Let's take Chris for example. Christopher is a very manly man. He likes red meat and weights and football and getting into brawls over football. Man, right? Well one date night, we were trying to think of a delicious restaurant that we could treat ourselves to, and it became apparent that he had never tried the sushi at Happy Sumo. I, myself, am not a fish lover and definitely am not a raw fish lover. However, this sushi is really yummy, and frankly, it's mostly cooked (bingo).  I suggested the place, and at the first mention of "sushi," Chris recoiled in disgust. He, of course, never had tried sushi before, so with due coaxing and eyelash fluttering, I convinced him to try it (with the backup plan of ordering a large teriyaki bowl just in case he hated it). Come to find out, he actually liked it! Now we go when I request because he's not afraid of it anymore. HOWEVER, he never requests it because it is, in fact, a girlie thing to ask for despite the fact that he likes it (keep in mind that he only liked the cooked chicken and salmon roll, just like me :) haha).

Therefore, men of America, if you are white, do NOT tell everyone you adore and crave sushi. It ain't manly! Let your girl be the one to declare that for you. It's an element of man code.

The Piano Player's Folly

So here I am in the BYU commons, and I should  be working. However, I have opted to surf the web and do absolutely NOTHING of worth for the next hour because I am sick and tired of studying. I had a massive, disgustingly hard test last night (don't even want to know how I did... everyone else was moaning afterwards too, so maybe there will be some redemption), and my midterms have been forcing me to stare at books and quizzes for the entire week. I deserve a break!

One thing I do NOT deserve, however is to listen to this annoying piano player... The BYU commons (aka "The Terrace") has this piano in the corner for people to play on. I really haven't figured out why exactly it is placed there- I think most people would rather play piano in a private place so they can play their hearts out- but it is there all the same. Anyway, most of the time, you hear fun little Disney songs or whatever, but then you get the occasional peacock that decides that playing some huge, supposedly incredible piece for everyone to hear is a great idea. Well, it isn't. It's annoying.

This is the infamous Terrace piano. I think this is the
same guy too!

As you can probably guess, there is someone here that has been doing that very thing. Not only did he choose to BUTCHER a contemporary piece that he shouldn't even ATTEMPT, he's deciding to make up  renditions of about every pop song or Nintendo song ever written (He's playing Mario's theme song right now and playing it 100% wrong.. like, if I'd never played around with it on the piano myself, I may not even recognize the song at all) and it's so unoriginal that it's making my ears bleed.

Maybe it's just the fact that I've spent 19 years of my life perfecting my piano skills and have been trained by some of the greatest pianists in the world. However, I can tell that this guy's playing (PS- he's been going for over an hour. It's not looking good for anyone else who wants a turn either) is making other people uncomfortable too. It's like... sacrament meeting. You don't go and sing "Jesus- What a Wonderful Child" during sacrament meeting. Yes, it may be a tribute to Jesus, but the energy in that song is highly inappropriate for such a venue. Likewise, playing a showy piece in the middle of a relaxation area for high-strung students eating lunch is disruptive and abrasive... as least to me!

(PS... This same pianist just played the song from "Zelda: Twilight Princess" where Link is a wolf and is tenderly carrying his wounded comrade to Zelda's castle... and then he howled. No, Link didn't howl on the game, this pianist just howled... out loud... I can't take this).

I can't say that he's horrible, but it's undeniable that I'm really just wanting peace and quiet here! Save it bro!

How to be Happy: Dr. Paula Fellingham

In my career prep class yesterday, I was introduced to an AMAZING woman-

 Dr. Paula Fellingham.

Talk about inspirational. If you want to feel loved, important, and be able push through any adversity that's thrown at you, follow her (and my) philosophy. Hearing someone with such a vision reminded me of my own convictions, some that I forgot for a while as I was stuck in the dumps. Here are some of her amazing thoughts, and you HAVE to read her book called Believe it, Become it! It will "change your DNA" as she says. This isn't just for women, for business persons, or people interested in her website, www.thewin.com (but check it out for reals. Again, life changing). This is for anyone that breaths. 

Here are some of her points made in the lecture on Wednesday afternoon:

No one can offend me without my permission... *Eleanor Roosevelt*

“Don’t let the bad permeate 

you- you can choose what 

stance to take.”

Will power cannot ever 

be taken from you-

even in the most horrible

 circumstances, that is

 the one gift you have.

“NEVER tell yourself or let other people tell you that you’re a terrible person over a mistake you made in the past. Instead, remind yourself of this statement,’I made the best decision I possibly could with the information I had at that time. I have more information now and can thus make a better decision now.’ With this one statement, you recognize the learning experiences of life and find happiness in that learning rather than simply dwelling on the negative.”

“Happy people don’t 

receive one success 

after another- it’s 

just that happy people

 use their outlook to

 brighten their 

perception to gain joy. 

Unhappy people take

 twice as long by 

focusing on the negative 

to obtain the same 

successes as “happy” people.”

8 ways to create joy and confidence

1.  Live in Gratitude

2.  Offer love and kindness

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving them better.” –Mother Theresa

The Paradoxical Commandments

by Dr. Kent M. Keith

1.      People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

2.      If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

3.      If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

4.      The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

5.      Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

6.      The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

7.      People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

8.      What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

9.      People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

10.  Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

3.  Be flexible and Cheerful

4.  Be passionate about something and DO it!

5.  Be positive  and use positive self-talk and self-prophesies

6.  Ignore your negative thoughts

7.  Eliminate ALL negative expressions

8.  Stop asking bad questions

“What can I do to make myself feel happier right now?”

9. Learn to love! (Your God, Your Fellow man, and YOURSELF)

Gain a life vision- it will change the way you approach conflict and  trials in your life and thus the outcomes of each and every thing you do- you will find purpose. Thanks for your amazing insights Paula!

Dr. Zoe Hart and Me

Dr. Zoe Hart, played by Rachel Bilson on the CW hit series, "Hart of Dixie," is my favorite right now. Why? I feel like she and I are really similar! Sometimes I feel like I am a fish out of water or a chicken in a duck pond. I find that, while watching "Hart of Dixie," I can relate to everything she goes through in a way. Maybe that's why I'm so obsessed with that show :) I luff it.

What do you do when you feel like that though? We all have days where we think that the World is out to get us and things just don't go the way you planned. Sometimes we don't just think it- it may be reality! Those days definitely stink, and it's hard to be strong through those moments. However, like Zoe Hart, we have to be stronger than we're expected to be. That's where you prove your abilities to handle anything. Forget about trying to "fit the mold" or change who you are to please other people- there is no "normal" in the world, so why try to adjust yourself to meet other people's definition of it? Find your values and stick to them- THAT is what is important. 

More than Zoe Hart though, God is the number one source of my comfort. He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to not only pay for our sins, but also to suffer along with us as well. He loves and understands each one of us, even when other people don't. I like to think of the Wimmicks and the stickers story each time I get down. We are His, and that is all that matters. Follow his precepts and laws, and you're on your way to greatness and success.  I love him and I know He loves me. I am very grateful for the atonement and every application it provides me.

So what I'm saying is simply this: love yourself for all your weird little quirks! Push through it like Zoe Hart when people don't believe in her! Most importantly, remember that God loves you and Christ suffered so that he could understand you. Turn to Him when you're down- He gets it!

Meet Sanchez!!!

Lookie lookie!!! This is Sanchez, my new Nikon d3000! Isn't he adorable???

I'm telling you- the pictures on this sucker are amazing... I mean... contrast and depth of field are incredible on this baby! Guess how much I got him, his lense, his strap, and all his cords for? $375.00. That's what we call a DEAL! The body alone is worth about $500.00 I hear, and the telephoto lens would typically be worth a pretty penny too. Not only that, but I bought it from a guy up in Layton that said it was pre-owned, so I was expecting something showing a little wear with a bag full of the extras. This guy handed me a BRAND NEW BOX. It still had all the packaging and bubble wrap on EVERYTHING. What?? Needless to say, I felt like I got a deal.

Happy Birthday Sanchez :) We're gonna have some bonding moments before you know it!

Oh poo! Our toilet flooded! This stinks....

Haha! So for those of you that read muh roomie Candace's blog (loooove it! Check it out if you love Etsy and hairpieces and cute clothes and stuff :) it's like a mini pinterest! Here's the link http://kahandace.blogspot.com), you may already know this story. However, for those of you who are out of the loop, this week was OFFICIALLY crazy! It started out with a bang- literally. I woke up Monday morning to get ready for class and I stepped in a lake of shining waters- our toilet flooded. NOOOOOO! It was literally filling up our whole bathroom and then the carpet all the way into the living room. Talk about a rude awakening...

Luckily for us, the water came from the back of the toilet, not the main bowl. That means that it was clean bath water basically. However, that didn't stop it from causing major problems all the same. I came back to my apartment later thinking that our carpet was going to be replaced to find that we had massive dryers in our apartment... King Henry, I wanna slay you! The carpet was SOAKED all the way through, and they were just going to let it sit there and hope that these pathetic dryers could take care of it. Not.

Just when I thought my troubles had ended, I found out that the electricity was out! AH! There had been some weird mix-up with the power company and some bill was outstanding, so they cut us off . Not good. So as I was driving up to teach piano lessons after a hectic day of classes, I was making a million calls to and from roommates to the power company- needless to say, my phone died halfway through the day... NOOO! Cut off from civilization... Also not good. We did get our electricity back on luckily, but it was a hectic day to say the least.

So Monday was totally and completely crazy. But it gets better. Guess what? My apartment now reeks like 50-year-old, mildewy laundry. And guess what else? Two days ago, I noticed that there was a wet spot under my bed... checked it out, and it's actually SOAKED since my bedroom shares a wall with the bathroom. Since I have a lot of storage stuff down there, I didn't even notice before. So now my apartment is a total loss. Haha oh well! Good thing I am never there! Haha!

So anyway, if you ever have a sad day, remember the tale of the toilet. Always keep it in your heart, and you'll never be sad. I mean, look at me! I think it's freakin' funny! Haha!