Always Aubrey

Thank the Maker

2011-01-10T13:13:00.000-06:00

My family aquired this button back in 2005 at the Star Wars Celebration 3 convention. It was to premote a website that was "thanking the maker" of Star Wars, George Lucas. The website, to my knowledge, is no longer around. I bet George was sad.

Whenever I see this button, it reminds that I need to do just that. I do need to thank my maker, my God, my Heavenly Father. He has done countless things for me, whether I realize them or not. I'm appreciative of it, but not near as much as I should be.

When you think of all the ways you can be thankful to your maker, it really makes you realize how loved you really are.

Road Work Ahead

2010-12-22T15:57:00.000-06:00

Much like the roads we travel on, our "spiritual roads" we travel to return to our Father in Heaven often have "road work ahead." Trials, tribulations, sins. All of these effect our spiritual road. Fortunately, much like the construction crews who repair the road, our Savior helps repair and correct our errors, comfort our sorrows, and helps us be successful in this life.

We all have "road work ahead." Instead of dreading it, we should embrace it and be grateful for the trials we have been given (after all, it could always be worse.) We will have the urge of impatiency for the trial to be over, but in the end, it will only be beneficial for us. In the end, it will make us better--much like driving through a construction zone: the traffic may creep by slowly and it may feel like it drags on forever, but in the end, the road ends up being better then it was prior.

I'm just grateful I have my own handy dandy construction crew with me whenever I call upon him, and so do you. Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Lord, our Redeemer. He is there for us, to help us, to keep us safe. :)

The Yellow Ribbons

2010-11-10T22:36:00.000-06:00

(Taken & Edited by Aubrey Anderson)

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ~Cynthia Ozick

November 11th is no just "another ol' day" that is pre-written down on the calender. For me, it has always been a day that you say thank you to those veteran's who have served our country, whether it was a big or small contribution.

91 years and 364 days ago, the armistice of World War 1 was signed to officially end the fighting that was taking place during the war--on the 11th day, of the 11th month, on the 11th hour. Known as Armistice Day, this day was used to honor those men who had died during the first World War. After World War 2, it was changed to Veteran's Day. The purpose of the day did not change however.

----

My whole life I have been raised to know that this day is special. I have always known it as a "Thank your grandpa for his military service" day. Every year, my mom would have us write a thank you card to my grandpa who fought in Vietnam.

As I have gone through my teen years, I have become more aware of the sacrifice these people have gone through. I have known several who have served in our military. It really has impacted me.

I go out of my way to say thank you to Veterans. They fascinate me. I send thank you cards every year, but, it still doesn't seem enough. I wish there was more I could do. I guess being grateful is the best way of showing appreciation.

Anyway, to all you troops out there...

THANK YOU SO MUCH

& HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY

Dandelions and Sunflowers

2010-09-09T19:38:00.000-05:00

I was driving my favorite 12 year old home from our sleepover the other day. While driving her home, we discussed the plethora of sunflowers that can be found about the area, peppering the roads with obnoxious yellow buds. The topic of sunflowers led to the topic of dandelions, after all, they too are yellow.

"Dandelions are flowers."
"No, Aubrey, they're weeds."
"Oh, you're right. But they look like flowers."

And that was our conversation.

But somehow, the topic of yellow flowers reminded me of something more spiritual. Something with meaning.

We all have our own gardens. Gardens full of talents and choices we've made. Some gardens have great big flowers, some have ferns, and some are just starting to bud. It is up to us what "flowers" we plant in our gardens.

Satan has lots of "dandelions" in our lives: things that may seem enticing, looking aesthetically appealing and desirable but are extremely toxic, much like dandelions are. Like my conversation with my 12 year old bestie, dandelions look like flowers, but they, after all, are weeds. Weeds that can destroy a garden or field unless they're dealt with right away.

Sin is just like this. Its dangerous, no matter how big or small the sin is. It can become toxic and destroy us if we are not careful to "nip it in the bud."

Thankfully, we have Jesus Christ, the ultimate weed killer. With his giant bottle of Round Up called the atonement, we are able to destroy all the weeds that have possessed our gardens, allowing us to replant our beautiful flowers that were once there, along with new ones.

I'm very grateful for this.

Growing pains

2010-08-22T22:22:00.000-05:00

I can't help but believe that God knows all of His children. He knows our flaws, our strengths, our desires, the buttons we hate to get pushed, our guilty pleasures, our hopes, our dreams, our fears, everything. God knows us better then anyone else on this planet (I bet He didn't even need to have my mom tell him about my tendencies to stuff trash in the pockets of the car.)

I have to believe that God knows me. I know He knows me because of what I've been given. We are only given that which we can handle, which, most of the time seems too much to bear. God knows that we can bear it, and gives us our trials as a growing experience.

Sometimes, we do not know why we must go through the pains of life, but think of it as "growing pains"--like when you're a teenager. You must reach your body's physical stopping point, and sometimes that means one must experience physical pain in the growing process. Trials are just the growing pains of our spirituality.

God knows me. He knows that I couldn't handle having long term illnesses, such as cancer or eosinophilic gastroenteritis. He knows that my bad vision, arthritis and bad ankles are probably the only physical ailments I could handle right now in life.

He knows that my low pain tolerance would lead me to complain, leading my family and friends to probably go insane from hearing me saying "it hurts." Once again, God, our father, knows what we are able to handle.

I just wanted to say how grateful I am for those in my life who have manned up during their times of trials, keeping their faith in God in their hearts and head held high.

I know that without their great examples, I would not be appreciating what problems I have. I'd be saying "Hey, God, I kind of would like to not have joint pain every day. I kind of would like to be able to wear whatever shoes I'd like. I kind of would like to be able to see without contacts." Instead, I am saying "Hey, thank you for what I have been given."

Never forget our Father in Heaven. He knows you, and He will always bring you aid during your trials. Never, ever forget this.

Two Bucket Lists

2010-08-04T13:16:00.000-05:00

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend my best friend's cancer support group, or as we lovingly call it: "cancer class." Cancer class is held the first Tuesday of the month at the hospital. People who have had cancer, have cancer, or those folks who just tag along go to this gathering to talk about their experiences with cancer and how it impacts them daily. I don't have cancer, or have ever had cancer, but I do enjoy going to listen to the strong willed people tell their story.

One of the cancer ladies there, Marilyn, was talking about her bucket lists. "I have two bucket lists. One of things I want to do, and one that God wants me to do before I pass on" was essentially what she said. She said that God's list pops up whenever He wants her to do something, even if it means putting off her list for a little while.

This message touched me. I never thought of that. There are our wills, and God's will, too. Sometimes things go how we planned, sometimes they don't. Sometimes, they just don't make any sense at all. God knows what is going on, and that's what matters most.

There are things I'd like to do in my life, and I know that God has his ideas as to what He wants me to do. The same goes for you, too. :)

ME ME ME Mints

2010-07-20T16:48:00.001-05:00

I was taking a drive this morning and decided to pop open my Ice Breakers Mints to help eliminate the taste of my chicken and cheese sandwich that I had previously eaten. Besides my lack of finger nails, I had quite a difficult time trying to open the stinking thing.

"What's with this stupid thing?" I thought as I pulled and pried. Well, turns out I had been trying to open the TO SHARE portion of the container. (For those of you who haven't needed a mint recently, the mint holder has two sides: one labeled TO SHARE and one labeled NOT TO SHARE.)

I've probably had these mints a billion times, yet, this time, something was different. Was the minty refreshness providing me inspiration and a "light bulb" moment? No, probably not. However, something caught my attention.

The TO SHARE portion of the box is itty bitty and small, while the NOT TO SHARE is very large and easy to get mints out of. (I know what you're thinking that I'm probably Captain Obvious, but trust me, this story does have a point.)

The Ice Breakers container is just like the world and this ME ME ME then you attitude.

People, generally speaking as a whole, tend to be selfish. It doesn't surprise me that even the mint box is reflecting this. "My breath is more important then your breath. Sorry." is essentially what is being portrayed through this.

Shouldn't the TO SHARE opening be bigger, instead of impossible to use? Shouldn't we, as people, be more willing to serve others above ourselves? It is kind of appauling that the container is like that. It is only premoting selfishness.

I just think it is pretty pathetic that we're being selfish with some flipping mints...seriously, they're not even the good kind (aka the buttermilk wedding mints or Lifesavers. Yum.)

I'm not saying that Ice Breakers are bad, or of the devil. I'm not saying that all. I'm just saying that next time you share your mints, maybe you should be willing to share your "stash" with the others. It is what Jesus would do.

Happy, happy, joy, joy

2010-06-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

I am smiling from ear to ear, something my face muscles aren't exactly use to feeling. I can honestly say that I'm genuinely happy. It is such a great feeling to look to the future and feel excited.

What exactly happened that turned this little happy switch on? I don't think anything can be pinpointed specifically, but I have some ideas.

Driving:
As you know, I recently got my license. I never thought that having some plastic picture of myself with my name on it would open up a gateway of joy.

Sure, I don't have a "real" job so paying for gas and insurance may become a thorn in my side, but I have such freedom that I didn't really realize I didn't have because I was postponing it.

For example, the other day I drove myself to Starbucks at 8:30 one night because I had a bad day. If I didn't have my license, I would have had to convince my mom that it was worth the drive.

Singles Branch:
I'll be the first to admit I hate trying new things. Absolutely hate them. I don't like to go into situations where I don't know a soul and try to fit in. It makes me sick to my stomach when I know I have to do it.

The other day, a couple of my friends in the singles branch invited me to attend the branch's FHE (family home evening on Monday nights) with them. This kid has been after me weeks to go to singles ward, so I figured I've give it a try. After all, I am almost 18...and out of high school. I need friends who are going to be experiencing what I am going through.

I went, regardless being scared to death, and I had a bllllllllllast. It was so much fun. I only three people at the whole thing, but I made a couple friends and felt so happy.

Institute:
Institute, which I mentioned in this post, is a religious class for those who are college aged--and actually want to be there (unlike those who were forced to attend seminary, haha.)

I decided since I want to start going to to the singles branch, I'd give this institute thing a try. I love the woman who teaches it, so I figured that it would be decent at least.

Boy, I was wrong. I LOVED IT! I really am quite excited that I get to go now. I was with some of the same people from the FHE activity, and was able to meet some more. I felt really included.

Exercise:
Just recently got Wii Fit, along with Wii Just Dance (addicting game, mind you.) It is cliché to say, but I reallly do use the Wii to exercise. I try to do it at least an hour a day, if not more. It is good on my joints, and it helps boost my mood (would have been useful to have done this during seminary...I could have been less cranky! Sorry, Mom.)

Basically, I'm just happy. I'm happy with my life, and I know that I'll just have to keep rolling with these changes that come with my new life. It is kind of exciting, and nerve racking all at the same time. I'm grateful I've got a great support system behind me though :)

Sayonara Seminary!

2010-05-03T17:53:00.004-05:00

This is a bittersweet feeling for me.

I am grateful that I don't have to get up at 5am anymore. I am grateful that I am able to be complete with something I have been doing for the past four years. I am grateful that these dark circles will slowly begin to fade from under my eyes.

And yet, at the same time, I am going to miss seminary.

Seminary started my day out right for me. Granted, I was very cranky come Wednesday and Thursday (I often referred to myself as the fire breathing dragon) and would want to snap the necks of anyone who looked at me. I will most definitely not miss being ruthless to my friends, and especially my family.

Seminary helped me, though. Every day I would write a minimum of three things I'm grateful for--whether it be my belief in God, to Star Wars, or even cute boys. Counting my blessings, even the minuscule ones, really helped me realize how much our Father does love us.

Seminary helped my testimony grow more and more. I feel like I was a flower, waiting to be watered. Now, not only have I been watered and received sunlight, I got a good dose of testimony miracle grow! It is a great feeling.

Seminary was my "cup of joe," my spiritual uplifter, my "it is time to turn on the learning switch for the day," my social hour.

With every ending, there is a new beginning. For me, my new beginning is INSTITUTE. This class is basically for all the cool peeps who are in college, or at least finished with seminary. For me, my new beginning starts tomorrow night. Thankfully, it is only on Tuesdays at night :]

I just wanted to say thank you to all who helped me get where I've gotten. In this picture, there are all my seminary teachers (and their husbands who helped "substitute") and my parents, who taught me seminary my first two years of high school. Thanks guys. You've been the gardeners and helped keep my flower growing strong.

And what do you know...I'm wearing a flower dress! :]

Let's party like its 1773!

2010-04-17T19:14:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, I was asked to present a project to my sociology class on a topic that we covered in sociology. I chose tea parties. In my class, we had discussed the top 10 racial signs of tea parties, and how even a congressman was spit on because he was African American. The media paints such a negative picture of tea parties that admitting you went to some is like admitting you're about to commit a koo-de-ta. I thought to myself as we discussed this topic in class: are the tea parties really all that bad? Is the media painting them in a harsh light, full of events that were blown way out of proportion? In order to find the truth, I decided to go to a tea party for myself.

Last Saturday, I attended a small tea party (of about 200 people max.) To my surprise, there was not one comment making fun of Obama, his race, and there wasn't a single sign calling Obama slanderous terms. It was one of the most reverent feelings I've ever experienced. Everyone, of all ages, wanted to be there and therefore they were dead silent as they listened to the speakers. You could hear a pin drop. To read more about the tea party that my mom and I went to last week, come read her blog post here.

I decided that I'd go back to another tea party just to see if there were any racist extremists there, parading there N word labled signs. And yet again, there was none of those people at the tea party. There are people out there who share the same ideals as the tea partiers, but they are more extreme. They claim to be part of the tea party, but they do not stand for the same things. Don't let the media trick you into thinking that all tea partiers are racist and mean--do I look like I fit into that category?
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Thursday, as everyone knows, was tax day. There were THOUSANDS of tea parties on this day, sending messages to President Obama that people in this nation are sick of the increase in taxes, rising dept, and the outrageous health care bill that was just recently passed. Thankfully, I was able to attend a tea party on this day...with about 2000 other people. It felt like a Conservative Carnival--shirts, buttons, American flags, banners, and campaigning for the November elections. It was rad. I even made a sign.

Later that night, after I had come home from my party, I read THIS alarming article. (es, I know it is on Fox News and considered "right winged" and "wrong" to most people in the media, but I read up on the tea parties on MSNBC and CNN--both basically said the same garbage.)

Fox News hit the nail on the head by saying "Although taxes are one complaint of the Tea Partiers, the protesters also have focused on big government spending, specifically the recently passed health care overhaul law and last year's stimulus package -- legislation that critics argue will mire future generations in debt."
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"I've been a little amused over the last couple of days where people have been having these rallies about taxes," the president said, noting the numerous tax cuts pushed by his administration. "You would think they'd be saying thank you."
-President Barack Obama

Don't you just love having a President who doesn't acknowledge when almost half of his people he represents are angry with the job he's doing? Don't you just love having a President who doesn't even know why they are angry with him in the first place? I know I don't.

Relay For Life

2010-04-12T14:54:00.002-05:00

My Dear Beloved Blog Readers,
I have a small favor to ask of you, and I absolutely do not want to ask you to do this, but a girl has to do what a girl has to do.

This May, I am doing Relay for Life with my school. In order to participate, I must raise $100 dollars. In order to achieve this goal, I will need your help.

I don't want to ask you for your money, and I feel bad about it, but there really isn't any other option unfortunately. Any amount counts, even if it just is $5.

To donate, come to this link and fill out the online form.

Donations for Aubrey

Thank you very much! It all is going to a great cause.

Food for Thought

2010-03-27T08:27:00.002-05:00

Last night I was able to go see the new movie "How To Train Your Dragon." Holy cow, it was fantastic. It wasn't only fantastic because I enjoy little kid things, animation, Norse mythology and history. No, it wasn't just because of those things. It was because of something else entirely different.

The whole premise of the movie is about this Viking boy, Hiccup, and his trials as he tries to become a dragon killer, like his father. His father is the biggest, buffest man all around and the village's chieftan. Hiccup was a small and weak boy, so no one ever took him seriously or respected what he had to say. At one point in the movie, his father even says that he doesn't even recognize Hiccup as his son anymore. Hiccup only has one friend, his dragon Toothless.

This made me think.

Just because we're not perfect and as good as we should be, God doesn't disown us. He doesn't say "Hey, you're not my kid anymore. You suck." If we try to talk with Him, He will listen. If we need help, He will help us. God is the best dad in the entire world. And if we're ever alone, like Hiccup, we have companions: Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Both are there for us as long as week seek them out.

Anyway, this movie was fantastic. I would see it again and again and again and again. :)

Ten Tidbit Time (I love alliteration)

2010-03-22T17:15:00.014-05:00

I am in a random mood today. I think it is because the sun is out and I'm feeling cheery. Kind of bizzare for an ever-so cranky pessimistic person. You think I'd be furious about the Obama health-care crap...which, I am, but at least I can milk off my parents' health insurance til I'm 26! Woo hoo.

I thought I'd share some tidbits about me. I know you know the generics about me, but I felt like being more...in depth...today, I guess. Not really sure, honestly. Haha.

PS. I'm sorry that not everything is lined up perfectly. It's not working. I just spent half an hour trying to make everything look exactly the same (font wise) but it didn't work. It's making me mad, so to avoid deleting this blog, I am going to get on facebook :)

Tidbit Number One:When I was in the 8th grade, I was diagnosed with sever's disease. It's basically when the achilles tendion and ankle bone grow apart. My ankle swells like up like an elephant if I put too much pressure on it, wear the wrong shoes, or the weather jacks with it. I had to wear a cast for six weeks to help "fuse" my ankle bone back to the tendion. It did work, but I still have problems sometimes...and I don't think it helps that my arthrits spread to my ankles, either.

I have arthritis. I think most of you know that, but some don't. Some think I'm faking. Let me ask you this: why the heck would I want a disease were my joints ache all the time, especially since it showed up when I was in the 7th grade. I have it in my elbows, ankles, knees, and my fingers swell...bye bye CTR rings.

Tidbit Number Two:I've always been an artstic kind of person. Math? No. Science? No. Art, yes. I use to draw all the time, and I am slowly starting to pick back up that habit. I mostly draw little pictures for my friends, and I enjoy mailing them. I love mail, it's my favorite. I would write everyone in the world if I could--I think I get that paper obsession from my mother. As you know now, I am a photo freak. I don't know how, or why, I like it, but it makes me happy.

Tidbit Number Three:I went to a Star Wars convention in 2005. I didn't want to go, and basically denyed enjoying it. Well, for the record, I LOVED IT! I loved it so much that I am actually going to another in August in Flordia. I talk about Star Wars on everyday that ends with a "y."

Another thing: I hate any pictures of me with glasses (so from 2nd to 8th grade) so this is probably the only one I'll ever post.

Tibit Number Four:
I have an odd obsession with dead animals. My favorite thing about Missouri for years was all the road kill. I don't know why, but it just is something I oddly enjoy? Maybe that's why I love Cabela's...

Tidbit Number Five:I always have hair trama. Always, always, always. I'm never ever happy with it. I've dyed it, highlighted it, cut it, let it grow (not for Locks of Love) and let it do whatever it feels like. I've always had bangs. I probably had bangs in the premortal existance, actually. Ha! I have a callic, so I'm growing them more...side swipe? Please don't let me cut my bangs or dye my hair ever again--okay? Thanks.

Tidbit Number Six:I'm always doing something weird and completely unexplainable. Don't ask why because I honestly do not know. I'm sure 99% of you already know this about me.

Tidbit Number Seven:
I have no athletic skill whatsovever--unless it involves a video game controller (and even then I'm only good at the Call of Duty and Rock Band.) I did ballet--quit 2 weeks in. I did teeball, my dad as the coach--I quit the first inning of the first game. I cheat through mini golfing. I use the bumpers when bowling and still manage to be the worst out of everyone. I love to dance, but I have no coordination.

I was good at one sport in school: FLOOR HOCKEY! Best on my team. Even ask my parents. My team was almost to the championships...we would have won but I was paired up against the tallest boy in the grade and being a sky-skraping 4"7 didn't help at all. Plus, the pansy girls on my team did nothing...needless to say, I am still bitter about that decisive 5th grade game.

Tidbit Number Eight:
I smuggled in Dr. Pepper to youth conference last summer. I know, I'm bad. I'm doing better at giving up NASCAR on Sundays then I am at not drinking Dr. Pepper. Kind of weird.

And yes, you read right. I am trying to avoid watching the races on Sundays. I still check the scores online, but I dunno...I just feel like I have better things to do with my time.

Tidbit Number Nine:
I'm always telling everyone I love them. I just want them to know in case something bad were to happen, y'know? I started to especially after Megan passed in December of 2008. I don't remember ever telling her I loved her, and now she's gone...so to avoid that feeling again, I tell everyone.

I love you :)

You may be asking why I stopped. Well, if you caught it or not, the tenth is in the title of the blog. AH HA! Oh so clever. Not. Haha. I'm in a goofy mood, and I kind of like it.

Not another infomercial

2010-02-23T20:07:00.002-06:00

When the phrase "sixty days" comes to mind, it makes me think of those corney infomercials that all say you'll lose 100 pounds in just 60 days if you buy this new ab burner. If you were to ask me on January 1st, 2010, if something significant could happen in just a mere 60 days, I'd probably laugh and make some joke about it. However, today is not that day, and I have a different view point.

On January 3rd, I was in the Relief Society (women's class at church) meeting with the rest of the teenage girls. A piece of paper was being passed around to everyone, and on top of it said "Book of Mormon in 60 days" on the top. There were two columns, and a bunch of numbers. One set of the numbers represented the days you were to be reading, and the other numbers were what scripture block you'd read each specific day.

"Great. I'm so not doing this. I've read the Book of Mormon four times since July, I'm all good for now. I'm reading it in Seminary already, and I should read the Old Testament or something," I thought to myself quitely. I'm sure it showed on my face when we were encouraged to participate with the rest of the ward in this challenge.

Reluctantly, I agreed to try to read the Book of Mormon in only 60 days. Today, being February 23rd, and if my math is correct (all y'all know I suck at it), today is day 52. I finished the Book of Mormon this afternoon. I would have been done 17 days ago, but, a little thing called Georgia and sleep-deprivation got in my way (not a very firm excuse, I know...)

Anyway, I learn more every time I read. I am grateful we were encouraged to participate in the challenge and finish it in a certain time frame. I know it has helped me.

I encourage you all to do as Moroni encourages--

"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:4-5)

I know this is the true church, regardless of how many snide remarks I get about being Mormon. It is my testimony that keeps me from floating off into the world and saying "You're right. This is stupid to believe in. Congradulations."

It is all the joy I've found in my life from the gospel that assures me this is where I'M suppose to be. Everyone has the ability to choose what is the best game plan for them, and as for me, this is what I am suppose to be doing. I can feel it in my young, arthritic bones.

From catepillar to butterfly

2010-01-30T07:51:00.002-06:00

I feel like a catepiller about to transform. For the longest time, let's say until I was about 13-14 years old, I was just a shell. I didn't talk, I didn't do anything by myself and I didn't even express any opinion whatsoever (except I wasn't afraid to say I had a crush on Apolo Anton Ohno.)

Over the recent years, I've started to build my cacoon...a cacoon of my identity. I opened myself up more and more, expressing what I wanted how I wanted. I got into photography and photomanipulation. I finally had my own testimony of religion. I stopped changing who I was to fit in with everyone else.

Like we all were taught in the first grade, after a period of time, the catepiller's cacoon breaks free and a butterfly emerges. I think this process is just starting to happen for me.

As you may or may not know, the state of MO has a program called "A+" and it basically means if you keep good grades/attendance, you get to go to a community college for free for 2 years. No brainer, right? Right. So, with this program, I get to go to a school that's less then 5 minutes away from my house, live at home, and work...FOR FREE!

Some of you may think it's better to go off to college, but lemme tell you...I'm not ready for that at all. Honestly. My wings haven't quite fully developed yet.

I applied for Maple Woods. I got in (everyone does as long as you know your name basically.) Even though it's considered "dumb" to go there, I think going into dept is dumber! Thank goodness for transfer programs...I'm so going to Utah State. Anyway...

I am officially a Maple Woods Monarch :)

November 11th

2009-11-11T16:22:00.001-06:00

"The nation will remain theland of the free so long as it is thehome of the brave."-Elmer Davis

Elmer couldn't have said it any better then that. Thank you to all our service men, and women, who have protected our country for this long of time, and will continue to protect it. You're the best.

I'm sorry that, typically, my generation has taken you for granted, acting like you OWE it to us all to protect us--not that you volunteered yourselves for this cause. Without you, we'd be enslaved...without war, there is no peace (as oxymoronic as that sounds, it is true.)

Thank you so very, very much.

It's Smoking Time

2009-10-05T19:27:00.018-05:00

As you know from via the grapevine, or my mom's blog, I've had the best NASCAR week of my entire life--literally. (By the way, Smoke is Tony Stewart's nickname.)

Back in the beginning of September, I was able to go to a car show at Kansas Speedway, in the infield. I walked through the garages, thinking to myself that "Tony may have been here!" I walked through the Gatorade Victory Lane...I clearly remember saying to everyone "We (as in Tony Stewart) will be here on October 4th. I can feel it." Honestly, I never suspected to be even remotely close.

On September 30th, which I posted a short tidbit already, I met Tony Stewart. I missed some school for it, put off my homework, and stood outside for 6 hours just to do it. I made new best friends, ones who shared my interests; we connected immediately. It felt like oil and fire, burning up our souls into a friendship with an unbreakable bond. I felt so happy to meet Tony...my driver, my sports idol. He told me liked my shirt (I was wearing one I had made in an art class--it says Respect The Red Fourteen on it.) He looked at me with a smile, just like he did to every one of his single crazed fans. I didn't change his life, nor did he change mine, but, this experience did. Besides seeing myself on the 10 o'clock news being the "ring leader of the crazed Tony Stewart fans" as my father put it, I was excessively happy. "This week could never get better" I thought to myself, however, I was clearly mistaken.

October 4th came around--the biggest day in my lil redneck heart. Mounted up with my sandwiches and best friend, we drove to the track. I felt as though I had been stranded on the road, and that I was finally coming back to the mothership. The flags of the drivers, the smell of the tailgaters and rubber...I felt at home. Sporting my new Tony Stewart shirt, I watched my race. Tony was up in the front of the pack the entire race, and was able to snag first position towards the remaining 20-15 laps of the race. With Jeff Gordon fans cheering on as their rainbow warrior was seen in our rear view mirror, Tony held him off. My excitement was exponential as I screamed my driver to victory. All of us Stewart fans bit our nails down to a stub as we watched our friend hold off the looming 24, and all of us rejoiced. Poor Tom probably has a bruise because I was so excited I hit him.

I will never, ever forget this experience. "Aubrey, you couldn't have staged this any better," my teacher said to me this morning. What are the chances that the same week I meet Tony Stewart, he goes and wins the race I'm at? Talk about some serious "God Loves Me" luck! :)

Political Rant [Version 1]

2009-09-07T12:42:00.006-05:00

I figured it was time I posted a political rant on my blog, especially being deemed "most republican" in my besides my Vietnam veteran grandfather, which I gladly will take second place next to him. After all, he did defend our country and he is very knowledgeable, plus all those years of watching FOX News with him are finally rubbing off on me.

Dear President Obama,
I don't like you, and no, it's not because of your race. I'm not a racist, and if I was, you would know. I like our troops where they are. Do you know why our death tolls are raising in Iraq? It's because you're pulling us out, leaving the Middle Eastern insurgents to run ramped and destroy all that we have worked for. So, you're for the death of unborn babies, but you're okay with letting terrorists go wild? You claim that the woman has a choice, well, she does; she chooses to keep her pants unzipped. You're okay with same-sex marriage, which I do not support. I enjoy having guns and for those who claim that guns kill people, did you ever see a gun shooting all by itself? I don't believe in Socialism. If I work hard for my money, I'm going to reap the benefits of it and not some lazy person who won't go get a job. I have a Messiah, and I want a president. Be PROUD to be an AMERICAN, which apparently your birth certificate says you are. You put your hand on your heart and you say the pledge. And lastly, you do not go and APOLOGIZE for the American country--you're the only President who has done that, and I think that was a horrible move on your part.

-From A Concerned Right Wing,
Aubrey

On Tuesday, Obama is going to be giving an address to us, the kids. My school is showing it if the teacher choses to show it, and for those who don't want to see it can leave the room. Because I'm curious, I found the speech's text. If you would like to read it, come here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

It's just a glass...

2009-09-02T19:33:00.003-05:00

Lately, I've been very "half empty" on just about everything. There are so many things racing through my mind that I'm beginning to lose myself in doubt and worrying. I struggle to find the silver lining in all my situations. Because of my pessimistic attitude and how I'm going through and "emotional rehab" to change it around, I'm going to list out all my stormy clouds and try to see the rainbows within it. This blog isn't for anyone but myself.

The Clouds:
-I'm obsessed with how well I'm going to do at school this year. Five college classes, plus an incredibly tough military history class will do that to you :(

-I'm always, always, always tired and feel like I'm running out of time :(

-Constant joint pain from arthritis :(

The Rainbows:
-These classes will be a good taste of what college is, plus, if you score well enough on all the tests, they WILL count for college credit :)

-You're tired because of seminary, which we all know you love. Plus, your boss is kind enough to let you work on just Fridays so you're able to do your homework and study for the 5 tests you've got in the next two days :)

-Be grateful that you've now gotten a taste of what thousands of people go through daily, including your own mother :)

This weekend is exactly what I need. Four day weekends are the best, especially when my days are filled with being with my best friends, along with a day trip to Nauvoo, for my very first time. I think this weekend will help me get that 'boost' I've been needing....

Au revoir, Summer 2009

2009-08-16T11:07:00.007-05:00

This was one of those summers that I'll never forget. It was the most undramatic, most fun and rewarding summer I've definitely ever had. I'm sure my summers of my childhood were very enjoyable, but I was too young to enjoy and remember them. This one, however, was not.

This summer was great. Spiritual experiences, traveling abroad, learning, spending time with my family/friends and growing closer to those who I didn't know very well. Friendships were nourished and flourished, helping me develop unbreakable bonds with those I hold dear to me.

There weren't any car wrecks. There weren't any mysterious cases of small poxes. There wasn't drama out the wazoo. It was a very peaceful summer for me.

May 24th to August 18th seems like such a long time when you look at it on the calender. For me, it zoomed on by. Thousands of laughs, a couple tears, hundreds of pictures, two Tony Stewart victories, and about 20,000 text messages later, I'm brought to this day, August 16th, only two days before school starts. My last first day of public education. Jiminy christmas!!!

This was taken on my first day of kindergarden. Seth was only a few months old, and I had just turned 5 a few weeks previous. Kind of amazing how much you grow and change in twelve years.

And this one was taken on July 31st of this year. I think it's safe to say we've changed some :]

Points of View

2009-08-10T20:14:00.009-05:00

"Between the optimist and the pessimist, the difference is droll. The optimist sees the doughnut; the pessimist the hole!"
Oscar Wilde

I've always been a born pessimist. Always, always, always. I've always been one to wait for the "bottom to fall out" and the worst to happen. In every situation, I'm always thinking "Well, if I think the worst will happen then when it does, I won't be disappointed because I already knew it was going to happen." I hated thinking this way because I never was as happy as I really could have been. I didn't reach my most happy potential very often because of this attitude.

I've been trying to work on seeing the doughnut in life, not the holes. Though things may be "holes" in our life, there are many "doughnuts" in our life itself. All the blessings, big or small, that God gives us are the doughnuts, and Satan's snares are the holes that try to ruin our view on the big picture. Basically, Satan is the world's biggest pessimist and wants you to be one too. We mustn't let him win!

My best friend and I were having a conversation the other day about being more optimistic about life and seeing the "doughnuts" in every situation that occurs. He told me to have a new motto, to see the glass as half full and not to assume that the bottom will always fall out.

"I, Aubrey, will never assume again. The glass is half full."

2009-08-01T12:12:00.007-05:00

Oh, how I love to be a Republican :)

Youth Conference 'O9

2009-07-26T22:15:00.008-05:00

As you know, my summer has been pretty jam packed since the beginning. I'm not complaining, or saying it's a rough schedule because it really isn't, it's just something I'm not use to doing. Normally, my summers creep by at an extremely slow pace as I just waste my precious freedom doing absolutely nothing. This summer, however, has been one of growth; emotionally, spiritually, and even growing by doing new things I'd never expect.

This past weekend, I was privilege to attend my church's youth conference (for those who don't know the church-y lingo, it's a youth camp for 3 days for kids ages 14 to 18. You do service projects, have fun, and learn more about the church in ways you didn't know were possible.) This year's youth conference will be one I'll never forget, and even though that sounds incredibly cheesy and cliche, I mean every word.

This year, our youth conference theme was about missionary work. We had to go door to door proselyting, giving out packages with Book of Mormons and other goodies in them. We got people to listen to us, and we got doors slammed in our faces. We were able to apply how important judgement day was by participating in the Carnival of Life (I'll explain if you want me to.) We were able to do service projects for the community. We were able to take workshops about gospel related topics. We were also able to go swimming, and even have 2 dances.

My favorite part was the testimony meeting. Hearing kids my age, younger, and older say how they feel about the gospel just makes my heart swell. Their trials, their joys, their fears. They all inspired me so much. The meeting lasted two hours, and I balled the entire time. Just thinking about the spirit I felt that day even brings tears to my eyes as I type this. It was fantastic!

This is just a vague summary of the events that took place this youth conference. I'd really like to elaborate on the subject, but it's difficult over a blog post and it won't have the same effect. I know this church is what I need to believe in, and regardless of what you believe, I know this is what I'm suppose to be doing. I know that it's important to share my feelings about the church with my friends, and this youth conference has ignited a fuse in my heart that I didn't know existed. I'm eternally grateful.

Now, time for some pictures. I didn't take too many, but these were my favorites. I'll explain each photograph for y'all :)

I was fortunate enough to turn the big seventeen while I was gone. Not only did I have to hear "happy birthday" around 10000 times, I also got a Shinedown song dedicated to me (Second Chance, yay) and had the 'oppertunity' to dance with another person who was turning seventeen the same day as I. I gotta be honest, I was very, very, very embarassed, but Cj (the guy) was cool with it.

These two kiddos mean the world to me. They really do. They're my little brothers, and regardless of what you say, I'm NOT marrying them so please stop saying I will. Thanks :)

These girls are great, and I love them very much! Thanks for a great birthday girlies!

All wrapped in one

2009-06-22T17:41:00.003-05:00

For those of you who know me, you know how passionate I am about NASCAR (sometimes, I think I need to bridle that passion and direct it to another portion of my life.) For those of you who remember (those who don't can find a post about it under the month of December), I find caring for the environment is an important issue. There were a pleasent surprise for myself when I was doing my daily browse of NASCAR's website.

NASCAR is starting a new line of environmental programs, one which is called NASCAR Green Clean Air. This is a program that plants 10 trees for every race that is in the Sprint Cup schedule, which totals to 360 trees a season. This program is not the only green thing that NASCAR is starting to do either.

"There are strong waste management, land conservation and bottle-and-can recycling programs at NASCAR-sanctioned race tracks; all oils and car fluids used at the track are recycled by Safety-Kleen; Goodyear recycles all tires used in racing; Exide provides a recycling program for racing batteries and all NASCAR offices have introduced a recycling program aimed at 100 percent recycling, while two new NASCAR office buildings, the 20-story NASCAR Plaza in Charlotte, N.C., led by NASCAR and the new headquarters building for ISC and NASCAR in Daytona Beach, Fla., will qualify for LEED certification, an important and relatively rare distinction making them "green buildings."

Aubrey is one happy green NASCAR camper.

(To read the article, go here: http://www.nascar.com/2009/news/headlines/official/06/12/tree.planting.program/index.html)

Remaining summer fun :)

2009-06-19T15:38:00.016-05:00

Needless to say, this summer is going to be a great one. The start of it was just plain old amazing--thanks Mom and Dad for lugging my butt to Europe. I really really really enjoyed it! The remanider of my summer vacation is going to be amazing, and I'm very excited. Time with the people I'm closest to, working, and doing a lot of other fun things that the summer brings. I think the things I'm most excited about are...

I'm baaaaaaaaaack!

2009-06-14T11:56:00.004-05:00

That's right; Aubby Girl has returned from her vacation overseas. There is too much to type about for this, so I'll leave it up to my mom who will most likely write various posts about that once she's back from her Rotary conference in England. Anyway, it was the most beautiful greenery I have ever seen, besides Alaska, and it was fannnnnnnnnnntastic!

Want an idea what it looks like? Watch Lord of the Rings. The Shire looks like parts of Scotland and Ireland. Forests look like where the Ents resided near Isenguard. The hills looked like Rohan. Edinburgh castle reminded me a lot of Helm's Deep, too. Sorry, no Mordor (guess I'll have to go to New Zealand to walk the path to Mordor--Uncle Brian, you in?)

I have to admit, besides the Middle Earth-y scenery and visiting family, my favorite part of the trip was the birds I got to see. One bird in particular, the Jackdaw, I saw every single day except for the first 2 days of the voyage. They reminded me of the bird in Sleeping Beauty that Maleficent has. We called the birds "Aubrey's Birds" because everytime I saw them I freaked out and screamed for joy. I love these little buggers.

I Take A Trip

2009-05-31T11:55:00.007-05:00

I won't be posting for awhile. There won't be much Internet access where I'm going to be going, therefore eliminates my chances of blogging. Needless to say, I won't be too bummed out about not being able to blog :)

I will be gone from June 1st until June 13th (the evening of), and then I begin my recuperation process to adjust back to this time zone (jet lag, ag!) Anyway, I won't be posting for a couple weeks.

British Isles, HERE I COME!!! :)

The Final Stretch

2009-05-17T08:21:00.008-05:00

In NASCAR, the last lap is probably the most pivotal. The preparations, the pit stops, and the prestige driving throughout the whole race pay off for that one lucky driver. The driver and his team must be persistent in order to succeed, along with dealing with the problematic situations that arise throughout the race. In some ways, I relate a NASCAR race to my school year, or even to life itself.

No matter how good you are, you are bound to fail at some things. Whether it be a test, or just feeling inadequate, you aren't going to always come in first. If someone you know wrecks out, be careful not to make their problems effect you.

Keep persisting, and don't give up. Even when times get hard, we must continue to endure. Our endurance will eventually pay off.

If we endure to the end and keep persisting through adversity, will shall become victorious.

With the school year coming to a close, I know I must do all these things in order to be sucessful. I can't give up in the final lap, I can't let my victory slip away because I'm "too tired" or "not in the mood" to study for my finals and prepare.

The same goes for you, for whatever you need to achieve. If you give up, then you will not achieve what you desire. We mustn't give up, even if the odds are not in our favor. You have fans called family, a pit crew called the gospel, and a crew chief called Heavenly Father to help you be sucessful.

Temporal and Eternal

2009-05-04T20:13:00.016-05:00

This past weekend was one full of recognition for myself, which usually I'm not all about being the center focal point of an audience, but this weekend was inevitable and a great honor.

On Sunday, I was inducted into my high school's first National Honor Society (NHS) group, and later that evening I received the Stake President's Award for seminary during this past school year.

I received two signed "official" certificates, along with two tokens. They may seem similar, but they are very different in my eyes. One is temporal, one is eternal.

The NHS award was signed by school officials, and the token was a pin with the NHS logo. To be in the NHS is an honor and a great academic achievement (so people say.) It looks good on college resumes and job applications. This NHS award, to me, is nothing more then a temporal "look at what I did" achievement--I feel there isn't anything special behind this. All I did was fill out an application, saying what service I've done in my community, and got good grades. And, not to mention the candle we were required to hold during the ceremony melted all over my hands...ouch.

My seminary award is very important to me. Along with the certificate, I was given a necklace that said "Messiah" in Hebrew. This achievement seemed much more difficult to achieve then my NHS one. The requirements (which I stole from my seminary teacher's blog) to get this achievement are:

Read 200 days throughout the entire school year
Read the entire New Testament
Memorized 25 scripture master and say them twice
Memorize the Books of the New Testament
Memorize the 1st Presidency and Quorum of the 12 Apostles
Attend 100% or completed the homework/makeup work for 100% attendance
Fewer than 30 tardies for the year (mind you seminary starts at 5:55 AM)

This award won't get you into a super duper fantastic college, or get you the highest paying job in the world. However, this award WILL make your testimony grow--I promise you. This dedication these kids put forth is amazing, and I look up to those who have done this award before AND those kids who graduated this year from seminary.

Not to be stingy or anything, I AM grateful that I got inducted into the NHS...I'm just more grateful that my testimony has grown immensly since I started working towards the Stake President Award. I don't know about your oppinon, but, my testimony is way more important that some silly pin that says "NHS" on it.

And thank you for EVERYONE who has supported me! I'd be nowhere without you guys!

Thursdays

2009-04-30T20:23:00.004-05:00

If you're part of my family, or you attend seminary regularly, you know that Thursdays is probably the worst day of the week. You're busy focusing on the weekend plans and you can almost taste them, yet they are still too far away. You're exhausted from your day to day living, getting up everyday at 5:00 in the morning and being gone from the house every day for 11 hours and 45 minutes.

I'm losing my fuel, my energy, my motivation. Although my trip is exactly a month away from tomorrow, May 1st, I still feel as though there is a year in between there and now. School is coming to a close, which means working my tail off to be successful when taking my finals and oh the excessive amounts of stress that usually brings, along with getting the grades I want at the end of the semester.

Seminary is almost done, and I'll be getting my Stake President's Award this Sunday (which seminary students earn for reading the New Testament, reading 200 days, memorizing 25 scriptures and reciting them twice, less then 30 tardies, making up all the missed days, memorizing the order of the New Testament books, First Presidency and the 12 Apostles), and I'm grateful for that.

I'm also getting inducted into NHS, National Honor Society, and I'm going to a showing of my artwork that went to the state reflections a few months ago. I'm grateful for all these great experiences, but they aren't helping me stay energized...if anything, they're wearing me out even more!

I'm running out on empty....I feel as though I can almost see the light at the end of this dark, lengthy tunnel. I hope I can get to it before I run out completely...just a few more weeks.....

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T10:55:00.002-05:00

Easter isn't about finding elaborately decorated eggs, or eating candy. It isn't about waiting in a line to meet a man in a bunny suit. It isn't about the plastic fake grass that my mom hates. It isn't about getting gifts from the "Easter Bunny" either.

For some reason, our society has linked all of these things to what the real meaning of Easter was, and sometimes, I feel that we let the materialistic things get in the way of the real meaning. It seems that whenever there is a religious holiday, society finds a way to "make it better" by adding earthly desires, which, I find it sad that the real meaning generally gets overshadowed.

The First Presidency posted this:
"At this Easter season of hope and renewal we testify of the glorious reality of the atonement and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The empty tomb brought comforting assurance and provided the answer to the question of Job, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14).

Because of the Savior’s resurrection we will overcome death and become the beneficiaries of His mercy and grace. In a world of trouble and uncertainty, His peace fills our hearts and eases our minds. Jesus is in very deed “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

We give our sure witness that Jesus is the Christ. Though He was crucified, He rose triumphant from the tomb to our everlasting blessing and benefit. To each member of the human family He stands as our Advocate, our Savior, and our Friend."

I couldn't agree more. The real meaning behind Easter is to celebrate the fact that Christ offered up himself for our faults for everyone who has come, is here and yet to come, AND by the power of God was able to become resurrected and return with a perfect body. Because of this, we too are able to be resurrected and receive a perfect body once Christ returns to the Earth again.

It isn't "wrong" to participate in Easter activities, but we mustn't forget the REAL reason of Easter. We can't be wrapped up in the meaningless things that don't get us any farther in God's plan.

Lying

2009-04-04T17:46:00.002-05:00

There's one thing I can't stand at all; liars. Why would you intentionally avoid telling the truth and being honest to avoid getting out of trouble? Sure, you may not get caught all the time, but you get the reputation of not being honest and people can't trust you...plus, if you get caught then everyone loses faith in you. This week, I have been dealing with liars and lying in general. If it isn't one thing, then it's another...I apparently get confronted with moral issues every week :)

A girl, who I thought I could trust generally, started to feed me lies about two very important people that go to church with me. I was miffed. How dare she lie to ME about people I see EVERY SINGLE DAY? Does she honestly believe I'm going to believe her, the girl who badmouths everyone and is a consistent liar? I think not. I told the two people what she said about them, and they laughed and said that this is who she really is. I couldn't believe she was trying to even trick ME into believing that I what I get at Starbucks, the double choc. chip frapp which has NO caffeine in it minus the chocolate, contained coffee. Nice try. I'm just glad that one of my friends in that class was saying that I don't lie...glad someone has me covered.

Another time I was during lunch on Friday. A friend of mine apparently got on the computer when he wasn't suppose to, then his parents found out, then he blamed his best friend--saying that it was really him who got onto Facebook. Then he faked changing his password and made it looked like his best friend changed it, and so he wasn't able to "get online." Anyway, at lunch he and his best friend were planning to have his best friend call his house and leave a message saying that it was really him who got on Facebook and that he was sorry. I was in shock--lying to get out of trouble for both lying AND breaking a rule. The best friend called the parents, lying to them, and he did it because "he was just helping out his friend." They asked me for advice, so I said that I thought it was ridiculous that they were A. Lying in the first place, B. Lying to cover up their lies, C. Blaming someone else and making them take the fall. I told them that I don't lie, and then I was accused of lying for saying that. I finally got so upset that I got up, left the lunch table and proceed to go to my class without saying goodbye. I knew it was time to leave once they were saying "that once you lie a lot the guilt just goes away" and talking about how good of liars they are.

I'm grateful that I was born with a personality that doesn't need to lie. It's a blessing.

Recession

2009-03-28T16:30:00.004-05:00

Let's face the facts; our country is screwed. Our country is so far in dept that it is not only going to effect the people alive now, but generations to come. It's pretty messed up when the country is borrowing money to pay off debts and "bail out" big businesses who use the money to give out bonuses. Our President is NOT Jesus the Christ, therefore, no matter how many stimulus packages and 'financial aid plans' he creates, he will not "save" us. No where in the Bible does it say that "Barack Obama will become the President of the United States in 2009 and save the entire world without even breaking a sweat."

In times of turmoil, people generally begin to lament their problems and ask themselves why bad things are happening to them. Some people ask "where God is" and "why he isn't helping them." People's faith and belief begins to diminish. Because we're human, I'm sure all these thoughts have been through our minds at least once in our lifetime. It's only natural to wonder why bad things happen to people. I know I have.

During times of distress, do NOT turn away from God. God is the perfect remedy for trials and tribulation. He does not give you more then you can handle--after all, you ARE his child. Would your parents want you to be swimming in pains that you cannot bear? In D&C 58:4, is says "For after much tribulation come the blessings." When life knocks you down on your knees, just remember you're in the perfect position to pray to our Father in Heaven!

In time of recession, don't let your faith in God receed. Just remember that he is our Father and that He is always, always, always there for us.

My Hollywood 10

2009-03-20T18:23:00.034-05:00

As you know, I'm typically writing about my struggles with society norms or subjects that aren't very light and fluffy. Well, I decided to take a break from my seriousness (is that even a word?) and do something that every movie star magazine does at least once a year; the top hotties of the year. It's taken me a couple days to start my hottie list, but finally the results are in...so here goes Aubrey's Top 10 Hollywood Hotties list.

#1. Hayden "Sizzling" Christensen
I knew he was a keeper as soon as I saw Revenge of the Sith back in the 7th grade. I was smitten. He was a hockey playing hottie who was in Star Wars--what more could I want?

#2. Paul "Wonderful" Walker

This guy was raised Mormon, so therefore he's automatically one of my favorites, plus he just so happens to be in some of my favorite movies (maybe they're some of my favorite because he's in them....) Let's face it, Mormon + hotness = a dream boat.

#3. Matthew "Mmm.." McConaughey

Enough said.

#4. Josh "Lovely" Lucas

Mmm, southern boy.

#5. Hugh "H-O-T" Jackman

One word: H-O-T! He may be 41 years old, but man, you CANNOT tell. He's a muscle machine in all his movies (X-Men Triology, Australia, Van Helsing, etc...), not to mention having an accent.

#6. Viggo "On Fire" Mortensen

What a studly man when he's a human fighting to destroy Mordor. Mmmm, delicious. I can't believe one of my mom's best friends knew Viggo's brother, who tried to set up a date for her and Viggo to go on..unfortunately, she DENIED it. I about died when she told me said no to dating VIGGO.

#7. Orlando "Blazing Body" Bloom

Another stud I was introduced to during the Lord of the Rings triology, along with the Pirates of the Carribean one. He's better as a brunette slaying sea creatures, but I'll take what I can get. Yum.

#8. James "Marvelous" Mardsen

I first saw him in the X-Men Trilogies (another hottie, woo), Hairspray, and 27 Dresses. Just take one look at him and you'll go gaga.

#9. Christian "BEAUUUTIFUL" Bale

I'm pretty sure the angels above carved his body and face out of the heavens.

#10. Justin "Delicious" Bartha

Not a very well known actor, but still just as hot. He was Riley in National Treasure 1 and 2.

I'll Pass...

2009-03-19T21:09:00.004-05:00

"Aubrey, you should try it sometime. Everyone does it."

Those words were spoken to me a few weeks ago, during biology. In my biology class, you are able to retake a test as many times as you want as long as you do the "make up" assignment, which is only correcting the questions you originally missed on the test. Generally, most of the kids who retake the test write down the answers, both the ones they missed and didn't miss, on a separate piece of paper so that when they retake the test they can get an A on the retake.

Biology isn't my strength. I don't care a dime about learning how cells multiply and divide during mitosis. Heck, half the time I'm doodling with my Crayola markers, or writing a note to my best friend. Sure, that's probably not the best idea to do when you don't get the class anyway, but I still do it anyway.

Back to the story.
Our tests were being passed back (which I had missed a good portion of the notes from being sick and staying home, and of course my lab partner never ever takes notes) so I didn't do as well as I had hoped. Everyone started to talk about how easy the retake test would be because they'd cheat. I was talking about it with a girl, who told me she always cheats on the retakes. "Aubrey, you should try it sometime. Everyone does it."

To be honest, I have cheated on tests before. Let's just say I was tempted to cheat when I was fading in the gospel a few years ago, and unfortunately, I gave in. Thankfully, I have emotionally and spiritually pulled myself together so I'm not giving in anymore, plus, my CTR ring always is a great physical reminder during test day to choose the right.

So yet again, my peers are pressuring me to do something I do not want to do...and once again, I am going to prove them wrong. I will not cheat on tests. Why not just study harder the first test and not have to take a retake test at all? What if you got caught and recieved a zero--wouldn't your cheating go to waste then?

My standards are set, and cheating is not one of them.

Passport Photo Conundrums

2009-03-11T18:50:00.007-05:00

As you know, my family is going to take a trip to Europe this upcoming June, which meant we had to get passports. As everyone knows, identification photos of ANY sort generally suck, and I have to say that mine was by far the worst picture I've ever seen of myself in my entire life.

The man at the post office was frustrated with me because I first wouldn't stop smiling (he told me that if I were getting arrested I wouldn't be smiling), and then he told me to move my bangs (which I absolutely hate to do) to the side, and then I had to tilt my head in a weird fashion.

Anyway, embarrassed and ashamed, I had to sign my passport the other evening for it to be "official." For your information, the photo at the left is a copy of my passport picture, except modified...and oddly enough, it actually looks BETTER then my passport picture does. Do you think the gov. would let me trade this picture out?

Because of my monstrosity of the passport picture, I began to create a list of things I CAN'T do until my passport expires, which is in 2019. My family has pitched in some cleaver ideas as well.

Things You Can't Do With An Ugly Passport Photo
1. No traveling outside of the United States (no brainer.)

2. You can't get married and take your honeymoon out of the States. What if your husband/wife wants to go to the Bahamas, but your photograph is so appalling that they demand a new person to take on the trip? What a waste.

3. Better work for a company that doesn't have any offices out of the States. What if you had to travel overseas? That wouldn't work out so well.

4. You shouldn't move to a different country--they'd have to see your hideous picture, and the result of that would be being shipped back to where you came from.

I'm sure there are more then just 4 things you're not able to do if you have an ugly passport photograph. Unfortunately, my dad foreshadowed that my driver's licence (whenever I get that, which I'm shooting for June) is even worse then the passport photographs are. Oh nelly, I hope that doesn't happen in my case! I don't think you can get much worse then what I've got.

I have two remedies to this I'm conundrum in; I can either get married so I have to change my last name, OR wait the 10 years out, not traveling out of the country any more then I have to. Hopefully, the first option will come before the second one, but you never know. As long as this crappy picture is eliminated from my passport eventually, then I'm one happy clam.

Bible art

2009-03-07T10:16:00.004-06:00

I was feeling artistic today, and I had seen that someone on Flickr (which is an image hosting site--the photographs on that site make me envious of their editing programs which I don't have) had done previously. I thought it looked super neat! I decided to use my favorite scripture as the background, Proverbs 3:5-6, and my new CTR ring (courtesy of Princess). Enjoy.

Happy Birthday Momma!

2009-03-04T05:25:00.004-06:00

Today is my momma's 40th birthday! How exciting! For her birthday, because I'm a lame kid who still doesn't have my licence (which I know you're all very aware of that), I'm going to dedicate this post to her. I love you mom! :) Have a happy birthday!

40 Reasons Why I Love My Mom:
1. She brought me into the world even though she had absolutely no desire to.

2. Raised me in righteousness and never forced me to do church-y things

3. Taught me how to serve

4. Love everyone—no matter what their race or background

5. Keeps me clean (my personal hair cleanser)

6. Trusts me to be safe online

7. Gave me the ability to organize, aka OCD

8. Both have a Sharpie fetish

9. Her inability to know music lyrics

10. Taking us to fun places that most parents don’t take their kids to

11. Skip school to see movies on opening day

12. She taught me how you should ALWAYS write thank you cards

13. Educated me in the ways of 80’s music

14. Drives me to work

15. Lets me watch NASCAR every Sunday

16. Watches chick flicks and eats brownies up in the guest room

17. Taking me to “redneck” activities so we can talk about cute redneck guys

18. Orpha Beachie, her Rock Band alter ego

19. Lets us stay up late even while she crashes on the couch corner

20. Isn’t afraid to be the shebear

21. Listens to my problems and gives me advice

22. Tries on weird outfits, like Mossy Oak camo guilly suits

23. Practically a grandma with her cats, Rotary work, and house coats

24. Her weirdness

25. The white cubby wall full of quotes and bumper stickers

26. Quoting movie lines in daily conversation

27. Cleans my clothes

28. Turns the heat up…sometimes :)

29. Chad Knaus obsession

30. Lets me leave the radio on 101.1 The Fox, aka “Crappy Radio”

31. Ain’t afraid to call up companies and complain

32. Her little secret Facebook addiction

33. Her goofy Alaska stories

34. Photo trips

35. Always has plenty of cereal for me

36. Lets me wear her panty hose

37. “Girly gossip” and “Off The Record”

38. People watching in public

39. Mutual arthritis pains

40. Cheap ways=Trip to Europe

Happiness

2009-03-01T09:01:00.004-06:00

The definition of "happy", according to Dictionary.com, is delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing, characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy, favored by fortune; fortunate or lucky, apt or felicitous, as actions, utterances, or ideas, obsessed by or quick to use the item indicated. Lately, I've been noticing that people haven't been living up to their highest happy potential.

When things around us are falling apart, we still have the agency to chose how we react to situations and circumstances--we CHOOSE to be happy or not. Though things in life are less then idealistic, you can still have faith that you're going to get through your trials.

The leaders of the Young Women organization in the church recommend three things you can do daily to help strengthen you, but also help you strengthen those around you:
1. Pray
2. Read your scriptures
3. Smile

I know that you may think that these things don't help pay your bills, cure you or family members from their illnesses, have a successful business, be accepted at school, make your parents give you more freedom, move to a new place, or make new friends. However, if you just try these things everyday, I know that you will find yourself happier. I know this is true because it really does work!

"and whoso trusteth the Lord, happy is he."
-Proverbs 16:20

With March 3rd being "I Want You To Be Happy" Day, I want just that: be happy. Worry about your problems on the day before or the day after, but on this day, try your hardest to be happy and have a positive attitude.

Motivation

2009-02-19T21:05:00.003-06:00

"Failure will never overtake me if my will to succeed is strong enough."
-Og Mandino

It's only human to want to prove someone wrong when they say that they don't believe you're capable of doing something. Maybe its pride, or maybe its just the thought of proving to someone that you're more superior and successful then they thought you were. Who knows why humans do it, but I'm sure those are some of the reasons why. I apparently am no different.

The other day at work, I was asked to help carry in bags of sad. These bags of sand were 60lbs a piece, which is more then half my body weight. My boss asked me if I was going to be able to carry one of them (which he called me a sissy girl--psh, I'm only a sissy SOMETIMES! Hehe.) Anyway, being mocked and being told that I may not be successful pushed me to want to prove my boss wrong. I wanted to carry the bag of sand that was almost as big as me. I wanted to be successful. Lots of wheezing and an aching back, I resulted in a success; I had carried the bag all by myself.

Did this experience make any large impact on my life? No, not really. I did however learn that I have more upper arm muscle then I once thought (watch out, I may sock it to you if you make me angry. Just kidding...my dad already gave me a lecture on hitting and kicking people several times and I finally gave that up. Woo.)

With the news story on Bristol Palin flying around about her idea that teenage abstinence is an unrealistic ideal, I have been coming across several things I wish I hadn't come upon. Some of my friends, who will remain anonymous because I love them, revealed that they aren't virgins. MY friends not virgins? I was flabbergasted. I had no idea! It hit me like a train; I definitely don't have the same morals as everyone else. Not that this is a problem to me because in reality it isn't, but it's just something that is very difficult for me to comprehend. I once thought everyone was taught to save yourself sexually until you were married, but now the reality is just the polar opposit--sex is EVERYWHERE!

Anyway, one of my dearest friends told me he didn't think I would be a virgin when I was married. It made me mad when he said this to me, but then I began to think about it more and more. The normality of the world is that it is a very slim chance you'll be a virgin when you're married, so I shouldn't be mad that he said that to me. However, this situation has taught me one thing; to prove him wrong.

I just want to say, for the record, that I will be a virgin when I'm married. There won't be any if's, and's or but's. I will not lower MY standards because of what's considered "normal" in the world. In my eyes, if you're in that situation and the person "loves you", then they should be willing to wait until you're married and do it properly.

February Love

2009-02-15T09:21:00.008-06:00

When a person is asked "Why do you like February?", most people may commonly answer that they like Valentine's Day, or the day off from school for President's Day, or even those rodent lovers may even say Ground Hog Day, but for us race fans, we have a whole different idea. When a race fan is asked "Why do you like February?", we all answer the exact same: Daytona 500. Unless you're a fan of NASCAR, know a someone who is or live with one, you may not know what this is, so it is my duty to gladly make you more knowledgeable.

Daytona International Speedway is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. It opened in 1958 (51 years ago for those who aren't mathematicians just like yours truly.) The races were originally ran right on the beach, but then later a real track was built. The track is 2.5 miles long, and it's tri-oval (most of the tracks you've probably seen are just regular ovals, so that's another reason Daytona is special.) Daytona is a monster all in its own. The lengthy 200 lap race around the 2.5 mile track provides a race full of unknowns. Everyone awaits the wrecks and wins that are brought with the race every year. New paint color schemes and new team drivers are revealed in their new full potential. Champions are formed and even lost; Dale Sr. was killed when he crashed into Turn 4 in 2001.

The Daytona 500 race is the first race of the NASCAR season, so every fan waits patiently and eagerly for its arrival because it means that the 3 months without racing has FINALLY come to an end. Thank goodness! When racing comes back, it feels as though you've returned home after being lost for a long period of time. The feeling is just pure joy and excitement. I woke up today and I felt as though it was Christmas--I'm so very, very excited for the race. I feel rejuvenated! I can't even tell you how excited I am later to watch the race on my pretty 60in HDTV. Yay.

In the words of Darrell Waltrip,
"Boogity boogity boogity! LET'S GO RACING BOYS!"

There is a reason

2009-02-06T20:29:00.003-06:00

1. To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6. A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
(ECCLESIASTES 3: 1-8)

I'm a firm believer that for everything that happens, there is a reason for it. Sometimes that's what gets me through the day, just remembering that Heavenly Father knows what He's doing and why He's doing it. People may think this is a childish way of thinking about problems that are completely logical for why they occurred, but in reality everything DOES happen for a reason, even if we can't see why. When things get rough, just remember you big Daddy-o up in Heaven knows what is going on and has the everything under control, so there isn't a need to get your undies in a wad. :)

25 Facts

2009-02-01T19:43:00.003-06:00

I found this little 'factoid' that literally all 723 friends of mine seem to have done. The rules are that you must post 25 unknown facts or goals about yourself, and then you can "tag" people in the game to see if they'll repost it filling out little info about themselves. Being tagged in this game 7 times (yes, I counted..and yes, it's sad that I did), I decided I'd do it. Unfortunately, I don't think I have 25 facts or goals about myself that you, my readers, wouldn't already know, but hey, I think it'll give me something interesting to blog about and provide you something interesting (maybe) to read. Here I go...

Twenty Five Factoids 'bout Aubrey
1. I let my fears dictate my life, well, I use to anyways. As you all know, I'm trying to overcome them so I can live a life without having to be paranoid about things I can never change, or things that aren't so scary after all.

2. I think Luke Skywalker should just man up and shut the crap up.

3. I told people I was Cyclops from X-Men when I was in the 3rd grade, and that's why my vision wasn't perfect because my laser beams messed it up so I had to wear glasses to protect the rest of man kind.

4. Getting contacts was one of THE best moves of my entire lifetime.

5. I started to like NASCAR to impress a boyfriend, but even after we broke up I continued to watch it, and then resulting in an addiction beyond normality.

6. I listen to various music genres a lot. Sometimes its heavy metal like Disturbed, then sometimes its country music like Jason Aldean or Trace Adkins, or sometimes the amazing 1980's hair bands like Metallica or Guns and Roses, or even the boy bands of Nsync or Backstreet Boys.

7. One of my biggest regrets I've had in my life was not going to the Metallica concert in October.

8. I use to collect Ty Beanie Babies and I have over one hundred.

9. I have a very addictive personality, but I also quit or give up very easily as well. I guess if I were to ever get into drugs, you know I'd quit because I'm a quitter.

10. There was a point in my life when I hated going to church and being with the youth of my ward. I felt like a sore thumb, and that I would never, ever fit in or be accepted. Every day before church I'd cry and tell my parents I didn't want to go because I felt so secluded.

11. I use to cuss like a sailor in the 9th-10th grade. I'm still working on not saying words in my head, but unfortunately Satan has been getting the best of me sometimes.

12. I write in my journal almost every single day. The days I don't journal, I always write about them on a different day.

13. Poptarts, cereal, tacos/burritos/quesadillas, Hawaiian haystacks, Burger King french fries are my favorite foods.

14. I won't use the products of the sponsors of the NASCAR drivers that I don't like. For example, never ever will you see me using Dupont paint products nor chewing Big Red gum.

15. I literally am addicted to the Internet. It sucks.

16. My favorite button on a camera is probably the delete button.

17. My dad almost made my middle name Arapaho after the Indian tribe. To me, that sounds like a-rape-a-hoe. Thanks mom for not letting him give me that middle name!

18. I feel sorry that my generation will be adults soon. It terrifies me.

19. I believe almost everything everyone tells me, which usually isn't a good thing.

20. I hope I don't grow up to be the crazy cat lady that lives down the street.

21. I really, really, really want to be a psychologist or school guidance counselor. I love to help people feel better when they've been having a rough time.

22. I LOVE to write. I write all the time, just for fun even. I pay more attention if I'm writing things down--just even take a look at my seminary journal.

23. Seminary is my favorite part of the day besides going to sleep.

24. I quote movie/tv lines a lot, and I'm not exaggerating. My family would be conversationless without movie/tv quotes to pepper into our conversations.

25. I would love to have laser hair removal on my legs and arms. I feel like a walking Wookie somedays.

Great year a comin'

2009-01-30T19:01:00.003-06:00

I think that this year will be extraordinary for several reasons. I can't even begin to express how overjoyed I get when I even begin to think about how awesome this year really will be! I shall break it down and explain why this year, 2009, is the year God is making up the two-three crappy years I've had previously. I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooo grateful.

Reason A:

I have a job. Good thing Dave's shop gets dusty everyday, along with having loads of receipts to sort and enter in the computer. Can anyone say job security? Thank goodness I can.

Reason B:

I am going to be a senior this year. Scary thought, but that's just life and I need to accept the fact that next year on July 24th, I will be an adult. Legally.

Reason C:

I am actually trying to do more things in the community; service, leadership, etc. I just want to apply myself on a more outward level and not be so worried on myself. Knowing that service really does help others and actually helps you forget your own problems, I know that I can enrich myself by doing things that benefit others. Seminary and my mom have taught me that first hand.

Reason D:

I will be driving more, hopefully, and that means I will have my license this year too. Mom, get ready for a jump in insurance!

Reason E:

This December, we're trying to take a family vacation out to Utah for a Christmas extravaganza with my extended family. You may think UT isn't too exciting, but man, I'm thrilled. I haven't been back there since 2003 and I really do miss my extended family very, very much.

Now, here are the 2 biggest reasons as to why I think this year will be wonderful. Can I get a drum roll, please? Thank you very, very much.

Biggest Reason 1:

I'm going to freakin' Europe. EUROPE! EURRRRRRROPE! It's just now hitting me that I'm going (maybe that's because we went thrifting yesterday for our throw away clothes once we're done wearing them.) Mom, Dave said I should get that half shirt and wear it to work--should I be concerned?

Biggest Reason 2:

I'm going to the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway this October. Although my first year of tasting the sweet odor of race cars in the Sprint Cup series was last year, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to go again this year, with my best friend. For those of you who don't know the difference between the multiple series of NASCAR (yes, there are multiple series; Trucks, Nationwide, and Sprint.) Trucks are like a sucky high school team, Nationwide is the NCAA football, and Sprint is like the NFL of car racing. There ya go.

Orange juice

2009-01-25T20:21:00.005-06:00

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about missionary work. Unfortunately, being somewhat timid about giving my testimony and beliefs to my friends can get in the way a big portion of the time. I'm always concerned about them thinking I'm in some crazy cult or something, or that I'm wasting my time. I know I shouldn't be worried about that, but, sometimes I can't help it. I've been made fun of so many times for being Mormon that I'm starting to not even answer questions people ask me (mainly because they're making fun of me while doing it. How many moms do you have, Aubrey? Where is your gold bible? Do you worship that Joe Smith dude?)

Expressing my feelings to my parents, my mom told me a great analogy that she had heard in a church talk given by Elder Oaks in 2000.

"Consider that you are invited to a friend’s house for breakfast. On the table you see a large pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice from which your host fills his glass. But he offers you none. Finally you ask, ‘Could I have a glass of orange juice?’

He replies, ‘Oh, I’m sorry. I was afraid you might not like orange juice, and I didn’t want to offend you by offering you something you didn’t desire.’

“Now, that sounds absurd, but it is not too different from the way we hesitate to offer up something far sweeter than orange juice. I have often worried how I would answer some friend about my hesitancy when I meet him beyond the veil.” (Ensign, Nov. 2000, 81–82).

It made so much sense. If I feel like I should tell my friends about what I believe in, or ask them if they'd like to come to an activity at church, then by golly I should do it! After all, I'm not them, so holding back is really just making the decision for them. I need to work on this aspect of my life, definitely.

Batman Acts 1/11-1/17

2009-01-16T23:29:00.003-06:00

Like I mentioned previously, I am going to write down my fears that I've slowly, but surely, started to overcome. This week was a bit redundant and much of the same thing was repeated; school, work, driving, etc.

Monday, January 12th:
My first day of work! :)
I'm officially the "Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday-Friday Girl" for David Tallant (http://www.daveshotrodshop.com/) at his amazing hot rod shop. I also drove to and from work without any problems.

Wednesday, January 15th:
My teacher who made the Renaissance Committee for my school said that I am guaranteed a position on the committee since she's the one who made it, whoo hoo.

Friday, January 16th:
I was given an invitation to attend an NHS meeting next week (at 6:50am!) I really hope I'm able to get into it this year, considering last year I did half of the activities I'm doing now (even though I barely do much of anything nowadays anyway.) Wish me luck :)

1 Month...

2009-01-12T19:09:00.002-06:00

It's been a month since Megan left. It's kind of hard to wrap my mind around the fact that it has only been a month--this month has felt like an eternity. I guess that sadness mixed together with stress equals a potion of endlessness.

I'm so glad that I know for a FACT she's doing well.
Gotta love Priesthood blessings, scriptures, prayers, and the HG :)
I know I surely do!

-----
I found this online, lds.org and I felt like I would share it. I'm only putting a tidbit of Elder Russel M. Nelson's talk from May 2005.

"Death is a necessary component of our eternal existence. No one knows when it will come, but it is essential to God’s great plan of happiness. Thanks to the Atonement of the Lord, eventual resurrection is a reality and eternal life is a possibility for all humankind. That possibility becomes a reality as we obey God’s law. He said, “Except ye shall keep my commandments, … ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” One day we will be judged by the Lord and go to our own mansion prepared in our Father’s heavenly house. Celestial glory awaits those who have been faithful to God’s gentle commands.

Brothers and sisters, we live to die and we die to live—in another realm. If we are well prepared, death brings no terror. From an eternal perspective, death is premature only for those who are not prepared to meet God.

Now is the time to prepare. Then, when death comes, we can move toward the celestial glory that Heavenly Father has prepared for His faithful children. Meanwhile, for sorrowing loved ones left behind—such as our family and me—the sting of death is soothed by a steadfast faith in Christ, a perfect brightness of hope, a love of God and of all men, and a deep desire to serve them. That faith, that hope, that love will qualify us to come into God’s holy presence and, with our eternal companions and families, dwell with Him forever. Of this I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Batman Acts 1/4-1/10

2009-01-11T19:56:00.002-06:00

I've decided in order to feel like I'm actually doing things that are out of my ordinary, I thought I'd write about each "Batman" act that I've done this week in order to help me overcome my fears. I know this is probably going to get a little tedious to read every week, but this is my blog and not yours :) Hahah.

Sunday, January 4th:
Being the shy girl I am, I have only stood up in young women's ONCE and bore my testimony to the girls. This year, I decided I need to be more accountable for my behavior, and that I needed to tell the girls how I was feeling. After 3 very moving testimonies by some of my favorite girls, the moment seemed perfect. I got up in front of everyone and immediately started to cry. I didn't bear my testimony, but I said that I have been feeling very regretful for not being at the activities last year as much as I should have, and that I plan to come more this year, AND that I am there for all the girls whenever they need someone.

Tuesday, January 6th:
I had to present something in one of my classes, and I actually volunteered to go 3rd. I was so excited to get the thing overwith that I wasn't even that nervous or embarassed. It felt good.

Thursday, January 8th:
My teacher is in charge of this school run program called Rennisance. This is a program that rewards the students who do well in their studies in school, and who also has good citizenship throughout the school as well. She was asking for people who'd be interested in joining the committee who would plan the activites and execute them. I signed up to be on it, and hopefully I am put on it.

Saturday, January 10th:
Youth activity, and since I'm on the committee that plans out the stake activities, I had a meeting. I was asked to give a prayer, in front of everyone who was at the meeting. Not a big deal, right? Wrong. I usually hate giving prayers in front of people, I just get my words mixed up and feel embarassed. It has nothing to do with praying, it has to do with me--I'm always trying to show up late to mutual so I never have to give a prayer, pathetic! I'm going to work on that. Another "Batman" act I did on Saturday was being in a skit in front of 100+ people, which was part of the youth activity. I didn't have a speaking role, but I was an extra and still had an important role (it was a skit talking about the 3 Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf, and I was the house who got blown over. I even had to fall down on the stage!) As silly as that may sound, this was a HUGE step for me--to volunteer to put myself up in front of everyone.

I know these aren't exactly the most major things that I can do, but to me, each and every one of these things is helping me slowly overcome my fear of public speaking. I am so thankful that God is there helping me along the way, along with every single one of you who is there for me. Thank you.

Stuck no more!

2009-01-08T20:39:00.011-06:00

I use to feel stuck in a box, like my kittens had been when my brother put them in. They were unable to get out because the box was too steep and they're too fat to get out without our help. Because we own them, I felt it was my responsibility to help them out--to pull them out of the box.

Lately, I've felt stuck in the box myself, just waiting for someone to come pull me out.

I've been stressed about school, being a better friend, attending more youth-y activities so I'm closer to the kids (I felt a HUGE amount of regret after Megan died because I felt I didn't be there enough.) I was feeling lonely, emotionally. I'm feeling a bit under the weather too. I feel like a loser because I don't have a job (yet) and I don't have my licence (another yet). The list of imperfections in my life could go on and on....

Seminary yesterday really hit me while watching a video on Christ. I realized that even though I'M having emotional issues right now, CHRIST went through not only MY issues, but yours and EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHOSE EVER LIVED. I have no idea HOW on earth he was able to do that...it makes me feel comforted from it too.

I'm able to say I'm almost out of my emotional box, with the help of God, my family, and a few people who will remain anonymous (but you know who you are.) I am so very, very, VERY thankful for you guys. I'd be lost without you all. I love you all so very much. Thank you!

Batman's Bravery

2009-01-02T15:57:00.010-06:00

Batman, a character who we all have become familiar with. With his extremely ripped body and nice suit, Batman helps clean up the schmuck that keeps corrupting Gotham City.

A new year has creeped up upon everyone, and consequently that means resolutions are going to be set. I still am trying to figure out what I'd like to change about myself or accomplish this year, but for sure one resolution I have for this year is to become like Batman. "Oh Aubrey, why would you want to become a fictional character this year?" is probably what is going through your head right about now, but first, gimme a chance to explain.

When Batman (Bruce Wayne in the daylight) was a young boy, he was terribly afraid of bats. As the years went on, he learned to overcome his fears and use them to help the people out in Gotham City. He wanted to help make Gotham a better place by destroying all forms of evil. It is pretty neat that he was able to be this super crime fighting machine, and even got his nickname from the thing he was scared of: bats.

When I say I'd like to be more like Batman this year, I mean I would like to overcome my fears and use them for the greater good of humanity, or for the greater good of myself/family/friends/etc. I won't be ripped, or be able to take apart a shotgun with my bare hands, but I would like to be able to overcome my fears that hold me back from many, many great things.

For example, I need to not be so afraid to speak in front of large groups of people. I'm extremely bad at this! It debilitates me to where the point I have breakdowns and refuse to do it. I sometimes I avoid situations where I know I would probably have to speak in front of people I don't know very well. Now that I am on two committees (Stake Youth Committee for church, and then another committee at school), I need to overcome this. I know I'll be plunged into speaking in some way, so it'd be easier to deal with if I wasn't terrified of doing it.

There are other fears I'd love to overcome, and I know that I can if I rely on God to help me. Hopefully by next year, I'll be able to say I'm not as afraid of speaking in public--oh how great that'd be! My hope for everyone this year is to become like Batman by overcoming one of their biggest debilitating fears and use it to help out others. Happy new year!

Crayon Nazi

2008-12-26T10:49:00.016-06:00

cray-on /(krā'ŏn', -ən) -noun
1. A stick of colored wax, charcoal, or chalk, used for drawing

These are my Crayola crayons (not including my Crayola Twistables, which I have around 70 or so.) I have a problem; I collect the crayons but I am afraid of using them too much, therefore they are wasted wax. My nickname among my family is the Crayon Nazi, no, not because I murder innocent people that I don't like, or because I am an extreme fascist. No, the reason I'm called the Crayon Nazi is because I'm very, very, VERY strict with my crayons and their usage. I have rules that you must follow, or else you are NOT able to use my crayons again--ever. (This nickname was partially inspired by the Seinfeld episode with the Soup Nazi.)

C.N. Rules:
-Press lightly to avoid breakage of crayon or dullness of the tip
-Crayons must be organized in boxes by color and be placed in correct box
-Crayons are generally only used by Aubrey
-Crayons may not be used by someone Aubrey thinks will break the rules

These crayons are from my special edition 120 crayons. Crayons are organized by reds/purples/pinks, oranges/yellows, and then blues/green/browns.

These crayons are from my special edition "50 Years of 64" pack of crayons. They came with glitter crayons, metallic crayons, scented crayons, and multicultural ones.

This is my "100 Years of Color" crayon box, which I got when I was in the 4th grade. I still have all the colors but two, and one has been replaced. This is the box that started all the Crayon Nazi-ness. I have kept this box for 7 grade levels, and I plan to keep it for as long as possible. As you can see, the crayons are dull, but for being through as much as they have they're doing pretty well.

Make room for Jesus

2008-12-24T10:51:00.014-06:00

"I have to move my NASCAR stuff to put Jesus up!"

Those words can be heard out of my mouth almost everyday since last Friday. My seminary teacher, Sister Kanenwisher (cannon--like baboom), gave everyone in the class a big wrapped present. We opened our gifts up to find a picture of Jesus in a frame with a sticker on the back talking about how this year in seminary we have been learning about Christ's ministry and such. "You can take it to school if you want, but some people may think you're a freak" was what Sister Kanenwisher told us before we headed upstairs after snacking on delicious cake and breakfast casserole (which is to die for--you need the recipe!) I decided to leave Jesus at seminary, but thankfully I was able to have him returned to me Sunday at church :)

Now, this Jesus print isn't exactly travel sized. I can't just find a small empty place on my wall to hang it up, I have to plan accordingly as to where I want to put the Savior in my room. I expressed the difficulty of finding a spot on my wall for Jesus because of his large size, and Sister Kanenwisher's secretive plan worked: make you make room for Jesus! Fortunately, I have just the right spot above my bed, right next to my Tony Stewart tin car wall hanging, for Jesus to be placed and nothing NASCAR related had to move! It's all good.

Okay, the gist of this story is that we all need to make room for Christ, whether it's a literal representation of him in our bedroom which makes you have to over throw part of your NASCAR fetish, or in our hearts. No one is perfect, therefore no one's love for Christ is, and that is why we must strive everyday to do our best to improve ourselves and be more like our older brother.

Wonderful Poem

2008-12-18T20:16:00.002-06:00

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees round the world below,
With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular. Please wipe away your tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description to here the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away… we’re really not apart.
So be happy for my loved ones, you know I hold you dear.
Be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my own undying love.
After all, love is the gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as our father said to do.
For I can’t count the blessings or the love he has for each of you.
So have a merry Christmas and wipe away your tears.
Remember I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
-Author unknown

Thanks Dan for sharing that with me :)

Peace has arrived

2008-12-17T13:43:00.006-06:00

As odd as the circumstances may be, today was a very good one. I was with my loved ones, close friends, and I was fortunate to even see some faces I hadn't seen in years. It was such a peaceful setting at the funeral today, thank you Holy Ghost. Even though I cried through almost the entire thing, which is perfectly fine, I got the closure I needed to finally come to grips to realize that Megan really is in a better place, with our Father, and that I don't need to worry about if she made it or not, or if she's unhappy. I can say that I know she is because of the Holy Ghost's promptings in my heart; they gave me the answer I was needing and the peace I had been desperately searching for. It's a great feeling, to be at peace with God's decision to bring his lovely Megan back home. I know he knows what he's doing, after all, he DID create the entire universe and everything in it, therefore, he has to at least have some idea of what's going on. :)

Though the next days/weeks/months/YEARS will be difficult for Megan's family, we are all here for them and they're in our prayers and God knows that they're having a difficult time right now, and he thankfully has promised that he'll NEVER give us trials we can't overcome AND that he'll never leave us alone.

These verses have brought me much comfort the past 5 days.

Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-9
7. My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment.
8. And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all they foes.
9. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.

Doctrine and Covenants 24:8
8. Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even until the end of thy days.

Alma 40:11-12
11. Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection--Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.
12. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

Denistry Drama

2008-12-16T17:35:00.005-06:00

den-tist-ry /[den-tuh-stree] –noun
1. The profession or science dealing with the prevention and treatment of diseases and malformations of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity, and the removal, correction, and replacement of decayed, damaged, or lost parts, including such operations as the filling and crowning of teeth, the straightening of teeth, and the construction of artificial dentures.

I know that it's perfectly normal to be afraid of doctors and dentists, unfortunately, I have both of those fears (well, I'm not as afraid of them as I use to be. I finally decided to buck up and let them do their job because in the end they're really just helping me.) It's always a good feeling when your dentist tells you that you're his hero and that you're a rock star because you're no longer biting him or kicking him (I kid you not, my dentist actually said those words to me today when I went to have a broken tooth filled.)

Over the years I have accumulated different horror stories from when I went to the dentist. When I was 5, I had to be put to sleep (literally--never fall for the "Hey I'll Give You a Sticker as My Assistant Jabs You With a Needle Full of Drug That'll Knock You Out For a Few Hours") just to put in 3 silver caps on my teeth. Countless times I have bitten my dentist or slobber on their fingers "accidentally." One time, I had to get a tooth pulled so my dentist was shoving the extremely painful needle into the roof of my mouth to numb my gums, well, I pushed her away from me (consiquently, I got my butt chewed out because the needle could have hurt her, which at the time I didn't care.) I never went back to the dentist chair without my momma until I was 15yrs old, and I use to ball my eyes out everytime I had to get my teeth cleaned. I'm sure that there are other stories that have become historical tales throughout the years, but they seemed to have slipped my mind. Oh well.

Anyway, it always makes a girl feel good when her dentist tells the office that she no longer punches and kicks him like she use to, and that he's proud of the progress she's made.

I....

2008-12-15T19:20:00.013-06:00

Can't this week be over with already? Between finals and a funeral, I'm falling apart. The urge to cry is just unbearable; it takes all my strength to not cry all the time. All the youth is still shaky from what I can tell....church yesterday was so difficult. Please pray for us youth.

We need you.

I can't believe this is only the 3rd day she's been passed away
and it feels like a lifetime....

To everyone who reads this;
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you.

"If you live to be 100, I want to live to be 100 minus a day,
so I never have to live without you."
-Winnie the Pooh

I'll miss my Miss Lil Giggles

2008-12-13T15:59:00.009-06:00

I'm speechless.
I'm distraught.
I'm feeling extremely uneasy.
I can't think straight.
I'm unhappy.
I don't know what to do.
I'm confused.
I'm scared.
I'm worried sick.
I expected today to be a good day....I was wrong.
I'm so thankful that I'll be able to see her again, in Heaven, where she belongs.
I'll miss her so much....
I just wish I made time to be with her more.
I really regret not being better friends with her, or telling her how much I loved her.

Please, please, please pray for the Kissinger and Kitchen family, along with the family of the boys who were also involved in this wreck (the Roberts and Jameson families). I don't even know how they must be feeling right now....

I will miss you forever and always, my Miss Lil Giggles.

This is the news report on Megan's death;
http://www.kctv5.com/traffic/18272001/detail.html?rss=kan&psp=news

"CLAY COUNTY, Mo. -- A 17-year-old Smithville, Mo., girl was pronounced dead Friday night at a hospital after she was involved in a wreck.

Megan Kitchen was in a Chevrolet Blazer with other teens, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

They were heading east on 136th Street near Kearney, Mo., and when the driver crested a hill at Orval Lane, he lost control of the vehicle, according to the Highway Patrol.

The Blazer went airborne and then landed hard across the median. The SUV overturned several times before it hit a barbed wire fence and then a tree. It ended up on its top.

The teens were wearing seat belts.

The driver, Chad Roberts, of Liberty, and another boy in the car, Paul Jameson, of Kearney, both 17, suffered minor injuries, according to the Highway Patrol.

Charges were pending in the wreck."

Nectar Of The Gods

2008-12-08T19:06:00.000-06:00

Dr. Pepper /[dok-tor pep-er] -beverage of amazingness
1. A quite interesting carbonated soft-drink. It tastes great the first time you have it, or if you don't drink it too frequently, but its' flavor seems to fade and become un-noticeable if you drink it on a regular basis. It is better than Coke and Pepsi, and all the other popular soft-drinks, and often causes one to belch loudly, which is reason enough to drink it.
2. Mr. Pibb's older, more successful cousin.

I wasn't experienced in selecting the best beverage when I was twelve, but thankfully, my Uncle Brian (aka "Stone Cold") came swiftly to me and informed me of my error. I had just recently been dipped in the "caffine" side of the pool of beverages about 2 years previously because in Missouri not everyone carries root beer like they did in Utah, so I either had to convert to the "dark side" or just go for the unattractive sodas like Sprite, which made me sick at the time. Anywho, having the cheap mom that I have, I got Dr. Thunder (the cheap nasty crap version of Dr. Pepper from Walmart) while I was staying in California with my grandparents (along with my mom and brother) for a few weeks. I don't recall the specific details, but my Uncle Stone Cold told me these powerful, vital words of beverage wisdom.

"Dr. Pepper is the nectar of the Gods. Dr. Thunder is the nectar of the Walmart employees."

To this day, I still remember those words. I have tried several knock-off brands of the heavenly nectar (ie: Dr. Thunder, Mr. Pibb, Pibb Extra, and the worst one ever was Dr. Hyvee--gross.) I glady inform all those confused drinkers that they really aren't drinking the best soda out there, that they're being cheated of deliciousness.

Sadly, I am now called obsessed with Dr. Pepper. I think that's just a whee bit extreme.

Obsessed? Of course not.

I don't know who you're talking about.... :)

Paper Clips

2008-12-03T18:38:00.000-06:00

paper clip /[pey-per klip] –noun
1. a flat wire or plastic clip shaped so that it can hold sheets of paper between two of its loops.
2. a spring clamp for holding papers.

Paper clips are simple, yet complex. Loops of organization bended to keep important papers oh so delicately secured in a saftey net of metal wire. Seen at offices, houses, schools, and even on earrings occasionally. Found in all sizes, from extremely big to itsy bitsy.

Paper clips are one of my favorite organization tools, besides my eliquently labled binders, folders, and other organizational tools I use at school. It started with about 3 paper clips, but I found that just was not enough. I upgraded to about 5 clips, and found that, too, was not enough to fufill my addiction to these little wire loops. I just recently found a big box of them in my basement, being filled with excitement, I grabbed a handful and my collection is about 12 or so. Paper clips aren't just used for cheap jewelry, or for organization, but also to represent something that was an enormous impact on our Earth.

A few years ago, a small school in Tennesse decided to collect paper clips to represent every victim that was murdered in the Holocaust. The project became very well known, even making a documentary (which my mom dragged me and my brother to the most boring mall in the entire world--literally ever store was closed down except for some gift store and the cat adoption center. It was pretty bad; I resorted to throwing a button pin around the parking lot.) Anyway, it was pretty incredible what this tiny itty bitty school was able to do, and I am astonished that they were able to do this. I guess it just shows that anyone can make a difference.

http://www.paperclipsmovie.com/synopsis.php

Introduction

2008-11-26T18:22:00.000-06:00

Time for introductions, I guess. Although everyone who will be reading this already knows who I am, I just thought I'd introduce myself properly and give you my oppinon on what exactly an Aubrey is. Anyway, here I go.

Aubrey is a noun that is pronounced [aww-bree] and is a "male name given in Germanic for the words elf and ruler." (according to Dictionary.com) I don't believe that the defintion fits me at all, and here are some reason why;

First off, I'm not a male, although, in the 3rd grade I use to tell people that I was Cyclops, from X-Men, and that my parents gave me a sex change as soon as I was born. Don't worry, my parents didn't have the funds to do that at the time, and I thankfully grew out of that phase.

Secondly, I do not have pointy ears and my skills with bow is very lacking--it takes me about a year and a half to hit my foam Cabela's target when I'm shooting my bow. I was Legolas, from Lord of the Rings, in 5th grade for Halloween....does that count as being an elf? Didn't think so.

And third, I'm not a ruler, but I do rule! Haha, okay, just kidding.

In a quest to find a proper definition of me, I went to Urbandictionary.com and found several definitions of what 'Aubrey' is, so here are just a few (they humored me, actually.) Of course, these definitions don't exactly fit me either...maybe I should just make up my own?

Aubrey: French for "elf ruler" and "ruler of little people." A song sang by the band Bread. A really hot brunette girl who always dates tall guys. A huge, stinky, whiney retched chick who looks like a moose that swallowed a whale.

Elven ruler of little people...am I Santa Clause?
I hate this song, with a passion mind you. My mom enjoys to blare it, of course.
Well...I have dated really tall guys, but the hot brunette part is a bit off.
Ouch! Do they think I'm an Alaskan Jonah from the Old Testament?

I got this off of my mom's blog:

"organized, a loyal friend, neurotic about wood and getting a splinter, non-public speaking unless it is for a grade, not planning to move away from her best friend parents, reading the scriptures everyday for 200 days straight, loves to wear skirts in elementary (even in the dead of winter), loves her back scratched by Gma Carol, a little too hard on herself, animal loving freak, keeps her word, got tired of being asked if she was growing her hair for Locks of Love, a little bit into NASCAR, great at "off the record", is uncovering her deep tender heart, defining who she is, snuggly with Poppa Joe in his chair, addicted to the computer, a fabuous journal writer, LOVES sharpies like her mother, hates being called Audrey or Bre, finding her own literary voice and looking for the perfect weather situation to live in."

Wow, she hit that nail right on it's puny little head. Kudos to my mommasita! :)