Thank the Maker

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

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

(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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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)

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

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

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

"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

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]

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...

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

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 :]