My Top 10 Things I am Grateful For

I've decided I need to be more positive, and Optimistic, and about a trillion other things, but we will start with being happier about what I've been given. And the best way I know of is to be more grateful. So, for your reading delights, here are my top 10 things I am most grateful for.


1. My Savior. (I'm LDS, if you were wondering), and I truly am so thankful for the Savior in my life. For his Atonement and the sacrifice he has made for me. I know I am so blessed to be able to go to him in prayer whenever I need him. The Gospel and everything else it entails is obviously connected to this. It is the number one thing in my life that keeps me going when I get down.

(If you want to learn more, go to http://www.lds.org/?lang=eng )

2. My family. These are some obvious ones, but I think ones that we all forget. I'm so grateful that no matter how mean I am, no matter how selfish and spoiled, my family still loves me. And it's true love, the lasting kind. I'm so grateful that I get to be with them forever.

3. Friends. I have been blessed to be able to find so many friends who are true friends. Who share my beliefs and support me in my decisions. Who let me know when I am wrong about something, and who are there for me when I am having a hard time. Some of the hardest times in my life have been lessened because of friends who are there for me. I only hope that I can be such a friend to my friends when they need it.

4. Books. Nerdy right? Well I love books. I love the fact that I can disappear into another world when I am reading them. I love learning new things, and letting my imagination fly. I could not live without books.


5. Food. That's right, food. Food makes me happy. It brings people together and makes you alot happier than you were before. I realize how lucky I am that I actually have food, and that I have plenty of it.


6. My Older Sister. I know this is included under family, but I had to list it seperately. There is no one in my life that has really tried to understand everything that I have gone through like my sister. She always forgives me for my stupid decisions, and always praises my better ones. We have been best friends throughout everything in life, and I'm so glad that I will have her for forever.

7. America. I live in the United States of America. Yes, the politics are screwed up. Yes, we are all getting supremely fat. Yes, we are trillions of dollars in debt. BUT, we are free. I am free to choose what I want to be, what I want to do, where I want to live. I can elect those politicians who I believe to be best suited to the job. I can have a family the size I want, and create my own business even if I want. I can worship whomever I choose, whenever I want. What a beautiful thing it is. I am so blessed.


8. College. I attend BYU-Idaho. Can I just say that it is hard growing up, doing homework, doing bills and making ends meet? But at the same time, it has been an experience that has taught me so much about myself, about others, and about the world around me. In many countries, and even here, people don't get the opportunity to learn the things that I get to. It's amazing, simply amazing that I get to learn how to be a Social Worker (which is what I want to do with my life), and learn religion, politics, and whatever else I want at my school of choice. 


9. My Backyard. I have a pretty big backyard for your average yard in Utah. Let me just say that it is my haven from the world. I love disappearing into it. As a child, I spent my summers out there, playing for hours, whether by myself or with friends. Now, as I am adult(ish) I can sit there and think, or read, or bounce on the trap with my sisters. Or gaze at the stars. Or whatever I want without being disturbed.

(I know this is of a wedding, but its in my backyard. See how green and amazing?)

10. Myself. This sounds really stupid, and vain, but I realize that I am blessed to be born without any disabilities. That I have hair, and perfect eyesight and all that. I can run and climb and dance and anything else that I want to. I don't even have any major health problems. Many people don't have that. I am so thankful for that. Sometimes I get lost in the shuffle and wish that I was prettier, or smarter or something like that. But you know what? I am so lucky. Because so many people don't have what I have. And I am grateful for it.

There is so many other things to be grateful for...but I don't want to bore you to death, just maybe help you think about some things in your life that you are grateful for as well.

The Bachelorette.

I must say, I have a MAJOR problem, with the Bachelorette/Bachelor. And a sort of problem with all those who are addicted to watching it. 

1. Firstly, because let's be really honest with ourselves here, THE SAME THING HAPPENS EVERY TIME. Every season has the bad boy/girl, the one everyone loves, the one that the person keeps around just to keep the audience in suspense. There is also countless stupid makeout scenes with 20 guys. DOES THIS BOTHER ANYONE BUT ME?? How can you start a real relationship in front of a camera, competing with HOW many other people? And the person you are supposably in love with is cheating on you with multiple people! I'm sorry, I just don't see why this show has become such a big hit.

2. Secondly, because where does all the food go? Think about it. The only thing you ever see anyone eat or drink is an alcoholic beverage. That's it. No wonder everyone on it is so skinny. All they are consuming is champagne. This last season of the bachelorette had some seriously delicious looking food. Did it ever get eaten? No. I think I saw three bites consumed one episode. I can't really blame them, because I hate eating in front of people. But let's get real. Oh wait...I forgot what I was talking about. It's the Bachelorette. IT'S NOT REAL.

3. Thirdly because people get all obsessed with what happens as if it was their own lives. Guys. It's a television show with beautiful people, beautiful houses, and beautiful food. How many of these marriages/dating things have actually worked out? I think one of them. One. So why do we even care who they end up with? People wonder why there is so much divorce and unhappiness from love lifes. Oh I'll tell you why. It's because they live in a Bachelorette/Nicholas Sparks fulled fantasy world, where everyone should look like a movie star, never eat, and make-out with everyone and still be able to find the one they love in a time period of less than three months. Life isn't like that people. And if your life is, congrats. But it's going to end soon just so you are aware.

If you are thinking, here you are making fun of the show, when you've probably watched it. You are right. I have. maybe 5 times in my life from the first season to this last one. And let me tell you they were all wasted time. And even when I don't watch it, I have to hear recaps from everyone letting me know exactly what happened and who is who.

I beg the television people. Please, please, please, put something a little more interesting on T.V. I miss the good old days of The Office and Lost.

Let me just put some pictures up really fast so you can see what I see.

Let me  point out, that although I couldn't find a good picture of the fake ponytail, it's disgusting. She wore it several times on the episode and firstly her hair isn't that long in real life, and secondly it was way too thick and straight. Nastiest hair ever.

And this one? I am one hundred percent positive that this is the most emotion ever expressed on her face. I think she really is beautiful. But the amount of self tanner, fake hair and botox she used put a real damper on the whole thing for me.

I think it would bother me so bad if I was Jef that she made out with Aerie WAY MORE than she did with him. I wonder how Jef felt watching those episodes. I would say that it's a safe bet that he was probably thinking..."hmm, I think she has alot more physical chemistry with him than with me. Well this is awkward."

I'm sorry but these guys look like barbie dolls. And yet again, food on the table but....no eating. Can you tell the whole not eating thing bother me?

America could pick a better show to be obsessed with...

Spending all my Money

Despite my usual goal to save my money, yet again, I have spent it. I'm awful, but I just can't resist sometimes. It's going to be one of my downfalls in life. But for reals this time. I'M NOT SPENDING ANY MORE MONEY ON CLOTHES UNLESS IT'S SOMETHING I REALLY NEED. Like underwear or socks. I have plenty of everything else. Unless it's shoes. One can always use new shoes. Maybe pants. And a couple jackets. And see? There I go again. I really, really do love clothes though. Every girl does, but lately I've been getting really into fashion. Worst decision of my life. I should just go granola and never wear any makeup or clothes. So I should additionally join a nudist colony. Just for saving money purposes. Seriously though, think of all the money that you could save.

ANYWAY. So I bought stuff yesterday with one of my best girl's Janie. Who is also very fashionable, and a great companion to shop with might I add. But check out these legit pants that we tried on.

Yeah. They are sweet. Needless to say, I was only supposed to be shopping for a dress...but I got the pants, and the shirt as well. The shirt is a nice mint color with lace around the collar. Very cute.  And on sale, but that doesn't really count when you have no money.

But I also got a new dress from Down East Outfitters. Pictures to come maybe. But it's kind of vintage looking, with the teacup length. (At least I think thats what they call it.) And I got some black high heel wedges to go with the dress. They are also adorable. Also expensive. Ugh sometimes I regret spending my money really bad after I spend it. There goes a whole weeks worth of work. But it's sort of worth it when I sit here in the amazing pants I got.

No more clothes Liza. No more clothes.

But it was a lovely day yesterday.

My Struggles

Firstly, the fact that I have looked online, offline and everywhere in between to find a really cute, flattering dress that at least goes to the knees and I cannot find one. What is this world coming to? Alright, that was a lie. I found one. But it was super expensive. I can't afford to buy a dress that is more than $50.00. That's right blogging world, I'M POOR.

Secondly, I struggle so bad budgeting my money. I know it seems like everyone has this problem; including our beloved country America, but for reals, I just want to get a budget and keep a strict one. But where does one find a website or whatever to help you make a budget? Because let's face it, I'm not smart enough to use excel...and I want some program that is free that will help me budget. So anyone that is following me, if anyone is...someone tell me where I can find a budget machine!!

This dieting  business I previously told you about, well it's not failing, but I'm not doing as good as I would like. So today I'm going to exercise and eat perfectly. That's right, not even a single calorie extra will be eaten today. Just a whole lot of water and healthy foods. Depressingly enough is that when I think of how healthy I need to be, I then realize that this day is going to be a whole lot longer than I would like. Oh Sugar, I wish you weren't so fattening.

And my last struggle of this past week is that one of the nights, I went to bed at around 3:00 in the morning. But keep in mind, I am a college student, so that's normal. Apparently I can't handle it though, because the day after I stayed up that late I literally could barely walk I was so tired. I also fell asleep in all my meetings I had that day, and then right after I ate dinner I went to bed. Around 7:30 at night. If anyone was wondering, I am basically an old lady now. And I will now be putting into place my own personal curfew of 11:30 at the latest, perferably 11:00. And that's only for when I want to be social. Every other night it's in bed by ten; regardless of the fact that it is summertime. This girl has to get up at 6:45 for work.

Oh yes, one more struggle. But not one of mine. So for the first time ever, this July I have seen basically no fireworks. (It's because Utah has been having wildfire issues).  I know I'm spoiled rotten to have said that, but fireworks are on my list of favorite things! Finally two nights ago I got to see some fireworks with my best friends.

And this may or may not have been the night when I stayed up way too late...

Also, I will shortly be posting an amazing recipe for 150 calorie or less chocolate muffins that were actually good. Yes, that's right, they were actually good. I'll be getting that to you shortly.

"Lifestyle" Plan

It's really a diet plan, but my Mom always says that diets can't be diets, or they will never last. So this is my life style plan.

It started out pretty strict. NO sugar whatsoever in anything. It can have natural sugar, but as for artifical sugar, it can only have 3 grams max.
Healthy eating. Fruits, Veggies, no seconds.
Also exercise 1 hour every single day except Sunday.

It is a good diet plan, if you want to lose weight quickly and such. However, here's the catch. Here's the thing. I don't know how anyone can live that strict of a life and still be able to have fun doing things. So here is my own personally approved diet plan.

1. Healthy eating 6 days out of 7 a week. Only eat enough to make you feel full, and eat slowly. A tip I got from someone once is that half the time that you are hungry, you are actually dehydrated. So I plan on drinking a lot of water, and eating as healthy as possible with much smaller portion sizes.
2. Move more. I don't have time to exercise 1 hour a day. More like I don't have the energy to work out that hard 1 hour a day. Sometimes I am literally working from 8 in the morning till 9:30 at night. But my new plan is that when I get the chance to exercise, I must take it. I must do jumping jacks, walk or run, some sit ups. That kind of thing. And when possible I move more around the house. I park farther away from the entrance to stores when I am shopping, that kind of thing. Hopefully this will make it so that I can get more exercise in, without completely killing myself trying to do it.
3. And my new addition to this plan is that I will record my progress on here. Not my weight or anything like that, because I don't believe in weighing yourself either. It doesn't matter what you weigh as long as you are trying to be healthy and feeling healthy. Improvement. That's what counts. So this is my first little diet post. And if you are following me...anybody at all...you can do this with me, and we can track our progress together.

Best Friends

Quick recap of my day yesterday:

• I worked. Too Much. (I work 12 hours today though, so just shoot me now.)
• Hung out at my sister's hosue, and learned to appreciate Mothers. Her baby cried almost the entire time and she handled it with ease.
• Talked with my best friend for two hours on the phone.
• Walked outside at nine at night to intense, hot wind. I hate hot wind.
• Found a spider under my shampoo in the shower. Don't worry I killed him promptly.

Anyway, the moral of yesterday was that I really came to appreciate my best friends. And friends in general, but more especially my best friends. It's amazing to me that friends have a way of knowing when you need a phone call or a pick me up. So this is a shout out to some of my best friends in the world who have always been there for me when I really need it.

This is my very best friend, Rachel Foster. ( She's on the right in the top picture, left on the bottom) We've known eachother since sixth grade, and lived together for two years in college. I love her more than she'll ever know.

This is Rachel, and two of my other closest friends that I made at college. Both of them are better roommates and friends than I could have ever asked for. Kambrie Nield

Another picture of me and some of my favorite roomies and friends. I am so thankful for them.

This is a crazy picture of my very closest girl friends from home. They've always been there for me. Rachel Brog, Emily Wahlstrom, Me and Rachel Foster.

And another, with previously mentioned friends and Drew Lang, one of my best guy friends.

One of the hardest things for me is saying goodbye, and I've had to say goodbye to all the boys in this picture. They are all serving LDS missions now for two years. I love them and miss them.

And last but not least is Lee Essig, my best friend from High School who gets home from his LDS mission in TWO WEEKS! I'm so excited to see him again.

Well there you have it. It is a list of love. Because I feel so much love from all these people, and I love all these people so much. I'm very blessed to have them all in my life. And this list is only the beginning. I have so many other friends I would like to thank! So thank you to everyone who has always been there for me. You will never know the difference that you have made in my life.

Here's a few more treats.

Thank you so much to everyone. Annnnddd sorry this is so long.

The Dentist and Shoe Advice. (You are Welcome)

I hate the Dentist. Lots of people say that, but when I say it, I mean it. I've never had any cavities. I take good care of my teeth. But for some reason everytime I go something awful happens.

       "Hi I'm the dental hygenist and I'm going to talk to you and ask you questions the entire time so that you will be forced to talk with your mouth wide open."
       "Hi I'm the dental hygenist and I'm going to tell you to 'bite down' when my finger is still in your mouth so that you bite me. Then I'm going to act like you are a psychopath for doing so."
       "Hi I'm the dental hygenist, and when I say that I'm going to go develop the x-rays of your mouth, I'm really going to go take a lunch break and be back in 45 minutes smelling like cheese sandwiches."

Thank you for another awful experience Dentist Office. Their promise to help you leave smiling is a lie. A LIE!


Now, for anyone who shops at Payless, I have some advice to give. As you might have read, I work at there. Woopdedo some of you might be thinking. Well I know the ins-and-outs of that place. And I can tell you that It's not as simple as it seems.

PAYLESS TIPS:

Tip #1: If you are looking for sturdy, durable, American-made shoes, DON'T SHOP AT PAYLESS. Every shoe is made in China, and most of the brands are cheaply made. And when I say most, I mean 8/10. The more expensive the original shoe price, the nicer the shoe is. Payless actually does have a couple of designer brands, which are excellent shoes, but you have to know what to look for. Someone might kill me after I say this (cough, cough, my boss), but the brand "Brash" is probably the worst brand they carry. And I know that from experiences working with customers, and from buying the shoes myself. Trust me.
Tip #2: I love kids. But if you come in with children, I beg of you, please keep them under control. It's very stressful for me to help you find your kid shoes if I can't even find your kid in the store. Don't let them run back and forth in front of the door so that it dings. The door counts how many customers come in, and then the computer counts how many of those customers are buying our products. (This is called conversion). If your kid is running back and forth my computer tells my boss that people aren't buying enough shoes, and if I'm there, it means it's my fault. Which translates to me getting "written up", which translates to me "getting fired" after three times of this happening. So for my sake, and for the sake of employees everywhere, please watch your children.
Tip #3: Don't listen to the sales person. Honestly, 9 times out of 10 I am telling white lies to the customer. I need to get you to buy shoes so that I can keep my job/get a raise or whatever. If you try on a grandma shoe, I'm going to say, "That is so durable and very professional looking!" It's not. I think it's ugly as crap. If you ask me, "I'm not sure what shoes to get, what are you thinking?" I'm going to say, "Get them both, it's such a good deal going on right now!" Look, the only time it's really a good deal it's when it's back to school time, Christmas sales or BOGO. I try to tell as much of the truth I can without getting in trouble. I really do, but being a sales person, I honestly have to lie to get you to buy some things. Just a heads up for anyone out their who things that the associate is really "there for you". We aren't. We are there to get paid. Anyone who says otherwise is lying to your face.
Tip #4: DON'T COME IN RIGHT BEFORE CLOSE. It's rude. No matter the business. And you aren't going to get the best customer service because we have a billion things to do right before close. Additionally, you are going to find emptier shelves at night time, which means less selection for you, then you would normally find earlier in the day.
Tip #5: Some Payless stores carry makeup, perfume, and jewlery. DON'T BUY THE MAKEUP. It's not made well. It's a shoe store, which means that our specialty is shoes. When you come in and see mascara for a buck, it's because it doesn't work. The perfume is decent. The jewlery isn't as durable as some, but there is some really cute stuff, and jewlery is ALWAYS buy one get one half off. Always. Which makes for some decent prices if you know how to shop for it.
Tip #6: The Centerville Payless usually gets new shipment on Mondays and Thursdays, which means we will have it in the store on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you want the best day to come in, it would be Tuesday. It's not as crowded and we have the best selection on those days.

Hope that helps my dear readers, and maybe was relatively entertaining? If anyone is actually reading this yet...

It's all about me.

Well Hello. Okay. So obviously, I'm a new blogger. And everyone says this, but I really never wanted to blog. But I got intrigued and now I'm hooked.

Embarrassing fact for the day: I already did a post like this, and because of my stupidity, I accidently deleted it. Some might say I'm off to a great start already.

For those of you who are thinking, "Is she just going to ramble on all day or actually say something?" Well I will answer you, and say that today, I'm just going to ramble on. But ooohhh, tomorrow, I'll make sure I have something good to say.

And for those of you who don't know me, I work two jobs. At Payless, and at a Junior High.  Normally I go to college, and work at a library, but this Summer I live at home. (You will be hearing more about that). But I'm a pretty boring person, with the same boring people problems: my love life is nonexistent, I don't have enough money, and I hate my jobs...blah blah blah blah blah. But I'll throw in some exciting stuff. I love Art. You might see some. I love Fashion, I love Food, I love my friends and family, and I secretly love singing, but you know, the whole public thing really isn't for me. I love Music too. But only the good stuff, the crap on the Radio makes me want to die. (Please, please don't mistake me for a Hipster.) I am 20 years old, almost 21, and I'm still learning a whole lot. So that's what this blog will be about. Sometimes I might chat about my life. And other days I might post super awesome stuff. I can be a viritual pinterest...not. So Dear Reader, I bid you farewell, seeing that I'm almost off my shift at my job and it's time for me to go home. (No, I'm not a slacker, I'm allowed to do this.)

ANNNNNDDD Now for a quote to inspire you. (I love quotes).
"Keep your face always towards the Sunshine, and Shadows will fall behind you." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Love that quote. Except I always think--quite depressingly I might add--what happens if there isn't any sunshine? But then I say to myself, why then there can't be any shadows. And you just enjoy the rain.