That's me!

For the girls who spend their days in boxing gloves, sports bras and a gi. For the girls who train 5+ days a week. The ones who know what it means to get knocked down seven times but stand up eight. This is for the girls who walk around with matt burn, bruised shins, and black eyes. For the girls who own more weapons than most criminals do. For the girls who know they’ve done their best when they leave the dojo covered in sweat, sore, and completely exhausted. This is for the girls who dream of a belt they have to work years to receive. This is for the girls who know Martial Arts is a way of life. Copy and paste if you agree!

Mama

My mom came down yesterday! She brought me my birthday present - dinning room table! We shopped for stuff my house, watched Gilmore Girls, ate pizza, and talked. So happy to have such an amazing mama!

Winnie the Pooh was one smart bear...

I've Decided to Start a Bucket List...

1. Skydive
2. Live in New York for a year
3. Live in a small town for a year
4. Write a novel
5. Own a cow
6. Keep a journal for a year straight...never missing a day!
7. Visit every state
8. Receive my black belt
9. Become fluent in another language
10. Start a non-profit branch of Jason's business that gives scholarships for children who cannot afford martial arts
11. Camp on the beach
12. Build a tree house
13. Go to Disneyworld
14. Own a vintage truck
15. Memorize an entire book of the Bible...share what I know!


More to come as I think of it!

My job has me addicted to wildlife photos!

Whirlwind

Sorry I haven't made any substantial posts lately...here goes!

Monday morning I woke up at 4am expecting to drive myself to the airport. Jason was in Cali with his black belt testers and I didn't want to make any friends have to get up that early to drive me. When I woke up there was a text from Jason - he had driven through the night and going to drive me to the airport. I was REALLY happy because had he not been there we would have gone 16 days without seeing each other!

Monday through Friday morning I worked in Vegas on a site visit. We were extremely productive but it wore me out!

Friday I flew home, took a nap, and then headed to the karate studio. We had a Halloween sleepover with over 25 kids (see the video below).

Saturday I woke up and once all the kids were gone I headed home to get cleaned up. Jason and I then headed to a wedding for a couple we know from the karate studio. It was an absolute blast!

This morning I woke up and headed to church then I took a nap, grocery shopped and did laundry. After that I went to see "Three Musketeers" with Jason and his family.

Even with today's nap, I am exhausted! Going to bed early tonight! ;)

2011 Halloween Sleepover

Found a picture of my old doggy =(

My New Goal in Life

I want to learn how to make cupcakes this cute!

1 Timothy 4:12

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Animals

In the course of my life I have owned one dog, three pigs, one sheep, four mice, two rabbits, a couple turtles, a couple frogs, a couple lizards. I have also spent countless hours with horses, donkeys, goats, etc. The one thing I have not had much experience with isv(aside from a college course)...COWS! I want a cow sooooo bad! Weird, I know. I know someday I'll have land with all these animals, but there will be a very special place in my heart for the cow! ♥

Yepp.

Pups

I really want an English Bulldog...let me show you a few reasons why:

Recent Quotes

Angie: Sorry I'm late, there were a bunch of javalina in the parking lot Hakuna Matata'ing...
***
Matt: Look at this picture one of our members took with a rat he shot...it's like "Hey look what I found in my toilet!"
***
Matt: I won't be at work tomorrow.
Me: Why not?
Matt: I'm going to my grandma's funeral.
Me: I thought she passed a while ago.
Matt: She did, but they had to ship her from New York...then we had to wait for her to defrost...
***

Hey Jason-

I do what I want ;)

I feel as though blogging about my day-to-day has become rather dull. Not because I live a boring life, but because I don't think you all need a play-by-play of my life. So now I'll also be going on rants about random stuff I like...or don't like, as well as posting random photos I enjoy. Read and look at what you like...skip what you don't =)

Hakuna Matata

I LOVE LION KING (I even like Nala for a girl's name), so you can imagine how excited I got when I saw this:

Tattoo

I REALLY want this tattoo. I like the meaning behind it and think it applies to all areas of my life. Now I have to get up the courage to go get it!

What's In Your Purse?

Is it Valentine's Day yet?!

To the future!

I am so happy for myself and some of the people I am closest to. Here is a congratulations to us all.

My oldest brother, Graham, settled into a new job at the company my dad works for earlier this year. In June he and his wife welcomed a son (they already have a daughter) into the world, Crewe Jackson White aka Nuggy Moon Seahorse.

My other brother, Bradley, joined the same company a few months ago and seems to have settled in as well. He is also playing in a band with some of our family and one of his friends.

I was hired as a Meeting and Events Coordinator with Safari Club International in June. I have since moved into a two bedroom apartment and am slowly acquiring all my own furniture.

My best friend, Julia, was hired by HOPE group last year. She now gets to works with mentally handicapped children. She helps them works to goals such as eating with utensils, greeting people, and finding appropriate ways to express what they want.

My boyfriend, Jason, was able to move his business into a much larger space (3 times larger)! He has the potential to quadruple his clientele.

Hard work pays off and I couldn't be happier for all of us! =)

I want to learn to do my hair as beautifully as this....

I Miss College

This Weekend

When I got out of work on Friday I headed to my old apartment and started loading up my truck. I took two loads of stuff over to my new place and then met Jason at the movies to see Harry Potter.

Saturday I woke up at 4:45am (lucky me) and headed to black belt training. This week was more difficult than last... forms, boxing pattern, sparring, pull ups on goals posts, running half a mile with our equipment bags on, doing squats while holding our equipment bags over our head, and finished it off with a time miled.

My mom came up for the rest of the day. She helped me clean my old place, finish moving everything, and paint my new place...she even brought me my favorite food!

Today I got my key copied, picked up a few items for my trip, and then relaxed and watched "Troop Beverly Hills."

I am so excited for a two day work week!

The Happenings

Well...

I move tomorrow! I am so excited to finally be in a place that lets me paint, hang things on the wall, etc. My mom is coming down to help me move, clean my old apartment, and paint. I am so excited to have a whole day of just her and I!

My job is really picking and I am liking it a lot! The people I work with are all really great and I am excited to start traveling.

Next week Jason and I are headed to Vegas with his parents. Jason and Larry have to attend the Martial Arts Super Show so Joan and I will get to lay poolside, shop, etc during the day and then at night we'll all go out. I am so excited to sleep in!

The next weekend I was supposed to be going to Cali to compete but a dead truck battery sucked up my plane ticket money...guess that is part of being an "adult."

The weekend after THAT I am going back to Vegas with Jason and his parents for the Toby Keith concert!

Should be a pretty good next few weeks!

Haven't Done One of These in a While

1. Where did you grow up?
Gilbert.

2. What have you done today?
I had black belt training, packed up my apartment, then went to the movies with my boyfriend.

3. If you could marry a celebrity, who would you marry?
Well, I wouldn't, because I want to marry Jason...but hypothetically...Forest Griffin...he's a hottie and does Martial Arts...

4. If you could have one thing right now, what would it be?
Either a puppy or my rent paid for one year.

5. Favorite names for a girl?
Reid, Jae, Paisley, etc.

6. For a boy?
Jackson, Liam, Ari, etc.

7. Favorite Movie?
Either "The Notebook" or "Marley & Me"

8. What are you wearing?
Pajama bottoms, spaghetti strap, crop top.

9. How did you meet your best friend(s)?
Julia- I met Julia when her sister, Caroline, was dating my brother. Caroline was taking both Julia and I to the mall for Macy's Teen group.
Derek- I had met Derek a few times through mutual friends and then we both saw a kid fall down and stairs and try to play it off as though he hadn't. We were insta-friends after that.
Jason- I met Jason in acting class at UA.

10. Last four people to text you?
Jason, Julia, Sara, and Chase.

11. What activity would you like to become involved in?
I have done acting, raised livestock, competed in tractor pulls, done Big Brothers Big Sisters, am active in church, and am currently training for my black belt...I think I'm good for awhile...

12. What was your first thoughts when waking up this morning?
"It's 4:45am...no one should ever have to wake up this early..."

13. What were you doing at 7pm last night?
Eating Tutti Fruitti!

14. Do you currently want any tattoos?
Yes, I have been wanting a clauda for years. Just need to decide where I want it.

15. Do you wear socks to bed?
Ugh... I hate sock feet!

16. Favorite love song?
Like Red On A Rose by Alan Jackson

17. Favorite bird?
Flamingos!

18. Last baby you held?
Nuggy Moon

19. Who do you want in your wedding?
Julia would for sure be my maid of honor. Other than that? Sara, Courtney, and Caroline...

20. Favorite holiday?
Don't mess with me and Valentine's Day!!!

Olympic Fire

This is a picture to go with my earlier post. This is all of us current black belt candidates at the end of training. Jason is the one with the megaphone...of course, and I am three people in from the right. Jason will test in May 2012 for 6th degree and I will test in October 2012 for 1st. The theme for this training session is Olympic Fire.

Blood, sweat, but NO TEARS!

Today at 6am I started my first session of black belt training. You must complete 3 consecutive cycles of training with 90% attendance before you can test for black belt.

We started off "easy" with push-ups, short sprints, working on our forms, and working on boxing pattern. Next we army crawled half a mile... producing lovely bloody knees elbows from the grass. We finished off by running a time mile.

The training was EXTREMELY difficult while it was occurring, but I felt good about myself when it was over...I'm actually looking forward to next week! This week was a "starter" week, meaning they took it easy on us. I am looking forward to rising to the challenge as things become more difficult.

Another step closer to black belt...

In a lovey-dovey mood...

We've come so far since that day, and I thought I loved you then...

50 Things I Should Have Never Stopped Doing

1- Dancing around my house to Spice Girls, Brittney Spears, etc.

2- Telling the barista at Starbucks my name was Layla.

3- Staying up all night with my mom watching Hallmark movies and eating candy until we were sick...then doing it again the next night.

4-"Slaming it up" at Denny's

5- Holding my breath when I go through the tunnel on the way to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

6- Building forts.

7- Making Mix CDs

8- Dressing festive for each holiday.

9- Drinking EVERYTHING out of a straw.

10- Choreographing dances with my friends.

11- Having sleepovers!

12- Three-way prank calls.

13- Trying on prom dresses when I spot them in the mall.

14- Buying crazy socks.

15- Wearing obnoxiously large sunglasses.

16- Sending pointless texts to my friends.

17- Sitting on my dad's lap.

18- Writting notes to my sister-in-law.

19- Writting music lyrics all over my mirror with dry-erase marker.

20- Having a zillion candles.

21- Making french toast for my friends on Saturday mornings.

22- Giving people fake tattoos with Sharpie markers.

23- Taking thousands of photos.

24- Hanging photos EVERYWHERE.

25- Drawing.

26- Tagging along with my brothers.

27- Riding down hills in a wagon.

28- Building nests on Christmas Eve with my brothers.

29- Making fake music videos with my friends.

30- Riding horses once a week.

31- Having a flamingo obsession.

32- TP'ing people's houses.

33- Late night Sonic trips.

34- Jumping on the bed,

35- Blowing kisses to people in traffic.

36- Celebrating my half birthday.

37- Making cookies just to eat the batter.

38- Playing Truth or Dare

39- Owning stickers.

40- Playing piano.

41- French braiding my hair.

42- Taking hour long bubble baths.

43- Welding.

44- Photobooth photos...

45- Owning animals.

46- Using milky pens.

47- Making up secret hand shakes.

48- Hanging out at the park.

49- Wearing slippers EVERYWHERE.

50- Organizing Ultimate Frisbee games.

Dear Hair, Please be this long again! XOXO- Laura

My job!

Well, I started my new job one week ago today. This first week has been slow going, and I wasn't sure at first, but things are picking up and I think I will really like it once I get into it. Everyone is really nice and one of my coworkers actually knows my dad. In the course of one year I will have the opportunity to travel to Atlanda, Georgia, Las Vegas, Nevada, Washington, D.C., and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Oh...and did I mention that I work in a castle ;)

2011 So Far!

We're only half way through the year and I already feel like 2011 has been quite the journey!

January: I woke up on New Year's Day with a call that Jason's dad had been taken to the hospital in an ambulance and soon found out it was Meningitis. I spent the first 10 days of my year at Jason's side in the hospital, praying that his father was alright. He ended up pulling through and is still working on a full recovery. I started my last semester at the U of A and tested for my Brown One belt.

February: I was super sick the first two weeks of February. I was even sick on Valentine's Day...my favorite day of the year. The weekend after I got better Jason and I headed to California to watch his kids at Compete Nationals. From there we headed to Disneyland to celebrate a delayed Valentine's Day.

March: Jason began working on opening his second business and I began searching for "real" jobs. Jason found a location and I helped him begin moving stuff into the business.

April: I gave a huge presentation for the Dean of Agriculture's retiree farewell and made a connection at the meeting who offered me a job. Jason and I celebrated our two-year anniversary by spending the day on Patagonia Lake.

May: I found out that my hopeful job had fallen through and graduated a week later. I had an amazing graduation party but felt bummed out that I did not have a job lined up. Jason officially opened his second business.

June: I helped out at VBS! My nephew was born! AND BEST OF ALL? I GOT A JOB!

What's left for the year?
Well first, I need to actually start my job. I also need to find a new place to live. I really want to decorate a place and make it feel like it is all MINE! I'm hoping to find a place that will let me throw some paint on the wall and put some holes in the wall...we'll see what happens.

In two weeks I test for red belt...my last colored belt before black belt! I can't believe I've been training so long! It feels like I just started!

I've started making hair flowers and headbands. I want to stock pile for awhile and try to sell them around Christmas.

I'm very excited to see what the rest of 2011 brings!

Life (Warning:choppy- didn't feel like editing)

This week ended up being COMPLETELY different than I expected. I had planned on helping at Vacation Bible School in the mornings, applying for jobs all day, then taking karate at night. Things happened as planned on Monday and Tuesday, but I was thrown for a loop on Wednesday.

I was just waking up on Wednesday when my phone rang. It was my mom saying that Sara was in labor (about a month early)! I had already committed to VBS so I was going to help there then head straight to Gilbert. While I was teaching at VBS I got a phone call but had to ignore it because I was teaching. On the way home to pack to head to Gilbert I listened to my voicemail...it was someone wanting an interview! I called and tried to schedule it for Monday, but ended up having to wait till the next morning.

Thursday I woke up and headed to my interview. It went REALLY well! I am supposed to be hearing back Monday or Tuesday. After my interview I headed straight to Gilbert to meet my new nephew! He is perfect and absolutely adorable. I spent the afternoon at the hospital, holding Crewe, playing with Maecy, and chatting with my family. While at the hospital the UA called me for an interview! After the hospital I went and saw Julia and her family.

Friday morning my mom and I went to Denny's and then Khol's to buy me some more interview/ (hopeful) work clothes. We decided to run into Office Max and while we were there I ended up buying a new laptop! It was completely unplanned, but they had the laptop I wanted and gave it to me for 33% off! I couldn't refuse. I came home and set up the laptop and then hung out with Julia again. After that I headed back to Tucson.

Today I woke up and headed to Jason's. We were planning on having a really productive day, but instead we ended up playing ping pong with his parents for a few hours. Now I'm just chilling at home apartment searching.

I'm OBNOXIOUS!

I got a new computer and as always, there are a few things left to figure out on it... my computer was nice enough to capture one of those moments ;)

What you have caught on film is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.

I have always been a picture addict. I love taking pictures, framing pictures, AND NOW I LOVE EDITING PHOTOS.

Oh Spikey

I was telling my mom about this picture the other day and HAD to find it. I guess Spike found studying REALLY boring.

I think I need these!

Graduation and more...

Well, I graduated! I was lucky to have my parents, Graham, Sara, Bradley, Maecyn, Jason, his parents, and my two best guy friends (Derek and Conley) all be at my ceremony! After the ceremony my very generous dad treated us all to dinner at BJ's Brewery! YUM!

The next day my parents had a HUGE party with ALL my family and friends! I loved it! My grandma White gave me the best book of all! It is a "Grandmother Remembers" and is filled with family history, stories, and photos...it even has rice from her wedding in it! I feel so blessed to have a grandma who spent that much time on a gift that I will forever treasure.

The day after my party I spent some quality time shopping with my mama! Then I returned back to Tucson.

Since then I have just been applying, applying, applying for jobs and also spending some much needed time with my pretty spectacular boyfriend.

College (Warning: LONG)

This morning, or actually, exactly at noon I walked out my last final. That's it, it's all done except for walking across the stage.

I have taken so many different classes and learned so many things. Classes I've taken include:
1. Agricultural Communication
2. Agricultural Mechanics
3. Tractor Mechanics and Operations
4. Small Engines, Surveying, and Electrical Wiring
5. Carcass Evaluation
6. Live Animal Evaluation
7. Diary Sciences
8. Agricultural Economics
9. Greenhouse Pest Management
10. Plant Biology
11. Plant Pathology
12. Plant and Animal Genetics
13. Soils
14. Soils Fertility and Plant Nutrition

Plus: Chemistry, Biology, French, English, Bio Stats, all my general education requirements, two internships, etc. Oh and of course, the most important class of all, ACTING!

I can now take apart an engine and (correctly) put it back together. I can hitch an implement to a tractor. I can collect soil samples and tell you what deficiencies a plant planted in that soil will experience. I can look at a steer and tell you what quality of meat it will give you. I can even look at a cow's udders and tell you about the health of the cow (go me!).

However, I do not think these are anywhere near the most important lessons I have learned while at college. These are (in no particular order):

1. Money management:
While my parents helped me financially throughout college, I did learn a lot about money management. If you buy that cute shirt, will you still have gas money? If you eat out tonight will you be able to buy groceries for the rest of the week? If you buy yourself something will you be able to buy your brother a birthday gift? Money management is all about responsibilities and priorities. Pay for everything you have to (aka BILLS)as soon as you can, then groceries and a full tank of gas. Put some money in savings. Lastly, before you buy anything else, make sure there are no upcoming gifts you need to buy, and that you'll still have emergency money. Also, you don't need brand name groceries (except for mandarin oranges) and always look at Ross before buying clothes anywhere else. Things worth spending a little extra money on: Pillows, Jeans, and Good Shampoo.

2. Don't Make Someone a Priority Who Only Makes You an Option
If someone isn't investing as much time in you as you are in them (friend or significant other), ditch them. Don't waste your time on someone who won't do the same for you, it's not worth it. Also, you leaving may help the person realize how valuable to them you really are, the friendship can be reformed, and will become more healthy and balanced.

3. Don't Go Looking For Love, Let it Find You
You never know where you are going to find "the one"... I always wanted a tall, country boy who drove a big truck, rode horses, and wanted the small town life..well guess what, I had one, and I left one. I now have a short, city boy who drives a small truck, doesn't "trust" horses, and wants to own businesses all over Phoenix...and guess what, he's everything I never knew I always wanted. Oh, PS- I met Jason in acting class ;)

4. Working Hard Feels Good
It feels good to work hard and finally earn something. This was the very first lesson I learned because of college (and my dad). All my friends received their parents' old cars when they turned 16, I however did not. When I was six my dad told me if I worked hard and earned scholarships to college he would buy me a truck. I worked hard for 12 years after that, and when my scholarship letters began to arrive my dad kept his end of the deal and purchased me a truck. Working hard in college earned me good grades, raises at work, and excellent belt tests at karate.

5. You Will Always Need Your Mommy and Daddy
I can't count the number of times I have called my mom and the number of times I wished my dad was here to help me. Every time I get sick all I want is my mom. Every time I struggle with a math or science problem I think, "My dad could figure this out." Every time Gilmore Girls comes on I know it would be better if my mom was there to watch it with me. A quote I have come to love is, "Just because I can swing on the swing by myself doesn't mean I don't miss my daddy pushing me." Just because I am"grown" and responsible doesn't mean I don't miss having my parents here, luckily they are always just a phone call or car ride away.

6. God Answers All Prayers, but Sometimes The Answer is No
I have prayed a million prayers the last four years. Sometimes I became frustrated when things didn't work out how I thought they should, but as I reflect I realize the reasons for which my prayers were answered with a "no" and I am thankful God is making those decisions and not me.

7. Go For It!
If you had told me in high school that I was going to drive a quarter scale tractor 75 MPH or train for a black belt I wouldn't have believed you. Luckily I've always been up for trying new things and it has always paid off. Being on the tractor team has helped me earn scholarships, job interviews, and gave me an extremely unique experience. Training in martial arts has changed my life and I feel so blessed because of it.

8. There are "Permanent People" and there are "Passerbyers"
There are people who I thought I would be friends forever with who are gone. There are people I thought would be acquaintances who have had my back through it all. You never know what is going to happen, so embrace the people in your life while you can.

9. Now is a Good Time To Tell Someone You Appreciate Them
When I worked out at the farm I met this guy named Chase through my boss. Chase would come by sometimes and we always ended up talking FOREVER. Chase was one of those people you could talk to about anything and it was never awkward. Unfortunately I never got to tell Chase that I appreciated him, he was killed in an accident and I never had a chance. Even if it seems odd, you should let the people in your life know what they mean to you.

10. Be silly, crazy, goofy, etc.
I have to say, I am one happy person. I think this is mostly because I surround myself with people who don't mind me acting crazy and then giggling uncontrollably. Being able to be yourself will strengthen EVERY relationship in your life. I think Jason and I are so happy together because we are absolute wackos together... we chase each other around pretending to be gila monsters, he gives my stuffed animals their own personalities, and we spend a good portion of our time together with little kids.

11. "I've learned one thing, and that's to quit worrying about stupid things. You have four years to be irresponsible here, relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember the time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So stay out late. Go out with your friends on a Tuesday when you have a paper due on Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does..." — Tom Petty ... while I don't agree with this quote 100% percent, I do agree with it's message. Always remember to take the time to enjoy your life and the people in it...

Mamasita!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms, especially mine!

I love you!

_____________________

And this is the part where little birdies flutter around my head...

Well, I had an interesting experience last night at training...

I was sparring my friend Jeff when we both threw a kick at the same time. Our legs ended up getting tangled and he kinda fell as he threw a back fist follow up. He apparently hit me in the "right spot" because I instantly felt a little...odd. I turned to tell him something wasn't right and next thing I knew Jason was standing over me...

Jason: What's going on?
Me: Am I just waking up?
Jason: No....
Me: Did I fall down?
Jason: You got knocked out.
Me: I think I'm going to need some Tylenol.

I sat out for awhile, drank some gatorade and Tylenol in me, and was fine within a few minutes. It was a really strange experience I don't care to have happen again...

How I'm Feeling

I'm here, I promise!

Well I haven't made a real update in forever! My bad! Let's see...

So much has been going on! April first I had a huge presentation I gave in front of over 100 agribusiness people. The dean of my college is retiring along with three other deans. I gave a speech on the men and then presented a video I had created:
Dean's Video
It was another excellent networking opportunity and good things have already come from it.

April 3rd was my niece's 4th birthday...shout out to Maecy!

April 18th was Jason and mine's two year anniversary. He surprised me by taking me to Patagonia lake. We rented a boat and spent our time on the water. It was so nice to escape from our crazy lives and enjoy the peace!

Easter I woke up and headed to my friend Lori and Eric's home. I spent some time with them and their boys and then headed to Jason's parents' house. We all got baskets and had an egg hunt. Jason's brother has a new girlfriend who I adore so I mostly hung out with her. We also ended up heading to the JW Marriott at Starr Pass to swim with Jason's friends who were in town...I learned that my boyfriend DOES NOT know how to get into an inner tube...it was pretty pathetic...tehehe.

I've have been getting ready to graduate (May 14th) and couldn't be more ready! I am so sick of homework, projects, tests, and grades! I'm excited to hear my name called and then celebrate with my friends and family!

This is Me.

My name is Laura ANN White. I am a country girl who likes getting dirty and hanging with my boys...but I also like rhinestones and talking on the phone. Somedays I spend an hour obsessing over my hair...but other days I love leaving it curly and throwing on a baseball cap. Somedays it is dresses, somedays it is jeans, and other days it is a sports bra and boxing gloves. I obsess over my grades and don't care if that makes me a "goody-too-shoes." I have two hearts tattooed on my hip and am obsessed with Valentine's day. I DO NOT like eating healthy, but I LOVE to work out. God and my family come first. I have friends who have become my additional family. You want insight into life? Read 'The Little Prince'. I have a hot pink birthmark smeared across my right arm. When all else fails, I call up my mama. I love Disney Channel...there I said it! I want a house full of kids, animals, and chaos under control. The one person I will never let down is my dad because he has never let me down! Being home schooled early on helped me later. I still don't understand commas. When I am old I want the personality of Grandma White and the health of Grandma Pink. Yes, I have a white an a pink grandma. The only thing I've ever made in the kitchen is a mess...and a few small fires. I love Kwan Jung Nim Jason Robert Adam Cole...even if he does have the longest name EVER! I can't say breakfast, it comes out brefesss. I like to sleep upside down in my bed and I have to have a stuffed animal to wrap my arm around or I can't sleep. I like pinching people's butts! I like giving nicknames. I like working hard for something rather than having it given to me. My truck is named Diego because I like Latino boys. I want an English Bulldog and I want to name him Wrinklesaurus Rex! I giggle...when I'm happy and when I'm nervous! I lalalalove my sister-in-law, she has been my role model since I was in
7th grade. I can whistle outta my ear! I like to blow kisses at people when I'm stuck in traffic. My best friends are Jason, JULIA PAIGE HUTCHINGS, and Skinny D- Derek Velaski. I love taking pictures. My nicknames have included Miss Priss, Pinky, Lil, Grumpy Bear, KeeLoLo, Loretta Lynn, Ticky-Tac, LA, etc. ♥

What's Up

I am alive and well!...just super busy! Here are some recent photos!

Recent Quotes

Maecy: Mama don't fall in the water.
Sara: If I did, would you jump in after me?
Maecy: NO! My dress would get wet!
***
Me: What do you want to drink? There's soda, water, orange juice...
Brad: Mayonnaise...
Julia: Mayonnaise? You can't drink that...that's more like dessert, right?
***
Jason: You're going to help me put this coffee table together and we're going to fight the entire time, because that's what couples do!
***
Math instructor from India: When you get to a problem you don't understand I don't want you freezing. This is Arizona afterall.
***
Maecy (talking to herself while playing): How many balloons do you need? 6? Let me see... 1,2,3,4,5...OH I'M SORRY...we're all out of six.

The Song Stuck in my Head

♫So this is how the story went; I met someone by accident that blew me away. It was in the darkest of my days when you took my sorrow and you took my pain and you buried them away.♫

Hello, I live here!

While cleaning today I realized I had yet to post pictures of my current apartment! Here goes!

Recently

I've been majorly slacking on actual updates, so here goes! I was really sick for about two weeks and didn't do much of anything. I was sick on Valentine's day...my FAVORITE day of the WHOLE year and so that really bummed me out. To make up for it Jason got me new PJs (since that's what I was living in) and tickets to Disneyland! About two days after I got better Jason and I headed to California to watch his karate kids compete at Nationals. He now has one national champion under his belt and a few others rated 2nd-5th best in the country. After competition we went to Disneyland one of the nights with his sister and her two kids. We had an absolute blast! Spring Break starts next Friday and I couldn't be more ready for it. I have to go to Yuma for two of the days, but then I plan on just doing a ton of job applications and having my amazing sister-in-law take my pictures for my graduation announcements! Uhh...sorry if this post is super scattered...that's just how my brain is operating lately.

Recent quotes:
Larry: You know, the more you are exposed to as a child, the less you are likely to become sick with as an adult.
Jason: I know, I'm going to expose my kids to everything...exept for aids...not going to expose them to that!
***
Jason: Ebola is my favorite virus!
***
Michael: You are like my second mom, but I think of you as a sister...you're like my mister...
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Sarah: Why are all the girls who like the song 'Pretty Girl Rock' extremelly unnattractive?
***

Guys, Men, Boys

Well, I made an update about the wonderful women in my life and now it's only fair that I do it for the men.

My daddy instantly comes to mind. The first word that comes to my mind when I think of my father is provider. My dad works hard, putting his family first to make sure they have everything they need before he thinks of himself. My dad made sure none of us had to go without, we always had what we needed and a fair amount of what we wanted. My father has to be one of the hardest working men. He is always up working before he heads into actual work and spends hours on the weekend working on stuff he brought home with him. Even with all the work my dad does, he was still a major figure in my life, never missing an event that was important to me and continuously showing his love. Growing up I was always excited for my dad to get home from work because he would put on Alan Jackson and dance with my mom and I in the kitchen. On the weekends my dad would take me "cruising" in his truck and often let me drive. Dad has helped me with countless homework assignments, given me great advice, and been an excellent role model.

Next would be my amazing boyfriend, Jason. Aside from being a extraordinary boyfriend Jason amazes me with his ambition. Jason started his own business at nineteen years old while everyone told him he was too young and it would fail. This year his business celebrated five years and I can see the impact he has had on many young people's lives. Jason is extremelly entreprenial and always impresses me with his business ideas. I love that while Jason is very business wise his main goal still remains helping regular kids become black belts with remarkable mindsets.

My brothers are also two amazing guys. I have admired Graham since I can remember. Growing up Graham was always funny and popular, but he was also an AMAZING big brother. I will always remember one afternoon when Graham was helping me try to ride my bike in the front yard and a group of his friends came by wanting him to go play basketball. He stayed and helped me despite his friends teasing him about it. When Graham was in high school he had to get up before I did, so when it was time for me to wake up he would come in and use a pillow that was shaped like an elephant to wake me up. The elephant would start off nice, but by the end "the elephant" was tossing me around. I used to love waking up that way. Bradley has been an amazing role model. For one thing, Bradley is always HAPPY, he is capable of not letting things get to him and remaining positive. Bradley has also always chased his dreams. I know others thought he should have stayed in school, but I know he would not trade those memories. Bradley has been my confidant in recent years and has always had an open ear. I love both my brothers and am beyond thankful for both of them.

Jason's dad, Larry, is also a positive person in my life. On News Years Day of this year Larry gave us a scare when he became very sick with Meningitis and had to be taken to the hospital. The disease moved into his blood and he went into kidney failure. We were all scared for the worse. However, a few days later they were able to wake him from his comma and a few days later. Larry was soooo positive...he even gave himself the nickname Meningitis Man! Larry always has something funny to say, "I'm not pro fossil fuel, I'm just anti dinosaur," or "Whenever I use a pencil the eraser goes untouched, I use an ink pen to do a crossword puzzle...I CORRECT SPELL CHECK!" I am so lucky to have such a positive and funny person for my boyfriend's dad.

Lastly comes one of my best friends from high school, Derek Velaski. I knew Derek for a long time from mutual friends and we finally decided to hang out one day during my junior year. After that I think we hung out everyday until I left for college. Because of that Derek and I went through a lot together and he slowly became like a brother. Whenever I need advice I text Derek and whenever he needs it he texts me. I have so many great memories with this kid and couldn't ask for a better guy bestie!

NO THANK YOU!

Taking steroids up your nose is NOT fun...that is all...

Sick!

I have been so sick the last few days. I have a sore throat, painful ears, and a headache. I have actually missed a few classes which I have not done since my sophomore year. Being sick really makes you miss your mom, but luckily Jason has been taking excellent care of me. I cannot wait to feel better and eat some REAL food. I am a juicy hamburger kind of girl, so these noodles are not cutting it!

All I gotta say is...I BETTER BE BETTER BY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Martial Arts

In the (almost) two years that Jason and I have been together he has given me many things, watches, expensive purses, vacations, etc, but by far the best thing he has given me is Martial Arts.

When I first started going to the karate studio it was strictly to see Jason and keep his attention. I felt extremely uncoordinated, was nervous, and honestly did not like it. By the time of my first belt test Jason and I were a couple. When it was time for me to take my test I felt like I was going to throw up...I WAS SO NERVOUS. When conditioning was over Jason said to the testing group, "Congratulations, you've all completed the test...except for Laura...she has to break a board inorder to get her belt." I was stunned, wasn't he supposed to be extra nice to me? I walked up to the people holding the board for me to break and I'm sure everyone could see me shaking. Jason looked at me and said, "I want you to focus, I know you can do this." I decided to break the board with my elbow so I got lined up, focus, and threw my elbow. There was a loud crack and my elbow went through the board. Later that night I asked Jason why he had made me break a board, "Because I wanted you to know that you could," he told me.

Since then I have grown to LOVE Martial Arts and all that it represents. I can't wait for my classes, seminars, and often go to the studio just to help teach the lower belts.

What people who aren't involved don't understand is that Martial Arts is about so much more than kicking and punching. It is about having an indomitable spirit and never settling. I have grown so much since starting karate. Little obstacles used to ruin my day, but now I know that I have the ability to overcome these things and continue towards my goal. Jason always quotes Charles R. Swindoll, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you to react to it." Sometimes things may not go my way, but I can adapt and things will continue on.

Now don't get me wrong, I can still kick your butt ;) but I will continue to be thankful for not only the skills Martial Arts has provided me, but also for the mindset.

When I Was Little

A friend of mine did this the other day and I found it rather amusing, so I thought I would do the same. Basically you list things you thought/believed as a child that you later found out not to be true...if you remember why you believed this, you can also list it.

1- Growing up I was convinced that a "ghost lady" lived in my mother's wedding dress box above her closet. I was TERRIFIED to use my parents' bathroom, but every time I did I would yell, "I HATE YOU GHOST LADY" before high tailing it down the hall. Graham told Bradley and I about the ghost lady in order to scare us, but I'm pretty sure he eventually convinced himself of her too!

2- When I was younger I always thought the drink was a "Ruman Coke" instead of a "Rum and Coke"... I blame this on poor pronunciation!

3- I remember thinking people where either "tall" or "lil-tall".

4- I remember at age 14 finding out that the circular object on top of a mountain near ASU was not a "volcano plug" as my brother Brad had informed me years earlier...it was a water tower...

5- When I was little I always thought my uncle, Jay, was the "Tallest Man in the World" because he would lift me up and let me touch the ceiling... turns out he is average height and the ceiling was just low!

6- I always thought the song "Shameless" by Garth Brooks included the line "I'M SHAVING!" instead of "I'm Shameless!"

7- I have no idea where it came from, but in my family we have a tradition of pinching eachother's butts and yelling, "TOPEKA!" I thought this was something that everyone did...you can imagine my embarresment when it turned out it was only my family!

8- I thought "chingadera" was another name for the remote...WAY TO GO DAD! ;)


Lastly, just for kicks, I throw in some funny facts about me when I was younger:
1. I always insisted on listening to Rush Limbaugh while eating lunch.
2. I had an imaginary friend who smoked, her brother sported a pony tail, and they eventually moved to Denver.
3. My mom always used to blowdry my hair right when I got out of the tub. When she finished I would run naked down the hall yelling, "YOU CAN'T SEE ME" at my dad and brothers.
4. I cracked my head open hiking when I was five. I remember crying hysterically because I thought they were going to use a sewing machine to stitch me up.
5. I had the Clifford CD when I was little. On one of the songs it said, "Whose the greatest of them all?" all the kids on the tape would yell, "CLIFFORD" but not me... I yelled "GRANDPA!"
6. My favorite movie was 'Twins' which is rated R and stars Arnold Armstrong and Danny Davito.

Wow, haven't done one of these in awhile!

Your name?
Laura

How old are you?
22

Do you have any nicknames?
LA, Grumpy Bear, Miss Priss, Loretta Lynn, etc.

What was the last movie you watched?
The Dilemma

Do you wear boots in the winter?
All year long.

Are you looking forward for something?
Valentine's Day!!

Do you eat meat?
"Go meat!"

Should you be doing something right now?
Nope-> Done with homework, the house is clean and don't have church until 7.

Do you know how to dance?
Yes and I love it.

Do you have a brother?
I have two! Jerome and Chucky Dan ;)

What about a sister?
Nope, but I have the most amazing sister-in-law in the world.

Who`s your favorite band?
The Eagles.

Who`s your fav. actor and actress?
Denis Quaid and Sandra Bullock...maybe.

Last incoming text?
"How r u babes?"

Have you ever painted your face for a sports game?
Yeah for homecoming in high school.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
Somewhere relaxing.

The last time you were in the fridge, what were you looking for?
Cherry Coke

Are you listening to anything at the moment?
Country Station

Anything good happening tomorrow?
I only have one class... wootz.

How often do you clean out your ears?
Haha a lot... my parents used to call me the Q-Tip Queen

Has someone ever made you a Build-A-Bear?
Yes, Julia made me a cowgirl and Brittany made me a fairy.

What is something you need to go shopping for?
Socks...exciting

Did you have imaginary friend(s) as a child?
Yes, her name was Marynn and she was a very bad influence. She smoked and her brother had a pony tail, but luckily they moved to Denver.

Do you usually write in print or in cursive?
Kinda a combination.

When is the last time you were on a bicycle?
I don't even remember...

Do you own a credit card?
Yes'm

Do you or would you like to have children?
When I'm married and have a steady income.

What are some girl names you like?
Jaelah, Reid, Lilah

What are some boy names you like?
Levi, Jace, Liam

If you could have anything right now what would you pick?
A puppy haha

Update

Well, I've officially had all my classes. While I thought Bio Stats would be my hardest classes, it's one of the easier. My easiest by far will be Business Writing. Soils will be my most difficult and Entomology will be the hardest to remain awake through. I just keep reminding myself that I just need to make it through this semester and then I'm DONE!

Outside of school I've been keeping myself busy with work, karate, and hanging out with friends before we all go our separate ways. I received a really cool event to coordinate at work and a video montage to go with it, so I'm pretty happy with that. Karate is going well and I will be testing for Brown I belt (three away from black belt) on Thursday...yikes! All my friends are doing well, we're all just trying to coordinate jobs and places to live for after graduation.

Last Friday, Jason and I went and saw Green Hornet and got ice cream... Green Hornet turned out to be a really good movie. Saturday we went to Peoria and celebrated Christmas with my dad's family. I was so happy to get to spend time with all of them; they definitely keep me laughing! Sunday Jason and I went shopping, saw The Dilemma, visited with his parents and just hung out. Monday there was no school so I had lunch with my friend Diana, went shopping with Tosha, and took karate.

Sorry this isn't a very exciting post...I'll try to put some pictures up soon!

Light at the End of the Tunnel

It's here...my final semester of school! WOOHOO

I only have to take 12 units which is great, but they are soils, bio statistics, entomology, and business writting...which isn't the greatest. I've had soils and bio stats so far and they don't seem like they will be as bad as I expected and I know people in both.

I've been looking for jobs and I have high hopes of being able to find a job in Tucson.

Four months and I'll be a college graduate...

Beautiful

A friend of mine recently posted a blog entry about the beautiful people in her life after reading the following Audrey Hepburn quote:

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes that she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman only grows with passing years."

It inspired me to do the same, so here's to the beautiful women in my life.

First, of course, would be my mother. Growing up I never realized how blessed I was to have a stay-at-home mom, but now looking back I am incredibly greatful. My mother was always there for me, being supportive, encouraging, and loving. My mother never missed an event I found important and supported me through years of dance, soccer, cross country, horseback, FFA, etc. My mom has always been there to help me along the way, and continues to do so from 100 miles away. She always has open ears, great advice, and is willing to drive two hours to help me move! I love you mom!

Next would have to be my amazing sister-in-law Sara! She has been a role model to me since the first day Graham brought her to the house and she is just as beautiful inside as she is out! Sara helped me get involved in my horseback riding and FFA and through example taught me that self-confidence and a good sense of humor are what makes a girl beautiful.

Next to come to mind are all the other beautiful ladies in my family. Grandma White who taught me that everyone needs a little crazy in their life, to wash my "mall hands", to lotion my "rusty" knees, and you that, "I've only just begun to live." Grandma Pink who always let me have her old makeup and perfume, who encourages me to have a healthy lifestyle, and who serves as a great example as a woman of faith. To Aunt Lesley who I helped me learn to read and always let me tag along. To Aunt Leslie and the adventures we've had (the Indians with the boa constrictor, getting kicked out of Starbucks, and staying up all night). To Aunt Jacque who got me addicted to picture taking, who made me beautiful dolls, and who has one of the most sincere hearts I have ever encountered.

To Jason's mom, Joan. I love going our vacations of laying out by the pool all day and shopping while the boys have to do actual work. Who lets me sleep at her house when I'm scared and who always has medicine for me when I'm sick.

To the best friend a girl could ask for, Miss Julia Paige. Julia has been there for me every day since we first met. She has helped me get over tough breakups, she has encouraged me to chase what I want, and she has shown me what it means to be truly strong. What I love most about Julia is her ability to make anything fun and her ability to not let what other people think/say affect her.

To the best neighbor ladies a girl could ask for: Kristin, Vicki, and Janne. Kristin who let me and her daughter create fake crime scenes throughout her home, gave me countless rides, always had a key when I was locked out, and somehow always knew where my mom was when I couldn't find her. To Vicki, who always let me tag along, who has helped me to become more creative, who let me stay with her while my parents were out of town, and who helped me develop my love for children. To Janne, the beautiful woman who inspired this entry, for all the giggles and laughs, all the Hilary Duff movies, and for beating that bus (yikes!).

To two teachers who helped me become who I am and enabled me to go as far as I have: Miss Cole (now Mrs. Williams) and Mrs. Wahlund. I was blessed to have both these ladies for two years each and grew so much because of them. Both helped me to crack out of my shell and inspired me to help others.

To all the other amazing ladies in my life...

I'm Back

Hello! I'm baaaaaack! Wow, what a year 2010 has been! I'm so excited for 2011... graduation, finding a job, and who knows what else! But before I get ahead of myself...let's look back on 2010!