Hey World!!!!

To entertain you all, I thought of many colorful things to say on my blog today.... but how I feel about my school's completely moronic methods of mastering their MEANINGLESS GRAD REQUIREMENTS is just my humble opinion...

As you can see I'm a little down today..

I think my school is out to get me. ...and I'm scared.

I spent most of the entire day talking to counselors at CSUSB on how to graduate faster. All day I got the "run-around" and the "go see someone else" and even when I came back with a half-chewed slobbery bone, happily awaiting a response, I was sent out again to "go fetch." :(

It's hard to feel Young and Wonderful (well, not that I feel old... but it is my 6th year of college and I'm still trying to get a BA) when institutions get in your way... I just wanna be done. I am only 22 years old!! Must LIVE!!!!! I used to always wonder why there were so many Super Old people in my class--like 60, 70, 80?? ...but now I understand! I would not recommend anyone get a COMM degree just because it "looks easy and fastest to complete." That's where they get you. I couldn't figure that out as a freshmen (or a sophomore... or a junior).

Be VERY afraid, Followers, of the COMM department at Cal State San Bernardino.

They are nothing but pure evil blowing in the wind!!!!! They may seem *Fun, *Easy, *Cool cuz there's an asterisk in front of this sentence but *They Deceive* (O_o)

It happens slowly but gradually. They lure you into easy classes. Then they make you pay TONS, telling you that it will pay off later. Then, on that first day of school when you're young and gullible and excited to be there and happy that you're wearing those new shoes you spent an hour looking for in the mall- They TIE YOU TO A CHAIR AND TAPE UP YOUR MOUTH AND EXPECT YOU TO WALK & CHEW GUM! ...and they take your shoes too.

Ok so I may have exaggerated a little bit... but what would you do if your school made you (on top of taking many classes) complete 60 hours of community service, do 2 internships AND a huge senior project that depends heavily upon saved work from all the classes you've took in the past (but was not informed of it until your 3rd year of college), which then has to be reviewed by the COMM department and THEN considered to graduate.. whatever happened to "Welcome to college! We're pleased to have you. Here's a list of classes. Take these and you're done!" If college isn't like that, then I regret to inform you all that I have been Highly Misinformed.. Orrrrrrrrrrr maybe I was listening to headphones in my freshmen classes... Regardless, I've got some work to get started on!!

Followers, my advice for today is *try to see the light at the end of the tunnel, regardless of how you ended up in it.. *How did you get in a tunnel, anyways?? If you don't see that light, that's when you take an M-80 and and DISMANTLE THAT ENTIRE ESTABLISHMENT!!!!!! :) Then smile. :) We could all use a little sunshine.

Back at the Castle....

This Princess is back at the castle!!!

Wild hair and all!

Well Followers, I am OFFICIALLY home in the city of Sunshine!!! I'm just settling in now, unpacking, getting registered for classes, looking for a job and reminding all my Cali-fellows that CORRI IS BACK IN ACTION!!!!!! I've been able to spend a lot of time visiting family members I haven't seen in ages as well as reconnecting with friends and old groupies.

So Sean and I decided to try the whole "long distance" thingy and see where it goes. We really like each other so we figured it was totally worth the wait if anything good comes out of it. After completely ditching Utah and leaving behind my self-established reputation and all the new friends I just made including this new relationship, I was a little down when I first came back to Cali.

Sean never fails to impress me though! I was totally surprised this week when a vase of flowers appeared one day at my house and the next day as I was at a dance *whipping my hair back 'n forth* some mysteriously-disguised hot-guy (wearing a low hat and a bandana on his head) came up behind me and challenged me to a dance-off battle! I willingly accepted, not knowing who it was, yet thinking it was some Utah kid who knew me or something, and come to find out that IT WAS SEAN!!!

Yea my Prince hopped on his steed and traveled through many deserts and strong winds and thunderstorms and blazing heat, almost 1,000 miles just to surprise me!!!!! I was sooooooo excited to see him and I couldn't stop screaming and everyone else on the dance floor started cheering and clapping. I don't know who all was a part of this astonishing act but thanks for keeping it a surprise! He's definitely a keeper ;)

Now here's the juice: School is going to start in one month and I'm really close to starting my new job. I have a few offers, 2 are for childcare and the other is to be a receptionist at a really big car lot. Being an Amazing, hard-working and honest person, I have the right to be picky about what kind of job I want. We should all, right? (LOL ok so I confess, the first one that calls me and says I got the job, I'll run to. I'm the kind of person who goes CRAZY if I'm not doing something ALL THE TIME and it seems like I haven't been able to get out much since I came to Cali, other than playing and partying.... MUST DO SOMETHING!!!! Even starting school would float my boat.. Do something productive with my time, ya know?) So this girl's puttin' away all her toys and pullin out the grown-up briefcase and is gonna march right into that building and tell 'em:

I LOVE MY WONDERFUL YOUNG LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Be happy, Followers!

Ahemm.. Miss Corri Lauritzen is back in action!

OK so a lot of you have been wondering WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH THAT GIRL?!?!? I READ ALL HER BLOGS AND ENJOYED THEM THEN SHE STOPS WRITING?!!!! LOL I can just picture each follower sitting in a corner shivering and rocking back and forth with their thumbs in their mouths, mumbling to themselves about the many things I may be up to at this time....

OK so maybe many of you don't care THAT much about lil' old me but it sounded pretty cool to think about it ;)

Before you all groan within yourselves and die from anxiety, I'd like to fill you in on what's happenin' in the Wonderful Young Life of Corri!

...please hold for the next available operator.....

JK JK.

Well, Utah is officially DONE. I survived! Followers, I passed the TEST!!!

Remember (from my previous blogs) the reason I came out here was to develop my own autonomy. To figure out how to live life as an "individual." To be separate from my Twin sister for a year and learn how to develop my own personality. And that's exactly what I did!

I had my OWN state. I had my OWN school. My OWN car, house, friends, heck, for almost a year I had my OWN ROOM!!!! :D Yes there were many ups and downs and there were times I wanted to laugh and jump with joy, and other times I wanted to cry [and scream and kick someone's snowman down, and go long and chuck a spiral with someone's yapping chihuahua...].

I've went on many dates and made TONS of friends here that I will honestly miss SOOOO MUCH!!! Karri came out here to visit me (in my last days LOL) and she said that so many people came running up to her happily with open arms and a giant smile and after giving her the Biggest Hug Ever, they'd say "Corri!!!! It's good to see you again! How are you?!" and some would find out that she was actually Karri and not me and they'd say "Darn, I wish you were Corri." Haha it did disappoint her a bit but I really like how I established "Corri" out here instead of "The Twinz" and for once in my life I can actually say that "I" was a blessing in the lives of others and a friend to all and I was meaningful and special to many people out here in Utah. Not "us," just "I, Corri." It was awesome..... I love people. :)

Speaking about "people" and "love," one of my followers asked me as a response to my blog about Dating "WHAT'S YOUR TAKE ON BEING IN LOVE, FALLING IN LOVE OR LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? IS IT OK TO SETTLE OR KEEP LOOKING FOR YOUR ONE TRUE LOVE?" at My personal answer to that would be that I don't know fully.. I don't really believe in "Love at first sight" because I have met TONS of guys that I feel deeply attracted to but I wouldn't say that's love. I've learned that it's easy to tell someone you love them because it sounds natural and most people say it casually but I feel that love for someone has to grow. I feel that it's important to learn all about your "significant other" in all ways. See them in all temperaments. Know their weaknesses, their strengths, their talents and their flaws. Learn their pet peeves and what makes them who they are. AFTER all of those, if none of those bother you, and you still want them more than ANYTHING and feel that the person is very special to you, and you don't wanna let them go or be without them, THAT'S what I believe Love is. Besides family and friends and a casual way of expressing it, I've never told a man that I loved him.....until now.

Which brings me to my next subject:

I HAVE A NEW BOYFRIEND!!!!! (I knew you all were wondering when we were gonna get to the good stuff)

(This pic was on his Bday when I made him a cake)

Sean is 2 months older than me, a returned missionary and is a student at BYU (that's the only flaw he has... haha jk jk.) He is SUPER sweet and caring and the thing I like MOST about him is that he's ALL ABOUT CORRI. He accepts my flaws and recognizes my talents and still likes me a LOT. He surprises me with thoughtful gifts every once in a while (like writing me a poem and putting a pineapple on my doorstep because I once told him a while ago that pineapples were my favorite food). He is Super considerate and has the same type of child-like humor that I have. He never curses or speaks inappropriately around me and is never rude to anyone.

The sad thing is that since I'm done with Utah, I only have 2 more days to spend with him and then life supposedly goes on...... We both have a year left of school to finish (I have to finish mine in Cali and he has to finish his in Utah) so we're not sure where to take our relationship during this next year.. whatever happens, I just hope its fair and it leaves both of us happy.

Followers, whether it be Friends, Family, or someone you're dating, remember to treat EVERYONE you come in contact with Special. I think that "being loved" is greater than any gift you can give or receive and it returns to you 100 fold.

Remember that.

DaTiNg AcCoRdInG To mE

Whoever said "Nothing is impossible" obviously has never tried removing acrylic nails at home by themselves.. *grumble grumble*

HI FOLLOWERS!!! Happy Tuesday! It's a beautiful windy day here in Provo, Utah and despite the fact that I am Totally ruining my nails on one hand while I type with the other hand, life is great!

Utah is treating me fairly well for the most part... I've never been on so many dates in my life since I moved to Provo, and its only been a month! I like to go dancing a lot (country, swing, salsa, hip hop, etc.) and I've met some super cool people at Church as well as when I'm out getting my daily "exercise."

So many people have been wondering why I'm going on so many dates and not in a relationship. I'm not too much of a picky person, but alas, there are many who "draw near to me with their lips but their hearts are far from me (Matthew 15:8)."

Let's talk about that for a sec...

It's funny how most guys I've met out here and been on dates with are very similar. I say yes cuz they're usually outgoing, attractive and compatible for the most part. Most are students, been off the mission for a little over a year, working a job that they hate (or are looking for a job) and are looking to get hitched ASAP (ya, they tell me). I dunno if its the fact that I'm a good listener and an understanding person or what, but when I ask a guy to tell me about himself, most guys here tell me about all their problems in life on the first date. Is that normal?? I always have to end up changing the subject cuz I honestly don't wanna hear it anymore. OK so I agree that it's good to know about that person and what you're getting yourself into, but when a guy starts rambling on about his debts or depression (after you got the impression that he was a totally fun guy) especially on the first date, it kinda bugs. Anyone else agree? So I've come up with a Dating recruit system that works effectively and helps me to weed out the people who are not compatible.

*Step 1- First impression

It is important to set a good first impression. They gotta stand out somehow- by humor, charisma, by being super friendly & outgoing, etc. Impress me. ;)

*Step 2- The Interview

I have a list of questions or things I like to find out about a guy:

1) Why they're in Utah- most people I meet aren't from here so I find out where they're from, what they are going to school for if they're a student, what they do now, etc.

2) What their goals and aspirations are, motivations, what they do for fun and entertainment, etc.

3) Tell me about their family- family is EXTREMELY important to me and I know this is kinda shallow of me, but if they talk badly of or don't have a good relationship with their family (under normal circumstances of course), I don't go on a second date with them.

4) Their spirituality- They gotta have standards. I ask if they've served a Mission, some of their experiences, I ask if they have a calling in the Church, how often they go and to what extent they believe. I like to date people who share the same beliefs as me; and I feel that its important that we are on the same page as far as religion goes.

After they've completed the initial interview, they are then directed to....

*Step 3- Human Resources

OK ok so this is the natural "girl" in me that wants to find out about that person from others. Its not that I don't trust the person, I just like to be on the safe side cuz there are many who appear as "sheep in wolves clothing." I don't specifically ask people to tell me about everything they know about this person, but I just like good references and I also ask people what they think. And of course I don't base my entire decision on what others say because there are certain things that I have to learn about a guy by getting to know them better, or by simply inquiring of him.

*Step 4- On-the-Job Training

Just kidding!!! Yeesh, I'm not that picky! Hahaha but well, a guy does have to have manners and be polite and a gentleman of course, but they should already know that and a girl should NEVER have to remind them.

Well as far as steps 5-Eternity goes, I imagine we'd talk about those steps together. I haven't been that far yet (obviously) so I don't know what to expect but I imagine that the right guy will eventually come around and he will voluntarily be all that I hope for. I may or may not know who he is now but I look forward to working with him someday.

I know I'm going to make an Excellent wife and mother someday so as picky and critical as it may seem, it's important that I find someone Amazing.

So there you have it, Followers, especially those who are Single but live Wonderful Young Lives-Be good now, for you are preparing yourself for Better things in the future. ;)

Autonomy at its BEST!

Hello Followers! Thought I gave up on ya, huh? Ahahaaa I wouldn't do that! Silly people!

I HAVE GOOD NEWS!!!! But I'm not gonna tell you just yet........

Yummm I just got off work on this wonderful (cold & rainy) Memorial Day and indulged in my specialty of 3 different bowls of different cereals. :)

Whelp, it's officially been 9 1/2 MONTHS since I moved to Utah and they have been some of the Best and Worse 9 months of my life! I came out here with nothing but the shoes on my feet (and 2 cars full of luggage) and learned a lot about being an individual "baby-steps" at a time. LOL I remember first coming out here thinking that the world would end because ***The Twinz*** were separating.. I was sooo stressed and depressed (and totally TERRIFIED) when I first moved up to Salt Lake. It took me a good week before I could even start eating and sleeping right again. This was my first time ever being separated from my Twin. It was a little weird going shopping and only buying ONE of each outfit.. It was weird making food and setting out 2 plates at the kitchen table and then realizing that I'd have to put out a tupper-ware container instead because I wasn't used to there being leftovers.. It was awkward trying to talk to people and being used to people looking from one twin to the other and I had a really hard time making eye contact with people. I thought everyone was staring me down and out to get me LOL.

And finally after 9 months, I can finally say I have learned to be a GREAT people person, I have learned to take responsibility for my own actions and blaming my "evil twin" was no longer an option here. I had to use My Own license whenever I got pulled over by a cop instead of my Twin's... Had to get used to there not being an easy way out of homework and no twin here to take tests or write essays for me in school. I look at my grades and like to think to myself, "These are Mine! I did these all by myself!!!" And it's a good feeling. (ok so maybe she did help me out with one assignment but that was a debt she owed me from way back in 7th grade.. don't judge =P ) But for the MOST PART, I got my own grades. I'll just have to be smarter than her NEXT YEAR! (if she doesn't graduate before me) Besides that, I also learned how to cook and dance and make friends easily as well as being kind, generous and selfless.

It's been nice being an individual and its easy to understand why most Twins want this for themselves, especially at an older age where they are required and expected to create their own individual identities, but not many have time to actually go out and practice their autonomy. Many are forced to share their worlds at young ages then separate themselves once they're adults and yeah, it can be tough!

What I liked best about coming out here is that I was able to accomplish many things by myself. I was not known as "One of The Twinz" out here, just Corri. I was recognized and personally commended for my achievements out here and I made HUNDREDS of new friends out here, on my own. Not with anyone's help. They know now that I am a Twin, and many people look forward to meeting this "Amazing sister of mine" which is the good news I have to share with everyone:

MY TWIN IS MOVING UP HERE TO UTAH IN 2 WEEKS!!!! :D :D Afterall, I not only created my own identity out here, but I also created HERS! She's gonna come up to Utah and automatically be popular and MANY people will already know and like her because they know me. She's coming to stay with me for 2 months and work with me for the Summer and we'll basically be taking over Utah, as we dominated Southern California already. ;) ;) The best part about being a Twin is that once you're a Twin, no matter where you go or what you do or who you know, YOU'RE ALWAYS A TWIN. It's totally AwEsOmE being 2x more likely to win any contest, get casting calls; have a double-major wherever you go, having someone to try on clothes for you at stores, someone to always share food and clothes and makeup and hair products with you because you have the same exact bodies and ALWAYS having a best friend to talk to who understands Perfectly what you are going through. Followers, if you so happen to be a Twin, make *being a Twin* worthwhile, even if you are grown up or split up! No one else gets to have such a fun double-life, enjoy it!

I totally think we should have a National Twin Day.. :) :) I've been Good because I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Mother's Day :)

I'm corri and I love my Momma! :)

HELLOOOOOOOOOOO PROVO!!!! The land of BYUigans! Hah, so I feel like a traitor sporting my "UofU" sweats as I walk home to my new BYU-approved apartments. I kinda like Provo.. It's nice here, tons of people. Being tall, super-outgoing, a little darker than most people and having REALLY BIG CURLY HAIR I tend to attract a lot of people. They come up to me from all directions like zombies-- drooling at the mouths as they "oooh" and "aaahhh" and look at me wide-eyed and run their fingers through my hair like I'm some kind of wild animal they've never seen before.. I make a lot of friends easily out here and have wonderful new roommates and I got asked out by 11 different people and I've only been here for 8 days.. My brother says if I keep this up, I'll be married before the Fall. *I highly doubt that, but am open for suggestions ;)

Sooo, yesterday was Mother's Day and I've had a lot of time this week to reflect on my own Mother(s) and how much they mean to me. Growing up, I've had many mothers growing up in so many foster homes and have gotten to see many different parenting styles from different cultures, races, religions, etc. After learning that it was impossible to ever live with my biological parents, I almost gave up hope that I would ever be a part of something so important. In foster care, I have learned how NOT to raise children as well as some good ways TO raise children. I used to think that foster care was difficult and confusing and that I would never learn how to be a good parent in the future because I couldn't stay put in one home for more than a year but little did I know that Heavenly Father knew EXACTLY what He was doing when He placed me in each different home. He was teaching me.

It was not until my very last foster home that I learned what a real Mother is. In all the other foster homes, I observed how I was just a number on someone's paycheck and a unit and many foster parents denied me of the very thing I wanted- to be considered a part of a family. Some foster parents would treat their own children like angels while the foster kids ran around in tattered old clothing with curfews and set meal-times and no household privileges. In one home, I was "not allowed to sit on the couches or furniture" because I was a foster kid and I would probably stain them. Other foster "parents" would drop me off at a library in the middle of nowhere and leave me there all day and night just so they could take their own families to Universal Studios and Disneyland. (try having a high self-esteem after all that LOL) Others treated me like I had a leprous disease and wanted nothing to do with me when I only had the flu.

I used to think that there was no end to all this torment (so it seemed) until my *Mother decided to open her arms and take me in. I was recently adopted into the home of Verne and Donna Lauritzen, who had 9 kids of their own and room in their home and hearts for 2 more (my Twin and I). I cannot physically express my gratitude for the Lauritzens. They took me in when literally NO ONE else wanted me. I got to be a part of a Family and I got to see what having a Real Mother is like. I was surprised when she allowed me the freedom to get food on my own in the house, to go out with friends and to ask her advice. She taught me to always be optimistic and altruistic and to not let fear get in the way of my dreams. She taught me how to be responsible and how to cook, clean, sew, heal and love others and was an AMAZING example of it. She took care of me when I was sick and never made me feel like anything less than her own daughter. We spent time reading Scriptures and praying together as a family and there was not one night that I recall her not giving me hugs and a kiss on the cheek before bedtime. Donna Lauritzen is the type of mother that I would be honored to be like someday and I know she loves me.

People always ask me how is it that I am so cheerful, so kind and giving, friendly, clean, positive and selfless and I know deep within my heart that it is because I have a mother who loves me and taught me to be the Best I can be. I am good because she not only taught me to be good but showed me what it was like. I am soooooooooooooo grateful to have been adopted to her on August 5th, 2010. That was the day that all my dreams came true.

*Dad, if you're reading this, don't worry, I'll definitely write about my appreciation towards you on Father's Day ;)

I love my biological mother to death and am sooo grateful for her wisdom and I imagine she somehow felt that as I went from home to home that I would end up in a good place and I'm sure she sat back and trusted that Heavenly Father would take good care of me as He surely has.

*I do not doubt my Mother(s) knew it*

Thank you Mom and Mother for being AMAZING. I will be Amazing because you were first. Happy Mother's Day.

*Picture of my Biological Mom (left) and my Adopted Mom (right)

Good Twintentions...

LOL I'm sitting in a study hall loudly munching and smacking on fruit snacks and people keep moving around and looking up as if they are annoyed.. Well, a girl has got to eat! :D HWAAA!!! I think it's entertaining to watch them...

Wowww last week went by so fast!! My Twin came to visit me in Salt Lake City for the entire week for her Spring Break and we had tons of fun! We dressed alike each day, I took her to my school, my work, Church activities and dances. She got to see what life is like out here in Utah and she got to see REAL SNOW!!! (as I once said enthusiastically) We did get stuck in a white-out snow storm at 2am and had to sleep over at a friend's house that night (which was another adventure), and we went to a salon to dye our hair the exact same and were there all day because no one knew what they were doing and the stylists kept messing up. We also got pulled over by 4 cops on motorcycles and I got a huuuuuge speeding ticket when I was not speeding AT ALL, and at another event, many people gathered around us in flows of large crowds in amazement to "feel" our big curly afro's- like they've never seen hair like ours before-- like, we were freaks of nature and this was some kind of petting zoo. After all that, Karri still likes Utah. She wants to move out here during the Summertime and work with me. She likes the snow and the people and the schools and the "culture" out here. Just like I did when I came out and experienced my new life in a whole new state. As for me, I believe I may just have had enough.

I WANT SUNSHINE AGAIN!!!!!!

Utah is a great place and nice people do exist here. Genuinely, nice friendly people. There are a lot more friendly people here than in California, LDS or not. I like the schools also. My Professors actually know what they're talking about here and can back up their lectures with actual legitimate research. In California, professors are worshiped and their opinions are taken in religiously by the students, just because they are in a position of authority. I am not afraid to disagree with a professor in Utah- and if I do, they always clarify it for me so I understand. There are soooooooooo so many smart people out here also! And over-OVER achievers as well as a surplus of highly talented singers, dancers, actors, artists, etc. And the people here are naturally BEAUTIFUL. Many people here take extra measures to ensure they are in good shape, wear comfortable and modest clothing (except for Friday night parties) and most wear little to no makeup. For the most part, Utah is exceptional.

I don't know if California changed me to develop a completely different lifestyle than the people out here or if Utah is influencing me to assimilate to their standards but regardless, I don't care how cold it gets, I will never EVER be caught dead wearing those skin-colored stockings with a skirt that everyone wears in the Winter here. Ugh not only are they HIDEOUS, they are sooooooooooo last millennium!!! LOL.

I am really sad that Karri had to go home today and part of me feels like it left here (that may be because she took so many clothes and accessories of mine when she left). It's like I just barely developed a sense of independence and freedom [which I've always wanted] and whenever I see her it's like, I miss us being together. And then she has to leave and I become broken again, and I question whether I really want to be an individual or a Twin. It's hard when you've been with someone your ENTIRE life, and even before that and then you have to go your separate ways more than once. Hopefully this is all worth it and things will get better soon. I'm trying to stay motivated in school and to keep up with relationships I have here and back in California but I feel like I'm starting to get a little behind in both. I usually catch up after a week or so, but school ends in less than a month and so I gotta step it up and get back to work.

On the positive side, Karri left some of her clothes and jewelry here; I get my own bed now and all the hot guys that met my sister while she was out here- they won't remember which twin they met and they'll most likely ask me out ;) Heh heh heh... Happy Monday followers!

I'm all GROWN UP!!!! =O

As I was doing my daily routine of humming a song to myself while happily blowing soap bubbles in the air in a public restroom, it finally hit me- *I'M AN ADULT!!!!!* Well, that's hit me a few times before but I usually just forget it and go back to whatever activity I was engaged in before I thought it and the thought somehow always escapes me. But this time, it hit me pretty hard. But then I shrugged and continued blowing bubbles until an older lady came in and scolded me for it. "That's very childish of you." "Wha- Hey lady, That's very OLDish of you! How about you lock yourself up in one of those stalls so I don't have to see YOUR face anymore!!" and then blow one more bubble and leave with a smirk on my face...ok I had a little exaggeration going there as you can tell..

But now that I think of it, Where have all the years gone??

I see technology has advanced. People around me are getting older and more tired. Places I used to play are getting smaller and smaller and I'm getting taller. People who were already old are getting even more old.. and grouchy.. and annoyed by the little things I do to entertain myself that they call immature. Why is this I wonder?

I feel like everything around me is changing- except me. I'm still the same person I was 10-15 years ago, only a few inches taller. I still think the same, only I know more. I still look the same, only a little more adult-like. I still have the same ear to ear kool-aid smile and bug puffy hair.. Am I not the same person?

I'm still the same girl who loves eating candy and jumping on my bed.. and picking flowers, drawing pictures and playing dress-up, and loudly singing Disney songs as I skip around my living room with a Popsicle in one hand and a broom in the other as I clean my house.

I still believe in magic. I still make wishes on shooting stars and fallen eyelashes and I still believe that dreams DO come true.. They can. They will.

Why does all the magic have to END when one turns 18? Why is there no more genuine joy and everyone's focus becomes "Do good in school," or "Get a good job," or "Get out of debt," or "Get married." ?? I'm sure those things will happen at some point in everyone's lives including my own, but why let go of all our childhood hopes and dreams because it's what society expects of us? Since when does society care about our individual goals and aspirations? Why must we become like robots and settle for such boring routine lives?

Whatever happened to "When you grow up, you can be anything you wanna be" I wonder? I still believe in that, and I still plan on being EVERYTHING I wanted to be when I was younger. An actress. a model. A fashion designer. A writer. A Doctor's assistant. A baker. A business woman. A successful sales"woman." An artist. A poet. A dancer. A stand-up comedian. A youth advocate. A mentor. An inspiration and a role-model for younger children- Come to think of it, I HAVE been all of those already!! Now I'm just going to college to get a degree so I can be a PROFESSIONAL [all of the above]. This is just proof that The Magic Doesn't Have To Stop when You Grow Up. Don't get me wrong, I do take responsibility at times when it is necessary, but it's such a waste of life stressing over things that shouldn't matter that much! I know that I have a long way to go and that things will change such as the places I go, the people I know and the things I see- but I most likely won't. I'll be an old lady with the same personality that I have now. I like being different in my own way. It's what makes me unique.

Life will always have its downfalls, but they're just slides on a playground, ya know? That's the FUN part!! Everyone must bear the short-term discomfort of climbing the ladder if they want to enjoy the intense, thrilling, adrenaline rush of the slide with no regards to what society thinks, no rush to succeed, no heavy responsibilities pushing you down and nothing but the wind in your face! Enjoy life, Followers. Be different. Be the magic. ;)

Ahhhh Home Sweet Home..

It is a BeAuTiFuL day in Riverside, California!!! I am outside in my backyard sitting on a swing in the playground, looking out in the distance of the entire city. Our house is nestled on a hill and the view is clear and serene! It's about 71 degrees outside, palm trees are swaying, children are playing outside in the neighbor's yard, it's warm and sunny and there is a slight breeze. Our dog Harley greeted me earlier with his slobbery chops and left a large green slobber stain on my brand new pants (ewwwwww) which completely made me forget this majestic experience!

It's nice to be home..

I am visiting home for the weekend to see my brother Gary return from a mission he has been on. He's been in Mexico preaching the gospel for the last 2 years and tonight he's coming home!! My family and I have plans tonight to pick him up from the airport and go out to eat and then all hang out at my sister Emily's house. I bet there'll be TONS of people there, especially tons of kids, which makes it tons more fun!

My Mom and Dad are inside the house right now. Mom's on the computer working on something for her Primary class that she teaches and my Dad is sitting on the hearth of the fireplace eating a plate of cauliflower and ranch dressing. He is running for Mayor of the city and has been super busy with all his campaigning lately. My parents are AMAZING. Karri (my twin of course) lives here right now but she's at work. 2 of my brothers and a sister in law are all sitting in the living room talking about family and life and everything seems just right right now.

I really like my family. Karri was telling me the other day that Dad came in her room and sat down and told her how grateful he was the she lived at home and that she's a good girl and it made my day to hear that. I automatically accepted the compliment as well (since we're twins) and it made me really grateful to be a part of this family.

I am proud to say that the reason I'm good and the reason I stay motivated in school and at work and in life is because there are people who care about me and are looking out for me. I know that they want the best for me in life and I don't want to let them down. Of course I understand that I have a choice and that I live in a place where I am on my own and can do Whatever I Want, but I CHOOSE to be good and always do good because I want to make them all proud. Especially my parents. I know that they pray for my well-being each night and I feel their love from almost 1,000 miles away and it helps to keep me motivated and strong and move forward with happiness. Try doing this sometime! It means a lot to yourself AND your loved ones.

..Just so everyone in the world knows!!! :D