Lots to be thankful for...

As we all know, the Day of Thanks is coming up. Just around the corner in fact. That sentence should make us all smile, very big. Lately I have been thinking about everything I have to be thankful for. The list is so long, that I have to shorten it to fit within this post. Not only do I love the Day of Thanks for all of the delicious food I get, but also because it is a day of love, thankfulness, and a day spent with family.

So my list of things to be thankful for is forth-coming, but first I have to blog about my awesome, incredible, amazing new job! That awesome new job is... American Express!


Can I get a "woot woot?" Seriously guys, it is the best job ever! AMEX (that's a code word we employees use for American Express) is such an awesome career path. Not only do they value their CM's (card members), they also value their employees! There are seriously great benefits and services offered with every single one of the cards that they offer, and AMEX always backs up their products and their CM's. [Side note: Did I mention how awesome they are, and how much I love my job?] So... I seriously encourage those of you who don't have an American Express card to look into them, and think really hard about getting one. Lemme list just a few free benefits/services that are associated with some cards just to help you out (or nudge you towards that direction).

Extended Warranty
Purchase Protection (Full refunds!)
Roadside Assist
Baggage Protection (for lost luggage)
Travel Delay (AMEX will totally pay for a hotel if your flight is delayed or canceled. I know, it's great!)

So, you all get my point by now. And there are tons of other benefits and services offered. You guys will just have to either call and ask about it, or look on their website. Happy hunting!

Now to the main point of this post- my list of things to be thankful for!

1). My family. First and foremost; no doubt.
2). My awesome job.
3). Being healthy
4). Wonderful friends
5). Education
6). A love for laughing
7). Diet Coke (I really, really love diet coke)
8). The ability to love
9). My love for music
10). The freedom to be myself, and allow room for personal growth.

That was my top ten, but like I said- the list goes on and on. I'm also very grateful that we allow at least one day a year to stop and remember everything we're grateful for. It's a great, and very humbling experience.

Welcome Day of Thanks.

We go way back...

Last Wednesday, B and I went to my sister's choir concert. They did awesome, and it was so fun to watch her. It's so weird for me to think that she is a Junior in high school, and that next year she will be a big bad senior and then she'll be graduated. When did she grow up so fast? And then I started thinking about our childhood together, remembering everything we've seen, done, and experienced with each other. This is what I know...

It started on Day 1. I helped mom hold you right after you were born. Neither of us can remember this, but I'm pretty positive that we both knew at that moment that we'd always be sisters, but much more than that we'd always be friends. From then on, we were in things together. After you learned to talk, I was the only one who could understand you because you couldn't say your R's or S's correctly. I became the translator until you finished speech school. You were the pickiest eater ever. You refused to try anything new, and you didn't have a problem letting us know if you didn't like what you were eating. You hated the crust on bread, and if mom didn't cut it off you gave it to me. You used to call every kind of meat chicken, even though most of the times it was not chicken. You also used to be super shy, and now you're one of the most friendly, outgoing girls I know. You love to clean, and you were always organizing things in the house. From the pantry, to the DVD's, to cleaning your room more than twice a week, you were always cleaning. I was envious the first time you flew on an airplane all by yourself to go visit Hayley. And then it was even worse when we flew to visit Mel and Shane, and I cried because I was so scared. You have the cutest little grin, and you are always smiling. It's no wonder that grandpa calls you 'Smiley Emiley.' You learn lyrics to songs faster than anyone I know, and I know that me and you could quote practically every movie we've ever seen. You have such a great personality that draws people towards you, and I'm never surprised when you start talking about new friends. Even though you are two years younger, you're always setting the example, and you've always given me someone to look up to. I'm so happy that you're my sister, and I'm grateful for all of the things we've gone through together. I love you, and I'll always be here to watch you keep growing up.







{Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there.} ~Amy Li

Everybody has their list....

of things that make them madder than a bee stuck in mud. And I just decided that I need to make a list off all of mine, and then stop being so bothered by all of them. This is healthy for the soul. I think.



1. Stupid parking tickets
2. All of the construction going on in Utah. It's everywhere.
3. Stupid drivers. There's a reason you had to pass the test.
4. The cold. This means winter is coming. Which means it's about to get {a lot} colder.
5. The grass at the apartment complex. They water everyday- in the middle of the day. So it's wet, lumpy, and impossible for us to enjoy the last little part of our summer. Lame.
6. Money. You either love it or hate it. If you have enough, you love it. If you don't have enough, you hate it.
7. Shoes. I want to wear flip flops all year 'round. What is this "closed-toe, closed heel" nonsense
8. Laundry. I've come to despise doing laundry. What a waste of time. Wash 'em, wear 'em, and then you just gotta wash 'em again. Who thinks of this stuff?
9. Broken appliances. How are you being helpful if you don't function correctly?
10. Arogant people. There is no need for you; any of you. Please disappear.
11. Puppies who chew up boyfriends shoes. Which then requires us to go get new shoes. Expensive new shoes. Because boyfriend is picky and refuses to wear any brand but Nike. (Which is one of the reasons I think he's do adorable) [sarcasm] Thank you, Thunder.


Ah, I'm already feeling much better. Also, I love DVR. 'The Office' is doing a wonderful job of calming me down right now. But more than that, I love cute boyfriends who send you flowers at work. And cute boyfriends who put up with my list of complaints. Actually... just cute boyfriends in general are a plus.

We caved...

I know that I promised pictures from Texas... and they're coming. I'll get on that... eventually. But first, I just wanted to post about the awesome dog we just got on Wednesday.

This is Thunder. He is the worlds greatest dog. Hands down. And isn't he so handsome? We're lucky, we know. And it's a total plus that he came potty trained. 10 points for Thunder!

[Sdei Ntoe]

I'm currently wondering what it would be like to be dyslexic...

Just a thought.

There she goes...

Vacation: (va ca tion)

Leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure.

That is one of the most beautiful sentences I have heard in a long time. All play, and no work for 5 whole days. I can hardly contain my excitement much longer! Although it's quite a drive to Texas, an incredibly long drive, I am so excited to go. Just go have fun for a few days, relax, not have to worry about anything. It's going to be great. I supposed great could just be a blank line, and you could insert any adjective you feel is appropriate to celebrate such an occasion. Carry on!

(ah-some pick-chures post haste!)

To whom it may concern (the jerk who broke into my car):

Dear sir (I assume it was a sir...)
I hope you get little satisfaction out of the stereo you stole so greedily from my car last night, after breaking the window in my new car. I am by no means wishing you ill, because that would be giving you the big win in this situation; I am simply wishing you broke the stereo or something while you were taking it out. You sure know how to announce bad news; I wasn't even out of bed when I found out. But to your surprise, instead of me moping around, and feeling sorry for myself I'm going to get a new window. And I'll drive without music for a few weeks, until I get a better, new and improved stereo.


Sincerely,
Your not so happy neighbor

On a happier note- Chris Cagle was simply amazing on Wednesday night. Country music is extremely under-rated. We had so much fun. Playing "Your Team" the entire night, I am happy to announce that I was the winner. And of course, we stuffed our faces with delicious burgers and fries. Complete bliss.






Half- Silly



Silly



Silliest (and a little spit in the EYE)

Here's your sign

I've been having trouble sleeping for the past few weeks, so I do a lot of thinking while I'm laying in bed and not sleeping. Sometimes I think about the most absurd things, like going to Red Robin with spikes in the bottom of my shoes and puncturing the poor seat in the booth, or doing something crazy on youtube just so that Ellen Degeneres will invite me on her show since she seems to love youtube crazies so much. Anyways... last night the line "Here's your sign" from comedian Bill Engvall was running through my head. He's funny, I've grown up listening to him, and his "Here's your sign" is a valid point of people doing stupid things. Now we all know that I'm not the brightest box in the crayon, (but if crayon's were ranked on their funniness, I would definitely take first prize) so thinking about that phrase, I started thinking about things I have said or done that still make me laugh out loud when I think about them. Here are a few...


1). Hammertime: After a long night of games and pot-luck at my house, me and the gang were sitting downstairs just talking about anything and everything. Please don't ask me how we got on the subject of MC Hammertime, because I do not know the answer. All I know is that Dylan and Jeff started singing that song, and I blurt out "Stop, heppa-time." What is heppa-time? Obviously the wrong words to that song. Un momento de stupidity.


2). Tom & Jerry: One night me and Jeff-ray are at work, and he asks me "Carly, what is your favorite cartoon?" My immediate response: "Ben & Jerry!" Yes, that is a combined answer of watching the cartoon Tom & Jerry while eating the delicious Ben & Jerry ice cream. And this is a re-occuring incident with me, because just a few nights ago while I was quoting Baby Mama so professionally, I say "Ben and Jerry love each other! What show are you watching?" Wrong again Carly.

3). 10th Grade Photo Class: Jeff-ray (Yes, he is around when a lot of these happen) is wearing a stellar shirt, as always, and for some reason I suppose I was inspired to ask him about it. I couldn't see the shirt very clearly so this is what I ask: "What does your shirt mean in Japanese?" After a confused look, he glances at his shirt, stretches it so everyone who heard me can see what it is and he replies "Umm... these are two people dancing." I should clearly have my own sign I carry with me that says "Here's your sign."

4). 11th Grade Creative Writing Class: My most wonderful, favorite teacher of all time who has seen numerous of my so called 'blonde' moments is a fashionista. One day she's wearing this super stylish necklace, and I ask "Does your necklace mean something in another language?" (given my previous history with clothing... I should have known not to even ask) She looks down, laughs, looks at me and says "Carly, dear, those are fig leaves."

5). 12th Grade Lit Mag Class: Group discussion about the Chemistry teacher at our school who is from England. Someone is going off about how they made him upset everyday, blah blah blah, and how it was funny when he got mad because half of the time you couldn't understand him. I'm thinking I'm real smart with what I have thought of to say: "What happens when he swears at you in English?" The room busted up laughing, and yes while funny, I actually meant England English... not our native tongue.



Habib!

El Capitan

Boating for the first time this summer is always such a thrill. I can't move for the next three days, and my skin burns when I'm out in the sun, but it is so worth it. This little guy was such a trooper for his first time boating. And he loved riding the tube with his favorite aunt, me! Notice his nonchalant, laid back look? Yep, that's how he is most of the time.

So we all know how much I hate going anywhere without at least a little bit of make-up (I blame my almost white eyelashes and semi-blotchy skin occasionally) and normally I refuse to leave the house without a little som'in som'in, yeah? Well I woke up, washed my face, got in my suit and was ready to help. Just my luck, I got to run to the store to buy a bag of ice. And then I get all paranoid when I'm out, afraid to make eye contact with anyone, for fear of what they might think of the girl with no make up on. Anyways, I survived. Moral of the story: Life goes on.

I waddle now when I walk, especially after playing a double header last night in soccer, and my arms feel like I've been lifting weights for three days straight. I sleep like a rigid board at night because I'm sunburned, but riding the new tube and getting up on one ski was all worth it. (Note for further use- please keep your legs on the tube at all times as to avoid being pulled into the water). Overall it was an awesome day, and I had so much fun with the fam!

Just a side note- we all know how much I love diet coke, it was a full on obsession. I'm pulling back, and resisting. Gotta win a bet to lose 10 pounds first, olay! And as sad as parting was, I do give in and indulge every so often, as to keep our relationship at a healthy level.

Movie quote of the day: "Rainman did it and he was a ruh-tard." "A what?" "A ruh-tard!"

Then Mr. Blue met Mrs. Purple:

Has anyone ever wondered, why only some colors are used as last names? Like Mr. Black, or Mrs. White, or even Mr. Green in Clue, but have you ever met anyone named Mrs. Yellow? Or Mr. Orange? I didn't think so... I am currently wondering why this is... Any thoughts?

Any they lived happily ever after...

Dedicated to Sadie

Yesterday my sweet-spirited second cousin Sadie passed away after battling with a brain tumor. While we are sad to see her leave us at such a young age, we are happy because we know that she is pain free now, and that she is in a better place. She was such an example to all those around her or those who came in contact with her after she started this long battle. She was especially an example to me because she never complained, never asked 'why me', never put blame on anyone for what was going on in her life, and she made the best out of everyday. To see that kind of strength in a 6 year old just amazes me. There are days I go through simple tests or trials, and I wish I had the strength that Sadie showed. It's so easy to give up, and these experiences are the things that keep us going. We love you, Sadie.

When I first heard about this, I wanted to write a song for the family. A song that told their story; the doubt, the struggle, the questioning, and finally the faith that held them together. It's still a little rough in a few spots, but it was written with love, and it was written with Sadie in mind. So here's to Sadie:

Untitled (at the moment):

Where does the strength come from,
To make it through another day?
How do you carry on,
When you can't find the right words to say?

Questions fill your mind with doubt-
Was this His plan from the start?
Your little girl, so sweet and pure
Fulfilled the biggest part.

Not enough time to see her grow,
But now you know she's home.

Where angels sing Amazing Grace,
Our loved ones live in that holy place;
And walk face-to-face with Jesus.

Through heartache and trials
Somehow we find peace.
And when we can't go on
He finds us on our knees.

Long awaited comes the peace,
She's free of earthly pain.
She watches you from up above,
Her highest goal attained.

Where angels sing Amazing Grace,
Our loved ones live in that Holy Place,
And walk face-to-face with Jesus.

This is not goodbye, you just beat the rest of us to the better part. Thank you for being such an example in your testimony, your faith, and your growing love for life. We will miss you, we will miss your smile, we will miss your laugh, and we will miss the sweet spirit you brought with you. But we will remember you always. We love you Sadie.

http://sadiehuish.blogspot.com/

Oh what a day

You only turn 18 once. The year of responsibility, (limited) freedoms, pre-adulthood, blah, blah, blah. I didn't get to spend this birthday with Tommy (or last years for that matter), and was still going to be attending the ridiculous last week of school this year as well. I figured the day was going to be pretty lame, boring, the list goes on.

7 days earlier:

Me: (to my parents) "I really only want to meet Kyle Beckerman for my birthday. No presents, no money, nothing. Just him."

Parents: "Well, we can talk to Tyson (awesome brother who is assistant trainer for Real) and see what he thinks."

Me: [sigh].

3 days after that (the fam came down for a birthday dinner all por mi):

Dad to Tyson: "Did Amy tell you that all Carly wants for her birthday is to meet Beckerman?"

Tyson: "No, I didn't know that, but I can see what I can do." [me letting out a discouraged sigh, yet again]

30 minutes later:

Me opening birthday card numero uno from Tyson and Amy: 'Happy birthday, time to rejoice, blah blah blah.... Unless you want to meet KYLE BECKERMAN!' [me laughing, screaming, and acting very happy, because I was indeed very happy]

I figured this wouldn't be happening for some time, and wasn't expecting it anytime soon.

June 2nd (the BIG day):

Plans were to check me out of school at lunch, because I thought my parents were so graciously taking me to lunch because they love me. Which was partly true, but he was going to be meeting us there. (I had no knowledge of this little surprise). Lunch kept getting pushed back, but I wasn't expecting anything, so I just figured my dad had to work later than planned. We finally take off, heading for who knows where down in Sandy. So many yummy, delicious places to go eat around my house, yet we go to Sandy. I'm just so trusting of my parents, so I actually believe my mom who has told me that my dad had to drop a fellow co-worker off at the auto mall to get his truck fixed and we would be enjoying lunch at Paradise Bakery. Why here, you may ask when you know that we passed an Olive Garden and Chili's (both are fantastic!) and that was my exact thought. But we went to lunch there anyways. Turns out he couldn't make it due to a meeting, so my brother called my dad to say that we needed to get some clubs he had just boughten from one of the players for Amy. [me still not suspecting anything is going on].

10 minutes later (we're pulling up to the Rio Tinto Stadium):

Me: "Mom! I am going to walk where Kyle Beckerman has walked."

Mom: "You should have brought a ball, you could have ran the field."

Me: "I am going to go lay on the field, and roll around in it's goodliness."

(getting out of the car to walk in, still no idea what's about to happen. un player exits the building)

Me: "What if I see him?? You'll have to pull me off of him before he calls security!"

(my brother meeting us at the first set of glass doors to welcome us in. e exchange greetings and he tells me Happy Birthday. I walk to the second set of glass doors, and guess who is standing but a few feet from me, waiting to make all my birthday dreams come true. Kyle Beckerman himself. At this point, I lose all self control, and I am screaming, jumping up and down, and eventually running over to where he stands. I literally had to stop myself from hugging him before we'd 'officially' met.)

Me: "Oh my gosh... (deep breath) You are... so good at soccer. And I love your hair..." (clearly I was having a hard time thinking clearly, much less talking without sounding like an idiot)

Him: "So I hear it's your birthday... (clearly he was a little terrified by my excitement of meeting him) So I signed this jersey for you.."

And then.. He hugged me. Twice! And we got a few good old pictures with him while he asked me about my plans for the summer and fall (obviously to hang out with him everyday, duh!) and was super nice.

It was indeed the greatest birthday of my life, and just maybe the greatest day of my life up to this point!! I couldn't believe it, and no one could believe my reaction.