To say that I am all mixed up right now would be a total understatement. Maybe it is turning thirty, maybe it has been brought on by certain friendships, maybe it has been hitting my one year mark at my job, maybe it is all of the above. I am not sure, I just know I am at a point in my life where I am trying to figure out what I want and where I want my life to go. I have been reading Elder Oak's talk Dedication of a Lifetime and in he says "...think about yourself, not as you are, but as you may become, 50 years from now.'' Where do I want my life to go and what do I want to be doing? Part of me already knows the answer yet another part of me isn't so sure. I wish there was a magic ball that could show me the future and tell me where things are headed and if the choices I am making now are going to turn out alright.

I am also stressing out about things that I don't want to even think about let alone stress over. I feel so mixed up and worn out with just everything that is happening and yet the worst part is that I feel extremely alone in facing it.

Life Questions

Directions: Put your music player on shuffle. Press forward for each question. Use the song title as the answer to the question. No cheating.

How am I feeling today? Rapid Hope Loss - Dashboard Confessional
Will I get far in life? What Do You Say - Reba McEntire
How do my friends see me? The Road to Emmaus - Hilary Weeks
When will I get Married? Einstein on the Beach (For An Eggman) - Counting Crows
What's my theme song? I'm a Survivor - Reba McEntire
What is the story of my life? White Christmas/Happy New Year - Judy Collins
How can I get ahead in life? O Holy Night - Josh Groban
What is my best feature? My Heart is So Full of You - Jennifer Garner
How is today going to be? One Good Woman - Cherie Call
What is in store for this weekend? Roses - Reba McEntire
What is my life like at the moment? Ghost Train - Counting Crows
What song describes my secrets? Until My Heart Was Broken - Hilary Weeks
What is my current lover like? Take Me Home Country Roads - John Denver
What song will they play at my funeral? All My Friends - Counting Crows
How does the world see me? I Know Why The River Runs - Leann Womack
Will I have a happy life? Needs - Collective Soul
What do my friends really think of me? Lord, I Will Follow Thee - Jenny Oaks Baker
Do people secretly lust after me? What I Miss The Most - Lonestar
Will I accomplish my goals in life? The Perfect Prayer - Hilary Weeks
Will I find true love? The Swiss Army Romance - Dashboard Confessional
How do I treat others? Rain King - Counting Crows

posted by Ali on 14 June 2007 -

Lovey Love List

10. OPI Nailpolish
09. Sharpie Markers
08. G-2s
07. Faith Hill
06. Mango Mandarin
05. Giraffes
04. MAC Lipstick
03. Vanilla Cola Lip Gloss
02. Traveling
01. Photography

posted by Ali on 12 June 2007 -

3-0! Oh My!

Here's to 30 more wonderful years!

posted by Ali on 06 June 2007 -

Last night I was a part of a discussion about religions and beliefs. There has been much discussion in the press and others in our nation on Mormons thanks to presidential candidate Mitt Romney. I want to share with you what I believe.

I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS church) when I was 8 years old. At that time I had a firm faith in my Savior Jesus Christ and quickly developed a testimony and knowledge of Joseph Smith as a prophet of God. I knew that he did translate, under the direction of our Heavenly Father, the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture written by prophets on the American continent. Those two things I have never doubted and my knowledge and belief in them have strengthened as I have researched and learned more about them.

I have always felt I have had a strong testimony, yet there has always been room for growth. It wasn't until a year ago that I truly developed a testimony that I am a daughter of God with a Father in Heaven who loves me. That is one of the amazing things about a testimony is that it can always be expanded upon and you can watch it grow as you go through various experiences and the Lord is able to mold you.

I know that Heavenly Father is real. I know that my Savior, Jesus Christ came to this earth and sacraficed of Himself so that we may all have the opportunity to return and live again. I know that through the atonement we can be forgiven of our sins if we just ask and humble ourselves. I know that we have a living prophet on the earth today, and his name is Gordon B. Hinckley. I know that the Lord continues to direct us by revelation to this man. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and was given to us to help us fully understand His plan for us while we are here on earth. I am grateful to be a member of the only true and living church on the face of the earth. I know that it's influence in my life has helped me to be closer to my Heavenly Father and has made me a better person.

posted by Ali on 03 June 2007 -

There is nothing like spending time with my four favorite guys. It is sure nice to have them all together.

Welcome home Spud Butt! You were missed!

posted by Ali on 01 Jun 2007 -

I am back from a fun weekend road trip with my good friend Yello. We started out on Friday after work and headed for good ol' Sanpete County. This is where I lived for three years and in all honesty it still feels like a second home. Going there just brings me a lot of peace and happiness. We had dinner at Fat Jacks pizza and headed over to the Manti Temple. We took night pictures and the following morning took some in the light. We camped and had an enjoyable breakfast that included crazy old men and mad flying pancakes. It was a lot of fun.

The next stop on our road trip was to scenic highway 12 in Southern Utah. Yello's dad suggested this and since neither one of us had been there we were up for it. The drive was gorgeous as we drove past red rocks, evergreens, volcanic rock, limestone, and petrified forests. We stopped just south of Cannonville at a slot canyon called Willis Creek Canyon. I had always wanted to hike a slot canyon and take pictures and this was my chance. Unfortunately it was a little cloudy and therefore the effect in the canyon was not quite the same, but it still was a fun experience.

Sunday morning we headed to St George and had breakfast at the Bear Paw Coffee Company. It was delicious and we had fun talking with a gentleman from San Jose, California. (I hope his family is still praying for him!) The St. George temple is beautiful especially with it's white exterior against the red rocks of Washington County.

Las Vegas was hot and very, very interesting. First thing on our itinerary was to find a hotel. We were all over the place and because it was a holiday weekend the prices were sky rocket! We finally ended up at a casino on the eastern side of town. The price was good and it was pretty nice.

After getting some rest we headed to the northern part of town for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. I have wanted to eat there for almost 8 years but unfortunately Utah doesn't have one and so I had to drive almost 450 miles to get to try thier famous cheesecake. It was worth the wait and every mile we drove. Our waiter was hilarious even calling Utahan's "freaks" and the food was to die for. I had the Chicken Madeira and a slice of the White Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffle Cheesecake. This was heaven! If you ever get a chance to go I would highly recommend it.

Lastly we went to the Las Vegas Strip. I dragged Yello to M&M World & the Coca Cola store. I wanted this t-shirt soooo badly but I was good... ain't it cute?!?!? Next we headed down to the Bellagio to watch thier famous fountains. I had never seen this before and it was amazing. They take songs by artists such as Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, and the water moves along with the music. The last show of the night ended with the Star Spangled Banner. It was great. We headed back to our hotel around 2:00 in the morning. We were both exhausted and decided to sleep in this morning.

Today we checked out of our hotel and headed back to Salt Lake City and home. We did stop at Cove Fort on the way back which was awesome. We got home a few hours ago and now I am ready for bed. It was a great trip and I am glad I was able to share it with Yello. He is a great friend and kept me laughing all weekend. (Hay anyone?)

If you want to see the pictures I took go here.

I have been thinking a lot about the things that I like the most about myself … here they are:

1. I love the way I laugh. I love to laugh … ha ha ha ha. Loud and long and clear … I love to laugh. It's getting worse every year! Anyone that knows me knows that I sound like a machine gun when you get me going. I love the fact that I am no longer embarrassed about the fact that people turn and stare at me when I get going in church, movie theaters, shopping malls, work, etc. Even though when Eric Weddle pointed me out during his talk that one Sunday I did turn a bit pink! ;o}

2. I love my eyes. They are like a chameleon. Depending on various factors they can change colors from blue to teal to green to cloudy gray.

3. I love my "accent". I have people constantly comment on the way I say certain words such as mountain, milk, and bowling. I have lived in various parts of the world and through out the United States and in that time have picked up different ways of saying things. It is one of the things that makes me unique.

4. I love that I can relate with people of all ages. I can crawl on the ground with a five year old and hunt for bugs to playing with Barbie's to being tackled by an 11 year old boy to shopping and trying on makeup with a teenager. I love to talk about music and politics with women my own age and older.

5. I love my heart. My heart has the ability to grow and expand to include all. It is also very forgiving.

I came to Hollywood over 60 years ago, and immediately fell in love with motion pictures. And it's a love affair that's lasted a lifetime. When I first arrived in Tinseltown, there were no cineplexes or multiplexes. No such thing as a Blockbuster or DVD. I was here before conglomerates owned the studios. Before pictures had special effects teams. And definitely before box office results were reported like baseball scores on the nightly news.
-The Holiday

There is just something about movies. Ever since I was young I have loved sticking in a movie and escaping into whatever adventure awaited. I remember dancing to the sounds of the 50s in Grease, to pretending I had a long lost twin in Parent Trap, to finding for Prince Charming in Cinderella. Films like books have always opened doors into other worlds and take me away. Now a days I find my comfort in The Holiday, enjoying the dramatics of Finding Neverland, laughing at Little Rascals, and running from adventure in National Treasure. Even though the films have changed the effect is still the same. I learn and explore the lives of others and escape the world around me.

Can I just say that I love the playoffs!?!?!?! The Jazz played very well tonight and pulled off their second win against Golden State. The game was intense and absolutely amazing!

On a more serious note ... I want to wish good luck to Derek Fisher and his family as they endure the trial of his daughter's illness. And the same to Dee Brown who was hurt early in the game. One of the greatest things about last night's game was watching the way both teams handled these two unique situations. As Derek Fisher entered the game late watching him get hugged by Baron Davis from the Warriors team warmed my heart. And as the game ended another Warrior hugged him as the Jazz won. Both teams tonight were classy and gained a lot of my respect. They proved that as much as we enjoy basketball, some things are more important.

For those that know me well know that I have a very good friend serving a mission in the West Indies that I absolutely adore. Phil is one of those individuals that whenever you come into contact with him you just want to smile. He has the type of personality that draws people to him. He is compassionate and one of the few individuals in my life that whenever I am with him I feel good about who I am.

Phil has been on my mind a lot the last few days. I think each of us has someone like Phil in their lives. The person who makes you laugh. The person who you can open up to about anything. The person who has seen you at your worst and still believes you are amazing. A person who you know Heavenly Father sent in to your life.

In less than a month Phil will be back in the valley of the Great Salt Lake. I am highly anticipating the hug that I have been waiting two years for. Spud Butt I love you! See you soon!