Our Fairytale

There is one moment that everyone experiences in their life. It could happen anywhere, at anytime, with anyone. A memory that you will never take for granite and never regret. A moment that you will cherish for the rest of your life. It just takes a split second and before you know it you found that person you can't live without. I didn't know it, but December 31, 2012 changed my life forever. Lost for words is something that never happens, although on that night I couldn't help but be speechless. Those stunning green eyes were glued on me. That smile which I could watch for days, never went away that evening. I couldn't help but melt when he held my hand. It felt like a piece to a finally finish puzzle when he wrap his arms around me. As cheesy as this sounds, I didn't know something was missing but that night I fell upon my very own fairytale.

Blind dates are not a everday activity for me and you literally have to expect the unexpected when you go into them. The internet set us up, so you better believe I did my research before walking into it. When I found him I was on Match.com, then added him on Facebook and had long conversations on the phone with him. I felt like I was on an episode of "Catfish." The chemistry was just oozing over the phone and the cute little text messages were the best part of my day. It already felt different from any other flings, dates or relationships I have been in. I was dying to meet him although those nerves and fears came over me. Doubt, fear and vulerability was a emotion I didn't want to feel. Although all the feelings I had already for him, I knew they were true! I had that feeling that I needed to meet this man. I knew I had to take a leap of faith.

December 31st there were a lot of nerves and excitement all at the same time. Any second this perfect man I imagine is suppose to arrive for our perfect night. Literally, the anticipation was killing me!! He texted me, "almost there" and I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest! HE ARRIVED!! He got out of the car and I was just standing there outside! I could see him smiling ear to ear from twenty feet away! As cheesy as I am, I couldn't help but just run to him! He picked me up and gave me the best and biggest bear hug I have ever gotten! All that doubt, fear and vulnerability was gone! Without even saying a word, that split second I thought, I finally found him!

Every since that night I haven't gone a day without talking to him. I have never loved and cared for someone as much as I do for him. I have made memories and had adventures with him that are unforgettable! On April 17, 2013 he made me the luckiest and happiest girl in the world. It might seem like a short time knowing someone but with every bone in my body and every feeling or emotion I had, it pointed to the man I need to start my life with.

As a good starting point for the rest of our life, we were walking around the park trying to find his friends that were supposely meeting us there. Apparently he lied his butt off for a couple of days now. I was totally clueless, but at the same time I knew something was up because there wasn't a soul at the park. When we were walking he said, "whats that?", as gullible as I am I turn to see what he was talking about. So far the greatest moment of my life, is when I turn back around. He was on one knee, with the most stunning ring I have ever seen. He said my full name and really cute things that I don't remember because I was in shock from all the overwhelming excitement in one moment. Of course I said "Hell yes" and as soon as he put that ring on that finger, I had a hard time looking at anything else. From the very beginning, I knew he was the one before we even met. That rings symbolizes the love and life we are going to share together. I couldn't pick a better person to marry.

This man treats me like I am the most important person in the world. I have never felt like a princess but with him by my side I feel like a queen. He is sarcastic, funny and down to earth! He is my life, he is my everything and on Sept 14 I will steal his last name! Cory Garrett is the man of my dreams and I am proud to be Mrs. Garrett. The best decision in my life was taking that leap of faith.

I love you Cory!

My Brother.

The Lord gives you someone in your life that you know will always make you laugh, smile and stick by your side in whatever adventure or predicament you might get yourself into. We are not only fluent in the lanuage of sarcasm but we are known for our pranks, fights and unforgettable memories of tormenting each other. When it is all said and done, this person has always had my back and I have always had their's. We have been through hell and back, but we have never turned on each other. My best friend, my partner in crime or as everyone might know him as, my brother.

August 4, 2011 lands on a thursday and a day which will not only change my life but it will especially change my brothers. He isn't getting a sex change or deciding that he wants to be a blonde because they supposely have more fun. No! My dearest brother is getting married in the Salt Lake Temple. To whom you might ask? This ball n chain is a young lady named Hannah. For the longest time I never liked any of my brother's girlfriends or I always thought he could do better. This beautiful young lady changed my mind. They made me a firm believer that everyone has a better half. Even describing them as a couple, it is hard not saying cute, adorable and a little cheesy in the same sentence. With out a doubt, August 4 will not only be a magical and joyful day for the happy couple. August 4 is a day when I know my brother will be eternally happy and nothing makes me more grateful. I've always wanted more silblings growing up, but realized he is everything I asked for and more. Hannah and Andrew, I love you. I finally get the sister I have always wanted!

Fitting Inn is Out of Style.

A problem that has not only effected me but also has become a problem for many people around the world. Mostly targeting young teens and women, the problem has become more of an issue than ever. Low self esteem and stress is developing the awful emotion of increasing anxiety. The pressure to "fit in" is a heavy burden that seems to be carried on the backs of all ages. The atmosphere surrounding children and teens has worsen over the years from the growth of media and technology. Even though, technology is a helpful tool and resource but it is also one of the main targets of the causes of depression and low self esteem.

In the 21st century, there has been a numerous amount of high tech and available resources that has abled us to connect with our family and friends. There has been studies shown that Facebook and Myspace or even any social networks have caused the issues of low self esteem and depression. Whether it's a break up, rejection, or envy, cyberspace can feel real. Watching my friends find boyfriends, getting married, or even having children. Not meaning that you aren't happy for that person, but the trouble of hopefully one day I might have those opportunities as well. Can't help having those emotions of doubt and anxiety overwhelm that person. The media doesn't help by putting out there that you need to look a certain way. Women having that pressure and wanting that "glamorous" lifestyle seen on television; has caused deep anxiety, depression and the horrific and sad thought of an eating disorder. These issues are not uncommon problems and believe it or not there are solutions that will help you and even me with my low self esteem.

An easy solution is to get rid of any social network if it becomes a problem. You probably will save a lot more time on more proactive and worth wild things than wasting your time seeing what other people are doing with there life. With out a doubt, there are many ways to build your self esteem and one of the major ways is working out. It releases endorphins and always makes you feel great afterwards. Seeing a huge improvement by surrounding your self with positive and good people. Instead of being constantly criticized by family, friends, and society tends to slowly strip us of our feelings of self worth. Improving your self esteem increases your confidence and is a first step towards finding happiness and a better life. You gain this confidence by believing that you are unique, you are special, and that you deserve to have your dreams come true!

Don't try to copy anyone else. You will be at your best when you are being yourself because of your uniqueness. Strive to be your best, do not criticize yourself if you fall short of your expectations. Aiming for perfection in life is a lost cause because it is different things to different people. If you are trying to be perfect, you set yourself up for disappointment and failure. Instead, seek to achieve goals. For example,I take a class in the visual arts. The visual arts allow me to explore myself and find "perfection" in "imperfections". Everyone has strengths, weaknesses, habits, and principles that define who you are and can make you distinctive. Spend more time focusing on the qualities about yourself that you like and less on the ones that you dislike. Remember no one is perfect and if they are then they are probably not from this world. Why would I compare myself with others? No one in the entire world can do a better job of being me than me.

Loyal and Loving, a Man's Best friend.

When I think of a man's best friend, do I think of a cat? As a matter of fact, that is false accusation and it is an absurd and shocking thought. Dogs make the world go round and defensive cat lovers believe they are exotic and fancy. A simple task to explain why dogs are so much better than cats and I have many points to prove my theory.

First, dogs are always a consistent bundle of joy. Dogs think you’re the best person in the world even if you are grumpy. When you come home your dog will be they’re licking your face, jumping around and they are just excited and happy when they get to see you. While cats don’t notice you are there unless they are getting their food. Goes to show that dogs are so caring and genuine when it comes to their owner. A dog can sense when you are sad and they will comfort you to make you feel better, cats don’t give a rats behind. Dogs give you that comforting feeling that you are being protected and watched over. Those situations you might be confronted with, from a robber breaking in or a fire starting in your house. The dog will tell you, while the cat just pretends it never saw it or even worse just creep through the window if there was a fire.

Thinking dogs can't get any better than that, but as a matter of fact they can. Dogs are always ready and wanting to play with you. Dogs will play with a ball or a toy for as long as there energy will hold while the only things cats play with is a ball of yarn and mice. Dogs are not only good at overall play, but believe it or not they are good listeners. When you call your dogs name it will come running to you without fail, with a cat if it even knows its name it most likely wont come to you unless you have a can of food in your hand. When you talk to dogs they will make faces and tilt there head and try to work out what your saying while cats just meow and walk away.

The word unselfish means, willing to put the needs or wishes of others before one's own. Mine as well put the word dog in that sentence. Dogs will help you if you’re in trouble and most important they are extremely loyal to their owners, while cats only care about themselves. Dogs are even helpful with getting a ladies attention. If you are a guy do you think a cat will get the girls? The answer is with out a doubt no, only dogs will. Coming from a girl, there is nothing cuter than a puppy or a dog. Even better than that, dogs come in all shapes, colors and sizes to suit the owner’s needs. Cats are pretty boring and they only really vary in colors. It has even been proven that if a child is with a dog the first few years of their life it builds up their immune system and helps prevent asthma and sneezing allergies.

When it is all said and done, and the end of the day, the conclusion is dogs are better than cats. From many reasons I have listed, dogs are smarter then cats by fact and they will learn tricks and those basic commands easy, while having loads of fun. My experiences with dogs have only been happy, heart warming and a unforgettable friend. The definition of loyal, happy and a man's best friend is a fluffy and adorable dog.

The Tattle Tell.

When it all comes down to it, being the youngest in the family is one of the greatest advantages in life. First, we are known for being the world’s greatest example of getting spoiled. Although, that’s not always the case, our natural instincts are to observe, tattle and copy. Everyone has their own opinion and experience with their place in the family. Meanwhile, we all know that the youngest has the upper hand in the family from those predicaments we might get ourselves into.

Everyone in life is their own person, and makes decisions for themselves. Being the youngest you are always being compared to your older siblings and never for you as an individual. From your parents who always tells me why can't you be more like your brother or sister, or stating that your brother and sister did or didn't do this. I was never called by my name when it came to my sibling's friends. Getting compared comes with the territory of having that titled of the youngest. On the other hand, comparing myself to the older siblings can be my stepping-stone. Everyone makes mistakes and I can use that as advantage and observe those in my family. Having the main idea on how the world will play out and where to go after high school. What to do and ways that will help benefit me and my future. Although, I did learn to take a leap for myself and not always use them as a crutch.

No one likes to be the victim or being the focus for all the jokes. The word tease in Webster's dictionary, it says to annoy persistently. Webster doesn't even know the half of what I went through. From being pushed around, punched, poked, picked up and carried without request. My worst memory I can recall is when they would throw those fireworks snappers so hard against my skin that they would snap. They would always say, " We are only trying to rough you up a bit, preparing you for the outside world." Getting teased is not a pleasant experience. In the end, the result is that I have a higher tolerance of pain and easy going when it comes to sarcastic comments.

When holidays came around I would always get what I wanted especially if I pouted. Meaning the youngest is the epitome of spoiled. There is no doubt about it, a good trait to be acknowledge with. Although, having immunity in every situation is a great advantage. Immunity, meaning to get my way and escape blame for a certain issue. More so when I was younger, this super power came in handy. After constant teasing from the older siblings, there is one way to get my revenge. A natural reaction, the youngest will come to appreciate. I'd tattle, scream, call for help because my mom was my weapon. She was my key ingredients for my revenge. No matter what the situation is, I would come out on top. Parents have a special place in their heart for the youngest because I’m their baby. It doesn't matter if I did do it or didn't. If I blame and point fingers at one of the older siblings, I will have automatic immunity. It might sound evil, but nothing taste better then sweet revenge.

You can call me vicious, spoiled and cry babies. In the end, the older siblings are jealous of the advantages and powers we have in the palm of our hands. The traits the youngest starts out with might sound as an unfair disadvantage, turns out as becoming a benefit. We know what it is like to be pushed around and been compared to others our wholes lives. Regardless of those facts, we have observed our older siblings experiences throughout their lives. So when the time came, we where more prepared for the outside world. Our end conclusion, the youngest might just be naturally born as royalty.

Unlimited Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich's

Paradise is having zero responsibilities, taking glorious naps throughout the day, and the great advantage to eat whatever I want without counting calories. Childhood is not only a stage in life that everyone goes through; it is the epitome of play, sleep, and happiness. My view on the world was a place full of rainbows, puppies, and unlimited supply peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Playing house is not only synced into my system, it was a part of who I was as a kid. I was the ultimate pretend mom anyone, east side of Sandy Utah, has ever seen. Besides the point that playing house was my daily routine, but facts are that I wasn't girly.

For as long as I can remember, I was known as what you call a "tomboy". When my mother found out she was having a little girl she told me that she was more then excited. Dress me up like a princess and be the miniature her. I don't like to disappoint anyone, but when it came down to it, the end result was nothing close to her having a little princess she wanted. I pushed the Barbie’s dolls aside, and my stuffed animals were my main focus. Dresses made me gag, and getting my fingernails painted made it feel like the end of the world. Every time I was forced to get my nails done, I would tighten my fist so nobody could see a non-volunteered hideous princess that my mom wanted me to be. My mom rolled her eyes so much that I thought one day they might get stuck there.

I'm not the oddest kid in the candy store, but i have had a few experiences that have made me a peeved individual when it comes to certain things. I've had the bittersweet opportunity to have an older brother. For having that title, he has a responsibility to annoy those that are younger. Not loving that idea, I tattled like a champion. I have many memories of getting tormented, but one that I have remembered, I will never forget. It all began at the age of five. I was minding my own business, when out of nowhere the most horrible thing happened. My brother's idiotic mind decides to stick gum in my hair. I'm not sure what the motivation was but my theory is he was just jealous that I'm better looking. No matter what his reasons where, I went psycho. I ran around, screaming, not knowing what to do. My mom trying to calm me down, but I wasn't showing any mercy. When I saw my mom get those scissors out, I felt that there is no hope for my hair. It was so tangled in gum, and so horribly sticky. For those reasons, may seem stupid, but to this day I can honestly say that I haven't had one stick of gum. It is not something I tell people, and most don't know about it. I'll admit, it is something that is a unique and idiotic.

Not everyone can say that they had their five minutes of fame. I was on the 90's hit television show, " Touched By An Angel". The show is about angels helping others in their everyday life. When people found out this news, I became a third grader who was signing autographs for my fellow students. Being a part of something that is nationally heard of is an unforgettable experience. Everyone treated you with respect and set out to make you feel comfortable. As a kid, my favorite part was unlimited food, drinks, and sweets. I took advantage of that opportunity as frequent as I could. Even when I didn't have any lines or wasn't a main character on the show. In my opinion, I was the best background child they ever did see.

As a kid, I was clumsy, sloppy, and didn't know the meaning of sharing. The focus was on me, and me a lone. From my terrible twos until I became the frightening age of a teenager. When my looks actually started to matter, I learned the importance of hygiene and fashion. My childhood was no ordinary adventure. It was a journey that I enjoyed and sometimes wish I could go back too. On the other hand, I will be able to have my own children someday and give them a exciting childhood I was blessed to have. Even though, I'm an adult and I have responsibilities. There is always that inner child, waiting and wanting to escape.

Beauty Toys with Torment

A common phrase that I've heard throughout media, literature and reality is, " Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." A very true and wise statement that reminds me that the world is not as shallow and as vain from its usual comparison. There are a lot of roles, titles and even stereotypes that women are attached with. The main one is being a mother, nurture, and caregiver. Even though we don't have the pressure of being the breadwinner or the protector, instead women are constantly getting compared to other women. There is a constant tearing and judging by other women and men always trying to find the next best and jaw dropping tall drink of water. The pressure women have on our backs to be identified by the word, beautiful.

I grew up with the concept from entertainment that beautiful is a breath taking, 110 pound woman, with flawless skin that is smooth as a babies behind. The feeling that I might not possess these certain qualities overwhelms me with low self-esteem and disappointment. Looking at magazines, movies and television shows made me envious for as long as I can remember. Not having that size two body, and always being self conscious of my weight. At a point in time, I was so worried and depressed about the way I looked. I never wanted to leave the house. The commercials with appetizing meals, and the variety of those break through diets that promised rapid weight loss. It is an up and down roller coaster of emotions that brings anxiety, because looks are so important in the world and you are stuck with the genes God gave you. Doesn't help when the media treats women as a object rather then a human being. All I have to say is that men have it a lot easier then the average woman.

I would be more then happy to be tied down with a man that had six pack abs, but a man that jiggles a little is more than welcomed. The pressure men have to be the next Brad Pitt is far less complicated. I have met some of the most ignorant and prideful to the most sweetest and sensitive men. Not all men are pigs, but being in my twenty's all men are usually thinking about one thing. Lets just say, that it is not rainbows and cotton candy. As much as I hate to say it, our nation sways more towards men being superior to women. Society and personally knowing that there are negative pressures women seem to face. On the other hand, the older and more mature I become and the things that where so important before seems like an easy fix.

"Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart," that is a quote by Kahili Gibran. Life's journey has taught me lessons that I have learned to appreciate as I have become older. The intentions of the heart, and the awe inspiring feeling of love can conquer any pressure of vain and shallow things that are associated with the outward appearance. The secret ingredient of life's adventure is inner beauty and the matters of the heart. The reason for why my recipe is that much sweeter and it is worth every calorie.