Patrick

One of my very closest friends is moving away. Not just a few hours away. But he will be moving to another country. He will be moving across the country for a few months first, and then will be heading to France. I am so excited for him, he has wanted to do this as long as I have known him. He is going to do great things there and have the time of his life. It is amazing that he is making his dreams come true and I admire him so much for that. Of course, I have to have my selfish moment and be sad that he is leaving here though. I am going to miss him like crazy. Even though we don't see each other on a regular basis, we are there for each other when needed. We always make time to have a movie or dinner date when we can. I can tell him anything about everything.

So with him leaving, I want to take this opportunity to recall a few fond memories that I have of us together! Now, this is just going to be a handful, because we have eons of them.

~ We met in the 7th grade. Mrs. White's honors math class at Highland Jr. He was one of the very smart kids in class. I wasn't and took advantage of our friendship! I actually even tried to hook him up with one of my friends!

~ He was my very first kiss. We were 13 years old the summer before our 8th grade year. It was super awkward and terribly bad. We both had braces and it was his first kiss as well! We even went and got Popsicles of different flavors and then kissed again to see if it was weird! I am glad we have both gotten better! Haha!

~ One night in high school, we went over to our friend Eric's house and stayed up the entire night dancing to songs that were dirty! I definitely got some fun dances from the boys! (Promise it stayed PG-13!) Then we went outside and watched the sunrise on the trampoline and fell asleep.

~ He got me the job at Harkins! He started working there before me and told me how awesome it was. Needless to say, he makes fun of me for still being there!

~ We played a duet at a solo and ensemble competition. I played my flute and he played his oboe!

~ We love to go out dancing together. He can move his hips like no one I know! He also has no fear of what others think of him. It is what makes dancing with him so much fun.

~ Sewel Garden night with Saki freshman year of college.

~ Driving around and listening to Mariah Carey singing at the top of our lungs.

~ Mandy Moore choreography in front of my mirrors

~ Wengs dates (Oh how I miss that place)

12 years of memories. A lifetime ahead of friendship. I love you Patrick. France is lucky to get you.

Oh, and of course, an excuse for a vacation! ;)

Ode

An Ode to my Best Friend

A woman of many faces

Radiating beauty on the inside and out

Listens to my rants with an open heart and mind

Offers great advice

Knows me better than I know myself

A loving mother

Patient and kind

Soft spoken with most

Has an odd obsession with crawling bugs

Giving and unselfish

An open book of honesty and stories

Knows me better than I know myself sometimes

Trustworthy

Loves Disney and kid movies with me

Is able to make me laugh, no matter the mood

Loves anything and everything pink

Creates the most beautiful, smart, chubby children

Loves me for me

A great cook

Watches the food network

Always willing to listen, even if she doesn't agree

Stands up and defends me

Shops at the Buckle and always finds a good sale

Is always there and concerned

Can talk for hours and never get bored

Has a passion for sign language

Always has beautiful make up and hair

Never judges, at least not me

The fact that I could continue on for a long time says enough

Here's to a friendship for life

It is an honor for me to be able to call you,

my best friend

Beth

<3

When they die, a part of us die too

I Like... (Shelley's thoughts 4/12/78)

Watching spontaneous smiles

Walking along the beach barefoot

Hearing the waves

Chattering of unfamiliar faces and seeing in a sense of forever

Driving down my street to come home,

a sense of familiarity

The mailman dropping letters in my mailbox

the water as it drips off my hair and hits the arch of my back in the shower

Sliding into cool, clean sheets at night

Having my friends call me, just to say,

"Hi Shelley, how ya doing'?

I Like... (Ashley's thoughts 11/8/10)

Walking outside and feeling the cool breeze of fall run through my skin.

Closing my eyes and taking in the deep breath of fresh air that comes along with it.

Losing myself in a dance, moving my body to the beat of the music,

not caring who is watching.

Wearing a new outfit, radiating confidence and beauty.

Laughing with old friends about old memories, while making new ones at the same time.

Curing up in my pajamas on a chilly day, engrossed in a novel that I am unable to put down.

Shedding tears during a movie, both happy and sad.

Looking through old photograps of my friends and family,

wishing I could flip back in time and revisit them.

Christmas time, the songs, treats, family, decorations, and the aura.

The feeling of accomplishment after finishing a huge assignment, and then getting an A on it.

Accomplish my goals even when I never thought it would be possible.

Overcoming fears and obstacles, even the impossible ones.

Spending time with my family,

and feeling thankful for having them in my life.

Feeling loved and being remembered.

Election Day

What does being an American mean to you? I can tell you that most people would say "freedom" along with me in answer to that. Well, what exactly does that freedom mean? I think so many Americans have become complacement with that word that they forget what it really means and how we got to be that way. As an American you have the freedom of speech, you can say whatever you want about the president of our country and suffer no reporcutions for it. You have freedom of press. You have freedom to choose your religion. You have freedom to own property. You have freedom to dream and be who you want to be. You have the freedom to choose your officials. You have the freedom to choose what kind of life you are going to live. You have the freedom to choose what laws will pass that directly effect you and your family.

All of those freedoms cumulate to voting. You have the RIGHT to vote for these things. You are not dictated or run under a communist country. You have the right to have a voice. You have the right to decide how your childrens' lives will unfold. YOu have the right to vote on the education. You have that RIGHT.

Voting effects everyone. People vote on laws, propositions, education, taxes, leaders, etc. For those of you who say you "don't care because it doesn't apply to my daily life", seriously? How does it not?

Some say that they are not educated in politics. As an American, you have the access and ability to become educated. That is a sorry excuse. It is not all politics. Most of it is just laws. What do you feel is right? The voting ballot explains each one. And for those people who are unable to understand what words mean, then they should vote for better education so that their children have the opportunity to learn that.

Last night at work, I asked some of the staff if they were voting today. NOT ONE even knew there were elections today. NOT ONE even knew what was even being voted on. I about died when I heard that. When I explained that they should go vote to express their rights as an American, they all just said they did not care and had no interest. How can one have no interest in their own future? That just baffles me. I hope that the state puts more money and emphasis on education so that the future of America can be educated on politics and the importance of voting. Maybe then we can get the youth to actually care about our nation and themselves. It scares me to think of what the future has in store for us.

Only 18% of Americans vote. I cannot believe this number. Can you imagine the uproar that would happen if our rights as voters got taken away!? All of a sudden that 82% of Americans would care and be outraged. Kinda funny, right? Not. Just think of how you would feel if you had no say in what happened in our country. If you had no freedoms. If you had to follow a dictatorship. How happy would you be? Let your voice be heard. Every voice counts. I don't care who you vote for, just vote!

If you voted today, thank you!

If you did not, why? Become educated. Ask questions. Register. Express your rights as an AMERICAN and honor those who fought and died for you to have this right.