A Terribly Great Night.

Today was quite a day. I am back in Vegas as of today for training until Tuesday. I wish they would've just let me stay the weekend so that I didn't have to do so much driving. If you know me, then you know I'm not the biggest fan of driving. I actually loathe it. A lot. Almost more than being alone. Actually, I am alone when I'm driving because if I ever have anyone else then they are driving...so yeah.

Anyways! To start my wonderful driving day off I got to be accompanied by, what felt like, 100 mph winds. Which meant I had the steering wheel at ten and two with a grip that would probably make someones fingers fall off. So when I finally saw the giant hotels of Vegas in the horizon you could understand why I was relieved. That was short lived when I discovered Las Vegas Blvd was closed due to the Las Vegas Marathon. This would be fine if I knew where the hell I was going in Vegas...but I don't. Apparently everyone in Vegas has some built in detor map in their heads because there was not one detor sign ANYWHERE. I looked. So I drove around for about thirty minutes counting on my handy iPhone's GPS to recalculate and get me to my hotel with out coming anywhere near Las Vegas Blvd. Yeah...didn't happen. Also did I mention I have had to pee since Mesquite??

Fast forward what felt like an hour.

I had managed to back track and park in the Circus Circus parking lot. If I didn't find a bathroom and fast I would have more problems than just being lost. I called Shane and started bawling on the phone. I said a cussed out Las Vegas and complained how upset I was. I then proceeded to tell him how this was all his fault. Shane being calm and understanding (thank God) just said ok and made sure I was safe. He then guided me street by street, on speaker phone, to my hotel.

It took me two hours longer than it should have to get to Vegas but non the less I made it. I was frustrated and upset and I am so thankful I have a wonderful man I can count on to be there for me no matter what. I did apologize to him for being emotionally charged and blaming him for dumb things. I love him. It's funny how we take the little things our significant other do for us for granted sometimes. He really is so wonderful.

But wait! The night doesn't end there! For my drive starting off so awful my day actually ends up being a wonderfully amazing night! I was lucky enough to go out do dinner with my Aunt and Uncle and my cute cousins from my real dad's side! This was seriously a great way to end my horrible day. They live in Vegas and I can't believe I forgot until Tanisha, my cousin, mentioned it on my facebook! We went to Gordon Biersch Brewery and talked for hours! It was seriously so great to catch up with them. I love family. It's crazy how strong of a bond family has, you can go for a long time without ever talking to each other and then in one night it's like you never missed a day. There aren't may friendships out there like that. Only a few of the best friendships are lucky enough to have that bond of family.

So as crappy as my day started it ended up being pretty awesome! I have an amazing man and a wonderful family. I'm glad I got to end it on a positive note!

This Guy! I mean....really?! How am I so lucky?

{via}

Miss Independent...

Or not. I realized tonight that I am not very independent when it comes to being alone. I hate hate hate it. I try really hard not to use that word but I can honestly say that I really do hate being alone. Some people find it soothing or relaxing. "It's nice to just be away from everyone" they say. "It gives me my ME time." "I enjoy it." I say nay.  I do not agree with any of this. I got a taste of this so called "me" time tonight and I did not enjoy it one bit.

Here's the scoop. I am in Vegas for some extra training to add to my awesome Banker skills. I am in Vegas alone. Without Shane. He couldn't get work off so I accomplished a few firsts tonight. I drove in Vegas for the first time ever, I checked into a hotel alone for the first time ever, and here is the best part...I ate alone in a restaurant for the first time ever. I wasn't a big fan of any of the above, however, I am least fond of the that last little portion.

So I have decided that I am officially a grown up now. Mostly because I ate alone in a sit down restaurant. I also ordered an appetizer. No, not as my meal...as an appetizer. I'm not thaaaat grown up I guess. It seems like doing things alone is something that comes with getting older. I don't think it's a bad thing that I don't like doing some things alone, but I also don't think it is a bad thing that people enjoy it. Just a personal preference.

What do you prefer? I would love to hear where you guys like to go when you go out alone!

Show The Love

I am feeling very full of love today. Love is such a powerful thing when you show and voice the things you love those things become stronger gaining even more love. I love my new position at my wonderful job. I am excited to be awesome at what I do and gain even more understanding of this wonderful banking industry. I love how warm and wonderful the weather has been. It has only snowed once and I love that too! I love my family and how they care so much about me. I love my Dad for everything he has done, and still does, for my older brother and me. Being technically our "step" dad he never had to care as much as he does. I love him for caring so much and being so passionate about wanting the best for Braxt and me. I love my little sister and how wonderful our relationship is. She is growing up so fast and I love that she can confide in me for advice and look up to me as much as she does. I love my big brother for all the wonderful advice he gives me. With out him I think I would let my emotions get the best of me and he is able to bring me back into balance. I love his wonderful wife and my new sister in law. She is such a beautiful person inside and out. She is the perfect match for Braxton. I love their marriage and look forward to having a wonderful marriage like theirs one day. I love Shane, more than I could ever describe to anyone. He is my other half. He does so much for me and will do whatever makes me happy. We have an amazing relationship with so much love and respect. I could not dream of a better man to be with. I love my Mom and how great our relationship is! I did a whole post on my thankfulness for her here. She is an amazing woman and I love her so much. I love my real dad, Benji, and how far he has come since this time last year. I am proud of the things he is accomplishing and I love that we are starting to mend our relationship. I love God and how no matter how my life is going he has a plan for me. I love that he is always there for me to talk to and pray with. I love how I have found a place for faith in my life and that Shane has helped me find that place in my heart. I love my life. I love everyone who takes place in it. I love that everyday is a learning experience and I am constantly growing as a person. I love who I am becoming. I love The Way I Am.

Friday Letters!

Oh, hello Friday. I thought you'd never show up. Here is what I've thought of your little week.

Dear Man of Mine,

I love you and I think you are the smartest, most caring and wonderful man alive. Don't ever let anyone make you feel otherwise. You are my everything and I appreciate all that you do for me. Thank you, for literally everything. I am crazy in love with you.

Dear Neighbors,

Rave music at 4am? Not Cool. People have to actually get up and go to work in the morning and can't party every night of the week. Go. To. Bed. No, I'm not sorry I called the cops on you.

Dear The Power,

Thank you for being a book full of love and helping me understand that even the toughest of situations have a positive outcome as long as I focus on the love I want to come out of it. You saved me this week. Seriously.

Dear Parents,

I love you both more than you know. I'm sorry sometimes we disagree and see things differently. Thank you for caring so much and loving me unconditionally. I couldn't ask for better parents

Dear Big Brother,

I would be so lost and hopeless with out you. Thank you for always being here for me and helping me think through things in a different way. You are an amazing big brother and I am glad you were the 1st born because we all know I would have epically failed at that task. 

Dear Work,

I am so excited to be done with training so I can show everyone how awesome I am. I know people have pretty high expectations of me and I ready to go beyond those. Lets get this party started.

Those Words....

 It's been a rough week. I am grateful for Shane and how great he is to me. He handles my emotions extremely well. I have sat here wanting to write something because I am at that point where if I don't I will just sit here frustrated and full of tears. So I turned to the good old blog.  I tried writing about my emotions and I have deleted it about 45669877 and a half times. So I decided to just write words and see how it went...this is what I got and I actually feel a little better. I just needed a moment to say what I'm feeling. So here it is...don't judge me.

Do you feel the words you say?

The fire spilling out of your mouth,

burning everything in its path.

All that's left are the ashes of emotion.

Voiceless tears filled with pain.

Yet, the only words I want to hear are

"I'm Sorry."

IN This Week...

I am the type of person that gets stuck into a routine. The weekend comes and Shane and I will either go out to dinner then come home and watch a movie or go to the movie theater. If we don't do that we will take the bus out for a drive. I love the bus. You see living in Cedar City we don't have too many options to do something different. Do you ever get stuck in a routine?

I am jealous of all my friends and family that live in Salt Lake because they have this awesome magazine called 'In Magazine' this is Salt Lakes premier entertainment guide. If there is a super fun event going on you better bet all the details will be in here. IN Magazine lists all the shopping malls and centers, attractions, and parks in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. In this months issue they had an interview with a Utah Jazz player, Gorden Hayward. (See they even appeal to men!) They also listed a 2012 gift guide for Christmas! Speaking of Christmas...If you need help with Christmas gift ideas make sure to check out their December issue they will have so many helpful tips. It is a one stop shop for a fun time in Salt Lake. Every month they have a full dining review that is provided by a local food review expert, SLC Foodie. To help save you money they have great deals and coupons in there for literally just about everything! Here is their Facebook Page so you can go check them out. If you want discounted tickets that are worth having...check out their Facebook page and they are always mentioning what tickets they have for sale!

Now for my small business, big business or any business crowd...Kathleen Beckmann does advertising for this magazine! If you want to advertise or feature your business somewhere that is well known and reaches a large amount of consumers this is the place to do it! IN Magazine is well known and gets everywhere in the Salt Lake Valley! It's an easy and effective way you get your business out there. The graphic design team is phenomenal.  If you need your ad designed for you...they will be more than happy to do it and free of charge at that! If you already have an awesome ad and want that in there...they are more than happy to use it. They are super easy to work with and their advertising team is pretty awesome! Check em out!!! IN Magazine's Facebook Page.

If you are interested in advertising or featuring your business, contact:
Kathleen Beckmann at (801) 204-6368 or email her at kbeckmann@nowsaltlake.com

So...There's This Girl...

I know everyone and their dog is doing the 30 Days of Thanksgiving in lieu to Thanksgiving. I am doing it on my Facebook but I am thankful for so many wonderful things that I thought I would focus on one major thing on the good old blog once a week.

This Week I am extremely thankful for my Mom.

My mom is probably the strongest person I know. She has been through so many things and remains to be an incredible woman. I look up to her more than she will ever know. She has always been there for me through broken hearts, mean girls, drill team drama, exciting job interviews and promotions, fashion advice, more fashion advice. I could go on and on and on. My mom has always been the one person who knows me for who I really am. We can gossip with each other saying the most outlandish things and just laugh about it. She is a phenomenal business woman and I hope I am as successful in my job career as she is.

My mom is the most creative person I know. (unbiased) She is so selfless when it comes to her kids. When I graduated high school my mom created scrapbooks of my birth to my graduation for me to keep forever. Every Christmas she puts together outfits of all the clothes she has bought me. That last part has been bitter sweet because now that I am older and my parents don't buy all of my clothes I have a really hard time putting together outfits that are as cute as the ones my mom always put together for me. A couple weeks ago my mom took me shopping for new business outfits for my new job! Spending those couple of days shopping with her was so wonderful! I love the relationship I have with my mom.

Growing up is hard on parents. I am almost positive that it is harder for the parents than it is for us kids. They have to go from being able to tell their kids what to do to only being able to give their kids advice and hope they take it. I know it is hard on my mom that I live 3 hours away from her. She doesn't get to see me as much as she would like and I know that is rough on her. If she had it her way I bet she would have me live next door to her. I love that my mom wants me so close to her all of the time. I think that says a lot about the type of relationship we have. I am very thankful for my Mama.

My Mom is Famous! She is the sexy one in the middle :)

 {via}

Love you Mama. Thank you for always being there for me and supporting me. 

 

My Last Day...

Today was my last day at my current Wells Fargo branch. It is so bitter sweet. On one hand I am super excited to be moving up in the company and achieving my goals, but on the other hand I am really sad to leave all the great people I work with.

There is a point in a new job where you don't feel like the new kid anymore. I feel like I had juuust accomplished this and now I am leaving. I am so comfortable with everyone there and they understand my sense of humor. I have become really good friends with one of the girls there, Kylee, and I will miss working with her everyday.

Now I get to go and be the new kid again...yaay! This is seriously the only thing I am nervous about from moving into a new position. I know I am going to be a kick ass banker. I am good at learning new things and great customer service is something I am good at. However, I don't really like that new kid feeling where no one really knows me. I feel like I am an easy person to get along with so hopefully they will except me with open arms.

All in all I am really excited for this new step into my career life. I am so blessed to have had such an amazing opportunity to work with such great people and I look forward working with more wonderful people at my new branch. Monday is my first day as a BANKER! Wish me luck!!!

I thought these quotes were appropriate:

Have you guys ever been scared of change?? Or being the new kid??

Creepy Crawly Halloween

Happy Halloween Everyone!!! I seriously love this holiday! Did you know today is Nevada Day and so everyone in Nevada has this day off?! Freakin lucky ducks!

Shane and I aren't necessarily celebrating actual Halloween today. Why you ask? Well because we had an early celebration last weekend in VEGAS! It was so much fun! My most wonderful best friend Miki and her cute husband Jared came down with us.

Shane and I go to Vegas around this time every year for the NHRA drag races. He loves them for the actual racing. I love them for the people watching...talk about rednecks.

So when we discovered that the drags fell on the weekend before Halloween we decided it would be a brilliant idea to invite Miki and Jared! And a brilliant idea it was! The drags weren't until Sunday so we went out on Saturday in our awesome costumes...Miki and I were Indians and our sexy men were Cowboys! Miki and Jared had never been to Fremont Street so Shane and I decided that would be the best place to go. It was so much fun! We saw just about everything...literally.

Here's Shane and me in our Costumes!

Haha I think I miiiiight be part Indian? eh??

Aren't we sexy?!

I am so glad I got to have some girl time with Miki. It is hard living far away from your best friend. We had lots of catching up to do and I am so happy her and Jared decided to come with us! Shane and Jared get along really well which makes it a lot of fun for the four of us to go out. I can't wait to do this again!!

Viva Vegas! On Fremont Street

Shane and I at the Drags!

There was a miniature golf course by our hotel that was all KISS themed! Shane was in heaven and had to take pictures!

That's Right...This JUST Happened!

{via}

So for those of you who don't talk to me everyday...which is about everyone except Shane...and my Mom... I was given permission to apply internally for a Banker position at my current lovely job, Wells Fargo.

Now let me clarify a few things first.

NO. I am not a banker already.

I am a teller.

Yes. There is a difference. 

A Teller: 

processes your transactions like deposits, withdrawals, payments, etc. etc. 

A Banker:

sets up your accounts, does loans, helps you with most of your questions on your accounts and much more.

Now that we are all on the same page...this was a preeetty big deal to me! I jumped on that opportunity like it was a brand new trampoline! I was so pumped. That's not all though. I interviewed in a group interview for this position on Friday. I was a nervous wreck people. A NERVOUS WRECK! I was shaking and in order to calm down...I sang the whole way to my interview. No, not to the radio. I made up my very own song about how I was gonna kill it at this group interview and how I am a bad ass. Yes, I am basically the next Rihanna. No big deal. So I interviewed...it ended...and I sat and wondered all weekend! Untill...

Yesterday.

I got back to work from taking my lunch and there was my boss holding her office phone implying that it was for me. (The manager I had interviewed with on Friday was on the other end of that line) I walked into her office and she told me to shut the door. I couldn't help but think to myself, "Holy Shit...I really hope I got this job...or else this is going to be SO embarrassing." Well turns out... I got the job! I was so freaking excited! It took everything for me not to scream! It is soooo bitter sweet! 

You see, this position is at a different branch here in Cedar. I love the people i work with right now. They are all so wonderful and I am going to be really sad to leave them. But, I am so dang excited that I am moving up in my career! This is the best feeling ever! I never thought I would be where I am right now. I am loving life so much and seriously positive thinking is a huge factor in all of this happiness.  Seriously! Always find the positive in a situation...it helps so much!

This was my "I can't believe it" face!

Can I tell you all a not so secret?? I am kinda most excited that I get to wear heels again!!!

Done Being a Slacker...

Oh...heyyy. 

It's been awhile eh? I apologize for my lack of blogging skills lately! I have been slacking in a lot of areas actually. One mainly being the G word....ya. GYM. Pathetic. I didn't go once last week! Not ONCE. 

So I have decided to start a money jar. You know how some people do a swear jar? Mine is a not working out jar. I will start every week with seven dollars, if I work out I put a dollar in the worked out jar and if I don't work out I put it in the "I'm a fat lazy ass" jar. At the end of the week I take the money in the "I'm a fat slacker" jar and have to give it to someone or something I don't want to. The money in the "You're a sexy beast for working out" jar can be saved for new clothes or spent however I would like. 

I am really excited to try this out! I need to get my butt into gear! With all the holidays coming up I need to find some self discipline like...now! 

What do you guys do to motivate yourselves to get up and hit the gym??

Dear Boys...That Call Themselves Men....

Dear Life,

How are you so amazing?! I am really loving you right now. Keep up the good work.

Dear Boys..That Call Themselves Men...

Just so you know, when you whistle at a girl...she isn't going to be like, "Oh my God. He juuuust whistled at me!!! He is totally the one! We should date." Sorry to be the one to break it to you but you are interpreted as a creeper not a gentleman. 

Dear People Who Put Flyers on My Car,

I know this is a big surprise...buuut no one reads them. If I don't pull them out from under my poor violated windshield wipers I usually make a game out of trying to get them out from under them while driving home. So thank you for the entertainment but I'd rather you stop killing poor trees for no reason. 

Dear Wells Fargo,

I love my job. I love working for you. I love everything you have done for my life! Thank you!

Dear Boyfriend, 

Even though you mixed up dates and are now going to Detroit instead of to Thriller with me, I still love you. You are wonderful and I am loving our life right now. Your crazyness makes me laugh really hard and I love when we act like idiots together. You are my everything and I am so blessed to be your girlfriend.

Questions....Answers...and A Sunday Social!

1. What is something you have wanted to do but are afraid of? 

I have always wanted to get a tattoo, but I have afraid of the pain. I am also afraid that I will get sick of whatever tattoo I get.

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

Married, NOT living in Cedar City, having a good ground in a career, and possibly living in my first bought house. 

3. What are you looking forward to before the end of 2012? 

Honestly, hopefully being engaged?? haha but I don't know if that will even be before 2012! 

4. What are your hopes for your blog?

I seriously just love writing about my life and my thoughts. It's the one place I can be completely selfish and people don't care. I'm not around my family very often so this is a great way for them to keep up on whats going on in my life.

5. Do you always see yourself living in your current town or city?

Obviously, no. Cedar City is great and all but it is definitely not a place I want to live forever. I would love to live in St. George or Northern Utah. All my family and my very best friend live in Northern Utah and I would really like to live a little closer to them.

6. What is your morning routine?

Haha....what morning routine? Just kidding...but really. I will get up and if its a good week I will go to the gym. If it's a lazy week I will literally give myself 45min to get ready for work. I make sure I grab a cup of coffee and a bag of instant oatmeal on my way out. 

Oh...It is Love.

Exactly one week ago today, my big grown up brother got married. 

 Crazy. 

I know. 

However, lucky for him, he married the most wonderful bride anyone could ask for. 

Her name is Ashley.

Why is she so wonderful?? Well my brother is a huge sports fan.

More like a sports fanatic. 

So, Ashley is wonderful because she knew this dating him and...well...she still loves him!

Haha also she fits perfectly into our family.

 

Their wedding was so beautiful! I didn't get many pictures because I wanted to enjoy this wonderful moment in his life and not worry about trying to capture a bunch of "Kodak" moments.

I thought I would for sure get all emotional when Ash got into her dress and was finishing up getting ready for the big moment. However, to my surprise I didn't get too teary eyed and all choked up. I thought to myself, "Kjerstin, maybe you are more tough than you thought! Maybe you are going to get through this wedding without a tear!" Then for some reason I had a great idea to go see my big bro in the grooms room. (yeaaaa....about that not crying part) The minute I saw Braxt and gave him a hug the tears started rushing, my throat got tight, and I literally had to run out of his room so I didn't start bawling!

 

My brother and I have been through a lot together and no matter what we have always had each other to turn to. He was always there for me even when I was scared of the dark, being harassed by boys at school, headed down a path that was going to get me grounded, and especially if I ever needed advice. He was my first best friend.

 

It's crazy how we grow up so fast. I am so happy for him and his beautiful bride! I am excited for our family to grow and to have my very first sister in law! I love them both so much and I can honestly say I wish them the absolute very best in their long wonderful marriage. 

Show the Love.

It has been too long since I last wrote a post! My life is so crazy, sometimes I don't feel like I have ANY time to myself! My big brother is getting married on Friday so Shane and I have been traveling up north every weekend for a little over a month! However, I was able to accomplish doing ALL of my laundry and cleaning up my house a little over the weekend! I am all about sharing the love and believing in the law of attraction so I have decided to list a few things that I love lately!

I love....

Seeing my beautiful little sister so much lately

My soon to be sister in law Ashley

My amazing Mom and how much effort she has put into this wedding

I love... 

How much my Step Dad cares about my well being and the choices I make

The wonderful goofy relationship I have with my Boyfriend

Working for Wells Fargo

I love...

Working out and feeling good about my body

My bus

Being positive and the law of attraction

I love...me.

I just love him.

She's so cute!

They are sooo cute together!!!

My Mom and wonderful Dad

On the boat with my amazing Papa!

What's on Your Feet?!

First off...I'd like to apologize for my tardiness...life has been a little too hectic this week. Stuff I probably won't blog about to the whole world. However here I am, a day late and a dollar short. I hope you guys enjoy! Okaaayyy here it is! The moment you have all been waiting for!

Holy cow...could I look any more creepy???? Possessed much? haha LINK UP with us!!!

Sunday Scheduling!

For some reason after I take a vacation I want to be lazy and do nothing and that is exactly what I did last week. I don't regret it one bit...ok maybe one bit...but that's all! And that is why I am making a plan this week! There are three major things I am planning to accomplish this week...

1. Cook Dinner this week Monday through Friday

Shane and I seriously eat out almost every night. Last week we tried to cook some pasta and we bought this vodka sauce that was supposed to be really good and honest to God it tasted like ketchup mixed with cheese and milk. It was the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted. We went and got mexican food instead.

Some Hawaiian meatballs I am going to try out this week! {via}

2. Go To The Gym In The Morning Every Day This Week

While we're being honest...I also missed a whole week of going to the gym while having my post vacation laziness. So now I am ready to kick my butt into gear and keep this competition between Shane and I going! We have decided to extend our Fitness Challenge until my big brothers wedding on September 14th! Wish me luck!

{via}

3. Prepare For The What's On Your Feet Vlog

Yes, you heard me right! What in the world is on your feet?! I am the PRO at procrastinating...not something I'm proud of...and I would like to prepare a little for this Vlog. I have so many shoes that I love and some that I don't love but can't part with. I am excited to show off my little shoesies on our next vlog link up! Make sure your guys join in!!