Something So Easy

We all want to be someones hero, we all want to save a life, and one day we all want world peace. So what's so easy about doing it? Well we have to start somewhere. The other day I had what I call a "horrible" day, business is down, my team isn't where I want them to be, I didn't get to spend xmas with my family & my boyfriend had to go back to UT. Probably the worst thing you've ever heard right? No. I realized that night, while reading up on the news that millions of people lost everything on the day that millions of people were given more than they deserve.

If you haven't heard already, on xmas day.... there were a lot of murders, burglaries and crime that will always be there. What I read, changed my mentality on everything. There were a couple stories; one was about an 18 yr old teen who lost the battle of cancer after giving birth to her baby boy that the doctors said she wouldn't be able to have. Another one was a teenage boy from Idaho who lost his battle of cancer a week after xmas. Christmas will never be the same for these people. It was then that I realized how foolish I was being for crying over something so stupid. I didn't get to be with my family for Christmas, but i'm so lucky that they are all still alive. My boyfriend went back home to UT, but he made it home and he's safe. My business is down, but I have a job and a car, and a house to live in.

This year, my New Years Resolution is to put my mind on everyone but myself. I'm sure it's easier said than done, but that is why i'm challenging myself. I am going to challenge myself to do all of these things;

• Give to charity every chance I get- every transaction, every store, every time.
• Adopt a family in need during Christmas
• Start volunteering
• Not cry when things don't go my way
• Make a list of everything I have to appreciate-read it every morning.
• Remind everyone that the best things in life, aren't things.
• Skype with my friends & family at least once a week.
• Say thank you- to everyone.
• Smile for no reason
• Go out of my way to make someone happy when I'm having a bad day
• Choose happiness every morning
• One simple act of kindness every day.

These all sound so easy, but we never remember to do them. Life is so short, too short to be selfish & try to make yourself happy when it's so easy to reach out and touch the life of someone else. However, as much as I wish I could be the difference- I can only help. I need to get my word out. I want everyone to be able to pick one thing from this list & live it every day. One person can't change the world, but a group of people can change anything. Who's going to help me?

Remember: Everyone is facing a battle, and it's always worse than our own.

Busy Busy

Wow I haven't blogged for TWO months. I am really bad at this apparently... I just don't really have a lot to say. No one cares to know that I'm managing my ass off out here in Cali and it's not like I have kids or a husband to post about. ha. I think I just keep the blog to stay in touch with my friends who do have kids/husband to follow on here. But...heres an update:

• I live in Cali...and I love it here


• I manage @ The Buckle


• I love my team


• It's very hard, and very rewarding


• I have the best job


• I love the community

Things I have been loving:

• Cheese Quesedillas - this is a daily snack...or meal ha ha


• La Cocina Mexican Restaurant


• Lazy Dog Bar - right outside my mall, grab a margarita after work!


• Dink's WHAM breakfast burrito


• My days off: Wednesday/sometimes Sunday


• Phone calls with my Mommy


• Sleep


• Pandora - radio stations in cali =yuck


• Laying out allllll year long


• THE WEATHER!


• Fall dress code/ scarves, boots, sweaters, jackets, long sleeves! LAYERING!


• Boot socks! in love

Thats pretty much all thats going on out here, so far :)

Drum roll please

So...*drum roll*....I am the new MANAGER of The Buckle at Valencia Town Center located in Valencia, CA which is nestled right in the Santa Clarita valley. I am having a lot of feelings right now! Anxiety STRESS nervous.... but I am definately EXCITED! This is such a new road for me in my life, a great opportunity & the best part is...it's in CALIFORNIA! So it's got some pro's & con's....


PRO's :)

• It's 35 min from Santa Monica beach


• It's 1 hour away from Disneyland


• It's 45 min from L.A.


• 4 hours away from Vegas -which with traffic is probably 8 hours but I like the idea


• New restaurants


• More places to shop (yikes!)


• POTTERY BARN


• Pay raise :)

CON'S :(

• It's 11 hours away from my friends in SLC


• It's 14 1/2 hours away from my family & friends in Vernal


• I will miss my friends & family SO much


• I will miss my team at Buckle that developed me into the person I am


• I'm going alone

Well, no matter what, i'm going & i'm excited about it! Wish me luck! I will blog more when I can but I assume i'll be pretty busy for the first couple months.

Goodbye, SLC! Hello, California

Santa Clarita

DIY Curly Hair!

So I was on Pinterest today and I came across this girl with BEAUTIFUL curls and the caption said "sock bun secret" with this link. (<---click on that) Check it out! I'm trying it tonight :) If you try it, let me know how it went! I'll get pictures up as soon as it works!

The next big step

Some of you might already know this but I had the chance to take the "next step" in my job and attend what is called, Summer Management Meetings in Kearney, Nebraska (where Buckle began). I already blogged recently about attending leadership academy, well I thought I had fun there- this was so much fun! I learned so much and met so many great people. It was weird being the one that wasn't a manager, still attending, but that usually means they either have an idea for a store for you- or they are working on it. Let's cross our fingers :)

Some of the highlights of these meetings were:

• Free Stuff!!! Free Affliction, free ROAR, free Fossil watches, free jeans!! There was a surprise everyday!


• Hypnotist: this was our event for the last day


• We met UFC Fighters: GSP, Randy Couture, & Rich Franklin - sponsors of Affliction


• Fashion show for all guys and girls new product and a 3 hour presentation with all of the information, stay tuned for a lot of great new brands!

I am so grateful to work for such an amazing company, I was more and more amazed every single day. Being able to see and meet your CEO and VP is hard to come by- I met him last month, and ate dinner and lunch with him this month, and i'm traveling with them next month! It's amazing to see how much the vendors really pay us back and reward us for selling their product, and it's even more amazing to see people take the time and gather 500 people to recognize and appreciate all the managers of the company 4 times a year. I can't wait for all the new and exciting things to happen in my future with Buckle, if you are looking for a great job and or career, I would highly recommend this company. I will post pictures soon :)

2 Amazing Men

Happy Fathers Day to the two most important men in my life!

My Dad- He has taught me so much, and through all of his stubborness and manliness he has a heart inside that truly loves his daughter. I know that this guy would do anything for me, as long as I learned something from it. I regret the time in my life when I was growing up and I drifted away from my Dad... and I dated a guy he never approved of and I could tell everyday that It hurt him. He has stood with me through thick & thin, I am so grateful to have him in my life and I will always be here for him the way he is for me. I love you Daddy!

My Boyfriend Josh- Wow! Ya know, I never thought I'd date a guy who had kids with another woman, in fact- it was on my list of things I don't want for a future husband. I don't know if I was just thinking of how hard it might be, or having that kid accept me in my life... I don't know what it was but I wouldn't change it now that I have it. Josh is such an amazing father, he might not get to see his little girl as much as he wants but he does everything he can to call her & send her little gifts. I love seeing this part of him, I think you truly don't know a guy until you see the way he treats his kids...and I'm grateful to be able to see that now. I can't wait to have kids of our own because I know how great of a Dad he is to Alex, and how great of a Mom I can be with him by my side.

Ya know the best part of these two amazing men? They get along with eachother!...and they love me, of course :) I couldn't be more grateful!

*Happy Fathers Day to all the amazing fathers out there... If you haven't told your Dad you love them in awhile, today is the day! *

Obsessed

I am completely obsessed with the following (Iphone) apps:

Instagram- If you love taking pictures, you'll love this app! I don't use it as the camera, I use it mainly for editing pictures but you can do a lot of fun stuff with them. The following are some of my favorites that I have edited:

Pinterest- This app is like a virtual pinboard of all your favorites. It's a place to share and keep record of the things you love. You can pin anything that catches your eye and there is limitless categories to choose from!

Download Pinterest today, or click here to check it out!

....This sounds hypocritical based on my past, but I believe it now: "If you don't have an iphone, well, you don't have an iphone" :)

In a perfect world...

• I'd be able to find an affordable vacation package to Maui


• A California Store would open that Josh & I both agree on


• I would get to see my nieces more often


• Bad luck would stay away from my family


• I could afford a new car


• I wouldn't have to worry about renting my town home


• Vernal trips would be monthly


• The stomach ache I've had for two days would go away


• I'd pay off all my debt


• I could afford to have laser hair removal- EVERYWHERE.


• I would never have to worry about not having money


• Alcohol and drugs wouldn't effect me, or the people around me

That's not a lot to ask for is it? Ha Ha. I've just been thinking about all the things I wish would happen in my life, and thought I'd make a list. I definitely have a lot of goals I want to pursue and I am very happy with the life I have now, don't get me wrong, there is just always the thought in the back of my mind of "The Perfect Life." :)

10 Minute Taco Bowls

These are so yummy & super fast and easy to make!

You will need:

• 1/2 lb ground beef



• can of black beans



• can of corn



• 1 tomato



• 1 avacado



• sour cream



• salsa



• lettuce



• cheese



• taco seasoning



• tortillas



• bowls

Directions:

Brown the lb of ground beef, add taco seasoning. Warm up 1 can of drained black beans, take off heat- mix in drained, non cooked corn and set aside. Cut up tomato's, avocado & lettuce separately, set aside. Mix in half of the avocado slices into corn & beans. Take a tortilla and place inside the bowl, put in microwave for 30 seconds. Spoon out corn & bean mixture into bowl, top with ground beef and sprinkle with cheese put in microwave for 30 seconds. To top it off, add lettuce, tomato, other half of avocado slices and sour cream/salsa or any other toppings. Don't forget salt & pepper! ENJOY! :)

Duh!.... Winning!

Well! I just got back from Career Meetings or Leadership Academy (whatever you want to call it) with Buckle. Because I have been in my program long enough, I had the amazing opportunity to go to Kearney, Nebraska (where Buckle started) and attend a conference of 60 other MT's (management in training) to find out if we are ready to manage. Where I also got to meet the CEO of Buckle Dennis Nelson and the V.P. So, here's how it went. 3 days, start at 7:15am and end at 8:30pm (at the earliest) it was held at the Distribution Center and we had an entire agenda planned for each day, they all consisted of four different topics. Am I boring you yet? OKAY OKAY I will get to the good part, soooo after these three days you are rated either a 1, 2, or 3... which means:

1. You're ready to manage the next store available that you apply for


2. You will be ready to manage in about 6 months


3. You need a little more training, maybe 6-12 months

So here comes the good news..... I got a 1!!!!!

Now the question is... when will I manage? and where? I guess I just have to be patient :) however.. I am waiting for a California store so keep your fingers crossed for me!

WOOP WOOP!

Roommate

So it's official! Josh & I live together :) gahhh! CRAZY! I have been waiting for this day since Christmas time when he gave me keys to his apartment, but now that it's happening it's finally hitting me. Such a big step! I just can't believe I'm here! This is my first time living with a guy so i'm a little nervous but I know that i'll get through it- we make it through everything thick or thin, so I know we can make it through this! BUT I still want anyones advice, what you've learned from living with someone and how to not go insane. ;)
Thank YOU!

Man-Days

So over the weekend we went to Moab, Utah for the annual car show. Don't let the title of the post make you think that I hated every minute of it, I actually enjoyed all of it. I just realized that the last few days I have been doing a lot of MAN stuff. Car shows, went and saw Fast Five (amazing by the way) went golfing today, and then the bar to watch a basketball game and I swear ESPN and the Sports Center have been on Josh's t.v. all day. Now, I love spending time with Josh but I feel like a man after this weekend. Does anyone ever feel like this in a relationship? I dont want it to be all about what he wants to do, or all about what I want to do...any advice? We have our occasional "girls/guys" nights where we spend time with our other friends (cuz i think that's very important) but sometimes we just like to spend time with eachother. I know it's all about give & take I just don't know what "girly" stuff I can actually have him do with me.... make sense? UGH I dunno, any advice would sure be great though :) thanks!

Getting Closer!

I can't believe how fast the last 9 months at Buckle have gone! I have learned so much and I learn something new every day! I absolutely love my job & it's the best decision I have ever made! I can't believe that I am getting closer & closer everyday to managing my OWN store! Josh & I will probably be relocating to open a store in about 4-5 months...or sooner! Just don't know where yet! I am really hoping for a California store so i'm crossing my fingers for that, however there is one available in the Tampa Bay area in Florida which also might be nice but SO FAR from my family. It's a toss up for sure. I'm just so glad that Josh is taking this journey with me, and that we can be together through it all. He helps me so much & I'm so blessed to have him in my life at this time.

I head out to Nebraska May 9th-12th for what is called "Career Meetings" it's just a huge seminar with all of the MT's (Manager in Training) of Buckle to be mentored and get the feedback whether we are ready for a store or not. AHH So nervous! Wish me luck! I will keep everyone posted :)

Lovin' It

Just a few things I love right now in my life:

• Traveling for work


• Spending the week downtown


• Cuddling


• Feather hair extensions


• Netflix


• Lunch time at home with Josh


• The sometimes "Spring" days that Utah has been having


• $1.07 Vanilla ice cream cones at McDonalds


• My new "Matrix/Sleek" shampoo & conditioner


• My new shaver


• Boar's Head peppercorn chicken breast

That's all for now, I am getting closer and closer to getting my own store & I travel for work to Cali on Monday so that will be fun! I cannot WAIT for Summer to get here, annnnnd I have decided that 2011 has been by far the best year of my life :) (knock on wood) ....I think Josh has something to do with that.

30 MINUTES- WASTED

So I just wanted to post about this, I need to vent! ha ha. Josh & I just wasted 30 minutes of our time watching BURIED. If you haven't seen it, I HIGHLY recommend NOT watching it. I bet the film took $10 to make... and it's absolutely horrible. Horrible movie, horrible ending... ugh just do not waste your time. Your time wasted reading this post is not nearly as horrible as it is to watch that movie. TIME IS PRECIOUS. lol. That is all :) Have a great night!

Still going' strong

.........9 Months & Counting.........

Since Josh got back from visiting his little girl in MAINE, we have decided to start working out! Last night was our first night doing P90X. It's just as horrible as it sounds...ha ha, we did the "warm up" JUST the warm up, for an hour and we decided to be done after that.



Josh found an amazing deal on KSL for a scooter for $600 and it's worth $2000! The couple who sold it to him was moving and had to get rid of it, and it actually looks pretty manly. I keep trying to talk him into keeping it for the Summer but he wants to sell it and make money (typical boy) ha ha.



It's the 2nd day of Spring and it's snowing :/ BUT we can't wait for it to get warm! Soon I will bring my beach cruiser to Josh's place so we can ride bikes to all the fun downtown events this Summer! I can't wait :) Bees games, summer concerts, farmers market...etc I LOVE SUMMER!



AND Josh's roommate just sold his house in Philadelphia and he's moving out his whole family so that means I get to move in! Except, my lease doesn't end until June at my place so we might have to wait for that to open up...but I can't wait to live with him! I practically live here already... ha ha.



As for my job, I am getting closer & closer to getting my store! I travel to Cali again next month to help impact a store with a new manager for about 4 days. In May I'm going to Career Meetings and anytime after June 1st I could get an opportunity to manage my own Buckle store somewhere in the U.S! AH! Josh & I were looking at the California area but it's just so far from his little girl, however his little girl is so far away from my family. I'm hoping a store will open up in the middle and he can see his little girl more and I won't be too far from family & friends. Lets hope!



Josh's job is going GREAT. He's still bartending on the weekends but it's kinda hard to stop when you make $500 a weekend extra cash. He just got recently hired as an Assistant Manager @ Blue Dog Credit Services. He is doing so great, kicking ass and taking names. They offered him this position so that he would know the business so when we leave for my job, he can open his own location!! :)



I was so worried about how everything would turn out but it's working out so good and I am so blessed to be where I'm at in my life. I know it seems stupid to blog about someone I'm not married to, but I don't care because Josh makes me so happy and I cant't wait for the months to come.

Trip to Maine

So on Tuesday morning Josh took off with his Mom to Maine! Yes, MAINE! Clear across the country to see his beautiful little girl Alexandria that he hasn't seen for a year and a half. Isn't she just the cutest? She turns 3 on Sunday, I still haven't met her yet but when she comes to Utah I will :) He also sent me a video of her singing in the car but I wasn't able to copy & paste it. Anyway, just wanted to share this cute little girl with all of my friends. I love her!.....even though i'm counting down the days till he gets home ;) it's 3 by the way :)

HELP!

I need everyone's opinion who is reading this, I know I hardly get comments on my posts so we'll see what happens but I really need your help. This is for girls- first of all.

I need birth control ASAP!!

• I need something that won't change my mood, I'm already bitchy. If it helps! Thats even better!
• No weight gain
• No acne
• No nausea
• Can't break the bank

I have been really thinking about an IUD and I know where to get one, I want to go with the Copper one because it has no hormones- but for the first 3-4 months you still have a period and horrible cramping. The Mirena is something else I have looked into , another form of an IUD but it has hormones and I'm worried it will make me more moody! I know i'm a girl, and we all have mood swings but I think my boyfriend might go crazy if I get worse.

Anyone have an opinion???? Please post!

Thank you!

To my bestie

Whitney! I can't believe you are 23! I am right behind ya...where did the time go!? I am so glad we became best friends, we have made so many memories together and I know there are more to come. Life has changed unexpectedly for both of us but I am so glad that we stay in touch and we are still here for each other no matter what. Have an amazing bday with your amazing little family! I love you!

1-1-11

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Once again... I didn't really go out and celebrate, Josh had to bartend and so I hung out with his roommate till I fell asleep at about 1230. I just have never enjoyed going out and celebrating this holiday. Overrated. Anyway! I am super excited about 2011! A lot of people wish they had a new life to re-do all the things they did, and that's how I think of a new year, a fresh clean slate! I learned a lot in 2010.

There is a reason for people staying in your past, you can't see the future-you just have to know there's going to be one, happiness is contagious, karma exists, you have to go through the bad to really recognize the good, and money isn't everything.

I can't wait to see what this year has in store for me :) One thing I am especially proud of from 2010 is that I finally moved on from what I thought would hold me back forever. I really haven't been happier! I love all the people in my life and I hope they stay there for awhile! I can't wait to see where I go with this job, or if Josh comes with me.... but one thing is for sure, everything happens for a reason. I won't go into all my new years resolutions but I do plan on trying to live a drama free, fun loving- yet hard working, and happy life! Hope all of you enjoy 2011! Well.... we better, since 2012 is the end of the world.... ;) he he