The Joys of Christmas Time for a Cashier.

when asked why the Christmas season is my favorite time of year, i reply with a quick "because every one is happy, and lovable."

working retail can prove to be quite painful at times.

customers have a really effective way of ruining your day in a matter of seconds, but during the Christmas season, i need not worry about my days getting bombarded by grumpy customers, because they are rare at this time of year.

Christmas season is the happiest time for cashiers.

here's to happy customers.

i love christmas.

Cheers.

Monday's

... Normally, i hate them with a passion.

Today however is different.

i have a spring in my step,

a glitter in my eyes,

and a smile far too wide.

why is this? oh, just because last night i made the decision that i am coming home at the semester break!! and can i just tell you this? it is the greatest decision of my life. i see the light at the end of the tunnel, and i'm running for it. head first. cause i am so sick of Snow College, and living away from my family and friends. i'm ready to live my life with the people that i love most.

Mom, Dad, Brandon, Ash, Derek, Caden and Kaylee.

Stace, Brooke, Cai, Kate, and Ash.

Of course, my work out buddy, Linds. :)

Pleasant Grove? Count me back in.

My Dad.

if you don't know him, you are missin' out on something else, I'll tell you what.

i love my dad. more than words can say.

sometimes, i don't talk to him for a week and a half, and i don't realize how much a miss him till i hear his voice on the other line, and i get misty eyes.

trying to tell you how much i love my dad is like trying to describe the smell of freshly fallen rain, the only way to discribe it, is how it is.

so here is is,

plain and simple.

i love my dad!!

ignore the weirdy to the left.

This is part of my simply wonderful family.

Dad? We'll keep you around for a long, long time.

Life.

It goes on.

Although at the moment, i'm wondering if it really will.

i find it that i have 10 monumental assignments due within the next 10 days.

it has my nerves strung tight.

i have a...

lesson to teach in public speaking, and nutrition.

a persuasive speech to prepare and give

5 math assignments, 2 of which are math corrections on tests i bombed

an english test tomorrow on a book i haven't read

then a author presentation for english as well.

there may or may not be more. but at the moment, i can't remember. this is good enough for me. far stressful enough as well. i just want to go home quite honestly. too bad i'm forcing myself to stay here for the weekend. why do i hate myself so badly? i don't know. i don't know what i did to deserve this.

the secret is, that i'm not even really staying here this weekend. tee hee! i'm going to hang out with my cousin. go college. or something.

College has taught me...

Nothing.

Okay. so thats is partially a joke, things that i have learned from this whole college experience, is that first, milk always tastes better straight from the carton.

second, you learn that high school homework, well... it has nothing on college homework

third, it shows you how much your family truly means to you, and all the things that your Ma did for you, and you love and appreciate them so much more.

fourth, when you make a mess, you either clean it, or you live in it. i've learned to clean mine.

fifth, you realize how much grocery shopping sucks, then you realize you are going to be doing it for the rest of your life. that realization is nearly suicidal.

sixth, did i mention that you love your family about 16,092,293,299 times more?

i know that the list will grow longer, but for now, this is it.

"All the, Small Things."

All the small things make me think of home.

Like...

• cold cereal
• Biggest Loser
• Wheat Thins
• Halloween Decor
• mail
• clean laundry
• the changing colors
• mountains
• sunsets
• stars
• warm showers
• hot cocoa
• Bananza reruns
• I Love Lucy reruns
• stationary bikes
• P90X
• Tony Horton
• queen sized beds
• pumpkin muffins
• milk
• money (my job as a cashier)
• slow computers
• gas burning stove top
• apples
• peaches
• home cooked meals

Many many more things. this is just what i could think of right now

Family History.

I love the sun. here i sit, in my new dorm room, with my window open, sun streaming in, listening to the General Conference talks that i missed.

Family History.

Elder Bednar said the following about family history, and it hit me on the head like a sack of rocks.

"My beloved young brothers and sisters, family history is not simply an interesting program or activity sponsored by the Church; rather, it is a vital part of the work of salvation and exaltation. You have been prepared for this day and to build up the kingdom of God. You are here upon the earth now to assist in this glorious work."

may we all realize how important it is that we do family history! Bless you Elder Bednar.

My mom took a three week long trip to England, Scotland and Wales last month, (the time length nearly killed me) but she went there for family. She found statutes of our ancestors.

Thomas Charles Edwards. 1837-1900

Thomas Charles. 1755-1814

(mentioned in Wells' History books. sweeeet.)

These men are my ancestors. Thanks to my mother, i know this, (and have the pictures.) i hope that some day, maybe my great great great granddaughter will be interested enough to look back and find my name. And find out about neat things that i did in my life. My Mom told me that when they'd tell people there that they were related to Thomas Charles, they would say, "Every one knows who Thomas Charles is over here!" i want to leave my mark. i want people to know who i am even after i've been dead for 150 years, even if it is only my direct descendants. Maybe i wont be mentioned in Americas History books, but i can still leave my mark. And thats my mission now, to find people in my line, and learn more about them.

The Day I Turned 19.

AKA, Yesterday.

They decorated for my birthday with toilet paper. Family tradition, one i plan to keep with my own family some day. Birthdays aren't Birthdays without it.

Birthday cake? So over rated. Mommas Home made cinnamon roles baby!

Mmm...

We went for a drive. To look at all the colors.

My three best friends. And half of another one.

i love fall.

Hmm.

It's tradition, Gen Con breakfast!

i was so happy that i got to spend my birthday with the people that i love most in this world, my family.

I have never.

i have never been introduced as a mormon like it was a bad thing.

tonight however changed that...

and i was hurt, but now, i'm rising to the occasion.

i was introduced as, "this is Alyssa, she's cute, but be warned, she's a mormon."

i wish that i could say it was said in a joking manner,

but this is no fairytale, this is college.

so can i just take a moment to tell you how i feel about being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?

im proud. i have never been more proud of anything in my whole life.

im proud to say that i know that i am a daughter of a Heavenly King.

i am forever indebted to my Father in Heaven, and all that he blesses me with.

and because of this gospel, i know i can live with my family forever.

and what comfort that brings.

i know that one day i can become like him.

i know that because of Joseph Smith, i can have the opportunity to be labeled as "a mormon."

im thankful for Jesus Christ, and what he did for me.

and i am thankful to know that when times arise like these, i can turn to my Lord and Savior for help, strength, and courage.

so, thank you room mates, for labeling me as a mormon. i must say, that i have never had an excuse to hold my head so high as i did tonight.

thank you for challenging me,

and thank you for giving me something to rise up to.

thank you for strengthening my beliefs in the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, to which i'm a member, and may it be known to the whole world.

because i'm proud to be a part of this glorious gospel.

Blessed.

im blessed. there is nothing else to say....

...but i will anyways. because i want to tell you why.

im blessed, because i have Cailey Haynie, Stacie Norton, Ashley Anderson, Brooke Fairfield, Kate Ladd, BroOoke Thorley, and Megan Abel as best friends.

im blessed because i was reunited with 5 of the 7 of them last night.

they soothed my soul like a balm, a very few people can do that.

im blessed because i woke up to a letter from my best friend this morning, who is on the other side of the world.

it was 10 pages long. and its a big deal. i miss him terribly.

im blessed because i get to work with my family. whom i might add is the greatest family. ever.

and i get to spend the rest of eternity with them.

im blessed because i get to call Pleasant Grove City my home.

im blessed, because i know that i am a daughter of God.

Simply Splendid.

Sun tanning on the roof of your school library? Prime.

Getting put in a group with the two cutest boys in class? Legiiiit.

Not going back to your dorm for 10 hours? Awesome.

Jon Schmidt and Steven Sharp Nelson coming to your school for a private concert? Yeeah Buddy.

All in all,

My cup o' Tea.

I miss my little sis.

*(:Kaylee (Marie) Allred:)*

This girl means the world to me.

i called her earlier today,

just to see how she is doing.

you need to understand,

she is the only girl at home.

im away for college, and mom is in England.

She cries every day,

and when i called her earlier,

we cried together.

She wouldn't have had i not started.

i miss her dearly.

and i'm looking forward to the weekend.

"it sucks being the only girl,

i feel bad for moms who only have boys." -Kaylee

Peace.

There is no place like home.

and when i go here, i feel at home.

It's been long, far too long.

it was nice to go home when i couldn't go home.

Fall is Settling in...

... and i love it!!

Fall is my very favorite season.

today when i was walking around campus, as i often do,

i realized that i wasn't worried about sweat tacos.

Then i realized the coolness in the air,

and i realized that the sun wasn't beating down on my back.

It made me want to shout for joy!

and i would have had the sidewalks not been packed with the student body.

Every year, my dad and i go on this amazing hike.

i can't tell you how amazing it is, its impossible,

so i guess that i'm just going to have to show you.

I found my own special place.

Go find yours.

I highly recommend it.

ITS HERE!!!

....The Second Season....

i nearly passed out when i got this on saturday.

you can even ask my brother.

What am i doing all weekend this weekend?

You got it.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

SEASON 2 BABY!!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

The Bad.

-so far, there is none today!!

The Good.

-i get to do an informative essay on the amazingly

Hawt RM in my public speaking class!!

-he asked me if he could pay me ten bucks to

to use my textbook, obviously we're going to be

reading pals. its in the contract. read it.

- i called my dad and we talked.

-i saw my roommate today.

-im going in to talk to Sue, the lady over my major.

The Ugly.

-aerobics kicked my trash today, making me

hot and sweaty for public speaking... fantastic.

How Can it be?

How can this be the right choice when all i ever feel like i do is cry?

How can this be the right thing for me when all i ever feel is alone?

How can this be the right thing when my roommates shut themselves away?

How can i make this right for me?

How can it be?

My 7 amigos.

i miss my 7 girls.

more than words can say.

but i love them even more. they are my inspiration.

i so look forward to this weekend when i get to see them again.

we're going to sleep over and act like children. naturally.

Ash: if you weren't up here at college with me, i don't know what i'd do. go insane naturally.

BroOoke: i love seeing you. you just make me so happy. and i love what St. George did for our friendship. i miss you my darling.

Mego: i miss you. i do. but i am so happy for you. and i hope that you and Mckay are eternally happy.

Brooke: you are the sweetest thing that ever was on this planet. i told my brother that you are the kindest person i had ever met. and there is no one better than my little Brookey Brooke.

Kate: My love. i miss talking to you. and i know that i will this weekend, but just thinking of how much i miss you, it brings tears to my eyes. you make me laugh so hard. i love your weird voices. :)

Stace: where do i begin? you're always there for me. and you listen, and i so appreciate that. last night, i was so lonely and homesick, and you were there for me. Thank you, for everything.

Cai: ... i love you. sometimes, you have to be apart from something/someone to realize what they mean to you. i haven't met anyone funnier than you. don't fret. you're the best.

To all: i miss you girls to no end.

These girls have taken me to new levels.

They changed my taste in music for the better.

i used to hate this song, now i love it.

they have helped pushed me beyond my limits, and made me stronger.

They have made me better.

They have helped make me, me.

i love you.

all i want

at this very moment is to talk to my mother. and i would, if it weren't 11:31 pm. and if i hadn't already called her twice today. i just really really want some one to talk to. and considering my roommate moved out of our room and into the one next door, (still in the same dorm room) i really have no one to talk to, not that she talked much in the first place anyways. but still. so i figured i'd blog. it makes me feel a bit better. today was such a great day. it really was. compared to yesterday, where i considered shooting my brains out. but i didn't. and im glad. because like i said, today was great! i talked to a lady about my major, and she gave me hope and enthusiasm. oh Sue. i so look forward to working with her.

for the strangest reason, i feel really lonely right now. well, i know it isnt all that strange. i miss home. more than words can say. i called my dad today, but didnt shed any tears. i was so proud of myself. and we talked for like 20 minutes. it was great to hear from him. and i called mom twice, i know i already said that, but then i got to talk to Derek for like 5 minutes. oh how i love him. and i also got to video chat with Cai!!! so fantastic. i miss her. i miss home. i miss my family. i miss my friends. i miss eating breakfast at the counter. i miss my little sister, who sobbed into my shirt the night i left. i miss my bed. i miss work. yikes. im really homesick...

27. hours.

27 is my new favorite number.

or 1. probably one.

i've waited for 735 days. and now there is only one.

and i've thought of him at least 25 times a day.

do the math.

i've thought of my brother at least 18,375 in the last 2 years.

Not quite there.

i dont think that the fact that i am leaving for college in 7 days has really sunk in yet. in fact, i know it hasn't and every time that i try to really let that soak in, i shut down. No family, no turtle box girls, no annoying sugar gliders, no queen size bed, my own dirty dishes, no privacy. All these things make tears come to my eyes.

on the other hand...

New friends, fun classes, pushing myself, growing in ways i never knew i could, learning independence, suffering with my own cooking, accepting people the way they are and learning how to love them for it, becoming the social person i've always wanted to be, but have been far too scared. And maybe, just maybe, a love life.

all in all... changing my life. a change much needed.

2 years ago today..

2 years ago today, nearly to the hour, i dropped my big brother Derek off at the MTC. i think that i can honestly say that was the longest and most torturous day of my entire existence. When a mere 6 hours had passed by, it felt like multiple days. i truly hated my life for that first week or so. after that first week had passed i drew nearer to my family, and the Lord. i knew i couldn't handle this alone. so i went to the people i loved most. because of Derek's decision to serve the Lord, many good things happened to me and my family. like i became a lot closer to my little brother Caden, to whom i had always picked on and been rude. i started weekly trips to the temple. my mother started into genealogy, my father started into weekly temple trips as well. my little sister started praying every night. and Caden, well im not really sure. we just became best friends, and lets be real, that is the best thing that could have ever happened to him. hahaha! anyways, today is a big mile marker. because i miss him, and i realize it has been 2 years, but i also realize that i only have...

6 DAYS LEFT!!!

166 hours and 57 minutes.

Elder Derek Max Allred comes home in 166 hours and 56 minutes. I'm so excited to see him! And i miss him so dearly!! I need to think of things to do to pass the time. Obviously, Vampire Diaries will play a big part in these distractions. And yard work. I'm so looking forward to this!

166 hours and 54 minutes.

The Butterfly/Turtle Box Girls.

These are some of the greatest books i have ever read! They were unbelievably cheesy at times, but they made me laugh. And they made my insides feel all warm and fuzzy. I highly recommend them to any girl who likes good love stories, and loves reading. They make you want to jump up off the couch, run outside and find a cute boy to marry.

The first book, A Modest Proposal, was a fantastic way to start the series. It wasn't my favorite, but i didn't know it at the time, because hello its the first one.

I absolutely loved this book! In my opinion, it is the best one of the series. It was so sweet and innocent, and the love story in this one blew my mind. Out of all the girls in these books, i feel that i am the most like Joselyn. She's super shy, she sings her heart out when no one is looking. falls for a man who seems out of her league.

Okay, okay, so this one was pretty spectacular as well. Probably one of the cheesiest, but still, it was my second favorite. Andi has the life I can see myself living in a few years. Hopefully i dont have to minus the super hot boyfriend.

What are the Turtle Box Girls? Me and my friends, obviously.

Elder Racicot

My mom, my dad and i had the privilege of taking this fine young Elder to the Missionary Training Center last night.

He's from Canada.

We drove to the Salt Lake Airport, and picked him up, then drove him to the MTC. The drive was so much fun. He wasn't even nervous till we rounded the bend and saw the MTC. His gut clenched, so did mine. We drove through all the Security (they sure are protecting Gods Army) parked, then unloaded his baggage, and walked up to the front doors. Surprise! They are locked, actually, it was no surprise at all, it being 10:45 at night.

This was us waiting outside the doors for them to unlock it.

We then all went inside, and and told the nice young man at the counter that we were dropping him off. From Canada.

He looked and us and asked Elder Racicot, "so is this your family?" he looked back and smiled, "yup." My dad chimed in, "he's like a son to us." i have no idea where those words came from. My dad is a soft spoken man, and he rarely speaks his emotions, but i feel that is exactly what my dear friend Toben needed to hear, being over 1,000 miles from his family. i could feel myself beginning to cry, i had to get this over with. the young man at the counter then said, "if you'd like to take a moment to say any last goodbyes, we'll start signing him in." he shook my dads hand, he then shook my mothers but she couldn't resist, and wrapped him in a hug, he then turned to me and silly me i say, "i don't know if i'm allowed to hug you..." my mom assured me it'd be okay, so i hugged him. the poor thing was shaking like a leaf, wether from the nerves or holding me so tight. i'd imagine they both played a part. i never wanted to let go. but i did. only because it would be highly inappropriate to have him dragging me through the halls to all his classes. i told him i'd write him all the time. gave him a smile and said goodbye. we turned for the exit and i waved back at him without turning my head, because the first of many tears to fall that night began their decent.

My Idol.

His name is Derek Max Allred. Currently known as Elder Allred.

He's serving in the Philippines right now.

But, he comes home in 25 days!!!

my soul is singing songs of joy all the day long.

before he left, he was my best friend.

so i am so thrilled to see him in only a matter of weeks.

Look at those flipping eye lashes! it is so unfair, he has the longest in our family.

Isn't he so cute?

yup.. a real looker.

He just has this way with children. He loves them, and they love him.

But there are some exceptions.

Who says being a missionary is no fun? Those are cleaning supplies. Pretty sure they are pretending to be super heros.

Apparently missionaries can be gangster? Who knew?

Basically, I can't wait till I'm a missionary.

So this is my brother Derek, my Hero, my Idol and my best friend.

25 Days.

Lessons learned.

I learned a few very valuable lessons tonight.

one of them being, that Cailey's car excellerates really nicely.

another was that Cailey and i can't start a fire. even if we're provided with lighter fluid, and a lighter.

last and certainly not least is that you should never ever watch a chick flick with Kate. especially when she has the office on her mind.

these are a few of the lessons learned that i will take with me for the rest of my life.

love you girls. :)

Stacie, with an "ie"

Stacie.

so i miss this girl. alot.

i haven't seen her in... 2 and a half weeks.

i was gone to kodiak,

then she was gone to Powell,

now she's gone to Oregon.

i didn't see her once through any of those exchanges.

which it total and utter bunk.

anyways, i really miss her

and i really hope that she'll hurry home so that our friendship can resume.

that is all.

Harry Potter spotlights.

Harry Potter and the Sorceress Stone.

Lilly and James Potter.

These two people showed us all what love is in its purest form. And maybe in the real world, true love won't save us from a killing curse, or in our world a bullet,but at least we know that i love like that exists. For that i thank you Lilly and James.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Ron Wesley

This handsome young man showed us all to face our fears, we also learned that you should never use a broken wand, it will always bring you grief. His stupidity made us all laugh and he taught us loyalty.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Buckbeak


This "mystical creature" took out Malfoy when the rest of us couldn't. He also saved Sirius when we all wanted to but were unable. We take our hats off to you Buckbeak.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Hermione Granger

For finally amping it all up and getting dolled up for Victor, ultimately showing Ron whats up! He finally suffered the jealousy we all knew he deserved. Oh, and i guess that your brains really helped, through all 8 movies.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Sirius Black.

Sirius, dearest Sirius, ultimately one of my favorite characters. He showed us loyalty as well, with Lilly, James and Harry. I cried like a baby when he died.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

Draco Malfoy.

Some may be thinking "why in the sin does she have Draco as a spotlight?!" Well truth is, this kid was pretty great. At least he knew what he was doing was wrong, but fear drove him to do the Dark Lords will. He had a heart, and a consciences. Okay okay okay, i know that i am stretching his goodness to the point of snapping, but i just really wanted his pretty face on my blog.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

Dobby the House Elf.

Dobby, what a kind hearted creature. He saved so many peoples lives, and lost his own in the process. I want to grow up to be just like him.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.

Professor Mcgonagall.

She was absolutely hilarious in this last movie! She's my idol. After all these years of putting up with Filch and his rottenness, it was so refreshing to hear someone with authority call him a "blundering idiot!" She is legit in the latest movie.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.

Neville Longbottom.

Neville finally rids the wizarding world of Voldemorts last horcrux! He has wicked sword skills, and he really blossomed in this last movie. He's so funny! "Have you seen Luna? I'm gonna tell her I'm mad for her, we'll both be dead by dawn!"

HARRY JAMES POTTER

I feel the need to thank Harry Potter. For being "the boy who lived". He provided me with years of fun and entertainment. Anticipation ruled my life for years, between years of books and movies. Thank you for flying a car into a womping willow. Thanks for loving Ginny. Thanks for killing that basilisk, he scared the sin out of me. Thanks for killing all of Voldemorts horcruxs, i can sleep in peace at night now. (I'm not really the Harry Potter nerd i make myself out to be, i just like it, a lot.) So, Thank you Harry, and you too JK.