In remembrance of 2009....

So another year has come and gone, but 2009 wasn't like any other year. It was a big one for me: first road trip, two siblings getting married, little Nixyn was born, new friendships, graduating from Higley High School, attending Eastern Arizona College, and getting to know myself better. This past year was overwhelming, but I have learned so much about growing up. I'm sure most people go through this stage at my age, but it's a different experience for everyone.

It was tough to say goodbye to friends I have known for most of my life. All of us went to different schools. It's been fun to reunite and share our first semester of college experiences. I already have one friend who is engaged! I'm waiting for the day when there seems to be a wedding every weekend. That will be weird. I also have a good friend who left on a mission. It's been fun to hear about his experiences in the MTC and in Panama.

Graduating from high school was crazy! I was so ready. It was sort of emotional, but the anticipation for the future helped me forget that another chapter of my life was through. I miss the simplicity of high school, but I don't think I could survive another day.

My first semester of college was eye opening. I loved it! I made a few friends and I miss them dearly! It was hard to leave Thatcher (surprisingly) but I'm excited for my classes at MCC.

It's weird how much I have learned about myself. I thought I was comfortable in my skin, but once I was put into a totally different situation, I questioned a lot of things, but it lead me to realize a lot if things which has made me a better person. That's probably a really general statement, but I don't really know how I can explain it. Overall, I'm happy my parents forced me to leave for a semester.

Looking towards the future...
I'll now be attending MCC for two of my classes, the other two being online through MCC. My online classes are Psychology 101 and Computers 105. I will be taking a Clothing Construction class and Commercial Baking class at MCC. I'm hoping to finally figure out my major or a career path this semester so I might know if I should go to Southern Virginia University.

I was reading Paula and Evan's blog and decided to make a one word resolution for myself: happiness. I know it's generic and boring, but I need a little happiness in my life. I need to be happy with the choices I make. I need to be happy with my life. I need to be happy with myself. I need to be happy with my body image. I was talking about this with my wonderful friend, Katy, and she pointed out that I should make it a goal to bring happiness into other people's lives as well as mine. I love my friends : ) They are inspirational to me.

I hope the best for everyone in this upcoming year! I hope it is a memorable one!

I like to make things...

So I took a watercoloring class and I really enjoyed it. I'm not that great, but it's so fun! I thought I would share a painting I made. It's a watercolor of a picture I took of some old buildings in Salt Lake, Utah.
Here is a close-up...

Don't judge! I'm just learning, okay!

HA! I like it.

What I've Learned...

December is here and the semester is almost over! It's so crazy. I never thought this day would come, but the past four months came and went like a pile of kittens. So to commemorate this special moment in my life, I decided to make a list of important things I have learned.

1. I am addicted to peanut butter.
It's true. I went through a whole container in one month. It was one of the larger sizes of containers. I primarily eat it on toast, but ocasionally I'll have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich of just eat it straight out of container. Sorry Kaitie. I'm sure you're gagging by now.

2. Yes, it is possible to sleep in a closet.
Keep in mind, I have a really huge closet and I was 3/4 asleep. But when your roomates have a ton of friends over at 3:00 a.m. and you have class at 8:00, desperate means call for desperate measures. I don't know how I figured sleeping in the closet would drown them out, but it sort of worked. I slept in there for at least two hours.

3. Wifi signals are very sensitive
Literally, my computer won't pick up internet if I move it even one inch.

4. Tomato shortages are serious
You never want to be in a fast food kitchen when there is a tomato shortage. Yes, the managers were referring to our lack of tomatoes as a tomato shortage.

5. People feel good when you talk to them like their brain is the size a walnut
Seriously. When I'm talking to people at drive though, I feel like I'm talking to a five year old. Would you like me to wipe your butt with that? No.

6. I've gotten more guys here than I ever have in my whole life
I have no idea why.

7a. Living in Thatcher is like living in a hole where your only contact with the outside world is a single radio station that plays classic rock, pop music, and funk.
Oh. There are country stations. But thats just crap. The only decent station plays better crap. Well, I shouldn't say that because at least they have the decency to play classic rock and some strange techno stuff.

7b. When you feel like pulling a Vincent van Gogh because of the lack of good music...
...so you don't mind listening to staticy stations from the valley that only work when you're driving in a certain direction.

8. Intro to Theatre is so stupid
I was actually excited for this class. Apparently, the only reason the class exists is for all the annoying jocks to get their humanities credit. Since no one really cares about the class, the teacher doesn't even try to teach us anything. I feel like I'm filing away a bunch of useless information I'll never need. Unless I decide to one day go on Jeopardy and the "Double Jeopardy" question will be, "The acting method created by Konstantin Stanislavski." (The correct answer is "What is the Method?") {P.S. The picture is to prove the name of the method, "The Method" is stupid. Not me.}

9. Anybody will bum rides off of you
If word gets out that you are heading in the same place they would like to go, it doesn't matter how well you know the person. They will bum a ride off of you. Either because they don't have a vehicle of their own, or they want to save gas money. It's a great way to make new friends. {Note to readers: Never look up "hitch hiker" on Google Images. Apparently, people have fetishes for stranded people on highways.}

10. Don't make plans
They'll just change on you.

So there you go. I'm sure there are many more things I've learned, but I can't list them all.

Virginia is for lovers...

As some of you may or may not have heard, I have been considering attending Southern Virginia University. It is a small liberal arts university located in Buena Vista, Virginia. A couple weekends ago, Mom and I visited the campus for an open house. I FELL IN LOVE! The campus is beautiful and the school seems to be a perfect fit for me. I was hoping to attend the Spring 2010 semester, but I don't think it's possible just yet. The tuition is pretty steep and I don't want to make any serious financial decisions until I know what I'll be majoring in. Ultimately, I don't know when I'll be attending SVU. It could be next fall, or it could be in a year or two. It could also be never, but I can always dream, can't I?

The school was built in 1867 as a school for girls. Since 1996, it has been owned by a group of Latter Day Saints. SVU has the same standards and honor codes you would find at BYU or any other LDS university.

The day of the open house happened to be Mom's birthday so we drove to Lexington to check out some shops and then drove up to the mountain to so some sightseeing.

Lexington his home to Washington and Lee University. There were a ton of cute shops and bakeries. To celebrate Mom's birthday, we stopped by a bakery and had some cake and cheesecake.

After Lexington, we returned to Buena Vista and drove through the mountains that were near by.

A view of Buena Vista from the mountains.

A creek we found whilst looking for a waterfall. We never really found the waterfall.

I had a great time visiting the school and I hope Mom did, too. Sorry you had to sacrifice your birthday weekend to spend it with me getting lost in Virginia! Thanks!!

Alicia Through the Decades...and Genders.

I was flipping through some of my yearbooks from the past half century and I thought I would like to share some of my favorite pictures with friends and family. Nah! I'm not immortal. But this awesome site made it possible for me to reminisce about my glory days...good times!

My mom and I are basically twins. But...

...Jesse and I are identical. It's the lips.

Billy and I look a lot alike too.

This is if I hung out with my older cousins when they were in high school. We would look so cool sporting the same do.

Janis Joplin is my idol.

I LOOK EXACTLY LIKE AUNT MELINDA. Legit.

But this is my favorite; I'm comfortable in my skin.

~Thatcher~

So begins my next adventure in life...

I'm finally in Thatcher! I moved in on Monday and it's been pretty fun so far. I like being independent! I've been eating peanut butter toast, hot dogs, frozen dinners and drinking tons of water. It's been so fun hanging out with Louise and Lance! They definately made the move much easier. Here are some pics of the house I'm renting a room in:

This was taken shortly after me seeing the house for the first time. I'm in the room with the bay window on the front.

The house was built sometime in the 1920's. It was rundown until about 30 years ago when some people renovated it. My landlady said people would go in there and shoot their guns through the ceiling.

Space and storage is definately not an issue for me. My room is meant for two girls but so far I am the only person that has taken it. There are two closets so once someone moves in, I don't think I'll mind. Definately plenty of room!

There's an old piano! When my roomate is gone, I'll play on it. Even though I haven't played for over two years, I'm impressed by how well I'm doing. Louise says the keys are ivory but I don't like to think about that...

School doesn't start for another three days so I'm trying to keep myself busy. I've been turning in a lot of job applications and doing interviews for a work study job. I'm really hoping to get a job through the drama department in making costumes and stuff. The lady seemed impressed with me so we'll see how that works out. I've also been getting stuff ready for college by buying my books (used books of course) and getting my student I.D.. It's not much, but it's a relief to get stuff done.

That's basically it for now. Hopefully I'll find time to blog once school starts!

|Summer 2009|

There isn't really much to say about my summer. The beginning was really slow and then all of a sudden WHOOSH it was gone. I made a lot of decisions and made a lot of alterations to those decisions. I worked most of the time up in the office. The past few weeks has been INSANE! It all began with our week and a half vacay to Canada. Oh my goodness it was amazing! I went with Billy, Hannah, their two little girls, and Hallie, Hannah's younger sister.

The waterfall and me in Waterton Park.

While in Canada, we stayed in Magrath, Alberta. I've never seen such luscious fields and vast horizons! I'm used to AZ where everything looks basically dead and mountains block the view.

We made quite a few trips to Lethbridge and went to the mall a couple times. I bought clothes, of course. I was hoping to meet a random folk singer or something, but it didn't happen.

The weekend of July 24th was a huge celebration in Magrath called "Magrath Days". It is basically a celebration of heritage like "Pioneer Day" in Snowflake. And it's on the same day! Go figure! Were we able to watch a parade, some fireworks, and a very intense softball game. Billy, Hannah, and I also attended the Air Raid Anthem concert in the school auditorium/gymnasium. It was so awesome! One of the band members is from Magrath so I guess he convinced his bandmates to head up there to perform.

It was sad to leave the nice weather but exciting to come home to friends and family.

Thanks Billy & Hannah for inviting me!

The past week or so I have spent with Grandma and Grandpa Baker. It was great to get to know them a little better especially since I'll be leaving soon and won't be able to visit as often.

Which leads me to my next subject: college. Okay, this has been a really REALLY tough decision for me. There are so many places I want to go (i.e. BYU, Salt Lake Community College, Southern Virginia University, Mesa Community College), but Eastern Arizona College will have to do for now. Hey, the tuition is cheap.

Scary, isn't it? Fun Fact: "Gila Hank" is known as one of the weirdest mascots in the U.S. of A..

So that will be my next adventure. I'm leaving on August 17th and school starts on the 24th. I am bound to meet some interesting characters...if I ever leave my room.

I am taking Environmental Biology, College Mathematics, Intro to Education, and Beginning Watercolor. I am most excited for the watercoloring class!!

That's all for now! If anything interesting happens--ever--I'll post it here!

Catsup IV

Finally, in my last post of the series 'Catsup', is the joyous event of Blaine & Kaitie being sealed together for time and all eternity. Congrats you two! You make a remarkable couple!
Kaitie asked Louise, Tiffany (Kaitie's best friend), and me to be her bridesmaids. I felt honored! And here we are...Third time a bridesmaid, never a bride...haha kidding! But seriously. I'm a little superstitous.

Kaitie and me, sister-in-laws!

The reception was beautiful. Everything was decorated wonderfully. The food was delicious, most importantly.

I am so proud of my family! They are all great examples to me. I hope to be married in the temple one day just like all my siblings and my parents. I am so happy that we have the opportunity to be sealed in the temple so we may be a family forever, in this life and after we have passed on. I couldn't imagine life without my family!

“Why am I afraid to dance, I who love music and rhythm and grace and song and laughter? Why am I afraid to live, I who love life and the beauty of flesh and the living colors of the earth and sky and sea? Why am I afraid to love, I who love love?”
--Brennan Manning
{whimsicalities}

Catsup III

Graduation!!

On a beautifully cold and rainy day in May, I graduated from Higley High School. I'm so glad high school is over with! But as college draws near, I'm a little terrified. I have no idea what I'm doing!!!!!! Before I rant any longer, her are some pictures from graduation.

It's actually pretty cool that it rained on our graduation because first of all, Arizona summers are steamy and second of all, it rained on our very first day as freshman at Higley. Sort of made the ceremony extra special : ]

The proud parents and me. See my awesome metal? Yup! 3.5 GPA! Wooo!

I'm the Fonz! "Aaaaayy!!"
Jesse and Amanda, Billy and Hannah, and all the nieces came to watch me. Afterwards we went out to dinner.This was taken before graduation. We were waiting in the classrooms for the ceremony to start. Michelle is amazing. Look at all the special awards she had!! Ashley and I aren't as amazing.

After gradumacation, some friends and I spent the night in a hotel near my home. There were more girls than that, I swear! It was an awesome party! We stayed up until 2:30 roaming the halls of the hotel and soaking our sore high-heel-ridden feet in the hot tub. Thanks Mom and Dad!!
The next evening was my cousins' graduation at Mesa High School. It rained even harder that day. ConGRADulations, Ashlee and Deena!! Love you both so much!

This whole experience has been bittersweet but I know once I begin college, I will find it more sweet than bitter.

Catsup II

In April, three friends and I went on a roadtrip to Utah to attend conference--and to prove our independence.

I was the designated driver but I didn't mind. I freaking love driving.

Let me introduce you to my friends...Michelle is on the left and Ashley is on the right. They are ka-ray-zee in da head.

This is Katy. She's not any better.

But I couldn't imagine having in other type of friends!

Our first full day in Utah we headed to Salt Lake and Provo to do some shopping. Look at the size of those snowflakes! We weren't prepared for this type of weather so we didn't go to too many places. We stopped by an awesome vintage clothing store called Decades. We also went to Blue Plate Diner that was featured on Diner's, Drive-In's, and Dives.

That night we drove to Provo to visit my cousins Jill, Josh, and Jill's husband, David. My friends hung out at the mall while I ate dinner with my familybut we met up later for a movie. Thanks for the fun time, cousins!! I had a very enjoyable time with you!!

The next day, Saturday, was our first session of conference. We went to the morning session.

Here we are at the conference center minus Katy. She probably took the picture.

Afterwards, we headed back to Katy's aunt's house (that's where we stayed the whole weekend) and watched the second session (or watched the back of our eyelids. That's what I did.)

Sunday morning we watched conference with some of Katy's aunt's single friends--they were all over the age of forty. It was a very, very interesting experience. We had tickets for the last session of conference plus an extra so we invited Josh to join us.

There he is! I hope he had fun hanging out with a few 18 year old high school girls...

Afterwards Josh came with us to the house to play air hockey, watch a movie, and drink hot cocoa through mint cookies. Josh taught us this trick: bite off two ends of the cookie and suck the cocoa through the cookie and then eat the cookie. It is a miraculous combination!

Sadly, we had to leave Monday to get back to school. We were all sad to leave. But on our way home, we had one more adventure to follow: LAS VEGAS!!!

Katy got in trouble for taking this picture...

We took a wrong turn and went through Vegas. Well, it wasn't that it was the wrong turn. It just wasn't the right turn. It was a turn that made our trip two hours longer. It was a turn that made us feel scared and lost. It was a turn that took four sheltered Mormon girls through "Sin City". Oh man were we frightened!! And frustrated!

Here we are stuck in Vegas traffic. We also got stuck in traffic around Hoover Dam. Stupid tourists who randomly decide to go to Hoover Dam on a Monday. I mean seriously!!!!

Overall, this was one of the greatest experiences in my life. It was worth the gas and hours of driving! The end of the trip was a little depressing because in the back of our minds we were all thinking about how we will be in different places within a year: Michelle is going to attend BYU-Provo, Katy is attending BYU-Idaho, Ashley is going to Chandler-Gilbert, and I am going to MCC. I love my girlies! I wish them all the best!!

Catsup I

The first order of business is to catch ya'll up on what's been going on the past few months.

Let's begin with Louise & Lance's wedding. It was held on a beautiful spring day in March.


That was a loooong day. Not that I'm complaining. Seriously, it was one of the more enjoyable days I've ever had. Kudos to you two!

The Tom & Ginny Baker Family

Their reception was so beautiful! It was a little chilly but the buzz of excitement kept us plenty warm. Here are some great pics of the reception provided by Blaine and Kaitie. You'll have to scroll down nearly to the end of the page. Ignore all the weird stuff they have on their blog. Kidding! Sorry, I'm too lazy to put them up...

Since I was the Maid of Honor (I guess--I'm not quite sure about that one) I had to say a few words. I had no idea except for a few minutes before. To give you a quick recap on it, I'll post a few quotes from my inevitable speech (I scribed it in my journal that night):
~"I seriously did not know I would have to speak" [Like I said previously]
~"I should tell everyone Louise stinks" [Kaitie told me to say that]
~"We hated each other until puberty" [Yeah. I really said puberty in my speech]
~"She has always been there for me" [Did it serioulsy have to come to that overused line?]

Then there was a lot of crying and the end was a blur. Over all it was a great night : ]

Welcome Back, me!!

Well, I've been thinking about starting my own blog for a while and thanks to Aunt Nancy's inspiring words, I decided to start one.

First of all, a blog is a fun and easy way to keep a journal. And the Church wants us to keep a journal. Right? Right.

Second of all, it will be a great way to keep up with friends and family. Now that all my friends are off to college living life to the fullest while I'm home, this will be a way for them check up on my lame excuse for a life.

Some family may want to look at my blog depending on their level of boredom.

Right now, I have no idea what I'm going to blog about: things going on in my life, inspiring words, whatevs. So here goes!

Enjoy!