This Week In Photos

Braving the mall on Monday to help mom find a dress

I got the bright idea we should make Macaroni for lunch

YUM!

Mom hung up her Keith Urban picture on the wall, next to Brad Paisley ;)

This was what I did most of the time...

Lots of cough drops, thanks to this cold

New journal

I made a New Years book a few weeks ago, but now was the time to bring it out again!

Yesterday

One of My Favorite New Year Memories

Back in 2008, I went to a friends house for New Year's Eve where we ate, talked, and had a dancing party with glow in the dark bracelets and necklaces. I most vividly remember dancing to Katy Perry's "Hot and Cold", because that was pretty much the major hit at the time. It was a blast!

New Years Day, my family and I (my parents and grandma) drove to Las Vegas to meet up with our family in Utah. I have never laughed so hard in my life, driving up and down the strip. WOW! That i is definitely something I will never forget. Especially because that would be the last trip my grandma would ever take with us. In January of the following year, she was diagnosed with Cancer, which was really hard on all of us. Looking back at this trip was more than just getting out of town for me. It reminded me that you never know what life is going to throw at you, so be prepared. And in the meantime, let your loved ones know how much you care about them. It will be one of the best trips I've ever taken for the rest of my life. 

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve, and tell those around you that you love them :)

With love,

Shelby

xoxox

2011: A Year In Review w/my best friend Laurie

What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before? With my various travels this year I got to add a few states to my list. I visited Idaho, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Alabama for the first time, to name a few. 

What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? I'd like to have a greater love and trust in God. I hope to love people more than I have in the past. 

What was your biggest achievement of the year? I think making new friends and finding a church at school were two important accomplishments. On a lighter note, I think driving to California from Michigan in two days was pretty impressive. 

Biggest failure? Unfortunately, I lost a lot of faith in people which resulted in a deep feeling of loneliness throughout a lot of the year. I feel like I lost time because I was disappointed and didn't love others like I could/should have. 

Best thing someone bought you? Though not very exciting, my parents helping me pay for my undergraduate degree at school is the best gift. I think that's the best because I have grown so much as a person since I've been there, and I'm learning so much.

What did you get really, really, really excited about? I got really excited for the multiple shows, concerts, and games I went to. I got to see Anberlin and The Civil Wars in concert (two of my favorite bands), I saw Brian Regan live, and I got to go to a Boise St. football game--Go Broncos!

What songs will always remind you of 2011? Any song by the Civil Wars, Mumford and Sons, the Avett Brothers. They are all amazing, and I have a lot of memories rocking out with friends with these songs. 

What do you wish you had done more? Less? I wish I relaxed and trusted God more with a lot of the drama I dealt with and worried less. 

How do you plan to spend New years eve? I haven't figured that out yet! I'll either be hanging out with my family or some friends.

Favorite tv program? I don't watch too much tv, but I like watching Say Yes to the Dress or Glee. 

Greatest musical discovery? This year's would probably be the Avett Brothers.

What did you want and get? I began this school year wanting to expand my friend group at school. I was able to meet so many amazing friends that I didn't know before. 

What did you want and not get? I can't really think of anything. I guess a higher GPA? haha

What did you do on your birthday? I bummed around and ran errands with my mom! 

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 
2011? In college I just wear what's comfortable. I have, however, tried to dress up more at school so I wore a lot of cardigans and blouses and more dresses. My concept would have to be... be comfortable and classy.

What kept you sane? God, amazing friends at school and back home, and lots of naps. 

What was the best thing you ate? Anything homemade by my mother is the best. I love coming home from school for that reason!

Tell a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011? People are going to disappoint--Trust God and love others. Also, I learned some friends aren't meant to stay in your life a long time, so enjoy the time they are and rely more on the friends you know will stick with you. 

Quote a song lyrics that sums up your year. 
" So far away from where you are 
I'm standing underneath the stars 
And I wish you were here" --Lifehouse

2011: A Year In Review

I got on Chelsea Kane's blog today, and saw that she had posted a survey about New Year's, so I thought I would try it. Here it is!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Joined the worship team at church, put myself out there more to meet new people, started going to Bible study, and I started working past a lot of garbage in my life.

2. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
My license! I keep saying I'm going to get it, and then I just never do.

3. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Passing speech with an A, and finally feeling comfortable with public speaking. I never would've imagined that.

4. Biggest failure?
Probably getting mad over stupid things, or arguing with my parents over something that didn't matter anyway.

5. Best thing someone bought you?
Anything that my friends would pick up for me on trips, and my MAC desktop that my parents got me for Christmas!!!!!

6. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to the American Idol finale, finally seeing the Jonas Brothers in concert, the Taylor Swift Speak Now tour, and meeting Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu from High School Musical (that was a Jr Hi dream come true).

7.What songs will always remind you of 2011?
I Love You This Big, Firework, Skyscraper, and Baby...I'm sure there are more though.

8. What do you wish you had done more?
I wish I had been more diligent with practicing the guitar.

9. What do you wish you had done less?
I wish I wouldn't have spent so much time on Facebook and Twitter I guess, and would have just lived in the moment a little more.

10. How do you plan to spend New Year's Eve?
I still don't have any definite plans at the moment, but it will either be spent with friends or family, and that's all I need to know :)

11. Favorite TV program?
That easily became One Tree Hill. I also really like The New Girl.

12. Greatest musical discovery?
Everly and Eden's Edge.

13. What did you want and get?
I wanted to go to the Idol Finale and a Mac...I got both of those wishes. I also wanted to meet new people/make new friends, and I definitely got that :)

14.What did you want and not get?
A boyfriend....Hahahah. I did not get that, but that's more than alright.

15. What did you do on your birthday?
Turning 19 was such a weird age; it's your last year to be a teen, so it was exciting in that aspect. However, it's not really one of those birthdays that you do anything for. I pretty much just hung out with my mom that day and went to dinner at Outback with my parents that night.

16. What would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
I'm not really sure that I have a specific "style", as much as I wish I did. I guess I'd call it "College Girl Chic". I also really like to find celebrity outfits and put my own spin on them!

17. What kept you sane?
God; I did a lot more talking to God this year. And also my best friends! They'd listen to my rants and frustrations, and I love them so much for that.

18. What was the best thing you ate?
I've had a lot of good food this year, so it's hard to narrow it down. I'd have to say Biscoff peanut butter takes the cake, though. It's delicious!


19. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011?
I've learned that you can't please everyone, and not everyone is going to like you. You just have to be yourself, and the ones that matter most to you will always be by your side. I also learned that you can't always rely on people, but God will be there for you no matter what. I was able to forgive and to accept who I am now and to be comfortable in my own skin. Also, be careful of who you give your heart too, because you never know what they'll do with it.  (Not just my experiences with that, but others I've seen around me as well).

20. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
There's always a song that fits a different mood, so I could think of plenty, but these are the two that come to mind at the moment.
"I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately..." -Gavin DeGraw (Not just because of getting into One Tree Hill either. It's always been a favorite song of mine).
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller, doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone."
-Kelly Clarkson-

"Sophistication isn't what you wear or who you know. Or pushing people down to get you where you want to go."~Taylor Swift~

Dear bullies of the world,

What makes you think you are better than the rest of us? That you're entitled to whatever it is you want, and that if someone else gets what you want, they aren't deserving, and that you are above everyone else? Because news flash: the world owes you nothing, and people owe you nothing. We all have the same opportunities to make what we want happen... It doesn't mean you should take others down to make yourself feel better.

Can you answer something for me? Good. What happened in your life that makes you cause people so much agony, pain, or even death threats? Is your life really that bad that it has come to that? Haven't you heard of all the suicides this year thanks to cyber bullying and bullying at schools? Words are a powerful thing; they can be a best friend or a worst enemy. The choice is yours.

I think we've all dealt with bullies in our lives at some point or another. How we respond to that says a lot about us. I've been "bullied" by people, and for some time I became a bully. Not in the same sense, necessarily, but I've used my words in harsh ways, because of what people had done to me. Hurt people hurt people; it's a vicious cycle. I have forgiven those people, and I've learned to move on from it. Why let them have the power now, so many years later?

I understand there are going to be people that you don't get along with or don't like, but setting out to sabotage someone because of appearance, material things, opportunities, or whatever it is that YOU don't like is not a good enough reason.

It's sad that all we hear in the media today is all the hate and bitterness in the world. You see how crazy this world has really become. So much so, that we forget about how beauty is still out there; how there are still good people in this world that love and show kindness with the smallest of gestures. It's important that we remember the good things, instead of focusing on the bad. We get enough of that. Why not encourage more and throw out positive language rather than negative?

If you're being bullied, I encourage you to talk to someone about it, so that extra measures can be taken, or you will at least feel like you're not alone. Most importantly, remember, you are loved and you are important. I don't care what the people at school or online are telling you, you are worthy of life and becoming something really great! I know it's hard right now, and this may sound cliche, but things get better. Some of the most successful people today, like Taylor Swift, were bullied. Look at where she is today! You can use your life and experiences to help others around you. If you are a bully, then my advice to you is just stop...for the sake of others, and yourself!

Don't let other people control your happiness. Know who you are and stand up for what you believe in. Remember that you have family and friends who love you and will be there for you during the hard times. Oh, and listen to "Mean" by Taylor Swift. That'll put things into perspective!

Also, another thing Taylor Swift has to say about this matter, "Never believe anyone who says you don't deserve what you want."

With love,
Shelby <3
Xoxox

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

2011 was the year of no regrets. I feel like I said everything I needed to say, when it needed to be said, and I feel like I did everything I wanted to or needed to. I stepped out of my comfort zone a lot more and God helped me find the confidence in myself that I needed. I'm finding my voice and I feel like I was finally able to start speaking up for myself without feeling like a total weasel or you know what.

I dealt with a lot of skeletons in my closet of past hurts, mistakes, and I finally let go of them. None of us are perfect, and I shouldn't beat myself up over things for the rest of my life. Acknowledge the mistake, learn from it, and move on is my new motto.

I'm praying that someone special comes along very soon (because there was no one like that this year), but I'm learning not to rush it. When the right one comes along, I've learned that I won't feel so much stress...it'll just work out and make sense. I'm finally maturing and figuring out who I need to be. God knows my desires and what my heart wants, and He knows the best timing. Until then I need to just chill and let the master do His thing.

This year, I tried new things. I tried some new food, had new experiences, and it was wonderful. It gave me a sense of accomplishment, rather than sitting around feeling mopey and wondering what could have been.

There were a lot of people that faded out of my life this year, or I just started realizing that things just aren't what they used to be, and instead of holding onto those memories; I let them go. But, as these people were fading out, God sent some wonderful new people into my life. Now, they will never replace the others, and I wouldn't want them to. But, He saw that I needed friends in my own way, and I feel like that has also brought me closer to Him in the long run. In the couple months that I have known them now (and I've talked about them quite a bit on here), we've been having an absolute blast. Relationships are a very precious thing to me and aren't something I take lightly. I think I've taken them for granted in the past at times, and how blessed I've been with the people that love and support me. Relationships with God and people are the most important things in the world, and I hope that this coming year I will learn to love deeply and passionately, more than I ever before. That instead of "talking" about doing it, I would show people in the way I act.

I'm finding that dreams change; don't limit yourself, because God can bring up all sorts of crazy scenarios that you never thought possible. It's okay if things don't turn out exactly the way you've always dreamed of. Maybe I'll never see my name in lights, but maybe I'll make an impact on this world in other ways. As long as I'm following God's plan, that's all I need. That's what I consider successful.

I've learned to be okay with who I am and how I look. My appearance doesn't define me. The world might judge me on that, but God, my family and friends (the ones that matter) don't. I'm probably never gonna be a size two, though I've honestly never tried. But honestly, I like having a little meat on my bones. It makes me REAL. I'm finding out what true beauty is everyday. This world is extremely fickle and the one thing I can always count on is God. He never leaves me, always believes in me, and always pulls me through whatever situation I'm faced with, even when I'm doubting Him. But, that has taught me not to do just that. He knows what He's doing.

I've found a courage in myself this year that I never thought I could have. All of a sudden speaking in front of people doesn't seem so bad. Being that I'm a communications/Journalism major, you would think that wouldn't be a problem, but public speaking has never been my forte; I was always the "shy, quiet" one. Over the years, I have come out of my shell a lot. The idea of walking into a room full of strangers doesn't make me as anxious as it used to, and I can speak a lot more confidently off the cuff. This year, speaking actually became something I'm comfortable with and could see myself enjoying as part of my profession. Do I still feel like I'm going to pass out every time I walk to the front of the room? Absolutely. But, it's so worth it after the fact. It's more of a good kind of nervous this time around. You have no idea how excited that makes me.

2011 has been really good to me. I've had a lot of great experiences, some rocky moments. I've felt "depressed." I've been joyful.  I've had moments of hate and bitterness. I've been loving and kind. I've lost people I thought once cared a lot about me and I've gained friends for life. I've hurt and I've healed. I've had a blast and I've been down. I've let things go and I've learned about ME. The older I get, the more I realize who I am and what I want out of life..

I think I'm gonna call 2012 the year of no expectations. The year of mystery, if you will. Sure, I have things I want to change, but as far as predictions and dreams I hope come true? I think I'm just gonna ride the wave on this one and see where I wash up. I'm not in control. If there's anything I've learned this year, it's that God is in the driver's seat, and I'm merely the passenger. So, let the Lord's will be done, and I'll be a happy camper!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! <3 (It's officially New Year's Eve Eve)

With love,
Shelby
xoxox

Lookin Good On New Years Eve

I've always wanted to do something really fun on New Years Eve where you get all dressed up to go somewhere fancy with friends. Well, usually we're a lot more laid back than that, but that hasn't stopped me from trying to look a little nicer, even when just hanging out at home. I'm still not sure of my plans for NYE, but I found some really cute dresses that just inspired the night. Here are some I would wear if I was say...going out to dinner, Las Vegas, etc.

When Brooke Davis wore this to Peyton and Lucas' wedding (It's an OTH thing)

"Another Year Has Gone By..." ~Celine Dion~

2011 has been such an incredible year! I'm going through some of my old journals from this year and realized there were so many wonderful moments that I never could've imagined happening! There were are also a lot of not so great moments, and moments of me trying to work through things, but I think it made me a better person because of it. My life is not always rainbows and bunnies like I tend to post on here, but I also have no reason to complain either; I'm just trying to find a happy medium; to be happy even through the storms. Here are some of my highlights from 2011!

• Hanging out by the red carpet for the People's Choice Awards 
• Completed the entire series of Friends on DVD
• The Back to December (Taylor Swift) came out on my birthday
• Started my second semester of college
• Had my first job interview
• Got an internship with an entertainment blog (SarahScoop.com)
• Went to Las Vegas for the weekend to see George Strait, Reba, and LeeAnn Womack. Met LeeAnn and got George's set list after the show!
• Got to work on the school magazine last semester
• Spent Valentine's Day with girlfriends watching the Bachelor and eating junk food. It was PERFECT!
• Joined Keith Urban's fan club
• Started watching Pretty Little Liars (I'm always late with shows, but then I'm hardcore after that)
• Crazy weather with everything happening in Japan; our ocean even got it a little
• Started bike riding more and focusing on getting into a healthy lifestyle
• Went to Disneyland for the first time in a good couple years...never thought I'd say that!
• FINALLY SAW THE JONAS BROTHERS AND SELENA GOMEZ IN CONCERT (and also got snowed in that night, and we weren't able to make it home until like 5 or 6 the next morning)
• Went to Soul Surfer premiere; could've gone inside too if we had just waited a few minutes longer
• Went to Jay Leno taping; saw Carrie Underwood and Matthew Morrison
• Went to a TON of Dodger games because of season tickets
• Had a great talk with a former teacher, and was able to get a lot about my life established to start moving forward-something I've had a very hard time doing
• Started singing on the worship team at church
• Saw Chris Young in concert at Crystal Palace
• Stayed up all night to watch The Royal Wedding complete with tea and biscuits
• Went to California Adventures for Mother's Day weekend with family friends; hung out by Pirates of the Caribbean premiere entrance. Met Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, David Cook, Francia Raisa, and saw Adam Sandler in the park
• Scoreboard dedication at my old high school for one of our friends/classmates that passed away our Junior year
• Went to the American Idol finale; one of the coolest experiences of my LIFE. I've waited 10 years for that. 
• Took tour of WB Studios again; got to walk on Pretty Little Liars sets
• Went to Nashville for CMA Fest; got to hang out with friends I've met through the love of Country music
• Won a Brad Paisley autographed guitar and Ipod shuffle
• I started writing to 2 pen pals (one in Arizona, the other in Michigan). They've made my life a lot better!
• Took business class and passed with an A this summer, also took a math class and passed
• Got together with some friends from church we hadn't talked to in awhile
• Went to a mixer with my aunt, and made some connections for an internship with the news station
• Had a skating party at the rink we used to go to every weekend...hasn't changed a bit HAHA
• Went to Universal Studios with Mandy and had a blast!
• Went to Las Vegas and LA for the week during the summer for a short vacation; Saw Donny and Marie in concert
• Went to Taylor Swift concert at the Staples Center; met most of her band; won Pit passes!!!!! Oh, and some kid named Justin Bieber showed up ;)
• Sterling Knight answered one of my questions on his live chat (yes, I am aware of how much of a dork I am)
• Hung out by the premiere of Dolphin Tale; met Vanessa Williams and a couple others! Also got free ice cream from the after party
• Found the Brady Bunch house, the Wonder Years house, and the house from Father of the Bride
• Got into One Tree Hill and completed the series in about a month! Incredible show; I have grown to love the cast and characters so much.
• Got a few tweets from Chad Michael Murray that pretty much made my life
• Spent the day in LA with mom at The Grove; met Hilary Duff at her second book signing.
• Saw Kellie Pickler at our fair and met her again :)
• Helping out at my church's school carnival
• Had a "defining moment" at our first Young Adult service at church
• Started going to Bible study at church where I met some of the greatest friends I could have possibly asked for
• A lot of wonderful moments with my girls (games, movie night, heart to hearts, dinner out, texting conversations, etc.)
• Had a blast with my family this year; I felt closer to them now than I ever have before
• Passed English and Speech with an A!!!!!
• Church Christmas concert at Rabobank theater was such a huge success and so much fun to be part of.
• Having my first "job" of housesitting for a friend's house from church
• Going to the Hollywood Christmas Parade
• White elephant Christmas party at church
• Secret Santa with the high school gang
• Getting a MAC Desktop!!!!!!!!!!!
• Going to the lake with my parents and uncle for Memorial day weekend, and going bowling that night with family friends
• Meeting Eden's Edge
• Starting a blog with my friend Steph
• Seeing Keith Urban in concert (an actual arena show as part of the tour) for the first time
• Meeting Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery
• Took a tour of Paramount Studio 
• Most importantly this year, I grew in my faith and walk with God. I haven't been where I should be, and I'm still far from where I want to be, but I'm getting closer. I've been working on my daily Bible reading the past couple months, and that's what it's really all about. If you're not getting fed spiritually fed, you die inside, and I think I have been that way for too long now. I'm glad to feel like I'm getting back on the right track. Right now, my relationship with God is more important than anything else, and it's time I start acting like it. 

So, here's to you 2011 and thanks for being so good to me :) I can't believe there are only 2 more days left...WHOA! It feels like we were just doing this. I guess as you get older the years really do go by faster.

That's all for now and I hope you all had an amazing year! Feel free to share highlights of your year on here or on Twitter!

Love,
Shelby
xoxox

Webcast #1

Sorry if the volume is really messed up! :/

Christmas Video

Tonight I was messing around on my desktop and decided to get into iMovie. Well, I've made plenty of videos on my laptop with it, and figured it would pretty much be the same. Low and behold, the greatest thing ever....there are so many new features and things to add to the video making process. I am so excited to start using it more. I hope something really exciting happens in the near future, so I can make a video about it.

Here's my first video for the Christmas season. Some of the photos are not the best quality, but it's a start!

A Few Questions

Alright, so while I was sick I got a little restless and decided to look through my book of questions. I found some of the ones I thought were best, and answered them...Enjoy! HAHA. 

What singer would you like to duet with? 

Taylor Swift hands down!

What TV character do you think is most like you?

I would say a mixture of Rory Gilmore and Haley James Scott

"Behind the Scenes" look: where would you like to have it? 

There are a lot of processes I love seeing come together, like how tours work out, how movies are made, how shows film, etc. I think I'd really like to go on tour with Taylor Swift and just see how she does it night after night and what it takes to put on a show like that in so many cities and countries like she does. I'd like to visit Warner Brothers during a filming of one of their movies to see how long it takes, how actors get into character, etc. And I've seen how shows are filmed, but I'd like to be on set helping out with everything and to watch a drama being filmed, because they shoot differently than sitcoms. 

What is your favorite website?

I'm obsessed with Bethany Galeotti's blog at the moment! She always posts the most inspiring things whether it's having to do with fashion or just some thoughts she came up with. I love just reading Tumblr and seeing all the random things people post, Pinterest for the same reasons, and Style Me Pretty (a wedding blog that has the best ideas). I'm a little too into the web sometimes.

During which movie did you cry the most?

I think that would be The Notebook, because it reminded me of my grandparents. I cry during a lot of movies though, LOL.

What movie or TV prop or piece of memorabilia would you like to own?

For movie, I would want to own something from Titanic, 13 Going on 30, or Sweet Home Alabama. From a TV show, I would definitely want something from Gilmore Girls. That has been my favorite TV show since I was about 12 or 13, and it has made a huge impact on my life. More recently, I would want something from One Tree Hill!

Do you believe soul mates meet by accident or destiny?

I'm not sure if I totally believe in soul mates, but if they are out there then I'd say they meet by destiny. I think if two souls are meant to be together, nothing and no one could stand in the way of them meeting.

What public figure has inspired you?

I've been inspired by a lot of people in the industry for a lot of different reasons. First, it was LeAnn Rimes, the Olsen Twins, and Hilary Duff. Then, Taylor Swift came out and she was IT. She's the main one that inspires me, but I also really admire Carrie Underwood and Bethany Galeotti. I have a lot in common with both of them as well.

Ten years from today what will you wish you had done by now?

In 10 years, I will be 29...WHOA! I hope to have a job in the entertainment industry, whether it's writing, reporting, singing, or acting. I hope to have made a positive impact in the media and the lives of others in some way or another. I also hope to be settled down or to at least have found "the one", and to be ready to start a family. Basically, I just hope to be on the path that God has planned for me.

What have you learned from your past?

I've learned not to be so hard on myself, to not care so much about what others think and to not let them control my happiness. 

Will God answer your prayers?

God always answers our prayers! It might not always be what we want to hear, but he hears them and gives us an answer back at some point.

When you look at someone who is hugely successful, do you think of him or her as a lucky person who was in the right place at the right time?

No, I don't think luck has anything to do with it. I think those successful people are the ones that treat others right, work hard, and don't think that they're entitled to anything. I think the right opportunities and the right people come along to help them, because that's how the plan was supposed to go for them. The ones that are the most successful and talented are usually the ones with the kindest hearts. Look at Taylor Swift!

What is your favorite way of wasting time?

Probably looking at Facebook and Twitter....

My Purpose in Life

All of my life I've known what I wanted to do, or at least the department I wanted to get into. When I was 5, I wanted to be a singer (and I still do), but as life goes on you realize you need an actual profession to get you through. I've always had a huge passion for writing, and for a long time that was what I wanted to do as well. I guess I've never limited myself or have never seen myself doing just one thing the rest of my life; more like incorporating all the things I love into one really awesome job. For as long as I can remember, I knew exactly what I was going to major in when I got to college: Journalism.

But, as I started taking classes for that, I started having my doubts. Was that really what I'm supposed to be doing? It feels like I'm taking all these classes for absolutely nothing. Then, I started praying about it, and I asked for friends and the Young Adults group at church to pray as well. And lately, I've started to get my answer. I want my voice to be heard...I have a lot to say, but I can't always speak it as well as I can write it.  I want to tell other people's stories, and I never realized how interested I am in everyone's backgrounds until recently. I want to know more about the people that I'm close with, like what made them who they are? Why do they act the way they do? What were they like as kids? Everyone has a history, and I want to tell it in a unique, honest way. I think there are ways of telling the truth about a tough situation, without being too blunt or heartless about it. There's a way to show compassion through words and to paint a picture of sincerity through them.

I want to be the kind of Journalist like Diane Sawyer is. She's interested in whoever she's interviewing; she answers the hard hitting questions that everyone wants to know, but she does it like a friend would. You can tell she genuinely cares about what that person has to say, rather than just being determined to get an answer. I want to make an impact like Oprah did; I know there will never be another Oprah, but I want to talk about bigger issues than just who wore what or Jennifer Aniston's latest hairstyle. I think Journalism should be more than that, and it should help people feel like they're not alone in life, with the issues we face, because it's not an easy task. I want to approach topics or interviews with a light heart, to not focus on just getting the answer, but more to focus on getting to know the people in front of me...to tell their story the way they would, and the way they might not be able to. I want to help people find the good, even in sucky situations.

So, maybe I'm still wondering exactly what I'm going to end up doing after college, but now I do have a better idea. I know that journalism is a career that I want to have. I'd really like to work somewhere fun like a magazine or newspaper in the entertainment area. Maybe my own editorial on the "it" thing of the moment, like TV shows, music and movies. And I'm also starting to be more comfortable with the idea of doing a TV show and actually being in front of the camera. These are just a few ideas I have in mind, but I know that whatever God has planned is going to be sooooo much better. I'm just getting warmed up to His ideas.

That's all for now,
Shelby
xoxox

What're you doing New Years Eve?

New Years is such an exciting time! I thought I would make a collage
showcasing the beauty of it! I also love the dressing up, though,
I usually don't go anywhere that requires dressing fancy like
the above picture shows. I've always had a thing for the sparkle,
but what girl doesn't? It's a great time to say goodbye
to the great memories, the bad memories and look
forward to whatever lies ahead. It's scary and extremely exciting!
I don't have any plans for the weekend as of now, but as long
as I'm with the ones I love most that's all that matters.

That's all for now,
Shelby

Christmas Vacation Quotes

Christmas Vacation has always been a family favorite this time of year! In fact, we love pretty much all of the "Vacation" movies because something hilarious is bound to happen when Chevy Chase is behind the wheel of the vehicle.
I watched the movie so many times this year; I can pretty much quote most of the main lines ;) haha.

Clark: Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old fashioned Christmas.

Clark: Dad, you taught me everything I know about exterior illumination.

Aunt Bethany: Is your house on fire Clark?
Clark: No, Aunt Bethany those are Christmas lights!

Clark: Can I refill your eggnog? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?
Eddie: Naw, I'm doing just fine Clark.

Eddie: Clark, Audrey's frozen from the waist down.
Clark: That's all part of the experience, honey.

Clark: I dedicate this house to the Griswold family Christmas.

Ellen: I don't know what else to say except it's Christmas and we're all I'm misery...

Clark: All my life I've wanted to have a big family Christmas!

If you haven't seen this movie...do it. What are you waiting for? Although you might want to watch the TV version, because Chevy Chase goes off a little bit towards the end LOL.

That's all for now,
Shelby

Christmas Memories

Christmas Memories- Alabama (great song, especially for a slideshow)

I have so many wonderful memories and traditions that have taken place at Christmastime, from the traditional things like leaving out a plate of milk and cookies for Santa, Christmas plays, and Christmas lights to trips with the family and other original moments. So many magical things happen in December, because it's the time of year that we can all feel like kids again, no matter what age.

Here are a few of my favorite memories:

• Opening a present every Christmas Eve, usually at 5:00 sharp; all day I would stare at the clock waiting for it to be that time.
• Being in church and school Christmas plays...that was always a HUGE deal for me!
• Putting up Christmas decorations right before Thanksgiving the past few years
• Hanging the Christmas lights the day after Thanksgiving
• Going to CALM to look at lights with the Newtons
• Ice skating with my best friends freshmen year of high school
• Reciting "The Night Before Christmas" when I was about five, and everyone was so impressed that I could remember it
• When my aunt, uncles, and cousins from Utah visited and we were gone practically all of Christmas week. We went to LA, the beach, and had an AMAZING time.
• My grandma and grandpa's house all decorated like Santa's Toyshop practically when they were here. We'd watch Christmas movies, have a fire going, and doing all sorts of festive things
• Baking cookies at my aunt's house after finals one day, my sophomore year of high school
• Christmas parties in elementary school and Jr. Hi
• Going to Disneyland at Christmas
• Singing George Strait's "New Kid in Town", and every year saying we'd record it for Grandma. Well....now I'll never get a chance to :*(
• Making a gingerbread house and Christmas music videos with my best friend a couple years ago
• Driving around to look at Christmas lights usually in the same neighborhood every year
• Hollywood Christmas parade this year
• Christmas Eve service the past couple years
• When we used to get together at my aunt's apartment every year. We'd eat something like a platter from Subway, open presents, play the "find the pickle in the tree" game, and just enjoy being together
• Watching all the holiday episodes of my favorite shows
• Doing "Secret Santa" with my best friends

As you can see, I could go on and on....These are just a few I could remember off the top of my head! I love Christmastime, and it will always be a big deal for me. 

That's all for now,

Shelby 

xoxox

What are some of your favorite holiday memories?

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas-may your days be merry and bright!"

Christmas Eve:
I went to Denny's for breakfast with my parents, which was great. I was able to showcase my Kardashian impressions, and we had a lot of laughs. The rest of the day was devoted to squeezing in last minute preparations for the next day (baking, cleaning, etc.) That night we had dinner with my aunt at this amazing Mexican restaurant in town, that was all dressed up for Christmas, and went to the Christmas Eve service at church where my other aunt and uncle met us. It was about making room for Jesus, despite the hustle and bustle of the "holiday season". We came back to our house for presents, then a couple of my cousins came over for a few hours. I haven't seen them in so long, so it was great for all of us to catch up. I had such a fun time :)

The jello salad

decorations at Mexicali

The coolest thing ever...this was a result of the steam from the tea pot on top of the plate

Me and my cousins

Christmas Day:
I actually woke up a lot earlier than I thought I would yesterday morning. My parents and I opened presents, then watched the Disney Christmas parade (It's a tradition). I was really lazy at getting ready, but I finally got around to it. Pretty soon, the family was filing in and the house was filled with talking and laughing. I love it when we all just come together; it doesn't really matter what we're doing. The guys watched basketball and football, the girls talked at the kitchen table, and I was went back and forth between the two the entire time. And we ate...A LOT. I felt like I was eating all day, but who cares? I was sick several days before that, so I was making up for it. I went to bed very grateful for all that I have and for my entire family, because I don't know where I'd be without them. We have our ups and downs, and our annoying habits, but we're family; we stick by each other through thick and thin.

drinking coffee out of my new mug

You have NO idea how excited I am for this!!!!!!!

Our technology party

Me and my cousin!!

You have no idea how many takes it took to get a good one...this wasn't it...lol.

Watching one of my favorite episodes of OTH on my new MAC ;)

Hope your Christmas was filled with a lot of love, laughter, and many blessings!

Love,
Shelby

"It's a different kind of Christmas, in a different kind of world. Even though it looks the same, everything has changed. It's a different kind of Christmas!" ~LeAnn Rimes~

I can't believe that another Christmas season has already come and gone. It seems like it was just beginning, and here we all are preparing to bring in a new year in just a week. Christmas is such a wonderful time, and has always been my favorite time of year of celebrating Jesus' birth, everyone being together making memories, parties, festive outfits, food, lights, cute movies, and presents. I'm only 19 years old, but I think back to Christmases as a kid and how everything was magical and beautiful.

However, as you get older, you experience more; you learn about heart break, pain, and a darkness of the world that you never see as a kid. Sometimes Christmas loses a sense of wonder and excitement that you used to know at five. But, I think that's when we lose sight of what's important. Maybe that's our reminder that everything doesn't have to be perfect the way we think it ought to be in our minds (I know mine is pretty unrealistic most of the time). Christmas might not be the same as when we were little, due to the loss of loved ones, we've strayed on our walk with God, we've become greedy, bitter, and obsessed with what's under the tree rather than why we have a tree in our living room in the first place. I think when we get our priorities right, everything else just sort of falls into place.

I'm sure as most of us have learned by now, nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. Things change very often, and we're always on our toes wondering what's going to happen next. With every season of our life comes a great change, and the Christmas season is no different. So, maybe this Christmas wasn't exactly what it has been in the past, but out of that new traditions can spark. Something really beautiful can come out of something that you'd never expect a good situation out of. I know that's what has happened to me the past couple of years. I used to get really disappointed when things didn't go the way I'd planned all along in my mind, but now I think of it as an adventure, and it has worked out really beautifully.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas, despite what circumstances might have occurred this year.

With Love,
Shelby