Breaking in my Country Boots

It's been about a month-ish since I posted, so since I finished work and my homework early (rare thing!) I figured I'd give a little update on whats been going on lately in the world of Tara.

Singles Awareness month was just like any other. So focused with school and work that when the obnoxious little heart decorations and cheesy "Kay Jewelers" adds starting showing up, I didn't even realize that the holiday was this month. I was however counting down the days till a concert I have been waiting for since I was hmm 16? That's right: LADY ANTEBELLUM. They're my favorite band, if you couldn't tell by the big bold letters.

Anyway, I went with my sister, cousin and two of my sisters friends. So basically I was the only one under 30. Note to self: Do not wear new healed boots to a concert.

But it was one of the best valentines I have ever had. Who needs men when you have you're girls and this to stare at all night??

More pictures will follow! But needless to say it was amazing concert!

School and Work? Keep getting crazier and crazier. Let's start with school, I'm dancing again! Which is great because I was going crazy. I'm not expecting it to go anywhere but if I can keep doing it, I will be grateful.

Work? Hmm, how to explain. I was supposed to be out of a job before Christmas but instead it just keeps getting busier. I'm not complaining though, I have a monthly income which is more than most people in our country can say at the moment. So, as long as I have it, I will try to enjoy it.

Now moving on to the portion of my blog where I get to feel like a boy crazed teen...

Missionary Update!
All the boys have their calls now!

Austin: Has been in Ghana for almost a month, still getting used to things but loving it! So proud of him! Reading his emails let's me know he hasn't changed a bit!

Rob: leaves in 15 days!! He is counting down and so excited, farewell this Sunday. Excited to hear him speak!

Joe: Got his call a few weeks ago and leaves the middle of March for Missouri. So fast! But happy he is finally going :)

Cakes: Has to wait awhile, but that means we get him for a few more months ;) Leaves May 16th (Right cakes?) For Soa Paulo Brazil.

Preston: Leaves the same day as Cakes! Heading for Berlin Germany.

Love them all-they're going to make incredible missionaries!! (Austin already is!)

-tlc

P.S. 31 Days till Hunger Games!

The Amazing Dave Ramsey

So one of my New Years Resolutions was to budget my money better. So far.....not so great.

But my Dad made a suggestion, he is a big Dave Ramsey fan and one of his techniques for becoming better at budgeting was using envelopes.

Each month I will divide up my paycheck into 4 different envelops, each with different amounts. Monthly Payments: phone and insurance on my car = $35. Get It? And then whatever is left will go into the bank.

For the next few months I am going to try this and then I'll let you all know if it really works. Well, I know it will because if Jeff Ward taught me anything it was that "Dave Ramsey is AWESOME!"

-tlc

P.S. I finally finished my book boxes and now I have a cute little "book nook" :)

Do Not Open Until January 2013

I try to do this once a year, and the years that I have done it have proved most interesting.

Each year I write a note to my future self talking about what has happened lately, what I am looking forward too doing, my goals, and random updates on friends and families. Corny yes, but it's nice to have a reminder each year of how things have been and how quickly everything can change. It also can be a "slap in the face" sometimes when I don't accomplish things I knew that I could have.

This years letter included my New Years Resolutions, missionary updates, and family updates. Along with an "inspiring message" to myself in the hopes that I have changed and can look forward with a positive attitude. Can you sense my sarcasm?

But really, it is a nice refresher for my attitude on things.

Recommend that you try it! The hardest part is keeping it closed until the decided date ;)

-tlc

Before the year ends...

Lots of news to share with my "faithful followers"

I finally grew up and did something that I've wanted to do to my hair for quite sometime now. I dyed it! Not super dramatic but still, it's different. For those of you who know how my mom is, you understand how big of a deal this was. She basically has had “rights” to my hair since I was a little girl. Never wanting to cut or change it in any way. But thankfully, she likes it but is hoping I don’t keep it like this and go back to my natural color (which is not happening anytime soon!)

Next was Christmas

This year was more on the spiritual side for me. Which was perfect and just what I needed. It reminded me what I need to do to get my life back on track. A few of my friends and I went up to Temple Square (which was packed! To be explained in a later more “vent” like post) It was gorgeous, as always, but I wish there could have been some snow on the ground. (STILL WISHING FOR THAT) But anyway, it was a great night. I always love being so close to any temple but the SLC temple has a soft spot. My parents were married there by Gordon B. Hinckley (before he was a prophet), two of my brothers were married there and one day I hope to be married there. It has always been my favorite temple and getting to make a wish in front of it in the reflection pond made it even more special.

*photo credit K. Lani Staples :)

(Preston, Rob, Ali, Me, K Lani, Karenna & Austin)

I have always dreaded having Christmas on a Sunday. Yes I realize this makes me sound like a terrible person- ok I guess dread is the wrong word. But you all know what I mean. Anyway, this year was different. Presents and trying to see what Santa brought was the furthest thing from my mind when I woke up that morning. I went to my homeward where we celebrated not only Christmas but the 50^th anniversary of our building. This was especially tender for me because my grandpa was one of the many men who worked so hard on the building our beautiful church (complete with amazing stain glass windows which are sadly gone, but the "bishop killer" remains) and my mother attended the first meeting at the age of 11. They finished and dedicated the building on Christmas Eve.

I owe a lot to that ward and the people in it. Also have some fond memories at that church…. My fellow E-4 wardies will understand….

-passing notes in Sunday school and eating cheerios snuck from my house

-sneaking into the tunnel during the Christmas party

-(Bruce will only get this one) M.R. ;)

-convincing the primary kids at the 24^th of July picnic that the stage at the bottom of the hill was haunted

-and my favorite…meeting at the “corner” on the nights after mutual exchanging our “deep dark secrets” such as who do you like? Who would you date in the ward? Who do you want to date at school? Etc. They never really got anywhere but were always juicy!

(*the official secret session rules, with sara's amazing art skills)

Then came the actual Christmas celebration with my family. My parents and I returned home to see what Santa had brought me. Mostly books and silly gag gifts along with a Kindle (which I didn’t even know I would want/like) Then game the presents from under the tree. My mom immediately threw 3 at my feet, which is odd because we usually go in order from oldest to youngest starting with my dad. But she said it didn’t matter. So I proceeded to open the following…car fresheners, snow/ice scraper and then in the last box, obviously if you couldn’t tell where this was going, was a pair of keys to MY “new” ford explorer! Found it in the driveway and was so excited!

Now all I need is a name for him/her……

One of Santa’s spoils was all 7 of the Harry Potter books and the Hunger Games trilogy which I have been wanting to read for a while now. Well, I finished the first book in 3 days and I. AM. HOOKED. I’m already 10 chapters into the next one and cannot wait until the movie comes out this March!

Now I get to feel like a cheesy boy crazed girl but I love these particular boys so here ya go...

Missionary Update!!

Austin – leaves for Ghana in about 20 days

Robert – leaves for Benin 2 days before my birthday, March 17^th

Matt – leaves for Brazil Sao Paulo (spell it right cakes?) in June(?) or is it May

Preston - ???? we find out next week! I’m betting Poland or Russia, somewhere cold that needs his peppy attitude desperately.

Love them, they are going to make incredible missionaries!

Now for the songs that I have murdered the replay button on

**Safe & Sound – Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars

-written for The Hunger Games and it fits perfectly.

SPOILER: I think it was for when Rue dies and Katniss is covering her in flowers in the meadow-it seems like a spin off the lullaby she sings to her

-If you are a Hunger Games fan, listen to it! I want to know your opinion

Dancing Away with my Heart – Lady Antebellum

-love them and get to see them in concert on Valentines Day!

-Their songs always tell the best stories and this reminds me of someone very well

Owned the Night – Lady Antebellum

-another amazing hit that makes me miss summer

Stronger Album – Kelly Clarkson

-have loved her from the beginning and this album is no exception!

-the whole thing is amazing but my favorites are …

-What Doesn’t Kill You

-I forgive You

-Mr. Know it All

-Einstein (cheesy lyrics but still fun)

-Dark Side

-Hello

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ready for the “last year on earth” ?

HAPPY 2012!

-tlc

Finals...need I say more?

Figured I would do a quick update even though I should probably be working on my 10 page paper that is due hmm, TOMORROW. Meh oh well, my best work happens when I procrastinate :) -true statement, despite what my mom would think.

So, a lot has gone down in the I guess 3 weeks (?) since I last posted to all you loyal followers.

Bullet point list for my laziness, ready go.

-It's finals and I, like the rest of my hundreds of other class mates, am stressing out. Funny how just one simple word can bring so much pain and the awkward pit feeling in the bottom of your stomach feeling, you know what I'm talking about? Well yes I have had a lot of that going on lately, sure most of you have too, glad to know I'm not alone.

-My bestest friend moved :( only to Lehi but still, she used to only be 10 minutes away when I needed a lunch date or just someone to listen to me rant about boys, family, school and work.

-(hasn't happened yet but is coming soon) Another one of my best friends will be getting his call, thats right Cakes-I'm talking about you ;)

Crazy how much has changed and how much is going to change which leads me to my next point....

-this last Saturday was the 2 year, I wouldn't call it reunion since it was kind of tragic, but it has been 2 years since we wrecked our awesome "group" car the S.R. (I can't tell you what the initials stand for...hehehe) *see post http://taralynclark.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-car-crash.html 2 years ago I was pining after a certain someone, had an awful relationship with my parents, was not graduating high school, and cheesy one-had never been kissed ;)

It will be very interesting to see what will happen over the next couple of years.

So 2 down, 3 to go

Austin-Ghana

Robert-Cantonou...probably spelled that wrong but it's in Africa

Cakes- ????? I'm going to cause Accra just cause he wants to go there but I'm also gonna say.....either Japan or Germany-random yes but aren't mission guesses suppose to be (But i was the closest guess for Rob's-thank you Pirate for guessing a Safari)

-I have been using Christmas gifts/decorations as an excuse to take a break from my "diligent" studying....haha I can't even write that with a straight face.

Anyway, most of my gifts this year have been homemade-I'm so crafty huh? I would share pictures but there are some people who read this who would then see their gifts -so....I will put them up after Christmas to share with everyone. Anyway, I am very proud with the results since I am not normally this crafty but the gifts have turned out really cool. Hoping the people like them! :) *Cough*Mom, Dad, Ali, Karenna, Maddie, Audrey*cough* ;)

And now for the new song(s) that I have been obsessed with lately...

**Halo by Kate Havnevik

-awesome lyrics and it just sounds really cool

thanks to greys anatomy for introducing this artist to me :)

&

I Forgive You by Kelly Clarkson

-because her new album is awesome and I have always loved her and I'm going to see her with my two best friends the day after my birthday!!!

Spiritual thought of the week:

"Get on your knees and pray, then get on your feet and work" - Gordon B. Hinckley

Hope you all have successful finals and do great in your classes!!

-tlc

Being an Adult is Overrated

"Remember when you were a kid and your biggest worry was like... if you'd get a bike for your birthday or if you'd get to eat cookies for breakfast. Being an adult: TOTALLY overrated. I mean seriously, don't be fooled by the hot shoes and hot dates and no parents anywhere telling you what to do. Being an adult is responsibility. Responsibility really does suck. Really, REALLY sucks. Adults have to be places and do things and earn a living and pay the rent.
Kind of makes bikes and cookies look really, really good, doesn't it? The scariest part about responsibility? When you screw up and let it slip right through your fingers.

Responsibility. It really does suck. Unfortunately, once you get past the age of braces and training bras, responsibility doesn't go away. It can't be avoided. Either someone makes us face it or we suffer the consequences. And still adulthood has it perks. I mean the shoes, the dates, the no parents anywhere telling you what to do. That's, pretty dang good."- greys anatomy

Basically, I'm in need of a vent session and Greys Anatomy provides for many quotes. So here you go, another post of me complaining. But the thing is, most of my so called "followers" don't actually read this so I don't feel bad for complaining yet again.

It is officially Christmas time which means only 3 weeks left in the semester and me scared out of my mind. I'm starting to realize the reality that I'm most likely NOT going to get into the nursing program next year-which is going to suck because then I'll have to go to somewhere like Stevens Heneger which is great don't get me wrong but what's the point then of me trying at UVU? I guess I just need to have a pity party for myself- buck up Tara and stop whining. Got it.

Next points-
Tara needs to find...
1. Cheap car (Jess if you're reading this, considering selling the Honda? ;)
2. And a cheap place to live ASAP, I love my parents but it's time. I would love to live on my own for once-and if it doesn't work out then I'll come home or just get married-just kidding!!!
3. Something not to find but to lose-some weight would be great!

Hmmm, we need something to lighten up this blog before I quit.......

28 days 22 hours 11 minutes and 2 seconds till Christmas!!! Happy Holidays everyone! Finally time to bust out the cheesy movies and music :)

Wishin' & Hopin'

"We all get at least one good wish a year. Over the candles on our birthday. Some of us throw in more. On eyelashes, fountains, lucky stars, and every now and then, one of those wishes comes true. So what then? Do we bask in the warm glow of our happiness? Or, do we just notice we've got a long list of other wishes waiting to be wished?"

Wishes have been on my mind lately, especially with the arrival of this Friday - for all of you who don't keep track of these things, this Friday will not only be Veterans day but also 11/11/11- so for all those wishers out there we have some thinking to do.

So what are you wishing for? Love, school, work or 50 more wishes?

I've been thinking about it and honestly...I have no idea. I have so many hopeless wishes that can probably can come true by my hand alone but it's always nice to have a little bump.

So I need help, I need an epic wish/wishes to be thinking about that day.

"We don't wish for the easy stuff. We wish for big things. Things that are ambitious, out of reach. We wish because we need help and we're scared and we know we may be asking too much. We still wish though, because sometimes they come true."

*quotes from grey's anatomy