STEPHANIE: September 2008

Fall!!

There are a few good things about fall that I thought I'd mention:

1. The leaves actually change colors and there is a "fall" in Utah. In Las Vegas the leaves just kind of fall off the trees and onto the grass and you realize that it's not 110 or 120 anymore, it's cooling down and the high is only in the upper 90s.
2. TV shows come back! No more reruns
3. SPORTS!!
Football season starts up! Both college and pro
Baseball playoffs approach -- the best part, b/c there are just way too many regular season games to be able to follow
BASKETBALL! The NBA season is fast approaching. Time to choose my fantasy players and prove to all the doubters that the Suns are bonafide!
4. Thanksgiving is coming. My favorite holiday b/c it's all about my favorite things: family, food, football, and having a good time.
5. Conference b/c my cousins and some friends usually come up and I love being able to attend sessions while living here. Even though I'm usually exhausted the following week from waking up super early to get there in time to get tickets from people it's so worth it.

The end.

I am going to attempt keeping a regular blog going and update it at least once a week...but no promises. Enjoy.

Ireland

Last summer I received a phone call from my mother asking me what I planned on doing around August of the following summer (2008, last month.) I was kind of taken aback because I usually do not plan that far ahead. I asked her what her plans were because obviously she had something up her sleeve and I really wanted in on it. That plan went down last month and I went to Ireland with my mom and two of my younger sisters, Courtney and Ashleigh. We had so much fun! Ireland is a beautiful country and the people there were so receptive and kind. However, I must complain: it is way too wet. I am a desert rat. I love the rain where I'm from b/c it is very rare and therefore, very enjoyable. While in Ireland it rained so much and when we did get sunshine I decided to take a picture of just the sun as proof that it does shine on that beautiful country.
I really enjoyed the trip and have realized lately that spending time with my family is what brings me joy. Looking back over the years I believe that I took advantage of the family nights and the time that I did have with my family. I used to get kind of annoyed that my parents wanted to do something as a family all the time b/c naturally, I just wanted to be with my friends. Now that I'm all grown up (and very mature...) I think my parents were very strong and I am so grateful for all the chances I did spend with them and the memories we created. I miss family night and eating dinner with them and watching games and all the little things that you don't realize you are so blessed to have until you don't get to see that everyday. I hope my family knows how much I love them!