Orlando

On Saturday, we flew to Orlando, via St. Louis. It's funny that I've flown into that airport 3 times and still haven't seen the arch that goes over the city. Taking off and landing was pretty hard for Mom and her vertigo, because of her ears. We didn't get to our hotel till 2 am. We had 2 separate rooms. In my room, it looked like there was blood splatted all over the carpet and the bathtub was cracked, so it felt like I was surfing when I took a shower.

On Sunday, it rained most of the day. We went to the Magic Kingdom. Mom was sad she couldn't go on Splash Mountain and It's A Small World, her favorite rides, because of her vertigo. After our nap, we went to Epcot. We went around the World Showcase to shop.

On Monday, we got an email from Ryan, telling us he loves Gainesville where he is currently serving. It was raining again, so we went to Wal-Mart to get groceries. We went to Sonic for lunch and tried to order fry sauce, LOL. After our nap, we went to Downtown Disney and it was packed. Mom bought 5 antenna toppers.

On Tuesday, we went to the 192 flea Market and bought Ryan an "I [heart] Florida" t-shirt and mug. At night, we went to Old Town. It's this cool place with old fashioned shops and rides. In one of the shops I found a sticker that said, "I like poetry, long walks on the beach, and poking dead things with a stick." Mom was craving Chinese food so we found one, but it cost about 50 dollars for three of us, because the soup and the rice were extra.

On Wednesday, we went back to Epcot. Dad got sick, riding Mission Space. It didn't help that he decided to on Test Track right after that. Mom bought a passport book and we had to go to all the countries to get it stamped. We also went back to the Magic Kingdom. We went on the Winnie the Pooh ride, saw Mickey's Philharmagic, rode the Haunted Mansion and the people mover. On the tram ride back to our car, a lady was discussing with her family, "If they're both dogs, why can Goofy talk and Pluto can't?" We ate at Taco Bell for dinner.

On Thursday, We ate at Chick-Fil-A on our way to Typhoon Lagoon. Mom and I had a double tube on the river run and I pulled her the whole way around. Then we went to the Festival Bay Mall and bought stuff from Ron Jon's surf shop and Hilo Hattie.

Yesterday, we flew home, via Phoenix. When we were walking the baggage claim area, there was a missionary hugging his mom. Mom got teary-eyed and I told her in 10 months, she would be hugging Ryan at the airport.

John Mayer Concert

Last night, we went to the John Mayer concert at the USANA amphitheater in West Valley City. My  favorite band, Maroon 5 opened for him. It was awesome. We were there for 5 hours.

California

After church, we drove to Vegas. We stayed at Circus Circus and walked around the midway.

On Monday, we drove to California. We got to attend a taping of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The guests were Snoop Dogg, Ashlee Simpson, and two eighty year old women who are wrestlers. Snoop's microphone wouldn't work, so while they were trying to get him a new one, he did an improv rap for us. It was pretty cool. Ashlee perfromed her new single, "Pieces of Me."

On Tuesday, we went shopping at the Block at Orange, Downtown Disney, and went to Knott's berry farm to get chicken and mashed potatoes.

On Wednesday, we went on The Warner Bros. studio tour. They had a Harry Potter exhibit, and I got to try on the sorting hat, who told me "Griffindor!" We got to see the sets of Friends, ER, Gilmore Girls, and Joey. The tour guide, Johnny kept asking me what moisturizer I use. After the tour, we went back to the hotel and watched the American Idol 3 finale.

On Thursday, we went to Sea World and ate dinner at the Spaghetti Factory at Newport Beach.

On Friday, it was raining. We went shopping and ate at the Crab Cooker at Newport Beach.

On Saturday, we went to the O.C. Swapmeet and drove back to Vegas.

Today, we drove home, stopping in Mesquite for breakfast.

Las Vegas

I went to Las Vegas with my parents last week. We shopped a lot at the many malls. We also went and saw V: The Ultimate Variety Show at the Venetian.

Carnival Spirit

On December 17th, we got on the Carnival Spirit in Miami and went to Karaoke and the Welcome Aboard show.

For the first formal night, I wore my blue dress and we went to the comedy show, newlywed game and the travel plan talk. We also went to the Piano bar and sang songs. The cruise directors are Michael and Jeni Mullane, a husband and wife team, both excellent singers.

On December 20th, we docked in St. Maarten and went on the island tour bus ride and shopping. Vendors kept bothering me, asking me if I wanted my hair braided. The evening show was Singin' with the Big Band, a tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra with Christopher Alan Graves.

On December 21st, we docked in Barbados and took an island tour bus. We saw the Knobby knees competition, the guest talent show and went to the Midnight buffet on the lido deck where we danced the Macarena, and Los Ketchup dance.

On December 22nd, we docked in Martinique. Dad went snorkeling while Mom and I walked into town and went shopping. We saw the Village Idiots Comedy show. For the second formal night, I wore my red dress. . We also watched Survivor and the "High Spirits" musical.

On Christmas Eve, Dad got picked to play trivia and got a ship on the stick for second place. They had a Christmas show with Santa and a comedian.

Today, we disembarked the ship and sat on Miami Beach. We also talked to Ryan on the phone on our way to the airport. It was the first time we got to talk to him since he left on his mission.

John Mayer

David Boreanaz

Island Park

To celebrate Mom's 47th birthday, we drove to Island Park and stayed at Uncle Don's cabin. We drove up to West Yellowstone and saw Oklahoma! at the Playmill Theatre.

Orlando

On July 19th, we flew to Orlando, Florida, with a layover in St. Louis. We went to the 192 flea market, Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island. We went to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and MGM. We went to the Maingate flea market, an outlet mall, and went miniature golfing. We ate at Sonny's BBQ.

Island Park

We drove up to Island Park on July 4th. You can tell you're in a podunk town, when you see 2 people racing each other on Tractors. Mom is still sick from her Vertigo. She gets really dizzy when she walks, so she has to hang on to one of us. It's about 70 degrees up here, so it feels good to get some clean fresh air. It's so peaceful.

We went to the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone and saw Deadwood Dick. It was a really good western play. During intermission one of the girls kept hitting Dad on the shoulder with her stack of programs just to be funny. This guy named Ryan gave Dad the dirtiest look when Dad told him he wanted some popcorn instead of fudge. We pointed out that we had already bought some fudge from him. After the play, we went and ate pizza at the Gusher and walked around the shops

Yesterday, We went to Big Springs to see the big fish. There wasn't many fish this year. A little girl dropped her toy off the bridge into the water and cried because she couldn't get it back as it floated downstream. We sent Ryan a postcard from West Yellowstone. We went back to West Yellowstone when we woke up from our nap. Mom bought a bear and a moose antenna topper for her car. We were driving back from the Hardware store and saw a pair of missionaries. Dad rolled down his window and yelled, "Yeah Elders!" They smiled and waved at us.

Anaheim

We drove to Las Vegas and stayed at the Excalibur on May 8th. We also went to the forum shops at Caesar's Palace.

We drove to California on May 9th and stayed at the Holiday Inn Select in Anaheim. We also went shopping at Downtown Disney.

On May 10th, we went the O.C. swap meet and walked through the ports of call shops at Long Beach before we picked up Ryan at the airport.

On May 11th, we went to Universal Studios and since it was Mother's Day, they gave Mom a rose.

On May 12th, We went shopping at the Block at Orange. I spent most of my money at Border's. We also drove to Huntington Beach. Mom and I found a lot of really big seashells.

On May 13th, we went to Knott's Berry Farm. It was practically dead. We wore our ponchos on the river raft ride.

On May 14th, we went to the NBC Studio tour. We saw Pat O'Brien from Access Hollywood and we got to see where they film Days of Our Lives and the Tonight Show. We also drove to the Santa Monica Pier and drove past Pepperdine University and the homes in Malibu.

On May 15th, we ate lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in Newport Beach. We went shopping at Fashion Island.  We drove back to Las Vegas. We ate dinner at the Rio Carnival World buffet and stayed at the Best Western. On our way home today, we stopped in Mesquite and looked at condos. It would be nice to get out of the snow, but all there is to do there is to golf.

All in the Timing

Mom and I went and saw the play, All in the Timing for my humanities on the internet class. It was pretty weird.

Las Vegas

We went to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving. I turned 21 right before the trip so I put a quarter into a slot machine. We ate a buffet for Thanksgiving dinner. While we were there, we went and saw the movie, The Santa Clause 2.

Island Park

We went to Island Park, Idaho. We went and saw Annie Get Your Gun and You Can't Take it With You at the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone. We ate pizza at the Gusher. We came home on July 6th.

Oahu

On June 2nd, we flew to Honolulu, Hawaii, with a layover in San Francisco. Ryan's friend Seth went with us. They rented mopeds to go around Waikiki. We got chocolate pineapple at the Dole Factory and it was delicious. We went to North Shore, Pearl Harbor, and the LDS temple's visitor's center. We went to Germaine's Luau and all our regular shopping places. At the luau, Ryan and Seth were chosen to kiss all the girls who went up on stage and danced the hula. We went to the Aloha Bowl Swap Meet twice. We ate dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory twice.

Island Park

On July 26th, Mom and I drove up to Island Park, Idaho to spend a couple of days with my mom's brother and his family. I played games with my cousins. We went horseback riding up a mountain and when I tried to get on the horse, the back of my jeans ripped. We went and saw Damn Yankees at the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone.

On July 27th, We went to Big Springs and saw the big fish. We went back to the cabin and worked on a puzzle. All of us girls, drove up to see Old Faithful and missed it while we were eating in the lodge, because we got distracted by a squirrel in the dining room. Mom bought me a dream catcher necklace. We went and saw Forever Plaid at the Playmill Theatre. AnnGee had me hold her hand while she wanted to shake hands with the cast after. When we got back to the cabin, we played some more games.

On July 28th, My mom's sister came up to the cabin right as my mom's brother and his family were leaving. Mom bought me a ring and a butterfly necklace. We went and saw Little Shop of Horrors at the Playmill Theatre. After the play, we went a got Pizza from Gusher's. We also got a raspberry vanilla bar from Dairy Queen.

Today, we drove home.

Florida

On June 8th, we flew to Florida. We had a stop in Phoenix. We went to Epcot, Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios, and drove to Pompano beach. While were at MGM, we went on the Rock N Roller coaster for the first time and it was really scary. Then we drove down to Miami and took a boat out to the coral reefs in Key Largo. We drove back up to Orlando and went to Pleasure Island, Animal Kingdom, back to MGM studios, and Typhoon Lagoon. We flew home on June 17th, with a stop in Albuquerque.

Las Vegas

We drove on March 29th to Vegas to meet my dad, who was down there for a convention.

We stayed at Circus Circus on Thursday night and ate dinner at the Sahara buffet.

On Friday, we stayed at the Frontier Hotel. We went to Excalibur, MGM, and Aladdin.

On Saturday, we went and saw the movie, Heartbreakers at MGM. We went to the Bellagio, Monte Carlo, Caesar's Palace, Bourbon Street, Hard Rock Hotel, Bally's, Paris, Maxim, and Tropicana. We ate at the pizzeria at Circus Circus for dinner. We also went to Fashion Show Mall.

On Sunday, we drove home.

Island Park

Mom and I went back up to Don's cabin in Island Park for the first weekend in August. We went and saw Annie Get Your Gun and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat at the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone. We brought the movie, Dante's Peak to watch while we were in the cabin. A guy at the theatre asked Mom and I if we were sisters. Mom told him I was her daughter. After the play, I went and shook all the cast's hand in their reception line.

Island Park

We went camping at my uncle Don's cabin in Island Park, Idaho from July 10th to July 12th. We went to the Playmill theatre and saw Joseph and the Amazing Colored Dreamcoat in West Yellowstone. While we were at the theatre, they sang happy anniversary to Mom and Dad, who were celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Julia Stiles

Model

Makeup

Watercolor Box

A watercolor box I did for my AP art class.

Summer Camp

Pickup truck waiting for the storm to blow over.
Setting up camp and making a fire.
Especially cold for an August night.
Crisp air from that morning's prelude.
The pine trees are enchanted with sparkles.
Awaking to the sound of a chipmunk chasing a baby bird on a branch.
Only in the mountains, can you have so much peace.

Deep Sleep

Words float into my head when I dream.
I dream of the best things like deserted beaches and rusty hammocks.
I dream about going somewhere South and exploring ancient ruins.
I dream about my fears of sharks, dinosaurs, and snakes.
I dream about the love I'll never get and cry to make it real.
Then I wake up and forget everything,
Only to discover the secrets over and over again,
Each and every night.

So Many Souls

I wonder how many people I will never meet...
I wish I could meet them all
Putting a part of their goodness into me.

Serenity

My head is spinning
and it's going to shatter
into a million pieces.
My fingers bleed hungrily
for a piece of paper and a pen.
I'm having writer's block,
hoping it's not permanent.
I'd give anything
to have a pillow
and a blanket,
so I could sleep
and maybe dream
up some words to write.

The Industrious one

Goes by Beloved
My work friend
God's promise is her middle name
Lying in fear of tumors
She is brave

She Who Supplants

A girl known with a boy's name
Living in a sunny town
Watches gothic television shows
Recovering from a cliff-climbing accident

Sick to Death

Sick to death
Been there, saw that
Freedom is life's engagement
Bundles of lies and promises
Beautiful sweat
Silver chisels are forgotten

Hunting Experience

Snakes
Slither into the jungle
Whispering to the trees
Swimming in the river
Stalking their prey
Poking out their beady eyes
And their shallow tongues
Hiding in the branches till dusk

Shallow Tuesdays

Winter winds sound like cooking pans
Banging into the windows
And paint is torn from the cottages
I can't sleep
Because the wind is too noisy
To close my eyes
So I comfort my cat
Who is too scared
To poke her head out of the covers
To see if the windows are broken
I wish and pray I could be deaf

Nature's Pen

Nature's pen . . .
Takes the dullest word and makes it into a lurid sentence.
Writes poetry taste like summer's strawberries,
Too delicious to stare at.
Sways back and forth in the park's breeze.
Makes the wind tickle my cheek with its fingers, as it brushes my hair.
Dances in the moonlight to no particular melody.

If I Could Leave

If I could leave this place,
I would go to Ireland,
I hear it's nice in the spring.

If I Were an Animal

If I were an animal,
I would be a cat,
Staring out the window,
Chasing butterflies.

Raindrops

Raindrops
Puddles of purple paint
Flowing onto the paper
Making a rainbow of weather
More beautiful than any artist can paint
Crisp, cool, and brillant in the summer's breeze

Walking Home

Walking home on expanded roads and high cliffs,
Punishment for being to greedy.
A five minute race,
Mailbox is the finishe line.
Closing my eyes, pretending to be blind,
Counting the steps,
Trampling over daffodils,
The air grasps my throat,
Making my lungs ache,
Rain conquers my thirst.

The Funeral

The Funeral
to remember you this way
Singing hymms to you
Your wonderful smile
Picture frames of fuzzy memories
Hope is lingering to emptyness
Wishing for one more day
To hear your laugh
Hope you are happy

Picnic

My nose bleeds on my hand in between my fingers.
I reach for a napkin but all there are are paper towels.
Everyone stares at me like I'm an invalid.
I look into their eyes and wonder why they never get blood noses.
Maybe their noses don't run at all,
Because they're perfect in their sheltered lives.
A life full of silver napkins and metal forks.
Where chicken drowns in mashed potatoes.
And bees sip their kool-aid
Checkered tablecloths and picnick baskets.
Till their picnic is ruing by ants and my bloody nose.

Cloud

Sometimes I wish
I was a cloud
So I could look down
And see the greatest
Things in the whole world

The Yard

That empty yard
used to be full
of children, trampolines, and laughter.
Now I'm indoors,
looking out to the past.

The Garden

Gardens in Autumn,
Full of roses and grass,
The fresh sunshine,
The warm weather,
Starting to decay.

The Sky

The Sky is full
Of fragile clouds
In a storm,
Whether or not
There's sunshine.

Heaven

Walking on the ceiling,
Swirling in the air,
Standing on the clouds,
Whispering in the wind,
So this in heaven?

Monday Mornings

The wretched misery of waking up early on Monday mornings.
Having to go to yucky school.
Sleeping through class, missing the test.
Stay up late, sleep in again.
Same bad, different day.

Instant Chemistry

Instant Chemistry
Sparks friendship
Series of tug of words
Feeling inadequate
Expressing hostility
Threatened by feelings
Enough said
Lashing intentions
Little moments
Mending drama

Real

Rain hits the skin like bricks.
Hollywood has affordable stars.
Natural lips say chapped words.

Open Minds

Doubts cause trouble for your whole life.
Hysteria affect consequences.
Forgiveness wishes to take mistakes back.
Let the rain interupt your horizon.
Cloak your life with harmony.
Overcome blocks and advance.
Show people you're expanding.
Be tough minded and passion bound
Tenderness heals hearts
Close your eyes to the sunrise.

Music

I used to think
the melody of a song
represents a soul
so deep in courage
that the wind enfolds
a magical tune
over the trees
into the sunshine of revelation.
Now music is dead
and love is wrong
going forthright
into the moon
beams of joy
orcestrating forever.

The Truth

Boys cry,

love chick flicks,

stress over romance,

worry about their looks.

Monsters

Monsters are interesting people,
Leaving a dangerous legacy.
They're all out to get us.
Beginning the saga.
Hungry for blood and root beer,
Perfect mix of happy life.

Beach

I have to draw the beach.
I don't go there too often
It reminds me of hope and seashells.
Something I can't comprehend.

Secrets

Secrets . . .
Broke his heart, made him blue.
Aren't you sweet?
Closing your eyes,
Putting yourself about his emotions.

Postraumatic Love Disorder

True love,
Hormones on parade.
Mortified and amused.
Consolation prize.
Postraumatic love disorder,
Shocked and baffled.

Letters

I miss you too much already.
Now it seems like forever,
Too long of a distance.
I'm not worried, up to the test.
Think about calendars,
Dotting the days with my fingerprints

Crunchy Attitude

Crunchy attitude
Nothing but gorgeous
I am dressed
Don't miss me too much
Truly flirts
Good kindness
A knowledge of blood
We are athletic
Time is a corny phase
Gallop growing foundation
Men are clowns
Smile and love
Compassionate libraries
Hey wicked turbulence
I'll dream true expectations
No more friendship
Don't trust commercials
In the airport of waist
Enjoy powerful tragedies
It's only now and again
Being stalked
Stop trying to improve
Just remember happiness
Wake up the future technology

Unique Fools

Hope is hungry.
Angel, what is mercy?
Images are great for special examinations.
Walks become worth it.
Blind education.
Rejection free
Twisted winds
Tunned ends
Stop always
Selfish fears
Courage Charity
Eccentric contraction
Follow sharing time

Weekend Plans

Taste the natural soil made by catepillars and dirt.
Just have a bloody good time full of laughter in the pain.
Stub your toe with a rock
Breathe faster as you walk
Make a chicken sandwich
Staple your body to a recliner.
Hammer your alarm clock

School Daze

To be anywhere but here,
The beach is pitch black.
Next Friday, we'll fight the Galaxy Quest,
Gossip about pencil lead
That make tattoos unprofessionally.
Whispers kissing you ears,
The wreckage of school buses.
It's a world full of donuts and hamburgers.
Let's go get some pie.

Story Book

Sad pears fall into the night.
Kisses are wild in the wind.
Songs are caught in the raging rain.
Fire can't close open doors.

Attitude

Walk free and shriek on love days.
I miss your smile.
Forgive me if you hate me,
Except in cartoons.
Sleeping kittens look like poetry.
Life isn't a reward,
Giving light of happiness.

Brain Label

Brain label,
Just sit there and pretend you don't care.
Kissing wrong at the same time
Afraid to leave there,
Coming here was for no reason.
Hiding my face, saying no.
I pretend the clouds sing, soaring through the sky.

Cereal & Crayons

You know I love to color
I need some new crayons
You drive me home
I put the groceries away and say,
We're having fruit loops from now on.

One Gift of God

Chews on a pen
Wearing glasses
Black finger nails
Inquisitive
Ignorant

Amazed

Oily benches to sit on
Sleep shares words with darkness
All knocks are secretful

Rhyme a Little

There's a needle in my foot,
In which I used to sew.
Took a raindrop and dripped
The following note on it:

Do you think I'm insane, do you think I have a care?

Open my brain and examine me,
There's lot of room to stare.
Go ahead and put me in a cell.
I'll bang against the rail.

Give me some meds, I'll put them in my keds.
Padded walls and kitty cats.
I get bitten by the bats.

Always been told I was crazy,
Too independent for daisies.
And my heart is smashed,
Last checks have been cashed.

Show me doves, show me knives,
Show me how you live your lives.
You are second to best,
Having my pajama fests.

You are my match,
My burnt cookie batch.
Believe me dear,
I'm not sincere.

Ordinary Memories

Savor the past so perfectly clear.
Memorize having a broken heart,
Sing and say please.
But times comes to an end,
For drinking wishes from a puddle.
Hope has worn out our sleeves.
Our love is history, day after day.

Snow

Drip. Drip. Drip.
We don't appreciate you,
You being here is havoc.
I have the right to be dry,
Standing in your hazzard.

Floating Heartbeats

Pitch a joke at first sight.
Demote myself to breakfast.
Hungry letters slide into view.
Hustles great sums of photographs.
Poetic toward the sidewalk
Slashed lip gloss afterwards.

Panic Fear

Searching the streets,
The voices come closer,
Turning to whispers.
Leaping with anticipation.
Just waiting to come and get me.
I don't scare.
They know they can break me.
I have nowhere to go.
They're not worth the mud on my shoes.
I am nothing, they are strong.

Prison of Tears

I'm always trapped.
Looking outside, in.
There's no key.
I'm stuck here
Others move on, walking up ladders.
What lies beyond this evil world?
I don't know
I only have polished nightmares.

The Handsome One

Funny jokes
Baseball cap
Bleached hair
Violet eyes
Musical keychains
Wall Pennies
Math doesn't add up.
Unanswered valentine

Chilly Air

You don't mean anything to me.
I hate you, I really do.
Revenge is sugary.
Please let it rain.
You makes my lung ache,
They're about to explode.
I love to be warm,
Being alone is peace.

Traffic Jam

Traffic jam.
Communication boredom.

Alone Again

Hope shook his fist.
Fall in first gear.
Snakes in the driveway.
They're not following me.
Brains are bawling.
I got the chills.
My heart beats quickly.

Chatters

Aren't you ashamed, you little liar?!
You make me sick with your presence.
Just go away and leave me alone,
You little varment.
Grow up, be reduced.
You are nothing but a fear,
For me to quit worrying about.

In the Dark Hours

Refuse to see things your way.
Save the names of writers.
Overcome problems.
Outskirting stars.
Scheming powers.
Uncovered rains.

Also Available

Rumors cast. Suffering hallucinations. I am an outsmarting survivor.

In My Opinion

Flying hearts don't appear during the day.
Hypnotizing people is a fake accomplishment.
Have a longer lifespan with a sun allergy.
Heaven is stalked by prophecies.
Flashbacks to original horror movies and kill remakes.
All souls wear black leather jackets.
Stay asleep during the sunrise
Souls are lost at beach parties.

Without Passion

Without passion,
Angels kill for fun.
This is no fairytale.
Die unhappily ever after.
The dust of death stirs,
The bittersweet wind speaks.
Guiding us through hell.

Lost Souls

Getting back from hell
Finding someone to cross over
Weak and pathetic
Exact opposite
No need to buy sunblock
Doesn't pay taxes
Overlooks immortality
Definite purpose
Destructive and murderous
Superhuman strength
Vampire out late
Along at night
Kind of an odd fear
Hate the darkness
Case of paranoia
Cold air chills our faces.

Three Sides to Love

Makes you sweet
Makes you brood
Makes you cryptic
Makes you neat
Makes you gothic
Makes you modest
Makes you intelligent
Makes you obscure
Makes you funny
Makes you well
Makes you fear
Makes you move
Makes you understand
Makes you hate
Makes you crazy

Falling Water

Rain bleeds from the rocks, but you're not here.
I miss you terribly, but you don't care.
I'm falling like water into a one-rock stream,
Downward I go, into depression.
I wish this was a dream.

Grim Dark Secrets

I can't run anymore.
Just leave me alone boiling in my blood.
To even think about what I did.
Why am I running?
No point to remember so that I can forget.
Afraid of turmoil, forget that I'm ashamed.
The past follows me everywhere I go.
I scream on the inside, silent on the outside.
I can't change anything.
So I have to run
To get away from them and my past,
He asks me what is my secret,
I love him, is my reply.

Fearless Grips

Fearless Grips
Hungry secrets are safe.
Gossip walks coldly.
Demolish order.
Thicker beliefs.
Powerful scandals.
Ceased discipline.
Sadness illusions.
Silent styles.
Extinct sensations.
Invisible feelings.

Las Vegas

We went to Las Vegas during the first week of October. While we were there, we went and saw the movie, Drive Me Crazy. They filmed the movie at Ogden High. I bought my friend Heather a frog and my friend Tristan a slot machine piggy bank.

I was reading a book last night and it had a quote in it, that I liked:

Step by step, prayer by prayer, the Lord will always get you there.

Wyoming

On June 17th, we drove up to Star Valley. We ate at Arctic Circle for lunch and Melina's for dinner.



On June 18th, we drove to Jackson Hole. We went to Kmart and all the shops near the town square. We drove to Colter Bay and saw a show about cats at their amphitheatre.



On June 19th, we went and walked through Yellowstone.



Today, we came home and I called Lagoon to get my work schedule for the week.

Florida

On April 29th, we drove to Las Vegas and stayed at Excalibur hotel. We ate at the buffet at the Sahara, went to the forum shops, and went to the outlet malls.



On April 30th, we flew to Orlando, Florida, with a stop in Kansas City.



On May 1st, we went to Universal Studios. We liked this park better than the one in Hollywood, because all of the attractions on the tram are individual rides in this park. I especially liked the Jaws and Twister rides. We ate dinner at Checker's.



On May 2nd, we drove out to Cocoa Beach and went to the Ron Jon Surf Shop. At night, we went shopping at Downtown Disney.



On May 3rd, we went to MGM Studios. At night, we went to Pleasure Island to go to the comedy club and listened to Frankie and the West End Boys play music from the 1980's.



On May 4th, we went to Blizzard Beach, Animal Kingdom, and saw Fantasmic at MGM Studios. We had to stand because we go to the thirty minute show late and there were no seats left.



On May 5th, we went to Magic Kingdom.



On May 6th, we went to Typhoon Lagoon, the 192 swap meet, and Pleasure Island.



On May 7th, we went to Epcot.



On May 8th, we went back to MGM Studio and flew back to Las Vegas. We ate at the Sahara Buffet and drove to Mesquite.



We came home from Mesquite today.

What a Dream!

At 2 am, I lay wake wondering about the dream I just had. The dream started off with thirst. As I tiptoed down the stiars, hearing sirens not far away. Through the closed drapes, I see the distinct light of a flashlight. I open the screened door and see him. He was trying to break into our shed, dressed in black. I slam the door closed and run upstair to alert my parents. My brother grabs his shotgun, and heads downstairs. Then I woke up.

Salem Escape

The light in the farmhouse was dim. Milana Cooper could not read her journal. She reached under the sink cabinet for her oil lamp. With a brighter light, she dipped her pen into the ink. Then with no hesitation, she began her adventure.

"Life in Salem couldn't be worse. My friend Sarah's trial starts tomorrow. They are going to hang her or burn her, for sure. She's innocent. I'm going to use my powers to help her. There's a sudden knock at the door and it's the townspeople. They want me to confess. Then I wake grasping for breath. I am so frightened I begin to think of ways to escape. I put on my dark cloath and left, traveling to New York. I am staying here."

Junior Year Begins

I am now a Junior in High School. I am still working at Lagoon on the weekends, while I am in school.

Sinking Ship

The water raises up toward me like my lungs inhaling air. I tremble from head to foot. I slowly close my eyes and lay my head against the soft velvety pillow case and cover myself with a large blue afghan. I lay on my side facing north. The light of the oil lamp flickers off. I feel my bed slide into the west wall. I look over at my dresser, floating upside down. The water is twice as high now. My childhood replays in my head, growing up in Liverpool. I wish I would have been able to reach New York and become an actress. Now I am dying, there is no hope for me.

California

On June 26th, we picked up Dad from the airport in SLC and drove to Mesquite. On June 27th, we stopped in Las Vegas and ate the Breakfast buffet at Circus Circus. Then we drove to Anaheim, California. We went to KFC, a T-Shirt outlet, and Triangle Center. On June 28th, we went to Newport beach and collected sea shells. We went to Fashion Island and ate lunch at the Crab Cooker. On June 29th, we went to Knott's Berry Farm. We ate fried chicken and funnel cakes. We ate at the Old Spaghetti Factory at Newport Beach for dinner. On June 30th, we went to Newport Beach. We left for Las Vegas. We went to the forum shops at Caesar's Palace, saw the Treasure Island pirate show, and the Mirage Volcano show. On July 1st, we came home from Vegas.

A Powerful Message

I was given a copy of this prayer at school and it had a profound effect on me:

A Prayer of Responsibility for Children



by Ina J. Hughes



We pray for children who put chocolate fingers everywhere, who like to be tickled, who stomp in puddles, who sneak popsicles before supper, who erase holes in math books, who can never find their shoes . . .



And we pray for those who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire, who can’t bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers, who are born in places we would never be caught dead, who never go to the circus, who live in an x-rated world.



We pray for children who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions, who sleep with the dog and bury goldfish, who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money, who cover themselves with band-aids and sing off key, who squeeze toothpaste all over the sink, who slurp their soup.



And we pray for those who never get dessert, who have no safe blanket to drag behind them, who watch their parents watch them die, who can’t find any bread to steal, who don’t have any rooms to clean up, whose pictures aren’t on anybody’s dresser, whose monsters are real . . .



We pray for children who spend their allowance before Tuesday, who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick their food, who shove dirty clothes under the bed and never rinse out the tub, who love visits from the tooth fairy, who don’t like to be kissed in front of the school bus.



And we pray for those whose nightmares come in the daytime, who will eat anything, who have never seen a dentist, who aren’t spoiled by anybody, who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep.



We pray for children who want to be carried, and for those who must, for those who we never give up on and for those who grab the hand of anyone kind enough to offer it. On this Children’s Sabbath Weekend, hear our cries, Adonai, and listen to our prayers.



Amen

Seattle

We went to Seattle, Washington for UEA Weekend in October. It rained the whole time we were there and we ate at the Old Spaghetti Factory twice. We also went to the Pike Market, Space Needle, Aquarium, Science Center, and the Art Museum.

June Occurrences

Ryan has been playing baseball in the community league on the Atlanta Braves. He also has been mowing Grandpa's lawn. Dad has been taking Ryan golfing. On June 22nd, We went to Ryan's baseball game. His team won 8 to 4. Ryan got hit in the foot so he got to walk to first base.

We went to the Drive-In. We saw the movies, The Phantom and Mission: Impossible.

Dad had to go to Oklahoma on business from June 17th to June 19th.

Mom and I went to see The Phantom of the Opera at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City on June 18th. Grandma and Grandpa watched Ryan while we were at the play. The play was amazing. Phantom is one of my favorite musicals of all-time.

I have been reading, Gimme a Kiss by Christopher Pike.

Dad bought a boat, so we have been boating at Pineview and Willard Bay. It makes me sick to bounce up and down in the water.

California

We went to Mesquite on May 31st. My aunt Janet watched Patches while we were away. We saw the movie, Spy Hard, at the Virgin River hotel and casino, and it was dumb. On June 1st, we went to Las Vegas and stayed at the Palace Station. We went swimming. On June 2nd, we drove to San Diego and went on a harbor cruise. I bought a bracelet. On June 3rd, we went to Sea World. I bought a Shamu keychain. During the night, someone tried to break in the back door of our motel room. On June 4th, we went to the Wild Animal park. On June 5th, we went to Disneyland. On June 6th, we went to Universal Studios. I bought a Casper keychain. On June 7th, we went to Knott's Berry Farm. We got soaked on the rapid ride. We also went on the slingshot, the log ride, the mine ride, and the dinosaur ride. On June 8th, we drove back to Las Vegas. We ate at the Stardust buffet and stayed at the Virgin River Hotel in Mesquite. Today we came home.

No One Would Tell

I watched the tv movie, No One Would Tell, starring my childhood crush, Fred Savage. It's about a girl named Stacy who is has an abusive boyfriend and no one tells the authorities or her mom, before he kills her. It was weird to see Fred Savage in a villain role.

Lake Tahoe

We went to Lake Tahoe and I got a keychain from Planet Hollywood. We went to Carson and Virginia City and I fell and scraped my legs on the wooden boards outside the shops. It seems like every time I go there, I fall.