No one ever said it would be easy, they just promised it'd be worth it

I guess studying isn't so bad if you have good music and Christmas lights on... Is it December 18th yet?!

slkm, xx

Livin' loud and proud

What's better than country music on a rainy day? :) :)

slkm, xx

Country must be country wide

Wow, so I completely forgot I even had this blog! I guess the last time I posted was in April, and boy has a lot changed since then... You could honestly say that life has turned upside down, then back to right side up since then. 

Sooo, what have a accomplished since April? I graduated and received my double dogwood diploma, had some family troubles that thankfully worked themselves out. Had a kick ass summer hanging out with friends and meeting new people. Went to Toronto.. and now I'm currently in my first year of university! 

University is BY FAR the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. That doesn't go to say I don't love it though. It has been a huge adjustment. Not only am I moved out and living with one of my best friends but I have also had to adapt to the amount of homework that needs to be done every week.

Also, I just turned 18 on Friday! 

Overall, I'm still loving life, you just gotta remember to appreciate every single moment. 

ps- Everyone needs a little country :)

slkm, xx

Hello April

I know it's been awhile since I last wrote and honestly I had every intention to post but just kept forgetting with how busy things are lately. I'm still loving the single life and have this feeling of contentment around me all the time now. As for things getting busier.. yesterday was the first field hockey practice of the year for the U10 team I'm helping coach. Also yesterday was the dress rehearsal for the fashion show my school is putting on. Since I'm one of the models I went out on Sunday to get fitted at one of the local shops being featured in the show. I'm extremely excited not just to get my hair and make-up done and get an amazing outfit but to show off on stage and bond with the grad class.

Speaking of grad, it's coming up much, much faster than I'd ever thought possible! I still have to get my dress tailored and buy accessories, etc.

Anyways, life is still good. As I type this now I can look out my window and catch a view of the lake. On a parting note I've found another philosophy for life to add to my other favorites: life is too short to spend time on things that don't make you happy.

slkm, xx

Green

Now with my new relationship status, I am feeling more myself than ever- and loving it! Yesterday we went to Vancouver, and my sister and I went in to Chapters bookstore and I was looking around and they have a bunch of books about living green. They were super interesting and under $10 each. So now I'm trying to convince my parents to let me control the grocery budget every month and try to turn our family to organic and green products for the same amount we pay for groceries or less. Seeing as I work in a grocery store I can normally get a good estimate on how much things will cost. Anyways, hopefully they go for the idea.

As for the fact that I'm happier than ever, I can't really explain. I just feel like I have more time to do the things I really love and complete all the little projects I've been meaning to do for some time. Yesterday I bought some headphones so I can finally listen to my iPod again instead of just playing it in the car. 

Well, I'm off to work today from 11-7 and I'm also working the next 3 days, and I don't mind at all. It's time to start appreciating all the little things again, or else they'll pass you by..

slkm, xx

Refreshed

So I know I haven't posted in a while and that's because lately I've been fairly busy. I've been working more hours lately and on Friday went shopping in Seattle. It was so much fun! It's funny how even that little bit down the border things are different. For example, the gas pump I used was super confusing, it had some long coil thing at the end that you have to push in hard to start pumping. Also, their gas stations are liquor stores as well, or at least the one I went to. 

One of the coolest things I saw in the States was Plato's Closet, it's a sort of consignment store but has really, really nice clothes. I got a pair of Charlotte Russe pumps for ten bucks! Also, we visited the Pike Place Market and it was amazing! I loved all the fresh produce.

So anyways, life is busy. Tomorrow I believe I'm going to Vancouver for the day and then I have to work four days straight. But I can't complain, I'm loving every second of it!

slkm, xx

Waiting on the sun

All the reasons I can't wait for summer!

slkm, xx

ps- That first picture is taken right by my house.

Happy, happy, happy!

I am newly single (my choice), and am on my two weeks Spring Break! While everyone is jetting off to Mexico or Palm Springs I'm stuck here in this little valley. BUT, I have come to decide that it's not a bad thing, it will give me plenty of time to relax, work, and get all that stuff I've been meaning to do done. 

So far my mom has had to have surgery on her hand, because she broke it falling on the ice a few weeks ago. This led us to Victoria on Saturday and I spent 11-7 at work yesterday. Later on today I'll be heading out to Victoria again just to look around. 

So far so good!

slkm, xx

Embrace

Summer 2011- can't wait.

slkm, xx

Everything happens for a reason...

Mount Washington, where I'll be this weekend! This week has been great and also kind of stressful, I can't wait to just get away for a few days!

slkm, xx

Hard work pays off!

Just got the mail today, UVIC letter received! Not only did I get early admission, but an entrance scholarship aswell! And on top of all that, I get a preferred registration date for a better chance of getting into the classes I want.

Yay yay yay!

All I can say is I'm so happy that all my hard work over the years paid off... Now I can't wait to see what the scholarships & bursary applications I've been working on have in store!

slkm, xx

Sweet, sweet lazy days..

Ahh I love Sunday afternoons. No homework, just did a draft of my resume and autobiographical essay for scholarships, and off to watch The Hangover. I spent two hours yesterday doing scholarships. What did this consist of? Writing my name and information. Two. Hours. 

Oh well, at night I headed out to my boyfriends place and we laid around and made cinnamon buns. I ended up spending the night because it was snowing too heavily on the highway to drive home.

This morning I left Armando's, bought some Tim Hortons (didn't win on the Roll Up The Rim To Win), read and worked on scholarships.

Now I'm off to watch a movie.

:)

slkm, xx

ps- That picture = one of my favorite parts of summer. The nights/sunsets.

Saturday Morning

Things I did this morning:

1) Had an amazing hour long massage.

2) Bought some new make-up and browsed around town.

3) Grabbed the newspaper from work.

4) Went home, read the newspaper and had coffee.

5) Soon to be working on scholarships.

I'd call that a fairly productive morning. Now I'm off to watch The Hills and fill out my scholarship applications. Wish me luck!

slkm, xx

One of those days..

So thinking that I had to work today I left school early so I wouldn't have to rush, turns out I work tomorrow instead of today. I was so shocked when I went into work, uniformed and everything, and found out that I had read wrong. The reason I was shocked is because this is extremely unusual for me (I have OCD remember?), because I very rarely forget things. Especially something of that magnitude. Oh well, good thing I didn't work today because now I can study for my Calculus test and get my homework done.

As for spinyoga yesterday, that didn't happen either. It started snowing a lot during lunchtime at school and Alexandra and I decided it was best to head home as soon as possible. The weather here is so off and on lately it's crazy! So hopefully I will have another opportunity to do spinyoga soon.

As for my life right now, things are calming down and picking up at the same time. It seems like I have a bunch of little projects that I want to get done and don't have enough time for but at the same time I'm finishing off a bunch of old projects and work as well. I guess you could say I'm a little stressed and emotional lately but I'm that within the week things will calm down. First step to de-stressing: my hour-long massage on Saturday morning.

:)

slkm, xx

Rise & Shine!

 

Just a little something to get you going.

slkm, xx

ps- I'm trying spinyoga today, let's see how this goes.

Stay Beautiful

So I have decided to stop with the 30 Day Challenge, it sounds silly but I just don't like other people outlining what I do and don't have to do. Also, I have so much OCD that I actually get stressed if I miss a day. So that's that.

I'm just as busy lately, today we had a Scholarship Orientation meeting at school as grad is approaching. I've already looked through the booklet and decided to apply for 31 of the 98 available local scholarships- which is quite a lot. Second semester is running smoothly, I found out today that I got 99% on my Chem unit test! Also, work is picking up and I'm getting more hours again and they also taught me how to work the lottery stand.

All in all, life is good. Work is fun, school's good, relationships are strong and healthy, and the sun is shining.

slkm, xx

Day 16 & 17

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.

My parents. They have overcome a lot of obstacles in their lives and are really inspirational. In you believe in yourself you can do anything.

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

Growing up/planning for my future. As of lately everything I do seems like it has something to do with my future or Graduation. Whether it's money, grades, traveling or even friends they're all interlinked at the moment.

slkm, xx

Day 15

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Before I die I would love to visit a country western bar. Honestly, it just looks like so much fun- line dancing, mechanical bulls & cowboys! I would also love to visit Nashville (the home of country music) before I die.

slkm, xx

Day 12, 13 & 14

Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

Relaxing, & listening to my music. I love being able to just sit around and home all day and read my books, listen to music and do whatever I want. My life is fairly busy lately so I love to relax when I can.

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

Dierks Bentley. He's a country singer, the main reason why he's one of my favorites is because every single one of his songs is different yet they all sound so good.

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

My mommy :) Really, I can't live without my entire family but I decided to choose my mom for this one. My Mom has always been there for me to help me through any problems and has worked extremely hard her whole life in order for our family to live well. I love you Mom!

slkm, xx

Day 10 & 11

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with.

Shannon and Virginia. If these two are around you know there's gonna be trouble. I have so many memories of doing the craziest things with these two. They may look innocent, but god they know how to party.

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.

Disrespectful people. They irritate me so much, lately I've noticed a few kids like this in my classes. The part that annoys me the most is when someone is rude to someone else for absolutely no reason, they just feel like being defiant. I honestly cannot stand to watch it and think that everyone needs to show each other some more respect on a day-to-day basis.

slkm, xx

Day 7, 8 & 9

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.

My most treasured item is 100% my room. I recently re-did the entire thing from paint to floors to a new bed. It was some of the most stressful weeks ever with so much stuff to do, but by the end of it all that hard work was definitely worth it. Now this picture isn't actually MY bedroom but it's similar.

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.

This an old picture of me and Alexandra that I found a few weeks ago. It basically makes me laugh because I remember all the crazy little things we did in Grade 9. I'm also proud to say this picture has made it on Facebook.

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

 

My family. It's basically impossible for me to choose just one person when I have such an amazing family. I can always count on them to be there for me even on the worst of days. I don't know what I would do without these amazing people in my life.

slkm, xx

Day 6

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

Given the opportunity I would love to trade places with Lauren Conrad for a day. I've recently begun re-watching all the seasons of The Hills and her life just looks so amazing! Who wouldn't want to live in Los Angeles and intern for Teen Vogue? She also grew up in Laguna Beach, another fact that I'm extremely jealous over. We stopped in Laguna during our California trip and it was absolutely gorgeous. Lauren also comes across as a great role model for teens and young women and I would definitely want to live her life for a day. 

slkm, xx

Day 5

A picture of your favorite memory.

My favorite memory is definitely my surprise vacation to California in Grade 7. My sister and I thought we were just staying in Vancouver for the weekend and ended up boarding a plane to San Diego the next day. However at this point our parents had us convinced we were only going to San Diego for the weekend. Through a series of clues our vacation was revealed. After arriving in the San Diego Airport we rented a red convertible Mustang and were living the dream. That week we visited Mission Beach, one of the nicest beaches I've ever seen in my life, and strolled on the boardwalk. We then went to San Diego Sea World, Disneyland for 5 days and Universal Studios.

It was one of the best times of my life and I would do it a thousand times over if I could.

slkm, xx

Day 4

Day 04 - A picture of your night.

My plan for tonight is to finally complete all my university applications, report my grades, and apply for housing at UVIC. Wish me luck :) 

slkm, xx

Day 3

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

  
90210 is definitely one of my favorite shows aside from Gossip Girl, Vampire Diaries, Jersey Shore and The Big Bang Theory. I particularly like this show because it takes place in Beverly Hills around the beach and all the main characters are Grade 12 students like me. This is the perfect show to veg out on on Monday nights. Be sure to watch 90210 on the CW Network every Monday!

slkm, xx

Day 2

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.

Hands down Apegg. We've been friends ever since Grade 6 and have only grown tighter since then. We're those kind of kids who have every class and school club together, play and coach sports together, and have younger sisters who are good friends. Not to mention are boyfriends are really good friends too. This picture was taken at a play we saw during the winter of 2009. I love this girl so much and honestly don't know how I'd get by without her. We've had our up and downs but no matter what we always have each others backs. Overall, I don't know of any two other people that are as close of friends as me and this girl.

slkm, xx

30 Day Challenge- Day 1

After seeing the 30 Day Challenge all over Facebook I decided to participate for myself. So for the next 30 days this is what I'll be doing.

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.

1. My favorite movies are The Fast & The Furious- all 4 of them.

2. I was born with cataracts and have been wearing contacts since I was 6 months old.

3. My dream this summer is to go to Greece, I'm not sure why Greece but my mind is made up.

4. I love reading Nora Roberts books.

5. I get stressed out very easily and often forget to enjoy the little things.

6. This September I plan to be in university getting my Bachelors of Science to bring me closer to becoming a  doctor.

7. Chemistry & Physics are probably my favorite classes.

8. I've had six surgeries for a variety of things.

9. I love Disneyland, so much.

10. I've done French Immersion schooling since Kindergarten and can speak French fluently. 

11. I love my family, it's like living with three best friends.

12. Fall is my favorite season.

13. I hate wearing socks, or anything else on my feet really.

14. I fell in love with Hornby Island two summers ago.

15. I could not live without music, especially my country.

sandra, xx

Trail in Life- Dean Brody

It was a May full moon
We parked the car
And I sang you a song I wrote on my guitar
Oh I have kissed
Many times since then
But that first one is special
One you don't forget
If I had asked you then you probably took my ring
But time and distance have a way
Of changing things

And sometime I wonder
What it would happen like
If we had wandered
The same path in life
Tonight if your out there
Looking up at the same moon
Girl I hope
That your trail in life
Has been good to you

College days
Frat house nights
You were more then just a bunch of rowdy friend of mine
You made leaving home
Not as hard to bare
Yea we swore we'd stick together
Til we were in rocking chairs
We all kind of scattered
Getting our lives in gear
The phone called went from weeks to months
To I ain't hear in years

Sometime I wonder
What it would happen like
If we had wandered
The same paths in life
Would we still smoke cigars?
Yea when the wild cat beat OU
Oh friend I hope that your trail in life
Has been good to you

The day I was born
They said you cried
When you signed those papers
And kissed me good-bye
To young to know
How to raise me up
So you let me go and start this world in this house of love
I was 12 years old when daddy sat me down
And told me of a brave young girl
That I should know about

Sometimes I wonder
What it would happen like
If we had wondered
The same path in life
I think I would make you proud
Of the boy you never knew
God I hope
That your trail in life
Has been good to you
And some day I know
This old trail in life
Will wind back to you

 slkm, xx

Enjoy it while it lasts!

Two exams down, two to go! Woooo, this morning started with me waking up at 6A.M. to get to school by 8:15 in order to write a Physics Provincial Exam. I'm still questioning whether it was worth signing up for a government exam that would be 40% of my mark instead of the class one that would only be worth about 20%..

Oh well, it's all written now. So anyways after finishing my exam I popped into the school to ask about my Biology class exam tomorrow (thank god I didn't sign up for this provincial too!), well it turns out my class mark right now is 92% and the exam is only worth 15% if I want it to be- so there's really no stress there. After talking to my Biology teacher I went to see my Math/Calculus teacher who informed me that I got 75% on the multiple choice final yesterday and that he still hadn't marked the written section.

Not bad at all, but honestly I thought I could have pulled off at least an A on that exam, seeing as I spent hours studying and am naturally good at Math. Let's just hope I did will on the written section and can still land in the 80's. 

So as of right now all I have to study for is French, which is also a provincial, and Biology. In my opinion French is fairly hard to study for because it's mostly reading & writing essays with some fill-in-the-blanks. As for Biology, I figure I'll review my notes a little that should be it for my studying. 

I can't wait for it to be 3P.M. tomorrow, I'll be all done exams and on my way to Parksville to spend the day at the beach with my boyfriend. Talk about the perfect ending to a stressful week! :)

slkm, xx

The simple things in life

1) Not having to stop when entering a round-a-bout

2) Driving with the windows down

3) Sunsets

4) Walking in the sand barefoot

5) When all that studying finally pays off

6) Country music

7) Finding a dollar on the street

8) A kiss on the cheek/forehead

9) Uncontrollable laughter

10) Girls nights

11) A home-cooked meal

12) Seeing an elderly couple in love

13) Going for walks

14) Spending the entire day reading a good book

15) Miracles

16) Seeing a rainbow

17) Hoodies & sweatpants

18) The smell of rain

19) Dancing in the rain

20) Love

This is only a small list of what I believe are the simple things in life. These are the things we need to cherish and love, the things that even on the worst of days can still bring a smile to your face. Unfortunately, people these days don't seem to appreciate the little things like they used to- I encourage everyone to make a list of what they think the simple things in life are and to consciously recognize these things and embrace them every single day.

slkm, xx

Mondays aren't always as bad as they say..

What I've been doing for the past hour. Overall I'd call it a pretty successful day seeing as I got 4 practice exams done for math.. Tomorrow is looking like it's going to be about the same except for the fact that I'll be heading out for dinner & a movie with the girls. We're off to see 'No Strings Attached' so hopefully it's as good as they say! As for right now: a late dinner, more studying and bed are all in order.

ps- If you don't own a Xbox 360 Kinect & Dance Central go invest in one, it'll be worth your time and money.

slkm, xx

Why don't we just dance?

A house full of friends and steak fajita's at 2:30 A.M.. you could say I had a pretty good night last night. I got home around half an hour ago and have the rest of the day to relax & study. To top it all off my first exam isn't till Wednesday. I'd say life's good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKipMUbXPKo

slkm, xx

Hittin' the beach

My plan for after exam week: hit the beach. After all this studying I'm going to need a break. I know it's only January still but that doesn't mean you can't get out and enjoy what's around you. 

As for today, I'll be off to work later after another study session, then maybe after I'll head out to see some friends. 

I'm looking forward to next Friday- beach time! Hopefully.

slkm,xx

Study study study..

Why sunshine & country music? These are two things in life that I believe can turn even the worst of days back around. If I'm feeling down all I need to do is plug into some upbeat country and go out into the sunshine and I have a smile on my face. 

So a little bit about me- I'm currently in Grade 12 and at the moment am extremely busy studying like crazy for all my exams coming up next week. Math/Calculus midterm, Physics provincial, French Immersion provincial and Biology.. that's enough in itself not counting work, going to the gym, friends, and boyfriends. Once I've completed high school in June my dream is to travel to Greece for about one month then become enrolled in full time classes at UVIC come the fall. If everything works out according to plan this dream should become a reality. 

As for now I'm off to study some more for the second part of my Biology exam tomorrow, no time to rest!

Wish me luck,

slkm, xx