Day 15

Day 15: A recent change that was not expected

Growing up I was always that nerdy kid who loved going to school. I could not get enough of it. By the age of 14 I knew exactly what where I wanted to go to college and I would do anything to get there.

A recent change that was not expected?

The University of Utah.

Deciding to move back home and transferring to the University of Utah was an incredibly tough decision. I never EVER wanted to attend the U after attending my first class I was hooked. Here's why.

Everybody is easy going and relaxed. Everyone is an individual and respected for it. You can be whoever you want to be. People are hilarious. The MUSS. Need I say more? Nope.

To make a long story short, I never ever ever ever thought I would be a student at the University of Utah. But now that I am, I wouldn't have it any other way! Go Utes!

Day 14

Day 14: Someone I'd like to switch lives with for a short period of time.

Oprah Winfrey

 From the age of thirteen or fourteen, I have enjoyed watching Oprah. I know what time her shoe is and on what network but I am not a junkie nor must I watch it everyday. However, occasionally I do turn it on and I am constantly amazed by her.

I would like to switch lives with Oprah for a short period of time because she is able to meet and interview people from every walk of life. She will sit down and interview a bum of the street one day and then President Obama the next day. She has the opportunity to learn dig into people's lives and explore everything about them. She sits down one-on-one with the most influential people in this world as well as average individuals who make up this world. I absolutely adore people; every ounce that makes someone unique fascinates me. I am jealous of Oprah because she explores the enigma of human existence.

I respect Oprah A TON because she did not have an easy life until she MADE her own life. She was raised in rags and now owns riches; and freely gives away those riches to help others. Oprah has been named the most influential woman of the world and I believe this to be an accurate statement. She encourages others to dream big, achieve big. and live big. I wouldn't mind being Oprah for a short time.

She also has great hair.

Love always,
    Christine

Day 13

Day 13: A personal hero.

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. you are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

During my junior year of high school I took an advanced American history class taught be a woman who expressed incredible respect for the women who have impacted this great nation of ours. Throughout the course of the year she highlighted different women who have influenced change. One lady in particular stood out to me. That gal was Eleanor Roosevelt.

I grew up knowing who Eleanor Roosevelt was and I often fantasized about what her life would have been like. I thought she lived a glamorous life; complete with stunning gowns, classy parties,and romantic evenings spent in the company of a doting husband and magnificent leader (FDR). However, after learning about her life more in depth and reading part of her biography, it quickly became apparent that her life was almost the opposite.

Sure she married a man that would become a very successful politician and she'd have access to an unlimited wardrobe but she did not live a glamorous lifestyle. Her marriage, though supportive and respected, was empty and a charade. Her relationship with FDR was a close friendship and he always looked to her for advice but it was in no way romantic or passionate. When FDR died, his mistress was at his side, and Eleanor had to be summoned from her separate living quarters. Eleanor was not considered to be a "beauty" by society's opinion. She was criticized for her homely looks and out spoken nature.

So how did this woman become a personal hero of mine? I shall tell you.

Because she broke the mold. She was the tallest first lady until Michelle Obama and they share the record at five feet eleven inches. Eleanor Roosevelt had a voice and encouraged thousands of others to find theirs. Instead of silently smiling behind her husband she stood next to him as his counterpart. She had ideas and she let those ideas be known. She stood up, spoke up, and fought for everything she believed to be right. I firmly believe that Eleanor Roosevelt was ahead of her time and had an incredible ability to sense the nation changing before anything occurred.

I admire Eleanor Roosevelt immensely because her wise words have often comforted me. I would consider myself truly lucky if I ever had the opportunity to be in the presence of a anyone as inspired and admired as Eleanor.
 
Love always,
    Christine

The following are some of my favorite quotes by Miss Eleanor :)

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't."
"Campaign behavior for wives: Always be on time. Do as little talking as humanly possible. Lean back in the parade car so everybody can see the president."
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."
 
"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness."

Day 12

Day 12: Pet Peeves

I have a pretty long fuse, so I don't blow up easily. However, there are a few things that tick me off more than anything.

The first- people think I'm a mind reader. Honestly people? If you say something to me but think something else in your mind, I promise you I have no idea what you are thinking. Do not tell me something if it is not what you are thinking. I can't read your mind, so stop thinking that I can!

The second- grudges. People say that girls hold grudges, which is very true. But I've met many a man who holds grudges longer than us gals. I have one friend who has held a grudge against another friend of mine since the fifth grade. Wow, really? GET OVER IT. So she gave you a dirty look? It's been ten years, GET OVER IT!

That's all :)

Love always,
      Christine

Day 11

Day 11: Something I'd like to do before I die.

I absolutely LOATHE it when people say, "You have your whole life ahead of you to live."

This just so happens to be my mother's favorite phrase.

What's wrong with living now? In the moment? 

If work at Primary Children's Medical Center and it has taught me that any day can be your last day. Death does not wait until you're old, lived a good life, traveled the world and fallen desperately in love. It strikes when it wants, where it wants and how it wants.

I utterly DESPISE it when people say, "You have your whole life ahead of you to live."

Maybe I don't, fools. That's why I am going to live now.

But here are a few things I WILL do before I die. If I do not complete this list than I will be ornery and too stubborn to die :)

Skydive.

Spend time exploring all of the 7 man-made Wonders

Adopt a child. Or a few. Or a lot...

Write a book. 

Own the rights to a star. 

Lose myself in the Northern Lights.

 Be in love like this. 

I refuse to live life planning for tomorrow.

I live for today. 

Love always, 

     Christine

Postin' 'bout Pierre

Everyone has a sperm donor, but not everyone has a dad.

I am one of the lucky and have a wonderful man as a dad.

Here a few reasons why my dad is better than yours. Okay, so that is my opinion. I'm sure your dad is great but this is my blog so as yes, my dad is the best!!

Reason:

A. His name is Pierre Andre Alley.Yes, he was born in France and that makes him pretty freaking cool.

B. He makes us eat soap if we swear. No one is above the law, not even my dear ol' mother. You swear around Pierre, you get your mouth washed out. Legit.

C. He is flippin' funny. He has the corniest sense of humor and says things that always make me laugh.
        Quote 1:  "I'm an alpha male. In the olden days the alpha male would go out, club a dinosaur, drag him home, and feed his family dinosaur. I am that exactly; alpha male." -Pierre
        Quote 2: "When making his sculpture Michelangelo had a choice between David and I. Nudity is not my thing so he chose David." -Pierre
        Quote 3: "I was sitting in my Mercury and shaving my face with my Venus razor and my dog Pluto was in the backseat when all the sudden this guy who looked like he was from Mars cut me off in his Saturn. I yelled, 'Uranus!" -Pierre rattled that off one night at dinner; What the heck!?!

D. He cannot lie to save his life. Whenever we catch him a lie and call him out, naturally, he tries to deny it. His face gives it away. He tries to suppress his smile and instead gets the most mischievous grin.

E. He loves my Mom as much as he did when he was 15. My Dad kissed my mom for the first time when he was 15 (she was 14). I love the fact that my parents are still madly in love and are best friends.

F. He hardly ever missed any of my sporting events. He also liked to yell at me and the coaches. Others were mortified for me but I loved it. It let me know that he was there supporting me even if he was yelling at me to "Jump, white girl, jump!"

G. He works hard and then forces himself to play.

Basically, I am incomparably grateful for my dad. I know that he would do anything for me and has made many sacrifices so that my possibilities are endless. He loves my mother and his children more than humanely possible. He is the essence of a man; his hands are strong and calloused, his heart loving and kind, and his family loved, happy and successful. I am the person that I am today because Pierre Alley was the father that he is. I love you Daddy and could not be more grateful that I am blessed enough to be your daughter. Happy Father's Day. I love you.

Love always,
    Christine

Day 10

Day 10: The person I've had the most adventures with.

As I moved away to college this past year, my biggest fear was not fitting in with my peers. As the school year started I felt that most everyone at BYU fit into the same cookie mold and I was the only misfit. Then I went to a religion class and a girl that I recognized from another class sat next to me. As the teacher explained our assignment this girl exclaimed something very unheard of at BYU(haha, I still giggle when I remember her saying that word rather loudly). Instant connection.  This girl's name is Hollie Crosby and we became excellent friends very quickly.

Here's why:

She always makes me laugh because she is crazy.

Being somewhat (okay, that's an understatement) of a nerd, I was perfectly content to spend my weekends with my face in my neuroscience book and to bond with my cadaver friends in the lab. However, Hollie took upon herself the burden of creating a social life for me.

Let me tell you what:

We embarked on many adventures.

A few of which consisted of:

Going to a beach dance in our swim suits and then coming back to a car that will not start and with a hood that is broken and will  not open. Then going to find a nice gentleman who spent forty five minutes helping us jump our car.

Donating plasma while hitting on the cute phlebotomists (Danger, I'm talking about you!). If you ever go sell your plasma with Hollie DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT allow her to see the needle in her arm. Also, do not look at or mess around with the needle in your own arm. She'll pass out.

Meeting guys, everywhere and anywhere. Hollie is very out going when it comes to the fellas. We usually went places by ourselves but left with guys...

Getting random people to kiss. We enjoyed seeing random people dancing or taking pictures and yelling "Kiss her!" Nothing is as hilarious as watching an awkward-very-public-first-kiss-between-complete-strangers.

 Hollie and I found a common love for dancing and often hit the dance floor together. We always had a blast and giggled uncontrollably.

Hollie got me through my year at BYU and made my experience one to be remembered. I am grateful for the time that we shared together and especially because she made me be social. Thanks Hollie, for all the laughs and amazing memories. 

Love always,

     Christine

Day 9

Day 9: An unexpected person who has gotten through to me the most.

"Many people walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart."
                                                                                                                           ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Through the past year many of my close friendships have ended but there is one person who has stuck by my side and had my back  through it all. I got to know Mary Campbell halfway through my senior year of high school and we quickly became good friends. On senior trip we connected  extremely well and by the time I left for college she had become one of my best friends. Although she stayed in Salt Lake and I was in Provo we talked almost everyday; I called her laughing, crying, ranting, or in need of comfort. I looked forward to our chats daily and lived for our sporadic weekend visits.

Mary is a beautiful girl with a smile that lights up the room and gorgeous brilliant blue eyes. I'm basically jealous of her but she's to much of a sweetheart to stay mad at :)

Mary has this incredible capability to make me laugh. She is goof and when we are together we laugh ourselves silly. She is always optimistic and looks forward to the future with anticipation and joy. 

This gal is seriously the best. She's gotten through to me the most because of how similar we are but at the same time how different we are. We've made many of the same mistakes and her example of how she has fixed those mistakes and learned from them has taught me so much about myself.

Mary likes Naked. She also likes making seductive faces at the camera, but mostly just being Naked.

In August, Mary will begin a new adventure with a new best friend and the love of her life, Matt. She's asked me to be a part of her special day and I cannot describe how happy this makes me. I am lucky enough to spend the most important day of her life right by her side with the people that matter the most to her. I am honored to be a part of her life and am incredibly excited for her future. Matt will probably think he married me as well because I'm going to be at their house ALL the time. Sleepover? Yes.

Mary Moo,

      Thank you for always being there for me; for listening, comforting and making me laugh. You've truly been someone that I look to for advice and direction. We've made memories that will last us a lifetime - most of which occurred on the dance floor as you taught me a thing or two about moving my body (you know what I'm talking about). I cannot wait for what our future holds and we embark on the unknown. Thank you for being yourself and accepting me as myself. I love you lady! 

                       Love always, 

                              Christine

p.s. Will you be my babies godmother? Great, thanks!  

Day 8

Day 8: Something I wish I were better at.

Math has forever been a huge enemy of mine. No matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to beat it. There are a few concepts I have never been able to understandand.

• Imaginary numbers - if imaginary numbers are, in fact, imaginary then they simply do not exist and there is no point in learning to use them because I live in real life where I only use real things.

 My point exactly. Although, this is incredibly funny...

• Proofs - When taking geometry my teacher informed me that I was going to be expected to prove that a triangle is a triangle. This man was not blind, so why in the heck would I prove it to him in mathematical nonsense when all he had to do was look at the freaking paper and prove to himself that the triangle is a blasted triangle. I proudly declare that I receive a 6% on that test. Why? Because the only thing I proved to my teacher was that I could write my name at the top of the paper. He seemed to think it was worth six points. How generous of the Irishman; love ya Flaherty.  

Prove that this triangle is a triangle. No, acutally, don't. Because no one gives a darn if you can prove it.

• Math literally hates me. I took the ACT four, yes FOUR, times to improve just my math score. I improved every score BUT my math score. 
• I hate math. I wish I were better at it and could do it four hours because life would be a WHOLE lot easier. But here's my dilemma. Every single one of my math teachers/professors has said that I will never use most of the math I wasted hours learning ever again, unless by some miracle, I teach math for a living - WHICH I WILL NEVER DO. So I can't bring myself to study a math concept that I will never use again. Instead, I will read my novel about women in Afghanistan during revolution. 

If you can follow this and know what is happening then go hit your head against the wall because I don't like you and neither does your math professor.

 Love always,
    Christine

Day 7

Day 7: Someone who has had the most influence in my life.

Again, I cannot possibly choose one person who has the most influence in my life but I most certainly can choose three.

My wonderful sisters; Rachel, Elizabeth and Becca.

Exactly a year ago, my parents had planned a vacation for the family but my sister Rachel did not think she would be able to join the fun because her husband could not take work off and she did not feel up to a 12 hour drive with her 1 1/2 year old son. Half an hour before we left Salt Lake in our rented mini van, we called Rachel and told her to pack because we were not going to go without her. Every seat had an occupant and I've never been so squished in my life. The result: 12 hours of giggling and bonding. I will always remember this vacation because of my sisters and how much fun we had.

Rachel, the lovely brunette on the left, gave me my nickname of Tinnie. She is 10 years older than I and practically raised me. Everyone informs me that we look alike. Which is totally okay by me, because, hello she is gorgeous! She also has great advice and is always willing to listen. She's the most accepting person I know and I am constantly learning from her example. Love you Rachel!

Becca Boo is pretty much the funniest person I have ever met. This past year we hit Black Friday super hard and found these gems at Target. So naturally, we took pictures in them and giggled uncontrollably. Becca may be taller than me, more athletic, and have perfect style but she knows I'm boss. Don't tell her I said that or she'll beat me up, thanks. Love you Boo!

This, right hurrrrr, is my other half. Her name is Elizabeth but I NEVER call her that. Her name is Bubbus to me. I was lucky enough to live with her while attending BYU this past year. We literally did everything together and she is my best friend. I talk to her about everything and she knows me better than I probably know myself. We are basically the same person living in two different bodies. She is me and I am her and me is she and me is I. Don't worry, you don't need to understand that last sentence because Elizabeth did. Guaranteed. Love you Bubbus!

I love my sisters more than anything in this world and they are my best friends. We even have a secret club-we are that cool. We always manage to have ridiculous amounts of fun and cause some good clean trouble. I love you ladies. Frog Forever.

Love always,
     Christine

Day 6

Day 6: a picture of my favorite superhero and why

Batman, hands down, is my favorite super hero.

Because he is human. He doesn't have crazy powers that are impossible for mere mortals. He is simply, a man. And Christian Bale is a VERY attractive man and created an excellent Batman!

love always,
    Christine

Day 5

Day 5: Pictures of a place(s) that I'd like to travel.

GREECE!!!

Day 4

Day 4: A habit that I wish I didn't have.

It's confession time, people. I have a terrible habit of avoiding a clean bedroom. I am a very clean person in life; organized and orderly. However, when it comes to my possessions in my space I do not give a flip. It drives my parents absolutely bonkers. I've been grounded many a weekend because they claimed to be unable to see the floor in my room.

Here's my thought:
          It is my space. It is the only space in the world where I do not have to be perfect and I will therefore be, utterly imperfect. To my wonderful parents - if you do not wish to see my messy room then simply shut.the.door. It is rather simple science.

Although, I do not keep a spotless room I am much better than I used to be. I do clean it regularly and I try to keep it decent. It would be much easier if I had been born with the will to keep a neat and tidy room but I was not. Tis a bad habit I wish I didn't have. Such is life.

Day 3

Day 3: Picture of the cast of your favorite t.v. show and explanation.

Again, I cannot choose just ONE tv show that I enjoy because there a few that I like to indulge in.

Grey's Anatomy - is the one show that I've followed religiously throughout the years. Every episode is incredibly unique and the acting is amazing. I want to one day be a doctor so I pretend like I'm right there along Dr. McSteamy in the Operating Room and I am perfectly content.

America's Next Top Model - there are many reasons why I watch this reality show. First, most of the girls make me feel brilliant. Second, they do the COOLEST photo shoots - even if they are airbrushed...and Third, Nigel Barker, a judge and photographer on the show, is HOT!

This picture is my absolute favorite from all the season. Each girl had to pose with their assigned creature and Eva was lucky enough to get the tarantula! I would have cried and passed out but Eva sucked it up and created magic! 

There you have it folks!

Love always,
    Christine

Day 2

Day 2: a person/people with whom you have remained the closest for the longest

Of course, the people who I have remained closest to the for longest are my family members; particularly my wonderful sisters. They are easily the most important people in my life and I love them more than anything.

However, I have a plethora of non-familial people who I have remained close to throughout the years. I cannot pick a single person because I am blessed with phenomenal friends who have remained close to me throughout the years.

With that being said, here are just a few.

(from Left to Right) Annie Haslam, Jenny Smuin, Karliann Ence, Rachel Pennock, me
            These girls were my main posse throughout highschool. We spent almost every night together giggling about anything imaginable. After highschool we all went in different directions but the connection we shared in highschool remains. Now, we may not talk on a daily basis but these girls remain near and dear to my heart. I love each of these girls and am excited for what their futures hold!

Nikola Pehar - my all-time favorite Bosnian. I knew the moment I sat down next to this kid on the first day of math sophomore year we'd become best buds. Our friendship got off to a rocky start when he would never study and test into the high 90's and I on the other hand, would study for hours and was lucky if my score broke 70. I've learned to forgive him for his brilliance but it has not been easy. Just kidding. Nikola is the most accepting and genuinely sweet person that I am honored to know. Through his example he constantly reminds me that it is not my place to judge but to give everyone a fair chance to prove themselves. Our friendship has lasted through many different trials and I am incredibly grateful he has stuck by my side through thick and thin. You're the best, Nikola!

Now, this gal, Summer Ludlow has been a best friend since 6th grade. In many ways we are exact opposites and other ways we are basically the exact same person. One aspect about Summer that I absolutely adore is her passion for life, and particularly music. She is an incredible pianist and guitarist following her dreams at the Berklee College of Music, a very prestigious music program. Summer's love and passion for life is contagious. Summer has been the most supportive friend in encouraging me to follow my dreams and to now allow ANYONE to hold me back. She's beaten the odds and is living her dreams. Summer, I love you and thank you for improving my taste in music. Don't forget me when you're famous!

(from Left to Right) Mary Campbell, Kylee Williams, Leah Neerings
Alright people, need I say more? Just looking at this picture describes how wonderful these girls are. Towards the middle of my senior year of highschool I began to get close with each of these girls. We planned our senior trip and embarked on the journey of a lifetime. I have never laughed so hard in my life. These girls are my best friends and I would be lost without each of them.
    Mary - has taught me how to face life head on. She's shown me how to move on from mistakes and create a future with limitless possibilities. She will soon marry the perfect man and I could not be any happier for her. Mary Moo, thank you for showing me that I do not have to be perfect to be happy, because after all, being imperfect is perfectly wonderful!
    Kylee - has the sweetest heart ever. She has so much love for other people and animals that I am amazed her heart hasn't exploded from love overflow. I admire her easy ability to love everyone. Not only is she athletic, gorgeous and smart, she is an amazing friend. Her loyalty as a friend has been a great source of comfort to me and I know that she will always have my back. Ky, thanks for laughing at all my dumb jokes. It makes me feel better :)
    Leah - aka Humphrey Anne. Leah is the best because she has no problem coming down to my level and doing childish things with me. We always have the best of times because she is quick to laugh, easy to forgive and has a beautiful personality. Oh and she has an incredible gift with hair, make-up, and style. Leah and I have many plans for the future and I am ecstatic to be able to embark on each of them with my Humphrey. Thanks for the weekly videos, Leah. I would not have survived without them.

love always,
      Christine