"When I Met You in the Summer"

Summer is coming to an end, what?! How is this happening. IDK, but it is. Let's just talk about my summer lyfe for a bit, shall we?

This summer was the best of my entire life. No doubt. No question about it. I didn't have swimming in my life so I basically got to do whatever the heck I wanted.  Stay up 'til 4 am? No problem. Go out of town for the weekend? I'm down. I've never had that kind of freedom in my life before and I never want to give it up.

I tried to spend a lot of time outside and explore Utah. I'll admit that before this summer I disliked Utah a whole lot. I almost hated it. The winters make me so angry and I hate my life for about 6 months of the year. Well, today I can say that I really LOVE Utah! Seriously guys, it has so much to offer. The weather is beautiful, the mountains have so many beautiful hikes, there are tons of lakes all around the state, and the people here are pretty awesome too. I've been converted. #what

Maybe I am just saying all of these great things about Utah because summer puts me in a really great mood. Seriously. If you know me well you know that summer brings out the best in me. I actually get out and socialize with people when the weather is warm. Fall is another story, but I'm working on it.

This summer I really worked on myself. Not in a "I'm only going to think about myself and ignore everyone else" kind of way.  But in the way that I became my best self. I developed a stronger relationship with my Savior (I'm a mormon), and through him I developed stronger relationships with everyone around me! It was the best decision I have ever made. I have never been so happy and content with my life. I want everyone to have what I have! Go here if your heart so desires http://www.mormon.org/.

School starts in a couple of days, and you know what? I am ready. This is my last year of college and I can hardly believe it. Where has time gone? Sometimes I cry (like today) because time passed so quickly and I'm not a freshman anymore and I can't live young, wild, and free and get away with it (I need my sleep people). But that is OKAY because there are so many more opportunities headed my way. At least I hope so.

I'm not lying when I say that every single year someone asks me if I am a freshman on the first day of school. It's an ongoing problem. People always tell me that I should consider it a compliment and that I just look young, but I'M NOT 18 ANYMORE PEOPLE. Ever heard that song 22 by T Swift? Yeah, I'm feelin' pretty 22 because I am. K, I'm over it.

But on the real, what should I say when someone asks me what year I am in school? Lyke, 5th year? Senior? Super senior? Holla at ya girl I'm too old for college now. Sorry for the digression.

Just in case you wanted to know, this is my current jam. I listen to it all day every day and it makes me feel pretty good.

Also, here are some pictures from my radical summer. (Did I just say radical?)

Sorry for all the selfies. Forgive me? Thanks for reading. I love you.

XOXO,

ALLIE YO

Ramblings on a July night

• I felt really patriotic today.  Watching the soccer game today just made me love America 10x more (even after the tragic loss).  
• I need new music.  I either listen to lame songs on the radio, or songs from the 2000's that I don't enjoy anymore.  Help a girl out.  
• I'm turning into an insomniac.  I don't sleep much anymore and I'm sure it's bad for my health but I don't know what to do about it.  
• Okay, 4th of July is my second favorite holiday, next to Christmas.  I mean it's awesome guys.  I love fireworks, I love summer, I love America, and I love BBQ's.  All of my favorite things wrapped into one day.  
• Worrying sucks the life out of you.  I'm just done with worry. 
• I feel awkward and embarrassed when I go running.  I just feel like everyone is staring at me and I can't get over it.  Running is also really boring so if you want to run with me, holla at ya girl, because I totally need a training partner.  
• I was thinking about high school and I don't know how I survived.  I went to swim practice at 4:30 am 4 days a week (2 club, 2 high school), then I went to seminary, then school for 6 hours, then another 2 hour swim practice.  Thinking about going to school for 6 hours a day seems like torture now.  Does anyone else feel this way?  14 hours a week of school is plenty for me.  
• My grammar at 12 am is probably sub par.  
• Never eat pizza before working out.  I freakin' love pizza but I had a whole lot of regrets when I went for my jog this evening after eating a slice or two.  
• The fact that people can tag you in photos on Facebook is just really mean.  I would say I untag 50 percent of the pictures that I am tagged in.  The camera is not for me.  
• My goal is to not sit at home in the evenings for the rest of the summer.  Big goal for this self proclaimed introvert.  
• I used to be able to watch Netflix for hours on end, but these days I can't find a show that I really love.  Anyone have any suggestions?  It's summertime and I have a lot of time on my hands so I'm not really ashamed that I binge watch TV.  Judge. 
• I'm going to Vegas this weekend and I'm pretty excited about that.
• Not working makes life really unfulfilling.  I didn't have work on Monday or Tuesday and I felt a little lost!  Luckily I found things to fill my time with, but I love the sense of accomplishment you get after a long day of work.
• Being tan makes your life a whole lot better.  I am just so much happier during the summer.  That could be attributed to a lot of things, but I'm going to say it's because I'M TAN.    
• I'm starting to really like Utah and that scares me.  Okay, the winters are brutal, but the summers?  They are the best.  Everything at this time is so green and beautiful.  And the mountains?  SO PRETTY.  Gah, what has gotten into me?  Utah has gotten into me!  Live here for a couple of years and you will realize these things too!
• I want a pet dog or cat for that matter.  When can I have my own house so that I can just get a pet already? 
• Where has this summer gone?  I mean really, it is already July.  I can barely believe it.

Those are just some of the ramblings of my brain.  Enjoy.  Until next time.

XOXO,
Allie

22

It's official, I'm 22, so here are 22 thoughts, emotions, experiences, etc. I have had today and this past year.

1. Listening to the T. Swift song when you are actually 22 is so much more empowering. You can bet it was on repeat all day.
2. Birthdays are like kinda stressful. I mean I don't even have a lot of friends and I felt like I was answering phone calls and text messages all day. Don't get me wrong I love all my friends and will never take those sweet messages for granted but it's a lot of work. I feel bad for all you socialites out there who have SO MANY FRIENDS.
3. Today I really just wanted to pig out. I had a cookie for breakfast and it was awesome. Then later tonight I had planned on going to sushi but I just wanted some grub. So I went to Buffalo Wild Wings and ate my heart out. I felt so American eating wings and watching sports and I loved it. Wouldn't change a thing.
4. The gospel (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Aka the Mormon church) is the greatest gift I could ever receive in my life. I can't express it in words, but I am so blessed!
5. I will never be Blair Waldorf. Nope. I realized this today. I will never host a huge black tie birthday party where people from all over the world attend and we eat fancy foods and drink fancy champagne. Like it's fine. I got over it.
6. I was literally single every day that I was 21. I think that's pretty cool. I broke up with someone on June 11th, the day before I turned 21 and here I am today single. Still loving life.
7. I'm only on number 7 and I already feel worn out. 22 is a lot. How have I lived that many years?
8. I thought it might be cool to make my day all about Taylor Swifts song 22, but I actually didn't want to dress up like a hipster and make fun of my exes. Pass.
9. My mom didn't even call me and I feel a little cheated. She text me several times throughout the day and she posted an Instagram but I didn't even get a phone call? Okay mom if you're reading this, I still love you and all but like call me please?
10. My little swimmers at work sang happy birthday to me today and it just melted my heart. Children are so cute and I love them.
11. I used it being my birthday as an excuse for most things today. " I can eat this cookie because it is my birthday" " I don't have to go to the gym because it is my birthday" "I can go shopping because it is my birthday." Can you say selfish? Holla
12. I'm glad all the numbers in my birthday are even. #ocdproblems
13. From here on out none of my birthdays will signify a new age and responsibility. 21 was it, but it's not like I can use my 21 year old privelages.
14. Just because it's your birthday doesn't mean the stars are going to align and the day will go just as you planned.
15. I thought that by age 22 I would be graduated and starting medical school. Hahahahaha jokes on me guys.
16. Even though I am 22 I still feel 16. Is that every going to change? When am I going to grow up?
17. I'm not gonna be cliche and say that this year is going to be the best year. Like it could be really bad guys. Wait do you think that is bad luck? I take it back. Lyke it's gonna be the best year evar!
18. Tell me it's not just me, but this past year I got the travel bug! I just want to see and experience the world. I feel like most 20 something girls get this bug and I totally have it. Someone take me to Europe!
19. I really came out of my shell this past year and I'm so happy about it. Life is so much better when you're out doing things!
20. Despite what the primary song says, I don't actually think I'm one year older and wiser too. Okay yes I'm a year older but I don't think I have made a whole lot of new neural connections.
21. I'll miss being 21. Farewell.
22. Do I have to stop shopping at Forever 21? Just wondering.



Xoxo,
Allie

Let me sum up

In case you don't keep up with my life via social medial here is what is happening in the life of Allie: 

*disclaimer* I don't even post on social media about my life so you're not missing out. 

I finally started working and I'm really happy about it. I spent so much time doing...well nothing, the past couple of weeks that I was more than ready to start being useful.  I help coach a swim team in American Fork and I really love it. I know it's so stereotypical of me, being a retired swimmer and all, but I just love being in the sun and coaching cute kids that make me laugh every freakin' day. I got super sunburned (don't tell my mom) but it's faded to a tan now so that is a major bonus. Like I don't even need money, just get me a tan and I am golden. Actually no. I take that back. I need money. Life is really expensive and I eat a lot of food. Okay, enough about that. Job. Good. Loving it. 

I bought a road bike. It is awesome. I love it. Utah is a really great place for riding bikes and I am so happy I am here for the summer. I just want to explore all of Utah on my bike. I'm still getting used to riding. I get really nervous riding near cars so for the first couple weeks I just rode in my neighborhood. Ha. Lame. But this past Saturday I rode it on the Provo River Trail all the way to Utah Lake. It is sooooo pretty out there. But I want friends to go with. So if you have a bike, join me. Loooooooove it. 

I have a pet fish. I bought a Betta Fish one day. Just on a whim. I have never had a pet in my life, so I bought a fish. And a fish counts as a pet. Don't argue that with me. Of course I would much rather have a dog or a cute kitty cat, but I settled with a fish. Her name is Alice. She has whimsical colors, and I think Alice and Allie sound cute together. We are practically best friends so I needed to give her a name that sounded nice with Allie.  

Still looking for a summer companion. Yes, just a summer companion. Not eternal. Hard pass on that one. The weather is just so perfect that I just want someone who will go do fun things with me all the time. I posted this on twitter, so if you follow me via twitter I'm sorry for the redundancy. But I'm seeking an attractive male who likes adventures, the outdoors, biking, pizza, and waffles. Oh and if he wants to hold my hand or like watch movies on the couch with me I wouldn't object. I just need him for the summer months really. Once fall comes I going back into hibernation and can survive on my own. So if you or somebody you know meets these qualifications then send 'em my way. I sound desperate. Dang it. I'm not like that. I just like having fun.

Guyzzzz life is good. Until next time. 

Xoxo, 

Gossi I mean Allie. 

Ps. Just finished gossip girl and I loved it. Addicted. K bye. 

Dat blogging life yo

Lyke hi guyz. The blog is freakin' back and I'm slightly embarrassed. It's almost too mormon for me, but I'm going with it. I haven't blogged in over two years so I may be a little rusty. So much has happened in the past two years I would not be able to recap it all but I figure a brief update on my life wouldn't hurt. So here is what I have been up to.

I FINISHED SWIMMING! WHAT? Yeah, I feel weird still. But it is true. I made it four years swimming at BYU. It was HARD. Like I still have nightmares hard. But well worth it let me tell ya! I wouldn't trade those four years for anything! Now that I am done I have all of this new found time on my hands. I get to sleep in and do whatever I want between the hours of 2pm and 4 pm instead of going to practice. I still sometimes get anxiety about not swimming. Like I probably can't make a 1:10 interval for 100 freestyles?! I'm worthless now! Not really, but I feel that way sometimes. Enough about swimming. It will always be a part of me, but it is over now. It was a good run.

I still haven't figured out my life. Yeah, nothing has changed as far as my future. Way back during freshman year when I would blog consistently I was always freakin' about my future and what I was going to do with my life, and 3 years later I am in the same boat. Some days I get really motivated and have it all figured out and other days I just wanna be a homemaker. That's a career right? I do have goals, though. I am majoring in Exercise Science and I had planned on applying to Med School next Spring but I am having second thoughts. I mean, it' s a huge commitment as far as time and money. Do I really want to commit to that? I don't know! That seems to be the question of my life! I have thought of going to PA school and I am on track to do that now but the process is a little different from Med School so I am behind. UGH. I just wish someone would tell me what to do! No, I don't really wish that. I take it back.

I met my best friend in college! This is old news but hasn't been documented. I call her "bridesmaid material", because that is what she is. I haven't had a friend this special since all my friends from high school. She is one of a kind and I have the best time with her. Lyke I lover her and she's my person and always will be. She and I are freakin' funny, at least we think we are. Never laughed so hard with someone within the first two minutes of meeting. The first night we hung out my cheeks hurt SO BAD. I don't believe that it takes more muscles to frown because I got a face workout from laughing and smiling so much. She was my roommate this past year in college and she made it the best year ever! So many good memories. Now she is getting married and I'm sad because I lost my roommate but I will never lose my person. Oh yeah, we have an obsession with Grey's Anatomy, specifically with Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey, so we call each other "my person." Watch the show.

I am happy! The last time I was blogging I was in a sad place. I'm just gonna lay it flat out and you might feel weird but it's my lyyyyfe and I'm willing to share. I parted ways with my best friend that was a guy and it killed me. I seriously couldn't go one day without feeling sad about our parting ways. I cried a lot, and I am not even emotional. I contemplated running away. I wanted to be anywhere but in Provo where he was. But over the past two years I healed and now I am happier than ever. I have so many things to be grateful for in my life and I never want to overlook those things again.

Golly gee this is a long post. Sorry about that. I am just so happy to be back in the blogging world. Life is good. Happy Sunday folks. Oh, and here are some photos from the past year with a few shameless selfies in the mix. Sorry.
 XOXO,
Allie

Dear Mother,

To me, you are the most wonderful person on this earth. I don't think I would be able to go another day without your phone calls and comforting words. Words can't even describe how much I love you. I'm not sure how you do it; put up with my tearful phone calls, and take care of the family back home. You are a wonderful example. Some days I wish I could move back home. You could make me waffles for breakfast, and make me a smoothie just before I went to bed. Or we could watch an old romance on a Saturday morning, and spend the afternoon baking cookies or cupcakes. Oh, and in case you were wondering, I have still not tasted a chocolate chip cookie that is better than yours. And I don't think I ever will. I miss the back rubs you gave me when I was little just before I went to sleep, and how you let me come sleep in your room when I was scared. You helped me get to where I am today. You drove me to swim practices every day until I was 16. You came to just about every swim meet I swam in. You supported me and never doubted my abilities. Now i'm in college and I just miss you. I just want to be back home, but I know that would be weak of me. I know I need to grow up and face my problems on my own. I can't run away. I tell you life is hard and you assure me that everyone goes through what I am going through. It would just be so much easier if I could curl up in your bed and just cry to you until late hours of the night until I felt better.

I love you, mom, and I hope I tell you that enough. I wish I would have taken advantage of all the advice you gave me, and would have listened to you when you told me to put a coat on. But today I have learned. I have learned that you are my rock. You keep me going. I'll admit that you were always right. My whole life; you were right. But why didn't I learn that sooner? I just want to go home.

Love,
Allie

Untitled

Last night as I was just getting into bed I heard three loud shots outside my window. I jumped so high I could have hit the ceiling! I definitely thought they were gun shots, but I was probably just coming up with the worst case scenario, I was terrified nonetheless. I was shaking, and I went and hid under my bed. I didn't know what to do because I was afraid someone was right outside my window so I stayed under my bed for a while. This all makes me laugh really hard now because it was nothing. Some silly kids just blew up whipped cream bottles, but it just happened to me right outside my window. No worries, all is well.

It's been a good weekend. My mom came to visit me on Friday and left today. It was so nice spending time with her. I love her so much, and I am so grateful for how well she raised me and for all the love she has always shown me.

I went to see the Justin Bieber movie. I was not planning on ever seeing it, but I will admit that it is really good!

I still need to find a place to live. If you know if anywhere that is close to campus and a nice place with a nice ward then let me know! I can use all the help I can get!

Hope all is swell with you,

Allie