Oh Chuck

Two and a half years ago Skyler innocently rented the first few episodes of a new show that he had heard was pretty good. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a life changing experience and might I add Love affair that has lasted almost 3 years now…and is still running strong.

This seemingly small decision one late Friday night in the Blockbuster under Smiths has turned into a lovely little gem in my life. It was a bonding ground for Sky and I before he left me. The ‘Chuck Club’ commenced every Tuesday night around 9:30 or 10 when we finally had time to watch last week’s episode together. If both members were not present, the Chuck club was unable to move forward. Landen was an honorary member at this time – he was welcome to join, but not necessary {plus my bed doesn’t really fit all 3 of us very well}.

Team Bartowski now consists of Starlee and Landen, with Brock as our very eager honorary member {my bed still doesn’t really fit 3 very well, but Brock doesn’t let this deter him}. We also have some young ‘Chuck Club’ wanna-bes but due to their age, they are forced to watch the show when it is actually on TV and sleep when Chuck Club is being held.

Note: I’m not sure that this show is appropriate for my youngest brothers…but who can deny a person the right to view such an amazing show.

So I would just like to say that I count Chuck, Sarah, Casey, Morgan, Ellie and Awesome in among my very favorite people to hang out with. Is this slightly pathetic…maybe, but only if you don’t know them. If you have seen the show, you’ll understand. If not, there is something wrong in your life (and for heaven’s sake, start at the beginning – don’t just try to jump in, it won’t work)!

Dear Cast and Crew of Chuck,
I LOVE YOU! You’re doing a stand-up job and I think you should all get raises. Someday when I’m president, I’ll put that on my list of things to do. If our president can pass the healthcare bill I’m sure I can get one through to mandate that all Americans watch your show – and I bet I’ll get votes from both sides of the aisle. ;) Keep up the good work.

Love,
Me

P.S. I would love to be on your show someday. Even if I play one of the bad guys you kill – you would be amazed by my abilities to play dead…just think about it. Thanks!

NEVER say Never!

Hades is now an arctic tundra,

The Fat Lady is singing her final number,

and I will be attending BYU.

{for my MPA}

(please notice and appreciate my use of the word Hades instead of Hell due to my new honor code)

I know! This very minute you are checking your food storage, because you know the end is near.

Now you are breathing deeply into a paper bag with your head between your knees saying to yourself, 'but Starlee, how can this be?' And all I can say is that life happens...

Sometimes it is a nice Martha Stewart style planed out dinner with your favorite place settings, candle sticks and the works...

and sometimes it is a surprise party that you just weren't expecting. But none the less, it's a party, Right?

I will now be forced to take back all that I have said about how I wouldn't be caught dead living in Provo...well, I actually still hope never to be caught dead there, but alive is now a different story.

However, I do not plan to take back all of the things I have said about how disturbed Provo is. In fact, I feel it is now my responsibility to find proof to back up my claims and report on them in essay form (I'm a student again ... sorry)!

Congratulations and Condolences are welcome. I'll understand both. ;)

Here's to change ~ Cheers!

{side note: I googled images for the Y and didn’t find anything that I felt comfortable with posting on my blog – I then googled the U and found wonderful pictures, but didn’t know that it would be appropriate to put a beautiful big red block U at the end of this post. As you can see, I still have my allegiances in the right place. ;) }

Miss Utah then & now

I had to find a baby picture of myself this weekend, so I started going through some old pictures…

There were some real treasures in there, and I’m sure many of my amazing finds will end up on here at some point.

This first one seemed most applicable at the moment.

This is my mothers beautiful Miss Utah picture. She competed as Miss Sanpete County about 26 years ago! Good to know she looks just as glamorous today as she did then!

Here is my Miss Utah pic

I can only hope to look half as cute as my mom in 26 years, and accomplish half of the things she has! She is simply AMAZING!

Pro’s and Con’s

Living with Elementary school aged children means that they are exposed to EVERY disease known to man…and being the loving children they are, will bring it home and share it with you! (Con)

Upon giving you the flu though, they don’t run and hide from the germs. Instead they bring you ‘throw-up bowls’, saltine crackers, ice, and all their favorite movies. They then proceed to crawl in bed with you, and are content to watch Kung Fu Panda over and over, whether you are conscious or not. (Pro’s)

I’ve decided this is unconditional love.

Thanks boys, for the illness {sort of} and the attempts to make me better ~ it worked.

One of my Favorites:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

We ask ourselves,

“Who am I to be

Brilliant,

Gorgeous,

Talented

& Fabulous?”

Actually, who are you not to be?

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

Things that Soothe the Redhead Soul

You know the feeling, like every little decision is affecting the rest of your life. Well, that’s where I’m at right now. This can be stressful. So here are a few things that soothe the redhead soul:

1. Talking with loving friends
2. Dressing up and getting out :)
3. Chocolate (my cousin’s blog just talked about eating chocolate cake while doing yoga…that is something I will for sure be trying this summer when chocolate re-enters my diet!)
4. Anne of Green Gables
5. ENDORPHINS – while pumping iron and rocking out, it is impossible not to feel great – ballet would also be entered here
6. Scriptures
7. Grandmas hugs (I’m convinced they have magic powers )
8. CLEANING – Ok, it’s true, I like to clean in any mood, but there is something so soothing about deep cleaning the house
9. Service
10. The knowledge that God is on my side and knows the end destination, even when I don’t!
11. Letters from Sky
12. Listening to Showtunes ;)

And just so you know, here are a few things that soothe the redhead body:

1. Vitamin I (ibuprofen)
2. Ice baths (ok, this is not soothing at all, but it works)
3. Tiger Balm / Sombra
4. A trip to the Chiropractor
5. Repeat :)

Children’s Miracle Network

Last week I had the privilege to help collect donations at a local IHOP (on free Pancake Day) for the Children’s Miracle Network. CMN is a partner of the Miss America Organization & together they work to collect donations that save children’s lives.

CMN’s local recipient of donations is Primary Children’s Medical Center. 1 out of every 9 children can’t afford their life saving treatment, so CMN donations go towards paying for the medicine and treatments they need. Last year over $14 million was spent on these cases.

It was so wonderful to experience the charity that people have. I was overwhelmed by the support and generosity people had for the program. It’s such a blessing to see that even those with so little are willing to give what they can to help another. I was touched by so many that had such Christ-like love. It was also AMAZING to have people stop and tell me their personal story of how CMN saved them or someone close to them.

This program truly makes miracles happen!

If you are interested in donating to CMN, follow the link below. Even a couple of dollars helps a child and their family in immeasurable ways!

http://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=12704+91066A8BC84

“We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.”

~ Mother Teresa