IT MAY NOT BE EASY, BUT IT WILL BE WORTH IT

Today I am feeling extremely accomplished. I ran almost three miles, 2.65 miles to be exact. I've honestly never ran that much in my whole life so I'm pretty pumped that I did it. I'm also very happy because I did it in a decent amount of time as well. Tonight I am going to the gym with Davis and Kade so more exercise for me. I'm so motivated and I sure hope it doesn't go away. I'm so ready to take on this journey. My mom and I are going to be starting our diet with in the next week or so and I can't wait to see my body change.

Here's to positive thinking and healthiness in our lives! 

...it will most defiantly be worth it. 

DANCING UNDER THE STARS

On Friday, Laci and I went on a sister date to Dancing Under The Stars at the Scera Shell. Over all, the show was pretty good. The greatest part of the whole show was being able to see Shaping Sound. If you haven't heard of Shaping Sound you should look them up. They are AMAZING. I never wanted them to stop dancing. Some of the best contemporary dancing I've ever seen in person.

Another dance that I LOVED was a dance by Divinity Company choreographed by my old teacher Alan. This video isn't from the show on Friday night, but from the Divinity concert that was at the beginning of the month. I didn't get to go so I watched this dance on Youtube when Alan posted it. It was amazing to be able to see it in person on an actual stage. Alan is an amazing choreographer. 

That girl, the blonde soloist. That's one of my besties Ellie. I've danced with her since I was itty bitty and she is outstanding. I mean, just look at her! 

I had such a fun night hanging out with my sissy, watching some amazing dancing, and eating this amazing ice cream treat.

Happy Sunday!

THROWBACK THURSDAY - SENIOR PICTURES

Today, I was looking back through my Senior pictures. Since school started this week for all the kids at Orem High, I figured this would be an appropriate throwback. My cousin Shaylee did an amazing job with these pictures and I want to do another shoot with her STAT. 

shirt: f21// pants: f21// shoes: forever young shoes// 

shirt: f21// cardigan: cotton on// hat: my cousin shaylee's// skirt: f21// shoes: forever young shoes

shirt: pac sun// jacket: f21// shorts: gap// shoes: wet seal

AREN'T WE CUTE?

The answer to that question is most definitely, yes. 

These pictures describe us and our relationship perfectly. I love this goofy boy and I am so grateful that he's apart of my life. I wouldn't change a thing about him or our relationship. I'm so lucky I get to spend every single day with him. 

ANOTHER NEW FRIEND

This is Mowgli the Husky. She is adorable and I fell in love with her. She's my new friend.

"NO NEED TO BOTTLE UP"

"Drink To Moving On" by Grand National

I just wanted to share this song with whomever is reading. I've grown rather fond of it and the band who sings it, Grand National. It's a fun upbeat song, I like to run to it! ENJOY. 

xoxo

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - ODC FOREVER

Orem Dance Company 2012

Today I watched the Orem Dance Company concert from my Junior year and I decided that I wanted to share a few of the pieces I was lucky enough to choreograph for my company. The first video was one of the first things I had EVER choreographed. I taught that piece my junior year. It's crazy to think that, that was my first real taste of teaching dance.

The second piece I choreographed about a year ago. It was a half time for dance company just this last year. It's crazy to me to see how far I've come. Even without dancing at a studio this past year, I have grown as a dancer. I have been able to teach and spread my knowledge of dance to young dancers and it feels amazing. I can't wait to see what else I can do with everything I've learned.

The third video is my Senior Solo. I've already posted this before, but since I'm showing off my work I thought it'd be appropriate to post again. One of my favorite moments performing on a stage is when I performed my solo. I was so nervous to perform this and after I did I felt so proud of myself. I will never forget when my hero and director Hollie texted me seconds after performing my solo saying, "That was the greatest I've ever seen you dance." I love Hollie. She is my role model. 

Hollie and I

I miss dancing so much. It was and still is such a huge part of my life that I will never give up. Yes, I quit dancing at a studio, but it doesn't mean that my love for dance changed at all. Dancing at a studio is hard and time consuming. It is a huge commitment that I just couldn't handle anymore. I don't regret quitting one bit, but I miss it like crazy. I need to get my butt into a dance class ASAP.

The girls of ODC 2013

I'M NOT IN HIGH SCHOOL ANYMORE....WHAT?!

It's so crazy to me that I won't be going to Orem High this year. It's still doesn't feel like my high school life is over and that I graduated back in May. Orem Dance Company started practices yesterday and that makes me sad. I'm sad that I won't be performing at half times and assemblies. I'm sad that I won't get to see the crazy and amazing Hollie every other day. I'm sad I won't be able to have gossip hour in her office while we make the younger kids do that hard work. I'm sad I won't have to scramble to make up choreography the night before I have to teach. I'm sad that I won't have to figure out how to get out of going to ARC or how to get out for pride lunch. I'm sad that I won't have to do stupid student council stuff everyday of my freaking life. I'm sad that I won't have to try getting away with parking in faculty parking all the time. GOSH, it makes me sad that I'm not in high school anymore... Okay, that's a lie. I am BEYOND grateful that I don't have to go back, but it makes me sad that all my high school experiences are just memories now. I don't get to go back and try to make this year better than the last. I had my chance, high school is over... Dance company is something that I will miss for the rest of my life! It was the absolute BEST part of my high school experience. It literally kept me sane. 

Now, I have to grow up. Growing up is scary. I made the decision to not attend college until the Spring and I am honestly very happy with my choice. I'm excited to see what life is going to throw at me. I'm excited to get a job...NOT, but I seriously need to. Life is moving along too fast. My friends are all moving, going to college, going on missions. The kids I used to see and talk to everyday I don't even see anymore. Life after high school is nuts. To all you high school kids out there about to start school, PLEASE (I beg you) enjoy every minute of it. I know it's hard and you don't want to be there, (TRUST ME, I know. One hundred and fifty absences my senior year...Yeah that's me) but it will be over before you know it. Enjoy every ARC you have to go to. Enjoy every stupid packet you have to finish before graduation. ENJOY EVERYTHING. If you are attending Orem High, you're some of the luckiest kids out there.

SNAKES

Last Saturday while walking around outside of Davis' brother's house, we stumbled upon two individuals who were indeed holding snakes. My sister Laci used to have a snake and so I was I eager to hold one, Davis on the other hand was not. After much convincing, we finally got him to hold the bigger of the two snakes. He was a little scared and didn't want the head near him whatsoever, but HE DID IT. I have known for a long time now that Davis isn't a fan of snakes so it was exciting for me to see him holding one. Score for team Davis. 

RUNNIN' RUNNIN'

shirt: pac sun// hoodie: victoria's secret// running pants: f21// shoes: nikes

Hello friends, happy Saturday!

Davis has motivated me to start running again. I was doing very good and running everyday and then, you know how it goes, I started slacking. I honestly HATE running so it is extremely hard for me to keep myself motivated to do so, but I have to keep working on it. Since I hate it so much, I constantly have to have some positive thoughts in the back of my mind.

1. RESULTS- If I keep running I will see results. Back in November I lost 15 pounds just from running. I didn't go to the gym. I just ran everyday, and I didn't even run that much. I would run a mile or maybe a little more everyday. This time around I've been running more. More running = more calories = more results = happy Erika. Plus my mom and I have Gold's Gym passes so running and the gym will be amazing for my body and my health. 

2. IT CAN ONLY GET EASIER- The more I run, the easier it will get. It's a fact. It can't get harder. Even though I hate it, I just need to push through and keep going. 

3. DON'T BE A LAZY ASS- Running is good for me. When I just sit at home I am not doing anything good for myself and my body. Running will make me happier. Even if I don't run a lot, the little I do run is better for me than doing nothing at all. When I go out and run I feel good about myself. I feel proud that I did something positive. It's a total win. 

There you have it. Those are the three things I keep telling myself to keep me motivated. If you have tips that keep you motivated share them with me PLEASE! Also if you have any fun healthy snacks that you love, share those with me too. I'm excited to run more and be healthier. The other day I beat one of my best mile times by one minute and twenty seconds. I was thrilled and I can't wait to beat that time. It's going to be a journey and I am ready. 

JUST BECAUSE

Sometimes I get bored and have my mom take pictures of me in the backyard, no big deal. She has some pretty flowers out there and has been keeping it looking so nice all summer long. I love my backyard even though it's small. The view of the golf course makes the smallness alright in my book. I love watching the golfers when I sit out on the back porch. It's so relaxing. I LOVE where I live. 

top: f21// pants: f21// shoes: target// earrings: pac sun// bracelets: f21

Also, here is a song that I have rather enjoyed lately.  I've been listening to Pandora a lot recently and my new favorite station is Purity Ring radio. If you like this song, then you'll most definetly like Purity Ring radio. My favorite part of the song is at 35 seconds. AHH. The first time I heard it I had to look it up just to listen to that part again. It makes me want to dance in a studio and improv or choreograph. My mom and her co-workers didn't understand why I LOVED the part at 35 so I'm not sure if you wil either... Being a dancer I notice all the little off beats and weird things in the back of the music that you don't really hear unless you listen for it. So if you can figure out why I love it, than congrats. If not, then just enjoy the song. Music is seriously amazing.

WE LOVE MAX

This is our fat dog Maxwell. We love and adore the big guy. He's such a cutie. (so is the boy in the picture on the left). Max is six years old and I picked him out of his litter when he was just a puppy. He was the cutest little guy ever. These are the only pictures of him I could find. Totally bad quality, but you can still tell how cute he was as a pup. Max will always have a special place in my heart. I love him. 

Max and I were both so little! I was in eighth grade when I took this picture.

MY FRIEND SYDNEY - SIX MONTHS TOO LONG WITHOUT YOU

I remember the day we lost Sydney like it was yesterday.

Now it's been six months and there hasn't been a day that she hasn't crossed my mind.

February 7, 2013 I had gotten home from school early as usual and was hanging out with Davis. Things were normal until I got a text from my friend Liz saying, "Erika, did you hear about Sydney?" I was a little thrown off and thought maybe she had gotten in a car accident or something. Before I could even reply my phone started to ring, it was my best friend Ellie. Barely able to talk, Ellie told me the news. I was in shock and didn't believe her. I remember asking her if this was all a joke. It wasn't. It was as real as it gets. I cried and cried and cried. I had lost one of my best friends. The next few days were very hard and emotional. Davis was going to Washington for the weekend to see his family and I was going to be left alone with a million thoughts.

February 8, 2013 I didn't go to school. I had, had a restless night and got little sleep. I had to take Davis to the airport so I got my sad self together and took him. I was excited for him to go be with his family, but I honestly needed him more than ever. I was a mess. After I dropped him off I cried the whole way home. I didn't want to do anything that night, but ODC had to perform at half time. Luckily, I had Ellie by my side and we made it through the performance. We danced for Sydney that night. After we danced Ellie, Liz, and I went to Hunter's house to have a girls night. We had all been close to Sydney and needed each other during this hard time. We looked at old pictures and told stories about Sydney. We laughed together and we cried together. It was one of the best experiences and I am so grateful that I had them. 

February 9, 2013 I went to Happy Sumo with my sister Laci. Sushi was Sydney's favorite food. It was hard for me to be there, since one of the last times I had been there was for Syd's seventeenth birthday.

That night, I decided to go to the gym and work out to get things off my mind. I was missing my boyfriend and Sydney like crazy and was an emotional wreck. It was snowing a lot so the roads were icy. I was driving on University Parkway when I had a close encounter with truck. I was going straight threw the light and he turned right in front of me while I was going forty mph. If the roads would have been normal, I could have just slammed on my breaks and everything would have been fine, but I couldn't. All I could do was swerve into the other lane. I lost control of my car and some how I ended up safely on the side of the road. I know it sounds cheesy, but I honestly believe that Sydney was there with me and saved me that night. If I would have hit them, I would have totaled my car and been hurt pretty badly. As much as I hated the fact that Sydney wasn't with me on earth, I was so grateful that I had her as an angel by my side that night. I cried and cried some more. It was becoming too normal to cry at any and all times.

A few days went by. Things were getting a little easier, but it was still harder than ever. Davis finally came home and it felt so good to not feel so alone. I had to prepare myself to see Sydney for the last time. I was nervous to go to her viewing. I did't know how I was going to react when I saw her for the last time. When I arrived, the line was HUGE. Sydney had so many friends and everyone loved her. I met up with Ellie and luckily she was towards the front. While we waited, my stomach had the craziest butterflies. Every inch closer, I got more and more nervous. I had millions of emotions flying threw me.  I was mad at Sydney for putting us all through this. I was mad that I had to see her like this and feel this way. When we finally reached her, everything just went away. I felt numb. I then had an overwhelming feeling of peace. I knew that even though Sydney had made the wrong decision, it was what she wanted and I had to be okay with it. I finally found closure and boy did it feel good. Yes, I was still emotional and sad, but it was from that point on that I knew I had to be okay with out her. As much as I wanted her here, she wasn't and wouldn't be. 

this is my favorite picture of sydney and i. we were in hong kong together and wearing the same lip stick.

I miss Sydney. I can't believe that six months have already gone by. Everyday something reminds me of her. I dream about her sometimes. I love her so much and I am grateful to have such an amazing angel watching over me. Sydney was an amazing friend and I'm happy that I had the opportunity to know her. I LOVE YOU SYDNEY TAYLOR BRUNING.

NUMB

It's time for me to totally embarrass myself and honestly, I don't even mind. Yesterday, I had a dentist appointment and ended up having the famous numb half smile afterwards. I literally couldn't feel the whole right side of my face. Try putting on cap stick when you can't even feel where you're putting it, it's joke and if someone would have seen me trying to do so, they would have laughed hysterically. When I got home, Davis and I laughed and laughed at how ridiculous I looked. I even went and got us food right after my appointment (totally in my numbest state) and coming face to face with the guy in the drive-thru was quite hilarious. 

Come on now, don't I look pretty?

Cheers to numb smiles and drive-thru workers thinking I have some sort of problem.

FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES

Today Davis and I went to our favorite burger joint, Five Guys Burgers and Fries. If you haven't been, I encourage you to go. I love the 'little bacon burger'. It's smaller and cheaper than the normal bacon burger. Just because it says, "little" doesn't mean that it is. I always come home with left overs and a full belly. Along side the burger, you have to get some fries! Our favorite are the cajun style fries. Recently, they added a new size to the fries and you can now can get a 'little fry' which is more than enough for two people. Davis and I never seem to finish them. Five Guys isn't too expensive and it extremely good. I am getting hungry just talking about it and I just got home from there not too long ago! If you love burgers, GO and enjoy.

davis eating his yummy burger. it seems like he is always willing to pose for me while eating them.