That Carter Couple!

Until Further Notice...

2010-10-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

We have separated.

That doesn't mean it can't be fixed.

I am going to get my life on track and do what needs to be done.

I will do whatever it takes to get him back.

I know what to do and how to do it.

It will not be easy but I will not fail.

I have faith!

- Deborah Epling Carter

The Golden Anniversary

2010-09-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 25th, 2010, me family will be celebrating my grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary. I have been asked to give something like a maid of honor speech along with my sister, aunt, and mother. Even though I wish to share this glorious occasion with everyone, I know it is not possible. I will, however, share my speech.

What an honor it is to speak at my grandparent's 50th anniversary. It's not often we get an opportunity to celebrate an event like this, so I think, first off, congratulations are in order.

50 years! Some day I hope I'll be able to say I even lived that long. But to be married! To actually live with another person for that length of time - it's remarkable. I mean, our parents had us out of the house after 18 years, and, admittedly, all of us kids had probably had enough of them by that time, but 50 years! This should win you a prize of some sort, shouldn't it?

Honestly, now, I know we don't get many opportunities to tell you, but you should realize how much of an inspiration your marriage is to all of us. It gives us all great pleasure celebrating the commitment you have shown one another in your lives, and you should know the influence of your love is not lost on this family.

Of course, as grandchildren we always revere what you've said. Some of our fondest memories from childhood revolve around them. What stands above all is the impression that you were always so happy to see us, always interested in what we were doing and thinking, and never let an opportunity to help us or guide us down the path of righteousness escape your grasp.

Later, as we grew up and began seeing you for the adults you are, we began appreciating all that you've done with your lives. Grandma and Grandpa, you have very much become a symbol for the joys of leading a long and healthy life. You show us that life doesn't stop at any age, and that it keeps on getting better if you tackle it with the same energy and interest every day. Naturally, if you're lucky enough to have a partner there to share the experience, life will be all the more rich.

Would you all share a toast with me to John and LouAnn Davis, still, after all these years, a wonderful, happy couple!

Undying Devotion

2010-09-14T01:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Linkin Park will most definitely always be one of my favorite bands regardless of what the radio makes of them. When I first heard their new single, The Catalyst, a few weeks ago I was a bit iffy about it.

I kept expecting the song to break out into hardcore rock and I would start jamming out with a fat smile on my face. That, sadly, did not happen and I, yet again, became a bit disappointed that Linkin Park is no longer what they used to be.

That is until I saw the performance they recorded for the MTV VMA’s this year. This performance made me realize that the song doesn’t need to break out into hardcore rock. It’s simply amazing the way it is. I must purchase this album immediately!

Also, Mike Shinoda’s new look is SUPER HOT!! ;)

This just keeps getting better and better...

2010-08-31T23:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's a bit lengthy and I go into a bunch of depth that's really kinda of off-topic, but necessary for you to fully understand the situation. For this, I apologize and wish you good luck!

First off, since I suddenly have an army of people on facebook who are interested in any form of anger I'm about to express, let's start with a bit of an introduction and some explanation of how things work. I am 21 years old, female, married to an amazing man, and you can't tell just by looking at me, but I was raised as a member (who has rightfully chosen to stop attending church services) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. If you don't understand, allow me to elaborate. I am an inactive Mormon.

This does not mean that I do not believe. Quite the opposite. I love the gospel and I have a very strong testimony of the scriptures. Unfortunately, it's the actions of those that are active in the church and they rules they live by that really irritate me. I have a lot of friends in the church, a few who I remain very close friends with to this day, and I can guarantee that will never change. Those that I prefer to avoid seem to have caught the hint and have given up attempting to contact me.

It seems as though every time I have doubt about becoming inactive something happens that assures me I'm doing the right thing. So... here's what's going on right now. Most of the people I have here on "Our Connections" are members of the church. Not all of them live in the same area as us, but a fair amount do. Mind you, the church friends on this list I consider friends. They are amazing people and I never fail to smile whenever I'm around them.

Now... here's what's pissing me off. Just because I'm inactive does not mean that I do not uphold my end of the bargain by reading the scriptures or saying the occasional prayer or that I do not care about what happens in the church. Last time I checked, the point of Home Teachers (2 priesthood members, both male are assigned to a family to assist them if a situation calls for it), and Visiting Teachers (2 Relief Society members, both women, are assigned to other sisters to be their rock if they need someone to talk to without judging them) was to be make sure their families and sisters stayed up with current events, regardless if they are inactive.

Currently, I do not care if Andrew and I's Home Teacher doesn't contact us. I actually prefer it seeing as how he was giving me a ride to church when he told me how great it's been having me back in the Ward. I can't explain how much this lifted my spirits seeing as how I wasn't having a great day to begin with. Church comes, I teach my class just like I was called to do, and then church ends. This is where I wait for my Home Teacher to give me a ride home. Unfortunately, the guy leaves me stranded at the building. I had to call a friend who, no doubt, had more important things to do to give me a ride back home. (Thank You, Joe!)

Okay, I got a bit off topic. I'm surprised you're still reading, honestly. Anyway... The church works like the government. There's the Church Presidency (Three men who hold the highest power over the church), there are Stake Presidencies (Three men who hold the highest power over a much smaller area, for example, Stockton Stake, Carson City Stake, Reno Stake, etc.) and then there's the Ward Presidencies (Three men, blah, blah, blah, within a stake.) Depending on how populated an area is depends on how many wards are in a Stake. When you go to church you are placed in a ward, depending on your living location.

The three men change regularly. The church presidency is a lifetime calling. The only possible way for their to be a new President of the church is if the current one passes away. Not the case for Stake and Ward. They are called, and that calling can be removed at any time. I've gone through many Bishops (A Single man who holds the highest power in a ward lasting anywhere from 2 to 5 years) since I've lived in Nevada (7 years) and I have had the same Stake Presidency (8-10 years) since I moved here. I have much love and respect for the time and effort these men have put forth for their calling, as all church callings are completely voluntary.

Naturally, I was shocked to find out that the Stake Presidency changed about 3 weeks ago and not a single person has attempted to contact me about it. I may be overreacting about this. In fact, I know I am. But what's the point of having Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers and close friends in the church if they don't tell you that really important shit is going down. See? Do you see why I prefer to remain inactive, do you see why I could care less if I live by the Word of Wisdom (set of rules that says hot drinks/strong drinks, tobacco and other bad-for-your-health habits such as tattoos, piercings, modesty, and non-virtuous behavior) or why I practically live by the motto, "The Church is true, the people aren't"?

I don't trust any of you in the church. You make it almost impossible for me to. The only time you contact me is to give me a calling (A way to get us to come back to church) when it could have gone to someone who deserves it and would be better at it, or when you want something from me. I received an e-mail from someone not two weeks ago asking if I would like to feed the missionaries since they had three or four openings for September. I have a hard enough time feeding my husband and roommates who are NOT members. If I wanted to feed the missionaries, I would have contacted someone.

OOH!!! Okay, so I took a small break to calm down before I break something. I go to sign into the church's website to find out just who the new Stake Presidency is and because I have not given anyone my new address they have disabled my account. In order for me to enable it again I have to have my Member Number and the only way for me to get that is to contact someone in the church and tell them where I live, even though I wish for that information to be left secret.

So, to this I say, Fuck trying to please other people! I'm so tired of being nice to people who just don't return the favor. Sometimes you gotta be harsh to get your point across, and damn it all to hell if I don't change that part of me. I won't care as much as I used to if I hurt your feelings in the process, and if I do care, believe me, you'll know it. If I get my point across then it was worth it.

Damn, I could use a REALLY strong drink right now!

Ugh.... Will it ever change?

2010-08-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

July has been one big mess of a crappy month. A lot of arguments, close calls, friendships coming to an end, and irritability. I had this overwhelming feeling that August was going to be ten times better. At least, I hope.

First off, Andrew's birthday is on the 23rd. There's a plus right there! Hopefully we'll be able to spend a day or two in Tahoe so Andrew can see his family. Secondly, I will have finally gotten a job that I have waited far too long to get. There's just no jobs available out there and it's killing us. We cannot afford for me to be lazy anymore!

Unfortunately, August hasn't been what I had hoped it would be. Still no job and some health problems that we can't afford for me to see a doctor about. On a lighter note, and about the only good thing that's happened so far: My cousin, Amber, gave birth to her first child. Welcome to the World, Leam Runningbear Thomson. <3

Go ahead, I know you're thinking it. Allow me to express the thoughts running through your head after what you've just read. Is it possible that the reason why we've had such a hard time coping with the hardships of life because we've stopped going to church?

I doubt it. We'd have gone through the same shit. The only difference would have been that I would have had to pretend to be happy around people who would have to pretend they actually care about what happens in my life.

That would have only added more stress that my strong-willed body couldn't handle. Mind you, I'm one tough effing cookie. I do have my faults, though.

I may be 21 and think I act like one, but in others minds I'm still 17 (minus the immaturity). I slack on household duties, I'm lazy, and I have no drive to get up and go out to change this. And the fact that it's ridiculously hot outside hasn't made things easier. Me + Heat = Not the best of friends.

Since I can't think of anything else that's worth writing about, I leave you at this. I hope you have a better month than I am having so far.

ADCarter

Friends are Fun!

2010-06-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Blog title.

Oh, My... April? Wow! It's been a really long time since there's been an update.
We've moved. No wonder it's been a really long time.

What's new in the Carter household? We've moved, obviously. Roommates.
We're still in Carson, we've just moved to a different part of town.

Who's actually missed us, I mean, really?
Have we impacted your life enough for you to really care?

We've gotten a few phone calls from church members, but no one who matters.
Do we honestly care that no one important has called? Nope.

We have more loyal and caring friends outside of the church.
Those are really the only important people we care about.

I have my own beliefs inside and out, but I get along with non-members better.
Pretending to be someone you're not is something I'm not okay with doing.

We were unhappy with most of the members we were involved with anyway.
My last straw was my home teacher saying how great it's been having me back.

Tell me this while giving me a ride to church then leave me stranded after.
You sure have a funny way of showing it. Going to church made us nervous.

The church is true. The people aren't. Plus, we still have unanswered questions.
All of which have yet to be proven otherwise. Until then, we do our own thing.

Why do you think we moved and haven't actually told anyone our new address?
It's the one's who really do care and don't just say they do who know where at.

I'm not sure which ward we're in exactly. Doesn't really matter to us anyhow.
We have issues with the church that we're not ready to attempt to fix just yet.

What information I will indulge is how much we're better off.
Why roommates? To save money. They weren't doing too hot themselves.

We're in a two-bedroom townhouse with another couple.
I've always wanted to live in a townhouse. Now I am... with a dishwasher!

2 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath, dishwasher, and washer/dryer.
Oh, the counter space and central heat/air is a good thing too, I suppose.

What the hell am I talking about? These are great things!
The last time I lived in a place with all these benefits was in 2nd grade.

Out of these great things, I admit, it was the Central Heat/Air that did me in.
I mean, seriously... I've lived in the desert for 7 years. This is a first for me.

We're saving at least $200 per month by this move.
I do admit, I wasn't too happy about the roommate situation.

Bad experience in the past is what I was worried about happening again.
They were more acquaintances than friends. The idea made me nervous.

The difference this time? We were really good friends before the move.
We were practically living together anyway. We just slept in different places.

It's only been a couple of weeks, but we're adjusting alright.
Things will only get better from here on out!

DLCarter

Hinges

2010-04-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

Fun Fact:

The computer we use was given to me by a family friend in high school.
We have our own desktops but it seems to be easier to just use one. Mine.
I have come to the realization that a man does use this computer.
Yes, I did actually start to wonder there for a while.
How did I come across this startling accusation?
How interesting you should ask that.
I went to look for a song title for this here blog on LDS Church Music.
Listed among the recipes I have bookmarked is this:
"Play Pandemic 2 Game - Try To Kill Everyone"
Don't worry... I giggled too.

Listen to the title.

Busy! Busy! Busy!

So busy, in fact, that I haven't really had time to get house chores done.
Dishes keep stacking and it makes me feel like a nasty person.
Here's a fun fact about Deborah: She HATES doing dishes. Just FYI.
I tell Andrew: "If the next place doesn't have a dishwasher, it's nose goes!"
Or counterspace. That's an insanely important issue to factor in.
It would be nice to have all my kitchen appliances actually in my kitchen.

So, I finally get the time to attack my kitchen and the disposal breaks.
My garbage disposal has obliterated it's last orange peel. ;(
Disadvantage? I think so.
Those orange peels really make my kitchen smell nummy!
No, that's not why it stopped.
I was actually just starting to attack the dishes when it clogged.
I went to unclog it by turning on the disposal.
I thought that maybe some undigested food missed the trash.
Instead of unclogging it buzzed a lot.
It also sprayed dirty water all over my freshly showered body. >.<
Now I'm stuck using half my sink and it's driving me nuts!

Man, Management must think we're a crazy couple tearing up our apartment.
It feels like all we've done is complain.
First, our toilet went retarded.
Maintenance "fixed it".
Now it's two different kinds of retarded.
A chunk of the sealant on the door frame has been missing since we moved in.
It blows in cold air ALL THE TIME!
Even when we have the heater on it's still freezing.

Maybe we're just a picky couple. Who knows.

BACK TO THE KITCHEN!!!

Grandfather

2010-03-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Blog Title

I love being a primary teacher! I love teaching the children the different ways they can choose the right and I love having the interaction and seeing their bright, eager-to-learn faces every week.

There just seems to be one small problem.

We can't seem to rely on the person who gives us rides to church anymore. It's happened twice now where we've gotten ready for church and our ride never showed up. Not even a phone call.

The days our ride never showed were pretty important one's too.

I just can't seem to put two and two together. Maybe they didn't have enough room to pick us up, like their whole family going to church together (Spouse works on Sunday's and one of their children attends the single's branch). Or, maybe they were out of town.

They could have at least called so we could find another way to get to church.

It doesn't just effect me and Andrew, but now the Primary Presidency has to find someone to teach our class at the last minute. I feel SO bad when this happens we look like we stiffed our class and that's not the case.

I love teaching in primary, but this calling has been given to us at a really bad time.

This whole experience really makes me wonder why we were given a calling during this time in our lives. We had not been active in practically a year and all of a sudden they want us to teach a Sunday school class.

But when you're asked to take on a calling, you don't refuse it.

I'm sure that there are many couples in our ward who would love to have been given our calling and it almost feels as if we had taken that privilege away from those who truly deserve it.

We really feel like we were forced to start attending church again.

Since the church would not financially help us out with the cost of the service's for Pops, Andrew won't come to church with me anymore. Because of this, my motivation to attend church has dropped.

Rest In Peace, Frank "Pops" Moore. We'll miss you!

Teaching Primary has been nothing but a blessing, but since the recent passing of Andrew's grandfather, we may need to give up our calling.

We're going through some hardcore crap right now.

We may be moving to South Tahoe to help out Andrew's grandmother, who is trying to manage the hotel that her and Pops were managing together. Not sure how soon it'll be, but I'm almost certain it'll happen.

Let's take a walk down the bright side, shall we? My birthday is in 3 days.

Financially we're not doing so hot. When I mentioned this to my parents, that birthday and anniversary plans just aren't in the cards for us this year, they made plans to come to Carson (quite possibly with my brother, who lives in California) so I can have some sort of a 21st birthday celebration.

As for our "No longer Newlyweds" plans...

Well... We did ask for a cake mix in the food order the church has been nice enough to provide for us. Let's just hope we I find a hundred dollars in the gutter when I head to Walmart to pick up a couple of must-have items today, eh?

If You're Happy

2010-03-08T15:03:00.000-08:00

Listen to the Blog Title

I've been trying to posting at a regular pace but sometimes when I sit down to write an update, I blank out or I realize that our life really isn't interesting enough to update our blog as often as I'd like to. It's not like anyone really reads this anyway. I really like getting feedback, but I don't see it very often. I wish there was some way to tell if someone has visited other than us besides relying on who leaves comments.

April = 2nd - 21yrs and 12th - 2yrs

I'll give you a three guesses to figure out what I'm about to say. The first two don't count. Okay, I'll just tell you. April is a big month for us. I turn 21 on the 2nd and on the 12th we'll no longer be considered Newlyweds.

Our funds are really prohibiting us from doing anything special for either occasion. At least we'll have to wait until the end of the month before we can really celebrate anything. Until then, all that can be done is a nice dinner at home and I'm really okay with that.

Blog Changes

By now I'm sure you've noticed I change the background of our blog regularly. I'm a fan of change and I get sick of seeing the same thing, or things being done over and over again. I've surprised Andrew a few times by changing some things around the apartment while he's at work. The look on his face makes me giggle every time.

The picture behind the blog title is by far my favorite picture of us as a couple. It was the main photo in our wedding announcements so it's a couple years old, but it's also the most recent one we have of us together. Andrew is not a photographic person.

Our playlist has changed as well. I add and delete songs from it all the time. This latest time I chose to go a different direction. This blog is supposed to be about our life as a young married couple. The songs that used to be in our playlist were songs that we liked.

I've created a new playlist and called it "Flutterbye's". The songs you'll find on that list are some of the songs that make us never want to leave each others arms. They're songs that make us feel those butterflies we used to feel for each other when we first fell in love.

Our song is Calling You by Blue October and it's been placed at number one on the list. We danced to Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts at our wedding because we hadn't discovered that yet. Okay... Andrew's still at work and now I'm really missing him. Change of subject? I think so.

Primary

I love our weekends! Especially teaching our primary class on Sundays. We're losing a couple of children, but we've had the privilege of gaining one. We'll miss Juliet and the twins, Bethanie and Brianna and we've welcomed Trinity with loving arms.

I never really know what to expect when I step into primary every Sunday. I find myself thinking about who's gonna be there and who isn't. I also tend to worry about the length of the lesson and then I worry about finishing and getting back to sharing time on time.

Then I realized it that it really doesn't matter. As long as they feel loved and have fun it doesn't matter if we can finish a lesson or if they understand it or not. I mean, I never really starting understanding the gospel until after I was already baptized.

Phones

We've been talking about getting our own cell phone plan for some time now. The phone we did have was with his grandmother's service. He was the only one with a phone between the two of us and it was starting to act up. My biggest worry was that something was going to happen to one of us while he was at work and there'd be no way of letting the other know about it.

If someone needed to get a hold of me or if I needed to contact someone it would have to wait until he got home from work. When Andrew received a call for me he'd let me know when he got home. It would be so late that the office I'd need to call back would already be closed for the night.

We walked into Verizon Wireless just to get an idea of how much we'd be paying for a phone service. We walked out with two shiny new toys and another monthly bill. Andrew got the Samsung Rogue and I got the Samsung Alias^2. 700 Shared Minutes and Unlimited texting. Free Mobile to Mobile and Unlimited Nights and Weekends. I'm a very happy camper.

I would post my phone number so if anyone wants it can have it, but it's the internet and I'd really like to not have some creepy stalker calling me in the middle of the night telling me how much they're in love with my blog.

Rain Check! I will, however, link my facebook URL and if I know who you are and you'd like to have my number since the old cell phone is no longer in service, leave me a message saying so and I'll send it to you.

Ta for now.

Love is Spoken Here

2010-02-19T14:01:00.000-08:00

Listen to the blog title.

Oh, Valentine's Day. I actually prefer not to celebrate Valentine's Day. That's what our anniversary is for. Really. If you think about the history of the holiday it was a day of unnecessary violence and bloodshed. Celebrating Valentine's Day is like celebrating Lincoln's Assassination in our eyes. Ultimate "Nose Goes" for us.

Unfortunately, I seem to have come down with something. I've had a tickle in my throat for a few days, a scratchy voice and I'm finding myself turning the volume up on whatever I'm listening to and saying, "I'm sorry, what?" more often. I may be calling for a substitute in Primary this week. I don't want to get anyone sick.

I hate being sick, but I saw it coming. I always get sick on either Thanksgiving or Christmas every year. I found it a bit odd that I was perfectly fine for both holidays. I was really hoping that I wouldn't get sick at all. It seems that my body has other not-so-fun plans for me. I think it's time to get away from this "sore" subject. :)

Our tax return burned a hole in our pockets. Now I'm not saying we've spent it all already. It doesn't really matter that we received it on Monday and there's a small amount to our name left, does it? We're saving up so we can get the last item on our list. An item I can't wait to get. I am, however, saying we've spent it wisely.

Here's what our well-spent tax return went to:
Needs: A brand new bed, sheets to fit the new Cali King bed (they were out of Queens), pillows, replacement trash cans for the kitchen and bathroom, shoes, under clothes, pajamas, cook/bake ware, and a jacket for Andrew that has a removable inside jacket that fits me.
Wants: Dinner out twice (we don't do this often), a Swiffer mop, a fancy water pot, a video game for Andrew, a magazine for me, and the Third Season of NCIS on DVD that we've been trying to get for a year, but have had no luck at finding. I think at one point we assumed the third season didn't exist and we just imagined it did.

We did a lot better this year. We have to pay rent so we're waiting to see how much is left over to determine how soon we can get the Wii I've been waiting so patiently for. After trying to figure out how much we'll have, it looks like I'm gonna have to wait a few more weeks. I really don't want to, but it'll totally be worth in the end.

Beautiful Savior

2010-02-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

http://www.lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=2&searchseqstart=62&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=62&searchsubseqend=ZZZ

When I went searching for a primary song to use as the title of my next blog, I couldn't pass this one up. I LOVE being back in primary and I love primary songs. I don't really think anyone understands just how happy I am to have been called to Primary. I miss my childhood despite all the hardships my family went through. When I step into that primary room on Sunday, I feel as if I'm reliving a part of my childhood. Most of my amazingly happy memories from my childhood have something to do Primary or Young Woman's. The song above is a great example of a time when my primary life and my young woman's life had joined together as one. This created one of my top 3 childhood memories.

This is the part where I give a lot of praise to my sister, regardless of the fact that I'm trying to remove myself from her shadow in my current ward. My grandmother had so many amazing talents. She was invincible. She was a strong woman and was able to do practically anything. Theresa and I inherited some of her most amazing talents. I'm admitting this now, but I never did in the past. I'm jealous of the musical ability my grandmother passed down to her. I'm the crafty one and Theresa is the musical one.

When we were kids, Friday Night was always sleepover at grandma's house; my favorite time of the week. She gave us piano lessons, we made dinner, desert, watched T.G.I.F., rode her Rascal motor chair up and down the road, and Grandma always seemed to have a new craft for us to do. Theresa took to piano better than I did and I took to the crafts better than Theresa did. One Christmas, Theresa got a keyboard. With that keyboard she taught herself how to play the piano based off the little knowledge my grandmother had once taught her. My sister also has one of the best voices I have ever heard.

"Beautiful Savior" is and always will be my favorite primary song. I love to sing it and I love to hear it being sung even more. Before the Carson City wards split, my family and I were in Carson City 1st Ward and attending the C-Hill building. I was just a Beehive and Theresa was a Mia Maid. One year we "adopted a Grandmother" in our ward as a special activity. We were to spend time with the older sisters in Relief Society that were assigned to us and learn something new from them. Together, we were to do a project based off what we learned from our "grandmothers" and present it at a special dinner. While I had adopted my own grandmother (not my decision), Theresa had adopted Nedra Bean.

Theresa has been singing for as long as I can remember. She was a soprano for the longest time. Nedra had taught my sister to sing the Alto part of "Beautiful Savior". From then on, Theresa, with practice, could sing both Soprano and Alto. I will never forget seeing them perform this song when the time came. It was absolutely beautiful. I can still hear them sing this song. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. I have never felt the spirit so strong in my entire life, even though I was just 13. I don't think I've actually ever told anyone that. No matter what I had always felt the spirit when I went to the temple for youth trips, at Seminary, and at Girls Camp.

But, for some reason, when I heard Theresa and Nedra Bean sing the most beautiful melody I had ever heard, I have yet to feel the spirit as strong as I had that night. It was even stronger than the love I felt for Brother Bradshaw (Don Ave. Ward in California). He proxy baptized me during my very first temple trip to the Oakland, CA Temple. A man I never even knew existed. As soon as he walked through the waiting rooms doors at the temple when he was done, the love I felt for that man was unbearable. I just wanted to go up to him and give him the biggest hug I had ever given to someone, thank him, tell him I loved him, and try my hardest to not cry.

Despite the fact that we have yet to finish a Sunday school lesson, our work in primary is the beginning of starting a whole new way of life for Andrew and I. We'll be paying tithing soon and with a calling underway, Temple Prep Classes hopefully will not be far behind. I was really hoping that we'd be sealed by our 2 year mark, but since then I have had some words with a good friend, Marcus Hahne, about the subject and he said, "As long as your working your way to the temple, when you go really shouldn't matter".

Come with Me to Primary

2010-02-02T23:24:00.000-08:00

I've figured out what I'm going to do from now on. The title of my blogs are going to be Primary related. Below is a link to the song, "Come with Me to Primary". You can listen if you like, but I think this feature from the church's website is nifty, so I'm adding it to my blog post!

http://lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=2&searchseqstart=255&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=255&searchsubseqend=ZZZ

This last weekend was our first Sunday teaching in Primary. I think it went alright, but I know it can get better. At first we were kind of uncomfortable with starting a new calling around a group of children we don't know. When we were given more details about the class we'd be teaching, we were supposed to sit with the kids. There are 8 children in our class. It doesn't seem that many, but sitting in Primary, there wasn't room for Andrew to sit with me and the kids. I took the seat in the aisle while Andrew remained standing in the back of the room. The little boy next to me took to me almost instantly. Not ten seconds after I sat down was he wanting to sit on my lap. It threw me off at first, but instantly made me more comfortable with being there.

I think I learned a lot more than the children did. We have a very hyper little boy and a little girl who has a crush on him, a very talkative little girl, a set of identical twins, and two boys who only talk to each other unless I call them individually and ask them a question. I also learned that I should keep a small package of tissues in my bag, just in case. I may also want to make a bathroom pit stop before heading to class time. Andrew was in and out of the classroom practically the whole time. Two boys had to go to the bathroom and one girl sneezed so hard that she had stuff hanging from her nose.

All in a Sunday's work? I think so. We just need to figure out a solid working strategy and stick to it. After that, I think we'll do alright. We just need to experiment with them, find out what gets their attention and what will keep them calm during class, if that's even possible. Next week's lesson is almost finished and since it's a fast Sunday, no treats. This actually works out perfectly. I didn't prepare any treats for them the first lesson because we weren't sure which class we'd be teaching. What I need to do now is get a hold of the parents and find out what allergies any of the children have, if any.

It'll only get better from here on out.

"And I'm Back In The Game!"

2010-01-26T16:21:00.000-08:00

It's my first blog in too many months. I don't know if anyone even noticed that I haven't posted a new blog in a while. I was pretty busy with school that I didn't really have time for anything else.

It also didn't help that I didn't have a working computer at home for the first month and a half I was in school.

All my internet and computer time was limited to the 4 days a week I was in school. Even then it was only for about an hour a day.

Now that school has to be put on hold for quite a while and our computer is back in usable shape, I'll be able to start writing again.

Let's see... what's new in the Carter household? Not a lot, actually. 2010, however, will be an epic year!

~*Resolutions*~

I always make losing weight my new years resolution but I never seem to follow through with it or even bother trying.

There's something about 2010 that's giving me new hope. Sometime within the next couple of months we'll be purchasing a Wii.

I'm not quite sure anyone can fathom how much getting a Wii excites me! The huge grin on my face right now should be giving it away.

The only reason we're actually getting one is because Andrew is tired of listening to me tell him how much I want one.

He doesn't want a Wii, but he also knows that if we get one it'll give me more more encouragement and self-motivation to start working out and losing weight. Yay for Wii Fit!!

A happy Deborah means a happy Carter couple!

I'm thinking of starting a personal weight loss blog once we get the chance to purchase some important items that help with my goal. A scale, for instance.

I'm a huge fan of the weight watchers program and I have the basic necessities to do the program on my own. My overall goal is to be 100 pounds lighter. If I happen to lose more than that, so be it.

~*Previous Church*~

We've been living at our current address for 9 months. During those 9 months, Andrew and I have been to church a total of two times.

We just didn't feel welcome in Hot Springs Ward like we did when we were in Lone Mountain Ward. There's just something about a friendly ward that never makes you want to leave.

There were couples our age who we had things in common with. Not to mention the number of people who didn't know my family. We had our own identity.

I spent Primary in California and my youth in Hot Springs Ward. I recognized a lot of familiar faces and was excited to greet them again.

When we moved back into my home ward boundaries I was happy to hear I was going back to a ward I knew. The atmosphere when we walked into the building was completely different.

Not a single person greeted us. Andrew ended up not even going to priesthood and sat in the foyer for an hour. Not good convincing material to new members, is it?

When I greeted my old youth leaders and others who knew my family, they just didn't seem so welcoming or excited to see me like I was to see them.

Maybe my expectations of their reactions to see me again were too high. Those do know me are either youth leaders and teachers, friends from school, or friends of my family.

It really put my hopes down and we were discouraged to continue going to church. Don't get me wrong, I did have urges to attend church.

But somehow, the discouragement of not feeling welcome always seemed to work it's way to the front of my head and I'd be forced to change my mind.

That's why it was completely unexpected when Andrew and I were asked to fulfill a calling in Primary. Talk about some life-altering events.

~*Future Church*~

It is very important to me to get out of my family's shadow. I want to make a name for myself and not be forever know as Teri's little sister or Carol's granddaughter.

Accepting a calling in primary will help me in my quest to be known as Brother and Sister Carter and not as Sister Epling and her husband.

I've never actually taught any lessons other than Family Home Evening. I have no doubt that it's going to be difficult. Nothing in life ever comes easy.

Andrew and I are also the youngest couple in the ward. It's an older ward and we definitely feel out of place. Maybe that's part of the reason why we were called to Primary.

Maybe we were called to primary so we will have interaction with the members of the ward when they drop their kids off for Sunday School.

I've seen Sister Waltz at the college a couple of times and I know she's aware I was going to school for Early Childhood Education. Maybe that's why we were called.

Or maybe we were called because the Lord says we've taken a long enough break away from the church. Maybe He's worried about what life has in store for me when I turn 21 in a few months.

~*Marriage*~

I'm not going to lie. Marriage is tough. There are many fights and arguments over small, stupid things. At the time they were a big deal. Now I just look back and laugh about it.

Andrew and I are approaching our two-year anniversary and the Newlywed life is almost over. We've worked hard to get where we are now.

There were times where we thought we'd never make it. Some fights would even have the "D" word tossed in.

But, we'd spend some time apart and we never failed to end up yearning to be with the other person. I love Andrew with all my heart. I could never be with anyone else.

I look back over the years that Andrew and I have been together and I like what I see, despite all the fights and nasty things that have been said.

Two years have come and gone and I am 100% looking forward to what the next two years have to offer us.

~ADCarter

Update in progress...

2010-01-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

I've started working on an update. I've got it pretty much completed, but I still feels it's not quite ready to hit the net, yet. Keep an eye out. I should have it up no later than next week.

I'm posting this because I listen to the music on my blog regularly since it's a compilation of our favorite songs. I'm getting annoyed with seeing the same post over and over. Therefore, I am changing it and there is nothing you can do to stop me!

Keep checking in.

First Impressions

2009-08-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

I am going to be 100% relieved when I finally start school tomorrow! Although I won't be 100% ready and I'm still having some issues with WNC's offices, that still can't seem to stop the butterflies in my stomach. I'm going to be really surprised if I can actually sleep at all tonight.

I'm gonna be pacing my place until it's time for me to leave. I might even just leave like an hour early and go walk around WalMart or something because I wont be able to sit still. Hell, I might even get to WNC an hour early just try to calm my nerves. No clue if it'll work, though.

I'm still having issues with WNC, but it's nothing that can't be fixed within the first couple weeks of school. They seem to have this fascination for telling me information at the last minute.
They're charging me $25 for late registration so I can get into the right math class. wtf, right?

When I talked to one of the people in financial assitance about it, they told me I'd have no problem switching classes. All I had to do was get the signatures of the professors and turn in the paper. Good thing the math class I'm getting switched is taught by the same professor.

Plus, I'm still not going to be able to get any of my books until after school starts. Thanks again WNC for telling me it's urgent I get in my tax information. You guys have screwed me over once again. I seriously hope I don't have to take any tests on my first day. No books = failing grade.

It may not seem like it, but I'm so sick of talking about school. I do it because that's the big thing in my life right now. If I wasn't starting school in less than 23 hours then I wouldn't be talking about it and my life would be utterly uninteresting. It's very sad, but it's oh-so very true.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch...

I have a very painful fever blister on my upper lip. Well, it's just a nasty blob now. I had to get rid of the blister to make it heal faster. I always seem to get an illness around the time something important is about to happen to me. I just don't understand why it's always a nasty cold sore.

I went swimming with Kara and Melody at their apartment complex on Tuesday this last week and got a pretty bad sunburn on my face. I'd only been out in the sun for a couple hours, but on Thursday I had to run a few errands. Not owning a car, or having a license means walking.

It was really hot and I already had a sunburn on my shoulders that kept me from wearing a regular shirt. I was annoyed that I had to wear a tank top, even when we had Kara and Anthony over for dinner that same night. I felt so odd and uncomfortable, but couldn't do a thing about it.

My face looked like a friggin tomato I was burned so bad. The over-exposure to the sun caused a fever blister to form on my upper lip. The sunburn on my face is gone and my nose is peeling a little bit, but now I've got other nasty facial worries to deal with. ALWAYS when school starts.

No matter what I do to prevent it from happening something always comes around the corner and bites me in the ass. I hate it! ALWAYS when school starts. It never fails. It's a very bad, very nasty first impression and I'd really rather not be remembered that way. I've no control.

Going to school with a fever blister is not my idea of a first impression, but there's nothing I can do about it. Someone suggested to put perfume on my lip and it'll go away faster. I don't know if I have the guts to try that out. If I were really desperate, I still probably wouldn't tempt it.

After my first week of school when I have the time, of course, I will post an update on how school is going. I would promise you that after that post I'm not going to be talking about school again. I wish that were true, but in all honesty, I just don't think I would be able to keep that promise.

~*The Carters*~

Old habits die hard!

2009-08-24T23:16:00.000-07:00

I seem to be having the worst sleeping patterns no more! It's a bit surprising, really. I didn't think that something so simple would've fixed it. I did everything I could think of to cure my very unsatisfying sleeping habits. I was getting fed up really fast! I literally tried everything:

Sprayed lavender Febreeze on my sheets and pillows every night
Listened to music
Andrew played with my hair
Soaked in a Lavender bubble bath
Propped open the curtains to let more cool air in
Drank warm milk
Andrew rubbed my face
Counted sheep
Locked the cats out of the bedroom (SUPER BAD IDEA!!!)
Slept on the couch
Andrew slept on the couch

Nothing seemed to work and I was really starting to get desperate. By the time I would fall asleep, Andrew's alarm for work would've already gone off and then I would be out until 2-3 PM. I once woke up at 4:40. That's 5 minutes before Andrew would be getting home from work.

The volume could've been up all the way and on a radio station I couldn't stand listening to, it didn't matter. I'd sleep right through it. Screw anyone trying to change that. I felt like I was living in a completely different time zone and there was no way to fix it. All was hopeless.

It probably doesn't really help that whoever built the apartment complex we're in were completely retarded idiots and decided to put the walkway lights right next to the friggin bedroom windows. We couldn't open our curtains at night without the light shining in our eyes.

I don't have medical, so going to a doctor for a perscription was out of the question. The whole time I'm taking my thyroid medicine, so there's really no reason for it to be an effect of my thyroid. It is a possibility that this new medicine I'm on could be the reason for the crappy sleep.

About the time I was seriously considering buying over-the-counter sleeping aids my grandparents came for their visit. Now, their visit lead me to rearranging our bedroom. The bed is now up against the opposite wall. I do have to admit that the room looks alot bigger now!

The rearrangement of our bedroom also lead to us changing the side of the bed we sleep on. Andrew used to always be on my left. I haven't slept on his left side in a really long time and I wasn't looking forward to doing it again when we said he wanted to sleep closest to the door.

I can understand his way of thinking, though. "He is Man!" and he needs to protect should something happen. We live in a pretty good neighborhood, so I don't worry too much about someone breaking in. If I forget to lock the door before going to bed, I can just shrug it off.

It's been a year since I've slept on the opposite side of the bed and I wasn't too keen on changing all of a sudden, but I really didn't feel like arguing so I gave in. The first few nights were kinda hard. I had sleeping positions, but now he's on my opposite side. Those positions had to change.

The first couple of days we're terrible. I couldn't get comfortable for the life of me, and when I did get comfortable, Andrew would roll over and throw me off balance. He would force me to be uncomfortable. I know he wasn't doing it on purpose because he was sleeping, but it still sucked.

A couple days ago Andrew left me some cash and asked me to deposit it while he was at work. No problem. I did that and had a few bucks of my own. I didn't want to go home right away and Dollar Tree was on my way back. I stopped in to have a look around. Spent a bit of money.

Nothing big, Just a drink, a snack, couple of nail products, and a sleeping aid. I know, I know. It's from the Dollar Store. But like I said, I was getting desperate and I did NOT want to start school in a couple of weeks with a crappy sleeping habit. I'd never make it to any of my classes. EVER!

Want to hear a secret? Those sleeping aids are still sitting on my bathroom counter, unopened. It's not because I'm afraid to take them either. I wouldn't be taking them every night anyway. They'd only be used like every 2-3 nights. I just haven't found the need or urge to use them.

Growing up I always used to wake up 3-4 times in the middle of the night to roll over because I was uncomfortable. I've been sleeping like a frickin' baby! Haven't woken up in the middle of the night to roll over. I wake up to find myself in a different position than the way I went to sleep.

I personally find it fascinating that the number one thing I didn't want to do when I moved the bedroom around was switch sides. When I pitched the rearranging idea to Andrew he mentioned that he would still be sleeping on that side of the room. I inevitably tried to avoid that factor.

Ironically, changing sides of the bed seems to be the reason why I'm sleeping better. I have no doubt that when I get medical, find a doctor, and go back to taking Sythroid, I'll find that I'll be sleeping like I did when I was in high school. Sometimes I miss having a queen bed all to myself.

~*The Carters*~

Amazing Grand-parentals!

2009-08-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

They left town about an hour ago and I still can't get over how much they've done for us in the whole two days they were here. They came up on Tuesday and left today. Crazy, but they had to get back home for tomorrow. My cousin starts school on Monday and they help out the teachers at her elementary school by putting together homework for the students. Pretty nifty, huh?

The main reason for them coming up was to drop off this dresser my sister and I used when we were kids. I love that thing! Plus, it had more drawers than the one we have now. When I called my mom asking her to bring it up, she told me it was in pretty good condition. I would really like to know what her defintion of "pretty good condition" is, cause this thing is a piece of crap!

There's water stains on it, mouse and rat dropping in the drawers, the wooden panel on the back is hanging on by only 3 staples, It's chipped, and most of the bottom of the drawers have thick cracks down the middle. I feel really bad for them having the hassle of bringing it up, especially since they borrowed my uncles truck for it. I don't think this thing is anywhere near salvable.

It's really a piece of crap now. I mean... it needs A LOT of repair. Maybe some sanding and a new paint job. My grandfather suggested to repair it as much as we can and hold onto it until we just can't use it anymore. One thing though, We don't have the money to fix it up and if this is what I'm gonna have to wake up to every morning, I'd rather just get rid of it. Simple fix, I figure.

Another main reason for them coming up was to get us a dining room table. We lived in a rinky-dink studio apartment before we moved into our place now. It's twice as big and 50 bucks cheaper than the studio. We have a dining room now too! They noticed that last time they were here and wanted to fix that detail. We looked around quite a bit before we found a suitable one.

We went to FISH, nothing. PASS! We went to A to Zen, nothing but a cheap table, expensive chairs that would need to be paid for separately and we would've had to get our own nuts and bolts to put the legs on. PASS! We went to Salvation Army, good table with 6 chairs included. BINGO! That table is now sitting all pretty with a table cloth and placemats in my dining room.

I'm very happy! I didn't think it would fit at first. I though it'd be too big. Actually, before I go any further, let me tell you this... Andrew told me the night before that he'd rather have a vaccuum so we can keep our place looking clean. The next morning, I told the grand-parentals that and they insisted on getting both. I know I told them we only want one, but they insisted.

Since there was no luck at Fish or A to Zen, and Salvation Army wasn't open yet, we stopped back at my place to find the Sears in Reno and measure the dining room. We get to Sears and we're looking at the Vaccuum's. They're friggin' expensive! Did that stop my dear old grandparents? Absolutely not! You should see my brand new vaccuum. It's a real purdy one!!

We still have about half hour before Andrew should be home from work so we decide to try back at Salvation Army. They only had one table for sale and it was just under 100 bucks. It also just so happens that the girl who checked us out used to be an old supervisor/assistant boss I had when I worked at Hollywood Theaters. She was alsways my favorite Assistant Manager!

Not only did she give me a discount 'cause Becca's awesome like that, but also she told us that if we sign up for a card, we'd get 20% off our purchases that day and 10% every other day. So, we payed quite a bit less than the price on the tag. Cool, though... That means whenever I go back, I just take my "Sally Card" with me and get discounts. Even extra if Becca's working that day.

They left earlier with big smiles on their faces. They like helping us out. It's possible they benefitted from it more than we did. Although, we are now proud owners of a dining room table and a brand new vaccuum cleaner! Oh, I almost forgot. They also paid for my basic school supplies and such. They told me to call them after I start school if anything else is required.

All in all, my week has been pretty freakin' good. I've been busy and active and my sleeping habits have gotten slightly better. I think that's mainly because I have been more active. I probably would sleep alot more if I was sleeping on the side of the bed I'm used to. I do have to admit, though... Last night I slept pretty good compared to most nights this month.

I rearranged my room Monday and now I'm sleeping on the opposite side of the bed because Andrew has that, "I am man and I will protect you if someone breaks in" attitude. I absolutely love feeling super safe and protected, but when it comes to messing up my sleeping patterns when they're already bad... I'm half tempted to move the room back the way it was!

I should ask Becca what her schedule is... ;D

Visitation Rights

2009-08-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple weeks since I posted. I understand that no one actually reads my blogs, but pretending that someone does really makes it that much more worth it! I've known for a while that no one really pays attention to me. Even those who truly care. I could advertise this blog on facebook and myspace twenty times a day and maybe have one reader. The only reason I have the followers I have is because I asked them to follow me. "Our Connections" are simply people we know. It's guaranteed that if you look though them all, The Carter Blog will not be among their list of friends. Sad, but oh-so honest. I'm not looking for any sympathy and don't follow us because you feel sorry for us. Pity friendship is the worst. I don't want you to fake anything.

Still, I write this blog as sort of a stress-reliever. I'm actually really surprised at how much I can calm down from writing a blog, no matter how much I wanna rip someone's throat out. I don't write in a personal journal. I have one. I've started it. It's been almost 4 years since I've written in it. I just can't get into the habit of writing a journal even though I'm interested in doing so. Sometimes I think that this blog is just an online journal for me. I would enver post something I didn't want others to know. If it's private or I might be embarassed or ashamed of what I may write, I won't give a second thought to leaving it out. Then again that's not saying much. If you're reading this and you know me, you'll know that I'm a VERY open person.You may not know, however, that I hold my tongue ALOT! There's alot of things I'd like to say to some people, but I don't say it because I know it would damage a friendship or offend someone. I'm a better person than that.

Today, I'm cleaning my apartment like crazy. My grandparents will be here in a matter of hours to spend a couple days with us and make sure we're doing okay before I start school on the 31st. All I've done so far is the bedroom and I'm surprised at how much I'm sweating. I decided to take a break when the sweat started getting in my eyes. My grandparents are AMAZING if you've never met them. They insist on everyone I know to call them Grandma and Grandpa. Unless you're old enough to be their kids or friends, then it's John and LouAnn. I called them yesterday, not only becase they're heading their way up today, but also because my grandpa turned 71 yesterday. The first thing out of my grandmothers mouth when I talked to her was, "We're gonna get you a dining room table." Happy Birthday, Grandpa! We're getting your birthday gift!

OMG! I'm SO excited. We may be going to a thrift store, but honestly I could really care less. Tha fact that I'm getting a dining room table is enough for me! Since Andrew and I have been married, we haven't really had a table we could sit and eat at. I've always wanted to make eating at the table a habit since it never was for me as a child. We can have people over for dinner now, too! That's something I'm super stoked about. We've gone over to other people's house for dinner so many times, It's about damn time we repay them for their niceness (Yes, I am aware that's not a word, but I like use it. Plus, I don't really see a problem with making up words). Anthony and Kara, if either of you are reading this, let me know when there's a good time for you to come have dinner with us! We'll plan for you!

Part of their trip is bringing up the dresser I used as a child. I LOVE that thing and I'm so happy they're bringing it up. In order for it to fit in our room, though, a little bit of rearranging had to be done. Our bed is a double pillow-top. Meaning both sides of the mattress have pillow-tops. The mattress is 3 times heavier than the box spring. I know it takes 2 people to lift it up and carry it here and there, so I wasn't really surprised when Andrew's first reaction was "I doubt you can do it, but whatever". Little does he know that I've flipped the same mattress at least twice since we've lived on Nye Ln. I told him I'm alot stronger than he gives me credit for. It took me about 10 minutes to move that damned bed, but I did it! I CAN'T WAIT to see the look on my dear husband's face when he comes home from work. If I don't get a compliment for it, I just might burst!

I've gotta get back to cleaning. I still need to do the bathroom floor, the kitchen, and straighten up the living room. Not bad, but still more work that'll take me probably at least an hour.

I may also be exaggerating...

♥ The Carters

Taking the next step...

2009-08-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

I am indeed in the beginning of life altering events! I'm super ecstatic about it and I totally can't wait to start! However, do not be surprised if in a month's time I start complaining and doubting myself. It's part of my process, don't judge me. It's been quite long since my last post and I wanted to give a sweet update on how things are going.

School Term
Goal Tracking
Busy Month
Car For Sale!

Let's start with the goal tracking, Shall we? Coo.
A couple posts ago was themed all about changing my life and setting goals that are actually achievable at this point and time in my life. Easy, right? No problem. Too bad I'm having the worst time completing them. Doesn't really help that I can't find my "Stand Strong and Immovable" book... Once I find it I know it'll be a cinch completing tasks. I know there are a few that I've done before or even on a daily basis, so I'm not really worried. However, If I'm gonna be super serious about changing my life, I need to step up and maybe finish unpacking so I can find my book.
We've been at our new apartment for 4 months now and we've still got boxes in the living room and closet that have been pushed aside so they don't get in our way. Yes, I have taken my med paperwork to Welfare. They told me a minimum of 45 days to figure out if I'm eligible. WTF? What if someone is in super desperate need of medical and they die because they didn't have medical to get treated. Can they sue? I can cross off "Take medical paperwork to Welfare Office," and replace it with "Fully unpack my apartment." Sounds good, don't ya think?

This leads me to the next subject to talk about... Busy Month.
I may be exaggerating a bit on this one, but it just seems like a busy month because we're not used to so much stuff happening. I've managed to fully clean my kitchen over a period of a week. Don't get me wrong... we're not super disgusting messy people, but I HATE doing the dishes and Andrew works all day. Since he works and I don't do anything, house chores are my responsibility. No big deal.... If I didn't HATE DOING DISHES! Anyway... Andrew's best friend (his borther of sorts) is dating this girl he's liked for a long time and wanted to do a BBQ Group Date at the beach for their second date, so she can kinda meet our group of friends. That's this Saturday and I'm totally expecting a sunburn. This sunday we've really got to go to church.
We've missed out for a month and didn't go last week because I was so sick I couldn't even get out of bed. But this week, we really need to go. Plus, I'm super freakin' stoked for the new season of America's Best Dance Crew! I've been waiting SO long!!
Next week is pretty much open. I've got a meeting with my Visiting Teacher sometime this week. I'm excited that I have a Visiting Teaching Route now with none other than Sister Cherpeski! My Seminary Teacher from high school!! I was really happy to find that out cause I don't really know any of the relief society ladies and they're all significantly older than I am.
The 11th is my uncle's birthday. The 17th is my grandfather's birthday. The 23rd is Andrew's birthday. My grandparents are coming up for a visit 18-20 before I start school to make sure that we're doing okay. They're bringing up an old dresser my sister and I used when we were kids that I absolutely love! Plus, I'm starting school on the 31st, so they're coming up to make sure we're doing okay. The next week I'm supposed to be getting a check from financial aid so I can pay for my classes and my books. Then the 31st I actually start school. STOKED!!!

We sold our truck!! The truck that doesn't work.
We've acquired an extra paycheck this month... just to give an idea of how much we recieved for it, at the moment. We used it wisely, I promise! Yes, We recieved it on Tuesday and it's already all gone. But the extra money really helped us out... We were able to get the things we've been needing for a long time. It was mostly clothes, and things for the apartment. I've been wanting to get the "Push/Knowing" DVD duo since "Push" came out on DVD. Every paycheck I'm hoping there's a little extra money so we can get it. Andrew wanted to get a new controller and headset and battery recharger for his Xbox 360. His cost more than what I wanted to get, but Andrew's really stubborn. I refused to get the movie duo and told him to get the Controller and Headset. This is not unusual. He hates doing things for himself. He's ALWAYS thinking about other people and what they want or need is more important... Just like his Xbox. I MADE him get his Xbox and few months ago just simply because I was sick of hearing him talk about how much he wanted one. We happened to get an extra paycheck that month. We were out and about with some friends and we stopped at GameStop. I told him we were not going home until he bought one. He asked me like 20 times if it was okay before he finally gave in. Same thing happened Tuesday with the new controller and headset. He acts like a little kid he loves it so much. I'm slowly gaining control in our relationship. I kinda like it.

Let's go with School Term next, eh?
While my grandparents are here here I'm pretty sure that they'd offer to take me grocery shopping and if I pay for everything before my grandfather gets the chance, I'll never hear the end of it. Plus, I don't know where I'm gonna get the money for all my school supplies. Maybe it's a good thing my grandparents randomly visit sometimes. I cannot seem to express just exactly how stoked I am about going back to school! I told everyone that I was going to take a year, maybe two, off from school, but that I'd go back. Everyone told me I was making a mistake or that it was a bad idea. Now look at me. I proved them all wrong for a change and it feels damn good!
I've posted my class schedule before, but since I know now that my Financial Aid went through and I'm 80% on my way to being a full time student at WNC, I'm gonna do it again and I'm almost set. I say almost because I'm registered for a different math class. When I registered, all the math 120 classes were 7/8 full. You can't register for a class that's 7/8 full cause for the first week of school, students will be in and out of classes they're not registered for hoping to get a seat okay'd by the professor. My Early Childhood Education classes are not full term. So, for a good month before school ends I'll only have one class on Tue & Thu. I'll start the semester taking 4 classes, end the term taking 3 and I'm registered for 6. Figure that one out!!!
Here's the list of the classes I'm taking:

Anthropology101 (Mon & Wed - All Term)
English 101 (Mon & Wed - All Term)
Math 120 (Tue & Thu - All Term), but I'm registered for Math 96
ECE 121 (Sat. - 2 weeks)
ECE 122 (Tue & Thu - 10-6 to 11-5)
ECE 129 (Tue & Thu - until 10-1)

Confused yet? It's actually pretty simple once you write it all down on a calender. I was freaking out before I actually wrote my schedule out in my planner. I'll just have to keep a close eye out around the time I change classes.

Am I boring you yet? I'm sorry. I'll let you get back to Facebook: Procrastinating responsibilities.

I could write a book!

2009-07-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

Remember my last blog about how I needed to change the way my life is going? I even wrote lists of how I can make the change. In case you forgot, read the blog right before this called, "Personal Revelations". It'll change your life. lol.

Kay, so... I have been accepted by Federal Student Aid and by WNC. I'm officially a student again. I'm registered for almost all the classes I need to take. When I say almost, I mean that there is one class that is full. Even though the class is offered 6 times at the Carson campus alone, they're still full. So, I had to register for a lower math class and hope that on the first day of school I can just walk into the class I need to take and ask the Professor to put me on the class roster.

In case you're wondering, I did have to take the placement tests. Took the reading, writing, and the math tests. I scored so high on the reading test that a reading class is completely unnecessary. The writing test result got me into Eng 098, which is a good class. English III for those who don't really understand what the numbers mean. Because I got the score that I did, It qualified me to take the Essay test to get into Eng 101, or Composition I. The possible scoring is 1-8. Achieving a 6 gets you into Eng 101. The lady that set me up for my test really kinda got my hopes down. She kept going on and on about how they've made the test harder because every student was passing it (I wanted to back hand her and say, "It ever occured to you that these people might actually be smarter than you give them credit for?"). Needless to say, I hate stupid people.

She was doing a fantastic job at getting my hopes down. I felt like I had already failed it when I hadn't even begun. The essay test was scheduled at 11:30 A.M. The counseling office opens at 8 A.M. They have tests scheduled every half hour. Remember when I said this lady kept getting my hopes down? It doesn't really help either of our cases, but she has to spurt out one more little remark that just didn't tickle my fancy. I was ready to give up right then and there and settle for Eng 098. "Three people have already failed this test just this morning".

When my computer was all set up and even though the test was timed for two hours and I only ended up using a little over one hour, I took a few minutes to indulge myself in prayer. I'm religious to the best of my ability (Read: I'm only religious when I feel like it. Honestly), but prayer is my number one weekness. All I seem to do when I pray is try to bribe God and I only seem to pray on my own when I really want something. Stupid, really... but I felt so unaccomplished and I hadn't even begun the test. So, I slump my way over to the table in the middle of the room that has scratch paper and a few writing utensils (These are intended for the math test). I grabbed a paper that looked like it had been cut in half anf pulled the pen out of my pocket. The essay topic seemed really difficult and I wasn't sure how I was going to pull this off.

"History: Is It Relevant?"

Then it starts explaing itself. I guess that there are some stupid people out there in the world who are questioning the need for History. We live in modern times, as it were, and looking towards the future. It goes into a little more detail, yadda, yadda, yadda. Explain how you agree or disagree with this statement. Use as many resources as you can. No, a resources page was not necessary. I'm wirting a simple 5 paragraph essay, not the Senior Project essay. This is the point where I start doing a bubble chart. It's been a few years since I've created a bubble chart. I'm surprised I even remember it, although, I'm pretty sure I didn't do it right, but it made sense to me and I didn't need to hand it in or anything.

I chose to write about how History is relevant. I grew up in a home where History was admired. I say home, because I lived with my mom until 8th grade. When I started getting sick of her crap, I move to my dad's in Nevada. Best life-altering change I've ever made. I've been here for 6 years in September. My dad is a HUGE history buff. It was annoying when I was younger and living under their rules. When my sister moved to Elko to go to Great Basin College, she majored in History. It's a family trait. We're geniouses. I seriously felt someone was looking down on me, making sure I was going to pass this test. Then I immediately started thinking about my grandmother.

Carol Lee Epling.

She was almost 70 when she died almost 2 years ago. She was undoubtedly my favorite family member. I miss her alot and I know she wanted me to succeed in everything I did. She wanted that for everyone. I was practically in tears when I started my bubble layout. Here's the three majors topics I wrote on: Required class no matter what school you attend, Prevent war with knowledge about history, and it's just plain interesting. I do know that I praised the United States of America ALOT. I don't remember how many words I was supposed to have. I counted and got just over 700 and I do know that the minimum was 300. I didn't double space, but I did indent and write the title of the essay on the very top before I started writing. Every paragraph had at least 8 sentances and valuable resources, even if I did make some up they still sounded pretty good. I read it over and over and over again looking for errors. If you had asked me to tell you what I wrote right after, I think I would have been able to tell you exactly what I wrote by memory. After questioning myself a little bit, I hit submit and I had to go get the stupid lady from earlier to put her information in to get my result. Overall, I thought the test was super easy and kind of a waste of my time.

It's an essay test. You think someone has to take the time to read it and correct punctuation and spelling and such. No. She put her info in and the result was friggin' instant. I giggled at the thought that there's a little leprechaun in the back of the computer reading super fast. There were 4 other people taking tests around the say time I was. Two of them heard me snicker and look away from their computer at me. I quietly said sorry, but couldn't stop smiling. I don't get the point of an essay test where the results are posted by a computer. Really? A friggin computer? Whet the hell is a friggin' computer doing grading my essay test? This totally proves that people are lazy!

Alright, alright... enough putting it off. You're probably dying to know what I got, right? All this time and I keep explaining what happened, but haven't told you my actual score. I qualified for Eng 101. I scored a friggin 8!! The lady told me that if it were possible to score higher than 8, maybe to like 10 or something, I totally would have scored a12. I did fantastic.

My math class was also a surprise. I was terrible at math in high school. Even studying for hours on end didn't do me any good. I scored a 77 on the Arithmetic. Over passing score. I scored a 75 on the Algebra test and a 20 on the College Level Math. *snickers* I actually got a higher score on the College Math than I thought. I mean, I only asnwered 3 questions I actually knew how to solve. Everything else was a guess. The algebra test however, but the ultimate shocker. I had to schedule a meeting with the counselor for a couple days later to go over my scores (this is before the essay test). I get back to WNC two days later and the counselor tells me I qualify for Math 120. That's Intro to College Math. There's Math 91, 92, 93, 95, 96, 98, 100B (only for student who are looking at a Medical degree) and then Math 120 before you hit the college level classes like Calculus. I am SO stoked. After I take this class, assuming I pass, I can take Business Math 108B, which is the lowest and only math class I'm required to take for my ideal degree.

Here are the classes I'm taking:

English 101
Math 120 (though I'm registered for 98)
Anthropology 101 (one of the sciences I need for my degree)
ECE 121: Parent Care Relations
ECE 122: Observations Skills
ECE 129: Environment for Infant and Toddler

All of them are 3 credits each except for the Early Childhood Education classes. These particular classes are only one credit each and they're the only ECE classes that are less than three credits. I have 5 years to obtain my degree. Since I can cross one item off my goals list, I'm going to add one to replace it. "Get perfect attendance and pass all my first semester classes".

I feel damned accomplished!

Personal Revelation

2009-07-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

On saturday night I wanted to watch this movie on Charter OnDemands list of free movies. It was a lifetime movie called "7 Things/Before 30". This title might actually be longer, but I'm just writing it as it shows on OnDemand. About half way through I was thinking to myself, 'Where's this list and why hasn't she started working on accomplishing these things?" Then I realized that I was watching a different movie. I never ended up watching "7 Things/Before 30" but it's still available for watch. Maybe if I've nothing better to do later, I'll watch it.

Either way, the title of this particular movie really made me think about what it is I'm doing with my life. There's so much I would love to do, but haven't even come close to working on them. Here's a taste of my long term (1-5 years) goals:

1. Go back to school to earn a salary.
2. Get medical insurance of any kind.
3. Be sealed to my husband in the Temple.
4. Start a family (by birth or adoption).
5. Achieve my ideal weight (150 lbs).
6. Earn my YW personal progress medallion.

I can guarantee you there's more to this list. I had about 10 a few hours ago when I really started to think about it. I start school end of August and I turn in my papers to Welfare for the medical insurance in a couple of days. Everything else I'm nowhere near starting. I have terrible self-motivation. I get the idea to do something but when it comes time to actually doing it, I always seem to do something that's easier and less accomplishing. I've even gone so low as to blame it on my thyroid disease. It's very true that my thyroid problem plays a big hand in why I do things and why I don't do things. It is, however, not always the reason why I don't do alot of stuff.

Thinking about everything just in these last fews hours, I've realized that my life is headed nowhere fast and I'm taking my amazing husband with me. I don't want that, and I'm pretty sure that if I keep things up, my amazing husband will no longer be my amazing husband. I don't want that, and I know he doesn't either. No matter how many of our fights and arguments always seem to have the word "divorce" thrown in.

So, I've decided that my life needs improving and it needs improving now! Since this month has already started I will start in August. I will set weekly goals, monthly goals, and improved long term-goals so I can make everything I do from now on a habit. I want to be able to accomplish things without even realizing I did anything at all. Maybe even get Andrew thinking about what he wants out of life. It's a permanent self-improvement that will not be easy. It will not be easy. I will whine, I will argue, and I will almost constantly put myself down. I will do whatever necessary to see that all of my goals are accomplished successfully. I will not lie, cheat or pretend to do something, even though I will constantly want to.

Weekly goals, starting August 1, 2009.

1. Spriritual Challenge
2. Intellectual Challenge
3. Physical Challenge
4. Service Challenge
5. Character Challenge

Monthly goals, starting August 1, 2009.

1. Complete one challenge from each catergory in the "Stand Strong and Immovable" Carson City, Nevada Relief Society Personal Progress Booklet.
2. Do not fight or argue with my husband.
3. Attend all my classes, leaving no absences.
4. Meet with my bishop and discuss temple prep classes.
5. Save money to benefit Weight Watchers' point system.
6. Take medical paperwork to Welfare Office.

I will not necessarily add to this list as the same blog. Most likely I'll update on how I'm doing on my goals and make a separate list if I need to add anything. I have my own personal list so I don't confuse myself.

Thanks for sharing with me.

This one's a doozy!

2009-07-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

So I remember saying that it was going to be a little bit longer than a week since my last posting. Obviously, it's been longer than I wanted. A wise woman once told me, 'Better late than never, I suppose!", and that's my excuse!

Let's see. ALOT has happened since my last post (not including the super funny Ninjormon video I posted), so bear with me if I drag on. It's for a good purpose, I promise. Helps me let off a bit of steam.

Who knew blogging was a stress reliever?

I need to get my thoughts together for a few minutes. I wish I could put everyone else on pause so I'm not boring you, but unfortunately it doesn't work that way. This part is just a simple reminder to myself or synopsis for my readers about what kind of things I'll be talking about: Davis Family Reunion 2009, Swollen Feet, Sleeping Habits, 4th of July, and I know there's others, but my mind totally spaced me. I'll be adding more to this list at some point. Scout's honor!

(This is where a very nifty picture of the Davis Family Reunion banner would be if I could figure out the stupid "Add Image" button.)

The Davis Family Reunion 2009!

My grandparents, aunt and 11-year-old cousin pick me up from Carson City on Wednesday, the 24th. We drive to Battle Mountain until 11 at night and end up staying at a pretty crappy motel. Apparently everyone and their grandmother, no pun intended, was traveling through Battle Mountain that night, cause this rinkity hotel was the only thing that had vacancies. 2 queen size beds and one fold out bed for Zach to sleep on. The only person who slept that night was my grandmother. Not only were we super uncomfortable, but if you knew that my grandmother snores REALLY bad, then you'd know why she slept "fantastic" and everyone else didn't sleep at all. We drive the next day to West Valley, Utah and check into our hotel. Now, this is what I'm talkin' 'bout! This place was amazing! Holiday Inn Express, only been open for a month, our room had not yet been used. AMAZING! I wanted to carry the bed home with me. In the end, I ended up *cough* borrowing *cough* the blue throw blanket the the foot of the bed after my grandmother told me she'd pay for it if I wanted it. SWEET!

If you can recall a couple posts ago I mentioned something about my really bad swollen feet. The first night we were there we went to Olive Garden for dinner and then back to Curt's house [one of Jim & Dixie's sons (they have 8 kids and Jim and my grandfather are two of the 11 children my great grandparents had)] for a game of nickles (super awesome card game, Kara, next time we schedule a dinner date for the four of us, I totally have to teach it to you!). Their dining room table is unusually tall, so they have bar stools with backs for the regular seats. I took my shoes off when I first got there along with everyone else and as I was playing nickles my feet were dangling at least a foot away from the floor. When the game was over and it was time to leave, I couldn't get my sandals on. I have never seen my feet so swollen! Keeping them elevated did absolutely nothing. I was convinced they would be stuck like that forever! They remained swollen for about half the trip when I decided I should wear my actual shoes instead of my flip flops. What a smart idea! I haven't had an issue with them being swollen until today when I cleaned the crap out of my apartment. Nothing a little elevation before Andrew got home from work couldn't fix.

Anyway, back to the reunion... The day before the reunion (Friday) was a pretty wasted day in my opinion. On Thursday night at dinner there was discussion about a BBQ at Jim & Dixie's house to get a small portion of the families together before the reunion. Crap... I'm getting ahead of myself. Okay, slow down, Deborah. You're in no hurry! As I was saying... Friday was a pretty wasted day. We got up super early (by the way, there's something about Utah that made my sleeping habits go back to normal. Mormon power, man... I'll tell ya!) and drove a little ways to a major Distribution Center. My grandparents needed garments and I really wanted to get Andrew a scripture case of his own. Burgundy, Real Leather. He LOVES it. Occasionally I'll come out of the kitchen and catch him just petting his scriptures. The Weirdo. My grandparents also serve a mission in California at a Bishop's Storehouse and they had a friend at their main office in Utah that they wanted to see. They were short on staff and she was in a hurry for lunch, so we only chatted for a few minutes and then we were off to lunch. Arby's. *shudders* We had a whole day in Utah to do whatever (mind you, I haven't been to Utah in 5 years, so I wanted to go to Salt Lake City and visit Temple Square... maybe even do a bit of shopping at a mall or Shopko), and this is what our day mainly consisted of...

We're almost done with lunch when we get a call from my Aunt and cousin (they stayed with Curt, btw) about the BBQ that night. We needed food for it, and my aunt doesn't have a Sam's Club card. We paid for the food and went back to the hotel since we didn't need to be at the BBQ for another 3 hours (a very much wasted 3 hours). We bought 4 tri-tip roasts for that night. I was actually surprised at how much was left over. If the hotel room we were staying in had a fridge, I'd totally have taken some with me. I thought Nevada had really bad weather. We had put the tri tip on the BBQ, and it had been pretty couldy all day, but after the meat was done, these super black clouds came out of nowhere, winds were picking up at a super fast rate (wind broke a pretty good size tree branch and hurled the table umbrella almost into the next yard) and it started pouring! There was no sprinkle involved. Everyone's eating inside tonight I guess. I was really looking forward to eating out on the grass, too. Jim & Dixie have a BEAUTIFUL backyard. After dinner most people went home while a few of us stayed and played Train Dominos. When my grandfather came back from the airport (sister's plane came in around 11 p.m.) it was back to the hotel and to sleep since we had to be up early for the 3 hour drive to the reunion in Dayton, Idaho.

My great grandparents had 11 children total. One girl. Out of these 11 children only 6 are still alive. Out of the 6 that are still living only 3 showed up to the reunion. I was amazed at how many of my family members are inactive. The day wasn't as exciting as I was hoping it would be. Half the family was missing, and I recognized absolutely no one except my family and Jim & Dixie's family. Well... except for the other brother that showed up since all of the Davis children look alike. There were a few games of horseshoes, frisbee golf, volleyball, many pictures and what would a family reunion be without a raffle of a bunch of things everyone wants to get rid of? I bought raffle tickets... 6 for 5 bucks. Every single one of my tickets were pulled. What the crap? Never happened before! I mainly got things that other people wanted cause everything else was crap. After the raffle, some of the family tried starting a water balloon fight (btw, I have a photo album on facebook of most the things I'm talking about if you wanna see for yourself). I managed to escape all the balloons until I was tricked into taking a staged photo of my aunt and Curt right before they left. Nathan, my sister's fiance, snuck up behind me and wasn't very discreet about the fact that he had a water balloon. He was taking his sweet time and everyone else kept looking at him in anticipation. I figured out what happened and just as I tried to get away, he squeezed the balloon. There was more water balloon insides on him that there was on me. Serves him right!

We left for another 3 hour drive back to Utah, but not before stopping at the wonderful fast-food joint "Arctic Circle". YUM! Again, this Holiday Inn Express was amazing! They had their own mini water park with a decent sized water slide. My sister was DYING to try it out. I don't own a bathing suit and Nathan forgot his trunks. We ended up stopping at a Shopko on the way back so he could pick up a pair. For the next 2 hours after we got back to the hotel I watched my sister and Nathan have a great time swimming. This is about the time I REALLY started getting homesick. Just telling you that my sister and her fiance we're swimming together is enough for you to know what I mean. Don't get me wrong, I missed Andrew the whole time I was gone. I mean, I had a queen bed all to myself and I found I could only sleep MY side of the bed. That's sad. I called him every night before I went to sleep to tell him I love him and I missed him. What was I thinking, going to Utah for a family reunion without my best friend? My aunt and cousin wanted to go swimming too, so they came by and I had to watch even more of my family have fun without me and I wasn't about to go chill with my grandparent's in their room. I felt lonely. Especially when I watched my sister cling to Nathan the whole time. I'm wearing a tank top and a pair of shorts in the swimming area, cause even though the water was pretty cold, it was really humid. It also wasn't an outdoor pool. My aunt noticed me, and at this point, my sister and her start talking. They convinced me to go down the slide after I told them numerous times that I didn't want to get in trouble for not wearing a bathing suit. Apparently that wasn't an issue and i ended up going down the slide once more. 8 o'clock came rolling around (I was only in the pool for about a half hour) and we realized that we hadn't eaten yet when my grandpa came looking for us. We quickly changed and went to Applebees after trying our hardest to talk my grandparents into The Cracker Barrel instead. "It's too expensive and we really enjoy Applebee's" was the end result.

The next day was traveling back home day. We all went to Curt's that morning for breakfast. After many tears and promises to come back next year with more family, we started our journey across the Salt Flats and the desert. Isn't it weird how the trip back always seems to go by faster than the trip to? We left West Valley around 11 a.m. and made it to Carson around 7 p.m.. I know Andrew was missing my cooking and I figured I could save my grandparents a little bit of money if we stopped at Walmart on the way to my place and I picked up some things for dinner. My grandfather didn't want to drive past 11, but my aunt wanted to get home to her family just as much as I HAD to see my husband that night! They drove on to the Bay Area and dropped off my aunt and cousin at 1 a.m.. Mind you, the trip from Utah to Carson took 8 hours. From Carson to Stockton is 3 hours and the trip from Stockton to Concord is another hour. With my grandpa's bladder being a HUGE issue, I was surprised they got there as fast as they did.

4th of July

Only being home for a few days, I get a call from my dad telling me they need my help at the museum for the holiday. I was picked up on Thursday evening (again, without my Andrew), and got back pretty late on Saturday night. Being away from Andrew on this particular holiday was the worst, and I never want to do it again! If he's not going with me, then I'm not going at all. The idea of me going up to Portola was to man a bake sale that was supposed to help raise a bit more money for the Member's Appreciation Day in September. Museum full of American Trains you'd think would be a HUGE hit for this special holiday. Are you out of your mind? We we're busier on the third, and that's not saying much! All in all, I think we only managed to make about 60 bucks from the bake sale. There were barely enough certified volunteers to operate the caboose train ride! I had to pull the table of all the baked goods and nacho-goodness into the gift shop and run the gift shop by myself. Not so bad. At least most things have a barcode and is all computerized instead of the rinky-dink piece of crap cash register they used to have.

Working at the museum wasn't so bad. Not being able to get reception to call my husband wasn't even that big a deal. I could always e-mail him. What was bad was watching the fireworks. I'm not used to being on my feet 24-7 anymore, so when it came time to watch the fireworks shoot off the top of John Asguagas' Nugget, my feet hurt so bad I couldn't stand still and my parents wouldn't give me their car keys so I couldn't go get a chair. There was a Chicken Wing Cook-Off at Baldini's Casino in Sparks that we were asked to take part in, so the chairs were already in the car from Vicki being stationed at the booth to represent the museum. What made things worse was the fact that Kev-O and his new girlfriend joined us for dinner. My parents, Kev-O and his beau, and myself. I felt pretty damn lonely watching them hang all over each other watching the fireworks. I understand it's a romantic thing to watch the fireworks with the one you love, but it was so difficult for me knowing the fact that Andrew wasn't there. Now, I mentioned earlier that being away from Andrew on this particular holiday was especially hard. This is the part where I explain why. Andrew and I officially became a couple on the 4th of July, 2007. I KNOW that watching the fireworks with the person you love is super romantic. I just wish I could have spent that super romantic time with my husband.

I know I've said there would be more, but I've already said so much and I really don't want to waste anymore of your time than I already have.

Thank you for the stress reliever!

Ask a Ninjormon!!

2009-06-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

Visit www.Ninjormon.com

New Experiences.

2009-06-22T23:33:00.000-07:00

Alright, so it hasn't exactly been a week since my lastest rambling, but seeing as how I'm not going to be using a computer for the next half a week, I figured I could do an early one. To make up for your precious time that's being wasted while reading this, I'll wait a couple days longer than a week to post my next installment.

Now, onto more important rambles. Where do I begin?

The week wasn't too bad. Pretty lazy week for the most part. I didn't do any cleaning, which isn't very uncommon, but I still felt it important to point that out. The weekend however, was a different story. Now, if you're visiting this blog from facebook, I say, "Hello to you, and welcome to the Carter blog!". This is probably what you came here to read, if you're coming from facebook, at least. No sleep for 32 hours, really bad swollen feet and ankles and well, my utter lack of sleeping abilities.

First and foremost, I have had the WORST sleeping habits in the world. I feel like I'm still in high school, but on summer break. Staying up until really early in the morning, and sleeping in until early afternoon. But there's one difference. I can't sleep at all, even if I'm tired. Strange? OH YEAH! I'll stay up until real early... sometimes until Andrew gets up for work the next morning, and still not be tired. When I start to feel tired, I'd go to lay down to try to sleep, and I'd be awake for hours, tossing and turning. This lead to my weekend sleep deprivation. Friday night I normally stay up with Andrew most the night, since he doesn't have to be up for work the next morning. I did that. Didn't get to bed until around 4 (not tired). Tossed and turned for a long time (after counting thousands of sheep and praying for sleep). When I last looked at the clock it was 5:00 and I know I layed there for some time after trying to get to sleep. So, I finally fall asleep and I end up sleeping until 4:30 in the afternoon on Saturday (that's 11 hours). I NEVER sleep that much, even if I'm dead tired. By the time 11 rolls around (normally the time we hit the sack) I'm wide awake and hyper at that!

This was the point where I decided to try and experiment. I'll stay up until the next night to try to force myself to have a normal sleeping pattern. At this time it seemed pretty logical, and this experiment is still current. I never went to bed on Saturday night or Sunday morning. In fact, I didn't sleep at all on Sunday. Literally. I didn't go to bed until Monday morning after midnight. But I'll tell you that not 5 minutes after my head hit the pillow, I was out. I only woke up twice to roll over instead of once every half hour. 32 hours of absolutely no sleep will do that to ya! Another detail of this experiment is to go to bed earlier than I normally do, but wake up and stay awake when Andrew gets up for work. The idea is to be able to get more stuff done before he gets home from work. Plus I'll have more energy to go out and look for a job and exercise for a while in the morning to get my day pumped. This is my plan, but I'm not all too sure how it'll work out for me.

Sleep deprivation + super active Sunday = a VERY long day.

I went to church for the first time since I've moved back into the Hot Springs Ward(Andrew was sick so he couldn't go with me), and I've gotta be honest... I wasn't very happy with it. Besides the fact that the Bishop I knew well, and trusted like crazy, was no longer Bishop and apparently had only been that way for two weeks. I'm excited about the man who took his place, though. Bishop Cavin! He was 1st counselor to Bishop Flansberg for most of the time Flansberg had his calling. Bishop Cavin's counselors, I have to say I'm pretty happy about as well. Bro. Crounk and Bro. Hahne. So, regardless of the fact that people still only know me as Carol Epling's granddaughter or Teri Epling's younger sister (Ruth Coltrin says Hi, btw), I don't really understand why I missed Hot Springs Ward...ever! The people I was most excited to see (mainly youth leaders) didn't act surprised to see me back. It makes me remember why I wasn't sunday active. I admire my sister for doing it. No idea how she stayed sane.

After church, I had plans to go over to a friends house for a friends get-together that we've been wanting to do for a while. We were there from 4PM to 11:45 PM. Even though I noted to Andrew that I was too tired and I needed to get home to sleep, our ride was being stubborn and didn't want to take us home. I would have slept there, but they were SO loud that anytime I started losing realization of the world around me, I'd be startled to full attention by a roar of laughter. Sleep was utterly pointless. We waited until he finally got tired and decided he wanted sleep. Go Team!

Maybe I'm being a bit overdramatic, but I'm being honest with the way I feel. It makes me miss Lone Mountain Ward SO MUCH! I understand I've only been back for a week and I do have to count in the non-boring Sunday School lessons (ex. not reading directly from the book, and not learning any more than I already know), and the involvement with my fellow Relief Society sisters during the lessons, I say it's definately something I can get used to. What I won't get used to is the fact that there aren't many of RS sisters active, they're mostly elderly, and are not very enthused to sing (which makes me very unconfident, cause I already know I don't have a good voice).

On a MUCH brighter note...

I went to Reno today with Kara Reeves. She had a doctors appointment and needed someone to help take care of her baby so she wasn't so distracted. In return, she offered to take me to the Social Security office for my name change. Killed two birds with one stone and even ate some A&W sweetness! All in all, it was a fantastic day. Regardless of the fact that I was still tired.

Do you know what I can do when I get my new SS card? I can apply for federal aid so I can start going to school, since I'm already registered as a student at WNC for the Fall. I can legally call myself Mrs. Carter. And I know there's something else... but I can't think of it. I'll tell you next time, promise!

I guess I've gotta give all my current issues, spiritual or not, some time.

This is all for now. Hopefully I didn't leave anything out, cause I can't think of anything else. If you've got questions... just ask 'em! Here's my facebook account... thing: facebook.com/dlcarter

:) Hope you liked!

New Beginnings

2009-06-17T03:40:00.000-07:00

Hey-O!

We (more like I told Andrew) decided to start a blog. Nothing special and I'm sure nothing too important, but now we feel a bit more connected to the outside world. Even though we have our very few close friends, it's not acceptable and we need more. Only issue... We're not the type of people who go out and look for them. If you come up to us first, we'll respond; This I promise you. If we're not interested, we'll be point blank about it. We're not afraid to brutally honest.

Now, allow me to tell you a bit about us!

My husband (Andrew) and I (Deborah) have been married since April 12, 2008. Yes, we're young, and yes, we're newlywed, and no, we're not gonna have a baby anytime soon. We're happy together and that's all that matters at this moment! We have two cats (we like to call them our kids), one boy and one girl. Axle is the boy. He's about a year old and the most annoying lovey feline in the world! Then there's little miss Ferrari. She's about 4 months old and the devil's spawn. We are both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Even though I was born into the church, Andrew was not. He was baptized an hour and a half after our wedding. Talk about one super busy day!

This next bit might change your thinking about just who we really are.

We are NOT molly mormons! Even though I've been a member all my life, I grew up in a semi-inactive family, so forgive me if I accidentally let slip a bad word (I'm trying). In simpler terms, we are "Jack Mormons". As much as I have knelt down, and read, pondered, and lived the scriptures, thought about absolutely nothing but how I can become a better mormon, and put complete faith my Heavenly Father, I just can't seem to change. Don't force us. Spoken from experience, that will only push us farther away! You can try to help all you want, we have no problem with that. Everyone has to ask for help sometime in life. Don't get me wrong here, I wish for nothing more than to be sealed to my husband for all eternity, but the temple is so far away from our agenda that I fear it'll never happen.

A little bit of Andrew history.

He keeps to himself, mostly. He likes anyone he can be completely himself around. He can literally tell if you're a good person or not by the way you act around him. Here's an example: I have an aquaintance that I've known since high school (not really a big deal, since I graduated in 2007). We were best friends from Sophomore year to a few months after high school. She got mixed up with a bad group of people and started doing drugs. This ultimately ended our friendship. I might not be the idyllic mormon, but I know right from wrong. We talk occasionally, just to check up on each other (I mean, we we're best friends), and one day she tells me she's stopped after a reality check. I trusted her. She came over to hang out for a few hours (Andrew and I were still living in our studio apartment at this point) and she was here when Andrew came home from work. Andrew could tell that she was still doing drugs. He later told me he could smell it on her clothes, and the way she looked and acted... It was obvious she was still smoking pot. She later confessed to me that she still does it occasionally. I haven't spoken to her since. I may laugh and joke and say that I'm the head of the household (like it is in most marriages, the woman controls the man), but in reality, it's him. I have no problem with that either. I trust him and have so much faith in him that it's not necessary for me to be the leader in this relationship.

Now, onto a little bit of Deborah's past.

I am the cutest chubby girl you will ever meet! Don't look at me and think to yourself, "Oh, she's just another fat American girl making our people look terrible". Yes, I'm another fat American girl. Yes, 20 years old, 5'4", and 285lbs. No, I can not help it! I have Hypothyroidism. My thyroid has completely shut down. Thyroid issues are not an uncommon disorder. Having a tyroid that no longer works, and will never work again, is a rarity. This causes some side effects: high chances of a stillborn, hagh chances of birth defects, forgetfulness, slow learning, and weight gain. Yes, I have gone on diets, and exercised, and done everything I can think of... I'm still stuck in this body. Get over it. I don't like it anymore than you do, but I have to live with it. You can simply turn your head and walk away.

This will be updated about once a week, so keep an eye open! Thank you for you time and I sincerely hope you still consider us friends!