Thankful Thoughts.

(sorry for the journal like entry today -
but sometimes that is all a blog is -
so feel free to skip over this post -
and feel free to have a good laugh at this)

Derek and Mary left Saturday morning.
Surprisingly I held up quite well.
I am going to miss them so much.
And if saying goodbye is a talent - I am sure getting good at it.
It was fun to gather at the Dudley's with Derek and Katie for one last visit.
I am thankful for my siblings no matter where they are!
Love you D+M
Hope you made it to the great Swiss land.
I made Michael Orton drive with me to SLC to say goodbye.
I figured if he was with me I wouldn't cry.
It worked.
But we started talking about our education.
Mostly because I often find myself whining about it.
And as I started to complain about school starting
- Michael put me in my place.
And it really got me thinking.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my education.
Yes, I know it sounds silly.
But I really do love learning.
As I approach my 16th year of schooling I am starting to "freak out" (great college lingo).
What will I do when I graduate?
Will I go on to get a masters?
Will I try to get a job?
Will I stop learning?
Will I EVER make money?
I guess Michael helped me see how much I have learned over the past 2 years.
And for that I have to thank my parents.
My Mom has taught me a lot about an education.
Saying the only regret she has in life is not finishing her education.
She NEVER made it an option.
She taught me that no matter what my future holds I will be better for obtaining an education.
Including being a stay at home Mom.
Today I am especially grateful for my Dad.
Who has planned so far ahead to make my education possible.
My Dad has taught all of his children to value education.
And NO it was not different if you were a girl.
I am so blessed to have a Dad who has given me EVERYTHING.
Obtaining an education has been easy because my Dad made it that way.
He has made it that way for every one of his children.
I am a firm believer that the best gift you can give your child is an education.
It is amazing to me that when I graduate he will have given all 7 of his children a good education.
So Dad - I know that all 7 of us will always be grateful for the great gift you have given us.
And I want to thank you for being the best Dad you could possibly be.

I am also grateful for my sisters.
Growing up it was sometimes hard in the Staples home.
My family wasn't like every other family in St. George.
And not because we are a blended family.
And not because my sisters have kids my age.
But because my sisters all lived across the country.
Arizona, Colorado, Virginia, and Texas.
I was always jealous of my friends who had siblings so close.
But now I see things coming full circle.
Sure, I wish they all lived closer.
And I still hope they all do someday.
But I also realize that despite the distance between us -
my sisters have ALL set an example for me.
I must admit - being the youngest is the best.
I have been able to watch all of my siblings and learn from them.
first - on the importance of being a good mom and wife.
And second - on the importance of an education.
All 5 of my sisters have done a great job at both.
If my college education has taught me anything it is that
I would NOT change my family for the world.

So - the point of this lengthy - epistle - like post is:
Tomorrow when I go to my first class I am turning over a new leaf.
I am going to enjoy every last second of my last two years.
(ok at least I will try)

The Wheels On The Bus...

My wittle missa is all growed up.
She moved in to the BYU dorms today.
And I couldn't be more excited for her.
The wheels just keep on turning and I can't believe it.
I can't believe I am 20 years old and entering my junior year of college.
I can't believe Melissa is old enough to be here.
And the best part is -
She is more mature than I am.
I call her for advice almost daily.
I am so thrilled to have her here.
Welcome to P town Missa Pooh.

Let the initiation begin.
First things first.
You are no longer permitted to eat cafe rio pork.
Don't walk on the corners of the grass "they are trying to grow"
If someone says "BYU football" you must bow your head in honor
Yes, the police beat is for real. Sad. But true.
No matter how tricky you may be you will never fool the parking police.
Whatever you do - do not bare your testimony on the first Sunday.
Just don't.
The honor code is not a joke. Sad. But true.
Don't bother asking "what part of California are you from"
They are from the O.C.
When in doubt - wear the frumpy outfit - you will fit in.

You are in no way required to be a zoobie.
You are however required to get a kick out of the culture.
And yes.
This will be the funnest year of your life.

GTU

Friday was my "last day" at GTU.
Part of me is devastated.
But it was a great last day.
I got to spend time with Randi, Brandon, and Gev from SYTYCD.
While they aren't the biggest "stars" I have encountered on the show -
they were my fav.
I am in L.O.V.E. with Brandon and his body.
I texted Rox (one of the producers) before I left in the morning
and asked her if while I was on my way she could try to convince him to be attracted to females.
We had no such luck.
Bummer.
But he did give me a lot of hugs and told me his body still aches from the show.

I will continue to go to SLC at least one day a week.
Just to keep in touch.
I love the people that I got to work closely with (producers etc)
Rox and Scott (the web director) even took me out to lunch on Thursday.
Such sweet hearts.
While I didn't take FULL advantage of this internship -
I am grateful for the way it turned out.
It was simply - fun.
It made me realize that I do LOVE my career path.
I now know I made the right decision.
Phew!
Yes, it is going to be hard.
Yes, I will work terrible hours.
Yes, I will live below the poverty level for some time.
Yes, people will say I am fat, short, ugly, dumb etc etc.
Yes, I will work for free during college.
I have no good answer to all of these complaints.
Really.
They are all true CRAPPY things about my choice.
The only thing I can say is..
What the heck!

1 New Apartment

2 : difficult Landlords
12 : times I cried about leaving my clean apartment behind (slight exaggeration)
1 : times we were hung up on by landlord
5,000 : items left in our apartment by said landlord
1 : hour to clean bedroom blinds
2 : hours it took to clean new bathroom
1 : AMAZING Mom who cleaned the entire apartment ceiling to floor (debbie harper)
0 : carpets that were cleaned before move in
3 : years since the shower has probably been cleaned
1 : GOLD STAR given to Tak's cute boy who worked his tail off.
50 : dollars spent on cleaning supplies
4 : number of girls who can't wait to be settled.
1 : suggestion. when moving in a college town - don't rent from a private owner.
1 : confession. i do love the new place now that it is smells like pine sol + cheaper rent.

THEE END.

PS did I mention I love debbie harper and her cleaning skills.
Because I SO do.

PPS Mom - it is ok. We know you are a gimp.
We don't expect you to help.

Homes Are Like Novels...

I was reading some blogs the other day and stumbled across a guest blogger.
She wrote on her own blog that "Homes are like novels."
Isn't it true.
My families old house in Bloomington is one BIG novel.
I tell my Dad I want him to pull a George Banks and get it back.
But I never thought I would see the day when my apartment would become a novel.
But it has.
I have lived in 226 for nearly 2 years now.
I have slept in this 8' x 11' room every night.
And to me it's not small.
I take offense when people put it down.
I can't sleep when I go home.
I like my small and simple room.
I like my closet with no door.
I like that I hide things under my bed.
I like that the cold rushes in through the window and a smart boy once showed me how to prop pillows up to stop it.
I like that I don't have enough hangers and so I often have piles of clothes around.
And this family room - that has had SO many late night chats.
So many parties.
So many snuggles from all.
Too many messes.
And a lot of laughter and tears.
And this kitchen.
Oh this kitchen.
I have gained and lost weight because of this room.
I have spent countless hours preparing big golfers meals.
I have decorated it to look like whoville.
I have burnt cookies to a crisp - multiple times.
I have hid things in the oven - and then burned them.
I have filled the dishwasher with hand soap - and flooded it.
I have removed my roommates moldy crap out of the fridge.
I don't know how I feel about moving yet.
Tomorrow I start.
I am not really ready.
Moving from this is going to be a big adjustment.
There were a lot of memories in this place.
And mostly - moving means a new phase.
Learning how to do a lot of things I don't remember how to do.
Leaving behind 2 of my best friends Suz and McCall.
But living with 3 of my best friends.
I am excited - and sad.
Again with the bitter sweet - really?
Goodbye Alpine!
I will miss your parking greatness and your social brattyness.
I will miss your cheap dishwasher and your flat screen tv.
Thanks for all the memories
You were a great novel if I may say so myself

D+M

The Dudleys had one hoppin' party for Derek and Mary this past Saturday.

Their back yard was decked out in Swiss colors, flags, and food.
Thank you Dudley fam for making their departure so fun.
The Milne clan had a great showing.
Both my Uncle Rick and Aunt Sheron brought their families.
I only snapped a pic with Marrin - cause she is my fav.
Isn't she darling?
Half way through the party I had to take a little break and head out to some weddings.
2 girls from London were married on the same day.
What are the odds.
My cute friend Tammy and I were so excited to be reunited with some of the London girls.


Cute Caitlin and Logan.
At their BEAUTIFUL reception at Log Haven.
I was so sad Kourt couldn't be there.
She would have loved basking in their wedding beauty with me.
And gorgeous Veronica and Nate.
I am missing London SO badly this summer
(more to come on that later)
But I am also SO glad that I made life long friends.
I love you girls.

And as for these two.
Well, I can't really talk about it too much to be honest.
I am kind of over these bitter sweet events in my life these days.
But I truly am so excited for them.
I can't believe my brother is working in a foreign country.
I told you he is a smarty pants.
Even though I sometimes have to remind him he is being mean -
I just love being around the nerd.
And as for Mary - she is the long lost 7th staples girl.
Because - we just needed another one!
I am so grateful my brother married someone I just adore.
Thanks to the Dudley family for ALWAYS being so nice and welcoming to me.
And thanks to Derek and Mary for...well,
just about everything!
Love you guys!

Mama Said They'll Be Days Like This...

I am loving my internship.
Really.
I am.
The show is a blast and I have LOVED this GREAT opportunity.
But I just feel a bit discouraged.
I haven't made the most of my experience at channel 4.
I should have gone out on shoots.
I should have learned more.
Instead I was too nervous.
Especially with the braces.
They make me talk funny.
And I just don't feel confident enough in my interviewing skills yet.
Again, especially when I have braces and look like a 13 year old.
On top of that I slept through my alarm today and look like the biggest slacker EVER.
Bummer.
I feel like I should have made my name something at that station -
is that even possible in the news business?
I have been invited back to do a news internship -
but I think they just need free work.
I guess this is the TV business.
I've got some big decisions ahead.
And hopefully the next time around I can make a better name for myself.

Long Lost Lake Powell

I just realized I never posted about another trip to the LP.
Jacie came with my family and I was SO excited to show her a good time.
Lets just say I don't think I succeeded.

Day 1 Disastrous Events:
On Thursday night Jacie and I decided to head out to meet my sister Patrice.
So the plan was -
we would get to Powell around 7 -
Chris would pick us up -
and take us out to the houseboat up the blake.
Jacie and I are driving along -
munching on our twizzlers
when my phone finally gains a little bit of service around pee rock.
Just moments before reaching the dock.
I pick up my phone and it reveals a text from Patrice:
We are too far up the lake - get a hotel - we will see you tomorrow.
Apparently she thought I was with my Mom.
What 20 and 21 year olds can afford a hotel?
Jacie starts laughing and says,
"That's funny - she is joking right?"
No Jace.
She is NOT joking.
Fearing that Marcia would never speak to me as I have now not only had my Mom babysit Libby once -
(bad - but funny - day in Karly+Hammer history)
but now I have her daughter stranded on LP - with no place to go.
Luckily I had the Harpers.
When Takael wasn't answering my phone calls I texted her 911 Emergency -
and BAM before you knew it Jacie and I were hauling all our stuff down that awful hill, in the pitch black, and on to the Harpers BEAUTIFUL - AIR CONDITIONED - house boat.
What would I have done without them?
Thanks Harper fam - you saved us...
literally.

Day 2 Disastrous Events:
On Friday we woke up to a call from Patrice.
Poor Patrice and Chris.
In just 1 day up the lake the houseboat had lost a prop, lost air conditioning - and the generator was going.
Now I understood why the night before they couldn't come get us.
So Jacie and I hung out on the dock while Patrice and Chris went in to town to try to find anyway to fix their problems.
We finally got up the lake around 1 or 2.
We then have a nice few hours on the lake.
Until Patrice decides we need a different beach.
It had too many stickers.
Lets just say - the Staples girls do NOT like stickers.
It was necessary.
So Chris unties the houseboat -
and with one prop prepares to leave the beach.
We are all in a panic as Chris is the fastest moving person EVER.
It was quite eventful.
But we succeeded after nearly having a tube full of girls ran over by the houseboat.
Success - new beach - great cove - no stickers.
One problem - generator complete goes.
No lights - no air - no bilge pumps - nothin.
So that night we ALL camped out on top.
By this point I feel so terrible for Jacie -
she didn't know what she had gotten herself in to.

Day 3 Disastrous Events:
We wake up to some nasty sounds.
The winterhollers friends had ran out of gas while taking someone in to the dock.
A nice soul had brought him back.
Chris then informed us we had to pack up the houseboat.
Everything was breaking and we were afraid if we stayed out there much longer that our luck would take us straight to the bottom of Powell.
And so it was.
The disaster continued.
With only one prop Chris didn't think it wise to tow the wave runners.
And we couldn't put them on top because the generator
So Jacie got her first experience riding the wave runner nearly 35 miles back to Wahweap.
My parents had timed things just right.
They got their Saturday late afternoon just as we pulled in to the dock - got air - water - toilets and all.
Larry style - perfect timing!

We were all looking forward to a nice cool evening spent in the AC.
Wrong again.
AC still not working.
And so - my parents go to the Marriott.
I decide I am a college student and need to suck it up and stay on the boat.
ALL of us slept on the top.
Which is typically my favorite.
Well - a storm hits.
Not rain.
Wind.
ALL night.
And so we did this.
Just took pictures
Had girl talk.
And laughed - until about 4 AM.
Patrice was so worried we were all going to fly away on our air mattresses.
Mostly just little Beth.
To make her feel a little better I strapped this puppy on to sleep.
We all had a good laugh.
Again, I felt TERRIBLE for what I was putting Jacie through.

Day 4 Disastrous Events:
Day 4 was not so bad.
My parents took the girls on a boat ride and my Dad was feeling generous and bought us all these cute shirts.
So cute huh?
Only bad part was I got yelled at by a mean lady.
Other than that - not so bad.
Although it was a bit disastrous -
all was well when we watched the men pull the houseboat out and
we all waved with smiles on our faces.
While it was a trip filled with mostly work - i
t will always be remembered for the worst LP trip ever -
and then we will all laugh.
thanks for putting up with the crazy Staples Fam Jace!
And Chris and Patrice -
thanks for letting us tag along for a few days!
I must admit -
I love my family outings to Powell - even when they are one big mess!

Icon Memories Shoot

My dear friends Jesse Moore and James Perriton asked me to do some makeup for a shoot.
Turns out it was more for me than them.
Thanks for the opportunity guys.
You can check out their stuff here

Thanks to our be-autiful models Devri and Anna.
And thanks to Jesse and James for being patient with me.

Here is to class - not just modesty!

While watching my girls,
Kathie Lee and Hoda,
a cute girl came on named Jordan Christy to talk about her new book:

Now why didn't I think of that?
I cannot wait to get my eyes on this book.
I get so tired of hearing about "modesty" around this great University of mine.
Many are modest - but few have class.
Maybe we should work on that one at the ol' BYU.

And what is even better is her reasoning for writing it.

Where did you get the idea for How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World?
It really started in junior high, when I felt surrounded by "stupid girls." It seemed that the smart, classy, modest girls were always the minority. Then, little by little, certain celebrities began making headline news on a daily basis with their bad behavior and late-night antics, and I couldn't help but wonder...why were these girls the ones representing our female gender? Why were we just sitting back and allowing our timeless values and standards to be trampled into the ground by their stiletto heels? By the time I reached my 20's, I realized that many other girls felt the same way I did, and set out to make intelligence, self-respect and class attractive again.

I love it.
Read more about her here.
And what I love even more is -
she is smart -
but not TOO smart.
If you know what I mean?
(aka she is normal AND classy - who knew?)
Hey Dad,
She took 6 years to graduate!
Maybe 4 isn't all that bad after all.

Suzy Q

This morning Suz left to go home to Cali until school starts.
When she returns - things will be much different for all of us.
In January of 2008 my cute friend Hilary and I were placed with Suz in apartment 226.
At first I was not quite sure what to think.
Suz knows this - she takes no offense.
But after nearly 2 years of living with her I consider her one of my best friends.Suz is the must reliable friend you could ever ask for.
She will drop anything and everything for those she loves.
At the start of my freshman year I had a really hard time.
I am a people pleaser and rarely let my feelings show.
It was hard for me to not be able to go home and be myself.
I had roommates - they didn't want to see me sad, upset, or dare we say it - bratty.
But Suz was different - she is always on team Karly.
She is honest but caring.
She is going to make a great Mom.
As the two of us lay in my bed for one last LATE night chat I couldn't help but get teared up.
I hate moving.
While I am excited for next year I will miss Suz living in my apartment.
But don't worry Suz - we will meet in our spot every day!
Have a blast in cali.
We will miss you.

NBD

(for all those over the age of 30 - that means no big deal)

Back in March or April Kourtney and I were sitting in class
daydreaming about the big girls vaca we were about to embark on in a few hours --
when a professor asked,
"Would anyone like to write an article for the BYU alumni magazine."
Jumping out of our dazed facebook stalking state of mind BOTH of our hands shot in the air.
(Yes, this is why we are besties)
From the condo in Brianhead Kourtney and I conducted interviews over skype and put together a quick article.
Emailed it to the editor.
And never heard another peep.
Today, while online looking at the BYU communications website, I noticed this link.
"BYU Alumni Magazine Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence"
Interested in this "excellence" I am about to be a part of I clicked.
I soon found my own name under "contributing writers"
I laughed OUT LOUD.
Who knew?
Check out page 13.
As Brad Paisley would say,
"Welcome to the future"
Where interviews are conducted via free online video cam,
articles are published without notice,
and writers work for free.
Ha
Ok, I am not complaining.
After all I am still a student and in all reality --
I am honored to be a part of this excellence.

Memories of Summer

Dear Lake Powell,
You are the best thing that ever happened to me.

Dear Dreams,
Why couldn't you have picked nursing or teaching?
I have worked at the TV station for 3 months and only 3 people know my name.
Please choose another aspiration - and fast.

Dear D+M,
I am so jealous. I want to come! Please eat lots of swiss chocolate for me.

Dear Folgers,
Thank you for bringing back "A Dancers Morning." It is for sure my favorite commercial of all time.

Dear Reeses and Scale,
Why can't you just compromise for once?

Dear Loritab,
How is it possible that you make Ann talk more?

Dear Euna Lee and Laura Ling,
You make me cry. Welcome home.

Dear Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts,
You are the best summer music - like ever.

Dear Mr. Mailman,
You are my best friend.

Dear Braces,
You suck!

Dear Missions,
We have a love hate relationship. Thee end.

Dear America,
Please vote for Jeanine.

Dear Dad,
Thanks for letting me take school off.

Dear School,
Why must you start so soon.

Tune in...

Thursday

Channel 4
10:00 am
The first segment I will be "producing"
Featuring:
Thayne Jasperson
From So You Think You Can Dance Top 10 Last Season
And other cast members from:

Becoming Ann

Tomorrow my dear mother will be in the surgery room enduring a rotator cuff repair

It is not a pleasant surgery nor is it a pleasant recovery
If you know my Mom - you know she does NOT enjoy sitting still.
The next 6 months are going to be torture.
Poor Mom.
I am labeling Monday August 3rd -
"FREAKY MONDAY"
The day our roles officially reversed
For the month of August
I will be spending a lot of time on the ol' I15
Commuting between jobs, internships,
and most importantly helping my Mom
To be quite honest I don't know who I am more worried about
myself,
my Mom...
Or my Dad.

No driving.
No cooking.
No bill paying.
No nothin from my Mom for the next 4 weeks.
I am not sure how we are going to make it.

So, tomorrow watch out -
I have officially become Ann Staples.
This could be frightening.