Friends

Day 26 - What do you think about your friends?

When I think of all the friends that I have had in my life, so many faces and memories run through my head. And I realize just how many people I have gotten to know over time and just how lucky of an individual I am to call them friend.

One of my earliest memories of friendship was a touching one - one that I reflect upon often. I had this friend named Stephanie and I was talking to her about going to church and being in Primary. That was when I found out that she wasn't a member of the same church that I was and therefore I thought that meant the friendship must end. I remember crying all the way home and my mother promptly asking what happened.

I informed her of Stephanie's religion and explained how I thought it meant we couldn't be friends anymore. I know that my mother could have laughed and just told me to grow up or something... :) But she didn't.....

Instead, she pulled me over to the table and sat me down and explained that it doesn't matter what religion, race or lifestyle a person was - as long as they treated me well then they were true friends. I happily went to school the next day and explained everything to Stephanie and apologized - we happily held hands as we ran into class and things were great!

At a young age, my mother knew the importance of what a true friend should be to me and taught me what to look for. I know that my family and some friends would agree that I have not always picked the best friends, but I believe that there is good in everyone. Sometimes it is through some strong and bitter walls that you have to help peel off or break down before you see the person that individual can really become or who they are deep down inside.

I know the importance of friends and how they can be the support one needs just to hold themselves together.

I know that friends quickly forgive and love us even when we make childish mistakes.

I know that friends will really tell us exactly what we need to hear - even when it is hard.

I know that friends shape us into better individuals and teach us things about ourselves that we didn't know or couldn't see.

I know that I am grateful for the friends I have made over the years and I hope that as they see me, my friends will be proud of the individual they helped shape over the years.

Mary Poppin's Bag...

Day 25 - What is in your wallet/purse?

Ha ha! There are some days when this would have made me laugh because I have so many things in there that I would just pass this question right over. BUT - lucky for those reading I actually cleaned out my bag and so the list is short! :)

** Wallet - checks, cards, license, cash (very little and surprised to find it).
** Burt Bee's Chapstick
** (3) Three different types of lipgloss
** Aspirin
** (4) Pens
** Keys

That's it! I know super exciting, let me tell ya! Next post will be about my recent adventure to the Newseum!

I said what on Facebook!?

Day 24 - Last five facebook status'

5 - "My thoughts and prayers are with the Strong family today. I wish I could be there to show my support and attend the funeral, but I know they are surrounded by family, friends and an amazing ward."

4 - "What makes me different from everyone else?"

3 - "Found out just how close I work to Georgetown Cupcake today - dangerous!!!"

2 - "It's a sad, sad day.... Updated my iPod and lost all of my music that I had purchased... I wish my brothers where here to make everything all better... :("

1 - "Is it bad that I just had steak last night and already thinking of when I can have it again??" Ha ha, this is really funny considering my last post was actually about steak! :)

I was reading through some of the status updates I have made over the years and can I just say that sometimes I am REALLY FUNNY!!! Ha ha ha!

Craving's happen!

Day 23 - Something you crave for a lot.

Those that know me, know that there is one thing I am ALWAYS in the mood for - STEAK!

I love it!! I can't have it as often as I would like, but I love every morsel of that medium cooked delicious piece of meat! I may not remember lines in a movie, but I will remember if they served a delicious looking steak (i.e. Captain America).

I recently went and grabbed a steak with a friend to celebrate an "A" on his recent paper and work going well for me. We went to Outback Steakhouse, it was his first time - my 999th. :)

The food wasn't as good as I had hoped - don't get me wrong the steak was alright just not what I was craving... Looks like a trip to Bobby Van's Steakhouse is in order! Anyone care to join me!?

And to all of those that feel you have to put something on your steak - meaning a sauce of ANY kind - that just means you haven't had a steak that has been cooked right. And if you have to put ketchup on your steak, make sure I am not around, that is just WRONG!

I'm Different and that's Okay!!

Day 22 - What makes you different from everyone else?

I have thought long and hard about this question... What makes me different from the average person you pass on the street? I actually posed the question to my facebook friends to see if they could help out. I felt a little silly once I saw their responses, but it isn't like I can google search "Why is Taci different from everyone else?" right?

I hate talking about myself and what makes me different - so this post will be a short one! :)

I am what you could call a loyal friend. I will make sure that you celebrate the good times - I love to throw a fun party! I am always there with tissues in hand for the sad times. And you really have to hurt me to ruin the friendship, because I believe that there is always good in people and they don't mean to be rude or hurtful.

Once a friend of mine, always a friend! :)

If it makes you happy!

Day 21 - Picture of something that makes you happy!

I love to COOK!

Cooking has become something of a passion of mine! I love to browse (yes, browse) through cookbooks, recipes online, daydream, anything that has to do with cooking.

I can't wait for the day that I have awesome kitchen tools to cook and present an amazing meal with. Right now, my selection is limited and my most prized cooking tools are a ceramic knife and the Pampered Chef chopper. But I am dreaming of the day when I can just call up people and have them over with matching dishes and adorable center piece and the most amazing meal they have ever tasted.

I have a friend whose husband went to cooking school and will be showing me in the next few weeks how to cook a red snapper. SO EXCITED!!!

This has been a new favorite of mine in recent years because I had amazing people to show me that good food can be made at home! I also learned that it was okay to have a failed dinner or two because someone still ate it! Ha ha ha! ;)

So, I am going to strengthen my cooking skills and really test out new waters in the coming months! Wish me luck!

I love you - Zues!

Day 20 - Someone you love.

Dearest Zues,

I just wanted to send out a little note to let you know how much I love you! I still remember the first time I met you and was so excited to have a nephew with such an awesome name! I mean, COME ON, you are ZUES!!! Can't get any cooler than that!

I am amazed at what a strong, kind and loving young man you have become over the years. I just wish that I lived closer to see these changes. You will never know how much I loved hearing you talk about your band, cars, art, etc. I felt that I was young and hip again!

I won't ever forget the car ride from Tridell to Salt Lake when we listened to your music at full blast in my car! I loved every minute of it! I still remember thinking I was going to go hoarse from shouting our conversation over the music. I don't know if I have listened to music that loud since... ;) (hint, hint - time for a visit!)

I hope you know how proud I am of you completing school and starting your career. I am secretly hoping that you move to Tridell, because I think Grandma and Grandpa need someone to keep them in-line!

You always have and will have a special place in my heart! I love you!

Aunt Taci

Hey YOU!

Day 19 - Nicknames you have had and why.

I went probably 80% of my life thinking that I didn't have any nicknames. It was a sad time in my life, I was so jealous of the friends that had them. And then I heard someone call me one and I jumped for joy! I have now realized that I have had a couple of nicknames for quite a few years.

Chub-a-lub: Yep, this one is on the list. My mother told me this was my nickname as a child - - can you guess why? It was my amazingly cute personality and thunder thighs, right mom?

Tauci: My friends gave this to me in high school. It didn't stick for long, but every once in a while it will pop up in a conversation and it makes me happy!

Tacky: Since I have started working at Knollwood, this has become my nickname due to the CEO introducing me to everyone and saying that was my name. Even after someone politely corrected him, he proceeded to argue that he said it right... He even spelled it out... This point my face was beet red and from then on people fondly call me Tacky.

Tac: This has been my typical nick name. Apparently two syllables is a lot in a name, so everyone shortens mine to one.

Sis: My mother calls me that name all the time, especially when I am home. I don't know if it is because she doesn't want to go through the other sister's names before she finally reaches mine or she just can't remember! Ha ha ha! Love you Mom! :)

So, I have actually been pretty lucky in the nicknames department. There is one other one, but it is just too special to put on here right now!

Am I ready?? School?? Me???

Day 18 - Goals you have on your list.

One particular goal that has been on my mind a lot lately has been my goal of actually finishing school. A lot of my friends here are very surprised when they realize that I don't have a degree. Which is kinda nice that I come across as smart, right!? Ha!

But I have actually started the long process to go back to school and am looking forward to the homework and learning again. Not so much tests, I am a TERRIBLE test taker, my nerves are so bad that my mind blanks and I really struggle. But I am going to be a better student, because I have learned the importance of gaining an education through my work experiences. Yes, working has taught me how much further I can go in the world when I have a little piece of paper proving I went the extra mile.

So, University of Maryland, here I come!!

Presenting... President Taci Merkley

Day 17 - Someone you would switch lives with for one day and why.

If I could switch lives with someone for a day I would want to switch with President Obama. I would want to feel the pressure of the job and the success of actually obtaining the title I dreamed about having when I was in 2nd grade.

I think of one person that has such an influence on how the United States are viewed worldwide and I would want that person to be me. Reading that last line reminds me of a line from “The Wedding Date” when the bride tells her sister she is so happy and the sister promptly replies, “Why, because the world finally has a reason to revolve around you?” I don’t feel like the world should revolve around one person, but one person can make a huge difference in the world.

I often think of Mother Teresa and how she is known for being loving, kind and so very giving of herself. I want people to think of me in my President For A Day as that. They will remember the good that came from the one day and understand the love I have for my country. I think too often people forget why they took the office in the first place and need to be reminded that there are people that often look up to them.

It's Me Again!

Day 16 - Another Picture of Yourself.

Birthday Dance Party 2011

I have a recent new love of my life - Wii Dancing! I could literally dance all night long with this fun game! I think it helps that I have awesome friends who want to have dance parties and will actually participate!

If you are looking for a good time I suggest investing in this game. It is a fun way to interact with people and have a blast!

Shuffle to the Left, now Shuffle to the Right!!!

Day 15 - Put your iPod on shuffle first 10 songs that play are:

1) Angel Standing By - Jewel

2) There is No Arizona - Jamie O'Neal

3) Defying Gravity - Glee Cast Version

4) Tied Together with a Smile - Taylor Swift

5) Angels, From the Realms of Glory - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

6) Warning Sign - Coldplay

7) Take Me Away - Barlow Girl

8) A Way of Life - The Last Samuri Soundtrack

9) Home - Beauty and the Beast Broadway Cast

10) Did I Shave My Legs For This? - Deana Carter
This is actually one of my most favorite songs on my iPod, so I am glad it showed up on this list! :)

Not too bad of a list I must say... :)

We are a Happy Family!!!

Day 14 - Picture of you and your family.

I love my family. We are massive and so full of love and acceptance, I can't believe how lucky I am!

I didn't always feel that way though - When I was a little girl I was embarrassed to go out with everyone. I didn't like hearing the comments people would make when twelve (12) individuals exited one vehicle. It made me feel like we were on display or something, it was weird to me.

Then I started to grow up and really see what being part of a large family really was.

I made a list (because I LOVE lists) about why I love being in my family:

1) I never run out of people to talk to.
2) I love to see the shock on friends faces when I tell them how large my family is currently which is 39 (not including the great grandkids or any buns still in the oven). Such a change from when I was younger!! Now, I try to get everyone together just so I can say look at MY family - aren't we AWESOME!
3) I have family members that can help out with loads of everyday things - plumbing, cars, computers, cooking, carpentry, printers, zombies, running, painting, gun safety, home decor, crafts, sewing, painting, anything Apple, phew... that is a lot and I can still name a TON more!
4) I believe we now have birthdays in every month!
5) I get to buy cards in bulk to send for holidays, birthdays, etc.
6) We have to get the family and/or friends to bring their trailers to the parent's house when we all come home for a visit.
7) Each person is very unique and yet the same!
8) We really love to spend time with each other - which is also a change from when we all were younger!
9) Just when you think the family can't get any bigger, you find out another wave of little ones is on it's way!
10) Friends want to go to your house to visit your parents and family, oh, and sometimes you.
11) You always have someone willing to cheer you on, pick you up, or just hold you until things get better!
12) Also, You always have a TON of people to remind you of when you made a fool of yourself and that it is sometimes caught on film! ugh...
13) But you realize that sometimes you are part of something is more special than you could imagine and you feel BLESSED!

Thank you family for making me feel so loved and special!

My letter to you...

Day 13 - A letter to someone

Dear Future Husband,

You have been on my mind a lot lately - could be from the recent wedding of my brother to the death of a friend’s mother… You may wonder why the death of someone would remind me of you, but it is simply because that husband will no longer have the constant companionship that the wife provided in this life. But it reminds me of what I believe in and how families and most importantly a husband and wife are together for eternity. I believe that with all my heart and I hope to share that great blessing with you.

I know that I may get angry when you hog the bed or the covers, leave your dirty socks on the floor or leave a honey-do-list undone. But know that I will get over my anger/frustration. I hope that we won’t go to bed angry or afraid to talk about what is bothering us to each other. Although I am sorta excited for a little argument now and then because, let’s face it, sometimes I like to have a good argument! Sorry, I will try and warn you before you pop any question!

I can’t wait for the day that we will have our own children whether I can provide them or through adoption. I can’t wait to see you hold our son or daughter for the first time because I will be able to see the love you will have for each other. I hope that as they grow we will have to remind each other of the small tender moments because I hear having teenagers can be rough. Although I was a perfect child for my parents – just ask!! So maybe that will rub off on the kids! J

I can tell you now that I am constantly working on being a better and kind person. I am working on things that will make me a better wife and mother and I hope you are doing the same.

I look forward to the day we realize that we are ready to make the big leap together! I love you!

Your Future Wife,

Taci

Blog?

Day 12 - Why do you have blog?

I remember moving back East and thinking that this was a great way for my family to keep up with what I was doing. Since then it has been a way for me to see what I had done!

I have looked through my blog and read previous posts and thought that I was funny, dumb, a girl, sad, and a bit crazy... But it captures a lot of me and helps to express a little bit of who I am.

I also love to stalk others blog and see what life is like for someone who has gone through similar experiences or are willing to talk about areas that I am too scared to write about. There are some very strong people out there... Of course, for every strong person there are the people who I have learned to never read their blog! I don't care for every other word being a swear word - if you can't even write without doing that then it isn't worth my time.

I like simple things and that is what this blog is to me... simple.

Friends make things fun!

Day 11 - Another picture of you and friends!

This had to be one of my favorite nights EVER! I was able to play Cranium which is a blast and combines all of my favorite games!

I am so lucky to have such good friends in my life. Sometimes they are there for a short while and others are there for the long haul. BUT they all have had an impact on my life!

Team ME!

I remember getting a card after being sick from my friend Merry and I kept it because it was hilarious! It stated, "I hear you are out of shorts! OH! You meant out of sorts!?" I loved it! She always made me laugh and was such a good friend!

Jane is a person I really look up to and admire! She is beautiful and has the personality I would LOVE to have! She is super creative and extremely fashionable.

Molly, Molly, Molly - a true friend. We met when I moved into the house to be the newest roommate and have tested our bands of friendship ever since. Luckily for me she has stuck around and put up with my crap! :)

Good times, good friends - what more could a girl ask for!?

My list of songs...

Day 10 - songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

This is a tough assignment! I have so many songs that I constantly listen to for all those situations, BUT I will try and list those that are usually at the top of my list.

Happy: I love the beach, the sun, being warm, this is one that no matter what will always put a smile on my face! I also can't help but tap my foot to the beat! "Soak Up the Sun" - Sheryl Crow

Sad: This is one that I have always enjoyed especially when I am sad after a relationship ends. This just is a song that gives me hope that there is a someone out there looking for me. I especially love the song when I hear Ella Fitzgerald singing it because she captures the emotion so well... "Someone to Watch Over Me" - Gershwin

Bored: When I am bored I sing anything broadway and dance! This is one that I like because you start off quiet and soft and by the end you are just belting it out with passion and heart! One of my favorites "Gimme Gimme" - Thoroughly Modern Millie

Hyped: This one was pretty easy! I love this song, I have been made fun of for this song, but it is a super easy song to jam out to when I am all HYPED up! :) "Crazy Horses" - The Osmonds

Mad: This might seem to some like a weird "mad" song but this one really is so I can jump/dance around and do some awesome Rocky punches in the air to a sweet beat! "I'm Blue" - Eiffel 65

Proud

Day 9 - Something you're proud of in the past few days.

That would have to be the Silent Auction - I really am proud of the way that it ended up looking. I am proud of the help I received!

I am just grateful to see that I do have a little bit of creativity! I thought that my sisters were the only ones that received that gene! :)

Goals

Day 8 - Short Term Goals for this month and why.

I am a list person, I love to be able to check things off my list and have it look like I accomplished a ton of things. Some of my lists contain things such as "File Claims for this month" and other times they are things like "Eat Lunch."

But these are simple goals for the month.

1 - Exercise every day
2 - Eat better
3 - Drink Water
4 - Only two (2) Diet Cokes a week

Gonna do it! My simple goals! :)

I am who I am today!

Day 7 - Someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.

I know that I talk about this alot, but I just can't explain how much this has changed my life. My earliest memories are of listening to music, singing lessons, watching my oldest brothers sing, singing in church, watching musicals, etc.

Every where I have turned, I have had music right there with me. It is able to describe every mood I have ever been in with words that I feel sometimes reach into my very soul.

I remember one time last year when I was in a very dark place, I was struggling to face things from my past and I felt alone. Someone played this song and it touched me so deeply - "You Are Loved" by Josh Groban. I was moved beyond words, tears started falling down my cheeks and I could feel the love from everyone I knew. All of this from a song that was 3-4 minutes long!

I remember listening to classical pieces on the radio with my dad and we would both start conducting the orchestra. Or when I was younger, I would go out and feed the chickens and sing the song Belle sings after Gaston asks her to marry him. I would then run up the hill behind the house and start singing my own songs about life - I was such a dramatic girl! :)

I love when you enter a church and you can hear the organ playing. I don't know if it is because my father has always played the organ and taught me to play. I get chills when it is being played and the whole room is filled with the beautiful sound! My favorite place to listen to the organ is the Tabernacle, the pipe organ there is like none other! Ever since I was a child I have wanted to play that organ! If I ever find a genie that will be my first wish.

When I went to college and started to lose the hearing in my left ear, I thought my life was over (apparently my being dramatic didn't end when I was a child)! I cried for days, okay... weeks, and was angry!!! It wasn't until I was talking with my friend Trevor that I realized what an idiot I was being. He simply told me that I still had one good ear and to quit crying about it!

I love that music makes sense! It uses both your right and left side of your brain. I love that it is always surrounding us - grocery store, elevator, cell phone, on hold, movies, television, theme parks, video games... so many places!!

I believe that my love of music came from two very musically talented parents. My father who sings, plays the piano and organ. My mother who sings and showed us the fantastic world of musicals and broadway! Thanks to both of my parents who worked so hard to make sure I went to clogging, band, piano, voice, show choir, B-Bar-D, guitar. I am one very lucky girl! :)

But the talent doesn't stop there - my siblings have great voices, play piano, guitar, flute, clarinet, guitar, harp, write their own music, or have introduced me to artists/genres that I wouldn't otherwise know about. Seriously - how can one person be so lucky!?!?

Music has helped to shape me into the person I am today - it has had the greatest impact on my life. It has given me ways to express myself when words fail. It has always been there even when I don't even remember my own name! Music has and always will be a major part in my life!