First year complete!

Am I really done with my first year of college? YES!! (well, not really until this next Wednesday, but it's close enough) I can't believe I made it! The realization really set in Friday when two of my roommates moved out. It seriously feels like we just moved in. I have grown so much this year and have learned a lot about life and myself.  Some of the things I have learned and some memories I have had while living on my own and going to school are:

• Drama still exists (and yes, I know I caused some of it) I definitely have learned a great lesson
• Living on your own and providing for yourself is actually very expensive 
• Late night runs to the gas station for 44 oz. diet cokes are mandatory. (well, now they aren't due to my training, but they got me through a lot this year)
• Your roommates can become your best friends.
• It's really hard to say goodbye to them.
• Make friends!!! They keep you going!
• College is SO different from High School
• I'm glad that I'm out of High School
• I have become a lot more independent
• Serve others on a daily basis
• I made some decisions, that now I'm regretting. Definitely learned my lesson.
• Even though I love living on my own, I miss my family every single day
• The gospel is everything to me!
• Runs to Winco. 
• "There's a spark in your hair! Get it, get it!"
• Biology class with Hailey!! Love ya!

There are so many more, but it's late, and I'm extremely tired. I will definitely add more as they come to me. 

I could not have made it through this year without some amazing people in my life.  So just wanted to say thank you to all of you!

First of all, my parents.  They have supported me through everything. My mom and dad always ask what's going on at the moment, and if I need anything.  They have always shown their love and support. I miss them so much even though they are 10 minutes away.  I know I always can go home, and I am so grateful for that.  

Second, one of my roommates/best friends, Lisa.  She has seen me in my best and worst of times, and she still likes me. (well, I think she does:)) One of the best memories is our late night talks. We have spent hours talking, crying, and laughing.  She has always been there for me. She has helped me through so much this year and I am so grateful for her.  She has moved home for the summer, but will be back in the fall. I'm really going to miss her these next couple of months.

I was really lucky this year when it came to roommates. I had amazing roommates. They have all been so nice and just amazing. So thank you Kenzie, Catherine, and Jennae. (I don't have any pictures with Jennae :( ). We have had so many crazy adventures. I love you all.

Third, one of my best friends, Becca. Even though we go to different schools and live 3 hours away from each other, she has helped me so much. There have been a lot of times when I would call her and just tell her everything, and she would listen, and then give me advice or tell me what to do. I definitely miss her so much, but am so grateful we still have phones! :)

There are still so many people that have influenced me and have helped me grow this last year! Sorry, I couldn't include all of you individually. I would be up for hours, and I would run out of room it would be so long.  But know that you have truly made a difference in my life, and I love all of you!

My New Love...

Running!! I absolutely love running! Yes, I was surprised myself at how much I would love it. I never really liked running or working out in junior high or high school, and you can definitely tell :). I did it sometimes, but didn't really enjoy it. I danced, so I figured that was a good enough work out. Some of my friends and all the people I work with are really big into running and biking, and have done marathons, triathlons, and bike races.  I saw how much they love it and decided to try it for myself.  I have been running the last couple of months and I started enjoying it.  It relieves me of stress.  It's one of the ways I get away from everything around me. I get in a mindset where nothing around me matters at that moment.

Then....everyone that I work with decided that we should all do a half-marathon together!! I am so excited! We are doing the Hobble Creek Half-Marathon.

I started training today....and can I just say, I am in for a long ride. One of the girls I work with is following a training schedule from the internet, and gave it to me as well. It is intense! Well, intense for me. You run 4 days and then do cross training for 2. I also decided I probably needed to change my diet and eat healthier, so I came up with some rules for myself. (You will probably think I'm crazy)  


Rule #1: No sweets (desserts, candy, etc) except for on Sundays
Rule #2: No more caffeine and carbonation (No more diet coke :( yes, that's going to be hard)
Rule #3: No eating past 7pm
Rule #4: Get the right amount of servings of fruits and vegetables
Rule #5: Drink 4 bottles of water a day

I know I'm crazy....but, I know these things will help me not just in the half-marathon and running in the future, but just in life in general.

I plan on doing many more half-marathons and eventually marathons and triathlons.

Let the games begin!!

I have never been a HUGE fan of sports until this year. I went to a lot of the high school games and games that my friends played in, but that's about it. I have watched BYU football my whole life, but just because my family would watch it. I actually WANT to watch and go to every game (for BYU). This year I actually learned what's going on in every sport! Yes, I know it's sad that I'm just barely learning. :)

Baseball season just started!! I absolutely love baseball.  A lot of people don't like it, because they think it gets really boring! I don't. There is nothing boring about baseball to me. I love going to the games, sitting in the sun (well, it's sunny most of the time), and just hanging out with friends.

We have already been to two games. Well, I guess one and a half. We went to one this last Tuesday when they played UVU. We tried going to the one yesterday against Air Force, but it got rained out.  I absolutely love rain 99% of the time, but when it rains out a sports game, I don't like it too much. It was so much fun to hang out with my sisters and mom. We can get really crazy when we are together.  We definitely had some good laughs.

Tuesday's game

I thought she was going to pass out

Thursday's "game"

....

So I absolutely love reading my friends blogs. They are all so random, funny, and inspiring.  I really want mine to be like that, so I decided I need to start 'practicing.' (If that's something you can practice) I thought it would be good to start doing that 30 day blogging challenge, so here is the first one:

Day 1-Introduce yourself with pictures and words

Shelby Lynne Anderson

I am a full-time college student, working every day, and trying to make my college experience everything I want it to be. I am a very shy person, except when I am with friends. I am coming to the realization (for the hundredth time) of who I am and what I want with my life. I love working out, organizing, trying new things, cleaning (yes, I know I'm weird), cheerios, watching movies, So You Think You Can Dance, laughing, clothes, showers, my job, reading, The Biggest Loser, craft blogs, shopping, my friends, my family, and many more things.  

I am so grateful for all of the people in my life that love and support me. I wouldn't be anywhere without them!

Well, that about sums up me! :)

A break at last.....

Oh boy, was this break needed!! I have been crazy busy with school, work, and still trying to have a little fun, so it was good to get away for a while.  This year for my birthday my parents bought me a ticket to go to Chicago over spring break.  It was kind of scary due to the fact that I was flew by myself, but I got through it. :) I loved being able to spend time with my aunt, uncle, and cousin. It's so hard to live so far away from each other, so it was great to see and spend time with them.  It was also so nice to finally RELAX.  We did a lot of fun stuff and had some of the funniest moments I have ever had.  (I think I'll spare you of those, because they are kind of disgusting. ;))

We ate Thai Food...

We went to the Zoo...

We went to the top of the Hancock...

Ate at Maggiano's....

We went to China Town....

Went to Millennium Park...

 

....and went shopping!! I love walking down the streets of downtown.  It's crazy!! We also ate a ton of food...Chicago style pizza, Thai, Chinese, Italian, Cheesecake Factory, and the best sandwich place around. (I forgot the name at the moment.)  It was such a great break and greatly appreciated!!

Families truly are Forever

First, I decided I am horrible at this whole blogging thing. And so today I decided to try to do better.  We will see how long it lasts. And I promise that all of my posts won't be as sappy as this one. :)

Second, I absolutely love my family.  I can always count on them for everything. They are always there for me when I'm struggling with anything.....school, work, friends, boys, health, being on my own....the list could go on.  We are always driving each other crazy, but what family doesn't go through that, right?  We are definitely far from a perfect family....we definitely have our low moments.  But the one thing that we have and will always have is love for one another. We are there for each other, we care about each other, we trust each other, but most of all, we LOVE each other.

  My parents are amazing! I wouldn't be who I am or where I am in my life right now if it wasn't for them.  They are definitely not perfect, but they do the best they can do, and I am so grateful for that. I believe the best thing that they do is bring the gospel and the spirit into our home daily. Yes, they are strict and have high demands, but now being on my own, I am so grateful. They do everything in their power to make sure we were taken care of.  They are such great examples to me. I love them, and I am so grateful that I get to have them forever!

I wish I had pictures on my computer earlier than graduation. :(  I absolutely love my sisters.  Yes, we fight probably more than any other set of siblings, and I'm serious about that :)...... But we love each other.  They truly are my best friends. We do a lot together. Cailee has the best sense of style and I can always count on her for advice.  Maddi is the funniest person I know.  I can always count on her when I have bad days, to make them better.  They are kind, loving, funny, and so much more.  They are always there for me, and will listen to me go on and on about random things, and will help me through anything. I am so grateful for them and wouldn't want to change a thing.

I am so grateful that we are a forever family!

2010 in Review

So just like everyone else out there, I wanted to do a review of 2010.  Instead of just boring you with words, it will be told mostly through pictures!! Who doesn't love pictures, right?! I know these kind of posts are all you have been reading as of lately from everyone, but it's a great way for me to remember all that's happened!

2010 was one of the most eventful and changing years in my life!

*JANUARY*
Ummmmm.......

*FEBRUARY*
Ummmmm......

*MARCH*
         I celebrated my 18th birthday!!

Birthday Dinner

*ARPIL*

       We spent most of April at in the hospital, because my mom was not doing so well with her Crohn's Disease. A couple trips to the hospital and a surgery.

At the hospital during my mom's surgery

*MAY*

        One of the biggest months of the year.....

            First, many dance competitions.

Dance Competition @ Provo High

          Second, GRADUATION!! It's still hard for me to believe that I'm graduated.

After Graduation

Senior All Nighter

*JUNE*

      My aunt got married.

My aunt and new uncle

     Because of the wedding, family from Chicago came to town.  We spent the Saturday at Deer Creek!

Hike to Bridal Veil Falls

*JULY*

     One of the best months of the year!! For Christmas, my Birthday, and Graduation my aunts took me on a CRUISE. We went to Mexico and Catalina Islands! I loved it!!!

The amazing cruise ship

Newport Beach

Ensenada, Mexico

*AUGUST*

      Also a big month! I moved out and started my first semester of COLLEGE!!

Just moving in!

Two of my roommates! Love them!

*SEPTEMBER*

      Not a whole lot....just school, work, and hanging out with friends

*OCTOBER*

      Our Halloween tradition.....Nightmare on 13th! Love that place!

Nightmare on 13th

*NOVEMBER*

      We went to the SYTYCD tour!

Mom, Cailee, and Maddi

      Harry Potter 7....

       and Thanksgiving of course! Loved having a break from everything.

All of the girls!

*DECEMBER*

       Finished my first semester of College!!

       and of course....Christmas! So grateful I was able to spend the holidays with the family.

Christmas Eve

Christmas morning in our Christmas PJ's

Well, that wraps up 2010! Hope I didn't bore you to death.

Welcome 2011! I have a feeling it's going to be a great year!!