It's a Monday

Mondays are rough and this is how I feel today. Can we make this happen?

xoxo,

sam

Exciting things!

Life is good. Sure, there are something that could make it better but for now I'm just focusing on the present and working towards my goals. I feel like some exciting things are going to start happening.

I'm buying a new car soon. Like a big girl car complete with seat heaters. That's probably one of the things I'm most excited about. And this one I will be able to sign for completely on my own. That's kind of a weird thought to me because my parents had to co-sign on my last one. But I have credit now. Wow, I sound like such an adult saying all this, but that's not completely a bad thing. I have been saving for months. It's my goal to pay half of the cost up front and get a loan for the second half. I'm almost there.

Job hunting. This has been a major struggle for me the past few months. When I graduated, I had no idea that it would take me so long to find a job. I though maybe a few months at the longest. It's been almost six months since graduation and I'm still sending my resume out. But I'm trying to stay positive and hope that something has to be coming soon. Something exciting and something that I will love.

My own little business. Now this is the biggest one. I have been giving this a lot of thought and I want to start my own little photography and design business. I have done done a few photoshoots for friends and family and have designed announcements and invites. I am very critical of my own work and that is one of the reasons I haven't put my stuff out there before. But this is something I want to do and am excited to get things going. It will probably take some time to get the logistics figured out but I can't wait to see where this adventure takes me :) Stay tuned.

Life is good.

A whirlwind Summer

When I look back on this summer, one word comes to mind: whirlwind.

I apologize for my unplanned hiatus from blogging. Last night was the first time in awhile that I wanted to write or even had something to right about. There is something about strong, intense emotions that makes me want to write. Confusion. Frustration. Hurt. Sadness. Anger. Indifference. Loneliness. Failure. All negative emotions, and because of this, I have decided against publishing the post I just wrote. No, for now it will remain merely a draft and maybe one day I will make it public. One day when I feel more removed from the situation. But maybe not, because maybe I wrote it just for me.

This summer has been so great and also so frustrating. It was one of the best and one of the worst. A summer filled with vacations and adventures, excitement and disappointment. I cherish those memories of boys and those late night we filled with long talks while sneaking a few kisses. But for now, I can't think of those things without wanting to cry. I hope that one day I can look back and smile at the memories.

This morning I played racquetball with my mom. It was the last thing I wanted to do after everything. But there I was hitting that ball as hard as I could and the sweatier and more tired I got, the better I felt. I found myself smiling and laughing at our crazy swings. It was in that moment that I felt a glimmer of hope and the realization that maybe everything will be okay. Eventually. I guess it's true what they say, exercise can make you feel better.

There is so much more that I want to say but I also don't want to regret anything in the future. So I guess that is why this post is vague and somewhat depressing. But it is brutally honest and transparent. I feel that it accurately portrays how I am feeling right now...

What I learned in college

My time at Utah State were some of the best years of my life. I think that it was there that I grew the most and had the experiences that I hold most dear. I learned so much more than what was taught in the classrooms. I grew as a person and learned things about myself and life.

1. I am a person of worth.

Self-esteem has always been something I've struggled with. The friends I made in college are some of the greatest I've ever had and have shown me that I do have something to offer the world. They are the people who helped me realize that I am a person of worth. Those friends are some of the closest I've ever had.

2. Family is extremely important and will be there for me no matter what.

I'm not going to lie, I was excited to move away to Logan. But I soon began to miss my family. It was hard to be away from them and I missed concerts and birthdays. It was weird for me. But they never stopped loving me. Whenever I came through the front door for a weekend visit, my brother would come running with a big smile on his face and give me a hug. It was the sweetest.

3. I can do things on my own.

I am not one to ask for help or to admit defeat. I am happy that I was able to support myself and make dinners and keep a (some what) clean apartment. I was able to manage my own time and didn't need my parents to remind me to do things. I can succeed at life on my own. Shout out to independence.

4. My future is bright.

While at college, my eyes were opened to all the exciting opportunities I have. I never quite realized what the real world had to offer and what I could contribute to the world. I am incredibly excited for the future and I know that I am prepared to tackle whatever life throws at me.

xoxo,

sam

Most People

When I graduated high school, I had a plan. I knew what I wanted and I had a good idea of when certain things would happen. As life progressed, I realized that things weren't going the way I had hoped. It's not that things were going bad, they were just different.

I had planned on graduating college in four years because that's what most people do. I did it in three.

I thought I would get married while I was in school because that's what most people do. But then I graduated at early and realized it's defintely okay not to be married at this point.

I never thought I would move back in with my parents. But I am grateful for them letting me do so.

I am not "most people" and I don't have to do what everyone else is doing. And I shouldn't feel bad that I'm doing what what they are doing. I am doing things a little different. So I'm not disappointed that I'm not where I had planned I would be at this point. Somewhere along the way I took a different path that took me in a different direction. Now I am making a new plan for myself. New goals. Where do I want to be in five years? Graduate school? Living a new adventure in a different part of the country? Starting a family? Beginning a great career?

I'm excited to see what life brings!

xoxo,

sam

Getting Settled

I've been such a slacker. With all the craziness of graduating, movie and traveling my blog has kind of been pushed to the side.

Now that my vacations are all over I can really start getting settled. I'll finally have the time to unpack the last few boxes and adjust to life after college.

It's a weird life. A life that I'm not used. I'm not used to go going to bed so early just so I can get up early the next morning to be on time for work. A life that isn't as flexible as I'm used to.

It's weird living with my parents again and adjusting to family life. Sometimes it feels as if I never left and other times I feel as an outsider who doesn't really belong. And then there's the issue of the light switches. That's something I haven't quite figured out because there are just so many of them and there are more than one that control the same light. I'll get it soon enough... I hope.

 It's been a great start to the summer :)

xoxo,

sam

I'm in Mexico... Meet Katelyn!

And so my travels continue! I am on a cruise to Mexico with my family and grandparents.

I want you to all meet my friend Katelyn. She is Canadian which makes her that much more awesome :)

She is new to blogging so be sure to check out her blog too :) Share the blog love.

Hey there Sam's readers , I am Katelyn and I blog over at Katelyn In Pink Sam asked me to write a guest blog while she is enjoying the fun and sun in Mexico !!!! I met Sammy while she was in her first year of college ( I was visiting Utah with her cousin ) and we have been friends ever since 

I am 23 and living in Canada in a small farming community called Vegreville ( home of the worlds largest Easter egg ) I work in the health care industry and love it . I also have big dreams of moving to Utah and am in the process of achieving said dream !!! I also am clumsy and a little nerdy , a fan of the out doors and avid reader and hopeless romantic. The last 2 however go together. Do you ever see those movies where there is the girl who spends her whole life reading and loosing herself in these epic tales of romance and beauty and chivalry and of coarse the gorgeous dresses and, in the end she finds her happy ending? This is me minus I am still looking for my prince .

   

Today's world is pretty similar to the world in the books for us woman , there is a lot of pressure in finding a mate and getting married especially in the lds faith , maybe it's just me but I feel if you aren't married by 21 its almost like swearing , it was same way in some of my favorite books . I think that so often we are focused ( or maybe its just me ) in finding the perfect romance that it becomes a tad depressing when you are like me 23 and not married. But like some of my favorite literary heroines I have discovered that there is more to life then finding my prince charming , there is a whole world out there !!! So my new goal or dream in life is to TRAVEL and visit some of the places my favorite books take place in , see the English country side and travel across Ireland , sail the Nile and drift away on the Mississippi river , to finish my education and live in the moment and someday maybe just maybe my price will come and sweep me of my feet . XOXO Katelyn

Did I also mention I am a super hero ???

_________________________________________________________________________

That socks picture is the very first one we took together haha

xoxo,

sam

Lots of traveling

So I kind of really suck at blogging this month. But with graduating, moving, unpacking and traveling I just haven't had the time. There is so much I want to write about but that will just have to wait for now. My vacation to New York was awesome! And now I am headed on a cruise to Mexico. Actually, I am writing this now on my phone (which explains the shortness of this post) as I sit in the deck of the ship watching the ocean. It's so beautiful out here. So peaceful.

So I won't be blogging for at least another week. But in the meantime, I have lined up a guest blogger. She's great so watch for her post later this week. 

I can't wait to start writing again. There's so many thoughts in my head right and so much going on in my life that I need to write it all out. But until then I suppose it will stay jumbled. And I can't wait to write about my vacations as well. 

I'm in New York... Meet Elisabeth!

Hey guys! I'm in the Big Apple this week and having the time of my life. So I want to meet my dear friend Elisabeth and fellow social media addict. She is awesome!

Heya Sam's readers! I'm Elisabeth and I blog over at Imma Walking Fashion Crime!

I'm a 5 foot 10 inch SugarCityite with a love for all things girly! Cause let's be honest, I'm a girly girl in every sense of the word! Sugar City, Idaho is where I'm from and it's the cutest little town EVER! But I might be a little bias...

Let's talk a little bit about Sam. Isn't she just AMAZING?! We go WAY back. Okay...maybe not that far...like freshman year of college, but we hit it off right away! I truly love this girl and I'm SOO happy that she having so much fun in New York right now! :) Do you guys have a friend like Sam?

Isn't she awesome! Love her.

xoxo,

sam

I graduated!

I graduated college last week! I now have a bachelor's degree in public relations and I can't wait to put it to use :) I also can't wait for my actual diploma to arrive in the mail :) The last three years have been the most trying, difficult and yet rewarding years ever. I have learned so much about life and about myself. I pushed my limits and learned what I am capable of. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to get a college education and I know that my life will be better for it.

It was so windy that my hat kept flying off! 

I felt such a sense of accomplishment as I walked across that stage. I'm so proud of myself.

This girls are so amazing. I couldn't have survived the program without them. 

I'm so grateful for my family's love and encouragement. 

I'm especially grateful for my parents and their support.

College graduate.

I did it!

My best friend. I miss her tons already.

xoxo,

sam

The post I didn't want to write

This is the post I have been avoiding. The one I didn't want to write because, sometimes, putting things into words makes it more real.

My life is currently in boxes and I'm not quite sure where anything is. I spent the day packing up the remaining knick-knacks around my room and chatting with roommates. No one wants to acknowledge the looming good-byes; the parting of ways.

I know I am going to leave a part of myself in Logan. This has been my home for the last three years. I have changed so much in that time and formed many friendships. In some ways, those friendships are stronger than any I've had before. There is something about living with someone that forms a special bond. You become accustomed to their quirks and over time you notice that you have even adopted some of their traits. You now use that catchphrase or do something a particular way. That person is someone you will never forget because they have changed you.

I know that I have gone through a deep and thorough change. I am so far from that freshman walking into the dorms for the first time. I have developed new talents and explored new things. I am in a major that I never dreamed of. My life is so different from where I imagined myself being at this point.

There is one thing I won't be leaving behind: memories. That is something I will always have. I know the move to Layton will be a difficult transition for me and that there will be times when I will miss everything and everyone I knew here. But I know I will look back on these years and smile at the times we had a sleepover in an abandoned warehouse or simply the many times we stayed up way too late talking about everything.

Despite all the stress and heartbreak that accompanies the college life, I know that I am leaving a better person than I was when I came.

So as I sit here reflecting on the last few years, I can't help but get a little teary-eyed.

It's been real, Logan. I'll see ya around.

xoxo,

sam

The Last Time

So many things are coming to an end in my life. Like pretty much everything.

Thursday was my last day of undergrad classes.

Friday was the last day at my internship.

Sunday was the last day at my ward.

Monday was my last day working in the Logan office.

Today was my last working at the box office.

This is all kind of sad to me as I realize how much of my life is ending.

And I realize that my life is about to drastically change.

But I just keep telling myself that I will be experiencing a lot of firsts soon.

Bring it!

xoxo,

sam

My sweet new camera!

If you are following me on Instagram, you probably already know about my new camera. But I am just so excited that I just had to blog about it too! It was an early graduation gift from my amazing parents.

Isn't it beautiful?! It has already become my little baby.

I can't wait to start using it! So let me know if you are interested in getting your pictures done! :)

xoxo,

sam

Giveaway to Sephora!

So this is my first giveaway on the blog. Like ever. And I'm pretty stoked about it :)

Tanika who blogs at Growing Gracie put together this awesome giveaway to celebrate her birthday next week.

Some great bloggers have teamed up for this. So check them out and be sure to enter below for your chance to win big!

These ladies are the best. Seriously. 

TOGETHER we are giving away:

$100 Sephora Gift Card
$25 Visa Gift Card
and Amanda over at We & Serendipity is giving away one of these babies:

Don't worry if you aren't Mormon, you can have her do any picture over any words or anything like that of your choosing. I will give the winner her email and you two can correspond what you'd like your prize to look like. :)

Here is what you need to know:

The giveaway will go from now until May 1st.

The winner will also be announced May 1st.

The winner will be verified, so please be honest guys. It's a celebration after all!!!

Good luck everyone and (In a Hunger Games fashion...) May the odds be ever in your favor!

xoxo,

sam

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prom

I never went to prom. And at times I am a little bitter because of that because what girl doesn't dream of going to prom and feeling like a princess if only for one night.

Then my sister got asked to prom and I'm pretty sure I was more excited that her.

Her prom was this last weekend and she really did look like a princess.

Princess Belle to be exact.

She also asked me to do her hair. I was excited and it was fun to help her get ready for the dance. I absolutely love how her hair turned out.

This girl is darling and I'm glad she had such a fun time at the dance.

Love you Maddi!

(Sorry for the blurry iPhone picture.)

xoxo,

sam

#prayforboston

I am deeply saddened by the events unfolding in Boston. The bombings. The manhunt. The death of the MIT officer. 

We were glued to the TV all morning at my internship watching the news. I feel incredibly grateful that I live far from these events and none of my friends or family have been hurt.

In the midst of all this evil, I still believe in the good people of the world. I'm sure that by now everyone has heard the heroic stories of those helping immediately following the bombings. Those that crossed the finished line and continued to run to the hospitals to donate blood. Those who, instead of running for safety, ran into the bombing aftermath to help the injured.

There are still good people in the world. It is that good that we must hold onto despite all the evil happening in the world. 

xoxo,

sam

Why I struggle with gay marriage

There are a lot of hot topics in politics right now. Gun safety. National finances. Marriage equality.

I generally don't post my views on such things on Facebook and Twitter because of their public nature. I don't want to force my views on things on other people. But I feel as though my blog is my space. It's my turf and I can say whatever I want. I ask only that you respect that. The following is my opinion. Debates are healthy but bashing on someone's beliefs is low. Please, just don't.

I have yet to figure out how I feel about legalizing gay marriage. I am conflicted between my own beliefs and the desire not to force them on others.

I do not believe that gay marriage is right. I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman and that marriage is something that should be respected and revered. It is a commitment between man and woman to live life together and rear to a family.

But at the same time, I don't want to force my beliefs on others. I believe that everyone should have the choice as to who they want to marry. We should be free to use our agency. Just as I believe it to be wrong, there are others that strongly feel it is okay. It is their right to feel that way. I can live my life the way I want and they have the same right.

But how much do you tolerate something you don't believe in?

It is similar to drinking. I don't drink and that is a personal decision. But I know many people who do. I don't think any less of those individuals. I would never try to force my standards on them in an attempt to stop them from drinking. I try to avoid putting myself in a situation that that has a lot of drinking. I avoid parties that I know will have a lot of alcohol.

Gay marriage is similar to this. I know several people who are gay and I don't think any less of them. They are people just like anyone else. I just don't agree with some of their decisions. But gay marriage aside, I don't agree with a lot of decisions people make.

If the legalization of gay marriage came down to a citizen vote, I don't know side I would choose. I wouldn't want to vote for it because I don't want to support it. On the other hand, I would be tempted to vote for it because no one should have their agency taken away.

It's something I struggle with. I know what I believe and how I have chosen to live. Everyone should have that right. Am I contradicting my own beliefs by saying that?

xoxo,

sam

How to create your own fonts

Yesterday I found the coolest iPad app ever.

It creates fonts based on your handwriting. It's seriously way cool.

You can choose from one of their fonts to use as a guide, adjust the height and width and change the pen style. Or you can do it freestyle.

If you have an iPad, go check out iFontMaker. Also, if you don't have a stylus pen, you should look into getting one. It makes this app a lot easier to use.

If you make a font, I'd love to see it.

xoxo,

sam

A Photoshoot: Julissa

I have always loved photography. I have never done a lot with it but I have done a few photoshoots for friends and family. Today I would like to share one of my favorite shoots with you. These pictures are of brother's friend for her senior pictures. She is absolutely beautiful and was so much fun to work with!

Isn't she just adorable?

xoxo,

sam

Love my blog?

With all the hubbub about the very likely disappearance of GFC, I am now set up on Bloglovin'! I don't want to lose any of you when Google does away with Google Reader. So please follow me there by clicking the link below or the button on the sidebar. Thanks!

Follow me on Bloglovin'!

xoxo,

sam

My first guest post!

Hey guys! Today I am guest posting for Chrissy over at Let me see you sparkle! I am so excited because this is my first time doing this. You should definitely go check out her blog and my post for today! Love you all :)

xoxo,

sam

Let's talk dating.

Dating. We all have our stories about awkward situations, DTRs and door-step moments. But I want to talk about another type of dating. Online dating. It usually has a negative connotation and is seen as something that only desperate, middle aged people use. But lately I have heard of more and more people using dating sites to meet people.

But how do you really know who is behind the profile? How do you know that charming college graduate is actually not a 30-something year old chatting from his parents' basement? Then once you actually contact someone you think you might be interested in, then you have to deal with meeting for the first time. Which has potential for awkwardness written all over it.

Online dating is such a weird concept to me. Everyone has laid out their life in a nicely organized profile that you can read through an decide if you are interested. It's like picking out anything at a store. You have the entire selection presented to you and then you can choose exactly what you want. And just like you are sifting through all the options, someone else is judging you based on your profile. Like you would judge a book by it's cover. Is that really fair to the book? It may be a fantastic book but you would never know unless you opened it and gave it an honest chance.

Call me old fashioned but I'm a little wary of online dating. The whole idea is just a little weird to me. But maybe I am judging it without knowing all the facts.

Would you ever try online dating? What are your opinions? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this so just leave a comment below.

xoxo,

sam

A Party for One

I may or may not have worked forty hours this week at both jobs combined. All on top of my internship and school. Okay, let's be real. School doesn't really count this semester, but still. It's a good 6 hours out of the week. So needless to say, but I have been insanely busy this week. So when I came home tonight to an empty house, I knew it was time to party. So I had a party for one. Complete with chocolate, a crazy outfit and music. I know you wish you had been there.

A random outfit with a side pony tail.

I put on my favorite socks. They are so amazingly comfy.

Chocolate no-bake cookies were made.

 I painted my nails while the cookies cooled.

And jammed out to this song.

And this one.

How did you spend your Saturday night?

xoxo,

sam

Facebook and Twitter and YouTube, oh my!

So... I don't think it's any secret that I love social media. Well right now I am up to here in it. And you know what? 

I love it!

Right now I am working with two organizations to help build their social media. Then there's the accounts I help manage for my internship. And let's not forget about my personal accounts. Those are important too. 

Let's add them up. I am an admin on four Facebook pages and one Facebook group in addition to my own profile. And I also tweet from four different Twitter accounts. Oh, and I just set up a YouTube channel for one of the organizations.

It's a lot of work but it is fun. And it's totally something I could see myself doing in a future career. Hire me?

Or just follow me on Twitter @MissSamanthaG. That would be cool too ;)

xoxo,

sam

New friends

It's no secret that I am a shy girl sometimes. When I am around people I don't know very well or don't feel comfortable with, I stop talking and take a backseat and just listen to everyone else. I'm good at observing. I was invited to a blogger meetup last night to mingle with bloggers from all over town. And to be honest, I was a little nervous about going. I only knew one person besides my cousin who came with me and I was worried because I didn't know what to expect.

But my worries were silly. From the moment I walked in the door I felt completely comfortable with these girls. A few hours of boy stories, laughs and giggles later, we took this picture and agreed to make this a monthly thing. Which I am so stoked about!

xoxo,

sam

Honey bees and dancing

Holy moly! Can you believe that tomorrow is the first day of March! Seriously, where is time going? The semester is halfway over and graduation is just two months away! .

Today I gave a presentation with these lovely ladies on a PR campaign Haagen-Dazs did to save the honey bees. So of course, we dressed up for the occasion in black and yellow.



Last night Ashley showed me this music video and I think it's the cutest thing ever. It's a fun song and I love the dancing. I'm sure you will love it too.

xoxo,

sam

Things I think about late at night

It's late and I know that I won't be able to sleep if I tried because there is so much going on in my head right now.

Applying for big-girl jobs scares me. I feel so inadequate.

I have to get my blood drawn this week. Cue the anxiety.

I feel so blessed to have my internship. There have been so many incredible opportunities and experiences already.

I wish I had my piano here tonight.

Why does it have to be snowing again?

I'm spending next weekend in St. George. That will be fun.

Thank goodness I have one o'clock church tomorrow.

Goodnight friends!

xoxo,

sam

I said what?

One of the perks of having my best friend as a roommate is that she is comfortable with with telling me about the weird things I do. And some of them are things I never knew about. This story is about one of those occasions.

I am on some medication right now and it makes me really tired. So I have been sleeping more than usual lately. Last night I went to bed early and Ashley was up late studying so by the time she went to bed I was fast asleep. And according to her, I talk in my sleep. And this isn't the first time she has told me this. But this is the first time I said something comprehensible. What I said was this:

"There was a man... and he was creepily watching you."

Um, okay. No clue what that means. But I got a good laugh when she told me. I'm so grateful that she puts up with all the crazy things I do.

But really, I had no idea about this little quirk. I have had my own room ever since I was 5 so there really hasn't been anyone to hear my crazy night talk.

I also hope my future husband loves me enough to put up with it.

xoxo,

sam

Throwback to the flower pants

I was looking through some old pictures today and found this little gem. Check out those pants! I actually remember wearing those. I also remember thinking I was hot stuff. If only I knew better.

xoxo,

sam

Growing up and moving on

I am excited to graduate!

But sometimes I feel sad that I am graduating this semester.

My roommates are starting to look for housing for next year and it feels weird that I'm not.

I'm looking for jobs instead.

I am really going to miss college.

xoxo,

sam

It was an awesome week

So last week I got back from Florida which was awesome itself. And then the week just kept being awesome. Here are some of the awesome things that happened.

1) I went to a meeting for my internship and all we did was brainstorm ideas for Facebook posts.

Awesome.

2) Class was canceled.

Awesome.

3) I got some much needed alone time to catch up on a few things.

Awesome.

4) I was assigned certain beats (topics) to cover on Twitter for my internship.

Awesome.

5) My car got stuck in the snow today. Not awesome. But I was able to get it out by myself. Yay for independence.

Awesome.

6) I talked to him at church today.

Awesome.

7) My patriarchal blessing arrived in the mail. (I lost the folder with the original in it in a box somewhere at my parents' house.)

Awesome.

How was your week awesome?

xoxo,

sam

Baby it's cold outside.

This morning I rolled over in bed to check my phone like I do every morning. My twitter timeline was full of tweets about bad weather, iced-over roads, closed canyons and many accidents. Blah. It's going to be one those days I thought. I wanted nothing more than to go back to sleep in my warm bed. I thought about skipping class for about two seconds but because I missed classes on Tuesday I figured I better be a good student and go. I can't get senioritis this early in the semester. I stayed in bed as long as I could planning the warmest outfit I could think of in my head.

Then a small miracle happened. I got an email saying my first class had been canceled! I could have sworn that a small choir was singing hallelujah somewhere in the stormy clouds. It was the best thing that has happened so far today.

I am determined to stay warm today. After enjoying the sun in Florida, I swear Logan feels a lot colder than it did before I left. Today is definitely the day for layers. I hope you all stay warm and safe!

xoxo,

sam

Happy [half] birthday to me

Today is my half birthday.

I am officially

and a half.

xoxo,

sam