gone girl.

Last week, I disappeared off the map. I was not to be disturbed. For almost five days all I could talk about, think about, dream about was Gone girl, the psychological thriller by Gillian Flynn. I had heard it was going to become a movie this year starring Ben Affleck (HOLLA) so I thought I’d give it a try. While reading the book I was stunned, exhilarated and could not guess what was going to happen next. Murder; manipulation and a marraiage that went terribly wrong in the worst way possible. It is truly one of the best books I have read in a while, with a clever plot, toxic characters and twists that keep you thinking how did someone come up with this. I would recommend reading it but not if you plan on being productive for at least 3 days.

Good Apples

Last week I sat down and watched the news…sadly it was the first time in months. 

Wow! It was intense, to say the least. The first story was about a 9 yr. old being shot in a drive-by and the next was on a 93 yr. old man being jumped and carjacked. There is so much bad in this world, that it can be classified unfathomable. 

I understand there is evil in this world and I am not naive to what happens around me. 

However, if I were sit around and dwell on this negativity it would eat me up like the monster that it is. 

So I am challenging myself to look inward... & focus on the positive in this world and in my life. 

Throughout life we either have or are going to encounter bad apples. These are people who let the negativity control their lives and ruin others. 

We can't fall victim to the rotten fruits but overcome and persevere the negativity. 

It is easy to let the bad apples' thoughts and actions affect our thoughts and actions. The hard part is standing up to this negativity and dust your shoulders off (jay-z voice). 

Do you ever get so inspired that you feel like doing something unimaginable (at least for me) like running a marathon or winning a national contest? I LIVE FOR THAT FEELING. 

Here is a little list of somethings that will help keep the bad apples away: 

• Always Wear A Smile
• Not the creepy, forced smile but a genuine, warm smile. People will naturally feel more relaxed and comfortable around you. It will also make you feel better. 
• Remember Your Worth 
• A lot of times we undervalue who we are and over value what we are not. Take a moment to tell yourself 5 things that you truly appreciate about yourself. Be so secure in yourself you can just laugh it off when you hear other people's opinions about you. 
• Clean Up
• Take an hour (for me 4) and clean your room. I'm talking vacuum out and sweat dripping' cleaning. Make sure you dust off those books and windex your window to let the sun in. 
• Perform A Random Act of Kindness
• Random acts of kindness are the easiest ways to feel better about yourself and the world around you. It can be as easy as holding the door open for someone or calling your grandmother.

Next time you get down from the negativity remember that you never know who you could be inspiring…

an ode to al

 Some people look up to movie stars and some people admire athletes but I have always seen my little sister, as my role model. 

I wish the world had more people like Alex Stern. 

"Side by side, or miles apart…..We are sisters, connected by the heart"

Al, 

I can't believe you are moving over 1000 miles away from me and I will not see you until Christmas. It all seems so surreal and I still think that I can just pop in your room and you'll be there cuddled up with Tucker or Butter. 

It is funny that when I was younger I did not realize what an amazing gift it was to have to a sibling, especially a sister like you. They are someone to grow with and to share your struggles, joys, failures and triumphs with. Throughout your entire life you have attracted success and radiated positivity. I know you will do the same in this next exciting chapter of your life.  

Something that I have always admired about you is that you are able to make people feel like they are the only the one in the room. No matter what you make anyone feel special and important. It is a gift that people can't help but love about you. You are able to bring out the best in everyone you meet. You have such a big heart that is able to love without judgement or fear. 

To be honest, I have always been envious of the fact that you are completely yourself. You are not afraid to show people who you really are. You are quirky, genuine, loving, gentle, strong, determined and beautiful. 

You are my better half and I couldn't be more proud to call you my little sister. Always remember that if you fall I will be here to pick you back up. All of my best memories in life are with you and the stories we have together are priceless. You have taught me so much about the beauty of life. 

I am so proud of you that you are chasing your dreams. I can't wait to see everything that lies ahead of you in this wonderful life of yours. 

Our paths may take us in different directions but the bond we share is unbreakable. I am so lucky to have such an amazing best friend like you to be there for me the rest of my life. 

I want to watch you graduate, to stand by you as you get married, squeeze your hand while you are poppin out babies and play bingo with you when we are old and wrinkly. 

Never forget how special and gifted you truly are. 

I love you unconditionally! 

Your big sis, Tay 

Please watch this slideshow to get a glimpse of what a special person Alex really is:) 

Give Thanks

It is that time again for too much turkey, family arguing over who makes the best sweet potatoes and watching long hours of football. Thanksgiving is probably second in my "Top 5 Holidays" coming close to Valentine's Day but that's another blog post. I have kept the same routine for Thanksgiving Day for a while now and I do not plan on changing it anytime soon. I basically spend most of my day in pajamas, no make-up on watching the Macy's Day Parade and drinking pumpkin spice coffee. Anyway back to the point, I love Thanksgiving so much due to the reason that it is a not so subtle reminder to bring some positive perspective into this crazy life of mine.

It is the time to reflect and be grateful for all of the wonderful, unique blessings we each have in our lives. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what those blessings are but we all have them whether it be you're thankful for Netflix or you just got a job promotion. I wanted to share the 8 (my lucky number) blessings in my life that I am most thankful for, in no particular order of importance.

I Give Thanks For Never Going To The Doctor's Office

This is one that sometimes I really forget to be thankful for but it gives me so much perspective in my life. I am so lucky that myself and those close to me are healthy. My fantastic roommate Amanda works at UNM hospital and I do not know how she does it but she is amazing. There are so many people who are sick and fighting for their lives. I'm so lucky to have a healthy mind to keep learning and gaining knowledge. 

I Give Thanks For Cramming For Tests 

Yeah I say I hate school most of the time actually probably once a day. However, I forget just how fortunate I am to be able to have a high level of education. So many people will never be able to have a college degree or even a high school diploma. I am truly thankful for every lesson I learn and every test I take. 

I Give Thanks For Being Land Locked

I am so happy that I live in the Land of Enchantment, free from most natural disasters. I have never known the feeling of being worried that my house and every belonging would be ripped away from me. I love looking out my front door and seeing the beautiful Sandia Mountains and seeing the seasons change. 

I Give Thanks For Doing What I Love

So many people are not able to do what they love in life, but I have been doing this for a while now. I am so passionate about sports and to be able to have had the opportunities that I've had has been such a privilege. The most rewarding part of my job is to be able to show people what they won't see during a game. 

I Give Thanks For Jonnyboy's Cooking

I take this for granted the most. Good food and water is not a right for everyone in this world. I am so lucky for the plentiful food I have for me every single day. I am also thankful for clean water that it is so available to me. 

I Give Thanks For Special People 

The only thing that I know for sure is that I could never survive life alone. I am so blessed to have absolutely remarkable people in my life. I am so thankful for my crazy, goofy family, my hilarious, supportive friends and my amazing, caring boyfriend. I cannot explain in simple words how much these people truly mean to me. I could be having the worst day but with a simple text or call I can feel instantly so loved and reassured. One of my favorite quotes, "Happiness is only real when shared" this is so true because whenever something great happens to me it doesn't feel real until I have shared it with some of the great people in my life. 

I Give Thanks For Having A Full Closet

Although I sometimes feel like I have nothing to wear, my closet is spilling over with clothing for me to wear. To so many this is not a luxury that I take for granted. I am able to wear a coat when it is cold or break out a new pair of boots. 

I Give Thanks For Steve Jobs

I am currently typing away on my MacBook and texting on my iPhone, Apple has taken over my life. I am so thankful for technology and social media. I don't even have to watch TV anymore because I can simply check my twitter timeline to know what is going on. I love it all and am truly blessed to be able to make Siri mad or check Pinterest. Not to mention Steve Jobs is a huge inspiration in my life. 

I Give Thanks For Freedom 

I have so much gratitude for the past and present troops risking their lives and protecting our freedom. We are so blessed to have the freedom that we do and I am guilty of sometimes forgetting this. We take advantage of the fact that we live in the great country of America.

This is not even the tip of the iceberg of everything that I am thankful for but just a few of the biggest things that I have been blessed with in my life. So I hope while you are enjoying your Thanksgiving that you stop and think about all of the wonderful blessings we all have in our lives. Whether it be that you have lazy Sundays or that you have a roof over your head, we are all blessed. 

Ohana...

"Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind. Or forgotten."
- Lilo & Stitch

Well I have not blogged in FOREVER. Hopefully you have been following my tweets and facebook to see what's been going on!

This post goes out to the people who have been with me since day 1: my family. 

I know its cliche to say but I really don't know what I would do without them. I'm so blessed to have the family that I do. I owe my mom, dad and sister everything. 

Mom: Les

Thank you for teaching me to find the beautiful and good in life. Moms and daughters have such an interesting dynamic but it's something magical. The traits that I truly admire from my mother is her unbreakable strength and the fact that she will stand up for what she believes in. She knows when to be silly and when to be serious. She can make you feel like a million bucks in just one instant. She went to everyone of my tennis matches even when it was literally below zero outside just to be my number one fan. Everything she does has great thought involved. The fact that she is not afraid to be herself has always inspired me. My mom was there to take me to ice cream after my first break up and she is the first one I call when something exciting happens. She is truly a superwoman!

Dad: Jonnyboy

You're amazing. I cannot even explain how happy I am to have such a healthy and rewarding relationship with my father. The coolest thing about my dad is that he wanted to be a pilot since he was a little boy and he did everything he could to make his dream come true. My dad is such a selfless man that would do anything for his wife and daughters. He listens to me and gives me the advice I need to hear. The best memory I have with my dad when he took my sister and I to see the Spy Kids movie. I had wanted to see it so badly and he took us. Afterward we went to Pizza Hut. Sounds boring right? I can honestly say that is the first time I cried from laughing so hard. I still remember my stomach hurting because I couldn't breathe. We had such a good time telling stories and just enjoying each other's company. He is a remarkable human being.

Sister: Al The Pal

Al The Pal, the first time I met you went kind of like this. You were a newborn in the hospital and I kissed you and then cried. It's majestic and I am so glad we have it on film. I seriously want to cry thinking about how much I love you and how much you mean to me. Everything I have done in life you have been there either to tattle on me or join. You have never tried to be something you weren't and you are the most down to earth person I have ever encountered. You can laugh at yourself and you make people feel better just by being around you. People fall in love with you instantly. I want you to remember that I will forever be by your side. I am proud of you.

There have been times when I have wanted to run away and when I have been embarrassed by my family. However, there is such an unconditional love and bond between us that will never diminish. It is easy to forget families and take them for granted. Sometimes you do not see everything they are sacrificing or doing for you. It's hard to remember to say thank you. Sometimes families aren't blood related and that is just as special.

I had the opportunity to go to the 2012 Women's Final Four and it was an experience of a lifetime. The one thing that I will never forget is the Baylor press conference after they won the National Championship. Head Coach Kim Mulkey had her mom in the crowd wearing the net around her neck. In the midst of all of the excitement she said something that I will cherish forever.

Dear 16-year-old me,

Let your life be a never ending river. Sometimes you will need to float just to stay above the water but other times it will be best to swim and enjoy journey.

The two things that I want you to know being at the ripeful age of 16: be yourself and life does not go according to plan. 

Be Yourself

You are a people pleaser. Simple as that, it is a great trait to have but do not let it be fault. 

It is impossible to make everyone around always happy and satified. 

You have this thought in your head that you have to make everyone proud. You think to achieve that you have to be a certain way or act in a particular manner. In truth you should just be who you are. 

Mom and dad have raised you properly so do not think you need to alter yourself. You simply need to grow into yourself. You need to accept the things that you think makes you stand out. Turn what you think are negatives into bright postives in your life. 

You will gain people's respect if you do not try so hard to be what you believe everyone else wants you to be. 

There Are No Guarantees

Right now, you have this painting in your head of what you want your life to be like. You think that if life were like that you would have no worries and all your dreams would come true. 

However, it never turns out the way you thought it would. That is the best part. Life is truly unpredictable. It is great to have dreams and goals because when you do set your mind to stuff you will be able to achieve it.

Other Tips

• Continue playing tennis, it is a life long sport! 
• Learn to laugh at yourself, not everything is so serious. 
• Work hard in school and apply for as many scholarships as possible. 
• Treat people as though they would die at midnight. Muster up all the kindness you have. 
• Think twice about everything, always. 
• Don't highlight your hair, face it you will never be blonde! 

Long Live, 

MARCH MADNESS

March has been madness, to say the very least. It has been full of excitement and basketball, so I really can't complain. However, it has been WAY too long since I have last blogged and I have a lot to get off my chest, just giving you the heads up!

So I would like to take you on a journey to show you how my march has been through cell phone pictures I've accumulated so far & I'll fill in where it is needed...

So this is how March started off, with the men taking home the regular season conference championship, not too shabby to kick things off!

Granted Cameron is like 7 feet tall, but I guess the trophy is just really that big. Okay there is no way around it, I'm really that short.

Then I was headed off to Vegas for the MW basketball tourney. I hadn't been there since I was ten and it had definitely changed...just a little bit.

I met the love of my life, barrelman from Wyoming. Unfortunately, the feeling wasn't mutual. The other two girls are my lovely friends from Omaha!

Both Lobo men and women's basketball teams made it to the finals of the tournament, yeah pretty awesome. I definitely found out why people call the Thomas & Mack center "The Pit West" come tourney time! Lobo fans rock! 

 Every game felt like a home game. The atmosphere was electric!

The men ended up beating the Aztecs. I didn't realize I got this pic until I was looking through my phone after. The crowd had rushed the court and here is Jamal just standing there soaking it all up throwing up his Lobo!

So the Lobo men now have two more trophies to add to the mantel! 

Then it was back to The Pit for some Big Dance fun! 

 I had the best time working with sideline reporter Jaime Maggio!!

Everything has been a blast and I was able to learn a great deal too!

So that's all for now and March Madness is not quite over just yet. I'll be ending March in Denver at the Women's final four. 

I'm pretty pumped because I think I'll be able to cross off "be in a confetti celebration" off my bucket list!

I hope March has treated everybody splendidly and kept safe:) 

Ciao,