Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Grapevine Fires (IDAHO is BURNING) & Rising from the Ashes

F I R E








These are pictures of the Charlotte Fire (as it is being called) or the Mink Creek/Gibson Jack Fire in Pocatello, Idaho aka where I live.
On Thursday, the day started out just fine and then went up in flames literally!
I was leaving work and stepped outside to see this fire! Right as I got outside the hospital doors I am facing these HUGE plumes and clouds of smoke darkening the sky. The flames raged wildly. I could see them from where I was standing. It looked like a volcano exploded or a war zone! I was in complete shock. Pocatello was burning. What was the most frightening thing was that my family live up Gibson Jack right where the fire was.
It was the worst fire I have ever witnessed in my life. I immediately pulled out my phone and called my mom. My stomach churned and twisted in knots with fear and anxiety when she answered, crying and freaking out. My heart sunk. My mother explained that the police were not letting people go up Mink Creek and Gibson Jack or anywhere near the fire. She said it was close to our house and that she and Bob (my stepdad) thought the house was going to burn down!
I raced to my grandma's house (where we had all decided to meet) listening to Death Cab for Cutie's "Grapevine Fires" and praying, praying, praying that our house would be saved, praying for a miracle in a situation completely out of control. My mom, Jordan (sister), Chrish (brother), my grandma, Madison (Jordan's friend), and my Aunt Michelle were all gathered together in the living room glued to the TV screen as the news reporters updated us on the fire.
I felt so bad for my mother who couldn't stop sobbing. She was worried because Bob went up to our house, climbed the hill, so that he could save our horses and let them free. He was taking a long time. We couldn't get a hold of him and it scared us because he has bad asthma. 
We were all incredibly relieved when Bob pulled up safe and sound in his truck. My mom ran to him and embraced him. He was upbeat, calm, and positive in the time of such a crises. I love that about him, always optimistic and hopeful. He let the horses go. They got away. He thought our home was going to turn to ashes and burn down. He took some stunning, terrifying videos of the raging inferno that was only yards away from our home.
Everyone who lived in or near the fire was evacuated. For a few hours, we sat, paced, talked, prayed, and waited ever so anxiously and nervously for the outcome. The question that hung heavier than the summer heat in the air was suffocating: will the house be burned to the ground, leaving my family homeless? Or would we be ever so blessed with a miracle, that our house would be spared?
All the while we were reminded of what truly matters, the most important thing is each other, the ones we love, family, people. Home isn't where your material possessions are stored. It isn't a place with polished hardwood floors or chandeliers hanging from vaulted ceilings or big theater rooms filled with every movie imaginable. Home is in the hearts of the ones we love. Home is family. Home is each other.
What a beautiful thing this life is, no matter the fire that burns all around us. If we just stick together, hold onto each other, and never take anyone or anything for granted, then I know we can make it through anything, through everything. Fire doesn't just destroy, it refines and purifies. It may hurt and burn at the onset, but the end result shines bright as the stars. Life is about thriving and triumphing after tragedy, together forever.
We kept getting mixed messages from friends of our family members that our house was burned one minute and the next that it was spared. It was nerve wracking. I felt so badly for everyone in this town. Prayers for rain were on my lips. I was just in total shock and awe that the unexpected always happens. We must always remember that people are what matters. Love matters. Everything else is replaceable, but family, love and friends are irreplaceable. Look at the people struggling with this exact same situation in Utah, Colorado, and other places in the United States. It only takes one spark to ignite a fire that can burn miles in minutes. This could happen to you. 

mY miracle
This is my family's house... a safe place in the midst of disaster and destruction. Some people may believe it is luck, but I know it as a miracle. Life is beautiful no matter the fire that burns around us. Home is in the hearts of the ones we love. Home is family. Our house was saved. I wish I could say the same for others. I heard nearly 60 homes were destroyed. I can't even begin to offer an explanation. I can say God is good. I know this was a miracle.
Just because you can't see or imagine a good reason why God might allow something to happen doesn't mean there can't be one. What matters now is coming together as a community and reaching out, helping, and sending prayers to those who were affected and victims of this fire and the fires all over the country. We all need one another and should never take this fact for granted, never forget it or take it lightly. Caring is sharing. Open your hearts lovelies and lets make this world a better place one person at a time.
I also send my thoughts and prayers with a heart overflowing with love and gratitude for all the brave firefighters who risk their lives and work relentlessly and fearlessly to put out these fires and triumph over disasters. 
Live by love
<3 Charley Brooke
This is what I believe to be true: You have to do everything you can, and if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining and the moon and all the stars that light up the night sky.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Helena, Montana Wedding

A few weekends ago, the family [mom, Bob, Jordan, Chrish, & I] flew in Bob's plane to Helena, Montana for my stepbrother Jordan & his new bride to be Britton's wedding. 
McHale & Alex drove.
Helena is gorgeous. 
The view from the plane was amazing and it's overall such a beautiful place.
We stayed overnight in this awesome hotel with these huge suites that each had their own kitchens, dining rooms, & living rooms (along with bedrooms & bathroom). 
I shared a suite with Christian.
After going to dinner at the Macaroni Grill with the family & extended family members, doing some shopping, and sightseeing, we went back to our hotel.
Funny story about Chrish & I's suite: we walked in and were still just amazed at how big the suite was... we were exploring around looking at the kitchen, living room, dining room, two huge TVs, bedroom with two huge beds, and bathroom. We are thinking to ourselves "wow... this is cool!" and then we look out this window in our bedroom and see a graveyard right outside our window! No lie! Haha kinda sketchy and a little creepy. 
My stepbrother Tyler lives in Montana & when we told him about it he said, "That's Helena, Montana for you!"
Chrish & I stayed up watching "Storage Wars". It's kind of an addicting show but not as much as "One Tree Hill"! We are obsessed with "One Tree Hill"... I got all my siblings obsessed about it. I can't believe I didn't know about it until recently! I bought all the DVDs & just love love love it. We would've watched it, but there wasn't a DVD player. You should check it out if you haven't seen it because it's a-m-a-z-i-n-g. 
Anyways, the next day was the wedding--Saturday May 12, 2012--Jordan & Britton got married at the Helena Country Club outside. It was lovely and pretty outside where it was held. Britton looked stunning, like a bridal model. I am so happy for them, Mr. & Mrs. Jordan and Britton Allen. 

 view from the plane of Helena, Montana!

 Another picture over Helena.

 Christian [the little brother] & I in the plane...

 Gorgeous view from the sky.

 My mom, me, & Jordan [sister] at the reception.

 Jordan creeping on me at the wedding. She's a notorious creeper!

 The twin & I 
[haha so Christian & I aren't really twins but we were both born on October 14 [me 1989 and him 1996] & look the most alike out of all of our siblings so we call ourselves "twins 7 years apart" cause in reality we kinda are!]

 My beautiful family.
Jord, Chrish, mom, Bob [stepdad], Colton [stepbrother], me, McHale [sis], & Alex [Kale's boyfriend]

 Family & Friends > Everything Else

 Most of the family... not pictured are three other stepbrothers... yes we have a BIG family. 
If we all go somewhere (dinner, movie, etc) together we often get called the Brady Bunch.

 Kiss the bride... Jordan & Britton Allen.

The happily married couple... they are the cutest. I am so happy for them!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Un-Valentines Day (makes me feel like Alice in Wonderland)

     Lovelies,
     Since I made that Valentinespiration post with all the cutesy/fun ideas, I want to hear about how your day of love (or lack thereof) went! 
     This is what happened on mine...
     Tuesday February 14, 2012-Valentines Day
     Okay it felt more like Un-Valentines Day. 
Valentines Day always makes me feel like Alice in Wonderland.
I so desperately want to fit in and be found and feel like it's where I'm meant to be, but somehow it's where I'll never belong.
Everything is wrong and upside down and backwards. I am too big or too small. I don't fit. 
I just have to stick to the motto of my Dove chocolate wrapper--BYOV-Be Your Own Valentine. 
I wish Jack Dawson could be my Valentine... A girl can dream and wish and hope, especially today. 
Anna (one of my roommates) left me a box of candy hearts at my door which was nice! My lovely mom was a sweetheart and got me a Valentines present, chocolate, a card, and a necklace and matching earrings that look like the Titanic heart but are red. I love her. She never fails to make this day special for me. She bought us heart shaped pizza for dinner too!
She had to work and my stepdad was in Montana. He sent her this HUGE amazing bouquet of flowers and a bigger basket full of gifts that were supposed to be delivered to her house before she went to work. Well they ended up coming late. So Chrish (the little brother) and I played Cupids and drove to the hospital where she works along with her flowers and presents.
We got to the lobby of the floor she worked which was deserted. There were these "future doctor" or "future nurse" hats for little kids to wear when they came by for tours and some masks nearby, so...
 
Christian and I put some on and were being sillies haha...
We made my mom laugh when she finally came out and got her flowers and gifts delivered by future Dr. Charley and future Dr. Christian=night made for her :)
I went to the Singles/Anti-Valentines Day (because it sounds better than SAD-Singles Awareness Day) party at my apartment that the girls put on. Anna, Colette, and Erin invited a bunch of their friends over and we all sat in our living room and watched The Godfather. That's right... love mafia style. It was awesome. Now that's what I call Un-Valentines Day!
 
XOXO,
C

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

It's [NOT] Almost A Love Story [ies] (And never will be) Part 6 THE END












HOLDEN
December 2011
Okay this is more of a crush story... it's the furthest thing from a love story, it shouldn't even be called an almost love story... but I am calling it that because it's the final one. I am done with the almost love stories because I am done with these boys who haven't the slightest idea what love is nor how to treat a girl. They are not gentlemen, and I am finished. If love is in my destiny, it will find me. I won't even give a boy the time of day unless he proves himself worth it. I refuse to give my time to someone who doesn't appreciate my worth. No one should settle for someone who sees you as ordinary or who doesn't truly see you. 
The next love story you see will be the real thing (if such a thing exists). It won't be an almost love story... it will be a love story that lasts forever.

Ready for the craziest story as to how I met Holden? It makes no sense to me either. I still don't understand it. The story of how we met is this...
My friend Elena (name changed) always would say the nicest things about this boy named Holden (name changed) and I thought it was sweet, but that's it... I didn't really care. She would post status on Facebook about how great he was and I saw it as just another status, no big deal. I didn't give it another thought. Then on Sunday December 11th, I came across his Facebook through Elena and just had this overwhelming, undeniable feeling that I needed to add him as a friend. I tried to push it away. I fought these thoughts because I don't like or really ever add random strangers I've never met to my friends. I thought the feeling would subside, instead it intensified. It overpowered every doubt or hesitation I had. I hadn't even looked at his profile. I think when a feeling is telling you something like that, you should listen.
So... I added him.
Afterwards, I was freaking out about it. I was worried/scared he would think I was some crazy stranger and either not accept me or be weirded out to the fullest. I'm thinking... he is going to send me a message similar to "Who are you? I don't even know you. Do you just add random people to your friends? Crazy girl!" except for maybe nicer because I'd heard of his unfailing kindness.
Well surely enough, the next day after work, I'm notified on FB of a new message! My heart sped up and I held my breath and opened it and smiled when I read, "Hi! I don't think we've met. What's up with that?"
From there it was amazing. I thought he was amazing. We texted all day long and planned to meet the next day. I was excited... beyond excited... whatever that was. I was all smiles. I couldn't even put him into words because I was waiting to wake up and realize that it was just a dream... the way he talked to me... I'd never met a guy who was so kind. I couldn't wait to meet him in person to see if he was as good as he seemed.
I wrote, "I always set my hopes too high when things tend to just end up with a goodbye... it's the hopeless romantic in me..."

Journal entry--Tuesday December 13, 2011
"Tonight I met Holden... you know how sometimes a song can express how you are feeling more than you could because you're so overwhelmed by emotions that it's hard to put them in words? Well that describes my current situation. Luckily, the amazing Taylor Swift has written a song that puts all my feelings into words flawlessly...
Enchanted -Taylor Swift
There I was again tonight, forcing laughter, faking smiles
Same old, tired lonely place
Walls of insincerity, shifting eyes and vacancy
Vanished when I saw your face

All I can say is it was enchanting to meet you

Your eyes whispered, "Have we met?" across the room, your silhouette
Starts to make its way to me
The playful conversation starts, counter all your quick remarks
Like passing notes in secrecy

And it was enchanting to meet you
All I can say is I was enchanted to meet you

This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you

The lingering question kept me up, 2 am, who do you love?
I wonder til I'm wide awake
Now I'm pacing back and forth, wishing you were at my door
I'd open up and you would say

It was enchanting to meet you
All I know is I was enchanted to meet you

This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew

This night is flawless, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, dancing around all alone
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you

This is me praying that

This was the very first page, not where the storyline ends
My thoughts will echo your name until I see you again
These are the words I held back as I was leaving too soon
I was enchanted to meet you

Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you
Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you

This night is sparkling, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew

This night is flawless, don't you let it go
I'm wonderstruck, dancing around all alone
I'll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you

Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you

...but is it too good to be true? That thought haunts me. I'm tired of me and my blind optimism making me always end up as the girl in the dress who cried all the way home. I'm already attracted to everything about him... just read a few of the numerous texts he has sent me...
"You are so amazing! <3 I can't believe how amazing you are mind blowing. I LOVE to dress up wearing a suit is my fav! Okay I have to say a girl in a dress/skirt... ugh, my heart skips a beat. YOU'RE on MY mind. My wish (at 11:11) tonight. I wished that we become close and that I don't fall short when I meet you. Seriously can't wait to meet you! It can go one of two ways. We'll continue to grow closer OR we'll become inseparable. I'm kinda sorry... I'm being super mushy tonight. I'm usually not like this. You must be special :) Girls aren't like you. Ever. I'm kind of wondering how on earth no one has snatched you up! You definitely can't be single, I don't believe that. If you are, guys must be blind and stupid. I want to be that cute old couple that still loves each other more than life itself, that WANTS to spend eternity together. I can't wait to be the guy who shows that love for my wife. You're much prettier and absolutely amazing (than I thought) in person. I loved being with you."
He came over to my apartment and when I opened the door, he smiled and exclaimed, "Come give me a hug!" He told me his conversion story and all about his life. It was incredible and brought me to tears. He is extremely handsome and a little shorter than me haha... Imma tall girl. He's 24.
He wrote in my journal... "Today I went to work and it was a lot of fun! Then I ate pizza, broke into my house and went to meet an awesome girl! She loved my conversion story. Her room is so neat. Totally wish my room was decorated like this, you know... in a man way. Her bed is super comfy, I might steal it. We're totally going to hang out tomorrow, even though she thinks I don't want to... crazy girl right? I thought she was going to be super tall but she isn't. She's got super style. Okay so I want to write more but she is captivating my attention. So I'm going to write a letter tonight when I get home & give it to her. Wonder what tomorrow will bring... Holden."
I'm thinking meet him just breaks my heart. Literally to know guys like him exist, and I'll never be able to find one is devastating. It's right there, but I'll never have it. He's a sweetheart, but didn't seem to take any interest in me or my life. Why did I expect that he would? He said he's great at answering questions but not asking them.
The whole thing was just not at all what I expected. The story of how we met was unbelievable and cute and almost magical, and so I had dreams that once we met, sparks would fly and it would be like the movies where it would be amazing and from that day on we would be inseparable and best friends and maybe transform into more.
Charley's Steps to Follow to Avoid Ending Up Disappointed
Step 1: Don't think the possibilities are endless and dream up cutesy scenarios.
Step 2: Don't ever expect things to be even close to the movies.
Step 3: Expect the unexpected.
Step 4: Actually, don't expect anything.
Step 5: Expect the worst because then things will be better than your expectations.
I'm glad and sad we met.
Maybe he's just amazing and me? Just an ordinary girl. Quite honestly, it's how he made me feel.
We're hanging out tomorrow, and my mind is already running away from me with limitless hopeless romantic type ways the evening could go. The worst part is I can't get it to stop and surely this will lead to more disappointment. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to be this miserable, self pitying, woe-is-me girl, I am happy, I'm just stating the facts and reality. I'm not going to lie to myself... it gets me nowhere.

The next day I made Holden and my family dinner--my four cheese and tomato pasta, garlic bread, and I bought two pints of ice cream (sweet chai tea and Phish food)-it's Holden's favorite dessert. I also got him some ginger ale because he loves it. He came over when he was off work. We had dinner with my family. My family just clicked with Holden. They love him. 
After dinner, Holden and I went to the theater room and watched Water for Elephants. It was good. Holden liked it. The theater room was freezing cold (as it usually is). I told Holden I was so cold I had goosebumps. My hands felt like I was holding ice cubes. He told me he'd warm me up and cuddled with me. He wrapped his arms around me and held my hands and warmed me up. I could hear his heartbeat. I love that. However, it felt like it was awkward to him.
Once I warmed up, the cuddling was over for the rest of the night and it was then I knew with a surity he didn't and never would like me in a way more than associate/friends. 
Journal entry--Wednesday December 14, 2011
:/ -No songs from Taylor Swift tonight, or any for that matter. Just a confused emoticon.
Why did I expect otherwise? Expect he'd be different? And I know this was only the second time we've ever hung out so it's normal not to be into each other, but he just deeply confuses me in a way I can't explain.
I totally think the best friendships/relationships start as being friends and getting to know one another but it seems as if he doesn't even want to get to know me. That's what bothers me like crazy. Why did I have such a strong feeling to add him when it seems like this is going nowhere?
P.S. He never gave me the letter he told me in here that he was going to write for me last night... I didn't ask for one, he just wrote that he was going to give me one. I'm thinking he never wrote one. 
I wonder what he thinks of me, if anything...

Journal entry--Friday December 16, 2011
Aw today Paige told me I reminded her of a cartoon. I asked who, and she said a princess--Cinderella--because I'm so nice, loving, helpful, modest, and caring to others and one day my prince charming will soon come and sweep me off my feet. I sure hope so. I love my Paige. She is seriously amazing. Brie and Paige are thee best friends a girl could have. How did I get so lucky to have them in my life?
After work, Paige and I went on a much needed pop run, and then came to mom's and had some dinner, girls talk, and watched a movie in the theater room. It was a blast. Paige is a sweetheart and gives me the best advice. She is a major supporter of my life and of me.
When the movie was over, I drove Paige home. She gave me some advice about the Holden thing. She read through our text conversations and thinks he's totally into me, as does Brie. Ty concurs too. I hung out with them up here at RA's after I took Paige home. We got some pizza, soda, and watched Home Alone 2 in the theater room. We all laughed so hard. I needed it. Friends are such a blessing. They help me more than I can express. I invited Holden, but he declined. He wanted to just go home and be alone. I think he really just wanted to not be with me. All of my friends say I need to stop overthinking everything and get over my trust issues and that he does like me... if so, then why don't I believe it? Why do I feel like it's the opposite?
He's been down the past few nights. I don't understand why. He is near perfect in my eyes and can have everything he wants. He is that amazing and such a sweetheart. I hate to see him this way. I just want him to be happy no matter what it takes. I wish I could take away his sadness, make it all better. He doesn't deserve to feel this way! Even if he doesn't like me, I like him, I still want the absolute best for him. He is unlike any boy I've ever met.
Tonight I am accomplishing #55 Sleep on a Temper Pedic bed!

Journal entry--Sunday December 18, 2011
I am made of things that are stronger and brighter than you would believe.
I just returned from a freezing cold run/walk around the entire hill, the three mile loop I've walked and ran countless times all over since I'd barely learned to walk. So many memories that haunt me and pull at my heart. It was 19 degrees outside. I could see my breath, warm clouds against the cold night air. Everyone who grew up here with me on this hill, every single one of my friends who lived up here, are married and have moved on with their own, new, amazing lives. I doubt if any of them think of the good old days, yet alone walk these streets looking at our hold homes and hang out spots as memories rush back like you're watching a movie. It makes you realize how small and alone you are.
It was black outside except for the light from the houses and street lights. The frigid air burned my lungs but if felt better than feeling nothing. Am I forever destined to wander this earth alone, to walk these paths all by myself under the night, vast, star covered sky? Will anyone follow me into the dark? Where is home? I was thinking so hard, consumed by these unanswered questions that it didn't seem cold outside.
Okay I am done overthinking, second guessing, and having trust issues. It's not fair to Holden. It's not fair to me. I am going to stop being such a silly girl. I think I can trust Holden. He is truly amazing. After all, I didn't go searching for Holden, I was led to him. For what reason, it's unclear now, but that's okay. I think it's for a good reason.
I am good enough. I am a kind, good person and strive to do and be my best everyday. God made me perfectly the way I am supposed to be. There is no one else out there like me. I will find the one someday whether it be Holden or someone else I know now or will meet in the future. I'll find my kind of perfect.
Holden is a sweetheart. I'm going to get him a CTR ring for Christmas. He is way happy about it. His text to me was sweet but confuses me... "You really are something else... you're amazing. I think we make a pretty awesome couple. We make each other want to be better. We pretty much need to keep each other around :)" A couple? We haven't been on a single date nor has he asked me out. So please, if you have any idea what that means, let me know!
Life continues to change, but now I think it's going my way...

The next day, Tyler (a mutual friend of Holden and I) invited me to come to Family Home Evening where they were basically just sitting around the institute talking and having treats since most people were gone for Christmas Break. I decided to go and was glad I did. I had a blast. Tyler (name changed) and I sat talking and suddenly like three other boys came and sat in a circle with us! I was the center of attention trying to entertain them. I was giving them dating advice. 
I had to try for an hour to convince Holden to come. Finally, towards the end, he did. He acted weird...he sort of ignored me. I didn't mind though because I was having a blast with Tyler and the other boys. I told them I was going to marry all of them and by that I meant I was going to be the girl version of Hitch and make them eternal marriages :) They all laughed. Boys are fun and easy to hang out with and talk to. I hope we can all become close friends.
Holden finally came and talked with us for the last fifteen or so minutes. We decided to hang out at my place afterwards. He talked to me about how he felt he needed to serve a mission. Then Tyler texted us and wanted us to come join him and their friends to watch a movie so we did. 

Journal entry--Thursday December 22, 2011
Boys are stupid for the most part. That's all I have to say. They are confusing and make life more complicated. I really don't think Holden is into me. Oh well. I actually am not at all devastated or fazed by this realization. It's a wonderful life, my life. I'm happy, and my future is brighter than the stars. Love/romance shouldn't be frustrating or stressful. I'm not looking for it nor chasing it. If a man wants me, he will have to show it and chase me. I'll wait forever for my only exception. Holden may be amazing, but so am I. Everyone is.
I believe everyone should fall in love. Be passionate and fearless. Make your own movie moments. Listen to your heart. Hold each other. Kiss in the rain, underwater, on the forehead. Be thoughtful and generous. Believe in love at first sight. Hold hands. Laugh. Write love letters and make handmade gifts. Get dressed up for dates. Feel butterflies in your stomach. Create memories you will tell your grandchildren about. Cuddle. Learn from each other. Be patient and kind with your words. Grow old together. Be spontaneous. Always kiss each other goodnight. Remember why you fell in love. Make your own happily ever after.

On Christmas Eve, Holden came over to my parents house where our annual family Christmas Eve party/dinner was taking place. It was nice to see him and have him there. He brought a spirit of happiness and good feelings that made everything better. My family completely adored him. He had dinner. He was able to meet everyone that was there. I loved how kind he was and the effort he put into getting to know my family. It meant a lot.
I gave him his gift--a silver CTR spinner ring I bought him and a letter I wrote on my brand new The Notebook stationary. He LOVED the ring and it fit just right! Aw that made me so happy to see his face light up and his smile over the ring. He gave me a huge hug. Seeing him happy automatically made me happy. I hoped he would like the letter. I know I love getting a handwritten letter more than almost anything that's why I love writing them and giving them to others, to people I really care about.
My siblings adored Holden. My entire family had rarely taken to a boy in my life like they had with him, especially in such a short amount of time! He was special :) He was always welcome at our home. He wasn't able to stay as long as we wished but it was lovely seeing him nonetheless. He had to drive out of town to be with his family. 
He texted me after he arrived at his home.
"I just want to thank you so much for my gift and I'm so grateful for our friendship :) Thank you for inviting me over. I just love your family so very much. Ha, honestly I don't know why they like me so much. But when your sister and your brother gave me a hug I just about cried. It made me feel so great :) Charley I want us to spend more time together. There's a good feeling around when we do. I already consider you one of my best friends. Thank YOU!!! We had better spend more time together. You're just the kind of person I need in my life. I feel like we need each other. Charley I love it (the ring)! I'm not going to take it off. It means so much to me :)"

Journal entry--Saturday December 24, 2011 Christmas Eve
Aw my lovely friends sent me sweet messages
Emma- "Merry Christmas! You are wonderful and beautiful and I'm very grateful for you <3"
Nicole- "Merry X-mas sis! I <3 you!"
Paige- "Merry Christmas lovely :) Miss u bunches. I hope you have a glorious Christmas!"
Brie- "Merry Christmas CiCi."
I love those girls, some of my best friends.
I love my life.
I love my family.
I love Christmas Eve & Christmas.
I love my other friends.
I love the spirit.
I love love.
I love music.
I love Christmas movies.
I love giving.
Most of all...
I love my Savior Jesus Christ who gave everything with pure, selfless, unconditional love who made everything possible.
Now for Holden & I's text conversation tonight
Holden: "P.S. I just read a note from this amazing girl. It touched my heart :) I loved it! I think handwritten letters are the very best in the world. I always feel like what's written is written for a reason :) I can tell you're so very caring. The way you were so willing to serve me as I ate and made sure that I had everything I needed. That is something I don't see much, and I basically melted. There was a girl (who I wrote a letter to everyday for a year & she didn't care)... I grew flowers in my garden, and I picked one every single day during the summer and left them on her windshield. Again, she didn't like them. WHO DOESN'T LIKE STUFF LIKE THAT?! That shows the person cares. It's cute. It's romantic... ugh people are dumb.
Charley, any guy that doesn't want to give you absolutely everything he's got is an idiot. One problem with me is it's hard for me to allow myself to get close to a girl since I've decided to serve a mission... it hurts me, but I know I'll be able to give even more after serving."
Me: "Yes you will be so very blessed for serving a mission. I just know it's the right thing for you to do, where you are supposed to be. Not only will it bless you, it will bless the lives of countless others. You will be saving lives. You will be a miracle. The Lord will bless you and your future family :) Love can wait. That girl that is meant for you will be there when you are done with your mission. Two years go by so fast. It seems like 2011 just began and now it's coming to an end! You are amazing, and I am so happy that you decided to do this."
H: "That's true. It'll go by quickly. Charley, my going on a mission is another reason why I'm so in love with the ring you gave me. You have no idea how many ways you have helped me. This will be something I can take with me no matter where I go and remember. I'm going to keep this ring forever. You have no idea how much I cherish this relationship we have. :)"
C: "That is why I was so excited to give you one as a gift. To let you know I support you. I want you to CTR (you would anyways without it but it is a reminder). I know your potential. It was one of the most special, meaningful gifts I have ever had the blessing of giving. That made my day to give that to you. I also want to be your friend forever, so if we both have CTR rings they symbolize that if we do what is right, do our absolute best, give all we have to others, we TRULY can be best friends FOREVER as in eternity. I just love that idea. Our friendship is something I treasure and care deeply about :)"
H: ":) You're going to make me cry. Your friendship is the best Christmas gift ever. We were supposed to have met."

Journal entry--Sunday December 25, 2011 Christmas Day
Holden and I have been texting nearly all day long. We started talking about mistletoe and how I have some at my apartment. Holden's never seen any so I told him I'd show it to him. Well it's on my list to kiss under mistletoe, and he's always wanted to do it. He said I'd better not be standing under the mistletoe. I asked why and thought it was a bad thing. He told me it was a good thing, and he'd have to kiss me to cross it off both of our lists!
Tomorrow, Imma be under the mistletoe... :) like the Bieber song. Holden is coming over to my new apartment to see my room all decorated and watch a movie, maybe #25 will be accomplished. I want to kiss him, I do, but more than that, I want it to mean something and not just be a kiss. I care about him. I hope (wish) he cares about me. What if he's just like the rest? Tyler told me he thought Holden was a bit of a player. I don't think it's fair to prejudge him though, yet the only way to find out is to assume the best and trust him. This has always failed me and left me hurt. Come what may and hopefully make the best of it.
I am having my very first Christmas sleepover with two of my favorite people ever--Ty and Brie! Love them. They really help make it feel like Christmas :) I'm so thankful for the gift of their friendship. I filled Brie and Ty in on everything I wrote above about the Holden situation. Of course they are worried and concerned and skeptical. They want me to be happy. At first glance, they feel Holden has no interest in me dating wise at all. They believe he only wants to use me and NCMO.
Now they acknowledge that they have no idea for sure of his intentions and have never met him, so they can't fairly determine these things, but for my hearts sake, they remain skeptical and don't believe I should kiss him unless we are in a serious, committed relationship. I understand this logic, I do... however, I'm the love story girl who has faith in love and likes to believe in true love's kiss, the magic of a first kiss in connecting two souls. Clearly, history has proven that I should follow my dear friends advice, but still what if this time is it, what if this could be the one?
No, I can't think that way. Expectations=disappointment. Shakespeare said that "Expectation is the root of all heartache." I am pretty sure he knows what he is talking about, given that he is still talked about hundreds of years after his death, he lives on. I have to not expect anything, and then the odds that the night will be amazing are more in my favor. Okay no more thinking about this. Tomorrow is tomorrow. Somethings coming and only time will tell where and what will happen.
I think Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. My heart is full, overflowing even, with love for our Savior Jesus Christ and my lovely family and friends and you! Merry Christmas lovelies <3 How blessed we are!
No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind. Keep the spirit of Christmas in your heart everyday!
"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds."
-Noah Calhoun, The Notebook
"I've waited so long
to wake up on this morning
and unwrap your love."
-Tyler Knott Gregson


The next day, Holden came over to my new apartment to watch movies.
It was basically a disaster.
Journal Entry--Monday Dcemeber 26, 2011
Holden came over, and we watched A Walk to Remember and two episodes of House. I told him I was going to use his shoulder as a pillow. He let me but just sat there as stiff as a board, not cuddling or moving. He would make an excellent planker! Needless to say, I quickly removed my head from resting on his shoulder and didn't sit at all close to him for the rest of the night. Brie, or anyone else, can be assured that Holden will never NCMO me. He is a NOMOOC--(NO Make Out (kiss) Or (even) Cuddle! What on earth is wrong with me? Seriously, if someone could please let me know, that would be wonderful! He makes me feel like there is something wrong with me, like I'm not good enough.
Taylor Swift knows what she's talking about when she warns to "Look before you fall".
Jordan (sister) needed a ride home to our parents house later that night, so Holden and I gave her one. On our way back to my place, we passed a park, and I turned to Holden and asked if he wanted to be spontaneous and go swinging for a few minutes. He didn't want to, of course. I drove him past 3505 Somerset Drive, the yellow house, which is really important and significant to me. He didn't appear to care and wasn't the slightest bit interested.
This is my first night here in my new apartment.
I wish I'd never grown up. I could still be little. It could still be simple. Then nobody could ever hurt me. No one could break my heart.
I don't want to grow up, wish I'd never grown up. I want to be forever young.


Here comes the end, the final day I ever spoke to or saw Holden...
Journal Entry--Tuesday December 27,2011
I wanted to make this, the last week of 2011, the best, one to never forget, one worth remembering. That's not looking promising.
Mom and Jord are in Vegas until Thursday. They left today. Mom called me tonight to let me know she got me Kate Walsh's Boyfriend perfume! I am so excited for my new BOYFRIEND! This one will never hurt me :) That made this night a little better.
I took Jared and Christian (brother) to lunch at Panda Express because it's their absolute favorite.
Tonight, I went and got pizza and pop and had Brie, Tyson, and Holden over for dinner, games, and a movie. Chrish had Jared and Bechtal over. They played video games all night long. I wish I'd just sat up here alone tonight to be quite honest. It turned into a disaster. Ugh. Holden was beyond distant. We ate and then played Quelf. Holden doesn't really like that game. I could tell he wasn't really having fun. We were sitting a foot away from each other but it felt like a light year. It bother me a bit how Holden doesn't seem to appreciate all that I do for him. He acts ungrateful. He didn't say thank you once for dinner. He acted weird. I don't mean to be mean but seriously I, again, go unnoticed. It's like nothing I do is good enough. I'm not appreciated. This saddens me. I try too hard and end up heartbroken.
Haha lets lighten things up a bit for a moment... at one point tonight, I was Googling lyrics to "Patty Cake" so Holden (who was sitting under the dining room table) and Tyson could sing it while I was wearing Holden's belt wrapped around my head like a ninja as Brie dumped Bob's change jar all over the floor frantically searching for 68 cents... True story. If you've played Quelf, you understand that this is perfectly normal! It's a fun game. Good times.
After the fun and games, we all went to the theater room to watch a movie. We let the boys choose. Their choice was "The Proposal". It was cute. I'd never seen it before. I love Ryan Reynolds so very much. He needs to marry me! Holden and I sat in a cuddle chair. I might as well have sat alone in the front row alone. Tyson was texting me the whole time giving me tips. He told me to cuddle with Holden. He told me to make the first move,"Go big or go home CiCi" were his exact words. I responded that if Holden wanted to cuddle with me, he would. He was perfectly capable. It was obvious that I liked him. Ty said some guys are shy or different and if I never tried, I'd never know.
Against my better judgment, I decided to try to hold his hand. I put mine on top of his and he immediately pulled his away. It was like I had cooties or was infected with some deadly disease. Mood=morose.
I've made up my mind. At that moment, I realized this was the last time I'd ever hang out with Holden. I can't do it anymore. It's hopeless. I'm hopeless. Romance and love are hopeless. I like him. I am getting feelings for him. He doesn't feel the same nor does he like me. I can't pretend that my feelings for him don't exist nor can I hide them. I won't wait around for feelings that aren't there. I can't let myself fall deeper. I have to just cut our ties now. There is nothing (well almost nothing) worse than continuing to hope I have a chance when it's an impossibility. It feels real from the outside but the inside is hollow nothingness. Why do I keep meeting people who enter and exit my life at the pace of a revolving door? I can lock everyone in my heart--forever they will stay--unfortunately, I cannot keep them in my life.
I am tired of boys and their endless lies. They say they're "not like all the rest"--well just saying that is meaningless. It doesn't mean it's true. "All of the rest" generally say the same. You have to prove it in actions not just words.


In the words of Dave Matthews, "A guy and a girl can be just friends, but at one point or another, they will fall for each other... Maybe temporarily, maybe at the wrong time, maybe too late, or maybe forever." Or maybe just one of them will.

I deleted Holden from my FB friends. I don't see the point in being FB friends when we are the furthest thing from friends in reality. He just recently realized I did this and was in shock. I said that friends don't just ignore their friends and quit talking to them and act distant. He had nothing to say in defense of that because it's true. I am right. He did say I changed his life for the better though. Maybe that was the purpose in me being led to him. To help him. It wasn't about me, it was about him, and I'm okay with that.
Of course it hurts that I was amazing to him, I did things to make him happy. I wrote him letters, bought him gifts, gave him my time and he didn't appreciate it or care. That is too bad. I am just tired of doing these things for nothing. I'm just so very tired.

This is the last almost love story. I am done with boys. I want a man. One who knows how to treat a girl. One who appreciates me and all that I do. One who cares about love. One who cares in general. Maybe love isn't meant to be for me. I will remain a hopeless romantic no matter what. No one can take that from me. I may be hopeless, but I like to believe that love isn't.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

TwentyTwelve

2012




"Fresh starts. Thanks to the calendar they happen every year--just set your watch to January. Our reward for surviving the holiday season is a new year. Bringing on the great tradition of New Years resolutions. Put your past behind you and start over. It's hard to resist the chance of a new beginning, a chance to put the problems of last year to bed. Who gets to determine when the old ends and the new begins? It's not a day on a calender, not a birthday, not a new year. It's an event--big or small--something that changes us. Ideally it gives us hope. A new way of living and looking at the world. Letting go of old habits, old memories. What's important is that we never stop believing we can have a new beginning. But it's also important to remember that amid all the crap are a few things really worth holding onto."
-Meredith Grey

"This coming year, I hope you create a story that you love. I hope you make something beautiful and take great risks. I hope you dare yourself to do brave things. I hope you will have a conviction and see it through. I hope you will fall in love--with art or a person or anything. I hope you have the courage to take the weak things and amplify them until your life overflows with only the good stuff. I hope you see the world and meet interesting people but above all, I hope you have an absolutely passionate love affair with life."

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."
-Oprah Winfrey

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and it's first chapter is called New Year's Day."
-Edith Lovejoy Pierce

What Charley did on New Years Eve years ago... 
I wrote in my journals on some of these occasions so I looked back and saw what happened.
2006--> I hung out my sister McHale, our friend Brooke, my boyfriend at the time Toby (name changed), and his friend Kyle (name changed). We watched a movie, played hide and go seek in the dark, and then went out to dinner. After that, we came back to my house and watched another movie. I got a New Years Eve kiss from Toby at 12:00 when the ball dropped. 
2007--> Sleepover with McHale & Lexie.
2008--> Dinner & a movie with Sam and his family. 
2009-->?
2010-->New Years Eve party at my dad's house with him, Tasha, the siblings, Sam, and Lacey. We had dinner and sparkling cider, games, and watched the Twilight Zone marathon. I wrote, "Well I have a few New Years goals for this year. Overall, I just want to be better in everything I do. I want to be the best person I can be for everyone. I want to be less shy. I want to be a healthier and happier person. I want to have more confidence in myself. I want 2010 to be absolutely, completely, "irrevocably" amazing."
2011--> Party at my dad's house with him, Angie, the siblings, and myself. We played lots of fun games. We  played Just Dance on the Wii which I won! That's right, I'm an incredibe dancer :) I stated, "I'm so excited for the new year 2011. I'm going to make it a year worth remembering, living life to the fullest! This will be the best year!"
2012--> '"Hello 2012... this is going to be my year, the best year, the year of making each day count." I worked a double shift but didn't mind. After that, Stacey (my coworker/friend) and I met up at the ISU Student Union building for this New Years Eve dance. They had free food, drinks, games, etc. The dance was rather pathetic haha... Hardly anyone was actually dancing. We talked most of the time about everything. Our other coworker Aubrey showed up and hung out with us for a while. We had fun being silly and dancing. At midnight, everyone huddled under this net of balloons on the dance floor and the net was released. We all reached for them, kicked them, threw them, jumped around, danced, shouted, hugged, and cheered for 2012. It was a fun time. 
I, for one, am excited for this new year and 365 days full of possibility, change, chances, wonder, dreams, goals, anything and everything. Lets make it count lovelies!

Family, Friends, & Lovelies Oh My

There are 7 billion people in the world... & I have love in my heart for all of you.
Honestly... there isn't a person among the billions that I hate.
My heart is overflowing with love. I believe in love and unconditional kindness.
I cannot make everyone love or like me, but I can choose how I feel about others. I can choose how I act towards everyone. I can use my energy lovingly. 
I am blessed to have the most amazing, lovely people in my life. My words can't even begin to scratch the surface of expressing my love and appreciation for all of you. However, that doesn't mean I can't try or do my best at it...
I wish I could name all of you. 
God & My Savior who I love infinitely for every reason... for creating me and you and this world. For every blessing in my life. For the trials which make me stronger. For love. For forgiveness. For my life. For everything. 
Angie (my mom) for being the most incredible mother and friend. This woman rocks my world. She is superwoman. For always being there for me. For being the hardest working person I have ever known and instilling such work ethics in me. For being beautiful inside and out. 
My other parents (dad, Robert Allen (stepdad), Angie (stepmom), Debbie, Gene) for loving me and doing so much for me. For making me always feel at home. For all the things you do for me.
McHale, Jordan, & Christian for being wonderful siblings. I loveee the three of you to infinity and beyond. For all the hard & good times you have stuck through with me. For our adventures. For all the inside jokes that could fill a library. For making me smile and laugh everyday.
Brie & Tyson for their love and support through every hardship and trial I go through. For never giving up on me even when I feel like giving up on myself. For always letting me stay over when I don't feel like being alone. For 18+years of friendship from Brie. For truly being the best friends a girl could ask for. For the best advice. For endless game, movie, pizza, nights. 
Paige Madison I just met you towards the end of this year. I needed you in my life and God brought us together. For being such a genuine, fun girl who gives me the most amazing advice. For listening to me. For our letters. For helping each other through the hard times and sharing the good. For being such a sweetheart and always having my back.
Taylor for proving that sweet, chivalrous boys do exist. For always putting a smile on my face and making me feel pretty. For fun memories and the best letters.
Stacey for the memorable New Years Eve we had last night at that silly dance and how we can relate when it comes to guys. For the many memories I know we will share in 2012. For being such a totally awesome lady.
Emma even though we live across the globe, your reach is undeniable and ever present! You are the sweetest, most lovely girl. For meeting through our love of Kate Walsh & Caterina Scorsone :) For never failing to inspire me and keep me believing in the good. For being such a strong person despite all you have been through. I hope we someday can meet in person.
Nicole for being the younger sister I should've had. For being such an inspiration to me. For always being there for me no matter what. For the confidence you have in yourself and others that radiates back to me. For our friendship that will never fade ever. For helping me in countless ways. You are such an amazing girl! I hope we can meet someday!
Anna, Colette, & Erin my lovely new roommates! I am so excited to get to know you girls! I can already tell you are amazing and it's going to be a wonderful semester together. For making me feel so very welcome and being kind to the new girl.
Dakota & Sid I am so proud of the men you are becoming and the service you are giving to others. You both amaze me beyond comprehension. For your letters that never fail to brighten my days. 
Lexie for being the absolute, hands down nicest person I have ever met. For being so completely genuine and sweet. For all the fun times we have had "loitering" and what not! For being my friend since we were little kids. For the memories ahead--we better see each other more in 2012!
Mitch We met a year ago to this day and you have made my life better. For your love and kindness to me. For believing in me as I believe in you. For helping me through a lot.
Matt We just met and it was enchanting but just because it can be magical meeting someone doesn't mean it will stay that way. For being another example that even though we meet people and want them to stay in our lives doesn't mean they will nor that they are meant to stay. For being incredibly nice to my family.
Tyler Knott Gregson for your daily Haikus on Love which inspire me endlessly and keep me believing in love. You always stun me with your words. You make magic with your poetry. 
Hannah, Rian, Mat, & Brooke for the time I did share with all of you. Unfortunately in life people change and go their separate ways. Friendships fade away. As you have all exited my life, please know you will remain in my heart. I am grateful for the memories we have.
Shonda Rhimes for making Thursdays my favorite days. 
Lovelies aka all the rest of you reading this now... You are all astonishing. I love you all with all of my heart. I am always always always here for you. You inspire me. You all do. I am just overwhelmed by all of your love and support. Thank you.
In honor of 2012, one of my New Years resolutions is to post on the Inspiration Nation every single day. I plan on making this happen. Never give up on your dreams or yourselves. I believe in you. Lets make this year ours! Have heart, be loving, and always dream.
Always know, I am not the type of girl to let people walk out of my life and pretend that they don't matter anymore. I may not like that person anymore or talk to them but I still care. I'm always going to think back to my life and say I wonder what happened to so and so. I hope they're alright. I will actually mean it. That is the type of person I am. Once you're in my heart, you're there forever. YOU ALL MATTER.
With Love,
Charley Brooke



Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Happy Birthday Mom

 My gorgeous mom with my stepdad, stepbrother Tanner (on the left), & brother Christian (right).

 Mom & Bob in the Bahamas this summer.

Two of the prettiest women ever!

 My first birthday haha I look silly & my mom 20 years ago. In my fam, we get better with age.

My family.
Mom (Angie), Jordan (sister), Christian (brother), Me (Charley), & McHale (sister).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
43
MOM!
Today is my mother's 43rd birthday.
She looks twenty years younger than she really is.
She is the hardest working person I know.
She's an RN and is so amazing.
She is my hero.
I love you mom :)
We went to lunch today with my grandma and Aunt Michelle at this great Italian restaurant. It was a good time.
I know everyone says they have the best mom ever, but the truth is mine TRULY is the best.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Wake Me Up When September Ends

Can I just begin by repeating myself in stating that you, yes you reading these words right now, are ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.
My love for my nation is incomprehensible yet undeniable. 
You have been here inspiring me. 
When I started this blog, I was in need of inspiration myself quite honestly... 
I knew that the best way to be happy was to give of yourself to others, to make others happy. Giving and not receiving is what makes for a fulfilling life. Unfortunately, the world is running on a concept of "it's all about me" and greed and take, take, take, which is why there is so much chaos and destruction. Hate and indifference are taking the place of unconditional love all around us. It's like an infection. Don't catch it. Spread love. Love is the answer to the questions in life... and I am not just talking romantic love (I know that is wonderful too, or so I am told--in the words of The Band Perry "Never known the loving of a man but it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand." I will find that kind of love when the time is right) I mean love towards your family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. 
I am no William Shakespeare, no Ally Condie, no J.K. Rowling, or C.S. Lewis by far but I feel writing is my talent in life. I really do. There are few things I am more passionate about. Anyways, I thought if I started this nation run on inspiration, and I could touch just one life with words it would be worth it. I thought just my close family and friends would read it. It's been almost a year since the Inspiration Nation was founded and I am astonished and wonderstruck by all of you. I have readers from all over the world, hundreds of thousands and that is touching. It inspires me. Thank you from not just the bottom of my heart, but all of it. I think about you all every single day.
Sadly there was no inspiration in September.
But I have my reasoning.
A) My laptop broke :( And writing a blog post from my phone is challenging. Until my laptop is fixed (or I get a new one) I will be going to Brie's house weekly to ensure I will be sharing my inspiration and posting!
&
B)I was more broken than my laptop this month. It's been the most challenging month of my life. At times I felt so broken I hadn't the slightest idea where to begin in picking up the pieces of me. The wreckage that was me seemed impossible to repair. I still had faith though and a few people who love me so much it's enough to make up for the billions who don't care about me or my existence. To those lovely people--my grandparents, my aunt Michelle, Brie and Tyson, my little brother Christian, and Charley--thank you for being there for me when everyone else abandoned me. When others didn't care you stepped up and saved me. I am always here for you like you are for me. I am blessed with the best best friends ever. 
The roommates and I aren't getting along so well... more on that in my next post. Then there is family stuff I will also discuss later. Right now though I am just filling you in on the big picture and making sure you know I am still here and always will be. 
Sad news=The Lucy cat is gone.
She went missing at the beginning of September and it broke my heart.
Even worse, my stepfather and mom have been lying to me about it. 
First they said they gave her away! Which upset me to no end... who goes and gives a person's cat away without permission? It's so wrong to me. I loved Lucy. She was living with my parents on their land and farm because she liked being outdoors. I didn't want her cramped up in my apartment. They promised she would be taken care of and that was a lie. My stepdad hated her and treated her so poorly. How dare people treat helpless animals like that?! That is sick and wrong to me. Anyways, I insisted they tell me who they gave her to because I wanted her back. They skirted around the issue and refused to say. 
I confronted them again about it this week and was told she wasn't given away, she actually was killed. They wouldn't say how, but I have my suspicions that he did it. Now I am being told she still was given away... I don't know what to believe and it is a roller coaster ride of emotions.
I have cried so many tears over this. I hope she's okay wherever she is. I know I will see her again if she's in heaven. It's a better place for her. If she isn't, I am determined to find her. Lucy was my beloved pet. She was instant sunshine that brightened my life. I could have the worst day ever and come home and be instantly happy with a smile when I saw her. She would've/will be three in November. I Love Lucy. The Lucy cat was the best. I am getting another kitten who is adorable named Sophie from Michelle. She is still too young to leave her mom. I think that will help with the loss of Lucy. She couldn't ever replace her, but I know it will help. 
I had to share that with everyone of you because I constantly have talked about the Lucy cat. I wanted you to know. 
In other news, I turn 22 on October 14th and my little brother turns 15 on the same day! Time doesn't just fly... it teleports instantaneously it feels like. 
I hope October is the best for all of you! It's my favorite month of all time.
With Love,
Charley Brooke