Day 30- A picture of you today & 20 goals you want to accomplish

This is it! The day you’ve all been waiting for! The last one! THANK GOODNESS! The picture isn't of today but a couple of days ago when we were camping :) It was blowing 55 mph and miserable! But our dogs love to ride the mule, and they were both sitting on the mule and waiting for someone to take them. I finally gave in! It was so cute to watch them sit there and wait for us!

Didn’t we already have goals?? ...I believe on days 8, 18 and somewhat on Day 20…wishes and goals are about the same things LOL

1) Lose like 500 pounds!
2) Find my best friend, my eternal companion (before I die)
3) To pay off all my credit card debt before the end of 2012
4) Try to be a better daughter
5) Try to be a better friend
6) Try to be more outgoing
7) Try to go to more single activities..seriously, I’ve said this before, it’s so hard for me to go to these anymore
8) Save money for an awesome vacation when I turn 40! (8.5 years baby!)
9) Pay off a car…and not trade it in! I’m so upside down it’s not even funny! (4 more years or so for this car)
10) Try to go to the temple more
11) Try to be more girly. Like actually do my hair and put on make up
12) Wear a dress to work at least 2 times a year (once already this year)
13) Try to forget the past and move forward. Starting today I can always do better
14) Try to not spread gossip anymore…especially about family
15) Decide whether or not to cut my hair. Some days I want to keep it growing long and some days I want to chop it off. It’s getting longer…..but it’s so tangled and heavy, but when I do it straight, it’s so fun to see it long!
16) Try to complain less about work
17) Enjoy this time in my life instead of dwelling on what I don’t have
18) Try running…I’ve never liked running
19) Try spin class
20) Try a yoga class

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned.

I have learned so much about myself this past month. I’m not perfect. I’m very shy. It’s hard to write some of this stuff and have it out there for people to read and tell on me! Some things people know and don’t know …but now you know! It’s kind of fun to brag about yourself, but then also be so vulnerable because you don’t know who is reading this and what they think about you. I always worry about what other people think because I’m a people pleaser, and if you’re not pleased it’ll drive me crazy!

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

I hate pictures! LOL But I have done everything that has been asked of me for this challenge :) So here it goes! VOTE---for my hair--short or long!


This first picture was last year at my cousin's Nathaniel's ASU Graduation. My hair was short and a little brown I now realize :) Nathaniel looks great and happy, me not so much!




This is me today! No laughing! It's my telecommuting day (working at home) so I'm in my grungy clothes because no one is here to see me. I did my hair though! I love that it's getting so long! Looking back I might like it shorter, I'm always debating whether to chop it or not. I have an appointment next Friday....ok....keep it long or go short? Oh, and my hair is darker today! And yes, my shirt says "I'm a work in Progress" it was the University of Phoenix theme a few years ago.

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

I think its fun taking the time to learn more about myself. Some of these questions are hard to answer and some are super easy. Some things you like to brag about and some things you always want to keep secret. Well, I also can't believe how open I was. I haven't told some of that stuff to anyone, now it's out there for the whole world. I have learned I'm human, not perfect, and have many more lessons to learn!

Day 26- Places you want to visit before you die

I really want to go to New York, England, Spain, Sweden, and Italy. I did a report in 3rd grade on Spain and did so much research. I even went to the Ashton’s house and asked their son about it because he just got home off his mission from there. I’ve wanted to go ever since. I had a chance in high school, but I was dumb and didn’t do it. England would just be pretty to see! Sweden- I also did a report on this country sometime in Junior High and I have wanted to go. Italy…I love Italian food! What more can I say? New York has always been fascinating to me. I want to see Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero and many other things.

Day 25- What I would find in your bag

My bag…how about my purse? My purse is totally bulging at the seams right now. We always make fun of my grandma hall's purse being so heavy and bulky, now mine is just like her! I need to take care of that! Oh, and I sent my mom and dad on a mission when they went to Vegas last year to pick out a coach purse. I had a coupon and they had an outlet store there. My mom found this one...I love it! She did good!

So, right now I have my check book, wallet, iPod, Chapstick, pens, coins scattered everywhere, ibuprofen, and nail clippers....nothing too interesting!

Day 24- Share a story about your past that you are ashamed of.

Well, I had a different story written out, but realized my dad reads this so I’m not going to say it !LOL I’m not ashamed of much, but I do have regrets…especially doing some thing in high school. Want do know my regrets instead of ashamed things? It’s my blog! :)

1) I regret not doing CLOSE UP my junior year. It was a trip to DC, my parents were going to pay for me to go, but I chose softball instead. I should have gone there, I may never get to see DC

2) I regret not going to Spain my senior year. 2 of my best friends went and it would have been awesome. Again, I chose softball because she said we wouldn’t play. But about 3 or 4 other girls went and they still played!

3) I regret not going to my senior prom. This story was mentioned previously, and my mom told me to just go ask “nobody” (that was his nickname) and I was too proud :)

Those are just a few :)

Day 23- What is something you crave.

Chocolate! Just the other day I wanted it so bad I even asked my mom to get me a candy bar when she was at the store because I was talking and craving it and thinking about it all day. Thanks mom for the candy bar!

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else.

I wish I could say it was my name…but that’s so not it! I know 2 other Michelle Halls and one is my sister in law! LOL I think what makes me different is that I can be goofy but I’m only goofy around certain people. :0

Also, I have 2 personalities. There’s the outgoing me….the one people at work get to see. And there’s the very shy me….who a lot of people get to see.

Day 21- Share a picture from your day.

I will share 2 pictures from my day :) Today I worked overtime then met up with Clarissa, Bryce, Kyla and Vance at the mall and Fuddruckers. It was Bryce's birthday celebration and I always love hanging out with them. Vance was so fun! The past couple of times he did not like me and only wanted his mommy! This time...I got to carry him around the mall and even cuddle with him at Fuddruckers for awhile! I was in heaven! Isn't he the cutest? Kyla is my buddy too, but she told me she didn't want her picture taken! Thanks Millers!



I have to brag about yesterday too, and I might have to steal the picture from Cammy when I see them. But I met up with Cammy and her 2 cute girls for lunch at Cafe Rio! It was so fun catching up with Cammy and meeting her little ones. I had a blast! Cammy you are awesome!


This picture is of my baby again! Yesterday we found out his hips are getting worse. He was born with hip deplacia...he's a trooper! Last night and tonight we took a walk...and he's tuckered out and taking a nap! We're going to keep this up so he and I lose weight! LOL

Day 20- If you had 3 wishes, what would they be.

Seems like I'm repeating myself a lot! Don't you think???

1) Find an eternal companion
2) Be debt free (not rich, but just debt free)
3) Wish my family was closer and cohesive

Day 19- Nicknames you have & how or why you have them.

Mitch- It think it was Coach Tate (now Womack) started calling me this in 8th grade basketball. There were 2 Michelle’s (me and Michelle Romero) and she was Shelly, so instead of calling me Michelle, I got Mitch. My mom hated it! Coach Bradshaw always called me this during basketball, and even in class! It stuck. Many of the coaches continued to call me it and still do if I ever see them.

M.E.Do – I don’t know how to spell it, but you say it like its spelled. My parents have always called me this. They also call me “Do Ran” they said Do Ran can! Side note--NEVER call me Shelly! I’m not a Shelly!

Side note--NEVER call me Shelly! I’m not a Shelly :)

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have.

Goal- to lose weight

Goal- to find a man!

Plan- to pay off all my credit card debt by October 2012

Plan- to finish the laundry room (only room left to decorate)

Dream- to have a family of mine own

Dream- for someone to call me their wife

Dream- for someone to call me their mom

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

Ok, since it's the 17th of May, I've finally caught up to Day 17 :)

This is a long shot. But I would want to switch lives with Reese Witherspoon for one day. I think she’s so beautiful and she looks like she would be an awesome friend to anyone she meets. I also see her as a great mother, she’s always in pictures with her kids and they just adore her. Is it weird to want to switch with an actress? To me, she looks like a person who will always accomplish whatever she has her heart set on.

Day 16- Something you could live without.

I could live without TV if I really had to! LOL I’d probably get a lot done if I didn’t have TV. I have so many shows that I watch it would be hard to give up...but I know if push comes to shove, I can get rid of it :)

Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle & share the first 10 songs that play.

Hopefully this isn’t too embarrassing or aging! JK I love my music!

1) Gernade- by Bruno Mars

2) All I Want to Do- by Sugarland

3) Numb- by Linkin Park

4) Marry Me- by Train

5) That Song in My Head- by Julianne Hough

6) Love in America- by JTX

7) Stuck like Glue- by Sugarland

8) Wiaiting for the End- by Linkin Park

9) Say Hey (I love you)- by Michael Franit & Spearhead

10) Lightening Crashes- by Live

Day 14- A picture of something you ate and 10 confessions

My bagel with cream cheese...daily breakfast :(

Yikes…confession time! Some of these my mom won’t even know about!

1) Corey threw a rock at the shed door when we were younger and it made a huge hole in it. I knew that he would get in so much trouble, cuz he was always in trouble. I took the blame for him…and the spanking!

2) I was the one who dared Monika to kiss Steven through the chain link fence….we were around 8 or 9 LOL

3) A couple of weeks ago at Target I was shopping for a baby gift and thought I had put everything on the belt to get checked out. I got out to the car and the little hair bow wasn’t in the bag…still in the cart. I was bad and I didn’t go pay for it! Ya, I’ve been feeling guilty.

4) Sometimes we get drinks on Sunday after church. I know, bad Mormon again…shopping on Sunday

5) After one softball game in high school, we got beat really bad by Snowflake, so I knew the next day practice was going to be KILLER! Sarg Magarg loved to kill us by making us run and what not. I faked sick and missed school and practice the next 2 days so I wouldn’t have to do it.

6) I remember when I was little, at Wilbur’s (our grocery store) they had the bins full of candy that you can buy by the pound. You could just reach in grab the candy! So, I did! Ya, I stole candy from the store! I felt so guilty I finally told my mom and she took me back to the store and had me tell them. I think she even paid for my transgression!

7) I was told to never let anyone drive my car in high school. The boys loved my car for some reason! It was a supped up mustang and was loud and fast! The boys wanted to drive it. I thought they would like me more if I let them drive it. OOPPS! Sorry mom and dad :)

8) I hated the team in little league called the Pink Cadillac’s! (Jessie if you are reading this…sorry! LOL) they were so good and they were our rivals! I seriously wanted to beat them up, plus they were the popular girls in their class, I knew it because they were my sister’s age. I couldn’t stand those girls because they were so good! We all made it to high school and were all on the same team. Some of those girls became my really good friends! Jessie, Brindi, Jodie, Tara, and Crystal….Sorry….I like you all now! :)

9) I went on a date before I was 16. This one my parent’s really don’t know about. Back then, I thought going out with a guy was just being friends and holding hands once in awhile, but not really after school and only during school. Jason and I had that relationship from 4th-8th grade. We were boyfriend/girlfriend only at school. One time I told my parents I was going to a movie with a friend, I think it was Julie, but I met Jason instead. I was panicked the whole time someone would see us and tell because being in that small of a town nothing is secret. I never heard about it, so it must have stayed a secret.

10) I cannot look at myself in the mirror. I look at me for the bare minimum time possible to get ready and move on. I hate how I look and I have no self confidence. Even in the bathroom washing my hands at the sink I can’t even look. I keep my head down and then walk over to the paper towels.

Day 13- Write a letter telling someone something you could never tell them.

***This was very hard to write*** I'm human and make mistakes, please forgive me.


Dear Monika,

I have always been jealous of you. You are the one that is always social and can talk to anyone. I can’t even go up and talk to people. I’d rather stay at home. I’ve always been jealous of your hair. It’s so shiny, straight, always done so cute, and grows so dang fast! I’ve always been jealous of how you dress, do your make up and hair. You are always dolled up and so cute! I can never do that. I dress and look like an old lady. I’ve always been jealous that you got married before me. I want to tell you how sorry I am for the way I treated you on the night you got engaged. I can never tell you to your face, because I’m too ashamed. You burst into my room around midnight that night to tell me you were getting married. I don’t even know if I said congratulations. I turned back and went back to bed. You, Michael, Mom and Dad were all celebrating in the kitchen and laughing and having a good time, while I cried myself to sleep. The next day was Sunday, and I stayed in bed until you all went to church. Then I hurried and got ready and went to church late. I’m never late. I didn’t even sit by you guys. I bawled all through church and cried on Sis. Chesnut’s shoulder. She knew I was hurting. I went home. I regret how I treated you and I’m truly sorry. I wasn't the best maid of honor; you should have chosen someone else. I don’t think I helped with anything other than setting up the reception. I’M SO SORRY. I hope that someday I can say this to you and ask for your forgiveness. I’m still jealous that you are married …but I’m jealous of everyone that is married. :) I’m glad that you are my sister and I will do anything for you!

Love ya,
Michelle

PS that still brought me to tears :(

Day 12- A picture of your room & don’t cheat by cleaning it. Share a secret

As you can see I did not cheat and clean my room. And don't judge, I just got back from a weekend in the moutains so I didn't clean or make my bed. I love my bedroom though, it's nice and spacious! And I usually keep it really clean!

My secret---I only make my bed on Mondays (I wash my bedding every Monday) or when I know someone is coming over. Why make it when no one sees it but me? If I ever get married, I promise I'll make my bed! :)

Day 11- A picture of something you dislike

I really dislike tomatoes. I had to share this picture because we are growing a garden (ya there is a radish too, those are ok) and this produce came from it! :) However, I like the things tomatoes produce like salsa and ketchup, I just can't eat a tomato!

Day 10- A story about a past relationship.

I dated a guy the end of my junior year. We had been friends since first grade. By the time senior year started, he wouldn’t even talk to me or look at me. I had no idea why. I had to the get the information from his brother that he liked another girl. Go figure. So, I went on as normal. It wasn’t until the last few weeks of senior year he started coming around again. I let him in as always, I really liked him. We were the only 2 that didn’t go to our Senior Prom….he was too stubborn to ask me. He did ask me to MORP which is weird because that was a girl ask guy dance. But I had already asked John, so I told him no. He then wouldn’t leave me alone. We were hooked as best friends again. Not really dating. I went off to college and we talked all the time. He went on his mission and we wrote all the time. Yes, he even called me on some holidays :)

We talked about the future in letters and I thought this was it! 6 weeks before he came home I got a nasty letter from him. He didn’t want to see me, talk to me or even be my friend.. I don’t even know where it came from. I was brave and went to his homecoming. He said we needed to talk. I met up with him once and he talked…about his mission. He said when he kissed me (it was only one time) that it was like kissing his sister! (OUCH). Anyway…..about a year later, I think, he got married. He had the nerve to send me an invitation. I just sent them a card in the mail. I’ve seen him once since then, at a country dance in Mesa about a year after that. He asked all my friends from SJ to dance…and my sister. Not me though. JERK!! The sad thing is….I know I’m over it (I have to be, he’s married) but I still think about it!

Day 09- Something/someone you’re proud of.

I’ve been talking a lot about my parents and I’m always proud of them. They do so much! :) But this one is about me! LOL I’m proud of a lot of things I have done in 31 years :)

Let’s see if I can name some

· Played the piano at my 8th grade graduation assembly (not the graduation…but the award ceremony thing the day before)

· I was the pitcher in little league the day we won regional’s and got to go to state. It was when I was 11 years old and it was our All-Star team. I got to pitch in one of the state games too. It’s funny to think I was a pitcher, because as soon as I went to 7th grade and played for school I was never the pitcher again.

· I made it in the National Honor Society my Junior Year in High School

· I made regional band 3 years in a roll. I also made it to All-State one year, but I didn’t go. I thought basketball was more important. Little would I know I sat the bench until the last 5 minutes of the game!! I should have gone to All-State!

·I won a couple of awards at our Senior Award Ceremony- John Phillip Sousa National Band Award and Senior Female Decomcracy Class Award

·I actually helped with the class history (spoke in public in front of the whole crowd) at High School graduation with Brooke, Richard and Adam. That’s still a shock to me!

·I graduated High School

·I made Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Eastern Arizona College

·I graduated with my Associate of Arts from Eastern Arizona College

· I got my first job when I moved to Flagstaff as a cashier at Wal-Mart. After 6 months I made it a maroon vest! LOL I was a 5 star cashier! :)

·I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Business Management with an emphasis in Human Resource Management in May 2003 from Northern Arizona University. First one in my family besides my Grandpa Hall to make it that far in college.

·I received my Masters in Management from the University of Phoenix in April 2008.

·I’ve held a job for almost 8 years now at the University of Phoenix.

·I’m the mother to my adorable baby …my dog, Lucky

·I bought my first home!

·I purchased a car all on my own, no one went with me to the dealership

***These are just a few things I’m proud of.***

Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why.

*Not this month, but when I get back from vacation I really need to go to the gym. Why….it is very obvious!
*I should probably be more social, and do more things with the singles. It’s so blasted hard!
*Be more money conscience. Seems like I’m overspending more
*Do a secret service project or thing for someone who needs it

Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.

My parents have had the biggest impact on me. They are hard working, charitable, knowledgeable, friendly, generous, adventurous and will do anything for me and my family. They taught me how to work hard and play hard! I owe everything to them. I am eternally debited to them.


My mom and I at Amy's reception, she had a photobooth :)


My dad and I at at a daddy-daughter date at church

Day 06- A hobby you have.

I love to paint crafts. I can’t draw, so I trace a pattern on and paint them, but I love creating things and giving them to people. If you want to get one...let me know! Or check out DDM Creations (link is on the left side). :)

Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to.

I've been lucky to have a great family that believes in family vacations. Every year during the summer we took a vacation. If we couldn't afford to go anywhere, we went camping to South Fork. I love travelling and I have been to every state west of the Mississippi River (including Alaska and Hawaii). I have so many favorite spots and memories...but here are some pictures...I know it said to post one picture, but I can't help it!


Monika and I at the Polynesian Culture Center. This was the coconut tree climber!

Monika, Granny and I went dog sledding in Alaska!

I went parasailing in St. Thomas!

Monika, Granny and I in Maui, Hawaii

Me, Dad, Granny, Mom, Monika and Grandma at the Polynesian Culture Center (Hawaii)

Monika, some waiter dude, and I in the ocean at Fanning Island

The Hall side of the family in Hawaii

Me at the USS Arizona Memorial (Pearl Harbor)

Skagway, Alaska

My family on the Alaskan Cruise

Me and Granny on the Alaska Cruise, doing our Titanic scene :)

My family at a coffee plantation

Our first cruise!

Meghan, Me, Saira, and Massiel at Universal Studios

Me in Salt Lake City, UT

Jill, Jodi, Sarah and I at Disneyland!

Me and Danelle in Vegas!

Roosevelt Lake

Lucky and I in the Teppee in Holbrook, AZ

Lucky and I camping in Nutrioso

Day 04- List 15 songs that represent your life’s soundtrack.

Not really sure what it means by life's soundtrack...but these are some rememberable songs for me :)

1) “Michelle”- By the Beatles (what I’m named after)

2) “Life is a Highway”—go through life …never know what is going to happen

3) “Pomp and Circumstance” (played it many times in band…and also I’ve walked to it 4 times!)

4) “With or Without You” (good memories from HS---but what I think of a lot)

5) “Candy”- by Mandy Moore, any time I hear this song I think of the crazy dance some roomies and I made up and danced to a lot! We did it for Institute once...and all the time in our apartment.

6) “Tubthumping”—by Chumbawamba! Man, these are basically things that bring up memories….Meghan and I would always go crazy when this came on in high school.

7) “Nearer my God to Thee”--first song I played in Sacrament meeting and Monika sang. Nerve racking! But I also love this song because I always want to be near.

8) “The Dance”- by Garth- on the Trek we had a very musical family. We all sang this one night around the campfire. Matt Fish and Jeff Brown played the guitar and Ruthie Price played her violin/fiddle. I think of it every time it comes on

9) “ABC’s”---how can not anyone think of this song? LOL

10) “Hit me baby one more time!” Yes, I was a Britney Spears fan…ok, I still am, I can’t help it, it makes me dance a little and makes me smile

11) Braveheart soundtrack for 2 reasons- 1) it was my final solo opportunity in High School band, I had a huge part right at the beginning! I loved it but was scared! And 2) I always had it on in the background while studying. Mrs. Collins always put on some type of music when were taking tests, she said it helped our memory. This is one of the first things she played, so I had to have it and used it all through college.

12) “Battle of New Orleans”—it’s a really old song. But my mom and I sing it all the time when it comes on her radio. There are 2 parts, and we sing! We aren’t good at singing and no one will ever hear us sing it…but its fun!

13) “Sweet Hour of Prayer”- I came from a very small ward in SJ….no one really knew how to play the piano in Young Women’s besides a few of us, and we really didn’t know that many hymns. Seems like we sang this one almost every Sunday because it’s so easy to play!

14) “Macarena”- how can you not dance to this any time you hear it? I even did it at work once LOL

15) “Electric Slide”—this song goes along the same lines as the Macarena. How can you not dance to it when it comes on? I learned how to do it on the first cruise on went on, and Monika taught me!

Day 03- A habit that you wish you didn’t have.

I wish I didn’t bite my nails. Now I can’t grow nails at all! And I hate fake nails, can't put my contacts in or button my pants if I had fake nails on :)

Day 02- A picture of something you cannot live without.

1) CANDY! I love chocolate!
2) My mom and dad! I would be lost without them! They do so much for me!

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.

**Lucky and I out on a walk**

This is going to be hard! I hate talking about myself! Just kidding :)
1) I scar very weird….any of my surgery scars puff up and look so gross!
2) I have the fattest fingers! Short and stumpy!
3) I like to pick fights…like play fights. Especially playing the WII (usually geared towards my mom)
4) I’m very competitive. I hate to lose and I always want to be #1
5) I hardly remember dreams….until it’s a crazy one and then I’m glad I don’t remember them!
6) I have many regrets, especially in high school. I may expand on that one day
7) I tend to not let people get close to me…like friends. I have been hurt a lot and I don’t let a lot of people in very much anymore. I’m sad and pathetic
8) I love hanging out with older people at church they are so funny and they love me!
9) I’m very spoiled. I’ll never admit it in public though. :)
10) I’m usually hanging out with my parents most days :)
11) In high school, I secretly hoped to be voted as the Class Clown. Why? No clue! I thought I was funny, guess not! :)
12) I was a typical band nerd. I loved band trips. I loved playing!
13) I cry sometimes watching the Biggest Loser
14) I love potty humor!
15) I really do love people, and I will try to be a better person and make more friends.

*** Disclaimer---that was really hard to think of things!

30 Day Challenge

Amy posted this on her blog today and I thought I would try it. I live an uninteresting life so I don’t post much. Who even knows if anyone reads this :) Thanks Amy for posting it and I’ll see what I can do! Day one to follow soon!

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.
Day 02- A picture of something you cannot live without.
Day 03- A habit that you wish you didn’t have.
Day 04- List 15 songs that represent your life’s soundtrack.
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to.
Day 06- A hobby you have.
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why.
Day 09- Something/someone you’re proud of.
Day 10- A story about a past relationship.
Day 11- A picture of something you dislike.
Day 12- A picture of your room & don’t cheat by cleaning it. Share a secret.
Day 13- Write a letter telling someone something you could never tell them.
Day 14- A picture of something you ate and 10 confessions.
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle & share the first 10 songs that play.
Day 16- Something you could live without.
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have.
Day 19- Nicknames you have & how or why you have them.
Day 20- If you had 3 wishes, what would they be.
Day 21- Share a picture from your day.
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else.
Day 23- What is something you crave.
Day 24- Share a story about your past that you are ashamed of.
Day 25- What I would find in your bag.
Day 26- Places you want to visit before you die.
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge?
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned.
Day 30- A picture of you today & 20 goals you want to accomplish