My LAST adventure before school started on August 2nd

JULY 26, 2010



Many have been calling to ask me about my summer adventures at Six Flags. Need I say more??? Many have their interpetations of what I was going through. . Lets just say, I was scared so bad, I couldn't talk or scream and NO ONE told me about the CAMERAS. As for my fmaily riding with me, they got the biggest kick out of riding with me. For the first time being on a roller coaster, not bad, ok it was horrible. Will I do it again?!? TBA!!! This "evil kneivel" was supposed to be the SLOW, wooden ride, and I think it is the WORST, next to all the other rides, especially the tornado. Then there was a screaming eagle, which ok. I was so tramatized, I just kept riding even when I was so tired and emotional. No one was in line, and I was sitting by Travis and if the ride came to a stop you could stay and go again. Well, some one was in our slot and Travis said, again, so we moved 3 seats back and went again. I think I was in MAJOR SHOCK. Too numb to know what I was doing. Taking my nephew on the kids rides were a breeze. That ended quick, when everyone said I needed to get my moneys worth. I think I did just with the picture alone. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the water park and the lazy river. Probably because I was in complete charge and there was wahooracer that I could have done ALL day. Here is a description:
"Get ready for the ultimate water race as six competitors face off to see who makes it down three gravity-defying drops first. Grab your mat and get ready to slip and slide head-first down 262 feet of steep drops and rolls up to speeds of 35 mph."

I also loved TIDAL WAVE. . I screamed every time and after you get off you can go stand on the bridge and get soaked--did that over and over. AMAZING! ! ! Also it was outside the water park. I rode the log ride with Jackson and I screamed a lot on that too. We took a train ride--that was more to get off my feet and relax. Good times!!!

Well, if you want more stories or explainations, give me a call and or leave some comments, I'd be HAPPY to explain or warn. Love you all and hope you have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving.

Time for some GOOD laughs. . .

My ALL time favorite is bon qui qui at king burger, but you have to go onto youtube and search. . .and here are some others. Hope you get a good laugh, i still do.

Announcing the CALL

I got up early Sunday and headed to church which was 45 minutes away. So at church, there was a seminary meeting to get organized for the school year. I went in and President Knapp was there guiding the meeting. I was watching a 6 month old and holding her when he announced to the group that Sister Carlton was released (my mom) as he is coming over to me and says Sister Carlton has been called (me). He had put his arm around me and if you can remember how I get embarrassed easily, well, I was deep red. But the students in Larned were cheering that they were getting me. I must admit, I feel loved.

And Lastly, ANOTHER CALLING

Then later on Sunday after church, I came home and took a FAT nap which was much needed. I woke up and was relaxing until the Stake President arrived to the house. (Pres Knapp's goal is to be in the homes of all the members at least once a year.) Since Brian's girlfriend was baptized on May 2, he wanted to meet her and talk to her. And since she hangs out at the our house all the time, they scheduled her visit here. Ok. . .resuming back news. . .I was just minding my own business and the Bishop showed up to give my mom some stuff and asked if he could talk to me outside. . . I was like sure. . what a great time to discuss the frustration of camp. WELL. . I was in for a curve ball. He explained that my top priority is seminary in all I do. He started out by saying that this call would assist in seminary. But seminary is always first. Seminary would take a lot of time--studying, preparing, interacting with the students and building a trust with them. He then asked if I would serve as the 2nd Counselor in Young Women's. He made it EXTREMELY clear that if it became too much that I would not be letting the Lord down, my mom down (since she was being called as the Young Women President), the Bishop, or anyone. I must say that it was very comforting. I didn't know I could say no, I just figured if I was asked, it must be what the Lord wants.

Another Calling

HERE IS A PRE-SHOW OF WHAT IS TO COME. . .
President Knapp welcomed us and shook our hands, well he asked if my mom still had her 4 callings (Relief Society President, Seminary Teacher, Leading the music in Sacrament meeting, Boy Scout Committee). She said yes, and then he asks about the callings I have with my mom, she's all-she's only the YW camp director. . He says, that's interesting, I'm pretty sure he was in shock that I only had one calling, so that Friday the 14th, she was released as seminary teacher, and the following week, President Knapp was scheduled to be in our ward and make visits.

Well, be arrived about an hour earlier than we thought, so we bummed around a city we didn't know. We waited at the institute and President Knapp shows up all dressed in jeans and a button down. I brought a movie back for my mom since she was the seminary teacher. As I handed it to him, he says, "Let's go talk for a minute. Well, I got all nervous knowing what was about to happen. Let me just say that last friday was Seminary Graduation and my mom was released during the service. . . Anyways, we go back and he says that he has been praying to know what to do and he knew he was to call me to teach Seminary in the Larned area. He told me I have so much knowledge and ability to influence these students. Scary. . . But I'm excited for my call and to learn and grow some more. I kind of feel stuck in a rut with my studying and all so it'll be nice to teach again.

On Saturday, I had a training for seminary, then headed back towards Larned.

I got up early Sunday and headed to church which was 45 minutes away. So at church, there was a seminary meeting to get organized for the school year. I went in and President Knapp was there guiding the meeting. I was watching a 6 month old and holding her when he announced to the group that Sister Carlton was released (my mom) as he is coming over to me and says Sister Carlton has been called (me). He had put his arm around me and if you can remember how I get embarrassed easily, well, I was deep red. But the students in Larned were cheering that they were getting me. I must admit, I feel loved.

sUmMeR jOb

KEEP IN MIND, MY CURRENT POSITION HAD NO IDEA! ! ! (they do now)

Ever since I moved to Kansas, the bank has been asking me to join them. At first they asked my mom what my plans were and if I enjoyed working at the bank. She said I had, but didn't really care to force sales to the customers. So mom said that she would give me the application and have her come talk to them. I went in and they asked me to fill out an application and get to know them. Well, I put it off and the start of May, they asked my mom to have me call the bank. So I had to make a deposit and I talked to them. They asked if I would fill out the application and turn it in and then we would talk. I got it into them, took a survey about my personality, and then that brings me to last Tuesday.

Well, I interviewed last Tuesday for a bank position. The interview went well and I'm not sure if I want to go back into banking, but we shall see.

They called me today, Tuesday at the school, and asked for me to call once I got off work. I gave them a call back and they offered me a summer job as a bank teller. I will be working 9-5:30, mostly in the drive thru I believe. The bank wants to find someone for their full time position, so they had asked if I'd take the summer job so they can work on finding a full time since in my interview they asked if I would consider staying on full-time and I was honest and said that I'm planning on going back to the school once school starts up.

Well that's a summer job update. I don't have to stress out about paying my bills this summer, since I have a temporary job!!!

Talk about CRAZINESS

After moving back to Kansas, in March, we got a new Bishop. Bishop Curtis was released and Bishop Berkheimer was called (he is also my institute teacher). So that was all cool and stuff. Well, on May 9th, our Stake President (President Knapp) showed up to visit. He was there to call another BISHOP--OH MY STARS. . . Now we have Bishop Perez. . .Bishop Berkheimer was called for 7 weeks.

Friday Night Fun

This last Friday, I went on a single adult activity with the institute that is in Manhattan about 3 hours away. My stake president is the CES director out here. So I took a half day from work and traveled out there. Brian and Mike(a new member) headed out. We mapquested the trip and it told us that it would take 2 hours and 18 minutes. We headed to Kansas City to watch the Royals play the Rockies. . . I had a great time. By the time we drove back to Manhattan, it was 12:30. Once we got to Ashley's apartment (student in Manhattan). We ended up staying up talking until 2:30. One of the girls I grew up with in Great Bend, her older sister and I were friends and Mallory the one I saw at the game grew with my sister.

Girl's Camp Director?!? What are they thinking?

Well, I got a calling last Sunday out here in Great Bend Ward. Let me tell you, going early for meetings for mom and not getting the memo that the time had changed from 8:00 to 8:30, gives you time to meet with the Bishop and receive the call. As I was told, it is a temporary calling. You are looking at the Great Bend Ward Camp Director. WOW--didn't see that coming. AND to it happens to be the same week as our family reunion. So. . .decisions, decisions. We are heading to Camp Brown outside of Abilene. So just a little map to give you a visual.

If any of you have suggestions for girl's camp, raising money to go, send them my way. . .Looking back on my camping years--way different. Being in charge and just going are WAY different. Oh and how I had every excuse in the book as to why I couldn't make it and crying (literally) the whole way to camp, then having a BLAST and not wanting to come home. Who would have thought?!?

Our theme is Heros in the Scriptures. . .I'm excited though.

Flying to Kansas

The flight out was good. In Denver I had to book it to my connecting flight—imagine that. Well, I got in line to get on and a lady from good ole Larned, KS was flying on the plane. She was coming from Arizona. Turns out, we I sat infront of her. She asked who was coming to get me, and I said my mom. She offered to give me a ride home to save her a trip, but as I explained that why I was going home, I said I have two large suitcases and she said she wasn’t sure if she’d have enough room for all that. But we got all caught up. Tama Hansen was the lady. It’s pretty funny since she thought I was Kjersti, and finally she asked how long I’d been in college and when I would graduate. I said, I graduated in 08 and she’s was like I thought you just greaduated and I said, “Oh that’s Kjersti, I’m Alicia.” Story of my life. Oh well, it could be worse. . .

Head Secretary

Started my job on Monday, February 8th. It was pretty cool, hard to train with lots of interruptions. I flew solo on February 16th. I kept thinking what was I thinking, but with patience, I’ve got the basics down. How to answer a phone—lots of training for the last 5 months—and I only said “Larned High School, this is Alicia” close to 20 times. The other end either responded, “Sorry, I have the wrong number” or “who is this” then I began to caught on. About 5 times or so I said, “Wells Fargo, this is Alicia” That really threw them a loop.

My arrival HOME

I made it home safely and got settled in. My mom is amazing and cleared a path to my bed and even made it for me. She bought a comforter for it that is cute. Also my brother, Brian, made us dinner. He asked what I wanted and he spent the late afternoon and evening getting it ready. He made homemade pizza. . Not just pizza but pizza dough, he was kinda insulted when my mom had bought him some pizza crust. But all in all, it was delicious.

My FIRST embarrassing moment on the new job

Well, my first embarrassing moment on the job. . . Three days after I started, I had my shining moment of Alicia Glory. So they told me we give announcements at the end of the day anywhere from 3:15-3:20—depending on how many we had. School ended at 3:25. Anyways, she’s telling me not to be shy just say, “May I have your attention and proceed.” I’m all that’s not hard, I worked for Wal-Mart for 2 years and got to do the closing procedures: Attention Wal-Mart customers, the time is now 9:45 and your Rexburg Wal-Mart will be closing in 15 minutes. At this time, we ask that you finalize your purchases and bring them to the front. So I turn to the phone and the all call doesn’t work, but there is a beeping noise and the people in the office have no idea what it going to happen.. . .we are laughing but all looking at one another. Oh by the way it is 3:18 pm: So I’m like it’s not working and the halls are filling up with faculty and students heading into the band room. Turns out, I set the tornado alarm off. . not sure how, but we were having a tornado drill. So we grab the important stuff and head over. Some teachers are wondering what is going on and what the beeping noise is and others wondering who timed it to be 7 minutes before school is out. Some wondered why not have a fire drill, when it is over at least you don’t have to let the students back in. Oops—didn’t get that memo. As I’m sure you are all imagining how red I am and embarrassed since it is my 3rd day and I know NO ONE. Yeah, I was ready to walk out. The principal asked me if I would turn the alarm off since I knew how to turn it on. Little did he know, I didn’t know how I turned it on. Well, truth be told, I survived and am going strong.

About a month later, the day before spring break, we had to have a “REAL” tornado drill and when the time came, my principal says, you know what to do, let’s do it. We actually laughed about it. MEMORIES well lived.

What I learned from my embarrassing moments:
1. I taught the building what a tornado alarm sounds like
2. We aren’t always going to know when the warning will come. Since the teachers like to know the day and if they are lucky the time frame.
3. That was one GREAT moment to get on my boss’ good side—if looks could kill, I wouldn’t have survived.

Final Four

Need I say more?!?

I'm Moving On. . .

Well, today was my last day at Wells Fargo Bank. tear, tear, I said tear drop, well I tried... Ok I'm over it. I enjoyed my time, but there is a big relief when I turned in my badge--no more selling products or listening to how Wells Fargo is stealing their money.

Anyways, I have taken a new job. I am relocating in Larned, KS as the Middle School head secretary. I'm excited and hoping I haven't forgotten anything too important that can't wait until March when I come back out to pick up my stuff. I fly out tomorrow at 10:45 am and arrive in Wichita at 3:48 pm. Next post--Larned, KS--stay tuned for another update. .

The new and improved aLiCiA

So I've been working on my figure lately--hahaha, anyways, I have lost 10 lbs since I've been doing the whole weight watchers thing. It's been fun and I must say going to the meeting always crack me up, but they are very informative. It reminds me of the AA meetings you hear about. But it is a good support group and all. Go me, woot woot. . .the ideal weight I should get to I only laugh because it seems so far fetched to actually get there, but there is a chance--baby steps.

A day at my job. ..

So this is about how my schedule at work goes. . .

Me: (I hear a beep in my ear) Thank you for calling Wells Fargo, this is Alicia, to further assist you may I get your first and last name. . .

Customer: George Smith (made up name)

Me: Thank you Mr. Smith, How can I help you today

Customer: Explain problem and pretty much ends with How are you going to fix that.

Me: Alright Mr. Smith, I'd be happy to help you with that.

Customer: Thanks

Me: Look into situation and answer concern.

Customer: Are you kidding me. . .

Me: Offer something to customer like overdraft protection (that's what i say to everyone)

Customer: Oh, I see. (usually not that nice and they yell at me some more) and say no.

Me: Ok, if you decide you'd like more information let us know. Does that take care of the reason for your call?

Customer: I guess since you didn't help me any.

Me: Well Mr. Smith, I was happy to help and thank you for choosing Wells Fargo.
(I disconnect the call by pushing the release button and another beep comes into my ear.)

SuPeRsTaR--that's me .

So at work we had a huddle at 2:00 (which is more of a reward of not taking calls for 15 minutes for me so I welcome any type of meeting that relieves me of the phone for awhile) to hear what we are working on, that kind of stuff, and this time Almir (My Supervisor) decided to tell the team about team stats. So he first started with warm transfers/referrals and mentions a lady on the team and then he mentions me. I was like cool, I'm pretty AWESOME and won't get fired. I'm pretty humble for the most part. Anyways, then he goes something like this--and I also pulled the center's stats, and on our team, we have someone leading the CENTER (consumer side) in core units of 166 from 1/1/2010 til 1/26/2010. You are never going to believe who that is. . I know, I'm just as shocked as you are. It is ME. Now as many of you know me, I turn extremely red, extremely quick and when he said my name, I was bright red like the blinking lights in the sky for the radio towers--in probably less than 5 seconds. So then everyone is looking at me and Almir is like WOW You are really red, everyone look at me, not Alicia. He continues on about how for the amount of time I've been there that is amazing and I should be proud. Then afterwards, he asked if I like public recognition. And I was all, yeah, but a warning so I can try to control my redness. So the rest of the day i was referred as hey reddy, how you doing. Oh well, it was great--

I need some opinions

So I am proud to announce that I can get my contacts in. Been successful for FIVE WHOLE days--Now the problem is I don't know what I like better--I love my glasses, but love not having anything on my face. So here are a couple of shots with hair down and hair half up--I'm in a complete need of a hair cut and all, but don't know what I want--so throw it out--won't hurt my feelings.

The usual hair style--bangs pulled back--can't stand them in my face--so I bobby pin them back--with contacts and with glasses




Hair Down with contacts and with glasses

House updated

Here the outside of my house and also my bedroom organized. . .It is pretty sweet pad--I pretty much hang out in my room whenever I'm not at work. Phone number is the same, so enjoy! ! !

Talk about TALENT. . .

It takes a genius to be sitting in your own car and set off your own car alarm! ! !

My New Home

So I'm renting a house with two other girls from my ward. There is Mackenzie and Mandy. The house is the 2nd counselor's old house and wanted to rent it out. So I signed myself up. I signed my lease on the 1st of Jan. and am now moving in tomorrow the 7th. I take awhile to get adjusted. Well, actually, I just hadn't moved my bed yet. Here are some pictures of the house. I'll post updated pictures once I get everything organized.

This is the garage--three car so we each have a parking spot. Lots of storage already built in!



This is the wall with the water softener/storage/central vaccuum hook up



The living room and also the entry way from the front door:





The kitchen/dining room:




The bathroom I share with Mackenzie:


Laundry room off the dining room that leads to the garage/master bedroom is the closed door.



My bedroom, I'm in the front bedroom that faces the street/front of the house and the closet--love the closet that will soon be organized.





Well, that is all for now--gonna get some shut eye and get up early to get some junk done. . moving to be more specific. Holla, I'm out for now.