Ho-ho-ho! k that sounds bad, ha FA-LA-LA!

Hey stranger! Alright, alright. I know I am not the best at keeping up with this whole blog thing, but hey at least that means I am staying busy and I have a life, right? Wellllllllll, I don't really know if you can classify it as a "life." My days weeks consist of school, school school, work work WORK, WORK, school. I guess that's what life as a "grown-up" turns into though huh. Not so much fun, that's for sure.

Well lets see, nothing is really new here.  Except its almost CHRISTMAS, definitely my favorite time of the year. I love all the lights, the hot chocolate, the happiness, the snow (except when I am driving), and the time spent with family.  Even though the customers here at work become super rude, and freak out because we have no "holiday" deals going on.  I guess that's what I get for working with the cheap trashy customers of Pocatello, that reek of nasty smoke and come in all sorts of cracked out I swear! Ha but once I get that pay check it reminds me, hey Kourt, those nasty people aren't so bad after all!

I have kept myself super busy getting everyones Christmas presents together too. I had so many people to get gifts for, and I made everyone's to, so there extra special! I will post pictures of the stuff I made, but not til after Christmas of course, because I don't want people getting a sneak peak of there gifts :)

I spent the last weekend at my mom's and it was so much fun. I forgot how much I missed my mama, and sissy! There the best.  My mom came and picked me up because she didn't want me driving on "bad roads" but I should have known that what she considered bad roads to be are my road for what I like to call, preparing for the INDY 500's. Ha I have a speeding problem for those of you that don't know, and two weekends ago on my way to the traditional Schow family Christmas party, I took my speeding a little to far, and ended up with a nice $150 dollar speeding ticket :( not so fun haha I ALMOST talked my way of it too, just like I have done the past 26 times I have gotten pulled over, but this time I wasn't as lucky.  It was on the interstate and I was going 102 ha I know, crazy that my piece of crap car can even go that fast, which I tried explaining to the cop, but he wasn't convinced..

Anywho, back to my weekend.  My mom isn't so crazy after all and the roads actually were pretty bad, due to fog we could barely even see the cars in front of us, so it was a good thing my mom drove to get me or I probably would have end up hitting Bambi, when she ran across the interstate, in hopes to find food.

We had a great bonding weekend though.  We went to dinner, and SHOPPING, which hello, is always a pleasure when other people are paying haha I met my sisters boyfriend, whom is a total brat, and I let her know it too.  I hate boys, that think they are hotter then the Sahara desert, and that's exactly how he came across.  He didn't even bother to ask if we needed help carrying in the groceries, which my mother and I (Gavin take notes haha) found VERY impolite. We watched the Christmas movies, even though I was the only one strong enough to stay awake the whole time, while the other two dorks fell asleep and left me all alone singing "where are you Christmas & your a mean one Mr. Grinch" :( haha it was so nice sleeping in MY bed, that I had missed so much.  I snuggled right into those cozy, CLEAN, clean  and I mean CLEAN, (for those of you that know my mother) sheets!

Sunday, we put up my mom's Christmas tree and decorated her house, and I'll tell you that was a task all in itself.  For those of you that know my mother, you know she is a clean maniac, perfectionist, OCD freak! Okay, not a freak, but she just likes stuff neat, and tidy, tip top shape. I love it though, it feels so good coming home to a spotless house.  

Anyways, everything had to be in the perfect place, dusted and cleaned before being able to be seen by the human eye.  I spent a good 10+ minutes on the stair rail, grasping for dear life rearranging things to both our likings.  For those of you that know me, I love to design, pretty sure that is my passion/calling in life. I am very creative, I like things to be different, and I love changing things up.  Complete opposite of my mom, again orderly, mannerly. Finally, she stepped back and let me do what I wanted, and I think, surprisingly she liked what I did with the place!

Next came the tree, my mom let me and Kennedy take charge of it, and oh was that a blast.. we had this brilliant idea to purposely make it ugly so she would freak out and sure enough, that is exactly what she did.  Its always fun to get a rise out of her specially when its two against one. I'm sure I sound like a complete brat but my mom knows I love her! Haha when we finally finished the tree it ended up pretty cool.  My mom hasn't taken the time to branch out into the new millennium and invest in some new tree decorations, so I didn't have as much fun with it as I would have liked... haha love you mom.

My sister also is having me re-decorate her room for her for Christmas and I am sooo excited! I start a dental class this semester, along with 14 other credits including, sociology, statistics, chemistry and the mind rigorous pilates ha heavy load, but I can do it, I always have been one that loves a challenge. I think for some odd reason I like strive to be stressed out, haha or else I am 100% BORED with my life.. geeze I need to stop talking, I just keep making myself sound crazier by the minute ha  but anyways, if I don't like the whole hands in peoples mouths all the time scenario, then I am going to take on a whole new aspect of my college life, and study... interior design! Ha Gavin keeps telling me, "Holy crap Kourt make a decision and go for it stop being so back and forth about things" he is so right. But he should know me better for now, I just kind of go with the flow and make crazy decisions with my life as it goes, but hey look where thats got me to now right :)

Unfortunately, there is no school close to Rupert (aka Gavin haha) soo I will have to move back to Logan and go to Utah State because they have an awesome program there! I don't know what I would do though being so far away from Gavin though.  It would be tough but were strong enough to make it work.  Things are great between us and he makes me so happy! I couldn't ask to be more blessed with such amazing people that surround me :)  

I also really want to do cosmetology, still, so based on how this semester goes, will pave the way for where I end up next year! Plus, the money I save if I move back and go to school at USU will be good. I won't have to pay for food, living, groceries, etc. Things I never even thought about having to pay for once I moved out.  It would be fun to be there for my sister too as she goes through high school and I can be there to keep her on the straight and narrow and avoid making the same mistakes I did at that age! But we will see how this semester goes and where my life takes me! Six months is a long time from now and everyone just tells me I am too smart to not do something that uses my brain, and although I am flattered, I have to do what makes me happy! 

Well there's my life in a nutshell for now!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Don't Worry I'm Still Alive

Long time no talk huh! Well I have been BUSY BUSY BUSY! With school and now I got a job, haha i love it life really couldnt be better.. :) I have the most amazing people surrounding me lately and its such a blessing.
Yea, about my job.. ha so they decided to hire me at Syringa.. and its the easiest job ever.  It reminds me of the show.. the office hahahah its just so laid back and the people there are awesome.  The customers though, not so awesome.  On a day to day basis, it consists of
-crack heads
-stoners with passwords on there accounts like "420, marijuana etc"
-teenagers
-old old people who ask questions like "what if i sign a contract.. and die before its up"
- and just plain FREAKS!
I get a kick out of it though, and hear life stories every day! Haha the best part of all is the pay checks, you make a base pay + commision, so it equals out to be pretty darn good :)
I also am workin saturdays at bent bean ha i jsut cant get away from that place, i figured if im going to be goin home every weekend i might as well be makin some money so that is what i do :)
Lets see, thats about all that is new in my life.... halloween just passed and well mine was filled with work, and drivin in a tractor with my favorite person ever! Even though i was a complete brat alllll weekend cuz it was almost time for the special time of month haha.. i shoulda been slapped but Gavin being the stud he is just bit his toungue ha hes awesome!
See like I said AWESOME people all around me
School wise:
I got another 100% on my paper on "How to make a girl fall in love" hahah i will post it, its pretty cute :)
I just finished another one to on how TERRIBLE I feel plastic surgery is!
Ill post them, so everyone can steal them (Laci) and turn them in as there own work ;)
hahah shes funny and i hope she reads this :)

The Ultimate Guide to Making a Girl Fall in Love

                Why won’t he be nice? What’s wrong with me? Why doesn’t he do this? Why doesn’t he do that? Many of you have probably heard these questions numerous times before in your life, coming from a girl’s mouth. But what about the boys? Why won’t she talk to me? Why doesn’t she kiss me? Why does she like him more than me? How many of you have ever found yourself pondering the thought of, girls only go for the jerks that treat them like dirt? Or simply asking yourself how do I make her fall in love? Well gentlemen, I’m about to give you a simplified step-by-step guide as to how to make a normal girl fall in love.             For many of you, getting the girl of your dreams is much like getting the car of your dreams. Unlike the car, which you can bargain for, there is no bargaining here. Getting the girl of your dreams to fall in love with you takes time and effort, and of course a little bit of TLC (tender, love, and care). But you’re in love with the girl, so you’re going to do whatever it takes, right? Your feelings need to be communicated not only by words of the mouth, but also by actions straight from the heart.
           The first step in this head-over-heels phase for any man is to make a good impression. When meeting a girl for the first time, don’t be like those “average Joes” out there! Be unique. Do something to grab her attention, something that will make her never forget you. Don’t tell her about your last run-in with the cops, or the last party you went to when all the hottest girls were all over you. Girls don’t care about that kind of stuff. You see, what a girl finds attractive in a man is determination and kindness. She wants someone she can trust and someone that makes her laugh. Not someone that is in and out of jail or messing around at parties. She wants a man of good habits. She does not want you to be like any other loser.
            Be sure to watch your language. Vulgar language gives the impression that you are immature, uncultured and cheap. Which sorry guys, no lady in her right mind is attracted to. She wants someone that she can go out in public with, and not be embarrassed when every other word out of his mouth is, “Oh %*@* I $*#*@$& forgot my %^**#**! wallet….AGAIN babe.. $@*# I’m sorry.” She wants someone that people are going to look up to and be envious that they didn’t get to him before she did. She wants someone that is going to be her best friend day in and day out.
           Which brings me to my second step, befriending and understanding the girl you are out to get is the next important thing. You need to let your girl fall for you gradually. Do not push her into a relationship. Become her friend first. You need to understand her as a woman, and as a woman she needs to be loved and adored, and needs to be needed. This will move you closer to the girl and it will help you figure out what she’s into-what she likes and dislikes and what her style is. True love is built upon friendships. She needs someone that’s going to be there for her through thick and thin, and a shoulder to lean on. Be helpful and supportive of her one hundred percent and she will do the same for you. Once she knows she has found a friend to open up to, share her feelings with and get advice on the do’s and don’ts of life, she will know you’re the one.
           Third, you need to make her feel special. Let her know everyday how much she means to you and how happy you are to have her in your life. Make her smile constantly and make sure she is always happy. Do not bring her down and degrade her, instead build her up and feed her compliments. Let her know that she is the most beautiful girl you have ever met. Show appreciation because after all, she is the girl you love. In your day to day talks, share your dreams and aspects of life with her. Let her know she is all that you can think about. She is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning and the last thing at night.
               Fourth, make sure you are creative and constructive so that you can keep her interest. Take her out on crazy, fun dates making sure you try new things and live life to its absolute fullest potential. Instead of going to dinner and the latest movie, take her out fishing. Pack a picnic for the two of you and stay out all night. Automatically she will love the new experience and the thoughtfulness you put into the evening.


           Also, be sure never to fail to call your girl up, especially when she least expects it! If you know she is having a hard day at work, unexpectedly call her on her lunch break. Let her vent to you about how her roommate took all the hot water this morning and used the last of the coffee creamer (even though chances are you couldn’t care less). She will love the thought of you caring and fall deeper and deeper into your love spell.
         Along with unexpected phone calls, comes another step in this process. Girls love surprises. It keeps them on their toes. Make sure to kiss her when she least expects it. For example on your first date, do not make a move. Simply drop her off, give her a quick hug, or even a hand shake. The suspense will kill her! You will leave her wondering why you did not try to get “into her pants” like every other “douche bag” she has been with. Your respect as a gentleman will be earned on how patient you are with her when it comes to such matters as self control with kissing and, well, other things.


            Be sure to remember, that patience is the key to your woman’s heart. Be like the hunter, watching his target day after day, inspecting it, but not taking a shot. Exercising a tremendous amount of self-discipline, until one day he strikes and lands himself a nice trophy prize that no one else got to call their own. The patience and self control which you practice will make you seem much more attractive, as well, as charming, qualifying you as the missing piece to her heart.
               Finally, after you have made it crystal clear that you want her, but just cannot have her yet. You increase your game (meaning making yourself a higher demand). It is not really fair for the girl to be playing hard to get all the time, so take a turn at it yourself! Make her realize that she cannot stand to be without you. By this time, she will be so in love with you that she will be the one giving you her everlasting devotion, loyalty and unconditional love. This is exactly what you wanted, right? After which, prove to her one last time that you will always do your best to make her happy, be there for her and make her feel loved.


             Now that all of you brain-dead men out there know the top-secret steps to making a girl fall in love, do you feel like you deserve a slap in the face? See, it wasn’t so hard after all. Now go out and try these tips and tricks for yourself! They will work on any female, I promise. Any normal female, that is!


haa 100%
and here is my newest..

Flesh Wounds

Not everyone is blessed with an hourglass figure, flawless skin, a perfect nose, full lips, or voluptuous breasts. Every year we hear about the millions of men, women, and teenagers that venture out to enhance, minimize, nip, and tuck all sorts of different parts of their bodies. From face lifts and tummy tucks, breast enhancements and liposuction, to laser hair removal and Botox injections, there is a procedure that can just about repair, remove, lift, and smooth every inch of the human body. Societies worldwide have become obsessed with beauty and perfection. Of course, physical imperfections are not considered a detriment to everyone that possesses them. However, for some, they can shape poor self-image and influence low confidence levels. So how does a person weigh the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery and make a balanced decision about beauty and long-term well-being? The pros and cons of cosmetic surgery both have valid arguments and a worldwide audience of men, women, and teenagers, but I assert cosmetic surgery is a terrible option.


To begin, when considering the pros of cosmetic enhancements, there are many benefits to plastic surgery. Clearly, the most obvious benefit is improved appearance. Plastic surgery can reduce signs of aging, thereby enhancing the individual’s natural beauty, leading to a more vibrant, youthful appearance. It can also correct imperfections and defects. Richard B. Aronsohn asserts, “Plastic surgery can repair damage to a person caused by trauma, illness, infection, developmental abnormality or heredity” (23). Since the desirable result of cosmetic surgery is a more attractive appearance, successful surgeries can have a strong positive effect on an individual’s psychological health.


As such, another major benefit of cosmetic surgery is improved self confidence and better body image. Ali Nedeem states, “Being beautiful elevates self esteem and self confidence which makes others feel more comfortable in the presence of others” (12). Appearance and body image go hand-in-hand. As a person makes positive cosmetic changes in her physical appearance, she begins to experience a more positive body image. While a cosmetic surgery patient may have been told in the past that he is handsome and strong, these compliments are now more believable to him after surgery. Feelings of well-being and psychological health are increased.


Furthermore, although many people may have made interior changes to their minds and hearts, they may not feel the same positive changes on the outside of their bodies. Nadeem also states:


Cosmetic surgery can also help bring closure to a past that may not have always been kind to the way you look. Stress, poor dietary choices or smoking may have contributed to you looking older than your years. If you have done the inner work of making lasting lifestyle changes, a bit of cosmetic surgery can help your outside image line up with the new inner you. (115)


In truth, cosmetic surgery provides a way to improve one’s appearance, self confidence, and body image while connecting the inner psyche to the outer body.


Although there are benefits to cosmetic surgery, there are also major disadvantages to cosmetic enhancements. First, cosmetic surgery is an expensive endeavor, not often covered by health insurance, which can present a financial burden for many patients. Kurt Wagner states, “Many single procedures come with price tags well into the thousands of dollars” (67). In truth, many cosmetic surgery patients don’t always go in for just a single procedure. Some find themselves desiring multiple procedures which will easily leave them with a medical bill that far exceeds the average American’s yearly income.


A second disadvantage of plastic surgery is that when a person receives cosmetic enhancements, there is no absolute guarantee that she will receive the results that she truly desires. For example, we all have seen women and men with skin stretched too tight from the all-too-frequent facelift, which creates a distorted unnatural look. As such, the results of the frequent facelifts being worse than not having the cosmetic procedures at all. In addition to this, a person going in with high hopes of looking younger might want to reconsider. The fact that men and women think cosmetic surgery makes them look “younger” and that it slows down the aging process is ridiculous. In truth, Maxwell Maltz asserts that, “Plastic surgery actually speeds up the aging process.”


A third disadvantage of cosmetic enhancements is the required recuperation time after plastic surgery. Granted, depending on the procedure, the pain level and recovery time vary. Kurt Wagner states, “Some surgeries can range from day to day while others can take from weeks to months for complete healing” (45). Surgeons must cut, bend, stretch, chisel, poke, and otherwise forcefully manipulate structures of the body into the desired shape to make a surgery a success. As Maxwell Maltz writes in his book, Adventures in Staying Young, “This war against the body causes stress on the body resulting in pain and discomfort, bruising, swelling, and stiffness” (107).


Furthermore, many procedures have the potential for serious complications that may even be permanent, leading to increased recovery periods and patients taking time away from normal activities following surgery. In truth, for the sake of beauty, this means taking time from school or work and avoiding favorite activities such as sports and spending time with children.


In modern society today, we all strive for perfection. But what exactly is perfection? Some say that flawless skin, rounder behinds, and fuller breasts are the answer. Others seek flatter derrieres, smaller waists, and rounder noses. So what is perfection? In truth, this is why so many people today, make the decision to get plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is ridiculous. Before a person goes in for plastic surgery does he ask himself, “Do I really need cosmetic enhancements?” Some people want surgery for a few wrinkles that are barely noticeable to anyone but themselves. In truth, anyone tempted to reshape her face, body, and mind by means of a knife needs serious help and therapy. Although we all strive to look perfect, we are made the way we are for a reason. It disgusts me to think that people are so lazy that they can’t simply exercise if they want to shed a few pounds. Instead Americans today take shortcuts in life. We believe in the “get quick” schemes that cosmetic procedures offer.


Furthermore, I am astounded at just how many people go into cosmetic surgeries without the guarantee that they will get the “ideal” look they are striving for. So many complications can occur in these procedures and a person could end up looking worse following surgery. In fact, many people ask the wrong questions when they go in for a procedure. They ask their surgeon, “What can be done? What can I hope for?” The real question that should be asked is, realistically, “What will be done?” So many people, who are seeking cosmetic work, believe that just because it is done every day, that there is no risk of damage or no threat of death. People need to make sure that they know the real risks of cosmetic enhancements. Plastic surgeons are not miracle workers, they are humans. They are physicians who have had extensive training in delicate repair of the skin, but no one can break the integrity of normal skin without leaving a mark. I believe that people should have confidence in themselves, despite any “perceived” cosmetic physical imperfections. People should love themselves, for who they are, not for what they look like. People need to remember that the fantasy of their life might be magically transformed by cosmetic surgery, but the fact is, it is nothing more than a quick-fix fantasy.


In conclusion, every year we hear about the millions of men, women, and teenagers that venture out to enhance, minimize, nip, and tuck all sorts of different parts of their bodies. Societies worldwide have become obsessed with beauty and perfection. When considering the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery both have valid arguments. Plastic surgery can positively affect a person’s appearance, self confidence, and body image. However, the disadvantages are that cosmetic enhancements are expensive, have no guarantee as to the final results, can have lengthy recuperation times, and can result in serious complications. In truth, the argument for or against plastic surgery comes down to one simple fact. Cosmetic surgery benefits people in the sense that following surgery they may experience the results they wished to have received, but in the end the risks are too high and the “beauty” is simply artificial.

Fun with Jerica! Haha

WELL.....

I am pretty boring, and nothing really excited has happened.. BUT me and Jerica did have a great girls weekend! Hahah I'm a brat though, and it was kinda all about me (sorry I feel bad Jer) but.. next time will be all about her!! We did my nails, and died my hair... and did my toes... haha dang sounds even worse when you type it out and read it over and over! ha but she did an awesome job.

They look like shattered glass

SEE how cute huh?
We went for the Halloween sprit if you couldn't tell!

I attempted to do her nails, and I must say that doing nails is WAY harder than it looks. No joke hahah i hope she likes the chunky uneven look ;)

We took this Myers-Briggs test in my career class, and I am thinking that Dental Hygeine just is not for me! It says I need to do something like being an executive director or attorney, which sounds cool, but like tons of work! And you can't really have families with those kind of jobs... so I am STILL on the job hunt, with an UNDECLARED major..  awesome.

OHOHOH, I know what I failed to mention.. you see I got this cat.. well to be exact RESCUED the poor thing from my grandmas :( it was on its last limb and I had to save it.  So I took it under my wing, cleaned its nasty eyes, fed it from a dropper and EVERYTHING, it was my baby. I even took the initiative to buy it a coller! I loved him, Chon-Cho.. Ha don't ask Gavin named him. Well anyways I was planning on stashing him away in my dorm (bad idea come to find out you get a 500 dollar fine and kicked out if you have pets like that and they find out) anywho, the poor thing died right before I came home on Monday morning :( Dont fret, me and brae gave him a proper burial.. in her backyard at 5:30 in the morning, pouring rain, it was very sentimental! hahah i was real sad, then I walk in my dorm and... MY FISH WERE DEAD.  Just sitting there in this murky water floating, reeking up the whole place... guess i just cant hack animals? or they hate me! hahah

RIP haa

English 101

Soo... today in english we got our first paper back, it was a rhetorical analysis essay.. the assignment was to find a peice of writing or an advertisment or anything really.. and critizize it.  Basically we had to pick it apart and say what the author was trying to do mine went something like this:

Kourtney Schow


Ricken

English 101

21 September 2010

Loving to Death

Music is a form of art which plays an important part in our everyday lives. Throughout history people have used many forms of music to communicate different types of messages in many different ways. One of the best qualities of music is that it can unite a number of people together that might not come together on a normal basis. It can also have a physically powerful effect on one’s emotions. A profound example of this is, “Love the Way You Lie,” a hit rap song by Eminem featuring Rihanna. “Love the Way You Lie” is a very thought provoking and emotionally driven song that reaches out to a variety of audiences, from teens to adults. The song’s purpose is to address the issue of the abusive and codependent cycle that is present in some relationships, whether the abuse is physical, emotional, or a combination of both. In “Love the Way You Lie,” Eminem informs individuals of the control and power that can negatively engulf a relationship, employing the rhetorical strategies of claim and pathos.

When considering the rhetorical strategy of claim, the final verse of “Love the Way You Lie,” emphasizes Eminem’s message most profoundly. It states:

“Next time I’m pissed I’ll aim my fist at the drywall.

Next time there won’t be no next time.

I apologize even though I know it’s lies.

I’m tired of the games. I just want her back.

I know I’m a liar. If she ever tries to f**kin’ leave again,

I’ma tie her to the bed and set this house on fire.”

The male, Eminem, makes his claim that he does not want to play these games anymore, but he is not controlled enough, or strong enough, to fight his anger. He promises that he will control his temper, but he is simply lying to provide a temporary and unrealistic solace in the abusive cycle that exists in the relationship. Eminem’s statement is very bold when he admits he is a liar. However, he also knows that he can say that he will change, but deep down, he truly will not.

The female, Rihanna, knows this is all a lie, but she loves the man so much that she can’t walk away. In the Chorus of the song she states her claim when she sings the emotionally powerful and disturbing lyrics:

“Just gonna stand there and watch me burn.

Well that’s all right because I like the way it hurts.

Just gonna stand there and hear me cry.

Well that’s all right because I love the way you lie.

I love the way you lie.”

Rihanna’s chorus, which actually begins the song, directly integrates into Eminem’s claim that is stated in the final six lines of the song and quoted above. Eminem raps about starting the house on fire and Rihanna sings of him watching her burn. Rihanna “loves the way he lies” because in his lies, Eminem promises that things will change, that the abusive cycle will stop. However, while offering momentary hope of change, the abuse continues. It is simply the same story, just a different day.

Furthermore, the lyrics that reference “fire” and “burning” are symbolic of the “hell” that the relationship is for both of them. Rihanna likes “the way it hurts” because she is too afraid to stop the abuse and move to a healthier life and relationship.

Additionally, these particular lyrics rapped by Eminem and sung by Rihanna, are what make the song most powerful. They are indicative of the claim and meaning by both the male and female that relationships can be codependent and an abusive struggle. Many people find themselves in the situation of either being the controller (abuser) or the one being controlled (abused). As is depicted in this song, Eminem is the controller, whereas, Rihanna is the one being controlled. The scenario is volatile and the energy is not focused on a mutually healthy love, but abuse and dependant.

The second rhetorical strategy employed in the song, “Love the Way You Lie,” is pathos. Pathos is used by making the audience feel the deep emotions of love, sympathy, and anger. The lyrics of “Love the Way You Lie,” portray a couple that loves one another, although the “love” is unhealthy, controlling, and abusive.

In truth, anyone, who has been in love before, knows how strong the emotion can be and the hold it can have on a person. The lyrics in “Love the Way You Lie,” evoke sympathy for the woman who is abused and anger towards the man who is the abuser. In fact, even though the man has admitted he lies and will keep abusing the woman, the woman believes his lies because she loves him too much and is too dependent on the unhealthy interactions and relationship. The audience sympathizes with the torture of this woman’s plight in a relationship of unhealthy “love” and recognizes the horror of the possibility of watching the woman burn and hearing her cry, at the hands of her abuser.

In addition to the sympathy that one feels for the woman, the audience cannot help but feel anger and disdain for the man that abuses her. In the song, the woman attempts to leave, but the man convinces her into returning by promising that things will be different. The reality is that he apologizes, “even though (he) knows its lies.”

Furthermore, even though the arguments and battles depicted in the lyrics have a feeling of mutuality at times, the reality of the situation is that the abuser is projecting his behavior on the woman that he abuses, trying to justify his abusive actions and reactions. When the abused woman wants to leave, the man will not let her. In truth, Eminem ends his song with the ultimate abusive threat that if the woman tries to leave again, the man will “tie her to the bed and set this house on fire.” This particular statement ultimately depicts to the audience the horror and hopelessness of the abused woman’s situation and evokes anger and disdain for the male who controls her.

In conclusion, music can have a physically powerful effect on one’s emotions. “Love the Way You Lie,” is a profound example of this. Eminem informs individuals of the control and power that can negatively engulf a relationship, employing the rhetorical strategies of claim and pathos. Ultimately, the lyrics convey the difficulty of trying to break the cycle of abuse. While in turn, the depiction of the couple’s unhealthy love evokes sympathy and anger. The truth of the song, “Love the Way You Lie,” is that in some relationships the cycle is simply the horror of loving to death.

--- anyways we got the grade back today and well i got an A+ yupp 100/100
hahah i was so excited :) our next paper is a "how to" paper.. and i did "how to make a girl fall in love" i will post it when its completly finished!

My DO'S && DONT'S

For quite some time I have been thowing these little DO'S and DON'TS onto paper, there just some of lifes little lessons I have learned and now I am deciding to share with you all! Feel free to add more :)

**1. DON'T: regret anything for any reason.  Every choice and action you have ever made in your life has made you into the person you are today
*2. DO: be yourself, if people don't like you for who you are, then that is there problem.
*3.DON'T: look back and wish you did things differently, do things how you want them done now so you can't have the opportunity to say you wish you could go back
**4. DO: know a TRUE friend is someone you can tell anything to-- like if you murdered someone, you can tell them and not have to say "don't tell anyone" because they already know not too..
*5. DO: forgive people.  Do it for yourself so your not an angry person, I have found its much easier to live that way.
6.DO: set a great example.  Never slack off, always show people that you are serious about what you do, thats how you get people to belive in you.
*7. DO: go crazy shopping every once in awhile, its amazing how it can help! Haha
*8.DON'T: let people put you down. When people tell you your idea won't work, be determined to prove them wrong :)
*9.DON'T: ever try to fully understand guys.. its not going to happen BUT...
*10. DO: understand yourself.. make time to do things for yourself, life is about figuring out who YOU are
**11. DO: remember the most important thing ANYONE can give you, specially guys, is RESPECT and LOVE. Let people love you.
*12. DON'T: waste your time trying to mold people into the person you want them to be
*13. DO: what makes you happy, and understand what makes you not
14. DON'T: let your guard down.. by trusting everyone you meet! most people let you down.. and the ones that don't are the ones you want to keep around.
15. DO: make time for yourself
16. DO: let people know how much they mean to you, because you never know when your going to lose that chance
17. DON'T: take advantage of the time you have with your grandparents, I always said I would go visit and go visit.. until I realized it was to late!
18. DON'T: judge others from what you hear, get to know someone for who they TRULY are before you decide how to portray them..
19. DON'T: lose touch with family, afterall they are the ones that are going to be there for you through thick and thin
20. DO: take a little time out of everyday to reflect on your goals and think about your dreams.. which leads to
21. DO: FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS! Big or small, you can do anything that you set your heart out to do, even if it takes alot of work to get there :)
22. DO: pilates!!
23. DON'T: diet.. they never work! Be healthy!
24. DO: beleive in god
25. DO: listen to music, all types!
26. DO: sleep with 8732974297 MILLIOOON pillows :)
27.DO: read, read. && READ! (im reading 13 reasons why right now, WAYYY awesome book)
28. DO: CRAFTS! So much fun :) be creative in everything you do
29. DON'T: care what people think and
30. DON'TDON'TDON'TDON'T:  BE JEALOUS!!
31. DON'T: think that $$MONEY$$ is everything..
32. DO: keep in touch with old friends
33. DON'T: be a texta/shopaHOLIC like me.. hahah
34. DON'T: waste time waiting for people to come to you, go out and TALK to people if you want to get to know them :)
35. DO:DO:DO: BE UNIQUE!!
36. DO: learn from your OWN mistakes, not the mistakes of others..
37.DO: GET AN EDUCATION!
38. DON'T: take life for granted
39. DO: LIFE LIFE TO THE FULLEST, i know you hear people say that all the time and live as if everyday is your last. but its true..


-- I know there are tons I havent thought of.. but I will think of them.. and them to my post someday! xoxoxo

There Is Someone I'd Like You All To Meet..

WELL SO YOU SEE..

I was reading through my blog and one thing I realized I have never come around to mentioning, which is suprising, because its a pretty big part of my life... is well.. my boyfriend ♥Gavin Andrew Smith! Haha I don't even know where to begin with that kid. I guess for starters he truly is an amazing kid, and I owe him the world for everything that he has taught me today. I truly wouldn't be where I am today without him and I am so thankful that God blessed my life with him. Aside from all that though, Gavin is the funniest boy I have ever met. He literally can make me laugh for minutes straight without even stopping. I can hangout with him for hours and there is NEVER one dull moment. He is the biggest spaz I have ever met but I love it♥, I wouldn't change one thing about him! I love his long curly hair haha and his wranglers with the cowboy boots..Gavin is the HARDEST working kid I also have ever met. He works from sun up to sun down and I honestly can say I have never heard him complain once. He is also so good with kids! It blows my mind how much his neices and nephews love and adore him, and thats always a good sign! One of my favorite things about him though is his patience. I honestly don't know what drew him to me in the first place.. but something did and he saw something in me that no one else ever did. I can actually be myself around him and even though my common sense skills are zero  (well thats what he thinks anyways haha) and he gives me crap about it ALL the time, he is my best friend and I love him to death! I know that if I am having a terrible day, I can just call him and everything will be okay. Even though we get into STUPID little arguments, like daily haha and i always have "freak outs" as he would call them we always get through them. I would do ANYTHING for that boy and not a day goes by that I wish my life was at all different!

Everyone asks if its hard being long distance, and the answer is yes. It really sucks actually. The hardest part was going from spending everyday being with him to going like five whole days without even seeing him! We text pretty much 24/7 and we talk on the phone almost every night which is good, and when the weekend finally rolls around there really is no place I would rather be then home hanging out with him. We always have the best of times just driving tractor or even just watching movies! He has an amazing family too. Like it blows my mind how close of a bond they all have with one another and I can only hope that my family is like that someday!  I love being around all of them and even though I am shy, its just because sometimes I speak without thinking sometimes and say the DUMBEST things haha hmm probably the reason why Gavin thinks I have no common sense! Haha but I will warm up to them someday just like I do everyone else :)

I really do love my life as it is now, and I wouldn't change one thing about it! :)

I need a life haha

One day in my career and life planning class the teacher told us we had to do a career that made us happy.  You don't want to go your whole life at a job that you don't wake up everyday excited to do... everyone once knew me as the girl that just wanted to move to LA and start my own fashion business, I was just going to go from Rupert to the big city and make it big... I mean that is a cool dream and all but then I also realized that dreams need to be realistic... my professer said that you have your hobbies and your real work... and that it is good to incorporate both and always have something to fall back on.

****

Well after class that night I hopped into the shower and got to thinking how I could do this.. and then it hit me! Haha literally just like that the ideas just started flowing.. at first I was so excited and I was like Im going to open a boutique in my tiny dorm room and just start selling things.. and then I was like okay Kourt slow down and start small haha so thats when I had the bright idea to go get some beads and start making necklaces and bracelets! So I did, I tried sellin them at school... but college kids are poor and want everything for CHEAP! I came up to Rupert this weekend and went to Minico and was showing the teachers, and the necklaces I was going to sell for $10 to kids at school went for like $22 dollars to adults! I sold alot and made close to $100, I was pretty excited not going to lie!

Its something that is really fun and gives me something to do when I am bored, and I figured hey if I can make money while doing it then more power to me :)

****

Here is some picture of the stuff I still have.. and if your interested let me know :) I make tons of stuff everyday so I always have new stuff!

Me and Jerica made these bows, freakin cute huh?

GO BENGALS!

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WOW I haven't posted a blog in what seems like forever! I have just been soo busy getting situated in school and adapted to living on my own that I haven't even had a split second to write. But don't fret I am writing now and I will catch up on EVERYTHING!!
Lets see...... events that have taken place since my last post..
I'm sure the biggest thing everyones curious about is college! Wooo... yea not as great as people want to say it is! I mean sure its cool being on your own.. and doing whatever you want when you want... I guess! Ha I mean I don't even do much really. I go to school, do my homework, maybe some laundry here and there haha but really thats about it!

*****

Well I can't remember if I mentioned before that my parents MADE me live in the dorms or not.. but well yea they did! And honestly its not as bad as I thought! I got a room all to myself and decorated it as cute as I could.. I really only am here to sleep and do my homework so it wasn't a really big deal.. there are alot of cool girls on my floor, and there from all over the world! Its kind of weird because there are girls from Rupert and Declo here too, but that just goes to show how common of school ISU is.. hahah sometimes I feel like I'm back at minico because I see so many people on a daily basis from high school. But thats fine I mean it is a good transistion into the real world :) the thing that mainly sucks is the whole community bathroom situation.. I mean its just weird but I guess it doesn't really matter cuz I get ready in my room and the only thing I do is shower and go pee in there ha it was not fun times at first cuz you have to figure out which showers are gonna be warm and which ones are cold.. but I got it all figured out now :)

Here is some pictures of my DORM ha ha:

It looks even cooler in person!

Couldn't really decide where to put everything, so I put it all up there for now, that tree is really cool in person too.. but sometimes at night everything falls off the wall and I wake up to a huge BANG! Scares the crap outta  me haha

My laundry hamper :) its sooo helpful and makes laundry that much easier which is always nice!

Yea I know right. this is the ONLY closet they gave me..i asked for another and they said no way so i was like really where am I gonna put ALL the rest of my clothes soooo.....

I had to shove them under the bed!! hahahah

Oh ya know just threw some bags on the wall cuz I hate white its boring.. funny story they told us we couldnt use pins or nails or basically put anything on the walls.. ha didn care :)

The crown on the left was my moms from miss mini cassia :) ha and the one i wore to prom

Right next to my bed, I just love this quote

and my night light because I am to lazy to get outta bed to turn the light on in the night

Heres my itty bitty bed haha

and this is where i get ready... sorry its really messy and didnt feel like cleaning for the picture ha

My cute little pink chair

My photoboard Caitlyn made me before I moved :)

and well this mess... is my fridge and microwave and tv etc... ha i needa go get some groceries its lookin kinda bare.. oh and messy of course!

*****

I have since decided that I want to become a dental hygeniest! Hahah told you I would change my mind of course, but I feel like this is a good feild for me. Its a two year program plus two years generals, but I finally got my transcripts transfered from when I did dual credit in high school.. and I only have like one year of generals Im thinkin so then I can apply to te dental hygene school :) School isnt that hard to be honest.. like i realy feel like i am in high school except sometimes i look over and there is like a 50 year old person sitting there! Ha all my classes are really small like at most MAYBE 50 people.. the walking situation SUCKS i feel like i walk 4 miles just to get to freakin class!
My schedules easy tho haha it goes like this:
Monday: 8-8:50 Math 1108 & 9-9:50 Pilates (WAY fun class everyone should try it! kills your abs tho ha) & 10-10:50 Career and Life Planning
Tuesday: 10-10:50 ACAD & 1-2:15 English 1101 & 2:30-3:45 Survey of Art
Wednesay: 9-9:50 Pilates
Thursday: Same as Tuesday
FRIDAY: NO SCHOOL:)
its not too tough at all hahah its really nice actually! my math at the beginning of the year was IMPOSSIBLE like literally it was chinese to me the professor was a total JERK and didnt help at all, i left everyday lik seriously wanting to cry, i finally traded out of there into the math needed for my major and complete 2 weeks of work in 2 days! It was way easiar, i also took my first tests in math and art and got a 94% and a 97.75% i was way impressed :)

*****

The main thing I have learned since I moved out is how many people really will kill to see you fall.  Ever since I made the decision to stop partying and stop doing all the stuff my life consisted of for quite some time.. I have gotten more negative feedback than positive.. its really shocking to me how many people can try to bring you down, even when you thought they were the closest people to you.  People tell me how much I have changed, but usually they aren't saying it in a nice happy way.  They are more saying it like they don't like me now and I just think I am so much better than everyone which kills me.  Its not the fact of thinking I am better than ANYONE its more me thinking there better than the choices there making. Growing up this is how I was raised and when I was thrown off track that was the most unappy times in my life..  It tears me up that I have lost friendships because I don't want to do things that I used to but I have come to realize the people that don't want to support me, aren't my true friends anyways! I have the people in my life that I need and thats all I am worried about.  It makes me sad to also think even sometimes I feel some of my own family doesn't support me.. but thats there problem and I am going to continue to make wise choices with my own life, and they can live theres :) I have never been happier with my life and I finally feel like someone that people can look up to! I feel like my life is finally stable and on the right track, and thats the best feeling EVER!

Thank you so much to everyone that is there having my back, you know who you all are, and I LOVE YOU!! :) ♥

I promise to try to keep updated.. haha if you guys promise to keep reading

The Great Outdoors!

TENTIN IT!

This past weekend Jake had a baseball tournament in Montpeiler. It was his last one of the year and my parents BEGGED me to go, so I decided I would.  I know what your thinking, Kourtney Schow... camping, sleeping in a tent, going DAYS without getting ready... at least thats what my friend Robyn said. "Uhh.. I can't even really like picture you doing that.. its not you, so why are you going?" Hahaha. Well I might seem to be pretty high matience but when it comes down to it I really am not! I love that sort of thing and I am so glad I went.  It was so much fun.  Aside from the whole having to sleep in a tent, in a sleeping bag on the floor situation, to all the bugs and campsight kreepers, we had alot and I mean ALOT of good laughs and those are the moments which made it all worth it in the end!

It all started Thursday morning at 5:30 AM. We left my house and headed up to Montpeiler because Jakes first game was at 9, but he had to be there at 8... so the WHOLE family got to be there at 8.. I literally rolled out of bed and into the truck and slept the whole way there.  When we got there we dropped Jake off and went to look for our campsight.  We finally found it and when we pulled in the camp owners were all just chillin at a picnic table, smokin cigarettes and drinkin coffee.. I thought to myself great, this is a really classy place! Hahaa.  My dad went into the office and was in there foooorrrEVER.. finally he came out and said, "We can't check in til after 1" we went to check out our little area anyways and it was nice, there was no one even in there so I am not sure WHY we had to wait, but those camp owners were jerks anyways... and literally everytime we saw them they were smoking and drinking coffee, it was ridiculous! The whole campsight was PACKED and I mean packed, and might I add not with old, retired people just enjoying life, NO it was little kids, little boys to say the least. Hahah Angie wouldn't even let me go to the pool because.. well little boys.. will be boys! hahaah

We went to Jakes first game and they won! It was soo freaking hott I thought I was going to die.  I hadn't had the chance to change out of my sweats since the drive up, so I was sweatin bullets.

Next we decided to go back and see if we could put our stuff in our sight because we didnt want all of our food to go rotten, or the ice to melt in the coolers.

The people let us, so then the real fun began... putting up the tent!

Hahahah, let me just say that we barely bought this tent and havent set it up ONCE, so it was all new to us... my dad, Angie and I, all are VERY stubborn and think we know everything, and we each had a different idea on how we should set it up... once we came to an agreement the tent looked great and it really was fun!  It was really big, it had like two seperate rooms one for Jake and I and one for my dad and Angie. 

Dad and Angie brought it upon themselves to buy a double size air mattress, for some added luxory comfort. And they let me and Jake... sleep on the floor! Hahah our sleeping bags are really comfy though so it wasn't even bad, I didn't get cold once. I actually would wake up in the middle of the night sweating.. haha it was gross.  My dad got really into cooking while we were there and he cooked us steak one night.  Angie brought along some salads and tons of goodies and of course other families staying there did dutch oven... haha thats usually where I was cause I dont really like steak, but it was cute how my dad put in an effort :) 

The next morning we had pancakes, they were awesome.. and the bugs enjoyed them too.. haha.

hahah i kept it fashionable in the dirt dont even worry :)

We had more games, and they were hot hot HOTTTT, in between games we sat and hungout with the Winmills and little Gracie wouldn't leave my side! Haa she wanted her hair like mine she wanted to wear matching clothes she wanted to go EVERY WHERE I went haha it was cute. After awhile we got bored and then went and explored the town.  We found this little coffee shop that had the grossest coffees EVER, we went to Kings (it was like the only store like that they had, they didn't even have a walmart! haha) we went to a little thrift store and to a hunting shop for my dad.  We had fun, but Jake was a little bored.. hahaha

One of the days we went to the ice caves, the time it took to get there should have been 20 minutes.  But of course my dad made one stupid wrong turn and it ended up taking us 2 hours! That was probably the most fun of it all though, we laughed so hard and had so much fun that we couldn't really even bother to be mad at him! Aside from the fact we thought we were going to end up being like one of those families in a scary movie, with weirdos shooting arrows at our tires and eating us for dinner hahah

The ice caves were really cool.  It was freezing, but due to the hot weather the coldness felt good :) we crawled on in there with my dad leading us, with his flashlight and it was soo awesome what we saw.

Its so crazy to think that with how hott it is outside, there can still be snow and ice and stuff.

Later that day we went to Bear Lake! Jake and I had fun playin in the sand and running around in the river.  There was SOO many people there it was ridiculous. Even at like 7 at night it was still way hott and the water was soo warm, warmer then the snake river even I feel.

We didn't really think to bring any sand castle tools or anything, so I made due with what I had.... my hands haha and made an island with my house on the top.. Jake made some kind of pool or something and once he saw mine...

Thats all that was left of it hahaa

We looked for seashells and told Jake he could only take ten, of course he didn't listen and wound up taking half the beach I swear tracking all the sand he possibly could into the truck! I think he was getting a little sick of me taking pictures of him too haha

We had a really good time at the beach and I love my family! Even though only four of us went, we still had the best time ever :)

Every night we did the traditional campfires or course! Roasting smores and making memories... that was really when the bonding was.. we would tell ghost storied trying to scare Jake and we would play camp fire games! It was fun... so much fun usually everyone from the other sights would come and join us.. well little kids anyways, but I didn't mind. It was fun having all the little ones around us, trying to not start fire to the trees, or themselves! Haha it was like one huge day care.

Finally Sunday came and we packed up all our stuff, the WORST part... trying to fit everything back into the little bags they came in was terrible, but we managed to do it, with alot of bickering and fighting of course haha I am so glad I went and it was a nice little get away!

Now I just have to get ready for school, and get ready to move in about a month.. scary and its going to all happen soo fast!!