Thursday, June 26, 2008

27 Moments

I recently turned 27 and was thinking about the last 27 years, and thought I should document the top 27 most defining moments of my life so far....
(In no particular order of importance)
#1. Being born, I still remember coming through the birth canal, and how traumatic it was. Not really, but since it is why I am here on this earth I think it counts as a significant event.
#2. Getting my 6th toe cut off. I remember being scared, and I remember bringing my doll with me and we both got casts.
#3. Being Baptized. I can't say I remember the day perfectly, but I do remember it.
#4. Moving to Canyon Cove, and starting a new school, and wanting to play soccer at recess, and 2 girls pulled my hair the first day and said I couldn't play that it was only them and the boys who were allowed to play.
#5. Going to camp that summer and becoming best friends with the girl who pulled my hair, and was now allowed to play soccer the next year. *Lesson learned: people are not always what they seem. (P.S. I was only in 4th grade and the camp was co-ed. Does that still fly these days, or am I just a prude now that I have kids?)
#6. Which brings me to my first "boyfriend" whom I met at camp, and he asked me out. He gave me a yellow walkman, and I pecked him on the cheek at the 7-11 after dodging his kiss and making him feel dumb in front of all his friends. And that was about it (I am pretty sure we stopped talking after he asked me to be his girlfriend because I was too embarrassed)
#7. Standing in line for foursquare and a girl said something really rude, and I took it out on her when we started playing, and then got in trouble because I knocked the wind out of her with the ball (who knew foursquare was so dangerous?)
#8. I would have to say my parents divorce with no disrespect to them, but it was definitely a defining moment in my life. My siblings and I really became close and took care of each other and grew up a lot through this.
#9. Jr. High as a whole would definitely be a big moment. Realizing that you need to make choices and they might not be choices that make you popular, and at that time it seems like the end of the world.
#10. Running for class office in 7th grade and losing to Chad....(he gave out sugar daddies, I couldn't compete)jk But seriously can't believe I still remember that. It obviously bugged me, and gave me a reason to not feel as bad.
#11. (Not one I am proud of, but nonetheless defining) Met a group of girls that I had never laughed so hard in my life with. We hung out all the time, and were truly best friends. We really didn't gossip about each other, but we decided being thieves was a good rush (don't worry we all got caught eventually and paid our penance) Lesson learned: You can't get something for nothing, and my Dad made it very clear that stealing was the lowest of the low, and that I was actually taking food off of other families tables for a little thrill, and stuff I didn't want enough to buy.
#12. Getting asked to "Promotion" and then ditched that night, and went to dinner with my friends who hadn't been asked, and realizing they were happy I was ditched. Lesson learned: Friends sometimes want to see other friends suffer.
Lesson learned for the boy who ditched me: Don't ditch Whittney or she will make you regret it with the worst toilet papering ever (and perhaps it wasn't just toilet paper)
#13. Sophomore year.
#14. Driver's Ed...I am not sure why Katelyn and I passed, we really kind of sucked.
#15. My first real boyfriend, kiss, rumors, and heart break. (or so you thought when you were that age)
#16. Getting a wristband for the U2 concert, and didn't know who they were when I got it, and miraculously got a lot of friends who called a lot.
#17. My first real job: Sierra West Jewelers. Lesson learned: When they think you won't be good if you work harder you can convince them. My manager Trudy thought I was too young, and couldn't believe they hired me. So I had to work extra hard and eventually won her over. (Funny side note one of the owners one night saw me putting stuff away like we did every night, and wasn't too sure about me and asked like 4 people to come and make sure I wasn't stealing
and every single one of them laughed and told me why they were there. I guess he didn't know I had already learned my lesson like 5 defining moments ago)
#18. Turning 16 and meeting Jason like 3 months later.
#19. First date with Jason...Dinner in Park City, Bowling, and talking all night. Couldn't stop looking at him, and was instantly smitten.
#20. Sconecutter Sr. Year....: Let me tell you why this is always something I will remember. I had broken up with Jason to "date", but I didn't really date anyone and was depressed. One night me and some friends went to Sconecutter, and Jason was there with a friend and another group of girls I used to hang out with. Their was one girl hanging on him, and I wasn't jealous because he was looking at me the whole night. When we left my friend Katelyn said: "I know you will marry him." I remember thinking I know it too.
#20. Graduation Day....Couldn't wait to graduate, had big plans, and thought being an adult sounded fun....
#21. Engagement/Wedding....Talk about a life changer. Thought I was old enough to
get married, and said yes. I believe, looking back that is the last date we went on which is significant in itself. (jk)
#22. Honeymoon, and not for the reason you think sicko's. It was the first time I realized that this is the man I chose to spend forever with, and found out he was really quite funny and made me laugh which turned out to be a bonus. (he was pretty serious when we dated)
#23. Pregnancy, is significant not only because something is growing in you, but suddenly you rethink and doubt any decision you have ever made, and hope beyond anything you can help this little person become better, and stronger than you are. (which is hard when you are as great as me, where do you go from here?jk) Not to mention all the sudden I grew an organ that made me worry about things I never thought twice about before having kids.
#24. Olivia: What a life change. What a sweet spirit that was brought into my life. I never knew I could love a child more than I already had. I love her, and still learn from her everyday. She has taught me to enjoy the small things in life, and she truly is grateful for everything she gets, and treasures any time we spend with her. (that is when I am not napping)
#25. Abigail: Another big moment and life change. One is a lot, but two that is a whole new world. I think the big man thought it would be a riot to give me Olivia first, and then throw the firecracker at me just when I thought Olivia was the way she was because of our parenting. Abi has a mind of her own since she was in the womb. I couldn't have asked for a more devoted sidekick. She always wants me, but still will go to others. Lately she talks a lot, and is so much fun. She truly is someone who makes me smile.
#26. Quitting my job to be an at home mom. When I go other places I don't have to be one just at home. What a year. I have never felt more fulfilled, frustrated, happy, content, maid like, satisfied, sad, depressed, and yet extremely lucky. I know it may sound like I am bipolar, and I might be. That could explain a lot, but I can honestly say I have felt all of these things, and yet still know I want to watch my kids grow up, and I want to be home for them, and am trying to cast spells on them that make them grow up a little slower. I know I can't have these years back, and hope I remember to be where today is, and not look for tomorrow.
#27. Turning 27, and looking back thinking what did I do the last 27 years? Finally getting comfortable in my own skin, and knowing who I am, and who these last 27 years made me. Looking forward to hopefully at least another 27, and hoping I will be a better/semi-smarter person than I am today. If you took the time to read all 27 thank you, but you probably need a life. jk...Love ya all Whittney

17 comments:

Sarah E said...

Maybe I do need a life, but I read the whole thing and I really liked it. Brought a little tear to my eye. It got me to start reflecting on my own life and all the lessons I've learned. There were some crazy times. Oh and did you really have 6 toes? How did I not know that?

Anna said...

Um, I love your posts. Can you do it more often?

Happy birthday. Sorry I couldn't be there to make you some really good treats.

Sarah E said...

We're moving to North Salt Lake to be closer to Ryan's work. It's going to be crazy since I've actually never lived more than 10 miles away from my parents and now we're going to be in a whole different county! Hopefully our home will be finished in 2 weeks when it's time to move. :)

LB said...

I can't believe you didn't include your long drive with your buddy and 6 insane young women who like to listen to songs with bad words ;). Seriously Whit - I think you're amazing and I feel lucky to live in the same alley with you. Thanks for picking up the pizza today...

Wade Hunt said...

This was a brilliant post. I loved every word of it, laughed a little, teared up a little. I may need a life...

Who was the boy you kissed in 4th grade?? I'm trying to remember. I do remember your hair being hella-long and secretly very envious. Maybe the girl that pulled your hair was jealous too.

I don't know what you're talking about in reference to drivers ed, I remember being a fantastic parallel parker, it was you who sucked.

I can barely recall that night at Sconecutter (just the reference made my mouth water for a mint/oreo yogurt shake by the way), anyway I'm glad I was right for once, especially when it came to Jason.

You inspired me to do some self reflection of my own.

I miss you

chandra said...

I wouldn't call getting to know a friend a little better through her personal blog reflection needing a life! I would however say not ever hanging out with her and laughing as much as I know we would, not having a life!

No really Whittney thanks for this post. It made me do a little reflection of my own 28 years! I really do wish we had hung out more seeing what your 27 years was like was a flash back. We have more in common then I think we both know!

Hope you, Jason and the girls are doing well.
Love ya - Chandra

{Lola} Boards said...

Great post...I still can't believe your freaking 27! You're really getting up there oldie. And I do need a life so if you could help me find one that would be great! Happy birthday!

Dad Despain said...

I will have to leave a comment later since I can't even see now through this sudden moisture in my eyes.... you are an amazingly good writer Whit. I even have a life now and I read and re-read each and every word. I most certainly love you and Happy Birthday!!!! Yup, a gift is still forthcoming as soon as I can go steal one. Ha ha!

Alicia said...

Hey Whitt, I agree with all the comments so far. I just can't stop crying. I read every single word and loved knowing more about you and your past. You are a great writer and have unbelieveable recall. My prayers were answered when you married Jason. You make a beautiful couple. You have been a great asset to his life and to our family. Thanks for sharing your 27 moments with me and all the other great people who make up your life. I love your husband, your sweet kids and you!

Charmaine Anderson said...

Hi Whitney, Alicia told me I needed to read this and I am glad I did. Let see if I wrote one of these it might take a few days to read the 62 defining moments. Kudos to you for choosing to stay at home with your kiddies. There is plenty of time for all that other stuff--and the time with the kids is so short. I know you don't believe it but you will learn. Motherhood is indeed a bipolar pressure cooker. The Spirit is the only thing that can keep you sane in all the stress. It teaches you perspective.

Megan said...

Your spirit and perspecitve amaze me. You are one of the unsung heros of my life. Thanks for who you are.

Kelli Despain said...

i love that I just got to learn a little bit more about you. I always tell Jared how amazing you are and how I wish I could be a super mom like you. Happy birthday, what you really should do is come to Vegas to celebrate.

Anonymous said...

Whittney,
I can only say I hope you know how very much I love you. I definitely miss not having my kids around every day, when they were young. Good times...crazy with a house full of 5 bouncin' off the wall kids, but fun! I told you before, and I'll say it again, thank you for being who you are, and I love every part of you. love mom

Tammi said...

I'd say you've accomplished quite a bit and learned some good lessons (I mean, you could be in PRISON right now, the way you WERE headed)...i loved hearing about when Jason couldn't stop looking at you when you guys were "broken up" and how you KNEW! You inspired me, Whitt...I want to try to make my blog more of a journal for my kids and family...might have to copy you. Love ya and miss you guys--your kids crack me up!

Windy said...

Hehe Whitney and Jason, I found your blog. (blast from the past) I don't know how but I found it. I think off of Gibby's Page. Your little family is so cute. Whitney I loved reading through this 27 moments. You are such a cute girl. I remember just having so much fun when I would hang out with you! Good to see you both are doing great!!

Parker said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Parker said...

I dont come around this place much, but its dark in here... And im afraid of the dark.

ANY WHO...

Seriously hilarious post. I read the whole thing (dont have a life) and laughed a lot. I truly understand your #8... And it means a lot to me. Most of my friends always wonder why I spend so much time with my family, and I know exactly why. Because I have fantastic brothers and sisters. Im glad to be related to you. Heres to the next 27 years of your life!