Arizona Lovin.

We spent the week in Arizona and had a blast in the hot sun.

Wondering when we can go back!

MY Graduation! Say WHAT?!

“All our dreams can come true...if we have the courage to pursue them.”

- Walt Disney

Exactly a week ago, I met a goal, which was to graduate from college. 

 I took FIVE terms off to go to beauty school and to think about what I REALLY wanted to major in. I debated over majors my entire freshmen year at BYU, came home for summer break and still didn't have a clue of what I wanted to do with my life. My mom suggested beauty school, something that never crossed my mind.  The more I thought about it the better it sounded. I am glad I went, but the entire time I wondered about THAT GOAL. 

After each term passed I would tell myself, well there goes another term gosh dang it!

For those who are confused about my college years, so am I. 

The timeline goes as follows: 

Moved to Provo in the Fall '07,

 came home for summer,

 moved to Logan for beauty school August '08, 

transfered to Eugene beauty school in March '09 and then graduated aka 

got licensed in aesthetics and hair design in June '09,

 tried out the whole booth renting thing until March '10, 

transferred BYU credits to University of Oregon to start spring term '10, 

meanwhile I was working out my own studio doing hair, 

finally knew what I wanted to major in so I applied to my PR program '11, 

graduated with a Bachelor in Science in Journalism and Communication,

 Public Relations major, multi-media emphasis '12.

DID YOU GET ALL THAT? 

 So happy we both ended up at the same school and FINISHED

 after all the transfers and moves along the way. 

 Can you tell we are jumping?

 Got through college without having to take a math class, thank goodness for receiving college credit in high school! Highly recommend it for all high schoolers, 

get as MANY credits as you can in HS for FREE! 

 Jumping for JOY!

 Off for some brunch after the Duck Walk at our fav place OPH.

 I wanted to get more creative with the hats, but ran out of time. 

 THOUSANDS of dollars later...

 Hilar group photo by Joe!

 Thanks parents for supporting me!!! 

AND they got there earlier than me.

It was shocking that they weren't only on-time BUT EARLY!!

Can you say somebody was excited and anxious for this day?! 

 THANKS Mardy for representing the Schumacher side! :) and editing all my english papers!

 It rained, SHOCKER! It was sunny and then showers off and on. 

 Olivia and I graduated in the same program! 

We have been in school together from Crest Drive to Jefferson to Churchill to U of O, 

basically we have been going to school together our whole lives. 

 Thanks to my multi-talented friend for doing my make-up and telling me to go with classic JCrew attire

That evening we got on a plane and flew south, more on that later.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition… Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” – Steve Jobs, Stanford University, 2005

Raised By Captain.

Happy Father's Day DAD!!! 

I had to do a post dedicated to my dad. 

My dad is a Naval Academy alumni, he tells us stories of his years in the Annapolis. He shares his experiences in the Navy.  He has done some intense stuff, maybe that's why he is so INTENSE. He was nothing but a pusher growing-up. He pushed me when I didn't want to pushed, those who know him know what I am talking about. 

 My mom and dad met in Japan when he was stationed there and she was visiting her family on her term off from BYU because her dad was stationed there too. 

 My dad has an office in our house, growing-up this is where dad worked. We would bring him lunch and we would wave to him when walking up the hill from school. We would get him mail when the postman came up the street. We would get in trouble if we used his special pen and did't put it back (he still does this). He likes his office organized and no one is allowed to touch things.  

 My dad was my couch growing-up too! He couched all of my siblings teams. He called me ICE BOX because I was a little to aggressive for an 8 year old. I always wanted to impress my dad when it came to sports, I would come to my brother's practices and play with the boys.

 I was a tom boy what can I say.   

 My dad took us on trips...a lot when he was doing the Navy reserves (now he is a retired Captain).  He took us to Annapolis, D.C. NYC, Hawaii (5 times), the entire state of California, Mexico and Canada. He loves to travel and an adventure. He has traveled everywhere. The only time he is okay with me spending money is if I am going on a trip. He took us out of school to go on trips with him and said we would get more education than in the classroom and he was totally right! 

 How great did I look in the 7th grade... hot I know. This is us at Chick&Ruth's in Annapolis (his fav place when he was a midshipman). 

He would go to work while Ashley and I went around the city. It was one of my favorite trips!

He took us to NYC on his weekend off, it was only for one night, but it was so worth it and it was SO something my dad would do...last minute trip taking advantage of being on the east coast. We did so much in just 48 hours. He knew where to go almost like he had lived there before. 

He is amazing at directions.  

If your with my dad you don't have to worry about a thing because he takes you to all the places you need to see. He has defiantly taught me to chose the adventure and cheap traveling is possible.

My dad is little intimating sometimes. In fact at times you feel like you are being investigated BUT that's just my dad. I have learned why he repeats himself and asks a billion questions. I have started to ask a billion questions too because of him. He always told me to never take just one persons opinion or answer to your question. He likes having a plan and sticking to that plan, if you venture from that he gets confused (like when I took at year off of college to go to beauty school--homeboy was NOT happy). I am a planner too, I was taught to finish what you started. I can honestly say that if it wasn't for him I don't know if I would have returned to school. He pushed me and wanted me to finish!  I am graduating tomorrow thanks to my crazy, intense, inspring dad. Happy Father's Day pops! Thanks for all the memories you have given me that no money can buy! Thank you for teaching me and guiding me even when I didn't want to be taught. Thank you for helping me pay for half of my degree even though it was a HUGE sacrifice and thank you for paying for my beauty school even though you didn't agree with it.  Thank you for loving your family and wanting us to be eternal. Thank you for worrying about us. Thank you for making the effort of making us close and showing us the importance of going to every family event. Even though it's hard to communicate with you at times I hope you know how thankful I am for you. 

Love you, 

your bug doll

I've Never Been.

I have never been to Phoenix, so we are going on Monday. I keep telling Andrew I am REALLY excited BECAUSE I have NEVER been and I am pretty sure he is starting to get board of me say so.  People continue to tell me that it's SO HOT there...that's the first thing that they say actually. At some point I will have to start with I am going to Arizona despite the fact that it is really hot. Is't weird that I am kinda looking forward to experiencing this mysterious unbearable heat that I have never felt before. 

Things I am looking forward to while on this one week vacation:

Arizona sunset

Sprinkles ICE CREAM

No school

There are a few more things, but I won't bother you with all the details. 

While there I will be on the hunt for the perfect turquoise ring, or jewelry for that matter.

Can't wait for another adventure with my best traveling buddy.  

P.S. Please tell us your favorite things to do in the Grand Canyon state. 

We would love some suggestions. 

The Next Step.

I finished my last "full" term of college. The last term in the J-school (that's what us UO students call it) is all about "real world" experience. Let me tell you I HAD that real world experience people tell you about it. I have yet to experience the completely REAL experience also known as a career. Everyone that has been to college knows the feelings of graduation soon approaching and then the sudden terrifying feeling that overcomes you. I am excited to finish my degree, but terrified of the realization that I NEED a full-time JOB! Maybe not necessarily the job, but a plan to get me THAT job, you know the kind of job I am talking about...the only you have spent THOUSANDS of dollars on, the one that you have studied and stressed for, the one you offered to work for free for, the one you went to college for.  I had my portfolio review, it went well, really well in fact. I put on the power stuit and my Ralph Lauren black heels and headed for Portland. 

I met with a panel of public relation practitioners and opened up my work from my college career in hopes that they would approve. 

They gave me great feedback and cards to contact them about jobs.

 I should be relieved to be done, but now I feel the opposite. 

I am currently on this hunting quest to sell myself to someone, anyone, anywhere. 

So all you readers out there, whoever you may be, let me know of any contacts, jobs, or advise 

you can kindly give me. 

The High School Grad.

Friday was the day Joe said bu bye to HIGH SCHOOL! The graduation ceremony was packed with musical numbers, thanks to dad calling the principal saying that Joe&Sarah's choir group HAD to sing another song. Very talented group, I must say. 

 Tried to get a shot walking up to graduation, however, the iPhone isn't the best for action pics. 

 Sarah and Joe singing together in HS for the last time. 

 Penny loving life. 

 He is all done, now onto college...U of O get ready for him!

I haven't been to a high school gradation since my own, which was 5 years ago. 

I forgot how young I was, but thought I was so old?

My hair was so long! I wonder if my hair will ever be that long again.

 Senior pictures are just hilar, at the time you think you look mature, but really your just a kid. 

Happy graduation Joe!
Good luck as a DUCK!
Always remember:
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.”
- Dr. Seuss