Wowsers!

I can't believe it has been a long time since my last post.

Just a quick update...

I am finishing up my 3rd year in school, come January I will be in my Senior year (college) and I am way excited. I have kept my grades up As and Bs and have been on the Honor Roll, Dean's List and President's List since the beginning (minus 1 quarter). I have perfect attendance and that is a miracle in itself.

I quit my job at Bed Bath & Beyond for reasons Nov. 2013 and I have been looking for a job ever since. I found one on campus, started last week, that will work around my class schedule and won't schedule me more than 20 hours, it's perfect for me.

Now that Halloween is over, I am excited for the holidays coming up. My birthday (in a week), Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve and the New Year! It's the fall/winter holidays that I really love, it's those holidays where I get to spend with family and enjoy the nieces and nephews that live nearby.

I am hoping that I can remember to post more often for those who follow me (who ever you are).

Have a great week

December 20, 2012

The closer it gets to Christmas the more I think about my friends. I am blessed to have the friends that I have had, have now or will have later in life.

I feel I should tell you about my friend Mark. I met Mark in 2006 at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. We both had the same ceramics class together. We are like night and day, he is super artistic and I am, well, I manage. :) We have been friends ever since.. I don't know what I would be like if he wasn't there for me in the time that I needed to talk to someone (other than family). When my dad died, my boyfriend at the time was out of the country and couldn't be reached for whatever reason. I had Mark to help me through one of the toughest times of my life. Since then, I have leaned on him for advice and he has leaned on me for advice about nothing and everything. When I need to talk, I know that I can always talk to him.

I have another friend that I absolutely adore. Her name is Laureen and she too, I met while I lived in Utah. Laureen is one of the brightest and loving people I have ever met.  I don't know if she even has a mean part  in her body, I just adore that about her. I live on the east coast as she lives in the west, social networking sure helps us keep in touch with each other. This last summer, I got to spend some time with my friend. I got to meet her boyfriend Tony. He is truly a nice gentleman and it was really good to see Laureen so happy.

I do really love my friends. These are just two of the most wonderful friends that I have in my life. I try to make friends wherever I go, but lately, it has been a little hard. School seems to be the main thing in my life right now and right now, I am ok with that. I have set some high goals for myself and so far I have made them. I continue on my education and I am going to make sure that I GRADUATE! I will succeed with the help some the wonderful and encouraging friends that I have. I don't know if they will read this but I do want them to know that I love them for who they are and I am blessed to have them in my life.

I love you, I truly do.

October 29, 2012

http://www.vision-palace.com/leon_ransom_slideshow.html

This is a link of a slide show my brother Andy made of my dad. It is getting near the one year anniversary of his passing and I think of my daddy all the time.

I miss him so much!

September 14, 2012

I guess it is about time I update my blog.

I can't believe that it has been almost a year that my dad passed. I am taking it one day at a time and I do think of him often. Some days are better than others.

I have enrolled in school at the Art Institute of Atlanta and just finished my first quarter with a 3.5 GPA. I do hope to keep up my GPA and make it to the Dean's List. I love my new school but there are a few things that bother me but.. those are things that I can't help. The way people dress (they dress like they just came off the street working) and the fact that I am older than most. I am alright with that for now and know that I am just more mature than they are to what needs to be done for my goals.

I am still working with a company I love but I am looking for something that is in my field of study. I have been looking for something in fashion & retail management, I found a few places but because my classes this next quarter are at night, I haven't applied for them because they are night shifts.

I have talked to my advisor about internships and if I am able to do an international internship. She wasn't sure and will let me know when the time comes. I am only in my first year and internships are in the 4th year. I like to keep my options open and see where I can and can't go. My thoughts were to do my internship in Italy for a long time but now I am thinking France or Belgium. I do have a few reasons for this, but I have been looking at scholarships and internship money and a lot of them are in Belgium.

I guess it would be nice to actually be near my boyfriend since he did move to Belgium last month for a job. I am happy he has a job he likes but I am sad it isn't here in the States. I am proud of him anyways.

That is about it for now. Besides missing my friends in Utah and Texas, I am just working and going to school and living. That is all I can do.

June 7, 2012

For the few people who actually do read my blog, lots of things have been happening since my last post. Since the passing of my dad and the depression I was in, I am focusing on me. I try to keep busy and not think too much.

I moved to Atlanta Georgia in March to help my mom with a few things and at first, I wasn't excited. It's too hot, I have no friends and at the time, I didn't have a job. Now, I have a job I like and the people are great! It is still hot and humid but I can deal with that since I did grow up in Texas. No friends, I still don't have friends I hang out with but as my friend Mark tells me "you are a people person and can make friends wherever you go", it encourages me to think positive. I am glad I have the friends that I have to help me through a "tough" time.

I am determined to get back into school and find a job and when I moved here, that is what I did. I went to the Art Institute of Atlanta and applied to different jobs. I got into school before I had a job, which is good and bad. I am glad to get into school but was freaking out cause I don't have money to go. Well knowing that I have loved working for Bed Bath & Beyond and applied and got the job. There are so many positive things about everything. School and work are across the street from each other and I could just park my car at work and walk to school. I am excited that school starts next month and I can't wait to get my dreams started.

Chris and I are still dating. It has been a little stressful at times but I don't any relationship that isn't. He still lives in Louisiana and I am now in Georgia. It is hard not to see him whenever I want but if we can't do this now being away from each other, we won't make it if we are together all the time. This way, when we do get to see each other, it will be well worth it. We have been together 9 months and although I have seen him twice, I look forward to see him at the end of the month. I can't wait, his birthday is in two weeks and I will see him in three.. :) It may be hard to believe but I do love Christopher!

February 23, 2012

I am not a very good blogger as you can tell.. Lots of things have been going on and it has taken over my life...It's called stress.... We all deal with it, more than others.

Lots of things have been going on since the passing my my father, my daddy. I was in a deep depression and didn't want to go out anywhere or hang out with anyone. If you know me, that is totally opposite of who I am. But since losing my dad to cancer, things have become a little clearer to me.

1. Family is everything! Without my family, I don't know where I would be.

Because of right now and what has been going on, I have decided and it feels right, even though I don't want it to, I am moving to Sandy Springs, Georgia come March. I will be living with my mom for a few months and hope to attend the Art Institute of Atlanta.

I have a goal to go to school, get a degree and do what I have dreamed about doing for a few years now. Owning my own business. Can't tell you what it is right now, afraid someone will take my idea..

2. It doesn't matter what people say, they just like to hear themselves talk.

I have a friend that I sit with at church who has helped me through my struggles with my dad passing, he has been there as a friend and a shoulder to lean on. We have fun times together and probably not knowing it, he has helped me to be me again. I am laughing and smiling and being me. If people want to talk about how I am dating this friend and have a long distant relationship with someone else, I would say let them. I am not dating my friend and I am in a long distance relationship. His name is Christopher and I have known him half my life.. I love him and he loves me and that is all anyone needs to know. I am not cheating on him with anyone, why would I? Christopher is a good guy.

3. It is alright to eat out by yourself every once in awhile or every week.

I forced myself to go out to dinner a month after my dad passed away. I got an email saying that TGI Fridays has this deal for a appetizer, entree and desert for 12.99.. Sweet, I had that and I was hungry. I forced myself to go to Fridays and because I was alone, I went to the bar, ordered dinner and forced myself to watch whatever game was on the tv to the end. I watched a lot of stupid football games, but it was something I did to get out of the house. I still go to Fridays once a week and watch a game. I don't stay to the end of it but I do watch most of the game.

For three months, I have been going to the same Fridays and eating dinner. Raphael the bartender is good at his job. He remembers my name as well as all the other regulars, what they ordered and lately will have my drink of diet coke waiting for me at the bar. He is one of the reasons why I go to the same location every week. I am also glad that I have met some new and wonderful people. It is nice to see a familiar face at the bar. I will miss them when I move.

I am sure there are a few more things I learned but right now I can't think of them. For all who actually do read this, I hope I didn't bore you. I tend to do that..

Until I get the urge to write again, have a fabulous weekend!
Love you

Remembering my daddy

On November 17, 2011, my dad William Leon Ransom passed away due to liver cancer. I am glad that I moved back home to Texas November 5. I had 1 1/2 weeks to spend with my dad before he passed away. That is something I will always remember.

My daddy's funeral was on December 2nd in Blackfoot, Idaho. It was amazingly small but it was beautiful. My older brother Andy made a video remembering my dad. It is beautifully done and wanted you to see it.

My dad lived a happy life and he enjoyed spending time with his kids and grand kids. He loved meeting new people and joking around. I will miss his smile and his advice when I need it. I love you daddy.

http://www.vision-palace.com/leon_ransom_slideshow.html

September 17, 2011

So I am now working one job and I do enjoy it lots. I work at Snowbird summer and ski resort here in Utah. I really enjoy the people I get to work with. They are truly wonderful people. I have only been working there for 3 months and everyone is excited and tell stories about winter. Winter is going to be the best, I hear. Seasons pass for working at the resort but I don't ski or snowboard. I will have to learn I guess..


I do have a new found relationship.


It is official as of last week, when I went to visit my long lost high school friend. Chris and I are officially in a long distance relationship. It is hard being so far away from him but when we do get together again, it will be worth it. I am planning a visit to see him for my birthday in November. Boston in November is really pretty, I hear. I am excited and I can't wait.

I have been thinking about moving again. It's constant with me. But this time there is a good reason or a few good reasons. One, I would like to be close to Chris. If this relationship is going to anywhere, I would like to be close to him. Two, my family or immediate family lives in Texas or east of Texas. I am the only one on the west coast and it gets lonely sometimes here. I haven't seen my brothers in so long, their kids probably don't know me anymore. Three, I would like to move somewhere I haven't lived before. A change you can say. All I know right now that a lot can happen in a year. I am not planning on moving before next summer.. I need to save some moola in order for that to happen.

August 11, 2011

You know when you think life can't get any better for you and then it does? That is how I have been feeling a lot lately.

I moved here with a job that I really liked. I really liked the company as a whole, I didn't really get the people I worked with or they didn't get me. It doesn't matter anyways, I found another job that I super like and it is hard work. I seriously feel like I work hard for my money! Being the only girl working the night shift, I feel like I have to prove to the guys that I can work just as hard as them. With the summer, there are more opportunities to be working overtime and the good thing is, we don't get in trouble for doing so.. They guys I work with have my back, they told me so. We are like a family and that is the support I like to have at a job where I spend pretty much most my time.

The highlight so far in my life is that my best friend in school, since the 8th grade, found me about two months ago. I have been searching for Chris for 16 years and found him twice but lost contact with him through the years. In June, Chris found me, of all places, on Facebook.. How, I will never know. I mean there are 13 people on Facebook with my exact name and at the time, I didn't have a picture of me as my profile. But it doesn't matter, he found me and we are happy little campers.

That brings me to this other topic.. So since our friendship has rekindled, it has become more. I guess you could say that we are in a relationship but kind of complicated/long distance. Currently Chris lives in Louisiana and I in Utah. Here in a few weeks, Chris will be moving to Boston. Yep, I live on one coast and he will be living on the other. I am however planning a trip to Boston to see him and his mom. Annie, Chris' mom is one of the greatest ladies I have ever met. I would like to see her again..

So I have been on this I am happy high for awhile now and I really like it.. I wouldn't want that to change for the world..

May 22, 2011

The time I moved back to Utah, I have had my moments. Like anyone, a new environment can be difficult at first, you have to make new friends, meet new people and/or find a place to fit in at work and church. I have had many moments for sure but recently I have found something wonderful.

What is it, you ask. For me church is wonderful and the new ward I am in is just that! I attend a Samoan family ward and the people are great people.they are caring, kind and excepting of others. I haven't found a family ward I really enjoy as much as this one. I haven't been in ward one month and I have a calling in the Primary! Where in the Primary, I am not sure but will do my best.

I am still struggling with work, only working 20 hours a week. I am in search for another part time job but nit having a set schedule at the current job, it's a little tough. Still looking..

last week in Texas

I have been thinking a lot today while I was driving. I know, it could be dangerous for me to think. But, I have 10 days left here in Texas and I just can stop thinking about what I am doing. When I moved back here, I wasn't on planning on being here forever. I grew up here, I hate the weather and my allergies are horrible. I can't handle it! As an adult, it is even worse. I do miss the cold weather and the beautiful mountains of Utah.

I have the best friends here and I am sad to leave them. But I know, they will do just fine without me. They didn't know me 18 months ago, so I am pretty sure they can keep on trekking in this world without me. I am not saying I won't miss them, I will. It will be hard the first month or so not being able to drive to their home and visit with them or have Disney movie night while playing spoons where someone gets hurt. I will totally miss that. But I have memories and will always remember them.

I will also remember the people that shared my last few weeks together. I have the best friends to come and play with me or have dinner with me. Thank you Tara Anderson, Amy Kotter, Sandy Abel, Justin Woolard, Rebecca Meyer, Carol, Katie Winn, Michelle Pray, AlyKat, Susan Shi and the many others I forgot to mention. I do appreciate the friendships and the fun time we have had together. I love you all so much and will miss your smiling faces.

This journey back to Utah is a little stressful. More than my move back to Texas. This time, I don't have the money to move and it sucks! I am moving in with two girls that are 22 and 26 (whom I have never met) and am worried that things will not be good.. If you know me, my roommate record isn't good. I have found one roommate that I can handle and we have gotten along just wonderfully. I have moved 10 times in one year because of roommates. I am not liking this deal but right now, this is all I have.

I move away from here in 10 days (I know, I am saying it again). I will be ready for my new adventure.

Salt Lake City Energizer

March 3, 2011

I don't think anyone reads this but its good to get things out of my head, even if it will help me sleep at night.

I am moving in 28 days to Salt Lake City, Utah, and everything was settle. I got the transfer with my work and a place to live, I even made sure my gym membership would transfer. Everything was set, until last week.

I received word from my cousin that she received a letter from the HOA and counsel about me moving in. What she told me was " We got a letter stating that we need to give 30 days written notice for the condo....and then the Board of Directors have to give written consent. We just got this letter two days ago. We are going to send a formal written notice immediately. The HOA told David that is was O.K. and now this. There is a problem because of the age. These are the rules of anyone not 55 or older.
We will let you know as soon as we know anything else. My understanding is that the HOA knows about you coming. Why they waited until now to send a letter is beyond me."

So I may or may not have a place to live once I move. I think this has slow me down from packing and things I need to do to get ready for this move. I am stressed and my body hurts from not sleeping well. I hate this feeling and hope that they come to the decision that I can stay. I don't do anything but work and sleep. I stay to myself, maybe that is why I am still single..

February 26, 2011

So reading my friends blogs and others, I have been thinking that I want to have long blogs like them. But recently, I don't have that much to say and think but hope that someday I will.

The other day I went to the LDS Dallas Temple and was thinking about a lot of things since I was super early for the session I was going to go to. The last time I was at the Dallas Temple was when I was a youth doing baptisms. It seriously has been a super long time.

I am glad I waited for my friend because without her, I would be lost. I am blessed to have friends that share the same beliefs and good values.

Houston mini trip

Took a mini trip to Houston this weekend and it was fun from the start. Whatever you do, don't get a hotel room in Downtown Houston unless it is a Hilton or something you have heard about. Just sayin'. It was a good trip to the Houston Temple and then catching the Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks game. It was a close game from the beginning and I am proud of my Mavs for holding onto the lead. It was my first pro basketball game and hope to catch another one soon.

It was good to take the trip with three friends. They are great people and it was fun to get to know them a little better.

I got to see my little brother and his wife. It was fun to spend some time with them. I don't get to see them very often because of work schedules and money but I know that they love me just the same.

December 26, 2010

I have been thinking a lot lately about this blog thing. I know I don't write here very often but when I do it is mostly nothing of importance. Reading other blogs I always feel like I want to be more like them writing on something that means something.

I don't travel much so I can't talk about my many travels. I don't have any kids, so that is out. All I do is work and I don't want to talk about work. So I guess what I feel and what I am feeling at this time of writing is what I am going to write about.

Since I left Logan, Utah, I have been a little struggling with life and hanging out with friends. If you know me, I am friends with everyone. I like everyone. If I didn't like you, you would know. That is me. But since my move, I have been thinking and planning my move back to L-town and how much fun it will be when I return. Since moving back to Texas, many of my L-town friends moved away and are doing new things in their lives. I am seriously happy for them.

D. Pak, moved to Vegas and recently sent me a message that read "Renee, Renee, if Tummi Yummi's did one good thing it was bringing us together. You already know I wished you a Merry Xmas." What a blessed one. I myself feel like I am blessed to have met him and become friends with a great soul.

Jaxon M. he moved to Montana is attending MSU and playing basketball with them. I talk to him 3-4 times a month and again, I am so lucky to have his friendship. Once again, Tummi Yummi's came into play. I met Jaxon at the funniest place in L-town.

But, I can't keep thinking that things will be the same. Many friends are getting married, moving and building their own circle of friends. I am happy for them and wonder if I will be back in the circle.

It's nice to back here in Texas but for me to hang out with friends I have to travel more than an hour to hang out with them. Not that is is worth it but sometimes I can't afford it. Gas prices are up to $2.80 and I can't afford to fill up every other day.

There are some times where I feel less of a friend to anyone. Because I don't have money and I live so far away, I feel that puts a strain on my friendships.

I miss the things I can do for free and not having to go far to do them. I hate to travel so far to visit friends. I miss the mountains and the hiking. The closeness of friends and the many things to do.

I am hoping that my feelings will change in a few weeks, I would hate to feel less adequate to my friends here in the new year.

Christmas present

I was thinking today on my way home from church that I would list good things about one certain person. His name is Justin, and I don't know why, I am a little mean to him around people. We can carry on some good conversations via text and Facebook but when we are face to face, I am mean to him. He is a really nice guy and I told him on Thanksgiving that I would be nice to him for one month and that would be his Christmas present. He agreed, still not believing me. I want to prove him that I can.

So it has been five days since Thanksgiving..
11.28.10
one. Justin has a great smile
two.. what a sweet guy
three... nice to talk
four.... has nothing mean to say
five..... has patience with me

Next week, I will add more good things. I do hope that I can prove that I can be a nice person.

You will be missed Mr. Vernon Cooper

Sunday I found out some sad news. My good friend from high school, her dad had passed away on Oct 20th. Last I heard he was doing better, opening his eyes and recognizing people and the next thing I know he had passed away.

Today was his funeral and I tried super hard to hold my feelings in. I had felt so bad that I didn't visit him while he was still around, I kept putting off the visit because I got busy. Now I feel horrible because I didn't get to visit him while he was alive and well. I think maybe that is why I broke down and couldn't control the tears for at least 15 minutes.

Vernon Carl Cooper
Jan. 16, 1947 - Oct. 20, 2010
Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetary

Vernon Cooper a 22 year resident of Irving, TX, passed away October 20, 2010. He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate Gladys, 4 daughters, Angela Staggs of Wichita Falls, TX, Sabrena Bussey of Hooks Texas, Jennifer Cooper of Ft. Worth Texas, and Lawanna Cooper of Irving Texas, 9 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr. Cooper served his country for 10 years during his early life, serving in the Pacific Theaters, Korea and Okinawa. He was a service connected DAV and was a life member of the DAV, The American Legion, the VFW and the Paralyzed Veterans organizations.

Mr. Cooper was in the Lions Club and held many offices including Vice President, secretary and he was Deputy of Governor of his district. He received many awards including Lions Club International Humanitarian Award for his many projects. He was president of the softball league, where he brought about many improvements to the program.

Mrs. Cooper will be having gravesite services only at the Veterans Cemetery in Dallas, choosing to rest with his comrades. Contributions should be made to the Lions club or to the Diabetes Foundation to aid in the defeat of Diabetes.

The Family acknowledges with sincere appreciation and gratitude your expressions of love, kindness and gratitude your expressions of love, kindness and sympathy during our time of bereavement.

You are no longer in pain and suffering but you will be missed by your wife, daughters, family and friends.

This morning while I was thinking about getting up, I was randomly thinking about my life and my friends. I hope that it all comes out to your understanding.

While I was thinking about moving back to Logan, Utah, I was reminded of my friends and the ones I have met the whole 8 years I lived there. I have met some wonderful people who have now graduated and moved on with their lives. I was thinking I will miss them when I get back. I knew where to find them if I needed to talk to someone about my life's drama.

Then my mind shifted gears and I was remembering the friends I had here in Texas 10 years ago. I guess I just expected the friends that I had then would be here when I came back last year. After realizing that everyone has lives, they all moved on with theirs. I miss my friend Chris "Topher" H. and Chris M. They made my life fun back in the day. I am not complaining about things and how I think my life sucks. I do miss my friends.

Talking about friends, I love facebook but I wonder really who is my friend. I mean, I know everyone I am friends with. I have 866 friends on facebook. The sad thing is that the list of most friends goes like: Utah State, High School, Family, and church. Shouldn't family be first? The friends I had from high school, I believe I am friends with maybe a handful of them on facebook. Most of the kids I had in high school don't want anything to do with me now and the kids that didn't want anything to do with me are my friends. I don't understand.. I was remembering at a class reunion in '05 someone who was mean to me all the years I knew her came up to me and told me she was sorry for hating me. She grew up and had kids to realize that what she was saying and doing to me was hurting me. I did accept her apology and told her it was alright. I wonder if that is what my facebook high school friends feel. I mean, I do know of them and I recognize their face but we never hung out growing up.

I work in a store in a mall and I see people I grew up with, either high school or church. It is so weird when I see them and they look the same some what. I mean, I recognize them but it takes awhile for me to connect a name to a face. They all see happy and content with their lives that it doesn't matter what happened 15 years ago, they are living now!

I do sometimes miss my life then, had good friends that I really do love and miss. One friend just stepped off the face of the Earth and his sister even doesn't know where he is. It is really sad but I know that he is doing well. The last I heard from him was a couple of years ago. He had told me that he lives in Europe half the year and North Carolina the other half. I don't know why but it's not my life. I do miss my friend Christopher Sean Cooley.

I do love my life today. I have met some wonderful people. There is a reason people come into your life. There is a purpose for everything.

Here is the news link for the previous blog.. It is a good read. God Bless those who fight for our Freedom..

http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/08/20/2416435/northwest-high-school-grad-died.html