The Holy War...

Whoa two posts in one week! Its your lucky week my friends. Just kidding... but for reals this whole post just came to me last night and I thought it would be something worth writing about. Everyone knows that college football is the happiest time of the year. Everyone around these parts also know what the Holy War. The Holy War is one of the most sacred days out of the year where, the Dirty Utes and the School down South go head to head in 60 minutes of nail biting, hair pulling football. Aka, the BYU vs Utah football game. So time out... I'm 24 years old and I love football. Why? What girl just loves football and knows the positions, the play, the penalties, and the techniques? The daughter of a coach. Football has been one of the biggest factors in my life besides my family. But football and family go hand in hand if you're a Kaufusi. If you google the last name Kaufusi you get pages and pages of football related articles and webpages. From before I was born, football is what made it all happen. Steve was playing football at BYU where he met Michelle at the Freedom Bowl. From there Steve was drafted into the NFL where he played for the Eagles. Steve and Michelle decided to become lovers and married. I was born. Bronson was born. Steve was released and went on to play for the London Monarchs. Corbin was born, then Steve was offered a GA position at the University of Utah in 1994 where my story really beings. 

In 1994 when I was just 5 years old up to today I have been and still am affiliated with either BYU or Utah football. From the age of 5 until I was 13 I was a die hard Ute. We all were. Steve was the Defensive Line coach, my uncles Jeff, Henry, Doug, and Jason all played there. I grew up obsessed with Andre Miller and Rick Majerus. One day hoped to play for Elaine Elliot because when I went to all her camps as a kid she always told me I was going to play for her one day. Our weekends usually consisted of watching the Utah gymnastics team and playing tag at the football facility. We always looked forward to steak dinners at Coach Mac's house and bowl games every year. I was raised not to necessarily hate BYU, but we didn't cheer for them. We knew thats where Steve and Michelle went but now we were Utes so it didn't matter. Its actually funny you look at some of the BYU and Utah coaches and some have been on both sides. My dad was a BYU football player and graduated from there but started his coaching career at Utah but found his way back to BYU. The Whittinghams have a great history of BYU football but Kyle now is the head coach up at the U. My Uncle Jason played at the U but was Steve's GA. So you see its ok to go back and forth. The bulk of my childhood was centered around being a Utah football fan and cheering for the Utes every Saturday. That all changed though in 2002 where the phrase, as Michelle puts it, we are loyal to the paycheck really became the truth. 

In 2002 Michelle broke the news we were moving down south to Provo to become Cougars! Now as a 13 year old the concept of moving is bad enough. But now we are going to be forced to wear BYU stuff and cheer for the school we were taught not to cheer for? I fought it I won't lie. I remember taking my favorite Utah sweatshirt with me and wearing it on occasion just to raise hell because well, thats what I'm best at doing. I remember going to the BYU basketball camps thinking, why am I here this is so lame compared to Utah's. My parents understood and let me attend the Utah camps still though because thats all I knew. But the older I got I finally got rid of all my secret Utah gear and converted to be a full blue blooded Cougar fan. Now that I'm older and I played at BYU, graduated from there, and now my brother's all play there, my sister in law is on the soccer team, Steve coaches there its natural for me to be a cougar. I had some cousins who used to play at the U but they are now graduated. Its funny because my Dad and his brother Rich played at BYU. The younger uncles played at the U. The cousins all my age played at the U. But all the cousins younger than me including my brothers are so far playing at BYU. Its been fun to see how things can change like that. A family with BYU roots goes to Utah and back to BYU all in the span of about 25 years. 

So back to the Holy War. Now the Holy War for the first time in my life that I can recall isn't happening this year. Am I sad? Of course! I love the BYU vs Utah football game. The energy in the stadium is something I've never felt at any other sporting event. Its a game that played not just for pride and bragging rights but its also a personal game. So many people take the Holy War personally its insane. Now I'm not one to sit here and say how much I hate the U. Its a great school. Their medical facilities and doctors saved my life as well as Michelle's and the twin's at one point. Its where my Dad was given a chance to really coach. And its there that I got confidence in myself as a basketball player. I think so many people have this deep hate for one or the other and they don't see the good. Having been affiliated with both programs there's definitely up and downs. When we were at the U we had 50 yard line 6th row seats. At BYU we are 10 rows from the top in the nose bleeds. At BYU Steve doesn't work Sundays and at Utah he did. At Utah their colors were red, white, and black (my favorite) and BYU is navy blue and white. BYU is sponsored by Nike (I only wear nike) and Utah is sponsored by Under Armor. So there's ups and downs to both. Sometimes I catch myself hoping Utah loses games but I mean, the state of Utah I think is one of the most overlooked states when it comes to football. High school and college Utah is just overlooked. With the U being in the Pac 12 that's a hard conference which means a hard schedule. If Utah does good that makes the the whole state of Utah look good. Same with Utah State and BYU. Earlier I said a phrase that Michelle says, "We are loyal to the paycheck." And yes when we were younger we definitely were. But with age comes wisdom and I think blood is thicker than water whether you bleed blue or red. My cousins Dave and Pati played at the U and for the first time in years I found myself cheering for Utah (when they weren't playing BYU of course). I saw my aunts and uncles who never had anything or positive to say about BYU all the sudden dressed in BYU shirts and cheering for us when Bronson started playing there. I think all rivalries set aside family is more important especially when you're a family divided between the power football schools in the state of Utah.

Recently with BYU's success this season and the absence of the Holy War I honestly think I am hearing for negative comments about BYU and than in the years past. Yes without a Holy War we will never know who is better. But Steve always says "Any team can beat anybody on any given day." So how will we really know which team is better? We won't. Having been a BYU athlete, I think sometimes at BYU we sike ourselves out for the Utah game to be honest. My favorite games were always against Utah and I played some of my best basketball against Utah. But having seen how others players respond and talking to Bronson, BYU kids tend to sike themselves out for the Utah game. It is what it is. I think BYU and Utah football will always have that competitiveness between them for the top team in the state, or more so just between each other. It is what it is. 

One thing I will never understand are some of the fans. I will never get the fans who didn't attend either BYU or Utah and have no ties with the players, but are always the first ones to talk poorly on the schools. I've been on both sides of the fence. I can say yes I think some of Utah's fans are the rowdiest fans I've seen. Some push the disrespectful envelope once you get a few beers in them. I can also say BYU has some wish-washy fans. They'll be carrying the quarterback on their shoulders one second after a good game then dragging their name through the mud after a bad one. Yes these are extremes but I can guarantee there's some Utah fans who don't know their own QBs name and some BYU fans who don't know what Bronco Mendenhall even looks like. At the end of the day though, I think sometimes the whole BYU vs Utah, Holy War is blown out of proportion. Yes it is the one game a year that I am early to and sit through the whole thing. Yes I sometimes find myself getting a little feisty with Utah fans when they talk bad about the BYU football program. No football program is perfect. I think its awesome both teams are 2-0 so far in this season. How awesome has it been that BYU has beat Texas the past two years? How awesome was it when Utah beat Stanford last year? I guess what I'm getting at is, I understand the significance of the Holy War. But with it being absent this year I feel the hostility should go down rather than increase ten fold. All I know is, I hope Utah does well in the Pac 12. Thats one hard conference to be in so I wish them the best. I hope BYU keeps getting better, wins every game, and that Bronson can stay away from these dang injuries. Its the Kaufusi curse I tell you!

 Regardless of everything, yes I am a BYU cougar through and through. Like I said earlier, its where my parents met, fell in love, and graduated. Steve played football and coaches there. Michelle was a cougarette. I played basketball and graduated from there. Bronson plays football and played basketball. Hilary plays soccer. Corbin will play basketball. Devin has signed to play football. And Daryl will start next summer semester. We might have been Utes for a few years but I think deep down we were still Cougs. We're just a BYU family now. And family over everything right? Hope everyone has a fantastic week though. Its only Tuesday... I don't know why but I keep thinking its Wednesday. Check out BYU as they play Houston this Thursday. I doubt Bronson will be playing but you can always cheer for the big brown man on the sideline. He usually has a hat on. I hope you're all enjoying your football season as much I am. Go Cougars!

Quarter of a Century...

Man oh man... with September here that means a lot of different things are happening. I can honestly say that I think outside Christmas time, September is the busiest month. I mean, we have school starting, football, soccer, fall camp for basketball, and if you're lucky enough to live in Utah you get to see the leaves start to go from green to yellow to red all in the same month. September is also the birthday month to some of my favorite people: my cousin Hillary, my roommate Rita, one of my closest friends Ande, and just a ton more people, including myself. So this birthday I'm turning 25. A quarter of a century and I can't help but think about in the past 25 years what have I really done with my life? So I started thinking and I came up with a few ideas. 

In the last 25 years I have:

1. Traveled to nearly every state and 8 different countries
2. Had more surgeries and sets of stitches that I can keep track of
3. Tasted some of the most amazing food from all over the world
4. Held a Tiger shark
5. Been to Lorde, Cher, 311, Tim McGraw, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and a number of other concerts
6. Had every hair style possible in a two year span: Bald, blonde short and spiky, mullet, extensions, shoulder length, long and to my waist.
7. Cliff jumped off a 30ft cliff
8. Skied every slope at Alta and Brighton
9. And with the help and support of too many people to name, I beat cancer

So in 25 years I have managed to do quite a lot I would like to think. But over 25 years I have learned every lesson the hard way. If there were rules I somehow managed to break them, ignore them, or just simply live by my own. At times its made my life exciting and filled with cool scars and great stories. At times its also brought a lot of tears and set backs. Through the good, the bad, the mullet phase, and adrenaline rushes there's one thing that I've learned and continues to manifest itself on a daily basis the most important thing in my life has been:

Family 

Now, my family. I say this all the time but we really do need our own reality TV show. The older we have gotten the more entertaining life has become that's for sure. We all have grown into our personalities and are comfortable with ourselves. Its made for some good laughs along the way. There was a situation recently where I was asked in the odd chance that I had died from the cancer scare what I would say to each of my family members. Lets just say that question really hit home and really just manifested the importance of family. It made me realize yet again how important my family is to me. Each person brings something to the table that helps with the flow. Steve brings the stern Bishop Kaufusi one second and the childish humor the next. Michelle is the glue she keeps us all in line and is the first to do some crazy adventure. Bronson is loud and laughs at everything including himself. Hilary is more quiet and reminds Bronson to use his inside voice. Corbin is fun and free spirited. Daryl is sensitive, awkward, and hilarious. Devin is quiet but can get in the fun when he needs to. Where do I play into all this? I'm the one who's blunt, outspoken, but always in for an adventure. 

We, by no means, are a perfect family. We fight, we have falling outs, and we get on each others nerves. There have been times where phones have been crushed, car keys have been confiscated, and on one particular time a knife was accidentally thrown. We aren't perfect. Getting the pieces to fit correctly took some time but we figured it out. Each person in my family though has made me the person who I am today. They have all taught me something that over the last 25 years makes me who I am. 

• Steve has taught me to be tough and resilient through any trial in life.
• Michelle has taught me cleanliness and structure make life a whole lot easier. She also taught me just because I'm a girl should never limit me. 
• Bronson has taught me to see the good in people and the meaning of dedication
• Hilary has taught me to always be kind and patient
• Corbin has taught me to smile and to let loose sometimes
• Daryl has taught me that its ok to be sensitive and its ok to eat a pack of bacon in one sitting
• Devin... hasn't taught me anything yet but I'm sure the time will come

Like I said, a family is like a puzzle. You have to get all the pieces to fit and when they do it really is a beautiful thing. I get asked all the time if we really get along as well as it looks in pictures and to be honest, we do. It helps when we have so much in common. We all love to work out. We all love to play sports. And we all love food. But like I said we fight and we disagree we get in arguments. But at the end of day we are family. Blood is thicker than water and I love my family. The older I've gotten I've realized the importance of family and that the bond between brothers, sisters, and parents is stronger than any other. Like I said, I learned my lessons the hard way. Growing up especially in high school I didn't enjoy the time at Tipmview with my brothers, I taught my friends better than the siblings, and I was short tempered and rude with my parents. Now that I'm nearly 25 I can you this, family is everything. 

So as I mentioned before, I was asked what I would say to each of family members if I was going to die... Well that's for me to know and for them to find out when that time comes. 

As I do in most aspects of my life, I have been lucky enough to have an awesome family who loves me and accepts me and my ridiculousness and sometimes joins in on the fun. Side note, if you ever do want a good laugh come by the Gypsy Lair and I can promise you we will show you a good time. 

Alexis

Confessions and thoughts on being unmarried, 24 (almost 25) year old, BYU graduate...

Family Pictures 2014

Well its been a minute now since I've blogged. I checked and the last time I blogged was June 10 and I was anxiously anticipating the homecoming of my brother Corbin. Don't worry he made it home safe and sound from South Korea and has dove head first back into the real world. Between working, coaching, family vacations, and trying to balance time with everyone and every thing I haven't been able to sit down and just blog and talk about my thoughts and life until today. Today's post came to me yesterday when I posted a Facebook status, which I rarely do. It read:

"Everyone my age is married or having babies or something. And I'm here thinking about my desire for chicken enchiladas, when I can play basketball next, and if Kobe Bryant will wear the low 9s or the high 9s this season"

I was actually quite surprised at the feedback I got from it. So this was how the status happened now: I was sitting on my futon staring at the pile of clean laundry and my TV that was flashing Shaun T telling me I needed to focus for my workout. It crossed my mind that I turn 25 in a month and a half, then I snapped out of it and realized my current thought process. I was thinking about chicken enchiladas and how I needed to work out if I wanted to go to Maria Bonita and eat them on Thursday. Then I was thinking when I could play basketball again whether at Michelle's house or some church. Then my eyes some something colorful out of the corner of my eye, my new Kobe low 9s. Then my mind flash forwarded to the upcoming NBA season and whether Kobe will wear the low 9s or the super high 9s... So there you have it. my thought process that led to my Facebook status. Well 10 comments and over 170+ likes later it sparked the idea for this post. So here are some of the thoughts that cross my mind on a daily basis...

1. I wonder what Michelle is cooking for dinner tonight?
2. Its hot I hope Bella drank her water bowls rather than trying to swim in them.
3. What should I cook for dinner?
4. Harmons or Sprouts for groceries?
5. I bet Daryl ate a whole pack of bacon for breakfast.
6. I wonder if Porsche will be in the same spot I left her at this morning. Probably.
7. I've tweeted at Kobe Bryant like 100 times I wonder if he recognizes my name yet.
8. In the situation of a zombie apocalypse I have no guns in my house.
9. I missed that massive spot on my legs shaving. I need chemo in my life.
10. True or False: Swig makes their sugar cookies with heroin. They're addicting.
11. Where can I buy a Llama?
12. If I had a llama I would name him... Ezsma. Like on Emperors New Grove
13. I wonder how fat I would get if I ate only chicken enchiladas forever and ever.
14. If dragons were real... I would want a red and black one.
15. I would probably name my dragon Khaleesi... after the one and only.
16. If I caught a bear cub... How would I keep it and what would I feed it?
17. Vampires... They have to be real. Edward Cullen has to be real. For my sanity. 
18. How can I convince Michelle to let Steve get a corgi?
19. If I bought them a corgi would she kill me?
20. I bet Cher is drinking a Dr. Pepper right now.

So those are my thoughts on a day to day basis. I can't help but laugh because they revolve around food for the most part. Steve always says, "Sweetie you weren't fat when you were little, you were just a good eater." So y`ea whatever that means... not sure if its a compliment or not yet. Besides that though, being 24 and not married in Utah county really isn't bad at all. I actually love it. I think I definitely deserve a gold medal for making it out of BYU not married and for making it out of BYU alive at all. Lord knows it wasn't an easy road by any means. I get asked all the time "Who are you dating?" "Aren't you sad you aren't married?" "It must have been so hard watching Bronson get married first huh?" "You've been a bridesmaid like 10 times I bet you have an awesome dress collection." and the comments go on and on. Lets be honest for a moment now everyone, you get outside the bubble of Utah County and its typical that you don't get married until you're older anyways right? This whole 18 and 19 year old thing stresses me out too much. I look back to when I was 18 and I definitely couldn't imagine being married. Or really in any kind of a mature serious relationship. I was too busy playing basketball and guitar hero and trying not to fail out of BYU. So I turn 25 in about a month and a half. When Michelle was 25  she already had me and she had just popped out this yellow asian looking child we now call Bronson. Michelle got married when she was 22 so kind of older (for Utah County standards) and Steve was 26. They definitely lasted longer than most BYU kids so way to go you two! But I think, could I manage a two year old and a newborn? Yes I'm sure I could and I would do it like a champ, but am I really ready for that? No. Financially, emotionally, and mentally I'm not ready for those responsibilities. Right now my responsibilities include my job, coaching my girls, Porsche, Bella, Klaus, keeping Michelle and Steve on their toes, and doing my laundry. I mean I have 3 kids, they may not be like my little triplet cousin kind of kids, but they're kids. They still need TLC every night, they need food and toys, they need baths, and they poop everywhere. Just like babies. The only difference is they don't talk back and they aren't a pain in my you know what forever. Personally I love my life. I have a great job, I get to coach on the side, I have 3 adorable furry kids, I live with my best friends, and I live close to my family and see them everyday. Solid life I would say.

So in my head, my life is extraordinary, so why doesn't everyone else see that? I didn't realize the seriousness of how depressed these single BYU girls are and just how people view girls like me until I went to Bishop Steve's single ward on a testimony meeting day. This was 2 years ago and every girl got up and talked about how miserable she is because she 25 or 26 and not married and how she doesn't know why she can't find a husband. In my head I thought, ok you're pathetic. You have a Masters from BYU, a great job, are completely independent and you're telling me how miserable you are? I think sometimes the Mormon Culture and even better to say, the BYU culture makes you seem like an outcast if you're not married by the time you're 21. I think learning as a woman to be independent is one of the greatest things ever! I was laughing last night because Michelle got a new printer and Daryl got a pull up bar, who do they call to come set it all up... Me. In my head, you have a husband and 3 sons and you called me? I ended up doing the printer myself but I made Daryl do the pull up bar like a big girl. I think its important to learn things like that. As I was watching her attempt to do this pull up bar and asking me what acorn knuts were it dawned on me. Steve was always teaching me about sprinkling systems, how to start the lawn mower, how to change a tire, the difference between gasoline and the mixed gas with oil, and everything else that no wonder I can use power tools better than all my brothers. So I made Daryl put together her pull up bar herself and she didn't do a terrible job. I think independence is a blessing and sometimes we don't see it as one. And by we I mean single girls. I've taken advantage of my independence and I am without a doubt in my mind happy. I know if in the situation I don't get married and don't have that aspect of life that I'll still be happy because I've created a foundation of a happy life with myself. When I had cancer they told me roughly 10% of the battle is physical. Reminding myself to just keep breathing. The other 90% would be mental. Reminding myself to be happy and keep fighting and most importantly make the best out of everything. That applies to life. Make the best of it. Why be sad when you can be happy?

To wrap this up, what I'm trying to get at is I'm almost 25. I'm not married, nor am I near it. I graduated from BYU and didn't get married and you know what, I couldn't be happier. Lately I've been asked a lot about marriage and what not and you know what, at this time in my life its not a priority. Referring back to my Facebook status that started all of this there were 2 comments made that have stuck with me and  really just made me feel even more at peace with my life. First was my neighbor and friend Maureen commented, "Enjoy your youth cause its the only thing you have in life that is guaranteed to age gracefully or not." I loved this! Gracefully or not we age and while I'm young I play on enjoying what I have and being happy. Not worrying about the future. Not all of us will age as wonderfully as Cher did. She's 68 and looks fantastic and can fit into her original Turn Back Time outfit (I would know because I saw her live earlier this month). The second comment made was by either my Aunt Lisa or my Uncle Gordon. Not sure which one of the wrote but both have been examples in my life from day 1 and have always given me the best life talks. They wrote, "Our own passions are what make life worth living, find what you're passionate about and let it bring you happiness, for it makes you, you." As I look at myself I never was the girl who wore make up everyday and had her wedding planned out when she was 16 and knew the diamond ring she wanted. If you were to asked me what a princess cut diamond ring looked like I would have to google it for you. I am who I am and I love it. I can count on one hand the times I've worn make up in the last 2 months. Corbin's homecoming, family pictures, the Tim McGraw concert, and Cher concert. We are who we are and we will do what makes us happy regardless of what people think and what may seem to be the popular thing to do. 

So there you have it. The confessions and thoughts of an unmarried 24 year old BYU graduate. I know this post is similar to one I did previously but I mean, I think people don't realize just how awesome it is to be young and single and alive. Why not enjoy it and let the rest of the puzzle fall into place? I promise I will be a better blogger now that my summer is calming down. Couple of side notes about my personal life:

• Won the Summer Games woot woot! Gold medals for days. 
• Cher is my idol. The end. Quote of the night from her concert, "I'm Cher I'm f'ing fabulous and all you have for me is a six pack of doctor pepper? I'm an icon."
• California trip to Laguna was a success! Even with Michelle on crutches.
• Family pictures turned out great. Thank you Margi!!
• Bronson and I are still the champions of 2 on 2 vs Devin and Corbin
• Fall camp starts today practically! Go cougars!
• Steve started work again after the best vacation ever. Pray for his D line they're young. 
• Bronson's lover Hilary broke her leg and got surgery. Pray for a quick recovery.
• Michelle got stuck with crutches an extra 2 weeks because shes stubborn can't old still. Pray she can't get off crutches one day. 
• Daryl tore her other ACL but will rehab it and still play soccer her senior year. Pray for the citizens of Provo because she just got her drivers license. She's 18 don't worry.
• Devin is well Devin and we aren't sure what he does most the time. Pray for him in all aspects of life.
• Corbin has decided to not play football and play basketball instead. We will all pray for the Gonzaga fans who are terrified at another Kaufusi on the BYU basketball team. 

School starts in a few weeks so everyone enjoy their summer! If you know of any good hikes let me know. Enjoy this nice warm weather. 

Alexis

Corbs...

I started writing this blog post at 3:30pm which means Corbin comes home in approximately...

3 days 3 hours and 38 minutes

Now... If you don't understand the significance of 1. him coming home 2. him being gone and 3. my excitement, well I'm going to explain it for you in very simple terms... Corbin has been serving a 2 year LDS mission in Seoul Korea. That means we have no contact with him. We get a weekly email, that seemed to get shorter and shorter as time went on. We get two phone calls a year that are 40 minutes long. And besides that we just keep our fingers crossed and hope North Korea doesn't invade any time soon. So Corbin coming home is an even bigger deal than most because he's my brother but he's also my favorite brother. Judge me, I have favorites. My parents have favorites as well. Daryl is Steve's. Bronson is Michelle's. So Daryl is naturally my favorite sister, Hilary is my favorite sister in law, and Corbin is my favorite brother. He went form 3rd favorite brother to 1st favorite all in a year's time. The boy has skills. So as I said Corbin used to be my 3rd favorite brother. I didn't like Corbin for a long time. I thought he had no sense of style, I assumed he was color blind, and I couldn't believe he didn't get embarrassed with the stuff he did. Now this when I was 17 a senior in high school and he was a little freshman in high school. Flash forward 3 years. Bronson goes on a mission. I get cancer, and BAM! Corbin is my best friend. I soon realized I was just jealous of his confidence, his sense of humor, his lack of care, as well as his dance moves and I also realized, he's my best friend. So let me just tell you somethings I learned from Corbin and just a little bit about him... 

Corbin Don't Give A Crap

Corbin I don't think ever once in his life has cared about what people think about him. He wears ridiculous outfits. He acts ridiculous in public. He gets kicked out of walmart. He runs around shirtless. He runs around in booty shorts. He honestly doesn't care what people think. He literally just doesn't care. I remember my senior year of high school I saw him one. Crawling through the halls doing an impression of Gollum from Lord of the Rings. He was in blue, pink, and green camo shorts. A Brown shirt. And red shoes. If you know me, I match everything including my sports bra, socks, and spandex with the rest of my outfit. I was mortified. I later realized I was an idiot and rather than running from this behavior I should have filmed it, posted it on youtube, and been more like him. Corbin taught me its ok to make people stare because they're going to stare anyways. Might as well make it entertaining for them. 

Dance Like No One's Watching

Corbin can dance. This boy is 6'10" and he can drop it lower than any girl I know and moves his hips as good as Shakira. He also has dances memorized on the game Dance Central and ALWAYS wins. Without fail. He can be on expert and I can be on beginner and he will still quadruple my score. His junior year at Timpview he did the school talent show and him and some friend did a hilarious dance. Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ngnp54Ldovo

Now either right this second or the second you finish reading go and watch the dance so you fully understand what I'm talking about. So this dance the boys spent hours practicing! And every night Corbin would come home so mad because Bronson couldn't get an 8 count down and kept messing up the dance. Bronson, unlike Corbin, cannot dance if his life depended on it. He likes to think he can, but he can't. Anyways, so Corbin almost kicked Brons out of the dance the night before the dance. Bronson ended up learning to count to 8 to the beat of the music and was able to perform. Sometimes Corbin and I would just have dance parties. We would blast music in the basement and just dance. He taught me some good moves but he also taught me to let loose and have some fun every now and then. 

Talking In Accents is Funny

When Corb was in high school his friends did the weekly announcements for Timpview High School. They were the funniest characters and went all out with costumes and all. So Corbin played the role of AJ (Aladin Jafar) and spoke in a middle eastern accent and well, it was hilarious. He was so good at talking in all accents. British, Australian, Scottish, Fob... really any accent he mastered in a matter of minutes. He finally shared some tips with me to help my pathetic excuse for a British accent. When I was going through chemo and was having a bad day he always would start talking in a Scottish accent and for whatever reason I just laughed and it was an instant good mood every time. He did this with everyone. Anytime Michelle would get mad at him he would instantly start dancing around like a complete fool yelling all kinds of things in some foreign accent. He did this daily. Multiple times. At home, in public wherever. I'm sure people thought he was crazy, but I couldn't help but just laugh uncontrollably every single time he did this. 

Humor Cures Cancer

A lot of people ask how I beat cancer. There's a lot of things that factored into it. Obviously Dr. Martha, buying a cat, modern medicine, sleeping a ton, and wearing a onesie everyday all are huge contributing factors. I didn't realize though Corbin was the biggest factor of it all. As mentioned before, anytime I was having a bad day he took it upon himself to make sure my mood was better. He always was telling me jokes. Saying funny comments. Doing stupid things to make me laugh. Our favorite thing to do was at the Huntsman was he would pretend he had cancer. I know that sounds so bad but it was hilarious. Everyone knew he was joking, but it put a smile on my face. At the time he was minorly obsessed with the movie Tangled and would dance around with his Rapunzel doll singing the songs, brushing her hair, and dancing like a complete fool. He made me laugh every day. Even the days I wanted to throw the towel in and just cry he would always come to my rescue. He literally saved my life at a time I needed it most. Besides being funny he spent every day with me. He missed so much school to make sure he was there for every doctors appointment, every treatment, and every time I needed him. He assisted me in escaping the house, hiding from Michelle, and always would bring me Wendy's chicken nuggests because they were the one thing that sounded good. Most of all he made me laugh and forget about the chemo and the nausea and whatever else was happening for a moment. Thats what really helped me beat cancer.

So what it comes down to in the end... Corbin comes home Friday and I couldn't be more excited! It will be the first time my family has been together in nearly 4 years. When Bronson left I had hair to my waist, Daryl had buck teeth, and Devin was fat. When Corbin left I had short blonde hair, Daryl was perfect straight teeth, and Devin had braces and wasn't as fat. And now Corbin is coming home. My hair to long again, Devin is skinny, Bronson is married, and Daryl looks like she's 28. As you can see much has changed at the Kaufusi house! I'll let you know how Friday goes, I'm planning on an amazing weekend with my brother and coaching a little basketball.

Side note... I was currently hired as the JV coach at Copper Hills High School! Woot woot. As sad as I was to not get the job at Timpview, I'm actually really happy I didn't. I've been at CH for a little over two weeks and to be honest, I have learned so much. The way the program is ran is amazing! Not to mention the awesome support from the parents and the girls. I'm all too excited for this new adventure, yes its a little bit of a drive but its actually faster from my office to CH than it was to Timpview. I'll definitely miss my Timpview girls. Especially spending time with Daryl, but I'm excited for this new adventure that's ahead. Go Grizzlies!

Have a happy father's day as well!


Alexis

This Ones For the Girls...

This post has taken me a long time to post. I actually wrote 3 posts prior before this idea came to me. I was scrolling through my twitter feed and I saw a quote by Maya Angelou. I apologize for her French but this quote just hit me for some reason:

"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a b****. 

You've got to go out and kick a**."

- Maya Angelou

After reading this quote I realized I needed to post something for the girls. Being a girl isn't easy by any means. Girls have to deal with periods, carrying a baby in their belly for 9 months, menopause, getting boobs smack in the middle of the awkward years, and are usually expected to wear make up and dresses on the regular. Maybe that was too blunt of a statement... but its the truth! I was raised in a very open home so I apologize but life's just easier when you're blunt honest and up front about things. Back to this quote, with the recent passing of Maya Angelou a lot of her quotes and what not have been surfacing and are being plastered all over social media. Like I said, this one stopped and caught my eye. With high school graduations happening and everything I've also been thinking a lot about when I was 18 and what choices I made and didn't make and what exactly got me to this point. I won't lie I'm different than most girls. I was raised with brothers and boy cousins so I don't think like a girl. I don't get my feelings hurt easily. I don't like make up and shopping and dresses. When I fight with someone I don't want to talk about it, cry about it, then hug it out. I want to spend 2 minutes tops saying sorry then go play basketball or xbox about it. When I was 14 and new to Provo most girls my age were so obsessed with Mark Ercanbrack because they thought he was so cute. I was too busy playing basketball with him to really notice. See what I mean? Now I wouldn't call myself a feminist I feel like that's too extreme. But I do see myself equal as an equal to any guy and if anything more skilled. My whole life I've been independent and always voiced my thoughts. When I was in the BYU dorms my freshman year every girl out there wanted to find their "eternal companion" and be married by 19. I was too busy playing Guitar Hero and basketball yet again. Everyday we hear on the news the mistreatment of women around the world and how women are being sold as slaves still. Everyday I see young high school girls get pushed around by a stupid boy or even a girl just scared to say how she feels. So this post is for the girls. Here's my advice to you all...

You Are Good Enough

Having been around high school girls and coaching basketball for a while now I hear everyday "I'm not good enough." Whether that phrase ties to basketball, school, friends, family, whatever it may be you should never not feel good enough. Because the truth is you are. You're probably better than you think. There's no such thing as a perfect human, so why strive for something that doesn't exist? For me I've learned not to compare myself to anyone. Why? Because no one is like me. No one knows my thoughts, my experiences, my feelings, or my ambitions in this life. So why compare myself to someone not even in a similar category? When you stop comparing yourself to others, you actually realize you were too good all along.

Confidence Is Key

I had a roommate in college who everyday told me, "Fus don't forget, confidence is key." I didn't realize exactly what that meant until I was older. But its so true. When you have confidence in yourself and your abilities anything is possible. Confidence is something I never lacked. I probably have too much and am borderline on the cocky side of things. At a young age though I knew what I was good at and what I wasn't and that's where I found my confidence. I didn't find confidence in throwing a baseball with my brothers or singing songs for people. I found it in shooting free throws or sitting down and playing the piano. I think the biggest reason people put each other down is because everyone knows someone with an unwavering confidence can be a scary thing. Confidence doesn't come from being right all the time, it comes from not being afraid to be wrong. So have confidence in yourself! Confidence really is the key to being successful in anything. The second you gain confidence in yourself if also when the sky becomes your limit and anything is possible.

Relationships Can Be Your Enemy

So relationships... Relationships are great. Honestly I see nothing wrong with them, except when they do more harm than good and become toxic. No one deserves being with someone who puts them down, makes them feel stupid, and who doesn't let them think for themselves. Now that I'm older and I look back so many guys that I knew in high school and who were my friends were like that. They wanted to be with a girl who didn't think for themselves and who didn't speak their mind. That's probably why I was always invited to the play Xbox with them rather than be their girlfriend lets be honest. So girls... I don't care who you're with but if you're dating someone who doesn't see the value in you and who treats you like anything less than a Queen, drop'm! Every girls should be treated every day like they're a Queen. 

Don't Let Others Crush Your Dreams

In life I've learned that people, especially authoritative figures in your life, think they know whats right and know whats best for you. That's not necessarily true. I mean yes growing up your parents probably know whats best but there comes a point where you know whats best for you. When I was 14 I remember sitting in a church class and my teacher asked all of us girls where we saw ourselves in 10 years. Every girl said the same thing and I quote, "When I'm 24 I want to be married to a return missionary in the temple and have at least one or two kids." Don't get me wrong great aspirations, just not mine. My response was,"I hopefully will be done playing college basketball and in medical school." My teacher looked at me funny and told me that I needed to rethink my answer because I needed to care more about getting married and starting a family as opposed to a career. I was so mad I left the class. Flash forward 10 years. I played college basketball. Clearly I'm not in medical school. But I'm not married. I have no children, at least that are babies that came out of me. I work full time, I coach basketball, and I'm starting the prerequisites for a Masters degree this August. I look at my friends who are my age who got married at 18 and have two kids and they're happy, but I couldn't imagine myself being married with two kids at this point. What I'm saying is, if you have a dream don't let someone tell you its the wrong one. No one knows your heart better than yourself, so follow it and do whats going to make you happy. Not what society thinks will make you happy.

You Is Kind, You Is Smart, You Is Important

If you haven't seen the movie The Help then come to my house tonight and I'll let you borrow it. There's a scene where Aibileen tells Mae Mobley (little girl she watches), "You is kind, you is smart, you is important." This phrase kind of brings in everything I've said. The English isn't proper, which usually bothers me, but I love it. If every girl from the time they're 2 to 20 heard this, they'll believe it. What a powerful statement that is so simple yet so full of truth. Every little girl, every high school girl, and every woman alive should know that they are smart and important and worth something. That way when the day comes when you're challenged and aren't sure if you can do something or faith in yourself, you'll remember this phrase and you'll know that you are kind, you are smart, and you are important. Seeing the value in yourself is whats going to help you find true happiness.

So there you have it, my advice to you girls out there. Be fearless and independent and know what you're capable of. I love in this day and age so many books and movies and TV shows are having strong female roles. Divergent, Hunger Games, Game of Thrones, Revenge are just a few examples. There are athletes and actresses who are taking over the lime light: Serena and Venus Williams, Hope Solo, Danica Patrick, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift. These are all women who are taking over and making a difference. At the end of the day how can you expect people to value you and your opinion and your abilities if you don't? So start now doing little things to help you see your value and important. Have enough respect to put someone in their place and to walk away from a toxic relationship. It all starts with you. If you love yourself, respect yourself, and have confidence in yourself then everyone else will too. 

So this post might be a little one sided. Little biased, but its how I feel. And I think its just what some people need to hear. But on a side note, its warm in Utah. I think spring is finally settled in and we don't have to worry about a snow storm any time soon. Corbin comes home in just 16 days and  hours. My family is going to Cher is 38 days. Also summer is around the corner. I'm looking for some summer weekend adventures so if any of you are feeling adventurous justa let me know I volunteer as tribute! Cancer update: I'm healthy as a shark (I don't like horses but I do like sharks). Next check up is in November and Corb will be able to come just like the good old chemo days. Anyways, enjoy summer while its here and be safe! Don't forget,

You Is Kind, You Is Smart, You Is Important.

Alexis 

Cancer: So does it hurt or what?

Well can you guess what this post is about? Its crazy to think that a little over 3 years ago I was diagnosed with this terminal illness that was going to probably kill me. Lets all have an honest moment, probably will kill me eventually- if that doesn't get me first the zombie apocalypse will. But on a serious note a few years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. I could use the proper long official meaning but no one really cares about that because it doesn't make sense to the normal human being. So before I get going on the important stuff, here's the quickie version of how I found out I got cancer... 

Once upon a time I was 21 and a sophomore playing basketball at BYU. One day I noticed large lumps in my neck and face. I was sick all the time and my playing time decreased because I was so tired. After a month of medrol packs and z packs and other antibiotics we decided to do a CT scan because the lumps were getting massive. We found roughly 9 masses just in my neck and face. The next day we did an emergency biopsy and discovered I had stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. Now no offense to the Utah Valley hospital (I was diagnosed wrong) but the second we found out we booked it up to The Huntsman Cancer Institute. A month later after more tests and biopsies I was re-diagnosed with stage 4 NON Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It took a panel of doctors to diagnose me from around nation. Why? Because the specific kind **Remember the proper long official meaning? So that portion of my diagnoses** that I had didn't match me. The kind of cancer I have has an average age of 60-70 years. Most people die from it within the first 7-10 years of being diagnosed. And once you'e a stage 4 it usually isn't curable. For those new to the cancer world there's 4 stages. Stage 4 is the worst stage and basically means its in your bones, blood, all your organs, and lymph system, and just everywhere. So when I was diagnosed I was 21 and in the prime of my life and it was so strange I had this specific cancer. What wasn't strange was that my Grandma Garrick and her dad my Great Grandpa Kenner both passed away from this exact cancer. So is it genetic? Probably. Anyways I started chemo and did a couple rounds of that, did some chemo in the spine, had some touch up surgeries, and BAM! Flash forward 3 years and I have long hair, I have eyebrows and eyelashes, and I'm not even on any medications.

So there's the quickie version of my cancer story. But now here's a little more in detail about the main question I get asked, Does it hurt? I get asked almost every time someone finds out I have cancer if it hurts or not. To answer your question, yes and no. To really have my answer make sense I'm now going to step by step take you through a normal day at chemo and some other cancer perks...

Accessing the Port, Doesn't Hurt

So when you do chemo most patients get a portacath. Some get a stint in their hand, others get a portacath in their chest. I named my port Pasiley. No Paisley doesn't make cancer hurt. So while driving up to chemo I would also rub lidocaine on Paisley so when they accessed her it wouldn't hurt. Once I arrive at chemo they access Paisley, basically like setting up an IV but they shoot the needle into my port, then they draw blood. Then they clean Paisley out with some saline, then I walk over to the infusion room. Once there I get two wristbands one that says ALLERGY and on that says my name on it. Lastly while waiting to go back a nice lady brings a cart around with free beanies, treats, and snacks. Naturally my family because we love food always hold the poor lady up because everyone wants 4 of everything. The best part is I always got a free beanie at this point in my long day. Simple right? Well the easiest part is over.

Chemo, Hurts

This is the part that people get confused. The actual chemo doesn't hurt physically. Its not like someones beating it in through your port so it hurts. It hurts in a different way. When I did chemo I always like to be in a room with a bed. That way I could just lay there and I could have more visitors back with me. So people don't really understand what you do at chemo. Basically all you do is sit there or lay there. Thats it. Your only job is to keep breathing and try not to throw up. So once I was in my bed they would hook up the first two bags and they would drop in. This took an hour or two depending on how I felt. Some times especially at first I would get really sick during these bags and they would have to drip a bag of water, shoot me up with benedryl, then start all over and drip it slower. FYI there's poison and bad things in chemo so you have weird reactions. So after the clear bags come the manual injections. I always did 6 of these. Now these injections... there are the clear ones, easy. Didn't notice them and they weren't hard. Next were the red ones. The red injection is what makes you sick, lose your hair, and kills everything. Side note, why are these manually? Well if injected too fast you'll die. So the nurse sits with a stop watch and times herself as she injects it so it doesn't go too fast or too slow, that way you don't die. So this red injection I started calling Satan's Punch because it literally makes you want to die. Not to mention it completely burns going down. I remember one day looking around at all the old people, yes it was me the 21 yr old and fifteen 75 yr olds, and they all only had one injection of Satan's Punch. I had three. Then my doctor explained to me they nearly doubled up my chemo dosages because I was so strong physically and so young my body could handle it. Go me... So after Satan's Punch the hard part is over. The next 3 hours I usually sit while the last 2-3 bags drop and I try to sleep this part off. So the actually action of chemo going in doesn't hurt. Its just like having an IV drop but there's chemo in it dripping in. Chemo hurts because it kills everything inside you. Ya you don't feel it killing everything but you see it as your hair falls out or as your skin gets pale. It also hurts because it makes you puke and that's never a fun feeling. So chemo isn't terrible but yes it has weird side effects that hurt. 

Losing your Hair, Hurts

In the movies I've seen about cancer they leave out this part. Its not like you get cancer then the next day after chemo your hair falls out. Its a process that takes about 2-3 weeks sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. For me it took 2 weeks. In order to lose your hair every single hair follicle has to die. In order for this to happen you have to experience a very painful headache. Its amazing because you go to chemo and a few days later you have a bad headache. It feels like your head is under some kind of pressure. Just as you think it isn't going to go away you wake up and its gone. Now when this day happened I remember the doctor telling me when your head stops hurting your hair will fall out. Sure enough that morning as I was drying my hair huge chunks of hair came falling out onto the ground. If you knew me prior to chemo you'd know I used to have hair almost to my waist. When this happened I cut my hair to my shoulders because the doctors said it would help it not be as painful as it was dying. So that night between my teammates and my brother we pulled out my hair and shaved my head. I still have a bread of my original hair actually in a scrapbook at the Gypsy Lair.So not to get confused, when your actually starts falling out it doesn't hurt. Like at all. What hurts is the week before as your hair follicles are dying and your head is throbbing. 

Bone Marrow Biopsies and Spinal Taps, HURT

So these two things I got lucky enough and didn't have to have very many, but good Lord they hurt most out of everything! So bone marrow biopsies. You lay down and they pull down your pants and start giving you shots of numbing stuff. This hurts so bad. I was gripping the sides of the table dripping sweat and biting the pillow. So they do a handful of these numbing shots that kill. Then they stick this HUGE needle in your hip bone and suck out your bone marrow. So this feeling is just awkward and uncomfortable. You can actually feel in inside of the bone marrow leaving your body and its so weird! The best part is when I got my first one done the nurse doing it was probably 5'4" and needed a stool to see over me enough to do it. She had to actually twist and shove and do all kinds of weird things to get the needle in. Being able to hear it go into my hip bone and all that didn't help the cause. So after all that they get this tiny little sample out, well it wasn't good enough. So they had to do it all over again. Oh the struggle of being me. So bone marrow biopsies. So painful and if you can avoid them do so at all costs. Now the spinal tap. So this doesn't hurt but its uncomfortable and well, I passed out during mine. Let me break it down, you curl up in a ball and they put a needle between your vertebrae and shoot chemo all up in your spinal cord. So as they're doing this its just uncomfortable and you feel this pressure back there. So I remember during mine I felt this sudden rush and literally saw this bright light. No I wasn't dying, I just fainted. So what was the bright light? No idea but it was bright and white then dark and I woke up holding my Mom's hand. As mentioned earlier, if you acn avoid bone marrow biopsies and spinal taps at all costs do so. I'd rather offer my pinky finger as an offering than do either one of those again.

So the big question, does cancer hurt? Well yes. At times it hurts psychically, it hurts just as much emotionally and mentally and every other way possible. But is it the end of the world? No. Maybe I have too much of an optimistic look on it all. At the end of the day though that little trial and bump in the road really opened up my eyes. I basically had laser hair removal for a year, I was bald, I got lots of blankets, I didn't have to go to school, and I met a lot of great people. So cancer... Some people don't know how to really approach me about it. Just ask me. I have no problem talking about it! If anything its one of the few things in the world I actually understand so its easy to talk about. But if you can avoid cancer, then do it. That way you wont need bone marrow biopsies, and you won't faint and make a fool of yourself, and you don't have to move back in with your parents for a few years. Anyways, there's my cancer story in a nut shell. If you want the full story shoot me a text or go check out my cancer blog alexiskaufusi.blogspot.com. I hope you all enjoyed your Mother's day! Mine was quite lovely talking to Elder Kaufusi who comes home in LESS THAN A MONTH. Anyways... Well have a good rest of your week and happy Hump Day! 

Alexis

Gypsy Mother 101

With Mother's Day just around the corner I felt like it would be appropriate to blog about the Gypsy. Now my gypsy is a special gypsy and thats because well, shes my gypsy. Michelle has the knowledge of 100 gypsies as well as 100 lifetimes and it just seems appropriate I share some of her knowledge with you all as well as somethings you might not know about her... 

1. McDonalds Has the Best Diet Coke

There is nothing Michelle loves more than an ice cold diet coke, and according to her McDonalds has the best diet coke. Probably because the syrup to soda ratio is lopsided but either way, McDonalds has the best diet coke and its only $1. Now Swig on the other hand has equally as good diet coke, the only issue... Styrofoam cups. Gypsies don't like Styrofoam cups. The sound of styrofoam makes their ears hurt. Mormons are real into the food storage. Michelle's food storage consists of two 12 packs of DC. So if you ever want to make a Gypsy happy take her a diet coke from McDonalds with extra ice.

2. Running Multiple Miles is Fun!

This lesson never really sunk in for me. Gypsies like to run. And by run I mean they will run for 26.2 miles and call it fun. Then a few months later do it again. And as if that wasn't enough they add in biking and swimming for the change of scenery. For some reason gypsies just love to run. They also love to bike through to the top of South Fork, Sundance, and Squaw Peak consecutively just because its a nice day out. Clearly you can see why I never caught onto this. But the trick is, you need to let the Gypsies do this or they will be angry all day! So when your Gypsy needs her alone time to go run, let her go for as long as she needs!

3. A Clean House Is a Happy House. 

As mentioned before in my previous blog if Michelle had a life motto it would be this. A Clean house is a happy house, and by clean house that means immaculate and not a single spec of dust anywhere or you will be punished. This is the way of the Gypsy. If that means cleaning everyday, then you clean everyday. And sometimes if your bed isn't made and you go to school, the Gypsy will come and kidnap you from Timpview and take you home to make your bed. Or you'll come home to find your clothes piled on your bed that were once scattered across your bedroom floor. This makes it nearly impossible to nap. So to make a Gypsy happy you clean as your told and you also make your bed and put your laundry away everyday. No excuses.

4. Gypsies Eat Diet Coke and Baked Goods for Breakfast

Now to maintain a gypsy like figure one must eat quality meals for breakfast... which includes a can of diet coke and a baked good of sorts. Now my whole childhood, teenage years, and even when I was a young adult living with the Gypsy she always made us kids a nice hot breakfast. Usually scrambled eggs, oatmeal, waffles, cinnamon and sugar french toast, banana pancakes, just to give you an idea. While we were eating our heavenly breakfast she was chowing down on frosting dipped graham crackers and a DC. She just loves her sweets. My theory is it gets her going because she wakes up at 5:00am everyday and goes hard all day until 12:00am. I always know she will be awake late if I need someone to talk to. So, when you make a Gypsy breakfast in bed make sure its a diet coke and a slice of cake or something like that. 

5. Gypsies Crave Grandchildren! So They Take What They Can Get...

I'm the oldest of 5 kids and well, I'm approaching 25. Yes I'm 25 I went to BYU and I'm not married. I'm one of the elite. Marriage isn't really my cup of tea at the time and I have more important things to do like watch food network. Now Gypsies love grandchildren. I'm not married, Bronson and Hil are still children playing their respective sports and what not, Corbin is on a mission, and we don't want to see Daryl and Devin on MTVs 16 and Pregnant so Michelle has no grand babies. In the mean time she fills her void by watching my two dogs. When she has Bella my St Bernard I always come home to Bella with pink bows and ribbons. She also is the favorite great Aunt to all my cousins kids. By favorite I mean they love her more than their own mothers sometimes. So until the Gypsy can get some grand babies just plan on your young children loving her more than you after 5 minutes of being with her. Also plan them being fed candy and given treats and toys of all kinds. She has a way with children. 

6. Gypsies Travel All Over and Take Selfies Along the Way

So my Gypsy just like any other Gypsy loves to travel. Some of her favorite spots include China, Laie Hawaii, Boston, San Fran, Portland, and Medicine Hat Canada. Just kidding the Gypsy hates Medicine Hat Canada, but as you can see shes a well traveled Gypsy. She's driving across the US of A multiple times and because of her work she gets to go to some amazing places and takes selfies along the way. She has selfies in places that one can only imagine! Shes so good at documenting her adventures! So if you ever need the 411 on really anywhere in the US or China or Canada you call my Gypsy and she will fill you in.

7. Gypsies Love to Dance

At a young age the Gypsy lady showed talent in the field of Dance and Cheering. So naturally she was cheerleader and a dancer through high school and college. This is how she met Steve. She was a cougarette, he was a football player. Typical love story of a Gypsy and a Tall Dark and Handsome Brown Man. Anyways, even in her older age (by older I mean shes not 20 anymore) she dances. Whether its on our annual Christmas Eve dance party, playing dance central and beating everyone, or teaching a class the Gypsy has rhythm. Sadly to say only one of us 5 kids got that rhythm. Either way Gypsies love to dance! 

8. Gypsies Don't Age

If you compare these two pictures you can clearly see that Gypsies don't age. They manage to maintain a youthful appearance even when they are 62. My Gypsy isn't 62 but I'm sure she will look the same when she is. I mean she has a better body than Daryl and I and shes our Mother! People when we are in public usually ask if she's my sister. I mean, if anything she's probably gotten younger since I've known her. So if you're a Gypsy, well congratulations! You will still look 25 while the rest of us really do look 48. 

9. Gypsies Want to Rule the World

Ok so this statement isn't entirely true but man does my Gypsy do a lot for our little Provo Community. She's the head of the school board and does community counsel and on the board of trustees or something? Ok I won't lie I honestly don't know exactly what she does or her exact titles but she knows everything that happens in the city of Provo and is usually found speaking at big events. I think its because secretly the Gypsies want to take over America but frankly if she were to run the world it would be a good thing. I know for a fact the world would be a much cleaner place, children won't starve, and there would be a World Wide Holiday in honor of Cher.  If you ever want to know anything about whats happening in the little city of Provo just call my Gypsy. She knows EVERYTHING.

10. Gypsies Just Want to Have A Good Time

At the end of the day the Gypsy just wants to have fun! She's all about having a good time and doing whatever is going to be a good time. If that means we are going to steal a crib and push each other in the hallway of the hotel in it then we are. If that means we are going to call Bronson while he's on his mission just to say hi then we will. And if that means taking you and your friends to go toilet paper the girl, who your boyfriend cheated on you with, house then she will do so and fund the whole project. Gypsies are fun and they just want to have a good time so you just let them. Sometimes you just have to sit back watch and shake your head but its all good fun in the end. 

So there are some fun facts about my Gypsy. I really am the luckiest little brat in the whole world to get a mom as awesome as her. Not all moms would put up with my shenanigans and the things I do but she does so and usually smiles about it. If not I buy her a DC and some Cafe Rio and she usually does after. So with Mother's day being this weekend I hope you all give your moms a hug. Especially if she is a Gypsy Mother because those are the coolest ones anyway. Have a great weekend! And if you're Mormon have fun talking to your missionary!!! I know I can't wait to talk to mine. 

Don't forget, hug your Gypsy and buy her a Diet Coke and tell her you love her! 

Alexis