My Time Turner

Thursday December 9, 2010

We're traveling back in time seven years...

"Ah the roommate drama is driving me crazy! Sunday, McHale, Jordan, and I were in my room talking when Rian just walks in and starts going ballistic using language like an episode of Jersey Shore. It was madness. She was all mad over McHale supposedly hiding toilet paper (since they share a bathroom) and Hannah and I share one. Rian was screaming profanities at McHale and she went through McHale's stuff. I find that entirely inappropriate. The yelling ended with Rian telling McHale to "f***" off and flipping her off.

I was in such shock that I was stunned and couldn't speak. But no one treats my sister like that or yells at her in that manner. It was wrong. I won/t stand for it. You don't do that to anyone. It's a form of bullying in my opinion. She verbally assaulted McHale. Now McHale and Rian have been fighting and have disliked each other from the beginning when we first moved in. I am a peacemaker. I love Rian. I have stayed neutral and been friends with both of them. I believe in kindness and loving one another and forgiveness like the Savior.

However, Rian crossed the line. She asked me to talk and if we were still friends or if I was just going to ignore her forever. She apologized to me and admitted that she took it too far and was in the wrong for her approach. I told her she needed to apologize to my sisters. She agreed to say sorry to Jordan, but not McHale because of their prior conflicts and negative past. Despite that, I told her I firmly believe she owes McHale an apology for the episode she caused and for verbally harassing her. I don't think she'll ever swallow her pride and do so, I forgive Rian of course, but I want her to tell McHale she is sorry for her tone, approach, and insults. 

I just want peace and love and happiness. 

Rian needs to respect McHale.

McHale needs to respect Rian.

I'm still a little shaken up for how Rian treated my sister (especially the way she did it so publicly!) I'll ALWAYS stand up for McHale, my sisters, and my family. Hannah is taking Rian's side. [I can't believe there are sides! Like are we back in high school?! I thought this was college and adulting.] Ugh I hate the whole sides thing. It's juvenile and dramatic. I take no sides. I'm just standing up for what's right and asking for one simple apology where it's deserved. Three simple words that hold an immensity of power.

 Hannah & I
(Side note, I miss my Hannah Banana)

 Roommates past: Bowling-Getting-To-Know-Each-Other-At-The-ISU-Sub
Our bowling names: Rian=Meredith, Charley=Izzie, Hannah=Calliope, & McHale=Cristina...
Are you sensing a love of Grey's Anatomy?!

McHale & Rian before everything changed for the worst :(

In other awkwardness in the life of Charley, Bo (ex-boyfriend) came by my apartment tonight. It was the first time I've seen him since we broke up. He was dropping off my mom's broken lamp piece that he fixed from his furniture store. He made small talk for about ten minutes, working the weather, our families, the holiday season, etc as he stood in the freezing cold. I didn't invite him in because I didn't want to talk/hang out with him after what he did to me. You could tell he wanted to though. His eyes begged for an unspoken invitation into my apartment and my heart. 

I've moved on.

I didn't hide the fact that I'm over him and had no interest in talking to him whatsoever. He could tell because he kept stopping and shaking his head and interrupting me, saying: "You hate me! You totally hate me!"

to which I rightfully denied because it's not true. As I told him, I don't hate him. I don't hate anyone. But I'm definitely not his biggest fan. I don't consider him a friend either. (I didn't mention the last sentence to him or this one out loud). He's just an associate. I don't like him like him or dislike him or even like him, we're just neutral, normal, polite. It's forced.

Well he finally ran out of small talk and started to say how sorry he was about us, and I immediately stopped him in his tracks. I made it clear that it's fine! It's great. I've moved on and am happy, never better. Then he admitted that he's going to be in town in a week or so for a game his sister is cheering for and wants to see me. He asked me if I would go to dinner with him too. 

(I'm thinking to myself seriously? Seriously? SERIOUSLY?!--a Grey's Anatomy Meredith Grey seriously, obviously). I responded maybe [which is a polite NO in my book]. He looked defeated and made a promise to call me and then reached out and pulled me into his arms in an embrace and hugged me. Out of habit--and just being a sucker for hugs in general--I hugged him back; a goodbye forever (in my mind) hug and that was that.

All I can say is that my mom sure better love me for getting that lamp piece back ;)

Bo & I reconnected in January 2011. We went to dinner and attended an Andy Grammer concert in SLC. Sad fact: Andy asked me out on a date after the show but Bo had to rush home to (get this) meet up with another girl! I'll always have that fun fact that Andy Grammer wanted to take me on a date.

I also met Rachel Platten (famous for her Fight Song). Bo wasn't too happy about me staying behind after the concert to meet her and Andy but while he sulked in the car, I met them. Rachel was the sweetest thing. She remembered my name and we talked for a good twenty minutes.

"Being single used to mean that nobody wanted you. Now it means you're pretty sexy and you're taking your time deciding how you want your life to be and who you want to spend it with."

"Everyone wants to live a fairytale. Everyone wants a perfect life, but what makes up a fairytale? Is it truly the pain and the strife? What would a fairytale be without a damsel in distress? She would never meet prince charming, never dance in her dress. You see you can't have a story with just a beginning and an end. You have to be broken to be able to mend. Without the dark, there'd be no light. Without wrong, there'd be no right. Every story can have a perfect ending. You just have to wait for it."

-Melissa Draper

"You saved me in every way a person could be saved."

-Titanic

"So here I am in my new apartment it's so much colder than I thought it would be. So I tuck myself in and turn my night light on. Wish I'd never grown up. I wish I'd never grown up. I wish I'd never grown up."
-Taylor Swift

"Life isn't as magical here, and you're not the only one who feels like you don't belong or that it's better somewhere else. But there are things worth living, and the best part is your never know what's going to happen next."
-O. R. Melling

"To love somebody is not just a strong feeling--it is a decision, it is a judgment, it is a promise. If love were only a feeling, there would be no basis for the promise to love each other forever. A feeling comes and it may go. How can I can judge that it's love and will stay forever, when my act does not involve judgment and decision."

"I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny old attics. Even if they dress in rags, even if they aren't pretty, or small, or young. They're still princesses. All of us."
-A Little Princess

"It's time to take a risk, sweetheart."

"The only thing standing in between you and me is reality."

"Isn't it painful? For someone to make you feel special, yet he already has his special someone."

"Love me like the world is ending."

"It's sweet when someone knows every detail about you. Not because you keep on reminding them, but because they pay attention.
"By the way, I'm wearing the smile you gave me."

"False
          Evidence   
         Appearing
    Real."  

"and there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears and love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears."

"Make it count. Meet me at the clock!"
-Jack Dawson

"I miss the days where we would play outside for hours and never get bored. I miss the innocence of being just a kid."

"Tell me, princess, how when did you last let your heart decide?"
-Aladdin

"If God is with you, who can be against you?"
<W/L3 [with love]
C


Friday December 9, 2012
We're traveling back in time five years...
"Two souls are sometimes created together and in love before they're born."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald

"You're allowed to scream, you're allowed to cry, but you do not give up."

Today was such fun. It always is when you combine TyBrie and CiCi! Brie's parents, Gene and Debbie, drove us all up to Idaho Falls for the day as a Christmas/friend/birthday adventure. The first stop was to the falls at this little park so I could take Christmas pictures of TyBrie. My wish for snow last night equaled a light dusting of snow. It was freezing cold outside and, as you can see, I only wore an over-sized sweater and no coat. Real friends take beautiful pictures of their friends even if they almost get frostbite in the process! I take cute photos like this one where TyBrie are holding up candy canes in the shape of a heart and kissing in the background. Presh.
Debbie took the pics of all three of us and the one of Brie and me. I want a Polaroid camera like theirs! Well we decided to get out of the cold so we went to lunch at a local restaurant The Snakebite Restaurant (which is INCREDIBLE-I give it 5 out of 5 stars). Brie did lost of research to try and find the best burger in Idaho Falls and it lead to Snakebite. It really was the best! I loved the atmosphere and the food was unbelievably good. Amazing! If you haven't been there, I highly recommend it.
After lunch, we went to this free display at the Museum of Idaho about an old fashioned Christmas. It wasn't as impressive as I thought it would be but was still fun to look around at all the nativity displays from all over the world and other old Christmas artifacts.
When we were done at the museum, we did some shopping. We went to Target and the mall. I bought this Twilight Breaking Dawn replica engagement ring like Bella's ring from Edward in the movie. You know I'm not a Twihard-vampire-obsessed-Edward Cullen-loving-crazy fan, but I just absolutely love the ring. It's stunning. I remember being completely in love with that ring when I read Eclipse before I even saw the movies. It was such a big deal. The ring meant so much to Edward because it was vintage and belonged to his dead mother. The ring and proposal were my favorite part. So when I saw it, I had to buy it even though it doesn't really fit my tiny fingers.
Can I just say I could spend hours, days, months, and years in Barnes and Noble? I just love books and reading. I couldn't survive without the written word. Reading and writing are as essential to me as oxygen. It's always a struggle trying to choose which books to buy when there are so many choices. Today I came home with Middle Ground (the sequel to Awaken) by Katie Kacvinsky, Everyday by David Levithan, and Between by Jessica Warman. I convinced Brie to get The Fault in our Stars by John Green! That's exciting. That book blows my mind. It's amazing. She will love it like I do.
What a lovely day. A day filled with your friends and books is one of the best kind there is.

TyBrie (n.) True Love.

 Maybe I was young and naive got lost in your eyes never really had a chance.

Kisses are the best. Brie, CiCi, & Mat. I miss those days so much that my heart literally hurts.

Cha-cha-charley circa 2012

The best of friends; sisters by choice.

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling twenty two. 

[actually I was 23]

Magic moments when you're forever Young.

<W/L3 [with love],
C

Friday December 9, 2016
We're traveling back in time one year...
There are so many things that amaze me such as life in general--the fragility, the possibility, the wonder, the beauty, the potential--that to list them all would be an impossible task like counting every single star in the galaxy. I have found love again that defies the past, the imperfections, the loneliness, the unfairness, the mistakes, the heartbreak, the hate, hurt, and negativity of others around me. Trying to destroy me and rob me of all the hope, happiness, love, light, progress, and positivity inside of me, the fears that haunt me, and the excruciating, soul crippling, unbearable physical and emotional pain that was killing me second by waking second.
I am in love with myself--the girl I've become and the girl I'm becoming. I love me. I love life. I love my life, this new blank canvas of a life I am living, building, and creating day by day, moment by moment. Depression blinds you to the beauty of life and the miracle and purpose of it all. It makes you forget how much you love life--even when it's bad, sad, confusing, and downright tragic.
Apathy takes over your heart. Fear hijacks your mind. Despair and misery slowly suck the life right out of you. This is just a basic description of what depression feels like. My point is with the gospel, meditation, treatment centers, positive coping skills, and group counseling, time, and support from fellow patients (now friends), family, and friends, I've conquered my depression, chose and found happiness, and took my life back.
Hope is always there and waiting to be found.
You may be lost, but hope never is.
The key is faith. Fear is the opposite of faith. Sometimes we hide behind our fears because we're afraid of change or failure. The truth is that faith is stronger than the whole world's fear combined. If we have faith, we need not fear. I choose faith. I have faith. I read an incredible, faith building talk on faith from the most recent General Conference by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
He said: "Faith is trust--trust that God sees what we cannot and that He knows what we do not. The purpose of faith is not to change God's will but to empower us to act on God's will. In the end everything will make sense. Faith comes to the humble, the diligent, the enduring. It comes to those who pay the price of faithfulness."
Recently, I was struggling with some interpersonal conflict and it cast a dark shadow over just about everything. I was letting it get the best of me. I quickly reminded myself to not let actions of others effect my actions and mood. I exercised love, faith, and forgiveness and resolved the issue. All is well.
I am SO excited! I have a job interview at LDS Hospital on Tuesday! I'd be working grave shifts (6pm to 6am) in the ED! I hope and pray I get the job.

New me; new life.

Haylee, Megan, Annie, & I enjoying a coffee/smoothie date.

Back: Alexa, Allison, me, Haylee, & Emily

Front: Krystal, Megan, & Courtney

"Love, at every opportunity you are given to love. Be less afraid. Embrace each day (none are promised). Cry when you need to, it'll make you feel better. You were put on this planet to feel every feeling you could, do that. Everything works out in the end. I promise."

In Memory of the loveliest of them all: Emily Schaeffer <3

Nadia, Alexa, me, Annie, Haylee, & Natalia
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."
-Proverbs 31:25

THE BEST PEOPLE IN LIFE ARE FREE.

Girls Night @ San Moritz.

Megan, Charley, Natalia, Annie, Haylee, Nadia, Carlie, & [in front] Alexa

aka the baddest badass princesses in existence.

A strong friendship doesn't need daily conversation or being together. As long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends never part.

#becausewereworthit

Beautiful girls. Beautiful friends. Beautiful life. 

Oh, and Carlos and the creeper clown haha.

Grown Up Girl Bonding Time brought to you by Charley & Addie.

We were created to create.

<W/L3
C
P.S. Happy 29th birthday to the amazing-in-every-way Tyson! On Dec 5th, Brie turned 28, and I am 27 as of October. Where does the time go?!? #foreveryoung

The T-Rex to my Charmander.

Tyson is honestly THE BEST gentleman I know.

I am going to share a memory with you lovelies that is very personal, raw, and sacred which only a few know about...

It involves the only time that I have ever seen Tyson cry... same with Brie.

There were red flags when Ryan and I were dating (for those of you just tuning in, Ryan is my ex husband)... I was all rose colored glasses, thinking I found my prince, and wrapped up in excitement planning an eternal marriage.

Well about a week before I was to go to the temple in May 2013 to receive my endowments, Tyson and Brie invited me to their home.

They had very sullen, serious expressions on their faces that deeply troubled me.

It felt like someone died.

The air was heavy with deafening silence.

When they asked me to take a seat, I knew something was wrong.

Tyson began crying. Real crying. The soul wrenching, agonizing, loving kind of tears. 

Brie started to cry too.

Tyson testified to me that I could not marry Ryan.

He said he'd never felt so strongly about anything in his entire life that he did the prompting that I shouldn't marry Ryan.

Brie felt the same way.

My heart sunk. It shattered. It was like the dreamland I have been living in came crashing down, but the thing was I knew it was a dream all along and I was just praying that it would never end.

I had always had a feeling that Ryan and I shouldn't get married... that we were moving too fast. I mean we only dated for a month before he proposed to me on February 1, 2013. Then we were married on May 11, 2013. 

When I suggested to Ryan that we prolong our engagement, he was infuriated and claimed that if we were made for each other/soulmates/in love then we shouldn't wait. He made me believe that the "adversary" was doing everything in his power to pull us apart including poisoning my family and friends. Ryan insisted that if we waited any longer, we wouldn't work. We had to get married when we planned or we wouldn't get married at all. My hopeless romantic heart full of love for my fiance wanted to believe it so badly that I believed the lie even though I knew the truth. I thought that love could conquer all.

Seeing Tyson cry made me cry. It was powerful. It was overwhelming. It was spiritual.

He suggested that Brie, himself, and me join hands and pray about it.

We prayed that I would know whether or not I should marry Ryan.

And we all felt the undeniable answer that I didn't want to hear: a resounding, irrevocable NO.

Immediately after Tyson said the prayer, my phone rang. 

It was my grandma. She and I hadn't talked in weeks.

I answered and her frantic words were: "Charley, you CANNOT marry Ryan! Do not marry Ryan baby girl."

The answer to all of our prayers.

I was so lost and felt like everything I knew was turned upside down and the dream was becoming a nightmare.

I couldn't deny the message Heavenly Father was sending me though.

So I called my mom who basically paid for the entire wedding.

Engagement pictures had been taken by this time, invitations had been sent, endowments in the temple were in a matter of days, and then a week later I would be sealed to Ryan for time and all eternity in the SLC Temple which was reserved. The honeymoon, photographer, hotels, dinner, reception, dress, and everything had been paid for.

My mom was not happy with this revelation.

I don't want to paint her out to be a bad mom or horrible person... but she told me it was too late to back out of it because of all the money spent that she'd never get back and all the invitations had been sent so there was no way I wasn't going to marry Ryan. 

The rest was history.

Ryan and I were married, sealed for time and all eternity, in the Salt Lake City Temple (my favorite temple), a castle, on Saturday May 11, 2013 in front of all our family and friends and God.

Tyson and Aubrey weren't going to come but did to support me.

Tyson was my witness and one of Ryan's groomsmen. 

Aubrey was my maid of honor.

The moral of the story: ALWAYS TRUST GOD. He has a plan for us that is perfect and full of happiness beyond comprehension. He knows what is best for us. In today's world with everyone having opinions about everything and all the noise and need for approval and love, it's easy to think what we want is right or to base decisions on people who won't have to deal with the consequences of our actions and choices. 

John Green wasn't kidding when he said "Some infinities are bigger than other infinities."

I never imagined eternity meant two years for Ryan and I and our so called eternal marriage.

Spoiler alert: We didn't work out. My marriage was plagued with abuse in every sense of the word, control, unrighteous dominion, selfishness, and adultery. Our divorced was finalized in September of 2015. 

I may have "lost" Ryan but I found myself and somehow that was everything [and more].

The details, the story, are for another time...

Back to Tyson...

He and Brie moved about five hours away last month. I miss them so bad sometimes that it hurts. I am anxiously awaiting our reunion in a few sweet weeks. I am forever grateful for our forever friendship. We stay in touch through e-mails and texts and that is what makes me thankful for technology. We've been friends for nearly eight years and everyone has been enchanting and beautiful. Thank you Tyson for being a HUGE part of giving me the courage to escape an abusive marriage that would've killed me in the end and providing me a safe haven for the few weeks after we split up. Thanks for always being the patience to my stubbornness. Thank you for being THEE best husband to MY best friend and father to my sweet nephew Jude. In the words of MCS (Motion City Soundtrack): "I want to thank you for being a part of my forget-me-nots and marigolds. And all the things that don't get old." I love you. What If It Was You will always be our song.

Happy birthday. I have (and will) always love you. 30 never looked better on anyone. I am glad you were born. I wish I could be with my forever Youngs to celebrate your birthday and Brie's but we shall see each other before we know it. Here's to drinking mate while settling Catan, the best hugs and advice, forgiveness, tears of happiness and sorrow shared, being the witness at my wedding even though you were against it (and right), the countless blessings you've given me, car rides, music, adventures, and light. Here's to a forever friendship, unconditional love, endless happiness, and the knowledge that with friends like us in this ever changing world, we are constant and can overcome any adversity.

Brie && CiCi

Established best friends since 1994 when she was 5 and I was 4.

To a once in a lifetime friendship.

Brie, happy 29th belated birthday. You are stunningly beautiful in every possible way.

You inspire me more than almost anyone. You are my person. The Haley to my Peyton. My first and forever best friend. Thank you for always giving me the best advice and not giving up on me even when I've ceased to believe in myself. Thanks for drying my tears in high school when boys were jerks. Thanks for taking me to the Oregon Coast and driving to Seattle to see Jesse McCartney. For making all of our moments worth remembering. Thank you for unconditional love without limits. Here's to Colored Houses, journaling, adventures, millions of inside jokes, notes, tears of sadness and joy, and always being there for me no matter what. To my older sister by choice. Here's to infinity and beyond. BFFS. I love love love you. I love you my darling friend. You are proof that magic is real and not just make believe in Harry Potter. 

TEAM

Lovelies,

We're not just a nation.

We're a team.

I am a writer.

It's in my blood.

I spill words like ink to paper and this blog.

My own and others.

I journal.

I LOVE President Gordon B. Hinckley's thoughts on keeping a journal and writing down your story:

"You will have significant experiences. I hope that you will write them down and keep a record of them, that you will read them from time to time and refresh your memory of those meaningful and significant things. Some may be funny. Some may be significant only to you. Some of them maybe be sacred and quietly beautiful. Some may build one upon another until they represent a lifetime of special experience."

Words can tear, break, repair, and are essential to life.

Of course, there is nonverbal communication that can express more than all the words in every language could ever begin to say. In the touch of a lover. In the hug of a friend or family member, In the smile of a stranger. 

That are moments and feelings where words aren't necessary.

Where you can't find the words.

Where words don't exist to say what you need or want to say.

You can be speechless.

However, when you have something to say. SPEAK NOW.

Speak.

Don't keep quiet.

If you love someone, tell them. NOW. Don't wait.

The only exception is anger.

You need to watch yourself when you lose your temper or get feelings of rage or hurt... often during these times, words and emotions get the best of you and you can say things you can't take back. Things you probably don't mean. Words that can haunt a person forever. Words than can kill a soul.

As Rumi wrote: "Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder."

Say the words you mean.

Mean the words you say.

Speak now or forever hold your peace or regret that you didn't say what you needed to.

Words how little they mean when they're a little too late.

Listen as well.

Take in the words you hear.

Respond.

Pay genuine compliments to those around you.

You have the power to make someone's day, change lives, and bring about change just by opening your mouth and talking words of hope and love and kindness.

As you all are aware, I am struggling.

I am going through the hardest time of my entire life.

This trial threatens to tear me down every single day.

I just have to keep breathing.

I have to plan my days and fill them so I don't let this suffering drown me.

I am not okay but I will be.

That's what matters.

This quote by Taylor Swift says it all elegantly and with near perfection:

"Speak now or forever hold your peace, the words said by preachers at the end of wedding ceremonies all over the world, right before the vows. It's a last chance for protest, a moment that makes everyone's heart race, and a moment I've always been strangely fascinated by so many fantasize about bursting into a church, saying what they'd kept inside for years like in the movies. In real life, it rarely happens.

Real life is a funny thing, you know. In real life, saying the right thing at the right moment is beyond crucial. So crucial, in fact, that most of us start to hesitate, for fear of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. But lately what I've begun to fear more than that is letting the moment pass without saying anything.

I think most of us fear reaching the end of our life, and looking back regretting the moments we didn't speak up. When we didn't say "I love you" when we should've said "I'm sorry". When we didn't stand up for ourselves or someone who needed help.

Words can break someone into a million pieces, but they can also put them back together. I hope you use yours for good, because the only words you'll regret more than the ones left unsaid are the ones you use to intentionally hurt someone.

What you say might be too much for some people. Maybe it will come out all wrong and you'll stutter and you'll walk away embarrassed, wincing as you play it all back in your head. But I think the words you stop yourself from saying are the ones that will haunt you the longest.

So say it to them or say it to yourself in the mirror. Say it in a letter you'll never send or in a book millions might read someday. I think you deserve to look back on your life without a chorus of resounding voices saying 'I could've, but it's too late now.'

There is a time for silence. There is a time waiting your turn. But if you know how you feel, and you so clearly know what you need to say, you'll know it.

I don't think you should wait. I think you should speak now."

I've been looking back through the pages of old journals.

I write down the words of people who pay me nice compliments or say things that mean a lot to me.

Maybe some of the words are from you.

We often forget the lovely words we say to people, but they can remember them forever.

That's how some of these comments are.

Maybe you don't remember saying them... but I'll never forget.

I am going to share some here... words that people said to me that have made all the difference in my life. These aren't all of them that I hold, but these are some. 

I don't think it's narcissistic. It's healing and refreshing to know people care.

I am going to share them here.

I'll change some of the names of the people who said these things to me just in case they don't want to their words to be shared with the world.

I ran into one of my favorite high school teachers in a grocery store by the flower aisle. 

He was talking to someone. He actually was one of my English teachers. He inspired me. He improved my writing. He made me a better writer. He had a way with words that helped me find my voice.

I saw him but didn't think he saw me. So I was going to talk by without a second glance (honestly I didn't think he would remember me) but as I passed by, he stopped and said to the person he was talking to, "Except Charley here. She's the only exception. She got an A. She was an amazing student!"

Then he smiled, ended the conversation with whoever he was talking to, turned his focus to me, hugged me, and we had about a ten minute conversation. He asked me about what I had been up to, my plans, dreams, etc. He told me he loved my Facebook posts and always looks forward to them. He said he liked how insightful and meaningful they were. He explained that when everyone my age is only getting on FB to post random pointless junk about partying and the like. He is an absolutely amazingly talented writer so it was a major compliment. It made my day.

"Your posts are some of my favorite :)"

-Kasey M.

"My mother absolutely adores you! She told me that you are seriously the most nicest girl ever!! Haha."

-Kayla

"You are my favorite of all of Christian's sisters :) You're the best babysitter EVER! and you always remind me that I'm awesome :) LOVE YOU CHARLEY :) P.S. You enjoy my random songs. :)"

-Drake (one of Lambsey's friends)

"Oh Char, you and I have become each others best friends. We have sister Saturday pretty much every Saturday. I love how close we are cause it's good to have your older sister be your best friend. Just letting you know how much I look up to you as like my role model. You get through every trial that is put in front of you. You never ever get mad and you don't hate anyone! Even the people I can't stand you're always so nice to them. You never lie and are always straight up with people. You also always give back and say thank you. You are so incredibly smart! Makes me jealous you're gorgeous. I love youuuuu!"

-Jordan Lawren Chriswell (my youngest sister)

Can I just say that comment touched my heart. It made me cry.

"Every breath you have ever taken was gold. You're the best kind of person and I think no matter what I'll always remember you as such."

-David

"You have always been one of the sweetest, most kind people I've ever met. There is no reason for you to be lonely. You have no idea. I would have to get a team together to search the country for a man worthy enough to have you. You will not be lonely forever. You shouldn't be now and not ever. I just mean he has to be kind, courteous, chivalrous, strong, regal, and the perfect gentleman. He will come and you will be completely blown over. You two will hit it off faster than they do in the storybooks. When he meets the Charley, he's going to just die. He will have to have you. Have a good night beautiful."

-Wilson (name has been changed).

That made me smile. I mean REALLY smile. I needed to hear it at the time.

"I miss you and I'm drinking a Diet Pepsi and it just doesn't feel right without you!"

-Deedra (hahah I love her)

A conversation I had with Wilson in 2012...

Charley (me): "I am sorry. I know that means absolutely nothing nor does it help or change anything. But some words of inspiration--maybe good things fall apart so even better things, things beyond our imagination, can fall together."

Wilson: "I guess. You realize saying those things makes just want to flirt with you."

C: "Flirt with me? Why me? Why especially when you love Brianna (name changed)?"

W: "Because I have had crushes on you since elementary school. Because you are insanely beautiful and you seem to be more and more my type as we talk. Because even though I am turning into a mess, you make me feel like you would pick up the pieces."

C: "Why didn't you ever tell me? People should say these things you know, when they feel them. I am not insanely beautiful. I wish I was. I am just Jordan and McHale's sister. And what is your type? I am always here for you. I will help you pick up the pieces. I will also do anything to help you get Brianna back since I know you love her."

W: "Yes you are. You are their radiant and elegant sister. Not their other sister. I don't know why I never said anything. I never felt good enough and didn't think you would care. Thank you."

Just an FYI, Wilson and I never dated or were anything but friends. I didn't and don't like him like that. But we were good friends. I like being there and helping people.

Another Wilson/Charley conversation...

C: "How can you still believe in love? Do you believe in soulmates?"

W: "Of course I believe in love. I don't know about soulmates."

C: "How do you still believe in it though?"

W: "Shouldn't having your heart ripped out make it more obvious that it's real? Should all the joy and happiness you feel gets taken away make love that much more apparent and desirable? You know it's real. There's a reason why you've been wishing for it forever. Everyone wants love. When it's taken away from us it hurts worse than anything else because it is the greatest feeling and power on Earth."

That was eye opening. I'd never thought about it like that before.

Haha I love the following quote. I went on a triple date with some friends. My little sister came along and he date paid for her. I was in shock and telling him how cute and nice that was. He exclaimed, "What has the world come to when it's such a surprise when a guy pays for the girl. It should be expected. A guy should always pay for his lady. That's how it's supposed to be."

True story.

"You are such a sweet person. You are amazing and I always love your posts :) You are beautiful and I am thankful to know you! You deserve all of the good that life has to offer."

-Alecia

"Well I just thought I would post on your wall about how thankful I am for you!!! You are just the most gorgeous and sweet person I have ever met. You always have amazing statuses and you always greet me with a big beautiful smile. Thanks for making my day a little brighter with your kind words and kind smile."

-Angela :)

"It's almost been two years since we met right? Thank you so much for always letting me read your Facebook posts that help me out through the day. You are amazing along with your family! You are special!"

-Holden (named changed) we once dated. He recently got married. I am so happy for him :)

"I love you so much! It has been so long since I've seen you and I must meet up with you soon pretty lady!!! You're such an incredible friend :) mwah <3 I miss our letters."

-Paige Madison

Oh my goodness, this is the silliest. most random conversation that took place on night at TyBrie's house...

Tyson: "Are we humans or are we dancers?"

Me (To Lambsey): "Somebody told me that you had a girlfriend who looked like a boyfriend that I had in February of last year."

Lambsey: "It's not confidential, I've got potential."

Brie: "You know what I'm getting from this conversation? Who is this boyfriend you had in February, and why did he look like a girl?"

Me: "No Christian's girlfriend looked like a boy."

Brie: "No because she is me. I'm his secret girlfriend trying to be scandalouser than you cause he's younger than me."

Lambsey: "This sounds like an episode of Desperate Housewives!"

Brie: "That means I'm Gabby!"

Lambsey: "Then Tyson is Carlos and I'm John!"

Brie: "I wish I looked like Gabrielle!"

Tyson: "I wished I had as much money as Carlos."

*We all laughed so hard our stomachs hurt*

Brie (To me): "Then I guess that makes you Susan."

Me: "Oh well! That's fine by me. It means I get Mike Delfino!"

Yep, we can be silly.

 I wrote a Facebook status that stated: "A real girl isn't perfect. A perfect girl isn't real." One of my friends named John made a sweet observation: "And yet love masks imperfections making a perfect girl very real."

"So I just decided that you have amazing quotes and I thought I'd let you know."

-Melissa

"Charley... you are adorable! I was just being all creepy stalker like and looking at your blog... it's cute. I like it :)"

-Brie

"I love you girl. You are so inspiring."

-Angie

"Charley :) I miss your B-E-A-Utiful face, and adorable eyes :) I just love you so much! You are my favorite! Darling, you're so cute. Save some cuteness for the rest of us. You are beautiful period."

-Taylor

"You got it all goin for ya pretty lady!"

-Maddie

"Lofes you so much, you are the best pretty lil lady :)"

-McHale Annette Chriswell (sister)

One of my statuses was "I wish I was a star."

I got the following responses.

Taylor: "You're a star to me."

Lacey: "="I love stars. I have always had some infatuation with them. Haha. I'm not sure what kind of "star" you're talking about but if it's like celebrity then me too! Awhhh. That's cute. I think Taylor's right. You're already a star!"

Jordan: "Hey, you are a star! Don't let anyone tell you differently."

Chris: "Charley, you should be a counselor."

Kirsten: "Charley you are amazing."

David: "Charley that is impossible to promise. You are an irresistible person and who doesn't love you is out of their mind."

Alexia: "Charley, you're gorgeous! Miss you a lot!"

Lizzy: "See you are gorgeous and your smile is stunning."

My friend/step cousin Mitch said the nicest thing to me once upon a time.

"You're like a superhero in my eyes. All the s--- you've had to walk through. And still are walking through. There's no one else who I have such a high admiration for. You truly are amazing. I love you."

Another Taylorism (he is the kindest. Mind you he has a gorgeous girlfriend now! We are still friends but these are words from the past!): "Charley! I care about you so much! More than I show! I just want you to be happy more than anything. I've been thinking about you all week. You're so beautiful."

David gave the best compliments. Always cheering this girl up!

"Dearest friend, I hope all is well. Your smile brightens up the world and makes all things wonderful, just like you do :) Charley, you are the most wonderful person I have ever had the privilege of being friends with and I treasure you :) You brighten up my life and make me smile."

"Sweet dreams Char. I really hope things get better with your health, you're a strong girl. If there is ever anything I can do to help you out please let me know. I am glad I got to see you."

-Mat

"Charley Brooke is one of the most beautiful inspirational people in the world. I envy her... and it makes it worse that I have to face her everyday! I love my angelic sister so very much :):):)"

-McHale (my sweethearted angel of a sister)

"You're very talented in this matter! Better keep it up! People LOVE your writing and gorgeous pictures."

-One of you lovelies! An anonymous lovely who reads my blog (I adore you!)

"Charley Brooke Chriswell is one hundred percent positive one hundred percent of the time. I really admire her."

-The lovely Morgan 

"I really like it when I have a bad day, and something you post makes me instantly feel better."

-Ben

"You're a beautiful writer."

-Tabbi

"Dear Charley... I just have to say your profile picture is awesome! I miss that time we went skydiving together... Love you!"

-Jacklyn

"Your story didn't start out on a dark and stormy night--I promise! I was there... It started out with the most beautiful little girl who was and still is the joy of her mother and father's life. You are a great story and your ending has yet to be written and I bet when it is finished it will be a BLOCKBUSTER!!!"

-My dad

"So you probably get this often, but I think you're really pretty."

-A random stranger

"Charley, I know I don't know you very well. But, I've been reading your blog during my downtime at work and I feel like I know you so well! So much of what you say I can relate to. Keep up the good work."

-Wilson (not the Wilson mentioned above)

"I need you to make me a book of your sayings so when I get in a jam I'll have the right words to say."

-David (a cousin)

"I know a million girls who wish they looked like you. No lie. You're tall. You're thin. You're beautiful. Go look in the mirror and say good things about yourself, Charley. You have a lot of style and personality."

-Daniel

"You should write self help books!"

-Gabrielle

"Love love love love love love love your statuses."

-Lisa

"Honestly your statuses make my life. They're amazing."

-Erica

"You are cute. Too bad people aren't more like you huh? :)"

-TC

"Char, I LOVE your words beyond anything I could tell you. You are a great person, and I am so proud and happy to be your father. You make me so proud."

-Dad

"Charley!!! You are so cute and your messages make my day :) You are an awesome girl and I love your positive outlook on life... your posts and quotes always make me happy!"

-Kimberly

Okay I could keep going foreverrrr. These are comments I've written in only a few of my journals. I write your words down just like mine.

My point is, these words help me even now! I am going through hell but I see heaven. I know heaven is there. This path will take me to where I belong. Your words mean more to me than earthly possessions. I treasure words like gold. Words take seconds to say and can have lasting impressions. These words and the things you continue to tell me just completely overwhelm me with happiness. I love you all completely, lovelies. You are the loveliest. I hope my words mean to me and touch you like yours do for me.

I encourage all of you to write or tell your story in one form or another. 

We all are creating our own movie moments. Love each one. I write so I can remember and share them.

THANK YOU for all of your support. 

Your words.

For speaking now and forever.

To speaking now&always,

<W/L3

C