Friday, July 30, 2010

We're Babies

Even I feel too young to be in college (a junior in college nonetheless). But the weirdest thing is when kids you babysat start college.

I worked New Student Orientation a few weeks ago. I saw 2 kids that I used to babysit. They’re starting college.

When did we grow up? I seriously feel like I’m in sixth grade still. Where is my life going?

Am I Weird?

My friend told me I bring out the "weird" in him.

Should I be flattered? Or embarrassed?

Month of Many

I officially declare August “The Month of Many Weddings”. (We can also include the last week of July—because there are 2 weddings this week too.)

Holy cow. I can’t believe how many of my friends are getting married. It’s seriously weird. Are we even old enough for this you guys?

For 5 weeks in a row (beginning yesterday), I have one or two weddings to attend each week. And these are my friends. Practically 7-year-olds. Getting married. Uhhhh.

It really is so exciting though—all age discrepancies aside. Great dresses, fun colors, exciting music, fabulous food, pure love.  Attending receptions is always fun. Seeing the bride and groom so happy and in love. Catching up with old friends and making new ones. Eating food that clogs your arteries. Dancing like a fool.

One day it will be my wedding. I can’t wait—well, I take that back. I can wait. But I’m really excited.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Dark Circles

Under my eyes pillows of gray have settled. A sign of exhaustion. I think I need a nap. A long nap.

I fell asleep at work today. It was only for a minute--but still. That tells you how tired I am.

And I don't even know why.

Too Sore To Soar

So, the title of this post doesn't entirely make sense--but it's cool with the double homophone thing going on. Sore and soar, too and to. Genius.

Anyway, the truth of this post is that I am so sore. I've been working my little muscle pretty hard. Pretty hard for me is like mild for most people. I'm a weakling. But this kind of sore feels so good. It's not the "oh my heck, I can't move and this is miserable and hurts so bad" kind of sore. It's more like that "oh my heck, I feel so good right now even though it hurts, because I know I am getting stronger" kind of sore. Love it.

Whatever. The point is, if I were asked to soar right now, I wouldn't be able to--I'm too sore.

Serendipity

Ask Karissa, she knows. I live a very serendipitous life. For those who don’t know, serendipity means a fortunate accident.

I have a lot of fortunate accidents in my life. Except—I know they aren’t really accidents. They’re all things that are supposed to happen—we just perceive them as coincidences.

With that said—knowing that nothing in life is a complete accident—I’d like to declare that I live a very serendipitous life. Also, the word serendipity is fun. Often times I find myself in situations that are so fortunate. Sometimes I think, “What a great accident!”

I had another serendipitous moment today.

Also, love the movie Serendipity. Probably my favorite movie ever. Maybe because it’s about my life.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

I'm a Morning Person

For the past 2 weeks I have consistently (except that one inconsistent day) been waking up at a ridiculously early hour to go to the gym. Sounds pathetic. I love it.

As much as I hate hearing my alarm at this unearthly hour, if I can just get my shoes on, teeth brushed, and into the car before I have a chance to think, I get to enjoy a great, early morning workout.

I’m always so glad I went (after the fact). But there’s nothing like a good jog before you start your day. Stretching my muscles, toning them, dripping sweat like a disgusto, makes me ready to fight whatever battles come my way that day.

It’s a great time to think. There aren’t too many other wack jobs at the gym at that time, so things stay pretty quiet. I ponder what I’ll do that day, I think about last night and the weird thing I saw, or just day dream about the cute boy I want to date. No one interrupts me.

It’s my “me time”.

Stuck in a Rut

Have you ever been in a dating rut? Or is that just me? Since you can’t answer I’ll pretend that most people have been in a dating rut at some point in their lives.

Well I’m in one. Again. I feel like I’m in them more often than not.

I’ve been on a few dates here and there over the past few weeks, but I haven’t had any great dating experiences. I mean—I’ve had fun, I’ve laughed, I’ve enjoyed my time—I just haven’t been super excited about any of the dates I’ve been on.

I’m ready to meet new people. Go on more dates. Have fun with different types of people. Learn more about myself and others. Even go on dates with people I’ve known for years (well, one person in particular—he just doesn’t get it!). I just need to DATE, ok?

Only problem is: who do I date?

Perfectionism

I finally figured out why I hate writing in my journal so bad, but I can somehow bear to blog. Let me enlighten you (whoever you are).

I am a perfectionist.

Ok there, I said it! I am. I know it. And it’s stupid. I get pretty bothered when things aren’t perfect. (And by perfect—I mean nearly perfect, obviously.)

As I write in my journal (or write anything for that matter), if I misspell a word, use ugly handwriting, don’t space it well, or my thoughts just don’t come out right, I usually rip it out and start over. Ugh. I know. It’s ridiculous. A total waste of paper and ink.

When I’m re-reading journal entries from years ago, if I notice a misspelled word, I cringe. Who cares if I was 9 when I wrote it? I can’t believe I didn’t know how to spell onomatopoeia.

Here’s the quick-fix. Just blog it. E-journal, blog, whatev. It totally works. I don’t have to worry about handwriting or awkward spacing. And if I notice I misspelled a word, all I’ve got to do it click ‘edit post’, fix it, and BAM! Perfection.

The backspace key is also a lifesaver.


Post Script: I already edited this post once. I typed "no" instead of "know".

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Just Like Her...

I've been reading my friend KK's blog lately. I love her more and more with each post. She seriously is the greatest. She inspires me. I want to be just like her. 

She's artsy, talented, fun, sweet, good-natured, funny, down to earth, and just plain darling. 

I want to be related to her. We've already found two ways that could be possible. Either I could marry her little brother (which I do not object to one bit), or she could marry my cousin (if he could stop being a wussy pants and ask her out). 

Monday, July 26, 2010

Sometimes

Sometimes everything seems to be going right.
Sometimes nothing seems to be going right.
Sometimes I feel like I'm living the life.
Sometimes I feel like I have no life.
Sometimes I love going to work.
Sometimes I dread it.
Sometimes I eat really healthy.
Sometimes I don't care what anyone thinks.
Sometimes I eat more popsicles than I should.
Sometimes I want to move out.
Sometimes I never want to move out.
Sometimes I go to bed really early.
Sometimes I wake up really early.
Sometimes I tease too much.
Sometimes I love him.
Sometimes he drives me insane.
Sometimes I wish I were in high school again.
Sometimes people bug me.
Sometimes I worry myself.
Sometimes I do really stupid things.
Sometimes I crave exotic foods.
Sometimes I wish I could cook.
Sometimes the night air clears my head.
Sometimes I try to be adventurous.
Sometimes I'm afraid of taking risks.
Sometimes confidence comes easy.
Sometimes I feel on top of the world.
Sometimes my dreams are better than reality.
Sometimes reality is better than my dreams.
Sometimes everything seems under control.
Sometimes everything seems out of control.
Sometimes I love bananas.
Sometimes they make me sick.
Sometimes I'm afraid of the dark.
Sometimes I can't sleep unless it's dark.
Sometimes I want to be surrounded by people.
Sometimes I want to be alone.
Sometimes I know what I want in life.
Sometimes I have no clue what i want in life. 
Sometimes I love everything just the way it is.

But only sometimes...

Happy People = Happy Universe

Sometimes people are mean. (Sometimes I'm mean too). But I've tried to take Winn's advice from his book Be Nice (Or Else!).  When some one is being rude, inconsiderate, impatient, and just plain nasty, consider the following:

"Imagine that they are having a terrible day, and the universe sent them directly to you to cheer them up."

What if we all thought this way? If we did our best to cheer up everyone in our path--whether they think they need it or not. I think the universe would be a much happier place.

Swinging and Sliding and Canoeing, Oh My!

Biking, canoeing, hiking, four-wheeling, swimming, rope swinging, fire building, natural water sliding, walking, talking, play attending, movie seeing, exploring, reading, cooking, cabin going, game playing, shopping, rollerblading, laughing, dessert making, sun bathing, girls nights, late nights, date nights, lame nights.

No, I am not Doctor Seuss, those are just some of the highlights of my summer. Sounds fun, doesn't it?! This summer has seriously been the best! Taking the summer off from school was the best decision I could have made. I've been able to do so many fun things and make tons of great memories. 

I never want this summer to end. Ever. Except it will. In one month.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Accessorize

What's the best thing about being the girl? (Ok, there are so many best things about being a girl, but this one tops them all.)

The best thing about being a girl has got to be accessories! Am I right? 

You're never fully dressed without a great pair of earrings, or a mongo matching bracelet. The funnest part of getting ready in the morning is deciding which necklace or barrette goes perfectly with your outfit. 

I just got a new pair of earrings. Love them. 

Thursday, July 15, 2010

A Season, A Reason, A Lifetime

I can't call the title of this post my own. It comes from the aforementioned book I'm reading, but I couldn't think of a better way to say it. 

Winn Claybaugh, (I feel like we're friends by now), talks about the relationships we have in our lives. Each relationship we have--whether great or small, long or short, good or bad--enters our life for a purpose. Winn classifies all of the relationships we have as being for a season, a reason, or a lifetime.

As I reflect on the many different relationships I have had throughout my life, I feel that I too can put each relationship into one (or more) of these three categories. 

Some relationships only last a short while. These relationships are for a certain season. Maybe it was your high school group of friends. People who were in your life for just that small season. They could have had a huge impact on you, but once high school was over, you parted ways. Maybe it was a roommate you had for one year. You had a relationship--good, bad, whatever. It was for a season. Relationships that last a season are very important. They help shape who you are and what you'll become. 

Other relationships come into your life for a reason. Maybe you teamed up with someone because you were going through similar trials. Or possibly you were drawn to someone because they knew a lot about what you were interested in. These relationships are for a reason. There is some purpose for the friendship you built. These relationships are also very important. They allow you to learn so much about yourself and others.

The other relationships you have may be for a lifetime. These relationships include family, best friends, people you are with often. Lifetime relationships are exciting and rewarding. They are the people who you go throughout life with. The ones you learn, grow, change, mature with. Lifetime relationships must be cultivated and renewed often. They must not be taken for granted. These may be the richest relationships you will ever have. 

I honestly believe that every person who crosses your path was put there for a certain reason. Maybe to help you learn a lesson, to encourage you, to help you understand something, to be a mentor. Heavenly Father knows us perfectly and knows who we need and when we need them. I am learning to trust in Him more as I try to learn from every person I meet. No one enters our lives for no reason at all. And that is exciting!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Fake It To Feel It

There are so many things I'm trying to be better at. Most of these things do not come naturally to me and take a lot of work and effort on my part. In the book I'm reading "Be Nice (Or Else!)" Winn mentions that sometimes you just have to go through the motions until it becomes natural to you. Your actions become habits, and eventually your habits become you--they become natural and normal. 

The new motto I came up with is this, "Sometimes you have to fake it until you feel it."  

When you're on a date and you're just not loving it--laugh, be silly, ask questions. Eventually, you really will be having fun on the date. They may not be your soul mate--but you'll have a good time. If you don't want to go to work, just go. Act like you are so excited to be there, to see everyone, to make a difference in the office. Finally, you will be happy about going to work. If you are mad at someone, fake that you're not. Fake that you think they're the greatest. Laugh with them. Eventually, you can't help but not be mad anymore. When you're trying to get over something, act like you're over it. Pretend like it doesn't bother you. Soon enough, you will be over it. It's simple. "Fake it until you feel it".

Possible Gods and Goddesses

Lately I've been reading a lot of intellectual, thought provoking things. So unlike me. Although I don't always understand them fully, or comprehend their deepest meanings, I always find at least one small part that rings true to me. I am not one who has ever been good with words, so pulling my thoughts together to create meaning is sometimes difficult. However, I do know that all good things are of God.

In a sermon given by C.S. Lewis he says the following: 

"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship."

How exciting that is! All people on this earth are promised the same thing. That if we live righteously, we will one day return to live with our Heavenly Father and experience glory that we have never imagined.  It is a good reminder to me that everyone is a child of God. Each of our brothers and sisters are so glorious, so amazing. How lucky we are to have each other, to learn and to grow, to become perfect through Him, and to ultimately return to live with our Father in Heaven.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

My "Be Nice" Mentor

Right now I am reading a fantastic book called "Be Nice (Or Else!)" It is the most fantastic book, and I am learning so much from it. I will probably discuss it at length when I am finished, but I thought I'd share one part right now.

Winn Claybaugh, the author of "Be Nice (Or Else!)" gives the tip to find a "Be Nice" mentor. Someone who you look up to, respect, and admire. Someone who is nice and who you want to be like. He mentions five things to look for in a "Be Nice" mentor. 

    Your "Be Nice" mentor should be someone who...
            1. Makes you laugh
            2. Makes you feel humble
            3. Makes you feel grateful
            4. Makes you feel thoughtful, pensive, and reflective
            5. Makes you feel and act silly or childlike

I know who my "Be Nice" mentor is. Who's yours?

I hope one day--after lots of work and practice--that someone will choose me for their "Be Nice" mentor.

Be That Person

In Fast and Testimony meeting this month, a wise friend said the following: 

"I don't want to be cool, I want to be kind.
I don't want to get ahead in life, I want to serve."

How profound. I don't want to be remembered as the girl who was "cool". I want to be remembered as someone who was nice, loving, understanding, and kind. At times, I do all I can to get ahead in life and I don't realize how many opportunities I am passing up to serve. I don't want to be the most successful, or the richest, or the most knowledgeable. No, I want to be the one who changed someones life for the better. Someone who loves to serve. I want to be that person.

Thank you for the advice Skyler Stice.

Friday, July 9, 2010

A World of Pure Imagination

Last night Karissa and I went to see the play Willy Wonka at the outdoor theater. At the very beginning of the play, Wonka comes out and sings the song "Pure Imagination". I guess I've never paid enough attention to the words of this song--but it has a good message. Those good old classics never fail me! 

Pure Imagination: A song I can learn from.

If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it.
Anything you want to, do it.
Want to change the world?
There's nothing to it.

So true, right? These simple words really say a lot. The world is what we make of it--the only thing that is stopping us is ourselves.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Location, Location, Location!

I have to say, my bedroom is in the worst location in the house. Why? Here, I'll tell you...

1. Right above my head is the bathroom. I hear everything that goes on in there. Everything.
2. Also above my room is the washer and dryer. We usually do laundry late at night. 
3. Another joy above my head is the dishwasher.  That baby isn't quiet either.
4. Next to my head separated only by one wall is another bathroom. Again, I hear it all.
5. On the other side of me are the stairs. I can keep track of anyone who goes up and down them.
6. If someone decides to go in or out of the back door, I will know--it's right above me too.
7. When the TV is on I get to experience it as well, because it's right outside my door. 
8. I wouldn't say the hum of the refrigerator is the best lullaby either. (Did I mention? Just above me.) 
9. The ice maker, now that creates a ruckus. Once again--just above my room.


Should I tell you about the locations of all the other bedrooms in the house?

Thomas' and Emily's are just underneath the family room (which anyone is hardly ever in).
Lauren's is below the back half of the living room. The only reason you go there is to iron.
And mom and dad's is tucked nicely away in the back corner of the house, away from it all.

Anyone want to switch?

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Cabin Fever

This past weekend we went up the the Burton family cabin....

The cabin where seeing the big green gate means you're almost there.

The cabin where taking a shower is optional.

The cabin where there are 100 children running around at any given time.

The cabin where the 4-wheelers are never given a break.

The cabin where you come home 25 lbs heavier than you went.

The cabin where as soon as you clean up one meal it's time to cook the next.

The cabin where large animals rest in the shade of your porch.

The cabin where staying in your pajamas until mid-afternoon is totally acceptable.

The cabin where fishing is fun--even if you don't catch anything.

The cabin where "swimming" in the creek really means dipping your toes in the freezing water.

The cabin where the campfire is made with a blowtorch.

The cabin where the piano is so out of tune it hurts.

The cabin where a movie is constantly playing--even if no one is watching it.

The cabin where staying up late is the cool thing to do.

The cabin where it doesn't matter how many naps you take in one day.

The cabin where the porch swing turns into a sunbather's paradise.

The cabin where taking out the trash isn't as simple as pulling the can to the corner.

The cabin where the main mode of transportation is a 4-wheeler.

The cabin where games are played late into the night.

The cabin where your stomach hurts from eating too much and laughing too hard.

The cabin where helmet hair is permanent.

The cabin where you get a "talking to" from the neighbors for driving the 4-wheelers too fast.

The cabin where at least a few meals come from the BBQ.

The cabin where smelling like smoke isn't a bad thing.

The cabin where the wind chimes play all night.

The cabin where the days are hot and the nights are cold.

The cabin where you name the soda--we have it.

The cabin where you go through 100 cups because you can't remember where you set your last one down.

The cabin where sleeping on the deck is an adventure.

The cabin where there are always birds at the feeders.

The cabin where Grandpa's telescope can spot anything.

The cabin where more marshmallows are burned than eaten.

The cabin where the dogs eat the leftovers.

The cabin where the need to let someone in or out of the gate is frequent.

The cabin where you're asked a million times to take a child on a ride.

The cabin where potguts and squirrels are abundant.

The cabin where you eat your catch out of pride, not out of want.

The cabin where "many hands make light work".

The cabin where the ping pong table was demoted to the garage.

The cabin where the first thing you smell in the morning is a yummy breakfast.

The cabin where once the kids are in bed the real fun begins.

The cabin where deer sightings are often.

The cabin where it doesn't matter what time it is.

The cabin where you could spend all afternoon skipping rocks.

The cabin where you're lucky to get a warm shower.

The cabin where roads are not paved.

The cabin where the streets are all Indian names.

The cabin where dirt in your teeth just means you had a great ride.

The cabin where air mattresses are not just for sleeping on.

The cabin where you still have cell phone reception.

The cabin where the first place you run is the gumball machine.

The cabin where you might shower with a spider or other large bug.

The cabin where whatever is in the cupboard is free game.

The cabin where 4-year-olds are driving 4-wheelers.


The cabin where memories are made.   

The cabin where "there's always room for one more!" 

What a fun Fourth of July we had this year! It's always fun to be with family.