Dance Like Someone {is} Watching

You know that saying, "Dance like no one is watching?" Well, today I did. And guess what. Someone was watching. 

In fact, it's all captured on film. Awesome.  

My confidence was compromised as I watched the replay of myself dancing. You know what? I'll never take up dancing as a career. Just to save myself--and everyone else--a little bit of discomfort. 

Happiness

This thought popped into my head a few weeks ago and I wrote it down. Today I came upon the little scrap of paper that I wrote it on and felt glad that I took the time to record it. I really don't know where to give credit, I'm sure someone has said this before...I just don't know who. 

"It's really easy to be happy when things are going our way. The test is whether we can be happy when things aren't going our way."

Do the Positive

Years ago my dad came upon a simple story with great advice. The message of this story quickly became his frequent advice to me.  Here is the story he related to me: “In high school I wanted to try out for the basketball team. I loved the game but didn’t have the moves. And I wasn’t tight with the cool kids on the team. I sweated the decision and started to chicken out. I told myself, “You don’t really want to spend all your free time shooting hoops.”

That’s when Mom said, “When in doubt, do the positive.” Can’t decide whether you should get all dressed up and go to that party? Don’t know if you should ‘intrude’ on a new neighbor with a homemade welcome cake? Worried that an old lady would find you rude for offering to help her with her grocery bags? Do the positive! Go to the party, bake the cake, help the old lady! A life of doing is better than one of regretting what you didn’t dare do.”

 

 Each time I was feeling afraid or hesitant my dad reminded me to “Do the Positive”. That saying became our family motto and has even earned itself a plaque in our home. Just like my dad, our Father in Heaven wants just that. He wants us to do the positive. 

Lately I've been trying to "do the positive". It's a lot harder than it sounds, but it really is worth it. People generally don't find you rude or intrusive for doing something nice. Although sometimes it can be scary or awkward, the payoff comes when you make someone's day, build a friendship, or change someone's life.  

Decade of Decisions

Who knew these decisions would be thrown at me so fast? I'm too young to make such life-changing resolutions. So many things to consider. It's scary, it's painful, it's exciting, it's amazing! 

I guess it's just a matter of months until all of these big decisions are made. I can't believe it. I guess it's really true when they say this is the "Decade of Decisions". (Or did I just make that up?!) 

Well, it is. 

Lucky

Lately I've been realizing just how lucky I am. I mean, really. I am blessed in so many ways.

I am lucky to have a family who loves and supports me. 
I am lucky to have the opportunity to go to school and get a good education.
I am lucky to have awesome friends.
I am lucky to work with great girls in Relief Society.
I am lucky to know the truthfulness of the gospel.
I am lucky to have a healthy, strong body.
I am lucky to have a job.
I am lucky to have a roof over my head, food to eat, and warm clothes to wear.
I am lucky to have countless opportunities. 

But I also know it's not just luck. I've worked hard, done my best, struggled, prayed, and learned so many new things in order to be where I am today. 

Grammatically Incorrect

I just thought I'd mention that I do, in fact, know that my grammar is not always correct. Really it's stylistic and artsy. It's for dramatic affect. I try to write it exactly as I'd say it. 

Don't judge me. 

2011 Here I Come

So, it's a new semester. A new year. Starting new. Starting fresh. I considered putting "be a better blogger" on my list of New Years Resolutions, but I knew I wouldn't succeed at that, so why set myself up for failure? Yeah, exactly. So I didn't.

However, I think this New Years Resolution will be forced on me. Whether I like it or not. For my literacy class we are required to keep a journal (in my case an e-journal). Just to keep record of our lives and to remember this journey we are going through. So, here I come blogging world. I'm recommitting myself. Although this is a self reported assignment, I think this little motivation will help me keep up on my blogging a bit better. 

So, lets just start with the fact that 2011 is here. What? Wasn't it like 1995 yesterday? I swear it was. I'm 20 and a half, in my senior year of college, and will be starting teaching this year. No, too young. Not ready. Not mature enough. I guess I don't have a choice though. So, 2011--here I come! 

Let me highlight some of the most exciting things that I am anticipating in 2011. 

First and foremost, I am proud to announce that I will be nominating myself for "Aunt of the Year" for 2011. Because, afterall, I WILL be an aunt. Yep. Lauren and Mark are expecting their first little one in April. Baby boy Walker. Can't even wait to meet the little stinker. Can't wait to be the best aunt (because obviously I will be....). 

Second, I will finish up my campus courses at BYU. Can we thank the high heavens for that? I am so excited to be finished. I've loved my experience at BYU, and have learned so much, but really, being done will be so beautiful. I don't think I'll miss the McKay building or the Testing Center. Or the parking situation for that matter. 

Third, I will begin my internship (hopefully) as a teacher. I'm applying next week and will have interviews in March. If all turns out as hoped then I will have my very own classroom in just 8 short months. Too crazy. 

Fourth, I will turn 21. Yeah, I'll be even MORE legal than I was when I turned 18. I'll be able to do all the "adult" stuff. None of which I will actually take part in--but I'll feel cool anyway. 21. Who ever thought I'd make it?

Fifth, I'll most likely be getting married......OK, JOKE! Not even dating anyone. But, wouldn't that be cool? Find this hunk who is so perfect in every single way? Doubtful, but maybe. 

There are countless other exciting things to look forward to this year. I'm sure 2011 will be the best year yet! Can't wait to see what's in store for me. 

Look forward--or just quit reading now--to more blog posts in 2011!