21...21...21

"Twenty one, Twenty one, only days left better get it done! Twenty one, Twenty one, Twenty one plus days get ready, I'm on!"

Okay so maybe making my own lyrics to High School Musical 3 isn't the most reverent way to be getting ready for my mission...but I keep thinking about the number 21. (and I saw HSM3 again last night) I will be turning 21 on January 16th and leaving on January 21st! CRAZY!!! I don't have much time left. I'm not sure of my exact assignment...like how long I'll be in the visitor's center or how long I'll be proselyting...but I'll do what ever they ask me. Am I nervous? of course...because so much is unknown until you are actually doing it. BUT I don't doubt that I can do it...I just have this reassuring feeling that Heavenly Father will be with me every step of the way.

So what have I been up to? I came home and went full speed ahead! I had two parties to go to the day I got back and gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting the next day. I started work that Monday...and have been torn in many different places but have been trying to spend most of my time with the family. Christmas was great! Arin was my secret santa and I was hers! haha We bought each other the Taylor Swift cd...but I like that I have my own copy. :P If you've been around me at all lately you'll know that I'm OBSESSED with it. I love it. I made a playlist on youtube to listen to before I got the cd so when I got it I knew the words and it made so awesome because now I don't have to be at a computer to listen to it. My sisters and Mom have been listening to it too. If you look at facebook you'll see that most of my recent status' are lyrics from that cd. I also got a new DIGITAL CAMERA! It's a Cannon...8 mp, video with audio, zoom, and more features than I even know right now. (ps. those features were all things my other camera couldn't do.) My parents got me that gift...plus a butt load of mission stuff! Arin also gave me this way cute quote note book...soooo if you have a favorite quote or three let me know and I'll put them in there...if I deem them as worthy. What was really awesome about Christmas was having the Sister Missionaries over. Well they come over quite often anyways for dinner and such but they were there for Christmas breakfast so that was fun! Having them around makes me even more excited...they give me advice and ask me to come on appointments with them. Though every time I go out with them the appointment falls through or the people aren't there. It's taught me a lot! I know that not every appointment is going to end in baptism and that maybe you have to work a little harder for people to hear the message!

Now I'm just working to get everything done by the time I leave. I've been shopping A LOT! It's fun to be able to spend money but it's hard to find somethings...but ladies if you're ever looking for good skirts that are longer...CATO! Best store I've been to yet. I don't even know what else I need to do...I mean I do, I just don't want to think about it. AHHH! I'll tell you what...I need to get used to early to bed, early to rise..probably not this week because of New Years...but ya know.

Anyways just wanted to give people an update. I'll probably have my mom put my emails up here while I'm on my mission. Love y'all! :)

Mission Call

Sister Arica Taylor Page has been called to serve in the Utah Provo Mission. In addition to this call she will be assigned to serve in the St. George Temple Visitors' Center. She is to report on March 4th, 2009.

I did, indeed, get my mission call!!! After all of the paper work, appointments, and worries of things not getting in on time...it has come! I was on my way home from Thanksgiving Break and I kept getting asked by multiple people "when are you getting home?" I kept telling them when I estimated I'd be there. Then I got a text from my very good married friend Brielle who asked the same thing...I knew something was up. Why would she be anxious for me to get home?? My roommates I can understand why they want me home so much...it's fun when we all get back together...so I got suspicious. Emily and I pretty much guessed that my call had come. We drive up and there's a sign on the door saying "Arica...it's HERE!!" I walked in and everyone is all smiles...and yes Brielle and Jared were there waiting. I put my stuff down...my roommate gets my luggage and Emily helps....I fell disgusting. (I got sick over the break and still do not feel well...) I hadn't done my hair...I had no makeup on...I was in loungy clothes....and my teeth were dirty from sleeping. So I call my family who was asleep. 

Arin: "Hello.." 

Me: "Hey Arin...are you sleeping.."

Arin: "yeah it's like almost 10 here Arica..."

Me: "Oh well I got my mission call...."

Arin: "YOU'RE MISSION CALL...oh (speech that I am not able to comprehend.) Ashleigh wake up wake up...let me get every one." 

(She gets everyone...)

Me: "Okay we're waiting for a couple people here so I'll call back when everyone's gathered."

Arin: "HURRY!"

Emily runs home to unload her car and get her roomies. Lindley and Brad come down, we call our FHE bros who are driving home from Utah, Emily and her roomies start running to our apartment, Brielle's ready with the video camera. I brush my teeth to gain some of my dignity back. I call my family back and Emily calls her family. I open the envelope and start to read...I keep reading...and it doesn't make sense...I keep waiting to read where I'm going but it doesn't come. I READ FROM THE BOOKLET! haha I look in the envelope again and get out the paper I was really looking for...my letter from the Prophet. I read it out loud and everyone screams and hugs and is excited. I don't know if there were people who were thinking "oh UTAH..." or anything like that....but I never thought that...I thought..."this is right..." it just made sense!! I was also happy that I'll be working in a visitors' center which is something I was looking forward too. I hear the St. George visitors center is beautiful and awesome! I'm super excited and can't wait to go home and spend the holidays with my family...but then get to work and find all of the things I need! If you know me...you know I like to plan things...and this is something I'm going to enjoy planning. I know the Lord needs me here and that I'll be in the right place. I'm thankful for all of those people who have helped me get to where I am today and have never doubted me...even when I doubted myself. I love you all...thanks for the encouragement. 

Addresses and such will be given when it is closer to the time of my departure. I would greatly appreciate mail while I'm gone! Thank you! :)

They're In...

As of 8:45pm Arica Taylor Page's mission papers are IN! 

"I hope they call me on a mission...."

"Called to serve Him...." 

I'm so excited there just aren't words. I will be sure to update when I get my mission call. 

Happy Thanksgiving! :)

Spontaneous Snowball Fight

"snow...Snow...SNow...SNOw...SNOW!!!!! It won't be long before we have snow....I want to wash my hands, my face, and hair with snow..." Well...it won't be long because it's ALREADY HERE!!!! Yesssss! 

It has been raining off and on since Saturday but yesterday....IT SNOWED! It snowed good. My roommates said "hey let's go walk in the snow..." so we put on hoodies and two of my roomies got out there...and started throwing snowballs immediately. I wasn't even out the door yet so I grabbed some gloves and joined them. We then decided to go over to the boys (fhe bros) side and throw snow at their door....they came out and threw some back but didn't come down stairs. Their neighbors and other apartments joined in on the fun as well. Soon we had a huge fight going on...and we were soaked and wet but looooved it! 

The cars came in handy....for snow and refuge!

Loren creaming Amie...but he got payback by Chrissy. 

Me and Amie after the fight!! We were both enemies and friends!

Most of the gang...missing a few but you get the idea....

Then Craig (Craigo) suggested we on the girls side again and surprise an apartment. I went to my really good friends house and knocked while the group hid behind cars....they were like "hey...whtat's up.." I'm sure they could tell I was SOAKED! I was like "hey come look at the snow...it's so pretty..." and Katie stepped out to look just to humor me...and I stepped back right as she got pelted with a snowball right in the neck. Everyone came out of hiding and got her so good. It was in her apartment...and then Lauren and Chris came out too...a little later Emily even came out. We got them soo good. So then Katie, Lauren, and Chris came out to play too. We tried a couple other apartments but they weren't as cool about it...plus the girl we were looking for in one apartment wasn't home so her roommates didn't appreciate snow in their apartment. 

There as a couple times that wrestling started happening...I tried to get Craigo but he caught me and started to wrestle me down...so Chrissy came to my rescue...but then he got her sooo bad back. Another point was when Loren tackled Amie....she was getting white washed BAD....and had no way of escape. I ran over to Loren and lunged at him to push him off of her he fell backward...and I helped Amie up. It was awesome...then I had a war with Loren just to get him back. I'm not sure I got him well enough but it was sufficient. 

We got a lot of snow in out apartment because we attacked Janaye....but it was worth it. I got cleaned up and put my pjs on, had some hot chocolate....messed around with my roomies and then went to sleep. I guess I slept hard because I woke up at 7:20 and I have a 7:45 class...I was running around with my head cut off!!! I called my friend and she picked me up...so I got there in time!! I was so thankful. I guess getting up late, having my two favorite jeans wet and dirty so I have to wear my back ups (which I hate), and being freezing...was all worth it for our spontaneous snowball fight!!! I love snow...and now I shall end as I began..."where it's snowing all winter through...that's where I want to be snowball throwing...that's what I'll do...How I'm longing to ski through the snooooow." 

Children of God

So my visiting teachers came over yesterday and we were discussing this months Ensign. We were noticing that the Church has been taking more stands on things lately...I LOVE it!!! We all pretty much know the stand on things but now they are telling us to take a stand. I was reading an article by Elder Nelson about abortion. It was an amazing article and would have all of you read it! Something he said in there made me think : 

"As Latter-day Saints, we should stand up for choice-the right choice-not simply for choice as a method." 

This is a call for us to not just sit idly by and let people have their own opinions but to stand up for what we know what is right!!! We aren't asked to get into arguments but that we should to our part to let others understand that we do have an opinion. It's not just about having the freedom of "choice" but choosing the right!!! Simply having a choice does not lead to happiness...but the right choice does. You cannot undo any action you have done...so make the right choices before having to deal with the wrong consequences. 

Also in the article it talks about people choosing to abort children who are likely to have disabilities, which of course caught my attention! He had an awesome disposition about it!!  This is what he says: "Some argue for abortion because of fear that a child may have a congenital malformation. Surely the harmful effects of certain infectious or toxic agents in the first trimester of pregnancy are real, but caution is needed in considering the termination of a pregnancy. Life has great value for all, including those born with disabilities. Furthermore, the outcome may not be as serious as postulated.

To deny life to an individual because of a possible handicap is a very serious matter. Policy consistent with that logic would dictate that those already living with such deficiencies should likewise be terminated. One more step in that tragic train of though would lead to the conclusion that those who are either infirm or inconvenient should also be eliminated. Such irreverence for life would be totally unthinkable!" 

Every person....every person....deserves life. Just as every child deserves an education!! It makes me sad to think that millions of children are being aborted due to possible malformation. If you keep in mind that every person is a child of God...it puts things into perspective. 

A Feeling of Peace Has Comeover Me

Charity as stated in True to The Faith is "the pure love of Christ...The Savior wants us to receive His love and He also wants you to share it with others. (John 14:34-35) Strive to love as [Christ] loves, with unfailing compassion, patience, and mercy. As you continue to receive the Savior's perfect love and as you demonstrate Christlike love for others, you will find that your love increases."

As I pondered this subject last week some things came together in my mind. How could I be more charitable? Sure I could do little acts of service for my roommates which I worked on and I could go out of my way to help someone...but I felt like I needed to do more. This semester has be the busiest I've ever been in my entire life. I'm not sure how I'm doing it all...but through it all I've made some pretty awesome friends and relied on a couple of old ones as well! At the beginning of the semester my friend Alli (who I've known since freshman year) told me she got the confirmation that she should go on a mission and was working on getting her papers in. (ps. they're in and she's waiting!) I had already asked Heavenly Father multiple times if this was the path I was supposed to take...especially this summer. The feeling I kept getting was that it was my choice and that either way I would be doing good. Over the summer I decided to make a decision on the subject just to ease my worried mind. I said, "I'm not going to go on a mission...and that's my decision....for now" I knew there was time to change my mind but for then it was no until I got a different feeling.

To be honest the thought of a mission scared me! I didn't think I was capable enough. So when I got here and heard that Alli was going on a mission I started plotting out how it would work if I DID go but I was still uncertain...then I met my friend Emily...she's 26 and a senior...I asked her about her mission and what she thought....through our discussions this semester I kept feeling that I was going to go I just didn't know exactly when.

My roommate and I fasted for a totally different reason than a mission last Sunday but still in the spirit of the fast I felt closer to my Father in Heaven...I was thinking about what I had read and studied about Charity...and I felt that a mission was what I needed to do if I wanted to progress spiritually. As we sang the closing hymn in Sacrament Meeting "Called to Serve" I knew right then that if I was going to do this I needed to talk to some people and get the ball rolling. I'm ready to gain better study habits, be more organized, go to the temple, and use the knowledge I have to help others! The gospel is so amazing and I want to share that with others and let them know what I have known almost my whole life. Ever since that Sacrament Meeting I haven't felt scared about serving a mission...I feel excited and ready to get going. I met with my advisor for school and he said I should put my papers in this semester because where I'm at in school is the perfect stopping point. It couldn't be more perfect. Therefore, I met with the Bishop tonight and I'm working on my papers. I can't believe it's actually happening but I'm doing it and I'm excited. The future is uncertain...and I'm not sure how everything's going to work out but I know it will because I have faith that Heavenly Father will see me through and help me to prepare accordingly. I will keep everyone updated on everything!!! I couldn't be more at peace and happy about this.

I love this gospel and I have a testimony that it is the true gospel on the earth today. Jesus Christ is at the head of this Church with Thomas S. Monson as His mouthpiece. Heavenly Father answers prayers and won't leave us in the dark....if we are patient. He loves us! I love Him and I can't wait to serve Him in every way I am capable.

Lyrics

When I listen to a song it's not just the melody or the "beat" of the song....what really grabs me are the lyrics. When people are truly thoughtful of what they put in their songs and it's not just some random thing thrown together and repeated over and over....even I could make music like that and I'm no musician. If you can make me like the words more than the song...you've done your job....I've wanted to do this for a while....here is a compilation of lyrics that I really love (with out artist and song attached so it has more meaning):

*And you make me talk, and you make me feel, and you make me show...what I'm trying to conceal....

*you're a chance taker, heartbreaker, got me WrApPeD aRoUnD yOuR fInGeR

*All you gotta do it watch me...look at what I can do with my feet...baby, feel the beat inside....

*Love is the aNsWeR for most of the questions in my heart, like why are we here, where do we go and how come it's so hard....

*I sleep when I wake and dance when I'm dreaming...I give it my all 'cause I live out loud each minute and hour of everyday.....

*If you're not getting answers....AsK bEtTeR qUeStIoNs....

*Finding you can change....learning you were wrong...

*I've searched every book I know just to find the words oh to touch your world and get some love out of you

*He's tailor made for you, with stunning golden hues, and one sweet tone to soothe your persistent BeAtInG hEaRt it's just a start!

*....others only read of the love, the love that I love.

*looking at you, holding my breath, for one in my life I'm scared to death I'm taking a chance letting you inside

*In her eyes I see the sky and all I'll ever need....in her eyes time passes by and she is with me

*We should get jerseys 'cause we make a gOoD tEaM...but yours would look better than mine 'cause you're out of my league.

*Oh say, wouldn't you like to be older and married with me? Oh say, wouldn't it be nice to know right now that we'll be someday holding hands in the end....

*You just see right through me but if you only knew me, we could be a beautiful miracle unbelievable instead of just invisible

*There's a million other girls who do it just like you. Looking as InNoCeNt as PoSsIbLe to get to who they want and they like it's easy if you do it right. Well I ReFuSe, I ReFuSe, I ReFuSe!

*...will you bring me the key to unlock this mystery of girls and their emotions, play it back in slow motion, so I may understand the complex infrastructure known as the female mind.

*Something has changed within me, something is not the same. I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game.

*Thou givest fever, when we KiSsEtH, fever with thy flaming youth

*I always said that I would make mistakes...I'm only human and that's my saving grace.

*Those three words are said too much....they're not enough

*I think I need a SUNRISE...I'm tired of the SUNSETS!

This is definitely not the whole list but I can't think of any others I'd like to add right now and it's getting kind of long. I will add to it for my personal records....but for these purposes my mission is accomplished. Enjoy. :)

Classes and Such

Exceptional Students:

My advisor actually teaches this class and he's really smart about this kind of stuff. I'm happy that I am actually diving into disabilities that I will deal with in Special Education. It's a very very challenging class but I have gotten a lot of stuff done because it's the beginning of the semester. I have been in a wheelchair, had vision impairments, was deaf last sunday, stuttered to a complete stranger and volunteered at a center for adults with disabilities for 6 hours. I have a test on Monday and we have to pass with an 86% to get an A if we don't pass then we take it again and we have to get an 86% again to get an A- and so on....he wants us to master the stuff so I understand why but it's SO MUCH WORK!

Physical Science:

This class is a freshman level course, I could have taken it my first semester but I held off. I'm glad I did because they switched the lab from 2 hours to 1 hour. We have an hour for lecture and then the next hour is lab. I have made some AMAZING friends in this class. I'm kind of sad because one is leaving next semester for student teaching in Arizona but I'm sure we'll stay friends. My teacher is so funny! Seriously I'm basically rolling out of my chair...it's just little things that I can imagine my mom or dad saying....it's awesome. 

Literacy 2:

I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be learning in this class...I have the sweetest teacher but I get lost on why we're learning certain things. I guess it will make sense in time. It's not my favorite class...

Child 230- Preschool Curriculum:

I actually enjoy this class. I'm learning a lot of cool things for my future career and how I can apply them. I tend to get sleepy during this class but it's not because I don't like it. I have a resource file that I have to do...basically putting together a file of stuff I can use when I start to teach. It's going to be really helpful but so much work. I've started on gathering stuff but I need to keep my eye out for more things. I'm hoping to get it done BEFORE Thanksgiving so that I can enjoy the holiday at the Hegerhorst farm.

Math 206:

I used to love math...and even enjoy it....but I just don't have a desire anymore. It's not that I don't understand it...it's the teachers! Seriously..it's hard to find good math teachers. I always get frustrated with my teachers...I get my homework done and I feel prepared for class only to get there and find out there was something I wasn't aware of due. He has the assignments on two different pages so I forget to look at the second one...I like to look at one thing to see what I need to accomplish...obviously he doesn't see it that way. He's been understanding and I am happy to say that I'm caught up and that I'm sure things are going to go better now because I wrote the other assignments onto the same sheet! WOOHOO!

Social Studies Methods:

I like S.S. and the class is pretty interesting...but it's hard to get motivated to do stuff at 7:45 in the morning. I have a couple of good friends in this class too....I love making new friends...and there are some cool projects that seem fun....I have to plan a whole unit with my project group but I think we're going about it in a good way and splitting it up evenly. 

These are my classes...and I think things are going well...but I need to go so I can get stuff done before General Conference! (which by the way I'm excited about...I love getting new information from our leaders...) Next post will be more exciting and maybe a little less informational. 

Da-UDE! The breakdown...

Okay so I talk about how crazy things are for me at school...I thought maybe I was exaggerating...I'm really not, let me break it down...

Monday:

Classes from 9-4:15 (with breaks of course, but that's spent doing homework)

Study group from 4:15-5:15 (it's for the last class of the day so we're already in there)

Work out... I MIGHT do that. (nope didn't happen...)

Shower and eat sometime

FHE is at 7 which I might add I am the FHE "Mom" now...still single...they should be calling a dad soon...who knows. We played "In Manner of the Adverb"...it was a success and so much FUN!

Then I have homework to get done before bed. (pretty much done...just getting up early tomorrow to get the rest finished.)

Tuesday:

Class from 8-9:30 

I have a break so I usually try to get some stuff done before devotional at 2pm. This week I have to go volunteer for a class for three hours! So that time will be spent from 10am-1pm. I have devotional at 2 and then another class from 3:15 until 4:15. But then I have ANOTHER study group for another class from 5-6pm. Then I have homework I'm sure...maybe I'll stay at the library after my study group.

Wednesday:

Class 7:45-4:15 (again with breaks)

I actually don't have much planned and therefore will use this time to work on my resource file for my curriculum class. (I have stuff I just need to put it together)

Thursday:

Same as tuesday minus the devotional. The Office starts that day....yes it's in my schedule. Do NOT mess with me about it. :)

Friday:

Same as wednesday. 

I plan to get my homework done friday night...nothing fun! NOTHING! I have to because....

Saturday:

10am: I have a flag football game against Relief Society B...(we're going to kick their trash)

2pm: my friend Laura Gow will have her reception....

4pm: picnic with the R.S. at the park.

7pm: RS Broadcast. WHICH I'm excited about because that means conference is coming up. :)

With all of my busy weeks thus far I have had some fun:

FHE in the Ice Caves!!

Yes that IS a wall of ice next to me! (and my favorite hoodie..)

Fun in the Apple Orchard on a Sunday Stroll

At least I'm keeping a good balance of things....so far...I might have to miss out of some stuff coming up. That's life huh??

Oh Yeah...I Forgot!

Keeping a blog was a great idea! I love blogging and allowing to record my life and share my experiences with my friends. I needed to keep myself a little more occupied in the summer when things were really relaxed and I didn't have much going on. I was excited to come back to school and see everyone! I forgot about the actual WORK that I'm going to be doing. This semester is going to be a BIG one!!! I'll try my best but make no promises to myself or others about updating this thing. 

Where to start from when I left off. I got into Rexburg, ID on Sept 2nd at approximately 4:15pm. I waited outside a bit and then up pulled the most beautiful blue Chevy Cavalier I've ever seen (named Beesly). What made it so beautiful was the fact that one of my roommate and best friends was in it!!!!! AMIE!!!! It had been too long since I had seen her. We basically put all of my luggage at the apartment and then ran around Rexburg to get food and other stuff. I went over to her brother and sister-in-laws house and chilled for a while. It was good to rest after the long travel and just hang out. I paled around with Amie for the first couple of days and her parents took me under their wing. I'm so thankful that I have so much support in so many different places. I didn't want to hone in too much on the Vreeken Family so I let them do their own thing too. I also got to see Megan and her mom. We went to a bridal shop and Megan picked up her WEDDING DRESS! I can't believe she's getting married....her dress is soooo Megan and will work well with her style. We all know that May 22nd can't come soon enough for her. :) Again I felt like I was taken under their wing as well. Heavenly Father truly will never leave us alone...I gained a greater testimony of that. I wasn't worried that I'd be alone but I didn't imagine I'd be so taken care of. 

Since then it's been reuniting and starting up new friendships. I saw my old roomie Lindley as well...last sunday she got engaged!!! We all are so stoked for her! (stoked is my new word I like to use)  The ward is still as awesome as ever...and we met our FHE bros....who we already think are WAY awesome! We got paired one guy apt with one girl apt so it's only 12 people which was nice for a change....it's fun with a lot of people but sometimes you don't get to know the people that well. 

 

Now for the school part! I'm taking 17 credits and so far I'm feeling overwhelmed. I have a lot of projects, volunteering, and experience learning I have to do..and they're those things that are up to you to get done and they always say "don't wait until the end of the semester" so I'm trying to heed that council. Next Tuesday I'm going to have seeing difficulties and on Thursday I'll be in a wheelchair. This is all for a class about students with special needs...I'm actually excited to see how it feels and get a little insight into what some people go through. I also have a resource file that I have to make...I'm not talking about it....it only makes me have to breathe in and out very deeply. I have a good amount of time on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I think I'll be taking advantage of that. Anyways this post has no pictures or anything fancy...just an update. I'll let you know if I survive until next week...

Goodbye, Hello

I leave for Rexburg next Tuesday...I'm way excited to be going back to school and see all of my friends..also to progress in my schooling; it's going to be AWESOME when I can be done with school. I can't believe I only have 2 more years. Leaving either place is bitter sweet. I will miss everyone I leave behind but look forward to seeing all of my great friends at school. To the end of my summer I feel I must say goodbye to somethings.

Goodbye To:

Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center; who let me work there all summer for the past three summers. I really appreciate having a job waiting for me when I get home and I love the fact that I can work with my mom. It helps when you have a built in best friend at work to make things easier.

Three day weekends; where I could start my weekend on Thursday night and live it up until Monday morning. I'll miss mistaking Friday for Saturday.

My calling as Relief Society teacher. I actually loved this calling!! I never knew how much I loved to teach and how much I could learn from teaching. I got released yesterday...and even though I joke about "being free" I'm really going to miss being able to share my thoughts and feeling about gospel topics and having my RS girls throwing their 2 cents out there. I only have to teach three times but each time was a great experience and I think helped me in ways I didn't know I needed help. I believe I've grown from this calling and I hope that I can build on what I've learned and maybe use it in the school setting. Heavenly Father really does know what we need! :)

The Hilliard Branch! I am so thankful that we have a singles branch around Charlotte!! I feel like this is a place where people in the same stage in life can come and build each other up. I didn't think I'd make such great friends but these past two summers have been loaded with many friend filled activities...and I'm SO thankful that invite me places or share things with me. I'm glad that I can come home to a place and still feel like I'm a part of the branch even though I've been gone so long. I had the opportunity to keep my spiritual oil lamp full even while I'm away from the little mormon bubble that Rexburg is! :) There are certain people (in and out of the branch!) that I'd like that thank for that...hopefully they know who they are; thank you for EVERYTHING...you've been my rock this summer!

My family...oh how I miss them when I'm gone. I love them soooo much! I'm always so ready to leave for school but as soon as I get there I still wish I was around for my family outings and constant jokes. They're pretty good about keeping me clued in though. I'm happy that they allow me to come and take over the house in the summer. I move stuff around and arrange things the way that I want so there's room for me...but they just let me do it. Shout out to Gramma...thanks for doing my laundry, cooking, and taking us out to lunch! :) I'm ready to go back to school but that doesn't mean I won't miss you terribly!!! LOVE YOU!

Cheeseburgers! Every summer it's like there's a food theme...it just happens, we don't know why but my family kind of get into a certain food and just love it! Last summer was Sushi...the year before that it was casadillas (oh and we became masters on how to make them!!) ....this summer was cheeseburgers....at least for me it was....I'm not sure if my family was as into it...I just LOVE them! I was always jonesin' for a cheeseburger. Either my dad's (which are THE best), Outback, Redrobin, Woodbutchers or wherever...I got a cheeseburger. I love them with sauteed onions...mmmmm. What I won't miss is soup! I've had soup just about every day for lunch this summer at work...it's quick to take in the mornings and it's freezing in the Center so it's not too bad...I just get sick of it quickly. I'll eat it...but I won't miss it. :) Any guess what I have for lunch today???

Also, goodbye to:
Charlotte! Thursday night Office and LOST and occasional SNL! Lauren's house! Jamming to music in Ashleigh's car! Driving!!!! (I hope I get to drive someones car in ID) Money! Laziness! Reading for pleasure! The possibility of the beach! EVERYONE WHO LOVES ME!

HELLO to:

Rexburg, ID and Fall 2008

The Olympics: Self Improvement 101

I LoVe the Olympics. I'm excited they're on. I enjoy Summer better than Winter but I still like to watch the Winter too. Summer Olympics means:

Swimming

Diving

Gymnastics

Beach Volleyball

Baseball

Soccer

But my favorites are usually what everyone elses favorites are: SwImMiNg and GyMnAsTiCs. :) I like swimming better because it's absolute. You start the race, you end the race, if you were ahead of the other person you won. In Gymnastics it's judges and I don't feel they're always fair. This is besides my point. What I always gain from the Olympics is that these are (usually) young people that have accomplished so much in their short time here. They have worked hard and devoted hours upon hours to this one thing. Sometimes I feel inadequate compared to them, but now I'm taking a different approach. I'm learning from them. If I want something bad enough I'm going to have to work for it...and work for it hard. They might have had talent to begin with but they didn't get where they're at by relying purely on that...they put in time and effort. They sacrifice so much for their dreams.

Here are some of the dreams I'm willing to work harder for:

*Writing a novel.

I've had a short story that I've wanted to extend into a novel for quite sometime. I think it's time that I stop talking about wanting to write a novel and actually do it. I'm sure it will be a long hard process but I'm willing to take the time for it. I don't expect it to be a master piece but it will be MY masterpiece.

*Getting into shape

I have lost some weight since the start of college but I need to do more. I need to eat better and work out more, even if I don't have access to a gym. I plan on getting into a full routine while I'm at school and to stick to it. I'm going to work out at LEAST three times a week but hopefully more. I'm basically going to just stop eating things I know aren't good for me. I mean we know if what we're putting in our mouth is good or bad...I don't want to follow a "diet" because I never follow them. I just want to cut out the bad and control portion sizes a little bit better. I look at these athletes in the Olympics and I envy them because of their build and how toned they are. I am a Michael Phelps fan but not for his looks, believe me. I think he's a great athlete (yeah sometimes they promote him too much but hey he's making history...he deserves it!). But if he wasn't in such great shape he wouldn't have much going for him in the looks department. He's perfectly toned and his skin just lays right against his muscles. He's super fit and I just think (every time I watch him race) 'wow...his body is pretty much perfect...I want to be that fit.' It's not that I'm thinking he's "hott" or anything...I just want to be toned like that. The thing about athletes is usually you can't say "oh they're too skinny and a bad role model for kids..." nope! They're healthy, they have to be to compete and they look healthy too. I'm excited to start this new phase of my hard work...actually I just can't wait to see the results. :) I feel like if I write this down I will be even MORE driven to do it because I've told other people I'm trying...I hope it works.

He's AmAzInG!

*Study
I'm going to work even HARDER at school. I waste a lot of time sometimes and I'm determined to use it wisely this coming semester. There is time for play and rest but I know a do more than my fair share, especially when I should be doing homework. :P I'm not going to make a schedule for myself because I never follow them, but I will make a list of things to get done each week. I also will think twice before starting to lounge and think about what I need to get done.


*Money
Saving money isn't THAT hard for me, but knowing I have it also is tempting to go out and use it. I will save money. For what? Who knows, but it's just good to have something to fall back on. Plus, I'd really like to go to Greece some day. It's my new destination of choice.


So there you go. The Olympics have had the opposite effect on me from 4 years ago. When they were in Athens I felt insignificant but this year in Beijing I feel impowered and that I can be just as accomplilshed as they are. Maybe I won't get any Olympic gold medals but I'll settle for a personal gold medal any day.

Aci Page

I have to tell everyone of my long lost sister Aci Page. She WAS my roommate Staci but since then she became one of us and had to have her first name start with an A...therefore she is Aci. : ) Even my mom says she fit in so well with us...my whole family was pleased to meet her and happy that I have such great friends at school.
(Remember I'm talking about Staci but I'm going to call her Aci the whole post....) Aci came to visit me on July 18th! She's so funny and decided to be adventurous and take the train in. WoW...that's a little scary. But she said even though she had to sit by a snoring fat guy it was still worth it to see me. (awww) She got in and we were going to go to a dance the branch was having but she got in two hours later than expected and we just wanted our pj's on and to hang around. We had a sleep over with a couple other girls (Arin's friend and such...) We played Balderdash (hehe Sniggle!) and pigged out on pizza and icecream. I love girls nights! We couldn't take it anymore and had to sleep at 2:30am. Plus Ashleigh was acting a little crazy so we had to cut her off of whatever she was on! We got up early to take Ash to work and Aci got to see my mad driving skills. We got back home and had breakfast...laid around and didn't want to do anything. We said goodbye to the other girls and then finally had the motivation to get ready for the day. We went and picked up Ash from work and then went to the park for a little bit...but EVERYONE (ehem my sisters) were complaining so we went to lunch and Aci had BBQ the RIGHT way...with slaw and everything. That's one thing I love about Aci is that she'll try things at least once (the train, the food...) She also became an addict of Cheerwine! I was so proud we kind of made her the tiniest but more southern. That afternoon we took pictures like crazy and made a couple videos. We played some guitar hero (she's a natural) and she schooled me in baseball...WHO KNEW! Then she beat Ash too...we also did bowling. Her Mii was so cute and it's funny how those things can really look like you. We went and saw Batman that night...we were both pretty creeped out by the Joker and didn't know what to think. I think the movie was very well done but I think that it was a little too scary for my liking...I mean I HAAAATE scary movies so this was not fun for me. So I was pretty negative about the movie afterwards..I think I'd like to see it again for further judgment. I was too wrapped up in being scared and having to pee every 30 mins that I missed a lot of the plot and point of certain things. After that Aci and I were soooo tired and got ready for bed....but once that was all done with we were awake again. We talked for another 2 hours at the least. She's pretty awesome...I can't wait to see her in a couple of weeks!!! AHHH...it's coming so soon. Anyway Sunday we went to church and were tired all through it but it was still good...just like I was back in college with her at my side...don't worry we didn't pass notes. ; ) Then we helped make dinner and desert...and ate Spaghetti Speleato which is a family recipe. She said she liked it and I think I'll try to make it for dinner sometime at school. We chilled the rest of the day and took another 100 pictures. I'll share a few.

We were so tired that we took a nap together and then got up and talked about just everything. We took her back to the train station in the morning and she didn't get home until WAY late at night. I'm SOO happy she came to see me...I'm hopefully going to her house next summer!!! Thanks Aci for being such a great friend and truely becoming my sister!! I hope you got a little insight into my crazy life. : ) I love you tons! 28 days until I get back to the Burg...see you there!!!

Biltmore!!!

It's not that I didn't think about writing but hey I've been busy as you will soon see. This post is dedicated JUST to Biltmore Estate with Colie!!!

I went over to my good friend from high school; Colie's house the night before so that we could leave early in the morning. We watched the traditional episode of the office and then hit the sack...we were tired. We woke up about 7:30 (sleeping in on a Tuesday..nice!) and decided if we were going on a trip every meal must be bought "on the road". So where did we go for at least ONE meal?? Chic-fil-a! : ) Breakfast there is very good...I could have eaten lunch there too. We got on the road and jammed to a cd that we made the night before. We called it Teenybopper because it was FILLED with *Nsync , BSB, Brittney, Christina, Dream, and more...ahh it was AWESOME! We belted our hearts out....and then went through her random cds and found some other good things to listen to. Too bad I can't find my HSM2 soundtrack, that would have been fun. We got there by 10:30 and dove right in.

We got a good pic of us jamming:

We took the conventional shot in front of the house and then got some of just the grounds.

We took the we-want-pictures-together-so-we'll-stick-our-arm-out-way-far-to-get-us-both-in shots....

Then we toured the house. I can't imagine actually living in this place! I mean it's huge...I wish there wasn't places roped off so I could explore and see all the different ways to get places but we had to follow the crowd. What I love about Colie is that she wasn't all "oh the history...blah blah.." we both weren't that interested in how it was built, preserved, or what it stood for....we just wanted to see how huge it really was and to see the details of each room. Every ceiling was different! They have 43 bathrooms and back then people usually still had an outhouse! Colie and I both decided that the basement was our favorite part. BOWLING...SWIMMING (that pool looked amazing..I could run in from the other room and jump into a room filled with water!). So Colie and I decided we'd work in the kitchen to have easier access to the basement facilities. : ) We were done with the tour and went to explore the grounds and take some funny pictures as well....

We went to the green houses and then to the lake. I'm not a nature-ish person but there was something very peaceful about just walking around the lake and seeing all of the green. Colie and I had some good discussions while there too.

We saw a sign for a waterfall and followed it but it turn out of be a dam that had water flowing off of it...we thought it was a natural waterfall. It was okay...we soaked our feet in the creek and rested. Then we had to walk all the way back up the grounds and we were BEEEAT! I mean it was hot and uphill. We got back to the house (Mansion!) and decided Icecream sounded AWESOME! We got cones: Colie with Mint Chocolate Chip (a favorite of both of ours) and Me with Moose Tracks (I never had it in a cone before thus making the experience so much more enjoyable). They were pretty big (I guess when your house is that big...you try to make everything match it..) so we decided to skip lunch and count that as nourishment enough. We caught the bus back to the parking lot...yes we were that tired. Then we drove to see Colie's school UNCA! It was so tiny...and Colie and I swapped college stories! I love talking about college..I also like that Colie and I are still great friends even after high school. We went and ate some Thai food which was so delicious...mmm...I want to go back to Ashville just for it! The drive home was just as fun just not AS enthused because we were dog tired! We came back to my house and chilled for a little bit but then Colie left and I just fell asleep.

It was a good day and I'm glad I can say that I went on my Biltmore trip...it helped that I had a great friend to go with! : )

Self Interview

I did this survey/interview thing and I wanted to answer some the questions more fully...so here it is....

What is your favorite song of all time?
There are just too many that I could "melt" too...of all time? I'd have to think about that for a while! A list of possibilities is in the works...

Who do you admire most?
My Mom

What size shoe do you wear?
7 1/2 or 8 depending on the style...I can wear a 7 in some shoes too.

Water or 100% Juice?
Water...I just feel better when I drink more of it...I should do that more often!

T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Cingular/AT&T, or Sprint/Nextel?
Sprint...best network out there besides maybe Verizon....

Favorite Places to Eat?
Outback Steakhouse

Right now I'm addicted to cheeseburgers and Outback has a new Bloomin' burger (pictured left) that is to DIE for...actually not to die for because then you couldn't enjoy the awesomeness that is this burger. (And btw their bread is awesome too...it's crucial!)

Showmars

The Gyro is soo good...and I pretty much get that everytime...with a side of onion rings which I dip in extra "pita" sauce. :)

Montery

The chicken fijitas...mmmmm soo good! My mom and I split these when we go, we're a good team like that.

Elliots

BBQ is great...but great Carolina BBQ is even better...and they have some of the best...in the Charlotte area anyways. :)

Opera, Musical, Concert, Play, or Other?
Opera: I've always wanted to go to one and most likely will some day...I want the box seats so I can use the binoculars and I want to dress up too!!! :)

Musical: LOOOVE musicals and will go to them any time, I like to listen to the music before I go and try to figure out the story before I see it. WICKED was awesome, I don't know if another play can compare with that...mind you I haven't seen many musicals on stage; I've also see The Music Man and loved it as well.

Concert: It's been so long since I've been to a real concert (Guitars Unplugged doesn't count) but I wish I could go to more...I'm just not willing to spend so much to hear something I could hear on the cd...I would only spend the money on people I really really liked. Here are some: Colbie Caillat, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Josh Groban, Quiet Drive, or Relient K. But then again I also like hearing NEW music so if I was going to a cheap concert but got to hear cool new bands I'd be in.

Play: I like plays...I wish I would have been IN plays in high school but I wasn't in the drama crowd and don't have the same persona that they do. Now in my later years I think I'd be more confident on stage. I admire people who act and act well.

Your favorite Disney Films?
Humor: The Emperor's New Groove (KUZCOtopia...oh yeah!!)
Disney Pixar: The Incredibles
Classic Disney:Beauty and the Beast

Firefox, Internet Explorer, Netscape, or other?
Safari, it comes with a Mac and I really have grown to like it.

Juice and crackers or milk and cookies?
MILK AND COOKIES!! Milk trumps everything every time...needless to say I love Milk, I don't even need the cookies!

Favorite fruit?
Purple (Red) Grapes and Apples

Which is worse? A bad laugh or a bad cough?
A bad laugh...man that gets annoying faaast. I can sympathize with someone who is sick.

Would you rather be blind or deaf?
Blind...I couldn't live with out music. I also feel like being deaf would be more isolating and while I couldn't see I could still have good relationships with many people because I could talk to them easier.

What is your favorite TV show?
The Office.

(oh and I'm in love with Jim Halpert...next list to come: Men Arica Page Loves!)

Kill the spider or let it out?
KILL KILL!

Where do you want to travel next?
(on vacation...) Boston, MA (Home of the Redsox!)

What is your favorite food?
I say Chicken Parmesan because they combine my two favorite things...but I really just like Chicken anything and anything that's covered in marinara sauce!

Do you read harry potter books?
Heck YES!!! I'm proud of it...seriously you should read them too. I say if you at least give them a try then I can respect you but you don't knock them with out picking up a book!

If you could have one super human power what would you choose?
Mind reading with certain condtions being:

1. I could only hear what the person is thinking at that particular time that they think it.

2. I have limited times I could use it a week (so that I don't have too much information...a person's mind is sacred!)

3. I could only talk to the person who had the thought ABOUT their thought...I can't talk to others about it.

There...now I will not abuse my power and no body will get hurt.

I like surveys....I think it asks questions that we don't think about asking sometimes...we get to know more about ourselves as well as the friends who fill them out too! :)

Words...

These are my favorite words...some because of how they are said and some because of their meaning:

Agility-the power of moving quickly and easily
(This came about because of my friend Spencer...he used it all the time and I just grew to love it as well...you have to say it like him though)

Apathy-absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
(When they use this word in songs I always say I like this word...I don't know why...)

Fickle-likely to change, esp. due to caprice, irresolution, or instability; casually changeable
(This was a vocab word from Mrs. Scheffle's 9th grade english class...it stuck with me...fickle pickle...because a pickle has been changed from a cucumber!)

Guffaw-a loud, unrestrained burst of laughter
(Also, a Mrs. Scheffle word...whenever I say it...it just made me well..guffaw!)

hiLarious-extremely funny

(yes the L is capitalized because I like to say it like that hiL-arious)

Vex-to irritate; annoy; provoke
(This is a vocab word from 7th grade...while I knew it's meaning many years before seeing Pride and Prejudice....I started liking it MORE after seeing it...)

There are more to come I'm sure....but these are the ones that make the list so far....

My Guilty Pleasures....

It'S cOnFeSsIoN tImE!!!!

*HiGh ScHoOl MuSiCaL



I recently just bought the second dvd...even with out having the first...but I like both. I plan to see the third one in theaters, and I always say "maybe the dollar theater" but I don't think I really mean it. I'm pretty sure once the trailers are out I'll get excited for it. Yes, I think they're cheesey and have pretty bad singing and acting (I mean there's nothing like the classic musicals...Gene Kelly's probably turning in his grave about these movies...I lOvE Gene Kelly...he's the best entertainer to ever live!)...I guess in my thirst for musicals today I found something that I just enjoy about the cheesiness! I think the dancing is pretty cool and some of the songs are catchy. pLuS while I'm watching it anyways...I make fun of it the whole time. It's GREAT! (It helps that Zac Efron is a triple threat)


*TeXtInG
I've always said I hate to talk on the phone...but this is not true...especially since I've been in college. I actually rather enjoy a nice chat with my friends and family! What I hAtE about the phone is if I don't have anything else to talk to that person about. With some people it's making plans and hanging up...and some people are so busy they just are never in a good situation to talk. So I got sucked into the world of texting mainly by my friend Brielle! I have finally got a plan where I have unlimited texting and I definitely take advantage of that. When you're bored, have a simple question that doesn't require an entire conversation, or want to let someone know you're thinking about them it's very helpful. Now there are don'ts of texting...dO nOt ask someone on a date or break up through texting, tell your friend you're engaged, or happy birthday. (I admit to doing the latter a couple times but it is very rare...and frankly I'm probably not such good friends with that person.) It tells the person you're not important enough for a phone call...you can tell when there's a mass text going out. But I do love texting. <3


*VaCuUmInG
Maybe it's therapeutic or something but I absolutely love to vacuum. My family knows this about me...some days I'll be sitting around...look at the floor and decide that it needs a good vacuuming. They still ask me "why are you vacuuming? did someone ask you too?" I just say, "no...it just needs to be done." (plus it's fun...teehee) I have a real problem too because I feel like if I don't do the vacuuming...then it's not done right and so I try to take over if someone else IS doing it. My favorite part of it all is using the hose to get in the corners between the wall and the floor!!! Also, the sound the vacuum makes when it gets some crumbs....it makes me feel like I'm getting something!

*FaCeBoOk
Okay okay...so I'm an aDdIcT....ish. I can go a couple days with out replying to people but I definitely check facebook more than once a day. I have easy access with my phone and so I can just glace to see if anything good was posted and decide to write people back later. (It's time consuming to write people back on my phone...it's a funky set up) I definitely do like facebook a lot. It's helpful for me to keep in touch with my Idaho peeps around the world...and my friends and family around here when I'm in Idaho! :) I find it fascinating that it went...snail mail to email...and now email is old and social units are in...ie. myspace, facebook, blogging. I guess people need a picture and status to keep in touch with each other.


*CuTiClEs
This one is just down right weird (this is why it's called a guilty pleasure usually people don't want to own up to them)...but I hate seeing people who have their cuticles growing so far up their nails...it's just gRoSs. I usually take my brother or sisters hand and push them down for them (with some minor protesting) and they look ten times better. I'm sure I push mine own down far too often but it's better than having them growing out of control. It's not just that it looks better or that it's a pet peeve of mine...I just like doing it! Hence the reason it's a guilty pleasure...I find it amusing.


I'm going to stop there (yes there are more) because I'm sure you now know more than you would ever want to know about me....but I thought I'd come out in the open with some things...because if I'm gonna like something shouldn't I just like it and not care?? I wonder what are some guilty pleasures my friends enjoy...share if you want!!! :)

First of all....

As July approaches I am getting more and more excited because my roommate and very good friend Staci is coming to visit me!!! JULY 18th!!! :) I couldn't be more happy. To think that someone loves me enough to spend that much money to come see me for about three days makes me feel pretty dang special. (Which puts some pressure on me to figure out what we're going to do..) So now I want to give a shout out to all of my roomies...especially since I DID make a slide show of them on here it's only appropriate.

AmIe:

This girl has the bLuEsT eyes you'll ever see with an amazing smile to go along with it! She usually can be found with that smile on no matter what...she can FiNd ThE hUmOr in everything and I love that! She's into SpOrTs (go Seahawks!), singing at random times (often times we'll have the same song stuck in our head for days!), and QuOtInG mOvIeS and The Office. ("Let me tell you...no there is too much...let me sum up!!") We have a lot in common with those three things and I like that we could quote movie one liners all night. She's vErY oBsErVaNt and I love hearing what she notices about me and my personality. :) We also enjoy having hAiR pArTiEs together and talking about anything and everything. Love you Aimes!

LiNdLeY:

She may be soft spoken but she's definitely got a BiG personality. She's sUpEr HoNeSt and tells you like it is...which is a good person to have in a tight spot. :)

For example:

Roommate: "does my hair look stupid?"

Lin: "yeah...here let me try to fix it."

She is usually found with her BeLoVeD waterbottle in hand! She tries new styles with her hair color and it turns out to be super cute!! She likes to exercise, lay around and on people, and doesn't mind being open about AnYtHiNg. Lin has a hard time DeCiDiNg things sometimes but I like that about her because she's thorough and won't rush in to things with out discussing things with her girls first. She's currently the only one out of us in a relationship and we couldn't be HaPpIeR for her!!!! Love you Lin!!!

StAcI:

A pArTy WaItInG tO hApPeN!!! That's how you can describe Staci...she's very very quiet and will probably give you two word reponses for the first couple months you know her. Even after those initials months she'll give those reponses like "tHaT's CoOl" or "OkAy" and you'll say SOME REACTION PLEASE STAC!! Then she'll start laughing about it. After she opens up....watch out she's a wild woman; she likes to DaNcE, be spontaneous, and takes CaNdId PiCtUrEs all the time!! She gets us all laughing just by the sound of her own laugh and doesn't mind us cracking up at her funny questions!!!! She would walk 100 MiLeS for her friends and gives constantly!! I'm glad I've known her since the bEgInNiNg of freshman year and that we've become such better friends by living together!!! Love you Stac!!!!

VaLeRiE:

(this is my ROOM roommate!) She mArChEs to the BeAt of her own DrUm...but you can join in whenever you want!! She's such a different person than I've ever met before...definitely not a tradional girl and I lOvE that. I met her in my FHE group her first semester before we lived together and while she wasn't the center of attention...you could tell she was a good one...hence the reason I asked her to live with me! She always says..."I'm going to be one of the coolest Grandma's ever!!"...it's probably true. She enjoys having deep discussions, making fUnNy FaCeS and weird voices together, and CoOkInG! I don't know a time when Val didn't want to make dinner for someone...it's her way of service and she's way good at it. We all benefitted from having Valerie around this semester...it was like eating at home!!! When I'm in a weird or even crazy mood she'll humor me and play along...I'm glad I have a super fun girl to share a room with...and doesn't mind if I'm a little messy at times! ;) Love you Val!

I'm so blessed that I have found people that I'm compatible with but different enough to learn something new. I'm excited that we get to have this coming semester together because who knows how long our girl power will last....boys ruin everything!! :) I'm excited that I feel like I have a family to go back to in Idaho and can't wait to see what the year brings. Thanks y'all for being so amazing and for keeping in touch this summer...when it could have been easy to let go.

Fall 2008! Get ready for it!!!

It's a Choice

So today I'm just in a great mood! I don't know what made me that way...I talked to my friend (and roommate) Valerie on the phone last night...we were discussing how when we forget about ourselves and get lost in service we can truely be happier people. I realized that I think about Arica alot...'what can I get out of this'...'does this pertain to what I am going through'...yes what happens to me matters but I don't need to focus on it all the time. I want to serve others and be more productive. Today I woke up late...I think either I'm turing off the alarm and going back to bed without remembering or my alarm is broken...but as I got out of bed and started getting ready for work...I decided that I was going to be in a good mood today. I thought to myself, if people need my help I'm going to be there to give it and if they're in a bad mood I'm going to be there to cheer them up! And I've tried this before...just to decide to be in a good mood, but sometimes it's like Satan knows my plan to have a good atittude and works really hard on me and I get dragged down and think about everything that might be going wrong. For some reason I chose NOT to let that stop me...I was going to have a good day no matter what! Work has been pretty good so far, I finished my project that I've been doing since school let out and now I'm moving on to little projects people have needed me to do! I'm happy to move on from entering people into a database. :) I'm actually doing it...I feel like a burden has been lifted from me because if you think about it being grumpy takes a lot of work: you have to think constantly about what's going wrong, you have to talk about it to other people and kind of drag them down with you, and you have to think that everyone around you is out to get you. It's selfish state of mind. I like this quote from President Hinckley, "For, generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others." I hope this will be the first of many days that my choice goes a long way. I know I'll have hard days, no doubt but I'm going to look at them in a different view. Having a good attitude with everything you do is a ChOiCe...and I choose not only to be happy but to SHOW it through service...sometimes we can be happy and others would never know because of our attitude.

I'm thankful for the insights I gain from other people and the way that the Lord shows me what I need to do...I love my life and the fact that I'm living it RIGHT now and not in the near future. I have an awesome family, friends that are there for me 100%, and Heavenly Father who knows what's best...what more could a girl ask for?

Weekend Happenings....

Weekends are either two ways either really busy and fun...or rather boring trying to think of stuff to do....this weekend was the former! :) I love busy weekends. I like to think that my weekend starts the evening that I get off work or school...so here's the break down..

Thursday Evening: We (mom and I) got off work early so that we could get some stuff for her enrichment progressive dinner that night. I decided that I wanted to go and support my mom...plus the sister missionaries in the Matthews ward are AWESOME and we have fun talking to them....along with many other ladies (Jenn-Lee and Marianne) that share common interests. The dinner was a blast along with some awesome food. I was glad they allowed us singles to come and hone in! I hope to start this RSU (Relief Society University) with the Matthews Ward....it's like I was looking for a way to better myself with out having to read a bunch of stuff (which I don't mind doing it's just I know there are other ways of doing it...) and I've gotten a lot of good ideas from several people and I plan on trying some of those. But I think that the Lord knew that I needed a little more of a push and put this crossroad in my way on purpose.

Friday: My family went out to Sonic because we were all together and it was a lot of fun!! We always have a good time just hanging out and talking or playing cards...I hope when we have spouses that they will fit into that mold and we all get along! :) Then friday night I went out with some friends and played PuttPutt (more people call is mini-golf now days) but Ash and I were on the same team...I wasn't doing too shabby until SOMEONE knocked my ball down a hill with their ball and wouldn't let me move it back...but I digress ;). Though after that I was frustrated and therefore did bad on the next 5 holes!!! So Ash and I lost....I kind of want a rematch but then again it wasn't that big of a deal at the same time. :)

Saturday: This was another day my mom redeemed another coupon for her mother's day ExTrAvAgAnZa!!!!! We did a clean sweep of the downstairs and we thought it wouldn't be as bad as the attic but it turns out that it was worse!! I think it was because we went through every pen and marker....that's how deep we went...so we didn't even hit the kitchen which was where we should have started. I got all cleaned up and Ash and I were invited to a movie night (plus food) which was pretty fun but turned out to be a card game! Runs and Trios was pretty fun and I'm glad Mark taught it to us. Hopefully we can play more card games and such because I like games and learning new things....so that was fun..

TODAY! FaThEr'S day!!!! We went to church which was pretty awesome...the talks in Sacrament were so good and then the rest of church just followed suit. Ash and I came back home and Ash made dinner for dad...I peeled potatoes and then when things were cooking I fell asleep...I felt bad...but it was all good in the end. (Ash is a better cook anyways...) We gave dad some notes we wrote to him and then us kids gave him Brian Regan on DVD!!! We watched it...it's soooo funny....I mean not every joke is like rolling on the floor but I have to say I laughed quite a bit! I love laughing and hearing others laugh...especially my family and close friends. I love my dad and I'm glad we got to celebrate this day with him! :)