A Good Brake

Sometimes I astound myself with what my brain comes up with as I'm driving. It's generally when I'm by myself. Alone in my thoughts.

This came while I was driving in the car with my mom. Any time I drive my mom is still a little nervous. That's with any of us kids. I noticed that she didn't think I was going to stop in time for a car that was slowing down. Then I had this thought. 

Even though I knew I was going to stop and that my foot was on the brake even before she started worrying about the situation, she needed reassurance. So the next time I was slowing down I made sure to tap my brakes a little sooner for her comfort. 

I likend this to relationships of any sort, romantic or not. Sometimes we know that everything is fine, things are in control. But our friend, coworker, loved one; they don't know how we're feeling. They're not sure everything is okay. We have to give the relationship brakes a little tap for comfort. We just need to let them know that we are there for them from time to time. It just helped me to see that's why we surprise people in little ways; giving a present, a hug, a note, or an act of service....all of these are pressing the relationship brakes...letting them know we're still good.

Make Someone Happy Today,

Arica 

Children Ask the Wisest Things

There are some funny things that kids say and being at my job it's been one of my favorite things to report back to my family. But there are other times where they say something profound that you didn't know you needed to hear.

Tuesday

Mood: flustered

Health: Poor-coughing, sore throat, headache, dizziness, sniffles

In the middle of these two things I was taking care of 18 children. They take a daily nap where  the teachers can break each other and go get lunch. When I was about to leave, one of my cute little boys (2 and a 1/2) wakes up and says: 

"Miss Arica, are you happy?"

I stopped to think about it. In that moment I was not acting as if I was happy. I reflected on his question as I went to lunch and felt the sunshine on my face. I concluded that even though I didn't feel well I had plenty to be happy about. I started to count my blessings a little more and could answer with an honest, "Yes" to that little boy when he asked again later. I'm pretty sure Heavenly Father wanted to remind me of all that I have.

A Few of My Favorite Things

sharpies: who knows why...just love having a good collection of sharpies. 


post-it notes: they're so handy. 


my little puppy joey: really my mom's puppy but I love her too. 


cuddling: friends, family, anyone who's not creepy! 


comfy clothes: i'll admit it...sweats are the best thing ever! 


pony tails: hair off my neck please! 


clear starry nights: super romantic date is star gazing. :) 


the smell of campfire: i love camping for this very reason. 


underdogs: if no one thinks they can...then i go for them! 


spontaneity: usually the most fun you will have. 


car windows rolled down on a sunny day: favorite pastime with my dad. 

getting to know someone on a more personal level: i am a blue on the color code test. 

lists: organizing my thoughts and crossing things off is the best feeling. 


lyrics: if an singer/song writer can express exactly how i feel, it's pure magic. 


oh there are more...but the title says "a few"...

Three Years Ago

On this very day, I entered the MTC...received my "dork dot" and went on a journey that would change my life forever. It might sound crazy to some..but I will hold Provo, Utah in my heart for the rest of my life.

Sister Page and Best Friend Emily Hegerhorst 

(she would be in the same spot 6 months later!)

Two Dozen Years

A Birthday in Review:

January 13th:
I went in to work to sign my papers for my new job! YAY! What they didn't tell me is that they wanted me to stay and work...ummm okay. So I did, but got off early so that I could go to  get SUSHI with my mom and brother. We went to New Zealand Cafe. I quaint little place that is hiding the best sushi ever.

I had unagi (eel) of course...my fave. It was called the caterpillar roll, so this is what it looked like.

It was divine...man just writing about it makes me want some more.

We were in the car and I said, "Now for something sweet!" And my mom took us to a cute little frozen yogurt shop called Sweet Frog:

It's just a like a place in Rexburg called Kiwi Loco...so I was excited and kept comparing everything to Kiwi Loco. We even had a stool shrinking race like back in the college days...oh those days. :) 

January 15th:

We celebrated my birthday as a family a day early because we wanted to allow the whole family to be there. We had Pollo con Crema, 24 cupcakes (um...yeah that was on purpose), and homemade ice cream! STUPENDOUS! 

This is was 24 Years looks like....

 ...pretty spectacular if I do say so myself.

I received a Kindle as my birthday present from everyone. I LOOOVE IT! I'm reading on my hour lunch break every day and finding all the good books out there. I'm so excited. 

January 16th:

MLK Day...also known as My Birthday! But I had to work from 9am-6pm. I was grateful for my job but it landed on a day when everyone was home and could CELEBRATE with me. Oh well...we went out to Showmars that night and hung out together...it was an amazing time to celebrate my two dozen years. 

I really am thankful for the people who called, texted, facebooked, and took me out to dinner! I am so lucky to have a great family who knows me so well and works to show me how much they love me. 

If You Let Yourself Be,

Arica