Sunday, December 4, 2011
New Job!
So...on Monday, I started a new job at a childcare center (they call it an early learning center, but when you take babies as small as 6 weeks, it's a daycare to me) and so far I LOVE it! It is so much fun to be able to work with kids again, I have always enjoyed kids. I am what they call a "floater", which means I go wherever they need me to go. Last week I worked with the two-year-old, three-year-old, and five-year-old kids for most of the week. i am also in charge of doing the bus run to the local elementary school to pick up some of the kids that come after school. I have about twenty that get a ride on our bus, and I love doing it! Not only is it a nice break, but the kids are just so fun! I hope that I continue to enjoy this new job and that I can make a difference in the lives of the people I work with and the kids I am in charge of.
Monday, November 21, 2011
It Lifts My Soul
Lately, as my life has seemed to fall apart and then come together again, I have been constantly amazed by the way music can always soothe me and make me happy, even in the darkest times. No matter how I am feeling, I can find a song to make me feel understood, loved, happy, joyous, and pacified.
What is it about music that makes it such a balm for the soul? I can only believe that God meant it to be that way. He knew that in times when we were most lost, when we most need Him, His spirit would always be able to be felt through music. Every time I hear a hymn of praise, I can feel His loving arms around me, and I am filled to bursting with gratitude and a certainty in my eternal purpose. It makes my heart sing, and I feel that no matter what trials I have to go through i life, I will never have to endure them alone.
Because I have always had an affinity for music and I was raised in a particularly musical home, I feel that I am uniquely suited to share that love with others. I very much dislike singing for large groups, and I have pretty bad nerves when I do decide to do it. But I know that in some small way, I am helping others to feel the love of the Savior, and of our Heavenly Father. And so occasionally I will volunteer to sing for holidays or other things. I recently consented to sing at the ward Christmas party and in Sacrament meeting. Although I know my hands will start going numb from nerves, I am grateful that I was blessed with the talent of sharing the love of God with others through music, and I hope to continue to do so for many years to come!
Now, just for grins and giggles, I thought I would list some of my favorite songs, both sacred and secular:
Hymns:
1. Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (Who doesn't like this one? I mean, seriously.)
2. Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy-This is a men's hymn, and I love the message it has of the merciful nature of God.
3. Lead Kindly Light-I have always loved this one.
4. All Creatures of Our God and King-I once sang a 4-part women's harmony on this song, and it was possibly one of the most beautiful arrangements of any song I have ever heard.
5. How Can I Keep From Singing-It's just uplifting, and perfectly puts in words how music can lift us and bring light into darkness.
Secular (I have new favorite songs on an almost weekly basis, so this changes a lot, but right now this list is accurate):
1. Dashboard Confessional-You Have Stolen My Heart (If you think you might be in love but don't know, listen to this song, and you will.)
2. Young The Giant-Cough Syrup (Just the right amount of melancholy...)
3. Ellie Goulding-Lights (This one just makes me inexplicably happy).
4. Death Cab For Cutie-You Are a Tourist (Although I actually love almost every song they've ever done. LOVE.)
5. John Mayer-Assassin
6. The Fray-Heartbeat
7. Coldplay-Paradise
Of course, there are innumerable songs that I have left off of both lists for the sake of not having a billion-page post, but rest assured that my love of all types of music continues to grow! What is your favorite song this week? Inquiring minds would like to know! ;)
What is it about music that makes it such a balm for the soul? I can only believe that God meant it to be that way. He knew that in times when we were most lost, when we most need Him, His spirit would always be able to be felt through music. Every time I hear a hymn of praise, I can feel His loving arms around me, and I am filled to bursting with gratitude and a certainty in my eternal purpose. It makes my heart sing, and I feel that no matter what trials I have to go through i life, I will never have to endure them alone.
Because I have always had an affinity for music and I was raised in a particularly musical home, I feel that I am uniquely suited to share that love with others. I very much dislike singing for large groups, and I have pretty bad nerves when I do decide to do it. But I know that in some small way, I am helping others to feel the love of the Savior, and of our Heavenly Father. And so occasionally I will volunteer to sing for holidays or other things. I recently consented to sing at the ward Christmas party and in Sacrament meeting. Although I know my hands will start going numb from nerves, I am grateful that I was blessed with the talent of sharing the love of God with others through music, and I hope to continue to do so for many years to come!
Now, just for grins and giggles, I thought I would list some of my favorite songs, both sacred and secular:
Hymns:
1. Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (Who doesn't like this one? I mean, seriously.)
2. Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy-This is a men's hymn, and I love the message it has of the merciful nature of God.
3. Lead Kindly Light-I have always loved this one.
4. All Creatures of Our God and King-I once sang a 4-part women's harmony on this song, and it was possibly one of the most beautiful arrangements of any song I have ever heard.
5. How Can I Keep From Singing-It's just uplifting, and perfectly puts in words how music can lift us and bring light into darkness.
Secular (I have new favorite songs on an almost weekly basis, so this changes a lot, but right now this list is accurate):
1. Dashboard Confessional-You Have Stolen My Heart (If you think you might be in love but don't know, listen to this song, and you will.)
2. Young The Giant-Cough Syrup (Just the right amount of melancholy...)
3. Ellie Goulding-Lights (This one just makes me inexplicably happy).
4. Death Cab For Cutie-You Are a Tourist (Although I actually love almost every song they've ever done. LOVE.)
5. John Mayer-Assassin
6. The Fray-Heartbeat
7. Coldplay-Paradise
Of course, there are innumerable songs that I have left off of both lists for the sake of not having a billion-page post, but rest assured that my love of all types of music continues to grow! What is your favorite song this week? Inquiring minds would like to know! ;)
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
When one door closes...
...another inevitably opens! So, a quick update on the past two weeks:
1. I quit my job.
2. I was very upset about quitting, but it needed to be done. I was a little depressed about it for a day or so, but decided to press forward and look for something new!
3. I found a new job! I'll be working at a daycare as the full-time cook.
4. I got released as the FHE coordinator in my ward, and was called as a Relief Society teacher. I am so excited to be a teacher! I am really looking forward to having a calling that I only have to think about once every month, haha.
5. I have been really, really happy for the first time in a long time.
6. I have been sick for about two months now, mostly from stress, and I have finally been feeling better! I didn't realize just how much it was draining me to be chronically ill until I started getting better.
That's all for now! I know, not much. But it isn't really one of those long updates that I go into detail with...and yes I know that I hardly ever go into detail, but honestly, of the two people that read this blog, you all mostly know what is going on anyway. ;)
1. I quit my job.
2. I was very upset about quitting, but it needed to be done. I was a little depressed about it for a day or so, but decided to press forward and look for something new!
3. I found a new job! I'll be working at a daycare as the full-time cook.
4. I got released as the FHE coordinator in my ward, and was called as a Relief Society teacher. I am so excited to be a teacher! I am really looking forward to having a calling that I only have to think about once every month, haha.
5. I have been really, really happy for the first time in a long time.
6. I have been sick for about two months now, mostly from stress, and I have finally been feeling better! I didn't realize just how much it was draining me to be chronically ill until I started getting better.
That's all for now! I know, not much. But it isn't really one of those long updates that I go into detail with...and yes I know that I hardly ever go into detail, but honestly, of the two people that read this blog, you all mostly know what is going on anyway. ;)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Update
Well, I didn't get that job. So for now, I am just going to have to try harder to be better at my job. Also, I need to try harder not to be so whiny. I feel like all I do is whine! I need to stop. I have been incredibly blessed, and I have absolutely nothing to complain about. Update over! ;)
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Oh Dear. Life is at it again.
So I find myself constantly in transition lately. Every time I think I have things figured out and under control, in comes the curveball. Not that I have any complaints. I have had and will continue to have a blessed, happy, and joyful life. But happiness has never precluded trials. I was never promised an easy life, and I will continue to have hardship for the rest of my days. And for that I am grateful. If I had never had to suffer through trials in the past, I wouldn't be the smart, wonderful, capable person I am today, haha ;)
So, now an update. I am currently in the process of acquiring new employment. The woman I work for happens to be my very best friend's mother, and while I do like working for her, lately I have found that I am really not the right person for the job. It is not only causing me untold amounts of stress, but I feel that my relationship with her family is becoming strained. So, in an effort to salvage that relationship and to be happier and less stressed myself, I will be drastically cutting back the hours I work for this wonderful woman, and spending more time working another job which I have interviewed for, but have not necessarily been hired for yet. (Fingers crossed!)
So that's one thing.
Secondly, there is the boy thing. Which is frustrating, and hard, and I have spent entirely too much time talking about. I will spare you from hearing about it again.
Then there is the fact that I really, truly need a new car. But as much as I need one, I cannot afford to own one. Right now my parents have graciously allowed me to use our family's extra car, which happens to be a 1994 Ford Aerostar van. It is bright red, seats seven, has not heat or air conditioning, gets 10 miles to the gallon and eats premium gas like a champ. Also, the driver's side window doesn't roll down. Which makes ordering at a drive through, paying toll booths, and talking to people on the road very difficult.
That being said, it does run. It gets me from point A to point B. And if I end up not being able to pay rent, I could totally fit everything I own into the back of it, save my dresser. That would be a legit apartment.
Now that I have sufficiently related my sorrows, concerns, and worries, I will again go back to the fact that I am, and have always been, very blessed. I have an amazing family, awesome friends, and a loving Father in Heaven who will always supply everything I need in this life and the life to come. And for that knowledge, and the knowledge of my Savior, I will have joy for the rest of my life.
Love Love Me! ;)
So, now an update. I am currently in the process of acquiring new employment. The woman I work for happens to be my very best friend's mother, and while I do like working for her, lately I have found that I am really not the right person for the job. It is not only causing me untold amounts of stress, but I feel that my relationship with her family is becoming strained. So, in an effort to salvage that relationship and to be happier and less stressed myself, I will be drastically cutting back the hours I work for this wonderful woman, and spending more time working another job which I have interviewed for, but have not necessarily been hired for yet. (Fingers crossed!)
So that's one thing.
Secondly, there is the boy thing. Which is frustrating, and hard, and I have spent entirely too much time talking about. I will spare you from hearing about it again.
Then there is the fact that I really, truly need a new car. But as much as I need one, I cannot afford to own one. Right now my parents have graciously allowed me to use our family's extra car, which happens to be a 1994 Ford Aerostar van. It is bright red, seats seven, has not heat or air conditioning, gets 10 miles to the gallon and eats premium gas like a champ. Also, the driver's side window doesn't roll down. Which makes ordering at a drive through, paying toll booths, and talking to people on the road very difficult.
That being said, it does run. It gets me from point A to point B. And if I end up not being able to pay rent, I could totally fit everything I own into the back of it, save my dresser. That would be a legit apartment.
Now that I have sufficiently related my sorrows, concerns, and worries, I will again go back to the fact that I am, and have always been, very blessed. I have an amazing family, awesome friends, and a loving Father in Heaven who will always supply everything I need in this life and the life to come. And for that knowledge, and the knowledge of my Savior, I will have joy for the rest of my life.
Love Love Me! ;)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Not my favorite subject...
Can I just say that dating is much, much harder than I thought it would be? I mean, I knew how to NOT date, that was easy. Not dating was so much simpler than dating, even if it was sad and depressing.
And not dating didn't make me cry.
Or have stress dreams.
It's driving me crazy, and I feel like I should be happier, not more anxious.
Basically, I hate it at the moment, and wish I could crawl into a hole and hibernate for a few months.
That is all.
And not dating didn't make me cry.
Or have stress dreams.
It's driving me crazy, and I feel like I should be happier, not more anxious.
Basically, I hate it at the moment, and wish I could crawl into a hole and hibernate for a few months.
That is all.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Conference
Oh Conference. How I love thee! I look forward to your semi-annualness like a kid looks forward to Christmas. Because just like Christmas, I get so many gifts from you!
This year I watched all four sessions by myself, and I was amazed by how well I payed attention! And throughout the two-day wonderfulness, I noticed a few themes.
1. The importance of scripture reading, especially the Book of Mormon.
2. Missionary work.
3. The importance of being morally strong in the world today.
There were a few other talks that were wonderful and had very poignant messages such as the importance of prayer, and how to raise faithful daughters.
I am so grateful for Conference, and for the opportunity to watch it every April and October. I love listening to Prophets, Seers, and Revelators, and I know that the words they say are coming from the Lord to help us to navigate this mortal life as best we can.
I am also grateful for the chance I have to be a member of a wonderful ward, and to have so many friends that are wonderful examples of love and charity. I am very blessed to have met such incredible people in my life! I love you guys! :)
This year I watched all four sessions by myself, and I was amazed by how well I payed attention! And throughout the two-day wonderfulness, I noticed a few themes.
1. The importance of scripture reading, especially the Book of Mormon.
2. Missionary work.
3. The importance of being morally strong in the world today.
There were a few other talks that were wonderful and had very poignant messages such as the importance of prayer, and how to raise faithful daughters.
I am so grateful for Conference, and for the opportunity to watch it every April and October. I love listening to Prophets, Seers, and Revelators, and I know that the words they say are coming from the Lord to help us to navigate this mortal life as best we can.
I am also grateful for the chance I have to be a member of a wonderful ward, and to have so many friends that are wonderful examples of love and charity. I am very blessed to have met such incredible people in my life! I love you guys! :)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
CAKE
Woof. Making cakes is a time consuming activity! As I write this, I am waiting for a 12-inch cake to cool (which takes a while), and sitting at the kitchen table in my baking attire (pajamas covered in powdered sugar). As much as I stress out over doing cakes like this, I always have a sense of accomplishment when I finish and the Bride is happy with the outcome. Hopefully this bride will be happy! If she isn't...I just hope I didn't ruin her wedding...
Anyway.
So lately I have been thinking about life in general and where I want my life to go. Being single, I have no attachments or responsibilities here. I could go and do anything I want. The problem is...I don't want anything that I can get for myself. All I want is to have a family, and that is highly dependent on a second party being willing. Which at this point, I have all but given up on.
I know, I'm dramatic.
But seriously.
So instead of lamenting my lot in life (the lot being eternal singlehood) I have decided that I am going to choose to make the best of my situation. So. Here is the plan.
1. Get a great job that has benefits and pays well enough.
2. Choose places that I want to travel to/friends I would like to visit.
3. Work and save up to go to those places after saving up for a new car.
4. Choose some classes I would like to take from the local community college (like metal working, Confectionary, etc.)
5. Take said classes when I have time.
Good plan, right?
I think so too.
Anyway.
So lately I have been thinking about life in general and where I want my life to go. Being single, I have no attachments or responsibilities here. I could go and do anything I want. The problem is...I don't want anything that I can get for myself. All I want is to have a family, and that is highly dependent on a second party being willing. Which at this point, I have all but given up on.
I know, I'm dramatic.
But seriously.
So instead of lamenting my lot in life (the lot being eternal singlehood) I have decided that I am going to choose to make the best of my situation. So. Here is the plan.
1. Get a great job that has benefits and pays well enough.
2. Choose places that I want to travel to/friends I would like to visit.
3. Work and save up to go to those places after saving up for a new car.
4. Choose some classes I would like to take from the local community college (like metal working, Confectionary, etc.)
5. Take said classes when I have time.
Good plan, right?
I think so too.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
100
This is my 100th post! Crazy! I never thought I'd stick with it this far, but I am glad I have. It has been such a great journal for me, as I have a hard time sitting down and writing it all out by hand.
So, I have had a great revelation today.
I am HAPPY.
Have I been struggling lately? You betcha.
But I am so happy. I have so many incredible things to be happy about, and they always seem to overwhelm the sad or hard things I have to deal with. So I decided to make a short list of some of the things that make me happy, and that put a smile on my face every moment of every day if I just remember them!
1. The gospel. I am so eternally grateful for this in m life! It is EVERYTHING to me. And every time I start to grumble, I remember that He paid for my sins. He loves me. I am never alone, and He will make my burdens light.
2. My family. They are just the best, even if they sometimes make me crazy ;)
3. Good music. It never fails to lift me up and make my heart lighter. I love music!
4. Scriptures. I have recently grown to love my daily scripture study and really look forward to reading every day.
5. Prayer. I cannot express my gratitude for this. Prayer can work miracles.
6. Fall. It's so wonderful to see the change in the air, the pumpkins, the leaves, and everything else that comes with the changing season.
7. Friends. They just make me so happy! I would name you all, but it might make other people jealous ;)
8. The General Authorities. They rock.
9. Enchiladas. No really. They make me happy.
10. Random dancing in the car. It just brings me so much joy to see the looks on other driver's faces.
11. Singing. I love to sing! It is so great to be able to express myself through music.
12. Dogs. They are just so awesome. They are so full of joy, how can you not be happy around them?
13. My KitchenAid. It is so wonderful!
14. Sleep. I love to sleep! I love getting eight full hours a night, and so does my body! Haha.
15. The Temple. There are so many reasons why the Temple makes me happy, but mainly it is because I can feel the presence of my Heavenly Father there, and it is such a comfort to me. I love being there!
16. Letters. It makes me so happy to get letters in the mail!
17. Children. They are just so great! So sweet and innocent and loving!
18. Driving. It is just nice. I like it.
19. Serving others. It never fails to make me so happy! I love doing things for other people! If you need anything, let me know! It makes me so happy!
20. Love. Love makes me happy. No matter who it is from, it makes me happy! I love love! Haha.
I could probably find 100 things that make me happy, but I think I'll stop there. Rest assured, that I will continue to find things that make me happy, and so should you! I defy you to not be happy after making your own list!
So, I have had a great revelation today.
I am HAPPY.
Have I been struggling lately? You betcha.
But I am so happy. I have so many incredible things to be happy about, and they always seem to overwhelm the sad or hard things I have to deal with. So I decided to make a short list of some of the things that make me happy, and that put a smile on my face every moment of every day if I just remember them!
1. The gospel. I am so eternally grateful for this in m life! It is EVERYTHING to me. And every time I start to grumble, I remember that He paid for my sins. He loves me. I am never alone, and He will make my burdens light.
2. My family. They are just the best, even if they sometimes make me crazy ;)
3. Good music. It never fails to lift me up and make my heart lighter. I love music!
4. Scriptures. I have recently grown to love my daily scripture study and really look forward to reading every day.
5. Prayer. I cannot express my gratitude for this. Prayer can work miracles.
6. Fall. It's so wonderful to see the change in the air, the pumpkins, the leaves, and everything else that comes with the changing season.
7. Friends. They just make me so happy! I would name you all, but it might make other people jealous ;)
8. The General Authorities. They rock.
9. Enchiladas. No really. They make me happy.
10. Random dancing in the car. It just brings me so much joy to see the looks on other driver's faces.
11. Singing. I love to sing! It is so great to be able to express myself through music.
12. Dogs. They are just so awesome. They are so full of joy, how can you not be happy around them?
13. My KitchenAid. It is so wonderful!
14. Sleep. I love to sleep! I love getting eight full hours a night, and so does my body! Haha.
15. The Temple. There are so many reasons why the Temple makes me happy, but mainly it is because I can feel the presence of my Heavenly Father there, and it is such a comfort to me. I love being there!
16. Letters. It makes me so happy to get letters in the mail!
17. Children. They are just so great! So sweet and innocent and loving!
18. Driving. It is just nice. I like it.
19. Serving others. It never fails to make me so happy! I love doing things for other people! If you need anything, let me know! It makes me so happy!
20. Love. Love makes me happy. No matter who it is from, it makes me happy! I love love! Haha.
I could probably find 100 things that make me happy, but I think I'll stop there. Rest assured, that I will continue to find things that make me happy, and so should you! I defy you to not be happy after making your own list!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Life
...is interesting.
So the past few weeks have been a bit rough for me. I have been somewhere in the middle of not-quite-adult and full-on-adult, and it has become painfully clear to me that living life is HARD. Not only am I in a transitional period when it comes to my temporal life, but I have been going through a tough transition in my spiritual life as well.
Just to recap last Friday:
My parents told me I was no longer welcome in their home, and that I needed to find another situation as soon as possible. Not because I have done anything wrong, but because they believe that I am hindering my own personal growth by remaining at home.
My Boss decided it was a great time to give me a lecture about where my life is going, and made me cry for the second time that day. For those of you that know me, I am not the crying type. It exhausts me.
Also, my phone ended up getting exposed to water in my purse, and died. Icing on the cake.
After this epic fail of a day, I was just so tired! The rest of the week followed, and along with looking for a second job, a new place to live, and a car within my price range for when my poor old van finally dies, I was told that I was being removed from the Family phone plan, and that I needed to get my own phone.
Which I did.
And then today I was feeling like I should call a girl in my ward to see if she still needed a roommate, and she said she did, and I could move in...tomorrow.
So it's been a crazy week. Add on top of that the fact that my "special friend" has recently been completely ignoring me and when we do converse, seems completely disinterested, and you have the cherry on top of my life feeling like it's completely out of control.
Please tell me I am not the only one who has felt this way!! I know I'm not, but it is just so...different for me. I have never felt so helpless in my own life. I do feel better now that I have a solid plan and a place to live, but it has been a very long journey from just last Friday.
I know it probably sounds like I am lamenting my lot in life, but I'm not. When I decided to follow Christ and come to earth, I knew it was going to be hard. I knew it was going to hurt, and that I was going to cry sometimes, and that I would have to deal with heartbreak and turmoil. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to move in with other LDS young adults, I am blessed to have been raised to know the Gospel and to know that I am a child of God, and I am so very blessed to know that I am loved by so many people (even if it's not always the people I'd like!). I know that I am a Daughter of God, and that I have infinite worth, and that I am smart, talented, and worth far more than I can comprehend. I am so grateful to have a loving family, a terrific Ward, a fun calling, and a job. I have some of the most incredible friends, and I am so happy that I have them in my life to lift me up and to tell me it's okay and that I am loved. I am so very blessed!
I know that I have a way back to my Father in Heaven, and I know that Jesus Christ died for me. I know Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that he restored the only true and living Church on the earth today. I hope that all of you who read this know how much I love and appreciate you, and how much more your Heavenly Father loves you!
Never forget that He is always there for you!
So the past few weeks have been a bit rough for me. I have been somewhere in the middle of not-quite-adult and full-on-adult, and it has become painfully clear to me that living life is HARD. Not only am I in a transitional period when it comes to my temporal life, but I have been going through a tough transition in my spiritual life as well.
Just to recap last Friday:
My parents told me I was no longer welcome in their home, and that I needed to find another situation as soon as possible. Not because I have done anything wrong, but because they believe that I am hindering my own personal growth by remaining at home.
My Boss decided it was a great time to give me a lecture about where my life is going, and made me cry for the second time that day. For those of you that know me, I am not the crying type. It exhausts me.
Also, my phone ended up getting exposed to water in my purse, and died. Icing on the cake.
After this epic fail of a day, I was just so tired! The rest of the week followed, and along with looking for a second job, a new place to live, and a car within my price range for when my poor old van finally dies, I was told that I was being removed from the Family phone plan, and that I needed to get my own phone.
Which I did.
And then today I was feeling like I should call a girl in my ward to see if she still needed a roommate, and she said she did, and I could move in...tomorrow.
So it's been a crazy week. Add on top of that the fact that my "special friend" has recently been completely ignoring me and when we do converse, seems completely disinterested, and you have the cherry on top of my life feeling like it's completely out of control.
Please tell me I am not the only one who has felt this way!! I know I'm not, but it is just so...different for me. I have never felt so helpless in my own life. I do feel better now that I have a solid plan and a place to live, but it has been a very long journey from just last Friday.
I know it probably sounds like I am lamenting my lot in life, but I'm not. When I decided to follow Christ and come to earth, I knew it was going to be hard. I knew it was going to hurt, and that I was going to cry sometimes, and that I would have to deal with heartbreak and turmoil. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to move in with other LDS young adults, I am blessed to have been raised to know the Gospel and to know that I am a child of God, and I am so very blessed to know that I am loved by so many people (even if it's not always the people I'd like!). I know that I am a Daughter of God, and that I have infinite worth, and that I am smart, talented, and worth far more than I can comprehend. I am so grateful to have a loving family, a terrific Ward, a fun calling, and a job. I have some of the most incredible friends, and I am so happy that I have them in my life to lift me up and to tell me it's okay and that I am loved. I am so very blessed!
I know that I have a way back to my Father in Heaven, and I know that Jesus Christ died for me. I know Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that he restored the only true and living Church on the earth today. I hope that all of you who read this know how much I love and appreciate you, and how much more your Heavenly Father loves you!
Never forget that He is always there for you!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Day 30
Where I see myself in 10 years:
I see myself married, settled, and with one or two kids. That is all I really want. I know, the total cliche of a Mormon girl, but really, I feel like that is what I was cut out to do. All my talents are geared for being a homemaker, and I would love to just have a family.
That's the end of the challenge! I did it! I have to admit, I was a little bit of a slacker some days, but I am so glad I did it!
Thanks to everyone who read, I hope to update more often now that I am used to doing it.
I see myself married, settled, and with one or two kids. That is all I really want. I know, the total cliche of a Mormon girl, but really, I feel like that is what I was cut out to do. All my talents are geared for being a homemaker, and I would love to just have a family.
That's the end of the challenge! I did it! I have to admit, I was a little bit of a slacker some days, but I am so glad I did it!
Thanks to everyone who read, I hope to update more often now that I am used to doing it.
Day 29
A person I love:
Wow. Um, how am I supposed to pick just one? There are so many amazing people that I love, and all of them are just so special to me! Maybe I'll talk about someone I haven't mentioned yet in this challenge...Bethany.
Bethany and I met my second semester at BYU-I. We lived in he same complex and were in the same German class, so she decided we should be friends. She just walked right up to me, said "I think we're in the same class and the same ward." And that was it. From that day on, we were besties. We pranked, cooked, and just hung out and before long I couldn't imagine my life without her. She is one of the kindest, most faithful, and just all-around amazing women I have ever had the privilege of calling my friend. She is currently serving a mission in Independence, Missouri, but she is almost done! She comes home THIS MONTH!! I am so excited to have her closer and I hope I get to visit her soon, because her rib-crushing hugs are one of my great joys in life!
Wow. Um, how am I supposed to pick just one? There are so many amazing people that I love, and all of them are just so special to me! Maybe I'll talk about someone I haven't mentioned yet in this challenge...Bethany.
Bethany and I met my second semester at BYU-I. We lived in he same complex and were in the same German class, so she decided we should be friends. She just walked right up to me, said "I think we're in the same class and the same ward." And that was it. From that day on, we were besties. We pranked, cooked, and just hung out and before long I couldn't imagine my life without her. She is one of the kindest, most faithful, and just all-around amazing women I have ever had the privilege of calling my friend. She is currently serving a mission in Independence, Missouri, but she is almost done! She comes home THIS MONTH!! I am so excited to have her closer and I hope I get to visit her soon, because her rib-crushing hugs are one of my great joys in life!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Day 28
A place I love:
Hmm. I like a lot of places, Munich, Garmisch, Colorado Springs, Morgan Hill, San Francisco, Boston, Rexburg...but I LOVE the Temple.
It is a holy, serene, and incredible place, and every time I go there it fills me with peace. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to go there and feel the love of my Heavenly Father.
Hmm. I like a lot of places, Munich, Garmisch, Colorado Springs, Morgan Hill, San Francisco, Boston, Rexburg...but I LOVE the Temple.
It is a holy, serene, and incredible place, and every time I go there it fills me with peace. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to go there and feel the love of my Heavenly Father.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Day 27
What's in my purse:
Once I made a list...a big purse list of everything a girl should have in her purse. It's a long list. I wonder if Stacy still has that list...
Anyway, the contents of my purse at the moment:
green olives (I like them, and I happened to go to the grocery store before work. Don't judge me.)
business cards
random pieces of paper with important information on them
cell phone
cash wallet
card wallet
gum
pens
sunscreen (I have sunscreen with me everywhere I go. I need it.)
keys
a book of word searches
keys
Tarte lipstain pencil (I highly recommend this product! It's awesome!)
a bottle cap from a birch beer ( like root beer)
a cheap metal ring that Renee got me in Manitou from a penny arcade machine
fingernail clippers
stickers from Wahoo's
chapstick
That's all!
Once I made a list...a big purse list of everything a girl should have in her purse. It's a long list. I wonder if Stacy still has that list...
Anyway, the contents of my purse at the moment:
green olives (I like them, and I happened to go to the grocery store before work. Don't judge me.)
business cards
random pieces of paper with important information on them
cell phone
cash wallet
card wallet
gum
pens
sunscreen (I have sunscreen with me everywhere I go. I need it.)
keys
a book of word searches
keys
Tarte lipstain pencil (I highly recommend this product! It's awesome!)
a bottle cap from a birch beer ( like root beer)
a cheap metal ring that Renee got me in Manitou from a penny arcade machine
fingernail clippers
stickers from Wahoo's
chapstick
That's all!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Day 26
Who do I admire:
I don't really know if I do admire anyone in particular. I know, awful, right? But I think we are all worthy of admiration to some degree, because we have all struggled, we have all had trial and adversity. At some point we have all needed to rely on inner strength and faith to get us to where we are today. I admire the faith of my parents and Grandparents. I admire the way my friends can see past all the crazy and love me. I admire the people who can make big things happen in this world, and the people who are quietly changing lives every day. I admire the men in my life that have shown me that being a man of God is the best kind to be, and that there is no shame in shedding a tear or two. I admire the children that have a simple kind of faith, and who can be stronger than I am sometimes. I admire those who have had the strength to ask for help, and are willing to accept it. I admire all the incredible people that are helping to build Zion in these that Latter Days. I am so grateful for them. So I guess I do admire a lot of people! ;)
I don't really know if I do admire anyone in particular. I know, awful, right? But I think we are all worthy of admiration to some degree, because we have all struggled, we have all had trial and adversity. At some point we have all needed to rely on inner strength and faith to get us to where we are today. I admire the faith of my parents and Grandparents. I admire the way my friends can see past all the crazy and love me. I admire the people who can make big things happen in this world, and the people who are quietly changing lives every day. I admire the men in my life that have shown me that being a man of God is the best kind to be, and that there is no shame in shedding a tear or two. I admire the children that have a simple kind of faith, and who can be stronger than I am sometimes. I admire those who have had the strength to ask for help, and are willing to accept it. I admire all the incredible people that are helping to build Zion in these that Latter Days. I am so grateful for them. So I guess I do admire a lot of people! ;)
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Day 25
A favorite Photo-
I generally hate photos, mostly because I can find the smallest thing that s wrong and only see that every time I look at it. This one is pretty good, considering, and I will not point out the one thing that bugs me so as not to have everyone else see it...haha!
I generally hate photos, mostly because I can find the smallest thing that s wrong and only see that every time I look at it. This one is pretty good, considering, and I will not point out the one thing that bugs me so as not to have everyone else see it...haha!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Day 24
My Childhood:
Oh dear. My childhood. Well, I cannot complain. I have an incredible family, so the fact that I moved more than ten times between the ages of 3 days and fifteen years is not as bad as it could have been. I listed earlier the places I've lived (most of them, anyway), and why I did or did not like them. I particularly liked Boston and Saudi Arabia, but Albuquerque is a close third. In childhood, some of my favorite things were picking fruit with my family, camping, and exploring things. We had a smallish wood by our house in Boston and I would spend endless hours pretending to be something or other in the trees. I loved sledding in the winter, apple picking and pumpkin carving, and I just adored the Fall. I still enjoy doing a lot of those things! Overall I had a wonderful childhood full of love and laughter.
Oh dear. My childhood. Well, I cannot complain. I have an incredible family, so the fact that I moved more than ten times between the ages of 3 days and fifteen years is not as bad as it could have been. I listed earlier the places I've lived (most of them, anyway), and why I did or did not like them. I particularly liked Boston and Saudi Arabia, but Albuquerque is a close third. In childhood, some of my favorite things were picking fruit with my family, camping, and exploring things. We had a smallish wood by our house in Boston and I would spend endless hours pretending to be something or other in the trees. I loved sledding in the winter, apple picking and pumpkin carving, and I just adored the Fall. I still enjoy doing a lot of those things! Overall I had a wonderful childhood full of love and laughter.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Day 23
Something I never tire of doing-
I never tire of being with the person I wrote about yesterday. Which sounds awfully mushy and gross, but it's true. I hope he never reads this blog, because it might make him run for cover! ;)
I never tire of being with the person I wrote about yesterday. Which sounds awfully mushy and gross, but it's true. I hope he never reads this blog, because it might make him run for cover! ;)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Day 22
My current relationship.
Well...I'm in one. I'm not sure where it's at or where it's going, but for now I am content to enjoy the ride! He treats me better than I deserve, and likes me for all the right reasons, so I am happy to let it develop and grow in the Lord's time. Hopefully I can keep that same perspective the whole duration!! ;)
Well...I'm in one. I'm not sure where it's at or where it's going, but for now I am content to enjoy the ride! He treats me better than I deserve, and likes me for all the right reasons, so I am happy to let it develop and grow in the Lord's time. Hopefully I can keep that same perspective the whole duration!! ;)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Day 21
My fears-
Well, as far as actual fears...I fear needles and spiders. I have always hated needles, and to this day it terrifies me to get blood drawn or to get an IV put in. I hate it with a burning passion. And spiders are just crawly and icky and should die. I can do big spiders, like tarantulas, but anyhing smaller than that and I freak out.
Well, as far as actual fears...I fear needles and spiders. I have always hated needles, and to this day it terrifies me to get blood drawn or to get an IV put in. I hate it with a burning passion. And spiders are just crawly and icky and should die. I can do big spiders, like tarantulas, but anyhing smaller than that and I freak out.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Day 20
A hobby of mine:
I LOVE to horseback ride. LOVE. When I was 10, my mother set me up with horseback riding lessons, and I never looked back. While in college in Idaho, I found out that I could take classes at the livestock center, and I sure did take all of them! I can barrel race, herd, and jump like a pro! I loved every second of it, and I take every opportunity I can get to go. I haven't gone in a while, but I hope to find a friend really soon that has horses and will take me riding!
I LOVE to horseback ride. LOVE. When I was 10, my mother set me up with horseback riding lessons, and I never looked back. While in college in Idaho, I found out that I could take classes at the livestock center, and I sure did take all of them! I can barrel race, herd, and jump like a pro! I loved every second of it, and I take every opportunity I can get to go. I haven't gone in a while, but I hope to find a friend really soon that has horses and will take me riding!
Day 19
A fun memory:
I have a lot of fun memories. Trying to pinpoint one is hard! One of my favorite times was when I was in college. I had lots of awesome roommates, but one in particular stands out to me (Stacy). Stacy was meant to be my friend. We were in several classes together, and even worked in the same department! But for some reason we never connected until we moved into the same apartment in my Sophomore year. And then it was all over. We ended up doing things together almost every weekend, thus creating "The Weekenders". We would go on walks, do crafts, take silly pictures, make food, watch movies, and build forts. We talked about life, love, family, struggles, and school. We even took a class together so we could read to each other and do homework together! We had so much fun going glowsticking in caves, eating tacos, and getting stranded in the snow. I have so many fun memories of doing random things with Stacy, and all my college friends, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to learn and grow with such amazing people!
I have a lot of fun memories. Trying to pinpoint one is hard! One of my favorite times was when I was in college. I had lots of awesome roommates, but one in particular stands out to me (Stacy). Stacy was meant to be my friend. We were in several classes together, and even worked in the same department! But for some reason we never connected until we moved into the same apartment in my Sophomore year. And then it was all over. We ended up doing things together almost every weekend, thus creating "The Weekenders". We would go on walks, do crafts, take silly pictures, make food, watch movies, and build forts. We talked about life, love, family, struggles, and school. We even took a class together so we could read to each other and do homework together! We had so much fun going glowsticking in caves, eating tacos, and getting stranded in the snow. I have so many fun memories of doing random things with Stacy, and all my college friends, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to learn and grow with such amazing people!
Day 18
A favorite thing about each of my family members:
Dad: My Dad is awesome. He is so loving and kind, and he is endlessly interested in what is going on in my life. Considering that he is busy with work, church callings, and four other children, I always feel like he takes time to appreciate me and what I am doing.
Mom: My Mom has taught me everything I know (well, mostly). Despite me being stubborn and hard to teach, she has patiently taught me to sew, cook, plan a budget, do laundry, and clean a home. I am so grateful for her example in my life.
Adam: Adam is always happy. I am sure he has times when he is worried or unhappy, but he always has such an optimistic attitude, and he is just so fun to be around!
Natalie: Natalie is so funny. She says the greatest things all the time, and, like Adam, is always happy. Also, she puts up with Adam, and keeps him as happy as a clam! I can't wait for her to have her baby in a few weeks so they can be a happy little family. I am sure their little boy will be just as happy as they are!
Shay: Shay is very personable. I have never met anyone who didn't like her and want to be her friend.
Jordan: Jordan is always willing to help. If I need something from the attic or the shed, he will get it for me, no questions asked. I am so grateful for that, because you pretty much have to be an acrobat to get anything out of the garage attic.
Westin: Westin is just a great kid. Everyone loves him, from his YM leaders to his friends, to random people on the street. He is unabashedly optimistic and extremely outgoing. I admire him so much for his ability o love who he is and to do what he knows is right.
Dad: My Dad is awesome. He is so loving and kind, and he is endlessly interested in what is going on in my life. Considering that he is busy with work, church callings, and four other children, I always feel like he takes time to appreciate me and what I am doing.
Mom: My Mom has taught me everything I know (well, mostly). Despite me being stubborn and hard to teach, she has patiently taught me to sew, cook, plan a budget, do laundry, and clean a home. I am so grateful for her example in my life.
Adam: Adam is always happy. I am sure he has times when he is worried or unhappy, but he always has such an optimistic attitude, and he is just so fun to be around!
Natalie: Natalie is so funny. She says the greatest things all the time, and, like Adam, is always happy. Also, she puts up with Adam, and keeps him as happy as a clam! I can't wait for her to have her baby in a few weeks so they can be a happy little family. I am sure their little boy will be just as happy as they are!
Shay: Shay is very personable. I have never met anyone who didn't like her and want to be her friend.
Jordan: Jordan is always willing to help. If I need something from the attic or the shed, he will get it for me, no questions asked. I am so grateful for that, because you pretty much have to be an acrobat to get anything out of the garage attic.
Westin: Westin is just a great kid. Everyone loves him, from his YM leaders to his friends, to random people on the street. He is unabashedly optimistic and extremely outgoing. I admire him so much for his ability o love who he is and to do what he knows is right.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Day 17
A photo of your family:
There you have it! Clockwise from left: Jordan, Me, Shay, Adam, Natalie (Adam's Wife), Westin, Mom, Dad, and Suki.
There you have it! Clockwise from left: Jordan, Me, Shay, Adam, Natalie (Adam's Wife), Westin, Mom, Dad, and Suki.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Day 16
A favorite food
Some of my most favorite foods are:
Shrimp Tacos, and basically anything else involving shrimp. (Insert Bubba Gump reference here)
Doner Kebabs. They are heavenly, and really only available in Germany. Which makes me a sad panda.
Falafel and Hummus. I could eat this stuff every day and it wouldn't get old. I love it!
Ever since I was a small child, I have loved clam chowder. I would ask for it at every restaurant we went to, much to the chagrin of my ever-patient parents. To this day whenever I am on either coast, I will always find a way to get me some yummy chowder in a bread bowl!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Day 14
Something I love and couldn't live without-
There are just a very few things on this list.
1. Sundays. I could not function without the good, helthy dose of spiritual medicine I get every Sunday. I love Sundays more than any other day of the week.
2. My friends and family. They are the world to me. I could not be who I am without them, and even whe I haven't seen or heard from them in a while, I know their love and support will always be there when I need it.
3. My KitchenAid. It's pretty much my favorite.
There are just a very few things on this list.
1. Sundays. I could not function without the good, helthy dose of spiritual medicine I get every Sunday. I love Sundays more than any other day of the week.
2. My friends and family. They are the world to me. I could not be who I am without them, and even whe I haven't seen or heard from them in a while, I know their love and support will always be there when I need it.
3. My KitchenAid. It's pretty much my favorite.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Day 13
Something I want to buy:
I would really, really like some new clothes. I keep going shopping, and nothing turns up that I love. Love is a requirement when I purchase clothing, because I have learned from experience that if I only kinda like it, I will never wear it.
I would really, really like some new clothes. I keep going shopping, and nothing turns up that I love. Love is a requirement when I purchase clothing, because I have learned from experience that if I only kinda like it, I will never wear it.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Day 12
Something I bought recently:
I haven't really purchased a lot lately. But I do have a friend who helps me to splurge, and she happens to have impeccable taste, so I am never disappointed! This last time we went to Sephora, which sells high-end cosmetics. For those of you who know me, you know I am pretty minimalistic when it comes to makeup. I hate feeling like I have anything on my face, so I try to keep it to a minimum. However, I do like to experiment with new things, and I love doing my eye makeup in new and fun ways. So the last thing I purchased was a new liquid eyeliner, an eye color palette, and a lip stain (I will not wear lip gloss, lip stick, or even chapstick. I hate the feeling of something on my lips. A lip stain does just what it says, without adding any "goopiness" to my lips.)
Pretty boring, but still fun for me!
I haven't really purchased a lot lately. But I do have a friend who helps me to splurge, and she happens to have impeccable taste, so I am never disappointed! This last time we went to Sephora, which sells high-end cosmetics. For those of you who know me, you know I am pretty minimalistic when it comes to makeup. I hate feeling like I have anything on my face, so I try to keep it to a minimum. However, I do like to experiment with new things, and I love doing my eye makeup in new and fun ways. So the last thing I purchased was a new liquid eyeliner, an eye color palette, and a lip stain (I will not wear lip gloss, lip stick, or even chapstick. I hate the feeling of something on my lips. A lip stain does just what it says, without adding any "goopiness" to my lips.)
Pretty boring, but still fun for me!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Day 11
Nicknames I have and why-
Well, I don't really have that many. My Dad calls me Sis, probably because I am the oldest daughter and have four siblings. I do have a sister, but she is never called that, just me. Weird.
My friend Casey calls me Sammy Sam, or Spam. I think it's because she'd my best friend and can get away with a lot.
Stacy calls me Shmoo, because the crazy kid that sat in front of us in Early American Lit in college once turned around and randomly announced that the Hebrew word for Samuel was Shmuel, and wondered if anyone ever called me Shmoo because my name is Sam. Well, now someone does, crazy kid. Stacy.
I have a few others, but those are the ones I will actually answer to and be called by on a regular basis.
Well, I don't really have that many. My Dad calls me Sis, probably because I am the oldest daughter and have four siblings. I do have a sister, but she is never called that, just me. Weird.
My friend Casey calls me Sammy Sam, or Spam. I think it's because she'd my best friend and can get away with a lot.
Stacy calls me Shmoo, because the crazy kid that sat in front of us in Early American Lit in college once turned around and randomly announced that the Hebrew word for Samuel was Shmuel, and wondered if anyone ever called me Shmoo because my name is Sam. Well, now someone does, crazy kid. Stacy.
I have a few others, but those are the ones I will actually answer to and be called by on a regular basis.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Day 10
A photo taken of me over 10 years ago...
Wow. The early nineties were not kind to my hair. Or my Mother's. But hey! Dad actually has some in this picture! It's funny, but I actually cannot remember when my Dad didn't shave his head. I was still so young when he started doing it that I have no recollection of him with even a small amount of it. Weird. Anyway, enjoy!
Wow. The early nineties were not kind to my hair. Or my Mother's. But hey! Dad actually has some in this picture! It's funny, but I actually cannot remember when my Dad didn't shave his head. I was still so young when he started doing it that I have no recollection of him with even a small amount of it. Weird. Anyway, enjoy!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Day 9
Pet Peeves
Now, my family would say I have a lot of these. But in actuality, there are only a couple of things that really set me off.
1. I hate it when someone leaves 3 seconds on the microwave. Just hit cancel. It's not hard, and I need to know what time it is.
2. I also hate it when people use the last of the toilet paper and don't bother to replace it. That's just plain rude.
3. When ppl tlk like this when txting. U have a full keyboard. Use it. K?
4. When people take things without asking first, and then never return or replace what they took. Chances are I will let you borrow/have what you want, I would just like to be asked. And no, it is not better to "ask forgiveness than to ask permission". That's the coward's way out.
5. Finally, when people lie about things to make their lives easier. If you don't want to do it, say you just don't want to do it. Don't make up some lame excuse to make yourself feel better about it. I'll find out eventually, and then I'll have lost all respect for you.
That's it! I think that most people will agree with me about most of these, but the microwave thing is kinda silly. It drives me nuts. ;)
Now, my family would say I have a lot of these. But in actuality, there are only a couple of things that really set me off.
1. I hate it when someone leaves 3 seconds on the microwave. Just hit cancel. It's not hard, and I need to know what time it is.
2. I also hate it when people use the last of the toilet paper and don't bother to replace it. That's just plain rude.
3. When ppl tlk like this when txting. U have a full keyboard. Use it. K?
4. When people take things without asking first, and then never return or replace what they took. Chances are I will let you borrow/have what you want, I would just like to be asked. And no, it is not better to "ask forgiveness than to ask permission". That's the coward's way out.
5. Finally, when people lie about things to make their lives easier. If you don't want to do it, say you just don't want to do it. Don't make up some lame excuse to make yourself feel better about it. I'll find out eventually, and then I'll have lost all respect for you.
That's it! I think that most people will agree with me about most of these, but the microwave thing is kinda silly. It drives me nuts. ;)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Day 8
Things I would like to do before I die
Well, let's see. I am not really that ambitious. All I have every really wanted before I die is a family of my own, a cozy little house, and enough money to be comfortable and do a bit of traveling. Other than that, I really don't have a bucket list. I am so boring! Oh well. ;)
Well, let's see. I am not really that ambitious. All I have every really wanted before I die is a family of my own, a cozy little house, and enough money to be comfortable and do a bit of traveling. Other than that, I really don't have a bucket list. I am so boring! Oh well. ;)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Day 7
Something that makes me happy.
Honestly, the only thing that truly makes me happy is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you are an LDS friend of mine, you know what I mean. If you are not LDS, you know that I am, and how I feel about it. If you would like to know why it makes me so indescribably happy, I would love to tell you.
I also very much like NHB.
Honestly, the only thing that truly makes me happy is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you are an LDS friend of mine, you know what I mean. If you are not LDS, you know that I am, and how I feel about it. If you would like to know why it makes me so indescribably happy, I would love to tell you.
I also very much like NHB.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Day 6
Places I would like to travel
Well, I have done quite a bit of traveling in Europe, hitting almost all of the must-sees. The places I still want to go are still quite numerous, so I will not have a problem here!
Japan
Australia
The Maldives
Egypt
Israel
China
South Korea
Alaska
Sweden
The Netherlands
Belgium
Turkey
Finland
Brazil
Argentina
Peru
Chile
Places I want to re-visit:
England
France
Germany
Austria
Scotland
Czech Republic
Switzerland
Spain
Italy
I think that's all! Although the more I see, the more I want to see. So I will most likely just want to see everything eventually!
Well, I have done quite a bit of traveling in Europe, hitting almost all of the must-sees. The places I still want to go are still quite numerous, so I will not have a problem here!
Japan
Australia
The Maldives
Egypt
Israel
China
South Korea
Alaska
Sweden
The Netherlands
Belgium
Turkey
Finland
Brazil
Argentina
Peru
Chile
Places I want to re-visit:
England
France
Germany
Austria
Scotland
Czech Republic
Switzerland
Spain
Italy
I think that's all! Although the more I see, the more I want to see. So I will most likely just want to see everything eventually!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Day 5
A habit I have that I wish I didn't:
I have a lot of these. Who doesn't? Trying to pick one is like trying to chose a favorite ice cream, every time you think you know which flavor you want, you think of a different one you want more. Then you just end up choosing five or six.
Anyway.
I guess right now my least favorite habit is the way I over-think EVERYTHING. Really. Sometimes I have to sing a hymn in my head to make it stop. I like to consider every angle of a situation. However, often said situation involves a third party over which I have no control, so speculation is not only pointless, but detrimental to my mental health. But I do it anyway. It's worse when I haven't had a chance to talk to anyone about it to work out exactly what I am nervous/excited/worried/angry about.
And it drives me nuts.
I know I should stop, but I very seldom can without outside encouragement. So that is my bad habit.
I have a lot of these. Who doesn't? Trying to pick one is like trying to chose a favorite ice cream, every time you think you know which flavor you want, you think of a different one you want more. Then you just end up choosing five or six.
Anyway.
I guess right now my least favorite habit is the way I over-think EVERYTHING. Really. Sometimes I have to sing a hymn in my head to make it stop. I like to consider every angle of a situation. However, often said situation involves a third party over which I have no control, so speculation is not only pointless, but detrimental to my mental health. But I do it anyway. It's worse when I haven't had a chance to talk to anyone about it to work out exactly what I am nervous/excited/worried/angry about.
And it drives me nuts.
I know I should stop, but I very seldom can without outside encouragement. So that is my bad habit.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Day 4
Top 10 Favorite Books
This is going to be a hard one, mostly because I have always been a voracious reader, and some of the books I most enjoy reading I have read more than a few times. I will do my best, and hope that the lack of adult literature will not put a damper on your respect for my intelligence! ;)
1. Ella Enchanted-Gail Carson Levine
2. Ender's Game- Orson Scott Card
3. Sabriel-Garth Nix
4. Anthem- Ayn Rand
5. The Golden Compass- Philip Pullman
6. Harry Potter (All 7)-J.K. Rowling
7. The Seer and the Sword- Victoria Hanley
8. Song of the Lioness Quartet- Tamora Pierce(Pretty much anything by this author, actually).
9. Fablehaven Series- Brandon Mull
10. The Giver- Lois Lowry
There are probably hundreds of books I have enjoyed over the years, but these are the ones that I always go back to at some point to re-read. They're just so good!
This is going to be a hard one, mostly because I have always been a voracious reader, and some of the books I most enjoy reading I have read more than a few times. I will do my best, and hope that the lack of adult literature will not put a damper on your respect for my intelligence! ;)
1. Ella Enchanted-Gail Carson Levine
2. Ender's Game- Orson Scott Card
3. Sabriel-Garth Nix
4. Anthem- Ayn Rand
5. The Golden Compass- Philip Pullman
6. Harry Potter (All 7)-J.K. Rowling
7. The Seer and the Sword- Victoria Hanley
8. Song of the Lioness Quartet- Tamora Pierce(Pretty much anything by this author, actually).
9. Fablehaven Series- Brandon Mull
10. The Giver- Lois Lowry
There are probably hundreds of books I have enjoyed over the years, but these are the ones that I always go back to at some point to re-read. They're just so good!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Day 3
10 facts about your hometown
Well, to be honest, I really don't have a hometown. The longest I have stayed in one place is four years, and I don't feel a real attachment to anywhere. I guess being a military brat does have it's downside, but I have learned to enjoy seeing new places and learning new tings at each station. So for my top ten, I will name the places I have lived and my favorite thing about them.
1. Provo, Utah-I was born and lived here a total of 3 days before moving for the first time. Provo is well known for being the town that BYU is in, and there are many stigmas associated with living there. The BYU Creamery is my favorite thing about it.
2. Fairfield, California (Travis AFB)-we moved here so my Dad could got to Officer Training School. I don't really know anything about this town.
3. Aurora, Colorado (Buckley AFB)-My sister, Shay, was born here. I like Aurora, because it is close enough to Denver to be fun, but far enough away that you avoid the big city problems.
4. Dayton, Ohio (Wright-Patterson AFB)-We lived here for a few years, and I can vaguely remember a few things that happened. My favorite thing by far about living here was going to Amish Country. I remember that vividly, and I would love to go back and visit one day.
5. Lincoln, Massachusetts (Hanscom AFB)-This is where I begin really remembering everything. We lived here for four and a half years, and I met my first very best friend, Kirsten, here. We had a lot of history in the area, including a Minute Man trail behind our home that led to a small Minute Man museum. My favorite thing about living here was picking blackberries by the bushel with my family, visiting Boston, and learning to ride a bike.
6. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-I loved this place! The camels, the interesting people, and going to the markets are some of my favorite memories. I also would go out and catch little lizards at twilight with some friends. One night we had forty of them in our grasp!
7. Copperopolis, California-This was by far the smallest town I ever lived in. The population was around 900, and the school often combined grades into one class from lack of students. My favorite thing about living here was fishing at the lake with my Grandpa, and going to visit my Grandparents in Morgan Hill. I also started playing the flute here.
8. Albuquerque, New Mexico-The Land of Enchantment, and aptly named! I loved living here, and I have a lot of fond memories of it. I still keep in touch with some of my friends from here, and I love going back to visit. One of my favorite things is at Christmas time, when they light the entirety of Old Town with luminarias (Paper bags with candles in them). It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I also enjoyed the annual Balloon Fiesta, and the way the Sandia mountains turn deep red at sunset. It's magical!
9. Montgomery, Alabama-The only nice thing I have to say about Alabama is that their Boiled Peanuts are amazing.
10. Colorado Springs, Colorado- This is where my family ended up, and so I will leave the list here. (Although I have moved a couple of times more, I am living here now so I might as well). Colorado Springs has an elevation of 6,500 feet, and is home to Pike's Peak, which is over 14,000 feet tall. It is a beautiful place to live, and I love it here. The seasons are relatively mild, with temperatures rarely getting above 90 or below 0. We do get our fair share of snow, but it is generally melted by the next day if we get a significant amount. In fact, we often have days in the middle of winter when the temp reaches 70 degrees! It is a wonderful place to raise a family, and I love how nice the downtown area is. I always feel safe here. And now I sound like a tour guide. Oh well!
So there you have it! My 10 hometowns, and why I love them. Until tomorrow, then!
Well, to be honest, I really don't have a hometown. The longest I have stayed in one place is four years, and I don't feel a real attachment to anywhere. I guess being a military brat does have it's downside, but I have learned to enjoy seeing new places and learning new tings at each station. So for my top ten, I will name the places I have lived and my favorite thing about them.
1. Provo, Utah-I was born and lived here a total of 3 days before moving for the first time. Provo is well known for being the town that BYU is in, and there are many stigmas associated with living there. The BYU Creamery is my favorite thing about it.
2. Fairfield, California (Travis AFB)-we moved here so my Dad could got to Officer Training School. I don't really know anything about this town.
3. Aurora, Colorado (Buckley AFB)-My sister, Shay, was born here. I like Aurora, because it is close enough to Denver to be fun, but far enough away that you avoid the big city problems.
4. Dayton, Ohio (Wright-Patterson AFB)-We lived here for a few years, and I can vaguely remember a few things that happened. My favorite thing by far about living here was going to Amish Country. I remember that vividly, and I would love to go back and visit one day.
5. Lincoln, Massachusetts (Hanscom AFB)-This is where I begin really remembering everything. We lived here for four and a half years, and I met my first very best friend, Kirsten, here. We had a lot of history in the area, including a Minute Man trail behind our home that led to a small Minute Man museum. My favorite thing about living here was picking blackberries by the bushel with my family, visiting Boston, and learning to ride a bike.
6. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-I loved this place! The camels, the interesting people, and going to the markets are some of my favorite memories. I also would go out and catch little lizards at twilight with some friends. One night we had forty of them in our grasp!
7. Copperopolis, California-This was by far the smallest town I ever lived in. The population was around 900, and the school often combined grades into one class from lack of students. My favorite thing about living here was fishing at the lake with my Grandpa, and going to visit my Grandparents in Morgan Hill. I also started playing the flute here.
8. Albuquerque, New Mexico-The Land of Enchantment, and aptly named! I loved living here, and I have a lot of fond memories of it. I still keep in touch with some of my friends from here, and I love going back to visit. One of my favorite things is at Christmas time, when they light the entirety of Old Town with luminarias (Paper bags with candles in them). It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I also enjoyed the annual Balloon Fiesta, and the way the Sandia mountains turn deep red at sunset. It's magical!
9. Montgomery, Alabama-The only nice thing I have to say about Alabama is that their Boiled Peanuts are amazing.
10. Colorado Springs, Colorado- This is where my family ended up, and so I will leave the list here. (Although I have moved a couple of times more, I am living here now so I might as well). Colorado Springs has an elevation of 6,500 feet, and is home to Pike's Peak, which is over 14,000 feet tall. It is a beautiful place to live, and I love it here. The seasons are relatively mild, with temperatures rarely getting above 90 or below 0. We do get our fair share of snow, but it is generally melted by the next day if we get a significant amount. In fact, we often have days in the middle of winter when the temp reaches 70 degrees! It is a wonderful place to raise a family, and I love how nice the downtown area is. I always feel safe here. And now I sound like a tour guide. Oh well!
So there you have it! My 10 hometowns, and why I love them. Until tomorrow, then!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Day 2
My top 10 favorite movies of all time (in no particular order) are:
1. The Fifth Element
2. The Three Musketeers (Chris O'Donnell version)
3. Rocketman
4. Better Off Dead
5. Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth version)
6. RED
7. The Scarlet Pimpernel
8. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
9. She's the Man
10. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Really, I enjoy a lot of movies. To pick my favorites for this list, I just chose movies I can watch on a regular basis and not get tired of. There are a lot more, but these ten were the first to come to mind.
The end.
1. The Fifth Element
2. The Three Musketeers (Chris O'Donnell version)
3. Rocketman
4. Better Off Dead
5. Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth version)
6. RED
7. The Scarlet Pimpernel
8. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
9. She's the Man
10. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Really, I enjoy a lot of movies. To pick my favorites for this list, I just chose movies I can watch on a regular basis and not get tired of. There are a lot more, but these ten were the first to come to mind.
The end.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Day 1
This is the most recent picture I have. Yes, I do realize that wearing a Star Wars apron is nerdy, but there is a pretty good story of why I am wearing it and standing in front of a case of large knives. That story will be shared with anyone who is really interested in hearing it, but right now, I have to tell you 15 things about me.
1. I don't actually know what color my hair is. Last time it was it's natural color, I was 14. I assume it is still blonde.
2. I am extremely ticklish, and no, you do not need to test that.
3. I have a Bachelors Degree from BYU-Idaho.
4. I live in Colorado Springs, CO.
5. I have moved a total of 12 times, beginning when I was 3 days old.
6. I learned to ride a bike (sans training wheels) before my older brother did.
7. I cannot eat lettuce. Not won't. Can't.
8. If you put pineapple on your pizza, we can't be friends. Or grapes in your chicken salad. Ew.
9. My favorite band is Death Cab for Cutie.
10. I have always loved horses, and took several riding classes in college. Wanna barrel race? I'll take you down.
10. I love driving in the car with friends. Especially when I'm headed to somewhere fun, like Utah or Idaho.
11. I hate riding in the car with my family. Especially if it's more than an hour drive.
12. I can bake the best cupcakes you've ever had. Just ask anyone. They're amazing.
13. I love to cook for people. LOVE.
14. I read a lot. I can read five or six large books a week if I'm in the mood.
15. My favorite food is falafel. It's pretty much the best thing ever.
That's all for today folks!
30 Day Challenge
Day 01 — A recent picture and 15 facts about you
Day 02 — Top 10 Favorite Movies of All Time
Day 03 — 10 Facts about your hometown.
Day 04 — Top 10 Favorite Books
Day 05 — A habit you have that you wish you didn't
Day 06 — Places you would like to travel
Day 07 — Something that makes you happy
Day 08 — Things you'd like to do before you die
Day 09 — Pet peeves
Day 10 — A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11 — Nicknames you have and why
Day 12 — Something you bought recently
Day 13 — Something you want to buy
Day 14 — Things you love and can't live without
Day 15 — Your celebrity crush
Day 16 — A favorite food
Day 17 — A photo of your family
Day 18 — What you like best about each member of your family
Day 19 — A fun memory
Day 20 — A hobby of yours
Day 21 — Your fears
Day 22 — Your current relationship.
Day 23 — Something you never tire of doing.
Day 24 — About your childhood
Day 25 — A favorite photo
Day 26 — Who do you admire?
Day 27 — What’s in your purse?
Day 28 — A place you love
Day 29 — A person you love
Day 30 — Where you'd like to be in 10 years
Thursday, May 26, 2011
For Anne
Well, since Anne requested it, I'll oblige her! ;) There aren't too many new things going on with me, just the same old same old. I am still working as a personal assistant, and my job is very interesting, to say the least. I do everything from blogging to making cupcakes to running errands, and it never gets boring!
I am still the FHE co-chairperson, and it keeps me busy when I'm not at work. Planning activities that are fun and well-attended can be challenging, but I have found a lot of joy in this calling.
Lately I have been pretty busy between all the things I do, and my baking business on the side is picking up as well. Next weekend I have a huge event cake for a 50th Birthday party, which I am excited about, but also nervous for. It's the first big event cake I've ever done for full pay, and as my own business, so I hope it turns out well. I'm sure they'll be happy with it, but I am always my own worst critic! It's three tiers with the top tier being made in the shape of a hat, and five smaller gum paste hats on the other two layers. It will be a lot of work, but I know it will be a really fun cake to do.
On a personal note, I am "socializing" with someone...which may or may not be dating. I certainly like this young man quite a lot, and he has shown an affinity for me as well. I don't actually know how serious it is at the moment, but if I had my way, it would be! Haha. So nothing too exciting yet. I'll be sure to let you all know when (or if) that happens!
And that's about it! Nothing too extraordinary going on, just life! I love you all and miss those of you who I haven't seen in a while! I hope you know how much I value you in my life, and that you know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
So until next time!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Yeah, I know I'm a slacker.
So, it's about time I updated this thing. I took a trip last month, and it was awesome! I had decided before I left Europe that I would have to visit my friends in the States soon after I left, as most of them are living in the Seattle area. That made it very convenient for me to see all of them at once! So I bought a plane ticket, and went!
I visited with my friends Tyane, and Ben for the majority of the trip, but I also saw my former roomie Amy and a few other girls from Garmisch. It was a blast!
When I got to Seattle, Ben picked me up and made sure I got to Tyane without any problems. We got to catch up on things, which was nice. When we got to Tyane, we took him to the ferry so he could get back to work. We went to Tyane's place, and just relaxed for a bit. We went grocery shopping and watched a movie. It was nice! The next day we went around to a few of the city's best arks, saw the Fremont Troll, and had some amazing Greek food. It was great to walk around town and see everything.
On Saturday we met up with Tyane's Dad at his hotel to have breakfast. After breakfast, we caught the bus to downtown and walked around the Pike's Place Market, and went shopping. It was great! After that we went to a party with all the girls from Garmisch in the area. It was so much fun to catch up and just see everyone again.
On Sunday we got up early and went to Kingston to attend Ben's church. He is the worship leader there, which means he runs the music and youth programs. He does a wonderful job, and we had a great time. After church we all went out to lunch with Ben's parents, and then spent the afternoon hanging out. That night we stayed at Ben's parent's home, so that we could leave early the next morning for Canada.
We got up at five and left for Port Angeles. That is where the ferry to Victoria leaves from. We caught the ferry and in no time we were in the lovely, rainy country of British Columbia. We walked around Victoria for several hours, and had lunch at a Scottish Pub. It was so fun to be with friends again who I hadn't seen in a while, and go back to how we were in Germany.
On Tuesday Tyane and I had some down time in the morning, and then met up with Ben for dinner, and a basketball game. The game was good, and we had a good time rooting for Tyane's team to win (which they didn't). We then went to a diner that was open late and ate some fried food. It was delicious! Then came the sad part, saying goodbye to Ben for a while. It was late, so we went to bed quickly after getting back to Tyane's place.
On Wednesday, we had to do some work, so Tyane and I went to the house where she nanny's and watched the kids for a while. After that, we didn't have very much time before I had to catch my plane. So we drove to the airport, and I said goodbye to Tyane. All in all it was an amazing trip, and I had a blast!
So now I feel like I accomplished something!
I visited with my friends Tyane, and Ben for the majority of the trip, but I also saw my former roomie Amy and a few other girls from Garmisch. It was a blast!
When I got to Seattle, Ben picked me up and made sure I got to Tyane without any problems. We got to catch up on things, which was nice. When we got to Tyane, we took him to the ferry so he could get back to work. We went to Tyane's place, and just relaxed for a bit. We went grocery shopping and watched a movie. It was nice! The next day we went around to a few of the city's best arks, saw the Fremont Troll, and had some amazing Greek food. It was great to walk around town and see everything.
On Saturday we met up with Tyane's Dad at his hotel to have breakfast. After breakfast, we caught the bus to downtown and walked around the Pike's Place Market, and went shopping. It was great! After that we went to a party with all the girls from Garmisch in the area. It was so much fun to catch up and just see everyone again.
On Sunday we got up early and went to Kingston to attend Ben's church. He is the worship leader there, which means he runs the music and youth programs. He does a wonderful job, and we had a great time. After church we all went out to lunch with Ben's parents, and then spent the afternoon hanging out. That night we stayed at Ben's parent's home, so that we could leave early the next morning for Canada.
We got up at five and left for Port Angeles. That is where the ferry to Victoria leaves from. We caught the ferry and in no time we were in the lovely, rainy country of British Columbia. We walked around Victoria for several hours, and had lunch at a Scottish Pub. It was so fun to be with friends again who I hadn't seen in a while, and go back to how we were in Germany.
On Tuesday Tyane and I had some down time in the morning, and then met up with Ben for dinner, and a basketball game. The game was good, and we had a good time rooting for Tyane's team to win (which they didn't). We then went to a diner that was open late and ate some fried food. It was delicious! Then came the sad part, saying goodbye to Ben for a while. It was late, so we went to bed quickly after getting back to Tyane's place.
On Wednesday, we had to do some work, so Tyane and I went to the house where she nanny's and watched the kids for a while. After that, we didn't have very much time before I had to catch my plane. So we drove to the airport, and I said goodbye to Tyane. All in all it was an amazing trip, and I had a blast!
So now I feel like I accomplished something!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Manitou Springs
This past weekend I decided that I am too anti-social and called a friend to go to Manitou Springs for the day and walk around. Manitou Springs is a little town on the outskirts of Colorado Springs that is very artsy (and, by default, has a very high concentration of hippies). It is a fun place to walk around and just take in the local flair. So Joy and I made our way into town, parked, and began our adventure! This is the first thing we saw:
Oh yeah! The Trippin' Troll! Haha.
After we walked around a little more, we found a traditional "bear made from a log" statue, and had to take a picture with it.
After posing with the bear, we moved on and found the next must-have of the day: Henna tattoos. We had a blast choosing the patterns and getting them done!
Mine looked like this-
And Joy's looked like this-
Sweet! After the paste came off, we were left with light brown "tattoos" that will fade in a week or two. So fun!
After getting our henna, we found a penny arcade with a photo booth and had a blast posing for the camera. We made goofy faces, cute faces, smiley faces, and weird faces. Now we each have a strip of amazing pictures to commemorate our awesomeness.
We finished off the day with a trip to the British Home Shoppe for digestives. For those of you not familiar with them, they are a British invention, and they are delicious! If you can find them, try them.
That is all for this episode of the life and times of Samantha Smiley! Check back soon for more funny and endearing stories! :)
Oh yeah! The Trippin' Troll! Haha.After we walked around a little more, we found a traditional "bear made from a log" statue, and had to take a picture with it.
Getting some Bear lovin'!
Joy and the bear
After posing with the bear, we moved on and found the next must-have of the day: Henna tattoos. We had a blast choosing the patterns and getting them done!
Mine looked like this-
And Joy's looked like this-
Sweet! After the paste came off, we were left with light brown "tattoos" that will fade in a week or two. So fun!
After getting our henna, we found a penny arcade with a photo booth and had a blast posing for the camera. We made goofy faces, cute faces, smiley faces, and weird faces. Now we each have a strip of amazing pictures to commemorate our awesomeness.
We finished off the day with a trip to the British Home Shoppe for digestives. For those of you not familiar with them, they are a British invention, and they are delicious! If you can find them, try them.
That is all for this episode of the life and times of Samantha Smiley! Check back soon for more funny and endearing stories! :)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Well, there's a first time for everything...
So tonight was Temple night, same as every other First Friday of every month. I drove to the church, was asked to drive to Denver, which I did, and began the trip after a prayer. I had a full car, and we were all chatting away with each other. About half-way through Castle Rock (which is about 45 min from C. Springs, the boys informed me that a patrol car had pulled out after us. I wasn't worried, as I knew I wasn't speeding and I hadn't done anything wrong. So I kept driving. But then the State Trooper turned on his flashy lights. Uh-Oh. I was in the far left lane, so I naturally pulled onto the left shoulder. I wondered why I had been pulled over, and I was assured by all of my passengers that they too had assumed that the speed limit was 75. So I rolled down my window, expecting something like a light having gone out. But no. Apparently while I was conversing with my passengers, I had neglected to see a sign that the speed limit changed to 65. Oops. The Trooper informed me that at my rate of 79 mph, I was going 14 miles over the limit. He also asked me why I had pulled onto the left shoulder, when I should have pulled off to the right. "Well," I said, "I've never been pulled over before." I'm a genius. GHAA! I knew I was in for it. I explained that I had not seen the sign, and that I had honestly thought I was still within the legal speed limit. He asked me where we were going, and I informed the kind officer that we were headed to the Temple in Denver. He smirked at me and said, "I may have to take away your recommend." I HAD BEEN PULLED OVER BY WHAT MAY BE THE ONLY LDS STATE TROOPER IN COLORADO. SERIOUSLY. He then told me that because I was only going 14 over, he wasn't obligated to write me a ticket, and could let me off with a warning. I'm pretty sure he could very well have written me a ticket, and I gladly would have taken it. Because I was going over the speed limit. I was the class dunce driver of the evening. But being the incredibly blessed person I am, he only expressed the regret that he could not accompany us to the Temple, because he was on duty and had to work. I swear, if it weren't for the tender mercies I receive daily from the Lord, I have no idea at all how I would have made it this far!
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