The Best is Yet to Come.

Lady in Spain. Check it.

2011-12-23T16:23:00.000-08:00

For the next four or five months, I will be using my NEW blog to record my experiences in Spain! If you'd like to follow me there, that would be just great.

http://shesaladyinspain.blogspot.com/

"Merry Christmas, you filthy animal."

2011-11-30T09:53:00.001-08:00

Dear Blog,

It's November 30th today. That means tomorrow is December 1st, can you believe it? It's already December! I could not be more thrilled. December is a month I have been looking forward to because of a few reasons:

This is what Christmas is all about.

1. I will be graduating with my Associates Degree on December 17th, 2011. My time in Rexburg, Idaho will come to a close. It's a bittersweet feeling. I can't wait to start new and fresh at another school, but at the same time, I have made friendships here that I have never wanted to loose. However, with all of the best things we do in life, there has to be a little 'bit of a gamble.
2. I will be going home for 3 weeks and spending Christmas with my ENTIRE family. I can't WAIT to be able to spend time with my siblings and their spouses and children. There's nothing better then being with my family. It will be so fun!
3. After the month of December, comes January. January is the month that I've been waiting for. It is the month that I will leave the country and go to SPAIN! How awesome is that?

Danville Tree Lighting

There are a few reasons why I'm not looking forward to December, the reason that comes to mind is finals. However, I am not half as stressed out as I was last semester. Because my application is in for BYU Provo, I am not worried about getting a 4.0. I'm still working my butt off, but there is not as much pressure weighing down on my shoulders as there was last semester.

Vic and I had a fun time hanging out over the past week.

Thanksgiving break was fantastic. I absolutely LOVED being home. Surprising my family was a real treat. It was so nice to get away from school and focus on enjoying time with the family. Black Friday Shopping, Movies, Dinner, Homemade Chex Mix, Visiting with old friends, Decorating the house for Christmas, and best of all, hanging out with my family... these are the fun things that made break so great that I forgot, just for a split second, that I was still in school :)


Pops made it possible for me to come home :) Couldn't be more grateful.

Basically, I couldn't be more thrilled that Christmas is on its way. The lights, the trees, the music, the family time... all make it the best time of year.

I guess, yet again... The Best is Yet to Come!

-The kid who is listening to Bing Crosby Christmas Music in The Benson

Happy Halloween.

2011-10-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog,

2 of my favorite roommates :)

I've neglected you. I'm sorry. This semester has been absolutely CrAzY! With 16 credits and graduation (associate's) this semester, it's been a 'bit busy. For starters, I have officially submitted by BYU application. This is a big step for me. Although I am already attending BYU-Idaho, it's quite the transition to BYU Provo. BYU-Idaho has given me such a great foundation. I love it here. From my professors to my dear friends, this place has become my home. The decision to go to BYU Provo is based off of reasons I have yet to be able to come up with. The only fault of BYU-Idaho would be the weather. I love it here, and I'm starting to wonder how I'm going to do going to a completely new school, being around new people (that is... if I get in).

Spain is just around the corner, and I'm getting more and more excited by the day! It's been a 'bit frustrating being in Rexburg while the prep class has started at BYU Provo. I feel like I'm out of the loop, but I guess I need to just go with the flow because there is not much I can do about that. I can't wait to go to Spain. I can't wait to wake up every morning and go to the university there. I can't wait for the traveling. For the cultural awakenings. For the homesickness. For the food. For the host family. For the life experience that I will gain from this trip. I can't wait to be able to have conversations in Spanish with fluent speakers. I can't wait to feel that connection.

Well, today's been an alright day. It was a crisp beautiful fall day; complete with homework assignment upon homework assignment, with some Costa Vida in the middle. I'm content with life right now. For now, I think that's alright. But in a little over two months, my life will be anything but simple. And I can't wait.

-Yours truly.

Success.

2011-09-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

I spent over 2 hours in Joann's today.

I had no idea what I was doing.

Thankfully, there was a wonderful employee who came to my aid.

So there you have it. I have the fabric. The lining. The zipper. The pattern.

I will have a dress to wear on the day of my friend's wedding.

Thank goodness for people who know how to sew!

MUST. FIND. DRESS.

2011-09-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

I need a dress. For my best friend's wedding. HELP! I've been looking and looking and I cannot find anything! Here's the dish- I'm the Maid of Honor. Everyone else has their outfits, and I'm the last one. This came about because I couldn't wear the dresses the rest of the bridesmaids were wearing. They are wearing grey, satin pencil dresses. Her colors are light light pink, light grey, and ivory. Thus, I get to wear light light pink! Awesome, right? Well it would be if I could find the right dress!

I'm a little 'bit stressed, mostly because I have no idea where to find a modest, formal, lighter than light pink dress. Emergency. The wedding is October 15th. H.E.L.P.

The Best is Yet to Come... really, it is.

2011-09-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed, I've done a little changing to the blog recently. For those of you readers who have stuck with me since the beginning, you would know that I haven't been modeling for some time now. When I originally created this blog, I did it so that I could chronicle my journey into an industry that I thought didn't have room for me. What I ended up learning through months of auditions, call-backs, and finally bookings, was that there is plenty of room for an actor/model with high standards. Yes, I only got my toes wet for about 7 months, but I realized after it all that I was not motivated enough to make modeling/acting my #1 priority.

If I really wanted to make a career out of something like that, I would have to drop out of school, probably move to L.A., and work my butt-off trying to find my niche. A lot of people find success. A lot of people have their dreams come true. What I didn't realize, was that modeling/acting was only a "check" on my list. It wasn't my #1 goal, rather an adventure I had always hoped to take. Hats off to those who have made something of themselves, who have become successes in something they cannot live without. I, on the other hand, have always had another goal. Rather, I feel like the word "goal" somewhat demeans the idea. I guess you could say, my path has always led to Christ. At least, I have always tried to stay focused on my love for Christ and my Heavenly Father. His religion is everything to me. My faith is what keeps me moving, my faith is what gives me purpose. I don't know how I would make sense of a lot of things in my life, without the knowledge I have gained being a member of His church.

I don't know how people keep moving when they are hit with the unthinkable. I don't know how people find the beauty that exists in suffering, death, and catastrophe. I don't know how someone can go about his or her life, day by day, without wondering what happens when he or she leaves. I don't know how people do it without knowing the meaning. Life without meaning, without purpose, isn't a life to me. The simple questions, the complex questions... sometimes they have simple answers. Why not find out what those answers are?

I'm just a kid in college. I may not be the brightest, the strongest, or the most experienced, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that there is more to life than... well, whatever, life seems to be at times to you. It's easy to get down on ourselves, it's easy, even, to just give up at times. But I'll tell you, there's more of a reason to step forward than there is to take a step back.

I wasn't really planning on writing about heavy "stuff." But I guess you should know why the "Best is Yet to Come." I'm trying to always keep my chin up. I'm trying to always stay positive. So from now on, that's what this is. My way of keeping a record of what adventure I'm on. This is my way of showing myself that even when I think I've seen it all, there is something better out there. Not only are there once-in-a-lifetime experiences like falling in love, getting married, earning a degree, having a family... there is more. And then even when it's over. Even when you've got the husband, got the life you've wanted, the career, there's more. Because always, whatever stage of life you are in, whether at the beginning or the end, there is something better that has yet to come.

... just what's been on my mind lately.

p.s. I didn't come up with this catchy phrase, listen to the song ---->

T. Swift.

2011-09-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

4:30pm. Tickets in hand, my two sisters, my brother, and I jumped into my mom's car with anticipation spilling over.

5:15pm. We pull into San Jose and immediately spot dozens of little girls with curled hair, glitter on their faces, and posters in hand walking down the street with their mothers. We were definitely in the right place.

5:30pm. Our stomachs were growling, so we hopped out of the car and found a yummy Mexican restaurant to eat at. $4.95 for a burrito? We're game.

6:00pm. After scarfing down our food, we head back to the car and drive a few blocks down to H.P. Pavilion and park. The dozens of glittery jittery girls that were on the streets before turned into thousands of excited, screaming girls filling the seats of the arena.

7:00pm. The show begins. The opening band was Josh Kelly. When he got up on stage, I couldn't help but be stunned by his talent. His face seemed familiar to me, but I couldn't pin down how I recognized him. Oh google, thank you for allowing me to put two and two together...

Meet Josh Kelly, with his wife, the very famous Katherine Heigel. Duh! Josh sang a song to the audience about his little girl that he said his wife and he had adopted a few years ago. Not only was his voice stunning, but he seemed like a genuine guy. Way to go, Katherine.

7:45pm. Needtobreathe. This band was fantastic. This "folk meets rock" band impressed not only myself, but my brother. Being a fan of Mumford & Sons, we loved their indie beat and lyrics. After their set, you could feel the sweat, hear the whispers... these girls were ready to see their idol.

9:00pm. Even my little sisters started tapping my knee, grabbing my arm. 13,500 fans of Taylor Swift were about to witness a performance they would never forget. It was no surprise that she came on stage with a BAM! Her band started playing, smoke started filling the stage, and then all of a sudden, Taylor came out from under the stage in her cute gold dress, holding her white microphone. I will deny to anyone who repeats this, but I honestly think I was screaming louder than Victoria. I was jumping, grabbing Dec's arm. Holy Cow! Taylor Swift was right in front of me. In real life! I cried. I cannot explain this feeling. I don't think I've ever experienced it before. It's that feeling of, "Wow there is a celebrity right in front of me who is more influential than anyone I know. This girl is on every magazine, every radio station..." Needless to say, she put on an amazing show.

This concert was definitely the most theatrical concert I had been to. Filled with actors, dancers, violists, acrobats, harpists... this show was jam packed with exciting things! My favorite song, by far, was her song, "Dear John." I think she enjoys singing this song because her vocal abilities just shined in this song. She was pouring her guts out, and you could just feel every 'bit of emotion in every word of the song. I felt like I could connect with her in the song. My other favorites were "Better Than Revenge" and "Mean." Wait, those songs are all kind of angsty... whoops, I did like her cute, lovey-dovey songs: "Love Story," oh and of course, "Enchanted!" I really can't list every one of my favorites because I enjoyed her show so much.

If there is one thing I love about Taylor Swift, it would be the fact that she is who she is to a "T," (no pun intended). She gets on stage and walks around like a diva, yet she is tall, gangling, and stick skinny. She makes kind of nerdy jokes, yet she is so genuine and naturally beautiful. I know this is ridiculously cheesy, but I really don't know of a better role model for teenage girls. She is confident in who she is and the music she writes. She most definitely deserves every award she receives. She's a fantastic artist.

Well, if you're still reading, thank you. If you weren't able to go to the concert, I hope you were able to feel a little 'bit of what I felt while being there. Concerts are special. From Maroon 5, Counting Crows, Augustana to Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Jason Aldean, and now Taylor Swift, I would say that my love for music and appreciation for it has grown.

Joining the 2-0 Club.

2011-08-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

It's happened. I am no longer a teenager. How do I feel? Honestly, just the same, nonetheless, it was a great celebration into adulthood. We started the birthday celebration last Sunday, celebrating my sister-in-law's birthday as well (we share the same birthday)!

I then was fortunate enough to go shopping with my mom and out to lunch on Thursday. It ended up being a great day. I wish I would have taken a picture to remember the day by. I seriously think that I won't want to ever stop this tradition, even when I am 45 years old with children of my own, shopping with my mom on my birthday is the best.

On Friday, I was able to go nanny for awhile and spend some time with my most favorite kids ever. They sang "Happy Birthday" to me right when I got into the card, and even surprised me with a sweet birthday card and gift certificate. They are the best!

After nannying, I went out with my good friend (and old roommate) to get our nails done. That was definitely a treat to be pampered. After that, we headed back to the house and met up with a few of my closest friends. We went to the Cheesecake Factory for a delicious dinner, complete with huge portioned meals and yummy cheesecake for dessert!

Love these friends of mine.

Can you tell we're related?

I will miss her in my apartment next Fall!

Friends for ages.

Yummy Cheesecake!

Thank you to everyone who made the day special! This summer has been wonderful. And I cannot help but love the times when I get the excuse to get together with the people I love so much. On your birthday you have the pleasure of hearing from long-lost friends from high school, family members, and dear loved ones. I'm so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life that make me who I am today.

The Help.

2011-08-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Loved it. If you haven't read it yet, you should. It was an excellent novel about three very different women surviving during the times of the civil rights movement. I really enjoyed it, and honestly could not put it down. I found myself taking it with me to the store, to the beach, even brought it and left it in my truck during church. Basically it became an accessory of mine.

Now I need another book... any suggestions? I've been thinking Hunger Games? If I can only find a copy that isn't already taken at the library :)

1st one down.

2011-08-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

Kelsey's wedding on Friday night was stunning, to say the least. I found myself in awe the entire night looking at her vintage decorations, to the elegant floral arrangements, to her classic wedding gown... I can go on and on about how beautiful this reception was. In the heart of Walnut Creek, it was held at a restaurant. Outside on a patio complete with twinkling lights, dancing, and delicious food, this reception couldn't have been more perfect. It makes me nervous to realize that Kelsey is the first out of our seminary class of '09. Weddings are no longer foreign to my group of friends. We're old enough. As I get ready for one of my very best friend's wedding in October, I can't help but wonder when I'm going to find that special someone to share eternity with. Congratulations Kelsey and Tate!

A Better Me.

2011-07-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

Roommates Spring Semester 2011

It's an odd feeling sitting in a two-story apartment with 5 empty bedrooms, clean counters, and an empty fridge. My semester has come to a close, and I find myself wanting to reflect on how this semester has shaped and molded my character.

I'm not the same person I was at the beginning of April. This past winter was difficult, actually it feels like a complete blur. I suppose I'm alright with that because I don't think there was much worth remembering. I was in Rexburg, but not in school. I lacked motivation.

This semester, however, has taken a 180. I have never been more motivated in my life. I have learned to love goals. I am a natural planner. I love lists, calendars, and word documents. I love thinking about the future and dreaming about what I can become, what I can attain. This semester started out in a way I never imagined. The boy that I had kept in the back of my mind for over a year, left. That is, he left my thoughts, my dreams, my life. Oddly enough, it was not a difficult process to get over him. In fact, I realized that I had been building my own confidence, strength, and courage ever since he left. So when things came to a close, I realized there really wasn't much to close. I had been creating my own life, my own person for the past year, there wasn't much left to alter. After about two days of reflection, I got over it.

Plain and simple. It was that easy.

Then, I began to dream big. I started to see outside of the now, and into the future... into possibility. I saw BYU Provo. I saw Spain. I opened the books, saw the tutors, and focused on my grades. It wasn't easy, but I was amazed at the help I was given along the way. Habits such as scripture study, prayer, temple attendance... all of those were strengthened immensely. It's amazing how the two correlate, isn't it? When I am working as hard as I can in school, I have to be on the same page spiritually. They fit together. I think there is meaning behind this. They build off of each other. Education is so important, and I know that the knowledge we obtain in this life will benefit us in the life after. I don't know how I would have gotten through this semester with strong grades without having strong spiritual habits. I feel as though I'm a new person. I've changed in the best way possible.

Alright, I didn't meet too many new people this semester, but I did get to know myself. Because of that, I feel like I will be a better friend, a better sister, a better daughter and someday a better wife, even a better mother.

Adios Rexburg. Hello Danville :)

¡Estaré en España en seis meses!

2011-07-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

En solamente seis meses, estaré en España con los estudiantes de BYU. Veré las ciudades famosas de España, estudiaré en la universidad... tendré la tiempo de mi vida en el país de aventura, historia, y arte. Me encanta mi vida, y estoy muy agradecida por la oportunidad.

Thus, we begin the countdown... 6 months.

Me, Myself, and I.

2011-06-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

I learned something about myself tonight...

I enjoy being alone.

Actually this entire weekend has been spent, for the most part, on my own. Maybe I'm just what you call a "home body?" I've gone to the library, studied, done homework, made myself dinner (bowl of cereal, both Friday and Saturday... gotta love it), worked out, and watched movies (at times with present roomates). Is that wrong that I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend? The time I spent with myself was peaceful. But I feel as though I'm turning into a weird anti-social college kid. The norm in college is to go out and meet people on the weekends, which I think is wonderful... there just isn't much appeal for me anymore. Granted, I love my close friends, and will always want to hang out with them.

Maybe I'm just in a funk. But I think most of this has to do with the fact that I will be getting my Associates Degree next semester, and then in January be off to Spain for 4 months. After that, I will have hopefully been accepted to BYU for the upcoming fall semester. I have the next year of my life planned. So is it bad that I'm perfectly content focusing on my future? (The semester also ends in 3-4 weeks, so that might be another reason?)

The only worry on my mind is that if I get used to this lifestyle and continue to enjoy it, I may end up alone for the rest of my life...

Crazy old cat lady, anyone? On second thought, I really don't like cats... crazy old dog lady, anyone? :)

Family.

2011-06-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

A lot of thoughts are on my mind tonight. Last weekend was fantastic celebrating the union of Skye and Dillon, being with my immediate family and extended family was a treat to have in the middle of this stressful semester. The weekend was special.

The weekend ended and reality set back in. Determined to get back into the swing of things, Monday started off well, and I found myself excited and ambitious to finish off this semester strong. Wednesday night I got a call from Mom. My sweet 18 year-old cousin had passed away earlier that day in his sleep. I was able to see Nolan at Dillon's wedding, even was blessed to talk with him and clean up the decorations together afterwards together. Nolan was an incredible young man. He danced with my little sister, danced with the boys on the dance floor, and hugged every one of us before saying goodbye.

After the reception was over Nolan and I were cleaning some things up in the main room, when I discovered the ribbon decorations were still wrapped around the stair case. Nolan followed me out and we spent some time taking off the ribbons. There was a knot in one of the ribbons that was really tight, and I think Nolan laughed as I came to the rescue with my razor-length thumb nail. Needless to say, we were able to chat a 'bit, and I will forever be grateful for that experience. We grew up outside of Utah and Idaho, and thus, it has been more of a challenge to stay close with the Anderson family. But the times that we have been together, I can't help but feel that there is a bond that cannot be described between us all. We are family. We may spend months, even years apart, but our love for each other is timeless.

This week has been difficult for many members of my family and I cannot help but feel the pain that they must be going through. The loss of a son, brother, friend... the loss of a cousin. Nolan was a special spirit. I wish I was able to have known him better, but the moments I have spent with him and his family confirm that he was a loving son of God, pure and ready to go onto the next life. I know that his mission on this earth was complete, and he had a heavenly mission to go and serve. I can only say how grateful I am for the hand of the Lord to allow my family to see him one last time.

I can only imagine the loss his parents and his brothers are feeling right now. I look forward to seeing all of them next weekend to celebrate his life... to be able to embrace my family members. Death is never easy for those left behind. But I know that Nolan is with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He has felt their embrace. He is where we all want to be. He's gone back home.

(An article on Nolan published several years ago)
http://lds.org/friend/2005/05/building-an-eternal-family-nolan-anderson-of-soda-springs-idaho?lang=eng

100% Shoot!

2011-05-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Just turned in my first essay for my FDENG 201 Adv. Writing Class. I had student conference with my professor and here were his words: "All of the essays I've read for this assignment have been, honestly, boring. But with yours, it was a pleasure to read. You are a good writer. 100%."

...Bow-chica-wow-wow!

I've enjoyed writing ever since high school, and I've always felt confident in my writing; however, being back in English at a university level is a whole different story. My professor is a really good teacher, and I've loved the format of the class. I guess it was just really nice to be complimented after working so hard on this essay.

Whoot-whoot for a good grade.

Interview mañana

2011-05-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

... ¡Para España! Estoy muy emocionada y un poco nerviosa.

That's my excited face.

A Sunny Forecast.

2011-05-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

I go to BYU-Idaho. I live in Rexburg, ID. I live in a small college-town, with not too much going on. Don't get me wrong, I love this school and wouldn't change anything about it. My classes are incredible this semester, however, I have never had such a heavy work load. Nonetheless, I'm enjoying the learning and the growth that comes with being a student. Since being back in school, I have come to the realization that I am in my prime right now. I am still a teenager, I still have several years of school ahead of me, and I have great support through my parents, siblings, and friends. I have the greatest foundation.

Which brings me to my next point, I've been thinking a lot about the Spanish language. Whether it is because one of my friends is serving in Guatamala or whether it is because most of my friends here served Spanish speaking missions... I have been around the language, and have been drawn to it. This semester, I decided to take a Spanish class. It is only 102, so just one class up from the beginner's course, but I am learning so much either way. I remember back in high school, much of what I was taught was focused on grammar and writing. While I've been here at school, the focus is conversation skills. I am falling in love with this language. Quiero hablar y quiero comprender español.

Andalusia, Spain in the infamous city of Cordoba.

As I've been thinking about what I've wanted to do over the winter break (2012) on my off-track, study abroad trips have been on my mind. Specifically, Spain. Mexico was an option, until the director of the study abroad in Guadalajara emailed the students who were interested to tell them it was too dangerous to go there this year... so Spain is much safer and enticing option. The Spaniards have a different way of life, obviously much more European, but even the way they talk is intriguing. Most Mexicans will make fun of the Spanish accent, known for its lisp, but I actually really like the way it sounds. My professor served in Spain, and at the beginning of the semester he had asked if anyone had been there; when I told him I was applying through BYU to go study in Madrid, he decided to dedicate the class to helping me prep for the trip. He now teaches, if you speak spanish, vosotros. I never learned vosotros in high school, so I'm really excited to learn now. He's also been helping me to develop the infamous accent, which I'll admit, can sound a 'bit funny at times.

So there you have it. I'm almost done with my Spain application, and I've received an email from the director to set up an interview this week. I couldn't be more excited for what lies ahead of me. Three months in Spain, living with a Spanish family, traveling through parts of Europe, earning 12 credits... and best of all, speaking the language I love all winter long.

It may be a rainy day in Rexburg, but the future is looking rather bright.

Livvy is growing up.

2011-04-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

About 18 months ago...

Almost a year ago...

Now...

Animal Planet= My latest obsession.

2011-04-06T23:58:00.000-07:00

I remember several years ago, whilest being an immature teenager, yelling at my little brother to change the channel everytime he switched it to Animal Planet. I always thought it was so boring.... oh how close-minded I was.

I now LOVE Animal Planet. Okay, maybe not ALL of the shows, but I've stayed up late two nights in a row addicted to two shows. Last night's was "I Shouldn't Be Alive". Tonight's was "River Monsters."

This was a catfish I caught a few years ago... I thought this was huge.
Ha. Just you wait.

The show is based on the motivation of one man to find "river monsters" that are mysteries to the people surrounding the river. Tonight there was a man-eating fish inside a river in India. It had taken one known life. It was such a thrilling episode about his search to find out what type of fish it was, where it habitated, how large it was... all of these questions he conquered, for the most part. He discovered it was a type of catfish, called the gnooch, and through a very lengthy process of diving and fishing, and catching some smaller ones, he finally caught the big mamma. This fish weighed 161 lbs! His conclusion by the end of the episode was that it was probably not the "man-eating" one, but it definitely lead him to believe, rather KNOW, that there was another one similar, most likely larger, that took a human life.

Now that is one HUGE catfish.

Love me some good songs.

2011-04-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

Everytime a song by Johnny Flynn plays on my iTunes, I can't help but reminise on the sweet sunny days of summer of 2010. I think of riding in Mike's convertible with the top down, driving through Blackhawk, without a care in the world.

That was a summer when my taste in music changed. I was introduced to "Indie Folk." It sounds like an odd name for a genre, but it is by far my favorite genre now. The only way that I could describe it is this: The vocalists in the band are not the center of attention; oddly enough the accompainment balances out with the vocalists, creating an equal partnership. If you think about it, most of the bands that have made it big in history are those who have had killer vocalists ( the back up band was never really taken into account... usually).

Johnny Flynn has a good voice, but without the band backing him up, it just isn't as special. That's what I LOVE about his music! You can listen to it when you're having a rough day, even when you're having a fabulous day. The carefree edge of his voice combined with the guitar/banjos/percussion/trumpet/various instruments creates a musical treat, which in my mind, can fit any mood.

This is the first song I was introduced to by Johnny Flynn. Enjoy.

What a great weekend.

2011-04-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of the most beautiful days I've had in Rexburg. The sun was out all day, and every where you looked there were smiles. Hannah and I had such a nice walk through the park. We people watched, talked about life, about Spring, about our future plans... it was refreshing to be outside enjoying the beauty of Spring. We then met up with our other two roommates and had a little roommate date together.

I am so blessed for all that the Lord has given me. My roommates are incredible. The Lord has put people in my path to touch me, to teach me. Every one of my roommates has taught me something that I will forever be grateful for. Hannah has had a definite influence in my life this semester. She is driven, motivated, and self-assured. She knows what she wants in life, and does everything in her power to get it. She is one of the strongest people I know. I'm going to miss her next semester, but I know that the Lord let us cross paths so that she could show me where I want to be a few years from now when I'm graduating college. We were just talking about how many things she has done already in her young life- she's served a full-time mission in Texas, served at an orphanage in Ecuador, and now she is off to D.C. to do an internship. If there is one thing that sticks out to me with Hannah, it is SERVICE. She is self-less, and has such a strong tesitmony of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I know this because she has so many Christ-like attributes. I want to be just like her when I get to the end of college.

Who knows where I will be three years from now... who I will be with... where I will be...? All of these questions I cannot answer. But if there is one assurance I have, it would be my faith in Jesus Christ and the true and restored gospel that I am a member of. My faith only grows through the experiences I've had in this life. I've been through many different and at times challenging trials, but through these times my faith has increased ten-fold.

Life is beautiful. I have been blessed with more than I deserve. I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father. I have a divine destiny and that is to return and be with Him. I will continue to do my part to get there.

Conference weekend is the best weekend. Listening to it broadcasted on the radio in my store is such a wonderful thing. Even though I had to work today, the prophet's words can still be heard. I can still be edified.

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am a follower of Christ. It is who I am. It is how I am defined.

1 week until Danville.

2011-03-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

I am so excited.

This is what I am looking forward to on my 10 day vacation in Danville:

1) THE SUN!
2) The beautiful green grass, rolling hills.
3) Spending time with that beautiful niece of mine.
4) Hanging out and catching up with my siblings. I want to go on walks, play at parks, go to their games/meets... soak up as much time as possible.
5) Spending time with my 'rents.
6) Going to my home ward! I love D2 and everyone in it.
7) Spending a day in downtown Walnut Creek, walking down the streets.
8) Anthropology in Blackhawk. Just looking at those clothes make me happy.
9) The Beach. I don't care which one, but I'm going to put my feet in the sand and get some good reading done.
10) Driving through downtown Danville with the windows down.
11) Seeing the Pups and Lucy.
12) REAL FOOD FROM MOMMA! Oh, how I miss her cookin'.
13) Getting my hair done- best feeling in the world: clean, healthy, fresh, colored & trimmed hair.
14) A possible matinee at Crow Canyon- classic.
15) Picking up the kids from school/practice to help Ma... surprisingly fun.

Just being around my family is perfect, but there is something about a town called Danville that makes you feel larger than life.

Rainy days and Mondays...

2011-03-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite, most relaxing things to do is to go grocery shopping. I don't know why, but I absolutely LOVE it. I don't really like going with other people, just me and my shopping cart is good enough. Walking up and down the aisles, listening to the music on the loud speaker, walking by old couples, seeing babies sitting in their carts... it's heavenly.

I'm trying to cut down on groceries and save more. But here's the thing- it's rather difficult to be healthy AND cheap. It's more like you can be healthy OR cheap. You can't have both. I've been trying to watch what I eat, like I said previously, so today I bought salads, apples, almonds, cashews, whole grain cereals, etc. yet when I went to check out, the bill was not so cheap. So what should I do? Buy cheap junk food or buy healthy, organic foods for a much higher price?

I really want to work on saving up the little income I am getting from work, yet I feel like it really can't grow much when I'm buying groceries every 2 weeks and gas every 3 or 4 weeks. It's not fun starting back at the bottom of the food chain. I saved quite a 'bit in high school through the various jobs I had. I guess I really didn't have any big expenses like I do now, and I also was making much more w/ the minimum wage in CA. Oh well... College life is about being poor, right? I'm just grateful I have my parents to help me out with the larger school expenses.

Well, those are my thoughts for today.

My relationship with salad.

2011-03-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know that I'm a picky eater. This is not something I take pride in; honestly, if there was one thing I could change about myself it would be my distaste for fruits & vegetables. I have a problem with textures, you see... so, over the years I've been trying to broaden my "healthy eating" horizons.

This year, a new change has come about. For most of my life I would eat salads usually without any form of enjoyment. If a salad was set out on the table, I would grab a few pieces of lettuce and munch on the leaves, excited for the moment that they would be off my plate. I discovered what my problem was several months ago. I thought I would never like any dressings because I didn't like Ranch. One day, I believe it was at the airport as I was headed to Hawaii, I bought a chicken caesar salad. I loved it! I don't know if it was because I was in a good mood or maybe something green was just what I needed that day- either way, I bought a salad and I liked it! Today, as my lunch course, I specifically went out and bought a chicken caesar salad from Albertson's. Okay okay, it's actually the only type of salad that I enjoy, but hey, that's a start! Having a craving for a salad is a big change for me, and I'm likin' it.

Okay, stop laughing. I know I'm a sophomore in college.

What do you do to make yourself happy?

2011-03-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

This is a question I have asked myself several times during these past few months in Rexburg. What I've learned from Psych, is that just by making a list of what makes you happy you're able to change your mood/mentality. I've made this list 2x this semester.

#1: Livvy. Two words on the phone, and that baby can make me smile.

#2: Letters/emails from my best friend. (Looking back on these
old pictures, also makes me smile). I am my best self when
I'm around him. Friends are hard to come by, especially ones
that you can't forget.

#3: My parents. They always have my best interest in mind; I can look to them
for any advice/words of wisdom.

#4: My siblings. I can't wait to be home in a few weeks to hang out with them. Being
away at school is hard, but whenever I'm home with them, I feel like I've found
myself again.

#5: My girls. I grew up with these friends (Lauren should be in this pic, too).
They are the closest thing to home here in Rexburg.

#6: My roommates. I'm missing 3 others, but my roommates make me happy.
Especially, Alyssa, one of my closest friends. She's my "go-to" and I love
her for that.

This week, however, I decided to DO things that make me feel better. Here's the list:

1) Working out. Even with know motivation to go, I went and it felt good to feel that rush of adrenaline and sweat. Once you start going on a regular basis, habit is formed and you have the desire to go on a regular basis. I'm on night 3 tonight. (Going with friends/roommates always helps, too).

2) Watching what I eat. I sometimes forget how many cookies I just ate... that's a bad thing. So this week I've tried portion control; In the end, I don't have those guilty thoughts come to me saying, "Did you really just eat that?"

3) I'm going on a spontaneous trip to Provo. It's the Festival of Colors, and I've wanted to go ever since I saw pictures of my friends at the event last year. Being around my friends from home is just what the doc ordered.

Sometimes it's the easier thing to do- to sit in your room and just feel sorry for yourself. But doing that doesn't help anything. These past few weeks, even months, have not been easy for me... I'll admit I've spent some time alone feeling bad for myself, but I'm really trying to change that. I'm going to be happy because I want to be happy.

Thanks for reading.