pieces of me(L)

Oh Hello New Year, We Meet Again...

2012-01-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

I love how at the beginning of every new year, everyone makes all these new goals, and they are ready to change their life for the better. I am one of those people. I love it. It's a fresh new year and the start of what we all hope is a wonderful and exciting year. I often hear the phrase this time of the year, "This year is going to be my year", well lets surely hope so.

Remember how I had mentioned earlier that I was going to make a book that I found on pinterest, listing one thing everyday I am grateful for this year? Well. I made it. And I've been writing one thing in it every day that I am grateful for. Some days I can't help but sneak more than one thing in there. I hope that I can continue to write in it everyday because I really think it'll be so neat to look back through it at the end of the year.

During the holidays I had couldn't help but reflect on 2011 and the things that have happened that changed my life in so many ways. I thought of the numerous people that came into my life this last year alone, and I was amazed and extremely grateful. I have made so many wonderful friends this year that it just kinda blows my mind. I am one lucky gal.

Some big or small events that took place that come to mind when I think of 2011:

well...I graduated from college at BYU-Idaho.
I drove from Idaho to Texas for the first time ever
I experienced negative 30 degrees, and 120 degrees in the same year.
I attended a Texas rangers games, Dallas mavericks game, and Dallas stars game.
Oh ya, the Dallas Mavericks became the NBA finals CHAMPIONS!!!
I traveled to Virginia for my best friends wedding. Oh and I was his grooms woman.
5 months later I was his sister's bridesmaid in her wedding.
I bought myself my first brand new car. A little graduation gift to myself.
I jumped on the I-Phone bandwagon, and then all of my friends followed in my footsteps.
I got a job, and started two days after I got back from graduating in Idaho.
I bought Justin Bieber's movie 'Never Say Never' at midnight with Erica, then we went back on November 1st to buy his Christmas Album at midnight.
I moved into my first post-college apartment.
I pulled an all nighter for the first time ever during Black Friday.
I rode the Texas Star at the Texas State Fair for the first time in my life, and tried some awesome fried food.
I flew out to Idaho of all places for two separate vacations just to visit my friends after I graduated. Best vacations ever.
I drove down to Houston in my sweet new ride for the first time ever by myself for a quick two day trip to visit Ally and Dan.

Those are just a sample of things that come to mind tonight. 2011 was a big year. But I think that every year we make it through another year is a big year. When it comes to the end of it, one can only look back and reflect. And learn from the good and bad times we had. Every experience and every person that came in or out of our lives taught us something. It is up to you to act on those lessons learned and let them shape the way you step into this new year.

I have one big resolution this new year. To take care of myself spiritually, and physically. Underneath this one goal is a million smaller goals that I won't go into. But let me just say, I feel like this year is my year ;)

Goodnight all.

A Time to Reflect.

2011-12-11T21:56:00.000-08:00

The year is winding down to an end very very soon. And as a new year is just around the corner, I can not help but take time to reflect on this year that has come and gone very quickly it seems. I was just talking with a friend yesterday about how interesting it is to think about how the year has changed us, and all the big and little events that happened to change our lives.

Today I went to a ward Christmas musical event that was held at a member of our bishoprics house. It is a home where we have had many wonderful ward activities this year. As I sat there tonight and socialized with the amazing people in my ward during this Christmas season, my mind drifted off to the memories from earlier this summer, when we had pool parties there every Wednesday night all summer. And then my mind really started to think.

I started to think back on how afraid I was to move back to Texas, mainly because the thought of starting over and making new friends terrified me. But tonight I was amazed as I was surrounded by so many of my close friends who were all strangers to me in April. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and love for them when I think of the new friendships that I have formed in this last year.

I remember thinking before I moved back that I would never be able to find a group of friends that shared my religion and standards like my friends up at school did. I was proven wrong. By getting involved in my singles ward, I have met so many wonderful people who are amazing examples to me. One of the many blessings this gospel has brought to me is the incredible amount of friendships that have come because of this common link we share. It is truly a blessing to associate with so many people that lift me up and lead me by their good example. I could go on and on. But the moral of this story is, 2011 was good to me by placing so many wonderful people in my life. I am so lucky.

I am constantly amazed at how our stories play out, and how we end up becoming a part of each other's stories. Have you taken time to reflect on those that came into your life this year? Do it.

Ally and Kelsey, words can not express how thankful I am for our friendships that grew throughout this year. I love you both :)

Goodnight to all!

The Reason for the Season.

2011-12-04T21:09:00.000-08:00

I really do love Sunday's. It's the one day of the week where I can really sit down and think about maybe possibly doing a blog post. So here I am sitting in my room, in my big bean bag, listening to the strange rain storm that's going on right now. It was just hailing a few minutes ago. Freaky and out of context for this month. But I'd much rather enjoy this cooler weather than try to survive the unbearable heat wave that I experienced this summer. That was rough.

So pretty much I love the Christmas season. It's for sure my favorite time of the year. Everyone is happy, and nice to each other, and everywhere you look there are Christmas lights and decorations. Tonight was the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional, and it was amazing. I was overwhelmed with the messages taught of the importance of the meaning of the season. The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of Christ. It is all too easy and often that we tend to forget that as we get caught up in the shopping, and cooking, and running around getting all those last minute holiday things done. To read or watch the messages that were shared, you can go here.

I had the opportunity to be a host for a nativity that my church put on for the community. It was amazing to see so many nativities and Christmas decorations fill the gym of our church building. When I was hosting, I walked around for about 2 hours making sure that no kids managed to break anything, and also to answer any questions that the people walking through may have. There were over 700 nativities, and let me tell you, to say it was beautiful would be an understatement. I was beyond impressed by the beauty of it. And it was truly a treat to be able to walk through and see all the nativities. As I walked around I had lots of time to think about the birth of Christ and the amazing miracle that it was. It really is an amazing story that I think a lot of us, including myself, seem to put in the back of our minds during Christmas time.

Anyways. I hope everyone is doing well, and enjoying the holiday season! My bed is calling my name. Have a great week! And don't forget to remember the reason for the season!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-11-29T08:49:00.001-08:00

This weekend was quite an eventful weekend. I participated in the black Friday madness and shopped from midnight to 7 am. My sleeping schedule is still a little but off but I must say it was worth it. Seriously, I love it when everything is on sale. I'm a bargain shopper so I couldn't pass this day up. I look forward to the day when I have kids to shop for so I can be part of the madness at toys r us! Haha. Call me crazy.

Sunday my car got towed from my own apartment complex. Just because I was trying to be kind and not tow the car that had been parked in my spot for two days, I'm the one that got screwed and my car got towed. I spent 263 dollars that night to get it back. It was an extremely frustrating experience, and even though it was awful, I was reminded of the many things I have to be grateful for. Some of which are...
-the full time job I have, seriously I am blessed.
-the "rainy day money" I have saved for things like this.
-the Christmas season. Christmas scented candles and Christmas music can make any day better.
-the amazing people in my life. It amazes me how lucky I am to have so many great examples and friends in my life. I have continued to make several new friends as the months had gone by with me living back in Texas, and they are truly amazing to me.

I've been inspired by a friend to start being better at journaling. It's so much easier and less overwhelming to journal when you do it every day or every other day. One day someone will be interested in my life, even though it seems pretty boring at times to me. Haha.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Rest of the week. Drink lots of hot chocolate, enjoy that Christmas music, and count your blessings everyday.

Mid November and 75 Degrees?! Yes.

2011-11-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

Hello bloggers! Im coming to you live from Dallas Texas where it's November 15th, but the high for today is a beautiful 75 degrees!! Seriously, fall is my favorite time of the year here. It's beautiful, warm but not hot, the leaves are changing colors,and there is NO snow. After living in Idaho for the past four falls, it's kind of nice to experience a nice Texas fall again. Although, I won't lie, sometimes in those few days at school before coming home for Christmas, it was nice to see the snow for the holidays. But I've seen enough snow to last me um...forever I think. So ya, to those of you in Idaho or Utah or anywhere cold, I lend you an invite to come visit me! Haha.

This week has some great things in store! First of all, Breaking Dawn comes out on Thursday night at midnight and you better believe I'll be at that midnight showing with the ladies. Work the next morning will be rough, but it's worth it.
Also the hunger games trailer came out yesterday I believe and it made me soooo excited to see it!! Even better, that movie comes out on my birthday week. Holllaa.

Well I better get back to work! Have a lovely day!

It's the Most Beautiful Time of the Year...

2011-11-08T07:58:00.001-08:00

Justin Biebers Christmas song called 'Mistletoe' is stuck in my head, hence the title of this post.

It's a rainy day in Texas today, and I love it. After the horrendous summer of deathly heat it is beyond refreshing to have the cool fall weather here at last.

It's also slightly wonderful that the weather is so great here, when The last for years have been nothing but freezing and snowy weather in Idaho. Fall is Texas is awesome.

So I'm blogging while at work before I get slammed with patients here in a few minutes.

I'll leave you with a smile list, it's been a while!
-making amazing new friends.
-Justin Bieber's Christmas album.
-makin my roommates listen to the album in my car even though they don't like JB, only to find out they had the song stuck in their head all the next day at work! Yes!
-holiday season is here!!!
-grace
-Genuine friends.
-letters from brazil
-you!

Well. I gotta get back to working. Have a wonderful Tuesday and smile lots!
Ps I'm working on this pinterest project because I just think its so cute.

Vacation is Necessary.

2011-10-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a while. But life has treated me well the last few weeks. I had the amazing opportunity to go on another vacation to Rexburg Idaho to visit some much missed friends. It's weird that I keep vacationing to Rexburg. It's not a place most people in the world would put on their list of top places to go on vacation. I was able to make it vacation #3 with Ally this year, and having three vacations with her between April and now is pretty awesome if you ask me. It was like taking a breath of fresh air being able to visit my friends up there.

Before I left for Rexburg I felt like my life was super busy, and I hadn't had any time to just sit back and relax. I remember finally getting through security at the DFW airport last Wednesday getting ready to board my flight to Salt Lake City and it was in that moment as I took my seat at the gate that it finally hit me that I was leaving on a vacation. I took a deep breath of relief and relaxation. Isn't it crazy how sometimes life is dragging us around by our busy schedules? That's how I felt. I had 5 days of no work and all play with some of my greatest friends, and it was the perfect way to spend my vacation.

While I was in Rexburg, I was reminded of the person that I became as a result of living there for four years. Living there and getting my education at Brigham Young University-Idaho changed my life for the better. From the moment I stepped off the plane in Utah, and during the four hour drive to Idaho I was overwhelmed with the memories that took place during my time up there. The person I am today is a direct reflection of the variety of experiences that took place in my life during those years. The thoughts of the many friends that came into my life up there is amazing to me, because so many of those friends are continuing to bless my life everyday. I felt a sense of humility and gratitude come over me those five days as I reflected on the memories that come whenever I visit Rexburg. I was so blessed to go to a school that helped me grow in my faith and allowed me to meet so many wonderful people who taught me what it is to be a friend. I will forever cherish the memories made there. Being there again reminded me of the person that I became at that school, and made me realize that I have become so busy with life here that I had lost sight of that person that I became there. So thank you Rexburg for helping me get back into my groove again. And thank you to my amazing friends that I got to see up there. Ally, Dan, Kara, Chanel, Blaine, Kelli, Mark, Kelan, Alyssa, Mariah, Carly, Marla, Melissa, Micheal, Scott, Gary?!, and the list goes on and on.

Onto other things. Have I mentioned that I just really love my white Iphone?! I don't think I have. I got it in June and I love it more and more everyday. It can do anything and everything. This week I downloaded a podcast of the conference sessions, a whole session at a time. I have had the amazing opportunity to listen to them as I drive around in the car everyday. I am amazed at the messages and how much I still get out of them even though I've already heard them. And I am also amazed at the technology that allows me to listen to them in my car. Also, I downloaded some workout apps that are just so cool. My Iphone makes staying in shape so much easier.

I hope everyone has an amazing week this week! Take on Monday! Happy Halloween Eve!!!

And remember. Happiness is a choice.

Wordy Blog Posts=Inspiration for the Author

2011-10-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

So I feel like I used to be somewhat decent at writing out my feelings into these blog posts. I remember several times reading over what I had written and feel like, "Yeah, that's good.". I know you all have experienced this for your own blog posts once or twice, or even every time. Well. I haven't felt that with many of my recent blog posts. I'm hoping that by the time I'm done writing this one, maybe just maybe I'll love this post and be proud to push that post button.

Maybe this will be a super wordy post, I hope you're ok with that.

So yesterday my really great friend Arianna was sealed in the temple to her husband. It was a beautiful day for a beautiful event. Arianna is my best friend Kelan's little sister. She and I grew up together and have become pretty close in these last several years. It was a special day to see her marry her husband for all eternity, I am so happy for her and her family :) They got sealed in the Dallas temple, so all of her family came to dallas for the weekend! Do you know what this means?! It means Kelan came into town!!! YAY!!! Actually the whole Larkin family was here, and it was a blast because I love every single one of them oh so much. It was truly a treat to see them all. You've all heard me talk about Kelan and Tyler lots, the three of us have been best friends for a long time. And it's not too often that we all are reunited these days. But this weekend, we finally were all together again. You know what that means!!!

It has become a tradition to retake this picture every time the three of us are together.

The first one was taken in 2005 at Main Event while we were all at a church activity in high school.

The pose was completely random, but it was the start of something great.

I have numerous pictures of us trying to perfect the first pose, but this one pictured second here is the only re-take picture that is actually right in the same spot we took this picture six years ago.

How awesome is that. Also. It is so weird to think about how the last six years have changed for all three of us.

I could go on and on with that list, but I'll refrain, because it may only be exciting to me.

The one thing that has remained the same the strong bond that holds this friendship of three together.

I had a good chat with Kelan about this yesterday. We talked about how awesome it is to be able to trust that even though we may not all be in the same state, or we may not talk as much as we'd like, how nice is it to know that we can trust that our friendship is solid. It's not going anywhere, and that we all care about each other so much and nothing will ever change that. Being able to actually have the trust in that is amazing. Find friends like that, because seriously they rock.

Anyways. There has been some thoughts running through my head for a while. I'm about to get all spiritual and churchy on y'all. Ever heard the phrase, Faith without works is dead? I have. Plenty of times. Probably my whole life. But I feel it isn't until now that I'm fully starting to understand how this statement applies to my life. I have been hearing it a lot lately, in my head, at church, in every quote I see. It's like, hmm, there is probably some huge big life lesson that I'm supposed to be getting at. SO I hope you enjoy getting to hear about it.

I've noticed myself thinking a lot lately, oh I should do this, or I should read that, or I should be better at this or that. I'm talking more about the spiritual side of my life: Personal goals, the person I want to be, the person I need to be, spiritual goals and desires, all of the above. Lots and lots of thoughts. But my personal faith is dead without action on any of these thoughts. Maybe these thoughts are there for a reason, and need to be acted upon. I know that they do actually. And I know that a huge reason that I don't act on many of these spiritual thoughts or promptings is because, well, i'll admit it, i'm super lazy. That's a terrible excuse. But I think it's safe to say that I'm not alone in this problem. Sometimes it's the smallest most simplest things I'm lazy about. But you know what they say. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. This is so true. My entire day can be completely turned around for the better when I take the time for the small and simple spiritual endeavors.

So, like I said before, I have been hearing and reading a lot about the relationship between faith and action lately. I think it's a sign or something, haha. But in all seriousness, I do not want my faith to be dead because I was too lazy to act upon those things that can help it grow. That thought is devastating, but also very motivating to me.

The Lord has a funny way of letting us know when we need to change or when we need to act. It may be a quiet whisper into your thoughts that you brush aside for a while. But then those thoughts don't really go away, they just keep coming back. He knows us, and He knows how to get through to us. The real question is, are we willing to give up our laziness in order to build our faith by turning to Him? I hope so. I know that I have had many moments or time periods of spiritual laziness, but it is my goal and desire to put forth a greater effort to act upon inspiration and allow my faith to grow.

I know that this probably wasn't the most exciting blog post for y'all to read, but I feel like it was most helpful to me. Maybe if i'm a little lucky, someone out there will find this a tad bit inspirational.
It's late, and tomorrow is a Monday, soooo I should sleep. Have a great week everyone!!!

Rain Storms and the Texas State Fair

2011-09-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

As I write this post, it is raining outside. Finally. We got quite the storm tonight, after what feels like years without rain, we finally got a downpour that has been long awaited. I loveeeee Texas thunderstorms. Always a treat.

So for the past several months I have been suffering from some serious jaw pain. I had come to the conclusion that it was due to TMJ problems and so I've been trying to treat it with some natural supplements that are supposed to help. Well. After buying a mouth guard out of desperation and pain, I found out it was just making the problem worse. I then got even more desperate and called my dentist, who referred me to a TMJ specialist. I called them...and they basically told me it would cost a fortune to get in. SO. I talked to the chiropractor I work for and she examined my jaw and told me that my jaw was out of place and that it was something we could treat for free at the clinic I work at. How convenient right?! Right. I am so happy. Although today, my jaw is KILLING me, and right now it's hurting more than it has all day. It aches so bad that I have a headache. They say this pain is made even worse with stress. Well. That is so true. Today I'd say was one of the most stressful days I've had in a while. And while I'm pretty good at hiding my stress, your body knows when you're stressed no matter how hard you try to hide it from others and yourself.

There are two events coming up starting this weekend that I am super excited for.

1. General Conference. It started off with a bang last weekend with the General Relief Society Broadcast, and it was super amazing. I am so excited to listen to the talks this weekend, I have no doubt they will be anything short of incredible, inspirational, and memorable.

2. The Texas State Fair!!!! I love the fair! I haven't been able to go for the last four years because I've been away at school. I remember going every year starting at a very young age all the way up to my high school years. There is lots of great fried food, great shows, and fun things to do. I will be riding the big Texas Star Ferris wheel this year for the first time, and I couldn't be more excited. I love the Texas State Fair website, because it's had a countdown to the fair all the way down to the second. I will not apologize for the Texas pride, you should probably just get used to it :)

All the fried food you can imagine..

And of course, Bix Tex always there to greet you in his new outfits every year...

Happy weekend everyone! Enjoy it! Smile lots, go out there and make today the best day of your life.

First Day of Fall

2011-09-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

It's 7:00 in the morning, and I just got back from an early morning bike ride with my friend Erica. A few weeks ago we made a spontaneous decision to buy the cheapest walmart bikes we could find.
I think it was a pretty great decision. Now I'm up, and it doesn't make sense to go back to sleep before work, so I get to have some sort of productive morning.

So here I am blogging. I think that's productive.
Today is the first day of fall, and it's currently 50 degrees. I was cold riding my bike this morning, at first. That's insane. I never thought this day would come. I just can't wait to get off work so I can swing by my mom's house and watch the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy. It was rough not being able to watch it last night while Ally went on and on about how amazing and crazy it was. Thank you Ally.
I'm going to see Maroon 5 and Train in concert tonight with some friends, I'm sooooooo excited. Cool weather, lawn seats to the concert, good friends, couldn't really ask for a better time! I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!
Remember to Live the life you love, and love the life you live.

Week Review.

2011-09-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

Today I made the mistake of taking a Sunday nap at about 6 o clock this evening. I forced myself to get out of bed around 7:30. And so now here it is midnight, when I surely should be sleeping, but I'm wide awake.

This week had its ups and downs just like every week does, but it ended on a great note. Sunday's are always my favorite day of the week, and today was another spectacular Sunday. I belong to a really great singles ward, and every week is another three hour block full of uplifting talks and lessons by so many ward members that I really look up to. But it's not just on Sunday's when I have the opportunity to be taught by my ward members. It's Monday night family home evening group discussions, ward temple trips, Thursday night institute, and weekend activities.

This week was especially uplifting. It started with another amazing discussion among my fantastic home evening group. We have a comfortable sized group, and I look forward to every lesson because we really get into it and learn from each other. It's really a great way to start the week off.

Wednesday was probably my most productive day. I woke up at 5:15 in the morning to go on a bike ride with my friend Erica, and then as soon as I got home at about 6:00, I got dressed and took off for the Dallas temple. It was ward temple day, and I was able to go to a baptism session at 7:00 before work. We had a small little group there that morning, and it was a neat experience, I was very grateful for the opportunity to be in the temple with so many wonderful examples and friends. I left after our session to get to work at 9:00, and then went through the long work day. When I got off work that night, there was another baptism session at 8:00, so I drove down again to end the day with that. It once again was a very uplifting experience. As I walked in, I saw many of my friends that had been there with me earlier that morning, they had been there all day.

I am constantly amazed and grateful for the friends I am making here, they are continually teaching me by their good examples and positive attitudes. When I first moved back here in April, I never thought I'd see the day when I would develop deep friendships with anyone in my singles ward. I'm so happy to say that day is here, and I'm so grateful for it. I've been feeling very blessed lately, because I have been blessed to have so many great friends that are all over the country. I have so many people that I know I can turn to for anything, and that's so awesome. It is my hope that I can be the kind of friend and example to my friends that so many of them are to me.

I hope all of you go out into the world this week, and make it the best week of your life.

Live the life you love, and love the life you live.

Brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue

2011-09-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

This last week has been a pretty great week. I swear everyday, I'll get the thought in my head like "Oh I need to blog about this day!", and then I always forget to do so, and the thoughts of my day go away forever. That's why they tell you it's so important to journal. Well now days, it's important to blog.

Anyways, today was a pretty great day in my book. It was Sunday, which is always one of my favorite days of the week, but it was also the tenth anniversary of the attacks of September 11th, 2001. It was a day of remembrance and gratitude. As I looked back on my vivid memories of that day, I could not help but be overcome by emotion again. I felt severe sorrow for those that lost family members and loved ones, and I remembered the unity of our great country after that. I am truly grateful and proud to be an American. I'm grateful for those people who have sacrificed their lives to serve and protect our country, it is my hope that they will always be remembered, and never forgotten. I am continually grateful and appreciative of all of those service men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our freedom.

Let us never forget that our freedom is a blessing.

Let us never forget those who lost their lives for our safety.

Let us never forget the events of 9/11.

Today as I was driving home from church, this song came on the radio. Love it.

I turned up the radio, and started to sing along. I came to a stop at a red light, and still singing along I turned to the car next to me to see the driver proudly singing along to the same song. It was a great moment.

I leave you on that note. God bless the U.S.A.

Love the Life you Live, Live the Life you Love.

2011-08-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

I feel like I never blog anymore, but the truth is I have been busy out there living my life and haven't had any time to blog. SO here I am now, at 11:00 pm finally getting around to this. My life has been pretty great since I last wrote. I took a little road trip down to Houston to visit with my friends Ally and Dan. They happen to be dating, and are just the cutest little couple that ever existed! We all met up at school in Idaho, and we are all from different parts of Texas, so it was fun to all be reunited in our most favorite state!

I spent about 24 hours with them, it was so much fun. It was my first time in Houston, and I can honestly say I don't think I could EVER live there. It's just way too humid for my taste. I woke up and left Dallas at 6 am on Saturday so that I could spend the day with them. It was a 5 hour drive down to Houston, and then I stayed until early Sunday afternoon. Every minute we had was filled with fun, laughter, and good memories.

I am so grateful to have friends like Ally and Dan. I do miss them, but I wasn't sad as I drove back to Dallas because I know they are the types of friends that don't just stop talking to you because you're not in the same state or town anymore. Our friendships have only grown closer in this summer that we've been apart, thank you technology.

So in the ten hours of "alone time" I had of driving in between here and there, I had lots of time just think. I thought about it all. I thought a lot about my life, and where I am now, where I want to be, and the friendships I've made. I was filled with gratitude for my life. I have really been blessed. I have a wonderful job, I have amazing friends from school that you are all probably tired of me talking about, but let's be real, they are the best of the best, and I have amazing friends here in Dallas that I've gotten to know better as this summer has come and gone.

I can finally say that I feel at home here, and I am enjoying life in Texas.

Of course I still miss Idaho, and my college friends, but I am so grateful to finally be enjoying what life has to offer me here in the greatest state ever. I think for so much of this summer I have been so afraid to move on in life and make the transition from "college life" to "real life". I'm not so afraid anymore. I am excited. I move into my new apartment in two days, and that is kind of a big deal. Today I realized that my days of living at home, in the house I grew up in, are over. I'm a big kid now, and will most likely never live under the same roof as my mother. That idea is freaky. This is a big change! But I feel like it's a good change.

One quote that has been on mind lots lately is this, "Love the life you live, live the life you love.". Isn't that quote great?! I need it to be framed and hanging in my new bedroom like asap. Your life is a gift, each day is a gift really. Don't hate the gift you've been blessed with, love it.

Let's Be Real. I Don't Do Fake.

2011-08-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

I've read lots of inspirational blogs this week. And I would love to post one as well. But I feel like all inspiration I had to write was written into a talk I gave in church on Sunday. The talk I was assigned to speak on was called "Hope", you can read it here. It's a really great talk. And I was super nervous to give the talk, but it ended up going really well. Well, maybe that was just in my head. Either way, I was personally inspired by that talk and it gave me a lot to think about last week, and this week.

Here's something fun that happened this weekend...

Two of my friends in the singles ward got married, and they had a really cute reception. They had a photo booth and it was just way too much fun. I think maybe one day I'd love to have one at my reception. If that day ever comes. Until then, I'll have fun partying it up at everyone else's receptions!

There is a few exciting going on in my life these days! First of all, move in date to the new apartment is next Saturday! I'm so excited! ALSO, I'm headed to Houston this weekend to visit with Ally and her boo Dan. I'm so so so SO excited!

Tonight my brain is tired, so I think I will end this. My words of wisdom for tonight are this. Be you. Show your true colors. It is only hurtful to you and everyone around you when you try to be anyone or anything other than you. Don't be fake. Be real. Most people can tell the difference.

Heat Wave.

2011-08-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

I really struggle these days with blogging. I think mostly it's because I've seemed to lose all this "extra" time that I was sure I'd have once I graduated. Ya, actually I didn't lose it, I never found it. I've been busy, busy, busy ever since I came home from school. BUT I have once rather large announcement!!!! Are you ready?! drum-roll please!!!!!!

I'M GETTING MARRIED!!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHA

TOTALLY KIDDING.

I just thought that since everyone else that I know is getting married, that y'all might believe I was too. Hahaha, not to worry. I'm still queen of all the single ladies, hollaaaaa. But now to the real and honest good announcement that I have!

I found an apartment and am moving in on August 27th!!!

I am so very excited!!! I am moving in with two girl-friends of mine that are in my singles ward! We got ourselves a cute little three bedroom apartment with a fireplace and even better, its on the first floor. I'm so very excited. Although living in an apartment isn't anything new for me, it is new to have to furnish it. It makes me so grateful that all the apartments I lived in at school were fully furnished. That really made life convenient, and I now know I took that for granted. I feel like a real adult now. But the thought of all the bills real adults have to pay really makes me nervous. Oh well. Welcome to life!

This picture displays to you what has been a daily occurrence in my life these days. The month of August has hit Texas with a mean mean vengeance. I mean when it's 9:30 at night and still 105 degrees, I think you've got a problem.

Here's a few small things that happened in the life of, well me, this week.

1. Stood in front of a judge in court, and she made me feel more belittled than I ever have felt in my whole life. I turned around and walked out of that court holding back tears the best I could.

2. I saw the movie "Crazy, Stupid Love" and I loved it.

3. I allowed myself 2 days of watching Grey's Anatomy. I have seen all of those episodes so many times. I know what is gonna happen. So my question is, why does it still always make me bawl my eyes out?! Seriously. I had puffy eyes at work on Friday morning because I watched too many episodes on Thursday night, too many sad episodes.

Ok so maybe I had a rough week. But that's ok, because today was a great day. People have tough weeks all the time. It's life. Church was great and I just have a feeling this week will be great. I'll end with a little thought from a fireside I just got back from.

It is all too often that we expect life to be easier than it is. We feel entitled to a life without trials and tough times. We have a Savior who gave His life for us. How can we expect our life to be easy, when His life never was? Does that make you think twice about complaining about life? Um yes.

Hope everyone has a great week! Smile lots, and enjoy every moment!

Business Trips, Friends, and Summer Music :)

2011-07-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

So right now I am beyond exhausted, I swear, this Texas heat wave is draining me of every last bit of energy.
But something kind of exciting happened this week! I had the privilege of driving down to Austin with the Doctor that I work for. We were attending a public hearing that was going to be in one of the buildings by the capitol. It all happened kind of quickly, and before I knew it I was packing my bags to come along with her. We stayed in a nice hotel Monday night, and got up Tuesday morning to get ourselves looking nice and ready for the big event. We dressed up in our professional attire and took off for downtown Austin. I was incredibly nervous, because I had to prepare a three minute speech, and deliver it to the board that was hosting the public hearing.

To kind of explain why the hearing was being held, I will try to make a long story short. The Texas Board of Chiropractic medicine is being sued by the Texas Medical Board. They are trying to change the scope that says what a Chiropractor can and can't do. Although the proposed changes are many and pretty confusing to lots of people, I will say that a big part is the nutrition part. These changes could affect the Chiropractors ability to treat anyone of their patients for anything with nutrition and supplements. Well, for those of you who don't know, the nutrition side of Chiropractic Medicine is my whole career. I work everyday doing wellness and nutrition testing and guidance for many patients. If this law were to be passed, I would be out of a job.

So I went down to Austin with my boss so that we could both defend our jobs. It was super intimidating to get up in front of that Board, and the many doctors and lawyers that were there, to give my speech. I was probably the youngest person that spoke in that meeting. But I felt good once it was done. I have never felt more important and official and professional in my whole life. Haha, I actually felt like a real adult. And as I walked away from the podium and back to my seat, the crowd applauded, and I got the smile from my boss. You know the one. The one that says "Good job Melissa, I'm so proud of you." I don't know. That's what it felt like to me.

The hearing lasted almost 4 hours. It was kind of funny to see a bunch of Chiropractors fiddling in their seats because their backs hurt from sitting for so long. It was rough. Let me tell ya. But after the hearing, we went out to a super fancy seafood and steakhouse restaurant to celebrate our efforts for the day. We ate so much food there, that we probably looked like ducks wobbling out.

The last two days I've been back at work, and I was glad to hear that today the lawsuit was voted on by the board, and they decided not to pass anything yet. Which is good. That means our speeches at the hearing made a difference to the board. YAY! I feel accomplished.

But there are a few things I don't feel accomplished in.
1. I have lost all motivation to go to the gym. This needs to change.
2. I am still looking for an apartment and it's still one of the most frustrating parts of my life. haha

Here's one awesome thing that happened this week that made my whole life.

These boys came to visit me on their way down to Houston all the way from Rexburg! HOLLLAAA.

Thanks Dan and Michael, it was SO much fun to visit for a little bit.

And thank you Ally for not being mean to me about it, and for helping me pick out their snacks!

Seriously I know I say it ALL the time, but I really made the best friends up at school in Rexburg, and I'm so very grateful that the friendships are still going strong and that little visits like this one still happen despite being apart for a while. I really don't know where I'd be without the amazing friends that I have made the last four years of my life, and I just feel super blessed. So I love you all :)

I leave you with some of my favorite summer songs at the moment, ones that I definitely turn up loud in my car and sing along too. Don't judge, you know you do it too!

1. How to love-Lil Wayne
2. Super Bass- Nicki Minaj
3. Stereo Hearts- Gym Class Heroes ft Adam Levine
4. Every Teardrop is a Waterfall-Coldplay
5. She Ain't You-Chris Brown (seriously i wish i could dance like him)
6. Next 2 You- Chris Brown and Justin Bieber
7. Blind- Kesha
8. Just a Kiss-Lady Antebellum (obsessed with this video)
9.Never Gonna Leave This Bed- Maroon 5
10. Hello- solveig & dragonette

Oh How I Love Trips Down Memory Lane

2011-07-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today I was feeling beyond exhausted. And then I somehow got up the motivation to get myself out of the house and go to yoga class at the gym. I haven't gone to the gym since I've been back from vacation. I knew it would be difficult, but oh. my. gosh. I struggled. Maybe it was the fact that it was Hawtha yoga, which means the heat is turned up. I mean, seriously, I really think it is crazy for anybody living in Texas in the middle of the summer to ever even contemplate turning on the heat at all. But it might be even crazier for someone to willingly go to this kind of class for their personal self. I think that makes me crazy. Oh well.

But after the class was over, I felt so much better. I love yoga, it is hard for sure, but it is always so refreshing. Whenever I have lots on my mind, yoga helps me forget everything. When I got in my car and drove home, this song came on the radio. And BAM I was back in 5th grade again.

We sang this song to our parents at my 5th grade graduation. But I really loved this song, I mean I loved N'SYNC so of course I loved this song. Does anyone remember the movie it's from, "Music of the Heart"? I totally loved that movie. It made me want to play the violin so bad. But I never got to do that. But seriously I love this song. So that's my flashback for the night. And I may or may not have listened to this song multiple times in a row prior to posting this. Judge me. I love N'SYNC.

It is late and so my mind is not all the way there. I will leave you with a list of random thoughts on my mind.

Apartment searching is stressful.
Texas summer heat is OUT OF CONTROL and I don't know how much more I can take.
The above statement makes me miss Rexburg blizzards. Yep. Yep it does.
Sometimes being honest is so hard to do.
This remix is my favorite Coldplay remix of all time.
Working with as many cancer patients as I do has really opened up my eyes to see how very lucky I am to have good health.
I have received one too many wedding announcements this summer.
Summer time is the best time for new music.
I'm giving up sweets, because my sweet tooth has gotten the best of me this week.
I've been taking lots of trips down memory lane. I'm grateful for our ability as humans to have the amazing brains that we do that allow us to recall memories for years and years and years. Seriously the human body is incredible if you think about it. Sorry, there's my nerdy health science degree showing.

Well that's it for now. I sincerely hope that everyone is having a great week! Congrats, you made it to Wednesday. The weekend is almost here! Smile. Love. Laugh.

A Good Reminder.

2011-07-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

I love Sundays. They always give me a day to rest from work and all other activities. And who doesn't appreciate a little rest? This last week was a long busy week for me. I went straight from vacation mode, to work mode without any transition time at all. I flew back into Dallas with my family last Sunday night. By the time we got home it was 1:30 a.m. and I had to be at work at 8:45 a.m. So I got home, jumped in bed, and then got up and went to work. It made for a rough Monday. Work was crazy busy, and it remained that way for the whole week. It was good though, my next pay check will be amazing, so it'll be worth it.

Today we had pot luck after church, and pot luck always ends up being a compilation of many random but amazing foods. I always eat wayyyy too much and come home in a food coma. That for sure happened again today. I sat with my friends Erica and Morgan and we all just sat there and ate and ate and ate. We grabbed a dessert plate to share among the three of us, and we just ate way too much. I came home and just lounged/slept for like 3 hours. Even now I feel like I will never need to eat again.

One last thing I'd like to share in this rather random post (sorry). I came across this video today, and it was exactly what I needed to hear today. I encourage you to spend 6 minutes or so to watch it in its entirety. It is worth it.

I hope you all had a wonderful Sunday, and weekend. Have a great week this week! Smile lots!

Bloggers Block is Over.

2011-07-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

So I haven't blogged in what feels like F-O-R-E-V-E-R.
I just returned from what was possibly the best vacation of my life, ever, seriously.
Ally and I planned a surprise trip to Rexburg to visit some of our friends from school for the 4th of July, although the surprise was kinda ruined, it's ok because we just had the very best time!
Ally and I had this planned out for probably a month, and I think the trip exceeded both of our expectations for sho :)
So before I show you some pictures I will give you a few insider points to my life right now.
-I still haven't unpacked, so my room is kinda a disaster.
-I'm still in vacation mode so work has been straight up difficult. Is it the weekend yet?
-I have two dates planned this week, with the same guy.
-I am overwhelmingly grateful for the amazing friends in my life.
-I just really love sherbet ice cream. Yum.
-Ally, I can't get myself to go to the gym either, seriously it's a problem.
-I got a fun new calling in my ward!
-I left my JB movie in Rexburg, this is tragic.
-I miss the mountains.
-I am grateful for my life.

I mean, all of these pictures will be framed and put up in my apartment, once I get one.

These memories made make me smile and so I will tell all of you...

Cherish every memory made.

Find happiness every day.

Laugh often. Love often.

Tell them you love them.

They need to be reminded.

Thought of the Day

2011-06-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

Sometime last week I had a thought pop into my head, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. It may be weird and cheesy to some, especially those who don't share the same religion as I do, but it's mind blowing to me.

I was talking to a friend about how blessed we are because of the gospel. And as I contemplated some things I was grateful for that are a direct blessing of my religion, I started to think about some of my friends. And then I started thinking about all the amazing people I've met that were brought into my life because of the gospel. And then my mind was blown. I am sure some of you may think, "Duh Melissa, you went to a Mormon college, of course you made lots of Mormon friends." Well it's a lot deeper than that to me. I've always been a firm believer that people come into your life for a reason, when you need them most. I don't think it's just coincidental at all that some people come into our lives, and completely change us. Do you believe in earthly angels? Because I really do. And it really amazes me that so many incredible people can find themselves linked because of the Gospel.

That link is what binds us, what brought us together, and what brings us closer.

I don't know where I would be without all of those wonderful examples and friends that I have been blessed with. But most importantly, I really don't know what direction my life would be going in if I didn't have this gospel that has blessed me with so many wonderful things and people in my life. Luckily, I don't ever have to wonder where my life would be, because this is real life. I really am so blessed.

To all of those friends of mine I met up in the lovely city of Rexburg, you should know that I am so very grateful for each of you individually. The last four years of my life spent getting to know you all has made me into the person I am today. My life has been shaped by you're example and friendship. So thank you. YOU are truly an angel in my eyes.

So to all of you readers whether we share the same faith or not, take some time to think of the angels in your life. Count your blessings. Name them one by one.

Dallas Mavericks=NBA FINALS CHAMPS 2011!!!

2011-06-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

In case you've missed every single news presentation in the last 24 hours,

THE DALLAS MAVERICKS WON THE NBA FINALS!!!!

I had the awesome opportunity to attend the official Mavs watching party in the American Airlines Center!

Tickets were 5 bucks, and went straight to charity, the Mavs Foundation. Legit.

I got lucky because a friend of mine bought tickets for us, because the tickets sold out in less than an hour.

I didn't think they'd sell out that fast considering it was just a watching party, the game wasn't actually there. Just goes to show that the Mavs fans are dedicated fo sho. I rode the dart train out to Victory park with two friends of mine, Aubrey and Morgan.

yep that's right. we went with the blue face paint, and blue eye shadow. it was completely necessary.

Once we got there, there were long lines outside of the AAC, and we had to wait in 100 degree weather, worth it? Yes. This is how the line was at 5:00, two hours before tip-off, And the line continued to wrap all the way around the entire building. It was Cray cRAY.

I've always wanted to be one of those crazy people who dress up and get there early and wait in line. Now I can cross that off my bucket list.

Once we finally got inside, I was amazed at how many people really showed up. Literally the place was packed, and all just to watch the game on the big screen t.v. since obviously the game was in Miami. We got really lucky with awesome seats that were right in front of the screen. Once the game started, every seat in that arena was filled. Yep, even all the way up to the nosebleed seats. It was pretty serious. And so loud. The energy in there was unbelievable. I've been to several Mavs home games, and I have to say that the crowd last night was the same kind of crowd that would be at a real game. Most everyone was wearing Mavs shirts, and we all had posters, and noise makers. And we all cheered for every single shot made. It was so loud in there before the game started, that the newswoman trying to talk for the live news broadcast couldn't even hear herself talk, and neither could her viewers!

The entire watching party was awesome, it was loud, and I lost my voice before the 2nd half of the game. But probably the most amazing part of the whole game was when we knew we had won it. There was like 18 seconds left of the game, and we were up by 10 points. That's when the crowd really went wild. Here's a video I shot of that moment. It gives me chills every time.

And here's us after the victory.

It was quite a memorable night that's for sure. I've always been a die hard Mavs fan, I'm so proud of them for finally getting here! Can't wait for the parade here in Dallas!!!

Hope everyone is having a great Monday!!!

Smile lots!

Everyone Has A Story

2011-06-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

The other day I walked into my house from work one night, and my mom asked me how my day was. I looked at her, and just kind of sighed. I started to tell her all of these things that were on my mind and stressing me out. As I kept talking, I felt the tears creep up on me. So I turned away and stopped talking, trying to forget about it. I didn't think my mom really noticed, so we continued our chat, and I thought she would forget about my mini vent session.

Well I was talking with my mom again today and she was balancing her check book. I for some reason can never grab the concept of balancing a check book every time she tries to show me. I told her today that I hate balancing check books because it stresses me out, and she started to laugh. She told me that she couldn't help but laugh when she thought of my mini vent session the other day. She said "There I was listening to you talk about all these little things that have been stressing you out, and I was semi jealous that those were the only things you have to worry about right now." She started laughing, she told me "If only you knew what kind of things you will have to worry about when you're my age. Think about the last few years of my life, and tell me you'd rather have my stresses."

That statement of hers really made me stop and think. And wow, it made me feel like a weak little thing. How could I sit there and almost burst into tears when telling my mom about my "tiny" problems after I have watched her continue to conquer trial after trial for so many years. The trials my mother has pulled our family through over the last two years have been unimaginable, and probably some of the most difficult years of my life. My mom has always been a great example of strength to me.

I hesitate to even blog about this, because literally none of you really know what I'm talking about. Well. Most of you don't. But that's ok, everyone has hard things in their life that they just don't talk about. Sometimes it's easier to live in a life where people don't know what you're going through. Everyone has a story.

Moral of this story I believe is that we should be grateful for the tough times in our lives. We can really learn so much through them. We also should be grateful for them because they really could be ten times worse right?

I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T

2011-05-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

So I did something crazy...

I woke up yesterday thinking...hmmm I'm gonna go car shopping and check out the memorial day sales.

I didn't really plan on actually purchasing a car.

But I did.

That's right, I did it. I can't really believe it, but I did it.

I went and bought a 2011 Toyota Corolla. It's dark metallic blue, and it's fun sized like me. When I drove away with it, it only had 8 miles on it. 2 of those miles were from me test driving it.

Weird.

I never do things like this. NEVER. I save money like crazy, and have a hard time spending it. So let me tell you that when I wrote out my check for the down payment on the car, I nearly had a heart attack.

That was rough.

But in all honesty, I have a brand new car. And I payed for the down payment, and am paying for it. It's all me. I'm proud of that. For some reason this song comes to my head. And this one. And this one. Ok I think that's just about all the songs that came to mind. It makes me feel like a real adult, and that's a little scary, but kinda cool too. And as I drove away, this song came on the radio. You better believe I blasted that new sound system and sang it at the top of my lungs. That song just makes people feel like they can sing I decided.

I went from driving this beast...

to this one...

Life is good.

Now if only I can sell my old car. That would just be awesome.

Now I leave you with this song, it came on my ipod today and I had forgotten how much I loved it. We all need to remember sometimes just to breath in and breathe out...

My Blogging Habits Need To Change

2011-05-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

I've really been neglecting my blog. Life has been a little crazy so I haven't been able to read blogs like I used to, and my posts have been boring. I apologize and hope you all understand. But lucky for you all, tonight I am in the mood to blog, and so my mind is about to vomit out all of its thoughts...maybe not so lucky for y'all anyways.

This summer has been a tough transition for me, but I have to say I'm finally starting to enjoy being here. Today was a monumental day at work, I am finally past all my training time, and feel like I have accomplished a lot of learning of new things, and am finally ready to take on this two person job just being the one person that I am. Yep. That's right, they hired me to take over a job that was being done by two people. Today was the first day that I was kinda thrown into the mix of things on my own. And surprisingly, I didn't drown in the sea of assignments that were required for me to accomplish. I stayed a float today, without floaties. And it was kind of awesome.

I've been trying a lot of new things to try to feel established here. Half of me is trying to be ok with living here, and understanding that I have a nice job and that I should just plan on staying here for a while. The other half of me would love to pack everything up again and move out to Utah and reunite with all of my friends. It doesn't really help that they are all very convincing when they tell me to move out there! ;)
But the truth in the matter is that I do have a good job here, and being here is probably what is best for me for the next little while. On that note..

So true.

Those steps I'm taking to feel more established here? Oh ya. So one day last week I walked into my room after a long day at work. I just stood in the doorway and stared into my crammed messy room. I then got some strange desire to completely rearrange my furniture. So I did. My room now has a way more space and isn't so cluttered, and I finally feel like my room is awesome and I love being in it.

I've been working out way more often than I'm used to. I've been taking a class at the gym called "Strike". It's a kick-boxing class with different athletic drills. Needless to say, it's like kick-boxing boot camp. It's tough, but I love it. It kills me every time, I just keep telling myself it's good for me, and will get me ready for swimsuit season! Haha. But today my arm has had this random pulse in it that is a result of last nights strike class. It's like that little pulse you get in your eyelid when you are stressed and sleep deprived, but way more annoying. Between that class, and my hot yoga class, and my own personal cardio workouts, the gym is providing me a way to unload my stresses at the end of the work day, and helps me get into better shape. All of this is helping me feel more content with Texas these days.

I hope everyone has a great three-day weekend!! I'm going on a camping trip with the singles ward, it should be lots of fun! I love camping, and tin foil dinners, and good company! xoxo

Every Mile A Memory

2011-05-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

Do you ever go by certain places that instantly spark your memory of another time you were there? This seems to be happening to me a lot lately. Like this is how it happens. I'm in the car, riding down the street, and I drive by a place that sparks a memory. Instantly my mind takes me back to that memory, every thought, every feeling, and every word spoken. It's like I'm back there, re-living that that time in my life. It's kinda crazy to me how vivid our memories can be. Isn't it awesome though that we can remember so much? I don't think I ever take time to be grateful for that.

On another note, I really love Sunday's. Like the day of the week, not the ice cream kind. I look forward to this day every week, and the opportunity of going to church that it brings. It allows me to learn and grow and find some sort of direction in this crazy beautiful thing we call life. I am always reminded of things that matter most, and what path I should be striving to go down. This Gospel is so refreshing, and I continue to learn so much from it every day that it just kind of blows my mind.

Ok well I'm gonna sign out now, there is a C-R-A-Z-Y storm outside and it literally just shut off the electricity, so I'm a little freaked out sitting here in the dark during this tornado warning and lightning and thunder. K bye.!

Today I am Grateful For...

2011-05-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a really good chat with Kelsey. Even though it started out with us exchanging embarrassing stories, we ended up having a deep conversation about life and things. We talked about how important it is for us to be positive and grateful everyday, even for the trials and hard times in our lives. So that is what I want to blog about today. Little things here and there that I am so grateful for:

My 21 year old Toyota corolla that still runs even though it has over 215,000 miles on it. It still gets amazing gas mileage, and today when gas prices are as high as they are, that is truly a blessing.
My job. I have a job, even though at times it may really stress me out, I have one. And I should be more grateful.
The Gospel. Seriously. Love it.
Amazing friends. I really am so blessed to have the best friends, the kind that say they will keep in touch, and then they actually do.
Being able to live at home at this time.
My family.
Good days.
Trials that help me to learn a lesson or two.
The fact that today is pay day.
YOU :)

Well that is it for now. Hope everyone is doing well! I leave you with this song that I found the other day. I love it!

Weekend Wrap-Up

2011-05-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about living in Texas is the amazing cooking and BBQ that occurs often. My dad has always loved to be outside cooking on the grill, or outside having a huge craw-fish broil. My dad's broils are always a huge thing that tons of people are invited to. There is usually lots of craw-fish, crab legs, shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn. He always cooks it in this mildly spicy Louisiana seasonings, and it's oh OH so good. This weekend my dad wanted to have a little craw-fish broil to celebrate my graduation. It was so much fun, and SOOOo delicious. I brought my best friend Aubrey with me, and we enjoyed the perfect weather, and the amazing food.

In other news, Kelan had his 2nd reception here in Texas this last weekend. It was so fun!

I mean, we deserve props for wearing these shoes.

bff's

These boys are my world. We have all been through so much together, plenty of ups and downs, and it amazes me to see how close we all still are to this day. When the reception was over, the three of us and Kelan and Tyler's wives were all just sitting talking about life and some of our best memories from when we were growing up. It was kind of sad to say goodbye, because this was the last time we'll all be together probably for awhile. It was kind of surreal. All of our lives are changing in really great ways, and we are all really excited to see where each other's lives go, but we were all still kind of sad to say goodbye. I came home kinda overwhelmed with lots of different emotions going through my head. I am just super happy that I know that even though we are saying goodbye for a while, I know that friendships like ours don't just lose touch.

So a quote that keeps coming to mind is this:

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

This quote actually can apply to many situations in my life at the moment.

We really should just be grateful for the memories we make in this life, and look forward to the memories we have yet to make.

Hope everyone has a great day! Smile lots and be grateful for today!

Justin Bieber-Never Say Never and Other Ramblings!

2011-05-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Last night at midnight the Justin Bieber movie came out. Have I mentioned that I really enjoy this movie? Maybe that's embarrassing to admit. I don't think so though. I think the movie is really great, and I love me some JB music. If you haven't seen the movie, rent it, and turn up the volume! Anyways, last night, I went with my friend Erica to the nearest Walmart to buy the movie.

She's a huge fan, so I was just gonna go with her to buy it, but when I found out the movie was only $14, I just couldn't pass it up. Haha. So as I write this, I am watching the movie, I just love the music oh so much.
Judge me. It's fine. I don't care.

In other news, I have been working out daily! I have been doing yoga, kick-boxing, and plenty of my own workouts. I am so sore, but in a good way. I feel good about getting into shape. And it's kind of awesome wearing tank tops to the gym, right Ally? Haha.

Speaking of Ally, if you don't read her blog, You should. Also check out Kelsey's. Those two girls are amazing, and I am so lucky to call them my friends. I skyped with Ally three times yesterday, and got to have a group oovoo session with Kelsey and Dan as well. I love being able to talk to my friends everyday, it totally makes my life. It takes effort to continue to build friendships when you are no longer in the same state. But my friends and I make that effort, and it is so worth it. So thank you Ally and Kelsey, y'all are the best friends I could ever ask for!

This weekend brings another wedding reception weekend! Kelan and Kalie are now on their way here for reception #2! I'm so excited to see them again, because after this I'm not really sure when I'll see them again for a while. So I get to bust out my sweet crazy high heels, and my grooms-woman skills one last time!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Life.

2011-05-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

I am overwhelmingly behind in reading y'alls blogs, that's what happens when you take a weekend vacation and work 40 hours a week I suppose.

Life is a little busy...

Come what may and love it, right?

right.

Last night after I was finished working out at the gym, I walked outside to a crazy wild Texas style thunderstorm.

It was like 9:30 at night, and the sky was continuously lit up by lighting, and the rain was coming down hard. I thought there could possibly be a tornado or something because the wind was crazy. But I had just had a nice long work out and was so hot, that the cool pouring rain felt awesome.

SO as I walked to my car in the pouring rain, I didn't care to run, I took my time.

And then I got to my car and just stood outside in the pouring rain for a minute. I stretched out my arms and smiled, I felt like a little kid again.

Then I attempted to drive home, and the rain was coming down so hard I couldn't see what lane I was supposed to be in. As I came to a stop at the stoplight, I noticed the lightning was pretty close, and I was starting to freak out a little bit. I called my mom and told her where I was, and that I'd be home soon. As soon as I hung up, lighting came out of nowhere and struck the light post right in front of my car, and the light exploded. Then I really started freaking out. Luckily I made it home safely, but still got caught in a hail storm with little tiny pieces of hail. But still...scary.

I always thought life would be way less busy and stressful once I finished college,

boy was I wrong.

I don't think there is any part of "growing up" that gets easier.

I still have tough times, and I still experience learning lessons every single day. Those things in life will never go away no matter what we accomplish or how old we get. My stress now that I'm out of college is no longer for getting homework and doing well in school, but rather it's for taking care of myself and trying to find balance in this crazy and beautiful life.

One of the things I'm working on in order to take care of myself is consistently working out. On that note, my kick-boxing class starts soon, so I need to go.

Happy Wednesday bloggers!!

Grooms-woman Status

2011-05-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

I just got back on Sunday from the most wonderful weekend in Virginia. I was able to be at my best friends wedding, and it was so beautiful. I fell in love with the green landscape and country of Virginia, it seriously was so beautiful. Here's some pictures from the weekend!I was a grooms-woman and enjoyed every minute of this spectacular weekend! I hope everyone is doing great! Happy Tuesday!!

My Best Friend's Wedding

2011-05-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

It has been a while bloggers, sorry! But I have some exciting news! Tomorrow I will be flying out to Virginia for my best friends wedding! Kelan and Kalie will be getting married for time and all eternity in the Washington D.C. temple on Saturday. Kelan and I grew up together, and I still can't believe we're old enough for this day to be here. It seems like just yesterday we were 16 years old just trying to make it through high school.

And then before we knew it, a few years had gone by and I had just completed my first year of college. On the night that I came home for summer vacation, it was his last night in Texas before he left for his two year mission for our church in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fast forward two more years, I had just finished my junior year of college at BYU-I, and Kelan returned home from his mission. I was there to surprise him and welcome him home in the airport.

That following fall I started my senior year of school back in Idaho, and he came up to start his first semester! It was so fun to have him up there, we had lots of fun times playing Mario cart, going to the sand dunes, and dressing up for Halloween.

Halloween!

Party on our way to the sand dunes.

Dying his hair black for Halloween.

And then came my final semester of college. As I graduated, Kelan and his fiancee Kalie were there to support me as I walked across that stage. They also gave my quite the graduation present.

My cap is totally about to fall off...haha.

They gave me a brand new laptop!

One more awesome thing...

Kelan asked me to be his "Best (wo)man" at his wedding.

So I will be part of the wedding party this weekend, on his side! How fun!

It will be such a great weekend, and I am so excited to be there as Kelan takes this next big step in life.

I love Kalie, and I'm so happy to call her a friend! I also admire her for being willing to have a double wedding with her sister! That's a lot of sisterly love, I don't know if I could do that!

I hope all of you have a great weekend! I'll be posting wedding pics when I return on Sunday!

Shopping Fever

2011-04-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day for many reasons...

I mean first of all, I really wish I did what all my other friends did and woke up to watch the royal wedding live.

But I didn't. I slept. And watched the wrap up of all the important stuff.

Best part of the day though was skyping with Ally twice. First thing in the morning she called me and she had been awake for HOURS watching the wedding stuff. I was really jealous.

But then I came home from work, and went to the mailbox.

Look what came?!?!?!!

The earrings that I won from the giveaway at *your daily dose, such a cute blog!

They are beautiful, and I'm wearing them now. I've been wearing them ever sense I got them. As soon as I got the package I ran in my house, called Ally up on skype, and let her watch me open up the package. Seriously love Ally. And I love skype. Being able to talk to her and my other friends everyday face to face is making my life so much easier! I love it.

ALSO...today I got the shopping bug. I just wanted to shop all day.

So I started out with some nail polish...

(Dark-ish blue, dark purple, and turquoise)

I clearly had to get three, they were buy 2 get one free. Couldn't pass it up.

Then I went to Lifetime gym, bought myself a membership. I'm hoping that'll motivate me to go sense I'm paying for it every month. HOPING.

Next was dress shopping at the Gap for a dress to wear to my best friends wedding next weekend.

This is what I found, and purchased.

It was originally $64.95.

It was on sale for $13.99

I got it for $11.89 because I opened up a Gap card.

HOLLLAAAA.

Last was a little stop at American Eagle.

And I fell in love with this outfit.

But it took all of my effort to walk away from it because it was a little expensive.

But I will be keeping my eye out for coupons or sales!!!

Well I better head to bed now, I'm so exhausted. I just want to say thank you to all you loyal readers! You are the best followers I could ever ask for! And I'm grateful for each and everyone of you!

Oh and p.s....my Texas twang is starting to come out the more that I am here. Sometimes I just laugh at myself because I think it sounds kinda funny. K that''s it for now Y'all. GOODNIGHT!

Music Madness Among Other Things...

2011-04-28T22:35:00.000-07:00

So if there is one thing you should know about me, it's that I love music.

I am that person that will sing along to every single song that I know, or that will bust

out into song whenever someone says something that reminds me of a song.

I'll get a song stuck in my head, and just sing it out loud all day until it stuck in everyone else's head too.

I love music.

I secretly love to sing along to whatever is playing.

And when I'm in my house alone in the mornings getting ready for work, the music is up loud, and I am singing even louder. I wonder if my neighbors can hear me?

So tonight I would like to share with y'all some songs that I just have been loving as of lately.

Enjoy. Or not. It's up to you.

Mumford and Sons-Little Lion Man
Vega4- Life is Beautiful
Shiny Toy Guns- The Sun
Eli Young Band- Crazy (i'm not the biggest fan of the music video though...it's kinda weird, but i LOVE the song)
Adele- Rolling in the Deep
Sanctus Real- Lead Me- Thank you SSDS for introducing me to this one.
The Script- For the First Time
Sara Evans- A Little Bit Stronger
T-Pain- Best Love Song

OK there is so much more but I'm so tired, and need to go to bed.

One last thing, yesterday was Administrative Assistant Day. So at work, we all got gifts from the doctor that I work for, because we are all Chiropractic Assistants. I opened up my well wrapped gift to find this book...

It's got over 700 pages in it. It goes over the "natural" kind of treatments for pretty much any disease or ailment that you could ever think of. I know it seems dumb, but it's actually kind of cool. And hello, I work doing nutrition and natural healing kind of things, so don't be surprised if I become one of those health freaks. I've already cut out sugar and caffeine. It's freaky. We'll see how long this lasts.

Ok one more one last thing.

Need I say more?

This phrase is getting me through life everyday.

Things That Matter Most

2011-04-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

Right now I have a killer migraine. I've had it all day, and I'm beginning to think the only way I can kick this mean sucker is to just go to bed early and get a good nights sleep.

But I did want to share something that I've been thinking about lately. I've found that ever sense I've been home, life has been rushed and crazy. I have been so busy doing this and that, and it's been difficult for me to find balance or relaxation. I've been getting these stress headaches from life at home, life at work, and everything in-between. So yesterday I was looking on this website for something inspirational to read before bed. I came across this talk, one of my favorites. It seemed to give me the perfect advice that I needed at that moment.

" If life and it's rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.
Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most.
Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship-the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace."

I've heard this talk before, and I've heard a devotional or two at school that talked about this very concept. Remembering the things that matter most. So why is it that I am always loosing track of the things that matter most in my life? It is so easy to get lost in our busy and chaotic lives and lose sight of the important things. It happens to me all the time.

What are some things that matter most to you?

For me, my faith is on the top of the list. I need to not let my life get so busy that I forget to do the small things everyday that will help my faith grow. Also on that list would be my relationship with family members, friends, and of course myself.

So last night I decided to start working harder to refocus on the things that matter most each day, and to de-clutter my busy life so that I have some time for me, time to find balance in this crazy beautiful life.

I challenge you all to slow down a little, and think about the things that are most important to you. Make time for those things, don't lose sight of them just because life gets a little hectic at times.

Ok. I'm done for tonight. Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

To Do List: Work, Skype, Smile, and Avoid Tornadoes.

2011-04-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

So this is what the skies have been looking like for the past few days. I snapped this picture while the tornado sirens were going off. But I wasn't the only person in the neighborhood not heeding the screaming advice coming from the sirens, every single one of my neighbors were standing outside looking up at the sky as well. I know it looks like I messed up this picture, but my house really has two parts that look the same, that's the top of my house on the very left by the way.

My days have been consisting of work all day, and when I'm not working I'm skyping. I have no idea why the next two pictures are different sizes, because I took them both the same way, oh well. The first one is of 5 friends/old roommates still up in Rexburg. Probably my favorite part of this skype session is when Anissa opened up her window to yell at Alyssa outside to come up and skype with me. The second is with Ally and her sister Maddie. Seriously so much fun. Kelsey, I don't want you to feel left out, when we skype again, I'll get a picture of you too!

Maddie told me her sister's name is "Princess Ally", totally precious.

Smile List for April 25th, 2011

Winning this giveaway.
Receiving random texts of love.
Wearing scrubs to work seriously makes me feel legit.
Finally getting my graduation announcements ordered.
Having a little bit of time to blog. I love blogging.
Finding good music
Delilah's love songs at night, haha
My precious little nephew in his cute little Easter hat. K seriously isn't he the most beautiful baby ever? Yes.

Hope everyone had a great Monday!!

Thank you so much for taking time to read and follow my blog, y'all are the best!!

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T16:51:00.001-07:00

I just got home from a huge Easter feast at my grandparents house. Yum!!! My grandpa seriously makes the best potato salad I've ever had. He made it just for me today because it was the first time I'd been able to attend the family dinner in a few years. So now I'm laying here on my bed super full, and all I really want to do is take a Sunday nap. Oh how I miss those 4 hour Sunday naps I used to take at school. But I just think that 7 p.m. is a little too late for one.

So what did I do this weekend? Well...I laid out at the pool on Friday, played some Frisbee golf on Saturday as well as many hours worth of skyping, and I am not ashamed to admit I saw the Justin Bieber movie for the third time. It was in the dollar theaters, so how could I not?! Judge me if you wish, I don't care.

But tonight when I got home I got online and watched this video. I got the chills, it's so awesome, so I thought I would share it with all of you. Hope you all had a great Easter and that you took time to really think about its true meaning.

Food for thought:

Tell those that you love, that you do. Don't just assume that they know.

Thank you Technology

2011-04-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you technology, for allowing me to blog right this very second. Thank you for providing a way for me to chat face to face with my friends in different states. Thank you for my car that plays music really loud as I cruise down the highway. Thank you for my camera that can take pictures to help capture memories made. Seriously technology allows us to do everything.

You know what I think one of the greatest things is

Having a full tank of gas in the car.

I filled up my little old Toyota Corolla tonight because I was below empty.

I seriously don't know how that is even possible, but I'm not complaining.

I usually don't fill it all the way up because I just hate spending money on gas, especially when gas prices are as high as they are. But tonight I found a good deal, the cheapest I'd seen today, and I just went all out and filled it all the way up. I just loved driving home with the windows rolled down, the radio blaring with me singing at the top of my lungs and the sun setting.

It was just really great.

You know what else is really awesome? The invention of Skype.

And computers having web cams and microphones. I mean seriously, technology is a life saver.

Today I got to skype with Ally, and it was awesome. Seriously made my day a million times better! I'm in need of a skype date with Kelsey asap. Seriously, these girls make my life so awesome. They always are making me smile or laugh, they are the kind of friends every person needs to have. Seriously. They are bombdotcom. I am so blessed to know them. Ally and Kelsey, I love you both so much!

You know what else I have discovered?

I love video messaging I think more than voice texting.

It's just so awesome.

These are some of my dear friends from school that I just miss oh so much. But as Ally and I discussed today, we are so grateful that we lived it up this semester and had fun every single day. We took advantage and we had the best semester ever! Now as we look back on memories we have so many great ones to look at! I miss all these people so much, but I know that we have built lasting friendships, and that is awesome.

Meeting Hudson for the First Time

2011-04-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Meet my handsome nephew Hudson Cates...

I'm a little in love with his beautiful eyes, and that head of hair.

Today I had the privilege to visit my little nephew today

You may remember when I last blogged about this cute little guy, read it here.

Today his mom had him dressed up in a cute little outfit, I

snagged a picture when he fell asleep.

We were with him for a little over an hour, right before he fell asleep in the position above, his eyes were wide open and we just kept staring at me. It was so sweet, melted my heart :)

He's got the most beautiful eyes and a head full of hair. He's so handsome, and he's a fighter. So is his amazing mother Brooke. She's one of the strongest women I know, and I will never stop looking up to her. Today when I cam, she told Hudson he had to stay awake to meet his Aunt Melissa. Seriously I love her, and her whole family, and I'm grateful that they have made me a part of their family.

Tonight I got a text from Hudson's grandma Terry of him sleeping again...

Smile list for 4/20/11:

Meeting that adorable guy up there.
Being reunited with his mom and grandma, my adopted sister and mother :)
Cooler weather
My awesome mom turned 50 today, and brought home 3 huge cakes.
Voice texts from my favorite people ever, Kelsey and Ally.
Blogging two days in a row.
Feeling sore from a 2.5 mile run last night through the forest, legit.

Feeling needed and appreciated at work today.

Rain, Metaphorically and Literally

2011-04-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

As of lately I have been going going going non stop.

I really thought that being a college graduate would bring a little more "me" time into my life, and that it would be a little less stressful than the college life.

I was wrong.

Once I started working last week, I have had zero time to just sit and chill, and not much time to blog which has been killing me! I am so behind! Training at work has been nice, but it's also extremely exhausting. I come home every day completely drained of all energy. But that's ok, I know soon I will get the hang of things and hopefully it won't be as stressful. ALSO...my lovely 1990 Toyota corolla has been giving me some serious issues. After way too many trips to the local automobile part store, and more money than wanted spent fixing it up, as of this morning it is ready to drive safely and legally. Haha.

Today at work, we got a random hail storm. The tornado sirens started going off, and there was golf ball size hail falling from the sky. This is the second hail storm we've had this week. I think hail is freaky. Especially when it's 90 degrees outside. Welcome to Texas tornado season!

One last note. I love the rain. I'm that girl that will run around and play in the rain even if I have to do it alone. This last week, in my own life, there has metaphorically been a lot of rain just a falling on down. I've found that when I try to dance in the rain of "life", things usually go a lot better for me. Like the saying goes, "If life were easy, It wouldn't be hard."-Sherry Dew. There's always something we can learn from the rain. Find out what it is for you.

One more last note. I bought my first two pieces of the Texas OPI collection! They are called "Big hair, big nails" and "Don't mess with OPI". I love them. One is orangish/coralish and the other is green. I love them. And I plan on buying more as the summer goes on because I just can't get over how funny some of the names are.

Hope everyone is doing great! To my dear Rexburg friends, I miss you more than you know! Everyday of post-college life is oh so sad to me because I am not with y'all. SO thank y'all for being the great friends that you are and I look forward to being friends for the rest of our lives!!! Love you ALL!!!!

SMILE LIST as of recently

Reuniting with old friends
Warm Texas weather
Rain
A loving Heavenly Father
The best friends e.v.e.r.
Memories
Memories
Memories
Video messages

Work, Work, Work,

2011-04-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Let me just say the transition from the college life to real life has been interesting, but mostly very very exciting!

I am feeling better and better about being back home in Texas a little more every day. I know that I came back here for a reason, literally every little thing worked out for me. I've enjoyed spending quality time with my friends and family, and enjoying the beautiful Texas spring weather.

I'm grateful for the job I have, working in a field that actually is related to my degree. That makes me feel like the last four years of college were not a waste.

I work for a Chiropractor located 5 minutes from my house, so the commute is wonderfully short. I am working with the nutritional and wellness part of the clinic. It's only day 2 and I have learned so much. I am a bit overwhelmed because, well, training at any job is a little overwhelming at first. But I am feeling motivated to learn quickly and get the hang of everything. I am working full time, and one of my favorite parts is that I get to wear scrubs to work everyday!!! How awesome is that? It makes me feel legit.

I am also really lucky that I get to work with my best friend Aubrey, and that I am good friends with all of my other coworkers as well. It makes being at work fun and social as well as educational.

Well...my lunch break is done. Gotta head back to work. Hope you all are doing great!

Be kind to one another!!!!

XOXO

Graduation Weekend :)

2011-04-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

WELP.

It's been a while. I have so many thoughts I want to blog about, but I'm not sure I have the energy to write it all out. For starters, I graduated from college this last weekend, 4 days ago actually. It was an incredible experience. The whole time I had to keep asking myself "Is this real life?!", it was and still is so surreal.

The day before I graduated, my very best friend in the whole world came over with his fiancé to give me a little graduation gift. Well...I expected it to be little. They walk in with this cute little box, and I open it up, and what do I see? A brand new laptop box. I literally thought that there was something else in the box, and I just kept flipping the box over and over trying to figure out what it was. Yep. It was real. It was a computer. I stood up and said "Kelan Larkin, what is this?!", and he just smiled. The I looked at him and said "You're gonna make me cry!" I turned around and just let the tears come, and Kelan got all excited and said "Yes...mission accomplished." Seriously, best friends ever. I am still in shock.

And then they came to my graduation and made me feel all sorts of special.

The whole week leading up to graduation was an emotional one for me, I seriously could cry on demand.

As I started to unpack my room, and take down my pictures, I couldn't help but just start crying at the thought of leaving my life in Rexburg for good. It was really hard to say all my goodbyes because I made some really great friends this semester. I hate goodbyes. I always get so awkward and don't know what to say to people. I just have to try so hard to hold it together so that I don't just burst into tears. When I said goodbye to Kelsey and Ally, it was quick, but so sad for me. Those girls mean the world to me, and have quickly become some of my greatest friends.

So on graduation day, I was pretty emotional. My friend Kara came and said bye to me that morning and then I jumped in my mom's car to head to graduation. I stood in the gym in a line for a while before they had us walk into the auditorium. It still wasn't feeling real to me. But it was happening. I was standing there with all the other graduates in my cap and gown, and then it started to hit me. We then were led out of the gym to begin the walk into the ceremony. As we walked in, all of the professors were lined up along the wall and down the stair cases that we walked through, they were applauding us and giving us high fives as we walked by. It was a tender moment for me. I walked by all the health science professors that I've had over the last four years, and many of them know me, so when I walked by them they said "Congratulations Melissa!", that is when it really hit me. This was really happening.

The ceremony's were great, and the speakers were amazing. I walked across that stage, shook President Clark's hand for the last time, and finished my career at BYU-Idaho.

I got to graduate with many of my friends that I met way back in my first semester of school. Here is me with Glenna and Kelli, both girls were my roommates for many years.

That same day, my mom and I jumped in a packed full car to start the long drive back to Texas. We ended up taking the long way home because we wanted to stop in St. George and see my grandparents. So all in all it took us about 30 hours to drive all the way back, and I probably drove 97% of that. For most of the road you could see nothing but road for forever, boy am I glad to be back in the city...

On the way home we made a little stop at Jacob Lake, a little place up by the North Rim of the Grand Canyon that I worked at a few summers ago. I surprised one of the managers that was up there, I am really close with him and his family, they are some of my best friends. When I walked in through the door, he looked at me, and then looked at me again, totally in shock that I was there. We hugged, started talking, and then he just started crying, he said he just couldn't believe I was there.

Ok so can I just end with this? I loved being a student in the little town of Rexburg, Idaho. I had more life changing experiences there than anywhere else. And I had the amazing opportunity to meet the most incredible friends that I think I will ever have. My life was tremendously blessed because of BYU-Idaho. Like really, I can't even put into words how grateful I am for the opportunity to go there. I am the person I am today because of the last four years there. And that little town will always be a part of me.

This blog post is so long. Sorry. I'm done.

Just would like everyone to know that tomorrow is my first day of work, and I'm sure it will be blog worthy. So I'll be back.

I Never Thought This Day Would Come

2011-04-06T16:02:00.001-07:00

HELLO BLOGGERS!!!!!

I've really missed the blogging world for the last week or so. But now I can return because...

I'M DONE WITH COLLEGE!!!!!!

I just took my last final a few hours ago, and as I walked out to look at the screen to find out my score I saw to my surprise that I had gotten an "A" and it said right next to my score.."Well Done!!!"

Wow. That small phrase was the very best way I think I could end my career at BYU-Idaho.

It really just doesn't get much better than that.

To all of you wonderful bloggers who wished me good luck on finals,

Thank you so very much, you are all so thoughtful!

As I walked home today from the testing center, there was a mixture of emotions going through my mind. It finally hit me that I am done with college here. Weird.

I was happy, sad, excited, shocked, and speechless...or thoughtless all at the same time. I didn't know if I should laugh or cry...it was an interesting moment.

And then all the sudden it started to snow, but it was a different kind of snow, it was like confetti snow. It was kind of cool, I felt like Rexburg was congratulating me the best way it knew how.

So what now? G-R-A-D-U-A-T-I-O-N in 3 days. No big deal.

Ok ok actually it's kind of a big deal!

My mom started the long drive from Texas yesterday and will be here on Friday! Then we will attend all of the graduation festivities, and then I will say goodbye to Rexburg for forever probably. I'll pack all my stuff in the car, and my mom and I will make the long trek back to Texas from Idaho. Ally keeps telling me that drive is awful. I'm sure she's right, but it'll be nice to have a few days of one on one time with my mom.

Since it's been a while, I'll end with my smile list for this week:

Riding my scooter to class for the first time this semester. Yes, my razor scooter. Got there in 4 min. Awesome.
Closing ward social, and being acknowledged as a graduate, and receiving a really good "100 Grand" candy bar. They said they hoped my first pay check as a graduate was a hundred grand. Wouldn't that be nice?! haha
Having a sleepover with a bunch of girls that go to church with me, and being able to re-live the memories of staying up all night gossiping and having sleepover kind of fun.
Library partied EVERY DAY and EVERY NIGHT with some of my best friends up here
April fools day activities with Ally and Kelsey
Listening to the leaders of my church give some incredible talks at conference.
Having the best friends anyone could ever ask for this semester.
Becoming a graduate of this amazing school, Brigham Young University-Idaho

Life is a Little Crazy!

2011-03-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

Dear fellow bloggers!!!

I'm sorry to have been away for what feels like FOREVER!!!

But it is finals time here at school, and graduation is a tiny 9 days away.

So as a result...I have been a little busy.

Getting all those last minute projects in, studying for those big finals, spending my days and nights in the library, and spending lots of quality time with my dear friends has completely taken over my life lately!

I just really haven't had a whole lot of time to blog!

And I don't think I will get much time before graduation.

But I will be back to the blogging world after April 9th!!!

Hope you all are doing wonderful!

Keep smiling!!!

My 1st Blogging Award!!!

2011-03-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the awesome Ally of keepcalmcarryon and to SWEATshirtDRESSshirt for the Versatile Blogger award!

To receive the award I have to

1. Thank those who awarded me, done and done.

2. List 7 things about myself. Done down below.

3. Pass on the award to many other bloggers! Done.

Well...here's 7 things!

1. I secretly love to sing. My friends sometimes make fun of me for ALWAYS singing along to the radio or ANY song that is playing anywhere.

2. I one of those crazy prideful Texas girls. Born and raised the Texas way.

3. I graduate in two weekends. WHOA.

4. I'm the oldest of four kids.

5. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

6. Country music is currently my favorite.

7. I'm fairly new to blogging, and I love it.

Also...I pass this award on to several bloggers, you should check out their pages they are all great! Kelsey, Ally, and SSDS have already received the award, so here is a list of some other blogs that I just love!

There are more than ten...but I am running out of time!!!

Also, I found this ad in the SHAPE magazine yesterday. It's the Texas collection by OPI. And I just really want to own this whole collection of nail polish just because I'm from Texas. Here's the names of them from left to right. I think they are epic!

Austin-tatious Turquoise, Don't Mess with OPI, It's Totally Fort Worth It, I Want to Be A Lone-Star, Suzi Loves Cowboys, San Tan-tonio, Houston We Have a Purple, Do You Think I'm Tex-y?, Too Hot Pink to Hold Em', Guy Meets Gal-veston, Big Hair....Big Nails, and Y'all Come Back Ya Hear?

Well this weekend has been go go go all the time and it's only Saturday afternoon! But it's been so much fun so far. So my smile list isn't just for the day, but I'm going to make it a weekend Smile list!

Weekend Smile List:

-Seeing Savior of the World

-Laughs, smiles, and fun with my wonderful group of friends.

-Sharing our most awkward H&Q stories. I think Paige wins that one though.

-Being in the temple with my greatest friends at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning.

-Going to see a friend sing a solo, and all of us dressing up in our Sunday best, even though it wasn't required.

- Ally forgiving me once I fed her chicken nuggets and Kool Aid.

-The snow outside my window being almost completely melted.

-Going from acquaintances to friends.

-Just knowing that it's the weekend...holllaaa.

Well that's about it for now. I'd like to leave you with what the famous talk show host Ellen DeGeneres leaves her show with everyday.

"Be kind to one another!"

Smile list #1

2011-03-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

This week has been a long week.

Have you ever taken a test that you thought you were really prepared for?

Probably yes.

Have you every walked out of the testing center after the test feeling disappointed?

Probably yes.

I did both of these things today. But as I was walking down the stairs of the testing center, that's when my brain decided to remember all of the things that I was blanking on during the test.

Perfect timing.

Although I was pretty upset for a little while, I realized that one bad test isn't gonna kill me this semester.

I got a happy phone call from Ally today, and it totally turned my day around.

She had just received some good news, and was pretty eager to tell me.

Now, Ally is really sick this week, and I could hear it in her voice.

You know how people sound funny when they're all congested and stuff.

Haha, that was Ally today.

So I couldn't help but smile because she was so excited,

and was spitting out the story like a mile a minute.

So thank you Ally for your good attitude today, because it helped change my bad attitude :)

Every time I see a picture of the Dallas skyline, I get really homesick.

I mean look at this, it's beautiful. See that building with the lit up ball on top of it? It's called Reunion Tower. I've eaten dinner up there, and at night it's really cool because the ball slowly rotates, and you get an amazing panoramic view of downtown, and at night with all the lights, it's breathtaking.

After graduation in two weeks, I will be heading back to this great city.

Oh. Hollllaaaa.

Speaking of graduation, my friend Abby took some grad photo's for me.

Here is just a few of the many that she snapped.

Now I feel weird for posting so many pictures of myself...oh well...this is my blog.

So deal with it.

A long time ago I used to write "smile lists" for every day. It was just a little list of things or people that made me happy that particular day. For some reason, I stopped doing it. I want to start it up again because...it's just fun.

Smile list for March 22nd, 2011

Warm weather after a day of snow.
"This hurts so good" kind of run on the treadmill.
Being in the mood for spring cleaning just in time for pre white glove.
Dancing in the living room to a song on the radio as I cleaned.
Sleeping in
Kelsey Smith
Ally Mullin
The thought that I can crawl into bed right now and go to sleep :)

Goodnight all!

I'm done rambling for today! Hope everyone is having a splendid week!

Let The Good Times Roll.

2011-03-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

You may remember this photo...

It was the view out my window as I sat at my desk about 3 months ago.

I literally could not see over the snow mound,

And felt like I lived in an igloo.

Here's what it looks like today.

Pretty much all the snow is melted away.

And once again, I can see the parking lot,

And I no longer live in an igloo.

The thought of never playing in the snow outside of my apartment is a little sad because we really did have so much fun but you know what, it's ok because the thoughts of a warm sunny summer in Texas is on my mind now, and that beats all fun in the snow.

This weekend was birthday weekend for me, Kelsey, and like a million others. There are lots of march babies up here at the moment! It was quite the weekend full of fun, laughter, and smiles.

I feel truly blessed for all of the wonderful friends that I have been able to meet this semester. I have met so many amazing people who really make me happy everyday.

Graduation is quickly approaching, 19 days! And as exciting as that is, I've found myself getting a little bit sad because I really will miss Rexburg. I mean don't get me wrong, I won't really miss walking to school in terrible blizzards, and negative 40 degree temperatures, but I will miss the social atmosphere, and making so many wonderful friends that share the share my beliefs and continually lift me through their examples.

So let the good times roll, truly enjoy each day that you get wherever you are.

Our life is really a gift and we shouldn't let it pass us by without enjoying every day.

So smile lots, laugh often, and love always.

Spring Is In The Air!!!!!

2011-03-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

It sure has been a crazy week! But with this one over, it's one week closer to graduation!! And today the sun is out here in Rexburg, and the wind isn't blowing as hard as it has been all week, and the temperature out there is nice and warm!

AND I noticed on my walk to class this morning that the majority of the snow is melted. There was a guy out mowing the grass on campus, and for the first time in a long time I smelled the smell of fresh cut grass. Spring is here!!!! Hallelujah!

I turned 22 yesterday, and it was an awesome birthday filled with so much love from all of my wonderful friends and family, I truly feel so grateful for all of the amazing people in my life.

Today is my amazing friend Kelsey's 23rd birthday! She really is one of the most loving people I have EVER met, and I need to try to be more like her. Happy birthday Kelsey!!!

Earlier this week, my talented friend Abby Stanford took some graduation pictures for me. Here's a sneak peek on her blog of how some of them turned out! Thanks Abby, you are the best!

I'm excited for this weekend, it'll be nice to have a tiny break from school for a bit. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend!!

I Believe In Miracles

2011-03-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

I've never had an biological older sister, but the mom in these pictures is someone that I look up to as an older sister.

Brooke Cates has been a huge role model to me and one of my very best friends for a long time now. She always told me I was her little sister.

On February 27th, she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Hudson Cates. Hudson came about 4 weeks early, and was diagnosed with Hypoplastic left heart syndrome two weeks before he was born. He was to have 3 heart surgeries, the first being only a few days after his birth. It's been a long and hard road for the Cates family, but Hudson is still going strong.

Brooke and her husband Ryan have been updating friends and family on a website through Children's Hospital in Dallas. I've been keeping up daily, and it's been a long road of many MANY up's and downs. In the pictures above, you see Brooke and Ryan together holding Hudson. That was about a week after his birth and it was the fist time they were allowed to hold him. It was also the night before his first heart surgery. The last two pictures are of Hudson after his surgery. You can see stitches down his chest, but his beautiful eyes are finally open and he is doing really well today compared to the last week. Every day has been a huge blessing.

I know that God is blessing Hudson to be strong, as well as his family. He is still nowhere near being able to go home, and there lies a long road ahead, but I know that little Hudson will be ok. Everyday has been a miracle, so yes, I do still believe in miracles. In fact I pray for them daily. I know that Hudson is a miracle and we are so blessed to have so many wonderfully skilled doctors and nurses taking care of him. I can't wait to get back to Texas to meet my new little nephew.

Birthday Week!

2011-03-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

Remember going to birthday parties at places like this when were a kid?

Well...I went to a birthday party at a place exactly like this last night, the kid was turning 22 years old and this place was just as fun as it was when I was a kid.

The only thing that was a little difficult is actually getting out of the foam pit. I bet that was easier when I was a child, but it requires a lot of upper arm strength. Haha..and I now have carpet burn on my arms from trying to pull my body out of there.

Also...Remember that parachute game we used to play in elementary school? Played it last night for the first time since those earlier days. And once again, it was just as fun as it used to be. Don't y'all remember how awesome this game was?

In other news, I graduate in 27 days, and then it's back home for me where I will start work immediately! yay!!

Also, it's my birthday week. In 4 days I will be turning 22!

There's a Switchfoot song that I heard for the first time this week on my Mat Kearney Pandora station. It's kind of an emo song, but there was one line that fits me perfectly this week, "I was born this Thursday, 22 years ago." It's true...Thursday is my 22nd bday. Hollaaa!! It's also Kelsey's birthday this week, so bring on birthday week...again. I feel like there are so many March babies that we've already celebrated a ton this month!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!! Get excited for birthday week!!!

I love Kool-Aid

2011-03-11T15:33:00.000-08:00

This item was the best purchase I made all week, hands down.

This blog is going to be short because I'm tired.

But I just wanna say that I feel super lucky because I have really great friends.

One of my favorite things I just decided is that I love getting to know people.

I've met a lot of great people this semester, and I've loved really getting to know them.

Anyways, Ally put up another Vlog, it's epic, check it out here.

Goodnight All.

My Future is Becoming Less Scary

2011-03-09T13:15:00.000-08:00

In the last few weeks I have gone from being really freaked out about the big scary unknown after graduation, to being less freaked out and a little more excited for what it holds.

I have been blessed with a job opportunity back home that literally just came to me out of nowhere. I did my internship with a Chiropractic office that called me out of the blue a few weeks ago offering me a full time position. The timing couldn't have been more perfect.

So now, at least I know I have a job waiting for me, and that I can live at home in my favorite place ever, TEXAS!!! With each day that comes, I find myself more and more excited to return to my home town. I know that everything happens for a reason, and I just have a really good feeling about being back at home.

OH...and just FYI...graduation is only 30 DAYS AWAY!!!! Where did the semester go?? I really don't know. It's a little freaky/exciting.

I am making the long drive home from Idaho to Texas at the end of the semester. I have definitely never made that trip before. I'm excited though because Ally and I are driving there together! Talk about an epic road trip, if you're gonna be on the road for a few days you mine as well be doing it with a friend right? Right.

Well that's it for now, I'm off to find my motivation. Me and Kelsey are literally bored out of our minds here in the library at the moment, but we don't want to leave because it's too cold outside.

Happy Wednesday!

Laughter Really Is The Best Medicine.

2011-03-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

I've been laughing a lot lately.

But that is what happens when you have hilarious friends. And I do.

I mean, when we all get together, it really is time full of adventures, and laughter.

The kind of laughter where you can't breathe, your eyes have tears falling, and you're bent over or falling to the floor. This kind of laughter works miracles. It helps me forget how stressful school may be, or about life post graduation. Thank you Ally, Kelsey, and Brit for all the great memories lately!

Every one really needs to know that together, we are just hilarious. Probably the most hilarious group of friends I know of. Please take a look at Ally's post of our latest Vlog aka Video Blog. It's the 2nd video. Watch it.Love it. You should also watch the 1st video because it's hilarious as well.

I really can't stop watching it, and it makes me laugh every time. That video holds all the details you're going to get of our adventures last night.

Now go out there and enjoy life.

Laugh often, because it really is the best medicine :)

Have a great weekend all!

Lesson's Learned.

2011-03-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

The last four days have been full of nothing but fun and amazing opportunities to be taught and uplifted by several incredible people.

Saturday I had the opportunity to attend a regional Relief Society meeting with the speaker being Sister Julie B. Beck-General Relief Society President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I went with Ally, Kelsey, and Katie. She spoke for 2 hours at a meeting where all relief society sisters were invited to attend. It was an awesome and unique experience because she invited any sister to come and ask her a question, any question, and she answered all questions to the best of her ability. Every answer was so inspiring, and I learned so much.

After that meeting, we all went to eat lunch in the crossroads where Katie so graciously bought us all lunch. Spare no expense! haha. What a sweetheart!!! Then Katie, Ally, and I were all invited to go to a second meeting with Sister Beck that the relief society presidencies were invited to attend. Once again, she opened it up for questions, and so much more inspirational answers followed. I really am so grateful for the opportunity I had to attend. I feel so lucky to be in the relief society presidency at this time, so that I was able to be taught in person by the General Relief Society President of our church. It was an incredible opportunity, and I really learned so much.

The rest of our Saturday was just full of endless epic adventures and laughter :)

Sunday was wonderful as always. Fast and testimony meeting is always such a blessing, because I always learn so much from my peers and the strength in each of them.

Monday our ward had the opportunity to have FHE with President Clark. For those of you who don't know who that is, he's the president of this University. It was another Q&A session. And I really wasn't planning on going. I changed my mind last minute to attend, and I'm so grateful that I did. President Clark mentioned at the beginning that many of the questions that people may be prompted to ask will be beneficial for them of course, but also could be for the benefit for someone else. I had no idea that I would be one of those people that needed to hear the answers. I was blown away by the solid answers he provided. I was truly taught by the spirit.

But then my dear friend Ally stood up and asked a question. If I tried to write what she asked, I'd get it all wrong. I was too busy thinking of how great her question was and how I also really needed to hear the answer to it. The question was for those of us who were graduating, and she talked about how she was excited, but also terrified. And personally, I've been feeling the same way. I immediately turned to my friend Mike and told him to take good notes on this answer because I had forgotten to grab a pen and notepad.

The answer that President Clark gave left me in complete awe. His advice couldn't have been more perfect. I mean he left Ally in tears, and I was sitting there tearing up as well. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. For the last few weeks, I have really been stressing out and freaking about about life after graduation because it is less than 6 weeks away. And I knew that last night's council from President Clark was inspired and it was meant for me as well as all of the other soon to be graduates.

In summary, he told us not to fear, but to have faith because the Lord is on our side, and he walks with us. His legions of angels also walk with us. So we need to not fear the future or the unknown, but just have faith and let the Lord bless us. He shared with us an amazing scripture. Probably my new favorite. D&C 84:88. Read it. Love it. Share it.

Ally drove me home, and we talked about how amazed we were, and how grateful we were for his council. Then today at Devo when President Clark introduced the speaker, Ally turned to me and said "Oh hey, remember how awesome his message was last night?"

It was bomb. Life is good. And I really have no complaints. But I do have ten pages of notes from the last four inspirational days :)

Some Inspiration...

2011-02-24T16:39:00.000-08:00

In all of my Health Science classes we start off the semester watching this video. In many of my classes we have been taught and trained to create things such as health and wellness programs within our communities. Last semester I even had the opportunity to create and build a health and wellness program from scratch for the city of Rexburg. It was an amazing experience. So this video has always been very inspirational for me.

I had to watch it again today, because with graduation quickly approaching and me facing the unknown, I needed some inspiration.

This video reminds me that somebody as small and insignificant as myself, can make a difference in this world. I may not think I'm very creative, but in the Lord's eyes I am, and He has faith and confidence in me, and that is all I really need.

So to those select few that read this blog

Have confidence in yourself, because YOU can change the world.

Becoming a Skilled Decision Maker.

2011-02-20T17:06:00.000-08:00

I went to a pretty awesome Forum earlier this week. The speaker was Governor Mike Leavitt, former governor of Utah. He told us that making decisions is a process of learning and gave us ten different steps to become a skilled decision maker. And it was good for me because I ALWAYS struggle with making big decisions. Several big decisions face me at the moment, so it was helpful.

Define a good outcome-define in principles, not in specifics
Write it down, there is power in writing decisions out in detail
Find the big gears, and they will allow you to turn the little gears.
Shrink the uncertainties-examine and define them, and they will disappear
Examine your biases
Council with others who have experience
When you start to feel frozen, make small incremental decisions
Decide to decide-just do it.
Have a plan-decide what to do and how to do it
Spiritually confirm for decisions in spiritual and temporal life

I know I will be trying to put these ten steps to the test, and we'll see what happens.

In other news, this long weekend have been absolutely lovely. Rexburg has kind of emptied out and it's been so nice to have a relaxing quiet weekend. I've been able to catch up on lots of homework, laundry, and SLEEP!!! yay. Last night I went with some friends to watch the NBA All star Slam Dunk contest, which was pretty awesome. When it ended we went outside to leave and everything was covered in so much snow. When we had driven there just a few hours earlier everything was completely clear, and all the snow and ice had pretty much melted. WELL...it continued to snow the rest of the evening and all through the night. When I woke up at 6:45 this morning, I looked out the window and was shocked to see how much snow was outside my window. CRAZY.

Even more crazy, church started at 9:00 this morning, and at 9, I was the ONLY one in our Relief Society room. So we combined with the other R.S. and only had about 14 girls total. And then we combined all three of our Sunday school classes, I'm pretty sure there was less than 40 people in our ward that came to church today. Gotta love these holiday weekends.

Hope everyone has a nice holiday tomorrow!

I've been a little busy.

2011-02-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

Probably my favorite class that I have ever taken here at BYU-Idaho is my practical homemaking class. I chose it as a "filler" class this semester because I just needed a few more random credits to graduate. We do 3 rotations:4 weeks each of sewing, cooking, and interior design.
I made this pillow, I am pretty proud of it.

Homework assignment #1-smoothie. Purple cow. But I used guava rather than grape..so peach cow?

Homework assignment #2- White sauce. I made southern sausage gravy over biscuits.

Homemade mac and cheese

Taco Braids. Yum.

So I've been a little busy in the kitchen, but it's been fun.

This long weekend, me and my cooking assignments will be spending some quality time together.

Why?

2011-02-15T20:02:00.000-08:00

Why do I feel like I have writer's block, or blogging block? I just really don't know what to write.
Why do I still have NO idea where I will be living in two months? That's a problem.
Why do my roommates tease me for riding my scooter around the apartment to each of their rooms?
Why do I feel the need to sleep ALL the time?
Why do I live in a place where I consider 40 degrees to be a heavenly temperature?
Why have I lost all motivation to do anything related to school?
Why do I feel like this semester is just flying by?
Why did I justify EVERYTHING yesterday with "oh it's valentines day, it's fine."?
Why can't I sleep without sleeping spray?

Why am I craving running right now? Give me those endorphins.

Why haven't I eaten dinner yet? It's 9:18 p.m.

Why am I two weeks behind on Gossip Girl?

Who even knows.

All I know is, I should probably stop asking so many "why" questions.

So here are some things I am sure of.

I do love Rexburg, and today's epic warm weather.

I do feel so grateful for my life.

I do love Country music.

I do know that the Church is absolutely true.

I do feel super lucky to have so many amazing friends all over the place.

I do love chocolate.

I do admit to being one of those crazy prideful Texans, don't mess.

I do look forward to one day, not being single on Valentines Day.

I do realise that I am so lucky to be at this school.

I do love living right across the street from the temple.

I do love the song "My Shepherd will Supply my Need."

I do plan on going for a run immediately.

I am happy, because I really have a great life :)

R-E-S-P-E-C-T!!!

2011-02-09T20:31:00.000-08:00

Well it sure has been quite an interesting few days...

but right now, at this exact moment I am feeling pretty awesome.

I will thank this euphoric feeling to the intense run I just went on.

3 miles....straight up running without stopping. That's a big deal for me.

Probably one of the most awesome things happened while I was just running along, my ipod dropped, and this caused it to shuffle again. Suddenly I was running to Aretha Franklin's RESPECT. Haha, it took all of my conscious effort not to bust out and sing along.

Here's a little shout out to my besties, Kelsey and Ally. Seriously, you girls...just rock.

Ally. This morning I awoke to some advice from Ally that just changed my attitude about the whole day: Just remember, "Come what may and love it". That along with her checking to see how my day was going later on just really made me feel loved and awesome. Actually, this whole week she has been such an amazing friend, constantly supporting me and making me feel better about everything. Thank you Ally, I love you.

Kelsey. I walked upstairs last night, and Kelsey immediately walked up to me and gave me a big heartfelt hug for my rough day. We always have epic library parties, like literally every day. We're such great students. Sometimes we take breaks but only for lunch in the crossroads, or free cotton candy. Today she called me to tell me a computer was open right next to her, and some girl just came and stole it as I was walking over there. I just had to laugh. Or like the time she texted me from a few computers away to tell me to check out this hilarious website when I got bored. Haha. She makes me feel loved and happy every day as well. Kelsey, I love you too!

I really am so blessed to have such kind, and genuine friends. Like I really just don't know how I'd get through this semester without them and the fun times we have together, on a daily basis.

Also, now that we have all have matching friendship bracelets, we're legit.

A Weekend to Remember!

2011-02-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

Well...it has been a while. A week actually. Way too long in the blogging world.

I really had a fantastic weekend. Everyday was just epic.

Friday. I got out of class at 12:30 and was done for the day. Ally and I decided to go to lunch because we both got out at the same time. We drove down to Idaho Falls because we were craving some Panda Express. It was such a fun little trip out of town, and Ally and I had lots of interesting conversations. Ally, let me just say that I'm so glad we became the type of friends that talk about more than just our favorite T.V. shows :)

We also needed to go visit lovely Kelsey at her new job at Albertsons, we snuck a few pictures of her in action, and tried some of the interesting samples she was passing out. Haha. She's just the cutest little sample person I've ever met.

Saturday. I got up at the crack of dawn to head down to Utah for the day with my roommates and some of our FHE brothers. We left at 6:45 a.m. and got to Provo at about 11:00. We ate at this heavenly restaurant called Tucano's. Let me just say, if you've never eaten there, you should eat there soon. It was seriously PURE BLISS. I've never been so full in my life.

After lunch we headed over to the BYU Basketball game

It was my first BYU game ever, and I will be honest and say it far exceeded my expectations. I LOVE basketball. It is my all-time favorite sport. I played it all through middle school, and most of high school. I love it. And yesterday made me miss the experiences I had with my high school basketball team. I really didn't expect this BYU game to be as exciting as it was. I've been to plenty of Dallas Mavericks games back home, and I feel that this college level game was just as, if not more exciting as the NBA games. Needless to say, I was impressed.

After the game I started the long trip back to Rexburg with my friends Adam and Mike. We stopped in Salt Lake to see my old roommate Alyssa. It was so so so fun to see her again, although I wish I could have snatched her and brought her back with me!

We kept driving, making another stop at the Lava Hot Springs in Idaho. It was pretty freezing up there, but boiling hot in the hot springs. Me and Mike and Adam relaxed there for about an hour, and then started to feel a little out of it. The hot water does things to you, makes you not feel to well. So we left at about 10 p.m. to finish the 2 hours we had left in the drive back to Rexburg. Let me just say, this day was the longest day of our lives. We all were completely exhausted, this made the rest of the drive really difficult.

In order to stay awake, we all had to sing every song on the radio, and then on a C.D. as loud as we could. I noticed the closer we got to Rexburg, the louder and more off key we started singing because we were really struggling to stay awake. I felt like I had been hit by a truck, and all I wanted to do was sleep. But for our safety, I joined in the sing along and tried to help them stay awake as well.

We finally made it back safely, and I don't think I've slept as hard as I did last night in a long time.

Sunday. Well that is today. I struggled in getting out of bed, but luckily made it to church on time. It was worth it. Church today was amazing. And I was thoroughly impressed with every one's lessons and testimonies. And now it's time for my Sunday nap. And then...SUPER BOWL!!!!

The Best of the Best.

2011-01-30T22:53:00.000-08:00

Meet my very best friends in this whole entire world...

Kelan Thomas Larkin

Kelan and I were born and raised in the same town, and we were in the same ward from the time we were little babies to the time I left for college. We've been best friends forever. Words can't even describe how grateful I am for him, and the experiences we've had. He has always been there for me, and has always been unimaginably genuine and caring. And I am SOOO excited for him and his adorable fiance, Kalie.

The night before Kelan left for his mission, also the night I returned from a semester at BYU-I.

The surprise reunion in the airport when he returned from his mission to his new home, Virginia.

Our adventures continue today at BYU-Idaho, and here I am dying his hair black. haha.

Tyler Newton Marshall

I met Tyler when I was only 11 years old. We immediately hit it off. Haha, he had a secret crush on me, which he made very obvious. It didn't take long before we became an 'item'. Tyler was, in all honesty, my first love. We dated on and off for about 6 or 7 years. Before I left for college in Idaho, he moved to Washington state, and we decided no on the long distance, and that we were just better as friends. When they say you can't be friends with your ex's, they were wrong. Tyler and I have been best friends our whole lives, and we still are. He is still the one I turn to with every worry or concern. He knows me probably better than anyone and I am so grateful that we have been able to remain the best of friends. And I am so happy for him and his beautiful wife, Julia.

Tyler was my date to pretty much every high school prom, dance, you name it. Here's Mormon prom.

This was for Homecoming my senior year, guess my mom just loved taking our pics in the backyard. haha.

Summer '07, dinner at Reunion Tower in downtown Dallas.

These types of friends really are so hard to come by, I really don't know how I got so lucky.
I know that we will always be a part of each other's lives, and I look forward to the future memories. And I will forever cherish the memories already made.

Ok so they are a little protective, maybe a lot.

Random Thoughts Of The Day.

2011-01-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

We just got back from the gym, so my brain is refreshed and clear, clearly the perfect time to blog! My roommates and I have been pretty faithful about going and working out everyday together, I love that they go because it gives me motivation to go. And in going, I get to take out every frustration of the day on the treadmill, and its just awesome.

But we learned a lesson today, DON'T SKIP A WORKOUT!

We didn't go yesterday because I was on a super fun group date that you can read about here! So we all went together tonight, and got our butts kicked. Seriously.

The other night we came home, and Channing showed us a new stretch.....

..haha she calls it the cheerleader stretch.

And that would be me over there hidden in corner.

ANYWAYS...

Tonight I was walking home from the library, and it was dark. Usually I try to avoid walking in the dark in the winter due to the ice and freezing weather, but tonight it couldn't be avoided. Fortunately it wasn't too terribly cold outside. I walked by the Taylor building and it was all lit up...clearly this pic is old because now the ground is covered in snow.

And my mind took me back to one night during my very first semester of college, when I lived in the lovely dorms. Haha, it was about 4 years ago now. But that night I seemed to be having a mid-life crisis. Or at least what a typical 18 year old girl would consider a mid-life crisis. Right behind that wall of the building is a nice little chapel. My dorm was literally a one-minute walk from this building, and I remember coming and sitting in this chapel one night trying to find some answers and some comfort.

It will be a night that I will never forget, these words came to my mind:

"Melissa, draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you."

Even though it was 4 years ago, that memory still is so vividly clear in my mind.

Also as I got closer to home, I saw this:

This picture was taken by my Humanities/Book of Mormon professor, Brother Rick Davis my freshman year, and he kindly emailed it to us.
I love it.

Seeing this at night, all lit up at the top of the hill, always makes my heart melt a little bit.

Let me end with a few highlights from my day:

Ally running out of her apartment with a pan of burning chicken, resulting in the whole parking lot smelling like chicken. Hahaha, I love you Ally, and your cooking skills.
Alyssa voice texting me and calling me a name I won't repeat, in a joking matter of course.
Library parties with Kelsey and Ally.
Coming home from school, to a wonderful, home-made piece of cake, Yum.

Me=Mom of the apartment

2011-01-25T17:39:00.000-08:00

Last night I took my roommates out for a night on the town....aka...the new and improved BYU-Idaho Gym.

It was fun to act as the trainer for them as I showed them how to use the machines, and how to fill up their water bottles in the cool new water fountains, haha.

Fact- I am the oldest and shortest roommate of this apartment, so that clearly makes me mom.

So we came home in better moods than we were when we left due to those lovely endorphins. And we sat around the table, all 6 of us, which is a first for this group of roomies. We got to talking somehow about how we were inspired this last Sunday at church to start having roommate prayer at night. So...last night we started doing that.

Then, I started acting like a real mom when I brought out my One-A-Day women's vitamins, one for each of my roommates and I.

Well it's time to go the gym again, the roommates are ready.

Just Give Into The Sunday Nap

2011-01-23T17:09:00.000-08:00

I sat down to blog like 4 hours ago, I had the mindset of

"I'm not going to take a Sunday nap today, I'm gonna be productive."

Well that didn't happen, I couldn't for the life of me think at all of something to blog about. So I decided to go try to finish The Hunger Games because I'm literally SOOO almost done.

I got through maybe 2 pages before I was completely asleep. I could not fight the Sunday nap. No matter how hard I try to fight it, I can not hide from my body's need for this glorious event.

I can say that I now feel refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of this beautiful day. My 307 girls went and made themselves popular, so I'll be attending, along with pretty much the rest of Rexburg, their social event tonight.

My goal for the night: Become popular too. Hahaha

David Archuleta = My Inspiration

2011-01-20T22:39:00.000-08:00

He is just OH SO FINE. Seriously, he is amazing.

Today I was at the gym (2nd day in a row might I add, pretty impressive for me), I'm running on the treadmill, still feeling a little sore from yesterdays workout. I started to doubt that I could finish my run, when all the sudden, this song of David's comes on my ipod.

It's like magic, it instantly inspires me to keep running.

So thank you David for inspiring me to get my workout on tonight!

Marry me please?

It's really late, and I should totally be asleep. But I just wanted to say that I've been feeling a little "blah" lately. And I found the cure(s):

1. Exercise. Gotta love those endorphins! I feel like a different person.

2. Amazing friends. I really feel blessed this semester with all of the wonderful friends that I have made here and everywhere. It's the little things like a text, phone call, voice text, skype date, a smile, a laugh, a hug, and just being there that make my days so great. So to those friends, thank you for taking the time to be a friend. It seriously means the world to me.

OH. P.S. I am on a recreational basketball team here at school!!!! I'm so so so SO so excited. Let's just hope that I still got my skills. haha.

>3 months

2011-01-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Today I had a realization.

Well not really a realization, because I'm very aware of it, but a reminder.

I was sitting in my Drugs class when my teacher started talking about stuff he was going to change for his classes starting next semester, then it was if a light bulb went off right above me. Duh Melissa, it doesn't affect you because hello you won't be here next semester. Because you are GRADUATING in like....less than 3 months. Freaky.

The thought that I'm actually not going to be returning to Rexburg is so awesome, but will take some getting used to.

I had an interview for a job in Alaska for the summer, and I'm scheduled to have a second interview very soon. I'm pretty excited for that so hopefully it happens! But that is as far into the "planning the rest of my life" that I've done. I'm OK with not having any for sure plans right now, because I know that everything that is supposed to happen will.

My roommate came home from her long weekend with a neck full of hickeys, hahaha. I don't even know her very well yet, but that couldn't keep me from calling her out on it in front of everyone at the kitchen table. Hahaha, can you say word vomit?! It just came out. Lucky for me, she just laughed. Ally came over not too long after I discovered the hickeys, and she was talking to all the roommates the table, I tried to very slyly get Allys attention and point out the hickeys while my roommates head was down. Hahaha, all the sudden, "Yes Melissa, thank you for showing Ally my hickeys."

Caught. Oh well...she got show and tell time with her RS pres and the roomies. Hahahaha.
And I just walked into the vanity to find my roommate holding an ice cold spoon to her neck, all she said was "THEY WON'T GO AWAY!!!" hahaha.

If You've Got It, Flaunt It!!!

2011-01-17T22:38:00.000-08:00

Best Movie/Soundtrack -Country Strong. Seriously, watch it, then get the soundtrack.

Meet my really awesome friend Stephanie...She reads through dictionaries at Thrift Stores, and I look for Grey's Anatomy Trivia games. Best $1.06 I've ever spent.

She was kind enough to let me come spend the long weekend with her in Spokane, Washington!!! It was so much fun, I'd never been there before, so she took me to all the sites to see. It was such a fun weekend. Here are some new found things that I learned about Steph this weekend...

Steph spills all the best details of her life while going through a car wash. Seriously, best conversation. Hahaha
Sunday's consist of eating so much food that you think you're going to explode, and then passing out for a "20 minute nap" on the couch, in front of the best reality shows, and waking up 3 hours later. hahaha.
Upon waking up, you are still so full from the wonderful home cooked meal, thanks to Steph's mom. There is only way to deal with this overwhelming feeling of fullness, a walk around the block, in the dark is REQUIRED. (beware of creepy, tail-less cat and the huge tumbleweed)
Steph is a little jumpy, I scared her literally every time I walked by her bedroom, and she screamed..every time. Her dad and the creepy cat from above made her scream too, epic.
Steph and I are way more alike than I thought we were. I can't count how many times I said "Oh my gosh I'm the same way!".
Steph REALLY has a thing for Disney movies and music. Especially, Finding Nemo. That's all I'm going to say about that. ;)
Steph is an early bird, she goes to bed early and wakes up early. WELL...I'm the COMPLETE opposite. So I seriously threw her sleeping schedule off...a lot...this weekend. Sorry bout that...haha.
Steph has a thing for Cowboys and country music, just like me.
Steph is very proud of her Fur coat. I'm actually really jealous of it. She told me she'd rather have one than help out the poor kids in Africa. Hahahaha, but I'm pretty sure that comment was due to her tiredness from ME keeping her up too late.
And last but not least, Steph is one of the kindest, generous, caring, and sincere individuals I have ever met. And I'm so grateful to be able to call her a friend and to have spent this weekend with her and her amazing family. Thanks Steph :)

Sonic samples, Grape cream slush's! Gotta love Happy Hour!!

Freezing.

2011-01-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

This is LITERALLY what it looks like out my bedroom window when I sit down at my desk. Due to my extreme shortness, I can not see over the mound of snow into the parking lot. I'm kinda hoping that at some point the snow will cover my window so I'll seem to be living in an igloo.

Also, I've grown to really hate my window. Because no matter how hard I shut it, this icy cold draft continues to seep through it. So I decided to hang up my Texas blanket over my entire window to block out the coldness. It worked. But now I really look like one of those crazy prideful Texans....but maybe I am.

And yes, that is a Texas license plate up there. See...maybe I am a little prideful. Oh well, at least now I am warm.

Lazy Weekend.

2011-01-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

Yes. I have had a very lazy weekend, and I'm TOTALLY OK with it. I have gotten some homework done, grocery shopping, and I've had plenty of Grey's Anatomy marathon time.

It's been legit.

I've also found myself spending most of my time with the lovely ladies of 307. Seriously thank you Ally and Kelsey for letting me party with y'all pretty much everyday. I especially love getting voice texts at 2:30 in the morning asking me to come watch Grey's. Hahaha, we are awesome.

Also, I pretty much think Skype is the greatest invention ever.

Last First Day of School!!!

2011-01-05T23:04:00.000-08:00

You can't really see, but the sign says something along the lines of "today is my last first day of school!" Can't believe the day is finally here. I'm a big kid now. I took it by the Clarke building sign because my major is Health Science which puts the majority of my classes in the Clarke building. So pretty much, we go way back.

STeph, you can't really see my real outfit cuz I'm wearing that coat (sorry, but dude it was FREEZING!).

Now I must sleep, I need to fix my sleeping schedule because it is jacked.

Also, turns out I know 10 months ahead of time exactly what I'm going to be for Halloween. As Steph would put it, "You're going to be my dog." Thank you. Hahahahahaha. I'm going to be a dalmatian puppy, one of the 101. Steph is going to be Cruella Deville, and I get to be one of the pour puppy's. Now I just need to pick a name. Hahaha. OK goodnight all....it's clearly past my bedtime.

1/1/11

2011-01-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO Y'ALL!!!! I figured I just had to blog on this day, hellooooo....1/1/11. An epic day indeed.

I hope that everyone partied, and enjoyed their holiday season! I followed the tradition of going to the YSA dance with my girlfriends, Ally literally laughed at me when I told her about going to the dance. That's ok though, because I am POSSIBLY going to be joining her in NYC next year to be at the new years eve celebration on Times Square! How awesome would that be?!

Also, I'm making several personal goals for this new year. One of those is to read more, so I picked up a new book today, The Hunger Games (thank you Ally for the suggestion) and am going to start reading right after I finish this post.

I leave in 3 days to return to the Arctic lands of Rexburg for my last semester of college. Graduation is officially happening this year. April 8th to be exact. Kinda crazy and exciting at the same time!!!!

Being home has been great, but I am definitely ready to go back. Time to start having a busy, normal life again. I've been living a very lazy life for the last few weeks and as nice as it's been to relax and unwind, it's time to go back to the craziness!!!

Out with the old, in with the NEW!!!!

2010-12-31T09:58:00.000-08:00

First off, shout out to Stephanie for the new header and layout! Thank you SOOO much!

Well, here it is! The last day of 2010. I can't believe this day is actually here! I've been thinking a lot the last few days about many of the experiences I had this year, different lessons learned and such.

Now I could go on and on with all the things that I learned this year, but I really don't know where to even start! So I will just say that the most important thing that I really came to believe this year was this phrase, Everything happens for a reason. It really does. I've always heard that phrase tossed around like a salad, but this year I truly came to believe it.

I kinda feel that I've about a million and one learning experiences, and now, I'm ready to take on what 2011 might bring.

Let's hope that it brings good things!!! A job? Good money? Love??! Laughter? Happiness? Good friendships?! Fun times? Yes I hope for all these things.

Also...I love music. This might be embarrassing for me to admit, but the other day I was driving alone, and a great song came on, and I turned it up so loud that I couldn't hear my self sing at the top of my lungs. It was a great moment. So here's a fun music video of the top 25 pop hits of 2010, all mixed together. Love it.

And I'll finish with this.

Deep thoughts over the fire...

2010-12-27T21:32:00.000-08:00

First of all...as of today, I am now officially facebook friends with David Archuleta. This makes today monumental.

I just got back from a bonfire with some friends. Have you ever noticed how when your sitting there, looking into the flame, you can't help but contemplate your life??? It happens to me every time.
So what was the topic of my thoughts tonight? The past year...2010, and um how it's a few short days from being OVER. I have mixed feelings about it.

But I'm mostly happy it's over, grateful for the MANY lessons learned, and excited for the upcoming year. But seriously, as I sat there and thought of the many lessons learned this year, tons of memories of different experiences and different people came to mind. I realised how much I learned about: Heartbreak, true happiness, old friendships, new friendships, myself, my faith, my dreams, and change. I know we all experience this kind of stuff, and around this time of the year we all start thinking about how we want to change our lives and stuff.

I will be graduating in 4 months, and people keep asking me..."So what are your plans after you graduate?". Can I just say, I really hate this question. Because after I tell people "I'm not exactly sure yet." They all look at me and laugh, like I've wasted the last four years of my college experience. Truth is, I think it's OK to now know exactly where you want to go with your life after you graduate. Maybe I just think that to make myself feel better...either way, it works for me. Y'all wanna know my plans? Hahaha, I wanna go to Alaska and make some money this summer and after that? Who knows. We'll cross that bridge when it gets here.

So...what direction will this year take me? I am pretty excited to find out.

Christmas time is here :)

2010-12-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas with their families! Texas has been treating me well with all its shopping, and warmth, and time with family and friends. Happy Christmas Eve Y'all!

David Archuleta is my future husband.

2010-12-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

After a long and tiresome finals week, I am home in Texas for the holidays!!! This weekend was one of the most amazing weekends I've had all semester! I had the amazing opportunity to attend the dedication of the new BYU-Idaho Center, and the re-dedication of the Manwaring center. We were privileged to hear from President Eyering, Elder Bednar, and Elder Nelson. The choir and orchestra preformed my most favorite hymn ever, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing", and it seriously gave me the chills.

I also had the opportunity to go down to Utah with my roommate Alyssa. We got to Salt Lake and decided to go stand in the standby line for tickets to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert in the Conference center, featuring the one and only DAVID ARCHULETA!!!!! There were about 150 people in front of us in line by the time we got there, but we decided to stick it out and see what happened. The workers kept coming down and telling us how slim our chances were of getting in. Then all the sudden, this cute little old couple came to our section on the line, they said they had 4 tickets they were willing to give away. I told them I only needed 2 tickets, and they gave them to me! Alyssa and I were shocked by how amazing our seats were!!! We were nearly all the way down on the floor level. And the concert was amazing, David Archuleta just doesn't know it yet, but we're so getting married one day.

Afterwards we went to see the lights on temple square for the first time in our lives. It was breathtaking for sure.

Seriously, I love the temple.

And I saw this video last year, and I just had to share. Gets me every time. I hope everyone has a great Christmas!

Snow, Finals, and lots of Caffeine

2010-12-13T19:40:00.000-08:00

So...We've been playing in the snow QUITE a bit lately. But I'm OK with it because...well helloo...I practically live in a snow globe, so mine as well make the most of it right?! Right.

In other news, it is finals week, and of course it is stressful. I have realised how very grateful I am for caffeine! Also, I just got set apart as the 2ND counselor in the Relief Society. I'm pretty excited to serve in this calling, also kind of nervous, but I know this will be a great opportunity.

I had a neat experience on Sunday, I was getting a blessing being set apart for this new calling, and my testimony was strengthened so much through the comforting words spoken. There were some things that were said that were a direct comfort to me in ways that the Bishop and his counselor probably had no idea about. So...pretty much, I'm grateful for the power of the priesthood and the amazing gospel that I have been blessed to have in my life.

OH. And Steph, I'm so excited for our scooter gang and our future scootering adventures all around the world. Hahaha.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

My most embarrassing moment.

2010-12-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

Last night my roommates and I decided to go on a midnight run to the gas station to stock up on caffeine for the rest of the week. My roommate told me she'd call me when they were outside so I could just run outside the apartment and jump in the car. WELL...the phone rang...and she told me to come out. SO. I assumed they were sitting out there waiting. I ran out of the apartment, saw a black car sitting out there with the lights on. Ran up to it, pulled on the handle of the back door. It was locked. I looked into the front seat...and the window rolled down. It was some random person that I didn't even know. She politely said "I think you have the wrong car?". I WAS SOOOOO EMBARRASSED!!! Of course my roommate and my friends pulled up just in time to see the whole thing happen. They sat there and laughed at me as I walked away from the other car.

What a night it was. ALSO...I almost managed to burn down my apartment earlier last night. I think I'm loosing my mind or something.

But that's why I went to the gas station and came away with a two-liter bottle of Mountain Dew ($1), and a few cans of Monster ($1.50 each). This week should be oh so fun. Then I'm off to Texas for the holidays (Priceless).

Wheat thins and sugar cookies

2010-12-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

Today I took my friend Aubrey down to the shuttle bus to send her back to Texas. I had a great great time with her here, but managed to get way behind in all my homework. So why am I sitting here blogging? Because I don't know where to start with homework, so I figured this was a good place to start.

This song currently is on repeat , I'm not sure why, I just love it at the moment. I'm hoping it'll motivate me to work on school stuff.

I generally feel pretty lazy today, very lazy actually. My roommate and I are just sitting here eating frosted sugar cookies, and wheat thins.

Also, I read something about summer jobs in Alaska in the Scroll today. My roommate Alyssa and I are strongly considering doing it. I don't have any other plans, and I've never been to Alaska...so it makes perfect sense right?! haha.

I'm headed back to Texas in 11 days for the Christmas break!!! I'm excited, but I honestly think I'm just way more excited to be done with this semester. 17 credits is way too much, never again. Luckily, winter semester will be full of fun classes and WAY less stress!! yay!!

OK I believe I'm done rambling now. Peace out.

A learning lesson FOR SURE.

2010-12-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

So last night, I was out in the snow running around with my friends Aubrey and Kelan. We were attempting to push each other down in the snow and random stuff like that. When all the sudden Aubrey was flinging the snow off her hands...and BAM her ring was gone. It just happens to be a REALLY nice, expensive ring. So here we are standing in about 3 feet of soft fresh snow, and the ring is nowhere to be seen. So the three of us start looking...and we keep looking for about 15 minutes. We all started to lose hope, I know I was for sure. When all the sudden, Kelan says "I know this maybe might sound really cheesy, but maybe we should pray?". We all decided he was right, so we stood there in the snow, right in front of my apartment, circled up while he said a little prayer.

Literally 30 seconds after he said amen, he found the ring. Buried in about 3 feet of snow in one of our footprints.

I know it was just a little ring, and just a tiny experience, but I was blown away by it. We were all so blown away that we just stood there, kinda in shock. I'm such a sap now days, and I had to fight back the tears. haha. But yes...lesson learned for the day for me kinda went a little like this "Melissa, you already know this, but hello...prayer works. Don't forget."

:)

2010-12-02T13:12:00.000-08:00

My best friend Aubrey is coming to visit me TODAY!!!! I'm beyond excited. She'll be here for 5 days and it's going to be SO SO SO fun. I don't think she's ever experienced real snow, aside from the fake snow in Texas, so she is about to be blown away. For real. Because this snow, is just absolutely out of control.

Anyways, I'm starting to feel a little bit overwhelmed due to the many deadlines for school in the next two weeks. If only I can get through the last of this semester, next semester will be pretty simple, and then......GRADUATION!!! Woohoo. 5 months. Then what? Who even knows.

I'm feeling grateful.

2010-11-29T23:20:00.000-08:00

I didn't get a chance to write on Thanksgiving, but after being able to spend the last week at home, I have a heart full of gratitude.

I'm grateful for

A loving relationship with my amazing mother.
My best friend Aubrey.
The Gospel. Can I just expound on that for a second? This week really opened up my eyes to how very important the gospel is to me. I think sometimes it's easy to become so busy with our lives that we forget or lose sight of the blessings that come to us everyday from our loving Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. I'm grateful to know that I have a Heavenly Father that loves me and is willing to help me and guide me in everything. I honestly do not know what direction my life would be going in without the knowledge that I have been blessed with of this true Gospel.
The opportunity to attend BYU-Idaho.
The amazing friends that have come into my life in the last four years as a result of being here in Idaho. There have been many that have touched and changed my life for the better.
Right now, an apartment that has heat, and a nice comfortable bed to sleep on. Haha. But seriously...

Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving Break!

It feels like summer...

2010-11-24T14:33:00.000-08:00

Well...here in Texas it feels like summer. Everyday I've been here, it's been 80 degrees or warmer. Pure Heaven!

I have a roommate who is still up in Rexburg, and has to spend the whole week there alone. So sad. But look at this picture, I've never EVER seen it like this outside our apartment. This is right by the staircase looking out to the parking lot. It scares me because it's only fall!!!! AHHHH what am I gonna do.

I'm excited because...

2010-11-18T21:34:00.000-08:00

I'M GOING TO.....

I'm pretty excited to see my best friend ever...Aubrey. A huge bummer though is that she's going to Florida and will be gone pretty much the whole time I'm home. I'll get to see her less than a day before I head back to school.

I'm the oldest of four kids, and my little brother Sam is probably the only other sibling that will be there, good thing he's my favorite.

I'm heading out tomorrow...good thing because my roommates are in some SERIOUS need of a break from each other. 2 out of the 6 of us were NOT involved in the yelling fest that took place tonight, I'm proud to say I was one of the 2. They call me Switzerland.

I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving Break!!!

Nobody is gonna ruin my Thanksgiving Feast!

2010-11-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

So in my International Health class, my professor wants us to experience what it'd be like to live on a week's amount of food rations that a person living in a refugee camp in Africa would have. So of course he wants us to experience this the week of Thanksgiving. Let me just share with you the following ingredients that we will be allowed for the next 7 days.

8.5 cups flour (wheat or corn...you can mix and match)
1.33 cups beans
1 cup rice
1 cup butter (two sticks)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup salt
2 eggs

And that is it...for the whole week.
Sorry dear professor, but I'm going to Texas and I will not be abiding by this food ration crap.

Speaking of Texas...I'm beginning to have mixed feelings about going home. Things on the home front are a little stressful and I'm hoping that this vacation goes well.

Mac N Cheese

2010-11-16T19:58:00.001-08:00

Tonight...I start blogging again. Once upon a time I used to be really good at this, and I did it all the time, and I loved it. I can't remember why I stopped so long ago...but I figured I'd come back, change up the page, and start over. So here we go.

I just got home from campus an hour ago...I've seriously got to stop having such a committed relationship with the library.

I came home starving...went straight to the pantry to look for something wonderful to eat. And the first thing I spotted was a box of Mac N Cheese. Decision made. So I sit here now, blogging to you, whoever you might be, and eating a wonderful box of Mac N Cheese. Not the most healthy, not the most enjoyable. But it works. My "college kid" diet is in some serious need of change.

The only thing getting me through this week is the knowledge that I will be going home for Thanksgiving this weekend. It'll be the first time I've enjoyed this holiday with my family in like 4 years, so ya, I'm stoked. PLUS...the idea of getting out of this little town is so exciting.

Actually...the idea of this semester kinda almost being over is FANTASTIC!

Ok my mind is now blank. Till next time, Y'all take care!