Wonderful Reminder

This week I got a few awesome things in the mail... CHRISTMAS CARDS!!! First off, receiving real personal mail is awesome (I should send mail to people more often). Second, I got real Christmas letters from friends. Let me explain "real".  I have many friends that have started families of their own. In the past I've always gotten roommate Christmas cards OR my parents get the Christmas cards.  These ones were all mine!! I loved that they were personal cards updating their friends on their lives. It really was so fun to read them. I also loved that they were not "brag" cards. Just simple, short, sweet and to the point. Someday, I want to write Christmas cards like that!

In one of those cards a dear friend (Karen) reminded me to keep blogging. I really haven't been good at blogging lately. So here I am repenting of my absence. Thank you Karen!!

I really do have so much to share!

Work is crazy busy! It is end of month, end of old cases, end of payroll, Christmas rush, and of course... END OF YEAR!!! There are days when I really do love my job and there are days when I just don't. Interesting though... I always like going to work. I can't remember a day that I dreaded going. I might not want to be here because I'm tired or have too much to do. But I really do enjoy going to work. I love the people I work with. I'm doing exactly what I got my degree in!!! Go me! I am learning while at work about research and about business. I have been able to do research that I never dreamed I'd do. I've done Polish/Russian Immigration!! Crazy - I know.

I really do love having my family so close to me. My parents moved to Lehi (I can't remember if I already said that or not). I go there at least once a week. It is just so nice and convenient.

Other exciting news... I'm dating someone!!

His name is Tyson! I don't have tons of time right now to tell you about him but here is the jist:

• He was a blind date (they do work out!!) set up by our friend Kyle VG
• We've been dating 3 months
• He is from South Jordan
• Graduated from USU
• He is seriously the best ever!!

I Am Grateful For:

• The ability to look at the big picture
• Encounters with others that make you grateful for the way things are
• Deep conversations with friends
• Someone who tells me I'm beautiful 
• The moment when my sisters and I realize that we are roommates!

I Am Grateful For:

• My family - Parents, sisters, extended family. Just the whole lot! They are awesome!
• The ability to learn and grow
• Good friends who listen and understand
• My job - I have a job in my field. I have great fellow genealogists I work with. The environment is one that promotes development and progression.
• Ice - the canned soda was hot this morning at work. Ice helped :)

I am Grateful for:

• Second chances - Sometimes I think I know what I'm doing. Most of the time I'm wrong. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father sometimes gives us a shove out into the storm so we can have a second chance. That second chance often turns out to be better than the first round. 
• Heaven's plan - need I say more?
• Fans - My office is way hot. I can't imagine life in here with out them
• Dogs - They really just make me happy. I want one. Someday soon I hope I can have one.

I Don't Think Guys Understand*

Now there are a lot of differences between the way men and women think. I believe we are all clear on that.

I would like to take a minute to explain one small thing.

As children we are all taught "stranger danger". Pretty straight forward. Don't talk to strangers cause they could want to hurt you. As we all grew up though, boys and girls were taught different lessons (at least I think we were... I don't have brothers so I could be wrong).

Growing up, most girls are taught the danger of going anywhere alone. (If they are not taught this, they should have been). Don't walk alone at night. Don't go running alone especially in less-populated areas. Be aware of those around you and what they are doing. Make sure you always have your keys ready in case someone attacks you. Be careful in parking lots. Anyway the list goes on.

What I don't think men understand is that because of this idea that you must always be on your guard is a way of life for us. Maybe I am just speaking for myself, but I am ALWAYS on my guard when I'm going anywhere alone.  And I'm even on my guard when I'm with a small group of ladies late at night. I choose not to go running alone outside because of this.

*old post I forgot to post

Today = Almost Christmas

Today kind of started off on the wrong foot. Things were popping up that I didn't know how to deal with. Not major things, mind you. Just thoughts that I didn't quite know how to process. And being a worry wart (aka 'a girl') it was bothering me like crazy.

THEN....

I went to a work meeting about AncestryDNA. I finally got my DNA kit that I've been waiting five months to get! I am so excited!!! What does an Ancestry.com DNA kit do? Well it helps with family history connections. For more information on it go to AncestryDNA. (If it doesn't open for you because of login issues - I'm sorry). Receiving that kit really felt like Christmas. I doing a terrible job expressing myself, but just understand I am excited!!

ALSO...

Apple has their software update available today. So not only am I counting down the minutes til I get home and can spit into a tube, but I'm stoked about updating my Apple products!!

I love it when days that are a little "less than great" become like Christmas!! Those worries have been pushed to the back of my mind. :)

FYI...

"Apple/Spit time" in... 3 hours!

It Shouldn't Be That Hard

Dating really shouldn't be that hard.

When in a dating relationship or trying to develop that relationship it really shouldn't be that difficult. In the past week I have discussed dating relationships with several people. A relationship should just flow. ESPECIALLY at the beginning of a relationship. You should not feel pressured into doing anything in regards to a relationship. The first few months should just be fun. Getting to know each other. Learning about yourself and the other individual. Going places and meeting other people. If you are feeling stressed out, something is wrong. Maybe it is just mis-communication that a little discussion will clear up or maybe it is something serious.

You also shouldn't have to convince someone to like you. If this is the case, they are NOT WORTH IT.

I'm not saying that it will always be butterflies and meadows. There will be bumps and twists and turns that need to be addressed. But the whole point of relationships (romantic and platonic) here on earth is to build each other up. Help make each other better. Learn and grow together.

Men are that they might have joy.

True Story

48. Sleeping in When Normally You Can't

Since I became a working adult my sleeping schedule has changed. I try to get to bed by 1030 because I'm up at 630 and need to be able to function at work. This has also led to my inability to sleep in on weekends. It sucks! I'm up at 730 at the latest (even if I stay up til 230 in the morning the night before). On my birthday I was able to sleep in til 845. It was a birthday miracle!

47. Text Message from a Crush

46. Popping Bubble Wrap

It is just so soothing....

45. Riding a motorcycle

Especially in the autumn season.

Stargazing?

Yesterday we had regional conference where Elder Oaks spoke. The majority of his talk was on the Lord’s timing. One aspect that I loved was a quote of an Ensign article from about 10 years ago. The analogy is comparing stargazing jackets to singles in the church. I thought it was brilliant and needed to be shared.

The situation of a Church member who is single can be illustrated by a simple analogy. Imagine that your favorite hobby is stargazing and you’ve just joined a stargazing club. You come to your first club activity eager to participate. It’s a cold night, but you’re not concerned: most of the club members are wearing club jackets, and you’ve been told you should be able to get one as well. But there is no jacket for you. You ask about it, and you are told to keep looking and that if you do your best, you will find a jacket when the time is right.

Meanwhile, you are getting pretty cold and a little worried. And you notice that most of the other club members are talking about how nice and warm their jackets are. In fact, throughout the evening the topic surfaces continually in various forms: how to wash and dry your jacket, how to add extra pockets, how to mend it, and so forth. Some of the club members notice you don’t have a jacket. “You really need a jacket for these activities,” they tell you. “Why don’t you have one yet?” (Singles in the Ward Family, Ensign, June 2002)

The Marriott Center (where the broadcast originated) was filled with laughing young single adults. Laughing because we know just how true this analogy is. We are all searching for that jacket. Not only is it hard to find that jacket but trying to find a jacket that fits is difficult! It doesn't help much when everyone is always talking about their amazing jackets and telling you that you need to find yours as soon as possible. It was a simple and humorous way to explain so perfectly the way many singles feel in the church.

44. The Smell of Rain

What a beautiful, refreshing and clean smell rain brings. It is such a cleansing scent. I LOVE IT!

43. Thunder and Lightening

GAH!! I love the power of the thunder and the Majesty of the lightening.

42. Jumping in the rain in rainboots

I might have done this last night. LOVED IT! Totally felt like a kid again. :)

How Do I Answer This Question?

Why are you still single?

I get asked this question more often than I'd like to share. It is a question I have yet to find a good answer to.  I was asked this very recently once again and I had no way to answer it. I always stumble over my words and make up something dumb. This time I wrangled in a good guy friend to answer this question for me. He gave a very lovely answer that may be true. He said that I was still single because I was so pretty and all the boys are intimidated by my beauty. Very kind. I appreciated it. However, this question still bugs me. I hate being asked.

Why am I still single?

Here is my version of my answer. It is not complete by any means, but it is the best I can come up with at the moment and hopefully next time a guy asks me this question I will remember and share this answer.

I have every desire to get married and begin the next chapter of my progression to eternal life. I have been blessed with still being independent (that word sounds better than alone).

I am still single for several reasons:

• God has something greater planned for me that I know at this point.
• I have more things to learn about myself and the world around me and experiences to have that will benefit my future spouse and family that I couldn't have gained any other way.
• My future spouse has more things to learn before we progress further together.
• I am picky. I am. It is a wonderful thing and I am not ashamed of it. I'd rather be single and content than in a relationship that is miserable. 
• I expect and demand a lot. I want someone worth fighting for and someone that is willing to fight for me.
• Like my friend mentioned, I am probably intimidating. I have a career. I am beautiful. I am successful. I am a leader-type personality. I don't take crap from people.
• Boys don't ask girls (aka me and my amazing friends) out (a dumb reason to explain why I'm still single, but man is it true).

Reasons I am really grateful that I have not yet gotten married (really I am):

• I am a college graduate.
• I have a career and know how to work (and it is a job I could do from home that isn't like everyone else's over saturated photography and crafts).
• I have money that is currently being saved up for my future spouse and home.
• I have traveled the world and seen things most may never see.
• I have learned so much about myself that would have been more difficult to learn if I was taking care of someone else's needs.
• I have developed myself. I have more confidence in who I am and my confidence doesn't come from others. I have learned lessons I would have never been able to learn any other way.

Elevator Pitch

Elevator Pitch - a short summary used to quickly and simply define a product, service or organization and its value proposition, usually between thirty seconds and two minutes. 

I'm a genealogist. Surprise! One of the biggest issues we face in our company is unhappy clients. Don't get me wrong, most of our clients are very happy with their product. However, we do have clients that are not very well pleased with our work. Feeling we didn't spend their money well and that we should have found more. The question was brought up - how can we make people understand exactly what we do and really how difficult and AMAZING it truly is. How do you make someone truly understand who has never tried? How do you make someone understand?

I don't have a perfect answer at the moment. I'm hoping this blog post will help me wrangle in my thoughts and come up with a valid, concise and understandable answer. (I will take any advice and ideas so please share).

One thought or comparison that was discussed is the New York City comparison.

Finding an ancestor is like finding a specific individual in New York City with nothing other than their name. In case you didn't know, there are about 9 million people in New York City. Oh and on top of that, pick a name that is VERY common. Similarly, finding your ancestor in billions of records and names is very difficult. 

 This next comparison might be a bit exaggerated, but it is pretty much the same idea.

Needle in a haystack! It is in there! Promise. It looks like every other piece of hay, but you gotta find it. Or at least try as hard as you can. You may not be able to find it.

Alright, now my creative juices are going crazy. Probably just because it has been a long day so I apologize if this sounds stupid.

You cut up several hundred carrots (or some other veggie of your choice) and throw them all in a massive bowl. Then someone tells you that you must reassemble each piece with the correct carrot. Oh, and remember that there are several slices of carrots that might have been eaten (genealogical records destroyed by fire) or rolled away (genealogical records that are lost or never created). It is usually possible to reassemble the veggies, but it is often very difficult.

I'd love to get feedback on this Elevator Pitch. Let me know if this helps you understand what a genealogists really does and how difficult and rewarding the research is.

Practice

I saw a photo on Pinterest the other day that included steps on how to become a better writer. One of those steps included writing more. Practice. Now, FYI writing has NEVER been one of my talents. I've had several people say that I'm a great writer... I don't believe them. Probably cause I detest writing. I don't enjoy it.

Another reason I don't care for writing is I don't feel like anyone would care or is interested in what I have to say. Unless something was really awesome that I need to share, why write it. Totally the wrong frame of mind. 

However, my job is all about writing. Alright, not ALL about writing but a good portion of it is writing. I write reports that should express what research was done and also be interesting. People are spending thousands of dollars and the report tells them what we did. As I grow as a genealogists, I need to become a better writer. I need to write in a way that flows and is easy to follow as well as being interesting and personable.

AND as a genealogists, my line of work is all about stories.

The point is, I obviously need to practice more. So here is to practicing and becoming better.

Disease vs. Symptom

Disease vs. Symptom

"You're treating a symptom while the disease rages on, consumes the human race. The fish rots from the head, so they say." - NPH, Dr Horrible's Sing Along Blog

If you just treat the symptom what good is that going to do? It makes things feel better for a little while. But eventually the symptoms will resurface again. It is so much better to just fix the disease. Figure out what the real problem is and start the repairs at the base.

This thought has come up in several aspects of my life. Some have been simple. Others are a bit more complex. Some circumstances I am the doctor and am in charge of finding and fixing the disease. Others I am merely an invested onlooker with little to no say in what the doctors do. It is so hard to be an invested onlooker hoping and praying the doctors can find the root of the disease before you are called up to participate.

Standing For Something

This past week has brought a lot of reflection on this idea.

What do you stand for? How firm do you stand for it? Would you be willing to lose your job or something you value greatly standing for it?

Good Quote

“Don’t give up... Don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead—a lot of it... You keep your chin up. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.” Jeffery R. Holland
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/10/an-high-priest-of-good-things-to-come?lang=eng

I've had a lot on my mind lately and at some point I'll eventually get them all written down and processed. While trying to process everything that is in my head, and it is quite a bit of stuff, I found this article posted by a friend on Facebook.


15 Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy


It was very eye opening. Man do I have a lot to work on. Reading some of them on the list really hit home and helped put some of my floating emotions into words and laid out exactly what I have been doing wrong.


I'm excited to work on these things as well as the list I've already started.


The List from the blog is as follows:

1. GIVE UP YOUR NEED TO ALWAYS BE RIGHT

 There are so many of us who can’t stand the idea of being wrong – wanting to always be right – even at the risk of ending great relationships or causing a great deal of stress and pain, for us and for others. It’s just not worth it. Whenever you feel the ‘urgent’ need to jump into a fight over who is right and who is wrong, ask yourself this question: “Would I rather be right, or would I rather be kind?”Wayne Dyer. What difference will that make? Is your ego really that big?

2. GIVE UP YOUR NEED FOR CONTROL

Be willing to give up your need to always control everything that happens to you and around you – situations, events, people, etc. Whether they are loved ones, coworkers, or just strangers you meet on the street – just allow them to be. Allow everything and everyone to be just as they are and you will see how much better will that make you feel.

“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond winning.” Lao Tzu

3. GIVE UP ON BLAME

 Give up on your need to blame others for what you have or don’t have, for what you feel or don’t feel. Stop giving your powers away and start taking responsibility for your life.

4. GIVE UP YOUR SELF-DEFEATING SELF-TALK

 Oh my. How many people are hurting themselves because of their negative, polluted and repetitive self-defeating mindset? Don’t believe everything that your mind is telling you – especially if it’s negative and self-defeating. You are better than that.

“The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly. Used wrongly, however, it becomes very destructive.” Eckhart Tolle

5. GIVE UP YOUR LIMITING BELIEFS

about what you can or cannot do, about what is possible or impossible. From now on, you are no longer going to allow your limiting beliefs to keep you stuck in the wrong place. Spread your wings and fly!

“A belief is not an idea held by the mind, it is an idea that holds the mind” Elly Roselle

6. GIVE UP COMPLAINING

 Give up your constant need to complain about those many, many, maaany things – people, situations, events that make you unhappy, sad and depressed. Nobody can make you unhappy, no situation can make you sad or miserable unless you allow it to. It’s not the situation that triggers those feelings in you, but how you choose to look at it. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking.

7. GIVE UP THE LUXURY OF CRITICISM

Give up your need to criticize things, events or people that are different than you. We are all different, yet we are all the same. We all want to be happy, we all want to love and be loved and we all want to be understood. We all want something, and something is wished by us all.

8. GIVE UP YOUR NEED TO IMPRESS OTHERS

Stop trying so hard to be something that you’re not just to make others like you. It doesn’t work this way. The moment you stop trying so hard to be something that you’re not, the moment you take off all your masks, the moment you accept and embrace the real you, you will find people will be drawn to you, effortlessly.

9. GIVE UP YOUR RESISTANCE TO CHANGE

 Change is good. Change will help you move from A to B. Change will help you make improvements in your life and also the lives of those around you. Follow your bliss, embrace change – don’t resist it.
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls” Joseph Campbell

10. GIVE UP LABELS

 Stop labeling those things, people or events that you don’t understand as being weird or different and try opening your mind, little by little. Minds only work when open. “The highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don’t know anything about.” Wayne Dyer

11. GIVE UP ON YOUR FEARS

Fear is just an illusion, it doesn’t exist – you created it. It’s all in your mind. Correct the inside and the outside will fall into place.
“The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

12. GIVE UP YOUR EXCUSES

Send them packing and tell them they’re fired. You no longer need them. A lot of times we limit ourselves because of the many excuses we use. Instead of growing and working on improving ourselves and our lives, we get stuck, lying to ourselves, using all kind of excuses – excuses that 99.9% of the time are not even real.

13. GIVE UP THE PAST

I know, I know. It’s hard. Especially when the past looks so much better than the present and the future looks so frightening, but you have to take into consideration the fact that the present moment is all you have and all you will ever have. The past you are now longing for – the past that you are now dreaming about – was ignored by you when it was present. Stop deluding yourself. Be present in everything you do and enjoy life. After all life is a journey not a destination. Have a clear vision for the future, prepare yourself, but always be present in the now.

14. GIVE UP ATTACHMENT

This is a concept that, for most of us is so hard to grasp and I have to tell you that it was for me too, (it still is) but it’s not something impossible. You get better and better at with time and practice. The moment you detach yourself from all things, (and that doesn’t mean you give up your love for them – because love and attachment have nothing to do with one another,  attachment comes from a place of fear, while love… well, real love is pure, kind, and self less, where there is love there can’t be fear, and because of that, attachment and love cannot coexist) you become so peaceful, so tolerant, so kind, and so serene. You will get to a place where you will be able to understand all things without even trying. A state beyond words.

15. GIVE UP LIVING YOUR LIFE TO OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPECTATIONS

Way too many people are living a life that is not theirs to live. They live their lives according to what others think is best for them, they live their lives according to what their parents think is best for them, to what their friends, their enemies and their teachers, their government and the media think is best for them. They ignore their inner voice, that inner calling. They are so busy with pleasing everybody, with living up to other people’s expectations, that they lose control over their lives. They forget what makes them happy, what they want, what they need….and eventually they forget about themselves.  You have one life – this one right now – you must live it, own it, and especially don’t let other people’s opinions distract you from your path.

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.
-Chinese Proverb

Grateful

I am very blessed. The past few weeks the recognition of the same blessing keeps coming to the forefront.

I am healthy.

It doesn't seem like much and is often taken for granted. But I am so grateful for the huge blessing it is to be healthy.

I don't have achy bones (like many people my age do), my knees are healthy, my shoulders are healthy, I don't have food allergies, I'm not celiac, I'm not iron deficient, I don't have a disease, I don't have allergies to spring, I don't have leprosy, my skin in healthy, nothing is infected, no surgeries on the horizon, nothing hurts.

I am grateful.

Count Down Pictures Day 28

Institute!!!

Count down Pictures Day 29

Went to Winco!! Love that place!

I bought a bunch of road trip food :)

Count down Pictures day 30

Dinner with Matt and Brenna

Heaven sent!!

Count Down Pictures - Day 31

I don't actually have pictures for these events

1) I got a new calling... :) I'm really excited about it!!!

2) I took a three hour nap! Totally slept through the fireside. :(

Count Down Pictures - Day 32

Rugby Game against UCLA

I LOVE RUGBY!!!!

Then I went with some great friends to see Avengers. I can not wait to see it again. We also found the hulk there. I imagined him to be a bit bigger... 

 I couldn't pick which guy I wanted my picture with... So I took both :) This poster was missing Tony.... I was sad.

Count Down Pictures - Day 33

Bonfire - oh how I've missed these.

Count Down Picture - Day 34

Went to dinner with a good friend

Good Old Country Songs

What I was listening to today :)

http://grooveshark.com/s/She+Wont+Be+Lonely+Long/31XIMh?src=5
http://grooveshark.com/s/A+Feelin+Like+That/37x0vc?src=5

Dreams

The past few weeks I've had this reoccurring dream where I'm in Smiths grocery store searching for yogurt. If I remember correctly I don't find the yogurt. There is a sense of urgency in my dream as I'm at the check out. And both times I've looked down and seen a black and white dog just chilling next to me. Usually curled up in a submissive stance. In one of the two dreams an ex-boyfriend was present.


At work this week a few of us had a discussion about dreams and we looked up the meanings of dreams. Here is what the above dream says about my life. Interesting how some of it is right on. Some of it is a stretch. I really don't read too much in to what people think dreams mean but it sure is interesting. Take it as you will.


Shopping

To dream that you are shopping symbolizes your needs and desires. It also represents opportunities and options that you come across in life. Consider what you are shopping for and what needs you are try to fulfill. In particular, to dream that you are shopping for food and groceries signifies your hidden attempt to buy the attention of others. If you are shopping for clothes, then it suggests that you are trying to put forth a new image.

To dream that you cannot find what you are shopping for suggests that you are trying to find a solution to some life problem.

Yogurt

To see or eat yogurt in your dream suggests that you need to learn to behave appropriately for the different situations and various circumstances you find yourself in.

Dog

To see a dog in your dream symbolizes intuition, loyalty, generosity, protection, and fidelity. The dream suggests that your strong values and good intentions will enable you to go forward in the world and bring you success. The dream dog may also represent someone in your life who exhibits these qualities. Alternatively, to see a dog in your dream indicates a skill that you may have ignored or forgotten. If the dog is vicious and/or growling, then it indicates some inner conflict within yourself. It may also indicate betrayal and untrustworthiness. If the dog is dead or dying, then it means a loss of a good friend or a deterioration of your instincts. 

To see a dog chasing its tail or running around in circles in your dream implies that you are not handling a situation in an effective way. You are spending too much time on fruitless labor.   

To see a black colored dog in your dream symbolizes the shadow aspect of a friend. The dark side of someone close to you is being revealed and you are able to see through to their true intentions.

Boyfriend

To see your boyfriend in your dream represents your waking relationship with him and how you feel about him.

http://www.dreammoods.com

I told you so

You always hate those comments. They were right and you were wrong. They knew it and you screwed up. It is even worse when it is you that told yourself not to do something.

Months ago I had a conversation with myself. It went something like this.

Angela 1: This isn't gonna work. It is too much all at once.

Angela 2: Yeah... you are probably right. But I think I'm gonna do it anyway.

Angela 1: That is what everyone else says and everyone else fails.

Angela 2: But I'm gonna be different than everyone else.

Angela 1: That is what everyone says. "They are the exception."

Angela 2: Well maybe I am this time.

Angela 2 ignored Angela 1 and did it anyway.

Yesterday Angela 1 had her moment of triumph and told Angela 2 "I told you so."

Count Down Pictures - Day 36

I helped my friend Ashlie eat her cake. 

It was seriously SO YUMMY!!!

Count Down Pictures - Day 37

I went shopping and got yoga pants I've been wanting for a while.

Picture Worthy

New goal: Do something everyday that is photo worthy. 

I may not actually take pictures of the photo worthy things, but I need to do something that is worth taking a picture. I have gotten in a rut of watching some awesome TV shows. However, that is just lame.

Here is what I've done so far:

21 April 2012 

Rugby Game

23 April 2012 

Shopping at City Creek with Erin and Ashlie

I seriously loved that place!!! The water fountain danced to music and had FIRE! You can't beat that.

25 April 2012

Cake at Ashlie's

Dinner with Laura (got caught up on life)

Birthday party for Andrew

26 April 2012

Luau at work

27 April 2012

Dinner with Erin at Marleys

Erin's Going Away Party!! (Erin has these pictures)

28 April 2012

Erin to England

I almost cried. We tried to not be emotional. Goodbyes are hard.

Laura's service activity - we helped lay down sod. Her ward was super nice and very open and welcoming. Not something I was expecting.

Yogurt with Jess - went and got frozen yogurt with Jess.

29 April 2012

Went to Church

Played Bocce Ball with Ryan

Went to ward prayer - it hasn't been something I've attended the past few weeks. It was so worth it. Said goodbye to a good friend and swapped some awesome stories.

After a rough week I have come to realize just how blessed I am. This realization wasn't easy to come by but I'm sure glad it did.

Just to get it off my chest I'm gonna list a few of the things that did not help my week.

• Erin was leaving and is now gone. I haven't realized how much it has meant to me to have her as a roommate and best friend. Oh my heck. These next few weeks are gonna be stinking hard. 
• I found out someone at work has a problem with me. Not such a big deal but the fact that she goes and tells my boss instead of me and then demands me to do things for her. It frustrates me. Just juvenile. Grow up.
• My computer power cord stopped working and I have a lot to do inorder to get my free replacement. Not sure if it is worth it. (Thank goodness I have a wonderful sister who left me her cord).
• Traffic this week sucked. Like a lot. In my many drives to and from work I've seen a bunch of accidents. This week (in one day) I saw two separate roll overs. A first in my time as a commuter. I also got cut off by some awesome drivers.
• I'm feeling lost in a few things and missing some dear friends.
• You'd think that now that I have a full time job that my biggest worries would be over. Not true. Although I have a steady (awesome) job, I don't know what the future holds for me. I have no plan. Do I stay here in Provo and be with my sisters. Or do I move to SLC to be closer to work? Who would I even room with if I did move north? 

Ok you get the gist. This week has been one I'm ready to forget. Now - on to the positive things and the blessings I recognized.

• I have a job. I have a job in my field. A job where I can learn and grow. I work with awesome people who really care about me. It is such a great opportunity. I have a JOB in my FIELD!!! Beat that.
• I have a home. Driving to SLC every day I see a lot of homeless individuals wandering around. I am so grateful that I have the blessings I do. I have money to support myself. I have family that loves me and would take care of me if necessary.
• I am healthy. I know that sounds a bit mundane. But seriously. I have no serious health problems. Nothing bugs me. Not my knees, my shoulders or my internal organs. I don't have to be on a special diet. I'm not allergic to anything. I am truly blessed.
• I have friends who care. Sometimes you forget all the people around you who do really care about you. In my time of need they have come to my aid. Some of them have been people I would have never thought would do anything. I am humbled and honored. I really need to do better at being the friend I want in others.
• My family is freaking awesome! Need I expound more? I wish they weren't so far away. I've been homesick a bit lately and just wishing I could go home for the weekend and crash on the couch. Too bad home is so far away. 6ish weeks and I'll be home.

Tired of it

I'm tired of the drama. Why can't people just grow up? Be adults. Be professional. Be better.

I seem to find myself in situation after situation with certain people that just cause drama. I understand that everyone has different struggles and trials. I get it. But that doesn't mean we have to act like 2-year-olds.

If you have a problem, tell me about it. Don't go tattling to others about me. I have NO idea that anything is going on until someone else (not connected at all) says to me "hey now, don't cry." What am I supposed to be crying about?? Did I miss something?? I have no idea... Oh well. Maybe I'll never know.

I'm also tired of the I'm-better-than-you-air that people put on when they get engaged or married or have children. I guess I should be pleased that these people have found confidence one way or another, but it still rubs me the wrong way.

Dear Blogging Friends,

Meet Ben.

Ben and I met on Christmas Day at our Stake Single's Sacrament Meeting. I played all things musical and he gave a talk.  We hung out the next day and he asked me if he could ask me out. I said yes. Apparently he didn't think I was interested when he actually asked for my number. Let's be honest, I was so SHOCKED that he actually asked if he could ask me out. I'd given up on that. And no one asks if they can ask you out.

For our first date we went to dinner and played pool. One of my favorite parts of the evening was when he showed up to my door with flowers. (Who does that?)

We are now dating in case you are wondering. We went to his grandparents dairy farm up by the Tetons (on Facebook there is a video of me milking a cow). It was so pretty up there. The picture above is actually was taken in front of the Tetons (you can't see them - dang clouds).

Ben is fantastic. I've never been treated so well. He is so kind and giving. Always willing to help and serve others. He knows how to do so many things. He is a mechanic, carpenter, handyman, really good driver, hard worker, smart, gentleman, thoughtful guy! I'm in awe all the time of who he is.

I had a bad day and he brought me flowers cause they were bright and happy. Even though his day was probably worse!

Lessons learned

I have learned a lot the past few weeks.

1) Don't judge anyone. You might not understand why they are doing certain things. But someday you will understand and will find your foot in your mouth.Things I'd say that I'd never do I always find myself doing months or even years later. Like church dances. I remember as a 14 year old saying that I was never going to be like the Laurels that never went. Then I became a laurel and completely understood why they never went to dances. This is a lesson I get over and over again. I don't learn very well apparently.

2) I'm in the middle of standing up for myself. I'm a nice person and can often be a pushover. There is an individual I'm associated with that although quiet and reserved is a bit of a bully doing whatever they want. I'm not gonna let them get me. Things need to be fair. I have every right to be equal and treated the same. Just cause one person has trials doesn't mean you have to be above others. If you don't like that. Find someone else to use. I'm not gonna lie. It would be so much easier to just let it slide. But I need to be strong on this one. They can't push me around like everyone else.

Hands of God

We all wonder how God is helping in our lives. We know he is there. We know he plays a huge part. But sometimes we miss the "how". We even know that. We know that it is through others that the Lord provides blessings and assistance.

Last week I was having a bad evening. Like just everything was crumbling at the same moment. Ok, not really crumbling. I was just confused and wasn't sure who to turn to. I knew I needed to vocalize my thoughts to help myself understand what I was thinking. The thing was, who would I talk to?? The debates in my head were very personal. People I normally would turn to weren't available or I wasn't sure how they would take the information I needed to spew. I prayed to receive comfort. And like it always does, it came. Not moments after my plead to heaven I got a text from a friend I wasn't expecting. A text just saying, hey we need to catch up. That was all I needed. I didn't even need to tell her what was going through my head. I just needed someone to ask. I am so grateful that someone followed what they thought was a simple thought. It made a world of difference.

"Never dismiss a generous thought."

Thoughts

Alma 37:37
37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.


Proverbs 3:5
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

"You show your trust in Him when you listen with the intent to learn and repent and then you go and do whatever He asks. If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every sermon, song, and prayer in this conference, you will find it. And if you then go and do what He would have you do, your power to trust Him will grow, and in time you will be overwhelmed with gratitude to find that He has come to trust you."
-Henry B. Erying, October 2010 General Confernence

The Death of Pretty

http://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-death-of-pretty

Follow this link to the blog. I had never thought of it this way but pretty is really dying. We have more women that are corse and crude because that is what people find funny and cool. We are losing the women that are classic and pretty. I know I've seen myself slip into the "hot" category. I need to be better.


-from my iPhone

41. Nudging the shower faucet a little bit hotter and then a little bit hotter

40. Driving late at night when the streets are empty

39. Saying the word warsh instead of wash

Seriously... try it.