Hey there friends! I haven't written in a really long time. I'm sorry. I've been lazy, I suppose.
So on Sunday I had this really strange impression to go and give someone a hug. Now, I didn't know this person very well, and they didn't know me, and it was all kind of random. But after class I did it. I just went up and told them that I just felt like they needed a hug, and I gave them one. I didn't know about anything that was going on in their life or how they were feeling, but for some reason they really appreciated that hug. So, moral of the story, if you feel like doing something good, just do it. Even if it's freaky. It's always appreciated.
Also, I'm really proud of all these missionaries that are getting ready to go out into the field. I was thinking today about one of my very best friends and how much I look up to her and love how strong she is in her testimony. She is going to be the most wonderful missionary because her focus is on the Savior and doing what he wants her to do all the time, even if her mission shoes aren't the cutest things in the world :P. And I can say that about all of my friends (everyone should be jealous, because I have the most amazing friends). It will be so amazing when we're all out in the field together, serving the Lord. But I really look up to those of you who have your calls and are nearly out there. Your strength and your enthusiasm is wonderful.
I saw Les Miserables today, and it was brilliant. It made me cry. Multiple times. Actually, I've been crying a lot lately about really stupid things, whether I'm happy or sad. Perhaps I'll get rid of that habit in the next year.
Hmm. Tomorrow is 2013. I always make resolutions, but I never do them. Ever. I forget about them or they're too difficult. So I decided not to have resolutions this year. I'll just set goals as I go and see what happens.
In this next year I will finish my first year of college, turn 19, go on a mission, see my sister baptized (hopefully...ha ha), attend the mission farewells of all my friends, have Hannah go off to college--and that is most certainly not a comprehensive list. I am looking forward to all of the little things that I am not expecting. It will be interesting to see how I grow in the next year. I'm pretty sure it's going to be the biggest year of my life. But this year has been pretty brilliant too! I have:
1) Taken a bunch of AP tests and didn't do so bad :)
2) Graduated High School
3) Got my first real job (Thanksgiving Point Gardens! Whoop!)
4) Turned 18
5) Had a rather interesting, complicated, funny relationship with the best guy in the world
6) Finished a semester at BYU and did just fine in the end
7) Attended my first student ward and loved it and the people I met
8) Moved into an apartment with the greatest roommates in the entire world
9) Saw some friends off on their missions (good luck Sam, Dallin, Grant, and everyone else!)
10) Overall gained more experience as a human being and attempted to be a better person
As a last thought, I love all of you :). Have a very happy New Year!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The Quiet Life
So, the best thing that happened today was my Book of Mormon teacher calling me and telling me that I could still turn in an assignment that I hadn't turned in. Now, I didn't even do that assignment and he assumed there was just a glitch with the computer, but he still gave me until tomorrow morning to finish it. He was the best teacher I had in college. That was just the kindest thing.
I am so confused about what I am going to do with the rest of my life...if I were to give any advice on that: don't constantly picture what your life is going to be like and rely on that, because it's not going to happen that way. Also, don't promise life-changing things when you're young. You don't know what you're doing. So stop.
I've decided that I'd really like to own a little shop in a little village and do that for the rest of my life. Maybe I'd like to live by myself above my shop. Have my own little simple way of life. Own a cat or two. Perhaps not be quite so complicated a person. You never know. Miracles can happen.
Gratitude Moment:
(See first paragraph)
Scripture of the Day:
Jacob 3:2......."O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, ir your minds are firm, forever."
My favorite scripture. Or, one of them, at least.
I am so confused about what I am going to do with the rest of my life...if I were to give any advice on that: don't constantly picture what your life is going to be like and rely on that, because it's not going to happen that way. Also, don't promise life-changing things when you're young. You don't know what you're doing. So stop.
I've decided that I'd really like to own a little shop in a little village and do that for the rest of my life. Maybe I'd like to live by myself above my shop. Have my own little simple way of life. Own a cat or two. Perhaps not be quite so complicated a person. You never know. Miracles can happen.
Gratitude Moment:
(See first paragraph)
Scripture of the Day:
Jacob 3:2......."O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, ir your minds are firm, forever."
My favorite scripture. Or, one of them, at least.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Life. Life life life life life.
Sorry. I haven't written in a long time, and this isn't even going to be a proper post. I just really need to write, I suppose. I hate having to figure out my life. I think that all growing up is is realizing that happiness isn't handed to you on a silver platter. And neither is success. Or responsibility. For me that's a really difficult lesson to learn. Not that I had the most privalaged childhood or anything, because I most certainly didn't, but my parents are so good to me. And I'm a little worried that the figuring life out stage isn't really a stage but a life-long struggle. But you know what makes all of this better? Having the best friends in the entire world. I love my friends. So, so very much. I also love my family, even though it is really difficult to adjust to being home again. But it's worth obeying all of their rules again, and not getting frustrated because it's so noisy, and being expected to contribute, because I love them and I know that one day they're not all going to be here.
Also, Eileen and Rebekah were the best singers in the Elementary Christmas Sing. Yes they were. I love them to bits :)
Also, Eileen and Rebekah were the best singers in the Elementary Christmas Sing. Yes they were. I love them to bits :)
Sunday, December 9, 2012
I love everyone. Yes. Even you. Especially you :)
I started writing a post, and then it deleted the whole thing! What is going on here?! Anyway. It seems like today I have discovered that a lot of people are sad. It's amazing that when you really think about it, probably everyone you know has cried in the last month over something. If I could do one thing in the world, it would be to make everyone a little happier, even if that's just by listening or baking cookies.
My sister Hannah has the most amazing talent for listening. People will just tell her things, out of the blue, and ask for her advice. She is a wonder when it comes to getting things off of your chest! I'd like to emulate that. So, if you're reading this, and you just need someone to listen to you, come talk to me. I'd love to help you. Do you know why? Because I think my gift is to love people. I just love people! And I would love to help you out any way that I can. I like to give hugs.
No one should be sad. And if you are sad, you shouldn't be lonely. Come get a hug.
My dear, dear cousin Andrew is going to the MTC this week! YEEEEAAAAAAAAH ELDER KELLY!!!!! He's the best. My favorite cousin ever. And he is going to be a wonderful missionary. I'm praying for you. Be safe on your flight over. And if you need anything, I'm five minutes away!
Gratitude Moment:
I am grateful for people. Pretty much this was inspired by prayer meeting today. So, for those of you leaving, here's what I have to say. Thank you, Madison, for saying hello to me on the bus and various other places. It means more than you know. Thank you, McKay, for your excellent home teaching skills. You'll certainly be using them in Mozambique. Thank you, Lauren, for saying hello to me whenever you saw me. Again, it means more than you know. Tyler, I know your sister more than I know you, but you are a wonderful example :). Kami, you just make me laugh, and I love your testimony. Julie, the slightly strange experiences we've had with each other this semester (chocolate milkshake, randomly barging into your apartment) have created this really weird friendship between the two of us, and I really like you a lot! Kati, I think you are lovely :). Taylor, you are a wonderful singer and the fact that you worked on the MOA is awesome (I wasn't creeping on you, I just happened to see that you were working there :). Michael N.--I don't know if you remember, but you walked me home from a meeting one time and I really appreciated that. You are a really awesome person. Nathaniel, I don't even know if you go by that name (which is really sad), but I really liked the designs you drew on the table at the Christmas party. It reminded me of home. And, Cassidy, I'm really, REALLY sorry that I wasn't a better visiting teacher, but I wish you all the luck and prayers and happiness in the world as you go to New York. You will be wonderful, because I know you will be :). Those of you I didn't just mention, I still love you! And whatever it is that you're leaving us for, please remember this amazing ward and know that there are many people who believe in you. Don't ever give up on ANYTHING. I love you all :)
Scriptures for the Day:
2 Nephi 31:20........"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of bhope, and a clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eeternal life."
Good stuff.
My sister Hannah has the most amazing talent for listening. People will just tell her things, out of the blue, and ask for her advice. She is a wonder when it comes to getting things off of your chest! I'd like to emulate that. So, if you're reading this, and you just need someone to listen to you, come talk to me. I'd love to help you. Do you know why? Because I think my gift is to love people. I just love people! And I would love to help you out any way that I can. I like to give hugs.
No one should be sad. And if you are sad, you shouldn't be lonely. Come get a hug.
My dear, dear cousin Andrew is going to the MTC this week! YEEEEAAAAAAAAH ELDER KELLY!!!!! He's the best. My favorite cousin ever. And he is going to be a wonderful missionary. I'm praying for you. Be safe on your flight over. And if you need anything, I'm five minutes away!
Gratitude Moment:
I am grateful for people. Pretty much this was inspired by prayer meeting today. So, for those of you leaving, here's what I have to say. Thank you, Madison, for saying hello to me on the bus and various other places. It means more than you know. Thank you, McKay, for your excellent home teaching skills. You'll certainly be using them in Mozambique. Thank you, Lauren, for saying hello to me whenever you saw me. Again, it means more than you know. Tyler, I know your sister more than I know you, but you are a wonderful example :). Kami, you just make me laugh, and I love your testimony. Julie, the slightly strange experiences we've had with each other this semester (chocolate milkshake, randomly barging into your apartment) have created this really weird friendship between the two of us, and I really like you a lot! Kati, I think you are lovely :). Taylor, you are a wonderful singer and the fact that you worked on the MOA is awesome (I wasn't creeping on you, I just happened to see that you were working there :). Michael N.--I don't know if you remember, but you walked me home from a meeting one time and I really appreciated that. You are a really awesome person. Nathaniel, I don't even know if you go by that name (which is really sad), but I really liked the designs you drew on the table at the Christmas party. It reminded me of home. And, Cassidy, I'm really, REALLY sorry that I wasn't a better visiting teacher, but I wish you all the luck and prayers and happiness in the world as you go to New York. You will be wonderful, because I know you will be :). Those of you I didn't just mention, I still love you! And whatever it is that you're leaving us for, please remember this amazing ward and know that there are many people who believe in you. Don't ever give up on ANYTHING. I love you all :)
Scriptures for the Day:
2 Nephi 31:20........"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of bhope, and a clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eeternal life."
Good stuff.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sorry :\
Please accept my apologies for being so lazy. I haven't posted in a week. And that is shameful. Not because I expect to have extravagant, life-changing posts daily, but because I wanted to post daily as a personal thing. Just to show myself that I could be committed to something. Well, I suppose I'll try something else. Regardless of my inconsistency, however, I'll do my best to post as often as I can.
I had my very last class of Freshman Fall Semester 2012 today. Didn't feel quite as awesome as I still have plenty of work to do between now and next Friday, but it does feel kinda good. We're that much closer to Christmas break, my friends. I am SO looking forward to that.
On that note--remember the advent calendar I posted about? That I got at the WILK for free?
Well, today I ate every single piece of chocolate. That's right. I couldn't wait for the entire month of December to finish chocolate that was right under my nose. I gave in to the temptation. I even ripped all of the flaps off, so I can't put a jelly bean under each flap to make up for it. I'll just have to live with my impatience.
Yesterday (or, two days ago now, I suppose) at work I catered for a giant faculty Christmas party. Seriously huge. And these people are seriously slobs. Ha ha. But that's okay! I was very tired by the end of my shift, but I certainly was grateful that I wasn't on clean-up. I had to walk home by myself, which really wasn't fun because it was cold and dark and I was wearing shoes that hurt my feet and I was alone and it takes a half hour, so to keep myself from freaking out I sang Irish folk songs all the way home. Never fails to calm me down and take my mind off of things :)
I am missing Doctor Who. Very much. If you're following me on pinterest, you will see the effects of my withdrawl. Now, I don't claim to be the biggest DW fan in the universe, because I don't know all that much about it. All I know is that I have a huge obsession with David Tennant and Matt Smith, I absolutely love Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill, and for a small time my life revolved around every intergalactic thrill that DW offered me. I am emotionally invested in this show. But the only way I watch it is Netflix and I've already watched every episode of the six seasons available! I am sad! The moral of the story is: what is another action-packed, comedic, geeky, witty, slightly romantic series on Netflix that can tide me over until the next DW season becomes available? I'm thinking probably none. Yeah.
Another random thing. Today I saw Brother Sheilds and a buddy studying for their seminary teacher finals! It was the weirdest thing! He's now living back in Lehi. I'm not sure where he's teaching, but he remembered me! And Hannah! And her duct tape sculptures! That girl has talent, lemme tell ya.
I. Am. Tired. Time to finish up.
Gratitude Moment:
Today I said goodbye to my two favorite college proffesors--Brother Smith, my BoM teacher, and Prof. Liz Christianson, my English Theory 251 teacher. Brother Smith had an amazing way of teaching the Book of Mormon without being preachy or making you feel overwhelmed. He was so happy and so honest. I could tell that he truly cared about each member of the class. He was so human (known to swear occasionally in class...good humoredly, of course :). I loved that class, and he was an amazing teacher.
Liz was the teacher for my hardest class, technically called Fundemental Litereary Interpretation (English 251). The class was confusing, difficult, and not very fun. But Liz was honest. She wasn't afraid to talk about the world as it really was, and she had such strong faith and belief in Christ. We could all feel it. She was not lenient, she was not easy, but she was very aware of what makes us human and had an innate ability to make me feel like a person, not just a kid in a classroom. She opened my eyes to the world, and she pushed me in my work. I can't say that my writing or analyzing improved much, but my character certainly did.
Scripture for the Day:
Alma 5:26........"And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?"
It's important to check back with ourselves after we make a drastic change in our lives. We can get so caught up in being excited that we made a change for the better that we forget to continue with that change. Don't ever take a break. That's when most mistakes happen.
I had my very last class of Freshman Fall Semester 2012 today. Didn't feel quite as awesome as I still have plenty of work to do between now and next Friday, but it does feel kinda good. We're that much closer to Christmas break, my friends. I am SO looking forward to that.
On that note--remember the advent calendar I posted about? That I got at the WILK for free?
Well, today I ate every single piece of chocolate. That's right. I couldn't wait for the entire month of December to finish chocolate that was right under my nose. I gave in to the temptation. I even ripped all of the flaps off, so I can't put a jelly bean under each flap to make up for it. I'll just have to live with my impatience.
Yesterday (or, two days ago now, I suppose) at work I catered for a giant faculty Christmas party. Seriously huge. And these people are seriously slobs. Ha ha. But that's okay! I was very tired by the end of my shift, but I certainly was grateful that I wasn't on clean-up. I had to walk home by myself, which really wasn't fun because it was cold and dark and I was wearing shoes that hurt my feet and I was alone and it takes a half hour, so to keep myself from freaking out I sang Irish folk songs all the way home. Never fails to calm me down and take my mind off of things :)
I am missing Doctor Who. Very much. If you're following me on pinterest, you will see the effects of my withdrawl. Now, I don't claim to be the biggest DW fan in the universe, because I don't know all that much about it. All I know is that I have a huge obsession with David Tennant and Matt Smith, I absolutely love Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill, and for a small time my life revolved around every intergalactic thrill that DW offered me. I am emotionally invested in this show. But the only way I watch it is Netflix and I've already watched every episode of the six seasons available! I am sad! The moral of the story is: what is another action-packed, comedic, geeky, witty, slightly romantic series on Netflix that can tide me over until the next DW season becomes available? I'm thinking probably none. Yeah.
Another random thing. Today I saw Brother Sheilds and a buddy studying for their seminary teacher finals! It was the weirdest thing! He's now living back in Lehi. I'm not sure where he's teaching, but he remembered me! And Hannah! And her duct tape sculptures! That girl has talent, lemme tell ya.
I. Am. Tired. Time to finish up.
Gratitude Moment:
Today I said goodbye to my two favorite college proffesors--Brother Smith, my BoM teacher, and Prof. Liz Christianson, my English Theory 251 teacher. Brother Smith had an amazing way of teaching the Book of Mormon without being preachy or making you feel overwhelmed. He was so happy and so honest. I could tell that he truly cared about each member of the class. He was so human (known to swear occasionally in class...good humoredly, of course :). I loved that class, and he was an amazing teacher.
Liz was the teacher for my hardest class, technically called Fundemental Litereary Interpretation (English 251). The class was confusing, difficult, and not very fun. But Liz was honest. She wasn't afraid to talk about the world as it really was, and she had such strong faith and belief in Christ. We could all feel it. She was not lenient, she was not easy, but she was very aware of what makes us human and had an innate ability to make me feel like a person, not just a kid in a classroom. She opened my eyes to the world, and she pushed me in my work. I can't say that my writing or analyzing improved much, but my character certainly did.
Scripture for the Day:
Alma 5:26........"And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?"
It's important to check back with ourselves after we make a drastic change in our lives. We can get so caught up in being excited that we made a change for the better that we forget to continue with that change. Don't ever take a break. That's when most mistakes happen.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
The First of December
Oh, school. I cannot wait for it to end. Only two more weeks. Two weeks I can do. It's been very stressful recently--papers and tests and worksheets and reading. I'm writing a final paper for my English Theory class, and it has to be the hardest conceivable paper that anyone has been required to write. Ever. Just kidding. It only boils down to me being the lone freshman in the class, and being expected to write like a scholar. Newsflash! I don't write that well! It will be fine. Sure, isn't everything just fine in the end? Always is.
Let's see. It's the first of December today! I got a free advent calendar in front of the bookstore at the WILK today, and I am very, very excited to eat my first piece of chocolate from behind the first flap. Advent calendars always remind me of when Hannah and I were little, living in Bedford. One morning she put her chocolate for the day on the top of her cornflakes. She went upstairs to go get mum to show her, and I sat there tossing around the idea of eating her chocolate. It was just sitting there. Needless to say, I did eat it, and when mum came down she got upset and Hannah got my chocolates for a week, I believe. Her chocolate was in the shape of a Christmas tree. Funny the things we remember.
I have decided that it will be a productive Saturday today. I will get much homework done, including revising my theory paper and catching up on PS100 reading/studying. I feel like so much is happening with it being finals week soon that I'm going to be forgetting about some major test or something. I'll be okay, though. Sure, if I made it this far I can last for another two weeks.
Sorry, that was a lot about school. Oh! I recently acquired a plant which I originally thought was an African Violet. She sits on the windowsill in the kitchen, and is the best smelling plant I have ever smelt. I was concerned the other day, however, because her leaves were yellowing and her petals were curling up at the edges, so I googled it. The images attested that she is, indeed, NOT and African violet, but a cyclamen. I still call her Violet, though. Jamie's convinced that I'm trying to kill her on purpose, which is most certainly not the case. It's nice to have something to take care of, but I appear to be doing a really crappy job of it...oh well. Do my best! She a good little houseplant. I highly recommend cyclamen because they are in full bloom during the winter months when flowers are scarce. She's an excellent addition to the kitchen.
Gratitude Moment:
Today I am grateful for the people in my ward. Thank you Bry and Dallin and the other people who came by our apartment to involve us in tonight's activity (and I'm sorry I didn't come). I don't know everyone in the ward, but those I do know are top-notch, high watermark people that I love and respect. I think the bishopric is wonderful--especially Brother Perkins. You're a good friend to me. I'm grateful to Peter, Kaesen, and Bryan, my fellow Sunday School presidency, for the amazing aptitude to put up with me during meetings (which I know are sometimes torturous).
Scripture of the Day:
2 Nephi 19:21......."Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh; they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."
I like this one. Stick together. God will be there no matter what.
Let's see. It's the first of December today! I got a free advent calendar in front of the bookstore at the WILK today, and I am very, very excited to eat my first piece of chocolate from behind the first flap. Advent calendars always remind me of when Hannah and I were little, living in Bedford. One morning she put her chocolate for the day on the top of her cornflakes. She went upstairs to go get mum to show her, and I sat there tossing around the idea of eating her chocolate. It was just sitting there. Needless to say, I did eat it, and when mum came down she got upset and Hannah got my chocolates for a week, I believe. Her chocolate was in the shape of a Christmas tree. Funny the things we remember.
I have decided that it will be a productive Saturday today. I will get much homework done, including revising my theory paper and catching up on PS100 reading/studying. I feel like so much is happening with it being finals week soon that I'm going to be forgetting about some major test or something. I'll be okay, though. Sure, if I made it this far I can last for another two weeks.
Sorry, that was a lot about school. Oh! I recently acquired a plant which I originally thought was an African Violet. She sits on the windowsill in the kitchen, and is the best smelling plant I have ever smelt. I was concerned the other day, however, because her leaves were yellowing and her petals were curling up at the edges, so I googled it. The images attested that she is, indeed, NOT and African violet, but a cyclamen. I still call her Violet, though. Jamie's convinced that I'm trying to kill her on purpose, which is most certainly not the case. It's nice to have something to take care of, but I appear to be doing a really crappy job of it...oh well. Do my best! She a good little houseplant. I highly recommend cyclamen because they are in full bloom during the winter months when flowers are scarce. She's an excellent addition to the kitchen.
Gratitude Moment:
Today I am grateful for the people in my ward. Thank you Bry and Dallin and the other people who came by our apartment to involve us in tonight's activity (and I'm sorry I didn't come). I don't know everyone in the ward, but those I do know are top-notch, high watermark people that I love and respect. I think the bishopric is wonderful--especially Brother Perkins. You're a good friend to me. I'm grateful to Peter, Kaesen, and Bryan, my fellow Sunday School presidency, for the amazing aptitude to put up with me during meetings (which I know are sometimes torturous).
Scripture of the Day:
2 Nephi 19:21......."Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh; they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."
I like this one. Stick together. God will be there no matter what.
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