.2011.

Favorite Moment of 2011:
 Probably sending Thuglas off on his mission this spring...I felt about a million different emotions during that time. I was sad to see him leave and bummed to lose one of my best friends, but also so so excited and proud of him and just felt an out pouring of love within our family right before he left.

Least Favorite:
I was working at dear old Iron Gate Grill over St. Patrick's day...they had this live Irish band come play and  I felt like I was in a scene from PS. I love you....buttt as the night went on the customers just got more and more hammered and we were working later and later into the night (we usually closed at 11 and it was like, closing in on 2 in the morning by the time we went home) It had been a way stressful shift and I was exhausted and upset that I had been there so long...Just then, some inebriated young lass puked all over on her way to the bathroom and guess who my miserable manager sent to go "take care of it?"......this girl. I was scooping up vomit with a dustpan and thinking to myself....I'm getting paid like, 2 dollars an hour for this..
Total low point. Sent me straight back reminiscing about the dorms at Iowa Western...*shudders*


Music/Movies/Books: This year I was lovin' on the Civil Wars, the Black Keys, Noah and the Whale, Ray Lamontagne, Kiersten Holine, Sara B, Justin Vernon, and Angus & Julia Stone.

Umm, in the cinema category; I was thrilled with HP 7.2,  and JB's Never Say Never, The Help, the newest Sherlock Holmes annnd 17 miracles.

Books: Finally made it through Jesus the Christ this summer. Then Articles of Faith, Divine Signatures (on Brooke's recommendation) annnd over Christmas break I've just been plowing through the BOM trying to get done before the end of the year. So. Not a lot of recreational reading :/ your suggestions would be appreciated for 2012...


Love Interests:
1) The old seed of faith/parasite growing in your heart guy.
 I thought we ended on good terms, but he's mad at me lately and I don't really know why. I wrote him a christmas card to apologize but I never sent it. I never really knew what I was apologizing for...?
2) The Roommates.
Stalked the one, got asked out by the other. Tried to make it work....but just...no spark.
3) The kid from Dad's ward.
He's so sweet. But I'm worried its another Chavez situation.

Good people, no dice. Dating gets real discouraging sometimes.
But, you just gotta keep. moving. forward.
...right?

Resolutions:
I can't really remember what my resolutions were.
I know I wanted to get a job. And get more involved on campus. And read through the Book of Mormon. And probably get a boyfriend. Ha, so I'm sitting at about 2.7ish out of 4.
meh.


Regrets:
Ohhh nothing is really coming to mind.
I kinda wanted to on a mission this summer but it's not really eating away at me. I think I made the right choice.
No regrets :) Happy to report it.

2011...thanks for the memzz.

Wishing You and Yours a Merry Christmas!

Sincerely, Me.  

And Mine.

This semester at USU..

Interviewing & Counseling with Dr. Barcus 

• Dr. Barcus grew up on an Indian Reservation in Montana--so naturally, she also has a native american alias. She is known to all her native american compadres as, Bear Woman. (picture the cutest little old lady..like 90 something) Hilarious. Bear Woman.  Cute-little-old-lady-Bear-Woman said the F word approximately, ohh 30 times this semester. It shocked me all. 30. times. 
• She specialized in counseling for rape and sexual assault victims. Her age seemed like it was gonna be a realll setback the day she couldn't figure out how to use the doc-cam for 20 minutes and rolled out an overhead projector, but it was fascinating to hear about all the experiences she'd had over the course of her life. Twice in her class I straight up started crying as she relayed stories of her past clients. 
• I don't want to be a professional counselor, but I think the communication skills I learned in this class will benefit every interpersonal relationship I will have for the rest of my life. Being a good listener takes some effort. Who knew? Here's somethings she talked about this semester that stayed with me..
• "You can never change with words what someone learned through experience"
• A counselor's job is not to fix people, it is to help them discover what they want and how to get there.
• Dr. Barcus said she had two goals for every client that walked through her door, 1) to be able to have responsibility in their life 2) to be able to have intimacy..to have worthwhile relationships that bring life meaning.

Natural Disasters with Blair Larsen

• Holy cow this class was misery. The lecturer was just kind of a dud..She did just what was required of her and nothing more. She had no passion for the subject material or for how what she was teaching would benefit her students. We had a guest speaker a couple weeks ago and it was the highlight of the semester having him come in and talk about Global Warming. 
• I'm honestly having trouble remembering something that stood out to me...

• Oh! I know, get this, a hurricane weighs more than 365 whales. And you can take that to the bank. Thanks Blair!

 Educational Psychology for Teachers with Carrie Madden

• This night class was just once a week. Monday nights. I had the hardest time remembering it..Ha, but it didn't matter because it was painfully easy. Again, I was disappointed in the teacher for not having a bit more passion and investment in her students--I find this subject matter FASCINATING! But somehow she put me right to sleep every Monday night. 
• I learned....um....what NOT to do when I am a teacher someday. Thanks Carrie! 

Consumer Health with Donna Gordon and Adolescence with Camille Odell

• These last two classes I took online, and what I learned was, if you take an online class, its like paying for an A. You do zero work and the tests are a breeze. But that is one expensive A...

Institute

• God requires things of us. We can't be saved just because..I don't how how some people contend so strongly against this. It seems like such a plain and simple truth to me.
• There is such a thing as absolute truth. There is right and wrong. No matter what Lady Gaga says..
• I love the scriptures..? I don't know if I've ever been able to say that so honestly in my life. Ha, I have never been as dedicated and diligent in my scripture study as I have this semester and it really has made a difference. I look forward to my time in the scriptures instead of just doing it out of a desire to be obedient. Huh. Whaddyaknow.

So there ya go...another semester down, feels like forever still to go..

I did some other awesome stuff this semester but I'll have to blog about that later because I'm tired and I'm sure you're probably tuckered out too from all my ramblings..back to studying for finals..sigh.

PeaceN'Blessins.

Country Swing. Ya'll.

Surprise of a lifetime:

I may or may not have gone country swing dancing with some girls from my old ward last night.

..and liked it?

The first 30-35 minutes were an epic fail. I sat on the wall and felt like a total tool for being there.

Eventually, I awkwardly made my way to the dance floor and clumsily tried to pick up the steps..

Next thing I know I'm swinging my legs up over some guys head and getting flipped and spinned and dipped...

It was so fun.

Country Swing Dancing..
never thought I'd see the day.

Go Aggies.

I heart C.S. Lewis.

Recently I heard someone use an analogy from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to teach a principle, and it has really stuck with me so I'd like to share it. In honor of the Christmas spirit :) 

One of the kids, I don't know...lets say Peter(?) Shows up in the Winter Wonderland..Narnia? ..Right? (Sorry if I botch names, I actually haven't read the book since elementary school..but anyway) So he runs into Azlan (the Lion guy) and they are so excited to be reunited because they haven't seen each other in a while..
 Azlan comments on how big Peter is and how much he has grown in the last year...and then Peter remarks how much bigger Azlan is as well...and asks, "Azlan, have you grown a year older too?"
"No, I have not," Azlan replies, "yet each year you return, you will find me bigger."

C.S. Lewis intended for Azlan to typify the Savior.. And this little dialogue really hit home to me. Each year I grow older, Christ does grow bigger in my eyes. He is God, and is unchangeable. He is already all-knowing and all-powerful, and He does not grow any bigger...yet every year, as I learn more, and as I am better able to recognize my dependence on Him, as He strengthens and carries me through all my life's experiences... I continue to find Him bigger and bigger. 

This year is no exception. As I reflect on things I've learned this last semester, the more I know, the more I realize I will never know the depths of His love, or his power, or his mercy... My testimony of Jesus Christ is that He is everything He said He was, and that He has done all He said He would do. And that His hand is outstretched still. He will never, ever give up on any of us. Ever. We can all look to Him, admire Him, worship Him, and rely on Him without any reservation because He is perfect in every way. 

I hope this doesn't come off cheesy, but I think this is what Christmas is really about. And I think it's important to share.

As we wind up for the holidays, I just hope that the real reason for it stays in the forefront of our minds...

Merry Christmas!

Two of my Favorite Artists of All Time.

Life Fail.

I got out of the bus on campus today and looked down to see this....

Officially losing my mind. Thanksgiving Break couldn't get here fast enough.

Freaking Weekend.

The countdown's finally over! My lovely Ms. Cate got married on Saturday!

 Not gonna lie, I teared up a little at her dinner while her slideshow was playing..Catelin is the friend who taught me how to play hand-clap games when we were little like, I had a boyfriend Patty, Hello Operator and Ms. Mary Mack. (Anyone remember those?) We used to have the funnest sleepovers ever and had the coooolest secret club in her dirty laundry closet. I have so many fond memories growing up with her playing mario party or sliding down her staircases on a mattress..and then next thing I know, I'm sitting on the top floor of the Joseph Smith building crying. And she's all, hey, I'm somebody's wife. wtf?

But seriously, the wedding was so, so beautiful. (Kim Kardashian status.) It took my breath away walking into the room. Instead of doing a big reception she just did a dinner-dance and I loved how intimate it was. During the ceremony Layna, Tara, Jamie and I had our hands full with all the Tingey grandkids. They were adorable. Even baby Bo who scream-cried THE entire time. Still love him.

Thennn, we did this embarrassing musical number Our side of the family could probably appreciate us acting like total idiot's but I'm sure the grooms' side just felt awkward...ha...so...that's funny I guess.

My wonderful parental unit drove up to rescue me Friday night cause I was too scared to drive through the canyon in the snow. Bless them. I love hanging out with them. 

The only damper to the weekend is, upon my return to Logan, I realized that guys named Dan everywhere are trying to ruin my life and woo my best friends' hearts. Somebody stop the madness! Or find me a Dan of my own. Either way..

Also, I have way too much crap due tomorrow to be blogging... You know where to find me on the top floor of the Library.. ;)

Body Language : Queen

This song came on my grooveshark playlist while I was studying at a table by myself on the 4th floor of the Merril Cazier.
So naturally, I started dancing, by myself.
Never felt so good about it.
Instant great mood.
Even though I look like a hot mess today and I've been studying all morning for my test this afternoon and of COURSE I run into that kid I desperately want to date right after eating some curry and wearing my brother's way too big for me sweater.
Yikes.
Also, I just found out I cant go home today because I have to work tonight and I have an interview in the morning.
Boo.
But then,
Body Language.

It's all whatever.
I feel great.

Everyone, I dare you to dance your heart out to this song and not feel great about life.

Dear _ _ _ _ _ _

You are laughably immature. Get over yourself.

Love, Chris

Mucky Mucks.

My dear friend asked me if I would go to a luncheon with him after his board of trustees meeting today... So I was thinking like, "...blah blah..meetings...blah blah...important people....blah blah.. fancy *free* luncheon...sounds awesome."

Yes please. 

I just got home from said luncheon. Yikes, I was so out of my element. 

We drove over to the Dean of Utah State's immaculate second mansion, and sat at a beautifully set table under a sparkling chandelier, whilst some asian piano master tickled the ivories and delighted our ears with his angelic melodies. No joke. As we ate, I looked around and realized I was rubbing shoulders with some of the most powerful, influential, amazing men and women in our community. These guys were all CEO's and Provosts and Executive This or That's..

Wanna know what surprised me the most about them? Almost every single one of them (and their wives) took time throughout this luncheon to seek me out and approach me, ask my name and get to know me. Me. The one single person at the whole luncheon who had absolutely no right to even be there. What the heck?

It really made me reflect about what it takes to make a good leader or a person of influence in this life. So here's my two cents blogworld.

• It doesn't require any special background or qualifications to be instrumental to a community or society. It takes drive and determination. And it takes character. That's it. Anybody can decide to be a person of character. I want to be a person of character.
• The best leaders, have great vision and great ambition, but the key to reaching those far off goals is to pay attention to the one. This thought has been on my mind a lot lately and it really just got driven home today with this experience. Individuals matter. Relationships matter. Pay attention to those two things and before you know it, you're in some meeting sharing your ideas and moving metaphorical mountains.

So anyway, brb I'm just gonna go conquer the world.

SYTYCD

Been a loyal fan since like...2006.
Going to see them perform on tour this Wednesday!
Seriously. I can't wait.
I just watched a bunch of youtubes and I feel giddy with excitement.
I have never been an awesome dancer--probably never will be.
But I am in AWE of what these people can do with their bodies.
Bless my mom for getting tickets!
So so so excited!

Pure Joy: Me, before the show

To No One in Particular...

Recently I've been reflecting on my past relationships... You should know, ours is the only one I ever really count. You are still the only one I've ever given any significant piece of my heart to. When people ask me to think back to my happiest moments, I still think of some of our moments.

 Today I am sure we are exactly where we need to be. I don't know if you'd believe me if I told you, but I really am glad things turned out how they have. I am so happy you found your intended. I think you two are perfect for each other. I even think she's perfect for you in ways I never was. I'm sure you'd question my sincerity if I ever actually summoned up the courage to say it to you, but truly, I feel 'happy you're happy.' That's all I'll ever want for you.

I'm content with the lives we're living and the choices we made. But I miss the way things were somedays. I'm still so grateful for those experiences.


Thank you for all the times you cheered me on from the sidelines. You made me feel like I could do anything. Thanks for overlooking my stubbornness. You made me feel like I was worth the wait. Thank you for making my heart race. Thanks for buying me flowers, for making long trips to see me, and making a special effort to surprise me. I felt like I was living out a fairytale. Thank you for all the times you tickled my back and played with my hair on the drive home. I've never felt more adored and cared for, or more perfectly content. Thanks for noticing and appreciating so many of the little things. Thanks for the talk in your backyard after that fight with my dad. Thanks for letting me hide behind you after I fell on my face getting on that ride (in front of alll those people.) Thanks for refusing to let go of me on the tube at the lake. I always felt so confident with you by my side. Thanks for taking my hand and calming me down when I almost lost it in that haunted house. For holding me after Chandler died. Thank you for making me a part of your family. I will always love them, I wonder if they know that. Thank you for helping me make that sign for the parade. Thank you for always, always trying to do what was best for me. Thanks for that time I had cramps and you got me a cup of ice at the theater. You were always so concerned for my well-being--so desperate to put me at ease and make me comfortable. Thanks for taking me to all those concerts. Thanks for all the times you wrestled with me. Thanks for the food fights and the impromptu water fights. Thank you for the way you made me laugh. The joy you brought into my life is immeasurable. Thanks for taking the risks and making the leaps of faith when I hesitated. It meant more than I can say. Thanks for being an endless source of encouragement and support. Thanks for inspiring me and motivating me. Thanks for coming to me for advice.

To this day, I'm so grateful for the way you loved and respected me. I'm so grateful for the way you still loved, cared for, and protected me even after everything fell apart. You are one of the most wonderful men I have ever known. Is it still okay to admit how much these experiences meant to me? You are not the love of my life, but you taught me what to look for and never to settle. Can you understand how grateful I am for you? I hope someday you will. On days like today, I don't feel bitter. I don't feel remorseful. If I could go back and re-live my past I wouldn't change a thing. On days like today, I'm just grateful for the life I've lived...and even more excited for the life ahead of me.

And I guess I have you to thank for that..go figure.

.Seven.

Am I sitting around on the interwebz just wasting time? Of course I is, Ms. Booth. Here's 7 fun facts about moi for my 3 adoring readers and all my friends in Stickham...

1. I want to have a pinata at my wedding. And a legit outdoor concert.

2. I love mint milanos and sour patch kids. (not together, duh) And Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider.

3. Most recent goal: trying to be less cynical/critical/judgemental of others. Recently I've noticed I think a lot of mean things. Too often I assume the worst of people, too often I jump to my own conclusions. I watched this today and it kind of restored my love for humanity at large and reminded me what we're capable of. People are wonderful.

4. I ran out of Burt's Bees a week ago and its DESTROYING me.

5. When my close friends/family leave on missions I save a voicemail from them on my phone so I can still hear their voices every once in a while during those 2 long years. You know that awkward moment when you're around sketchy company and you feel nervous..so you pull out your phone and pretend you're having a conversation? I'm just listening to these old voicemails...

6.  Tomorrow I'm going to sing/play the ukulele for a restaurant full of strangers.

7. I'm currently listening to "Makin' Out" by Pomplamoose, "I Want You Back" by the Civil Wars, and "Postcards From Italy " by Beirut on repeat. Those 3 over and over and over..

Tag: Kelsey, Brooke, uhhh guess I need more blogfriends?

Thank you Ms. Tarbet.

I don't know if she knows this, but I've listened to this song approximately 739284302 times since Brooke showed it to me. It's one of the most beautiful things my ears have ever heard.

ps. Dear blogging wizards, how do I get my picture up there to be less blurry? Please help.

Perfect Day

Its been forever since I blogggged, so here's some updates for all my blog friends..

School is back in session. Logan is dreamy as ever in the fall.

 I finally get to live with BT, its gonna be beautiful. I love her. Always have, and always will.

Yesterday I spent the day out on the lake with some friends--kind of a last hurrah to send out the summer. I cant think of anywhere else in the whole world I would have rather been yesterday. Pineview was gorgeous all day--the weather was phenom. The drive up through ogden canyon took my breath away. Spent all day on the lake laughing and listening to music and just hanging out with people I love in a beauutifull place. We drove home right before sunset--I was all alone singing in my car to some sweeeet sweet music and the sunlight was streaming in through my open windows and blinding me so I couldnt see a thing, and I felt like I was smiling from the inside out. I started laughing out loud, alone in my car...because I just couldn't contain how happy I felt.

I'm gonna miss days like this.

I hope there's more to come...my friends keep getting married and dropping off the face of  the planet.

 OMEN: my two besties both went to weddings this weekend, and BOTH caught the bouquet....fml.

This just might be my favorite song of all time..

I will never ever, ever get sick of this song.

Chills.

Every.

Time.

Lets go see her in concert this month? Mmk.

Love. My. Friends.

"No woman is more persuasive, no woman has greater influence for good, no woman is a more vibrant instrument in the hands of the Lord than a woman of God who is thrilled to be who she is. ---I like to think of us as the Lord's secret weapon." -Sheri Dew

Summer in Pictures



Spent the first week of summer in Powell with some funny kids.

 

My dearest roommate Olivia got married! So did my lovely little cousin Logan.
Being a bridesmaid is fun to do, to do, to do.
I really love weddings.






I spend my days in the sun teaching little ninos to swim with my bestie.
 Greatest gig ever? I think so.

So far this summer, Ferg & I have gone to see Noah and the Whale and Sondre Lerche.
NATW: was fantastic as expected.
Sondre Lerche: kiiiiind of a let down
Hopefully I will have more concerts to report on later...



Another round of Lake Powell with the Fam over 4th of July weekend.

Check out that sexy robotic leggg!





Dan came to Lake Powell round 2.
He's kiiiind of hilarious and we had a lot of fun.



Annual Bear Lake trip with Dad's ward.

Pickleville Playhouse is always a highlight.



Annnd ofcourse the beloved cardboard box boat race..



I'm embarrassed to admit how long it took me to upload all these, and I still cant figure out how to make them bigger or get rid of the little frames though...so...hope this is enough for now.

Summer is wonderful. I'm a lucky, lucky girl.
over & out.

Daily Motivation

When I watch this video, I feel happy of myself.

Its Later:

(Disclaimer! This is a lonnnng post that was mostly theraputic in nature...if you get all the way through it, kudos to you. )

The Why I Shoulds:

1) Desire. (D&C 4:3)
 This, didn't exactly appear out of no where as Elder Brian gave his epic homecoming address..this little desire has been growing in my little heart since primary...since "I hope they call me on a mission," and "We'll bring the world his truth."
 I just can't think of a more wonderful work to be a part of, or something that would be a better use of my time or effort. I cant think of a single thing I feel more passionately about than the gospel of Jesus Christ. I would absolutely love to share the gospel, full-time. I would love the chance to learn and the chance to teach. I would love the chance to watch the gospel change lives. Plus, the possibility of a serious change of scenery is nice. Kind of exciting. Also, learning a new language is on the life to do's..whether I go or not. Bonus if that happens.
Bottom line: Being a missionary for Jesus Christ is the greatest job on earth. A chance to be a tool in the master's hand and work with the spirit on a daily basis and focus on others instead of myself for 18 months.. I would be absolutely honored to be a part of it.
Desire. (D&C 4:3) Check.

2) Timing
Its been easy to brush aside thoughts of a mission before because I would just tell myself I could figure it out later...plennnnty of time. But. I feel like the stars are aligned...right, now. I'm finally 21. I'm just ABOUT to start my program but the most convenient time to take a break with school would be right, now. Doug's been out a couple months and if I hustle we would be coming home together. If I could hurry and get a call before summer ends I could come home right as another semester is starting...I'm not dating anyone. (Ha. Dating.)  I'm don't have a job tying me down.
I don't have anything tying me down.
Right.at. this. moment. I feel like I could drive down to provo and knock on the front door of the MTC tomorrow. This unique circumstance will never happen again. I take it, now, or miss it, forever.

3) Blessings
There is seriously soo much to be gained from serving a mission. Exhibit A: pull any RM off the street and ask, try to catch some of what they say as they break down and start crying trying to tell you how much it meant to them. But seriously. Here's some of what makes me most excited...

• FLOOD of learning. about the gospel. about the scriptures. about people. about myself.
• Love. for companions. leaders. investigators. everyone at home. so. much. LOVE.
• Hard work. I know I would be forced out of my comfort zone and could GROW so much.
• Sense of ACCOMPLISHMENT..the kind of accomplishment that impacts eternity.
• Learn about how to connect with and genuinely love PEOPLE.
• Learn how to be a better TEACHER
• Be more CONFIDENT with the scriptures
• Learn to be more organized and effective with my TIME
• Learn more about the big wide world OUTSIDE of Utah.
• I could go on and on with this list...my head is starting to spin just thinking about all the blessings that could come from missionary service.

So...?

The Why I Shouldn'ts:

1) Things I'll Miss

• Graduating Class of 2012 (big whoop...probably wasn't gonna make it on time anyway..)
• Potentially..I could miss a lot of friends' weddings. I would be sad to miss those..
• A really great waitressing job. Ha.
• Going to classes....Ha.
• Hanging out with my friends. Watching a lot of animal planet with my roommates..
• Dating. (Part joke..but part serious. I might go crazy not going on a single date for a year and a half)
• .......but overall, are these sounding completely lame to anyone else?

2) Fear
Lets be real here...a mission is no walk in the park. Part of me is scared that I really have no idea what I would be getting into. I'm famous for being a ''bad orderer" my expectations and reality hardly align. ever. at all. I'm scared to be let down with what missionary work is really like. But then...who has ever sacrificed anything for the Lord and then regretted it? No one. That's who.

3) Not in my "box"
A couple of semesters ago, one of my favorite Institute teachers at Utah State, Bro. Harding, gave a lesson about personal revelation. We were reading from the famous DC 9:8..."study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right." Brother Harding helped me see this scripture in a totally new way that day. We talked about how the question "ask me if it be right" doesnt translate to, "should I or shouldn't I?" The question is whether its right or wrong. Bro. Harding drew a box on the board and said all good things would fall inside of Heavenly Father's 'box'  and would therefore be 'right' and things that were wrong are not in His 'box.' Are the things you are asking for good/'right'? Is it in harmony with what he's revealed through the prophets and in the scriptures? Is it in the box?
 If it is, the only question left to ask, is whether or not its in YOUR box of what is 'right' for you, individually. A mission is definitely a good/'right' thing, but is it in my box? I choose whats 'in' my box. (As long as my box is in His box) Heavenly Father who sees all, and knows exactly where I'm going and what I need, can help me to know what is right for my box as well. So I asked him. I told him how I felt about a mission. I prayed and I cried and I 'studied it out in my mind' and he helped me feel what was right for me.

And its not a mission.

*sigh* But, I whole-heartedly believe you don't have to be a full-time missionary to be a tool in our Heavenly Father's hands, or to have the spirit with you on a daily basis. Or to forget yourself and serve others. There is a great work to do wherever we're at. As Elder Uchtdorf put it, we all just need to 'lift where we stand' and I'm sure Heavenly Father will bless us as we serve in our own very unique, personal, and important capacities. So, to all the ladies out there who are maybe going through something similar...I hope this kind of helps. Its not important how or where you serve, if you are a full-time missionary or a good friend, sister, or mom...Its just important that you do your part. Never underestimate your ability to build the kingdom of God on a daily basis, in whatever capacity you're at. That's all He asks.


(If you got through this entire post you are a champ.)

Contemplating

Collin gave his homecoming address today.
What. a. stud. Seriously, I've never been prouder to be his family:)

It was SUCH a great meeting and the spirit was so strong.

I may or may not have come home and written up a list of why I should and why I shouldnt serve a mission..

It was pretty one-sided.

more to come later.

Elder Brian -- Fresh out of Spain

Three Amigos: Reunited

Missing You Already, D22

Elder Brian

Hey Bloggers.
Its been a tough week. We finally sent Elder Brian out to the mission field. Can't believe he's such a man..? Weird.

Anyway, most of you who know me, know him, so I just thought you might wanna know, OF COURSE I made a mission blog for while he's gone.

 It's like a rite of passage for this time in my life, right? It probably in the missionary handbook that your sister is supposed to do this for you while you're gone. I dont know. Maybe.

Anyway, here it is. douginperu.blogspot.com

This was across the street from the MTC right
before we literally kicked him to the curb.

This muchacho es mi amigo. I like him. We're friends.

We met at a bowling alley one time about a year and a half ago.

I really love being his friend. He's so fun and I know I can always count on him for anything. He's a stud. I feel lucky to have him in my life.

.

.

On a totally unrelated note, I planted an onion seed about 8 months ago. I don't know what I was thinking, because I don't even like onions at all. But, anyway, I grew an onion, and now I don't know what to do with it. It feels like a waste to throw it away because it took so long to grow. So I've just been saving it for a lonng time. I thought maybe if I found the right recipe it could still be good, but it's been a while and I can't find anything to do with it and its starting to go bad.

.

.

He loves onions. He says he'd rather have an onion than anything else. He could eat onions every day for the rest of his life. And if he couldn't have onions, he would just look all over the place for the closest thing to onions he could find. He convinced me to try them and I've learned to like onions a lot more than I did before, but there's still no way you could convince me to sit around and eat onions for the rest of my life. Ya know?

.

.

So yeah, I guess all I'm trying to say is that we feel really differently about onions, he and I.

The end.

Home is Wherever I'm with You

\I can't stop replaying this over and over and over.

It makes my heart melt. I love everything about it. It makes me hopeful there's still beauty and love and GOODNESS in the world. God bless youtube for letting me creepily have a peek into this tender moment between a father and his little girl.

I have this thing.

I just, really, really love families. (yeah, yeah, everyone loves their families..)
But I mean, All families. Any family.
Families make me feel safe and happy and like the world's a wonderful place. (People who really know me, know this.)

I think too many people are starting to forget this.

"The earth was created....that families might be"
-Elder Russel M. Nelson

"There is nothing in the world as important as the creation and perfection of family units"
-Elder Bruce R. McConkie

"It is possible to make home a bit of heaven; indeed, I picture heaven to be a continuation of the ideal home"
-Elder David O. Mckay

Employed.

I could sing.

"Get a job" has been on my to do list maybe since I transfered to Utah State LAST fall.

Haha, ohhh man I suck.

I've been dragging my feet and making excuses about how I dont have time for a solid year maybe. sick.

The application process is brutal and the rejection is nooo fun (thanks Brittany, for not forcing me to bear it alone)

but FINALLY! A silver lining!!

I got a job at a classy restaurant in Logan called Iron Gate Grill. I've never eaten there but there's red chandeliers and zebra chairs. So, = super classy. Obviously.

omgimsoexcited.