Hey ya'll! So I feel like an update is in order. If you're one of those anti-love type haters who is irritated by things like people holding hands, cheesy chick flicks, valentine's day, and/or people getting engaged, then you are formally excused from the rest of the post.
On June 13th Dylan returned home from his mission. On June 23rd he proposed to me outside of the Draper temple with the most beautiful ring that he made himself, and of course I said yes.
The last 3 1/2 weeks have been, by far, the very best of my life. It's really amazing how when something is right, everything works out. In the 2 weeks we've been engaged, we've done the bulk of wedding planning/preparation/shopping. I've loved every minute of it. I can't remember ever being purely happy for so long. Even in the best of times there are little worries and stresses, fears, concerns, but right now there just isn't. I'm so excited, and so happy to have reached this point in life that has always been just a dream. I can testify even more strongly now that "no matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true." Obviously life won't always be this easy, but after the last couple years I am really grateful that I get to face everything the future holds with my best friend as my husband by my side.
Hey! So it's probably time to blog again, seeing as the last week has been so dense and full of happiness and joy. If you've seen me recently, you're probably very aware of my current ebullience (thanks for the vocabulary Krista), and if not you're about to read about it. Dylan Wake, the boy that I am in LOVE with, is HOME and here, and I can't remember ever feeling so wonderful and optimistic about life.
Time is a funny thing my friends. Some days 2 years seems like a blink, and other days you're sure that 2 years will NEVER end. 2 months ago time was going by slower than I can ever remember, 2 weeks ago I couldn't make up my mind whether it was too fast or too slow, and right now it is flying. I can't believe I've already had 5 blissful days that were devoid of any counting down and waiting-- and yet at the same time those 5 days feel like they're all the time in the world, and it's hard to remember anything that happened before. Currently life is so exciting, and feels so right, and normal, it's hard to believe it's really been 2 whole years since I've been with this boy.
Dylan's mission was great for so many reasons, but one is that I can even more appreciate the little things he does that make my life so wonderful. Things like sweet texts, being called a princess- and treated like one, having someone who is happy just to be near me, being told I'm loved, all these mean even more now that I know what it's like to be without them. I think Steve Perry nailed it when he sang "I get the joy of rediscovering you- I'm forever yours, faithfully."
So, maybe this all seems a little giddy and cheesy. Sorry, not sorry. But really, this boy is the best thing that's ever been mine.
Let's sing our feelings!
Point: "[a mission] cannot stop true love, all it can do is delay it for awhile."
Alrighty friends- unless this hasn't been blatantly obvious in every form of social media and actual human interaction and conversation lately- I have a missionary coming home REALLY SOON. Not just any missionary, mind you. My missionary. I have honestly never been so excited for anything in my life.. so naturally I'm going to blog about it.
Two years ago, June 8th was a Tuesday. It's officially been 2 years since we said goodbye, and that was one of the hardest things I've ever done. Saying goodbye was a conglomeration of emotions- happy, worried, excited, the whole deal. Now.. I'm pretty much feeling all those same things :)
Tonight I went to the first of 3 weddings that I'm attending this weekend. And pinteresting ideas for my own. Currently I'm watching a movie and reveling in the fact that no matter what happens from here- this is the last Friday night I will ever spend waiting for a missionary.
Alright, so pretty much I have the most incredible sister in the universe. She is the epitome of kindness and cuteness, and she is unfailingly unselfish. I don't know very many people who have been through things as crazy and hard as she has, and they happened during high school- which is in my opinion hard enough by itself. Despite everything, she's come out even sweeter. She lives to help the people she cares about, and she finds joy in the smallest things. She's super talented, super beautiful, faithful, and awesome. Having her in the same room as me = having a major party. She helps to remind me what is really important in life, all the while making me feel better about myself and the world. I cannot imagine life without her in it, and I am so grateful for the wonderful friend she's been to me.
Next week she is coming to be my ROOMMATE! We haven't lived in the same room for almost 13 years, and I am so excited!! So many times people have asked me if we ever fight, or how we get along so well. Honestly I don't know how I'd ever get along without her. When we were kids we looked forward to having people stay over at our house, because it meant I had to give up my room, and the 2 of us would have a sleepover. I cannot wait to see what havoc we create over a 2 month sleepover!
Here's some adventures we've had in the last couple weeks-
She defeated high school!
Silly graduation present I made her..
To welcome summer, the 2 of us celebrated alien appreciation week. This was accomplished by a slew of alien related movies, music, and crafts. Aak aak!
Earlier this week she was even willing to go on an enchanted hiking adventure with me!
Oh yeah, and we got some hot dino tattoos..
...and massive snowcone awesomeness.
Isn't she adorable??
Here are some more nostalgic ones just because..
When I count my blessings, I count her over and over, and thank a loving Heavenly Father for giving her to me and our family. Thanks Colee for being the best sister and best friend that could ever be dreamed up in all the world.
Okay, so this month has been SO AWESOME. I've been so busy having fun that I haven't remembered to blog about it so here goes.
Things that have happened in May-
I woke up to a good rain storm
A couple superb hike/run adventures to my enchanted place, which Spring has given the most glorious makeover to
Singing my feelings in the mountains
Celebrated May day and surprised my mom with flowers
Saw the hunger games with my dad and sister (3rd time's the charm)
I've read a good deal
Temple trips
A celebratory joyous roommate outing to Cafe Rio, because we all had something worth celebrating!
I got a JOB for next year!
Like 8 IEP's. Inluding 3 re-evals.
Cinco de Mayo Avengers party
All sorts of cool space rare occurrences which I understand only on a minimal level
Edgemont 5k
Provo City Center Temple Groundbreaking (Elder Holland rules.)
Art Ball
Letters
Exorbitant amounts of end of year testing (I personally proctored over 500.)
Writing a song that is more legitimate than any song I have ever written
Snowcones
End of school parties
Playing with dear friends
Bike rides
Tree climbing
Adventurous outings
Meeting my new class
Blonde
Checking off 22 days on my countdown- and only having 22 left.
Sunshine
Bonding
Hope
I love love love it. And surprisingly, it's gone by really fast. I'm so sad that the school year is ending, I'm really going to miss all of the wonderful teachers and students of Edgemont. I can, however, feel the super adventures that are just around the corner! And as much as I really do loooove May, June is going to be even BETTER!!
If I could assign a quote to my life, it would probably be the opening line of "Dreams" by the Cranberries: "Oh my life is changing everyday, in every possible way." Week after week I am surprised by the amount of surprises that happen, but that's just life I suppose! I've been in some sort of delusion that the craziness and random nature of life is just a phase, but I'm starting to realize that phase is called "life" and it's going to last much longer than I anticipated. I'm also realizing that that's okay. Experiencing a wide range of emotions in a short period of time is okay. Life is okay! More than that, life is wonderful. It really is great, it's an adventure. And the more I look for beautiful things, the more I see.
This week I graduated BYU, something I don't think I ever really thought about doing. That sounds silly, but when I imagined things I'd do in life I pictured going to college, being a teacher, getting married, mission?, children, etc., but not actually graduating BYU, finishing it, walking away with a degree in hand and no longer being a college student. I should have, considering there was never a chance that I would choose not to graduate, and all of the choices I made to accelerate my college experience as well. Anyhow, it's done, so we'll just keep moving forward!
Truthfully this has been much less of a graduation week than a week of realizing how many dear and loving people care about me. I've been blessed to have sweet interactions with both immediate and extended family, neighbors, home-ward friends, college ward friends, co-workers, students, long lost friends, old roommates, new roommates, friends in my cohort, all in all a decent representation of the people I know- and I feel so incredibly loved.
It's easy to get down, and beat yourself up. It's easy to list all of your flaws and mistakes, but it can be so hard to see what you're doing right. I think most of us forget altogether to look for our own good traits. It's something I struggle with, but I have hope that I will get better. Anyway, I'm really grateful for these people who remind me that I'm alright, that I've got a few things going for me, and above all- divine and infinite worth. I have countless examples of pure charity in my life. Not only that, but people who care about me specifically. I really want to become more like them, and I hope that I can make people in my sphere of influence feel that deep love that I have for all of them as well.
So this post title is slightly deceiving, I'm not going away anywhere, and certainly not on a boat, or a spaceship (to the best of my knowledge). It's a metaphor guys. I've been learning this tune on the piano lately, and it feels kind of appropriate for graduation.
I am sailing away- I'm a graduated professional, with a job lined up for the coming year, my dearest and best friend comes home in only 51 days and I am ready to begin the beautiful next chapter of my life. . May it be just as whirlwindy and saturated with growing opportunities as the last while has been!
P.S. This probably isn't proper blog etiquette, but being the curious creature that I am, I would love to know who reads these! If you do, thanks for being a kind enough soul to spend time reading about my life! Feel free to leave me a comment or message saying you read, or if you'd prefer, feel free to keep reading anonymously. Also- if you're a fellow blogger and I don't follow you, let me know that as well, because I want to hear about your lives too.
Happy Easter! What a wonderful holiday. I'll admit it doesn't feel quite the same now, what with living in college with no children about, but it was still wonderful. I got to watch my cousins have their Easter egg hunt, and my stellar roommates hid eggs in the living room for me as well. Not to mention both Easter bunny visits, I feel very lucky indeed. Also, I'm so grateful for this girl here- best sister friends forever.
The last couple weeks have been wild, but with the help of some truly wonderful individuals, I'm keeping my head above water, and with a smile on it to boot. Most of my worries right now are of the "endure to the end" kind of thing, and with the sweet scaffolding of the Lord, along with some angels, I know that things will turn out really well.
I don't publicly/formally bear my testimony all that often. As with many people, I tend to lack the confidence that I have anything to say that they don't already know. In BYU wards there is never a shortage of volunteers, so I usually miss those opportunities. I do try to bear my testimony in my daily conversations with others, and as it's Easter I'd really like to share it here as well.
I know that this- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- really is the true, and only complete church on the earth. This is because we have the authority from God- which means that we have the power of the priesthood, along with an appointed Prophet and other leaders who facilitate Christ's direction and purposes. I have complete confidence in those leaders, and I know that they truly receive revelation to guide us at this time.
I know that the Book of Mormon is the truest book on earth, and have experienced it's unique power to convert and bring men unto Christ. I know that it was translated by Joseph Smith, who also restored the Church to the earth, and was a true prophet.
I know that there is a God, and we are his children. He loves us and is more aware of us than we can realize. Through the power of prayer we can communicate directly with him and receive answers to our questions and comfort throughout our trials. As his children, we all have infinite worth and potential, including the potential to become Gods like he is.
More than anything, I have a testimony of the Atonement. I know that Jesus Christ died, for us, and that he was resurrected- and we will be as well. He descended below all things and has a perfect understanding of us and the experiences we have. The Atonement is infinite in every sense of the word, and transcends time and space. I have felt it's cleansing power from sin, the power to be healed from infirmities, and the magnificent peace in times of sorrow. I've felt the Savior's love, and stood amazed at the perfect charity and mercy that he has shown me. In my darkest hours, he has never forsaken me, but instead has carried me through.
This is my favorite painting of Christ, and one that I have framed in my room to remind me of his ever-present love.
The painting is titled "Why Weepest Thou." When Mary finds Christ's tomb empty, she is overcome with sorrow and grief. Her Lord, who has taught her, served her, and shown her perfect charity, is gone. I can't imagine the loneliness she felt.
Jesus approaches her and asks "Woman, why weepest thou?" She doesn't recognize him at first, but realizes who he is when he calls her by name. Mary's immediate instinct is to go and embrace her Savior, knowing of the perfect love he has for her.
I love this painting because it helps me to realize that Christ has never left me alone. He knows my name, and he has succored me through every trial I've faced. Whenever I feel sad about my circumstances, or lonely, I see this painting and hear him say "Why weepest thou?" knowing that he will sustain and provide for me. Through the power of the Atonement, I know that I can become closer to him. And one day, I will have the opportunity to embrace my Savior.
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
I invite you to trust in him, no matter what wars are currently waging in your life. He knows the way because he is the way.
I am continually amazed at how wonderfully good people are, and this week I’ve been especially struck by the kind things they say. I find that happiness in life is never a matter of circumstances, but a matter of the way you respond to those circumstances. And for me, the way I respond to a situation is often greatly improved by the love and support from people around me. This post is a shout out to the dear and kind souls who have lifted me up through the things they say.
Speaking is not my forte, and I often struggle to find the right words, know when to start, and know when to stop- and therefore I sincerely appreciate it when other people are willing to take the time to talk to me.
Here are some of the words that are still resonating with me from this week-
“Teacher, I got this just for you.”
“Wow, we would be out of work if everybody’s teeth looked like yours... I’m really jealous of your teeth.” -Dental hygienist
“Thank you for coming, we’re glad that you’re here.” - Temple worker
“Miss James, I put a seat next to mine for you to sit in.”
“I’m sorry about yesterday Miss James. I’m going to be good today.”
“You don’t need to worry about spiraling downward, we’re not going to let that happen. You’re going to be okay, and I’m always here if you need someone to talk to.” -My doctor.
“Everyday I ask her what the best part of her day was at school, and everyday she says ‘Going to math with Miss James!’ Thanks for your hard work.” -Student’s parent
“You look great.”
“When are we going to watch star wars?”
“How are you feeling?”
“Thank you.”
“Are you okay?”
“Take care.”
“Do you need anything?”
“I love you.”
I don’t think any of the people who said these things knew how much I needed it at that moment. I guess people generally don’t realize the full impact that their words have, but it can be huge. It’s a good reminder for me to choose my words more carefully, because even when it seems like nobody is listening, they just might be. I’m also grateful that they were brave enough to give whatever compliment or ask whatever considerate question that they did, because it takes a little bit of courage sometimes. This week I’m going to try extra hard to choose words that just might brighten somebody’s day a little bit.
“I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Yesterday as I was set off to store, "Smooth" by Santana (feat. Rob Thomas) came on the radio. I was super stoked to be sure. I was disappointed though, because despite my good fortune I reached my destination before even coming to the caliente chorus. I nearly stayed in the car just to savor the sweet spanish song, but instead went straight into Smith's and instead sang to myself as I picked pleasant produce.
After arriving back at my automobile, I packed in my purchases and found the first preset playing music. I was surely surprised when suddenly the succulent sounds of Santana once again surrounded me. "Smooth" was on again. Shocking.
I brightly bounded up to my bedroom, bubbling over with bliss, and flabbergasted by my good fortune. I then walked in to find my marvelous macbook, Phoebe, lying foreignly on the floor.
I opened it to find that the screen wasn't working, and knew immediately that as it had fallen on the floor a cable inside was disconnected. How did I know this? Because I did this same thing not 3 weeks ago, and had to take her to the doctor to get repaired.
I still am quizzically questioning the cause of this catastrophe, and the only conceivable cause is that there was an execrable earthquake in my absence.
So I did the only thing that made any sense, I turned on "smooth" and pretended nothing bad happened.
Lessons learned:
1. I have 2 supernatural powers- the gift of causing unwanted destruction to innocent objects, even without being present, and the gift of having a miraculous influence over the radio.
2. I'd make an awful superhero, because both of my powers are completely useless.
3. I shouldn't own nice/expensive things.
4. No matter how careful I think I am, I will still ruin things. Therefore, there is no reason to get upset about it, but instead I should laugh at myself, because at least I'm funny.
5. Rob Thomas and Santana will always be there for me, no matter what. "And if this life ain't good enough I'd give my world, to lift you up. I would change my life to better suit your mood, cause you're so smooth.."
Thanks guys.
Sorry if you read this whole post, it's kind of stupid. I love you dearly.
One of the blessings of not having classes and homework any longer is that I actually make food once in awhile. Granted, it's still a rare occurrence, but I'm working on it!
I've also been making big efforts to eat healthier, and it's been fabulous.
Here are some recipes I've found/tweaked/created that are TOTALLY good for you and super easy.
Apples and Banana Bread- this is not just any banana bread. It has no butter or eggs, and is therefore basically fat free. As a substitute I used my new best friend: applesauce. It turned out really delicious, and I ate tons of it without feeling guilty at all.
*Tip: Use some cinnamon to really spice it up nicely.
And here we have a similar venture- Oatmeal craisin cookies. These are also made with applesauce rather than butter or eggs. I loved them, and I found craisin cookies are even more fun than raisin ones. This one doesn't exactly count, because it's just a mix. Notice however that these too are FAT FREE. All you do is add water! I actually liked the taste of them better than your average +egg +oil muffins. I have a feeling I'm going to be making these quite often. And last but not least- my version of the broccoli salad. Ingredients: broccoli, pasta shells, black beans, chicken, raisins, and just traces of light miracle whip, vinegar, and sugar.
This was so delicious. Not only that, but I only put in about 1/8 cup of light miracle whip. Most recipes of this size call for about 2 cups of mayonnaise. It also only has a fraction of the sugar. I substituted chicken in place of the bacon, and added black beans, and raisins for some extra flavor and nutrients- and viola. An awesome dinner that will yield about 6 servings. It's low calorie, high nutrient, simple, tasty, and the hardest part was opening the cans.
Everybody has different food habits and struggles. For me, being lactose intolerant, anemic, and not eating eggs or red meat makes it tricky to get enough calcium, iron, and protein. Lately I've been on a quest to find foods that I enjoy and are good for me. Most of the time I end up creating my own recipes based on the foods that I want to be inside of me. I would definitely encourage you to be proactive, and find foods that you could incorporate more or less of in your diet. I have a very strong testimony of eating healthy- when your body is in good condition your life and Spirit can function so much better!
The weekend before last I helped my dad finally move the rest of the stuff in our house out. There really isn't anywhere to put the majority of the stuff that was in our house, and so a ton of it went to the dump. Here is one trip, of at least 10 truck-fulls to the dump.
It's hard to describe how it felt, throwing away years and years of stuff and memories. It feels sort of sad and wrong, because once it's thrown away it's gone. So many things that were parts of my life, the toys I played with, things I made, random objects I was used to seeing around the house as I was growing up- they aren't coming back.
At the same time I recognize the necessity and opportunity for change. I know it's time to start fresh and clean, and do away with the past. It isn't easy though.
Warning- this next part isn't fair of me to post. But I can't think of any other way to express what it felt like to drop my cats off at their new home, even if I can visit them sometimes- so sorry. Don't watch it if you don't feel like crying.
I guess the hard part isn't really the stuff. It's more the feeling that I don't really have a "home" to go to anymore. I'm still coming to terms with the fact that life and family aren't ever going back to the way they were. And that's for the best too, but it's all bittersweet. I wonder how long it will be before things feel normal again. With my cats moved away to their new places, it's hard to believe life will ever feel right again. I'm glad my parents are both moving on, everyone is quite obviously happier, and what more can you ask for?
As I was cleaning out my room, my sweet and dear friend Bella came and visited. I knew I had to have on my brave face, but she didn't. She told me straight out that she didn't want me to leave, that she'd miss me, and that I shouldn't be leaving. Bella has been one of my best and loving friends for years. It's good to know that there are some things that never change, and I'm so grateful for this sweet little girl.
Here's some more of my feelings, in a little prettier format-
For now I'm holding onto the hope that someday there will be home again. Someday my lifestyle will hold a little more consistency. Someday there will be less goodbyes and circumstances that force you to let go of things you hold dear. In the mean time I'm grateful for the incredible progress that has happened, especially in the last year. I've learned a lot, and the people who I care about have been watched over and protected. I've seen how His plan for us is better than our plan for ourselves. Thank goodness that there is one home and a Heavenly Father that will never change, and never abandon us.
Somewhere in the last year it seems I've grown up. Being a grown up is great in lots of ways- having a real job, a car, being more mature, getting smarter, etc. I realized that this grown up stuff has been clouding my vision, and for goodness sakes nearly forgot how to be a kid.
I don't think being an adult is bad, and I don't think everyone needs to retain their childlikeness, some people are meant to grow up. If that's what they want, then that's okay I think. I, however, am not meant to. Not all the way anyway.
There is something indescribably beautiful about feeling a sudden, random impulse to do or say something that isn't expected or logical. Something that afterwards you really can't explain why you did it, other than it's what your heart wanted. Usually the impulse builds and builds until your heart is racing, head is pounding and you KNOW you're going to do it eventually, whether or not it's sensible at all. And, after you get up the courage, it's completely liberating. It's the joy that can only come from following your heart, even though you know it's going to complicate things and people might think you're crazy, it's okay, because you are crazy, and complications can be the best adventures.
A lot of what I know about following my heart I learned from this girl-
Stargirl would tell you that falling for somebody isn't straightforward or predictable. You don't fall in love with someone because they take you on dates or because they're eligible. It has nothing to do with their major or where they're from. You definitely don't fall in love just because they liked you first and it's convenient. I don't know where it comes from, but somehow our hearts learn how to talk to each other, sometimes even before we've really learned to talk to each other ourselves.
I don't think love is instantaneous in most cases, and in all cases it has the capacity to grow and develop according to how you nurture it. There is on the other hand, some sort of enchantment spark that can happen at any time. It might be a love at first sight type of thing. It might be after you've known someone for months or years, but one day you realize you're going crazy over them for no explainable reason. And you wonder if they'll figure it out.
It doesn't always work out. They don't always fall for you the way they should. But when you find real true love, it's worth all of the chances you've ever taken and more. Huey Lewis explains this better than I ever will.
So, I guess what I'm saying is, listen to those instincts , even if it's scary. And this isn't just about romance or relationships. Make your life choices consistent with who you are and what you want it to be. Take crazy leaps just because you're feeling it. Call someone up that you've been dying to talk to. Go somewhere you've never been. If it feels right, take the chance. If it doesn't, then for goodness sakes be brave enough to say no. That's the hard part for me, telling people no because it might hurt them. In the end it all works out somehow though.
As Jacquimo would say "You're sure to do impossible things if you follow your heart."
If you know me, you're probably aware that I have a particular proclivity for.. valentine's day. This year was no different, and seeing that part of the lure of valentine's day is all of the pretty pink and red heart shaped things, there are going to be a fair amount of photos on here.
We start with the V-day attire- And here is my outfit for school-which my students found surprising. As one of them said, "woah, you are not a regular teacher today. You're like a.. Valentime lady!"
And of course we have the Valentines. In case you were wondering, being an elementary teacher eliminates any need to have a boyfriend on Valentine's day. I was completely spoiled with chocolate and balloons. Kids are so adorable, and so ready to love and forgive. I wish I could be more like them. Here's a conversation I had on Valentine's day:
Student: "Miss James, I love you. I really do. And you know, I worry about you, when I'm not with you."
Me: "Oh, you don't need to worry about me. What do you think would happen?"
Student: "Well I'm just afraid something bad might happen to you. But if it did- I would stop it. I'd never let anything happen to you."
Does it get any sweeter than that?
The bottom right corner displays some of the hand-made valentines I received. The top right is a picture of some of the paper I made for my valentines using shaving cream, food coloring, and stamps.
And we move to the baking portion of the post. Sometimes I get an urge to do some sort of massive festive project, this holiday it was cupcakes. All in all I made about 11 dozen cupcakes. It was joyous and messy, and an excellent way to spread love to friends and neighbors.
As fun as all of this was, the best part of my Valentine's day simply cannot be instagramed. There's something about January that always gets me a little bit down, maybe it's winter blues, post-Christmas sadness, depression, vitamin D deficiency, whatever- but it's so easy to get into a rut of apathy. Valentine's day has always been that little lift during the cold months that keeps me going until springtime.
It's impossible to spend hours making cards and goodies for people and not feel an increase of love for them. This week has given me such a sweet opportunity to think about the people in my life who make it as wonderful as it is. From my amazing mom, dad, and sister who care about me so much, my awesome roommates, all of my friends both close and far away, the fabulous people in my ward, and the incredible adults and children that I work with at school, I feel totally surrounded by people to love who love me in return. Most of all I've felt an undeniable and magnanimous amount of love from the Savior.
I see his love in the little tender mercies that happen every day. I see his love in all the blessings I receive. Most of all I see his love in the trials and challenges that come, because he cares enough to help me grow. As a teacher, I can testify that it is much easier for me to give my students an easy assignment that they can do by themselves than a difficult one where I have to give them a lot of help and support. Easy assignments don't make us any better than we were though, so there really isn't a point to it. And just as I would never intentionally give my students an assignment that isn't possible for them to be successful at, He won't either. He will always be there to answer our questions and help us through the tough days.
I truly love Him, and I stand all amazed when I think of the sacrifice he made for me. I'm grateful for the opportunities he's given me to serve on his errand, because I've been given a chance to experience a small portion of the charity that he has towards all of us. I hope that we'll all remember to celebrate and share our love for the people in our lives all year long, because that's all that really matters. I'm not sure who all reads this, but chances are you are someone who has been a kind friend, and you've truly been a blessing in my life. Thanks for being there, and for sharing your love with me.
Well, apparently my last bit of whining did some good, because I got a car this week! It was quite a bit of work to find one, and make sure it wasn't junk, but it was completely worth it.
Here are my favorite things about owning a car so far:
1. Feeling independent
2. Blasting the stereo
3. Being able to drive myself to work
4. Being able to drive to the temple, and not walking when it's cold/dark
5. Being able to drive to the store for whatever I need
6. Being able to drive up to the mountain to go hiking when I don't feel up to running there
7. Being able to drive to Disneyland at any given moment if necessary
8. Being able like I can go ANYWHERE at ANYTIME without ANY HELP!!
I love it more and more all the time.
Here she is!
And I love her! I call her "The Common Welsh Green." It just fit too perfectly. Go read HP if you don't understand the reference.
Life is going wonderfully. This week has really been lovely, and good things are happening everyday :) I don't feel like I even need Disneyland at the moment, I'm pretty happy right here.
Here's some pictures from my hike today-
"All for freedom and for pleasure, nothing ever lasts forever; everybody wants to rule the world."
Had a fabulous 100th day of school, my students were exceptionally well behaved, and we had lots of fun. After school I went up to the DMV to take my driver's test-- totally aced it, and walked out with my driver's license. After 5 years of struggling with driving, it was truly the best feeling ever.
Right now-
I need to buy a car. I don't know how.
I just found out all my friends and roommates who I'd consider living with nest year have already signed contracts together.. I'm sure it's great to live with strangers and make new friends, but I can't say I'm thrilled about it. Especially since I don't know where I'm allowed to live when I'm not a student.
Went to a dating fireside tonight that was good, but can dating just please be over?
Somewhere in between-
Found out I have mono and anemia.
Realized I don't have a clue what I'll be doing or where I'll be working next year.
And I did go on a really fun date. But once again-- can dating please be over? Don't get me wrong, first dates are fun, and I had such a good time. But really, it would be so nice to have a little more stability- or heck- even a second date once in awhile.
OK-this post feels totally ridiculous. I realize I have a great life, and NO right to be complaining.. can you say "white people problems"? I try to remind myself I'm 20- not 35. I'm so blessed to be going to school, and to have finished my degree so quickly. I have the best job ever- and I love the people I work with. My friends, roommates, and family are wonderful and love me. I have a DRIVER'S LICENSE. And if the last year has taught me anything, it has definitely been that God is in control and he has a plan for all of us. I know that whatever he's got in store for me is more than I can comprehend. Life is meant to make you grow, and I guess that couldn't happen without a little bit of anxiety.
But is it too much to ask for a husband, car, good health, house, and job? :) (Just kidding.)
It's cold outside! That combined with my lack of social interaction and dating over the past month has allowed a little more time for silly things like the following-
Giant snowflakes-Marbled paper, possibly for valentine-making
Little patterned boxes-
And my favorite- valentine Christmas lights!
Away with boredom and away with wasting time on the internet! Go make something lovely!
