Today I Threw Away My Hairbrush

Yes, that is right. I threw away my hairbrush. But, before you judge let me explain: 

This is not a story about hair.

When I was about 13 years old, I went to Walmart with my dad. Not just any Walmart. The first Walmart I can remember. The old one on Main Street before they closed it down. As my dad and I entered the store, there was a shopping cart that contained various items and the sign attached to the cart said: CLEARANCE. (This was one of my first exposures to the word and my life hasn't been the same since...that's another story...)

I looked into the cart and found a purple hairbrush. I thought, "I think I might need this hairbrush." I don't know how much the clearance item was because my dad graciously bought it for me. 

And, thus, our story began.

I took that hairbrush home and it was the start of a wonderful relationship. This hairbrush has been with me nearly everywhere I go. Every sleepover, every vacation, every morning. These places include: Girl's Camp, Disneyland, China, and my mission to Texas. From the time I found it at Walmart until now, this loyal hairbrush has been everywhere that I've been. 

What once was shiny and new is now old and broken. I've dealt with the three pieces falling apart for a few years now and it has never really bothered me. It was as a friend with quirks. 

But, sadly, this era of my life is coming to a close. I am taking a big "grown up" step this week and it is time to do just that: grow up. It is time to leave behind the things of yesterday and look forward to what is ahead. I will forever be grateful for this hairbrush and all that it represents. This trusty stylist once followed me on every excursion I ventured on, but this time it cannot come along. 

It will stay behind.

I have a new hairbrush now. I did not find it on clearance, but on "sale" instead (another word I have come to love). It is the turning of a page, a step ahead, a door to open! But, never without the wonderful memory of youth. 

So, thank you hairbrush. We had a good run, didn't we?

A New Adventure!

It has been a LONG time since I've posted here. I have been super busy getting ready to leave on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'll be serving in the Houston, Texas area for the next 18 months. Wow! This was never a real goal of mine, but lingered in my thoughts for about 2 years. Finally, I couldn't deny it any longer. It is time for me to go and serve the Lord. 

As I will be gone, I will not be blogging (since I've been so good recently!). However, my mom will be keeping a blog for me and my brothers as we are on missions: http://jacksongoestojackson.blogspot.com/

I'm excited for this wonderful experience to begin. I hope that the Spirit of the Lord is with me as I meet new people and teach them the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He lives and He has provided the way for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father. 

See you in 18 months!

Year in Review

I've been away from the blog awhile. I apologize to those few who read here. I've been preparing (trying!) for my mission and with the holidays, things get busy. This time of year, we see lists and list of the Top "Enter Something Interesting" of the Year. Top songs, movies, celebrities, scandals, events, videos, photos, television shows, games, technologies, etc.

This is my list. If you recall, I was very happy to ring in a new year last year. Now, as I look back, I cannot believe this year is closing. Compared to the last few years, this one has been pretty darn good! Yet, I am grateful for a new one approaching.

Here is my Top 2011 List! (I inserted links instead of photos)

5. D23 Expo

I did not make it to Disneyland this year...shocker!! The closest thing I got to Disneyland was the D23 Convention in Anaheim. What a wonderful Disney fix. This will have to get me through the next 18 months since I won't be able to visit Main Street U.S.A before I leave. (And, yes, our Disneyland Kinect helps a little)

4. EFY

Everyone said that EFY was just like a mini-mission. It was scared, nervous, stressed, wanted to come home, learned from it, loved it, missed it. I am following the same pattern now in preparing for my mission. So, I'm expecting to have an awesome experience. If I weren't leaving to Texas, I would be applying for a counselor position at EFY again. 

3. Graduation

I still cannot believe that I graduated from college! That is a grown-up thing to do. I still don't feel grown up. I was tempted to skip out on the graduation ceremony and go party (like I did for MCC). However, I still went. I will never forget the overwhelming sense of joy that flushed through my heart as I walked into that arena. I was finished! All the hard work, sleepless nights, and pain was over. To all who are in school: I promise this day will come!

2. Mission Call

As of today, I leave in 39 days. That is amazing. I never thought I would serve a mission, but the Lord knew it. I hope that I will be able to report well at the end of my 18 months in Houston. I know that the Savior, Jesus Christ lives. I know that His Restored Church is on the earth today. I know that by following Christ and applying His teachings into my life makes me happy. I want to share this with others.

1. Temple

There is no link for this one because I thought my feelings were too private to share on a blog. Yet, today, I will share a small fraction of my feelings about attending the temple for the first time. I've wanted to enter the holy temple for a few years now. Since many of my friends were married or on missions, I knew they had something I didn't yet. But, oh! How I desired it! Finally, on November 22, 2011, I went to the temple. I wept for joy knowing that I had finally made it! For those who have not yet, I promise that it is worth any preparation that we must take to enter. It is a true and holy place. It makes me happy just thinking about it!

And there you have it. Yes, many other wonderful things happened, but this is my top 5. Have a Happy New Year to you all! Best of luck in 2012! 

Best Halloween EVER

I 've been keeping a secret: I have decided to go on a mission!

Why keep a mission a secret? Simple. I've been wrestling with the decision for a while and I was afraid I'd back out. I didn't want to have to make TWO announcements. Can you blame me?

The call came on Halloween. As we were rushing around the kitchen trying to finish dinner for the missionaries, my dad casually walked in and handed me the envelope. Without anyone noticing, I stood there for a few moments just staring at the envelope. Am I really doing this? What am I thinking? Did I really just receive a mission call? The answer is yes.

There I was gathered with a few friends and family, answering the door to cute trick-or-treaters, and opening a mission call. Results? I will be serving in the Texas Houston East mission, English speaking, and I'll be reporting to the Provo MTC on February 8, 2012.

Wow. Who would have thought? Me. A missionary. I never thought it would happen. I think I've got some growing up to do.

"I'm a Creeky, Old Woman"

Well, I made it. Another birthday, come and gone. Ahh...time to pass the torch to this girl.

It was a day full of texts, calls, emails, and Facebook messages. I'll be honest, I woke up a teeny bit grouchy. (I'm not a morning person!) But my day was quickly rearranged into a pretty good day.

Let me say, I am truly blessed. More than I probably deserve.

Goodbye 2010

Hello 2011. I've never been so happy to see you. I have goals for you. Not necessarily goals about weight loss or big projects, but character goals. In years past, I've rung in the new year with a twinge of sadness because I know that time is moving on and I am getting older. I am growing up!

However, this year, I will be ringing in the new year with anticipation for a fresh start. I learned a lot from you 2010, but that doesn't necessarily mean I loved you either. 2011 may be similar, but it may be different also. That's the exciting part...I don't know! It is a new adventure.

So, 2010, I'd like to say thanks for the things I've loved about you.

Thanks for the Lost Series Finale.

Thanks for the Vancouver Olympics.

Thanks for the FIFA World Cup.

Thanks for Hank's Mission Call. Thanks for this blog. Thanks for Club 33 and Vegas. Thanks for all of that, but I'm still happy to see you go.

So, with a tiny smile, I write my final goodbyes to the year 2010. I will never forget you, but I will not miss you. Thanks for the lessons, but thanks for leaving. Thanks for ending so that 2011 can make it's entrance and I can begin a fresh, new start.

Basically, all of my feelings can be summed up in this short video. Enjoy :)

When October Goes...

It is Halloween again! When I was in high school, I remember going to a big Mountain View vs. Westwood game on Halloween. On the way home, my dad played a song by Barry Manilow. "When October Goes" has since become a Jackson family tradition. We listen to it every Halloween after everyone is home from their festivities.

You can listen to the song here, but if not, you can read these lyrics:

And when October goes

The snow begins to fly

Above the smokey roofs

I watch the planes go by

The children running home

Beneath a twilight sky

Oh, for the fun of them

When I was one of them

And when October goes

The same old dream appears

And you are in my arms

To share the happy years

I turn my head away

To hide the helpless tears

Oh how I hate to see October go

I should be over it now I know

It doesn't matter much

How old I grow

I hate to see October go

When I was in China, my dad called me and after I answered I heard this song being played. It was so special to me that my dad timed the call so that my Halloween would be ending, even though theirs was just beginning.

I am just beginning to understand the lyrics to this song, but I know that with each year I live I will appreciate them more and more.

Here is a Halloween a long time ago, when I was in kindergarten. Ciara and Hank are pictured too.

Time goes on. And here I am this Halloween with my mom.

And here I am with my dad.

I hope you've had a great Halloween! I am excited to enjoy the rest of the holidays approaching. I am also anxious to see what the rest of my future holds.

Life IS good :)

I haven't posted in a while, but I found a tiny moment between life and schoolwork so I took it! I thought I'd take this moment to say...that life throws you curves. But, sometimes those curves are great. In this case, most of them are turning out to be awesome. All I have time to say is: new. New surroundings, new happenings, and new beginnings. Perhaps, I will find a moment again soon so I can elaborate. Just know this: life is SO good.

A Lesson on Change: Don't get too comfortable...

Just when I thought this semester (and year) was going to go smoothly...it didn't. And just when I thought it couldn't get any worse...it did. Or did it?

When I began working as an aide again, I was informed that enrollment may affect our classroom. And, just when we thought we were safe, it did. Due to low enrollment in our school and high enrollment in others, my wonderful teacher was moved to another school. No one's fault, just an unfortunate circumstance. After a week of ups and downs...and I mean a big-time emotional roller coaster...today we were told that I was going to be able to go with her to a new school!

I cannot begin to describe how much I have felt the Lord's hand in my life now, more than I've ever felt previously. I have recognized His hand before, but today, I felt it. I've seen it. Everything is falling into place. It isn't exactly clear how it is going to work out, but I know it will.

Remember in the movie, The Sound of Music, according to Maria, what Mother Abbess is known to say? She said that where the Lord closes a door...somewhere He opens a window. (May not be quoted exactly, but you get the point.) I felt a door close, but somewhere there is a window open. I can feel the breeze! I am so grateful!

Ok, now I'm getting dorky, but I really feel like the Lord has something planned for me ahead. I don't know what it is. I am scared to walk the path and start something new and sorta unfamiliar, but I'm gonna do it.

Tomorrow is my last day with our class and in our school. What a wonderful staff I worked with. Monday is my first day at our new school. And I hear the staff is just as great. Wish me luck!

My summer vacation is officially over!

Hello senior year at ASU! This is the first time since I was a senior in high school that I've been excited for school to start. In May, I will finally graduate and I'll be done with financial aid, books, parking passes, and homework. Yay! I never thought I'd make it this far. But, thanks to the insurance company for requiring full-time enrollment, I am months away from finishing.

If you know me, you know I grouch about school often. And, if you know me, you know that it is a miracle I've gotten this far. I've tried to find many excuses to leave. China and Disney College almost won me over a few times, but in the end, college prevailed.

Hopefully, it will all be worth it in the end. I'm sure it is...I hear it is...I hope it is. I'm just going to trust that they are right.

Back to School

It is here. It has finally come. The official end of my summer vacation. Yes, tomorrow I go back to kindergarten for the fourth time. I'm excited, but it is a little bittersweet to be starting my final year at Whitter. However, it is SWEET that I'm ending my final year of college. Yes, I will begin my senior year at ASU next week.

I'm used to this double school business. With the exception of one semester, I've been working in kindergarten and going to school in the evening my entire college experience. It has been awesome working with such a great teacher and in such a great kindergarten department. I love the teachers and the aides are fantastic. It is truly the best job. With many funny stories. I love it.

It is getting late and as I was just reminded..."6am comes fast!" So, without further adieu (is that the right usage of the phrase?) I'll close this little blog post and get ready for my, once again, busy-busy life. Wish me luck!

Finding the Right Path

I am going to share an experience I had not too long ago. Maybe some have had similar experiences. I've only shared it with a few people, including my mom, and I was told I need to write it down. I figured that my blog was the best spot since it may help others like it has helped me. That, and my hand might cramp from writing it. So, this post may be longer than others, but there is really no way to cut it short without accurately describing my thoughts and feelings.

It begins with a scripture. Joshua 1:9. It says: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Many of us have heard this scripture before, and recently, it has been a guide for me. It wasn't until a few months after my story that I made the connection between my experience and this scripture. Here is my story:

Back in October, I was invited to participate in our stake's Youth Conference. (That alone was a phenomenal experience!) We were camping in the forest and at night it was very dark. So dark that I couldn't see in front of me without a flashlight. There were two main locations: our camping grounds (where all the tents were) and the gathering area down a small road (where we ate and had devotionals). There were also many gorges and ditches everywhere. At night you could barely see the lights of the camping grounds from the other gathering area.

One of these nights, I was walking back to the camping grounds by myself with my small flashlight. It didn't take long before I got a little nervous. First, I was alone, completely alone. Second, my flashlight was only showing a step or two ahead of me. Finally, it seemed like the road was taking me in a different direction than toward the campgrounds. I soon realized that I was walking right by it. As I walked, I watched as the campgrounds slowly went by me. I felt as if I had missed my destination-like it was too late.

Logically, I knew that I was on the right path, but I started to doubt a little. After all, the road turned away from the campgrounds to avoid a huge gorge-like ditch. So, the road had to pass the ditch and go around it in order for me to get to the campgrounds safely. I knew this. I had seen it during the day, but when night had settled and the darkness was all around, I was afraid.

I could hear where I had come from. I could hear the laughter and the music from the gathering area I had left behind. I could also see the glow of the campfire by our tents. I could see where I was headed. I could see my goal-where I wanted to be.

Inside me I knew I was on the right path. I knew that if I kept going, I would eventually get to where I was going. And it was still a bit scary, but I kept walking. I followed the road and it continued to take me past the campgrounds. But, it also began to curve and head back to the my goal. I finally made it. And I felt peace.

As I have reflected on this experience and the scripture I shared previously, I have connected it to my own life. First, I am never alone. My Heavenly Father is with me-wherever I go. He is by my side cheering me on and giving me courage. Second, even though I couldn't see very far ahead of me, I stayed in the light. Sometimes, I can only see so far ahead of me in my life, but, again, our Heavenly Father is right there telling us to be strong and of good courage. If I trust in Him, in the Light, I will never go astray. As I faithfully take steps in my life, I may not see exactly where I am going, but they will take me somewhere. If they are the right steps, it will be somewhere good.

Finally, I know where I came from. I know where I want to go. I have goals that I want to reach, but I don't know how I'm going to get there. Sometimes, I think that I am walking right past my only opportunity, but the Lord has another way planned for me. Just because I am trying to live the Gospel and be faithful and enduring doesn't mean that I know how I am going to get there. It doesn't mean that I know every step of the way.

The Lord has a plan for me. I can try to make my own plans, but they may or may not be in accordance with His will. I feel like the desires I have are righteous. I want to make it to the temple, I want to have a family, I want to be better educated, I want to be a better person, and other things. Yet, in order to get there, it seems like I have to walk down a different path than I anticipated in order to obtain them. There must be something I need to learn along the way that will benefit me. Even if that is true, it is still hard. However, I am trying to have faith as I trust in the Lord, rely on His strength and Light, and keep walking along His path. I know that if I do these things, I will eventually reach my goals. It may seem different then I had planned, but I will get there as long as I trust in His will.

All in all, I am trying to remember that the Lord is with me, that I can be courageous, and that I can have good cheer as I travel through. For me, that can make all the difference.

Elder Jackson's Mission Call

My brother Hank got his mission call today! He is going to Jackson, Mississippi and he reports on September 15. Yay! We are all so excited for him.


In Mexico in 1993.



Today, just before his call.



Elder Jackson is going to Jackson! How many times do you think he'll hear that?

15 years ago I saw Toy Story

Tonight, I saw Toy Story 3. (No spoilers here) Call me sentimental, but the way Disney/Pixar portrayed change was amazing. Yes, I did cry...more than once. Aren't we all surprised? But I also laughed. A lot. Of all the trilogies out there, this has to be my favorite. Now, I know that there are other great trilogies out there (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, etc), but this one-by far-hits me the most. Here is why.

When I was 7 years old, my parents took my brothers and I to see Toy Story. I remember it so clearly because it was my bedtime and instead I got to go to the movies. It such a new way for me to watch movies. It was funny and happy. I could relate to it. I had toys. I loved my toys. I remember thinking how cool it would be if toys really did come to life after I was gone. I vowed to always treat my toys nicely. Toy Story was a classic that touched my life as a child.



When I was 11 years old, our family (with the exception of Carla) saw Toy Story 2. I felt like I could relate to this movie as well. Andy was growing up, but he wasn't too grown up for toys. I was almost in junior high and Young Women's. I liked my toys still, but I wasn't as connected to them as I used to be. This was one of the first times I realized that time changes things.



I am now 22 years old and I have finally been able to see Toy Story 3 with my whole family. As Andy leaves for college, the fate of his toys is unknown. However, instead of worrying about where these toys ended up, I was worried about how they (or even me) were going cope with the changes presented at the beginning of the film. By the end of the movie, I felt like the chapter of my childhood has now been officially closed. I stopped playing with toys long ago, but tonight it felt complete as I watched the final scenes of Toy Story 3. It was a bittersweet feeling leaving that theater.



Perhaps this post sounds childish. After all, I am the girl who loves Disney. Maybe it is my love for anything Disney that has me all wrapped up in this movie, but I know it goes deeper than that. It is a realization that life doesn't stand still. It keeps going. No matter what you do, it keeps going. And its good. I am sad to see Toy Story end because it traveled with me. I felt like it was a little bit like MY Story. But, my story isn't ending. It is sad to say goodbye to all the wonderful memories made, but it is exciting to see what other memories are going to be made soon.

I know it sounds way silly, but I am grateful for Woody & Buzz. I'm grateful for Toy Story.

Six months and counting...

In a few days, June 11, it will be one year since Ciara has left on her mission. She is currently serving in the England Leeds Mission and doing a FABULOUS job. I cannot believe that she's been gone that long. A little history of Ciara & I, we met when we were very young. I moved down the street from her. Our birthdays are a day a part (I'm one day older and always so proud of it!), and although we went to different schools growing up, we still were best friends. So, we're going on...hold on, I need the calculator...17 years. Yep, we've been friends for 17 years. Wow, long time! So, you can understand a bit why her being gone a whole year is kinda ground breaking for me. Here are some photos of Ciara & I through the years:

Ciara & I in one of our first photos together.


Halloween:


When we turned 17. Austin took us to Build-a-Bear.


One of my favorite pictures. When we were about 18-19. Sorry, it is a bit small, it was taken from a cell phone.


When we turned 20 we went to Disneyland


Ciara and I the night before she left on her mission!



Anyway, I cannot believe she gets back in 6 months! Yay! She is doing a fabulous job in England. She's always been a great missionary and a wonderful example. Don't we all love wonderful friends? They are joyous.

Change

I'm finding that what I post in Facebook gets expanded here. Once again, I am going to expand on a link I posted on Facebook. Yesterday, Sunday, was such a good day. I was busy and happy. It was such a liberating day for me. This song, "Feels Like Today" by Rascal Flatts is exactly what I was feeling. Here are the lyrics:

I woke up this morning
With this feeling inside me that I can't explain
like a weight that I've carried
Been carried away, away

But I know something is coming
I don't know what it is
But I know it's amazing, you save me
My time is coming
And I'll find my way out of this longest drought...

It feels like today I know
It feels like today I'm sure
It's the one thing that's missin'
The one thing I'm wishin'
Life's sacred blessin' and hey
It feels like today
Feels like today

You treat life like a picture
But it's not a moment thats frozen in time
It's not gonna wait
Til you make up your mind, at all

So while this storm is breaking
While there's light at the end of the tunnel
Keep running towards it
Releasing the pressure, that's my heartache
Soon this dam will break

And it feels like today I know,
it feels like today, I'm sure
It's the one thing that's missin'
The one thing you're wishin'
Life's sacred blessin' and hey,
It feels like today

Feels like, feels like your life changes
Feels like, feels like your life changes

It's the one thing that's missin'
The one thing you're wishin'
Life's sacred blessin' and hey,
It feels like today

Feels like, feels like your life changes
Feels like, feels like your life changes

Here is the music video:


We've all experienced change. None of us can escape it. I'm sure you can think right now about all the changes in your life. I used to really hate change, and I do to some degree. Although I've experienced change in the past, I have been bombarded with change ever since I accepted that high school diploma. Some great, some not so great. All of them good for me (I guess). However, in the last year, I have embraced change more than I ever have before. Not a ton of embracing, but more than usual.

I feel like yesterday was a new refreshing start. My life is changing. I'm not sure how or when exactly, but I know it is. I am on the edge of new chapters and new stories. It is a bit scary, but a bit more exciting. Feels kinda good.