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! 

My Favorite Things: Harry Potter Edition

If you are tired of hearing about Harry Potter, then don't read this post. I am going to add my own tribute of sorts to the wizarding world I am soon going to miss. I am a typical Potter fan who has read the books and looks forward to the movies. Harry has been part of my childhood for 14 years. Wow!

Here are some of my favorite memories:

Also, teeny spoiler alert :) If you have not read the books, do not read ahead. If you've not seen the movie, but know the end, go ahead at your own caution (I post images from the final movie).

Favorite Book:

I love the time travel, werewolf, innocent man stuff, but really this is the last sense of happiness. I feel it is because Lord Voldemort does not show up in this novel. With dementors all around, the characters must focus on memories that bring happiness.

Favorite Movie:

In the last week, I've re-watched all 7 movies prior to viewing the final chapter for the first time. Now that I've had a second chance to watch this movie over again, I stand by my original thought. Part 2 is my favorite movie. If I could squish Part 1 & 2 into a 4 hour movie, then that would be ideal. Everything that had happened in the past has led up to this final battle. Every person has a choice to make. Some falter, some are true, some live, and some die. Makes me wonder what kind of choices I'm making and what I am doing about them...

Favorite Character:

Neville Longbottom was my favorite character since Goblet of Fire. (I loved that it was his 10 points that earned Gryffindor the House Cup at the end of Sorcerer's Stone!) Perhaps I just like underdogs, but this is one worth rooting for. We learn more about Neville as the series continues and, I confess, I was most worried about Neville's safety when HP7 was published. By the end, Neville has transformed from a timid, forgetful boy into an undaunted, admirable wizard.

Favorite Romance:

Ok, ok, so not original, but it is my favorite. I am not a crazy fanatic who was counting the seconds until they finally kiss, but I did enjoy watching the feelings grow over the years.

Favorite Death Eater:

She. Is. Crazy.

Bellatrix Lestrange is a fierce follower of Voldemort. I do not think anyone could portray the character as accurate as Helena Bonham Carter did. Although she is my favorite Death Eater, it is purely out of admiration for the actress. I would never want to come face-to-face with her.

Favorite Lord Voldemort Characteristic:

Kinda weird that I like something about Lord Voldemort. However, I love how he holds his wand. He barely grasps it! This photo isn't the best, but it gives you an idea. He is so powerfully arrogant that he holds it so delicately in his fingers. I love it.

Favorite Quotable:

"Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy."

This comes from Albus Dumbledore in the Goblet of Fire. Voldemort has returned and things are beginning to to change for the worse. You see his statement come true as the story unfolds. It is also very applicable to our own lives.

Favorite Redemption:

Poor Draco. That is all I could think of the entire series. He was lead into the "dark side" by his parents. I think I would include the entire Malfoy family in this category. Lucious was once a proud, arrogant man. By the end, he was broken and distraught. All that mattered to him was his family. I admire Narcissa Malfoy as well (I love her hair, oddly enough). Her son was all that mattered. By the end, I was overwhelmingly happy that the Malfoys figured out what was important and finally did what was best for their family. I even shed of few tears of relief for them.

Favorite Death:

I should probably replace the word "favorite" with "most anticipated" or "most appreciated." Words can hardly express my love and admiration for this fictional character! He sacrificed his pride, self-image, time, reputation, and life for those who loved him least. It was not until after his death that his true character was shone in it's full glory. Of all the Death Eaters, he was, I believe, most respected by Voldemort. And, of all the wizards, I believe that he was one of the greatest. Even more-so than his Dark Lord. If a heaven existed for the wizarding world, and the story implied that there was, I believe that Severus Snape earned a ticket to enter and reunite with those who he loved. I'll bet it was a wonderful celebration.

Favorite Lesson Learned:

I learned a lot from the Harry Potter story. The best thing I learned was precisely what Dumbledore warned of: choosing between right and easy. The consequences of each are significant. Choosing the right isn't always easy. Just look at Harry and his friends, physical and emotional pain at every corner. As I think of my life, choosing the right can be so very difficult. It isn't always, but sometimes it can be. However, choosing what is "easy" is a lie. "Easy" for Draco and his parents was not easy. It was more difficult than what Harry had to go through. In my life, when I choose what seems easier than the right, I find that everything seems more difficult. It is a lie that the Dark Lord (or Satan!) tells.

It seems to me that when we choose the right, life is easier. When we choose what is easy over what is right, life is more difficult (Matt. 11:28-30). Catch my drift?

Honorable Mentions:

Weasley Family

This family sacrificed a lot. Good, humble, hardworking family.

Fred & George Weasley

They were jokesters who knew what was right. I was particularly touched by them when they were comforting a younger kid who had "I must not tell lies" scratched in his hand. Guys who were always smiling and laughing even in the gloomiest of days. Although they were goofballs, they were sincere and brave.

Dudley Dursley

A spoiled brat who learned to respect those around him. Especially his cousin, whom he once despised.

Kreacher

I love Dobby, but Kreacher was a twisted, beaten elf who found kindness from Harry, Ron, & Hermione. Wouldn't mind an elf like Kreacher.

Lavender Brown

She was a bit crazy in HP #6. But, like her fellow students, chose what was right in the end. She paid dearly for it, and I hope that she isn't completely forgotten.

Expecto Patronum

Probably my favorite charm. It requires happy memories. I like that :)

Kingsley Shacklebolt

I don't know what it is about him, but I think he is awesome!

Professor McGonagall

Always put students first. Her courage and steadfastness really stood out in Deathly Hallows, both the novel and the movie.

Well, there you have it (sorry it is lengthy). My favorite things about Harry Potter. Seems silly for me to post all this, but it has obviously been on my mind. So, I thought I'd share it.

To Harry Potter (novels & movies), it has been a great ride!

My Favorite Things Part 3

Ok, ok, by now, you are probably tired of my long lists of favorites. Sorry! But, here is my list for this year. For being a tough year, I have been very blessed. (Remember Oprah's "Favorite Things" episode? Too bad I'm not rich like her, I'd probably give Disneyland trips to the whole audience. So, apologies by blog audience. I cannot give you a trip to Disneyland...plus, I mentioned that already in my first list at number five). Anyway, enjoy!

Here is what I am posting for 2010...

1. Relief Society
2. Visiting Teaching
3. Crafts
4. Hot Glue
5. Club 33 and those who appreciate it
6. Missions
7. Letters from Missionaries (Hank & Ciara)
8. Whittier, for allowing me to come back!
9. Kathy, for being a great friend
10. Distractions (the good ones)
11. Having a wireless mouse
12. General Conference
13. Those who re-taught me how to sew
14. Finally, having a hobby
15. Blogs
16. Postcards from friends that remind you of old memories
17. Joann’s
18. Post-Its
19. Clearance Sales
20. Reflections of Christ Music
21. Working body joints (like ankles and wrists)
22. Office supplies
23. Having different colored flip flops
24. The Joseph Smith Translation
25. Testimony meetings that move you deep down inside
26. Bath & Body Works lip gloss (yummy!)
27. Planners
28. Swatting a fly on your first swing of the swatter
29. Holidays/breaks from school & work
30. Registering for classes at ASU for the last time!
31. Playing “Guess-the-Song”
32. MarioKart (yes…I am the best)
33. Finishing homework ahead of time
34. The smell of Joann’s & Michael’s
35. Yodipity (and other places like it)
36. Power naps, and finding time to take them
37. Prep time
38. Getting into bed after a long, busy day…whew…got through it!
39. My day-by-day Disney calendar
40. The Apprentice
41. Listening to past talks by our General Authorities (when they were a tad younger :)
42. Green Eggs & Ham (especially when my dad reads it)
43. LOST
44. Living in Arizona. The heat is so comforting.
45. Watching friends and family embrace and love the Gospel.
46. Joshua 1:9
47. People, like Maria, who say the right thing when others around you doubt
48. Playing (what little I know) on the piano
49. Home videos
50. Second, third, fourth, and fifth chances (and sometimes more)

You did great! Thanks for sticking through it. And, thanks for letting me post so much. Things just seem better when I vocalize (or publicize) my gratitude. I have much to be grateful for.

My Favorite Things Part 2

Here is the second list of "Favorites." I posted this in 2009. Again, you do NOT have to read them all. I am just trying to keep them all in one spot. But, I am going to post a new list of favorites this year.

Here is what I wrote in 2009...

Last year, I made a list of things that were my "favorite." Or things that I am most grateful for. I made it to 60 last year, and mentioned that I might make it to 100 soon. I have finished that list to 100. So, listed below are my favorite things #61-100. Everything that I listed last year can be found in my other note.

Again, you don't have to read them all. This is mostly for me. However, I do challenge you all to create a list for yourself. You don't have to post it if you don't want to because these things can be personal too.

I apologize that I mention a lot of Disneyland. I did this in my last note too. I could probably make a list of 100 of my favorite Disneyland things. Just look at my Disney note and you'll know.

Here they are!

61. Red hair (Thanks NaElle!)

62. “And When October Goes…” by Barry Manilow (A tradition on our family to listen to that song after every Halloween)

63. My laptop

64. Pink (the color)

65. Chapstick-the smell good sparkly kind that I don’t get very often because I’m cheap

66. Hoppin’ Music-the kind that you play while you are getting ready for something really fun!

67. My body pillow

68. The moon! I love the moon!

69. The clouds! I LOVE clouds!

70. Crossing the Arizona/California state line

71. Emails from Lucy in China

72. A clean room (like REALLY clean. After hours of cleaning out, under, and between)

73. My kindergarten class photos (they grow so fast!)

74. Buy the card game. It’s a Jackson classic.

75. The hymn “There is Sunshine in My Soul.” I even love the Singles Ward Soundtrack version.

76. Getting into bed after you’ve just cleaned the sheets and falling asleep to the smell of clean laundry

77. In N Out Animal style French fries

78. CES Firesides

79. New purses

80. I Love Lucy

81. Cooking w/ an apron. I feel so domestic!

82. Going to the temple inside and out

83. On the way to Payson the 87 goes up some hills and then opens up to a valley just before you drive down the other side of the hills. I like that part.

84. Doing Christmas break puzzles with my family

85. Seeing one of my kindergarteners outside of school and the bewilderment on their face.

86. Sense & Sensibility

87. Finding Hidden Mickeys at Disneyland

88. Rosa’s Mexican Grill

89. Panda Express

90. Flying in an airplane and looking out the window at the clouds and earth

91. Realizing that change can be great!

92. Ice skating (recently discovered in past weeks!)

93. Old photos that people post on Facebook

94. Playing Hearts on the computer

95. The completion of another semester

96. New children’s books

97. Fresh, crisp, bright days

98. When prayers are answered/knowing that they will be answered

99. My testimony of the Gospel.

100. That I can find 100 things to be grateful for and still have more in mind.

My Favorite Things Part 1

Please excuse this post if you've read it already or if you've seen it too many times now. I posted this on Facebook two years ago. I debated over it, but I have decided to put them all on my blog so that I can keep them all in one spot. So, sorry about the LONG list. You do not have to read all of these. However, I am going to add a third part this year. A brand new list of Favorites.

Here is what I wrote in 2008...

Being November, and thinking about what I am grateful for, I decided to make a list of my favorite things. Of these, I am very grateful! They help me to find joy in the journey! These are in NO particular order. Just some things that have come to my mind. As time goes on, I believe I will add more.Who knows, maybe make it to 100.

Two of my favorite things in one photo.

My family and Disneyland!

No pressure to read ALL of them, but I challenge YOU to think of things that are your favorite, and post it in a note!

1. The Gospel
2. Christmas Music
4. The smell of Crayola Crayons, and ONLY Crayola Crayons.
5. Disneyland!!
6. Google
10. Harry Potter (love it more than Twilight...sorry!)
11. Betsy Brannon Green books
12. The feeling of being dressed up...like I do THAT very often...
13. Christmas Eve
14. The smell of new cars
15. The smell of shoes stores, esp Payless
16. The temple lights
17. Summer nights
18. The Office!
19. My dad's singing voice
20. Singing Disney songs with Carla
21. Mornings that feel like Saturday
22. My room cleaning routine
23. Thunderstorms
24. Going to Fry's with my dad
25. A family chat after dinner
27. Sunday comics
28. My "reality" shows: American Idol, Amazing Race, Deal or No Deal, etc
29. Cookie Dough
30. Getting asked on a date (with someone you LIKE...rare for me :)
31. Getting emails from far away friends.
32. O Holy Night
33. Pictures
34. Thanksgiving movies
35. Bottled Purified water. I love Aquafina. No else does, but I love it
36. Toe Socks and Filp Flops
37. The story of Ammon. I love Ammon's story in the Book of Mormon, and also Lamoni's Father's story. How he said he would give up all his sins to know God.
38. Leisurely Class time
39. New Yearbooks
40. The smell of coffee
41. Flying
42. Roller Coasters.
43. Fast Trains
44. Looking at high objects or buildings
45. Licking cheeto cheese and BBQ wings sauce off my fingers. Ha Ha
45. Havasuapi
46. Car rides to California
47. My scar
48. Hot chocolate
49. My dad's hand
50. Trick or Treating
51. Pedicures
52. Our stake
53. Girls Camp
54. Teaching
55. Driving Alone and singing in the car
56. Pigtails
57. Clean Carpet
58. Card Game nights
59. Arizona sunsets
60. Disney Movies!!

Wow, I'm impressed, you've made it all the way through my list! If you start one I'll totally read about your favorite things!