Graduation, Here I Come!

It is official! I have applied for graduation! Now, all I have to do is wait for my application to be accepted and finish the semester! Whoohoo!!

In ALL honestly, I never thought I'd see the light at the end of this looong, dark, and damp tunnel. But, let me tell you...it is there!

I am officially out of shape!

I just ran a quarter mile (as a homework assignment). I am out of breath. I got only half way through (what, like an 1/8th mile??) and I could barely keep it to a jog. Almost started walking.

What does this tell me? I am more out of shape than I realized.

My new goal: Take this "Concepts of Fitness & Wellness" online class seriously. I will be able to run a quarter mile by the end of the semester.

Ow...cramp...can't breathe...I can barely type...gotta go.

Well, THAT was a first...

I have unclogged many toilets in my life. However, these have been in the comfort of my own home. This weekend, I was in CA and I was traveling all over. So, many rest stops were in order.

(Don't worry, this isn't too graphic :)

We pulled up to a gas station for a quick break. I walked into the restroom and noticed a plunger. I seriously thought, "Wow. Thats is convenient should anyone ever need to use it." Lo and behold, I became that someone.

I was SO not leaving that toilet clogged. I was going to fix it before I had to report anything to the cashier. First attempt: flush, plunge, nothing. Second attempt: flush, plunge, teeny bit better. Third attempt: flush, plunge, a bit worse. (By this time, I am preparing my explanation speech for the cashier) Fourth attempt: flush, plunge, almost there. Fifth attempt: flush, plunge with all my might! And... hallelujah!

Left the restroom, warned the 4 people in line, and walked back to the car.

I can honestly say that was the first time I've ever plunged a public toilet. I sure hope there never is a second...

That'd Be Alright

Need a little cheer? Need a little optimism? Well, you've come to the right place!

I love this song by Alan Jackson. Although the music video is pretty funny, I am showing this video so we can focus on the lyrics. The little things he's talking about are "joys" in our journey.

Such a classic.

(sorry about the ads)

Joys make life a little bit better. So, why do we complain with what we've got? Because life really isn't all that bad :)

February = LOVE

It is the month of love :) Many people who find themselves in circumstances similar to my own would refer to Valentine's Day as "Single Awareness Day." Or something similar. Yes, it does cause us to become very aware of our singularity and it is sure fun to send little love notes to your friends. But, the coming and passing of yet another "table-for-one" Valentine's Day can be a little downer with the wrong attitude. (ok, ok, it hasn't gotten that bad! But, you get my point.)

I've never really been bitter when this time year comes around, but I know that until this happens...

(Totally kidding...so embarrassing, but sweet! They have to be Disney performers or something with connections. I just had to share it.)

Anyway, I have decided to focus this month's blog posts on love. Not just romantic love (and not disregarding it either!), but all other kinds of love. Love of family, friends, the Gospel, our Savior. Perhaps love in terms of charity or gratitude or just being plain happy.

So my challenge to myself and others: finding love all around us. Because it is there.

Strawberries and Strangers

Tonight, I went to Sonic. Strawberry Cream Slushes are my favorite. It was late and fairly busy for only two workers. I waited in the drive-thru for longer than usual. But I didn't care too much.

I got my drink and the girl who delivered it to me asked me a question. This started a 2 minute conversation. Two minutes, I'm sure, were precious for such a busy night. And, in that two minutes, I was grateful for the simple kindness of a stranger. I wish I were more like that.

President Hinckley

This Thursday will mark the 3rd year that our dear prophet, Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley passed away. I will never forget where I was when I learned the news. Although I love our current prophet, Pres. Thomas S. Monson, with all my heart, I have a tender spot for Pres. Hinckley. He was my childhood prophet. The one I grew up knowing.

I listened to a Conversation with Elder & Sister Bednar today. Elder Bednar paid such a sweet little tribute to President Hinckley. The first occurred on Sept 12, 2001. There was a meeting that Elder Bednar was going to attend with Pres. Hinckley there and he was anxious to hear what our prophet would say about the events of 9/11. When Pres. Hinckley walked in he said, "Brethren, we live in troubling times. Let's get to work." I loved this. State the fact: The devil's influence is spreading and the war with sin is at large. Now: let's see what we're going to do about it.

The second thing was a comment that Pres. Hinckley had for the young adults. "Have faith in yourself. Have faith in the Lord. Have faith in the future." As the topic of faith was discussed a lot today at church, I realized that if I had those three things, then life will be good!

Have faith in myself...that I can do hard things. I can set and accomplish goals. Have faith in the Lord...that He will be there. He will guide me as I listen to Him. He will provide the way. Have faith in the future...that it will be bright. I don't know what is up ahead. But, I know that faith in myself and faith in the Lord will give me faith that the future will be a good thing.

One of my favorite photos of Pres. Hinckley. This was taken before he was prophet, but was a 3rd counselor to Pres. Kimball. This photo shows him alone, while the other three were very sick.

Ever Start Something Seemingly Difficult?

Ever finish that seemingly difficult task? Did you look back and say, "Wow, where did the time go?" or "It wasn't really that hard after all." Perhaps the response was: "That was the hardest thing I've ever done, and I'd never want to do it again." or "I'd do it again even though I know how hard it was." After every hard thing in my life, my responses have ranged from these to similar ones.

Well, on Tuesday, I begin my last semester at ASU. I will finish my college experience and move on to the working-full-time-and-trying-to-support-myself-like-adults-should-do experience. Wow.

My mom can testify that from day one of college, I was bawling my eyes out because I didn't want to go. However, somehow, I stuck it out. And here I am. On the brink of a new and final semester. Yay!

It is a little scary knowing that I have to leave my comfort zone of being in school and step out into the new world of "being responsible." Yikes. I don't know if I'm ready or not, but the time for preparation is almost past. So, I'm gonna have to do the best I can.

Wish me luck.

Hypothetically Speaking...

...if I were to travel anywhere in the world, where would I go? Let's not think about the costs, schedules, and other complicated factors. This is a simple "what if."

I've been to China and would love to go back, but I am thinking something new!

I don't know if I'd really go, or even how long I'd stay, but I'd love to dream and/or work toward it. Besides school, I have no other ties keeping me here, I say...now or never!

So, I'll take any suggestions you'd like to throw my way :)

2011 Goals

When the clock struck 12 on New Year's Eve, I don't think I could've been happier. It was like the opposite of Cinderella. We're three days into the New Year and it is wonderful! Just for commitment purposes, I am going to post a few of my goals.

1. Pass my classes & graduate!

2. Budget better

3. Read and finish Sense & Sensibility

4. Re-watch all 6 seasons of LOST

5. Take a "hobby" class

6. Keep a positive attitude and continue to find joy.

My goals aren't much, but I like to keep them within my grasp. Otherwise, they'll get lost and forgotten like most resolutions. However, I am a bit proud of myself for checking them periodically throughout the year, and in December, I check off the ones I accomplished. Which aren't very many, but still a good reminder of what I need to improve on.

Wish me luck!