...is for the way you look at me.

Sometimes I can't even make anything come out of my mouth because of the ridiculous English language that doesn't have words even close to being strong enough to describe how much I am in love.

Many people skeptically ask me, "How can you be engaged to someone that you don't even live in the same state?" Well, my friends, love knows no boundaries. No, it's not because I couldn't find anyone here at BYU. (Yes, I've been asked that! Haha...) Of course we entertained all options of me moving there, or him moving here. But I'm in this thing that takes over my life called Young Ambassadors, and with his new job...until June 19th, it just would not be practical. Plus, long distance really does have it's pros! When we see each other, we are able to put everything else aside and focus on each other. I'm never stressed as to how to balance my time with him. Bottom line: it works perfectly for us. It's not like we planned it this way, but from our very first conversation on the phone, we realized we had to make it work from so far away.

I know, I know...I'll have some cheesy posts. Despite what I thought about myself before I met Kasey, I just want to shout it to the world. (And, I know I loved reading posts like these in my earlier college years to keep hope on flowing!) I do realize, that I'm still four months away from being married. What could I know about love? Well, I really don't know too much yet. All I know is that this is love, and I just care about making him happy.

Two more days.

New Year.

I'm seven days too late for this post, but who keeps track of that anyway? 

This will most likely be the most new year I will ever experience. I will get a new home, gain a new family, write a new last name...I would say get a new husband, but you get the point. Only 160 days left until I get to write a "Mrs.," in front of my name, and absolutely I have NOT practiced that if you're wondering! Please detect the sarcasm.

Anyway, I will experience change much more than I have in the past. Sure, the past three years I've moved seven times, but I'm sure nothing compares to marriage. It will be such an exciting year, as it has been already this past week! I also am graduating from BYU, which back in 2009, I thought would take an entire lifetime. I'll never have a "first day of school" again, that is until I mercilessly take pictures of my children on their first day of school! 

I've been pondering a lot on what I can do in 2015 to set the stage for an ideal home to raise our children in. I keep coming back to the family Proclamation, and realizing over and over again that each key ingredient to a God-centered home is written out plain and simple in that thing. One phrase that has been highlighted in my mind lately is:

"Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ." -The Family: A Proclamation To The World


What gets me every time is the word, entitled. That's right. Each child born, no matter what circumstance, has a right to be born to a mother and a father who love each other. There are things only a mother can do, and there are things only a father can do. It is absolutely essential for children to be raised in a home where the father has the Priesthood, and the mother is always present in that child's life. Obviously, not very many of the children in this world get that. I'm willing to bet it's less than a 2%. But that doesn't mean that 100% of our children can't have that. 

2015 will be a year of lots of fun and lots of learning. I'm so ready to start!

Wanderlust.

As the incredibly accurate Urban Dictionary states:

wanderlust, n: a deep, uncontrollable desire to hit the road and travel, by whatever means desired, to explore and enjoy the world. 

This describes exactly the feeling I have living here in Washington, D.C. I don't have words to tell you how much I absolutely love being here. The history, the massiveness, the people...did I mention people? It's like they plucked the smartest, most driven twenty-somethings, and threw them all in a city and made them my friends. In a normal conversation, I feel the need to Wikipedia every other word. Anyway, back to traveling. Growing up, my parents never bought a boat, or ATV's, or anything in that form. Why? Because we traveled. I remember how my mom would assign us each a country or a city to where we were going. It was our job to research it, to find everything there is to know about it...and to be the tour guide. It instilled in all four of us a knowledge that there was always more out there than we ever imagined, and gave us a desire for something greater than ourselves.

And THAT'S what makes traveling so great. The desire to learn more about myself, and more about this testing ground I was sent down to by my Father. But man that word...uncontrollable desire. It's the passion I have to experience change. I crave the feeling of change, which is absolutely uncontrollable in my heart, so much so that I would give up food for a week just to road trip to New York City. (Oh wait...that's exactly what I'm doing this weekend.) Resiliency is what keeps my flame going. I love the feeling of not knowing where I am, and having to figure my way back. I love walking through a whole crowd of people, and not having to look back and wonder if my troop is with me, because I'm alone and I can go wherever I want. However...even better is having a buddy with me who I never have to look back and wonder if they are caught up with me--they are right beside me, soaking it in just as much as I am.

I should marry an ambassador. Just sayin.

Osorno, Chile

Bryce Canyon

Bristol, Connecticut

What if?

What if there is no God? 

What if there was no reason to wake up tomorrow and go to work, what if there was no reason to work to earn money to support your family, what if there was no reason to support a family to raise them to believe in a higher power--really--what if there was no, dare I say it again, God?

Its not a question that most Utahns ask themselves. A lot of us think, "Well, what would I do with my social life on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday morning and Sunday?" "What would I teach my children, and how do I give them excitement for what lies ahead?" It's too much to think about...so some are stuck going through the motions. 

C.S. Lewis is one of my most favorite quotable authors. He has one of the best arguments about Atheism...and I'll just paraphrase for now. He explains that Atheism turns out to be too simple...for if there was no such thing, wouldn't have we already found out there was nothing to believe in the first place? My personal, Monican belief about men and women who claim to be "atheist," (because there is no such thing anyway--think about it) is they haven't yet invested the time to ponder on what's around them. And let me throw it back to this: if you are just going through the motions as a Member of the Church, is it any different than as if you were an atheist?

There is no way that God would put us on earth to be robots. We would be boring, and not to mention, so not attractive. We wouldn't even be here in the first place if that was the case. We have to put in the time to believe in God to make this a worthwhile experience. It's also not a one-time event where we get a gold star on our foreheads that says, "Hey, everyone, just so you know, I believe in God," and call it good. It is a daily occurrence, and when you think you're not making any progress...is when you're making the most. 

Lewis sums my whole thesis statement with this:

"I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan's to lead it. I'm going to live like a Narnian as I can even if there isn't any Narnia."

I haven't seen God as a Mortal. I haven't heard His voice, and I definitely haven't seen His finger touch any stones, but...oh boy, do I know that He is real. He is more real than reality itself.

I know that because of one question I ask myself daily: What if there is a God?"

Snow Patrick's Day.

Meanwhile, in D.C...

Seriously, I don't get it. It would benefit the nation greatly if they would take some lessons from what we do in Utah. There is four inches outside people. FOUR. Which is the same number of snow days we've taken this year. 

I even had my St. Patrick's Day outfit all planned out. I guess I'll just have to wait and wear it tomorrow. 

#FirstWorldProblems.

Unimaginable.

Not enough people have real hope. I will admit I have my days where I really can't see through the thick fog in front of me. That's human. But to think day after day that nothing ever great is going to happen to you--is ridiculous. 

You and I are designed to have the best thing imaginable in our reach. Right now. I know I'm a crazy optimist, but sometimes we think that good things only happen to your best friend, your cousin, or your co-worker (who doesn't seem to be really working that hard,) but guess what? Now here goes the unimaginable...our Father in Heaven has plans for us that are literally so good that no one can imagine them yet. Those He has saved for YOU.

"And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands." (1 Nephi 2:20)

Read it again, and make sure you substitute the word "land" for something that you've been praying hard for lately.

Now, here's the million dollar question: Are you willing to live for it?

Concept of hope.

“[To have Faith in Christ] means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.” -C.S. Lewis

I think I started to understand the concept of faith on one of our trips to Disneyland...

                                                                            

Even when you're not a little kid, it really is as magical as everyone says it is. I don't think anyone could ever go to Disneyland and have a bad day (unless you're really trying to.) It put a hope in my life at such a young age, and gave something to me that I couldn't quite pin down. I didn't have to logically explain why it kept a smile on my face--it just did. 

Alison, Maddie and I went to President Christianson's institute class on Wednesday. He said, "Are you going to question the heart surgeon because you don't know how it works? I don't understand it one bit. And that's why I love it." 

He went on to talk about how none of us really have any idea how He will accomplish this huge task of "saving the world." When we were missionaries, I remember President saying the reason it sounds so familiar, and why we feel a pull to be more faithful is because it's literally in our DNA. It's in our nature to be like Him.  So C.S. Lewis is exactly right. We already have a glimpse of Heaven inside of us. We have to find that talent, that little something that God has given us, and use it to our fullest potential in order to find some sort of concept of hope.

Anyway, onto the events of the week. This one was probably the most fun besides the institute class on Wednesday:

NYRM groupies to the best intramural game on Thursday at 9. I've missed BYU.

Building my bridge.

My mom calls them bridges. It's those awkward periods in life where you are coming from one thing and going onto the next. Sometimes it's fun to be on them, but if you're on one very long, you get very anxious. Fortunately, I'm building mine pretty fast.

Friday, Allie and I went all out and made it a girls' night--manicures and pedicures included! Finishing out the night cuddling with her while watching 

"The Emporor's New Groove," however, was the best part.

Saturday, right before our session at the Salt Lake Temple, Kadi and I tried to go to Taco Bell for some authentic Mexican food. But of course, on our way, we saw a sign for "New York Delicatessan," and said no more. It was really cool hanging out with my first companion again. Especially our adventures the next night...

After failing to find a single-adult group our age (walking into a 31+ single 

adult activity is kind of embarassing) we ended up here.

Everyone keeps asking me how the transition is going. Really, every returned missionary that talked to me about it before I left New York scared me into coming home--and I think that's what helped! Although everything I do seems pointless, I know in the long run it isn't really. Everyone has made it a very smooth landing back down to earth. I enjoy trying to put my life back together, because I get to start at ground zero. I don't have to do anything I did before, and I don't have to remember any stupid things I did in my pre-mission life. I scored one big tabula rasa.

The best advice was from President Francis. In my exit interview, we counted up the times that I prayed in a day as a missionary, which turned about to be about 30-40 times. He noted that it really wasn't going to be that much anymore, because of a total decrease in lessons taught, companion/site study, etc. However, if I kept up a constant communication with Heavenly Father, by trying to pray just as much, it would be a great landing. My scripture study and strict temple attendance have been crucial in my sanity as well. I didn't even want to risk dropping off the spiritual map.

Let's be honest, though...the biggest I've help I've had is from Jesus Christ. He doesn't just help His full-time missionaries, He helps all of His children. Anytime something gets even close to more than I can handle, I hand it over to Him. He can't do it for me, but He sure can help me find a better way. It's a heck of a lot easier to hand it over to Him from the beginning. 

Eternal perspective, people...it really helps. You can do anything for five minutes. It's basically the same idea with God; our life is like five minutes long in His eyes. 

So yes, the transition has been fantastic.

The Real Deal

Spring cleaning can (sometimes) be a wonderful thing.

Except now it's fall, so I guess I should call it Fall cleaning. Anyway, in digging up all of my old things, I found my C.S. Lewis quote book I bought a couple years ago. In it, I discovered this gem:

"It is quite right that you should feel that 'something terrific' has happened to you...accept these sensations with thankfulness as birthday cards from God, but remember that they are only greetings, not the real gift. I mean that it is not the sensations that are the real thing. The real thing is the gift of the Holy Spirit...it will be there when you can't feel it. May even be most operative when you can feel it least."

-C.S. Lewis

Now, coming from a man who was not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this is epic. Even if he was a member who studied this kind of doctrine on a daily basis, it still is epic. He recognized that he did not have the Gift of the Holy Ghost yet, but had the Light of Christ. I spent a lot of my mission wondering if I actually could feel the Spirit's influence, and how in the world I could figure out how He even operated, but then looking back--I realized that He was the only One guiding me. I have this Gift of the Holy Ghost that C.S. Lewis talking about, and it is operative on how obedient I am. Not how much I think I understand it. How amazing is that?

I thought it was pretty amazing back in '95!

The best part about it?

So, you didn't make it. The greatest thing about failure is the mystery of what's coming next. The world is open to you. You've got absolutely nothing holding you down.


Then why do people sulk on their failures? I'm guilty of doing this. But, I make sure my sulking is in a contained amount of time. For example: I didn't get into study abroad Jerusalem this semester. I was devastated. I pictured spending Winter semester in the JC and learning daily about the life of Christ. How could that possibly be a wrong life to plan? I figured out quickly that I had something better that would come my way. (Believe me, it did.) So, I only allowed myself 24 hours to be sad about it. Other things, depending on the situation, may take more or less time. Those 24 hours though...believe me...I was sad. But after that, I decided to look forward and not think of what I could have done differently. Because you know what? I couldn't have done anything differently. I now understand why I was supposed to be here. If you're always giving 100%, you'll get 100%. So, I started concocting my Plan B.


Once you figure out your Plan B, you'll start to realize your Plan B was God's Plan A all along. Or it could be your Plan C, or D...or whatever...in my case I feel like I always land on Plan Z. But, I do have a plan! I'll always have a plan. And you'll always have a plan. It may take months or years to figure it out, but no matter what it is, you're always right on time with the plan that was set for you all along.


Besides, no one will ever remember your failures. Only you will. I honestly can't come up with a failure from anyone I know. All I remember is the success they had, and the positive impact they had on my life. Everybody else is worried about their own failures, and don't even have enough time to worry about any one else's failures. 


So when you fail, because you will, just make sure you know it wasn't even in the cards to begin with. Yeah, it will sting. Take those few days to yourself. But aren't we always looking for a fresh start? That's exactly what failure gives you. A chance to start completely over. Re-do whatever you wanted to re-do. And maybe it will come back to you someday, but never dwell on the things you can't change. After some time, you'll be able to look on your past and see that it goes a little something like this:

via: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/113129

Failure is always a gift from God. I can guarantee that. 

Favorite song of the week: Details in the Fabric--Jason Mraz

"Hold your own, know your name, go your own way. And everything will be fine."

The Beauty in Everything.

I'm not going to lie, it's been a really long day. I got to work at ten to seven, and left about the same time...12 hours later. In between that, I squeezed lunch and my Producing class in there. Other than that, it's just been exhausting. All I've wanted to do is come home, curl up by the fireplace with some hot chocolate, and watch a movie. Any movie would do at this point.


However, as I was on my drive home late tonight from watching The Bachelor (!) and so ready for it to be the weekend already, I noticed how absolutely gorgeous our snow is. It's magical. Driving past the white temple, with white snow falling, and with the white lights making it all shine, it was breathtaking. The whole town was white. Really, it instantly turned my mood into bleh to feeling so great about life. It's funny how something so simple as snow can make you think so deep. I realized once again my life: I get to sit in classes where I actually want to learn the material, and love eating it all up. I get to see people I love (and who love me) everyday. I get to live here, and drive past the temple multiple times a day. I get to talk to my family whenever I want. And, I have the most amazing opportunities at my job. (Speaking of which, a VERY exciting surprise coming up this Saturday...stay tuned.) But most of all, I know that we all have every right to be happy, and every right to see the beauty in everything. 


So, my long day started with a anxious mind, and ended with a grateful heart...just because it happened to be snowing on the way home. 


Now you can all understand why I love snow so much. 

via: http://allgreen.com/site/index.php?option=com_moofaq&Itemid=337

And in today, already walks tomorrow.

It's 2012. Finally. Not that I disliked 2011, I really loved everything about 2011. I learned more about myself last year than I ever thought I would.   I learned that I'm more capable of what I think I am. I learned that my capacity to love is a lot bigger than I thought it was. Most of all, I learned to be a woman instead of a girl. But knowing that, I know I can learn just as much if not more in the next 365 days. 


In 2011, I found the most amazing friends and family. Found--as in--yes, I met new people, but I want to use the verb in a different sense. I came to find out how insanely incredible my "old" friends are. From that good group of friends I had growing up, my true friends emerged and nestled their way into my life forever. Putting them on top of everyone I've met in college, it's incredible. I'm really loving this "having two lives" thing. And then of course my family. I've gotten so much closer to my sisters, and for sure more than I've ever been with my cousins; it's such a blessing. (If you ever have the chance to live with cousins--do it!) 


In 2012, I'm excited to find out who else I'm going to meet. Everyone I want in my life right now, is in my life. And it's time to add more. It's always time to add more. I think the best life in the world would be to meet at least one new person a day. That's my goal for the first couple weeks of the semester, actually. If I did it longer, I'd feel annoying, so I'm just sticking with the first little bit. Anyway, I know that come December 31, 2012, I'll have even better things to say about the past year. 


I really have never been more excited for what's to come. I know exactly how I want to spend my time. But, the beauty of it, is everything I want to do, probably won't happen. Because it will be replaced with something better. 


So, moral of the story: Even if the Mayans aren't correct, this year will still go out with a bang. 

Themes.

My overall theme for 2011 was:

{via: http://www.instagrid.me/glitterguide}

My overall theme for 2012 will be:

{via: http://www.etsy.com/listing/76950689}

Happy New Year! Bring on 2012!

Just a step outside.

I'm just going to throw this out there. He sure knows what He's doing. I was talking to my mom on the phone the other day, and she asked me one simple question: "So, what are you going to do with all of these huge opportunities just thrown at you?" 

My first thought was, "Mom. Thrown at me? Are you crazy? I haven't gotten into anything here at BYU. I'm a failure at anything, any "club" on campus if you will. Nothing that I've actually applied/auditioned for I've gotten." But I didn't say that. I just laughed, and then I actually thought about it.  Everything that has been "thrown to me" has all been coincidence. I've realized now that those opportunities are far beyond anything in Provo. Now, everything on campus is amazing, don't get me wrong. There are fantastic opportunities for every student. It just happens to be that mine aren't, and it's been a bit frustrating trying to realize that (okay really frustrating), because I feel important being involved at BYU. I've always wanted to be super involved with BYU, even before I got into the university. But it's also taught me an important lesson: God goes completely out of my realm (or in this case, campus) to show me what I'm supposed to do. 

Okay, BYUtv is on campus, so I guess that counts. But it's also international. The stuff that I will produce--goes international. It also just happened, really. It was a product of being in the right place, at the right time. As for off-campus, I've been offered several internships. Last week, my mom happened to sit by a Chief of Staff on the plane looking for a press intern in DC next Fall, and a spot was officially reserved for me as of an hour ago. A few months ago we had dinner with a man who offered me an internship with NATO in Brussels, and if Romney gets the GOP bid, I'm ready to go as one of the interns back at headquarters. As wide-eyed as I am, It's scary to think about being on Capitol Hill or even halfway across the world, getting thrown in the political world. I won't be here in Utah with friends or family, and I'll possibly skip a semester in school. But I know I'll thrive on those experiences, whichever ones I take.

Sometimes you have to accept the path that's out of your bubble to realize what you're good at, and where He needs you. There's no reason to stayed locked up and feel like a failure because everyone else is succeeding on campus, right in front of you. It just takes me a few extra steps outside to see where I truly belong.

Why I'll vote in 2012.

Disclaimer: Some of you will not agree with me, so don't feel like you need to read this and start a huge discussion about who is right, and who is wrong. But here's why I'm voting for Mitt Romney.

I've had the chance a couple of times to meet Governor Romney. Once when he ran in '08, and a couple months ago at a fundraiser in Salt Lake. He treated me like I was more important than he is. The President shouldn't be a dictator, and he knows that and how to be an effective leader, but at the same time act on the "same plane" as everyone else.

I've been able to work on Romney's campaign for a few months now, and my favorite thing about it: I've met so many awesome, driven people.  I love that everyone on the campaign has the same time-line, and we all work together towards one common goal. We're all on the same page, and we share our successes together. (i.e. 13,000 calls on National Call Day from our call center alone!) I also love that everyone on the campaign here on campus has busy lives; we aren't just college kids looking for something to put on our resume. We really care about changing something that will, no doubt, affect us.

Here are just 4 out of many reasons why I'll cast my ballot for Governor Romney:

• If elected, he already knows what he'll do in office. He's got a specific fact sheet of five bills and five executive orders of what he'll do on day one. (Too long to put on here...if you want it I'll send it to you.) So he's not just trying to tell us what we want to hear. He's never changed his mind on what needs done for America.
• He's already got a history of turning struggling organizations around, has done his research, and understands the economy more than any other candidate. 
• He's committed to lower taxes, whatever it takes--including cutting spending from the federal government itself. Why am I in favor of that? It's a free country. Let's do what we want, work as hard as we can to make our own money, and live life peacefully (with much less governmental interaction) with our families that is my classic "American dream." 
• He's not forgetting the military and the victories we've already established in Iraq. How about I just quote in Romney's own words: “President Obama’s astonishing failure to secure an orderly transition in Iraq has unnecessarily put at risk the victories that were won through the blood and sacrifice of thousands of American men and women. The unavoidable question is whether this decision is the result of a naked political calculation or simply sheer ineptitude in negotiations with the Iraqi government. The American people deserve to hear the recommendations that were made by our military commanders in Iraq.”

You guys, our government is shattered. We need someone like Mitt who will stand up and sacrifice for the goal of the majority. This is my first presidential election I get to vote, and I'm so excited to be a part of it. No, I'm not getting paid to write this, and I don't get paid for any of the work on the campaign! It's all volunteer for us--because we all believe America needs to be fixed...asap. Granted, I've still got a lot to learn about politics, but this one is apparent: I'll be raising my kids when Obama's failed policies really come into play, and I'm going to do something about it right now.

A good, sum up quote from our newest team member, Former NH Governor/White House Chief of Staff John H. Sununu:

“I’m supporting Governor Romney because he is a solid conservative who is committed to reducing taxes, cutting spending and preserving America’s military strength. Mitt has served as a governor, had a successful career in the private sector, and acquired the executive experience needed to turn around our economy and fix our broken government,” said Governor Sununu. “He has demonstrated that he is the strongest candidate to take on President Obama in 2012 and restore fiscal sanity to Washington.”

With that being said. I hope you vote in the primary election (if you're Republican) and then please vote in 2012. Watch the debate on November 9th (6 p.m. Mountain Time on CNBC) to decide who you're going to vote for. Do your research, and vote for who you believe in. Just please, vote.

It's your choice.

I often get asked the question, "why are you so happy all the time?"


It's so simple. I choose to be happy.


Believe me, there have been times where I thought the world was over. I thought there was no way I could ever have the same relationship with a friend again, that I would never be good enough for someone, or that I would never be good enough to really succeed in what I truly desired to do. I've been told I can't do things, I don't know what I'm talking about, and that I am wasting my time.


My parents and grandparents periodically remind me that the first word I ever spoke was, indeed, "happy." Now in my very early twenties, I am the happiest I've ever been. I'm happy because not everything works out for me. I've got trials that make me grow closer to Who I believe in and make me realize who I'm becoming. There's no reason for me not to be happy when I'm secure with my life and feel strongly in what I want to do with it. I find it hard to accept the fact when people tell me there's nothing they can do for themselves, and they give up on a goal or a dream. They really start to believe that is the way God made them, and that life is supposed to be trial after trial, test after test. I refuse to believe that. The trials come when you are trying your hardest on that goal or dream, your heart breaks, and He leads you in a different, better direction than you never even thought of. The happiness comes when you are in pursuit of those dreams, and after the fact--the realization that you are in a much greater situation for success.

What I've come to learn is that the Lord has His paths. There's a different path for each one of us; no one travels on the same path. Ever. But, we are all twisting and carving our way to the exact same place. Just because one thing didn't work for me, it may work perfectly for another, and vice versa. Just because I wanted to be someone, doesn't mean that's who I was supposed to be all along. I'm supposed to be someone better.


I believe that life should be lived to the fullest. I (strongly) believe love is a reward. I believe success can be determined through levels of happiness. I believe that happiness is a sign of security within yourself. Although I am not currently doing everything I had dreamed I would be doing, I'm doing everything that is making me happy. Let me tell you, it's working.


I hope I don't come across as one of those people that are "happy" and smiling all the time. I guarantee everyone isn't blissful every second of their lives--that is all pretend. But I do smile, and I am happy because I stand up for what I believe in. I ignore it when someone tries to tell me I can't do something. The overall effect on what you have been given is what you ultimately decide upon. It's your choice. Choose to be happy. I did.

Bucket List.

I don't know why I haven't written this down sooner. It will be added to as the years go on, but for now in my 20 years of life, this is my bucket list. Obviously, the ones crossed off have already been done. And really, these are things I will do. Not just things I want to do. Mark my words.

-Open my eyes on the Terror Ride at Lagoon.

-Work on a presidential campaign.

-Road trip across the contiguous 48 states. On the back of a motorcycle.

-Jump the wake.

-Go on a safari.

-Read Mere Christianity.

-Skydive over Jackson Hole. 

-Go on a horse trip in the Tetons. 

-Be a lead in a musical.

-Graduate from college and go on to earn a Master's degree.

-Visit the smallest country in the world.

-Cook a Thanksgiving meal by myself.

-Watch ESPN live backstage.

-Backpack through Europe with my husband. (And kiss on the Eiffel.)

-Attend James Taylor and Carole King concert.

-Ski the Swiss Alps.

-Learn to drive stick shift.

-Live on a budget. 

-Publish an article in the newspaper.

-Become a sideline reporter.

-Raise children that know how to work.  

-Sing "16 going on 17" in that one gazebo in Austria. 
Take a nap in Central Park.

-Learn to Juggle.

-Always be in my best shape. 

-Write letters to a pen pal.

-Travel to 6 continents (except Antarctica. No desire.)

-Become an amateur photographer.
-Travel somewhere with all of my best friends.

-Live so my daughter will want to grow up to be just like me. 

-Marry a man who my sons will want to grow up to be.

-See Wicked on Broadway.

-See Les Miserables on Broadway.

-Teach the Gospel overseas.

-Scuba dive with sharks.

-Interview a world champion.

-Plant a garden. (And keep it alive.)

-Attend a concert at Carnegie Hall.
-Eat at one of the oldest restaurants in the world.

-Visit 3 more of the Seven Wonders of the World.

-Hear my future husband and kids say, "you're the best cook in the world!"

-See The David and the Mona Lisa.

-Have at least a 5 minute conversation with someone in Spanish.

-Learn to play chess.

-Shop at Harrods in London. 

-Own a Steinway.

-Get sealed to my best friend and love of my life.

Notice that nothing has to do with science or math. I leave that up to the smart ones who have numbers and formulas running through their veins. I just trust them to tell me what I need to know. I figure if there's anything crucial...I'll put it on the news, right? 

It's interesting to think how long we have to get these things accomplished. None of us actually know, so now would be the perfect time to start.

Traveling with all of my best friends. NYC 2009

Eating at the St. Peter Stiftkeller, founded in 802 A.D. Saltzburg, Austria.

Working on the Mitt Romney presidential campaign at HQ in Boston. Go Mitt 2012!

Growing up and wanting to be a clone of my mother.

 "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die tomorrow." -James Dean

 

Halfway done.

I'm halfway done with my first semester of being an upperclassman. I have three more semesters to go.  But really, halfway already? Where did this time go? I swear I was just sitting in my Book of Mormon class freshman year at 7 a.m. wondering what the heck I was thinking signing up for something that early. Now I'm closer to graduating than I am to living at good 'ole Heritage. Oh...Heritage.

Two and a half years later, I've still got final project ideas to think of, midterms to take (thankfully all online...we can thank journalism again for that one), and a lot of Cougar Club hours to work. No, I'm not counting down until Christmas break....ahem...9 weeks. I do find myself planning weekends in very far advance so I have something to look forward to on my calendar, and occasionally just writing in fun things so it looks like I'm doing something cool.  I did go bowling with the Wilk Crew last Monday though. That was an epic day for my social life.

Lexi and I bowling with the Wilk Crew. My worst day bowling yet...
although I came in second place and was happy about it!

I have done very well this semester, and I accredit it to getting enough sleep, living with my cousin and Kaitlin, and signing up for classes that are helpful to my life. I've noticed that I've been very motivated in going to every class, because I know I am going to learn something there that I will need for future reference. And when I say future I don't mean for my next test. I mean, the future. My theory hasn't let me down yet. 

I also have to mention the front page article yesterday morning: "A profession not for the faint-of heart" Read it. Yay to Briana for making front page! 

Now after you've read that, can I say how proud I am of my major? Not enough. It was created for me. And also can I say how proud I am of my friends in the major? They're going places, and I'm lucky enough to have my name next to theirs. Everyone is outgoing and so eager to make friends in the newsroom. It's the perfect place for me. 


It's Wednesday, and my week is practically over. Then onto another week, booked with a trip to the State Capitol for my research class, then onto looking forward to another weekend...that will be spent in Park City with friends! Hooray for mom booking a lodge up at the Marriott. After that...7 weeks until Christmas break. Optimism.

Brandon, The Target cashier.

The key to enjoying life: noticing the details. The little things are what make a friendship, a relationship, or a love. They are what you remember of people and of memories. The details are the beautiful in life.


While I was in the check out line at Target (buying that new mustard yellow v-neck...great purchase) I came across one of the most optimistic people I've ever met--Brandon. He simply asked how my day was going, and I just told him it has been great so far. I asked him the same question, and he said, "I'm having the best day of my life!" 


I then noticed it wasn't his fault that he couldn't look me in the eye, and had a hard time speaking and concentrating. It was apparent he had some sort of mental disability. I went on to ask him why it was such a great day for him, and he told me it was because he had a goal. I asked him what the goal it was and he just stopped, grew the biggest smile on his face and said, "I'm going to the Celestial Kingdom!"


It's interesting how one small conversation can put a different perspective on my life. Brandon is completely right, he's straight on his way to the Celestial Kingdom. I couldn't help but smile walking out of the store, and on my way home I thought about where Brandon's thoughts are probably all day. If his goal to the Kingdom is the first thing that comes to mind, he's a man of God. I think those are one kind of angels He puts down in our lives just to remind us of the love He has for each one of us. The little things that they say or do make up the bigger picture, and Brandon's bigger picture...is never ending.

Still a fan.

Well...it happens. It's not the end of the world.

Or is it?

No, It's not. Although, I must admit that last weekend made me go from "I root for BYU and whoever plays Utah," to "I root for Utah whenever they're not playing BYU." It was tough to stay the whole game, but I did it--I'm still a Cougar. I'll never let my Cougs down. But, Utah's a great school, with a great football team. I respect them. I think I was more sad that instead of having a healthy rivalry, the whole game it was just like, "oh...I'm so sorry." I still love my football boys, regardless of the number on the scoreboard.

 This is before the game, where Spencer was convinced we

were going to kill them, but still had some hope in his Utes.

...and this is when he realized they were going to kill us.

Of all the games to bring a Utah fan to, this was the one? 

Jimmer is (was) on our team, though. I'll never let you forget it.