Bienvenue à Mi Vida Bella

My Quarter Life Crisis

2011-10-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well after a long absence I have returned to the Blogosphere. I've returned mainly because I want to document these next two months of my life. I'm turning 25 in a little less than 2 months and I have to admit I can foresee myself having a 1/4 life crisis...if such a thing exists. To avoid this "crisis" I have come up with a list of 25 things I want to do before I turn 25. This list isn't going to include things like going skydiving or kissing someone underneath the Eiffel Tower, but are a list of simple things I want to do and changes I want to make about myself. I want to accomplish the things on the list so that I will be able to be a more confident, satisfied, and kind individual and so that I will be in a position to more accurately determine what it is I really want out of life. I guess what I am about to undertake could be called a journey of self-discovery of sorts. At this point in my life I've accomplished a lot of things, but many things I've wanted to do, I haven't done. Some of the reasons for these unaccomplished goals are because of fear, others are because of lack of opportunities, initiative, etc. In reality the reasons are endless, but I am determine to change the things I can, and let the other chips fall where they may.

I'll include the list of 25 things in my next blog post so stay tuned. Below I've included a few quotes that kind of catch the essence of what I'm trying to do.

Man's main task in life is to give birth to himself, to become what he potentially is. ~Erich Fromm

Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it. ~Buddha

You cannot fully understand your own life without knowing and thinking beyond your life, your own neighborhood, and even your own nation. ~Johnnetta Cole

If you aren't sure who you are, you might as well work on who you want to be. ~Robert Brault

A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it. ~Jean de La Fontaine

Every one of us has in him a continent of undiscovered character. Blessed is he who acts the Columbus to his own soul. ~Author Unknown

My New Mission Blog

2009-09-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

So long, farewell. Keep up with me on my mission blog.

18monthsofsunshine.blogspot.com

2 1/2 Weeks to Go!

2009-09-05T04:46:00.000-07:00

I leave for Brazil in 17 days!!!! I'm so excited!!!!! While at home I've been slowly accumulating things for the mission and my suitcase is almost fully packed. The next 2 weeks are going to be bittersweet. I'm going to be saying a lot of goodbyes followed by a lot of hellos. (or Ola's I guess)

I'm on the downhill with my independent study luckily! If I'm done by Friday than my mom is taking me to ORLANDO, FL. We are going to go to the temple together and then hopefully DisneyWorld. She wants to go to Busch Gardens though....so we may end up going there since we've been to DisneyWorld and Epcot several times. Either way I'm super excited! Hopefully I work hard!

This past week I started my goodbyes by saying goodbye to my adorable sister Pec! I won't see her again for at least 19 months!!! AHHH...this is suddenly becoming real. Before she left we went to the Peach Palette (a place where you paint pottery) and had so much fun. Pec made a crazy bowl and I painted South America on a plate. It took forever but I'm happy with the result! This picture is only the pre-firing picture...the colors should be a lot brighter when it comes out of the oven.

Hmm school, sister time, packing for brazil,....what else? Can you say 2-3 hours on the phone every night with Jesse?! I get to see him again in 10 days, but then we'll be apart for 18 months! Saying goodbye to him will be extremely tough for me. We are absolutely crazy about each other....I guess we'll see if it works out after I get back. As of right now though, I am SOOOO HAPPY!!!!

Hasta Luego BYU

2009-08-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

My days at BYU are over. It is definitely bittersweet. I'm going to miss the beautiful campus, the amazing teachers, and all my friends that I made while attending BYU. In many ways goodbyes are so sad, but necessary. If I never said goodbye to BYU I would miss out on so many of the other beautiful things in life.

Sitting in the Marriott Center listening to the commencement speakers was completely surreal. I couldn't believe I was never going to attend another class at BYU or take another test in that darn testing center. It still hasn't sunk in that I'm done...who knows if it ever will. Ha ha I'm pretty sure when I arrive in the Sao Paulo Airport in a month and can't understand the language I will realize that life has DEFINITELY changed.

I moved back to Georgia this past weekend and said a temporary goodbye to my friends. I'm flying back out to Utah Sept 15-19th and can't wait to see everyone. I'm thinking that I'm going to cry a lot that weekend when I have to say goodbye to everyone...especially certain wonderful people....but life must go on.

Home has been crazy. I've been working all day because even though I'm "graduated" I still have independent study classes. UGG. They are luckily coming along great though and will be done in time. After a long day of work it is so nice to relax on the couch and talk to Jesse on the phone. He is such a sweetheart and I just can't get enough of him. Who knew that the kid who I used to think was psycho freshman year would turn out to be such an awesome boyfriend! Life can be so funny at times!

The Good Life

2009-08-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

These past couple weeks have been full of highs and lows. I've been SUPER stressed out with school and am "graduating" next week, but I still have to finish up independent study classes before I leave to Brazil. oh the joys of being an eternal student. I'll be OVERJOYED when I'm officially finished! The stress from school is really the only negative thing in my life right now. The rest of my life is nothing but peaches and cream.

I am blessed with absolutely wonderful friends. Whitney cooked Krystle and I dinner on Sunday and I realized how much I just love those girls. I also got to see my childhood best friend, Rebecca, this past weekend and had an AMAZING time reminiscing with her. I'm going to miss them dearly when I leave on the mission. I'm also going to miss talking to Addie, but am so excited that she is going to serve a mission as well!

Typically I don't like to talk about my love life on my blog or facebook, but today I'm making an exception. My boyfriend, Jesse, is simply amazing. Everyday I like him more and more. When I see him I can't help but break a smile....we just have so much fun together. The best thing about our relationship is that we are completely ourselves....by which I mean random and CRAZY! Since I don't have a ton of time to hang out with him he comes and visits me in the library. Last night he walked me home and even made me dinner. What a sweetheart! It is definitely going to be hard to say goodbye when I leave for Brazil.

Another source of joy in my life is of course the TEMPLE!! This past weekend Krytle and I went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house and it was awesome. The temple is honestly my favorite place on earth. The joy, peace, and happiness I feel from going to the temple overshadows any other joy I've ever felt. It is such a beautiful place and I can't wait to go to the Manti temple this weekend with Jesse and his roommates!

I think the main reason my life is so amazing has to do with my family! Living with my three brothers this summer has been fun. I love going on weekly hikes with them and laughing with them until I cry. My brothers are great, but my sister is my best friend and understands me like no one else! I love talking to her on the phone and getting advice from her. I'm so excited to go home and spend time with her and my parents. What a great family I have!

Life has its ups and downs, its highs and lows. It is all part of the package deal we agreed to. I'm happy I have the gospel in my life because it gives me such stability and perspective. The worst day can be turned around by just remembering the good news of the gospel. Honestly can any day be truly horrible when you remember the great things God has in store for the faithful??

Super Speedy Update

2009-07-20T11:57:00.001-07:00

K, I'm so busy so I'm making this fast!

Summary of my life for past 3-4 weeks:

- School dominates my life still
- Obsessed with the temple and have been going at least once a week since I received my endowment.
- Awesome boyfriend, but I'm still going to Brazil...sorry babe :(
- Visa papers sent and letter from mission president received
- Went to Amazing BBQ!
- Occasionally talking on the phone with my besties in SLC
- Going on weekly hikes with my brothers! LOVE IT!

TTYL

The Smile On My Face Says It All

2009-06-27T23:33:00.001-07:00

A HUGE Milestone

2009-06-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

This Saturday I'm going through the temple! This is going to be the best day of my life so far. I wish I could convey into words my excitement and the reverance I have felt this week...but I can't. Some things just can't be put into words. Anyway, this is just a thank you to all of those who have gotten me to this point! Wish me luck!

A Little Midnight Snack

2009-06-12T23:12:00.000-07:00

I've been studying ALL DAY and need a break...so why not blog? People always tell me that they never have to worry about what I'm thinking...because I say what I think. This could be viewed as a good or bad thing. Last week in my physiology lab we were studying the respiratory system. The TA asked the class, "What is the condition called when a person has no more desire to breathe?" Well I thought this was a pretty easy question and quickly yelled out "DEATH!" My answer sent the entire class into fits and giggles...including myself. After the TA caught his breath he said..."actually, no you are incorrect. it is called apnea". So much for speaking up in class! :)

I honestly, 100% believe that the angels get a lot of their entertainment from my life! Earlier this week I was running late at night and was just so happy and full energy (runner's high is the best!) that I kept on jumping up to touch the leaves as I passed the trees along the sidewalk. Unfortunately one bunch of leaves that I jumped up to touch turned out to be a thick branch....yes I'm still a little sore from that one. Hopefully no one saw me...I mean 900 E. isn't that busy of a street right? ha ha...I think I'm just destined to be eternally awkward!

Now that it is June the EFY kids are coming out of the woodwork and making themselves at home. As I was walking on campus this week among the hordes of teenagers I picked up the campus newspaper, The Daily Universe, to read my favorite part--the police beat. I was expecting the usual stories about laptop thieves, illegal firework displays, and maybe even a report of a person who was acting suspicious. When I found the police report I burst out laughing...it read:

"An EFY counselor thought he could smell marijuana in Gates Hall around 11 p.m. He found three EFY participants smoking marijuana in the stairwell. Police said the juveniles will be charged."

Oh goodness...when will these kids ever learn?! If you think you can smoke marijuana in the BYU dorms and not get caught you should probably be institutionalized. Those places are patrolled more than a high-security prison full of terrorists. For the rest of the police beat go to:

http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/73012

K back to studying...

A Quick Update

2009-06-08T18:23:00.001-07:00

Ok ok... life is SOOO BUSY for me right now, but I just wanted to give a little update!

Since I got my mission call I still haven't recovered from the shock. The word "Brazil" still sounds weird when I say it. I never thought I would be called there! GOOD NEWS THOUGH...I can finally pronounce the name of my mission. The reality of me serving a mission is slowly creeping up on me. I've already received my airplane ticket to the Brazilian MTC and have gotten WAY TOO MANY shots so I won't get any of those nasty tropical diseases. One GREAT thing about being at BYU...there are TONS and TONS of missionaries who have served in Brazil. I've talked to SO MANY people and with each new mission story they tell me I get more and more excited. September seems so far away, but I know I will be here before I know it!

This past weekend was a celebration of all things WHITNEY!! My AMAZING friend Whitney turned 23 yesterday so we (Krystle, Whitney, and I) just decided to celebrate it all weekend. Friday night we went to Pizzeria 712 (SOOOOO GOOD) and pretty much spent the entire night talking nonstop. One of the topics of conversation was the genius blog post written by Krystle documenting our California trip.

On Saturday I spent the morning studying for and taking a test. It went pretty well thank goodness! The rest of the day was spent in the company of Whitney and Krystle for the continuation of the birthday celebration. We laid out at the Avenues pool for a while and eavesdropped on people's funny/ridiculous conversations. After that we hit up Baskin Robbins and DI before meeting up with Johnson and going to the stake activity. The stake activity was pretty fun, but made me realize how I really need to get out of Provo. I've been here for almost five years (thank goodness I started a year early!) and in August I will be ready to say goodbye! After partying it up at the stake activity we headed back to Whitney and Aaron's apartment to watch The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Plans are in the works for us three girls to do our own little traveling item to help keep us in touch over the next 80yrs of our lives!

Well what more can i say??? Life is great. Everyday I wake up and can't believe how blessed I am. Yesterday Sam and I took a Sunday stroll up Rock Canyon and I just couldn't get over how beautiful this place is. It is really going to be hard for me to leave the mountains behind when I leave in August.

K, well I could go on and on for hours. I'll blog about my AMAZING CALIFORNIA trip soon!

They've Called Me On a Mission

2009-05-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

Family, friends, and lovers I have OFFICIALLY been called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been called to the.....(drumroll)....

Joao Pessoa, Brazil Mission!!

The mail came at 12:30 today and as soon as Jacob slid it under my door I just burst into tears. I can't even remember a day when I've been as happy as I was today....not even Christmas beats it! Since I decided to open it at 7:00 with my family I had 6 1/2 hours of waiting to do...and it probably was the longest 6 1/2 hours of my life. The envelope was bent and the edges somewhat frayed by the end because I'd held it too much.

When 7:00 finally arrived Sam, Jon, Jacob, and I piled in the car and drove up to the Provo Temple. The temple grounds have always been a special place for me to go and collect my thoughts and feel the spirit. As soon as we arrived we got out of the car and sat under the nearest tree. I had Jake call Rebekah and Jon call Mom. I tried to call Dad, but he was in a conference in Oklahoma. Anyway....opening up that envelope was probably the most nerve racking experience of my life. I had NO IDEA what my letter was going to say. I definitely have to say that I thought I was going to go to a mission I could actually pronounce. When I saw where I was going all I could do was cry and laugh. The boys were just looking at me and kept asking "where are you going?". I told them Brazil, but I had no idea where in Brazil. Sam gave me a hug and Jon kept saying how jealous he was. Jacob isn't easily impressed so he shrugged his shoulders.

I spent the next few hours calling and emailing friends and family. I've never seen my phone battery die so quickly!!!

I leave for the Brazil MTC on September 23rd and can hardly wait. Jon and I have been looking up information on Joao Pessoa and everything about it just seems to fit me SO WELL! It is near the beach, has amazing food and people, and sunny year round! I'll never have to wear a coat and will hopefully keep my tan! YAY!! I just can't wait to start learning the language and meet the people. This is going to be the best year and a half of my life!

Small and Simple Souls

2009-05-22T23:16:00.001-07:00

Working On My Dance Moves

2009-05-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm supposed to be studying, but the guy next door is BANGING on his drums....and I do mean banging, not playing. Oh the joys of living in a duplex full of guys. I'm adjusting to living with the bros, but it has been interesting. I've had to get used to almost zero bathroom time, concealing my emotions (if I started crying I'd be voted off this island), and noise at all hours of the night. Then there are the occasional fights where we yell and shout...but they end with one of us cracking a smile. Seriously I suck at fighting and people look TOO FUNNY when they are mad. I would rather be laughing.

School is going well. I've been spending about 10 hours a day in the library....yep it's fun...and I'm not being sarcastic. I really love all my classes and when I'm studying I just open up pandora and listen to some upbeat music. I'm having to watch myself though because on Monday I completely started "brushing my shoulders" off just as a cute guy passed by. EMBARRASSING..but that's my middle name right? Yesterday I listened to classical music because I definitely can't dance to that.

In addition to the occasional dance move in the library, I've started dancing in my functional anatomy lab. I have a test on Thursday for that class and yesterday I studied with my two group members Jon and Chris for 3 hours. After an hour of looking at a cadaver you get bored. After two hours of looking at a cadaver you just start to go CRAZY....so yeah...3 hours was nuts. We ended up coming up with dance moves to help us remember all the actions of the muscles. It was classic when Dr. Feland came in and all three of us were dancing and shouting out muscle names. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

Anyway, my FATE could be getting decided AS I WRITE THIS. The stake clerk told me the missionary committee meets on Wednesday to issue mission calls. He also told me I could get it as EARLY AS NEXT WEEK! AHHHHHH I'M FREAKING OUT. Whenever he told me I just started jumping up and down. I just can't believe I'll be in the MTC in less than 4 months. SO EXCITING!

I'll post my call on here after I find out where I'm going. I'm not having an "opening" party or anything...just going to open it alone in my favorite place--THE MOUNTAINS!

Done and Done

2009-05-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

So last night I met with my stake president for the final mission paper interview...and of course I passed it! I just thought he was going to ask me worthiness questions and my reasons for wanting to serve. Little did I know it was going to be a 45 minute quiz session. He asked me questions about gospel topics, what I would do in certain situations, how I would deal with a lazy or overzealous companion, and last of all he asked me about my testimony. After 45 minutes he seemed very satisfied with my answers and told me I must have wonderful parents because I turned out so well.

Anyway, he said I should know where I'm going in 3-4 weeks! I definitely feel like I'm going state side (8 out of 9 of my friends have gone stateside recently)...and if I had to guess specific places I would guess California, Idaho, or Texas.

My TOP Five:

Hawaii visitor's center
NYC
Temple Square
Spain
Argentina

I'm content with going anywhere, but if I got called to an Asian country where I had to learn Japanese or Mandarin Chinese....I would probably start hyperventilating and pass out.

Busy Bee

2009-05-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

My life has been busy, busy, busy recently. I'm taking FIVE classes this spring term and spend almost every waking moment in the library. Now that I've quit my job, I've thrown all my energy into studying. So far I've made 100% on all my labs, quizzes, and assignments...except for a certain physiology lab I made a 98% on...boo :(.

When I'm not studying, I'm either working out or sleeping. I've been working out for 2 hours a day and therefore I'm exhausted by 9:00 every night and usually just go to bed. The working out is paying off though because I've lost 3 pounds in the last week and a half and have not been starving myself!

Since I'm going on a mission in 4 months, my love life is confined to only flirting with random guys on campus. For instance, there is the guy in physiology who I catch looking at me, but now I've started looking at him too...so I'm at fault as well. Then there are the guys that smile at me on campus and run to open doors for me. I don't think I've had to open a door at BYU in months....seriously the guys are so nice! Yesterday, a guy started flirting with me while I was getting dinner and I think I actually blushed for the first time in years. Seriously when did I start to get embarrassed about things??? I think I blushed because I'm usually the forward one, but he was wayyy more forward than I could ever be!

My "HOT" romantic life aside, I am turning in my papers in TWO WEEKS! I'm getting so excited and still feel so blessed that I have this opportunity to go! I've just had so many wonderful experiences recently and I feel as if my testimony is growing by leaps and bounds everyday. The Lord is definitely preparing me to serve! Yesterday as I was walking on campus I just was so happy...not the giddy kind where I jump up and down, but the kind where I can do nothing but sigh, look at the mountains, and realize I have been blessed in ways I couldn't have even imagined. I mean honestly to want something and pray for something so bad and finally get it is great, but to receive a blessing you didn't even know you needed....is just phenonmenal. It just makes you realize there is a God who is mindful of us and knows exactly what we need...even if we don't know it ourselves.

Anyway, Provo is beautiful, life is beautiful. I hope you are all doing beautifully as well!

Changes

2009-04-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

I never used to like changes very much. I was the type of person who wanted a stable and predictable life. Somehow I love changes now. Stepping out into the unknown can be a little scary, but at the same time exhilerating! Thats how I felt this week. No, I haven't graduated yet, but my life still changed a lot. I said goodbye to good friends and roommates, I moved in with my brothers, and I am getting ready for the day (MAY 24th) that I can turn my mission papers in!

I can't wait to see what the future holds. Whatever it is, it is going to be amazing for all of us I'm sure. I saw "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" this week and really liked this quote from it. Keep in mind it affects you a lot more when you have watched the whole movie and have that beautiful music playing in the background while Brad Pitt is saying these words:

"For what it’s worth, it’s never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit... start whenever you want... you can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that stop you. I hope you feel things that you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."

Miss USA California Responds To Gay Marriage Question From Perez Hilton

2009-04-20T20:24:00.001-07:00

Usually I think beauty pagents are full of fake, vain women who only care about themselves. Miss California proved me wrong. It took a lot of guts to give her opinion on gay marriage when the person who asked the question was gay and one of the judges who controlled her score. Yay for standing up for what you believe in even if it is unpopular!

Yoga and Slacking in the Park

2009-04-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

Since my sis is in town we decided to have a little fun this morning. We went with Jake to the park and set up two slacklines. I slacklined a little, but was so tired from doing it yesterday that I ended up doing yoga. The yoga felt pretty good until Jacob started leap frogging over my downward dog. Honestly how can you expect a person to concentrate when you are doing that??!! Ha ha...anyway the morning was great. We ended up trying to climb trees...pec and I tried, Jake succeeded...and then broke off a huge branch. Life is 100x more beautiful now that Spring has arrived. Last night I ran around wild with Sam and Rebekah. We fed the ducks, chased the ducks,took turns playing the guitar (Sam has been teaching me some different strumming patterns), and just chatted the night away. Before hanging out with them I got to have a delightful Easter dinner with Staci, Whitney, and Aaron! It was SOOOOOO good. Whitney made a glazed ham, seasoned potatoes, spinach salad, and fruit salad...while Staci made the rice and I made the rolls! I'm so sad that we are soon going to all go our separate ways.

Emotions

2009-04-08T13:21:00.001-07:00

Aren't emotions interesting? I used to think that happiness and joy were the only emotions I ever wanted to feel. Then I realized I was cheating myself out of everything that the other types of emotions can contribute. It is amazing the spectrum of emotions a person can feel in a day or week. It is only 2:30 and I've already had a ton of different emotions running through me. Here's just a list:

Relaxed: When I woke up this morning

Stressed: When I saw what time it was

Frustrated: As I passed by my mirror

In Awe: When I saw the mountains out my window

Grateful: When saying my morning prayers

Flustered: When that cute guy passed by

Content: When passing by the mirror again

Energetic: When dancing and singing in the shower.

Guilty: As I did my dishes from yesterday (I've been busy!)

Bored: When on facebook...seriously I feel like nothing ever happens on it.

Graceful: When I skipped out my door on my way to work

Irritated: When I was at the stop light begging it to turn green

Relieved: When I got to work and realized I only have 3 patients today.

Prideful: When I stare at my hair in the mirror

Reverent: When I think about my Savior

And Last BUT NOT LEAST:

Happy: life is beautiful...so how could i not be happy.

I love emotions and the way everything I interact with makes me feel...just makes feel so happy to be alive. Every day creates a masterpiece with the emotions and experiences it holds. Don't you ever feel like that? Like every day God is shaping you into something more and more beautiful. I just love life! Have I already said that??? Ha ha.

The real reason I wrote this post is because I have been thinking about something all day. Why don't people act how they feel...or why do people hide their emotions? Every day I see people try to cover their emotions. Some many people try and act how they think society wants them to act. They want to appear cool 24/7. More often if a person on campus is whistling they receive more looks of bewilderment than looks of admiration. I myself am guilty of this, but I'm trying to change. If a person is so happy and in love with life that they can't help but whistle, skip, or even shout for joy...who am I to rain on their parade? Like the song, "If you are happy and you know it" I think a person should clap their hands, stomp their feet, etc...and celebrate being alive however they want.

So go out there and laugh if you are happy, cry if your sad, and whistle if you just can't contain your joy! I may laugh at you, but only in a non-judgemental kind of way. ;) Most importantly, show love those you love...sounds weird I know, but so often I see people who don't express their love. I'm so happy that my brothers tell me they love me almost every time they see me. Its the best thing ever to love and be loved...just makes life that much more beautiful!

Oh P.S. If you are mad and want to hit someone, try and pick a different emotion.

Role Models and Life

2009-03-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

Many of you know I'm taking a religion class this semester called "doctrines of the gospel". Well this past week the instructor was out of town and had his daughter teach. At first I was disappointed because he is such a great teacher and substitutes are usually below par. Looking back I can't believe I thought that because this woman seriously changed my life. She has just been so blessed in her life because she has followed the spirit..without question..every time. She lives the gospel in its truest since. If she knows something is wrong, she doesn't do it. Plain and simple. She is such a great role model and even though I don't really know her...I admire her so much. The things she spoke about were such DIRECT answers to the questions I've been pleading to know for months and months. It was all I could do to stay dry eyed until the end of class. I'm just so glad the Lord is aware of us all and sends people into our lives to lift us up!

In other news my life continues to go well. I'm happy and really at peace with life right now. These past few weeks have been rough spiritually and I even doubted my decision to go on a mission for a while....but no more. I'm so excited to go and can't wait until I can turn my papers in! When some of my nonLDS friends found out I was going on a mission this week they were shocked and responded, "but why? you're so normal". It turned into a great conversation because I was able to talk to them a little bit about the church. And the more I talked to them about it the more excited I got and the more the spirit bore witness to me of the truthfulness of the church. It was just a great experience and it made me realize how much I truly love the church.

I've been rock climbing a lot and am getting stronger and stronger everyday. I really do love the "climbing scene". Everyone is non judgemental, very chill, warm and extremely friendly. Last night I was doing yoga at the quarry and realized how much I just love everyone there..yoga definitely gives you time to reflect on life and the people in it. I keep on joking that I'm turning into a hippie, but i really feel like I'm starting to have that mindset....to not have stress, to love everyone, to feel at peace all the time....best feeling in the world.

Hope you all are doing great!

Grow up and Make a Choice

2009-03-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Soap box time.

Things have happened this week...hmm. This is hard because I can't really go into detail...well I've just learned a lot more about BYU/Provo guys than I wanted to hear. I've always wanted to think of BYU guys as great, morally-sound men with strong testimonies and good intentions...someone you can look up to and respect. Five years at BYU have taught me otherwise. Recently I've met so many messed up, perverted BYU students (male and female)..who say they know the church is true and yet continue to disobey the law of chastity...and it just sickens me. Seriously I know it is hard to "bridle your passions", but come on! Grow up and make a choice! You have only two options: live a life that brings you closer to God or one that takes you farther away. I'm the first to admit that I'm not the picture of perfection. I've done a lot of stupid things, but I'm trying. I have a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel because I wake up everyday and try to live it to the best of my abilities.

Anyway...sorry this is such a serious, kill-joy blog post, but it really has been on my mind. Just make a choice (seriously people you are adults)..choose to be virtuous or choose not to be. It is as simple as that. Don't think that you are somehow safe on that middle ground.

I Need To Stop Talking About How Happy I Am

2009-03-16T15:50:00.001-07:00

Awesome. Amazing. Spectacular weekend! Seriously I love life so much...way too much. On Sunday I was laying in my front yard with the sun on my back, running my fingers through the cool grass, and thinking life couldn't possibly get better.

This past Thursday/Friday I went up to Idaho to see Rebekah. It was so much fun! I slept on her midget couch on Thursday night and went to one of her classes on Friday where all they talked about was physical intimacy. And I was under the impression that BYU-Idaho was more conservative then other schools....hmm.. I guess not! :) We went to Craigos where they were serving the most amazing dessert pizza ever! I'm so glad I don't live near it or I would be an obese person! Friday afternoon we went slacklining with some students then I bounced back to P-town.

Saturday was spent with my favorite girls! We hit up Salt Lake and Park City. The shopping wasn't as good as I hoped, but I still had a great time. Plus when you are with good friends it really doesn't matter what you do...you'll always have fun!

Saturday night I went to a bonfire up Rock Canyon and it was pretty fun. I dared Lindsey to run across the pallet that was on the fire...and since she turned me down I decided to do it. Yes, I'm an idiot. Luckily I didn't get burned, but the pallet did shift once I got into the middle and made me jump off to the side. I also played around with an air-soft gun (i think that is what they are called). I discreetly shot a couple people, but then ended up getting shot myself. Best moment of the night: When Jake blamed Lisa for shooting him countless times in the back. Ha ha she was so confused..and Colin, Lindsey, and I just laughed and laughed.

Isn't life just wonderful?! When we were driving up to Idaho last Thursday night the moon and stars were out in their strength...and something hit me. This is our time my friends....and what a glorious time it is! I have waited forever for this life that I have right now...and I don't want to waste or regret a minute of it. Elder Ballard said something in my stake conference last week that has helped me a lot. Take life day by day. Live your days so that when you say your evening prayers you can say to your Heavenly Father that you've done your best.

I am a strong believer in President Monson's statement, "You do not find a happy life. you make it."

Happy Valley

2009-03-11T21:30:00.001-07:00

Just read this article. And I love that Utah is officially the HAPPIEST state in the U.S!

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100234481>1=31036

Yay for smiles and laughter!!!

Father Involvement - PSA

2009-03-10T11:28:00.001-07:00

Ha ha ...I dedicate this video to my dad who is willing to help me out with anything!

Raisin Brahms Comedy PSA Arts Education

2009-03-10T11:20:00.001-07:00

This commercial came on after the BYU devotional! I thought it was pretty funny!

Chickens and EGGs

2009-03-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

What came first..the chicken or the egg?? ok, ok...it doesn't matter...and honestly I don't care. Chicken and eggs just seem to be infiltrating my life at the moment.

On one of our walls hangs a picture of a tree and in its branches are tons of chickens. Lindsey and Rachel made this painting last semester for the Service auction and I found it too humorous of a painting to pass on. I outbid everyone and brought home the beloved chicken painting.

A couple weeks ago Rachel painted a large chicken in one of her art classes. It was supposed to be a hen, but due to the presence of certain parts it had a sex change and became a male chicken....who lays eggs. Yeah weird...I don't even understand it myself. Anyway, she brought it home and it is now hanging on the south wall of the living room.

Ok if you are counting we now have a total of 2 chicken/egg paintings.

Yesterday Rachel and Lindsey decided to collaborate on another painting. They wanted to paint an egg, but I forbid it. I had had it with the chickens and the eggs. I was pretty sure everyone was going to think we were obsessed with chickens if this continued!! So they decided to forgo the chicken art and just paint random objects. Today they finished it at about 3:00... I awoke from my nap to hear "It looks like an egg and an army of sperm heading towards it!". That statement was enough to peak my curiousity. I jumped out of bed and ran into the living room where the now infamous painting was being critiqued. I almost doubled over with laugher. The painting has a huge circle on it and it is being attacked by squiggle marks. One lucky squiggle mark even managed to make it in. I just can't believe we have another egg painting in our house....we are officially crazy egg and chicken-worshipping fanatics.

Oh great..I have to go. Rachel and Lindsey are talking about selling their eggs. This has got to stop!

Bizkit the Sleep Walking Dog

2009-03-05T10:25:00.001-08:00

Now I don't feel so bad when I am dream and wake up when I walk into a wall.

Everyday I Find Something Different About Myself

2009-03-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

I love how I find something new about myself everyday. This past week I found out a few things about myself:

- I like to be proven wrong. When I have an opinion and someone disagrees and has solid facts to prove their point....I love it! I know that sounds weird, but I really enjoy learning from other people.

- I am NOT a stalker. I was telling Krystle that the angels must laugh at me on a daily basis because of all the awkward situations I somehow get into. I keep trying to avoid certain people, but the more I avoid them the more I see of them! Whatever...awkward is my official middle name.

- I am physiologically addicted to CPK. I crave it as bad as a pregnant woman craves pickles and ice cream.

- I like doing yard work (don't let this go to your head mother). This past week the weather was beautiful and all I wanted to so was spend my free time outside in my front yard. So I swept the porch and sidewalk a little...then decided to wash the windows...then decided to pull up all the dead plants. I just enjoyed working outside so much. Yesterday the landlords were outside in the front yard and told me they have a rake and gardening equipment if I want to use it! Today I think I'm going to rake the front yard!! I'm so excited!

- I am really bad at fly fishing, but I love it. I don't know why it took me so long to get into it. It is MY sport in a lot of ways...I mean fly fishing in a beautiful river with gorgeous mountains surrounding it....heaven doesn't get much closer than that.

- I want to be perfect. Ok don't think I'm talking about OCD perfection here. I still want to be laid back about a lot of things, but I do want to strive for gospel perfection. the more I read my scriptures, go to church, etc...the more I smile and laugh. I dearly love to laugh...but not laughing at someone or at a bad joke, but a good, solid, life-is-wonderful, belly laugh.

I think self-exploration is important. To find out what I am really like is an ongoing progress...and I love it.

OH RANDOM FYI:

When people find out my name is Ariel they automatically think I was named after the little mermaid. In reality it is a Bible name. Look it up--Isaiah 29. It is another name for Jerusalem. Ariel is also an Archangel name from the Hebrew 'Lion of God'. Archangel Ariel is known as the Angel of Healing and New Beginnings.

HAPPY MONDAY

I Once Was Blind, But Now I See

2009-02-25T08:06:00.000-08:00

So my eye infection turned out to be conjunctivitis, or pink eye. It spread pretty quickly to my other eye and yesterday I was experiencing so much discomfort that I just sat in bed all afternoon and evening. One of my eyes swelled shut and I kept getting headaches because of the impaired vision. Not fun. I did go to the doctor on Monday though and got some medicated drops ...so hopefully those kick in soon!

Yesterday morning, before my other eye went insane, I was able to go with my roommates to the Draper temple open house. I'd never been to an open house before and was very excited to go. I loved every minute of the tour and just walked about with an open mouth the entire time. I was seriously in awe at how gorgeous it was. If I could ever design the inside of a temple I would have designed it almost exactly the same way they designed it. The whole theme centered around Christ and mountains. The telestial and terrestial rooms were painted so beautifully and, in one of the rooms, aspen trees were painted all over the walls. Aspens are my favorite trees by far! The Celestial room literally took my breath away. I don't know if I've ever felt so close to heaven before. I just sat on one of the chairs looking up at the chandelier and for some reason couldn't stop tearing up. I know the LDS Church is God's Church restored on the earth. I have no doubts. It just makes sense and brings me so much happiness. Going to the open house was definitely a rewarding experience. Afterwards Rachel, Lindsey and I went with Lisa, Miranda, and Dave to IKEA for lunch. Swedish meatballs are the best! I'm so glad able to have such a wonderful morning even if the day went sour after that.

Once I realized I wouldn't be going on a mission until late August, I just tried to temporarily forget about it because I knew the disappointment would overwhelm me. I've never been a patient person and August seems so far away. Well since I've been trying to "forget" about my upcoming mission my life just hasn't been the same. I've still been happy, but just not as happy. I still feel peace, but not complete peace. This past week a couple missionaries came into physical therapy and we started talking about missions and the gospel. I thought for sure I was going to get overly excited and want to put in my papers ASAP. Surprisingly, I didn't. As the conversation progressed I still had an overwhelming desire to serve a mission, but for the first time in a long time I felt like I could wait until August. I also realized how stupid it was of me to try to forget about my mission so I didn't get down or impatient. Thinking about the gospel and missionary work only makes my life better and more complete. I still am in awe that I'll be able to serve a mission. When I was a teenager everyone told me I would be married off by age 21. I just feel so blessed that the Lord is going to allow me to do one of the things I desire most, to preach the gospel full-time. See you can have your cake and eat it to! The Lord really does love us all and gives us what we want. I hope you all are doing wonderful and I hope I don't give you pink eye!

Enjoy the pictures of the Celestial room/ceiling, sealing room, and exterior of the temple!

Taking the Red-Eye to Triassic

2009-02-22T21:52:00.001-08:00

Well I had an eventful weekend. After this week I decided I needed a break from school and provo so some friends and I went to Triassic yesterday to go bouldering. Triassic is located just outside Price, Utah and is a semi-Mecca for climbers. We only climbed from about 8:30-2:00 because Bobby and Jessie had to get back for a temple trip and I had to get back for a date. Even though our time in Triassic was brief, it was wonderful. I bouldered for a little while, but spent the majority of the time reading a book on spinal cord and brain trauma and soaking up the wonderful sun. The weather was amazing and the company was even better. Bouldering/Climbing is 10X better when you go with a group of friends!

The only drawback from the weekend was that I got an eye infection. All the holds had a lot of sand and dust in them and I definitely got a lot of it in my eyes over the course of the day. One of my eyes is EXTREMELY red and irritated today and nothing seems to be working. I'm going to go into urgent care tomorrow so don't worry. I kept running into things today because I took out my contacts and I am BLIND without them. I'm already getting old and falling apart.

Sanding Off My Fingerprints

2009-02-19T22:30:00.001-08:00

This week has been a ton of fun...despite the stress of school. I've been climbing twice already this week and my hands are feeling it. Tonight I ripped off a blister on my finger trying to jump for a pinch (a type of hold). Then I sliced three fingers on another problem. I was bleeding all over the place, but at the same time I felt really good about the night. I am officially the unofficial DJ at the quarry. I've been bringing my ipod when I come and so many people have come up to me and told me they love my music. I love making people happy.

Today Jake and I finished our physics homework early and had extra time on our hands. Jacob decided to try to fix my car that has been dead for a month and a half. Since I couldn't really help I dug out my fly rod from the trunk and tried it out. I've had it for two years, but haven't used it. I'm determined this summer to get good at it! I'm also going to get into slacklining. It is so fun. Anyway. I practiced my technique for about 2 hours in the front yard and got a lot of stares. One guy in my ward kept yelling..."Where's the pond?"..from across the street. Luckily embarrassment has become a daily thing for me so I could care less.

Life is good. My car is dead, my fingers are shredded, my hair dryer short-circuited this morning, and my mission got postponed....but I could care less. If I were a prideful person I would say I'm getting good at this whole being happy despite trials thing...a tough trial is in store in the near future probably...because I obviously need a humbling. Anyway I hope you ALL are doing GREAT!!! The weekend is almost here!!!

Weekend Escapades

2009-02-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

If I had to describe this weekend in one word I would have to say "Laughter" because laughing is all I did. The whole weekend was amazing and being with friends/family is AMAZING! I'm too lazy to write out anything in detail, but I just wanted to give you a quick update. Here are the highlights:

1. Catching the bouquet at a strangers wedding (thanks for the invite Staci)and ending up in a ton of their wedding photos.

2. Getting free flowers for Valentines Day (see above)

3. Eating delicious thai food with my lovers

4. Fitting quizzes, readings, homework,etc into my social schedule

5. Massive, high-caloric, but euphoric desserts

6. Flirting with the waiter.

7. Creating so many fun, but awkward situations.

8. Climbing at the Quarry and getting closer to getting a V3.

9. Borders Party and Cosmos.

10. Great conversations, long laughs, awesome friends.

11. Cuddling on Sunday nights knowing I don't have to wake up at 6am the next morning.

12. Getting/ giving massages

13. Getting chased by the paparazzi down university.

14. Slumdog Millionaire.

15. Jason vs. Molly, Jillian, and Melissa. 7:00 EST

Flying Cars, Blago, Mexican Wrestling

2009-02-13T09:01:00.001-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Another Valentines Day

2009-02-12T18:21:00.000-08:00

Even though I hate to admit it, I don't hate Valentines Day. In fact I wish every day was Valentines day. If we had more days devoted to the people we love this world would be a much better place. So I decided to write a note to a few of the people I LOVE:

1. My parents--Honestly they had to be at the top of the list. They are amazing and their hippie love brought me into this world! Ha ha. now I've totally embarrassed you mom!

2. My brothers---In my wildest dreams I couldn't come up with better versions of my brothers. They aren't afraid to hug me and tell me they love me on a regular basis. They are absolutely amazing and make my life so much better.

3. Pec (Rebekah AKA official best friend)--I don't know what I ever did to deserve such a beautiful sister. Volumes wouldn't even begin to tell you how much she means to me. I love you forever and forever.

4. Linds/Rachel/Heidi--I love these girls because they make me laugh every time we talk and they inspire me to always be better.

5. Adrienne/Staci--I love these girls because they taught me what life is all about...and how it should be lived! The greatest lessons in my life, so far, have come from yall! I hope we are still get sushi together in 20 years!

6. Krystle--I love Krystle for always setting an example and for being a real friend. If we aren't friends in 50 years...I'd be really surprised.

7. Rebecca (aka BOO!!!)--I love Rebecca, just because I love her. There are few memories of my childhood that don't include this wonderful person. We've had some good times for sure, but the best is yet to come chica!

8. Whitney and Aaron--Oh goodness. I love you guys for too many reasons. I love your adorable blog. I love that you dated for a while before you got married. I love that you guys are the cutest couple ever! I'm glad that I know the cutest couple ever....it makes me feel cool ;)

9. Marissa Paolacci---First of all I love Marissa's last name. It's Italian...so is her personality...which I love! You will never meet a kinder more compassionate friend. Dead serious.

10. Loren (time to switch to the guys!)--I love Loren because he has stuck by me through the good times and the bad times. It says a lot to have a friend who will seriously love you no matter what. I can't wait to see you in April when you tie the knot with your beautiful fiance.

11. Nick--I love Nick because he always has an incredible amount of drama going on in his life! Just listening to him give his life updates keep me entertained.

12. Adam/Jason/Bob--I love that you guys keep me entertained on facebook and are always willing to give me advice!

13. Curtis/Jordan/Jerry--Wow sundays on the third floor just wouldn't be the same without you!

14. Emily and Troy (and any other Thomas/Wood family members)--I love being apart of your family. Y'all are so awesome and I'm lucky to have such fun, interesting, and entertaining people in my life!

Thirsty Koala - A Firefighter Gives Koala A Drink (2009 Australian Bushfires)

2009-02-12T15:58:00.001-08:00

Cute thirsty koala that somehow survived the australian fires that have been raging in that region.

Family guy spanish lesson

2009-02-12T15:48:00.001-08:00

In honor of my mom, who is trying to learn spanish!

My parents have been helping out with the spanish ward recently and a few days ago they had a game night. In the game everyone had to be a military officer of some type--el capitan, el sargento, etc. When they called your office you were supposed to say something like "El Capitan nunca falta". The guy explaining the game had an accent I guess because he pronounced "falta" like "farta". When they called out my dad's office, he only got to yell "El Sargento Nunca Fart!" before he got cut off. Everyone busted out laughing and order wasn't restored for sometime. It definitely broke the ice!

Strolling through the Galleries

2009-02-07T12:56:00.001-08:00

Last night Lindsey and I went to see Rachel's art exhibit at the Gallery Stroll thingy. It was so much fun because once we got there we ran into our good friends Jordan, Curtis, and Blake. We had a lot of fun looking at all the paintings and trying to analyze what they each meant. After leaving the gallery we decided to go to Guru's to get a bite to eat. On our way there we ran into Nate,Cassandra, and Mike who joined us for dinner. The topics over dinner were all extremely random, but we had so much fun and decided afterwords to go to a party in Orem. I got to bed pretty late, but woke up early enough this morning to go to the temple with Lindsey.

The temple was amazing as usual. It was pretty crowded, but I love waiting...it gives me time to think. The guy who baptized literally lifted me out of the water each time and made me feel like I was 20 lbs. It was an interesting experience. When Lindsey and I left the temple we saw an elderly hispanic lady waiting at the bus stop. We asked her if she wanted a ride and she said yes and that she was going to BYU. Unfortunately that was the only English she spoke. As we drove towards the WILK, we made semi-vain attempts to communicate in Spanish. She told us that she was from Bolivia and served a mission in Lima, Peru. Now she works as a teacher at the MTC. I told her I was going on a mission and she was excited for me! It was nice to make a new acquaintance!

Things continue to go well in my life. School is very tough this semester but I'm hoping it will turn out alright!

You better wake up and pay attention

2009-02-03T18:35:00.000-08:00

I've been slacking a little on the blog cause the past couple days have been busy, busy, busy. So here's the latest:

1. Sunday I watched the Superbowl for the FIRST time ever! Exciting right? I went with my friend Adam to a party in Salt Lake and had so much fun. Almost everyone there was rooting for the Cardinals. I was on the fence for a little bit, but then decided the Steelers had a much more attractive team ( i know I'm SUCH a girl). It was a good choice to root for them because they won! The game was so exciting and made me realize why people love football so much! Sometimes it is simply intoxicating to watch! Even though the game was great, the food was better! I don't know when I've eaten/seen that much food at a party. Definitely a great party! Thanks again Adam for the invite!

2. I emailed a bunch of grad schools over the weekend just because I was really nervous about whether I would even get in. Since then I've received quite a few responses back telling me that I'm competitive. I got one tonight and they said they were so excited for me to apply! I can sleep easy knowing that I'll probably be able to get into grad school when I get back from my mission!

3. The mission is postponed until August. I'm sticking around Spring/Summer and taking a couple classes. I'm sad that I won't know where I'm going for a while, but it is for the best.

4. Today I went bouldering for about an hour and it was great...but my hands are killing me. I'm going to have to build up some callouses on my fingers again.

5. Tonight I was running out the door for class and grabbed a piece of bread for dinner. I also sprayed a little bit of perfume on and then started speed walking to the RB. As soon as I started eating my bread I knew something was wrong. Unfortunately, I accidentally sprayed the bread with perfume as well. Who thought that something that smells so good could taste so nasty?! oh well, lesson learned

6. I got an email from Addie today, and it made me happy! And it made me think of what Brother Jenkins said in his testimony on sunday. He quoted a poem:

A friend is not a feller
whose taken in by sham
A friend is one who knows your faults
and doesn't give a damn.

I'm grateful for all my friends who know my weaknesses, but still love me! I love ya!

7. School is going well. I love my international health class and my doctrines of the gospel class. I just can't get enough when I go to them. Physics is going ok. I had a test last night and the entire time the guy in the desk behind me was kicking my desk. I wanted to punch him so bad! I spent THE ENTIRE weekend studying (except for superbowl)for that test...so I'm hoping it turned out well.

The Onion: Most Children Not In Favor Of Child Healthcare

2009-01-31T01:14:00.001-08:00

This video reminds me of the strong opinions I had about the doctors office as a kid.

The Onion: Online Dating Streamlines Rejection For Women

2009-01-31T00:57:00.001-08:00

Yay for online dating and streamlined rejection!

Looking Back, Facing Forward

2009-01-31T00:03:00.001-08:00

I spent the entire day studying. Except for the quick lunch with Mandy and the impromptu dinner with my brothers...I had my nose buried in my books from 11am to right now. It's a little after 1:30am and I just got done emailing a ton of grad schools. Planning for the future is so stressful sometimes. What happens if I get back from my mission and don't get accepted to grad school? Will my life be over? Of course not, but I'll be at a loss of what to do.

Life can be so tough and unpredictable sometimes. Oh well if the Lord closes a door, he'll open a window. I just hope I won't have too many doors closed in my face. Sometimes I just wish someone would tell me which road to take. Then again, agency is something I've fought for and therefore should exercise. I'm obviously tired and rambling. The future is bright no matter what. I am a firm believer in that fact that we are in control of our lives. I used to think that people who had perfect lives were just lucky, now I realize that they've worked their butt off to get where they are. Hard work is definitely the key to success.

Ok..I'm really going to bed now before I start to say really retarded stuff. Sweet dreams.

Possibly the Best Semester of My Life

2009-01-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

This semester has been different...very different. Rachel noticed the difference, Lindsey and Heidi too. Somehow our house has become a sanctuary... a safe haven for the spirit. This is weird to me, because most of my greatest roommates don't even live with me any more.

I look forward to going home at the end of the day now. Rachel and I have our little chats on the couch, Lindsey gives me advice while we make dinner, and Heidi and I have our fun conversations everywhere! Everything and everyone is in harmony. There is no contention, no drama, no sadness...only peace and happiness. There is a spirit in our home that mirrors the spirit in my parents home... and I am loving it! There really is such a big difference between a house and a home.

Last night Rachel, Nick, Libby, Icie, and I went to institute and it was so good! Caleb, the teacher, did the lesson on Elder Bednar's talk from this past conference and it was just amazing. What made it even better was having dinner with everyone afterwards. I absolutely love my ward. It blows every other ward I've been in out of the water!

The French

2009-01-25T21:27:00.000-08:00

I love the French. They are such wonderful people, but also such easy targets. My friend Rebecca shared this with me today:

Go to google.com.

Type in "french military victories"

Click the "I'm feeling lucky" button.

See what comes up...or doesn't come up.

Sundancing and Late Nights

2009-01-24T23:24:00.000-08:00

Today I spent the afternoon with my wonderful friends Heidi, Lindsey, and Krystle! We went to Park City to check out the Sundance Film Festival. We didn't have time to see a film there, but we did check out quite a few art galleries. Now obviously I'm not an artist (I can barely draw stick figures) but I think I am good at appreciating art. We saw so many beautiful paintings and photographs.

The last gallery we went to had this huge painting that was nothing more than a few mason jars and an orange gerber daisy. Now it may not sound like much, but it was an absolutely stunning painting. It reminded me of my mom so much because she uses those jars to can and gerber daises are her favorite flower. I wanted to buy it so bad, but the $10,000 price tag was a little too much for my pocket book. The gallery doesn't have the painting on its website yet, but when they do upload it I'll post the link!

At the end of the day, we didn't end up seeing any celebrities, but we still had a pleasant afternoon strolling around the streets of Park City. We all agreed that the film festival should be switched to the summer inside of the winter. With the rain/snow today it was a little too chilly for my taste.

After arriving home and taking a short nap I started doing some reading and studying. Unfortunately I'm still up just because I can't fall asleep. For the past half hour I've been reading next month's Ensign and have to say I really am enjoying all the articles. I was surprised to open the Ensign and see an article by Arnold Garr, a professor I worked with for several years. I was even more surprised when I realized the article was out of his book that I helped him edit when I was his assistant. It is a very interesting article about Joseph Smith's campaign for President of the U.S. Reading it made me reminisce about the old days when I worked in the Department of Church History. The examples and influence of the professors I worked with honestly changed my life forever. Brother Garr and the late Brother Peterson were especially influential in helping me gain a stronger testimony of the gospel. To this day, I have never met such wonderful, Christ-like men.

Another article I really liked was written by Elder Staheli. In it he says:

"One of the most difficult challenges is to stay focused and stay on course--to finish what we have started. I am convinced that distractions and discouragement are some of Satan's most effective tools. He find ways to help us make excuses about why we can't do this or that. He gets us involved in wasting our time and resources in things that lead us away from improving our lives and developing our talents. He blurs our focus, by diverting our attention."

"It has been said that one of the greatest tragedies of our time is that so many people live far below their potential. Is the road you are now traveling and the present conduct of your life leading you to achieve your full God-given potential? If you were to make no changes in the present course of your life, would you be happy with who you are and what you have become five years from now?"

The last quote particularly struck me because life seems to be speeding up. The months and years seem to fly by faster and faster. Pretty soon I'll be at the end of my life wondering where the time has gone. Each day truly is a precious gift, a new opportunity to strive to reach our potential. Well I think I'm going to go do a little more reading and then head off to bed. I hope you all are doing well!

Chris Sharma Multimedia Profile

2009-01-24T08:02:00.001-08:00

amazing boulderer, amazing climber, amazing person. He really loves being outdoors and appreciates God's creations...so that officially makes him a "10" in my book.

Border Patrol Fail

2009-01-23T11:55:00.001-08:00

One of the funniest videos I've seen in a long time! ha ha ha ENJOY!

THE FALLING PENGUIN -BEST CLIP FUNNY

2009-01-23T09:03:00.001-08:00

Stupid video I found trying to find the planet earth penguin video.

Tomorrow Will Be Better

2009-01-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

Today wasn't the best day. Today I felt frustrated, powerless, and a complete failure. I felt as if everything I had worked towards had fallen apart. And on top of all these emotions my car broke down on me...completely died for some unknown reason. I let myself scream for 20 seconds, then I got over myself.

Bad days come and go, but I refuse to let this day rob me of my happiness. As soon as I decided to not let this day get me down I found a $10 bill under my car seat! And on top of that I randomly started talking to this lady who really lifted my spirits. She was so kind and completely went out of her way because she knew I was having a hard day. What an angel!

I know the Lord gives us hard times...times that make us want to throw up our hands and scream "I can't take it anymore". However, with those hard times he still sends little reminders that he's there and that he cares...that he hasn't left you alone. I'm grateful for difficult days.

The Slight Edge

2009-01-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned this book before in a previous post, but this time I wanted to share some quotes from it. This book has seriously changed my philosophy of life for the better. It is only 150 pages so everyone read it if you get a chance.

There are two prevalent types of attitudes: entitled and value-driven. A value-driven attitude says,"What can I do to help you?" An entitled attitude says, "What have you done for me lately?" An entitled attitude says, "Pay me more, and then maybe I'll work harder." A value-driven attitude says, "I'll work harder, and then I expect you'll pay me more."

The formula for success is quite simple: double your rate of failure. (James Watson)

We are not taught that the key to success is to "double your rate of failure." On the contrary, we're taught to avoid failure like the plague. "Failure is not an option!" Really? It had better be an option! It had better be, because whether or not you consider it an option, it's going to happen.

If you go through life wih the philosophy that "failure is not an option, " then you'll never have any good opportunities to learn.

If Babe Ruth had had the philosophy, "Failure, is not an option," then you and I would have never heard of him. Why? Because not only did Babe Ruth set a world record for home runs, he also led the league in strikeouts.

Abraham Lincoln had an extraordinary record of lost elections and public-office failures over the course of his career. For the ungainly lawyer from Illinois, failure was not an option, it was practically his specialty. If it hadn't been, he would never have made it to the White House.

Successful people fail their way to the top!

The difference between success and failure is not dramatic. In fact, the difference between success and failure is so subtle, most people miss it. They hold the philosophy that what they do doesn't really matter. It's not hard to see how people come to this understanding of life. I don't blame them. It's completely understandable. It's just not the truth. The truth is, what you do matters. What you do today matters. What you do every day matters.

Do the thing and you shall have the power. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

These quotes are just in the first chapter and the ingeniousness of the book manifests itself the more you read it. In short, the book is fabulous and can be applied to every thing in life. Check out my exercise blog for the author's thoughts on nutrition and weight loss. (arielhasahotbody.blogspot.com)

P.S. The picture is of a water hyancith. Read the book to find out how it applies!

Reunion of the Posse

2009-01-16T07:13:00.000-08:00

This week has been exhausting, but so much fun!!! Last night ALL my siblings were in town...which isn't too rare because only one of them doesn't live here. I'm sentimental though and so whenever we are all in the same town we have to party together...it is mandatory!

Last night we went to El Gallo Giro (sp?). It is this great little Mexican restaurant and the food is way good and very authentic. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and after that we hung out at the White Gables eating pineapple upside down cake. The cake was AMAZING. I tried out a new double layer version and it really turned out well. After all the hugs and goodbyes, Pec and I curled up on my bed and watched an episode of Pushing Daisies. I love that show so much! And I love spending time with Pec.

My other favorite things of the week:

1. Taking naps in the library with Jacob.

2. Laughing at the random comments people write on their physics quizzes.

3. Getting asked out...even after I tell them I'm going on mission.

4. Skipping around campus and hitting a patch of smooth ice.

5. Finishing the online portion of my papers! ((YAY))

6. Curling up in a big chair to read The Slight Edge again.

7. Picking out grad schools in warm weather.

8. Constantly looking out the window and thinking life couldn't possibly get better. Life truly is beautiful.

5th time is the Charm

2009-01-11T20:21:00.001-08:00

Well the secret is out...all I have to do now is pronounce it on my blog! Yes I, Ariel Kathryn Wood, am serving a mission. Today I officially started my papers!!!!! I am literally on cloud nine! I couldn't be happier! Since I started praying about it in August I have had nothing but peaceful, reassuring feelings from the Spirit and can hardly wait to devote everyday of my life to preaching the good news of the gospel!

I know some people don't think I should go on a mission or that I'm going for the wrong reasons, but I'm not. I would be so happy to serve anywhere...even a mission at BYU. All I want to do is preach about the joy and happiness the gospel brings into peoples' lives. I've wanted to serve a mission since I was a kid. I remember sitting in stake conference listening to an elderly sister missionary. She read D&C 4 and it felt like someone took a sledgehammer to my heart..in a good way. Rarely since then have I fell such a strong impression from the Spirit. When I went to college I stopped thinking about a mission because I decided I would rather get married and be a mom....but as things turn out I can have all my dreams come true. My perfect life plan always included a mission in it and now that the opportunity has arrived I am overjoyed.

I'll miss you all when I go on the mission, but I'll be back before you know it!

The Best Kept Secret on Campus

2009-01-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

Ok so I am officially taking the best class on campus ever! It is Religion 431: Doctrines of the Gospel. It is taught by Brent Top. The first class was on Tuesday and as soon as Brother Top started talking I knew it was going to be a life-changing course. I immediately felt the spirit when he started talking and it only became stronger through out the class. The second time we met was on Thursday and the time absolutely flew by. It is a 50 minute class, but it seemed like it lasted 15 minutes. When I saw the clock I wanted to stand up in protest and tell him to continue teaching. I mean I've had good Religion classes before, but this one is just....wow...absolutely amazing. I'm doing the reading for next week right now and read something so simple, yet profound to me. It is this--

"To truly UNDERSTAND the gospel, one must LIVE IN HARMONY WITH ITS TEACHINGS"

Ok I'm sure you are all wondering why the heck I think that statement is so great. However, in the past when I've had doubts about the church or my testimony seemed to be shrinking it has ALWAYS been when I am not living the gospel. I have never doubted the truthfulness of the gospel and its doctrine when I am praying daily, or reading my scriptures regularly, or paying a full tithe, etc. My mom always said, "The spirit cannot dwell in unholy temples"...and it is so true. In the past when I've done things to make me temporarily lose the spirit I find myself confused and uncertain about life, the gospel, etc. However, when I have that peaceful, calm reassurance and guidance from the spirit I am happier than ever.

It really is amazing how the gospel works. Many LDS critics would say we blindly follow our leaders, but I disagree. Even though a person cannot see something it doesn't mean he cannot know it exists. Even though a blind person cannot see the sun, he can feel of its warmth. He doesn't needs eyes to know that it is there.

Well I'll keep you updated on how the class goes. If anyone isn't graduating from BYU in April they should definitely take this marvelous class!

Stand on your head and touch your toes

2009-01-07T12:34:00.000-08:00

The first week of the semester is almost over and I'm already burned out! I know...that's ridiculous, but I have 21 credits this semester. I think I'm going to die, but let's pray I don't. I'm just taking it one day at a time for right now. I like all my classes for the most part. All my teachers are pretty cool,but I am going to be soooo happy when April 24th comes around. Because I'm taking so many credits I going to become nonexistent to the world and to my friends. I'm sorry but I probably won't be able to see many of you for the duration of the semester. :(

Today I was stocking up on food storage at Emergency Essentials and decided to go next door to the distribution center. When I was looking at pictures this little boy right next to me screamed "OH MOMMY, MOMMY...LOOK. A CASTLE!!!!" He had just found a picture of the Salt Lake temple....kids can be so funny.

In terms of food storage I hope you all have some! It is so cheap if you go to the Bishop's storehouse and to be honest it is stupid to be unprepared especially when the general authorities have counseled us on this matter. From what I've seen, people don't just eat their food storage when an earthquake, or tornado, or whatever happens...but when a spouse loses a job or when money is tight. Ok I'm getting off my soap box.

Despite the weather being bad for the past couple days, I am still happy, very happy. I have friends in all my classes thankfully and that makes school bearable.

Oh one of my best friends, Loren, is engaged! He's getting married on April 9th (hday boo) in Las Vegas. I'll probably be going down for the wedding and for the entirety of the weekend if anyone wants to party in Vegas! Life is so interesting. I love how it changes constantly and that each day is a surprise.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

2009-01-03T15:59:00.001-08:00

Ahhh....I'm leaving Georgia tomorrow...so sad! I've had the best time being here. The last 5 days it has just been my Mom, Pec, and me at home and we have been going crazy. Here are just my favorite things of the week:

1. Mom doing her victory dance after she wins things on Ebay. She seriously acts like she won the lottery every time she wins an auction. Enough with the high-fives madre!

2. Pec running around smacking my butt and punching my kidneys all the time. I'm probably going to turn black and blue at any minute!

3. Chatting online with all my friends. You guys are seriously crazy and yet so fun at the same time. I can't wait to get back!

4. Pec asking "What are you smoking????!!!" for the millionth time.

5. Talking to Pec about the possibility that mom could have possibly done drugs in the 60s. Seriously who is that fun and crazy at 53 if they haven't done drugs?!

6. Having to try on the clothes every ten minutes that my mom is sewing. I was just so tired of dressing and undressing that I just decided to laze around in my shorts and bra for the later part of the day...shocking my mom and sister and causing some funny situations. I think I could be a nudist pretty easily. KIDDING :)

7. Watching Cat Ballou over and over and over and over and exhausting all the quotes. Hallelujah Brother!

8. Chasing mom out of the kitchen. She is addicted to sweets and is really having a hard time with our new years resolution. She always tries to negotiate, but as of now her pleadings have not worked.

9. Playing piano duets with Pec. We go crazy on that piano and really want to join a traveling circus and take our act to the good people of this country. NOT! :) But we have quite a fun time.

10. Pec saying every two minutes "I will not swear, I will not swear!". She was sewing a blouse at the time for me and I unfortunately was a little liberal when cutting out the patten. It ended up being the most ill-fitting piece of clothing ever, but we had a good laugh.

11. Speed walking around the neighborhood with my mom and Pec. You would be amazed how fast we can swing our hips!

Well I'm sad the holidays are over, but I'm grateful that I am able to have times like these with the people I love. Memories of the fun times are my absolute favorite things! Well...I'm ready for my last semester at BYU! I can hardly wait to return to Utah in a lot of ways. Hope you all are doing well!!!

Happy New Year Peeps!

2008-12-31T20:25:00.000-08:00

Peace 2008, Come hither 2009. Time for a change.

This year Rebekah, my mom, and I have decided to go off sugar including cakes, pies, cookies, candies, ice cream, etc, etc. The only exceptions are hot chocolate and juice. We'll see how long we stick to this plan!

Since I've been home I've been reading constantly. Last night my mom showed me a book she just read called The Slight Edge. I started reading it immediately and will probably finish it tonight. In my humble opinion it is a life changing book in many ways. It is only about a $10 book so if you have extra dinero pick it up! I'm already planning on reading it again tomorrow...so obviously it has affected me and my way of thinking.

Tonight us girls stayed in and celebrated the last night of the year together. It was a lot of fun. Pec and I wanted to watch "Help", an old Beatles movie. I forgot how random and yet hilarious that movie is! I laughed so hard and still chuckle when I think about what a ridiculous movie it is. I tell you one thing though...before the drugs, sex, and alcohol...I would have married one of those Beatles in a heartbeat. Oh well...maybe the best I can hope for now is a Ringo Star or Paul McCartney look alike. Or maybe I'll just marry that cute FedEx boy.....

Oh and one of the benefits of being home...lots of new clothes. My mom just ordered this blazer for me and is making me the skirt. Cute huh?

The Days Are Just Packed

2008-12-29T19:44:00.001-08:00

Lovers and friends! I doubt that anyone even reads this anymore, but I read it and writing is one way to entertain myself. This past week has been marvelous. The weather has been in the high 60s and the sun has been shining. I've been donning shorts and a t-shirt since I arrived! Christmas was a hoot! I don't think I've ever laughed so hard while opening presents. The gifts were very practical this year, but I loved them all the same. We had a beautiful little family over for Christmas dinner and all-in-all the day was just perfect.

We've been playing board games as a family almost every night and those have been fun for the most part. Last night my Dad got beat at Scrabble by my mother and that did not go over very well. My dad isn't usually ultra competitive, but when it comes to Scrabble he has to win. Luckily tempers didn't flair and the night ended very amicably with everyone listening to my parents as they read from their journals. They read for probably 3 hours and told tons of stories about us kids.

A lot of their entries were very interesting because I could see certain aspects of my personality that arose early. For instance, I started throwing fits about wanting to go on hiking trips when I was 2 and as a child attended the majority of the BOY scout father-son camp outs because I refused to be left at home. I think I've loved the outdoors from the moment I was born.

There were a lot of other very sweet stories about how my brothers treated me after I was born. Sam and Jon told my mother one day (they were probably 5 and 6 yrs old) that I was so beautiful and that they wanted to marry me! So cute! According to my parents, all my brothers used to fight over who would get to hold me and would race home from school to see me. I also found out that I used to call Sam "Damn" because I couldn't pronounce his name. I was such a foul-mouthed little girl! ;)

It has been so nice to be home and see so many old friends and family. The holidays really are a wonderful time of the year. I'm going to be sad when I return to Utah, but then again I can't wait to be reunited with Sam and Jacob. I hope you are all in good health and spirits!

The Reason for the Season

2008-12-24T19:49:00.000-08:00

Well this week has been interesting. We've been watching nonstop documentaries on the Holocaust, the bombing of Hiroshima, and other tragic events that have happened in the last century. The documentaries painted in detail the horror and pain surrounding these events. The dividing of families, the execution of the innocent, the radiation poisoning of children from the atomic bomb...the list goes on and on. I had two thoughts as I watched all these documentaries:

1. How God must weep when he witnesses these things
2. Christ descended below it all.

Tonight as I reflected on the meaning of Christmas with my family I was suddenly hit with such an overwhelming sense of gratitude.... gratitude for my Savior. I owe him everything and more. How blessed I am to have the knowledge of his life, death, and resurrection.

When I was a kid I always looked forward to Christmas morning. I would go to bed excited and think of all the gifts I was going to get. As I grow older I could care less about the material things I receive and the excitement doesn't come from the anticipation of Christmas mornings. Tonight I was just getting excited thinking about my Savior. As I thought about the Savior and listened to the Christmas story I just kept thinking to myself..."It's true, It's true, how could anyone ever doubt?" I felt a deeper desire and commitment to emulate the Savior as the night wore on. We all have been given a beautiful perfect gift... a gift that doesn't rust or break or wear out.. a gift that is eternal and that needs to be acknowledged every minute of everyday, not just once a year. I am so grateful for the gift of my Savior. My life is beautiful and full or joy because of him. I know that he was born in Bethlehem, lived a perfect, exemplary life, suffered and died for us, and was resurrected. I know he lives...I know he lives....how could I ever doubt?

Merry Christmas everyone! We have all the reasons in the world to be happy today and everyday!

I'll Be Home for Christmas...wait, I AM Home for Christmas

2008-12-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

HEYYYYY EVERYBODY! I've just been too busy to post anything within the past week....so an update is definitely overdue. Life continues to be amazing. I had a wonderful birthday and did way too many things. I was completely exhausted by the end of the day! Here are a few of the things I did:

1. Went to the temple with my best friend, BOO, and had an absolutely wonderful time!
2. Boo and Jon took me out to lunch, so sweet!
3. Went ice climbing up a waterfall with Sam and Jake--greatest feeling of my life! Pretty scary, but still extremely fun!
4. Afterwards we climbed up under the waterfall into this ice cave and made hot chocolate with my wonderful Jetboil (thanks sam!).
5. Played risk and ate cinnamon rolls with my favorite boys--Jacob, Sam, and Loren!
6. Watched one of my favorite movies, Groundhog DAY!
7. Watched the sunset from the top of the mountains--most gorgeous sunset ever. The orange and purple rays just reflected off the snow and made the mountains look like paradise.
8. Got so many emails, messages, and posts from my friends! Wow I didn't realize I was blessed! Thanks guys!
9. My boss and coworkers called me up and sang Happy Birthday to me and told me to come by for my present from the hospital! I have the greatest job ever!!!
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On Saturday I flew home and quickly realized the benefits of flying first class. The line to go through security for everyone else was 45 minutes long (unfortunately Jon had to stand in it), but the first class line took about 2 minutes! NICE! And of course the first class passengers also board the plane first. As soon as I sat down a stewardess was there to take my coat and get me a drink. There was already a bottle of water there when I arrived as well as a blanket and fluffy pillow, but I ordered a diet coke for the heck of it. From then until the end of the flight I was waited on constantly. My drink was never empty, I was never cold or uncomfortable, and I was fed until I was about to pop. They served a full course meal with salad, appetizers, scrumptious roast beef, and this delicious chocolate cheesecake. Of course the entire meal was served on china and my juice was served in a large crystal tumbler. But the food and the service wasn't even the best part...the tv was of course. I could choose between 20 different movies, about 25 different channels, or a variety of musical selections. I was in heaven. The 3 1/2 hour flight to ATL was too short for me and perhaps ruined me for future airplane travel when I'll indefinitely have to fly coach. All-in-all first class was fun, but I'll survive coach next time. Being waited on hand and foot definitely made me realize that I never want servants. I like doing things for myself. If I did nothing but sit around all day what a waste of a life that would be!

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Being home is nothing short of amazing! I have possibly the greatest family ever. There is just an overwhelming feeling of love and peace at my house and it is something that I've missed. When I arrived home on Saturday I was SHOCKED! Somehow my parents added another 2 car garage and apartment above it without telling me! Ha ha ha...I guess they wanted it to be a surprise...it sure was. As soon as I saw it I freaked out and jumped out of the car. The upstairs apartment is sooooooo cute. There are two beds, a dining area, an entertainment/ family room, and adorable bathroom! The thing that shocked me most was the interior decorating! My mom and sister took pictures from pottery barn to different stores trying to find the furniture they wanted. I'm just jealous I wasn't here to help! I still can't believe that my parents did that without me knowing, but what is even more unbelievable is now we have 4 garages and they are still all cluttered! I think we need to get rid of some stuff!

Anyway I hope you all are doing well and that you have a wonderful Christmas! I still haven't told my Dad the news so wish me luck!

Let My People Go!

2008-12-16T19:15:00.000-08:00

One final left....the only way I'm going to make it through is if I stay focused on what I get to do once my finals are done and over with. I get to party tomorrow night with two of my favorite people in the world-- Rob and BOO! Then, I have so many things planned for my birthday. It is going to be the best day ever! Thursday night my family and I (yes Loren that includes you:D) are going to go crazy and celebrate with homemade cinnamon rolls and mexican hot chocolate! Oh yeah baby! Then Friday I'm going to hang with some other peeps and pack for GA! On Saturday morning I'm out of here. First class all the way back home to the dirrrttty south!

Life Gave me Lemonade

2008-12-14T22:24:00.000-08:00

Brace yourself....here comes another feel-good post from the mind of Ariel Wood. I just can't control myself though...I am so happy...unbelievable happy.

There is a well known phrase--"if life gives you lemons, make lemonade". What I would like to know is what am I supposed to do if life just always gives me lemonade? There have been many times in my life when I thought life had given me nothing but lemons, but now I realize that I was just being ungrateful and self-centered. Every trial, every hardship, every "lemon" has been a blessing in disguise. I'm more certain now than ever that the Lord knows exactly what we need to go through to be shaped into our perfect selves. Everything that happens to us in life happens to us for a reason. We can choose to see things as lemons or as lemonade. This past year I felt like I was being stoned with lemons (which actually wouldn't be that bad since they are somewhat soft), but now looking back I see this year as nothing but pure, sweet lemonade. I have grown closer to my Savior more this past year than I have in the previous 21 years. Life has always given me lemonade. Sweet, refreshing, absolutely perfect lemonade. I have been spoiled rotten with lemonade since I was born on this earth almost 22 years ago.

What sparked all this talk of citrus you might ask? As usual, a song. My sister introduced me to Chris Rice's music a while ago and for some reason I just love him! Listen to his song "lemonade" on my music player if you have time. I think it could cheer anyone up!

Useless Knowledge to the Average Reader

2008-12-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged on yet another one of these thingys....but yay for you. You get to learn more about me!

four jobs I have had:
1. Wilsons Bakery
2. Church History Receptionist
3. Orkin Technician (yes i was the bug girl)
4. BYU Physical Therapy Aide

four movies I have seen more than once:
1. Some Like It Hot
2. Maverick
3. Stardust
4. El Dorado

four places I have lived:
1. Warner Robins, GA
2. Byron, GA
3. Washington, D.C
4. Provo, UT

four TV shows I watch:
1. Pushing Daisies
2. Gossip Girl (don't judge me)
3. Andy Griffith
4. Diagnosis Murder

four FAVORITE places I have been:
1. Yosemite, California
2. Interlaken, Switzerland
3. Bariloche, Argentina
4. Bar Harbor, Maine

four places I would like to visit
1. Israel
2. Nepal
3. South Africa
4. Antarctica

four things I am looking forward to in the coming year:
1. graduation
2. graduation
3. graduation gift
4. graduation gift

four favorite books:
1. the Standard works
2. The Long Walk
3. Encyclopedia of Infectious Diseases
4. To Draw Closer to God

four dreams I had as a child:
1. Become a doctor and save the world
2. Move to KY and reopen the Shady Grove General Store
3. Marry Jonathon Taylor Thomas and sail around the world with him
4. Become a gourmet chef and work in NYC

Lovely, Lovely Christmastime

2008-12-08T14:09:00.001-08:00

Things I did this weekend:

1. Went to b-day party and ugly sweater party
2. Made a lot of fabulous new friends
3. Disected a baby shark...it smelled horrible
4. Went running in Rock Canyon. It was a fruitless attempt at exercise because I kept stopping and looking at the mountains.
5. Lost 7 lbs--I'm sick with something..no idea what it is
6. Went to the Christmas Devotional in SLC with Addie, Krystle, Jake, and Jon.
7. Had a Christmas dinner party afterwards in my Grandma's Temple Square apartment. It was sooo fun and definitely got me in the holiday mood.

Adrienne.....Can I have yo number?

2008-12-04T22:08:00.000-08:00

Shout out to Addie who turned 23 today!!!!! YAY for birthdays! YAY for Adrienne!!!

It was a pretty fun evening in my opinion....Adrienne, Heidi, and I went to CPK (california pizza kitchen) and it was heavenly. We dressed up in our cute little dresses and strutted our stuff all over the university mall.

After dinner we talked to Santa and he let me sit in his lap. I told him my Christmas wish and got a picture with him. Then we looked at engagement rings. I didn't find anything I really liked. I think that is a sign....since I abhor wedding rings and diamonds, I'm never going to get married.

After that we stopped by Forever 21 where I probably tried on all the hats in the store. Then we jetted off to the BYU Varsity theatre with the rest of the roomies to watch The Muppet's Christmas Carol. It was so funny. I've seen it probably a million times, but it is just a classic. We all wore beanies to the movie and some of us wore our pajamas....SO FUN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADDIE! I LOVE YOU MUCHOS!!!

Recipe and Joyful Ramblings

2008-12-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Ok so I told a few people that I would post my Christmas Bread recipe on here...so here you go. It is sooooooo freakkking goood.

2 sticks butter
3 C flour
3 C sugar
1/2 pt. sour cream (1C)
6 eggs
1 T vanilla
1/3 soda
cherries/ nuts opt.

Cream butter and sugar, add eggs beating after each. Alternate dry ingredients with sour cream. Add vanilla, cherries, nuts
~40 minutes at 350º. Makes 8 small loaves or about 2 large ones ( I cover the loaves with foil for the last 10-15 minutes so the top of the loaf doesn't burn)

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Ok I am sooo happy. It is ridiculous how happy I've been recently. I just feel like the Lord has been holding me in his arms for the past couple weeks. This last week has been nothing short of amazing. I've been going to bed early and waking up at 6:30 everyday. Also I've been reading a few talks from conference and have been studying the scriptures more than ever. I am happier than I have been in forever and feel like I can tackle the trials of life.

I've been pondering a lot about my future recently and finally feel at peace with my decisions. Special thanks goes out to Lindsey on this one. She inspired me this week. She has been accepted to two law schools so far. She just knows what she wants and does it. I admire her fearlessness! In the past I've been indecisive because I'm always scared of the thought of failing at something. However, I've come to realize that it is better to try and fail than to never try at all. I've made up my mind what I'm going to do in the next 5 years....and there is no turning back! Wish me luck!

Heroes

2008-12-03T13:58:00.001-08:00

These past few days I've been thinking about the importance of heroes in people's lives, specifically mine. I have so many heroes, but one of my big time heroes is Elder Wirthlin. He really lived an exemplary life. I'm sad that he is no longer alive to teach us through his wonderful talks. I hope to meet him one day and tell him how much he has impacted my life.

Another one of my heroes is my Great-Grandmother Thomas who has been dead for about 5 years now. She was an incredibly Christlike person. She was definitely a spit-fire, but also a devout disciple of Christ. She loved missionary work just as much as my Grandma Thomas loves it. Their examples continue to inspire me, even though one has passed on.

Everyone needs heroes...someone that inspires them and makes them want to be better. I'm grateful that I have so many heroes in my life.

Below is one of my favorite quotes from Elder Wirthlin, enjoy:

"True love lasts forever. It is eternally patient and forgiving. It believes, hopes, and endures all things. That is the love our Heavenly Father bears for us.

We all yearn to experience love like this. Even when we make mistakes, we hope others will love us in spite of our shortcomings—even if we don’t deserve it.

Oh, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us—even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will.

We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won’t, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming."

Thanks, Gracias, Bedankt

2008-11-28T19:40:00.000-08:00

Well Thanksgiving is OVER and I am officially FAT! I ate wayyyy tooo much food yesterday and today was still tired from the exhaustion of the feast. I had a fun Thanksgiving. I spent it with my wonderful family and friends. Yesterday was my first time ever cooking a turkey...it ended up being okay.

When I first started on the turkey yesterday morning at 9:30am I was wearing my latex gloves and chemistry goggles. I knew there were still guts in the turkey, but wasn't sure of the location of the fabled entrails. I was prepared for anything, but de-organing (yes i think i just made up that word) was less messy than expected. Pec and I spent the rest of the morning trying to fix the mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, rolls, and apple pie. The meal was great and everything went well except for the fact that I wanted everyone to say what they were thankful for. This request didn't go as planned, but then again we got some good laughs out of the responses. For instance Jacob is thankful that families DONT have to be together forever, Pec is grateful for death, and i think Jon said he was grateful for capital punishment. Anyway here is short list of things I am grateful for:

1. A wonderful, crazy family
2. True friends, even if some of them live far away
3. The Gospel
4. The Atonement
5. Opportunity to study at BYU
6. My Princess bed
7. A car that works
8. Living 5 minutes from Mountains
9. Hot showers
10. Thomas S. Monson

After the meal we watched The Dark Knight and then Addie and Staci rerented Sex and the City. They watched it 2 nights ago, but loved it so much they had to see it again. Today we spent the day shopping with Krystle up in Salt Lake and Park City. I think I'm over shopping for good. I didn't find anything I really liked and ended up spending only $11. In the past I would blow all my money on clothes and never have any money for anything else. That is old Ariel for sure. I could have put down a sizeable down payment on a house with the amount of money I have spent on clothes in the past 4 years. From now on I'm going to concentrate on the things I really want. I'm going to save for my future house, for my next car, etc.

My sister, Rebekah, has been here for the past week and it has been so fun. I rarely get to spend time with her so it has been a treat to have her around. I'm sad that I have to say goodbye to her tomorrow....

Se7en Random Things

2008-11-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

Rebecca tagged me on this one....I tried to escape, but it was all in vain. So I'm going to tell you seven random facts about myself. (I'm guessing most of you probably already know most of these)

1. I can sleep anywhere- on a couch, in a chair, on the floor, on rocks, anywhere. It is a gift. Rachel's jealous.

2. Last year I went to the Emergency Room 6 times...mostly from snowboarding, but I was also in a car accident (we were hit) and had a nasty, nasty bout with poison ivy (probably the worst experience of my life).

3. I consider myself a survivalist. I have water, food storage, camping supplies, medical supplies, extra dinero, etc stashed away just in case. I don't want to be caught with my pants down if something catastrophic happens.

4. I used to REALLY be into cars in my teenage years(would go to shows, the drag races, etc), but now I could care less about what I drive and what everyone else drives. As long as it works I'm happy.

5. If I had had the money I would be at a culinary arts school instead of BYU right now.

6. I have 9 scars on one knee, 11 on the other, several scars on my back thanks to precancerous moles and fireworks. One scar looks like a wound mark left by a serrated knife.

7. Well if you know me, you know I really enjoy being outdoors. So it should come as no surprise that I've been to over 75 national parks in the course of my life. My favorite ones are: Mt. Rainer, Acadia, and Yosemite. I've attached some photos. The one of the sunrise was taken from the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. It is the first spot in the U.S. where you can watch the sunrise...a breathtaking experience, considering out in front of you is nothing but the Atlantic Ocean dotted with hundreds on these little beautiful islands.

Oh and I'm tagging Whitney, Adrienne, Marissa, and Lindz on this one!

Dear Mr Slackline, You Cannot Beat Me!

2008-11-22T17:27:00.000-08:00

Today I:

Cleaned my bedroom
Went to the Quarry
Made wheat bread w/ my wheat grinder
Decorated the house and yard for Christmas
Went to Brick Oven with the siblings
Went Slack lining
Attempted to organize

I definitely want to get into slacklining. it is so much fun, but discouraging at the same time! Well I'm off to the opera with the ladies.....peace comrades

If You Are Happy and You Know It....

2008-11-18T21:38:00.000-08:00

This picture kind of scares me....a little, little bit....or a lot, a lot of bit....but she is happy.

Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.
- Benjamin Disraeli

There are as many nights as days, and the one is just as long as the other in the year's course. Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word 'happy' would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness.
- Carl Jung

There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.
- George Sand

Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves.

- James Barry

If you observe a really happy man you will find him building a boat, writing a symphony, educating his son, growing double dahlias in his garden. He will not be searching for happiness as if it were a collar button that has rolled under the radiator.
- W. Beran Wolfe

Life is rough sometimes, but it gets better. I had a bad day today, but I'm grateful for my wonderful friends who lifted me up. Friends really are the source of so much joy and happiness. Where would I be without such remarkable people in my life?

I Aint No Hollaback Girl

2008-11-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

Don't booty call me.

Don't try to set me up with your friends.

Don't whistle at me on the street.

I aint no holla back girl,

Just let me be free

well put

2008-11-16T22:58:00.000-08:00

I couldn't have said it better myself.

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=81195

Marriage--a Union between a Man and a Woman

2008-11-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

So I just spent some time pouring through the laws of several states concerning domestic partnerships and civil unions. I really don't understand what No on Prop 8 people are crying about. Their bickering is the equivalent of a woman stomping around outside the polls in 1920 complaining that she can't vote. Homosexuals are already able to benefit from such things as:

1. Responsibility for supporting each other “to the same degree and in the same manner as prescribed under law for married persons”

2. Improved access to family health insurance policies and joint credit

3. The right to leave work to care for an ill partner

4. Co-parenting privileges and responsibilities for any child who becomes the child of one or both partners during the civil union

5. Automatic preference for the guardianship of, and medical decision making for, a partner should he or she become incapacitated

6. Inheritance rights (even without a will)

7. Equal access to state separation, divorce, child custody, child support and property division laws if the civil union ends.

8. State tax benefits

In short leave marriage alone. You have domestic partnerships and civil unions. Even Elton John said he doesn't know why people are protesting Prop 8. Homosexuals already have a lot of freedoms, they just need to open their eyes and see them.

Here's the link to the Elton John article.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-11-12-elton-john_N.htm

Even if Mormon's funded 70% of the Yes on Prop 8 campaign they didn't force people to go to the polls and vote for it. The people of California spoke...accept it! Just like I'm accepting the fact that Obama won. I don't like him, but he won...so as an American I choose to support him. You win some and you lose some people. That's what democracy is about.

Now a quote from one of my heroes--Neal A. Maxwell

Maybe it relates to marriage....maybe it doesn't

"One would think it folly if Holland spent a significant portion of its citizens' time and money destroying the dikes that hold back the sea; it would seem even more absurd if the Dutch people stood by cheering the wrecking crews! Yet, so much of what we are doing currently in our own culture is the equivalent of breaching the dikes, of removing tried and proven safeguards. So little honest attention is given to such matters as family and self-discipline on which so much else depends, yet others clearly pay a social price for the hollowness of someone else's childhood, and we all have a stake in each other's capacity for self-discipline!"

Doubt Not, Fear Not

2008-11-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Mamma Mia...entertaining, but it made me regret my decision to remain single for another couple months.

I want to go to greece so bad it hurts.

I've joined the "van"wagon officially

The No on Prop 8 people need to respect the people of California's wishes.

The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.

Losing Faith in the Public School System

2008-11-06T21:30:00.001-08:00

Check out this video. It was quite disturbing to watch. An adult should never do that to a child, especially in front of peers.

http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=215103

Bittersweet Symphony

2008-11-06T17:10:00.000-08:00

Well you win some and you lose some.

Obama is President. Even though I didn't vote for him, I am SOOOOOOO proud that I live in a nation where the election of a black person is possible. We have come such a long way and I hope we never return to a time where ANY person is discriminated against.... no matter their ethnicity, sex, religion etc. I honestly hope Obama helps unite this nation and fixes the problems plagueing our society. I would LOVE to be proven wrong about him.

I am so happy about the passing of Proposition 8 in California. I didn't think it was possible, but miracles do happen. However, I find it sad that many people are taking aim at the LDS Church and its members...calling them homophobic and unChristian. Some people have gone so far as to suggest that anyone who supports Proposition 8 downright hates all gays and lesbians. That is unfortunate that they believe that...I've never even remotely disliked anyone who chose that lifestyle. I support proposition 8 because I want the definition of marriage to stay as it is. If a homosexual couple want to form some type of bond, let them have a civil union. It is my firm belief that marriage has and will ever be a bond between only a man and a woman.

Last of all I officially registered for my LAST semester at college...again. I promise I'll graduate this time mom and dad! Below are the classes I'm going to be taking and I am SOOOOOOOOO excited!!!!! AHHH. I hope it turns out to be a very enjoyable semester.

MmBio 465 Virology
MmBio 464 Bacterial Pathogenesis
HLTH 345 Principles of Epidemiology
HLTH 443 Field Epidemiology
HLTH 331 Infectious Diseases

Sound like fun classes huh?!

Comic Relief

2008-11-04T13:40:00.001-08:00

My friend shared this site with me and i found it very entertaining:
www.funnychuckle.com

I hope you enjoy a few of the pictures I found humorous!

The Perfect Weekend

2008-11-02T19:40:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen too many perfect days in my life, let alone perfect weekends. They happen maybe once or twice a year. This weekend was perfect, absolutely perfect in every way.

I spent the weekend in Salt Lake with my grandma. On Friday she decided to take me to the Utah Symphony. It was seriously AMAZING. We were seated in the 10th row and could see everything perfectly. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and afterwards we just walked around Salt Lake and talked for a little bit.

Saturday was supposed to just be spent studying in the Salt Lake Library, but I actually ended up doing quite a lot of other things. I studied for about an hour at the library(which I am seriously obsessed with) and then decided to go back to my grandmas apartment to study. To park in the parking garage all day would have cost me $12.00 so I decided I would rather save the money and study in the apartment. On the way back from the library I stopped by Great Harvest for some pumpkin chocolate chip bread....heavenly. Then I studied chemistry and my scriptures for about 4 hours until my grandma came home from running errands. She decided we would have a girls night out (even though it was 3:30) and treated me to lunch/dinner at the California Pizza Kitchen, one of my all time favorite restaurants. Afterwards we went to a concert on temple square. It blew me away completely. It was an all-women's choir and they were SOOOOOOOO good.

After the concert I walked around temple square by myself just thinking about life and stuff. There is a stone tablet on the east side of the tabernacle that talks about liberty. For some reason I couldn't help but tear up when I read the quotes engraved on it. With the election only 2 days away I just hope we elect a president who values freedom. When I was done touring the square I got in my car and went to visit Krystle, my good friend and former roommate. We had a fun time chatting about all the new things going on in our lives. It made me remember how much I miss having her as a roommate.

Sunday started off wonderfully with an extra hour of sleep and Music and the Spoken Word. My Grandma is a missionary in the Church Office Building and religiously attends the broadcast. I'm so glad I went because they played one of my favorite songs--"My Shephard Will Supply My Need". After that we walked home with one of my grandma's friends who couldn't help but trot along the sidewalk and kick the fall leaves. I was very amused at the site of a 75 year old woman getting so elated by dead leaves. Either way she had all three of us kicking the leaves by the time we got home.

I read the Book of Enoch by Hugh Nibley for an hour or two after we arrived home and then took a nice nap. As I awoke from my nap my grandma was leaving to go to Provo (she had to help deliver a satellite for the CES broadcast). I was a little hesitant about attending her missionary ward without her, but I decided to go anyway.I'm guessing the average age of the congregation was about 65 or 70. Well, I'm SOOOO glad I went. The meeting surpassed any testimony meeting I had been to in years. The people who spoke were so humble and Christlike. I think I pretty much cried the entire meeting. After I returned home I just sat in my Grandma's apartment and stared at the temple that was across the street. I really do love Salt Lake.

As it got near 6:00 Krystle and her roommate showed up to watch the CES fireside. We drank raspberry hot chocolate and ate pumpkin bread while listening to Bishop Burton's amazing talk. His talk answered so many questions and was the perfect end to a perfect weekend..or so I thought.

Just when I thought the weekend possibly couldn't get any better I turned on my radio on the drive back to Provo and heard...guess what? CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!!!! I literally started screaming at the top of my lungs. I was SOOOO excited. So I spent the drive home singing Christmas songs and feeling so blessed to have had such a wonderful time in Salt Lake.

Now reading this you may be thinking that my weekend didn't sound THAT amazing, but there is one thing that made a difference. I felt the spirit sooooooo strongly all weekend. Everything I did or everything that happened seemed like such a tender mercy from the Lord. I must have burst into tears 20 times this weekend from being so happy. This afternoon I was so exhausted mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically that I was actually contemplating for the first time in my life asking the Lord to let me not have the spirit for a little bit. Is that bad? well... i guess it is, but I just felt very overwhelmed. All I know is that God loves us sooo much and I'm so grateful to have had a weekend where I felt his love for me so strongly.

I love you all and MERRY CHRISTMAS....ok maybe i should wait a few weeks to say that...

So Jon's Birthday is Also in October

2008-10-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

Well I know I just posted about my Dad for his birthday, but today marks another special occasion...the anniversary of my brother Jon's birth. We are happy to the point of ecstasy that he was born into our family. And we love him very much. If Jon wasn't in our family there would be a huge hole and void that would be impossible to fill.

For those of you who don't know Jon, let me enlighten you. He is the second child in my family and is a political science major at BYU. I've never really met someone who is so obsessed with politics. He is always up to date on all the news and loves to watch documentaries of old dead guys who once ran this country.

He also loves the outdoors, going to the gym, driving around in his sweet car with the music blaring, and the finer things of life. My favorite thing about Jon though is that he is not a man of the world. He educates himself and is very intelligent, but he doesn't let it go to his head. He isn't afraid to appear kind or compassionate and often serves those that are around him. He constantly gives me good advice on what to do in my life...some of that advice has been eye-opening. He is very much a man of God, one who reads his scriptures, goes to the temple, and listens to old general conference talks while at the gym.

In all ways of his life he tries to be Christlike. I don't think anything greater can be said of a person. I'm so lucky to have three brothers who are all men of God. What more can a sister ask for than to be truly proud of her brothers? In my opinion, absolutely nothing. Happy Birthday Jon and thanks for being the best brother ever!

Attached are a few photos from the pivotal moments in his life.

Politics, and other undesirables

2008-10-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

I don't like politics. period. In my opinion, politics drive people apart instead of unifying them. I'm not a Democrat or a Republican. I think both parties have good and bad parts. However, the democrat candidates often are much more liberal than I am comfortable with. I would like to keep my liberties and have as little government involvement in my life as humanly possible. They are like the clingy boyfriend who wants to be a part of everything in your life....sometimes a girl has just got to breathe!

There are a few things I support and other things I'm against. One of the things I am against is depicted in the above photo...the welfare system. Now that I'm getting rotten tomatoes thrown at me, let me rephrase that. I think if the welfare system actually worked like it was supposed to...it would be a great system. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it is a mess. My reason for thinking this is because I grew up in an area where a ton of people were on welfare. Most waited with eager anticipation on their welfare checks each month. It helped many pay their mortgages, buy groceries for their families and finance health care visits. I applaud the government for giving money to those people who work hard all week and still can't meet their essential needs. However, many of the welfare recipients I knew abused the the system...extremely abused it....just straight up rape it at times. The money wouldn't be used to buy the family nutritious food, but would go to fast food, alcohol, and even drugs at times. The money also wouldn't go to pay the electric company or medical bills, but would go towards the purchase of that new Xbox and playstation. I could go on for hours about all the ways I've personally seen the welfare system abused...all I know is that it needs to be fixed. Who knows if Obama or McCain are willing to do that.

Anyway this election is one for the history books. I don't like either of the main candidates at all. I feel as if I'm at a school cafeteria being forced to pick between something that may or may not be meat or an almost unrecognizable tuna salad. I don't want either one...they both would make me vomit.

To A Wonderful Dad

2008-10-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

So today is my Dad's birthday! He is the best dad in the world! I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful dad who loves me so much. I decided to write a poem for him, since I don't have any money to give him a real gift. I'm not talented at writing poetry, so forgive my weakness as you read the poem. Love you Dad!

I love you Dad

I once went to the zoo to see the monkeys,
I was but only four
My face lit up in excitement
as i walked through the door
In a haste I ran to the cage
and there I arrived with a huff
to my dismay i couldn't see a thing
I just wasn't tall enough
Then two hands appeared on my waist,
I didn't even turn my head a tad
As they raised me up where I could see,
I said softly, I love you Dad

Seven years later I'm tired and worn
sitting on a mountain path
My feet blistered, my shoulders bruised
and I desperately need a bath
I'm surrounded by forest and mountains
with not a home in sight
the air is thin, my lungs are tired
day is quickly becoming night
I begin to cry, my vision is blurred
then a figure in front of me appears
He takes my backpack, bandages my feet,
and wipes away my tears.
the injuries that had once brought me pain
now for some reason didn't feel so bad,
as we continued on that moonlit trail
I said softly, I love you Dad

Ten years later I call home
ready to give up all hope
college is just too hard, I'm not smart enough
with this trial I cannot cope
I try and I try, I study and I study
but I just can't make the grade
I'll never amount to anything
what a mess of my life I've made
Then a kind and calm voice appears
It's him on the other line
He assures me that I'm capable
and says that I'll turn out just fine
He tells me I'm smart, clever,
and of course so pretty
He thinks that I'm fun to be around
and that my jokes are witty
He says he'll always be there
to pick me up when I am sad
I thank him and then as I hang up the phone
I say softly, I love you Dad

Come What May, and Love It

2008-10-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

I try to read an ensign article or recent talk given by a General Authority everyday. Yesterday I read Elder Wirthlin's talk from conference. I know most of you were touched by his words when he gave it. My sister was so touched she completely redid her blog around that idea. He mentioned four things that could help us when we are going through hard times:

1. Learn to Laugh (the antidote for tough times)
2. Seek for the Eternal (everyone must experience sorrow, it is part of the journey)
3. Principle of Compensation (the lord compensates the faithful for every loss)
4. Trust in the Father and Son (Christ descended below us all)

"If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness.

Although my mother has long since passed to her eternal reward, her words are always with me. I still remember her advice to me given on that day long ago when my team lost a football game: “Come what may, and love it.”

I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it."

All of us go through tough times...how we choose to handle those times can make such a difference. Cling to the things that bring you joy in your life...your family, friends, and passions (THE OUTDOORS...in my case). I've posted a few pictures of the things that fill my life with joy! I'm just so grateful for my Heavenly Father who has placed so many beautiful things in this world to cheer us up when we aren't having the best day. I love you all!

Interesting Article on Happiness

2008-10-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

Everyday I try to read a few articles on health and wellness. Today I read one on the correlation between being optimistic and healthy. It was a very interesting and enlightening article. I've attached a few short paragraphs from it below. For the full article visit:

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/depression/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100205262&page=1

A cheerful disposition can help you get through the tough patches that cloud every life, but do people who see the glass half-full also enjoy better health than gloomy types who see it half-empty?

According to a series of studies from the U.S. and Europe, the answer is yes. Optimism helps people cope with disease and recover from surgery. Even more impressive is the impact of a positive outlook on overall health and longevity. Research tells us that an optimistic outlook early in life can predict better health and a lower rate of death during follow-up periods of 15 to 40 years.

A newer U.S. study looked at 6,959 students who took a comprehensive personality test when they entered the University of North Carolina in the mid-1960s. During the next 40 years, 476 of the people died from a variety of causes, with cancer being the most common. All in all, pessimism took a substantial toll; the most pessimistic individuals had a 42 percent higher rate of death than the most optimistic.

The two Dutch studies reported similar results. In one, researchers tracked 545 men who were free of cardiovascular disease and cancer when they were evaluated for dispositional optimism in 1985. Over the next 15 years, the optimists were 55 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease than the pessimists, even after traditional cardiovascular risk factors and depression were taken into account.

The other study from Holland evaluated 941 men and women between the ages of 65 and 85. People who demonstrated dispositional optimism at the start of the study enjoyed a 45 percent lower risk of death during a 9-year follow-up period.

Creep, Creeper, Creeping

2008-10-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

Spank me...I haven't blogged in more than a week. So sad right? Well actually I'm sure the world can deal without my opinions and random thoughts being plastered all over the internet.

Life is still going well. I've decided to apply for graduate school in England...yes, England...as in the country. Who knows whether I'll get in. PA school was my first choice at one time, but now I've decided to follow my true passion...epidemiology. I've been reading books on diseases for years and have finally decided I should just do it since I like it so much. I will still apply to PA schools and PT Schools, but will definitely study epidemiology if I get accepted to a program.

When I'm not studying away in the library I'm hanging with my peeps. This past weekend I went to the Haunted Forest up in American Fork and it was so much fun. I haven't had such a grand time in ages. I definitely recommend it if you want to be scared/ startled to the point of tears. I got chased down a couple times by people carrying chainsaws...oh the joys of halloween.

I've also rekindled my love affair with hot tubbing. I've been 3 times this past week and it has been heavenly.

Yesterday I went hiking at Sundance with the lovely Adrienne and we had a grand time enjoying the fall colors and cool weather. When we got to Stewart Falls I made us peppermint tea (yes i brought my camping stove) and we just sat and enjoyed the scenary.

Tomorrow I'm going to a concert...the fleet foxes. look them up. they are the bomb.

I watched the debate tonight and I'm not impressed with either candidate. I think they both are a joke. Thats just my opinion though....don't stone me.

General Conference = Amazing

2008-10-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

General Conference was this weekend, as many of you know, and I just thought it was amazing. This conference was like the second wind I needed. You know when you are running and you just don't think you can go any further? you just want to give up...your legs are aching, you're out of breath, and you are so tempted to just sit down on the street corner and give up..then somehow your second wind comes. You somehow find or receive strength in the hour of your greatest need...this general conference was like that for me. Every question and prayer was answered and I was edified beyond anything I could have ever hoped for. My two favorite talks were given by Elder Holland and President Monson.

Elder Holland talked about angels...and how sometimes people in our lives can be angels. I absolutely 100% know that this is true. So many people have helped me through the trials of this past year and to call them anything less than angels would be wrong. He also briefly mentioned that he thought his wife was an angel. I don't know why it touched me so much...maybe just because I hope my husband will think of me in that way someday.

President Monson talked a lot about the importance of this life. He cautioned that we should use our time wisely and live life to the fullest. He also said to enjoy this journey called life. Even though trials and heartache may plague our lives I know that we can get through anything...especially if we have an optimistic attitude. Happy are those that endure.

One of my favorite quotes by President Hinckley talks about this subject somewhat. He says:

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around and shouting that he has been robbed. The fact of the matter is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey...delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

I absolutely love this gospel. It is the joy in my life, as are my friends and family.

If you missed conference you can still watch the recorded broadcast at this website:
http://www.lds.org/conference/languages/0,6353,310-1,00.html

My Other Family

2008-10-02T22:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight on my run I decided to run to the Quarry climbing gym to say hi to my brothers and see what was new. When I arrived the bouldering area was crazy busy and I thought I wouldn't know anyone since I haven't climb there regularly since June/Julyish. I was wrong however....it felt just like coming home. I tell you climbers are some of the nicest, chillest, most genuine people in the world. They don't exclude people and more importantly they don't judge people. I'm hopefully going to become a regular at the Quarry again sometime soon....just have to wait for school to die down a little bit.

On a different note, I get to see general conference this weekend and i am SO excited! I'm staying at my Gma's apartment that overlooks temple square....seriously such a beautiful view! I don't have tickets to conference but I'm trying to get in on standby.....I'm crossing my fingers that I'll get in.

My little sis had a birthday....so we went camping.

2008-09-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Sam, Jacob, and I went up to Idaho for Rebekah's 19th birthday! She knew Jacob and Sam were coming, but not me. So I jumped out and surprised her late friday night when she opened the door to her apartment. Ha ha I LOVE surprising people! Anyway after making a quick stop by the grocery store we all headed up to the mountains. We spent the night in a place called coyote meadows which was near the trailhead of the hike we planned to do on Saturday. It was a rough night, sleep wise, because the temperature dipped below freezing, but we survived. On the upside, the stars were so bright and you could see the milky way extend all the way across the sky....absolutely breathtaking. As I stepped out of my tent in the morning I was thrilled to see myself absolutely surrounded by the red, yellow, and green hills that are so characteristic of fall....the best season ever!

On Saturday we hiked 13 miles...4 of which were not on a trail. It took only 5 miles to get to Hidden Lake, where we ate lunch, fished, and played around for a little bit. When we caught sight of the lake I was just so happy. Seriously when I'm outdoors...away from the craziness of the city, I feel like I'm getting pure happiness injected directly into my veins. I can never seem to stop smiling and shouting for joy! Only three things in this world make me feel that way--my family, the outdoors, and Christmas.

After being at the lake for a couple hours we decided to bushwack up the nearest mountain to see the view on the other side. Unfortunately I was wearing shorts so my legs got cut up and bruised from hiking through all those sharp bushes. It took us an hour or two to get to the top, but the view was worth it. We were surrounded on all sides by rolling hills and mountains and lakes...I could never describe it well enough to do it justice. The view was in a sense..Heavenly. After enjoying the view we hiked back to the car and saw a few HUGE grizzly bear tracks on the way. Oh I forgot to mention that we were in the middle of grizzly country...which didn't really give me a warm fuzzy feeling.

The next day I went with my brothers to go rock climbing because Rebekah was busy all day. Jacob drove us out to one of his favorite rock climbing spots...just 25 minutes outside Rexburg and near the snake river. I spent most of the morning just watching the boys climb and reading my scriptures because I was sore from saturdays hike. However, as the hours pasted I started to feel the itch to climb so I ended up doing a little climbing towards the end. I tell you...I really do love rock climbing. Anyway, after that we stopped by Pec's apartment to say goodbye, visited Peter (a childhood friend), and then raced back to Provo. I love Provo, but it was really nice to get away for the weekend...especially to a place where I can breathe and think clearly.

Life is Kicking me in the FACE

2008-09-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

You know that fat kid in your P.E. class in fifth grade? The one that always seemed to be picked on and pushed around. The kid that would always be the goalie if you played soccer because he could repel the ball with his stomach. The kid who always got pelted with balls during dodgeball because he was just too perfect of a target. Well today that kid is me. I am the sad, pathetic person getting picked on today...I feel as if all the balls in the world are aimed at me.

My life is so less than perfect at the moment....I'm trying to stay optimistic but am having a hard time. My car is messed up, my shins and ankle are jacked so i can't run, I can't commit to a relationship, some girl accused me of trying to seduce her husband (seriously i have no idea what this woman was talking about...there are some major psychos at BYU), and i was so stressed and out of it today that I forgot to turn in my paper that I've been working on for forever. Seriously you know your life is messed up when you forget something that big. To tell you the truth I just want to flee to the mountains for the semester and sleep in a cave. Life would be so much simpler if i could do that. Also tomorrow is my first organic chemistry test....and I've been studying for it for an eternity and still can't get the concepts down. Life really is tough sometimes.

On the up side...today is the first day of autumn...my favorite season! Christmas is just around the corner!

My Brother from Another Mother

2008-09-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

So I have had so much free time on my hands recently that I started another blog--an exercise blog. Actually that's a lie--the first part about having free time is completely false. HOWEVER, the second part is true. See... I knew you would be excited. The blog is in fact just functioning as a exercise log...tracking my progress as I approach Oct 8th! Whats so special about October 8th? Well you will just have to read the blog and see.

The Link is: http://arielhasahotbody.blogspot.com/

Other Updates:

1. School dominates my life.

2. My roommates and I are going to Sundance to do the whole stewart falls, foundry grill, and ski lift thing. The expectations are high.

3. Sam and Jacob (my bros) have been trying to figure out a way to get their dog Tweak to calm down. After trying a multitude of other things they finally bit the bullet and got Tweak a beer. This seemed to be pretty effective, but at the moment the poor dog has a hangover.

4. I went rock climbing with my brothers over the weekend and .....what? It's 8:30...dang I'm going to be late to class. Look what you made me do! more to come friends and foes....

Me and My Girlfriends

2008-09-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

So recently I've just been hanging out with my girlfriends a lot because I seriously need a break from guys and dating. So I've been filling my days with shopping trips, lunch dates, pajama parties, and dessert runs at the grocery store. Needless to say it's been so much fun. I just love all my roommates and think this is going to be the best year ever! Tonight we all went to the ward opening social which was held at the BYU bowling alley. So cool huh?! We had a blast. Earlier in the evening Addie, Staci, Rachel, and I went to get sushi. I lloovvveeee sushi sooo much. It was amazing! Afterwards we dropped by the creamery to get some ice cream which was also pretty darn heavenly.

Life has been pretty good this week. I got a pretty bad sunburn that has been itching me to death the past few days, but besides that I'm great. I got to see a few of my D.C. friends this week, the awesome Derek G. and Drew! You guys are just too much fun!

Well I know this is short, boring, and will probably put you sleep, but I just had to write a little tid bit and post some fun pictures from Libby's b-day party.

1 down, 14 to go

2008-09-08T12:23:00.001-07:00

Congratulate me. I survived my first week back at school. The 18 credits I'm taking this semester are surprisingly not killing me yet, but I'm expecting a surprise attack any day now.

Yesterday we had a regional conference and CES fireside. It was like spiritual overload, but in a good way. At the end of each talk I kept thinking that there was no way I could feel the spirit more, but I was wrong. Each talk just built on the previous and all-in-all it was just a fantastic day of enlightenment. Man I love this church! It really is the main contributor to my happiness!

Everyday during class I usually bring my laptop to surf the internet when the professor goes off on some tangent. One of my favorite websites to visit is foxnews.com. They always have such interesting stories...many of which just make me laugh. Today in class me and a couple guys around me were laughing at these two articles:

Flying Fish Breaks Arkansas Teen's Jaw:
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — It's a fishing tale that packs a wallop so strong it broke the jaw of a southeastern Arkansas teen and covered him in fish blood and guts.

Seth Russell, 15, of Crossett, was cruising Lake Chicot on a large inner tube towed by a boat when a Silver Asian carp leaped from the water and smacked him in the face. Seth was knocked unconscious.

"He doesn't remember anything at all," the boy's mother, Linda Russell, said last week. "He was laughing, and the next thing he remembers, he is waking in a hospital."

The teen has had oral surgery to wire several teeth together and still experiences back pain that doctors attribute to whiplash from the high-speed collision, his mother said.

He's not the only one who's has a run-in with the "flying" Silver Asian carp.

"They do not fly, but they are quite good jumpers," said Carole Engle, director of aquaculture and the fisheries center at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. "Over the past year, we have had some calls about fish jumping and causing injuries on Lake Chicot.

"Their jumping behavior is a problem, and their population appears to be growing there," Engle said.

Colombian Soldiers Mistake British MP's Coffee-Mate for Cocaine

A British Parliament Minister hiking on vacation in Colombia was held at gunpoint in the jungle and forced to eat powdered coffee creamer from a jar in his backpack after soldiers mistook it for cocaine, Reuters reported.

Tory MP Michael Fabricant was in South America with a friend when they were stopped by a group of gun-toting soldiers who suspected the creamer in his bag was drugs.

"In order to demonstrate that it wasn't cocaine, I had to take a whole pile of it and throw it down my throat," Fabricant told BBC television.

"They waited a few minutes to see whether I collapsed or went delirious and said something completely ridiculous like 'Gordon Brown's got a great personality'.

"Because I didn't say anything too weird, they came to the conclusion that it wasn't the case and they let me go."

Fabricant said it took some convincing, and admitted to not speaking much Spanish, but eventually the soldiers accepted that the substance was Coffee-Mate.

Smorgasbord, Darling....smorgasbord

2008-08-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

- Ariel isn't here at the moment. Classes start in 3 days so she joined a Columbian drug running crew to prolong the inevitable. Don't worry she will come back chill, mellow, baked, and ready for organic chemistry.

- Did I mention school starts again in 3 days? Well it does...and YES, this is my fifth year at BYU. NO, to my knowledge I'm not mentally retarded...just finshing up my pre's for PA school.

- I've finally decided to accept the nickname addie and staci have given me: MURIAL. Kinda of old womanish, but maybe it will come back into style like those petticoats and flapper dresses.

- My parents surprised me with a first-class ticket home for Christmas. Aren't they just absolutely presh?

- I'm pale...the tan i so diligently worked on at the beginning of the summer has peaced out.

- I'm single again. After a string of less than perfect relationships this year, I've decided to not date again for a long time....like 2 weeks. Ha ha what can I say I love guys...I am one flaming heterosexual.

- My love affair with cereal has ended. It was good while it lasted, but it was an unhealthy relationship filled with artificial dyes and excessive amounts of sucrose.

- The foot that has carried me through these 21 years of life has again tried to betray me and do its own thing. If you remember correctly it thought it could go rock climbing back in March, but it was an activity that ended in peril and 4 snapped ligaments. Two weeks ago it again decided to participate in risky activities-- hiking the narrows. As a result, my foot suffered a stress fracture and several strained ligaments. It will be on bed rest for a period of several weeks, which means it won't be able to join its twin in the spanish fork half marathon next week.

- This summer has been the most interesting summer of my life. Sometime when I'm old and gray and my memory is faded I'll write a book about it.

- I want to adopt a clown fish....and then open a comedy club

Hiking the Narrows

2008-08-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

My darlings I'm sorry I haven't updated you on my life this week. I've been working fulltime at the BYU Physcial Therapy office and just haven't had time to blog about recent events in my life.

This past weekend I FINALLY got to go on my annual trip to Zion National Park. This year our plan was to hike the whole length of the Narrows....which is 16 freaking miles. This didn't seem too ambitious of a task to complete at the time...but I was in for a rude awakening.

The first two miles of the trail, you are out in the middle of nowhere. Seriously you are walking through farmland with just a bunch of cows everywhere. Then slowly small cliffs begin to appear on the sides of the trail. Then all of a sudden you are in the narrows surrounded by walls that are hundreds of feet high. The trail crisscrosses back and forth through the virgin river, but I'm estimating that we probably spent 75% of our time walking in the water. The toughest thing about the hike besides the length, was the terrain. Walking 16 miles through a river with tons of slippery rocks in it is murder on the ankles. My ankle almost gave out on me half way through, but luckily Dave had a brace!

According to the park ranger the hike was supposed to take us around 12 hours...we did it in 8 1/2 hrs. Yeah....killer. It was fun though and the scenary was breath taking. I'll probably do it again someday, but will definitely camp half way through.

Enjoy the pictures that are attached!

Over the Weekend.

2008-08-17T15:47:00.001-07:00

This weekend I went to Zion National Park with a few friends to hike the Narrows....however...I'm not going to write a post about that right now. When I got back into cell phone range I called my sister to tell her about my amazing weekend....unfortunately she and the rest of our friends back in Georgia didn't have the best weekend. My good friends Kimberly and Doug got married yesterday, but 5 of their friends got in a car wreck on the way to their reception. I only knew 2 of the people in the car, but one of them was my best friend Loren. When the other car ploughed into them, Doug's mission companion died instantly. Two of the girls in the car ended up in the hospital (one in critical condition) with a dislocated hip and bleeding in the brain. Bob got his teeth knocked out and a few other things that I don't remember. Loren broke a few ribs and, according to Pec, he has amnesia. Anyway, I would just appreciate any prayers you can say in their behalf. They are all wonderful people. Also please pray for Doug and Kim....they didn't have the best wedding day and reportedly canceled their honeymoon in order to go to the funeral.

This has been a tough week...but it will get better.

Life Goes On

2008-08-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a very disorganized and random post. I got 4 hours of sleep last night and about the same the night before....so therefore I am somewhat tired. Life has been good this past week. No complaints. Loren came into town on Saturday and took me to Seven Peak Water Park where we had a blast! We especially had fun on the free fall slide....crazy feeling of adrenaline. Loren you are the best and are so nice to me!

Then the EVENT of the SEASON occured. Marissa Paolocci and I were reunited at long last after being apart for centuries and centuries. Oh heaven. We went to brick oven on Saturday night, where marissa used to work, and had a great time listening to all the restaurant gossip from our waiter. Then we saw a Forgotten Charity show at velour, had milkshakes at the hospital, and went on a bike ride around P-town.

Finals are in one week...fun, fun and all my projects are due this week so I'm a mad woman at the moment. I'm so excited for finals to be over because the day after I get to go to a conference up at sundance for work and then get to hike the narrows in Zion National Park later in the week. I'm sooooo freaking excited.

On another note, everyone important in my life seems to be headed for hawaii. Both addie and Pec went to Hawaii this past week...and i am still super jealous. We had a blessed reunion last night with Addie though. So good to have you home girlfriend!

HHMMMMMM....I'm very happpyyy...ask me why?

2008-07-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my sister Rebekah. She is A-M-A-Zing!! I wish she lived in provo...but i understand. She is obsessed with Idaho!

I LOVE the mountains. Last night it rained and the sunset was absolutely beautiful. Plus there were several rainbows.

Naps are my FAV. After I'm done with this post I'm adios-ing to my princess bed for some much needed ZZZ's

I LOVE Johnny Carino's Italian Grill.....mmmmm...best italian food EVER!!! I went last night with Anthony and his familia.

Last of all, it has been two weeks since I set eyes on the finest piece of man meat west of the mississippi. You're amazing babe.

School is Getting in the Way of My Summer

2008-07-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

bLAH bLAH Blah....just pretend today that I have something brilliant to say. I felt like blogging, but just don't have anything witty or humorous or inspirational to say today.

Life has been puttering along. I'm doing classes this summer in addition to working and having fun with my friends. My classes are slowly stealing my summer, which I'm not too happy about. I'm learning to deal with disappointment though..somewhat. Today I laid out by the pool with my friends and realized the end of summer is fast approaching...which is exciting in some ways considering that fall is my favorite season.

Besides school and work and fun, I've been training for a 1/2 marathon and triathlon with my roommate Staci. The triathlon is Oct. 18 at Lake Powell. I'm SOOOOOO excited to complete it!

Anyway....my life is boring....I promise my next post will be more exciting.

In Recent Days

2008-07-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

OK, ok folks this is the break down....what you need to know from the past week.

First, on Monday the Bachelorette finale went down and Jesse WON!!! He and Deanna are engaged and getting married next May. Soooo exciting considering that at the beginning of the show Deanna never expected to end up with Jesse..who is a prosnowboarder and has long hair and pink shoelaces.

At first, I judged Jesse by his appearance as well, but as the season progressed I found him to be the most kind, considerate, genuine, and smoking HOT guy on the show. Below is a picture of him and D! Congratulations guys!

Ahh one more picture of Jesse....Such a stud!

NEXT in my life. I got my hair cut and butchered! The stylists cut my bangs WAY WAY WAY too short! Luckily it was only my bangs. Hopefully they will grow out in a few weeks!

Also, yeaterday I had a mind blowing experience in my religion class. I won't go into details, but I left class a changed woman. My teacher mostly talked about life and how men are that they may be happy. He continued by saying that happiness never depends on the things we have in life, but on how we view life and our standing with God. He also stated that the only things of value we can really take from this life are our relationships with other people. Anyway just some food for thought...be nice to others...treat them they way you would want to be treated.

Last of all, I've decided my life is lacking excitement so I've decided to mix things up a little bit. This past week I bought a ton of different flavors of Lean pockets (because I'm obsessed with them). When I got home I emptied them all out of their different boxes and into a bag in the freezer. Now when I go home for lunch everyday I'll never know whether I'm eating a pepperoni, four cheese, meatball, spinach artichoke, or queso lean pocket. Isn't that just exciting??!!!Its like opening a present everyday...never knowing what delicious flavor awaits you! Ahh the simple pleasures of life! ;D

peace, love, and all that good stuff to you my peeps!

The Johnson Wedding!!!!

2008-06-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

SO yesterday my roommate Whitney got married to the man of her dreams, Aaron Johnson. As soon as I got up yesterday my body was hit with the same level of excitement that I get on Christmas morning. I knew it was going to be an amazing day! Whitney had her reception in a garden at Thanksgiving Point. It was beyond beautiful! There were flowers everywhere! I felt like I had somehow ended up in heaven when I walked underneath a huge arch of flowers and into the garden. And even though the setting for the reception was beautiful, nothing could have compared to how gorgeous Whitney looked. It was seriously mind blowing!!! I always knew Whitney was a ridiculously good-looking person, but yesterday she looked better than any supermodel I've ever seen! Another highlight of the day was seeing Aaron with his wedding ring on! It was just awesome to see the outside symbol of his inner, eternal commitment to Whitney.

Well luckily I got through the reception without crying, but it was hard. I just love seeing and being around people who are so happy and head-over-heels in love with each other. Someday that will be me...when the time is right and the right guy comes along. Marriage is such a wonderful thing and I'm so happy that two of my wonderful friends, whitney and aaron, are going to spend the rest of their lives together. You guys are amazing and deserve all the happiness in the world!

At the end of the evening, after I got beat out by whitney's 11-yr-old sister for the bouquet, we lit sparklers and watched as whitney and aaron went off to enjoy their honeymoon. It was such a beautiful day and they are such a beautiful couple....and they lived happily ever after. the end!

Freedom from oppression, tyranny, and clothes?

2008-06-15T09:01:00.001-07:00

So the last post was all about fun, well let me tell you I had so much FUN last night with my roommates. Lindsey and I, while biking along the provo river, decided that our house should go skinny dipping last night. It had been awhile since we had done anything too crazy so we figured why not?

So later that night my roommates and I drove to a park in south provo that was near the river. After walking down the trail in the pitch black for a couple hundred feet we decided that this area of provo was a little too risky to go skinny dipping in. Plus we really didn't want to get caught. The ghetto area of provo was literally across the street and we all just felt like we needed to get out of there. SO we drove up the canyon to the Bridal Veil Falls park. After making the hike to the falls we started rethinking the whole skinny dipping thing because...1. the water was too shallow in the pool below the falls and 2. the water was too fast in the provo river to safely swim in it. So we rethought our plan and decided to just wade in the pool with our clothes off and enjoy being out in the middle of nowhere. Well that quickly turned into us streaking up and down the bike trail located near the falls...but it was okay because no one was around....or so we thought..

While we were standing in the middle of the trail chatting it up with our clothes off this girl on a longboard appears out of nowhere. I'm telling you that we didn't even see her until she was literally five feet away from us. Unfortunately for her she went straight through the middle of our group and got full on shots of us up close and personal. She threw up her hands and yelled "Oh my gosh!" and then continued down the trail as quickly as she had come. Well that lit a fire under us and we decided to make a mad dash for our clothes. Just as I reached for my bra another longboarder appears out of nowhere and whizzes by us...this time it was a guy. As soon as he left we just couldn't contain ourselves. I laughed so hard that I had too support myself on a nearby rock. Adrienne went full on streaking up the road one more time and then we took a few non-scandalous pictures.

THEN, we see a car driving along the road in the distance. We couldn't really tell if it was driving on the highway or on another road. Well the car was definitely driving along another road--one reserved for park rangers. Yes, we got caught with our pants down...literally. We quickly tried to get dressed, but then he turned his spotlight on us. After that we just grabbed our things and ran. It was the greatest feeling ever to be half naked running down a dark trail in the middle of the night...away from an authoritative figure. When we got down to the parking lot we ran into the longboarders again and then quickly piled into my car and left. Let me tell you my adrenaline was pumping so hard and I just couldn't stop laughing and smiling.

Now I know that some people might consider what I did wrong, but to tell you the truth I'm so glad I did it. First of all it was a great bonding experience for my roommates and I. Second, I was able to completely forget about the insecurities I had about my body for a brief few minutes. And third, I was able to feel completely free and at peace in nature...which is a priceless feeling. Feeling free is something that all creatures long for. We want to be free to make our own choices, say what we think, and do what we want. Spontaneous things can make you feel completely liberated and I think everyone needs to do things out of the ordinary once in a while. Go sky diving, go skinny dipping, take that trip you've always wanted...or if you aren't too adventurous...get a regular coke instead of diet coke the next time you eat out. I'm a firm believer in the idea that this life is meant to be enjoyable. So go out and ENJOY being ALIVE this week!

P.S. If you are feeling the need to be free...please do it in the middle of the night where no one can see you ;)

Definition of Fun

2008-06-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Everyone has their own definition of fun. For some sleeping all day, staring at the wall for ridiculous periods of time, or counting the cars that go by your window at work may be fun. I definitely have my own definitions of fun. Most of the time I love doing sports like soccer, biking, volleyball, etc....while at other times I can be entertained just by putting on an itunes playlist while cleaning the house.

Yesterday was a FUN day, but not in the way I expected. While my activities included rock climbing, biking, yoga, going to get snow cones, swimming at the Avenues, going to the dollar movie, and feeding the ducks south of campus...that wasn't what made the day fun. After a long day of activities my roommates and I were sitting in the kitchen debating what to do for the rest of the evening. We ended up just talking about crazy family stories, personal injuries, and a variety of other topics that girls like to talk about. We talked for almost three straight hours and I'm sure I burned more calories laughing in those three hours than I would if I had been exercising. In truth I had more fun chatting it up with my roommates than I did doing all the activities of the day. It is nice to have such fun, amazing, and sometimes pretty quirky roommates!

FUN, Peace, love, and a million smiles to ALL of YOU!