Adventure is out there . . . now!

This post is just a preview of my massive catch up for the past almost year. I have been silent in the "blog world" for nearly a year now and I really don't have a lot of good excuses. I say a lot because there are some. It has been a rather interesting year--to put it lightly. After months of searching I finally got a job working in a behavioral health treatment center for teens at the end of January and it was a dream come true at first. I loved having a job, I was so excited for all the learning opportunities that awaited me. There was also upsets in my personal life at the time, "relationship-wise" and I just didn't feel like writing publicly about it.

Anyway, the job was incredibly time consuming and especially emotionally draining. I worked an evening shift 2-11pm Sunday-Thursday and so I did not have much of a social life. I learned a ton during the nearly six months I worked at this job, most importantly that I could do an incredibly hard and stressful job and do it successfully. I was good at what I did even though it wasn't the best fit for me in the end.

I prayed a lot during the time I worked as a behavioral health technician and eventually I knew that it was not to be that I stayed in this job long-term but I wondered how I could possibly quit. I am not a quitter by nature. What ended up giving me the strength ultimately was I got called to serve as the relief society president in my single's ward! Ah, I kind of freaked out about that back in June. Anyways, the bishop said that he believed doors would open so things could change for my employment. It was so difficult to figure out what those doors were. I learned that I had to be the one to open them and God gave me the strength and courage to do so. I gave my two weeks' notice without having another job lined up --such a scary thing --but I had to have faith that all would work out. And it did.

Although not in my desired time frame life began to fill up with joy and happiness again. I took a one week vacation to California after my last day at the treatment center and had a blast relaxing with my mom and cousin Dorthea. I went to the beach, a temple session at Newport Beach Temple, and even Disneyland! It was a much needed break.

After I got back from California it was back to job-hunting . . . something I sort of despise. However, I got into the groove pretty quickly and was sending out tons of resumes and coverletters . . . deciding to go for an office job to "figure out" my life-plan which seemed to be frustrated. I prayed hard, and so did my family, that I would find a good job. The awesome thing is it ended up being someone my mom saw at church that ultimately led me to my current job, so YEAH MOM!!! LOVE YA!

I ended up getting a job working at a small accounting firm in Mesa and I am loving it. I love the people I work with and having a 9-5 schedule. I am learning a lot about business and taxes and it will be helpful to me in the future to have these skills. Who knows, I might want to become an accountant!

Either way, it is a good steady job. Having this job gave me the courage to do what I have wanted to do since I graduated from college and moved back home . . . I MOVED OUT! Just last Saturday, October 1st, was moving day. I moved into a small house with a friend from my ward who I have known about a year. We have talked about moving in together since March and I am so happy we did. The house is extremely cute and I cannot wait to post pictures of it.

All in all life has been crazy, but it has been very fun too. I have learned so much this year and I have endured a lot. What I have learned is that I am very grateful to my friends and especially my wonderful family. I really couldn't ask for a better one. They have supported me through all of my ups and downs my entire life, and my parents especially have sacrificed more than I can ever imagine for my happiness. I only hope I can be as good as a parent as they are someday. Life is so open right now, and that makes it both exciting and scary, but I know that God is with me, as well as my family and friends, cheering me on and giving me the energy I need to go forward with faith into more unknown. I have been prepared for this and everything will be ok, even if it isn't perfect or put in a neat order like I want.

Cheers to the next chapter in my life . . . turning 25! (Eeek . . . less than two weeks now), wish me luck.

Gratitude, The Secret to Happiness: 2010

Last year on Thanksgiving I wrote about gratitude being the secret to happiness. This is a phrase that my father came up with when he wrote a talk on the same subject years ago. I believe that there is power in being truly grateful for the things that you are given in life, as well as those things that are just all around you, such as nature. I was inspired by a post by my sister Edie on her blog: http://dandehappenings.blogspot.com/ and so I too will list those things that I am most grateful for at this point in my life.

I love my parents . . . what else is there to say? They have done everything for me. They have given me all I have ever needed and most of what I have wanted it life. I couldn't even begin to list everything because it would take up hundreds of pages probably. They are just awesome people who brought me up in a wonderful, spiritual home where I learned the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (learn more here)

My dad is an amazing man. He is extremely intelligent, but tells corny jokes. He runs like a maniac and is about to run on his seventh continent (Antarctica) this coming February. He loves to memorize poetry and do crossword puzzles every night. I love him for his dedication to the gospel and his family more than anything.

My Mother is equally amazing. She brought up six children. She loves to teach and always does it in a unique and dramatic fashion. Just ask anyone who has ever sat in one of her Relief Society lessons. She is extremely artistic, musical, and poetic, and I have inherited many of these qualities myself . . . not really the artistic side though.

My siblings I am also most grateful for: Ben, David, Edie, Gen, and Jonny (in order of age). They are all great examples of faith, hope, triumph over adversity, loyalty, humor, kindness, and love. We weren't always the closest growing up--mostly because of the age differences between us, but now that we are adults that gap is slowly closing. I couldn't ask for a better family.

My grandparents (on my mother's side). They have always been good examples to me of great faith and perseverance in the face of great difficulties in life. Although my grandfather Ralph is no longer with us in this life I feel his Spirit often. Yesterday would have been their 60th anniversary, but as I told my grandmother they are still married since they were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple back in 1950, and we will see him again..

I am grateful for my extended family. This is my mother's side and the picture is from 2006

I am grateful for the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ (learn more here). This is a picture of the Sacred Grove where Joseph Smith--the prophet of the restoration, saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Because of this Vision The Book of Mormon was eventually brought about and translated and we now have temples to do sacred work for ourselves and for our kindred dead.

I LOVE the temple!

I am grateful for good friends. I have too many to post pictures of, but this is Tori, a long-time friend from high school, taken on the day of her wedding last year.

Marilyn--see last post

I am grateful for music and for my talent for the viola. Music truly has enriched my life and brought me great joy.

I am grateful for education and for the opportunity I had to attend Brigham Young University. I went through a lot of personal difficulties during the five years I was in college but I made it out alive and more resilient than I was before.

I am grateful for freedom and that I live in the United States of America

I am most definitely grateful for babies (especially the ones I am related to)

I am grateful for the beauty and grandeur of God's creations (Niagra Falls pictured here)

The Grand Canyon

I LOVE sunsets! Just ask anyone who is really close to me and they will tell you that if I can I will stop what I am doing just to stare at one. God is truly a great artist. These sunsets can take my breath away sometimes and it is a gift to be able to witness them.

I am grateful for snow, even though it is nasty to drive through. Living in AZ again has made me forget about how cold it is, but I just love when it falls and the world seems so peaceful

I am grateful I have been able to travel. Here I am on top of a castle in Germany

In Holland
Paris, France

It might seem silly, but I am grateful for Harry Potter (and for books in general). I first read Harry Potter when I was 12 years old and just starting junior high. To me they represent my adolescence and whenever I want to escape I re-read these books. Reading is one of my joys and I am grateful I have the opportunity to read more for pleasure now that I am out of school.

As it is Thanksgiving I am grateful for good food, and for being able to have food on a daily basis. I know I take it for granted and it is what keeps me going (physically) from day to day.

Good desserts are also good for the soul

In conclusion, I am grateful for the opportunities I have to experience joy on a day to day basis. This picture was taken my very first semester at BYU back in 2005. It represents joy for me because I was going through a very hard time at that point in my life, but I was able to step back from all of the sadness and stress and throw leaves in the air in front of my dorm. There is always something to be joyful about.

HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY MARILYN!----A tribute to a long-time friend

One of my best friends turns 25 today and I wanted to let her, and the world know (well, whoever reads this post) how much I love her.

(This picture was taken just a month ago right before my 24th birthday)

Marilyn and I go WAY back. I first met her when I was in 8th grade and involved in a city-wide junior high honor orchestra. She got first chair and I got second. Knowing nothing about her I despised her simply because she had beaten me in the chair audition. (I was so full of my self back then). Anyway, when I got to Westwood high school two years later we were re-introduced and the rivalry began fast. Despite this initial competitiveness between the two of us we quickly set aside our rivalry and came together. We practiced together for Regional and All-State auditions for 2003 and became best friends. During high school we were almost inseparable. When we would go out there were times we were asked if we were sisters or even twins! Fun times!.

Our love of the viola and music bonded us together but somehow we knew we would be friends forever.

I know that sounds way cheesy, but I think some friendships have the power to last, and this one has sure proved it. We have been through a lot together, and in our own individual lives--especially in the past five years or so--but through it all we still keep in touch and get together when we can. I am not proud that I haven't kept in better contact but I just am so grateful that when we do get together we are still close.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY my dear friend! And enjoy these blast from the past pics!

Westwood High School Orchestra 2003

High School Disneyland trip 2003

"Goodbye" photo shoot before Marilyn left for NAU, fall '04

My visit to NAU--October 2004. This is where Marilyn first introduced me to her boyfriend Andrew who she would marry less than two years later!

The picture was taken around New Years 2006 right after Marilyn came home from her trip to England and told me she was finally engaged!

Wedding Bells: April 14, 2006. I flew down from BYU for less than two days so I could be there for her special day. Although I couldn't yet go inside the Mesa, Arizona Temple I stood outside waiting for her and Andrew to come out and I attended their reception. It was lovely and I treasure the memory.

After Marilyn got married she moved to England for two years and while she was there she had her first child. When she moved back to AZ in 2008 we didn't have much time together because I moved back up to Utah just a couple of months later. This picture was taken as we were saying "goodbye" yet again.

This picture was taken just last Christmas at my home in Mesa, AZ. Although she is married and has two children we still find things to talk about. I have been especially grateful to be near her now that I have moved back to Arizona after graduating from BYU. Just a couple of weeks ago I babysat her children and as I think about it now it is pretty amazing just how far we have come in our lives and as friends. I can recall that back in high school Marilyn was convinced that I would get married first and have children because she was going on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I just love how God surprises us and laughs when we make our "plans."

Bottom line: I am grateful for Marilyn and for our long-lasting friendship . . . 8 years and still going strong.

Gratitude

One of my goals is to post more often on this blog and having "gratitude posts" will make this easier. Here is my first:

I am so very grateful to my wonderful family. They mean everything to me and are the source of my greatest joy and happiness. Although my life is full of many uncertainties at this point--who's life isn't?--they are always there for me and I know I have people who will be there for me no matter what happens in my life.

(Here is my family, + Julius on my 24th birthday. . . my dad is taking the picture) Although my sister Edie and brother David are not pictured, I love them and I am so grateful for them also.

"Living Life Beyond the Dreams"

HAPPY OCTOBER! (Hopefully it will feel like Fall soon)

*I apologize for the lack of posting for the past several months. There really isn't any good reason since I have had more free time in the past several months than I have had in years. I guess I have been constantly re-evaluating my life without school and whenever I would feel like posting some of my feelings I would analyze them too much and change my mind. I don't expect that anyone has really noticed, but I feel a bit guilty nonetheless.

Although it is October 1, here in sunny Mesa, AZ the high hit 106 again today. We have been having unseasonably warm weather lately, but I am hoping that it will cool down soon. Since I lived in Utah for the past few Autumns I had forgotten that the "seasons" are a little different here in the desert. Ah well, I need to remember to detach my emotions from the weather.

LIFE IS GOOD,

even despite the seemingly never-ending heat, and I have MUCH to be grateful for. .

I have been able to have a ton of fun with my family since I graduated and moved home. Although all of us "kids" are adults now, several of us moved home and we have a full house once again. There is A LOT of laughter and it has been so enjoyable and very good for the my soul. My family means everything to me and it has been great spending more time with them. I just wish I could see my married siblings and their families often too.

Just recently I came across a journal entry I wrote one year ago. I wrote about all of my worries regarding graduating and if I would have a job when I graduated (HA!), I also talked about once I graduated I would have to "learn to live beyond [my] dreams," since graduating from BYU was such a big goal my entire life. I chuckled when I re-read this because I have always tried to control and plan out my life, being constantly scared of living life beyond what I plan. No matter how often I remind myself that most things in life are out of our control I still do my best to predict success. I think God smiles when I do this.

I am so grateful for being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am grateful for my knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, for my testimony of The Book of Mormon and of the reality of God and Jesus Christ. I feel overwhelmed with love and gratitude that I am alive today and that I was able to listen to God’s Spirit even in the darkest and most terrifying moments of my life. I am not sure why I was able to live when so many give in to the darkness, but I hope that I can honor God with how I live my life now since it is such a gift, and always has been.

I am continually humbled by my humanity and its accompanying weaknesses. (I seem to come across more of them lately : ) I know it is a temptation of mine to look on the negative side of this knowledge and wallow in sadness because of my many short-comings, but I am fighting this urge of mine. I am a child of God, and despite my humanity my weaknesses can become strengths if/when I “humble myself before [God], and have faith in [him],” as Ether 12:27 directs. I am doing my best to apply this scipture to my life so that I can become strong.

I must never forget to see the positives in life because there is so much light and goodness in the world today, even if I must look a little harder to find it.

Here's to really living life!

Praying to accept change

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power."

--Alan Cohen

Ever since I graduated and moved back home to Arizona I have thought a lot about the concept of change and how the "hellos" and "goodbyes" in my life, although numerous and constant, never seem to get easier for me to endure. I have tried to find comfort and peace in my faith and in my knowledge that I was meant to come home, at least for a few months. However, my efforts to accept the changes in my life have proven more difficult than I anticipated and I have yet to accept them. What I do know is that in order for me to move forward in my new life I must "embrace the new" in my life, as this quote suggests. I just hope that time will heal all of the "pains" I am currently enduring as I seek to find meaning in life without school.

San Francisco

My mother and I travelled to San Francisco on May 10-13. This trip was my main graduation gift from my parents and it was a BLAST! Although we didn't have many concrete plans before coming to the city we ended up "winging it" and were successful. Here are some of the hundreds of pictures we took as we explored the "City by the bay."

Just a random storefront that made me laugh. I am not sure whether I want to follow the advice, however.

This is me in front of Coit Tower, one of the tallest landmarks in San Fran. Since my mom and I didn't rent a car we hiked up the many stairs in order to reach the tower. It was a pretty good workout, but the view from the top was worth all of the climbing.

This picture is a view from the very top of Coit Tower. Being at the top reminded me of The Bachelor episode when he took one of the girls here and had dinner. (Don't judge me for watching this rather lame show).

The famous "Lombard Street." It was quite entertaining to watch all of the cars as they navigated their way through this curvy street.

We had lunch at the famous "Boudin" Restaurant--home of the amazing sourdough bread. Mom and I had the bread bowls with clam chowder and it was so good. I wish we would have been able to take a loaf of the bread home, but we really didn't have room for it.

Our greatest adventure was a bike ride over the Golden Gate bridge. We found out about this "blazing saddles" shop as we were walking over to Fisherman's Warf near lunchtime. I probably never would have done it but Mom thought it looked like fun and so we braved the wind and did it. It was totally worth the money.

This picture was actually taken when we got back to the shop after the two hour bike ride.

On the Golden Gate Bridge. The views were incredible since it was such a beautiful day.

As we headed to the bridge we had a girl take our picture. I wish we would have included our bikes in the picture, but at least you can see the bridge in the background. This adventure was one of the highlights of the trip and I would recommend it to anyone.

Of course a trip to San Fran would not be complete without a visit to Ghirardelli Square. You can see how happy I am to visit the chocolate shop. I have a MAJOR sweet tooth and so this place was the perfect site to have a treat after the long bike ride.

Our sundaes were so incredible that a picture was a requirement. My sundae was called the "Haight-Asbury" and supposedly it was the best thing on the menu, according to the guy who sold it to me. I must admit that it was the best sundae I can remember ever eating. YUM!

In Ghirardelli Square there was a cupcake shop. I took this picture in honor of my former roommate Stefi who is a cupcake queen. I miss her and her baking.

Near the end of our long day of touring we took a boat cruise that went under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz. Although the trip reminded me of a Disneyland ride my mom and I enjoyed it immensely. It was quite windy outside, but we braved it anyway and had a lot of laughs.

Alcatraz Island, a.k.a "The Rock"

This is a homeless man somewhere around Fisherman's Warf who was having a ball scarring tourists as they walked past his fake bush. It was hilarious watching so many people get really spooked.

Touching the Pacific Ocean

At the end of the day we ate dinner at a place called "Greens," recommended to us by my mother's good friend. It was a vegetarian place near the beach and it was wonderful.

Highlight of day 2 and of the trip was seeing Wicked for the first time. I was so happy to be able to finally see the musical since I have been singing the music since I was a freshman in college.

Chinatown

"The Stinking Rose'--an awesome restaurant that has most everything with lots of garlic. So yummy!

Golden Gate Park

The famous "Summer of Love" street.

A fun mural in Haight-Asbury

I Include a picture of the bus we rode into Haight-Asbury because of the drama we witnessed on our way back to our hotel. Within a minute of boarding the bus a confrontation broke out between two passengers, which resulted in one getting orange juice poured on them by the other. After this happened the women who had the juice on her ran out of the bus screaming, "Call the Police," and the bus soon was out of service and we all got off. Crazy!

This was our doorman at the hotel we stayed at. He was extremely kind and funny.

To end our trip on a funny note this man on our flight home was having a bachelor party on board. To the surprise of all of us he came out of the bathroom at one point with only a speedo on as he handed out peanuts. The cameras came out super fast and I could not believe what I was seeing. This is certainly not something you see everyday. I laughed so hard.