The Drive...

Ok, so I'm going to rewind a little and play catch-up here.Sorry if this one is a little boring but I just want to get it on here so I don't forget!

 As you all know, I moved from Arizona to Washington at the end of February. For those who aren't aware....it's a long drive! I think my total was like 1,700 miles or close to that. I took about 5 days to make the trip. I worked my last day in Tucson and then drove to Mesa to stay with my parents before starting the longest leg of my trip. I had a great Sunday with Mom and Dad. We just relaxed and enjoyed the day. On Monday, I started the drive to Utah. I just want to take this opportunity to mention what an awesome sister I am. See, Utah is not really located in a direct path to Washington at all...and it was also February which means, bad weather was possible. BUT...since I'm such an awesome I went out of my way to see Kiersty, Brittany, Seth, the Bodines and.........this adorable girl! It was a short stay, I got there on Monday night and left on Wednesday afternoon. In the middle of that, I had a great visit and got my haircut. As you can see from the picture, Michelle, does a great job of cutting my hair. If only I could afford to fly her up to cut my hair all the time!

Wednesday I drove to Twin Falls and caught up with some old friends. I haven't bee back to Idaho in a few years and haven't seen some friends in a looonnngg time. So it was awesome to see some of those friends. I was sad that I was only there for a day so I didn't get to catch up with everyone that I wanted to . I saw quite a few people on Wednesday and then planned to leave Thursday afternoon to drive to Boise and stay with my friends Bethany and Ty. I visited a few people on my way out of town Thursday and as it usually happens, the visits were longer than planned. But I got to catch up with a good friend I haven't seen in over 5 years and see her family. I also saw my Aunt and a few cousins that I haven't seen in about that long also. It was really nice to see everyone and I'm glad I stopped! I drove up to Boise Thursday evening and saw Bethany and Ty and met their son AJ who I hadn't met before. He's such a cutie and it was so fun to visit with them. I even got to babysit AJ briefly on Friday morning before I left. He's such a cute baby, it wasn't hard to watch him! Then, I started the last leg of my journey...Boise to Seattle. This was also the part of the journey that I've never done before. I'v never driven past the Boise area really, so it was fun to see all the new things. I was really bad at taking pictures throughout this drive but I did get some on this last day. I had too, since this was all new to me! So, I left Boise and started the drive out of Idaho and into Oregon and then Washington. For those of you who haven't made this drive, I'd definitely recommend it! It's beautiful...even though it was pretty foggy and cold through my drive. I took quite a few pictures of the scenery on this leg of the drive, mostly because it was so different than what I've been used too. Coming from the desert for the past 6 years, it was like a whole new world! I loved seeing all the trees and the water...oh the water! There is so much water here! The river beds actually have water in them...all the time! It's such a crazy concept for a girl used to the desert and river beds being dusty and dry! I didn't take quite as long as I could have making this drive. There were so many places I could have stopped and explored a little further but I had to get to Seattle and get somewhat settled before Monday. So I stopped a few times and took some pictures and mostly just enjoyed the scenery from my car! I'm hoping this summer I can take a little more time and explore some of the places I passed. 

Anyways, I did make it to Seattle and only got lost once.....I somehow got in an Exit only lane in the heart of downtown on Friday night and it was TONS of fun! I was not happy with all the one way streets and the craziness that creates. But, thankfully GPS got me out of there and back on the road. I found my house and moved some stuff in that night, but mostly I just wanted some sleep and to get used to a new house! 

My pictures aren't up loading tonight so I'll have to try again later....darn internet!

Soapbox, Conference and BBC!

This post is going to be a little different for me. I usually keep my opinions to myself unless I feel very strongly about it. It's not that I don't care about things enough to argue them, but I've found that it never works....or rarely works. I'm not saying that you shouldn't stand up for the things you believe in, I just tend to be a little more silent. With that said, I'm going to share some opinions that I've been holding in for a little while and just want to put them out there. 

I was slightly nervous that the focus of conference this April would be that a woman finally prayed. While I think that is great, I can honestly say that I never really noticed that women weren't saying the prayers. I don't think this makes me anti-feminist or anything but I just didn't care that much. I have never had a situation in church or regarding the gospel where I felt I wasn't being treated equally. I realize that in our church women don't hold the priesthood and therefore have different callings than men. I have never had an issue with this...but this is just me. I have always been fine with men holding the priesthood and in recent years I have been very grateful for it. I struggle letting people help me or depending on others for things and this is one area that helps me overcome that. I don't want to be fully dependent on others but I have to realize that I'm not able to do everything myself. In having to turn to a worthy priesthood holder it helps me remember that I have to turn to God and ask for help also. I really struggle letting go of control sometimes....! Anyways, This was just a random little side note that I've been stewing over since the whole wear pants to church day...that to me was just ridiculous but again...that's my opinion and it's coming from someone who has never felt forced into wearing a dress....although, when I was younger it was a struggle because I would've been happy in my holey shorts...I didn't have much style as a child! I still don't feel forced into a dress, in fact, I like dressing up on Sunday and having so many options of what to wear. 

Alright....I have stepped off my soapbox and now will talk about something nice! I worked today, so I didn't get to watch conference. I  watched yesterday and have started listening to today's session. I started with Pres. Uchtodorf and WOW! What a talk! I mean, WOW! I loved it, and I still have more talks to listen to. I love talks about light and darkness and how it relates to our lives and Christ. It doesn't matter how many times I've heard talks similar to it, it still hits me. For quite a long time, I've had a love for lighthouses and parallels between them and Christ. I love the hope, relief, and peace that I think come with lighthouses. That might be more of the feelings that one one a ship would think when seeing a lighthouse. If I was lost in a storm or trying to navigate my way home and I finally saw the lighthouse that would guide me home then, those are the feelings I would have. Those are some of the feelings I have when I think of my Savior and the light that he is in my life. I'm never sure if the thoughts I want to share are properly conveyed or if things just sound better in my head...I try though! I love how he said, "Start where you are." I know that I sometimes feel like I have to be at a certain point before I can start over. How silly is that? If you're trying to move past something, whatever it is, you have to start where you are and go forward. I think I needed to be reminded of that simple yet powerful truth. The rest of his talk was just amazing and I will listen to it again. I still need to finish the rest of the Sunday sessions though. 

Other random thoughts from the day. I started watching the BBC show Emma with my roommates. I've got say, I have a weakness for BBC shows and a weakness for Jane Austen BBC shows. They just do such a good job and I always love watching them. I'd say I'm a closet romantic but I don't know if that's truly a secret...who knows. I did love the show. It was full of a little humor, heartache and good old-fashioned romance! I just love how well Jane Austen wrote women...full of quirks and craziness! Just kidding.....Every time I watch those shows I very briefly wish that I lived during that time but it quickly fades and I'm grateful that I live now! If you love those kinds of shows, I highly recommend it! Also, if you love British humor, I'd also recommend a show called Spy. It's hilarious, and the episodes are short, I LOVE IT!!!

Movin' on up...

                                                                                            ......LITERALLY!


So, it's a new year, why not make some changes? This year is definitely going to be a year of changes. Big change will be acclimating (again) to a much cooler climate than Tucson.

Other changes may include:

• wearing jackets
• buying some sweet galoshes and a rain slicker!
• learning to like seafood...or at least try some different seafood
• learn to live without the sun shining daily
• no tan!
• DEALING WITH TRAFFIC....BOO!
• driving/moving cross country (south to north)
• making new friends 
• having more responsibilities at work
• packing (most hated thing ever!)

These are just a few of the new things I will have to deal with this year. If you haven't guessed yet or deduced what's happening...I'm moving. Some of the details are still being worked out but in the near future I will be leaving Tucson, AZ for a much cooler climate. For those of you who know me well, you'll know that I'm not a huge fan of cold climates. But this is a year for changes and I'll just have to adjust again. Fortunately, where I'm off too doesn't get a whole lot of snow...it can just be pretty cold. I don't know which is better! I have been applying for different jobs through the company I work for and I was offered and am accepting a better position in...............

...........SEATTLE, WA!

                                                           

While I am excited for this change in my life I'm still a bit nervous. It's such a big move all around and so naturally it's a little tough on the nerves. But, despite some nervousness, I'm really excited. I've never been to Seattle but there is so much to see and do there! I'm already making my lists of things to do when I get there!  

I'm really excited about this opportunity with my job and for the chance to see new places and meet new people. I'm sure there will be challenges ahead as well as changes but I think I'm ready! I hope I am anyways...So stay tuned for more details!

To the proud wearer of the pink apron...

This is just a quick post in remembrance of my friend Scottie. He was stationed near Tucson a couple years ago. While he was here, he was my home teacher and friend. Yesterday his helicopter was shot down and Scottie and another soldier lost their lives. I'm very thankful for the service he gave to this country and for the love he showed everyone. He always made time to help anyone who needed it. He helped me move at the end of July in the crazy Tucson heat, and he was always willing to listen and offer advice if needed. I think heaven definitely gained a great man yesterday. I'm sad that it means we are without him now. I know that he is in a much better place and again, I'm grateful for his friendship and service. Yesterday, being D-Day, already had so much meaning for many people and now this will again be a reminder to me of all the men and women who have sacrificed so much for us. We are truly blessed to live in this country and I'm so grateful for those who protect us daily. Thank you again Scottie for you service and friendship. 

Brave

   

So...I haven't been on here for a few months, I thought it was time to let everyone know I'm still alive! And before you continue to read this you should watch the trailer above. Unless you've already seen it before. Mostly I just wanted to steal the last line from it. "If you could change your fate, would ya?" I've seen the trailer quite a few time because...well it looks like it's going to be a great movie. Anyways, I digress...I've been doing some thinking the last little bit and thought maybe I should share my opinions and get some feedback.

This thinking started before I saw this trailer and heard the last line but every time I hear "If you could change your fate, would ya?", I keep going back to those thoughts. This already is getting kind of confusing...Lately, I have been feeling as if life is just happening around me and I'm not really a part of it. Like, I'm not really being proactive in what is going on around me or to me. I feel like I stay where I'm safe and comfortable rather than making changes that may be necessary. Also, I've been feeling very UNbrave! For those of you who knew me in my childhood, I've been told I was kind of fearless. I did crazy things like cartwheel on a cliff and balance on a broken office chair...that's mom's favorite story to share! Somewhere along the way, I lost that daring attitude to try and I've been missing it lately.

So, now my goal is to analyze. Look at my life and figure out what I'm missing, what changes I can make to "change my fate". I already know some things that I definitely want to change and have been working on those areas but I could always increase what I'm doing and put in more of an effort to really get things changed. There are other areas I want to focus on and make some changes as well. I know that change is not always easy and definitely not fun, but I've decided I can't just be a spectator anymore. I want to do something, I want to be brave again and somewhat fearless....fearless meaning, willing to try new things and not just doing dumb things! This post sounds like a lot to undertake but I just can't wait for things to happen, I want to make them happen...or at least help them happen!

As always, I hope this makes sense to anyone reading it. I'm always worried that things only make sense to me! I could write more on this subject but right now, I've got to get ready for work so....If anyone is feeling UNbrave like me, I hope you find some courage to be a little more fearless! Also, I welcome any and all suggestions that you may have!

Bread=Productivity

I don't really know what this post is about. Monday was my day off and I was still trying to recover from my overnight shift on Saturday. I got off work at 7am on Sunday morning and slept for about an hour...After church I slept for about another 2 hours. I couldn't fall asleep later so Monday I slept longer than I planned. I had all these things I wanted to get done.

First, I was about out of bread. Awhile ago, I asked Mom to teach me the secret to making bread and since then I've tried to make my own instead of buying it. I still have to make it the old fashioned way...by hand...since I don't have a nice mixer yet to do that for me. So, making bread is sometimes a process. But, every time I make it, I feel super productive! Also, since I have to make it and work for it, I don't feel so guilty when I eat it...Bread is seriously my downfall! So since I overslept on Monday I didn't start the bread til later but what's great about bread is you can do so many other things while it rises. So, I still got some other things done and got to read some which I've been trying to do more. I get on kicks where all I want to do is read a good book and then there are other times where I'm just not feeling it. I can definitely thank my parents for that love of reading!

Second, I needed to do laundry. Laundry is something that is only nice when you have your own washer and dryer...and you're only doing laundry for one person! I have only been without a washer and dryer twice since I moved out and they were awful and miserable times! I hate having to do it at a laundromat. It takes up your whole day and I'm so grateful I live in an apartment where they provide a washer and dryer. It makes it so much easier to do this chore!

Third, I wanted to do some spring cleaning in my room. My closet was looking really full and I just felt like a had a lot I needed to go through and get rid of. My deepest fear is becoming a hoarder. You know, like the ones on that TV show. Scares the crap out of me, so I'm just trying to make sure I stay far far away from that line!

I had other things on my list buy these three were probably most important. And despite my late start I did all three. Granted the spring cleaning is a little more of a process but I got started and all in all, I feel like I had a pretty productive day!

I really think it's all due to making the bread. If I didn't do that, my day wouldn't have felt half as productive! Ha ha

NEW

So let me just start by saying that I kind of stink at New Year's resolutions. I try every year and succeed for a few months before failing...A friend of mine posted on facebook about One Little Word. I've never heard of this so I read it and really liked the idea. Instead of making a bunch of resolutions this year, I'm picking one word that I want to focus on. As I was reading about the One Little Word, NEW is what popped in my head. It was kind of like those word association games where someone says a word and they want you to respond with the first word that pops in your head. Well, I feel like that works in this case.

I love this word for the year. I feel like I've become to complacent with the OLD and I'm ready to make some changes for the year. There are many aspects of my life that I feel can benefit from a touch of NEW and I'm excited for the new year and the opportunity to make some changes. I may not be making resolutions like I used to but I still have some areas that I'm wanting to change and I'm hoping that using this one little word in each of those areas will help. I guess I'll be able to tell you more about how this works next year about this time!

Anyways....HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope that this year will be a happy and healthy one for each of you. I'm so grateful for all the blessings in my life and for this time of year, where we get to reflect on so many of our blessings. Despite my last post, I do love this time of year. For some reason, this year I was feeling a bit grinchy...But I'm feeling better now...my heart must also have grown a few sizes! (Just a little Grinch humor for ya)