California

It's been a year since I packed up all my belongings in a car and moved to a place where I knew practically no one.  Let's review my goals I made on my solo car ride....
1)  Pay my own taxes.  (daddy has always done it...now I get to be a big girl this year :))
2)  Go to see a movie by myself.
3)  Go somewhere cool off my bucket list.  (well probably at least two places cause San Fran is on my list and I will most certainly be doing that, but somewhere else in addition.)
4)  Read all 7 Harry Potter books again now that I have the set :)
5)  Go to all the temples in California.  (made it to 5/7)
6)  Visit Rexburg at least once.
7)  Learn how to cook with all the different spices on my spice rack.
8)  Once I get a place in Cali, and my parents come to visit and bring my sewing machine, I would like to sew a dress.  and a halloween costume.  I want a sweet halloween costume this year.  

Not too shabby.  I have a feeling this year is gonna be a grand one.  This past one was a grand one.  Talk about having the opportunity to learn and grow.  Some extra things I accomplished not on my list from last year:
1) Go to 2 best friend's weddings.
2) Full time job with benefits where I've learned tons about myself.
3) Met lots of people, some of whom have and will continue to change my life.
4) Went to the olympic trials front row (thanks to Dave :))
5) Became RS Pres in my ward here...
6) Free tickets to the circus and disney on ice
7) Tour of Champions where I got to meet the olympic gymnasts (thanks mom and dad :))
8) Met the awesomest guy, who for some reason thinks I'm pretty awesome too ;)

Life is grand.  Christmas at home has been wonderful.  My parents got me a tandem bike.  I'm stoked.  I've got to see and spend time with my brothers and their families.  I also have gotten the overwhelming confirmation that I am where I'm supposed to be right now in life, which is such a comforting feeling.  God knows what's up.  He's got a plan.  Just gotta trust and life is the best :)  Happy New Year's Eve my friends :)

Patience

Home

I get to be home in exactly 2 weeks and words can't even express how excited I am! It's been almost a year since coming out here to california and can I just say its been amazing how much things have changed?

I had a big temptation to move back home a couple weeks ago. Cut backs at my current job, plus a job offer from my old boss back home, plus a bit of homesickness made the time before thanksgiving real contemplative and reminiscent. That time the year before I had been making what ended up being the decision to come out to california.

Long story short, a conversation with the owners of my company led to me getting a promotion, with an additional promotion in mind in the next year. Roomies and I are looking for a house to rent to make things a bit more permanent now that I'm staying. And best friend got baptized. Life is superb and wonderful and I know I am where I am supposed to be right now.

But I'm still oh so excited to ship off to Boston for the holidays to see my family and some of my favorite souls of all time. Christmas presents in the works and holiday cheer in the air. Love this Jesus and family centered time of year, especially knowing I get to go see them in 2 weeks!!! God is great. California is good. Life is wonderful :)

The Brad Pitt Rule

Boys.  Take note:

http://artofmanliness.com/2008/02/05/the-brad-pitt-rule/

Check it out :)

God

God is so aware. My best friend got baptized yesterday. Before that I had been doing a lot of reminiscing and thinking back on my life and how it's changed, particularly in the last year. And then today, during relief society, miss Lindsay taught a splendid lesson from elder holland's talk.

So as part of the lesson, Lindsay did what a lot of teachers do and handed out quotes from the talk for girls to read. And here's where my life changed. Quote read by my dear coach Auna about halfway through the lesson:

"I testify from the bottom of my heart, with the intensity of my soul, to all who can hear my voice that those apostolic keys have been restored to the earth, and they are found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To those who have not yet joined with us in this great final cause of Christ, we say, 'please come.' To those who were once with us but have retreated, preferring to pick and choose a few cultural hors d'oeuvres from the smorgasbord of the Restoration and leave the rest of the feast, I say that I fear you face a lot of long nights and empty nets. The call is to come back, to stay true, to love God, and to lend a hand. I include in that call to fixed faithfulness every returned missionary who ever stood in a baptismal font and with arm to the square said, 'Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ.' That commission was to have changed your convert forever, but it was surely supposed to have changed you forever as well. To the youth of the church rising up to missions and temples and marriage, we say: 'love God and remain clean from the blood and sins of this generation. You have a monumental work to do, underscored by that marvelous announcement President Thomas S. Monson made yesterday morning. Your Father in Heaven expects your loyalty and your love at every stage of your life.'"

Amen.

I like to try and see the best in people.  It's something that does not come easy, and that I have worked on continually in my life.  I don't like watching people make bad/hard decisions in their life.  To bring it back to my last post on Holy Envy, I had an Elder on my mission who I had Holy Envy for, in the way that he viewed people.  He taught me a valuable lesson in the MTC and I have tried to be more like him since that moment. My companion and I had been joking about what one of the other sisters was wearing and we were something something along the lines that we didn't think it was appropriate for her to wear being a missionary.  

And then here comes the reality check.  This Elder heard us, and said something along the lines of "well maybe she has to wear it because of.....or maybe she needs it because of....or maybe she grew up in a place where....etc."  My companion and I then made the goal to be more like that.  And we worked at it.  And I've continued working at it.  

Really it doesn't matter what another person chooses to do.  I dunno.  It's a balance I guess.  Cause obviously you want to help other people and one of the ways we do that is through teaching and serving and helping, but one thing that I've tried to wrap my mind around is that idea.  Finding that balance.  Between doing what you know is right, and letting other people make their own decisions.  But still trying to help them make the right decision?  I don't even know if that makes sense outside my head.  But tis my ponderings of recent days.  

Life is grand.  Family is great.  Thankfully MA and VA weren't hit hard by the storm.  Super grateful for friends and family members who care.  Super grateful for the gratitude holiday coming up.  Super grateful for an adoptive family who is taking me in for thanksgiving.  Super grateful for a God who knows me inside and out.  Super grateful for best friends.  Super grateful for great roommates.  Super grateful for the scriptures.  Super grateful for my calling and the opportunity to love and serve.  Super grateful for my job.  Super grateful for my students and my coworkers and the crazy things we do.  Super grateful for the beautiful california weather.  Super grateful for the temple :)

Source: mrmn.org via Annie on Pinterest

Holy Envy

So I have been thinking a lot recently about relationships.  Things have been a little crazy at work.  Plus turning 25.  All these cause for a bit of reflection.

Also, a little while ago I taught a lesson in relief society where I talked about Holy Envy.  There's a bishop in the church in sweden who coined that term and was referring to religion when he used it.  "By this Stendahl meant that you should be willing to recognize elements in the other religious tradition or faith that you admire and wish could, in some way, be reflected in your own religious tradition or faith."  

So I started thinking about Holy Envy in terms of the relationships that I've had.  And some of these are like BF/GF relationships, and some are like bff relationships, but these are some of the things that I have Holy Envy for.  I have Holy Envy for:

• W and the way that he is so so so giving.
• J and the way she is bubbly and oh so nice all the days.
• D and how he is such a peacemaker.
• S and the adventures we would always go on.
• B and the way he was my best friend and we could talk about anything.
• A and how grateful she always is.
• M and how she is such a great cook.
• S and how he treated me like a princess
• G and how funny he is.
• R and how accepting he is of everything and everyone.
• D and how ambitious he is.
• K and how she makes everyone feel at ease in any situation.
• S and how focused and self controlled she is.
• M and how he respects my values and the way I live my life, and helps me set them higher.
• D and how passionate he is about the gospel.
• A and how he is so obedient in his life.
• S and the fashion sense that she has.
• A and how she loves learning.
• S and how witty she is.
• V and how goal oriented and organized she is.
• P and how he is always there for me.
• C and how she's my cuddle buddy when i need a good cry.
• C and how close he is with his family.

I could probably go on and on and on and on but can I tell you how good it's been to look back and look at all the good things that I've learned from all the amazing people in my life?  How blessed am I!  Love it :)

Blessings.

                     

Story of my life.  haha.  But really.  I boycott.  No, not really.  Life is funny.  God can be funny.  Plays funny jokes.  No.  That's not really true either.  My life....

I got sick this last week.  Throw up sick.  Haven't done that in a while.  Actually last time I did that was because I had a panic attack.  That was grand.  But not the case this time in case you were wondering.  Just a bug.  And my life is real wonderful.

It's gotten real busy.  Which is good.  Good to get involved in good things.  Conference was this weekend and I loved it!  Learned a lot.  About life.  About myself.  About my calling.  Oh ps. i got the calling to be relief society president again.  Which I finally came to terms with again this weekend.

Big news for the LDS church this weekend is that our missionaries (which in the past have consisted of typically 19 year old boys and some 21 year old girls) can now begin at ages 18 and 19 for boys and girls respectively.  I was at work when the announcement was made, and got out of work to a text from one of my best friends saying "Annie!!! I AM GOING ON A MISSION ASAP! I already have a meeting with my bishop.  Oh ho ho I am so happy."  To which I immediately started crying.

I have been home from my mission for about 2.5 years.  Weird.  I just turned 25.  Weird.  I have this extremely overwhelming calling.  Again.  Which is weird.  But I have a Heavenly Father who knows what's up and I am blessed in oh so many ways.  And so, as part of President Monson's counsel, here is a list of just a few of my recent blessings:

1)  I have an incredibly talented and amazing presidency.  They are phenomenal.  Really.

2)  Best parents on the planet.  Enough said.

3)  Roommates who are super chill and easy to get along with.

4)  I get to work with kids every day.  And they are angels.  And I love them.  Even the crazies.  Actually, especially the crazies.

5)  I have a job that keeps me active and having fun.

6)  I have friends I can count on to take care of me when I'm sick.

7)  I am provided for.  I have a job, apartment, food, etc.

8)  I got to step on crunchy fall like leaves this weekend.

9)  I have friends in distant lands who love me and know the perfect times to send messages/packages/texts/call, etc.

10)  I have learned how to say no.  At least a little bit.  Not my strongest suit.  But I am getting better at it.  and I consider that a blessing.

and many many many more.  i'm continuing the list elsewhere, but you just get the taste of it.  It was funny cause Pres. Monson gave this counsel and all I could think about was how I already do it thanks to the dear Sister Walker and her example on my mission.  It has made all the difference in my life.  5 blessings/tender mercies written down at the end of each day.  I highly recommend it.  It'll change your life :)

Perfect Words

So I've had so much on my mind in the past two weeks.  Plus just being busy.  Just can't find the words to adequately describe how great my life is.  One of my bestest friends/favorite souls and I drove up to the temple this last week and I came to some realizations.  But to put it into words on my blog, I couldn't think of how to do it.  And then I read one of my other best friends/favorite soul's blog and he used many of the words that I have been lacking.  Click here to see the post.  Step by step life goes and we grow.  Gotta love it :)

God Knows What's Up

So let me just say.  This weekend has been a bit of a whirlwind of emotions.  I have been on my knees just a little bit praying to figure out some stuff in my life.  Becoming an adult can be hard.  Grand.  But hard.  Responsibility is hard.  And a bit overwhelming at times.  But like I said, God knows what's up.  He really does.  And for some reason it still surprises me sometimes how He knows EVERYTHING.  I mean, obviously we know that.  But how often do we really understand that?

He has this grand plan for each and every one of us, and I find myself getting constantly reminded that He is in control.  He is so so so involved in our lives and wants to help us all the days.  How blessed are we?

never ever ever ever

sometimes i'm grateful that life changes.

sometimes i get to interview new hires at work.

sometimes i act according to what i want to do.

sometimes i decide i'm going to make a trip to europe.

sometimes i get reminded of my purpose and my goals.

sometimes i get hugs when i need them.

all the time i love the temple.

all the time i have great family and friends.

all the time i have a Heavenly Father who loves me and gives me tender mercies all the days.

Daddy

I have an incredible dad.  This post is my belated but promised Father's day one.  I found the photo above on pinterest and thought it a fitting way to begin the post.  And I'm going to do this one a little different than my mom's.  This is my list of things my daddy taught me/ways that he is that make me want to find a guy like him.

1)  He loves and adores my mom.  All the days.  They cuddle on the couch.  He gets her flowers and presents for no reason (does that for me too.  love random packages from daddy.)  One of the only times I ever remember him getting really really angry with me was when I was probably in elementary and i was practicing backhandsprings in my room and oblivious little kid that I was I didn't realize that mom was trying to sleep in the next room over and I guess my backhandsprings on our second floor in the room next door probably didn't help her.  I have never seen my dad so angry, but for me, it showed how much he cared about my mom.  

2)  He is so stinking smart.  Not only has he graduated from college and gotten a PhD and all that, but he got it from MIT (no big deal).  And while I don't know all his reasoning and thoughts that went into his major and  life decisions like that, I do know that it does provide well for our family.  

3)  He taught us kids to be passionate about something and do what we love.  My dad loves baseball and basketball.  Do any of us kids play either of those sports?  No.  haha.  Did he have us try them?  Yes.  Did we all find our own passions and have supportive parents every step of the way?  Yes.  I can't count the number of gymnastics meets that my dad stood by the recorded so I could watch them later and learn from, not to mention driving me home from practice everyday.  While I might not have learned to set goals and achieve such high academic standards as my dad, he did teach how to set goals and achieve them through other means.

4)  He has an amazing testimony of the gospel.  He got baptized while he was in college, married my mom in the temple, and is an avid gospel scholar.  We have sooooo many gospel books at home, not to count the hours and hours of talks and podcasts he has on his computer and in his car that he listens to.  I have never had a gospel question for him that he hasn't answered to satisfy my curiosity.  He magnifies his calling.  He goes to his church meetings.  He is what I would call mostly an introvert, but he gets pushed outside his comfort zone all the days with his calling and he does it well.  He's had to deal with some intense stuff and I admire him for how much he cares and how much of his life he dedicates to the gospel.  

5)  He loves his family.  I can't count the number of times I went outside with my dad just to play catch and talk.  He loves his new grandbabies in my cute little nieces. He made our house into one with the cool gadgets and games to play at with my friends growing up.  Some place for extended family and friends to come have game nights and fun.  And he loves his immediate family too.  I feel as though with that comes a love of the state of oklahoma, where he grew up and where his mom and one of his brothers still live.  I remember going to visit one time in high school, and when we were flying home, talking about how both places kinda felt like home cause of the memories and people there.  

6)  My dad is so stinking generous.  It's like his favorite thing in the world to give the perfect present.  My parents have to set a cap at christmastime cause my dad goes a little crazy wanting to get everyone everything that they want/need or that he thinks they will like.  Many a package that I have gotten from him while being away (at school, mission or here in CA) have come at just the right times when I've needed them most.  Just a little thing normally, to let us know he cares and that he's thinking about us.  Not only is he generous to our family, but I know that I have seen my parents give things to families in need that can never be repaid.  

7)  My dad had standards for me.  And when I wasn't living up to them, or my potential, I had privileges taken away.  He wanted me to be my best self.  I remember many a lecture in the car on the way to or from gymnastics, normally about grades.  I want someone who is going to expect me to be better, someone who will continue to push me to improve, while loving me along the way like my daddy does.

8)  He always has time for me.  If I am locked out of my apartment in Idaho 2500 miles away, getting a flat tire, needing help with taxes, forgetting to register my car and needing my title overnighted to me, my parents both have always always been there.  No matter the time of day or night.  He even plays draw with me with me even though I am absolutely so horrible at it it's funny. 

9)  He's hilarious.  Ever so witty.  You just have to listen to catch his jokes sometimes.  Family time always was filled with lots and lots of laughter.  Partially because my mom and I both laugh alot, and partly because my brothers and dad are hilarious.  Nerds.  But hilarious nonetheless.

10)  He has always been so incredibly supportive of me and trusts me and my decisions.  He has taught me how to make big decisions and how to follow through with the decisions I make, including the one that moved me 3000 miles away to work a job that doesn't have much to do with my degree.  If I were to say tomorrow that I wanted to come home, he'd probably put my mom on a plane to help pack me up and drive me back.  Well that's a lie.  He'd probably make sure I wasn't making a rash decision but i have absolutely no doubt that if i said I needed to come home there would be no hesitation.  

Mostly this is me just bragging about my daddy.  He's too modest most of the time anyways.  But I love him.  He's the grandest soul.  Best guy you'll ever meet.  :)

Crazies

I've been thinking a bit this week about crazy people.  Maybe because I have some in my life.  But I was thinking about what makes crazy people crazy.  I had a roommate at one point in college who I called my crazy psycho roommate.  I have kids who come into the gym who are CRAZY.  I have parents who come in who are on a whole different level of crazy.  Then I have acquaintances etc. who are crazy.  And this is the conclusion I have come to.

The number one reason that I think people (including myself) act crazy is because they don't know and trust in God's plan and timing.

Example 1:  I had a parent today at a birthday party who was one of those helicopter moms and her child was an 8 year old boy.  in a gymnastics gym.  and she was trying to keep him from doing anything.  good luck sweetie.  but I think if she knew what life was about, she would understand that her child needs to experience things for himself.  part of life is making mistakes and growing, and what a better place to make a mistake than in a fully padded gym meant for little kids.

Example 2:  Crazy psycho roommate.  She had an understanding of God's plan.  She was one of the most giving people I've ever met in my life.  So incredibly nice, and very upfront in her communication.  I learned loads and loads from her that semester.  However, I think that she was missing some of that trust, as we all at times in life do.  Last I checked she's super happy now though so that's good :)

Example 3:  Crazy kids.  Let's take my friend J that I talked about last post.  This one is on me, thinking that he was crazy.  So often at the gym, these kids come in with different lives, and situations.  But I have found with every single crazy that I have had come in, give them a couple weeks and you'll feel that love for them.  And then they're still crazy, but you are the one who understands the plan more.  And then they learn more from you.

Example 4:  Sometimes, people get irritated when they aren't dating.  hahaha.  Sometimes people get a little desperate and act a little (or a lot) crazy.  Makes me laugh.  But it's crazy.  And I admit, I have at times acted crazy when it comes to this sort of thing.  But the thing to remember, as always, is God.  He's great.  He knows what He is doing.  You don't have to rush anything or get all crazy.  It'll happen with His timing.

Which brings me to the conclusion.  I am so incredibly blessed it's ridiculous.  I have the best job on the planet.  Spectacular coworkers and bosses.  Amazing kids who teach me daily.  Wonderful roommates.  Fun friends.  Perfect parents.  US Women's gymnastics winning the team gold.  Gabby Douglas winning the individual all-around.  Life is grand.  Couldn't ask for a better one myself :)

J

Let me tell you a story.  Once upon a time, I started coaching here in California.  And when I started coaching, it was the first time I had coached sooo soo many preschool gymnastics classes everyday all day.  And I've talked about my favorite class from those first couple months here.  I also had my not so favorite class.  Three 3-year olds.  Not hard right?  3 kids, when normally a class has between 5 and 7 kids.  But oh my goodness this poor class.  2 boys.  One girl.  Angel girl who is actually a pretty talented little gymnast who I caught singing popcorn popping one time (but that's a story for another time).

My gym is decently small.  We put classes and little circuits (obstacle courses) in small spaces so we can maximize gym use.  So during the 3:30 hour, as most gyms know, the gym gets to be pretty crowded with lots of classes going on.  And keeping these three kids in our little area and out of the way of getting squashed by bigger kids was my main goal for this little class.  Now.  The class at first was just two, one boy and one girl, and manageable.  But add my dear little friend J to the mix and all chaos ensued.

Luckily I work with splendid other coaches who knew what I was going through and most were understanding when all the sudden J or the other boy would sprint off across the middle of the floor to get trampled.  As I have since learned, it takes three weeks for kids to get it.  And I had J for about three weeks of him sprinting off when my schedule got flipped around and I got taken off his class to coach some of the older girls.  Another coach coached him for a while, and he just lost interest I guess cause I realized I stopped seeing him at class.

And then came this week.  He signed up for summer camp.  3 straight hours of Jad.  With 6 other kids between the ages of 3-4.  Needless to say I was a little scared for this week.  Scared is an understatement.  I had Jad, another girl who just barely turned 3 last week, plus some other characters.

But let me tell you.  I love J.  We finally get each other.  When the huge group of camp is playing a big game, or practicing for their big performance, both J and I know he can't pay attention, so today for example, we took a break and built towers to karate kick down.  I had to leave for part of the day today to set stuff up for my parent tot class that I teach, and he came up and gave me this huge hug.  He wanted to show off to me his winnie the pooh and tigger crocs.

I am by no means a perfect coach.  I still have tons and tons to learn.  But sometimes it's breakthroughs like this that make it worth it.  Still exhausting.  But worth it.   I love it.  I feel like I learn and grow each day, and I don't feel that that is going to stop anytime soon which is exciting to me :)

Characters

So.  I admit it.  I like many an odd character.  I get attached to characters in movies/tv series/books/etc.  In real life too.  I like odd people.  But anyways.  Characters.  I get attached.  In college, I became hooked on Grey's Anatomy due to a roommate from my very first semester and got hooked ever since.  I relate to the characters (i was able to relate each of the characters to myself and my friends from college, with myself being yang).

So I was talking with a friend of mine about characters, and fictionalized love and he was talking about how the kind of love in love songs/movies/shows/whatever isn't real and shouldn't be something that we're wishing for and I got to thinking tonight.  I watch the Bachelor.  haha, this season is the first one I've watched and I must say, it's been hilarious, and of course, I have my favorite characters.

Of course, I'll reactivate Jeff and we'll get married, or convert Sean.  I'll take that one too obviously.  But the one that makes me laugh that is the odd character that most everyone disagrees with me about is Ryan.  I just love Ryan.  Call me crazy, but there are characteristics that he has that I am looking for in a future hubby.  He is funny, goofy, goal-oriented, motivated, hard working, confident, and he knows who he is is because of God....and in addition to that, he wants his wife to be the best she can be.  He wants to showcase his wife and show her off.  I dig that.  I hope I get pushed to be the best I can be.  I don't admire people who plan to or do "let themselves go" after they get married.  stupid.  i think.  but people disagree with me.  whatever.

Love is idealized.  I love love.  I love my chick flicks.  I enjoy watching the Bachelor.  And Grey's Anatomy. I love sappy love songs that get me twitterpated.  I plan to live in love.  I know it's not going to be like that every day.  Come on now.  But life is grand.  Why not be grand in love?  Having someone to share it with every step of the way?  I'm excited for it.  It'll be grand.  The perfect character for me.  How fun will that be :)

I'm not lucky. I am blessed :)

I just love life.  Here is an example of the little rugrats that I work with at camp.  I had the 7 littlest ones with me all week for camp at work and it's a blast and a half.  exhausting.  but fun all the same.  Aren't they the cutest??  not to mention it's my favorite song of the moment.  Plus I hiked a bit in the redwoods yesterday and went to the beach two days in a row with some of my favorite people.  life is grand.  love it :)

Utah/Idaho

So this past week I've been able to spend in Utah and Idaho, cause I've had time off for work because of national gymnastics congress and the olympic trials!!!! (which was wonderfully amazing by the way, not to mention the fact that my boss gave my coworker and I front row seats to the women's competition!  so blessed)  But really.  I can't even begin to describe how blessed my life is now, and when I was living in Rexburg.

Things I dislike about Utah/Idaho:
1)  The wind.
2)  Sometimes the need/feeling of having to be perfect all the time.
3)  Along with that, I think because of that some people turn uber fake/ridiculously happy.  Now I am a generally happy person, but these people take it to the extreme sometimes.
4)  The emphasis on dating.
5)  Classes.  School.  psh.  who does that.  haha

Things I like/love about Idaho (I would say Utah too...but no.  I just love Idaho):
1)  The Rexburg Temple.
2)  Favorite souls.
3)  New fun souls.
4)  Small town parades.
5)  Being able to have people to hang out with all the time if I want.
6)  Surprise seeing favorite souls at random places.
7)  Madison Gymnastics Center, and my gym family there.
8)  It's beautiful. 
9)  Cheaper.
10) Country music.

I figure double the amount of things I like over what I dislike makes sense.  I really did have a blast and a half this week and it was a very much needed nice break from San Jose and work.  I have worked every day except Sundays from the end of January until now...minus Memorial day.  Crazy.  But I love it and I am super excited to get back :) 

And now for my theme song of the moment...well.  my theme song might be a little much, but my favorite song of the moment: 
      
    

Amazing.

I am always amazed at people who are in tune with the Spirit.  And even more than that, a God who cares enough about us to pour out His tender mercies constantly on us.  I am so so blessed, with so so many wonderful things and people in my life.  I had a long week this last week.  Too busy I think looking back on it.  One of those weeks where I tried to do too much.  I fed the sisters on thursday and one of them said exactly what I needed to hear.  I figure as long as I am trying to do the right thing, the right things will happen.  No stressing.  :)

Happy as the Sun

Faith.

First of all.  A huge happy father's day to the best daddy in the world!  don't fret, i will be doing a things I love about my dad post, but not tonight.  Tonight I have felt the need to post many more thoughts from my head concerning faith.

Right before I went into the MTC, Elder Neil L. Anderson gave a talk entitled "You Know Enough".  Throughout my mission, this talk became a faith builder for me.  When I felt like I had to do hard things, I would remind myself that I know enough.  I went through leaving a boy behind for my mission, training my second transfer, writing that boy off, training again, white washing, training, "dead" areas, friends making awful horrific decisions back home, training, and being absolutely terrified of going home.  I feel that missionaries learn about faith.  Their own faith, how to develop faith, how to help others find faith, etc.

I have talked to many a sister missionary about her decision to serve a mission.  Reasons vary.  Counsel from leaders vary.  I had a Bishop in Idaho who as I was preparing to put in my papers made sure I checked with God every step of the way to make sure I wasn't supposed to get married first.  When I came home, that same Bishop guided me through my coming home process, including crying with me when everything didn't seem to fall into place as it is "supposed to".

I heard it best described last week by a friend of mine when she was talking about her decision to serve.  Friends get married while you're gone.  And as she put it, she was following the "unmarried plan".  And as I've thought about it this last week, that's really what it is.

It takes faith to live the single life.  More so for girls than for boys I think.  I think for boys it takes more faith to commit to have and provide for a family.  I don't know how it is for all LDS girls obviously, but I feel like most want to get married.  And most sooner rather than later.  I met girls at school who's sole purpose in going to school was to find a man.  I have seen girls who wait around for the "right" man.

For me, I am living my "unmarried plan".  Who knew that I would serve a mission?  I can tell you all my friends from my stake back home would never have believed it.  They thought I would be engaged my first semester at school.  Who knew I would graduate from school?  And then what?  If I was married, the plan would be to raise my family where ever my husband was.  We would make those decisions together with the Lord.  What I and he would major in, where we would go after college, what jobs to take, etc.  But for now, it's me and my faith in God.  Where do I go?  What do I do?

And so I am here, "living the dream" as so many people tell me.  Is it really how I dreamed my life would be?  Absolutely not.  Do I make the best of everyday?  I certainly try.  Do I have a spectacular job with awesome roommates and a good ward?  Yeah.  Do I make plans for my "unmarried plan"?  Yes.  Does it take faith?  Yes.

What makes a leader?

So.  Today is the first day that I haven't been busy outta my mind in about a month.  Between work, going down to socal, parents coming to visit, church activities and chelsea and connor coming to visit, things have been a bit crazy.  An incredibly good crazy.  But crazy all the while.

I have been reading recently in the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon.  In there, there are a lot of very different characters.  And I have a special affinity for some reason towards Teancum.  He's one of my particular favorites.  I told that to someone once and he was like, oh yeah, that sounds about right, hot headed and stubborn.  hahaha.  But really, especially as I've gotten towards the end of Alma, I've thought a bit about the leaders in the BOM.

I mean, first of all you've got Captain Moroni.  Champ.  My friend Clark was talking to me a couple weeks ago about my dating life in California and he said he wasn't surprised that I wasn't dating anyone seriously.  I laughed (of course) and asked why he would say such a thing.  And his reply was that he couldn't see me settling for anything less than a "Captain Moroni".  And then he said he'd only met one guy in his life that fit that description and proceeded to wish me luck in finding one.  hahaha.

So that got me thinking, what makes someone like unto Captain Moroni?  Not only that, cause I'm not gonna marry him in real life, but what gives someone the qualities that men like Captain Moroni and Teancum had?  What makes someone a leader?  The fact that they have followers?  How does one get followers?

Just some thoughts to ponder as you go about your day/night/evening/morning/week.

Gratitude

I'm grateful for people that follow promptings from the spirit.  I'm grateful for parents who take time out to come and visit me in San Francisco for the weekend.  I'm grateful for my job and my bosses.  I'm grateful for a God who knows me and what I need.  I'm grateful for opportunities to climb mountains.

Difference

If you want to make a difference in the world, you have to be different from the world.- Elaine Dalton.

I have so many homes.  This weekend, my parents are coming into town from Boston.  I bought my tickets to fly home to utah/idaho to see my favorite souls there in July.  And this past weekend, I was able to go down to Anaheim to see my favorite souls of my mission.  And now San Jose is starting to feel like home.  I think people make the home.  And as people touch my life, they become part of my home.

I explained to a guy I was dating once about my philosophy of favorite souls.  I have several favorite souls in my life.  Rather than best friends, I have favorite souls.  And what is a favorite soul you ask?  Just that.  Someone who has become one of my favorite people in world to be friends with, to hang with, to play with, serve with, talk with.  Someone who I know would do ANYTHING for me, and I would do anything for them.  Anything to help them be happy.  I hurt when they hurt.

And how does one become a favorite soul?  As I have looked at my list of favorite souls, they're people who have helped me through hard things in my life.  People who see me for me.  Who know I have weaknesses, and help me to become better.  They call me out when I'm being dumb, and guide me towards being the best person I can be.

So thank you.  Thank you to my favorite souls.  People who have made a difference in my world and home.  Much appreciated.  Love each and every one of you.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Favorite scripture of all time:  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

A conversation

Today.  I had an interesting conversation with my institute teacher before class.  He asked me how dating was going since coming to California and if I was "dating" anyone.  I told him I was going on dates.  And we had a discussion about dating here, cause he's gonna teach a marriage prep class this summer.  And it caused me to look back on my dating life and come to some realizations.

I have dated lots.  Not as an exaggeration, but really.  I have dated and gone on dates with all sorts.  Jocks, nerds, geeks, etc.  Recently returned missionaries, guys who have been home a long time, guys who haven't been on missions, guys who aren't members.  White guys, black guys, latinos, polys, asians.  Up to 8 years older, and 3 years younger.  Guys with goals, guys without goals.  Guys who treat me like crap, and guys who treat me like a queen.  All sorts really.  Real serious relationships, to not relationships at all.

Guys ask me often what I expect.  It's funny cause I used to hate that question.  Why does it matter what I expect?  Well here you go.  Here is what I expect and I am stealing some of these from a dear friend's blog cause she worded some of it better than I:

1)  Ask for my phone number :)  simple right?  apparently not.  i can't count the number of guys who have given me their numbers, who have got my number from facebook, who have gotten my number from friends.  yes.  congrats on getting my number.  and thanks for using it.  but just ask me for it really.  i give it out normally.  unless you're a creeper.  haha

2)  Ask me out.  another simple one right?  apparently not.  i have developed the art of sidestepping the ask out.  I can most always read when a guy is going to ask me out, when he's leading up to it, and I do pretty good at sidestepping a lot of them.  Mean, right?  Sorry if you think that.  But I just know what I want.  I can't tell you how impressive it is to me for a guy to avoid my sidestepping and still find a way to ask me out.  I say yes if they get there.

3)  Are you asking ME out?  me??  or your friends?  please.  if you're asking me out.  please be with me.  be my date.  i promise i'll try and be a good date in return.  don't take me out with all your friends cause you had to find a date.  don't invite all your friends cause you're scared to be awkward around me.  You're old enough to man up.  Please do.

4)  Plan a date!  Nothing scares me/is a turn off to me more than a null plan plus a guy who doesn't know how to be spontaneous.  It's cool if you don't have it all planned out, but have ideas please!

5)  Sometimes in life to you have to take a leap of faith.  That's what dating is.  Going on a date is a leap of faith.  It is scary.  And very few people that I know in my life like dating.  But it's gotta be done.  Stop avoiding it.  Stop freaking out and saying you're intimidated.

6)  Don't be scared.  I am awesome.  I have a head on my shoulders.  I have goals.  I have a strong testimony.  I work out.  I've traveled a bit of the world.  I've graduated school.  I served a mission.  I date a bit.  I have a full-time job.  I'm secure about who I am.  I want to get married.  I live on my own.  I'm super nice and friendly.  So what?  Get over it.  My mom says the right guys won't be intimidated by that.  So work to be the right guy.  I don't bite :)

7)  Yes, I have a list.  And maybe one day i'll let you see it if you ask real nicely.  Started in young women's, continued through life and added to by my mission president.



And all together.  My students think i'm 15, and while I am a fair bit older than that, I'm not stressing about getting married.  People ask the question.  Alll the days.  And guys think that if we go on a date that I'm desperate enough to think that we're going to get married.  Yes, the very act of dating is a precursor to marriage.  But in no way shape or form does one date mean that I have fallen head over heels for you!  chill my friends.  take a breath.  No need to rush nothing.  No need to freak out.

God's gotta plan.  He knows what's up.  Just do the right things and it'll work out.  Sorry for the rant.  Just lots of thoughts in my head.  And to finish, a grand answer from my dear friend as to why she is not married, and my favorite song of the moment:

i explained to her that i have worked really hard to create a fabulously, uplifting life for myself in the present.

one full of love and friendship and genuine happiness.

and until i find someone who is going to add to those things,
this single lady is keepin' her hand up.

because i'm not settling.

i refuse to regress.

that doesn't mean i refuse to compromise for the right feeling.

it just hasn't happened yet.

and i don't believe anything is wrong with me, 

instead for the first time in my life i feel right.

right where i belong.

right with what is yet to come.

Moms.

I figure it fitting to add to my blog today a little tiny bit about why my mom is the best out there.  Here are 10 reasons why I love my mom.

1)  She laughs at everything.  And her laugh is loud.  And funny.  Which I love.

2)  She has ALWAYS supported me.  No matter my decisions.  Gymnastics, other sports, events, callings, missions, boys, moving to the other side of the country, etc.

3)  She gets me.  She gives the best advice cause she knows me.

4)  I can tell her anything.  Which some people think is weird.  But I like to keep her updated on my life.

5)  She serves all the time.  She taught by example how to visit teach, she's taught seminary, worked in young women's, baked and cooked for ward members/neighbors, served and helped with my gymnastics (in addition to helping with my brother's sports/extracurriculars too!)

6)  She's fun!  Oh the stories.  Many a girl can tell stories of pranks of hers from girl's camps.

7)  She's a go getter.  She sets goals.  She makes lists.  Something I like to hope I have learned from her.

8)  She pushes me to be better.  My mom wants the absolute best for me and she's always got advice as to what I can do to be better.  I still remember the week long road trip with her before my mission where we talked about my life goals and she helped me to understand a lot about life.

9)  She put our family as number one.  Dinners worked around our schedules so we could all have dinner together, family prayer/scripture study alarms so we would all break what we were doing to come together, playing games together, family vacations together, etc.  I loved that our home was a place that our family wanted to hang out together.  And we all felt comfortable bringing friends over all the time.  My mom made our home a home.

10)  She loves me unconditionally.  Even through my life when I have made mistakes.  Or when I live across the country.  I still know she loves me.

Happy Mother's Day.

Stickers.

Little kids love stickers.  And stamps.  And as part of our ending ritual for classes at gymnastics, we give stamps.  one on each foot and one on each hand.  The kids LOVE them.  Even more beloved than the stamps, are the stickers.  And those are for special occasions, when the kids are good listeners, or when it's a special theme week or something of the like.

So my work schedule is changing a bit, and I'm now going to be coaching more of a variety of classes, rather than all preschool all day every day.  But along with that, I am losing some of my preschool classes, including my all-time favorite Thursday 4:30 Tumble Tots class.  Ever since my first week here, this class has been my favorite (I know I know, you're not supposed to have favorites, but I do and I'm not going to pretend like I don't).

Anyways, so this class has seven 4-5 year olds who are extremely gifted and they know it.  I get to push them every week and it's a blast and a half.  And as I said before, my schedule is changing so today was my last class with them :(

Now for the cute story of the day:  I told them at the end of the class as I was handing out stickers for their being so awesome that I wasn't going to be their coach anymore.  I got huge hugs from them.  And I might have started to tear up cause it was just so dang cute!  And then one of the girls, takes her coveted sticker from off her shirt and she sticks it on mine and goes thanks coach annie!  this is for you for being the best coach!

Kids are grand.  My job is the best.  Love it.  Love life :)

Let's give them something to talk about....

I tell yah.  People spend too much time gossiping.  I mean, I'll admit, I do my own fair share of matchmaking gossip, who is dating who, who likes who, who I think would look cute together.  But when it comes to, did you hear what stupid thing they did, or about how so and so are fighting.  My work seems to breed gossip sometimes.  And it's just stupid things.  Like, who cares if so and so coaches this way?  It works for them.  Kids like it.  Parents like it.  Take a chill pill.

People get too stressed about little things.  And rumors and gossip spreads, and it all get's blown outta proportion.  Take a deep breath.  Think about the things that matter.  And go on with life!  People make good decisions.  And bad decisions.  I think I figured out why it bugs me so much at work, and why this gossip bugs me more than who likes who or whatever.  I think gossip turns bad, when you're talking and judging those decisions, when those decisions have NOTHING to do with you!  It doesn't affect your classes, or your students, or your parents, or the company as a whole.  Then, why do you feel the need to groan and complain about it?

That's my two cent rant for the day.  Life is wonderful.  Why complain about it?

Sometimes people write the perfect things to express with words what you can't.

Which is just what happened on a girl from my mission's blog.  She's a hoot and a half, and i find her sentiments fit mine quiet similarly.

Also, bright notes for the day:
1)  I don't have poison oak.
2)  I have three different opportunities for growth in my job which include increased pay/hours, which I will have to decide about in the next two months.  I'll keep you posted.
3)  Dear Sister Clark from my mission sent me the sweetest text that made my day.
4)  Reason #623 why I love my job:  I have a split shift so I actually get to enjoy the california sunshine during the sunshiny part of the day :)

Sometimes.

Sometimes, in class, I gather my kids together for the ending time and stamps, and cute little kids cry cause they know that stamps mean that it's the end of class.

Sometimes, my roommates do the dishes when I'm real real tired.

Sometimes, I get pottermore and love love love it.

Sometimes, guys call me beautiful and it makes me feel real good.

Sometimes, dating stresses me out.

Sometimes, I miss home (MA and ID) real bad.

Sometimes, my boss buys me hot chocolate cause she knows I don't drink coffee.

Sometimes, I avoid the phone.

Sometimes, I feel like this:

And all the time, I remind myself that life is wonderful.  It's grand.  And I couldn't ask for a better one :)

sometimes.  God has a funny sense of humor.  and it's funny to see how things fall/don't fall into place.  It all works out :)

Work

I love conference.  I love my family.  I love my roommates, new though they might be.  And then I absolutely love love love my job.  I was listening to conference and I think it was one of the talks yesterday that talked about how sometimes if you're not yet married you get the opportunity to have different kind of families and other kids that you get to teach.  Which I do.  Every day.  All day.

Just to kind of explain a bit of my job, I'll go through my saturday and kinda let you know what I teach and what goes down.  So I get to work about 9am, and set up circuits for my kids to go on.  These circuits have different mats and equipment that they kids will work different skills on, with arrows guiding them from one station to the next.  Part of my job, is to create these circuits, and change them every two weeks to go along with our theme, which this week for my tumble and tiny tot classes is The Polar Caps.

So come 9am on a saturday, I set up the circuits that we've been using all week and make sure the gym is ready for the madness that is saturday morning.  Our gym is fairly small, and on saturdays, we have about 5 classes of about 7 or so kids each with new kids every hour.  So about 35 kids going around these circuits one hour, and then 35 more kids the next hour.  But.  That's not counting my classes the first two hours.  Which are parent-tot classes.  Which means, I have closer to 12 kids under the age of 3, with their parent/nanny, all in the tiny space that is my gym, while the other coaches have their classes going on at the same time.

One day, you should come see the madness.  But it's organized madness.  It flows, the kids learn, have fun, and in my case, the parents learn too.  I'll go through the circuits with them, teach them how to help their child do the skills, and teach them why we do certain skills and what they lead up to.  And all the while, i sing songs.  :)  Say say oh playmates, come out and play with me....it's a hoot and a half and i love it.

Sometimes I wonder what parents think cause I am ridiculous, but it's fun, and the kids keep their attention better that way and learn better when I am being crazy...so crazy I am.  I sing songs, talk to the kids upside down, pretend to be penguins, polar bears, snowflakes, snowballs, snowmen, reindeer, snow leopards and whatever else my crazy kids come up with.  Snow bunnies.  and that's just this last week.

So on saturdays, I have two parent tot classes, and then one tumble tot class, which is the 4-5 year olds.  And yesterday was particularly rewarding cause I have finally got to that point where the kids aren't testing my boundaries.  At least not in that class.  My tuesday 3:30 class...that's another story.  But it's real rewarding to reach that point where you don't have to teach listening and paying attention...instead you can teach gymnastics.

Most of my mornings are pretty much the same, I have a parent tot class and then sometimes one other class and then something my gym does called open explore hour.  It's an hour from 11-12 on mondays through fridays when you can come with your child (under age 6) and play for an hour for $5.  Free play and it's real fun.  :)

I realize this probably wasn't a super helpful explanation cause I kinda jumped all over the place.  Maybe I'll explain a circuit next time.  But come and visit.  If you have a kid bring them to free play.  And now friends, as I would ask my preschoolers, what is the last song that we sing of the day??  The goodbye song!!  Bye bye coach Annie bye bye coach Annie....fare thee well and goodnight friends :)

Anxiously Engaged

Let me just say, when you get busy, and involved with the right things, life is just better.  Much busier, and at times a bit stressful, but it's grand.  :)

My day today was awesome!  I'm exhausted, but it's the good exhausted feeling.  I taught seminary this morning to 18 freshman at 6am.  Grand.  But really.  I loved it.  Isaiah 29 and the restoration.  The church is true my friends!  And i get to teach tomorrow, and all next week too!  Is it sad that I'm excited?  Maybe.

And then I got to go to work and coach some of my favorite classes to teach.  So coach from 9-12:15, then baby-sit for 2 girls that go to the gym i work at from 12:30-3, then coach from 3:30-7:30.  Then work-out for a bit and fool around at the gym with my co-workers.  And back to home to eat some grub and prepare my lesson for tomorrow.

Add to that some of my best friends from idaho are planning to come to CA, which is always exciting and fun, plus general conference is this weekend, plus our new roomie moves in on saturday, plus two of my favorite souls in the world, Courtney Bradshaw and Ashley Snyder went into the MTC today and I couldn't be more excited for them and to hear all about how they are all doing!

Life is grand.  Grander when you're busy with the right things.  Keep your priorities straight, and be efficient and life gets grander.  Just saying.  :)

Today marks 2 years home from the mission.  To celebrate, I am watching the Hunger Games.  Twice.  In one day.  Great plan?  Eh.  Not so much.  But in reflection, I have accomplished quiet a bit in the past 2 years.  Here is a list of a few things:

1)  Graduated from BYU-Idaho.
2)  Became a certified Social Studies Teacher for grades 6-12.
3)  Got my own apartment!
4)  Made three seperate trips back to my mission :)
5)  Sent multiple best friends on/through missions and weddings.
6)  Served as RS Pres, Gospel Doctrine teacher, RS 2nd counselor, and Assistant ward mission leader.
7)  Coached some incredibly talented girls in Idaho who I miss a ton.
8)  Moved to San Jose.
9)  Bought a bed.
10)  Got a big girl full-time job.
11) Went to 12 different temples.
12) Read all 7 Harry Potter books again.
13) Learned to cook decently (thank you pinterest for some great recipes)
14) Went on countless adventures with amazing souls. 

And much much more.  Life is awesome.  Life is grand.  And may the odds be ever in your favor :)

Missions

So I am extremely blessed.  I live about 5 hours driving distance away from my mission, and this last weekend I was able to stop by while I went down to dear Courtney Bradshaw's mission farewell.  I also got to go to the LA temple visitor's center, which I am counting for now as going to that temple.  So that makes 4 out of 7 CA temples visited this year so far. 

I love love love love love my mission.  And loved it.  I love the people there.  I love the families that I worked with and taught.  I loved being able to see some of them at the ward that I was able to stop by on Sunday.  I love seeing how they've grown in the gospel.  And how I've grown since being a missionary there. 

I love my friends.  I have the greatest friends who always have the right thing to say at the right time, including extremely timely texts saying that they miss me.  I love how in tune with the spirit they are.  I love their examples to me.  They are marvelous souls and I miss them. 

I also love my new friends that I am making.  Tis a process, but people are real nice, and I'm constantly trying to get outside my bubble to make new friends :)

And my family is the best ever ever ever.  They have supported me 300 percent in my move out here and I could never thank them enough. 

So while I might miss the mission, and some days like today I might want to just put in my papers again and leave again...I remember that that is not my plan in life right now.  I chatted with my awesome new Bishop today and was reminded of the need for patience....something I am constantly working on.  Heavenly Father knows me.  And you.  And He wants us to be happy.  So here is my favorite video of the moment.  Brought to you courtesy of my dear friend/home teacher for life, Austen Weeks. 

Wedding and happy days

My dearest Sami love is now married! Happy happy Sami and colt! Also. I got an apartment officially this week with move in on march 1! Yayayayaya!

Also. I went swimming today and it's february. Oh hey California! I think I can handle living here. It's working out for me. And now people will be able to come visit me. Tis wonderful. :)

Fly

Sometimes life takes different turns. Sometimes I get real homesick for idahoand/or massachusetts. Sometimes I have to drive 2 hours each way to work every day. But then i get additional hours at work. Some real nice new friends. A spectacular friend from Idaho calling to say she's coming to visit at just the right time. And a favorite friend's wedding to go to this weekend. And a good soul's mission farewell to go to next month. God knows what we need and He takes care of us. That I know.

life

Sometimes in life, we hit a point where we think life can't get much better.  And then it does.  And happy thoughts rain down.  :)  still haven't found an apartment.  but life is still real grand.  no complaints at all here!

Life is beginning.

God knows what's up.

Sometimes...I get a good feeling

So today was full of up and down feelings.  I miss Idaho.  And Massachusetts.  And Anaheim.  And family.  And friends.

But hey, on my list of goals for this year, I have completed one and successful made a dent in another.  I read all 7 HP books in the past month.  Sad?  Yes.  Wonderful?  Absolutely yes.  I love HP.  A lot.  And due to the fact that I did alot of driving and waiting in my car for interviews and such cause I like to be ridiculously early, left alot of time for reading.

And I have now gone to two of the temples of CA with one/maybe two on the calender.  I'll be heading to Fresno in a couple weeks for my bestest friend's wedding which I am so uber excited for!  and then I might head to redlands this weekend if i am feeling real adventurous and up for a real long drive to go to the temple with my dear Courtney who is getting ready to go on her mission!

And I got to go on a lesson with the Sisters today.  I just love and miss being a full-time missionary.  I've almost been home 2 years now which is super odd.  Anyways, a three hour commute everyday means that it's time for bed now....fare thee well friends.

Oh goodness.

Okay.  So recap.  As of tomorrow I will have been in California for 3 whole weeks.  In those three weeks, I have accomplished the following top 10:

1)  DECIDED ON A JOB!!!  So I have decided to work at California Kids Sports Center in San Jose.  Cal Sports is the official host of the 2012 Olympic trials and the owners are marvelous.  Love them.  And my manager.  And the people I work with.  And gymnastics.  So not only will I get to go to the trials, cause I'll get to volunteer for them, but National Congress for gymnastics this year coincides with the trials, so I'll be going to that too here in San Jose.

2)  Interviewed and got job offers from a thousand bajillion other gyms, which helps boost confidence for one, and for two, also establishes contacts which is ever so useful in the gymnastics world.

3)  Went sight seeing in San Francisco with Ash while she was still here.

4)  Went sight seeing in Santa Cruz with Ash while she was still here.

5)  Took Ash to the airport for her to go to Utah for a month or so to work, sooo since then, I have been utterly and completely independent.  Like for reals.  Out of control.  Like blows my mind how grown-up I am.  And loving it.

6)  Discovered that I love being independent.  I have met a ton of people that seem incredible and awesome, and I can do whatever I please.  Go to the store, go to this thing, not go to this thing, go to bed, or not, or just whatever I may well please.

7)  Almost completed the Harry Potter series from my bucket list for this year.  Kinda sad.  I know.  But I felt a new beginning needed some HP and I am slightly obsessed, so it turned into a marvelous use of time when I would get to job interviews ridiculously early and had time to kill.

8)  I also had the experience of working for two weeks in Tracy, which was most illuminating to me.  I discovered a lot about my coaching habits and why it is that I like to coach.

9)  I also may have found a place to live.  Still real tentative, but the girls seem real nice and they think they have a spot opening up in their apartment. 'Twould be real cheap and perfect for me, cause I really don't mind sharing a room/apartment since I've done it for the past 5 years of my life.

10)  Attended approximately 5 YSA activities and met tons of people, met about 10! sisters serving somewhat in this area, between the I met serving in the 2 San Jose wards I went to, and the bunch that I met at the Oakland visitors center.  So awesome.  Plus, I went to church this last Sunday in San Jose and found out one of the guys used to be roommates with an Elder from my mission, and then another guy stood up in church and turned out he was a son of this awesome family from the Yorba Linda ward from my mission.

I tell yah, God is awesome.  He knows what's up.  He's got a great big plan up there.  We don't see it.  And obv. I am real positive on this blog, and life really is wonderful, but often we all forget that.  I find once again in my life, that as I look for the tender mercies, I find more and more of them.  God's hand is in our lives every day.  Remember that :)

oh hey there

Hi from sunny California!

Life is such a funny thing.  You do the right things.  God blesses you.  I think sometimes we underestimate God.  Or for some reason we aren't expecting those blessings to come.  But they do.  Not always exactly the blessings we want, but we always get blessed abundantly.

I have a wonderful place to live with a dear old roommate of mine.  I've had three job interviews since I got to Cali and all three want to hire me.  Not to mention I have job interviews with other gyms tomorrow and a trial at a gym over the next two weeks starting on Monday.

I have an amazing family that wants to make sure I am taken care of out here in Cali.  I have wonderful friends back in Rexburg who I miss so much, including cute little Kiersten who messaged me on facebook about how she missed me.  Made my day.

California is beautiful.  And warm.  and it's january.  And there were people at the beach swimming.  Odd.  But what a cool experience.  I have to say I am very much looking forward and am very anxious to find housing and figure out where I am going to live more permanently.  It'll all work out.  Sometimes I get impatient though.  Gotta work on that.  Oh!  and on my drive, I did think of an addition to my list (another blessing, I have a wonderful super reliable perfect car).  This might not be something I do this year, but it's something to add to my bucket list.  I want to go see Cirque du Soleil.  One day.

Life is wonderful.  And perfect.  and i feel all grown-up and independent.  which is odd.  but i can't say that dislike it.

New Adventures :)

So here I sit at my grandma's house in Utah.  Taking off for Reno tomorrow, then on to Tracy on Tuesday and words can't even express the mixed emotions I feel.  It's almost like leaving on my mission...except there's no serious boyfriend to say bye to so that makes it a little easier.  I have decided to become more of an avid blogger.  We'll see how that goal works out.  And because I am living with the ever so health consious Ashley, maybe I'll be a bit more healthy too...like running?  I dunno that might be pushing it.  haha. 

But hey!  8 hour solo car ride tomorrow.  I am growing up.  Weird.  But good.  But also weird.  Goals for the year:
1)  Pay my own taxes.  (daddy has always done it...now I get to be a big girl this year :))
2)  Go to see a movie by myself.
3)  Go somewhere cool off my bucket list.  (well probably at least two places cause San Fran is on my list and I will most certainly be doing that, but somewhere else in addition.)
4)  Read all 7 Harry Potter books again now that I have the set :)
5)  Go to all the temples in California. 
6)  Visit Rexburg at least once.
7)  Learn how to cook with all the different spices on my spice rack.
8)  Once I get a place in Cali, and my parents come to visit and bring my sewing machine, I would like to sew a dress.  and a halloween costume.  I want a sweet halloween costume this year. 

and through my 8 hour drive tomorrow I will probably come up with some more.  but that's what I've got for now.  Fare thee well friends :)