We all have those friends in our lives that are few and far between and what's more is how hard they seem to be to find. But a comforting thought is knowing that once we find them they are impossible to leave, lose, or forget. They are those friends who form life long bonds that never break, ultimately becoming the best type of friendship anyone could ever ask for or even dream of having, so naturally we hold on tightly afraid of ever losing them. A fear that pertains to any sort of loss that relates to this particular friendship.
I have the most amazing friend who, at what seems to be the most random times, reminds me of just how great they are. Not that this friend is going out of their way to remind me that they are in my life, rather they go out of their way to tell me the kind of friend I am to them. By doing this it reaffirms my belief in them and in how wonderfully amazing they are.
These acts are done through e-mails, or text messages, or through notes left for me. All of these are simple yet powerful. They don't have to say much for me to feel what's behind the message. I am able to feel that power every time I read them. That message of knowing I have an amazing friend. It never gets old and I'm grateful I have this friend who does this for me. No matter what form these messages come in, they always make me smile. :)
I'm sure it's not hard to figure out who I am talking about but to this person, to my friend, I say this:
Thank-you for being my friend! Thank-you for ALWAYS being there for me and putting up with me! Thank-you for the "notes" you leave me! Thank-you for the encouragement you give me! Thank-you for all you do for me! But most importantly, THANK-YOU FOR BEING YOU!!!! I really did get the better end of the deal! :)
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Katie's Influence
I have been wondering for awhile just how much influence my friend Katie has over me. Well today I decided it was a lot! Over the past few weeks I've slowly been trying to do more in the kitchen, something I've NEVER given that much thought to. I started spending time at Anderson's and things started to change...slowly. Now I'm not saying I want to be a chef or anything but I'm not as against cooking as I once was. I still don't like it very much but Katie has been influencing me a little bit everyday over the past year and a half. I have learned interesting things by watching her cook and work in the kitchen. I have actually used some of the techniques I've seen done in her house. Oh and even though I've picked up a few things from her, I still burn myself ALL THE TIME!
This little reality hit me today while I was making brownies. I've been making brownies for a couple years now but I've never bothered to try anything different with them. Well when I opened up my mom's recipe book to the brownie page, my mom had a swirl brownie recipe below her regular brownies so I thought about trying it. A couple of months ago I wouldn't even have considered doing it but today was different. I was a little intrigued.
I happened to be talking to Katie via text message so I told her about it and she encouraged me to do it. I of course gave her a hard time saying she only wanted me to do it so she could have some when I was done!
When all was said and done I decided to give it a shot and I've gotta say they weren't bad at all! I took some over to Katie, because every now and then I am nice like that! :)
My finished product!!! Oh and I didn't burn myself today either, but that is because my mom is the one who took them out of the oven! :)
On my list of "Influences by Katie" this is definitely the most shocking one and it took me by surprise but it has been an interesting learning experience. Every influence that is on the list is a good one. They help me broaden my horizon's and look at things from a different angle. I have seen things (big and small) in me change for the better through Katie's influence. It is amazing to me just how many things are on this list and how often I am able to add another one. With that said I do want to clarify something...I don't actually have a list of "Influences by Katie." I might be weird but I wouldn't really write that down! :)
Katie, thank-you for influencing me in so many ways. You are an amazing friend. I'm glad you enjoyed the brownies! :)
This little reality hit me today while I was making brownies. I've been making brownies for a couple years now but I've never bothered to try anything different with them. Well when I opened up my mom's recipe book to the brownie page, my mom had a swirl brownie recipe below her regular brownies so I thought about trying it. A couple of months ago I wouldn't even have considered doing it but today was different. I was a little intrigued.
I happened to be talking to Katie via text message so I told her about it and she encouraged me to do it. I of course gave her a hard time saying she only wanted me to do it so she could have some when I was done!
When all was said and done I decided to give it a shot and I've gotta say they weren't bad at all! I took some over to Katie, because every now and then I am nice like that! :)
My finished product!!! Oh and I didn't burn myself today either, but that is because my mom is the one who took them out of the oven! :)
On my list of "Influences by Katie" this is definitely the most shocking one and it took me by surprise but it has been an interesting learning experience. Every influence that is on the list is a good one. They help me broaden my horizon's and look at things from a different angle. I have seen things (big and small) in me change for the better through Katie's influence. It is amazing to me just how many things are on this list and how often I am able to add another one. With that said I do want to clarify something...I don't actually have a list of "Influences by Katie." I might be weird but I wouldn't really write that down! :)Katie, thank-you for influencing me in so many ways. You are an amazing friend. I'm glad you enjoyed the brownies! :)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Deverie Domesticated?
I know what you are thinking, Yeah right! There is no way that would happen. Or what poor soul would ever try changing Deverie's stubborn ways? That's an impossible feat! Well I'm here today to tell you I tried something new. Something I am still shocked about. I can't believe I helped do this! Believe it or not I helped make Strawberry Jam!
I said I needed new adventures in my life, well my friend Katie delivered.
I was invited over for dinner at Katie's house and when I got there I asked if there was anything I could do to help, (surprised I asked that? Me too!) so Katie told me I could cut strawberries. Wait? What? Katie told me to do something with a knife? All this time I thought she knew me better than that! I have no room to talk, if I knew myself I wouldn't have agreed to do it in the first place! Good thing strawberries are already red I guess! :) It wasn't bad and surprisingly I didn't even cut myself while doing it! Yay me! I either did a good job or I was doing so bad Katie didn't want to offend me by saying anything so she didn't! hmm? I'm not sure on that one!
I did that until dinner and then after dinner and FHE were over with I went back to cutting the rest of the strawberries for her. When they were all cut she got the stuff out to make jam. Not sure how it happened but next thing I know I am helping her make it. Something I have never done before, probably why she had me do the easiest stuff, that or she remembered I am no good in the kitchen so she was trying to keep it simple for me. One of those, I'm sure of it! :)
All I really did was stir things or wash jars, although on occasion I had to fill the jars. I was only a little messy, but Katie had a rag on hand! Even though I did good while cutting the strawberries and I was able to do it without any injuries, I don't have the luxury of being in the kitchen without hurting myself, I burned myself on a pan while working on the second batch. Smooth I know! No surprises that it happened either. Oh well. Its not like it was a bad burn anyway. It didn't even leave a mark.
Even after that I still stayed in the kitchen and helped finish the jam. Injury free the rest of the way! :) After the jam was all done we had some strawberries set aside to dip in chocolate. My job with that one was to stick the strawberries on toothpicks, she did all the dipping in chocolate. You thought I was messy, you should have seen Katie! Chocolate everywhere! haha! I gotta say though, those chocolate covered strawberries were good! I probably should have saved some for her family! Oops! ;)
All in all it was a good night and I had fun. It was a good experience for me. Not saying its a habit I am going to pick up or anything but at least now I can say I did it. Something new for me! I said I wanted it and I got it, so no complaints!
Oh no one mention to my mom that I helped Katie do this, she might get offended because I never help her or she might expect me to help her next time she makes jam! We can't have either of those things! ;)
I said I needed new adventures in my life, well my friend Katie delivered.
I was invited over for dinner at Katie's house and when I got there I asked if there was anything I could do to help, (surprised I asked that? Me too!) so Katie told me I could cut strawberries. Wait? What? Katie told me to do something with a knife? All this time I thought she knew me better than that! I have no room to talk, if I knew myself I wouldn't have agreed to do it in the first place! Good thing strawberries are already red I guess! :) It wasn't bad and surprisingly I didn't even cut myself while doing it! Yay me! I either did a good job or I was doing so bad Katie didn't want to offend me by saying anything so she didn't! hmm? I'm not sure on that one!
I did that until dinner and then after dinner and FHE were over with I went back to cutting the rest of the strawberries for her. When they were all cut she got the stuff out to make jam. Not sure how it happened but next thing I know I am helping her make it. Something I have never done before, probably why she had me do the easiest stuff, that or she remembered I am no good in the kitchen so she was trying to keep it simple for me. One of those, I'm sure of it! :)
All I really did was stir things or wash jars, although on occasion I had to fill the jars. I was only a little messy, but Katie had a rag on hand! Even though I did good while cutting the strawberries and I was able to do it without any injuries, I don't have the luxury of being in the kitchen without hurting myself, I burned myself on a pan while working on the second batch. Smooth I know! No surprises that it happened either. Oh well. Its not like it was a bad burn anyway. It didn't even leave a mark.
Even after that I still stayed in the kitchen and helped finish the jam. Injury free the rest of the way! :) After the jam was all done we had some strawberries set aside to dip in chocolate. My job with that one was to stick the strawberries on toothpicks, she did all the dipping in chocolate. You thought I was messy, you should have seen Katie! Chocolate everywhere! haha! I gotta say though, those chocolate covered strawberries were good! I probably should have saved some for her family! Oops! ;)
All in all it was a good night and I had fun. It was a good experience for me. Not saying its a habit I am going to pick up or anything but at least now I can say I did it. Something new for me! I said I wanted it and I got it, so no complaints!
Oh no one mention to my mom that I helped Katie do this, she might get offended because I never help her or she might expect me to help her next time she makes jam! We can't have either of those things! ;)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Update-Sorry no pictures!
Where to begin? I've known for a while that I needed to update my blog, but I haven't had much to say. I could write about surgery and recovering from that, but that was awhile ago. I could write about how I spend my days, but I can't promise that that would be very exciting. I could write about my new running excursions, but I am out of shape so its not that impressive. I could write about the fact that I need new adventures in my life, but I only have a lead on one. Personally I think I have good reason to be stuck and not sure what to write about! :) Maybe I should just sum everything up in one blog post. I'll try and keep it short.
It took awhile after I first became sick to get my gallbladder out but I was able to go in for surgery on Jan 27. I went to the hospital in the morning and the surgery was about noon. Everything went well at the hospital and I was able to leave shortly after 5 p.m. After a few rough days things started looking up for me and I recovered well. I owe a few people a lot for taking care of me while I was like that, I am very grateful for all the help I received. I think I must have gotten sick of everyone else in my family getting all the attention so I decided it was my turn! haha! Not something I ever want to go through again. I'll stick with everyone else getting all the attention from now on. Besides, I'm not one who likes to be the center of attention, unlike some people I know, Logan! :)
Lately I've been spending my days trying to find a job. I look mostly on the internet, a downside to not having car, but every now and then I will take my dad to work so I have a vehicle to look for more or to go apply for some of them in person. I haven't had much luck so I am still working on it. Told you that part wouldn't be that exciting!
Running: something I used to do for basketball in high school. I'm not in high school anymore nor do I play competitive basketball so why would I consider this? A couple of weeks ago some ladies in my ward wanted to start getting together and go running well my friend Katie was one of them who decided to join this group of ladies, so she asked me to join them, so I did. Its not bad. Some days it is a little harder than others but somehow I do it. I'm not consistent in what I run but I think all but the first time I have done at least a mile. I'm getting there, some days I do two. It all depends on the day I guess. So far most of the days we have gone it seems like it has been in the rain. The joys of Idaho weather huh? Personally I prefer to do it while its cooler like it has been. I seem to do better on those days. So as out of shape as I am its been good for me. Its a good release too, which never hurts to have. I somehow got suckered into doing a 5K this summer so I think I'll stick with it for awhile. Thanks Katie. :)
As for the new adventures that I need, I don't know what to say. Running started a few weeks ago so does it qualify as new? I do have a friend who has been trying to get me to go to institute for a few weeks, I think I'll give it a try this week. Its something I've never done before so why not? No harm in trying. It'll be good for me anyway! That right now is my only lead. I need to expand my horizons just a little bit I think. I guess that in its self is an adventure!
It took awhile after I first became sick to get my gallbladder out but I was able to go in for surgery on Jan 27. I went to the hospital in the morning and the surgery was about noon. Everything went well at the hospital and I was able to leave shortly after 5 p.m. After a few rough days things started looking up for me and I recovered well. I owe a few people a lot for taking care of me while I was like that, I am very grateful for all the help I received. I think I must have gotten sick of everyone else in my family getting all the attention so I decided it was my turn! haha! Not something I ever want to go through again. I'll stick with everyone else getting all the attention from now on. Besides, I'm not one who likes to be the center of attention, unlike some people I know, Logan! :)
Lately I've been spending my days trying to find a job. I look mostly on the internet, a downside to not having car, but every now and then I will take my dad to work so I have a vehicle to look for more or to go apply for some of them in person. I haven't had much luck so I am still working on it. Told you that part wouldn't be that exciting!
Running: something I used to do for basketball in high school. I'm not in high school anymore nor do I play competitive basketball so why would I consider this? A couple of weeks ago some ladies in my ward wanted to start getting together and go running well my friend Katie was one of them who decided to join this group of ladies, so she asked me to join them, so I did. Its not bad. Some days it is a little harder than others but somehow I do it. I'm not consistent in what I run but I think all but the first time I have done at least a mile. I'm getting there, some days I do two. It all depends on the day I guess. So far most of the days we have gone it seems like it has been in the rain. The joys of Idaho weather huh? Personally I prefer to do it while its cooler like it has been. I seem to do better on those days. So as out of shape as I am its been good for me. Its a good release too, which never hurts to have. I somehow got suckered into doing a 5K this summer so I think I'll stick with it for awhile. Thanks Katie. :)
As for the new adventures that I need, I don't know what to say. Running started a few weeks ago so does it qualify as new? I do have a friend who has been trying to get me to go to institute for a few weeks, I think I'll give it a try this week. Its something I've never done before so why not? No harm in trying. It'll be good for me anyway! That right now is my only lead. I need to expand my horizons just a little bit I think. I guess that in its self is an adventure!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Ask and Ye Shall Receive, if Ye Are Willing to Accept
It is amazing to me the different trials we are all put through in this life. Even more amazing still is no matter what the trial is, the Lord is always there for us, ready to help us when we ask for it. The question is: are we willing to accept His help when we do ask for it? We may ask Him for help countless times and we may even plead for it, but if we aren't willing to accept the help given, how do we expect to get better?
He offers us help in many different ways. Whether it be through a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a blessing, a prayer, or even through a talk we might hear or read. It is one of those things where we need to keep not only our mind but our heart open so we can not only acknowledge the help but so that we may accept it when it is offered.
He is consistent in being there for us and there are times where He is there waiting for us with His arms wide open ready to catch us. We are taught on a regular basis that He is there for us, we are taught all the things He does for us, everything He is willing to do and has already done for us, yet we are quick to forget Him. We are quick to let pride get in our way. We are quick to forget Him not only when things in our lives are rough but also when we are happy with the way our lives are going. While we are quick to forget Him, we are also quick to question why we have certain trials in our lives.
I know I am this way too. I am taught on a regular basis yet I forget. This is something I am aware of doing yet somehow I still struggle with it. I have seen the benefits of turning to the Savior when I need help but I am still slow to do so. Why? This isn't something I can answer. However this is something that I can strive to change. Something I can put more effort into. Not only is this something that I can do but it is something that I need to do. Something I want to do. Wanting to do it makes the world of difference. It doesn't feel like an obligation this way which helps make the process easier.
I am going to challenge myself to do better. A challenge that I believe will be hard but worth it in the end. A challenge where the results could benefit more than me. A challenge I really don't want to fail. A challenge I look forward to doing.
He offers us help in many different ways. Whether it be through a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a blessing, a prayer, or even through a talk we might hear or read. It is one of those things where we need to keep not only our mind but our heart open so we can not only acknowledge the help but so that we may accept it when it is offered.
He is consistent in being there for us and there are times where He is there waiting for us with His arms wide open ready to catch us. We are taught on a regular basis that He is there for us, we are taught all the things He does for us, everything He is willing to do and has already done for us, yet we are quick to forget Him. We are quick to let pride get in our way. We are quick to forget Him not only when things in our lives are rough but also when we are happy with the way our lives are going. While we are quick to forget Him, we are also quick to question why we have certain trials in our lives.
I know I am this way too. I am taught on a regular basis yet I forget. This is something I am aware of doing yet somehow I still struggle with it. I have seen the benefits of turning to the Savior when I need help but I am still slow to do so. Why? This isn't something I can answer. However this is something that I can strive to change. Something I can put more effort into. Not only is this something that I can do but it is something that I need to do. Something I want to do. Wanting to do it makes the world of difference. It doesn't feel like an obligation this way which helps make the process easier.
I am going to challenge myself to do better. A challenge that I believe will be hard but worth it in the end. A challenge where the results could benefit more than me. A challenge I really don't want to fail. A challenge I look forward to doing.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2009 in Review
- I went to a Jazz Lakers game! Which the Jazz lost by the way! :) A playoff game no less!
- I got to spend a lot of time with one of my best good friends and got to hear all about the amazing things my other best good friend is doing in the mission field! :)
- I went to a Jazz OKC game! Jazz lost that game too! :) But to top that one off, I got to meet Kevin Durant! :)
- I went to England!!!!!!!!!! For a week!
- I became close friends with one of the most amazing families ever! I am grateful I have such wonderful people in my ward!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wishes
Don't post the big wishes, just ones that others might already know about you.
For instance I wish:
*That I could play a musical instrument
*That I knew sign language
*That I could drive a standard better
*That I could go to the OKC Thunder game in Utah on November 24
*That I tried new things more often
5 simple wishes that you are ok with other people knowing. So now for the tagging!
Brittany, Cortney, Logan, Jan, and Alisa Lets see your wishes! Have fun!
For instance I wish:
*That I could play a musical instrument
*That I knew sign language
*That I could drive a standard better
*That I could go to the OKC Thunder game in Utah on November 24
*That I tried new things more often
5 simple wishes that you are ok with other people knowing. So now for the tagging!
Brittany, Cortney, Logan, Jan, and Alisa Lets see your wishes! Have fun!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Gotta Love Basketball!
Best opening 2 days of the NBA!!!!
Cav's lost twice! 0-2-haha LeBron!
Mav's lost last night! Can't stand them!
Thunder won tonight! Kevin Durant's team-everyone should cheer for them!
Spurs won!!! gotta love 'em!
Lakers won last night! Slow start but awesome finish!
And to top it off....Jazz LOST!!!!! Denver did what I wanted them to!
Fantastic couple days of basketball! :)
Love it!
Cav's lost twice! 0-2-haha LeBron!
Mav's lost last night! Can't stand them!
Thunder won tonight! Kevin Durant's team-everyone should cheer for them!
Spurs won!!! gotta love 'em!
Lakers won last night! Slow start but awesome finish!
And to top it off....Jazz LOST!!!!! Denver did what I wanted them to!
Fantastic couple days of basketball! :)
Love it!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Just Say Hi!
I was once taught in Young Women to just say hi! It had been a lot of years since I had thought about this until a few weeks ago when I was talking to the girls in my class and I was reminded of that lesson. I thought about how much of a difference we can make in someones day by just saying hi. That two letter word can make all the difference. We may not see it or realize we made a difference but the person we said hi too can feel it. We get the opportunity to feel the effects when someone just says hi to us! We can feel the improvement. After we have felt this improvement why wouldn't we want to do that for someone else? With this said let me tell you about this amazing neighbor that I have; we are good friends and she and her family are ABSOLUTELY amazing! When I left my house today I had a message waiting for me outside on the sidewalk...
Such encouragement! Some days it is something like this that we need just to get out of bed. It is things like this that make it worth getting out of bed! The rest of the day might not be what you wanted or what you expected but no matter how the day goes this message is there for us to know that someone was thinking about us and they wanted us to have a good day! All she did was say hi and my day was so much better! Anyone walking by can take this note to heart and they should! Maybe my neighbor was directing it to me but I am sure anyone else who saw this note had a change in their day! So when we do say hi to someone else it makes their day but how do we know that someone else didn't over hear it and take it heart? For all we know they passed it on! The person we just said hi to, well they probably passed it on too because of the way they felt!
Although its been years its nice to know that a little reminder can bring back amazing truths. So just say hi! It makes a difference. Don't let the day pass without saying hi to someone! You never know how it will make them feel and you won't be sorry!
Such encouragement! Some days it is something like this that we need just to get out of bed. It is things like this that make it worth getting out of bed! The rest of the day might not be what you wanted or what you expected but no matter how the day goes this message is there for us to know that someone was thinking about us and they wanted us to have a good day! All she did was say hi and my day was so much better! Anyone walking by can take this note to heart and they should! Maybe my neighbor was directing it to me but I am sure anyone else who saw this note had a change in their day! So when we do say hi to someone else it makes their day but how do we know that someone else didn't over hear it and take it heart? For all we know they passed it on! The person we just said hi to, well they probably passed it on too because of the way they felt!Although its been years its nice to know that a little reminder can bring back amazing truths. So just say hi! It makes a difference. Don't let the day pass without saying hi to someone! You never know how it will make them feel and you won't be sorry!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
My Foreign Adventures in Color!
The London Eye!
Big Ben!
Big Ben viewed from the London Eye!
Westminster Abbey!
Big Ben, St. Margret's Church, Westminster Abbey!
Windsor Castle!
(Part of it!)
The Underground!
Fish n' Chips!
In my map of London!
Big Ben!
Big Ben viewed from the London Eye!
Westminster Abbey!
Big Ben, St. Margret's Church, Westminster Abbey!
Windsor Castle!(Part of it!)
The Underground!
Fish n' Chips!
In my map of London!Tuesday, September 22, 2009
My Foreign Adventures!
Wow I am really behind in writing an update about my amazing, life changing trip! I don't even know where to begin. It was by far the best thing I have done in my 21 years!
I was able to spend a couple days in London, which was so much fun. I got to go on the London Eye! Best Farris Wheel I have ever been on, also the biggest. The view was amazing! You could see how big London really is. On a clear day you can see France from the London Eye. I went on an overcast day so if I saw France I don't know I did. :)
They have clocks everywhere and guess what Big Ben is believe it or not, really big! I came off the underground at Westminster and when you walk out of the platform one of the exits is right next to Big Ben so you see up close just how big it is! It is amazing to walk out, turn your head, look up and see this giant clock that millions go to see every year.
Westminster Abbey is really cool. I didn't go inside of it but I walked around it. I did go into St. Margret's Church that is right next to it and it was beautiful. The architecture is so beautiful and it never gets old to look at it!
I spent an evening walking around Oxford. The number one place in England that I wanted to go. I am very grateful that I got to go. There was a group of us walking around, kind of an FHE after FHE. The universities were amazing! Better than any we have in the states. :)
Windsor Castle wasn't a place that I had ever really thought about visiting but Kate told me before I even went over there that I should, so I did. I LOVED IT! I can't even say how much I did. Every bit of it was amazing! I took so many pictures that day! Just of everything that I could. I took a tour inside, no pictures allowed, but it was so cool being inside a real castle. One that has and is still being used. The history that you learn while inside is priceless, and since I'm a nerd when it comes to history, I loved it!
Reading was the town I was staying in and I was able to walk around there and see some amazing things there too. It is more of a business town and not really many tourist sites but still a lot of fun to go see. At least I thought so.
I got to ride trains and buses almost everyday. That was a lot of fun. Experiencing it was really cool. Not something we have a lot of in this area but something they have everywhere.
English food is so GOOD!!! I loved it. I don't know that I could pick a favorite but how I wish we had more of it over here or if my mom made those types of meals. Yum! It would be fantastic! I had fish and chips over there and they were so good. Way better than any I have ever had, but it was so much food. It fills you up! Worth it though!
My favorite part was spending my evenings with Kate and her family. The Turney's are the most amazing family! They welcomed me so easily and they would treat me like I was one of them. I never had to worry about anything while I was there. They took such good care of me. I just love them!
I did most of my traveling and site seeing on my own but it didn't bother me. I wouldn't have let that stop me from going. Plus I learned a lot that way and I definitely had my eyes opened! No fears anymore either! Visiting a foreign country on your own at age 21, why would I ever be afraid of anything again? I know I changed my outlook in more than one way while I was over there. So I say to any challenge, bring it on! :)
I was able to spend a couple days in London, which was so much fun. I got to go on the London Eye! Best Farris Wheel I have ever been on, also the biggest. The view was amazing! You could see how big London really is. On a clear day you can see France from the London Eye. I went on an overcast day so if I saw France I don't know I did. :)
They have clocks everywhere and guess what Big Ben is believe it or not, really big! I came off the underground at Westminster and when you walk out of the platform one of the exits is right next to Big Ben so you see up close just how big it is! It is amazing to walk out, turn your head, look up and see this giant clock that millions go to see every year.
Westminster Abbey is really cool. I didn't go inside of it but I walked around it. I did go into St. Margret's Church that is right next to it and it was beautiful. The architecture is so beautiful and it never gets old to look at it!
I spent an evening walking around Oxford. The number one place in England that I wanted to go. I am very grateful that I got to go. There was a group of us walking around, kind of an FHE after FHE. The universities were amazing! Better than any we have in the states. :)
Windsor Castle wasn't a place that I had ever really thought about visiting but Kate told me before I even went over there that I should, so I did. I LOVED IT! I can't even say how much I did. Every bit of it was amazing! I took so many pictures that day! Just of everything that I could. I took a tour inside, no pictures allowed, but it was so cool being inside a real castle. One that has and is still being used. The history that you learn while inside is priceless, and since I'm a nerd when it comes to history, I loved it!
Reading was the town I was staying in and I was able to walk around there and see some amazing things there too. It is more of a business town and not really many tourist sites but still a lot of fun to go see. At least I thought so.
I got to ride trains and buses almost everyday. That was a lot of fun. Experiencing it was really cool. Not something we have a lot of in this area but something they have everywhere.
English food is so GOOD!!! I loved it. I don't know that I could pick a favorite but how I wish we had more of it over here or if my mom made those types of meals. Yum! It would be fantastic! I had fish and chips over there and they were so good. Way better than any I have ever had, but it was so much food. It fills you up! Worth it though!
My favorite part was spending my evenings with Kate and her family. The Turney's are the most amazing family! They welcomed me so easily and they would treat me like I was one of them. I never had to worry about anything while I was there. They took such good care of me. I just love them!
I did most of my traveling and site seeing on my own but it didn't bother me. I wouldn't have let that stop me from going. Plus I learned a lot that way and I definitely had my eyes opened! No fears anymore either! Visiting a foreign country on your own at age 21, why would I ever be afraid of anything again? I know I changed my outlook in more than one way while I was over there. So I say to any challenge, bring it on! :)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Life is Full of Questions
Life is full of questions. Questions about everything. Questions that fill our minds and tug at our hearts. Questions that always need answers. Questions that determine our future and help shape who we are.
If life is full of questions, when do the answers come? Are these answers as easy to find as your favorite moment in a book? Or as hard as trying to find a lost purse or wallet?
Does it happen this way to teach you a lesson? A lesson in timing? In patience? Or in understanding?
The question now is: will we open our eyes in time to see the answer? Will we open our minds and hearts to learn the lesson? Will we search diligently, making every effort, and laboring endlessly looking for our answer? Will we become lazy, careless, or even lethargic waiting for the answer to come? Waiting for someone to tell us the answer like a teacher answers a student's question?
Will we accept the answer we are given? The lesson we were taught? Will it be what we want to hear or will we be waiting for something else? Something we think is better? Will we see the big picture through the answer we receive? Will we use the lesson we learn in other aspects of our lives?
Life is full of questions...it is what we do with the answer that matters!
If life is full of questions, when do the answers come? Are these answers as easy to find as your favorite moment in a book? Or as hard as trying to find a lost purse or wallet?
Does it happen this way to teach you a lesson? A lesson in timing? In patience? Or in understanding?
The question now is: will we open our eyes in time to see the answer? Will we open our minds and hearts to learn the lesson? Will we search diligently, making every effort, and laboring endlessly looking for our answer? Will we become lazy, careless, or even lethargic waiting for the answer to come? Waiting for someone to tell us the answer like a teacher answers a student's question?
Will we accept the answer we are given? The lesson we were taught? Will it be what we want to hear or will we be waiting for something else? Something we think is better? Will we see the big picture through the answer we receive? Will we use the lesson we learn in other aspects of our lives?
Life is full of questions...it is what we do with the answer that matters!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Hope, Faith, and Desire
We all have that one person in our lives that when we are around them we become the person we want to be. The person who provides us with hope, faith, and desire. They help us realize the little things we want to change to become a better person. And it is when we are around them that we strive to be better. That positive atmosphere they help create is one we don't want to be rid of, one we wish we could have with us at all times. Being around this person can change your outlook, even if only a little, but big enough to make you want to do better and be better all the time. But the minute you leave their presence you feel yourself slipping back to the person you were. To the person you don't want to be.
Wishing we could be around them all the time but knowing we can't, why is it we don't strive to do better when we aren't around them? Why don't we do our best to keep their spirit around us even when they aren't around us themselves? To do what we can to remember how we feel around them? To endeavor to be the person we want to be? The one we become around this person. Our person who fills us with hope, faith, and desire.
I have recently been able to spend time with the person who provides me with hope, faith, and desire. The person that when I am around them I want to do better. To be better. This person helps me to see the change I want to make in myself. While it may not be a drastic change it is a big enough one that it would make a bigger difference in me than some people might realize. I know it is something I can change. It is something I have done once before but as we all know, old habits die hard and can come back easily if we let them. It came back and it is only around this person that I realize how far I let it back in and it is only around this person that I realize just how much I want to have it gone again.
So to this person who provides me with hope, faith, and desire I say this: I don't want to be the person who sits back and lets what you show me pass me by. I want the person I try to be around you to be the person I am all the time. A person I love being. While I know it will take time and effort to become that person, I look forward to the lessons I will be taught in this situation. I look forward to becoming a better person, a better me.
I also say this: thank-you for being a person who provides me with hope, faith, and desire. For being a person I can confide in. A person I can turn to. A person who is my friend. Thank-you for being you!
Wishing we could be around them all the time but knowing we can't, why is it we don't strive to do better when we aren't around them? Why don't we do our best to keep their spirit around us even when they aren't around us themselves? To do what we can to remember how we feel around them? To endeavor to be the person we want to be? The one we become around this person. Our person who fills us with hope, faith, and desire.
I have recently been able to spend time with the person who provides me with hope, faith, and desire. The person that when I am around them I want to do better. To be better. This person helps me to see the change I want to make in myself. While it may not be a drastic change it is a big enough one that it would make a bigger difference in me than some people might realize. I know it is something I can change. It is something I have done once before but as we all know, old habits die hard and can come back easily if we let them. It came back and it is only around this person that I realize how far I let it back in and it is only around this person that I realize just how much I want to have it gone again.
So to this person who provides me with hope, faith, and desire I say this: I don't want to be the person who sits back and lets what you show me pass me by. I want the person I try to be around you to be the person I am all the time. A person I love being. While I know it will take time and effort to become that person, I look forward to the lessons I will be taught in this situation. I look forward to becoming a better person, a better me.
I also say this: thank-you for being a person who provides me with hope, faith, and desire. For being a person I can confide in. A person I can turn to. A person who is my friend. Thank-you for being you!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Counting Down the Days!
WAHOO!!!! ENGLAND HERE I COME!!!!
After years of waiting I am finally getting to do the number one thing on my list of goals, go to England! I am so excited! I have my passport and my ticket! No turning back now! 21 days until I am there but only 20 before I leave! I fly out of Salt Lake on August 8 and get to England on August 9. From there I will get to spend a week with one of my very good friends! She is letting me stay with her and her family, so I am very grateful for that! I leave England on August 15 and get back to Salt Lake on August 15. That is going to be weird because by the time I get to Utah it will be 4p.m. and I am leaving England at 1p.m. I guess we'll see how that goes! I'll take it though because I can't wait to go!
Well I guess that is the biggest update I have in my life right now, one of the best ones I've ever had too!
I'll be counting down the days!
After years of waiting I am finally getting to do the number one thing on my list of goals, go to England! I am so excited! I have my passport and my ticket! No turning back now! 21 days until I am there but only 20 before I leave! I fly out of Salt Lake on August 8 and get to England on August 9. From there I will get to spend a week with one of my very good friends! She is letting me stay with her and her family, so I am very grateful for that! I leave England on August 15 and get back to Salt Lake on August 15. That is going to be weird because by the time I get to Utah it will be 4p.m. and I am leaving England at 1p.m. I guess we'll see how that goes! I'll take it though because I can't wait to go!
Well I guess that is the biggest update I have in my life right now, one of the best ones I've ever had too!
I'll be counting down the days!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Hmm..Interesting
So I know I love Superman, because well He is the greatest. But Smallville comes in 2nd behind.....CSI. Sorry. CSI is a cheap education. I love what I have learned from it! I'll think of a new question soon...
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Poll Closed
Nice to see that some of you guys know the answer! Well 3 of you guessed right. Lion King is the correct answer! So tell me should I do another one? Congrats to those 3 that got it right!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Stupid Facebook!
I don't need facebook to have questions about myself! Answer the question on the side!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Heading Into the Unknown!
Two weeks ago I was asked if I would be willing to take on the calling of being a primary worker. Teaching the 11 and 12 year old's to be exact. I said yes. I was very nervous about it but the fact that we had general conference last weekend helped me because I knew I had time. I didn't give it to much thought. But the thoughts I did have about it were nerve racking. I have never had a calling like this. I barely know anyone in this ward. I am to shy to teach kids I don't know. I have no idea what to do!
Well today came around and I knew I was going to get set apart. Rather than being nervous all day I was relatively calm. SURPRISING I know! The time came to be set apart and since my dad is in the bishopric he is the one who set me apart. The calm feeling I had all day stayed with me. Just like the last time I had a calling, instead of being really nervous about it, I was calm. I guess that means that this is what I am supposed to be doing for my ward right now. We'll see what happens with it!
I am a little nervous about having to give my first lesson next week because I've never had to teach a lesson so I'm not sure where to begin and I don't want to wing it to bad! :) Any advice for me?
Well today came around and I knew I was going to get set apart. Rather than being nervous all day I was relatively calm. SURPRISING I know! The time came to be set apart and since my dad is in the bishopric he is the one who set me apart. The calm feeling I had all day stayed with me. Just like the last time I had a calling, instead of being really nervous about it, I was calm. I guess that means that this is what I am supposed to be doing for my ward right now. We'll see what happens with it!
I am a little nervous about having to give my first lesson next week because I've never had to teach a lesson so I'm not sure where to begin and I don't want to wing it to bad! :) Any advice for me?
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