Dear Santa..

With all of craziness of this time of year, the naughty and nice list, building toys, watching out for all of us, and probably making sugar cookies with Mrs. Claus, I'm sure you're extremely busy. Especially since tonight is the big night! I bet the North Pole is currently a very merry mad house. (You should take pictures...and then of course post them on Facebook.)

But mostly..I just wanted to say "Thank you...thank you..thank you!" I know you get a lot of demands (especially from those requesting to be on the nice list), and I wanted to make sure you weren't feeling unappreciated. Thank you for the magic you bring to Christmas. Thank you for the excitement you bring...for the shine you bring to a little child's eye....for the reminder you send that giving is what Christmas is about...and for the hope that you spread. 

I know that for a couple of years I said I didn't believe in you. And for that...I'm terribly sorry. You see, in the latter years of elementary...it was no longer "cool" to believe in you. Those who were found to stick to their beliefs in you were deemed big ol'babies who probably still slept with their mom's at night. It was a traumatizing experience them (and between you and me...I don't think some fully recovered). You know how those years of elementary and middle school are, even adults are afraid of that age! So you see...I was just trying to survive, though...looking back...I  probably could have endured being called a big ol' yellow bellied baby.

I believe in you a little differently now though. I believe in your magic and in your hope. The way that both you and the Spirit of Christmas work together to touch millions of lives. I know some people say that you're just becoming a face for commercialization, but I disagree. Some of the most amazing gifts you bring aren't wrapped in shiny bows. You give so selflessly, you watch over those we need you most, you make people feel loved and important, you help bring hope to those who feel lost or alone, and you're always so happy! You even find a way to touch those hearts who have grown a few sizes too small.

So thanks Mr. Claus for all you do. You truly are amazing and one of a kind. You've never failed to make me feel excited clear down to the tips of my toes. Even in the years that I was hiding my belief in you. Good luck tonight! Don't eat all of those cookies too fast, I know you love them, but you don't want to feel sick when delivering all those gifts! And tell Rudolph not to worry...He won't have to use his nose when flying over Utah...we don't have any snow. Stay safe and warm! Merry Christmas!! 

                                                                               With Love, 

                                                                                         Amanda

P.S. Thanks for reminding me that you're never too old to believe in Santa. And send a big thanks to all of those elves! I'll never forget the year they made me the most beautiful dollhouse in the world. 

Tis the Season....

For beautiful lights and bright shiny bows. For snowy evenings and warm hot chocolate. For crazy shoppers and chaotic stores. For kids to dream of the great gifts that Santa will bring. For the rush to get that last minute "perfect" present. For Christmas caroling and Christmas movies.  For sugar cookies, candy canes, and chocolate covered cherries. For trees covered in enchanting ornaments. For stockings to be hung and new pj's to be worn...

But...
It's also the season to recognize miracles. To count blessings. To spend special moments with friends and family. To celebrate Christmas traditions. To give unselfishly and lovingly. To love with your whole heart. To spread excitement....and feel like a giddy little kid again. To see lives changed be simple acts of kindness.  And most of all.....it's the season to remember.

To remember that one person who at-one-moment came into the world and forever changed the course of our lives. Who gave everything He had, holding nothing back. Who saw our pains...heartaches....and rough patches, and still believed in us...knowing we were strong enough to make it through.

I absolutely love this time of year. And not just because I'm enthralled by bright happy lights or won over with a cup of warm hot chocolate. (Though...those are definitely important..especially if the hot chocolate includes marshmallows) Even just the feeling around this time is amazing. People just seem so much....happier. So eager to feel of that Christmas magic.I think some of that magic comes from seeing the little miracles that we each take for granted sometimes.

So here is to all the little miracles in my life...the good and the bad...that make up who I am. Though that entails being slightly quirky, easily excited, and hardly ever wearing matching socks....I'm still happy with that. And here's to the amazing Christmas season with it's great lights, treats and happiness....for the way it touches each of our lives. How amazing would it be if people kept even a little bit of Christmas throughout the year? I'm certain world peace would result. Ok..ok...that was just an idealistic exaggeration..you caught me..

Wherever you are....Merry Christmas!!! Enjoy it! Even the moments when you accidentally burn the sugar cookies, get covered in flour, or completely mess up wrapping presents. And don't forget...you can never be too old to feel like a little kid again with bursts of excitement in your stomach (too graphic? maybe so)

 P.S. It's still my goal to see the lights at Temple Square this year! I know...gasp...I haven't seen them yet...but I will!

Well...That's All Folks

Finals completed....mission accomplished! Though as happy as I am for this semester to be over, I also feel a little sad. Maybe it's because I always feel a little sad when things end..especially things that you put a lot into or cared a lot for. Even the word "end" is so..final to me.. just ceasing to be. It's true that all things have to come to an end...but I feel like...instead of stopping at the words "The End" I'd rather stop at "And they all lived happily ever after." That sounds much better right? However I am excited for a new change.

Isn't it crazy how change works? Sometimes it's slow...you don't even realize it's happening..like getting taller for example. One day you look back and see how different you are. Sometimes it's fast....like breaking a bone, getting a new job, or even moving. I mean if you think  about it, everyday something new in life changes...no matter how seemingly insignificant. Looking back at  just this past semester, it's crazy how much I've changed too. A mere four months and I feel like I've gained such a new perspective on things that I previously thought I had figured out or that I had been set on.

I think that's what change is best at. It helps you realize what's really important to you, what type of things you want....or even sometimes it helps you to see the things about yourself that you had previously tried to avoid. At least, I feel like that's what it has been for me this past semester.

Even with a lot of introspection though, I love that change brings excitement. A sense of anticipation for the unknown lying ahead. It almost makes you feel like an adventurer off on some new quest to slay dragons or find new treasure (ok...maybe not that intense...remember that overactive imagination?)

So though I'm a little sad to have reached "The end" of this semester, I'm also extremely, supertastically (yes..that's a word), very much excited to be done. I feel like I could burst out in song and dance ridiculously throughout the house. I'm thankful for my experiences, crazy adventures, tender mercies and the many things I have learned, both inside and outside of the classroom these past four months. You can never really know how fast everything can change. I'm working on enjoying that change while it lasts...and not trying to run from it.

Well....there ya have it....my thoughts for the night!

Here are a few songs I've loved the past week...

And this one...just makes me happy :)

You know....

I have the best grandparents ever. Hands down. No battle.

Why's that you ask?

Well...mostly because they drove the 2 and 1/2 hours to come see me. (Not many are willing to do that...in case you were wondering). And to fix my bike tire....and take me to lunch. How great is that!

Don't worry....it gets better. You see...the bike was a recent buy that my grandpa found at an auction...and because he can't resist a good deal at any auction. He got it for me to have at college. Adorable? I think so. However....I had a mishap with the air filler upper at the gas station..and may or may not have put a hole in the old tire a while back. So today....we fixed it!

She's a little old....but has personality. She's beautiful!

This wonderful little bell also has a story....in my grandpa's words "Someone just left it in a pile of stuff...I knew we could find a place for it...even if it is as old as me." Now it has a home on my handle bars...and is the coolest sounding bell ever. That's not just because I'm biased.

And they brought my skates!

To top it off.....Squeaky Cheese. Always a stop on their route down here :)

I'm certain that my grandpa still sees me as a little girl, which I don't mind...because it made my entire day. I've never met two people that are so giving, selfless, and funny. They make me feel so loved, as cheesy as that may sound...

Who knew that chinese food, a bike tire, skates, cheese, and a screwdriver could mean so much.

Though...I don't really think it was all of the things that made today great.

I'll let you in on a little something...

It's time to let out a secret. Often times I make jokes about being from "The County" or from Middle of Nowhere, Utah....but in reality, I do indeed love it. Coming home for Thanksgiving made me realize some of those great reasons that I love small towns....in particular, my town. So with that said...

Where I come from...

Everyone knows everyone else's business (often before they even do), and discuss it at either of the following locations: the Co-op, or the Grub Box.

The roads are wide enough to fit a tractor, a car and probably a few cows.

Conversations are started with "Have you heard about So-and-so?..You know...son of insert name...father of insert name...cousins with insert name...used to work for insert job." This is typically followed by "Ohhh...yes! What about them?"

The terms: Coal trucks, irrigation mishaps, the power plant, water shares, and the deer hunt are a part of every day life.

Traveling anywhere past Price is labeled as "Going up North"

Sunsets and star gazing are the best...especially when you can watch them from the top of a water tower...or from the middle of a friends pond.

You get the best of both worlds....the mountains on one side, the desert on the other.

The people are the greatest...slightly eccentric, charismatic, funny and there through the best and worst.

You also know you live in a small town when:

You know that cow tipping isn't real because you've tried it.

You have been rolled down the hill inside a big irrigation pipe.

The cattle drive draws out as big of a crowd as a parade does.

You stop in the middle of the road in the evening, spotlighting for deer...and you look around to realize that there are three other cars doing the same thing.

You come home from college and are faithfully greeted with "My goodness, Amanda how is life Cedar? More importantly...how is your dating life? You know..I remember when you were this high (raise hand about 36 inches)."

You know how to start a fire 5 different ways....but someone always brings scout water (aka..lighter fluid) just in case you fail.

**There ya have it....a little taste of small town life. And mostly, I'm rather happy to be from one..even if that means occasionally slipping out a "y'all" and jamming out to country songs in the car once in a while.

Here are some pictures from the break!!

Cory was ordained a Deacon!

Whooo!

Kaycee cracks me up in these!

A horse named Kitty? You better believe it.

Absolutely love this!

Oh you know...when you help cut wood.....

You end up covered in sawdust!

As far as food goes....no worries, I ate enough to feed a small country....and it's outlying islands. Well school....Here I come again!

Taking the Plunge

You know that moment when you're standing on the edge of a diving board....you know there is no turning back around, the only choice you have is to jump in....but you know that the water is going to be freezing cold? You know once you jump, you're going to have to face the cold and still somehow keep swimming? That's sort of how I feel about the rest of this week... I don't really feel too prepared for it..but since there is no turning back, I might as well just jump in right? Mostly I think I'd like to stay in my bed for the week, but I don't think that was one of the options..

In light of Thanksgiving though, I thought I'd list some of the things I've been grateful for the past couple of weeks..
1. To have room mates who laugh til it hurts and go on silly adventures with me, even if that involves walking in the snow for a real long time in pj's.
2. Having the chance to see my nieces and nephew....they're pretty much the cutest things ever.
3. For warm socks....I'm almost certain my toes are going to be frozen over by December
4. Getting mail from Uncle Howard, not only is mail one of my favorite things, he's just pretty great. He knows how to cheer a person up without even trying
5. I had something great to put for number five....but alas...all I can think of is how excited I am to go to sleep tonight....so with that, I'm thankful for a bed that no longer breaks when I sleep on it!

Here is also the wise words I heard this week...."And it came to pass.." It didn't come to stay. No matter what we're going through....it will pass. It isn't set in stone or permanent. Even if it means having to swim through frigid waters...(slight exaggeration again...oopps), we always end up moving past it.

With that said....

Rest of the week, bring it on.

Perspective

Sometimes... it takes going in reverse to help you to know how to move forward. As crazy as that seems. We all get so focused on one emotion, event or thing that we don't really know where to go. It makes it hard to find out if you should go forward with what you're doing...or stop and try something different.

It's those times, I think, when you take a step back and look at things in a new light. A brighter perspective. I can be a rather stubborn person...I make a decision and try to stick with it through whatever comes...but I don't think that's always the smartest way to go. (I'm admitting my errors...what is this coming to?) Lately I've realized how much a little perspective can change something entirely...

Instead of being so focused on looking for the moon...take a step back and see the stars. If the moon is where you're headed, they'll point you to it. If not....you'll find a new path.

Phew.....On a completely different note...if you made it through reading that in one piece....Happy Halloween!! Pumpkins, candy corn, cookies, costumes, and most importantly...jumping in leaf piles!

Dear Life..

Sometimes, you just flat out stink. You know how to hit people at their lowest. It's always one thing after another right? The whole when it rains it pours thing? What is with that motto anyway? I don't think I'm much of a fan for it. I don't think that you play very fair.. I also think that you and time conspire together and make things even more chaotic. Gloomy days, rushed schedules, loss, endings, regrets, hurt, disasters... People everywhere suffer so much because of you. Maybe it's just the fact that it's Monday that I'm complaining about this...or that my phone is slowly breaking, or because I ripped a hole in my shoe, or unexpected not so great news...or simply that sometimes you can be frustrating in the way that you try to work....

But ya know...

You can be pretty great too. Actually, you can be even better then great. For as much craziness as there is from day to day, there is always a new, amazing sunrise (or sunset). There is laughs to be had, love to be found and happiness waiting to be seen. Maybe it's in the giggle of a child, or in the stories of a great and funny old neighbor or in seeing old friends, or in procrastinating homework to make apple crisp... You may deal some pretty lousy hands sometimes, but you always find a way to more then make up for it.

So...sorry I've been a complainer today. And that I was silently muttering against you for parts of the day. I can't imagine how it is to deal with 7 mazillion people all wanting and demanding things from you. You're much wiser then most of us give you credit for.

Thanks for all the good...and some of the bad (sorry I'm not really thankful yet for all of the bad)...

With love, Amanda

Ps...If nothing else, could you really do something about all of the bugs at my house? I'd be oh so very grateful. :)

The Here and Now...

I absolutely love this. It kind of sums up a lot of what has been on my mind lately. So often I think we just wait around for life to change, for things to be different, for people to share their feelings. We spend our time looking so hard for things like happiness, love, or our dreams that we wouldn't see them if they were standing right in front of us. It's easy to think that in the future things will be different, that life will be better...

But what about the now??

What if we stopped being scared about what could happen and go with what we make happen? If there is something you love, do it. If there is something you want to try....go for it. If there is someone who you love spending time with...take a chance on them. You never know what could happen.

Surprise yourself.

Amaze me.

Small bursts of deliciousness...

Animal crackers. As of lately I think I have become rather obsessed. I eat them in the morning....for lunch....as snacks and sometimes as a side for dinner! A glass of milk is almost a requirement in eating them...and they have to sit in the milk for a little more then 30 seconds to reach maximum tastiness.

Yes, I do indeed have it down to a science... :)

Hanging by a moment....

Today..on my mindless run to get groceries, I saw the end result of a car wreck. Right in front of me were three paramedics kneeling on the ground preforming CPR on the person in the middle of them. It wasn't a very pretty site..

I've been thinking about it ever since for some reason. One instant. That's all it took for that person to go from going about life normally to lying on the ground...fighting for life. One moment. A moment that the family will get the call saying their son, daughter, husband or wife has been in an accident. Thinking about it in that perspective, you would think the world would be placed on pause, that everyone would tune in for that second to somehow help the outcome...

I watched as the line of cars began to form behind the flashing cop cars stopping traffic. People who were just going about their daily lives, getting slightly annoyed at this new delay that would throw their routine off. When in just a mere few hundred feet in front of them, someone was seriously injured. It just put into perspective for me, how all too often we get consumed by our own lives, caught up in our current moment, school, work or even silly errands...and we don't give thought to what the person next to us is facing or going through. We just simply void our emotions.

The point is, that everything can all change in a split second. I don't know if the person today lived or died. I don't know who they were, or any part of their life story.. But I know that today has probably been an incredibly hard day for their loved ones. We don't know when our "instant" will come...but odds are, that we won't be expecting it. Don't let that moment pass you up to let someone close to you know how you feel...don't waste all of your words by never sharing them.

You never know when that moment, instant or second could be changed forever..

The In-Between

Packing...unpacking...packing...unpacking...packing again?? At this rate, I'm almost becoming professional. This will be my third time in under a year! My problem is the whole starting to pack part...I'm pretty great a putting it off as long as I can. Which may be why I'm writing this...

A little while back, I was home visiting my family. I was talking to my grandma when she said something that, made me laugh at first, but thinking about it now, it is rather true.. She said, "You know Manda, you're at the point in your life where you don't really belong anywhere. I mean, you don't really belong at home anymore because you've moved away. It's more of a place to come visit. But you don't really belong at college either because it's not your permanent stop, you'll be done there in a few years. You're just stuck in the in-between. In between childhood and being all grown up."

She's right. I'm stuck in the in-between. But I'm happily stuck there. I'm going to enjoy it...the up's, down's, packing, unpacking, meeting new people, finding new adventures, learning, laughing, and finding happiness in the journey of it all.

So here's to the in-between! And to all of you others out there stuck in it also! Enjoy it! Be spontaneous, do things that scare you, try things you've never done...before you know it, you'll be "all grown up."

Did ya catch it?

"Ok Manda, I'm gonna blow you a kiss, are ya ready?"

"Alright bud I'm ready!"

*Blows a kiss into the phone*

"Did ya catch it?"

"Of course, right on the cheek. Are you ready for mine?"

"Ok, go!"

*Blows a kiss back*

"Did you catch it?"

"I did, right on my nose Manda! I love you!"

Talking to my niece and nephew on the phone always makes my day. They're the cutest things ever! Saying goodbye over the phone with them is definitely one of my favorite things....Who knew little kisses over the phone could be so incredibly sweet. It makes me want them to stay little forever, and never grow out of their little child innocence..

Distance...

Warning...the following post may contain slight complaining and a little sadness.

I miss my sister like crazy. I don't know any other way to put it. I miss sitting next to her talking about anything and everything. I miss playing with my nieces and nephew. I miss my brother-in-law making fun of me for my lack of knowledge with all things cars. I even miss the way both Amber and Rusty would combine forces and embarrass me until my cheeks were almost permanently red.

Sure we talk on the phone pretty frequently. But it's not the same. Plus, being Amber, they are super involved in just about everything. T-ball, zumba, swim lessons, dance lessons...and the list goes on. I'm excited they're loving their new little life....but I miss having them close.

I miss being able to just drive up to her house when I needed someone to talk to. She knows me more then I know myself half the time. She is one of the people that knows all of me...the good, bad and everything in between and still loves me. I love the time we spend together, laughing til my stomach kills, trying weird foods, watching movies, random adventures, even our ridiculous moments of being frustrated with each other... I also miss all the quirky, hilarious things she does.

Most of all...I just miss my best friend. Especially this week.

It's time to start planning a road trip to good ol' Colorado!

Once upon a trip..

Breath taking views.

Crazy adventures.

Eternity.

Tender moments.

Friendships made...memories etched.

Two separate countries, one new bond.

Laughter, games, teasing...instant love.

The innocence of childhood.

Giving, learning, saying goodbye....

Two short weeks. One might think that's not long enough to develop a close bond or begin to love someone. I disagree. Love can take but an instant. I fell in love with these people, the place and the experience. They struggle with things daily that most of us take for granted, but they put their heart into all they do. I loved every moment there...even the ones that included giant people eating spiders (slight exaggeration...). I could ramble on and on...but I'll save whoever stumbles upon reading this. For more adventures...crazy moments and hilarious stories...feel free to ask! :)

The thoughts of a jumbled mind..

My favorite color is blue....I like to sing in the shower...I hate orange construction cones...Oh and did I mention I leave for the Dominican in ONE day! Ahhhh!!! Eeekk! Hooray! I'm a little bit extremely excited!

So long Utah...see you in two weeks!!! That's about all I have for now..

Oh, one more thing...have I mentioned my love for Sprite on airplanes? Only one. More. Day! :)

Rain, rain, rain!

Though many people may disagree, I have loved the rain the past couple of days. Aside from the cold that is. My favorite is when it's pouring rain with lots of thunder and lightning. In an odd way, I find it sort of comforting.

It makes me want to snuggle up with a book (as nerdy as that may be), or watch a great movie. I love the times just as it's starting to downpour and you have to make a mad dash into your house or car. I love that excited feeling of trying unsuccessfully to avoid the rain and getting completely soaked. After that you might as well just keep playing in the rain!

Someday, I want it to rain so hard that I can go down the road in a canoe. And someday I want someone to dance with me in the pouring rain. Since I tend to be a hopeless romantic, I had to throw that one in there haha.

Another favorite part of the rain, is that it's always followed by a rainbow. No matter how hard the storm gets, there is always that amazing fresh rain smell and a great rainbow.

Bittersweet Endings

One of the only things I ever really worried about with college was getting crazy room mates, the kind that steal your socks in your sleep...or worse. However, I ended up getting to room with three of the most amazing girls.

We had frequent ice cream runs, ate countless treats, and distracted each other constantly from homework. They have been there for me countless times throughout the year, even if it was just to listen to me ramble or to take me to bed when I fell into my sleep-like state.

They are each so amazing in different ways, and I'll always be grateful that I got to see what it is that makes them that way. I'll also forever be thankful for everything they did/do for me. They each never failed to help me figure out my little problems, bring comfort, let me leak on their shoulders or make me laugh. And since we all thought we were pretty funny (which of course we are), there were endless laughs and good times.

Even with such a great year though, it had to come time for things to change. It meant many good things and new adventures for each. However, along with change also had to come goodbyes. I'm definitely not a fan of goodbyes, sometimes they just seem too permanent.

So instead of saying goodbye, I'm going to stick with "See ya later!" And even though we won't be rooming together anymore, or even in the same town for a couple, they'll still be my close friends.

Moral of the story, don't be afraid of letting people come into your life. You never know the impact they might have or the memories you might make! :)

Hooray for Easter!

The past Easter weekend I got to spend with three of the cutest little kids alive...my nephew and nieces!

They make me laugh so hard! Emilee is quite the little diva. At times I think she's convinced she's a 16 year old teenager instead of a 5 year old little girl. Anything pink, frilly or candy coated and you'll have her full attention

Tyson...oh goodness...probably the funniest little boy I have ever met! And so adorably sweet. He is 100% cowboy and not afraid to tell you so. Give him a minute and he'll tell you all about Woody, Bullseye, and of course Baby Jacob his new calf. Even though he was hoping for a baby brother this weekend...he still handles a house full of girls pretty great!

Little Macy, my little mini-me...or so everyone says. She is the happiest little thing..but don't let her sweet little smile fool you! She'll pull one of her adorable little looks...and turn around and get into everything she's not supposed to...then after she just looks back and smiles with surprised innocence. Though I'm more then certain she knows what she's doing..the little tease!

And to top it off...my newest niece finally came along! Little Miss Courtney Jane! Now I get another chance to teach who the favorite aunt is...

Now the ride back to Cedar was also an adventure in itself...Thanks to Whitney's brilliant idea, we decided to write a word in the fence of an overpass with cups. Sounds easy right? Well...little did we know that not all overpasses have roads to them. After a hike up a hill, through the rain nonetheless, we accomplished it!

Grandpas

As a little girl...I'd always sit up on my grandpas lap. He'd bounce me around and I'd pretend to steal the pens out of his overalls and he'd pretend like he didn't see me trying to sneak them out. Other times I'd just curl up in his lap and fall asleep while we watched an old western. He never failed to make me feel special or giggle uncontrollably.

He has always been there to play the role as both father and grandpa without complaint. He has the most pure heart out of any one I know, he works so hard for everyone around him no matter who they are. He is the first one so many people call when they're in need, and he would give them all he has I think if my grandma wasn't there to stop him. He doesn't express his emotions as much, he is more of the kind that shows their feelings through acts. He has so often been my security net, making me feel like everything would be okay without saying many words.

I love his passion for auctions, he can find the beauty or use in things that most of us would consider old and broken. I love his sense of humor, and how he calls all pop "soda water." I love how adorable he is with all of the grandkids. Most of all, I love that even though I'm grown up, he is always there for me. Hearing his words "Amanda, we're so proud of you" means more to me then he could ever imagine. Sometimes though, I wish I was a little girl again, crawling into his lap and not having to worry about a thing in the world.

I don't know why I felt the need to go on about my grandpa, but I guess it falls under the category of my life. I guess lately I've been thinking about the different people that have impacted my life. So there ya have it....my rambling of the day.

*Catching-Up*

First off...doesn't that face make you just laugh...haha love it!

Anyway...what a week! It was one of those where you feel like you're in a sea of water and just managing to tread enough to stay afloat. And to top it off...it seemed with everything I was running late. Late to class...late to work...late studying...getting to bed late.

Now after a busy Saturday I'm simply content to spend the rest of my night catching-up. Catching up on what you might wonder? My sanity. It requires a night of good food, possibly a movie, laughter and most of all no stress. Everyone needs at catch-up day....I think it should be an event celebrated weekly. If I were an evil genius that could take over the world...I would definitely make catch-up day a requirement.

On a different note....even with a crazy week and partially losing my mind, it was still good. I realize more and more often all of the amazing friends and people I have in my life. I don't know what I'd do without them. To make it even better...the weather!! It makes me oh so very excited.

I'm quite certain my mind has gone and left for summer. Sunshine, popsicles, late nights, star-gazing, fireworks...Ahhh!! I'm certain Cedar is going to be a mazillion times better in the summer then in the freezing cold winter. Only two more weeks left of the semester! :)

Up up and Away!

Someday I'm going to try this. Just like in the movies...Up or Danny Deckchair...I'll float away in a sea of colorful balloons, off to some new adventure.

This and That..

In planning out my classes for next semester, I got to thinking a lot about the future. Things I want to do, things I hope to accomplish, and everything else in between. So...here's a little peak of my dreams, goals, and bucket list....

-Become a pediatric nurse

-Ride a motorcycle

-Fix up a house...from bottom to top...complete with a wrap around porch

-Carve my name into a tree with my future someone

-Fly in a helicopter/jet

-Go skydiving

-Be somewhere...with warm weather and not a care in the world

-See the Northern Lights

-Load up the car and drive..with no plans at all...just enjoying the moment

-Visit the castles in Europe

-Try sushi

-Be there for the ball drop on New Years in Time Square

-Watch the Phantom of the Opera in Vegas

-Be married in the temple

-Have a family..filled with the good, the bad...and all of the happiness, love and humor that falls between

-Ride a ferris wheel, for hours..talking about anything a

nd everything

-Make a difference, no matter how small

-See 10 different waterfalls...the big, beautiful..amazing ones

-Get lost with someone, and enjoy the adventure of finding our way back

-Find the best star gazing spot

-Anonymously give a stranger in need $1000

-Go to the Oregon coast

-Watch fireworks from the middle of a lake

-Fall in love

Well there you have it...a small portion from my ever growing list. Someday I'll accomplish them. :)

So long, farewell.. :)

Well spring break with all its greatness has came and went. I would have been perfectly happy to push pause of life for a little while last week, but as they say...all good things come to an end. (However...I don't think good things end...maybe they just change into something else that is good in a different way, but that's a rambling for another day).

My break was filled with new contacts, a trip to Zion's, hiking Angels landing, driving to California, singing our lungs out in the car, getting lost, the amazing greatness of the ocean, the beach, sandcastles, sunshine and of course sunburns.

Overall...I loved it! I also learned a couple things:

1. Snacking on granola bars for three days almost ruins them

2. I need to learn directions..or become close friends with someone who can find me when I get lost.

3. A little sunscreen and aloe vera are almost essential for people with red hair.

4. Even after eating so much food that you feel like you'll burst, there is always room for a little ice cream

5. Sunsets are amazing. But they're even better when you have friends or someone to love it with you :)

Now with spring here....it's a time for new beginnings and changes. Plus...only 6 more weeks left in the semester!

1..2..3..Surprise!

I'm a fan of surprises. The good ones that is. They don't even have to be huge surprises, it could even be a little surprise that just makes you do nothing but smile for ten minutes.

I love how people always surprise you. At the start of this week, I wasn't too excited. With midterms piling up and a number of other things that I needed to do, I figured that it would be a slightly lousy week. I was very much tempted to just hide under my covers until the week was past.

I'm happy to say I was wrong. And my simple reason is: people.

They always seem to do what you least expect. Sure, at times, they may make you frustrated or annoyed...especially at times when you're in a hurry and you get stuck behind someone on the road going almost backwards because of their slow speed...But that's beside the point...at times they do things that are just simply good. So this is my thanks to all those who made my week better. To the people who held doors open for me when I was about to drop everything. To good friends who laugh with me over silly things and who are always there to help. To the people who gave a seemingly simple compliment. To the random people who returned my waves while walking across campus. To the people in my classes who draw hilarious doodles with me that make class even better. To the adorable little old man at walmart who sat and talked about food with me. To all those who took that extra couple seconds to say hello and mean it. To my room mates, for assisting in building an awesome blanket fort. There were countless other little things...but my point is you never know what can help make someones day.

My lesson learned of the week is that it's ok to wave ridiculously and be excited to see someone. Maybe even someone you have never even met. It might just make their day, even if it's only because they laughed at how silly you were :).

So in the end...I survived the week! Hello spring break!!! Bring on the warm weather and sun shine! More importantly.....shout for joy, run around in circles, do a happy dance and possibly even jump on your bed....because no classes for a week!!!