January: I went back to school at EA to start my last semester there. I had no idea where I was going to go after that, but I knew I was graduating that semester.
February: Things got pretty serious between Dan and I. We knew we were going to get married, just not when or any of those other minor details. I also applied to BYU. It was pretty much the only option I had left. ASU's nursing program was just a numbers game, and I couldn't count on that. So I applied.
March: We got engaged!!! That's right! We were getting married. Then commenced the insufferable wedding planning. Just kidding, it really wasn't bad, mostly because I didn't care. Sorry Mom!! We went wedding dress shopping over spring break and found the perfect dress!
April: I found out I got into BYU...so after Texas we were headed to Provo. School was winding down for the semester, and I think it finally started to hit me that I would really miss Thatcher.
May: I went through the temple for my own endownments. That was such a special day for both of us. I loved every minute of it. Actually I was pretty violently sick 3 days before...like throwing up and peeing out my bum (sorry for the visual). So I didn't really eat anything and my mom was all freaked out I would pass out during the temple ceremony.
Oh...and we got married...and moved to Texas, where it's hotter than Satan's balls....and gradumacated from EAC. Woot woot!!
June: May was pretty busy, and June was a nice month of relaxation. I got to be great friends with Jaynee, and I'm so grateful that we did become friends. Oh and I got a wicked tan. I guess that Texas sun and heat is good for something.
July: Fourth of July bbq with Edge, and more of Dan selling door to door. Still had a wicked tan. It was awesome.
August: Jaynee left Texas so she could hang out in Pima, and LEAVE ME...but mostly so that Izzee girl could come whenever she decided to. The A/C went out in the car. We were sweating our little hineys off anywhere we went. We had to replace an engine mount on the car...and then everything worked perfectly!! Seriously, we found the best mechanic that fixed our car for a screamin deal!! But on the brighter side of things, we did get GREAT gas mileage while the A/C was out. I left to come to Provo and started school the last week in August.
September: You sucked. I was alone. It was awful. But on the brighter side (again) I started watching Kason once a week while Jami was at institute, and that was actually pretty fun. He definitely kept me on my toes. I also had class with Caitlin twice a week, and that was always entertaining. Then Dan came home!!! Woo hoo!! HAPPY HAPPY DAY!!!
October: General Conference was awesome! Loved it. Halloween was awesome at Jeni's house! Oh and I found out I got into the nursing program at BYU!!
November: Thanksgiving!! It was so good to see my family again. They came up for Thanksgiving and we had it with the Kimball side of the family. Black Friday shopping...at 10am. So much better than 4am.
December: The long (actually short) haul to finals. Finals. Shoot me. School's out!! And our very first Christmas together. I still have to blog about that. It was awesome though. I love it. And tonight is New Years Eve. Pretty excited about that!!
2011 has been wonderful. I learned a lot about myself as a person, and as a friend, especially adapting to the marriage relationship. It's been a learning experience, but an enjoyable and exciting one. And it can only up from here.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
My hamstrings hate me
Yesterday, Dan and I went to the gym. I'm usually out of the locker room LONG before he is...I'm convinced there's a massage chair or something exciting in there, because I'm always done and on the treadmill for at least 5 minutes before he's out.
Anyway, yesterday I decided to stretch out just a little bit before starting to work out. I'm nearly convinced that was the fatal mistake, because I never stretch before. I just start walking and gradually speed up the pace to a run. So I finished the treadmill, and went to the bike for 3 more miles, then hit the weights.
Well, there was a guy at the gym that was in a wheelchair, and he rolled up next to my treadmill and said hello. So naturally, I said hi back because there's no reason to be mean to someone for saying hello. However, when I was working on the machines doing rows, he rolled up right next to my machine and said hello again.
I feel really bad for this, but it kind of freaked me out a little bit, because it wasn't like I was the only person in the gym. There were quite a few people there actually. So I smiled, and finished my set, then got up and walked over to where Dan was. I didn't go back to the machines. And I felt really bad for leaving, but he was freaking me out a little bit! I think he was kind of special though.
So I just finished my work out with free weights, and then I did some dead lifts. After I finished those, Dan and I were going to do an ab circuit, but when I went to go pick up his other weight so we could go over there, my hamstrings totally freaked out like they were going to cramp! It hurt so freaking bad! They got so tight and it hurt even more to stretch them. So I walked like an idiot because I was walking with my legs practically straight over to the ab station, thinking they'd relax themselves. Nope. Did not happen.
So all night, I was walking super slow, probably out of fear that they would cramp. That is the worst feeling! I hate muscle cramping. Ugh. They're much better today, but still super sore. And now they're twitching. I swear they hate me. But tomorrow, they're getting it because Dan and I are going to hike the Y tomorrow. I'm pretty excited!!
That's all for now. I'll blog about Christmas...eventually.
Ps. If anyone has tips for this hamstring-hatage, please help a sister out! They're killer.
Much obliged!
Anyway, yesterday I decided to stretch out just a little bit before starting to work out. I'm nearly convinced that was the fatal mistake, because I never stretch before. I just start walking and gradually speed up the pace to a run. So I finished the treadmill, and went to the bike for 3 more miles, then hit the weights.
Well, there was a guy at the gym that was in a wheelchair, and he rolled up next to my treadmill and said hello. So naturally, I said hi back because there's no reason to be mean to someone for saying hello. However, when I was working on the machines doing rows, he rolled up right next to my machine and said hello again.
I feel really bad for this, but it kind of freaked me out a little bit, because it wasn't like I was the only person in the gym. There were quite a few people there actually. So I smiled, and finished my set, then got up and walked over to where Dan was. I didn't go back to the machines. And I felt really bad for leaving, but he was freaking me out a little bit! I think he was kind of special though.
So I just finished my work out with free weights, and then I did some dead lifts. After I finished those, Dan and I were going to do an ab circuit, but when I went to go pick up his other weight so we could go over there, my hamstrings totally freaked out like they were going to cramp! It hurt so freaking bad! They got so tight and it hurt even more to stretch them. So I walked like an idiot because I was walking with my legs practically straight over to the ab station, thinking they'd relax themselves. Nope. Did not happen.
So all night, I was walking super slow, probably out of fear that they would cramp. That is the worst feeling! I hate muscle cramping. Ugh. They're much better today, but still super sore. And now they're twitching. I swear they hate me. But tomorrow, they're getting it because Dan and I are going to hike the Y tomorrow. I'm pretty excited!!
That's all for now. I'll blog about Christmas...eventually.
Ps. If anyone has tips for this hamstring-hatage, please help a sister out! They're killer.
Much obliged!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Eve
It's been quite the eventful evening. Not really, but we've done a few things around the Haban home today. First of all, Dan was supposed to get off of work at 12 today, but due to some lovely shop lifters at Kmart, he actually didn't make it home till 2. That was a little bit of a bummer, but it was totally fine because he's usually not home till 5 or 6, especially this week. So I got to spend the entire afternoon with him!
I was reading this blog today, and I kind of love it...like a lot. I can't find the link to it right now (dang it!) but it was just talking about curvy, plus size women and that we should embrace it and pretty much tell Hollywood to shove it. It's always nice to hear someone batting for those of us that are so blessed in this world with curves.
Oh and because of said blog, I watched the first couple episodes of a new TV show called Huge. I'm still not sure how I feel about, but it is pretty funny.
So back to Christmas Eve, I've been absolutely pining to open just one present! I think it would kill the anticipation a little bit. I think this is the first year in quite awhile that I haven't the slightest idea what any of my presents are. Especially for the last couple of years, I was the one that was helping my mom wrap presents all night, and that went shopping with her for the presents, so I usually knew what at least one of my presents were, which definitely bides away that anticipation so I slept just fine Christmas Eve. This year, I'm not quite sure I'll be able to sleep! Seriously, I might just wait till midnight, and open them all at 12:01 am...then sleep.
Dan doesn't agree with my idea. He says we have to wait for Santa to come...dang it.
Google Earth says Santa is in Kalamazoo Michigan right now. I think I want to live there just for the name! How legit would that be the write on return addresses.
Anyway, back the festivities.
We, and when I say we I mean Dan, made cinnamon rolls tonight! He's just a champ cook. We'll get fat because of his cooking. It's delicious!
They look so yummy! And I have to wait till the morning for those too!! Ugh this is the pits! However, we do have lots of yummy treats that are sitting around our cute little home. Most especially, cake balls! Red Velvet cake balls!!
I made them on Friday right before the family party we went to. Needless to say, they're delicious. And I keep eating them. They should really say that it's around Christmas you'll gain weight, not Thanksgiving.
So I was too cheap to buy wrapping paper...mostly because there's so many other things I'd rather get than wrapping paper. Dan and I thought it would be pretty funny to just wrap our gifts in ads. We have gotten tons of them lately, so that's what I did.
See! But Dan came home today with a roll of wrapping paper that they gave him at work. So since we have the wrapping paper, I decided it would be pretty lame that they're not in pretty wrapping paper like the ones we've gotten from our parents. I don't want them to feel like the black sheep in the family. So I just wrapped them in wrapping paper....over the ads. Haha.
And here's our tree! We like to hang our stockings on the tree...no big deal.
I love it. And I'm insanely excited for tomorrow.
Merry Christmas everyone!!
I was reading this blog today, and I kind of love it...like a lot. I can't find the link to it right now (dang it!) but it was just talking about curvy, plus size women and that we should embrace it and pretty much tell Hollywood to shove it. It's always nice to hear someone batting for those of us that are so blessed in this world with curves.
Oh and because of said blog, I watched the first couple episodes of a new TV show called Huge. I'm still not sure how I feel about, but it is pretty funny.
So back to Christmas Eve, I've been absolutely pining to open just one present! I think it would kill the anticipation a little bit. I think this is the first year in quite awhile that I haven't the slightest idea what any of my presents are. Especially for the last couple of years, I was the one that was helping my mom wrap presents all night, and that went shopping with her for the presents, so I usually knew what at least one of my presents were, which definitely bides away that anticipation so I slept just fine Christmas Eve. This year, I'm not quite sure I'll be able to sleep! Seriously, I might just wait till midnight, and open them all at 12:01 am...then sleep.
Dan doesn't agree with my idea. He says we have to wait for Santa to come...dang it.
Google Earth says Santa is in Kalamazoo Michigan right now. I think I want to live there just for the name! How legit would that be the write on return addresses.
Anyway, back the festivities.
We, and when I say we I mean Dan, made cinnamon rolls tonight! He's just a champ cook. We'll get fat because of his cooking. It's delicious!
They look so yummy! And I have to wait till the morning for those too!! Ugh this is the pits! However, we do have lots of yummy treats that are sitting around our cute little home. Most especially, cake balls! Red Velvet cake balls!!
I made them on Friday right before the family party we went to. Needless to say, they're delicious. And I keep eating them. They should really say that it's around Christmas you'll gain weight, not Thanksgiving.
So I was too cheap to buy wrapping paper...mostly because there's so many other things I'd rather get than wrapping paper. Dan and I thought it would be pretty funny to just wrap our gifts in ads. We have gotten tons of them lately, so that's what I did.
See! But Dan came home today with a roll of wrapping paper that they gave him at work. So since we have the wrapping paper, I decided it would be pretty lame that they're not in pretty wrapping paper like the ones we've gotten from our parents. I don't want them to feel like the black sheep in the family. So I just wrapped them in wrapping paper....over the ads. Haha.
And here's our tree! We like to hang our stockings on the tree...no big deal.
I love it. And I'm insanely excited for tomorrow.
Merry Christmas everyone!!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Today I'm grateful for...
The home teaching message for this month is by President Eyring, and it's called The Choice to Be Grateful. If you haven't read it, please do. You can read it here. I went home teaching with Dan on Sunday and I'm really grateful he asked me to.
It was a really eye opening article, especially around Christmas time. It talks about being grateful for your trials, and that a lot of times we have trials to remember the blessings we've been given. It made me very very grateful for the trials that Dan and I have. And it actually was perfect timing because I had just been thinking the day before about the trials we've been going through lately. I was just crying about it, mostly out of frustration because there's so many things we'd like to have, but that's just not what we need right now. The thought hit me that I need to be grateful. I'm supposed to be learning something from this and it will better prepare me for what's ahead. That thought led me to remember a blessing that Dan had given me before my finals, that I need to have faith in the Lord right now, and build my testimony and the strength of my faith in Him.
Anyway, our home teachers came over last night, and they challenged us to think of one thing every day that we're grateful for. So I took down our whiteboard, rearranged it, and made a place at the bottom so that Dan and I can write down every day something we're grateful for. I think it's easier to remember and recognize your blessings, especially amidst a trial, when you have to consciously think of something to be grateful for so you can write it down.
I think that has made the difference in our Christmas too. It's our first Christmas, and initially I was pretty disappointed that I wouldn't be able to get Dan all the things he wanted. I mean, it's just not practical to go into debt over it. And then on top of that, I have a million and a half things to get for nursing school. So Christmas this year is just school stuff for me, and I've got a few things up my sleeve for Dan. But mostly, it's just going to be the blessing to spend it with family. And I've never been more excited about it. Honestly, Christmas is the best when you're with family, and especially with little kids. They get so excited about it, and it just makes you happy.
On the subject of gratitude, I'm so extremely grateful for my Heavenly Father. He always provides a way for us to make it through each and every month. He loves us, and He wants to bless us. I absolutely love that, and I love being reminded how aware He is of us.
Grat-i-tude: n. the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.
Spread gratitude this Christmas.
It was a really eye opening article, especially around Christmas time. It talks about being grateful for your trials, and that a lot of times we have trials to remember the blessings we've been given. It made me very very grateful for the trials that Dan and I have. And it actually was perfect timing because I had just been thinking the day before about the trials we've been going through lately. I was just crying about it, mostly out of frustration because there's so many things we'd like to have, but that's just not what we need right now. The thought hit me that I need to be grateful. I'm supposed to be learning something from this and it will better prepare me for what's ahead. That thought led me to remember a blessing that Dan had given me before my finals, that I need to have faith in the Lord right now, and build my testimony and the strength of my faith in Him.
Anyway, our home teachers came over last night, and they challenged us to think of one thing every day that we're grateful for. So I took down our whiteboard, rearranged it, and made a place at the bottom so that Dan and I can write down every day something we're grateful for. I think it's easier to remember and recognize your blessings, especially amidst a trial, when you have to consciously think of something to be grateful for so you can write it down.
I think that has made the difference in our Christmas too. It's our first Christmas, and initially I was pretty disappointed that I wouldn't be able to get Dan all the things he wanted. I mean, it's just not practical to go into debt over it. And then on top of that, I have a million and a half things to get for nursing school. So Christmas this year is just school stuff for me, and I've got a few things up my sleeve for Dan. But mostly, it's just going to be the blessing to spend it with family. And I've never been more excited about it. Honestly, Christmas is the best when you're with family, and especially with little kids. They get so excited about it, and it just makes you happy.
On the subject of gratitude, I'm so extremely grateful for my Heavenly Father. He always provides a way for us to make it through each and every month. He loves us, and He wants to bless us. I absolutely love that, and I love being reminded how aware He is of us.
Grat-i-tude: n. the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.
Spread gratitude this Christmas.
BYU Basketball
We got to go to the game on Tuesday night vs. Buffalo. I don't think we ever quite figured out which Buffalo it was, probably New York. Anyway, we were able to attend the game thanks to my wonderful grandparents. They have season tickets, and they couldn't make the game, so we were gifted tickets!!
It was so legit. We were in the 10th row. It was a pretty good game to watch.
The game started like 17-3 Buffalo, and immediately I thought greaaaaaat...this is gonna be one of THOSE games. You know, the ones that your team just gets straight up demolished. But, BYU did not fail me! They were ahead by half time, and dominated the second half. The coach for Buffalo even got a technical in the first 10 minutes of the game! (It totally reminded me of when EA played Cochise and everyone was practically screaming for Cochise's coach to get a technical called on him--I guess they don't mess around in the NCAA).
The final score:
And to top it off, because BYU scored over 80 points, we got 5 oz of free fro yo at yogurtland. Okay, Dan and I discovered fro yo and its yummy goodness in Texas, and ever since it's been love. For real. Even more than ice cream. So naturally, we went to yogurtland after the game. It looked almost like it was closed, or that no one was there, but we pulled in anyway. And guess what we found....a line out the freakin door!! After PATIENTLY waiting in line for a good 15 minutes, we got to devour our deliciousness.
Doesn't it just look fabulous?
After hearing the fight song a couple hundred times, I decided to shorten it down to three lines. Mostly because this was all of the fight song that I learned from my nephew.
Rise and shout, the cougars are out!
On to fame and glory!
We're the cougars of BYU!
Ra x 100000000000000000
Goooo Cougars!
Good idea? I think I'll submit it for consideration.
Of course, we've gotta throw in a picture of us! Don't mind my husband's sneaky mom face! It was such a pain to try and get a picture, plus the lighting was definitely not ideal. Oh well, what can you do.
One last thing. I was driving Dan to work yesterday, and this is what we saw:
How many men does it take to screw in a light fixture?
It was so legit. We were in the 10th row. It was a pretty good game to watch.
The game started like 17-3 Buffalo, and immediately I thought greaaaaaat...this is gonna be one of THOSE games. You know, the ones that your team just gets straight up demolished. But, BYU did not fail me! They were ahead by half time, and dominated the second half. The coach for Buffalo even got a technical in the first 10 minutes of the game! (It totally reminded me of when EA played Cochise and everyone was practically screaming for Cochise's coach to get a technical called on him--I guess they don't mess around in the NCAA).
The final score:
And to top it off, because BYU scored over 80 points, we got 5 oz of free fro yo at yogurtland. Okay, Dan and I discovered fro yo and its yummy goodness in Texas, and ever since it's been love. For real. Even more than ice cream. So naturally, we went to yogurtland after the game. It looked almost like it was closed, or that no one was there, but we pulled in anyway. And guess what we found....a line out the freakin door!! After PATIENTLY waiting in line for a good 15 minutes, we got to devour our deliciousness.
Doesn't it just look fabulous?
After hearing the fight song a couple hundred times, I decided to shorten it down to three lines. Mostly because this was all of the fight song that I learned from my nephew.
Rise and shout, the cougars are out!
On to fame and glory!
We're the cougars of BYU!
Ra x 100000000000000000
Goooo Cougars!
Good idea? I think I'll submit it for consideration.
Of course, we've gotta throw in a picture of us! Don't mind my husband's sneaky mom face! It was such a pain to try and get a picture, plus the lighting was definitely not ideal. Oh well, what can you do.
One last thing. I was driving Dan to work yesterday, and this is what we saw:
How many men does it take to screw in a light fixture?
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Ghetto Fabulous
I had a job interview today. Naturally, I went shopping this morning to find some "business" attire that's appropriate for an interview--aka slacks. Ugh I think I tried on 10 different pairs in 10 different sizes. I'm at that awkward in between stage where sometimes this size fits and sometimes this one fits. Good thing today wasn't a fat day. It could have been detrimental.
Anyway, so I found some pants that fit, and they were even the smaller size! Raise the roof! Ouch...I should never say that again. Alas, everything cannot be perfect though about said pants. They are too stinking long! And only by one roll of the cuff! I thought seriously about finding some safety pins and pinning them up, and possibly even buying a needle and thread to hem them (psh...that thought lasted for all of about 2.5 seconds). Then...I had an epiphany!
I'll just TAPE my pants!
Ghehhhh-to. Seriously.
But whatever works right? Because after running through the above options in my head, you'd have been able to see the safety pins poking through on the other side of the pants (that just looks ghetto and trashy) and I probably would have ruined my pants trying to hem them myself when I haven't a clue how to do it (even more trashy looking).
So despite the fact that it was super ghetto that I taped my pants to the right length, at least I'm the only one who knew about it! There's nothing quite like being secretive about your ghetto-ness. It's quite the thrill....everyone should try it.
Oh and can I just add (and Abbie thought of this first, but I completely agree) dress pants do absolutely nothing for your figure! It's like I stepped into a fat suit and suddenly lacked curves. Like all the puffy-ness went to making me look like a rectangle. Lame. At least if you've got to live with these (curves I mean), make them (pants) a little more figure flattering!
So I guess I should tell about how the interview went...
Well it when a little something like this...
I was there 15 minutes early (always a good sign right). Found the building alright, and patiently waited for my moment to shine (cheesy--barf!). She came out, said hello, and told me I could take a seat in the conference room. She came back in about 5 ish minutes later with my resume in a manilla envelope. I was probably there for 20 minutes, and then left. She seemed super nice and I thought the interview went relatively well, except for that awkward question they always ask at the end: why do you think you'd be a better hire than someone else?
Seriously, could we just rewrite that question to say "why on earth do you think you're better than someone?" It's awkward to say the least. But I muddle through it, and now it's over. I'll find out in the next couple of days if I'm hired or not. I hope yes, because I really really hate job hunting...way more than I hate awkward interview questions.
Anyway, so I found some pants that fit, and they were even the smaller size! Raise the roof! Ouch...I should never say that again. Alas, everything cannot be perfect though about said pants. They are too stinking long! And only by one roll of the cuff! I thought seriously about finding some safety pins and pinning them up, and possibly even buying a needle and thread to hem them (psh...that thought lasted for all of about 2.5 seconds). Then...I had an epiphany!
I'll just TAPE my pants!
Ghehhhh-to. Seriously.
But whatever works right? Because after running through the above options in my head, you'd have been able to see the safety pins poking through on the other side of the pants (that just looks ghetto and trashy) and I probably would have ruined my pants trying to hem them myself when I haven't a clue how to do it (even more trashy looking).
So despite the fact that it was super ghetto that I taped my pants to the right length, at least I'm the only one who knew about it! There's nothing quite like being secretive about your ghetto-ness. It's quite the thrill....everyone should try it.
Oh and can I just add (and Abbie thought of this first, but I completely agree) dress pants do absolutely nothing for your figure! It's like I stepped into a fat suit and suddenly lacked curves. Like all the puffy-ness went to making me look like a rectangle. Lame. At least if you've got to live with these (curves I mean), make them (pants) a little more figure flattering!
So I guess I should tell about how the interview went...
Well it when a little something like this...
I was there 15 minutes early (always a good sign right). Found the building alright, and patiently waited for my moment to shine (cheesy--barf!). She came out, said hello, and told me I could take a seat in the conference room. She came back in about 5 ish minutes later with my resume in a manilla envelope. I was probably there for 20 minutes, and then left. She seemed super nice and I thought the interview went relatively well, except for that awkward question they always ask at the end: why do you think you'd be a better hire than someone else?
Seriously, could we just rewrite that question to say "why on earth do you think you're better than someone?" It's awkward to say the least. But I muddle through it, and now it's over. I'll find out in the next couple of days if I'm hired or not. I hope yes, because I really really hate job hunting...way more than I hate awkward interview questions.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Don't you fake it
Sometimes I'm really ungrateful. Like a lot actually. Most of the time it's towards my husband. Unfortunately, I don't take the time often enough to tell him how much he means to me, and how truly grateful I am for him each and every day.
Let's just start at the top...I didn't have to work at all this last semester. Do you have any idea how wonderful that is? He got not one, but two jobs and has more than taken care and provided for us. I am so grateful that I've just had to focus on school this semester and getting good grades. It's still been rather pathetic (my attempt at school this semester) but it's been nice to not have to worry about that.
He honors his priesthood like I've never seen. I never have to question his worthiness when I ask for a blessing because I know the kind of man he is, the kind that always makes sure within himself that he is worthy. It reminds me of my dad, and one of the greatest things I love about him.
Dan is always making me laugh about something, and he likes to do so by pestering me! But it always changes my mood, and I end up laughing hysterically. He brings out the best in me, at least I think so.
I love him with everything that I have, and more. It's amazing how much love grows, especially when you sacrifice and go through trials together. I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again. I thought I loved him when I married him, but honestly compared to how much I love him now, it's pretty pathetic looking back.
He's the best thing that's ever happened to me, and because of him I'm better, and I want to be better.
Life is an awful beautiful ride, and I intend to spend each and every minute right along side him.
Let's just start at the top...I didn't have to work at all this last semester. Do you have any idea how wonderful that is? He got not one, but two jobs and has more than taken care and provided for us. I am so grateful that I've just had to focus on school this semester and getting good grades. It's still been rather pathetic (my attempt at school this semester) but it's been nice to not have to worry about that.
He honors his priesthood like I've never seen. I never have to question his worthiness when I ask for a blessing because I know the kind of man he is, the kind that always makes sure within himself that he is worthy. It reminds me of my dad, and one of the greatest things I love about him.
Dan is always making me laugh about something, and he likes to do so by pestering me! But it always changes my mood, and I end up laughing hysterically. He brings out the best in me, at least I think so.
I love him with everything that I have, and more. It's amazing how much love grows, especially when you sacrifice and go through trials together. I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again. I thought I loved him when I married him, but honestly compared to how much I love him now, it's pretty pathetic looking back.
He's the best thing that's ever happened to me, and because of him I'm better, and I want to be better.
Life is an awful beautiful ride, and I intend to spend each and every minute right along side him.
Lights
Dan and I went with my aunt and uncle and their kids to see the Christmas lights at Temple Square yesterday. Aside from the fact that it was fahhhhhhreezing, it was actually pretty fun. We went to dinner at their house first, and Chef Jeff made these delish pork chops from the pig that Keaton killed. It was soooo good. Oh my goodness I could probably go on and on about how good all the food was.
Jeni boiled some water, and dished out the hot chocolate; we loaded up and headed out. Tanner and Britton came with Dan and I, and they entertained us the entire way! The radio was on playing Christmas music, and then randomly that rubber ducky song from Sesame Street came on. Tanner and Britton had no idea what Sesame Street was, so after that song was over, Tanner asked for just about every song if it was from Sesame Street too. It was pretty funny.
We parked by the courthouse, and road the trax to temple square. It was actually pretty fun, but it totally took off (pretty fast actually) and I was not prepared for that! Needless to say it was a pretty entertaining ride to the temple. We walked around, avoided the sister missionaries, and looked at all the lights....with the thousands of other people that were there. I'm a little disappointed we didn't take more pictures, but that's the way it generally goes. You bring the camera, and don't take pictures....story of my life. We did however take a couple right before we left.
This picture makes me laugh because if you look really closely, you can see how red our noses are, and that we're both holding those hot pocket hand warmer things. I had been putting on my nose to warm it up, and everyone was making fun of me, but my nose wasn't freezing and their's were. Who's laughing now? Haha just kidding, but it really did work! I love being there though. And I love that we got a picture with the temple in the background.
Great Sunday night, with family. Awesome.
Friday, December 16, 2011
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
And finally feeling like Christmas too. I swear, school sucks it all right out of you. It was so nice to get up this morning, make some breakfast for Dan before he went to work, and then clean up the house. I got to run errands, hit up the gym, and come home without having to worry about homework, or any tests. AWESOME!
To top it all off, it started snowing this morning. Just lightly, but it was so wonderful! I think more is on its way, because the clouds are so low that you can barely see the Y on the mountain!
Anyway, I'm very much loving just being a wife again....at least for the next couple of weeks. It's so wonderful not having to play the student, then the wife (and more often than not, in that order). It's nice to just breathe again.
Hopefully my brain has enough time to rest....because come January, nursing school is going down! Definitely gonna rock that! So excited!!
I hope everyone's enjoying their holiday season!!
To top it all off, it started snowing this morning. Just lightly, but it was so wonderful! I think more is on its way, because the clouds are so low that you can barely see the Y on the mountain!
Anyway, I'm very much loving just being a wife again....at least for the next couple of weeks. It's so wonderful not having to play the student, then the wife (and more often than not, in that order). It's nice to just breathe again.
Hopefully my brain has enough time to rest....because come January, nursing school is going down! Definitely gonna rock that! So excited!!
I hope everyone's enjoying their holiday season!!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
There's nothing quite like having your phone go off during a final to get your adrenaline going
Finals are over!!! I can't even begin to tell you how relieved I am that this semester is over. It has seriously kicked my butt.
Buttttt to stick with the topic, yes my phone was going off for the last 30 minutes of my test. After it happened the first time, I think I read the next question on my test 5 different times. I could not figure out what the heck it was saying or asking for that matter. I was so frazzled. Seriously, I probably should have walked out right there. I'm sure I would have gotten the same grade on the test.
Background: Yesterday I had set an alarm on my phone for 2:30 pm so I would wake up and get ready to pick Dan up from work and make it to my dr. appointment. Well....I forgot to disable the alarm for today. Yeah...sucks.
So back to the test: it was already an awful experience because it was in the JSB, and if any of you have ever had to take a test there, it's horrendous! You're sitting in these narrow sits with the small little desk that folds over halfway across your lap. So you end up hunching over your scantron, with your test in one hand, and a pencil in the other. Your back starts cramping because you're sitting in the crappiest position ever. Yeah not cool.
To top it off, the first 30 matching questions....yeah I wanted to die because I didn't remember any of the information. I think that has proved to be my greatest frustration this semester, because the tests for this class just never make sense! Buttttt...it's over. I got a 60% on the final, but it's over. And I didn't fail. So hopefully that won't take my grade to a C. I'd be pissed....but it's my fault. I didn't study.
So I'm eating pumpkin pie for comfort food. Don't judge.
Buttttt to stick with the topic, yes my phone was going off for the last 30 minutes of my test. After it happened the first time, I think I read the next question on my test 5 different times. I could not figure out what the heck it was saying or asking for that matter. I was so frazzled. Seriously, I probably should have walked out right there. I'm sure I would have gotten the same grade on the test.
Background: Yesterday I had set an alarm on my phone for 2:30 pm so I would wake up and get ready to pick Dan up from work and make it to my dr. appointment. Well....I forgot to disable the alarm for today. Yeah...sucks.
So back to the test: it was already an awful experience because it was in the JSB, and if any of you have ever had to take a test there, it's horrendous! You're sitting in these narrow sits with the small little desk that folds over halfway across your lap. So you end up hunching over your scantron, with your test in one hand, and a pencil in the other. Your back starts cramping because you're sitting in the crappiest position ever. Yeah not cool.
To top it off, the first 30 matching questions....yeah I wanted to die because I didn't remember any of the information. I think that has proved to be my greatest frustration this semester, because the tests for this class just never make sense! Buttttt...it's over. I got a 60% on the final, but it's over. And I didn't fail. So hopefully that won't take my grade to a C. I'd be pissed....but it's my fault. I didn't study.
So I'm eating pumpkin pie for comfort food. Don't judge.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Growing up....Sucks.
Big time.
Paying bills....finding car insurance...having to pay a crap ton of money that you don't really have for things that are "required" for nursing school. Oh but don't worry, because you'll use it through the whole thing. Right, like that's supposed to make me feel better right NOW about shelling out dolla bills every which way I turn. Not so much.
I guess it's only fair they make you fork out $10 K for my education and such so that one day I can make $60 K. Seems logical. Actually it seems really dumb. But who's complaining?
Oh that's right...me.
The end. Sorry this is such a downer. It's just frustrating.
Paying bills....finding car insurance...having to pay a crap ton of money that you don't really have for things that are "required" for nursing school. Oh but don't worry, because you'll use it through the whole thing. Right, like that's supposed to make me feel better right NOW about shelling out dolla bills every which way I turn. Not so much.
I guess it's only fair they make you fork out $10 K for my education and such so that one day I can make $60 K. Seems logical. Actually it seems really dumb. But who's complaining?
Oh that's right...me.
The end. Sorry this is such a downer. It's just frustrating.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Seven
Life is creeping up on me. And I'm not entirely a fan. In fact, I'm not that much of a fan at all. Today is our seven month anniversary. Don't judge that I'm excited about it. In all honesty, I have no idea where these last seven months have gone. But they've been absolutely wonderful.
It's the best thing in the entire world to know that when life gives you lemons, you don't have to make lemonade by yourself. You've got someone to share it with. Someone to laugh with you, cry with you. Someone to confide in, and someone to tell all the crazy things that pop into your head to (or maybe that one only applies to me....and well Raegan).
In the last seven months, I've learned so much about myself. A lot of things that I didn't know. First of all, I'm pretty selfish. That's horrible. And if you already knew this about me, why on earth didn't you say something?! I'm getting better at this though. I kind of think that learning to rely on someone else brings out the selfishness in you...stick with me on this one...and actually relying on them kind of sloughs off that selfishness because you realize it's not just you going through life anymore. You've got someone that falls when you fall, and someone that's also there to support you through your trials.
I have some of the best friends anyone in this entire world could ever ask for. I could just leave it at that and call it good. But I really do. It is one of the best feelings to know that you have friends that understand that life happens and sometimes you just can't keep in constant contact with them. I love that we could have not talked in ages, but just a text hello, or a hope you're doing well, and things pick up right where they were left. Those are the friends you keep for a lifetime. I for one, fully intend on that. I love having friends that you can call to vent the frustrations of life, only to have them tell you to buck it up, and grin and bear it because it sounds a lot like life. Sometimes all you need is a good kick in the butt to put that smile back on your face.
I married the most incredible man, and he is absolutely perfect for me. He has dreams and ambitions that I would have never even thought of at this point in our life. But he never stops thinking of things to do, or businesses that he wants to start. The best part is, I know he'll get there, because that's the kind of person he is. When he wants something, he gets it. Lately, he's been watching this show called Shark Tank. Brief overview, business entrepreneurs come to these 5 billionaires and ask for x amount of money for x amount of equity in their business, and they either strike a deal with them, or don't. So Dan was telling me about a business he wants to start, and I made the joke that he should go on shark tank and get an investment. His response: Heck no! I'm doing it the old-fashioned, American way! See what I mean? Drive and ambition. He's going places, and I'm lucky enough to be on the ride with him.
The Lord really knows what is best for me. It absolutely broke my heart when I decided not to do nursing school last year at EA. It shook my faith a little bit, and I felt so lost for awhile. Obviously, the Lord had bigger plans for me--like getting married and moving to Provo. I've gained such a great testimony of the love my Heavenly Father has for me. He could obviously see that this is what was going to be best for me and our family, and that this was the place we needed to be. It has been the hardest year watching 4 of my good friends start nursing school, and now they're done with their first year. I can't even tell you how many times I called my mom just crying because I felt so frustrated, defeated, and honestly let down. This was my dream! It had been my dream since I was just a little girl. But I've learned that life is not on my timing. Heck, it's never been on my time table. It's on the Lord's. And in the last seven months, I've really come to appreciate and recognize His hand in my life.
I am so privileged to be at BYU. I've never been one of those people that had their heart set on BYU. All my life, I've avoided it like the plague. I've sneared at people that praise it, with disgust. After being here a semester though, I think I can kind of understand why people talk about it the way they do. I'll still never be one of those people, but it really is a great school. I think this semester, I've taken the most from my Book of Mormon class. I have learned so much, and have developed such a love for it, and all the people that sacrificed so much to make sure that I would have it one day. I love the element of the gospel that gets applied to every class. It just brings everything full circle. I also get to be here with my sister, and that has been a huge blessing to have her close. I feel like we really got to be friends, and not just sisters, after I left for college. So it's been so awesome to have her so close, and still get to be friends and sisters. I love hearing all her stories, and it just makes me laugh because so many of them remind me of all the shennanigans Raegan, Abbie and I would get into.
I've come to really appreciate the principle of eternal marriage. I can't imagine being without Dan ever. It's amazing how much you think you love someone, only to realize days and weeks later, that that love has grown. I thought I loved him the day I married him, and I did, but looking back at how much that love has grown over seven short months is amazing. I love that I get to be with him forever! We have some close friends that we miss so so much, and they're getting sealed as a family with their little girl in January. I have been so blessed to be associated with them, and I'm beyond ecstatic for them! It has made me appreciate my eternal marriage that much more, and watching them work towards this goal as a family has been such a testimony builder of conquering trials and reaching your goals. We love you guys so so much!!
I don't really know where to end this, but I've been so richly blessed in my life, and I'm so eternally grateful for it all. This life is no picnic, that's for sure. But today is just one of those days that I get to celebrate the amazing person I picked to have right beside me the entire way. I love you Dan. Forever and ever. :]
It's the best thing in the entire world to know that when life gives you lemons, you don't have to make lemonade by yourself. You've got someone to share it with. Someone to laugh with you, cry with you. Someone to confide in, and someone to tell all the crazy things that pop into your head to (or maybe that one only applies to me....and well Raegan).
In the last seven months, I've learned so much about myself. A lot of things that I didn't know. First of all, I'm pretty selfish. That's horrible. And if you already knew this about me, why on earth didn't you say something?! I'm getting better at this though. I kind of think that learning to rely on someone else brings out the selfishness in you...stick with me on this one...and actually relying on them kind of sloughs off that selfishness because you realize it's not just you going through life anymore. You've got someone that falls when you fall, and someone that's also there to support you through your trials.
I have some of the best friends anyone in this entire world could ever ask for. I could just leave it at that and call it good. But I really do. It is one of the best feelings to know that you have friends that understand that life happens and sometimes you just can't keep in constant contact with them. I love that we could have not talked in ages, but just a text hello, or a hope you're doing well, and things pick up right where they were left. Those are the friends you keep for a lifetime. I for one, fully intend on that. I love having friends that you can call to vent the frustrations of life, only to have them tell you to buck it up, and grin and bear it because it sounds a lot like life. Sometimes all you need is a good kick in the butt to put that smile back on your face.
I married the most incredible man, and he is absolutely perfect for me. He has dreams and ambitions that I would have never even thought of at this point in our life. But he never stops thinking of things to do, or businesses that he wants to start. The best part is, I know he'll get there, because that's the kind of person he is. When he wants something, he gets it. Lately, he's been watching this show called Shark Tank. Brief overview, business entrepreneurs come to these 5 billionaires and ask for x amount of money for x amount of equity in their business, and they either strike a deal with them, or don't. So Dan was telling me about a business he wants to start, and I made the joke that he should go on shark tank and get an investment. His response: Heck no! I'm doing it the old-fashioned, American way! See what I mean? Drive and ambition. He's going places, and I'm lucky enough to be on the ride with him.
The Lord really knows what is best for me. It absolutely broke my heart when I decided not to do nursing school last year at EA. It shook my faith a little bit, and I felt so lost for awhile. Obviously, the Lord had bigger plans for me--like getting married and moving to Provo. I've gained such a great testimony of the love my Heavenly Father has for me. He could obviously see that this is what was going to be best for me and our family, and that this was the place we needed to be. It has been the hardest year watching 4 of my good friends start nursing school, and now they're done with their first year. I can't even tell you how many times I called my mom just crying because I felt so frustrated, defeated, and honestly let down. This was my dream! It had been my dream since I was just a little girl. But I've learned that life is not on my timing. Heck, it's never been on my time table. It's on the Lord's. And in the last seven months, I've really come to appreciate and recognize His hand in my life.
I am so privileged to be at BYU. I've never been one of those people that had their heart set on BYU. All my life, I've avoided it like the plague. I've sneared at people that praise it, with disgust. After being here a semester though, I think I can kind of understand why people talk about it the way they do. I'll still never be one of those people, but it really is a great school. I think this semester, I've taken the most from my Book of Mormon class. I have learned so much, and have developed such a love for it, and all the people that sacrificed so much to make sure that I would have it one day. I love the element of the gospel that gets applied to every class. It just brings everything full circle. I also get to be here with my sister, and that has been a huge blessing to have her close. I feel like we really got to be friends, and not just sisters, after I left for college. So it's been so awesome to have her so close, and still get to be friends and sisters. I love hearing all her stories, and it just makes me laugh because so many of them remind me of all the shennanigans Raegan, Abbie and I would get into.
I've come to really appreciate the principle of eternal marriage. I can't imagine being without Dan ever. It's amazing how much you think you love someone, only to realize days and weeks later, that that love has grown. I thought I loved him the day I married him, and I did, but looking back at how much that love has grown over seven short months is amazing. I love that I get to be with him forever! We have some close friends that we miss so so much, and they're getting sealed as a family with their little girl in January. I have been so blessed to be associated with them, and I'm beyond ecstatic for them! It has made me appreciate my eternal marriage that much more, and watching them work towards this goal as a family has been such a testimony builder of conquering trials and reaching your goals. We love you guys so so much!!
I don't really know where to end this, but I've been so richly blessed in my life, and I'm so eternally grateful for it all. This life is no picnic, that's for sure. But today is just one of those days that I get to celebrate the amazing person I picked to have right beside me the entire way. I love you Dan. Forever and ever. :]
Monday, December 12, 2011
The means to an end.
I think you know what I'm talking about. The dreaded finals. Actually I haven't really been dreading finals all that much. Mostly because I'm really only worried about one final...and that one I'm taking today at 230. So I should probably be studying, but my little brain is so full right now, I'm pretty sure little black words are leaking out of my ears. If you see them around campus, please return them.
On second thought...don't. And to top that off, my little eyes are so stinking tired, and they are practically begging me to go back to sleep. I came home with every intention of taking a 30 minute nap (power nap = much more successful studying). Good plan right? Well I came home to find our bed made. I love that Dan took the time to make it before he went to work this morning, but I was thinking to myself, dang it! I can't take a nap now! I don't want to mess up the bed.
So I'm blogging.
I had a Book of Mormon final at 7 this morning. I showed up around 8 (it's one of those that he just collects the test at 10, so you can get there whenever). I finished by 840, went and sold 2 of my textbooks back. Walked out $89 dollars richer...which is just getting put to more books. That's the depressing thought. I can't even go spend it on something for Dan for Christmas, because I just have more stuff to buy for school.
Seriously, I almost had a complete panic attack when I was reading all the things I need to start nursing school next semester. But everything's all good now, and it's just cranking out these finals one at a time. So if you happen to read this either today or tomorrow, shoot a little prayer my way. I could sure use it :]
Oh and ps...it's almost Christmas!! just in case you forgot.
On second thought...don't. And to top that off, my little eyes are so stinking tired, and they are practically begging me to go back to sleep. I came home with every intention of taking a 30 minute nap (power nap = much more successful studying). Good plan right? Well I came home to find our bed made. I love that Dan took the time to make it before he went to work this morning, but I was thinking to myself, dang it! I can't take a nap now! I don't want to mess up the bed.
So I'm blogging.
I had a Book of Mormon final at 7 this morning. I showed up around 8 (it's one of those that he just collects the test at 10, so you can get there whenever). I finished by 840, went and sold 2 of my textbooks back. Walked out $89 dollars richer...which is just getting put to more books. That's the depressing thought. I can't even go spend it on something for Dan for Christmas, because I just have more stuff to buy for school.
Seriously, I almost had a complete panic attack when I was reading all the things I need to start nursing school next semester. But everything's all good now, and it's just cranking out these finals one at a time. So if you happen to read this either today or tomorrow, shoot a little prayer my way. I could sure use it :]
Oh and ps...it's almost Christmas!! just in case you forgot.
Friday, December 9, 2011
It's been another one of those days
One of those days that started out really rough and felt like I was scraping my face on the asphalt. Yeah one of them. Let's just say that it's like a huge bug hit the windshield and splatter it's guts in just the right spot so I couldn't see.
I read this quote:
"Faith isn't tested so much when the cupboard is full as when it is bare." --Elder Lynn G. Robbins
True story. I could say amen right there and call this post good.
But as the day went on, I was doing homework and stuff, and Dan came home from work early. I had missed him so much today. It was a little ridiculous to be honest. I just curled up on the couch next to him, we talked about what had happened earlier in the day, and I just felt the love of my Heavenly Father immediately. I felt Him wrap His arms around me and just hold me so tightly.
Then I read this quote:
"No pain that we suffer is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. All that we suffer, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called children of God and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education we came here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in Heaven." --Orson F. Whitney
We're not out of the fog by any means, but I can see just a little bit more clearly through that smog as we're walking through the valleys. Life is made of mountains and valleys. We're walking through a valley right now, but I know that as long as we keep striving to pay our tithing and read our scriptures and keeping the desires of our hearts righteous, the Lord is going to bless us. He won't take the trial away, but He'll provide a way for us to make it through this. I know that. I know that with all my heart.
....and now I'm headed back to the grindstone. To finish homework. 4 tests and I'm done with my first semester at BYU!
I read this quote:
"Faith isn't tested so much when the cupboard is full as when it is bare." --Elder Lynn G. Robbins
True story. I could say amen right there and call this post good.
But as the day went on, I was doing homework and stuff, and Dan came home from work early. I had missed him so much today. It was a little ridiculous to be honest. I just curled up on the couch next to him, we talked about what had happened earlier in the day, and I just felt the love of my Heavenly Father immediately. I felt Him wrap His arms around me and just hold me so tightly.
Then I read this quote:
"No pain that we suffer is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. All that we suffer, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called children of God and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education we came here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in Heaven." --Orson F. Whitney
We're not out of the fog by any means, but I can see just a little bit more clearly through that smog as we're walking through the valleys. Life is made of mountains and valleys. We're walking through a valley right now, but I know that as long as we keep striving to pay our tithing and read our scriptures and keeping the desires of our hearts righteous, the Lord is going to bless us. He won't take the trial away, but He'll provide a way for us to make it through this. I know that. I know that with all my heart.
....and now I'm headed back to the grindstone. To finish homework. 4 tests and I'm done with my first semester at BYU!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Times like these
So I really need to get more creative with these titles, because I'm pretty sure the only difference between this one and the first one is the first word. Pathetic.
Days/Times...whatever you want to call it...like these make me miss the way things used to be just a few short months ago.
Texas: as much as I hated you and the sweltering humid heat, I have some of the best memories from you. I got to hang out with one of my best friends Jaynee every day, work out, and lay poolside working on the tan, and talking about everything the way girls do. I miss that a lot.
I miss having girlfriends period that I can just call and tell them I'm coming over, and we don't really do much of anything all day. I miss talking about all the crazy things that are happening in our lives, and the drama that was going around the office. I miss talking about Izzee girl. I can't wait to meet that adorable little neice of mine. How pathetic is it that I love her so much already, and I've never even met her!
I mean look at her! Who could not love this adorable little girl!
Its funny how you get used to things being the way they are, right before they change on you. Jaynee and I would talk a lot and joke around about how we wished we would have been friends sooner, but she scared us, and we bugged the crap out of her! Haha funny stuff.
I miss my roommates, Abbie and Raegan. We did so much crazy crap together, and we didn't have a care in the world. Okay, maybe like one or two. But it didn't ever show. We took spontaneous trips down to the river to tan on the conversion dam and read Me and Mr. Darcy. We stayed up till all hours of the morning talking about life and the things we do to get by. I miss that. A lot.
I miss reading scriptures with Dan every morning before he left for work. It always started my day off on the right foot, so that at least if something was going to go wrong, we had done one thing right that day. I kind of feel like we get stuck in the routine of school and work, and we just don't make the time to read them. I miss that a lot.
I miss having class with Dan four days a week. It was so fun going to anatomy and knowing that I would get to see him. I mean yeah I get to see him every day now, and that is the best thing ever-don't get me wrong. But it was nice that in addition to seeing him just about every day when we were dating that we go to have class together to. And I miss beating him on tests ;] just kidding! I miss the way he'd fall asleep every Thursday in lab, and all the little side conversation's we'd be having with Damron and Hope, Jodi, and Steph all while Ms. G was teaching. Oops!
I miss the sun, and the heat. Seriously, this cold crap is ridiculous! It was 17 degrees yesterday and the high was only 28. Yeah not cool. I miss the feeling of the heat on my skin. The sun I swear only gives light right now, no heat. Depressing thought.
I miss the simplicity that Texas offered, when the only thing I had to worry about was what to make for dinner, and making sure we paid utilities on time. Yeah, that was the life I'm telling you. And not that life got all that much more complicated after we moved to Utah, but school does something to you. It seriously just sucks the energy out of you and along with it, it's just so much harder to be happy. Maybe that's just because finals are next week and I'm feeling a little stressed (emphasis on the little).
But at the end of the day, I would trade any of things, because seriously, if we could have it all, and all at once, I don't think I'd really be as happy and I think I would. It's too much. I guess what I'm realizing as I write this is that there's a time and a season for everything, and a purpose for everything as well.
I am so grateful that for even a small instance, all these things got to be mine. How lucky am I? At the end of the day, I'm so extremely blessed that I wouldn't even know where to start listing off the blessings. So don't mind the melancholy reminiscing, and a little bit of complaining, but I really am grateful for each of these things in my life, and so much more.
I love this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful, beautiful life.
Days/Times...whatever you want to call it...like these make me miss the way things used to be just a few short months ago.
Texas: as much as I hated you and the sweltering humid heat, I have some of the best memories from you. I got to hang out with one of my best friends Jaynee every day, work out, and lay poolside working on the tan, and talking about everything the way girls do. I miss that a lot.
I miss having girlfriends period that I can just call and tell them I'm coming over, and we don't really do much of anything all day. I miss talking about all the crazy things that are happening in our lives, and the drama that was going around the office. I miss talking about Izzee girl. I can't wait to meet that adorable little neice of mine. How pathetic is it that I love her so much already, and I've never even met her!
I mean look at her! Who could not love this adorable little girl!
Its funny how you get used to things being the way they are, right before they change on you. Jaynee and I would talk a lot and joke around about how we wished we would have been friends sooner, but she scared us, and we bugged the crap out of her! Haha funny stuff.
I miss my roommates, Abbie and Raegan. We did so much crazy crap together, and we didn't have a care in the world. Okay, maybe like one or two. But it didn't ever show. We took spontaneous trips down to the river to tan on the conversion dam and read Me and Mr. Darcy. We stayed up till all hours of the morning talking about life and the things we do to get by. I miss that. A lot.
I miss reading scriptures with Dan every morning before he left for work. It always started my day off on the right foot, so that at least if something was going to go wrong, we had done one thing right that day. I kind of feel like we get stuck in the routine of school and work, and we just don't make the time to read them. I miss that a lot.
I miss having class with Dan four days a week. It was so fun going to anatomy and knowing that I would get to see him. I mean yeah I get to see him every day now, and that is the best thing ever-don't get me wrong. But it was nice that in addition to seeing him just about every day when we were dating that we go to have class together to. And I miss beating him on tests ;] just kidding! I miss the way he'd fall asleep every Thursday in lab, and all the little side conversation's we'd be having with Damron and Hope, Jodi, and Steph all while Ms. G was teaching. Oops!
I miss the sun, and the heat. Seriously, this cold crap is ridiculous! It was 17 degrees yesterday and the high was only 28. Yeah not cool. I miss the feeling of the heat on my skin. The sun I swear only gives light right now, no heat. Depressing thought.
I miss the simplicity that Texas offered, when the only thing I had to worry about was what to make for dinner, and making sure we paid utilities on time. Yeah, that was the life I'm telling you. And not that life got all that much more complicated after we moved to Utah, but school does something to you. It seriously just sucks the energy out of you and along with it, it's just so much harder to be happy. Maybe that's just because finals are next week and I'm feeling a little stressed (emphasis on the little).
But at the end of the day, I would trade any of things, because seriously, if we could have it all, and all at once, I don't think I'd really be as happy and I think I would. It's too much. I guess what I'm realizing as I write this is that there's a time and a season for everything, and a purpose for everything as well.
I am so grateful that for even a small instance, all these things got to be mine. How lucky am I? At the end of the day, I'm so extremely blessed that I wouldn't even know where to start listing off the blessings. So don't mind the melancholy reminiscing, and a little bit of complaining, but I really am grateful for each of these things in my life, and so much more.
I love this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful, beautiful life.
Days like these
Can only be more perfectly described with country music.
Maybe I'll have something more chipper to say later. As for now, it just sounds like life to me. The only thing for certain is uncertainty.
Maybe I'll have something more chipper to say later. As for now, it just sounds like life to me. The only thing for certain is uncertainty.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Just a few things
I'm an epic failure at blogging. That much is entirely too obvious. But seriously for one, I don't really feel like there's too much to write about. I mean, our days are pretty routine and the only things that are special and stick out are things that I don't really feel like I have to words to explain.
Anyway, we're doing great. It legitimately snowed today. Thank goodness it didn't stick. But when I came home during Sunday school today, it was hitting me in the face and sticking to my jacket. Yeah not cool. Seriously I have 6 more days of school. And I would be oh so grateful if it didn't snow till after those 6 days are over, because who seriously wants to walk around campus in the snow? Not this girl.
So that being said, school is almost over. I'm so so so excited to be able to breathe...for 2.5 weeks and then school starts all over again. Yeah not much of a Christmas break, but I'm hoping that it will be just enough to let my brain rest, before I put my nose to the grindstone with nursing school.
I'm so so grateful for the opportunity I had to see my family over Thanksgiving. It was so great to just spend the weekend with them and enjoy family time, and no school. I love that Thanksgiving starts of the entire holiday season, because there's not gifts or presents, just good food, family, and a million and a half reasons to be thankful.
I don't usually get too excited for Christmas until Christmas Eve, literally. It's a little pathetic. But there's something about this year. I really think it's because it's mine and Dan's first Christmas together. Seriously!! How cool is that! Oh man it's a stinkin pain trying to find something for him. I went shopping to get him something, and ended up finding the one thing for him, and 10 different things for me. Okay it was really only 2 things for me, and one thing for us together, and then a gift for him, but seriously he's a hard person to shop for! I don't know what he wants, and there's definitely nothing we need!
So if anyone has good suggestions, text me!!
Anyway, I'm definitely looking forward to Christmas with my love. It's gonna be probably my favorite Christmas yet.
Anyway, we're doing great. It legitimately snowed today. Thank goodness it didn't stick. But when I came home during Sunday school today, it was hitting me in the face and sticking to my jacket. Yeah not cool. Seriously I have 6 more days of school. And I would be oh so grateful if it didn't snow till after those 6 days are over, because who seriously wants to walk around campus in the snow? Not this girl.
So that being said, school is almost over. I'm so so so excited to be able to breathe...for 2.5 weeks and then school starts all over again. Yeah not much of a Christmas break, but I'm hoping that it will be just enough to let my brain rest, before I put my nose to the grindstone with nursing school.
I'm so so grateful for the opportunity I had to see my family over Thanksgiving. It was so great to just spend the weekend with them and enjoy family time, and no school. I love that Thanksgiving starts of the entire holiday season, because there's not gifts or presents, just good food, family, and a million and a half reasons to be thankful.
I don't usually get too excited for Christmas until Christmas Eve, literally. It's a little pathetic. But there's something about this year. I really think it's because it's mine and Dan's first Christmas together. Seriously!! How cool is that! Oh man it's a stinkin pain trying to find something for him. I went shopping to get him something, and ended up finding the one thing for him, and 10 different things for me. Okay it was really only 2 things for me, and one thing for us together, and then a gift for him, but seriously he's a hard person to shop for! I don't know what he wants, and there's definitely nothing we need!
So if anyone has good suggestions, text me!!
Anyway, I'm definitely looking forward to Christmas with my love. It's gonna be probably my favorite Christmas yet.
Friday, November 18, 2011
A Penny For My Thoughts
So I'm not a Lil Wayne fan at all, but this song is awesome. I won't post the Lil Wayne version, but if you feel so inclined, you can look it up on youtube.
Don't mind the random Spanish in the middle, but it sounds legit.
Today, Dan picked me up from class, we went to Smiths to get hamburger buns, and out of nowhere, I just decided I really really wanted to take Dan up Provo Canyon. There's a really pretty spot up the canyon a few miles called Bridal Veil Falls. I'd gone with my mom and a few of my cousins last summer and it was absolutely gorgeous then, so why wouldn't it be now? Nevermind the fact it's nearly the end of November, snow is imminent, and the wind decided to blow horrifically through the canyon.
It didn't take much to convince Dan to go, because he is king of everything outdoors. It turns out that the park-place where it's at closes November 1st. So we had to walk a little ways in to get to the falls. We passed a creepy house across the creek from which I swear Linkin Park music was emminating. Dan wanted to go check it out. Heck to the freaking no!! It's already creepy enough that the wind's blowing and we're by ourselves.
So we finally made it to the falls, stood there for a few minutes, took this picture:
We're cute right? I think so :]
Dan made dinner tonight. Homemade hamburgers in themselves are absolutely delicious! But Dan put in onion soup mix....holy cahmoly DE-FREAKIN-LICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!! Like I seriously considered eating a second third and fourth hamburger. Yeah.....that good! Good thing I stuck with one, because my tummy is STILL full.
So I'd say today has been entirely successful. Jennifer, Shelyse and I laugh entirely too much when finishing our homework. We probably have a few conversations too many with too many people around to hear. Oh...and I end up snorting because I was laughing so hard. Yeah...embarrassing.
Oh and I'm pretty sure I saw Riley Nelson on campus today...not that I care because everyone I've ever talked to said he's a stuck up rude-head (in maybe not so nice of words). Well if it was him, definite reality. The guy waltzed right in with a swagger like he owned the place. Yeah...you're just a football player FYI.
Long story short: Life is good. Outdoor adventures are the best end to a LONG LONG week. I've got some good friends, that I'm lucky enough to have class with every day. Andddd my husband is the best cook ever. Word.
Today, Dan picked me up from class, we went to Smiths to get hamburger buns, and out of nowhere, I just decided I really really wanted to take Dan up Provo Canyon. There's a really pretty spot up the canyon a few miles called Bridal Veil Falls. I'd gone with my mom and a few of my cousins last summer and it was absolutely gorgeous then, so why wouldn't it be now? Nevermind the fact it's nearly the end of November, snow is imminent, and the wind decided to blow horrifically through the canyon.
It didn't take much to convince Dan to go, because he is king of everything outdoors. It turns out that the park-place where it's at closes November 1st. So we had to walk a little ways in to get to the falls. We passed a creepy house across the creek from which I swear Linkin Park music was emminating. Dan wanted to go check it out. Heck to the freaking no!! It's already creepy enough that the wind's blowing and we're by ourselves.
So we finally made it to the falls, stood there for a few minutes, took this picture:
We're cute right? I think so :]
Dan made dinner tonight. Homemade hamburgers in themselves are absolutely delicious! But Dan put in onion soup mix....holy cahmoly DE-FREAKIN-LICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!! Like I seriously considered eating a second third and fourth hamburger. Yeah.....that good! Good thing I stuck with one, because my tummy is STILL full.
So I'd say today has been entirely successful. Jennifer, Shelyse and I laugh entirely too much when finishing our homework. We probably have a few conversations too many with too many people around to hear. Oh...and I end up snorting because I was laughing so hard. Yeah...embarrassing.
Oh and I'm pretty sure I saw Riley Nelson on campus today...not that I care because everyone I've ever talked to said he's a stuck up rude-head (in maybe not so nice of words). Well if it was him, definite reality. The guy waltzed right in with a swagger like he owned the place. Yeah...you're just a football player FYI.
Long story short: Life is good. Outdoor adventures are the best end to a LONG LONG week. I've got some good friends, that I'm lucky enough to have class with every day. Andddd my husband is the best cook ever. Word.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
That's just who I am this week
So Jennifer and I are supposed to be studying chemistry in preparation for our test that's this weekend. Do you think we studied? Absolutely not.
I think our poor little brains are just a little too fried right now to even think about studying chemistry. Word.
On top of it all, I've got a Marriage and Family test that's due by Saturday at 1155 pm, along with all the quizzes for this unit. My grades are less than mediocre, and quite frankly I'm a little peeved about it. I could potentially get an A in two of my classes that I have B's in, so I can't really slack off because let's face it...I'm an overachiever and would really really REALLY like to have an A in everything, but chemistry's just not gonna happen.
Suffice it to say, I've been pretty grumpy lately. But that's just my week. Awesome right?
On a brighter note, I'll probably be up pretty late for the next couple of nights trying to catch up on all my homework and get everything done on time.
On an even brighter note, my family will be here in 6 days!! WOOT WOOT!! I'm just a little excited, no worries. And after this week, I only have 2 days of classes next week. And then after thanksgiving, like 2 weeks left of school and then Christmas break...aka a MONTH off of school!!
Anyway, it's time for my chem review now...tune in for the next study session of Jennifer and Arielle...I'm sure there will be some pretty ridiculous pictures.
I think our poor little brains are just a little too fried right now to even think about studying chemistry. Word.
On top of it all, I've got a Marriage and Family test that's due by Saturday at 1155 pm, along with all the quizzes for this unit. My grades are less than mediocre, and quite frankly I'm a little peeved about it. I could potentially get an A in two of my classes that I have B's in, so I can't really slack off because let's face it...I'm an overachiever and would really really REALLY like to have an A in everything, but chemistry's just not gonna happen.
Suffice it to say, I've been pretty grumpy lately. But that's just my week. Awesome right?
On a brighter note, I'll probably be up pretty late for the next couple of nights trying to catch up on all my homework and get everything done on time.
On an even brighter note, my family will be here in 6 days!! WOOT WOOT!! I'm just a little excited, no worries. And after this week, I only have 2 days of classes next week. And then after thanksgiving, like 2 weeks left of school and then Christmas break...aka a MONTH off of school!!
Anyway, it's time for my chem review now...tune in for the next study session of Jennifer and Arielle...I'm sure there will be some pretty ridiculous pictures.
Monday, November 14, 2011
STOKED!!!!!!!
Hunger Games....nuff said.
Here's the trailer. It's gonna be fabulous. I might have to be a midnight premier kind of deal.
Here's the trailer. It's gonna be fabulous. I might have to be a midnight premier kind of deal.
Straight off the silver screen
Yesterday (I know...I fail for not actually doing it yesterday, but that's beside the point) was our 6 month anniversary!! That absolutely blows my mind!! It feels like just yesterday we were here:
I absolutely love the smiles on our faces. You can just see it all over how happy we are!
I love this picture too. My absolute favorite family of 5 boys. Love love them.
All in all, it's been a great six months. We've grown so much and I'm so grateful each and every day that I get to go through this life and eternity with him by my side.
It's been a great ride so far!! And it's only going to get better!
Here's to the next six....and the rest of our lives. Loveyou.
I absolutely love the smiles on our faces. You can just see it all over how happy we are!
I love this picture too. My absolute favorite family of 5 boys. Love love them.
All in all, it's been a great six months. We've grown so much and I'm so grateful each and every day that I get to go through this life and eternity with him by my side.
It's been a great ride so far!! And it's only going to get better!
Here's to the next six....and the rest of our lives. Loveyou.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thanksgiving
It is by far my favorite holiday of the ENTIRE year! Although, it might come in a close second after our anniversary...but that's not till May. So for now, Thanksgiving is up up up there on my list of favorites. Can I let you in on a secret though? I HATE HATE HATE (don't judge) that the radio stations are already playing Christmas music!!! It's like a crime against humanity. So I found a T Swift CD and was jamming out going to school--yes I was that girl that was belting out TSwift at the top of her lungs on the way to and from school. If you passed me, you're welcome for the entertainment.
Anyway, I am so excited beyond excited for Thanksgiving this year for several reasons.
1. It's mine and Dan's first Thanksgiving together--always exciting to have "firsts"
2. My family is going to be here! Woot woot!! I am seriously so stoked that I can't even handle it!!
3. My momma is bringing my "wedding present" for me! aka fresh TURKEY!!! (as in the turkey died 2 days earlier). If any of you know me, for the last couple of years, we've been killing our turkey at a family friend's home. Up to our elbows in blood and guts...and it's the best memories! So I was pretty depressed about having to get a frozen turkey from the store that's been there for who knows how long. So you can understand my excitment when my mom called me and told me that I had one last wedding present, and it was weighing in at about 20 ish (give or take 5) lbs. Yeah...day MADE!
Also, since Thanksgiving is close, that means my #6 (heck yeah 6!!!) month anniversary is coming up! I'll save that for another post, but I'm soo sooo excited about that too.
On the down side, I've got at least 2 (possibly 3) tests to get through before the blessed Thanksgiving break can come. Another downside: I'll probably spend all of break studying for finals--most likely American Heritage...ugh I despise that class.
Today, though, I'm so very very thankful for so many things.
1. Everyone who is/was in the Armed Forces--You guys are champs and I am so grateful for all that they do for us, to protect those freedoms that some use to slam the military. We truly live in the land of the free BECAUSE of the brave.
2. My cute little apartment--I'm pretty convinced that by the time we move again, Dan and I will come out of this place leaving some of our best memories behind. I can't even begin to count how many times we've laughed hysterically on the kitchen floor, or how excited we get during Grey's Anatomy or Fringe (or in Dan's case, how upset he was about how Grey's ended last night), and all the late night chats about whatever's on our minds.
3. My Seester--I have absolutely loved having my sister here at BYU with me. I don't feel nearly as alone on campus because I know she's close. I love hearing her crazy stories about things she and her roommates and FHE brothers do. It reminds me of all the crazy things I did with my roommates and honestly wonder how we ever came out of half the things we did without a scratch.
4. Family--I miss them so much, and I hate feeling like I'm missing out on their lives. I guess everyone's got to grow up and move on at some point, but it's still stinky! I am so grateful for my family and the strength and support they are to me and Dan. I know they're always praying for us and it's so nice to know that there's someone rooting for us (even if they're kinda far away). I'm grateful for the home I grew up in with so much love between my siblings and I and knowing that whatever happens, we've always got each other's backs. I'm grateful for my dad who taught me what to expect out of my future husband, and that he always honors his priesthood. You never know how much you take the priesthood in your home for granted until it's not there anymore. I'm grateful for my mom, who is hands down, the best mom I could have ever asked for.
5. My In-Laws--I absolutely love them! I'm so grateful I married into a wonderful family that loves and cares about us so much! It's so nice to call and talk to them. I can't wait till we get to see them again! I know Dan misses them.
6. Dan--I wouldn't be anywhere without him. He is everything to me, and I'm so grateful each and every day that my Heavenly Father and I agreed on him. He goes to work every day, sometimes at 6 am, and takes care of us. I love that he lets me just focus on school for now. I'm sure he's planning on reciprocating that after I graduate and am making dolla dolla bills as a nurse, so he can finish up in school. He's my best friend, hands down, and I'm so grateful I get to spend the rest of my life, and eternity with him.
I'm sure once Thanksgiving itself actually rolls around, I'll have a grand list to share! But for now, that's all.
"I feel my Savior's love, the love He freely gives me."
Anyway, I am so excited beyond excited for Thanksgiving this year for several reasons.
1. It's mine and Dan's first Thanksgiving together--always exciting to have "firsts"
2. My family is going to be here! Woot woot!! I am seriously so stoked that I can't even handle it!!
3. My momma is bringing my "wedding present" for me! aka fresh TURKEY!!! (as in the turkey died 2 days earlier). If any of you know me, for the last couple of years, we've been killing our turkey at a family friend's home. Up to our elbows in blood and guts...and it's the best memories! So I was pretty depressed about having to get a frozen turkey from the store that's been there for who knows how long. So you can understand my excitment when my mom called me and told me that I had one last wedding present, and it was weighing in at about 20 ish (give or take 5) lbs. Yeah...day MADE!
Also, since Thanksgiving is close, that means my #6 (heck yeah 6!!!) month anniversary is coming up! I'll save that for another post, but I'm soo sooo excited about that too.
On the down side, I've got at least 2 (possibly 3) tests to get through before the blessed Thanksgiving break can come. Another downside: I'll probably spend all of break studying for finals--most likely American Heritage...ugh I despise that class.
Today, though, I'm so very very thankful for so many things.
1. Everyone who is/was in the Armed Forces--You guys are champs and I am so grateful for all that they do for us, to protect those freedoms that some use to slam the military. We truly live in the land of the free BECAUSE of the brave.
2. My cute little apartment--I'm pretty convinced that by the time we move again, Dan and I will come out of this place leaving some of our best memories behind. I can't even begin to count how many times we've laughed hysterically on the kitchen floor, or how excited we get during Grey's Anatomy or Fringe (or in Dan's case, how upset he was about how Grey's ended last night), and all the late night chats about whatever's on our minds.
3. My Seester--I have absolutely loved having my sister here at BYU with me. I don't feel nearly as alone on campus because I know she's close. I love hearing her crazy stories about things she and her roommates and FHE brothers do. It reminds me of all the crazy things I did with my roommates and honestly wonder how we ever came out of half the things we did without a scratch.
4. Family--I miss them so much, and I hate feeling like I'm missing out on their lives. I guess everyone's got to grow up and move on at some point, but it's still stinky! I am so grateful for my family and the strength and support they are to me and Dan. I know they're always praying for us and it's so nice to know that there's someone rooting for us (even if they're kinda far away). I'm grateful for the home I grew up in with so much love between my siblings and I and knowing that whatever happens, we've always got each other's backs. I'm grateful for my dad who taught me what to expect out of my future husband, and that he always honors his priesthood. You never know how much you take the priesthood in your home for granted until it's not there anymore. I'm grateful for my mom, who is hands down, the best mom I could have ever asked for.
5. My In-Laws--I absolutely love them! I'm so grateful I married into a wonderful family that loves and cares about us so much! It's so nice to call and talk to them. I can't wait till we get to see them again! I know Dan misses them.
6. Dan--I wouldn't be anywhere without him. He is everything to me, and I'm so grateful each and every day that my Heavenly Father and I agreed on him. He goes to work every day, sometimes at 6 am, and takes care of us. I love that he lets me just focus on school for now. I'm sure he's planning on reciprocating that after I graduate and am making dolla dolla bills as a nurse, so he can finish up in school. He's my best friend, hands down, and I'm so grateful I get to spend the rest of my life, and eternity with him.
I'm sure once Thanksgiving itself actually rolls around, I'll have a grand list to share! But for now, that's all.
"I feel my Savior's love, the love He freely gives me."
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Little Miss Hide Your Scars
If you take a look around you, how many people do you see that have suffered or are currently suffering through a magnanomous (sp?) trial? Could you pick them out of the crowd? Even a circle of acquaintances that you briefly chat about nothing with on a pretty regular basis? My guess...probably not.
I've been wanted to blog about this title ever since it slapped me upside the head while listening to Sugarland one day (leave it to Jennifer Nettles to slap you silly with her bomb lyrics). So I've been thinking and noticing just around me immediately who has "scars." Bear with me on this one, it's a little far fetched, but just go with it.
I can't help but notice how many people have lost someone close to them--like as in immediate family close to them. Fortunately for me, I haven't had to go through that, but seeing all the people around me and their tragic stories, I'm scared outta my mind.
It's right in my own family. My husband lost his brother, and likewise my sister in law lost her husband, and my nephew lost his dad. We watch Kason every Wednesday so Jami can go to her institute class (which major props! I'm pretty sure I only go to my religion classes 1/3 of the time because I actually get a grade). Don't get me wrong, I love love love watching him and getting to play with him every week!! It's probably one of the highlights of our week (mostly because it gives me so much hope and happiness to look forward to Dan being a father to our own kids one day). I love being an aunt! It's so fun and exciting! But I can't help but wonder what life would be like for them today if Kam were still here. Heck, I wonder how different my own life would be. Would we have gotten along? Would Jami and Kason even be in Utah? Probably not.
I had a funny thought the other day--and by funny I don't mean literally funny like haha, but just interesting. Dan and I were talking about his friend Clayton (who also passed away) and different memories that Dan and his friends have with him. I just had this thought, and I looked up at that great big beautiful blue sky and thought to myself, "I can't wait to meet you." I have decided I like talking to Dan about Kam, and I love the way he lights up when he is talking about Kam. It makes me feel like I kind of know my other brother. I hope that when that day comes and I finally do get to meet him, I'll recognize him from all the stories that I've heard.
Anyway, back to scars, they're everywhere, and I feel like as a person, we're always trying to hide them. We don't want people to know that we're broken, or bleeding, or falling apart. We just don't. I don't know if that's the pride and arrogance of us as human beings coming out, or it's just we don't want people to know how badly we're really hurting inside, and that as long as we keep a brave face on a play the part, no one will ever know and we can silently hurt and attempt to put ourselves back together.
I have a good friend, in fact she's probably one of my best friends, that I had the priviledge to live with this last year in college. We'd always been "friends"-ish before, we'd played on the same softball team for a year or two, and she was dating and guy in my ward. So I saw her around. Anyway, she came down to Thatcher last year, and lived with me! It was by far one of the best experiences of my life. She's that friend that's not afraid to call it like it is and tell you to suck it up (and I needed that quite frequently). She's also that friend that has taught me so much about the importance of the gospel in keeping your life together amidst great tragedies.
She lost her brother in a terrible accident. I remember when it happened that I actually got a text from her boyfriend asking everyone to pray for Ben. Fast forward 2 years or so, and I can't tell you how many conversations we've had that lasted way into the small hours of the morning about all these scars on our lives. As we got to be better friends, I learned more about the scars she carries, and I've developed a great love and admiration for her, and anyone that has had a similar situation, the one who does keep going, even if it's just going through the motions for a while, but doesn't let that defeat them.
I can't even begin to imagine what my life would be like right now without my brother. He has so much life and love and spirit in him and it's always bringing a smile to my face. I cannot wait to see him in just a few weeks, when my family is here for Thanksgiving.
But not to dwell on that, I really would like to know why we are always striving to hide these scars we carry? Everyone has them, and everyone will get at least one or two more by the time this life is over for each of us. I just hope and pray that when you see someone on the street, don't judge them by their appearance or their attitude or their demeanor. Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. So be kinder than necessary, and give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Trust me, one day, you'll need that benefit when your scars hit you.
I've been wanted to blog about this title ever since it slapped me upside the head while listening to Sugarland one day (leave it to Jennifer Nettles to slap you silly with her bomb lyrics). So I've been thinking and noticing just around me immediately who has "scars." Bear with me on this one, it's a little far fetched, but just go with it.
I can't help but notice how many people have lost someone close to them--like as in immediate family close to them. Fortunately for me, I haven't had to go through that, but seeing all the people around me and their tragic stories, I'm scared outta my mind.
It's right in my own family. My husband lost his brother, and likewise my sister in law lost her husband, and my nephew lost his dad. We watch Kason every Wednesday so Jami can go to her institute class (which major props! I'm pretty sure I only go to my religion classes 1/3 of the time because I actually get a grade). Don't get me wrong, I love love love watching him and getting to play with him every week!! It's probably one of the highlights of our week (mostly because it gives me so much hope and happiness to look forward to Dan being a father to our own kids one day). I love being an aunt! It's so fun and exciting! But I can't help but wonder what life would be like for them today if Kam were still here. Heck, I wonder how different my own life would be. Would we have gotten along? Would Jami and Kason even be in Utah? Probably not.
I had a funny thought the other day--and by funny I don't mean literally funny like haha, but just interesting. Dan and I were talking about his friend Clayton (who also passed away) and different memories that Dan and his friends have with him. I just had this thought, and I looked up at that great big beautiful blue sky and thought to myself, "I can't wait to meet you." I have decided I like talking to Dan about Kam, and I love the way he lights up when he is talking about Kam. It makes me feel like I kind of know my other brother. I hope that when that day comes and I finally do get to meet him, I'll recognize him from all the stories that I've heard.
Anyway, back to scars, they're everywhere, and I feel like as a person, we're always trying to hide them. We don't want people to know that we're broken, or bleeding, or falling apart. We just don't. I don't know if that's the pride and arrogance of us as human beings coming out, or it's just we don't want people to know how badly we're really hurting inside, and that as long as we keep a brave face on a play the part, no one will ever know and we can silently hurt and attempt to put ourselves back together.
I have a good friend, in fact she's probably one of my best friends, that I had the priviledge to live with this last year in college. We'd always been "friends"-ish before, we'd played on the same softball team for a year or two, and she was dating and guy in my ward. So I saw her around. Anyway, she came down to Thatcher last year, and lived with me! It was by far one of the best experiences of my life. She's that friend that's not afraid to call it like it is and tell you to suck it up (and I needed that quite frequently). She's also that friend that has taught me so much about the importance of the gospel in keeping your life together amidst great tragedies.
She lost her brother in a terrible accident. I remember when it happened that I actually got a text from her boyfriend asking everyone to pray for Ben. Fast forward 2 years or so, and I can't tell you how many conversations we've had that lasted way into the small hours of the morning about all these scars on our lives. As we got to be better friends, I learned more about the scars she carries, and I've developed a great love and admiration for her, and anyone that has had a similar situation, the one who does keep going, even if it's just going through the motions for a while, but doesn't let that defeat them.
I can't even begin to imagine what my life would be like right now without my brother. He has so much life and love and spirit in him and it's always bringing a smile to my face. I cannot wait to see him in just a few weeks, when my family is here for Thanksgiving.
But not to dwell on that, I really would like to know why we are always striving to hide these scars we carry? Everyone has them, and everyone will get at least one or two more by the time this life is over for each of us. I just hope and pray that when you see someone on the street, don't judge them by their appearance or their attitude or their demeanor. Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. So be kinder than necessary, and give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Trust me, one day, you'll need that benefit when your scars hit you.
You gotta love it
...when your upstairs neighbor's baby is up all night crying. I think he finally called it quits at about 500 this morning. Oh and he's 15 months old. So it was loud.
Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep, and that's not helping much with studying for the test I'm supposed to take today. I'm thinking about just taking it Thursday, paying the $5 late fee (lame right? you don't think I pay enough to be here) and having an extra day to study.
At any rate, I don't think I'll be having children in the next 6 months at least (or like 2 years...because then I'll be graduated from nursing school!!! HOLLA!). I enjoy my sleep entirely too much. The end.
Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep, and that's not helping much with studying for the test I'm supposed to take today. I'm thinking about just taking it Thursday, paying the $5 late fee (lame right? you don't think I pay enough to be here) and having an extra day to study.
At any rate, I don't think I'll be having children in the next 6 months at least (or like 2 years...because then I'll be graduated from nursing school!!! HOLLA!). I enjoy my sleep entirely too much. The end.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
An update
So I've got a million and a half pictures on my phone, and rather than blog about each and every single one and the experience associated with it, I'll just post the pictures with a brief description.
Pretty self explanatory...but clearly someone's cutting corners.
First day of school! First day of school!
The atrocious 102 steps that I walk up and down pretty regularly.
I definitely stopped wearing flip flops for awhile after how dirty they make my feet during the day!
Gotta love the mac n cheese (ps...I nearly cried when I realized how tan I was at the start of the school year, and how pathetically white I am now...boo!)
Welcome to Utah County...EVERYTHING is under construction.
Mmm....frosties :]
You can't really tell, but there's a moose! You can see it right through the screen of the trailor.
Psh...I thought this was cold. I was such a pansy. Now 42 feels good!
My awesome nephew practicing his cart-wheels. For the life of me, I could not get a picture of him mid-cartwheel. I was a little sad about that.
View outside the Provo Temple!
Oh no big deal...Just showing the hydrogen bonding that goes on with nucleotide bases in DNA.
The first big rain storm. I've checked the weather every day since then, because believe it or not, two hours earlier it was clear skies and sunshine.
The awesome dinner my awesome husband made (thanks for the recipe Abbie!)
Ice cream date after priesthood session of conference!
The first cold cold cold cold cold day of the year...yeah it sucked. I was really quite concerned that winter was upon us. Have no fear...it let up for a few weeks, and the sun came back out.
It was very pretty though if I do admit though.
CAKE BALLS!!!
Provo Temple!
Okay, so this is a pretty funny story. Dan was popping my back, well trying to pop it anyway. It's pretty stubborn when it comes to popping it. Anyway, he was standing behind me trying to pop it, and out of no where there's a huge RIP. Yeah...my bra had busted open. Only a part of it though, so it still is wearable. But I was laughing so hard because i just couldn't believe that it had actually ripped.
HOMEMADE lasagna!!! Heck yeah!!!
National Chemistry Week: Magic Show!
My sister in law and my nephew and I hiked the Y a few weeks ago and Kason was a champ!! He hiked the whole thing by himself, without Jami or I having to carry him. It was so awesome!
Homemade famous bowls. Why buy them at KFC when you can make them at home yourself!
My mumu and I on Halloween!
My cousin Britton! He was a scarecrow and was scaring people in the cornmaze!
My seester!! She was a sister-wife with a couple of her other roommates, and she had balloons in her dress so her boobs would be saggy! The funny part was that she had no idea I was grabbing her fake boobies until I'd said something about it...then she started freaking out!
Cute pose :]
Tanner the grim reaper!!
My aunt and uncles house! Halloween is their holiday!! No joke, they go all out for it and have a haunted maze in their backyard.
The first snow was this last Sunday!! It didn't last too long. All of it had melted by 11 that morning.
Isn't he the cutest?!!
That's some of the crazy happenings of our lives these days.
Pretty self explanatory...but clearly someone's cutting corners.
First day of school! First day of school!
The atrocious 102 steps that I walk up and down pretty regularly.
I definitely stopped wearing flip flops for awhile after how dirty they make my feet during the day!
Gotta love the mac n cheese (ps...I nearly cried when I realized how tan I was at the start of the school year, and how pathetically white I am now...boo!)
Welcome to Utah County...EVERYTHING is under construction.
Mmm....frosties :]
You can't really tell, but there's a moose! You can see it right through the screen of the trailor.
Psh...I thought this was cold. I was such a pansy. Now 42 feels good!
My awesome nephew practicing his cart-wheels. For the life of me, I could not get a picture of him mid-cartwheel. I was a little sad about that.
View outside the Provo Temple!
Oh no big deal...Just showing the hydrogen bonding that goes on with nucleotide bases in DNA.
The first big rain storm. I've checked the weather every day since then, because believe it or not, two hours earlier it was clear skies and sunshine.
The awesome dinner my awesome husband made (thanks for the recipe Abbie!)
Ice cream date after priesthood session of conference!
The first cold cold cold cold cold day of the year...yeah it sucked. I was really quite concerned that winter was upon us. Have no fear...it let up for a few weeks, and the sun came back out.
It was very pretty though if I do admit though.
CAKE BALLS!!!
Provo Temple!
Okay, so this is a pretty funny story. Dan was popping my back, well trying to pop it anyway. It's pretty stubborn when it comes to popping it. Anyway, he was standing behind me trying to pop it, and out of no where there's a huge RIP. Yeah...my bra had busted open. Only a part of it though, so it still is wearable. But I was laughing so hard because i just couldn't believe that it had actually ripped.
HOMEMADE lasagna!!! Heck yeah!!!
National Chemistry Week: Magic Show!
My sister in law and my nephew and I hiked the Y a few weeks ago and Kason was a champ!! He hiked the whole thing by himself, without Jami or I having to carry him. It was so awesome!
Homemade famous bowls. Why buy them at KFC when you can make them at home yourself!
My mumu and I on Halloween!
My cousin Britton! He was a scarecrow and was scaring people in the cornmaze!
My seester!! She was a sister-wife with a couple of her other roommates, and she had balloons in her dress so her boobs would be saggy! The funny part was that she had no idea I was grabbing her fake boobies until I'd said something about it...then she started freaking out!
Cute pose :]
Tanner the grim reaper!!
My aunt and uncles house! Halloween is their holiday!! No joke, they go all out for it and have a haunted maze in their backyard.
The first snow was this last Sunday!! It didn't last too long. All of it had melted by 11 that morning.
Isn't he the cutest?!!
That's some of the crazy happenings of our lives these days.
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