Words of advice this morning brought to you by

Cristina Yang

"Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature. Be better than anyone here and don't give a damn what anyone thinks. There are no teams here, no buddies. You're on your own. Be on your own."

Now onto review one last time and ROCK THIS FINAL PASS OFF!

Stuck like glue

There's something about country music. Something in the lyrics or the music that speaks to my soul. There is always something or some part in the song that I find myself identifying with, something that makes me really think.

After I got married, I found myself to be much more emotional that I was used to, due in part to some crazy pills, but I think a lot of it had to due with the simple truth that I shared my entire life with someone now. It was no longer just me on my own. It was the two of us, in it for the long haul. Forever. It was the thought that things can change in an instant and I could suddenly be missing half of me. Something changed after I said "yes" across that temple altar. I became a part of a whole.

This morning driving to school, a song came on the radio. Yes, it was Sugarland (FAV!) and this song came out when Dan and I were dating or had just gotten married. I love it. It's adorable, and slightly stalkerish. But hey, when you're part of a whole, I think you earn the divine right to be a little sappy and a little stalkerish.

You and me, baby, we're stuck like glue!

A little pick me up

This week went from fairly low key to crazy intense and stressful in matter of hours. Such is life.

Today I made a list, like I always do, of all the things I absolutely HAVE to get done by certain days (ex. Process paper due Wednesday night) and then off to the side all the things I should really get started on (ex. End of Life teaching paper due April 15th, Research executive summary due April 15th).

Today, I started to feel overwhelmed, like I always do, when I saw that mountain of a list to climb by the end of the week.

Today...turned out a little bit differently though thanks to this little gem.

John 14:3-4

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

This was in my End of Life class, and we were talking about legal and ethical issues at end of life (advanced directives, power of attorney, etc.). However, it hit me a little differently in the sense that all the work and effort I am putting into this life and especially my education is valuable, and it means something not only to me here, but in the next life as well. And Christ knows how hard I have been working to achieve this goal and the struggle it's been. He has not forgotten me, and while I'm busting my butt here to make that goal a reality, He is preparing a place for me.

In my Father's house there are many mansions...

I'm hoping one of those mansions is for me.

Happy Monday.

Easters

I just wanted to take a minute (literally a minute-I need to catch some shut eye!) and express my gratitude for Easter Sunday. I really hate the commercialism of it all and the easter bunny, but we won't get into that. I'm so grateful for the Atonement in my life and for a Savior who sank below it all to bring me back up, to make it possible for me to have a fighting chance in this life, who has given me the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and try again tomorrow. For that, I will be forever indebted and grateful to him.

I believe in Christ; He is my King!

With all my heart to Him I'll sing;

I'll raise my voice in praise and joy,

In grand amens my tongue employ.

I believe in Christ; He is God's Son.

On earth to dwell His soul did come.

He healed the sick; the dead He raised,

Good works were His; His name be praised.

I believe in Christ; oh blessed name!

As Mary's son He came to reign

'Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,

To save them from the woes of sin.

I believe in Christ, who marked the path,

Who did gain all His Father hath,

Who said to men: "Come, follow me,

That ye, my friends, with God may be."

I believe in Christ--my Lord, my God!

My feet He plants on gospel sod.

I'll worship Him with all my might;

He is the source of truth and light.

I believe in Christ; He ransoms me.

From Satan's grasp He sets me free,

And I shall live with joy and love

In His eternal courts above.

I believe in Christ; He stands supreme!

From Him I'll gain my fondest dream;

And while I strive through grief and pain,

His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain."

I believe in Christ; so come what may,

With Him I'll stand in that great day

When on this earth He comes again

To rule among the sons of men.

-Bruce R. McConkie