Life's Adventure

The past month has been one full of memories, bidding farewell, and saying hello.

After our Mexico trip Mom and I headed in the opposite direction: Canada.

We had a blast :) An eventful road-trip full of fur, stashing contraband, and hitting foxes was only the beginning. We surprised not only Taeta, but the Shipley cousins and the Kawas family. It was so good to see them all :D

And yes, Taeta has dead things in her house now :P

Kooper didn't like that at all.

  

Canada in a nutshell :D

This past month has seen 2 of my good friends off on missions. One to Minnesota, the other to the Mexico MTC to further prepare for El Salvador. I look up to these friends more than they will ever know. They're going to do amazing, I know it.

** I'm published!! I made my high school portion of this blog into a book. It's amazing! Thanks for your complete support an encouragement, Mom :D**

School started a week ago.

Haha, I can honestly say I never thought I'd enjoy school (especially living at school!!)... but I actually really love everything about it. I forgot just how much I loved Cedar until I came back. Call me crazy, but when I walked on campus that first day of job training I felt like I was home.

So far it's been pretty hectic. I'm pulling 16 credits this semester...

Intro to Criminal Justice

Psychology as a Science and Profession

Stress and Pain

Fear (Honors)

Institute

Criminal Investigations

Oh yeah, I declared myself as a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology :D

Plus, I also have a job!!

I'm a reporter for the University Journal :)

I actually really enjoy getting to know people and staying busy all the time. And it doesn't hurt that my editors keep complimenting my writing style :) A few of my stories have already been front-page worthy!! I'm psyched! 

There are some days when I am completely stressed and overwhelmed with upcoming story deadlines... but then an editor will praise my writing and in that moment the pressure fades and I feel like I've conquered the world :D

*If you're interested you can check out our paper at suunews.com*

School is stress, yes. But it's also one of the best times to learn who you are and who you want to become. It's a huge step in life and I am doing all I can to take advantage of every single moment. I hope that one day I can look back at this time and be proud of all that I was able to accomplish. I want to learn.. but I also want to have fun. Lots and lots of fun. 

Here's to another school year, one filled with friends, both old and new, and more memories than I know what to do with :D

Chapters

First off, Mexico was amazing!

   

 

We flew to Phoenix, picked up our rental car (yes, that's a Ford Mustang convertible!), then drove across the Mexican border (ridiculously easy I might add, at the border the Mexicans just waved us through...) to Puerto Penasco. Fresh coconut. Fresh mango. Shells galore. Top notch food. Restaurants with a view. Quality time with mom. It was so much fun :D

On a different note, one of my best friends just left on her mission.

14 months ago Nicole and I went to a carnival. Despite having multiple classes together in high school, that was the first time we hung out. After that.. we became close. She attended BYU and I was living down in Cedar City going to SUU. However, distance didn't matter. Somehow we were both able to open up to each other in a record amount of time. We shared our highs and our lows, our triumphs and our struggles. When there was no one else, we had each other. And while I can't speak for her, it felt good to have a friend who I knew I could count on. No matter what.

Going on a mission is no small choice, and I commend Nicole for being able to make this one. It wasn't easy. But I know without a doubt that she will make a great missionary.

Running Free.

Running away from your problems doesn’t solve anything. We’ve all heard this simple truth, but sometimes things go bad. After all, life is a test full of twists and snags. The Lion King's Timon and Pumbaa teach that the good life is one in which there are ‘no rules, no responsibilities and best of all, no worries.’ While this proved right in Simba’s life for many years.. eventually the consequences of his actions caught up with him, as they inevitably will.
I don’t believe that we are defined by the moments and situations around us, but rather how we handle them. Do we crumble under the pressure or smile through the pain? When everything turns upside down and backwards it can be really hard to look up and find your balance. But you know what I’ve found? Dwelling on all the bad isn’t worth it. Nothing good comes from dwelling. Here’s a Pintrest quote for you: “Your bad attitude is like a flat tire: You can’t go anywhere unless you change it.”

We aren’t given challenges that we can’t manage. The fact of the matter is that our challenges are meant to strengthen us. With this in mind how can we *not* look to the Lord and know that in the end everything will be alright?? Keep your chin up and seek out the good in everything. It’ll make even the bleakest of times seem.. well.. not so bleak :)

Following the same train of thought,
“Isn’t it funny? The things we don’t do that are right in front of us?” –Julie
How can we live life to the fullest if we aren’t actually living?? Here's to putting some trust in the life we've been given and making the best out of bad situations.

Living Life

Living Life.. It's true that life changes, but you know what I've found? It only gets better.

Ha, you want to know what else I've learned?

It's better to enjoy life. Enjoy the moment and think not of the future, because if you think of what's coming, you don't give thought as to what's happening.

Enjoy the moment before it becomes a memory. It's easier to be happy:)

Weekend Away

Yesterday I came to 2 very important realizations.

1) I haven't been sick this past school year. At all. Do you know how awesome that is? I can't remember the last time I went a full school year without getting sick. *knock on wood* Watch me get sick this week for finals :/

2) Once I get an idea in my head there's no stopping me. Looking back, I notice this a lot. If either Chels or I even mention the word 'Subway' then it's as good as a done deal. Also, many of my spontaneous drives home have been due to a simple spoken word. Actually... just about all of them. Off the top of my head I can think of 3 instances:
~ That time Chels went home and, after a word from a friend, I made a separate trip up.
~ Spontaneous trip to and from Nevada in one night.
~ Ditching Cedar the weekend before finals (*cough* right now)
Those are just the examples I can think of right now... which is pretty impressive considering how late it is.

I keep typing out half sentences, but then deciding it doesn't make sense and deleting it. I think that means it's bedtime... Night!

Highlights

I was recently reading through a bunch of old posts and I realized I've been missing out. When I write it allows me to go through the highs of my day and pick out the points I want to remember. It gives me a chance to think about what's been going on and add a little depth to my life. Haha, plus, I really do enjoy reading past posts.

So. In an attempt to regain this love I'm going to share the highs of my last few days. Why? Because highlights are what keep the world a happy place. Just roll with it :D

It all started a couple days ago when Chels wanted help with her art project. It involved paper and a candle.. Interest peaked I followed her outside and behind the dumpster. Sketchy, right? Oh, it was awesome :D

Believe it or not, strategic fire play takes a little time to get the hang of.

But it wasn't long before we... ok, I... was having too much fun. Chels was too worried about her project turning to ash. Ha, it's too bad I can't say the worry was unfounded...

Ya know... it's really hard to get a deep enough breath to blow out a flame when you're laughing uncontrollably..

Really though. This was grand fun. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed art so much ;) The smoke smell lingering on our clothes... How do you top an evening like that?? Exactly. You can't.

And yet... it's possible.

Missionary letters do wonders :) 

I really hadn't thought my night could get any better, but then it did! Ally just left on her mission for Boston and, even though we were never close friends, I've always admired her. So I wrote her a letter. Honestly, I didn't expect a letter back.. but holy dang. Sweetest letter I've ever gotten. 

That was Thursday. 

Friday held it's own fun with a Voice Male concert. Ha, I didn't think old guys singing a-cappella could be so entertaining :)

And nothing says 'Today's going to be awesome' like a surprise visit from a best friend. One friend to start the day off and then another to end it... My past 3 days have been abounding in highlights and what says grateful like writing it down?

When you give meaning to all the awesome little good things that happen, it does so much to create a positive and happier attitude. Look for the bright side. You'll find it. 

Even on moonless nights the stars always shine.

Random Draft?

You know what's odd? A random draft called 'Chelsea Burkholder' that's been sitting in my posts folder since August 30th. The weird part? I didn't write it. Ha, luckily for me the title says it all ;) The post goes like this:

Chelsea Burkholder

What can I say? This girl is amazing. Sheer talent. I'm so lucky to be her roommate. I honestly can't put my joy into words... it's unreal. I love her lots :D And Karely? Ah man... she's amazing. She puts ice on her face sometimes, but who doesn't? It's all good... how could life be any better?

I must admit, this is the first time I've read that in a long while. I get a laugh every time. Why? Simply because under all that humility there is a speck of truth. Only a speck, mind you. ;)

Haha, but really. These two have become truly amazing friends. I know I can count on them and they have helped to make my first year of college unforgettable. Thank you. I look forward to the adventures that next semester will bring :)