Random Thoughts

I received this as an email a while back and I just recently rediscovered it so, I thought I'd share. Enjoy!

* I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

* More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

* Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

* Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

* I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

* The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.

* Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

* There is a great need for sarcasm font.

* Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what was going on when I first saw it.

* I think everyone has a movie that they love so much; it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

* I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

* The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

* Was learning cursive really necessary?

* Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

* I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

* Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

* Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

* How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

* I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

* While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

* MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

* Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

* I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

* Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

* I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

* Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

* Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

* If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

* Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from; this shouldn't be a problem....

* You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

* Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

* There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

* I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

* "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

* I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

* While watching the Olympics, I find myself cheering equally for China and USA. No, I am not of Chinese descent, but I am fairly certain that when Chinese athletes don't win, they are executed.

* I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Darnit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

* I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

* When I meet a new girl/guy, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

* I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

* As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

* Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

* It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

* I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

* Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

* Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet anything that everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

* My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the heck do I respond to that?

* It really ticks me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and the link takes me to a video instead of text.

* I wonder if cops ever get ticked off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

* I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

* The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to

require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like feeling like a fatty before dinner.

hahahaha, funny stuff. =)

xoxo

Life's Challenges

"There is only one day that you and I have to live and that’s today. There is nothing we can do about yesterday except repent, and there may be no tomorrows. The thing for us to do when we arise from our beds as God gives us a new day is to pray that whatever comes to our hand we will do to the best of our ability."

I don't intend for this post to be depressing, long, or me just rambling. So if it ends up going in that direction, I apologize.  =)

I have recently been uber (I think I spell this word differently every time I write it. haha) hard on myself. I mean it happens. Why you ask am I so hard on myself? Well, I'm still looking for a job with no prospects (except finally today. jump up and down...joy! yay!). I've seriously applied to over 50 jobs. 50! I mean dang that's a lot. I have good work experience, my availability is unlimited basically, and it's not like I'm being picky...come on now. Hire me dang it! Also, I'm still adjusting to Provo...directions (curse the grid system), people(making friends), provo life(utah ways...yikes). And, I've had lots weighing on my mind...looking for answers, you know all that good stuff. And well all the stress I put on myself, I cracked. (partially because I keep most of it bottled up. not a good idea)...it happens.

I was reading my scriptures last night amidst my little meltdown and came across a verse (naturally I can't find it now) about crying unto the Lord at night and finding relief in the morning. And maybe the Lord just knew that I needed some hope and comfort. Oh but He sure did pull through for me in more than one way. First off, I really just wanted someone to talk to last night. (not about my problems because I hate burdening anyone)I just wanted someone to talk to about anything really, maybe as a distraction, I don't really know.  And as often as my friends and people tell me that if I ever need them I can call or text or whatever...I don't. I hate bothering people. I just kinda want them to maybe realize I need them or get a feeling they should just check up on me. haha silly me.

I'm grateful that the Lord knows exactly what I need though and who I need to hear it from. I ended up talking to a couple of different people last night (oh wonderful friends I have) and let's just say one of them helped me get a better perspective on my life. ( Basically, by telling me how absolutely ridiculous I am being and that I need to enjoy life more. haha) And this is what I came to realize over the course of last night and today....

• I tend to overreact or over-analyze things when I am too hard on myself(most of it which is absolutely ridiculous). Which, naturally not only affects me but the people I interact with. So I apologize to the people who have been impacted.

• I also realized exercise and being outside is a beautiful thing and definitely helps me have the chance to take a deep breath of fresh air. 

• Friends are wonderful and I should listen to what they are telling me more often. 

• I really need to not dwell so much on my problems and enjoy life because after all our trials are but a moment in the eternal scheme of things. 
  

• Music is so great and really can change your mood..especially dancing like a fool and singing along at the top of your lungs. ;) (and as a side note, songs also have some valuable lessons in them...however I won't go into what a certain Miley Cyrus song taught me. aha just laugh now. haha)
  

• And most importantly I realized the Lord will never fail us....ever. He always knows exactly what we need, exactly how much we can take, and always, always wants us to have happiness. (Which I always knew this, it's nice to be reminded though)
  

So this morning, my phone started ringing with a number I didn't know. I have an interview tomorrow! Score, I'm getting somewhere. The funny thing though? I don't remember applying for this company and I'm not really sure what the company even does...haha. Eh well...progress right?!

I also had a hit of reality or a bit of perspective today. My problems aren't as quite as major as they seem. I have a very good friend who has cancer. She's only 18. She has lymphoma, and it's just terrible. She just had a stem cell transplant, and her second home (that is quickly becoming her number 1 home) is the hospital. It breaks my heart to have to see her go through this. She is so strong though. And I give her all the credit in the world for handling things the way she does. So besides her recently getting a transplant her crappy boyfriend is horrible to her. I feel like especially with what she's going through one would tread softly. However, he's a jerk for many reasons that I will not go into details and I kinda want to punch him. Anyways, as bad as this may sound, someone is always going through something that may be a little worse than what you are having to handle.

One of the good things about my recent challenges...I've learned a lot about myself and had some life changing insight I suppose. Something good always comes from something bad. Life, full of ups and downs but it's always going to work out as long as we never give up hope and trust in the Lord.

Back to being happy, positive attitude, living the life me....yay!!

"We face a challenge--no matter how great---because we know that on the other side there is always hope."

xoxo

For kicks and giggles

Don't judge me...another post. =) haha.
 And I stole this idea from Anna's blog, so props to her. Amusing videos to make your day...



















yay! xoxo

The Last Song....

4 posts in one week? Seriously?!....i need a job, or a bf, or a life. This is ridiculous! haha

Anyways, I just finished reading this book.

~Seventeen year-old Veronica “Ronnie” Miller’s life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, especially her father… until her mother decides it would be in everyone’s best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie’s father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story about love in its myriad forms – first love, the love between parents and children – that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that deeply felt relationships can break our hearts… and heal them. ~

Sounds kinda teenager-ish right? Um it's not. Seriously, one of the better books I've read in a while. Maybe because it has to do with falling in love, or families, or having to deal with hardships...i really don't know. Oh but it definitely drew me in. Usually I don't read Nicholas Sparks. He's a good author don't get me wrong but his books just aren't that all appealing to me. However this one, oh this one I loved! I'm warning you though it's a tear jerker. It'll tug at your heart strings. haha.

And I'm even more excited because of this...

That's right kiddies, they are making a movie of it. It stars none other than Miley Cyrus herself. I may be a tad excited. It looks way good. Not as good as the book I'm sure, but still it's gonna be good. It's suppose to come out in April. I doubt anyone will  want to see it with me, but really I'll go by myself if I have to. haha

Now go get yourself a copy and read the book, or you can borrow mine.  ;)
xoxo

 

Fill in the blank

This is the part where I say exactly what's on my mind, exactly how I'm feeling. However, the words aren't forming. Or maybe there are words but I can't sum it all up in just one word.

I am __________________.

-relieved -stressed -giddy -overwhelmed -surprised -anxious -happy -alone -peaceful -calm -loved -rejected - cautious -confident -helpless -determined -frustrated -meditative -optimistic -suspicious -content -fortunate -thankful -energetic -relaxed -irritated -blessed -sensitive -disappointed  -touched -comforted -curious ....

Can one person really feel this much at the same time? Good gracious!

Today was an interesting day...in a good way. I feel like today, even though it was just one day, seemed like a lot of days combined. A lot happened and yet, at the same time it was just another ordinary day.  

"Just a day, just an ordinary day. Just trying to get by. Just a boy. Just an ordinary boy, but he was looking to the sky.... He said take my hand, live while you can. Don't you see your dreams lie right in the palm of your hand....Please come with me. See what I see. Touch the stars for time will not flee. "

xoxo

Just at the right moment

Do you ever have those moments where someone calls you at the exact moment when you need to talk to someone, or you get a letter at the exact moment when you need some encouragement, or someone says something that you need to hear, or anything along those lines? I believe Elder Bednar referred to it in one of his talks a few years ago as "tender mercies."

I am grateful for tender mercies.

I kinda feel like it's my purpose in life to be the tender mercy in someone else life. I love being there for people, making people's days, lifting others, just in general being the friend that they need and providing them with some hope, I suppose. I don't really expect those for myself, because I am just happy helping others. But once in a while I am taken aback. I am reminded how important I am to the Lord at the exact moment when I need to hear it the most. I receive a gentle reminder that Lord has a plan for me and He is very much aware of my needs and desires. (I tear up just thinking about how amazing that feeling is...to feel loved, important, and worth more than I can comprehend.)

So here's the story or series of events that took place to lead up to my tender mercy moment. It may not seem like anything to you but to me it's exactly what I needed....

Yesterday, I received a text from my wonderful father.  Which read "Gaining Confidence in Guidance from the Spirit-- 'What may appear initially to be a daunting task will be much easier to manage over time as you consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit. Your confidence in the direction you receive from the Holy Ghost will also become stronger. I witness that as you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear' Richard G. Scott"

My thoughts after I received the text? "Oh yeah, that's a good quote. Kinda neat." Well, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I mean this was all day, I couldn't get it off my mind. I laid in bed last night, not able to fall asleep, and was still thinking about this quote. My thoughts were along the lines as "How awesome to know without a doubt what you're feeling. To know exactly what you need to do. To have full confidence in an 'instinct' and just go with it. To know, hey this is the Spirit I need to listen to it." Then the last part kinda struck with me "become more certain than your dependence in what you see or hear." Powerful stuff. I tried thinking back to the times in my life when I had the impression to call someone, or do something, or be somewhere without having a real reason behind it. And the times that I actually listened to the Spirit and the times when I kinda brushed it off. Most of the time I just do things because I get a feeling and I don't really think it's coming from the Spirit, it's just one of those things that I do because I'd hate to later feel guilty that I didn't follow that instinct. But really, if I didn't get the impression to do something would I have done it otherwise? I don't know...probably not.

I know this is something I need to work on.  Recognizing the Spirit. I would love to just know 'hey this is the Spirit influencing me, I better listen.'  Also, to be prompted often and to not doubt what I'm feeling and to have more confidence in my impressions than what I actually see or hear.

Isn't this what the church is all about? Missionaries go out everyday and feel impressed to knock on someone's door. We often hear those stories of people who prayed and found the answers because someone else listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Talks and lessons are often guided by the Spirit. The choosing of callings are by the Spirit.  It's just amazing the power of the Holy Ghost has in our lives.

Maybe I'm just rambling a little too much to try and get my point across. Basically, the Lord provides those perfect opportune moments. This Spirit will give us a little nudge and all we have to do is don't ignore it and just go with it. We never know the impact we might have on something. Think about it, what if you didn't follow that feeling and just brushed it away?...sure it may not seem like that big of a deal, but what if what you needed the person who was suppose to be there for you also just kinda brushed it off? The Lord works in mysterious ways and I feel like most of the time it's through other people that he meets our needs. So shouldn't we do our duty and listen to that still small voice?

So on with the story. After I had been thinking about this text, I decided to try and be more aware of my feelings and impressions. One as most of you know, I am currently looking for a job. What an endless nightmare... I decided that to help me I would call the Provo Temple and put my name on the prayer roll, I mean I could use the extra prayers. Well, while I was on the phone I had the impression to put 2 other names on there. Partially it made sense because I know they are both kinda having a hard time.  I don't know if it will actually help them at all, but still, I listened. Second of all, this afternoon I was applying for jobs and had the feeling to check somewhere, where I was positive wouldn't have any jobs available. There was some available. Now, I'm not saying I'm going to get the jobs because I listened, but it made me feel somewhat better. Gave me some hope that yes,  people are still looking to hire and not to give up yet.

Now here's the real tender mercy story that I initially was trying to talk about, but got a little side tracked. I was just checking email, fb, blah blah on the internet. And I decided to check youtube. I subscribe to some different channels for kicks and giggles. Well, one of them I'm subscribed to is the Mormon Messages. They are good, but I'll be honest I only watch them here and there. Well this one caught me eye I guess. It was entitled "Prayer."

http://www.youtube.com/user/MormonMessages#p/a/u/1/zndsJTdGwLQ

"Prayer is the provider of spiritual strength. It is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means in which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us, speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer."

Tender Mercy number 1...a message about prayer. Exactly what I needed to hear. After watching this video I felt prompted to go to the church website. I saw on the homepage a link for the CES broadcast that I had missed this past Sunday. Elder Anderson gave it. It's entitled "Preparing for Your Spiritual Destiny."

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=8a903b2571116210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=43d031572e14e110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD

This stuck out to me as I read it...

~"You were chosen and foreordained to have the gospel in your life and to be a leader in the cause of the restored gospel."

~"Accept that you have an eternally important destiny, a spiritual destiny. Read your patriarchal blessing. As was said of Queen Esther of old, “Thou art come … for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Believe it, and embrace it!"

~"Spiritual preparation will uncover your own inner resources. There is power in prayer. There is strength in the scriptures. We learn to step forward in faith and to be more fully obedient. Worthily preparing for and taking the sacrament each week renews and protects us. We receive the priceless gift of the Holy Ghost. This heavenly gift is real and absolutely essential to keeping us safe."

~"He loves the Lord with all his heart who loves nothing in comparison of him, and nothing but in reference to him."

~"Families are the organization of heaven."

~"I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives."

Why did I need to hear this at the exact moment? I have no idea, however I am so grateful for the lessons I am taught through the tender mercies of the Lord.

xoxo

And so it begins.

*2010....I still can't get over that. Time seriously needs to slow down! haha. So New Year, that naturally means New Year's Resolutions! yay! I can't believe how excited I get about making goals. ha.

Here are some of my New Year's Resolutions. Don't laugh...some are silly. 
~Have more confidence in myself, and don't be so hard on myself
~Be more honest and open with myself and others
~Every Sunday study a lesson from Preach My Gospel, General Conference, or some other church book
~Be more consistent in studying the scriptures
~Do better in my school studies
~Find a good LDS guy to date

I also am working on the Athens GA stake goals
~Study scriptures 15mins a day
~Pray for missionary success in your personal life, your family, and ward.
~Brighten the life of someone each day.
~Pray individually, as a family, and in church meetings for ym to serve honorable missions and yw to recieve temple blessings.
~Post "The Living Christ" and a picture of Christ in the home.

I love goals. I love accomplishing things and checking them off the list. haha. I'm such a nerd.

I was surprised so many people just decided that this year they were going to make no new year's resolutions because they don't keep them. pah..lame!

This year is going to be amazing...I can feel it. =)

*ROADTRIP!!!
Me and pa went across the country. 4 days, driving about 9 or so hours each day. Good times! We got some good Daddy/Daughter time. It was an absolutely beautiful drive.

Started in Atlanta GA and went to.....

Utah!! YAY!!  We even got a chance to visit....

 the King.....oh Elvis.

*So now I'm in Provo, Utah. I'm all moved in. Back in the wonderful Enclave. Oh my lanta I really, really love it. I'm so ecstatic to be back, you have no idea.

*I also kinda have um, a problem. I don't know if you'd call it an actual problem, but yeah it's something. If you're a guy...I'd stop here. The girls will only understand this one. haha.

Guys are great...really they are. Usually, I like certain guys... things happen and if they don't life goes one. No big deal. I move on, don't really look back and second guess it. However, I'm in a pickle and I feel like such a girl. haha. I mean I am a girl but I feel like one of those silly girls who are obsessive and freaks over certain boys. I'm definitely not that extreme but still yikes.... Most of the time when I like someone it's like hey I like you. blah, let's see if it works out. Nothing more. I don't like waiting around you know? Sure it would be great if it works out but if not other fish in the sea. Everything happens for a reason right? Then someone decides to come along, and now....pickle.

I watched 'He's Just Not That Into You, ' with my roommie. I love it. I always think of the line from the movie "if a guy likes you he'll do everything he can to see you." or something along those lines. So cute. haha. Anyways, the movie is so true and I can really think of girls that think and do things like the women in the movie. I just think, man those girls are so dumb! Be honest and if it works out great, if not move on. Now look at me....stupid boys look what they do to me. haha. I usually have no problem being honest and being forward with guys, but for some reason, I'm having a little trouble. eh.... We'll see what happens. Maybe it'll actually work out....doubtful. ha.

*Recently I've been obsessed with this song. According to you-Orrianthi

Have a good week loves! xoxo