Here we go, again.

Oh, hey.
It's been awhile. Sorry.

Things are good on this end.
My roommates are a lot of fun.
I've been cooking a lot.
I have strived to stay in tune with the Spirit and make good choices.
I've tried to keep a positive outlook.

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I enrolled into Institute.
It's amazing.
I went through this phase the past few days that I haven't really been excited about institute.
I realized that when I have those feelings, it's when I need Institute the most.
There were great insights, comments and opinions from students today.
Excellent kids.

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My major is a lot more challenging and 'intense' than I thought it would be.
I am learning difficult programs, introduced to huge projects and I'm feeling really overwhelmed.
It's tough.
I want to be successful, positive and have amazing projects...but I know it's going to be a ton of work.
Which is life, right?

In my classes, we have a couple Senior girls that sit in our classes and help us out.
Some comments from them....

"You need to make sure, this is something you really want. It's challenging and will take up a ton of your time. If you're not 100% dedicated to this program, you need to re-evaluate your major."

"On average, I slept 2 nights a week."

"Being in this program will make your brain feel like it's on crack."

Pretty discouraging right?
But,

One said, "But this has to be the most rewarding thing I've ever done. I love design, I dream design. I absolutely love it. The people in your classes will become your closest friends, you'll help each other out, pull all nighters and have a ton of fun."

I hope I'm up for this.

MMmmmmm it's here.

Change is here.
I move to Logan tomorrow...

When I had to leave for the Summer to move home, I couldn't wait to be back up there.
I didn't want to move back home. I wanted to 'party it up' all Summer in Logan.
But since I have been home, I have really enjoyed it, sure it's not always one-hundred percent fun, but whatever.
I have been able to help my mom prepare for her first year teaching, help my sisters get ready for school, help with house-work, spend time with loved ones and have family dinners.

But, I have to look at this logically....
I need to go back to Logan. I have an amazing semester ahead of me.
I'm just nervous...
Why?
Who knows..

Happy 21 months!

My brother Jake hit 21 months recently.

He will be home in 3 MONTHS!

I cannot wait.

I think school will be pretty distracting, so I won't have time to count down.

Haha.

Good 'Ol Health

Great News!
I've spent the past month or so going to a nutritionist, watching my weight and eating healthier.
It has been so wonderful.
I have finally taken control of my body and listened to my body.
This week, I had a "weigh-in" and I have lost 2.5 pounds since last week.
It's surprising how essential is it to be in tune with your body's huger, working out and eating healthy.

Pause button, please?

There's a lot on my mind.

Sometimes I wish that my life had a pause button.

There are so many things rushing at me that I feel like I can't handle it sometimes.

But then, I remember that through prayer, I can receive comfort & know that everything will work out.

I've been blessed.

I don't know where I'd be without the Gospel in my life.

Religion, to me is not just what I believe.

It is how I act, how I speak and what I do.

I sometimes think I am a therapist to myself.

Does that sound ridiculous?

Yeah...

It seems like whenever I blog, write, whatever...I do a lot of thinking.

I feel like there are 2 sides to everyone, their weak side and powerful side.

The weak side is full of worry with school, money, insecurities, trials and fears begin to pile up.

But then I have my powerful side, thoughts of joy, hope and knowing that things will pass by.

I need to have more Faith. I need to put more of my trust in God.

I know that this year is going to be full of....

New friends, roommates & ward

Difficult classes & long hours of homework.

Stress.

New challenges and insecurities.

But guess what?

There will be great new adventures with friends, family, my religion and school.

I'm in the program of my dreams, living with great friends, strong family and I love my religion.

I will get through the tough things with God, my friends and family at my side.

I'm sorry if my post was a downer. I've just been stressed out and needed to write things out.

Let us all continue to do our best and rely on our Savior.

marriage?

i teach swimming to a various range of children.....
mommy & me classes, young children, older children and those with disabilites.
it is always lovely to meet each of my "children" and better understand them.

i'd like to share one of many funny questions and conversations i had at work today.

student: "teacher, do your children like to watch PBS kids?"

me: "umm..no I don't have children..."

student: "oh, but do you have a husband?"

me: "mmm no."

student: "have you fallen in love with a boyfriend yet?"

me: "nope! i'm currently living the single life!"

student: "oh i see...i'm sorry, i hope you will get married soon!"

me: "i'm in no rush, i'm 19."

student: "well most people get married around 18 or 20."

me: *thinking to myself* "she must be raised in utah."

there is one of the many hilarious conversations i have with her on a normal basis.

okay, you get one more story!

don't worry, it last about 6 seconds.

time me.

me asking some of my students: "how old do you think i am?"

student 1: "37?"

*looks like you're not passing this level, just kidding. but i told him after that would make me as old as him mom and then he said, "okay, i'll guess again." hahaha.

student 2: "17?"

*kudos to being closer to my actual age. 

student 3: "21?"

*SCORE! favorite child and you will be moving on to level 2. ;)

there's a bit of my day so far.

Lo lo lo Logan!

This past weekend, Bri and I drove up to Logan to hang out with friends.

It was a much needed trip.

I absolutely love Cache Valley. I love everything about it.

I'm excited to head back and get back to the groove of going to school.

...................................

Not only was it full of great laughs, but also some much needed deep conversations with friends.

I'm blessed to have great friends that I can have serious conversations with and get insights from.

Thank you Betsy and Brianna, you two are some of my best friends.

......................

Ohhh...and I went cliff jumping for my first time yesterday! Can I just tell you how insane it feels to fall 20 feet? Haha. 

.....Without anything to buckle you down. It's sure an out of body experience.

But would I do it again?

Heck to the yes.

New Testament

I'm trying to complete the New Testament this Summer before I head back to school at the end of August.

I have a lot to go, but I've been reading a lot each day.

There is something so powerful about reading the scriptures.

I've started keeping a notebook next to me while I read and I love being able to jot down little insights or pick me ups as I read.

It's surprising that when you give some time to the Lord, things really open up.

Oh, hey.

Happy August!

It's been awhile. My apologies.


Updates...
I'm moving back to Logan at the end of this month.

I'm excited for...
being back with my friends
new adventures
starting into the Interior Design program
rooming with some amazing friends
cheaper housing
new friends
another amazing year at USU

I'll miss....
eating dinner with my family
going on trips
not having to pay for food, housing, clothes, etc.
running errands with my mom
staying up late watching movies with my sisters
sunday walks with my dad
seeing old high school/ junior high friends

and there is much more that I could ramble about for both of these, but these are what first came to mind.
It's bittersweet.

Oh and on a few sidenotes...


Why am I still diggin T-Swift?

I'm going to bed so early these days. I swear I'm getting reeeeaaallly old.

I was sucked into the Bachelorette, clearly, this is unhealthy. haha.

My grandma is slowly doing better. She suffered 2 strokes the week before last. Keep her in your prayers please.

Jake is approaching 21 months! HOLLA!

I'm addicted to "Don't you wanna stay?" with Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson.