Thank You!

It's Not You: It's Your Technique

I went to some great YSA Workshops in SLC this weekend. Amongst those I attended a workshop about dating strategies. Very informative and I feel like I have a lot of newly gained knowledge. I wish I'd have known some of this earlier on - it would have helped me better understand past relationships. This speaker has even written a book and has a website http://utahsdatingcoach.com/ for anyone interested in learning more. Some other workshops I attended I learned about communication - those were some fun classes. Thank you YSA program! :)

YEAR IN REVIEW

So I just had my (gulp…too painful to mention the number) birthday last week. I’ve been telling people “you only turn 21 twice” :) Well, in spite of that – I had a great birthday. My friend Desi and I found a shave ice stand and although it was sub-par it was nostalgic of having the real (and good) stuff in Hawaii. Ate dinner at the Bombay House with some more friends. Then a party at home where Desi surprised me with a beautiful and delicious homemade cake (*not the cake in the picture. It was chocolate with filling & raspberries - yum). I even got to unwrap a few presents – I have such good friends. Mom & Dad had mailed me a gift & called me the day before - Dad was joking that he’s wished me happy birthday twice this year (I had also spoken with him on the phone the week before) and I kidded that that may be true but would he actually do the deed on my birthday? (It’s okay Dad, I kept busy all day so I didn’t miss not being called). Overall, it was a great day. Thanks everyone for your birthday wishes!

So I’ve been contemplating the last 12 months of my life. And a lot has happened! I’ve had many experiences – both good and bad. It’s been interesting reflecting on those experiences. I had a lot of “firsts”. Some were: flying, seeing the ocean/beach, Hawaii, California, Disneyland. I’m glad I’ve taken advantage of the opportunities that have come my way. I’m realizing, even more so, that you have to make things happen. You can’t wait for things to come along – you must pursue your goals.

I am happy – I have a good life. I might not have everything figured out and not everything has worked out like I would have hoped. But I’m still happy. I have good friends and a loving family. I have a firm testimony and faith in my Savior and in the gospel. Life is good. And I’m looking forward to what will happen in the next year of my life.

HAWAII

Okay, so I know it's a long time coming....but here are some pictures from my Hawaii trip.

Hawaii was so much fun! I loved every minute of it - except for the times when it was cold. It was a great experience - worth all the time & money invested. I'd go again if I could. :)

Mormon Messages

I've seen a couple of these Mormon Messages on people's blogs - but I didn't realize that the Church posts these weekly on a channel. It's on YouTube and it's called Mormon Messages, there is also a link to it on LDS.org I really enjoy watching these - they're short but inspirational. I enjoyed this short story President Hinckley shared.

ALOHA!

I am going on a long awaited (and needed) vacation to Hawaii! Feb26-Mar8. I will be on the islands of Oahu and Kona/Hilo. Beaches, sunny weather - bliss, sheer bliss! :)

25 RANDOM Things You Always Wanted to Know About Me

I kept getting these notes from friends on facebook informing me of 25 random things about themselves and a request to respond with my own list. So here is what I posted - 25 random things you always wanted to know about me:

1. I am 1/4 Irish
2. I only know useless words/phrases in Spanish & Russian.
3. Sleep is a double-edged sword – I never get enough and yet hate sleeping in late.
4. At BYU-Idaho I took Teaching of the Living Prophets class and was taught by, then, President Bednar. He is an amazing teacher!
5. Until I was 12 I grew up in a potato-farming town, population 300. Can you say “purdy” or “wrastle”? I can – I speak “hick” fluently.
6. I like both green & black olives.
7. I participated in my high school’s Junior Miss Program– that is how I funded my textbooks my freshman year at college.
8. My only time on an airplane I was 3 days old...
9. I have never been to the beach...
10. ...therefore I am flying to Hawaii in 3-1/2 weeks!!
11. I like to play sudoku, spider solitaire & word round-up on my work breaks to relax.
12. I never used the internet until I was a freshman in college.
13. I am addicted to LOST – but never saw it until May 2008.
14. I like Simon the best on American Idol.
15. I love to play tennis.
16. I like spring, summer & fall. I tolerate winter. My favorite winter was the year I lived in St George.
17. A goal of mine is to write a novel. (First goal is to find the time to do it).
18. My high school did not have a mascot; we were simply the Sugar-Salem Diggers.
19. My senior year of high school a group of senior boys got flowers for every girl in the school for Valentine’s Day (aw!).
20. I have never driven stick shift.
21. I like everything about camping except the lack of indoor plumbing.
22. I am the 5th of 6 kids. I have 11 nieces & nephews. It’s crazy when we all get together – but fun.
23. I only like to run for the sense of accomplishment when I’m done.
24. I love Indian and Thai food.
25. A great day would be at my family’s cabin in the mountains and sitting outside while the sun rises, hiking to the lake and enjoying the day with my family/friends.