Changes!

Well folks, I have decided to make a few changes round here!  I've decided to make a new blog!  That's right-- a new blog!  Each day I will share just a short snip-it of what made my day great!  Whether it be a passing conversation with a friend, a funny video, or maybe just a spectacularly hilarious joke-- it'll be something I recognize as great and decide to share here on the world wide web.  It's going to be 365 Days of Great!

Which reminds me-- the new URL!  Its daysofgreat.blogspot.com .  Due to some inner conflict of whether to make a new blog or not, it looks a lot like this one right now.  Decisions still remain a struggle for me haha.  

 The new blog will be something uplifting, something inspirational, something entertaining--just a fun and simple way to keep you all updated on my comings and goings.  Check it out and let me know what you think!

Speaking of Reflection

Today at Church many of the talks and lessons centered around reflecting on the past year. What's weird is that I completely forgot people do that. Reflect that is. I had taken a few minutes in passing to reflect on the past semester, and thought about a specific class while walking to campus one day. But I hadn't really taken a step back to really think about it all--this past year. Wow. 2011. What have I really learned? So, I took a minute during Church today to get lost in my own thoughts. Its really quite easy in a Spanish ward, just stop translating for one minute and suddenly you're in a world all of your own. Apologies Obispo.

So, here's a small window as to what I found important this year:
School-- its important. This past year I crossed from the blissed ignorance of a Freshman and became an esteemed college Sophomore. My knowledge has obviously grown exponentially.

I also got my very first, real life, full-fledged job this year. Okay, so it was part-time and at a preschool. But it was still very official.

I live in an apartment now. Sometimes, I stop and realize that I'm living a grown-up life. Sometimes I'll go to class, pay rent, send a letter, make lunch, make dinner, relax, call my parents, and study---all in one day. Nobody even reminded me to eat my vegetables, I just ate them. All by myself.

I took a student development class this past semester that taught me a lot about myself. I learned this year that I need to communicate better with people. I need to communicate with love, and care, and tenderness. I'm still working on this one, probably always will be.

I said good-bye to a countless number of friends as they left for missions this year. They are serving all around the world on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Their letters home are inspiring. Their stories, paired with other experience I've had this past year, have led me to consider serving a mission more heavily.

This semester my schedule actually allowed me to call home at reasonable hours. I loved having the opportunity to talk with my family more, and realize the important role they play in my life more than ever.

I also realized the important of friendship, especially the friendship I share with my roommates. I have learned so much from them and other friends this past semester.

And gratitude. I've realized (and not by myself) how important gratitude is. To show and to live a life of gratitude. To give thanks, to share, to love. What important life long lessons, that I'm sure I'm only beginning to learn.

This is life folks, we're living it. Here's just a snip-bit of my past year. Writing this ramble of a blog post has really led me reflect on the past year and make goals (or at least seedlings of goals) for next year.

I might make some changes to how this blog is run next year. So, stay tuned!

Speaking of December

Is it really December 6th!? Because I for one do not believe it! November literally just flew past! And now December is doing just the same thing! Its really not fair how fast this life goes!

Classes are officially finishing up. Between my five classes I only have a few short response papers to do, a few finals and teacher evaluations. And that's it folks. With a little clap of the hands and zip of the suitcase I'll be home in no time! I obviously just can not wait!

My focus has slowly been waning. In the last month or so I've enjoyed time in St. George with family, where I may or may not have also enjoyed large amounts of yummy food! I've enjoyed a quick trip to Salt Lake for a BYU bball game and the lights at Temple Square. I have also enjoyed a few roommate shenanigans and fun with friends. Don't worry. I promise I study too.

I've got my seat belt on and I am ready to finish this semester out strong!
8 days. We Can Do This.

Because its been awhile

So, I haven't blogged in something like forever. So I've decided to give you a little update on life. I love quizzes, and bullets, and fun facts. So here goes a short run down of my current happenings.

things i'm loving: fall leaves, christmas trees

things i miss: home

dreading: spanish final

somewhere i want to go: spain

favorite movie: what happens in vegas

current book: picking up a new one tomorrow

most recent trip: st. george, utah

most excited for: christmas

favorite song: shake up christmas: train

quote to live by: choose happiness

memory: alexandar rybak

favorite meal: chicken pot pie

tv: hart of dixie, house, psych, lolpets, friends

best class: toss up

least favorite class: life planning and decision making

favorite: snow on the mountains

Speaking of Autumn

 I'm getting excited for Fall to hit.  Which is weird, mostly because I didn't realize it was something I got excited for.  I'm still loving the sun sunshining in Provo (high of 86 today!) but I'm seriously ready for some crisp, crunchy leaves.  Or a good and well warranted cup of tea.  I'm excited for fall colors.  Scarves.  Sweaters.  Pies.  General Conference.  And crisp, morning air.  I'm just excited for it all.  Here's a few pictures of my comings and goings last fall!  Please note the gorgeous leaves, because they are just that-- gorgeous.

Today is a Great Day

I had a professor last semester who would always encourage us to Make it a Great day! He explained that we are always told to have a good day, like its something up to someone or something else. Thats not the case... its our choice how our day goes! I was reminded of this motto earlier today and have been working on doing just as he suggests, making today great. And you know what, it has been a great day! His idea worked! So, I encourage all of you . . . MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

Speaking of September

Well, this blogging thing has slowly become something of a struggle.  So, I'm going for bullets.  I like bullets.  I hope you do too.

• School.  It started.  I love it.  My schedule is actually manageable and ... drum roll ...
• I officially am a Public Health major.  I'm currently taking one official class for my major, Monday nights for two and a half hours... you'd think it be death, but I actually love it.
• My apartment rocks!
• My Dad came this past weekend.  It was so great to see him!  We even went out to an authentic Mexican place for breakfast (that's right, breakfast) with my Aunt Janette!  It was yummy.  Among other things he also got us a broom and hung up our white board - pretty much the best thing ever. 
• Pinterest.  Nuff said.
• I love Spanish right now!  I have a test tomorrow, so maybe don't ask me about it then, but for now . . I'm understanding it right now and I feel like I'm actually getting to a point where I could (if needed) communicate with people.  Which is a great feeling!
• I'm walking to and from campus, and here and there, and everywhere-- and I love it.  I've missed walking.  Walking is great! 

Obviously the sun is still shining in Provo, hence the light shining down on Aunt Janette. 

Oh how I love the sun!