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!

Speaking of Sophmore Year!

Wow! In case its not evident from my lack of posts- this summer has flown by! It has been great! Full of family reunions, fun days at the preschool, hard days at the preschool, trail runs, relaxing nights with friends, and fun nights at home with the Smiths! Its been truly wonderful! And I'm now truly ready to head back to BYU. Seriously. Tonight, somebody asked me what I'm most excited for and I had to stop and think. What am I not excited for! I'm excited for my apartment, a kitchen, a new ward, my classes, the library, the campus, my apartment.. gah... just everything!

If my excitement doesn't come off in my writing (which I sure hope it does...) then you should talk to me in real life. My friend expressed her concern for me the other day when I started talking about my goals for the coming semester. I have them narrowed down to about the same list as to what I'm excited for... aka not narrowed down at all! So... with her encouragement, or rather the much needed silent nagging I turned her encouragement into, I have decided on a few primary goals. I'm writing them here because a goal not written is only a wish - and a goal written for others to see must be met! Right??

GOAL NUMBER ONE: EARN GOOD GRADES. Don't worry, I have defined good for myself. But frankly, I think that definition is one for just me and a few others to know.

FOLLOW UP GOALS: I have decided that in order to earn good grades I need to study more than I ever have before. And that in order to do that, school needs to become my work. Last year, I said that but didn't really take it to heart. This year, my school is my work. End of story.

So- every week day I will wake up by 7:30 and start my day. And that I think is my real goal. To wake up before or at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Because if I do that....

then I can get a full day of studying in

then I can exercise before my classes every other day

then I can study the scriptures before I even step foot out the door

then I can just have better days

and then get to bed at a decent time to start another wonderful day.

Adventure #3

All week Amber and I had been looking forward to a day in the sun on Saturday. We were going to do something after my workout that morning. Yes, the vague plans of college students, I for one love them! I mentioned our vague plans to Austin and he decided he would love to enjoy the sun with us too. So, at about 12:30 we realized we had a few constraints:

We had about 3.5 hours for our adventure

We wanted our adventure to be close by to give us maximum outside time

We wanted water (in any form) to be at the end of whatever we did

And we wanted to have a blast!

So, off we set for Hagg Lake!

The trip ended up meeting all of our requirements and more! It only took us about 45 minutes to get there. We were able to spend a fair amount of time in the sun! And we got to swim! It was definitely a blast! Oh and on the way there we passed a Buffalo Ranch, so we got to see wildlife (and the age old question of where "Local Buffalo Meat" comes from was answered)! And the picnic area we parked by didn't have a good swim area, so we got to hike a little to the place we eventual swam at. Definitely a win-win situation.

It was an awesome day!

Adventure #2

Some might argue that this next account really isn't an adventure but good ol Merriam-Webster defines adventure as an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks and I think our experience fits just fine!

While in Mexico Kasey and I decided to visit The National Museum of Anthropology. Javier dropped us off in the parking lot and after making sure we were set to go, drove off to go pick-up mom and the boys from who knows where. We were right by the museum and I was sure the entrance was right there on the right. We set off on foot. And a few minutes later we started thinking maybe the entrance was not on the right. But since there was a chance that it was, we continued (unknown risk). Then another few minutes later we realized there was no chance, but decided to just continue in the same direction (undertaking). We'd find the entrance at some point! So, after more than a few steps we circled the entire museum, got three whistles (danger), took a few pictures and finally reached the entrance... right where we started at!

Also, I felt this man deserved credit for his undertaking.

Apparently there are acres of open space for horses to run free behind the gates and walls of the city... or maybe there's not, hence the need to talk ol Seabiscuit out for a ride. Quite the Undertaking.

Adventure #1

Ok, so it might not have been my first official Adventure of the Summer, but it was my first adventure since starting my adventure challenge. A few friends organized a trip to the largest state park in Oregon, aka Silver Falls, a couple weeks ago! And guess what - I had the day off work AND it was beautiful weather! Yes, it was a wonderful day! We hiked more than a few miles (nothin for those Scouts and Track athletes pictured above) and saw a total of ten falls! All were great... some were even amazing! All in all, it was a fantastic day!

Speaking of My Future

I'm pretty sure about everytime I come home (which this time Mexico really feels like home, which is amazing), I set out on a new life plan. Last time, yes-- two months ago, I decided to become a Child Play Therapist.

That is until I boarded the plane for good ol greatness called Mom and Pop.

It started with the complimentary, inflight magazine. I'm a sucker for anything found at arms reach on a plane, and this excellent issue of Delta Sky Mag was no exception. Its featured article? FRENCH ALLURE. Yes, folks. I have indeed become allured with anything French. Granted, its only been four days, but still! My allure...ness hasn't stopped with just France either. I suddenly want to travel, live, visit, enjoy, experience any culture other than (and including) my own! I can't say I'm ashamed of this, nor do I think I should be.

So here it is. THE NEW PLAN.

Major in Linguistics. Minor in TESOL (Teaching of English to Students of Other Languages), Minor in Spanish, oh and Minor in Sociology. aka become The Most Amazing ESL Teacher known to man! Also... I plan to start taking French classes this Winter.

DISCLAIMER: I am fully aware that this new plan may need some refining, or maybe even grinding. Please, just take it as you will.

"Making money isn't what makes for living. How much can you enjoy bits of paper?" ~ Jonathon, a server at a Parisian cafe, as quoted in the ever wonderful Delta Sky Mag

Speaking of Disclaimers

A DISCLAIMER: I promised an adventure-a-week and sadly, I've been enjoying the adventures but failing to blog about them! I know, horrible-- making empty promises-- who do I think I am!? Don't worry though, I do plan to keep up the idea (or rather start it) when I get back from my wonderful visit home. Stay tuned!

Also....

I'm in a blogging mood right now. Which means I feel like setting blogging goals and setting challenges for myself. And I feel like this thing could be a little more exciting!

So, here it is.

An announcement: In addition to my regular same-o, same-o blogging I'll be adding an adventure post! It'll be once a week. Probably Sundays and I'll share an adventure I've had that week, with all of you! You should be looking forward to this very much, because I know I am!

Speaking of Work

Hey, remember last week when I didn't have a job? Yeah, that has all changed!

I have officially found work! I am working four days a week at a preschool/daycare in my area! I had my first day this past week and am very excited to go back! I work with the three year olds - helping them with writing, supervising snack time, reading with them in circle time, and supervising recess! I feel like I'm going to learn a lot about kids this summer, and I honestly can't wait. Who knows, maybe all this will help me nail down a career. Fingers crossed, right!?

Speaking of My Life

I have officially been in Portland for over a month. Wow.

I'd like to say that I've gotten a steady job, that running is going great. That I am making a ton of money, sometimes lucking out and seeing my friends, but mostly just loving working.

Well. I am loving life. Notice I said life (aka not working). Thats right, I still don't have a job. Still looking for a job. Very actively. Getting more and more active by the day.

So here is why I've been loving me life in the time not spent job searching!
Number One:

Rain - today there was a massive rain storm! I'd get excited when it sprinkled a little in Utah and loved falling asleep to the thunderstorms in Mexico. I've swam during hot, humid rain storms in Costa Rica and scurried for cover in Orlando. My point being? I've experienced a fair amount of rain, and today was possibly one of my favorite rain storms ever! It poured. And I mean, poured! Gavin and I were watching at the front window, in pure amazement of the storm, when I decided we really weren't enjoying it as much as we could. Yes, a challenge was in order. Pretty soon Janelle joined us out there too. We made a couple trips to the neighbors, played in the storm drains, and just enjoyed the weather. It was amazing. And yes, I lost. Both Gavin and Janelle managed to stay out there longer then me.


Number Two:

It might seem like a paradox but yes - the sun is next up on my list. When it hasn't been pouring here, it has been down right beautiful! And I mean, beautiful! We've been planning picnics in the park, urban hikes, and failed boating trips. Seriously, the weather has been amazing and everyone loves amazing weather, which makes me love amazing weather anymore!


Number Three:

Friends are my final thing on the list today! One of the perks of not yet having a job is my flexible schedule! My friends Amber, Ben and Cameron were all going to a concert in Seattle. So, of course, I tagged along and was able to hang out with them and our other friend, Kevin, for a few days. It was amazing to see those Washington kids again. The boys are all heading out for missions this summer, so Amber and I love spending every second we can with these studly boys below!

Life is good.

Speaking of Mottos

Today, I had an amazing lunch! I made a perfect quesidilla, then warmed up a great bowl of Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soap. Washed down with an ice cold glass of water, it was just perfect. What made it even more perfect was the fact that I cleaned up the mess I made in the process of making this great meal, while it was cooking! Put away the cheese, put away the ham, washed out the pot, and wiped the counter clean. While I was enjoying my meal, I realized I had a childhood mantra playing through my head, "No Trace, Sarah. No Trace." Parents, you have done it. This is evidence of at least one life lesson, I have carried with me to my presumed adulthood at this ripe, old age of nineteen.

Let me explain, growing up, well, I don't know if i'd even say that. The last few years, my family has had this motto. Leave no trace. You made a cake with your friends? Great, you better clean up this kitchen so that even a private detective wouldn't know it. You had a muddy track race? Great, you better leave no trace of it and get those shoes out to the garage. I love the fact you went to school today, but honey, your backpack does not belong there! I'm sure you get the drift.

I always thought this specific choice saying of my parent's, was a little tacky. ok.... No Trace... got it. Since living back in a family setting I've realized this No Trace motto is a good one.

I realized that my lunch was supreme not because of the perfect blend of cheese and tortilla, but because after my No Trace epitamy I spent the remainder of my lunch remembering other great one liners, attempted chore charts, rules and game plans. I loved growing up in the Overson Household and I definently hope I won't forget everything I learned there anytime soon.

For your own enjoyment, here are a few other sayings and doings that ran through our home.

If your ship doesn't come in. Swim out to it.

Leave it better than you found it.

Remember you're an Overson.

It takes two to tango

243

Let it happen cap'n.

"This snack for LUNCHES ONLY!"

Stay under the radar

Speaking of Thursday

Three Things This Thursday

1.) Today, I moved into my official new digs here in Portland. I spent the last couple weeks in limbo stage at a couple different houses. Let me tell you- it is so nice to get unpacked and settled in! Now, all I need is a good routine.

2.) So far this week, I have ran at Nike twice. Boy, have I missed those wonderful bark trip trails here in the middle of Surbabia. Don't worry Nature Park- I'm coming for your trails soon too!

3.) I'm currently enjoying a 30 day free trial of Netflix. I want to make sure to get every free cent worth of my trial, so I'm trying to get as far as I can in the series 24. I've only watched 7 episodes in the last 3 days... no big deal.

Speaking of Friends

"Home is not a place, it is people." ~ Lois McMaster Bujold

Speaking in Spanish

Today, a friend showed this video in our Spanish class. Its just a few minutes long and I personally find it hilarious. Perhaps someday soon I'll give you all a real post, but for now - enjoy :)

Speaking of Mr. Sun

It feels like Spring Time comes early in Utah and I have to say I don't mind it one bit! I can't wait for the goodness called Spring and Summer to truly arrive. I realize this Summer will be a little different seeing as I will hopefully be a Working Women by then. But I can still look forward to good times, can't I?

Whether laying solo, daydreaming in the clouds, making conversation with an old friend, or just soaking up the sun - the grass is definitely an ideal place to be.

The Cannon Center tries. They really do. But nothing beats fresh fruit in the Summer Time!

Picnics! Sure, this one was in the rain but I look forward to more in the sun!

This world is truly beautiful in every season, but come on, can't we all agree - Summer is the most fun time to enjoy it.

Great days spent with great people.

Fresh flowers and great ribs from the Portland Farmer's Market and enough creativity to get me through the whole Summer at the Saturday Market downtown. Yes. Portland is my home.

It's always sunny. It's always hot. It's always fun. It's Prineville.

No matter how a Summer is spent, I feel like they have this way of always ending up great. Giving us all a much needed break from school, work or the like of the daily grind. Bring it on Summer 2011, I for one am ready for you!

"In Summer, the song sings itself." ~ William Carlos Williams

You Are Special

You Are Special.

I think we all need a reminder of this simple truth sometimes. I got my reminder today in Nutrition. My professor is a truly great women and truly inspired. I probably won't be tested on much of the material we covered today, but she shared material and insights with us that I think I will remember far past graduation.

We are all special. We are all unique. We are all amazing. The world is truly incredible.

The picture I decided to include with this post is from a favorite childhood storybook of mine. Actually, I remember this book having a lot of words and not being too exciting, so maybe a favorite book from my tween years. Today, Professor Brown closed class by reading this book to us. She included the illustrations in her powerpoint- blown up to a size larger than life they still took my breath away. If you haven't read You Are Special by Max Lucado, I encourage you to take a trip to the children's section and take a look. I promise, you won't regret it.

Speaking of Devotionals

Every Tuesday at 11:00 BYU has a campus-wide devotional. Every other week it is of a spiritual nature. And on the off weeks a forum is held with an intellectual discussing something educational. Today, it was a spiritual devotional.

The devotionals are held in the Marriott Center (where are basketball games are played), but also broad casted to buildings and across campus through byutv. Today, I watched from the comfort of my very own dorm room and was touched by some of the things Russell T. Osguthorpe, General Sunday School President, had to say. His devotional centered around making love the foremost motive in our lives.

He mused that its not what we do that matters, its why. He established that motives matter. Then he took it one step further and asked, can love be our only motive? Think of how much better off the world would be if all of our actions were done with, through, because of, love. Think if we took tests, talked to roommates, talked to parents, drove our cars, and lived our lives with more love. He explained, we are always on our way somewhere-- giving or taking from each other. Love sometimes gets pushed to the side. Something we'll show our loved ones later or act on when we have time. But we are always going to be going somewhere, why not go with love.

I love my university and I'm glad they have given me something truly meaningful to think about for the rest of the day. Thank you BYU.

byutv broadcasts the devotionals live and then re-broadcasts them on Sunday afternoons. If you're interested you can go here to create a free account with them.

Motives matter. Love Matters.

Speaking of Videos

A friend posted this video on her blog and I liked it enough to re-post it here. If you've got the time- enjoy.

Speaking of That One Thing

Well, to be completely honest, I haven't really enjoyed this challenge thing very much. Okay, I haven't enjoyed it at all. I feel like the posts are just a tad too boring and I don't even like writing them. So, I am quitting. The challenge stops here. Please, do not hesitate to start the celebrations.

I suppose this means that I can start blogging about my real life again. I thought there was so much for me to blog about, but of course, now I am pulling blanks. How about I give you a short list of my recent and planned comings and goings. I think lists are just the best things ever, I hope you agree.

• Midterms, the official ones, not the tests between the beginning and end of the term that BYU calls midterms, are over! I am officially halfway through my second semester of college! Watch out folks, Sarah is growin up.
• I am currently doing a week long facebook fast with my floor. I have learned that I spend a lot of time on facebook. I have also learned that without facebook I have a lot more time for Hulu.
• Right now, it is raining. It's actually the second straight day of rain. At first, I loved the rain- it felt like home. Now it's kind of getting old. Notice I say getting old - it's not quite old yet.
• Recently, I have been running a lot more. Feels good to get the legs pumpin again.
• In two weeks, we are going to my friend Bracken's house in Idaho Falls. I am very excited. I hear there is good chocolate milk in Idaho and he has younger siblings that are just adorable - it's going to be great.
• I am proud to call myself a BYU Basketball fan. Even with the recent changes to our team roster, I am so excited for March Madness. If you know nothing about BYU's current basketball team - please go spend some time on google.
• Yesterday was the CES fireside. I'm not sure how often they have them but I've been to a few since being at BYU. Yesterday we heard from Elder L. Tom Perry. He bore such strong testimony of Christ and I got to hear it from the tenth row! Front and Center!
• It's Monday.

"It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are." ~ E.E. Cummings

Speaking of My Religion

Day 04 my friends! My views on religion.

Well, considering the fact that pretty much its my wonderful mother and a few friends that read this great thing called my blog, I'm not sure how far into this topic I should go or rather need to. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have a strong testimony in the principles and the doctrines of this great Church. If you want to learn more about my church you can visit a few different websites. http://mormon.org/ or http://lds.org/?lang=eng.

Both websites have recently been re-vamped and I love those times I randomly end up spending a few minutes on either website. I truly think the Church websites are becoming more and more beneficial and useful-- more organized, easier to navigate and all around more user friendly. I encourage you all to take a few minutes and check the sites out. I also encourage you to spend some time with mormonmessages on youtube. These videos are also truly inspiring.

Instead of closing with a qoute, today I would like to share my testimony with you.

I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true church on this earth today. It contains truths and doctrines that strengthen me everyday. Included among these are the knowledge that God is real. His hand is evident in my life, in all of our lives. His son, Jesus Christ, is our brother. He died on the cross and atoned for our sins, for our sins. This Church was restored by Joseph Smith, a prophet of God. Today, we also have a prophet of God leading our Church, President Thomas S. Monson. His words are modern-day, inspired scripture. I know this church is true and I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Speaking of Drugs and Alcohol

Hokay folks, here we go. Day 03! Your views on drugs and alcohol.

If you're running low on time, my bottom line is this: Drugs and Alcohol are Stupid.

That's right, there it is.

Sure, they can help you relax or escape from the mundane; however, short term and long term I see very few other beneficial effects.

It makes me so sad to see how friends lower their potential by using and abusing drugs. We people can be so amazing, but also so stupid. I have seen friends with enormous potential throw it all away for parties, popularity and a night they won't remember later. Athletic success, educations, lives, families, friends- are all among those things that take a hard hit from drug use.

Everyone makes their own choices, I get that, but if you're reading this and frequently use or are even addicted to drugs or alcohol - find help! It exists! Whoever you are, you're amazing and can do even more amazing things without these addicting and harmful substances in your life. You can kick it! You can do it!

"Today's students can put dope in their veins or hope in their brains. If they can conceive it and believe it, they can achieve it. They must know it is not their aptitude but their attitude that will determine their altitude." ~ Jesse Jackson

Speaking of Day Two

So uhhhemm.... obviously my promise of posting everyday was a little emptier than I thought. Apologies to anyone who was really excited about that. I do want to keep up the challenge though! It might just take a little longer than we all originally thought. Again, apologies. But here we are, time for Day 02: Where you'd like to be in ten years.

Ten years ago this would have been cake - I want to be in College.

Fifteen years ago, it would have been even easier - High School.

But now, its a little harder. Actually, a lot harder. Ten years from now I will be 28 years old.

Wow.

I look around at the 28 year olds I know. Many of them, well, most of them- are married. Many of them have kids, some even have a couple. Many of them are well into their careers. Setting down roots, somewhere. I look at current me, and think that there's no way I'll ever be ready for any of that in a mere 10 years. But then I realize that I will be. Life happens. Getting married, having kids, and buying houses with master bedrooms and bonus rooms: happen.

"Growing up" is what I'm currently doing. And I'm starting to figure out a few things. So, 10 years from now?

Ten years from now, I will be graduated from college. With at least an undergrad. In something.

Ten years from now, I will be living with people I love. Husband? Siblings? Roommates? Or maybe even the parentals? Who really knows.

Ten years from now, I'll be a steadfast member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. True is true, whether its 2011 or 2021.

Ten years from now, I sure hope I am happy. In fact, I think I'll decide right here, right now, that I will be. I can do that, right? Decide to be happy? February 6, 2021 will be a happy day. There, it is. Decided. I like that.

For some, its daunting to think about the next ten years. I know it is for me. But if you're reading this, sit back and think for a second. Where do you want to be in 10 years?

"We are often so caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey, especially the goodness of the people we meet on the way. Appreciation is a wonderful feeling, don't overlook it."

Speaking of Challenges

So, the other day I realized that I haven't updated my blog in about a lifetime. I sat down later that night to post, something, but I couldn't think of anything to write about. I could have written about Christmas, or the new semester, or fun times I've had since being back in Provo-- but instead I decided to surf the web looking for ideas. It led to a very enjoyable amount of procrastination, but not really inspiration. That is until I discovered a challenge my friend is currently doing on tumblr. They basically assign you a question to answer everyday and then you blog about said answer! A challenge seems like the perfect thing to get me back into this blogging thing. So, I've choosen to embark on this challenge to blog 30 straight days in a row. And I can't decide whether to tell you all what I'll be blogging about for the month, or just surprise you. For now, I'm just going to give you day one.

Day 01 - Your current relationship, if single discuss how life is.

Single and proud of it, my friends! A few things. Number One: I am 18 years old. Not quite ready to get into any serious relationships but old enough to know people who are. This being said I'm careful with who I'm flingin myself onto these days. Number Two: I am a Freshman at BYU. Many of my wonderful prospects have commited to serving missions for our Church when they turn 19. Sadly, this does complicate things. Doesn't make relationships completly impossible, but makes the idea of an actual serious relationship a little abstract. Number Three: Being single is fun!

I guess what I'm trying to say with the list above, is right now I'm happy. Happy to hang out with the girls. Happy to hang out with the boys. Happy to hang out with the group. Happy to not be tied down or feel pressured into some relationship. Things change, I change, and most likely a week from now I would not write this post the same, but for now I am happy. Happy with my lack of relationship. And happy with life.

"Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else."