And I Quote

Just some of my favorite quotes from the past few weeks!

"Choices are sacrifices. Inevitably, that means giving up something you want for something you want more."
"We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person.""Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future." -President Thomas S. Monson
"Being with him made my brain quiet. I didn't have to invent a thing" 
"We must constantly remind ourselves that He is God and that we are not" - Jeffrey R. Holland
"You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage - pleasantly, smiling, non apologetically - to say 'no' to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger 'yes' burning inside" - Stephen Covey
"When someone else's happiness is your happiness, that is love"
"Never forget, even for an instant, who you serve and who is in charge." - Elder Oaks
"You don't have to have it all worked out to move forward"
"You can be excellent in every way. You can be first class. There is no need for you to be a scrub. Respect yourself. Do not feel sorry for yourself. Do not dwell on unkind things others may say about you. Polish and refine whatever talents the Lord has given you. Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and strong purpose in your heart. Love life and look for its opportunities." - Gordon B. Hinckley
"Men and Women who turn their lives over to God will discover the He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, and pour out peace" - Ezra Taft Benson
"Some people are old at 18 and some are young at 90. Time is a concept humans created."
Love. This. Movie. "So it's not going to be easy. It's going to be really hard. And we're going to have to work at this every day. But I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, every day." - The Notebook (SWOON)
"Think of all the beauty still around you and be happy" - Anne Frank.

(I don't know why the format came out this way...it just did...)

Belated Birthday Post!

   Woohoo I'm 20! haha I didn't think I would feel much older, and to be honest the label year of "20" doesn't make me feel older. Okay..maybe a little. It's the things I'm doing with life and the upcoming events that make me feel old. Because my birthday is in the spring (okay so it's still -2 degrees outside but in my head I'm at the beach), it's when I do more planning. I have had a few pretty heavy things weighing on my mind recently, and it's caused me to reflect back on the people in my life (read the previous blog post if you want to hear some MAJOR sappiness ooooozing from this blogger) and I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, both good and bad, opportunities, and people who have filled my life.

Look, I know this is a random spot but the blog site wouldn't let me move it. It's stuck. But here is me and Soph at Cheesecake Factory!

     Besides that, I'm pretty darn excited for being twenty. Let me just tell you some of the fun things I have planned: The Color Run next weekend wifff Lizzy, Africa in May, just being part of the Chariots still and hopefully for the rest of my college experience, getting past most of my general education requirements so I can finally focus on my legit classes for Communications and Anthropology, going to General Conference for the first time, Trek (hopefully), getting an apartment apartment (with a real oven and fridge...not the rip off kind in my dorm now), just having fun and being with the people I love! And some of these might be tweaked or taken off the list, and things will be added and some not so great things will happen, but I know that everything happens for a reason and my plans are not as good as whatever God has planned for my life! Go with the flow, man.(say it like a hippie would.)
    So lemme back up real quick and tell you about the birthdayyyyy! It was small and simple and wonderful:) I got some clothes from my family and I love them and we went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. I fell in love all over again. Even though it was an hour drive and an hour and a half wait it was totally worth it (not sure if everyone else thought so but I did!). Also I got a beautiful new scarf and an awesome "inspiration box" from Jennifer and Liz. I love them.
    Aaaand let me fast forward now:) So I've had ideas rolling around in my head of goals for the summer for me because it'll probably be the last one I get to spend NOT having to do summer class. So I wrote a list of summer goals I want to complete. It's just a list of things I want to accomplish and will help prepare me for more of life's adventures and make me a better person. And have fun. I've realized that I get so busy now that by the end of the day I just want to let my head go to static channel and fall asleep. I love the things that keep me busy, but I need to take breaks and make time for fun. It's unhealthy to go days without busting your gut laughing! So here is my summer goal list:
1. Run a 5k by the end
2. Make enough $ for textbooks in the fall (but really...)
3. Be my dogs best friend
4. Get out in the sun!
5. Keep up with French
6. Have Fun EVERYDAY
7. Keep a gratitude journal with me
8. Learn to budget and stick to it
9. Compile A Cookbook and try the recipes!
10. Keep a picture of Christ and pass along cards with me
11. Work on Musicianship
12. Actually practice the piano

    Well my blog posts usually end up longer than I think...cause I tend to talk a lot and ramble, so here's the end! And some pictures to enjoy! Have a fantastic week!

Birthday Dinner! And new shirt and sweater:)

Kevin and I while they sang "Happy Birthday" to me. Take note that he is not singing...

Oh nothing, just the fried macaroni and cheese burger bigger than my face. That was delicious.

Liz and I at Jack's first home baseball game! Freezing.

A "Happy Birthday Thank You" Post

I know my birthday isn't until Saturday, but I couldn't help but be so overwhelmingly grateful for the people who have been there for me this past year and I don't know how to express to them my love and gratitude for them like they deserve. There really is no way to make up for all the love and friendship they have shown me this past year. These aren't going to be very long cause there are quite a few, but it's just a smidgeon of what's in my heart. I'm sappy. So here we go with some MAJOR shout outs!

1. Hayley: I loved our crazy, random, hilarious times together and her infectious laugh is the best! Just a few favorites: watch the pinterest hairstyles and polar express chats. She also is an amazing example of true optimism. Thanks Hayley for so much knowing how to get me out of my comfort zone and being the best person to go to when I've had a bad day. And she laughs at my jokes sometimes.

I wasn't about to scroll through our millions of nonsense pictures. So we are stuck with this one

2. Matt: He's been on a mission for our church for the past year now, but even so we keep in touch through emails. I miss him like crazy and I try to email as much as possible, but hearing his letters back home always give me strength to go through my week. When he gets the chance to respond to mine it makes me feel so filled with the spirit and so grateful for an amazing cousin. I cannot wait till he comes back home!

Before Matty left!

3. Matthew: Today was kind of rough. Matthew is being set apart tonight as a missionary for our church. This means I had my last phone call with him for two years. He has always been someone I can count on to give me good advice, make sure I'm smiling, and really reminds me of how much I am worth. He's been the best friend that everyone should have and I'm grateful he could be mine! Argentina is going to have one great missionary for the next two years!

we don't judge that this was two years ago and we haven't taken a picture since.

4. Rae: Oh my goodness between this summer when I got to come visit for a week and our failed skype attempts but lots of phone calls, we've kept in touch. And best friends. I don't know what I would have done without your support from across the continent and across the world this year! You have a way of reminding me of the simple things in life and to take it easy. You are such an example to me of being strong and determined. Thanks for listening to me rant and for being weird with me.

You get two pictures because one is our inside us

And one is our outside us. It was almost the horsicorn pic.

5.Jennifer: Basically like another big sister! Apparently I can never have too many of them :) You are so welcoming and inviting and I love it! I'm so happy you have become part of my family basically this year. You were one of my first friends in the YSA and I cannot thank you enough for welcoming me with open arms. Party Rock For Life. You are so down to earth and have such a level head and I totally wish I had that haha. You also are always willing to go on another adventure and keep an open mind and an open heart. Thanks for dancing wif me and showing me the real way southern people talk.

To prove the sister point

6. Liz: Seriously though, what can I say? You were my first VT companion! And this summer with you was a blast!! Pool days and movies and Georgia and concerts and pinterest and the beach! You are so open and so funny (you know you are funny, so it's not like I really had to say it...). You have a way of lightening everyone's mood when you are around and the most infectious laugh! Thanks for being there to listen, being loving, and being a good sport with my dumb, yet hilarious, jokes!

Yes.

7. Kevin: So. You've always been the one to set my head back on straight. Does that make sense or did I use the wrong metaphor (Liz, correct me)? Either way, you remind me to take deep breaths and take everything a day at a time, which I need a lot when I get stressed and you always give the best advice. You've been such a blessing to my family- I'm pretty sure they like you better- and such a blessing to me. Your example of charity and Christ-like love are so powerful, I don't even think you understand. Thanks for having the patience to put up with me and for actually smiling a little bit when I really am funny :)

It's sad that this is our only picture together. At least you smiled!

8. Kelsey: Dearest, you have been there for me like no other. You have been so patient and loving with me and really try to understand what I am trying to say. You listen to my thoughts and my emotions and you help me get through my problems and doubts. Thank you for always talking to me when I walk back from rehearsal and singing with me too :)

Just this picture makes my life.

9. My Siblings: If I included every single one of you on here I would have 15 people on here and at least another 2 hours to write this post! You guys are amazing. Each one of you is so unique and so talented. You all have the light of Christ that just shines through and hits me like a ton of bricks whenever I see you. You are examples of strength, wisdom, diligence, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Overall, you guys are love. I am so blessed I get to be with you guys through eternity and that I was lucky enough to learn from you my whole life so far and my many years to come!

5 pictures is a lot so I had to go with the most recent of us all togetha!

10. Dad: I literally only typed that one word, "dad" and started crying. You are so amazing. You honor your priesthood so that any time I need a blessing I can come to you. You are so smart and so willing to help others. You're hilarious, which I hate that I didn't realize until a few years ago, and so definitely the best dad in the entire world!

Always a daddy's girl!

11. Mom: Well. You're my best friend. I honestly don't know where I would be without your love and your guidance this year. You are an amazing person, and an even more amazing mother. Yes, the grammer nazi, but an amazing mother. You always know what to say and make everyone laugh. I just don't know what else to say because nothing is good enough to express what you mean to me. Thanks for giving me the ultimate gift and reason why I'm writing this post-LIFE. Even though you didn't want to look at me. It's okay, I was probably switched out for a half asian baby anyways.

You would get a picture too but you don't let me take any of you :(

So these are the most amazing people in my life who have been beyond the best influences this year. They've been crazy enough to stick through the craziness that is me and come out to love me anyways, and I couldn't be more thankful. There are not enough presents that could replace these wonderful people in my life! I love you!!

Because I'm Exhausted...Again

     I've always been one to give my life to the Lord and let Him do what He wants with me and put me where I need to be, but recently I've found it so hard to do. I have found things that I want so much and I'm not exactly sure how easy it's going to be to give them up. Actually, take that back, I know it's going to be hard. And it doesn't mean that I won't end up with them, but I need to be more willing to submit myself to the best plan-God's plan for me. There are so many decisions right now that I need to make and they aren't small ones either.. which makes it fifty times harder. BUT that's when I stick through it and am reminded that I want the best plan possible, so I'm holding out for that one!
     So that's been my big life thing this past week. This coming week is (drumroll please) BIRTHDAY WEEK! That's right, kiddos! A week from today I will be turning 20 years old. I will have made it through the teens and officially old. Okay, well, older. Every other year during birthday week..or month, which ever way it turns out, I've basically begged for early birthday presents. This year I'm not so much focused on the presents but I want to be pampered and pamper myself. So hopefully, despite my busy and crazy week (I think at this point all of my weeks are busy and crazy), I will get to relax a little and get my nails done and maybe my hair and who knows what else will happen but just take a breather! I can't believe I'm going to be 20 but at the same time it feels completely normal. Weird.
       You guys I think I'm pretty boring this week...more so than other weeks, but it applies the same! I'll probably write more later this week when I'm more talkative so good luck.

Such A Sap

So, life is amazing and funny. And I love it! I have been so blessed these past few weeks. The Chariots have become more like family and I've had such a great time performing with them. Our competition (ICCA) at Duke tonight went SO WELL! For only being in the group for 4 weeks, some unexpected things happened that didn't "throw" us (see how I put the fortune in there!), and tonssss of new music, we. did. fantastic. I couldn't be more proud of my C family! We have each others backs and always know how to have a good time:) Thanks for being so welcoming to me and the other new girls!
I also have an amazing and supportive family and friends. They are seriously the best people in the entire world!! I love knowing I can talk to them about the exciting things in my life and I love hearing about the exciting things in theirs! They know how to make me laugh, will chuckle at my really really bad attempts at being funny, and being with them automatically lifts me up and makes me happy. AND they put up with my endless A.D.D. issues and crazy life and crazy mind. Thanks for being such great friends to me, guys!
My family always makes me feel loved whenever I walk in the door. I come home so often, but every time I get hugs and hellos and if I am really lucky I'll get bacon. The love that is shared in my family is a bond I am so looking forward to having with my future family and relationships that I don't take for granted! They are the best examples in my life and the people I look to for love and encouragement when I need it most.
Life in general is crazy, and the best way to deal with it is look at the positives. Life gets hectic. Life gets hard. And sometimes life gets ridiculous and stupid. But you know what? Life gets crazy. Life gives you laugh lines and that pain that you get from laughing too hard and you can't breathe and you hate it but it is the best feeling in the world feeling. Life gives you friends. Life gives you family. Life gives you people you cannot replace. Life gives you moments of pure joy. And the best part is that the good always outweighs the bad. No matter how crappy life seems at the moment, it's so amazing to see how much good is left when you step away from the bad. So thank you, everyone, for being there for me and loving me when I need it most. Thanks for giving me the positive things to look forward to every day. And thank you for your bright and smiling faces that ALWAYS cheer me up! Life is aca-awesome.

Little Lines Only Certain People Will Understand

- the downpayment is almost in. my dreams are coming true!

- the single "na" is the hardest part of any "da"-"na" sequence.

- chapter summaries are the devil.

- some days I just really want it back. I miss one big part of my life a year ago.

- apparently I need...lessons on being angry

- I'm ready.

- Get it right, get it tight!

- Decisions, decisions.

- Valentines day this year=chariots rehearsal..nothing like last year and I guess I have to be okay with that!

- Optimism is key. Optimism is key. Optimism is key.

Tunes

So every now and again I'll find just an odd assortment of songs that I can't stop listening to...this is the playlist for the past few days!

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" - Ben Rector (He's coming to Charlotte in March or April...and my birthday is coming up...hint hint!)

"All I Ever Need"- Nikki Reed and Paul McDonald. He was on American Idol a few years ago, she plays Rosalie in "Twilight" and guess what...they are actually married which adds to the good vibes and emotion in this song.

"What Are Words"-Chris Medina. Just one of the best wedding songs ever that will brighten any day!

Aaaand on the flip side- "I Can't Make You Love Me"-Bonnie Raitt. The most beautiful and perfect sad song. This song literally makes me feel every emotion, and probably a different one every time I listen. Sometimes I feel really happy and just loved and blessed. And sometimes I feel comforted. Sometimes I feel flat out sad...the way most people see this song. Either way, her voice just floats along these notes and the words are just stripped of any sugar coating. It's raw.

"When I Was Your Man"-Bruno Mars. He is a hit and miss for me. I love his voice, but some of his songs and lyrics I can't stand. This song I actually love. It reminds me that everyone deserves to be loved in the best way possible. My favorite line is "My pride, my ego, my needs, and my selfish ways caused a good strong woman like you to walk out of my life". Probably because it's the absolute most relate-able thing in this song. Something else I pull from it is take chances and give it all you have. Relationships are give and take. Dang, Bruno's getting deep. Maybe I am cause it's 2 a.m.

"Radioactive"-Imagine Dragons. Because sometimes you just need a good, strong chorus and beat to feel awake!

"Hit em up Style"-Blue Cantrell. Sometimes you just need this. Yes.


Do you see how random my collection of current music is now? Enjoy!