Missed me?

I honestly don't know who reads this anymore, buuuuut I think I shall write again. soon. very soon.

much love.

Sup

Sup people. So I really suck at this blogging thing. I feel like whenever I post, it has to be something informative, inspired, or just important. But I have to face the fact that life is preeeeettyy much the same as it always is. Back in school. Sometimes I hate it and sometimes I love it. I wonder if I am doing the right thing. I have great family and friends. Boys...well are boys. That really needs no explanation. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling...24? (I don't even like T-Swift, sorry peeps) Anyways, one thing I did learn this summer is if life is going in a bad way and there are things you don't like, you CAN change it. Seriously. It WORKS people. Take control of your life and also realize that there are things (or people) that you CAN'T or SHOULDN'T control because 1) it'll make you crazy 2) its wrong and 3) you'll always lose. I'll be the first to admit, I wear my emotions on my sleeve. My friend asked me how I was doing this week and I said good! She said she loved seeing good! Which of course I do too. However, it made me realize, "Wow, do I always have bad things going on in my life? Or am I the one making them be bad things?" Its probably the latter one. So that's a goal I'm setting. Trying to wear more positive...good emotions on my sleeve. And to remember, change those things that are letting you down, but don't worry about the things you can't control.

Oh and guys, its FALL TIME. My favorite season. The smells, colors, clothes, food, PUMPKIN THINGS. All good things. Can't wait.

XOXO, 

James

Fathers

In The Family: Proclamation to the World it says, "By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families." My father has done this to the best of his abilities in my family. He always says he isn't perfect or that he should have done this differently when we were growing up, but I know that him and my mom always tried their best. They loved their children unconditionally and would do anything for us. I remember my father coming home from a long day of work and just wanting to play with us. I couldn't wait until I heard the car pull up and the garage door open. Now I can't wait until I have time off of school to go home and see my family and spend time with my dad, whether its going to Sharks or Giants games, or just sitting on the couch watching our favorite shows. I'm grateful for the best man in my life who has taught me to love God, to love our family, and to love others.

so Happy Father's Day Dad!

Chances

I feel sorry for those people who aren't willing to take chances in their lives. To go for something that would make them so unbelievably happy but they just pass on that opportunity. I don't just mean in relationships, but in other aspects of their lives as well. Right now, I only regret one thing in my life, and it was an opportunity that I missed out on. I don't ever want to feel that again. I try and go for things, even if I'm not certain of the outcome, I know that I at least tried. My good friend Ashley put this quote from C.S. Lewis on her blog that I wanted to share. It reminded me of why we go through the hard things. They change and shape us into better people. 

 I hope that we learn to not miss out on good opportunities in our lives. And that even if our heart aches that we know why we are going through it and WILL become better people. People that God intends us to be.

Be Real.

I was just thinking about how I wish people would communicate. Be REAL. Just say what you mean and mean what you say. Its not that hard.

until next time...

Motivation?

There is a part of us that just wants to give up. The motivation is gone, lost or was never there to begin with. (I partly blame spring break on that) We don't want to go to that activity, hang out with that friend, go on that date, have that awkward talk, fulfill your calling, do that assignment, study, read, work, clean, shower, do your hair, paint your nails, shave, workout. Ah. It can be overwhelming and all we want to do is curl up in a ball and cry....

I remember when I was on the 6th grade basketball team, our coach ran us to the ground. I think we were the worst team, but probably in the best shape. We would run suicides A LOT. And I remember thinking during them that I would say to myself, you can do it. Don't give up. Just a little bit longer. Fast forward a few years and the worries, responsibilities and challenges have piled up. There are a lot of suicides to run. It seems like my positive thoughts, not all the time, but lately have turned into ones of defeat. But why can't my 11 y.o. self tell my 24 y.o. self..."You can do it! Just a little bit longer...you are NOT giving up." 

 When I am so close to giving up or wanting to throw in the towel, something pulls me back in and says, "you've still got many rounds to go." There is that little voice in our head that keeps us going. I don't always know how it remains there, but there is this instinct part of me that can't ever fully give up. I definitely know God doesn't want me to. I think my motivation is knowing that Heavenly Father is in my corner and Christ is next to me fighting. They can give me the motivation to finish this PTA program, fulfill my BIG calling, serve others, and yes, I'm going to say it, keep on dating, no matter how annoying it can be. :) Whether its small or big, they've always got my back. 

 

pancakes and memories

This semester I am taking an oral communications class. I already really like it. We are asked to give speeches every class period, usually only about a minute to a minute and a half at most. This week our teacher wanted us to speak about our favorite dish. This was somewhat hard for me because I really just like any food! I love trying new dishes, food from different cultures, and plates with lots of flavors. However, when I really thought about it, I thought about pancakes. yup, pancakes. Specifically, applesauce cinnamon pancakes. They remind me of my weekend mornings with my dad. I would sit on the counter while he made pancakes for all of us, and he would specially make those applesauce cinnamon ones for him and me. We were the only ones who liked them.  It is such a simple dish and a simple memory but one that I will always cherish.

hockey, hockey, hockey

My favorite sport of all time to watch is HOCKEY. Seriously. My parents have had San Jose Sharks season tickets ever since I was a little girl. I have been to so many games I have lost track. I love the intensity that is felt in the arena. I love how the fans are so hardcore. Everyone yells, screams, cheers, boos. It is so much fun. It is so serious that you can't even leave or come back to your seat until the play is over. We hockey fans don't want you to interrupt or get in our way. Not to mention hockey players just seem so attractive to me for some reason. They push, shove, get knocked down and back up again, and they fight. Like real men. One time my favorite player got hit in the face with a puck, left for stitches, came back, got hit again, had more stitches done and came back yet again! Like seriously. They are TOUGH. So of course when another lockout happened I was depressed. Like what? I have to watch basketball? the NBA? uhh no thanks. they are wimps. And football is over so soon! (Go 49ers btw!) So when the owners and players finally agreed....lets just say I was one happy girl. I don't show much excitement nor do I really get excited about a ton of things, but I cannot contain my excitement about this hockey season! AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!

This guy is my favorite player. Patrick Marleau

yup, loyal fan since I was little. Sharks fashion show. What up.

Keep Calm and seriously....just ask for help.

Okay, so I honestly reaaaally dislike asking others for help. Of course I feel okay asking my parents for support, advice and favors, but I always know that they will. I mean they say its their job! When it comes to asking friends sometimes its hard. I just don't want to put anyone out or make their day inconvenient or anything. However, there are times when you have to give in and just freaking ask them for their help! The funny thing is I don't know why I think those things. If any of my friends asked me I would in a heartbeat. (at least I hope that's my mentality) I feel that I would do anything for them if they asked!

Anyways, this past week was one of those weeks. I needed a lot of help. I needed a few rides to and from the ER, I needed a few blessings, rides to and from the pharmacy, I needed food, I needed a ride to school, from school, to school, from school....when I was too sick or the time my car died in the middle of the intersection. Someone stayed with me for an entire hour while I waited for the tow truck. I needed rides to and from the airport due to lack of a car. Then a ride to the car place when it was fixed. Phew. That was a lot of things. And a lot of people to ask for help. I am grateful for the experience though. It really humbled me and made me realize that I can't do everything myself. That's why we have family and friends. We are here to help one another and to make everyone's burdens a little lighter. So blessed to have great family and friends in my life who watch over me. So just wanted to say T H A N K S. You know who you are ;) So when things get hectic in life just Keep Calm and seriously....just ask for help.

"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"

                                                                                             -George Eliot

Blessed are they

Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.

And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

-- 3 Nephi 12: 3-9

Grateful to know there is a Savior waiting for us with open arms. Thoughts and prayers with those families in Newtown, CT. 

I love to see the Temple!

This last Friday night I went to Temple square with a group of friends! I love love loooove Temple Square during Christmas time. There are millions of lights, horse drawn carriages, hot chocolate, carolers, crowds of people all there to see the Lord's house. The spirit there is so great and I am so grateful to be so close.

Chloe and me at the City Creek and the Temple.

Jase, Chlo, Me and Kade! (Welcome home)

The Group at City Creek.

View from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

And of course, burritos from Beto's.

“Our covenants supply strength—they produce the faith necessary to persevere and to do all things that are expedient in the Lord. Our willingness to take upon us the name of Christ and keep His commandments requires a degree of faith, but as we honor our covenants, that faith expands. In the first place, the promised fruits of obedience become evident, which confirms our faith. Secondly, the Spirit communicates God’s pleasure, and we feel secure in His continued blessing and help. Thirdly, come what may, we can face life with hope and equanimity, knowing that we will succeed in the end because we have God’s promise to us individually, by name, and we know He cannot lie."

-D. Todd Christofferson 

What the MCL?!

Okay, so many of you know I LOVE sports. Like seriously, L O V E them. I've played soccer and softball every since I can remember. I like to say it's all I really had going for me because I was not a cute kid. #realtalk. So about 2 and a half years ago I tore my ACL and MCL. I had surgery on the ACL, which I might say is pretty painful, and luckily my MCL healed on its own. Okay, yeah all that mumbo jumbo...the ACL, is in the front of the knee, and the MCL is on the inside. also FYI, the ACL is tiny and the MCL is a lot bigger....okay so blah blah had surgery and back to playing soccer again. Its rather funny though because a lot of people, and some doctors, some not all, give me crap wondering why in the HECK would I ever play again. I am an athlete and I just can't help it! My point of telling you all of this is just two weeks ago, lo and behold, I hurt my MCL once again. Pretty bad this time. I knew as soon as it happened and I was sobbing saying, "Not again, not again..." It sucks. I get to wear a freaking brace on my leg in which people stare at it and feel bad for me, I can't bend my knee, like at all even if I tried, I have to take steps one at a time, and I sleep in uncomfortable positions. I am complaining a ton right now, this is how I felt RIGHT when it happened. But I do have a point in telling you all of this...

I have realized seriously how blessed I am. You do not realize how much you use your knee. It stabilizes you and movements you do. When you have a leg that works properly, you can run, you can take the stairs and you can play sports. I think I am trying to be taught something here. Although I love sports, so so much, I think this injury has taught me to slow down a little. Not get so worked up when playing. To CALM the freak down. I also realized that I have A M A Z I N G people in my life. My friends offered to drive me everywhere. Chloe immediately took me to the ER and waited for me. Offered to take me to church and school. Jason and Thaddeus were there right after our game and gave me a blessing. Dani from school drove me to the doctor and waited and took me home. People in my class offered me rides and constantly ask how I am doing! Friends and family that aren't close care and ask me each day how it is feeling. It is a constant reminder that people love me. I can feel my Savior's love and comfort through them and I am so grateful for that. It makes having a hurt knee a lot better and definitely more tolerable. :)

Consistent

I know I haven't been on here in awhile, don't worry, I am still here. Life has been busy lately with school...and well school. I feel that some things that normally go well in my life haven't been well let's just say normal. Something's a little off and I haven't quite figured it out yet. I'm still rolling along and doing school and  already excited for another break. Sitting here, thinking about how things are feeling a little weird lately, I cannot forget the one consistent thing in my life: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I may be a little late to the thankful train, but every single day of my life I am grateful for this.  It gets me through the days and honestly, what else matters?

"Brothers and sisters, before the world was, the gospel was central to God's eternal plan. It is an everlasting gospel—now restored in its fulness. With such a foundation, this Church will not be moved from its place, even through the Millennium. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a sure foundation upon which we can build our individual faith."

--Russel M. Nelson

"The gospel is so very simple when we understand it properly. It is always right, it is always good, it is always uplifting. Obedience to gospel principles brings forth joy and happiness."

--L. Tom Perry

I hope that we all can remember this one consistent thing in our lives when everything else seems to not be! Anyways I'm excited to see  the Temple Square lights soon! :)

What brings you happiness?

Last night, a few friends and I were discussing what sorts of activities brings us happiness. Like what kind of things do we enjoy doing that just brings us pure joy? Or if you are feeling down, what is the one thing you do to make you feel better? I love what one girl said...she talked about doing service or doing something kind for a loved one. I decided for myself that it really doesn't matter all that much what I am doing, but rather who I am doing it with. I just want to be surrounded by my loved ones. It really brings the purest happiness into my life. So whether I am going to an exhibit at a favorite art museum, watching my favorite musical, throwing the softball around, going hiking or camping, providing service to others, watching my favorite movie, or singing along to my favorite song, I just want to be doing it with those I love. Lately, I have just felt blessed with so many great friends and most importantly a great family who is thoughtful and aware of me and my life! Its just the greatest. Anyways, here are some pictures of activities that I've done lately that has brought me happiness, especially because I'm with the people I care about!

P.S. the new Mumford and Sons CD is incredible! I'm in love. I've waited years for this. Brings me happiness. :)

A New Start

I think it would be an understatement to say that I had an interesting summer. It was definitely an emotional roller coaster with many difficult life decisions to make. I must say though that I am grateful for these past few months. As hard as they were, I know I learned a lot about myself and what I want from life. I've come to learn to make a decision, stick with and take a leap of faith knowing that things will work out! I'm excited because I recently found out that I got into this Physical Therapy Assistant program that I have been thinking about doing for awhile. I am so excited and am already loving my classes! Here's to a new start!

 

Paying it Forward

Paying it forward is something I think we could and should do more often. Tonight my sister, our good friend Nicole and I went on a girl date to our favorite local restaurant, Sandoval's. When we walked in, Nicole recognized this cute elderly couple who happen to be patients of my dad. If you know my dad or if he's your dentist then you know how lovable, fun, generous and great he is. They were one of those people who knew this too because they were so kind to his daughters! Anyways...they ate, said goodbye and left! When we finished eating, we asked for our check and to our surprise, that nice elderly couple had taken care of our meal! We were so shocked and so grateful for their sweet act of kindness and generosity. It's not everyday that something like that happens. It reminded me of "paying it forward." Not necessarily paying for someone, but even a smile or a compliment can surprise someone and brighten their day...and who knows, hopefully they'll do the same for someone else.

From the mouth of babes

So right now I'm home in CA. My sister and her two kids are here too. Her youngest one, Addison, is three years old and sometimes just says the funniest things. Some of those I'd like to share...

-"No is a bad word, Carrigan."

-"Wait, they're getting a butt massage?!"

-"You're an eyeball! Do you know how to count to eyeball?"

-"I wish everyone liked tomatoes."

-"Is oval a letter?"

-"You're a dudette!"

-"What the?!"

-"Are you kidding me?!"

-"Daddy doesn't poop his pants."

-"Why aren't they [Giants] winning? Why aren't they playing well? It's because they don't like me..."

So glad I have her around to keep me laughing :)

Biebs

Yeahhhh. So I love Justin Bieber. He's cute and talented and so dang sweet. I don't know why I hadn't seen this video before...it's a couple years old, but you must watch. So funny and so cute! I got a good laugh out of it :)

DO IT. WATCH IT NOW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKEQwvaYI_k

Also, I bought his new CD "Believe" and welp, I LOVE it. Just look at that face.

Control

As a lot of you know, I can be a control freak. I feel that as I have gotten older and have had more experiences, the more I do realize I cannot control everything. This is hard for me for a couple reasons. 1) I want EVERYTHING to work out perfectly. 2) I want EVERYONE I am around to be happy. BUT this isn't always the case. I've also learned that this is okay. If I could control everything and everyone then what would I learn in this life? Probably not much.

This quote explains it all...

"As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit."


Sometimes if we just let things go and continue to have faith, they will turn out even better than we could have ever imagined.

Life as of late

So yet again I have failed at keeping up with my blog. But here's my life from the past couple of weeks

as told through some instagrams.

Graduation! So fun to graduate with my brother.

Visit to Virginia to see my girls.

Finally visiting the new City Creek Center.

AVENGERS!

Rugby National Championship!

Memorial Day weekend at St. George and Tocquerville Falls.

Visiting CATH in California!

Late Birthday celebration for Chlo!