I'm 22

Well, here's to being "happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time"!

Impatience!

I would just like to make it known that I can't wait to start my mission papers!

Looking back at 2012

What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?

-      Jumped off a cliff (20 feet above the water) into a river.

-      Complete a family member’s temple work.

-      Went to Arizona.

-      Attended the annual National Council on Family Relations Conference.

-      Got bumped off of a flight.

-      Lived in an apartment with 5 other girls.

-      Worked 2 part time jobs at the same time.

-      Opened a credit card account.

-      Driven by myself.

-       Assisted the development of a college course.

-      Took action on the prompting to serve an LDS mission.

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

-      I don’t recall this year’s resolution. If I am remembering correctly, I believe I had decided New Year’s resolutions were stupid because you either forget about them or give up before the year is over. I just generally wanted to be a better person, but not just for the year, but also for the rest of my life.

Did someone close to you give birth?

-      Actually, yes. Jill had a baby, Lori had a baby, four of my friends from my Marriage class had babies, and my cousin also had a baby.

Did someone close to you pass away?

-      Yes, my cousin Shawn had a terrible car accident this summer.

What countries did you visit?

-      Just the one I live in… the USA.

What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?

-      Dedication and a better work ethic.

What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

-      June 8 : Shawn’s death

-      October 31 : Flying to the NCFR Conference and talking with Brother Rarick

-      November 22 : Thanksgiving with the Galbraiths

-      December 15 : The last day of the fall semester and the day I spent 9 hours sitting in the Idaho Falls airport

-      February 20, 2013 : The day Emily reports to the MTC

What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?

-      Holding onto two jobs for an entire semester.

-      Passing Math 119 even though I didn’t try my best.

-      Reaching the point of where I am today AKA I haven’t had to meet with Brother Barnes (outside of mission-related things) since mid-Spring.

What was your biggest failure(s)?

-      Giving into temptations.

-      Making C’s on exams during Fall?

What was the best thing you bought?

-      My MacBook Pro!

-      Clothes that actually fit.

Where did most of your money go?

-      Clothes. It’s a horrible, horrible addiction!

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

-      NCFR Conference

-      Spending Thanksgiving at the Galbraith home

-      Being a teaching assistant AND a math tutor

-      Completing Dad’s temple work

What song will always remind you of 2012?

-      Eyes Open by Taylor Swift

-      Love Me by JJ Heller

-      Shake It Out by Florence + the Machine

-      Home by Phillip Phillips

-      Skyscraper by Demi Lovato

…and I’m quite sure there’s several more.

Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?

-      Absolutely much happier.

What do you wish you'd done more of?

-      Talked with Brother Galbraith when I was prompted.

-      Prayed.

-      Read my scriptures.

-      Attended ALL my church meetings.

-      My homework assignments.

-      Preparation.

-      Journaling.

-      Pay attention.

What do you wish you'd done less of?

-      Repeated myself.

-      Whining and complaining.

-      Procrastinating.

-      Slept.

-      Stressing.

Did you fall in love in 2012?

-      Nope.

What was your favorite TV program?

-      Bones

-      Psych

-      Pretty Little Liars

-      Big Bang Theory

-      Criminal Minds


What was the best book you read?

-      The Miracle of Forgiveness… granted I only read a chapter, but it was still really good!

What was your greatest musical discovery?

-      Imagine Dragons

-      Phillip Phillip

-      The Piano Guys

What did you want and get?

-      My teaching assistant job. I’ve wanted to TA for Brother Galbraith since my first spring semester with him.

-      To move (at home) to a new house.

-      Weight loss. It’s been some—not as much as I’d like, but enough to matter.

What did you want and not get?

-      A boyfriend… specifically a certain person.

-      My TA position for Winter 2013.

-      An A in Math 119.

Favorite film of this year?

-      The Avengers, hands down.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

-      I went to church, then I hung out at the Bitter’s house. I turned 21.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?

-      Much better than 2011, but not as fashionable as I could have been. I make a LOT of horrible fashion decisions, haha.

What kept you sane?

-      Journalling

-      Brother Galbraith

-      The gospel

-      My cat, Kira

-      My friends

Who do you miss?

-      Shawn

-      Andre, occasionally

-      Machelle

-      Bethany

Who was the best new person you met?

-      My Fall FHE family‼

-      Jennifer (Beiser) McClellan

-      Ashley Rowell

-      Hannah Ogles

-      Jordan Nielson

-      The students I tutored

…and soooo many other people!

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012:

-      Don’t wait to the last minute to do something very important.

-      I need to work on making appropriate attachments.

-      Brother Galbraith really is there for me and gives amazing advice.

-      Everything from my Family Theories class and my Family Stress and Coping class.

A quote that sums up your year:

-      “I’m a Mormon. I know it, I live it, I love it.”

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

-      “It’s been a really, really messed up week. Seven days of torture, seven days of bitter. My girlfriend went and cheated on me…” : Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae

-      “Don’t pay no mind to the demons, they fill you with fear. The trouble, it might drag you down. If you get lost, you can always be found.” : Home by Phillip Phillips

-      “Be still, my soul. Thy God doth undertake to guide the future as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let noting shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last.” : Be Still My Soul

-      “There are true things inside of me I have been afraid to see I believe. Help my unbelief. Would you say again what you said to me, ‘I am loved and I am free’?” : True Things by JJ Heller

Everything is different!

For the first time since the ward split back in April, I will be attending my home ward in about 7 hours.

So much about being home this Christmas is different. Not only will I be attending a "different" ward when I'm here, I live in a different house in a different neighborhood, and my room is completely new.

On top of that is the knowledge that I'm preparing to begin mission papers (to serve after this coming spring semester) and that I fly back to Idaho on January 6th. It's strange to be working hard at settling in--organizing all the now unpacked boxes in my room, remembering driving to a different house when I come home from the store or such, etc.--when I'm leaving it all behind in a little over two weeks. I'm assuming that I'll come back home in July and head out to the MTC from here shortly after, so it's even stranger to think that this place will not feel like a part of my life for the next two-ish years.

But on the brighter side of things, Brother Galbraith has completed my father's temple work as of today! Also, Christmas is in less than 48 hours and, for the first time ever, my family is doing our Christmas gathering at our house!

Once I finally get everything in my room organized I will be posting a few pictures of my room (and of course my precious Kira kitty!) for those in Idaho that have been curious to see what my new house looks like. Right now, it's a mess... half decorated for Christmas, half unpacked, and boxes of stuff that we are getting rid of.

Things I Have Learned This Semester

There's so much in my head right now and I just want to write until my heart's content, but since finals are this week I do not have that luxury.

So after some pondering and getting completely sidetracked from writing my final report for my big research project, I decided that I should make a list of things I've learned from this semester. Maybe one day I'll look back and realize how much I grow over the three short months of every semester. Maybe I'll start to see in myself what everyone else does.

• Seeing everything from the perspective that it all is a blessing makes life so much sweeter.
• Good things come when you are patient.
• Avoiding talking to a father figure when you really need to talk with them will only make you feel more stressed and unhappy.
• Undesired/unexpected answers do not always mean that someone doesn't care about you.
• If you have a negative attitude about a class or a teacher, or even a little assignment, you will hold yourself back from exerting your full potential.
• No matter what you think when you're in the midst of it, addictions make you lose who you are.
• Networking is especially important when you want to accomplish things.
• Journaling makes the heart feel lighter.
• It's better to say nothing at all when you're angry or irritated.
• Gossip hurts and even if you're not gossiping, not stopping the gossip is just as terrible.
• Take things slow, enjoy the moment--stop anticipating the end.
• Living mindfully will mold you to being more Christ-like.
• While being stubborn can get you through, it's not the great as having a desire or motivation to do something.
• Stopping by a professor's office "real quick" does not apply in any case when you like to talk and your professors do too.
• Isolating yourself does not mean that you will accomplish all your homework goals for the day.
• The time between 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm is a LOT shorter than you think!
• 
  

Liebster Award

This morning I woke up to the news that I had been given the Liebster Award. by a friend from http://swarnalidreams.blogspot.in/.You're probably wondering what that means, I know, because I wondered the same thing myself. Liebster means 'favorite' or 'beloved' in German... meaning someone thinks quite highly of my crazy little blog. Anyways, here's the rules for receiving the award:

1. If tagged or nominated,you have to post eleven facts about yourself.
2. Then you answer eleven questions the tagger has asked you and you post eleven questions for people you are going to tag.
3. Tag eleven bloggers (with no more than 200 followers).
4. Tell people that they have been tagged.
5. No tagging back.

Eleven Facts About Me:

1. My two favorite cereals are Honey Nut Cheerios and Corn Pops.
2. I prefer rice milk over regular milk.
3. I want to live in southeast Idaho when I'm married.
4. Someday I want to visit China, Germany, Prague, and Switzerland.
5. Currently I'm working two jobs 20 hrs a week and taking 14 college credits.
6. My feet fit into 4 different shoe sizes comfortably.
7. I used to think that John Smith in Pocahontas was Joseph Smith of the LDS church when I was younger.
8. I can't fall asleep without playing at least two different games on my iPod before I go to bed.
9. When I'm really stressed out I cry, otherwise I'll have panic attacks.
10. I prefer cake (but not chocolate cake, gross!) over cookies.
11. Eating chicken off the bone grosses me out.

Answers to Arpita's Eleven Questions for Me:

1.  The Mirror of Erised shows us what our deepest desire is. What would you see if you looked into it? -- Ha, at this moment it would be passing Calculus. But I think in all honesty, it would be me and the person I'm meant to marry with our children and my beloved kitty cat, Kira, all together.
2. A Dementor reminds us of our most painful memory. What would you remember if a Demontor approached you? -- I'm not entirely sure that is something I would like to place out on the internet. If you're absolutely curious, I'll write you a letter.
3. A Patronus charm helps us fight off a Dementor; we need to think of the best memory we have, in order to cast the spell. Which memory would you think of? -- My baptism or that wonderful Sunday I had over the summer.
4. The possessor of the Deathly Hallows becomes master of Death. The Deathly Hallows are the Elder Wand (the most powerful weapon on earth), the Resurrection Stone (which will bring someone back from the dead), and The Cloak of Invisibility (which will make you invisible as long as you wear it). Which one would you choose, and why? -- The Cloak of Invisibility hands down. I'm always getting myself into awkward situations where it would just be best to disappear. Also, I'm incredibly curious; having the Cloak would allow me to explore without ever getting into trouble.
5. In the fourth book, The Goblet of Fire, the mermaids and mermen from the lake in the school grounds take from the champion of the Triwizare Tournament what they would miss most- a person who is dearest to them. Who do you think would be taken from you? [Don't worry, all hostages are release at the end of the task.] ;P -- If my cat counts, it would be her. She means the world to me!! As far as an actual person, I'd have to say my mom.
6. Which word defines you best- brave, loyal, wise or ambitious? -- I'm a total pansy, so brave would never describe me--unless I'm wanting to ask a boy on a date. I'd love to say I'm loyal, but if there's something I really want, I hate to admit it, but I'll occasionally change loyalties. I'm wise when it comes to Statistics or knowing what people will most likely do, but that's it. So I'd have to say ambitious describes me best. Especially since I'll go out of my way to make something happen if I want it to.
7. An 'Animagus' is a person who can change into an animal, and back, at will. A 'Metamorphmagus' can change their appearance at will. What would you rather be, and why? -- I'll be honest, I have severe issues with my appearance sometimes. As much as I'd like to be a cat most days, I'd have to chose Metamorphmagus.
8. The Room of Requirement changes into the kind of place that the person needs to be in. What would it change into if you approached it? -- A little room where I could keep to myself and be productive.
9. The Philosopher's Stone can turn any metal into gold, and its liquid form- the Elixir of Life- can grant immortality to the drinker. A Pensieve can be used as a vessel to store your thoughts in. A Time Turner can help you go back in time and change what you want to. Which one would you choose, and why? -- Time Turner, for sure! I think I live my life with too many regrets. And I procrastinate way too much for my own good.
10. What would you want written on your epitaph? -- "I have tried my best to live life as I should. Now I'm one step closer to living life with Christ & our Heavenly Father."
11. Sirius Black and James Potter had a magical mirror each, which they could talk into and see one another in; something that came in handy when they were stuck in different classrooms during detention. (Old fashioned Skype.) Suppose you are in a world where there's no technology and only one pair of such mirrors; you would, of course keep one of them- who is the person you would give the other one to? -- If I were married, the other mirror would absolutely go to my husband. Since I'm not married right now, and as weird as it may sound, I think I'd give it to Brother Galbraith. He gives some really great advice when I'm worried, confused, and driven to do something. He's also really good at making me laugh even when I'm crazy stressed. I feel that it would be really nice to have that around. 

Questions for those of you I've tagged:

1. If you could have the career that you love, regardless of how much or how little you'd make, what would it be and why?
2. What, in your opinion, makes the best two-color combination?
3. Is there a song that really means something to you? If so, what song is it and why?
4. What is your greatest desire?
5. What is something that you want to be remembered for, even after you die?
6. If you had the chance to participate in finding out how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop, how many licks do you think it would take you?
7. Given the chance, what museum (anywhere in the world) would you want to visit most?
8. Would you take the path less traveled in life or not? Explain why.
9. What was one of the most difficult things you've ever had to do? (Emotionally and/or physically.)
10. Which character (book, TV show, or movie) do you feel you are most like and why?
11. If there was something you could change about your past, what would it be?

I tag:

• Machelle at http://flaglerterp13.blogspot.com/
• Brooke at http://thelonelyzebra.blogspot.com/
• Tayla at http://tigger-tay.blogspot.com/
• Shannon at http://iloveyoucauseican.blogspot.com/
• Janae at http://janaecoons.blogspot.com/
• Kari at http://karetodream.blogspot.com/
• Hayley at http://hayleyitsbeenoneofthosedays.blogspot.com/
• Elsha at http://elsha-rae.blogspot.com/
• Laura at http://lauraevansnelson.blogspot.com/
• Jackie at http://mccamyjackie.blogspot.com/
• Grace at http://toacrosstheworld.blogspot.com/

Dearest Spring...

So I just read this fun little post about summer and even though I'm nowhere near as partial to summer as she is, I'm trying (and failing) to hold in my excitement/longing for spring to come. So this is my list of wishes for spring...

Eat a yummy cupcake from Coco Bean Cupcake Cafe...

Most importantly, I want to try Bonnie Bee!

Which is not what is pictured, that's Madagascar Vanilla Vanilla.

Take more pictures of this lovely campus, but with me and friends in them.

Spend time at this lovely, luscious green park--Porter Park.

Except, I'm sure that it's not so green or lovely right now.

Just pretty and covered under layers of snow.

Consume at least one of every classic (and underground) Jamba Juice smoothie before Spring turns into Summer.

Spend time with these crazy girls and whomever my new roommates will be.

And dates. Lots of dates. A girl can hope, right?

50 Tips About Life, People, and Happiness

1.     Going into the unknown is how you expand what is known.

2.     Have and use a library card.

3.     Spend more time around people that both challenge and respect you.

4.  There is a method that works. Find it.

5.     Join a movement.

6.     Read more. Especially things you disagree with.

7.     Get used to feeling stupid. It’s a sign of growth.

8.   Learn something from everyone.

9.     Find things that inspire you and pursue them, even if there’s no money in it.

10.  Survive on a little just to prove you can do it.

11.  Do what you say you’ll do.

12.  Learn a new language.

13.  Eat more protein.

14.  Meet new people as often as possible. Offer to help them.

15.  Nobody likes a know-it-all.

16.  Get a passport. Fill it up with stamps no one has ever seen.

17.                 Go to bed, and wake up, early.

18.  Scare yourself a little bit every day. It will expand your inner map.

19.  Learn to climb trees.

20.Be humble and curious.

21.  Be as useful as you can in as many circumstances as possible.

22.  Show up.

23.  Make your home a place where you feel safe.

24.  Learn to enjoy hunger.

25.                 Always remember those who helped you.

26.  But also, help people who have never helped you and those who can’t.

27.  When you know that pain is temporary, it affects all of your decisions.

28.  Don’t worry about regret.

29.Commit to things, regularly, that are far beyond your ability.

30.  Meet with friends more often.

31.  Learn to meditate.

32.  Your stories are both more and less interesting than you think.

33.Learn to really listen.

34.  Walk more.

35.  Get to know your neighbors.

36.                 Don’t take anything personally, ever.

37.  Go to lots of conferences.

38.  As soon as you can, buy some art.

39.  Apologize more than you need to.

40.  Find your voice.

41.               Be like Jesus.

42.  Examine your jealousy. You’ll learn a lot about yourself.

43.                 Add “adventurer” to your bio., then become one.

44.  Give away your best work for free.

45.  Actually write on your blog.

46.  Join a gym.

47.The best conversations are had side by side, not one in front of the other.

48.  Do what’s most important first thing in the morning, before you check email.

49.  Everyone feels like they’re not good enough. It’s not just you.

50.  Courage is a learned skill.