Good Morning!

SO... These pictures were all taken this morning. I know it is now almost midnight and I am posting this instead of homework. But, I have wanted to blog all day. I have been thinking a lot about the little things that make life bearable. All too often we overlook the simple things. Like those extra five minutes of sleep before your alarm goes off or the way your bed feels after a long day of work.

Today was a good morning. I woke up. I was tired. I was running late. I got dressed in a hurry. Fixed my hair in a hurry. By the time I was out the door I was late. Late for my 8am job. Sounds pretty bad, right?

Wrong.

I called to let my boss know I was going to be 5-7 minutes late. The phone rings. Alex answers. My boss isn't there yet either. Score. 

Late again. Great. There goes that $0.30 I was going to make. Except that as I clocked in I noticed something. I was warm. The office was actually warm. (Side note: it's always about 50 degrees in the office. Although it feels like 30.) So, I celebrated. With pictures, naturally. 

Anyway, here's to mornings that go great in spite of the odds. Good mornings make for good days. And good days are what life is all about. 

Right?

I know. I know. Not my "cutest outfit award" day. But, hey I was rushed.
We should all be happy I'm in clothes that match. Let alone the fact that
I am wearing a necklace. And a watch. 

It’s been awhile…

It’s been an awful long time since I’ve updated my blog. This happens to be both painfully normal and abnormally unsatisfying. Allow me to explain:

1)     Normal- I never update my blog. Ok, never is too harsh of a word. I have a hard time of consistently updating my blog. Or maybe, I frequently do not update my blog. Yea, basically I struggle.

2)      Painfully- I want to blog. I really do. I think about good posting ideas. And then I even write posts in my head as I walk home/across campus. I just never put them in writing. Blogging time is so elusive that way.

3)      Unsatisfying- I want to blog. And then to have all these thoughts and discussions locked up in my head, it’s very disruptive. I mean think of it from my perspective. You have all these things you are thinking about saying and then never get them out because you’re too busy with school, work and everything else that claims your time. In the words of Mika “The things we left unsaid, are only taking space up in our head.” And some days, my head is very full.

4)      Abnormally- should one really be worried about not blogging? I would think not. But, who am I to make such a general assumption for a large population of half-bloggers (a group to which I belong).

I have nothing too notable happening. Well, except that I am feeling a sort of blog-arthis. or a blog catharsis. (Side note: I just looked up catharsis to make sure it really was the word I wanted to use… and I found that one of the definitions was cleansing or purging of the bowels… Totally using that from here on out.) Well, the definition was an emotional release brought about by an intense emotional experience. And that isn’t exactly the definition my 7^th Grade English teacher taught us when we read the best-selling novel, Into Thin Air by Jon Krakower.

I did not have an intense emotional experience, like previously mentioned, but I do feel like I just want to put some things down in writing.

First: One word…

SUMMER. A word not typically shrouded in uneasiness. In fact in my previous years it’s been nothing but excitement. No school. Going home. Ecuador. Summer jobs. Did I mention no school? Anyway, this year it’s a little more complicated. I just have a lot of things happening. And I need a schedule. Not really until January… but, I am just the planning type. I love spontaneity. But, I like to have my feet under me while I’m running. If that makes any sense at all. (Side note: I am not uneasy for the much anticipated arrival of William Daybell. In fact I am quite the opposite. I can’t wait. In that aspect Summer 2013 can’t come soon enough.)

CANCER. My mom is officially cancer free. Raise the rough. Shout for joy. Or jump for it. Party like a rockstar. And any other phrase/ditty that seems appropriate for the situation. But, really. Holy cow. What a ride? I could not be any happier. And I am hoping with all of me that it remains gone. Or at least far far away… and never comes back. (Lion King, anyone?)

PEOPLE. Allow me to introduce some new people to the blogging sphere. I will most definitely be mentioning them in future posts. Emma. Jen. Kate. Jeff. Mason. Joe. Good friends. I hope to keep them around for a while.

MISSIONS. Aside from the obvious reason I might mention this… everyone is going. Not just boys but girls. And I mean everyone. I have had more invites to mission farewells than I did all freshman year. And that’s impressive because I was in TWO different wards. So, I got a lot of farewell invites. Don’t get me wrong, missions are awesome. In fact, missions are admirable. And wonderful and those who choose to serve have my utmost respect. It’s just, everyone is going.

MARRIAGE. If you’re not going on a mission… you’re engaged. Or newly married. Or having a baby. Again the institution of marriage is a wonderful blessed thing. But, when you’re not going on a mission, with no boyfriend (at least in the country) and everyone else is…

Anyway, Thanksgiving is coming up. I have much to be thankful for. And I fear that this blog has sounded very petty, and annoying and ungrateful. But, I promise I am so thankful. So very very thankful.

Love...

I've been doing a lot of "self discovery" these past few months. I know I haven't posted in awhile and it's not that I haven't had anything to post. Because, I have been so very blessed. My father found a job. My mother had her cancer removed and has begun radiation. My brother, cousin and I are all moved into our new apartments (and it looks BEAUTIFUL might I add). My younger brother is loving college. And my youngest brother is doing well in school. That only barely skims the surface. I have much to be thankful for. 

This, however, is a deeper personal reflection. And just like most everything else in my life lately, it has to do with Ecuador. I am sure everyone who lives close enough to hear my talk is sick of Ecuador. But, I am not. I miss what I had there. I miss those kids. I miss having purpose. I miss that unconditional love and the way a baby feels in your arms. I miss speaking spanish (however elementary my vocabulary was). I miss those two months more than I miss any other period of my life. 

“You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.” -Steve Jobs

I am going to be a teacher. I love kids. I love teaching. I love that purpose that comes with waking up each morning and knowing that you might not be changing a life, but that you are impacting one. 

President Monson has said about teaching: 

"To you... who are administrators and teaches, you will stand before those who have struggled and saved and planned so that they might be your students. Treat them with dignity and provide them your very best. You not only teach a subject; you also mold human nature. You light the lamp of learning, that through your spirit,  your  faith,  and your love,  will bless generations yet to be born.  Your opportunities are NOT dissimilar to the Master Teacher, even Jesus Christ, the Son of God."

"Who is the teacher you remember from your youth? I would guess that in all probability it was the one who knew your name, who welcomed you to class, who was interested in you as a person, and who truly cared."

"The mark of a master teacher is indelible. It makes no difference whether or not he is teaching literature or mathematics or science or any other subject of the curriculum. He must win from his students faith that moves mountains. When he succeeds, near-mireacles happen. Suddenly a pupil is awakened to an enthusiastic interest in some aspect of learning and begins to read widely without being urged. Another discovers in himself powers that he did not know he had. Another decides to seek better companions. In a flash of inspiration, still another makes a decision that leads to a lifetime career."

After being in Ecuador I have a greater desire to serve and to help those that need it. I recognize how blessed I am and how ungratefully I have lived the past 20 years of my life. There are so many worldwide and even those in the United States that live so far below what I have always known as "normal." How ignorantly I lived until I saw. 

I know it is not my call in life to live in Ecuador and take care of those kids forever, as much as I wish that it was. There is more that I will be led to achieve and I can only pray it is as noble of a cause as taking care of those precious and perfect children. 

I hope that the remaining years I have at BYU I will be able to learn how to become the best teacher. I hope that through practice in the classroom I will one day be able to make an impact on student's lives. For it is so often that we forget our divine identity. We are not merely humans/people left to wander in confusion. I know I am a child of God. I know His hand is far more prevalent in my life than I ever had realized. And I know that there is no greater call than that of a teacher, mother, sister or friend. 

As I sat in Sunday School on Sunday, I found myself doodling on the notebook I bring to church. By the time I was finished I had come up with my own "quote." It read:

"Every person, no matter their age, race, religion, education, nationality or  social status IS a Child of God. Treat them like it. And remember you are NO different."

Those children in Ecuador changed my life and my mindset. I know it probably sounds silly, but I owe so much of what I am becoming to their sweet smiles, kindness and unconditional love. 

(I actually want to become fluent in Spanish and work at a Title II school. It's a new dream of mine. I love my brown babies. :)   ).

The Next Couple of Blogs....

Well, I'm home. 

Blogging is most definitely not for the faint of heart. This takes effort. I haven't blogged in over a month. And it's not because I don't have anything to say. Its more because I don't have the required "bloggers energy" to put towards sitting down and putting my thoughts into words. That, and I have the daunting task of updating my blog with 4 major posts I have been mosts definitely putting off. Well, nows the time to get started. Except that this isn't one of my 4 major blog posts. It's just a quick recap of my first 2.5 weeks home. 

I got my haircut! None of these pictures really show what it looks like... but thats alright. It's just a quick preview anyway. I had a mullet when I got home! And so, I went to get it all chopped off! It was much needed. I actually really like my hair at this length. And a major plus... I can wear it curly. So that 5 minute fix I have been dying for these past... 7 months is back. Well, its still more of a 10 minute fix. But, that's beside the point. 

My Grandma came to visit me when I got home. I was so lucky! I got to go to lunch with her and my mom. I loved it. I love these two wonderful women. I look up to them SO much. They are two of my greatest examples and I know that I am forever blessed because of their love and support. 

We went bowling as a family. And I loved every second of it. It feels good to be back. I don't always feel like I have a set place. I mean I'm no longer the sister that LIVES at home and goes to school at home. I'm the sister that spends most of her time at school in a state across the country. So, that has taken some getting used to. But, my parent are wonderfully amazing and I know I am always their daughter no matter what state I live in or where I go to school. 

:)

Just bowling as a fam! :)

He's gotten so big!!

I've missed this one! ;)

Family <3

The biggest difference between a mom and a sister... 

Family is what its all about. It was so hard to leave my babies and my friends because so much of the relationship we had was familial. I was the mother/sister to so many of those children and each of the girls I served with had a very special place in my heart. I could not pretend that it was not one of the more trying moments to come and maintain the high and the happiness I had while in Ecuador. In fact... it's been quite hard and continues to be a struggle. But, one of the greatest lessons I learned from my beautiful children is to be happy regardless of your circumstances. They have nothing but the Chicas de OSSO and each other... and somehow the greet every day with a smile. Surely, those of us who have everything, can at least attempt to mirror their happiness at least in a small way.

I love my babies. I love my new friends. I love my old ones. And I most certainly love my family most of all. It's good to be home.

A Much Belated Valentine's Day Post...

I know it's almost March and Valentine's Day was like... 2 weeks ago. But, that is beside the point.

I got on and read Susan's blog about the cookies she had made and that quickly jogged my memory... I forgot to blog about... THE cupcakes.

These aren't your average cupcakes. Nan ordered "the pinkest icing you have" from the store. Not a tiny carton but, a giant tub. And I mean giant. It weighed easily 5-10 pounds. Anyway, it came and I was astounded. Nan asked Leslie and me to go ice the cupcakes for the Colloquium tomorrow.
*side note. Colloquium is like when a speaker from another school comes and gives a lecture on something to the graduate students and any physics professor who wants to join. We normally make lunch for all of them. It's every Wednesday.

Anyway, she asked us to ice the cupcakes that would be the dessert. I had the honor of opening up what the store had labeled "neon pink" icing.

It was neon. It stained my hand in seconds. It stained anyone's mouth who even thought about eating one. The pictures really don't capture just how BRIGHT this icing was. I tried really hard. But, it was just SO bright. I mean when you blinked or looked away you saw it's negative. It was so crazy!

I can't imagine how much food coloring went into the tub of icing. Or how many of those graduate students are going to be diabetic after eating one of those.

I took plenty of pictures. So... enjoy. :)

Oh. And Happy Late Valentines Day.

The Icing!