I just realized that it's almost been a year since my brother, Corey, came home from his mission in Japan. I remember how excited I was! I remember writing the last e-mail to him as a missionary, and it was so unreal to me.
Then I flew home to San Diego, and I remember getting home and finding nothing ready for him to come home. I was beyond worried and stressed, so much so that when we got to the airport I headed toward the Southwest terminal, out of habit, instead of toward Alaskan Airlines. And when I was finally headed the right direction, I realized I missed him coming down the escalator, and I wasn't his first hug. I was so mad. And after hugging him and seeing him for two seconds, I felt like he had never left. Then the rest of my time home was quite a disaster. I feel like nothing went the way I had envisioned it. It was not the glamorous experience I thought it would be. And then before I knew it, I had to go back to Rexburg.
It's strange though. Sometimes I feel like Corey and I "talked" more when he was in Japan then since he's been home, and other times I'm so glad I can call/text him every day if I want to. But overall, I'm so glad my best friend is back and able to be apart of my life even though he's 1000 miles away. I seriously feel so blessed to have a little brother, especially Corey.
Recently I've learned some things about my family when I was little, and it's been kinda shocking and hard to swallow. It just made me realize how blessed I've been despite everything that's happened. And what a blessing it is that I have my brother. And what a blessing it is that I got to know my cousins, aunt, uncle, and grandma in San Diego, as I grew up.
Seriously, it's because I've been given SO much that I can't help but try and give all I can to those around me. What did I do to be so blessed in this life with such amazing family members, friends, and amazing experiences!?? I don't know, but I'm so grateful for I've been given. The good AND the bad. :)
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
BEST Road Trip to SD EVER!!
Last week I had the opportunity to go down to San Diego for Caitlin and Devin's wedding. It was AWESOME! The only complaint I have is that the trip was too short. But seriously it was a great weekend!
I drove down with some friends of Caitlin and Devin, Casandra (I can't remember when we met, but it feels like I've known her forever.), Ben (who I met randomly a couple of months ago, but we didn't really know each other), and Rick (I'd heard his name a ton, but never met him). We drove down to Provo on Wednesday night and stayed at Julie's house. Then Thursday morning we left and drove to San Diego. I drove the last leg of the drive into San Diego, and the WHOLE time I was getting SO excited to be home! Even though I was still hours away. It's like the closer I get, the more excited I get. I drove straight to Kira's because I was WAY excited to see her since she no longer lives 2 minutes away from me. Then Corey picked me up, and we went to the Densley's.
Good thing I showed up when I did because Hansen and Owen did NOT want to be baby-sat by Eden. They were on the phone with Shelly, and it was on speaker. I overheard the conversation and interrupted saying I was around and I would be there to watch them. Shelly was a little confused that I was at her house. In fact, she thought I was three-waying from Idaho. Haha! Surprise! I'm at your house! That was fun! I anxiously waited for her and Randal to come home, and it was SO good to see them! Truman came over later and we hung out for a while. I spent Thursday night at the Densley's.
Friday, I caught a ride with Tavin to the temple (He works there Friday mornings.), though I drove. Haha! I got to do an endowment session before Caitlin and Devin's sealing, which was nice. I miss the San Diego temple! Then I saw the bride and groom before the sealing, which was fun! The sealing was beautiful! And it really made me think that maybe this California/wanna-be-Utah girl wants to get married in San Diego, though she's dreamed of marrying in Salt Lake. Who knows!
I tried to take a million pics, but I was having too much fun enjoying the moment! Well, I did take quite a few pics anyway. I was very impressed with their photographer! She was AMAZING! (I want to go into photography someday, but first I need a nice camera and a portfolio. Then I can maybe start doing weddings and things. We'll see. Another note-After going to two weddings almost back to back, I've decided that I will probably at least need two photographers on my wedding day. One for the posed/traditional shots, and one to snap candids the whole time.) I also LOVED the colors Caitlin picked-purple and yellow. I don't really like purple or yellow, but they go very well together.
We went back to the Mission Valley building for a luncheon. Afterwards, Stu, Jessica, Kira, Ben, Rick, Casandra, and I went to Mission Beach. It was a little funny because we were all in our church clothes hanging out at the beach taking a million pics! It was SO fun though! And the sunset was GORGEOUS! I seriously miss San Diego a LOT!
Then I went to the potluck at LM1st Ward with Corey. It's crazy to me how each time I come home I know less and less people, and that ward I grew up in feels less and less like home. It was still fun to see those who I do know.
After our brief visit at our building, Corey and I headed to the Mission Valley building for Caitlin and Devin's reception. Corey was worried he'd be bored and not know anyone, but to his surprise he had plenty of friends there. It was a fun night! Again, I tried to get pics, but I wanted to dance and have fun and visit with people, so I don't have nearly as many from the reception.
Corey and I were exhausted after the reception, and we had been invited to do other things. We were just going to go home, but then somehow we decided to go see people. First we stopped at Bob and Janae's. Janae is all cute and pregnant! It was fun to see them! Then we went to Elise's house for games. It was a fun night! We played "Smurf," which apparently isn't Bishop's favorite game. Haha! Anyway, we had a lot of laughs and we have some great inside jokes now. How many smurf words can you use in
your testimony. Oh and... it depends! haha! Corey and I said goodbye Friday night because I was leaving Saturday afternoon and he had to work all day. (I should have gone and got Chipotle on Saturday, but time no money permitted that.)
Saturday morning, I went to Barnes and Noble to say hi to Vickie and pick up Girl Scout cookies from her (Thin Mints and Samoas! Yum!). It was SO good to see her, though it was way too short. Then I met up with Stephanie at the Densley's for German pancakes (my FAVORITE breakfast). Then Steph and I were off to David's Bridal to get me a bridesmaid dress for her wedding. We were pretty fast, which Stephanie and I were both grateful for. I'm not a fan of shopping, so I like to be in and out.
When I came home, Randal and Owen were getting ready to go to Grossmont Center. I was WAY tired, but I wanted to spend time with them, so I asked if I could go. Luckily, Owen said I could come. Haha! We went to Target, See's, and Wal*Mart. It was fun just being with the two of them! Man, I love the Densley's SO much! Then Randal dropped me off at Kira's, and we said goodbye! I hate saying bye to them!
Then we packed up Ben's car and said bye to Kira, which was WAY sad! I wish we could have taken her with us! Man, I miss her being in Rexburg! Then we were off to St. George. I drove the first leg because everyone was way tired from the beach. (They spent the day having tons of fun boogie boarding and surfing.) We stayed the night in St. George with Ben's cousin and her family. Sunday morning we went to church with them at 9 and left for Rexburg after sacrament meeting. We did stop in Salt Lake to go to Temple Square. That was fun!
Coming back to Rexburg after being in San Diego was rough. I thought I'd be fine. But seriously, the moment I stepped out of the car after arriving in Rexburg, I was already missing San Diego. That made me realize that I wouldn't want to move all the way to Oklahoma or any farther away than I already am because it will be harder to go home. I enjoy being able to go home and visit my family and friends. But the 4 and a half day vacation to SD was SO good and packed with fun! I LOVED every minute of it! Hopefully, it will happen again soon!
I drove down with some friends of Caitlin and Devin, Casandra (I can't remember when we met, but it feels like I've known her forever.), Ben (who I met randomly a couple of months ago, but we didn't really know each other), and Rick (I'd heard his name a ton, but never met him). We drove down to Provo on Wednesday night and stayed at Julie's house. Then Thursday morning we left and drove to San Diego. I drove the last leg of the drive into San Diego, and the WHOLE time I was getting SO excited to be home! Even though I was still hours away. It's like the closer I get, the more excited I get. I drove straight to Kira's because I was WAY excited to see her since she no longer lives 2 minutes away from me. Then Corey picked me up, and we went to the Densley's.
Good thing I showed up when I did because Hansen and Owen did NOT want to be baby-sat by Eden. They were on the phone with Shelly, and it was on speaker. I overheard the conversation and interrupted saying I was around and I would be there to watch them. Shelly was a little confused that I was at her house. In fact, she thought I was three-waying from Idaho. Haha! Surprise! I'm at your house! That was fun! I anxiously waited for her and Randal to come home, and it was SO good to see them! Truman came over later and we hung out for a while. I spent Thursday night at the Densley's.
Friday, I caught a ride with Tavin to the temple (He works there Friday mornings.), though I drove. Haha! I got to do an endowment session before Caitlin and Devin's sealing, which was nice. I miss the San Diego temple! Then I saw the bride and groom before the sealing, which was fun! The sealing was beautiful! And it really made me think that maybe this California/wanna-be-Utah girl wants to get married in San Diego, though she's dreamed of marrying in Salt Lake. Who knows!
I tried to take a million pics, but I was having too much fun enjoying the moment! Well, I did take quite a few pics anyway. I was very impressed with their photographer! She was AMAZING! (I want to go into photography someday, but first I need a nice camera and a portfolio. Then I can maybe start doing weddings and things. We'll see. Another note-After going to two weddings almost back to back, I've decided that I will probably at least need two photographers on my wedding day. One for the posed/traditional shots, and one to snap candids the whole time.) I also LOVED the colors Caitlin picked-purple and yellow. I don't really like purple or yellow, but they go very well together.
We went back to the Mission Valley building for a luncheon. Afterwards, Stu, Jessica, Kira, Ben, Rick, Casandra, and I went to Mission Beach. It was a little funny because we were all in our church clothes hanging out at the beach taking a million pics! It was SO fun though! And the sunset was GORGEOUS! I seriously miss San Diego a LOT!
Then I went to the potluck at LM1st Ward with Corey. It's crazy to me how each time I come home I know less and less people, and that ward I grew up in feels less and less like home. It was still fun to see those who I do know.
After our brief visit at our building, Corey and I headed to the Mission Valley building for Caitlin and Devin's reception. Corey was worried he'd be bored and not know anyone, but to his surprise he had plenty of friends there. It was a fun night! Again, I tried to get pics, but I wanted to dance and have fun and visit with people, so I don't have nearly as many from the reception.
Corey and I were exhausted after the reception, and we had been invited to do other things. We were just going to go home, but then somehow we decided to go see people. First we stopped at Bob and Janae's. Janae is all cute and pregnant! It was fun to see them! Then we went to Elise's house for games. It was a fun night! We played "Smurf," which apparently isn't Bishop's favorite game. Haha! Anyway, we had a lot of laughs and we have some great inside jokes now. How many smurf words can you use in
your testimony. Oh and... it depends! haha! Corey and I said goodbye Friday night because I was leaving Saturday afternoon and he had to work all day. (I should have gone and got Chipotle on Saturday, but time no money permitted that.)
Saturday morning, I went to Barnes and Noble to say hi to Vickie and pick up Girl Scout cookies from her (Thin Mints and Samoas! Yum!). It was SO good to see her, though it was way too short. Then I met up with Stephanie at the Densley's for German pancakes (my FAVORITE breakfast). Then Steph and I were off to David's Bridal to get me a bridesmaid dress for her wedding. We were pretty fast, which Stephanie and I were both grateful for. I'm not a fan of shopping, so I like to be in and out.
When I came home, Randal and Owen were getting ready to go to Grossmont Center. I was WAY tired, but I wanted to spend time with them, so I asked if I could go. Luckily, Owen said I could come. Haha! We went to Target, See's, and Wal*Mart. It was fun just being with the two of them! Man, I love the Densley's SO much! Then Randal dropped me off at Kira's, and we said goodbye! I hate saying bye to them!
Then we packed up Ben's car and said bye to Kira, which was WAY sad! I wish we could have taken her with us! Man, I miss her being in Rexburg! Then we were off to St. George. I drove the first leg because everyone was way tired from the beach. (They spent the day having tons of fun boogie boarding and surfing.) We stayed the night in St. George with Ben's cousin and her family. Sunday morning we went to church with them at 9 and left for Rexburg after sacrament meeting. We did stop in Salt Lake to go to Temple Square. That was fun!
Coming back to Rexburg after being in San Diego was rough. I thought I'd be fine. But seriously, the moment I stepped out of the car after arriving in Rexburg, I was already missing San Diego. That made me realize that I wouldn't want to move all the way to Oklahoma or any farther away than I already am because it will be harder to go home. I enjoy being able to go home and visit my family and friends. But the 4 and a half day vacation to SD was SO good and packed with fun! I LOVED every minute of it! Hopefully, it will happen again soon!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Off to a Great Start
I really need to get better at writing. I used to be somewhat good at it, and since I've been back from my mission, it's really gone downhill, even in my personal journal too. Lots has happened, and life is AWESOME right now! One day, I'm gonna look back and wish I had written more at this super happy time in my life. So I better get started...
Before going home to San Diego for Christmas break, I got set apart as an ordinance worker in the Rexburg temple. I started working at the beginning of January when I came back from break. I absolutely LOVE it! And I know a bunch of the people who I work the same shift with. Plus, I always see tons of people I know during the day. I would recommend working as an ordinance worker to anyone. It truly is amazing!
This semester I'm off-track, meaning I'm not in school. And I currently am unemployed, though I've been job searching since December. I know that everything will work out though because I felt very strongly that I was supposed to stay in Rexburg this semester.
I have 5 awesome roommates! Madi, Cortney, Nicki, Sarah, and Kyra. I love them a ton! And they are all younger, but they're sweet girls. I am lucky to have such great roommates!
At the beginning of the semester, I received the assignment to put together my ward directory. I kinda asked for it though. It's a funny story, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to do it because it kept be busy. Plus, it made it easy to get to meet everyone in my ward. We've had a big turnover from last semester to this semester, so there are lots of new faces. Anyway, it's been fun learning names and getting to know people.
Two days after receiving the assignment to assemble the ward directory, I received the calling to be one of two Relief Society presidents in my ward. I gladly accepted. I know, I'm really weird, but ever since I served as first counselor in the Relief Society presidency as a freshman I've missed it SO much! So I'm excited to be back in the presidency. It is overwhelming, and there has been and always will be lots to do, but I love it! And I have an awesome Relief Society of sisters! I love them all! And I look forward to getting to know them better.
I recently returned from Oklahoma. I got to go back to my mission because one of my companions was getting married in Oklahoma City. She was my mini missionary, who just served as a missionary for 6 weeks since we were short a Spanish sister. So I was in Oklahoma for just over a week, and it was one of the best weeks EVER! I seriously even began to consider moving to Oklahoma someday. I never ever thought I'd see the day that I'd actually want to live there. I think I would love it! And people were tempting me while I was there. I was offered a job, and a couple of people offered me a place to stay. It was tempting. If I didn't have responsibilities in Idaho, I might have just stayed there forever. Good thing I got a calling before I left. Haha. But really, maybe one day I'll live in OKC. It seriously feels like home being there!
Tomorrow I'm leaving for San Diego because one of my other way close friends is getting married. I've known her since I was 12, and she's one of my best friends! I love her! It will be a quick trip though. I'll get to San Diego Thursday night and leave Saturday late afternoon/early evening. It will be way fun though and way warmer than Rexburg.
And for inquiring minds, I'm not dating anybody. Though I did catch the bouquet at my best friend/mission companion's reception. (That is a story in and of itself since I NEVER participate in bouquet tosses.) And you know what that means... But I don't believe in superstitions.
That's the latest for now. I'm loving being in Rexburg, although it's freezing. And I feel super blessed for all of the people in my life right now.
Before going home to San Diego for Christmas break, I got set apart as an ordinance worker in the Rexburg temple. I started working at the beginning of January when I came back from break. I absolutely LOVE it! And I know a bunch of the people who I work the same shift with. Plus, I always see tons of people I know during the day. I would recommend working as an ordinance worker to anyone. It truly is amazing!
This semester I'm off-track, meaning I'm not in school. And I currently am unemployed, though I've been job searching since December. I know that everything will work out though because I felt very strongly that I was supposed to stay in Rexburg this semester.
I have 5 awesome roommates! Madi, Cortney, Nicki, Sarah, and Kyra. I love them a ton! And they are all younger, but they're sweet girls. I am lucky to have such great roommates!
At the beginning of the semester, I received the assignment to put together my ward directory. I kinda asked for it though. It's a funny story, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to do it because it kept be busy. Plus, it made it easy to get to meet everyone in my ward. We've had a big turnover from last semester to this semester, so there are lots of new faces. Anyway, it's been fun learning names and getting to know people.
Two days after receiving the assignment to assemble the ward directory, I received the calling to be one of two Relief Society presidents in my ward. I gladly accepted. I know, I'm really weird, but ever since I served as first counselor in the Relief Society presidency as a freshman I've missed it SO much! So I'm excited to be back in the presidency. It is overwhelming, and there has been and always will be lots to do, but I love it! And I have an awesome Relief Society of sisters! I love them all! And I look forward to getting to know them better.
I recently returned from Oklahoma. I got to go back to my mission because one of my companions was getting married in Oklahoma City. She was my mini missionary, who just served as a missionary for 6 weeks since we were short a Spanish sister. So I was in Oklahoma for just over a week, and it was one of the best weeks EVER! I seriously even began to consider moving to Oklahoma someday. I never ever thought I'd see the day that I'd actually want to live there. I think I would love it! And people were tempting me while I was there. I was offered a job, and a couple of people offered me a place to stay. It was tempting. If I didn't have responsibilities in Idaho, I might have just stayed there forever. Good thing I got a calling before I left. Haha. But really, maybe one day I'll live in OKC. It seriously feels like home being there!
Tomorrow I'm leaving for San Diego because one of my other way close friends is getting married. I've known her since I was 12, and she's one of my best friends! I love her! It will be a quick trip though. I'll get to San Diego Thursday night and leave Saturday late afternoon/early evening. It will be way fun though and way warmer than Rexburg.
And for inquiring minds, I'm not dating anybody. Though I did catch the bouquet at my best friend/mission companion's reception. (That is a story in and of itself since I NEVER participate in bouquet tosses.) And you know what that means... But I don't believe in superstitions.
That's the latest for now. I'm loving being in Rexburg, although it's freezing. And I feel super blessed for all of the people in my life right now.
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