A Sad Realization

Well today is February 25. A year ago today I was released from my calling as a full time missionary. Its so hard to believe that that was a year ago! I cant exactly tell how I feel about it, but its weird. Its weird because I can no longer say, "A year ago today..." and share an awesome story about my mission. I think being home a year makes it seem a little more real that that part of my life is over. That makes me sad. I miss it. I really do. I can honestly say it was the most influential months of my life and therefore the best. I learned so much and honestly those 18 months have shaped me into who I am today. All the good things you see in me I completely owe to my mission. (Ok maybe some I owe to my parents). I learned so much. I learned the importance of strict obedience. I learned what is most important in life and to put those things first. I learned to ABSOLUTELY LOVE the Hispanic people. I've learned how to study, how to pray, how to love, how to serve. I miss it so much. I miss the people. I miss bearing my testimony everyday. I miss witnessing people change when they come to know the truth. I miss feeling the spirit like that everyday. I miss being able to do the Lords work 24-7. I miss homemade tortillas. So in honor, here are some pictures I want to share. Highlights if you will....

6 years ago today

So I found myself tonight sitting on my bed, putting off my homework, and feeling sorry for myself. Again. I hate being 24 (in 2 weeks), living in provo, and still in school. I dont really have a bad life sometimes I just think I do. But I have so much to be grateful for.

Six years ago today some of my best friends were in a car accident. My friend Brian Lahti, who had been offered to go play baseball at several colleges was hit the worst and the doctors said he would never be able to use his limbs again. Brian will be graduating from Berkley Law School next year and is simply remarkable. He has overcome the odds and has accomplished more than most people his age. I've never heard him complain once about the situation he is in and he has always made the most of his life. He is such a great example to me and everyone around him.

So like the hymn says, I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and count my many blessings. "So when amid the conflict whether great or small, Do not be discouraged God is over all. Count your many blessings angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey's end."

Thanks Bry!

Why am I still awake??

Thats a good question. I have no idea. Why am I writing on my blog instead of finishing my paper so I can go to bed?? Again, another good question. I dont really have a good answer. Today was a long day. Work was long. School was longer. Sometimes I dont like being so busy. I woke up at 730 and worked from 8 until 11. (I usually have institute on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 but I needed to work longer today). I had class from 12 until 4. I went to the gym from 4-530. Did homework until 630. SHowered, went to dinner and institute with my roommate melanie and my friend clay and then I went to Velour to watch my beautiful friend and roommate ashlie sing her beautiful little heart out at open mic. She's amazing. It got over at 11. I had to pack and drive home. I have work meetings all week in Salt Lake and I have to be downtown at 745 tomorrow morning. Its now 1:49am and I havent finished my paper I'm supposed to have done by tomorrow.

Why do I do this to myself???

Speaking of, I told myself I would never ask a boy out again. Listening to a story today I changed my mind and took a chance.
Never again.
I need to finish my paper and go to bed. I'm tired.

Swim

Yesterday I went to the Jack's Mannequin concert at in the venue. It was amazing. I loved them before but I love them even more now. They were amazing live and great entertainers. This is their new single called SWIM. The lead singer, Andrew McMahon, was diagnosed with Leukemia and he wrote this when he was going through his chemo-therapy. I love this song. I hope you do too!!

Vulnerability is the susceptibility to physical or emotional injury or attack. It also means to have one's guard down, open to censure or criticism. Vulnerability refers to a person's state of being liable to succumb

Why do I do this to myself??