"Don't Let What They Say Keep You Up At Night."

I can't believe there's only like, three weeks left to the semester. I feel like I just got here and at the same time, I feel like I've been in college forever. Funny how that works.

I meant to get this written yesterday, but ended up getting a little distracted and then was up 'till three working on an English paper. Sleep is so overrated, after all.

Sooooo, highlights of last week -

Got a 92% on a math test. Heck to the yeah. Might just pull an A in that class.

Watched the cattle slaughtering and butchering process in one of my ag classes, which wasn't like super exciting, but the entertaining part was the offended princesses who sit in the very back. Come on ladies, where did you think meat came from?

I went rock climbing for the first time this week too, which let's be real, was actually a good time. I suck at it, but hey, I got to the top of the wall a couple times and that's really all that matters. And the next day I was so sore I thought I was gonna die, so that's always a bonus.

Talked to my bestest friend from back home, who I suck at keeping in contact with. Can't wait to see her again and get back to our Alaskan shenanigans.

Roommate night was Friday night (who needs date night when you've got your girls) and we went to see Monument Men. I'll be honest, I fell asleep partway through, but we went to the eleven o'clock showing so I really can't be blamed for that.

Saturday we decided to have a Harry Potter marathon. We really only got through the first three movies so obviously marathons are not a skill we possess, but it was a good time and made me realize how much I'll miss my people here.

That's basically my week summed up, I'd say.

The closer it gets to April, the more I wish things could slow down just a bit. I mean, I'm looking forward to seeing the family and some specific folks back in the Last Frontier, but a big part of me wishes it could be like a two week visit and then I could get back here to Rexburg. I'm already homesick for the burg and I haven't even left yet, how pathetic is that. When I left Alaska six months ago, I didn't really believe anyone when they said that things would be different when I get back - but it's crazy how right they were. I just hope that the next few months go by fast, so I can get back here to my cows in sexy rexy. And the people are pretty great too.

'Til next week y'all... #butfirstlemmetakeaselfie

"Being Happy Takes Alot of Practice... Doesn't It?"

I realize that I'm not a very good blogger/journal keeper. But I've got two words for you...

Senior year.

Now, I'm not making excuses for myself. Well, kinda. I know that we've been told time and time again to keep a record of our lives and experiences... so, I'm going to keep trying to get better at this.

So, over the past few months, things have kinda kicked up a notch.  The month of November was kind of like one giant application. Scholarship applications, college applications, job applications... If I never see another application in my life, I'll be cool with it. It was probably one of the most stressful times I have ever had to experience, thus far.

However, I lived, and have two finished applications in at BYU Provo and BYU Idaho. Step one... check.

But November had it's highlights, to be sure. I got to spend a whole six days with two of my favorite people in the world, one of which who traveled by plane just to see us. That week went by kind of fast, filled with Black Friday shopping, too much junk food, way late nights, and lots of conversations about our favorite men. Needless to say, I needed a week of complete and total teenage normalcy. Who knows how many more I'll get before it's time to grow up?

So, also during the month of November, I re-read a book that I'd studied in or around middle school called, "Carry On Mr. Bowditch". Now, it's not like my favorite book or even close to it. I consider it worth reading, but I'm not going to go and recommend it to everyone I know and the rest of the world. But, regardless, there are some pretty quotable lines from said book and one of them has kinda stuck with me over the last few weeks.

Okay, so the book is all about this guy, Nathanial Bowditch, who faces just about every trial that a person should never have to. Well, he has this friend, Elizabeth (who, of course, he ends up falling in love with and marrying), who says at one point something along the lines of, "Being happy takes alot of practice, doesn't it?".

I couldn't agree more.

I know that sometimes it's easy to allow the actions of others to persuade our emotions. I am so guilty when it comes to this. It doesn't take much more than a look or a comment from someone to completely throw off my day. Or week, sometimes. Too often, I find that my happiness depends on what other people think of me, say to me (or don't say to me), and how they act around me. How retarded is that?

Well, after reading this book and having that little moment of inspiration, I've decided to practice being happy. If you want to be good at something, you have to put effort into it. Like playing an instrument, learning a language, training a habit, etc. Basically, I'm going to start getting my practice in.

December has just started, the Christmas season is upon us. I have some incredibly amazing friends, both old and more recent. I have one semester left of highschool. My Senior prom is coming up. And in less than nine months, I'll have the opportunity to go on a whole new adventure. So, I'm pretty sure, this is a great time to be happy.

I've done alot of growing up the last couple months. I've had a chance to experience new things, both good and bad. I've had to make important decisions that I haven't even had to think about before. But I am one dang, lucky girl and I can't wait to see what the next few months/years have got for me!

Perspective

The last couple days have been kinda tough. You know when all those little things just kinda get to you? Yeah, that's how it was for me. It seemed like every time I turned around, something even worse would happen.

For example, at one point during these last few days, I was deep in the "doldrums" so to speak, driving home, and I was seriously doubting things could get much more miserable... then I hit a cat.

So all in all, I was a mess.

Well, this morning I woke up to General Conference and I got a chance to listen to our prophet, Thomas S. Monson speak. And that was exactly what I needed. He spoke about how easy it is to, in our world today, see all of the negative things around us. Because there's a boat-load of them. (I'm paraphrasing.) However, we need to flip that around and take a look at all of our blessings. Because there's even more of those. President Monson said to be sure not to discount even the small, seemingly trivial blessings. And by doing this, we can find even greater happiness.

Well, after hearing that, obviously I couldn't continue being a downer and decided that today I would make a list of my blessings. And since I type better than I can write, I'm going to do that here. Now, this list might turn out to be quite extensive, or maybe not, I don't know, but there's no reason for you to feel obligated to read it if it does. This for me more than for you. Sorry.

Alright, I'll get started now.

Blessings:
 "I am thankful for..."

1. My whole physical body.
2. My health.
3. My family... each and every member of it.
4. My home.
5. My close, best friends.
6. My other friends, that sometimes I might not appreciate as much...
7. My education.
8. The 4-H program. (Don't know where I'd be without it.)
9. My teachers/leaders through the church, youth court, 4-H, and all the other programs I'm in.
10. The Young Women's program.
11. Technology.
12. Christ's atonement.
13. Our prophet and his apostles.
14. And all other church leaders and those who make it all possible.
15. Missionaries.
16. This country that I live in.
17. The freedoms and privileges that I have.
18. Music.
19. The ability to drive;vehicles to drive.
20. My teeth.
21. Safety and security.
22. My horse.
23. My reindeer.
24. The opportunity I have to hold a job.
25. My camera and photography.
26. Our military.
27. My older brother Donny who serves in the military.
28. My older sister Stacy who's my example and friend.
29. The ability to feel sadness sometimes so I can appreciate happiness.
30. The opportunity I'll have to go to college.
31. The opportunity I had to be born into this church.
32. The scriptures.
33. The hours of practice that helped me to learn piano.
34. Alaska.
35. The mountains.
36. Books.
37. Jessie.
38. Running water.
39. Electricity.
40. Warmth.
41. The fact that I never have to go hungry.
42. The fact that I always have clothes to wear.
43. Both my parents - even if I might sometimes think otherwise.
44. The ability to communicate to people I love who are far away.
45. Prayer.
46. My Heavenly Father.
47. This opportunity to be here on earth.
48. Good humor and laughter.
49. My cowboy boots.
50. The knowledge I have of right and wrong.
51. The Holy Ghost.
52. The time I have to spend with the people I love.
53. Memories.
54. My patriarchal blessing.
55. The priesthood.
56. Callings in the church that I've held.
57. Girls Camp and the lessons I've learned there.
58. My free agency.
59. The mistakes I've made, so now I know better.
60. The chance I have to work towards Eternal Salvation.
61. The temple.
62. The opportunities to do service.
63. The times I've been served by others.
64. My decision to be baptized.
65. Comfort.
66. The knowledge that I have a brother, Jesus, who loved me so much he allowed himself to suffer and then be crucified for my faults.
67. Children.
68. The chance I'll have to be a mother, whether here or after.
69. Sunshine.
70. Being able to reach many of my goals.
71. Doctors, firefighters, police officers, and others who keep us safe.
72. The fall season.
73. Peanut butter.
74. General Conference and what I can learn from it.

I'm going to stop there for now. Looking at the list, my thoughts definitely aren't in any order, so you'll have to forgive me for that. Or just deal with it. I was just trying to get all of those little things that I sometimes don't think of.

Well, I think I'm done here for today. I'm going to go listen to the next session of Conference...

___________________

Song of the Day: For the First Time- Boyce Avenue

Once Upon a Time...

... The price of gas didn't matter, physics didn't exist, and college was a million years away.

Sometimes I wish I was 12 again; I wish I could go back to that ^ time. BUT, it's not gonna happen. So I'm building a bridge and getting over it.

After all, this week has been a relatively good week so far.

Highlights: Got a much needed new phone, spent some time with my best friend in this world, saw a couple more pictures from my senior photo shoot, and finally got caught up in my Spanish class.

Not so amazing parts: Still haven't gotten the 25-50 self portraits needed for photography class tomorrow, watched the presidential debate (which was just depressing), and have yet to get the sixth Harry Potter book.

Overall though, I think the good outweighs the bad. Which is what matters.

Anyway, here's a couple more of the pics I'll have to choose from to find my senior photo. All photo credit goes to Tammy Smith with her incredible photography skills.

And there you go.

Lastly, here's my song for the day.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody
I love Glee.

"If Only You Saw What I Could See..."

Well, I'm pretty sure I'll never be a blogger. I just kinda suck at it. However, I'm trying. So here's ten thoughts for the day...

1. I really want a duck, like you wouldn't believe.
2. My favorite quote from General Conference today was, "Heavenly Father didn't send us here to fail." Righto.
3. I gave all the animals shots today. That was fun. I get a kick out of the strangest things...
4. I also got my SAT scores today! And I didn't do too awful if I do say so myself.
5. So, I went and saw Hunger Games last weekend. It was alright, not super amazing. The car ride home was just as fun.
6. I have to come up with something to teach all of the Laurels next month and I have no idea what I'm going to do.
7. It's so stinking warm outside! T-shirt weather, that's right.
8. I've been off sugar for fifteen days. I'm pro.
9. Knowing I don't have to run a mile again until tomorrow = Best feeling ever.
10. Date this Saturday? Sounds like it!

"This is Magnolia, named after my best friend. ;) "

I'm Doing Just Fine!

Been a few days since I posted, sorry 'bout that. Life's been good though!

1. I officially have the nicest, kindest, most amazing friends ever. They're incredible.

2. Camp out tomorrow... we'll see how that goes!

3. I had a good Valentine's day.

4. I love looking through old pictures. Good memories!

5. Supreme finally had her lamb! Took long enough.

6. Going to the Eagle River dance Saturday night? I think yes.

7. I love warm socks. Or maybe just socks in general.

8. Pretty much done learning Valiant Faith. Now I gotta get some girls to sing it in Sacrament meeting!

9. Filling out scholarship applications...

10. Um... I'm out of things to say.

Here's one of those old pictures I found of me and Jessie from this summer!

Tune My Heart to Sing Thy Grace

So, it's been an amazing weekend! And here's my 10 thoughts for today!

1. I have a chicken in my lap... yeah.
2. There's a fireside tonight. Pretty excited for that! I feel like there hasn't been one in forever.
3. Got my camera out today! That was nice.
4. The ewes' due date is Monday. Lambs any time!
5. My life is amazing.
6. The dance last night was so much fun!
7. Next week I want to go to the Chugiak dance... we'll see!
8. Never freeze noodles. Does not work.
9. Cookie doe > baked cookie.
10. I really want to watch Tron with Nikita and Jessica. LIKE REALLY BAD.


And here's an amazing picture of my amazing new bird! Yes, it's amazing.

"Sir Fredrick Von Fredrick."

You Make Us Want to Sing

I'm tired and I need to go take a shower, so I'm gonna make this quick.

1. I smell like sheep right now. Not pleasant.
2. I seriously need a pair of cowgirl boots. Okay, I don't need them. But I REALLY WANT a pair.
3. One of my amazing best friends (*cough Nikita cough*) is coming to visit in April and I can't wait to see her!
4. I got out and ran today. SO NICE. It's almost like summer!
5. I wish I had a pet moose. They are so adorable!
6. If I could go anywhere right now it would be: Delta Junction. Pretty much yeah. And Jessie would have to come with me.
7. I've signed up to do some judging at the end of this month. Should be fun!
8. It's super, super pretty outside tonight. The moon is really bright.
9. "STEP BY STEP!" Colton made me dance to this several times tonight...
10. Tomorrow is New Beginnings. Hope it all goes well!

No picture to share! I'm sorry. I'm lazy. And yeah.

Goodnight! Sweet dreams! :)

I Still Wish You the Best

Okay, I'm awfully sorry I skipped a few days. But hey, this weekend was kinda crazy! If I was really super dedicated to this blog, I would post twenty thoughts to make up for my missing days... but I'm not going to. So deal with it.

1. I had three parties this weekend. All super fun. Good times, good times.
2. I haven't picked up my camera in like three days. Something must be wrong with me.
3. 1st Corinthians 13: 4-8, 13. Very motivational scriptures.
4. "I pity the fooooooool, that falls in love with you." -I CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME GET THIS SONG OUT OF MY HEAD. In case you don't know what it is: "Forget You" by Cee-Lo Green. Very fun.
5. Hm... church was very good today. I love Fast and Testimony Sunday.
6. Summer, summer, summer. *sigh* When will it ever come?!
7. The Grinch may just be the most quotable movie ever. I think yes.
8. If the world ended, I would miss bobby pins.
9. Apparently my reindeer don't like tortillas. Weird, right?
10. I am so thankful for my amazing friends! Pretty much, if I didn't have them, life would not be so great.

Here is the photo I wanted to share today...

"My wish, for you."

We Just Wanna Make The World Dance...

Okay, I gotta make this quick, because I'm supposed to be in bed.

1. I may have recently become a Harry Potter fan. Don't tell anyone.
2. Livestock Committee Meeting was tonight. It was boring.
3. I found a dark purple sweater thingy that I didn't know I had. I like it!
4. I'm happy that's it's warmed up outside, BUT I HATE THE RAIN. Everything's ice.
5. I tried a new editing thing with one of my pictures today. Turned out really nice!
6. Did you know that tongs were made to eat ice cream with? Well they were.
7. Got to hold lambs belonging to the Tormeys. They are so stinking cute! I wish our ewes would just hurry up and have babies already.
8. I actually have nothing planned for the next two days!
9. This summer I want to get a pair of cowgirl boots. And maybe another buckle.
10. Raspberry and white chocolate chip cookie doe... TO DIE FOR.

Goodnight! Sleep tight!

"Love don't come easy. It's a game of give and take."

Girl, You Can Do Anything.

That's right... day number four. Booya.

Here's my ten daily thoughts.

1. My hands are freezing.
2. The sheep should be due soon! Very soon. And there's nothing better than lambs.
3. Today for my photo challenge I have to take a picture of something warm. I should probably go get that done. After I'm done with this.
5. "The days are gonna get longer, the sun is gonna shine stronger!" These are lyrics from a song my amazing best friend Jessica is writing. She's got some skill.
6. I have developed a fondness for big sweaters. Probably because it's SO STINKING COLD.
7. I can tell the Three Little Pigs story better than anyone on this entire earth. Canyon makes sure he hears it every night. So yeah, I'm pretty boss at it. Not to brag or anything.
8. I'm reading a book of stories compiled by Hans Christian Anderson for a literature based class I'm taking. Just so you know.
9. Chapstick... yeah, it's to die for.
10. Tomorrow I get to go to the gym. YES.

There you have it.

"Capture the moment."