Drain-O

Last night I went to my stake Relief Society fireside (which was awesome, by the way) While sitting in the front pew, I was chewing reverently on my delicious tropical gum. Then all of a sudden half of it slid down my throat! I kinda coughed gracefully trying to get it back up. I quickly gave up on that and tried to swallow to get it to go down. no such luck. So I went to sleep that night (many hours later) with a feeling of something still stuck inside my face and a taste of mangos and coconuts continuously seeping into my mouth. I tried to think of how to get it out, but after I tried laying upside down and some more graceful coughing, my mind focused on Drain-O to clear out my passageways. I fell asleep thinking how it was too bad drain-o was so harsh that I couldn't use it in my body.

Fall 2011 semester is two weeks in to the day, but I feel like it's been 3 months. Ever since I got back up to school it's been go-go-go. It's been a great 14 days but I'm already ready for a break.

I am taking the second half of Anatomy & Physiology from a much more structured teacher than last semester, so it's a lot more demanding and requires much more time than I am currently devoting to it.
I am also taking Psychology, which requires a lot of reading prior to classes, but shouldn't be too tough. I took my first test for that class on Friday and got a 92, so I'm hoping it'll only go up from there.
I am also taking a World Religion class from Brother Kinghorn. So far we've learned what we could about Hinduism. Hinduism is pretty different than what we think about. They rely greatly in different kinds of karma which determine which caste they're born into and how quickly they can get out of the re-birth cycles. They have to option to worship many different gods, but ultimately there is only one god. There is so much more about Hinduism and I am excited to learn about many other religions of the world.
Next class on the list is my American Foundation class, which is slightly overwhelming. The hour and a half class relies greatly on comments and participation, which is not my forte at the moment, but I will get better! (cause I am going to get an a!) I can already tell that I am going to learn so much from my professor.
I am also enrolled in a social dance class, which I love! I wasn't too sure about at first, but thanks to my good friend Chelsey I am trying it and find it a really nice hour twice a week where I just get to try something new and meet a bunch of new people and not think about how busy I am with school work and other things clogging up my head.

I also was called to be the Relief Society President for the Gold Relief Society in my ward. This calling has been inhabiting a good portion of my mind for the past two weeks. I really looked up to my last relief society president in my last ward and I want to have a good influence on the 35 girls in the Gold Relief Society.

On top of school and church responsibilities, I am also working as a secretary for an office on campus and also as a secretary for a council organization. We have a 20 hour-a-week working cap, and last week I went over again. It's very busy and time consuming, but I enjoy it.

For my job, I emailed about 50 freshmen and new students interested in participating in our council. I was replying to some when a girl emailed me back and asked me what she could do to be a good leader because she has never held a leadership position before. This was my response:


Kandis,

I'm so glad you're interested in taking up a leadership position. It's perfectly fine that you haven't held one before. Sometimes it seems daunting and overwhelming, but the key is to take little steps until you're ready to run. (sounds cliche' but it's so true) You will have people over you who will direct you in what to do, so you won't be alone. Just do your best with the time that you have to devote to it, stay close to the Spirit, and you'll be fine in whatever you do.

Caitlin


Before I sent it, I re-read it and realized I had just given myself some really good advice! Just what I needed to hear! (man I'm good) :)

My mind has cleared a little bit and I've relaxed. I have taken a step back to see the big picture as I read my patriarchal blessing and remember that this life is but a small moment in the grand scheme of things. It has also helped me to write, whether it's this blog or a letter to a friend, it helps my brain organize it's jumble and decide where to focus my attention on.

I can't really taste/feel the gum stuck inside my face anymore, and my mind has organized itself for the time being. I guess I don't need drain-o after all!

Hard to Plan

Today in sacrament meeting, the topic was desires. I learned A LOT!

First: deep desires eliminate fears and obstacles...sweet

Secondly: our desires require proper prioritization. The General Authorities, for instance, are these amazing men who are leading heart surgeons and nuclear physicists, and are seen as spiritual pillars. Their secret: they put their spiritual desires before their natural desire to advance in their careers.

Third: Our desires will determine our eternity. WOW! Good news though, we can change our desires through heartfelt prayers so that we can draw closer to Christ and our ultimate goal.

I have a lot of desires swarming around inside of me right now, waiting impatiently to become a reality. I have so many dreams and ideas and desires. So many things I want to be and so many things I want to do.

I want to be a nurse in a children's cancer hospital. I want to influence kids lives and bring them a little bit of sunshine in their dark times.

I want to travel. I want to see the safaris of Africa and the ruins of South America and the architecture in the Ukraine and the landscape in Ireland and the people of the pacific and I want to know of places and people and experience them head on, embracing and breathing in every moment.

I want to learn to surf and snowboard. I want to ride a hot air balloon and fly in a helicopter. I want to run a marathon. I want to try new foods and do hard things. I want to never look back with regrets, only fond memories. I want to learn new things through every experience and enjoy every moment.

I already know that these desires won't ever see the light of day unless I find a way for them to happen. And let me tell you, I have plans! Plans however, have a way of changing. Now I know this causes all of you to get a little anxiety for me, so let me reassure you, I have back-up plans.

Already this summer I've made a quilt top, nearly mastered driving stick, gone 3 months without chocolate (8 more months), and taught Benji how to ride a bike. Things haven't all been berries and butterflies, but I've learned from the bad, and I'm ready for the future.

There's No Place Like Home

I've been HOME from college for about two weeks now! It's so good to be home. The smell of my house, my little brother's corney jokes, mama's homemade cooking, busy home life, daddy taking us to the store, sister's fashion advice. Work's the same, church hasn't changed. It's like I never left! The slipper fits the same now as it did four months ago.

Looking back, I can clearly see what I learned while I was away. Besides secular things, I learned a couple things about how the real world works. I learned that it's ok to spend time doing your hair, and it's kinda fun! It's ok to let your guard down and really get to know someone, and more importantly let someone really get to know you. Walking everywhere you need to go is an awesome way to live. I learned that I loved living in a cute little itty-bitty town. I learned that there are SO MANY different kinds of people living in this same world as me who are so different, and it's ok not to like them all the same amount. I also learned the importance of true, deep, faithful friends. I learned that you'll never stop needing your parents, and being in a family forever is such an amazing blessing. I learned that it's completely possible to run up the steps of personal development, being enhanced in different areas all at the same time. I've learned that after hard work, there can be time for play, in fact it's highly encouraged. I learned that learning is stretching, and like exercising is sometimes difficult, but you always feel better after the hard part is done.


My math partner and I with our nerdy and hilarious math teacher, which made the class enjoyable! She's an awesome girl and I love being her friend!


My buddy, he actually understands my dumb jokes, and I understand his wierd-ness, works out well.

My silly roommate quote wall from all semester long. We are some hilarious girls if I can say so.

Making the traditional chocolates, and being taught from the best all Thanksgiving break long.

My awesome amazing lifelong friends that I love a whole bunch at a BYU basketball game!

I guess the money, travel, stress, and work of the past four months was worth it.

WE THREE SISTERS

I love my sisters! They are pretty much the best things ever.

They somehow know that something's wrong before you even know what you're feeling. They know just what to say to make you feel better, or to make you mad!



There is a deep connection that can withstand the miles and days.

I love you both so much and we'll be together pretty soon! I can't wait. You both are so amazing:



Erin - I love how you just go and get things and do things and go after what you want. You are so creative and I know I'll always have you to lean on and learn from, forever and ever!


Stef - I love how I always know what you're thinking, but you still make me laugh! You're so chill but know what you want! You care about people, and love to see them happy.

One thousand seven hundred ninety seven steps

There is one big hill at the peak of Rexburg. Where ever you are in Rexburg, on campus, around town, or from the highway, the beautiful Rexburg Temple can always be seen. I love being able to look up from anywhere and see the strong beautiful walls of the temple. I love the message that it shows and the reminder it gives. I love how beautiful it is on the inside and outside. I love the spirit and feelings it gives me. We were encouraged by our high council representative for our ward to count the steps from our apartment to the temple. Last Sunday, I did. The count from my dorm door to the gate of the Rexburg temple is one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven steps.

Brigham Young University Idaho

My Heart Belongs in Rexburg

College - the good life!!!

Here it comes!!!

Getting our books and making sure we know where we're going!


Lookin' fresh in our BYUI workout clothes!




Rocking out at a free concert in the street - yea Mindy Gledhill!!!



My awesome roommates in front of our beautiful Rexburg Temple!!! We get to go Friday morning!!!

UNDER THE SUMMER SUN

This summer has been one to remember. I knew before May even came around that the months following would leave a 'sunburn'. When I was planning and registering and applying and getting excited for the empty boxes on a calendar, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into - but there really is no way to plan for personal growth and individual insight. Needless to say, it was a welcome development, and at the sunset of my Summer I can honestly state:

'No Regrets.'

Some things stayed the same: my height, constantly texting Ember, my corny sense of humor.

Some things changed: my room, my distaste for pizza, and most of all - ME...

Graduation

This stepping stone ceremony was the perfect way to start off the Summer months. It declared my independence from high school. I even took my last chance to rebel, and tried (unsuccessfully) to wear my lucky trusty converse across the stage.

At first I didn't want to go to graduation. I would have rather started my first camp on time, but mom insisted that I go to my only high school graduation. By the end of 12 years of school, I was convinced that this last pointless gathering wasn't going to be any different than all of the other time wasting assemblies. Despite my bad attitude, I went and I actually really enjoyed to do one last school thing with all my other senior friends. It capped off my elementary, middle, and high school years. I felt one chapter ending and the next page waiting to be turned to.

Muscular Dystrophy (MD) Camp

If anyone is looking for a life-changing opportunity -DO THIS CAMP!!!

Without my friend telling me I should do it and that I would love it, I probably wouldn't have - mostly because it was a 12 page application! (and I wouldn't have heard about it)

I got my packet after being accepted, and it had my camper's name! I called him and talked to him for a while. He told me about his cats, his sisters, his video-games, and Toy Story. I was in love! He was so cute on the phone! My very own little six year old boy for a week at camp.

Because of graduation, I went a day late and missed all the training and stuff, and got stuck with a top bunk in the cabin.

The week flew by. Every full, exhausting day was filled with love and care and fun! I got to know some really great kids who have had more medical issues in a month than I have had all my life. It wasn't just a week of service 24/7, it was a week of friendships, new adventures, learning, and experiencing l.i.f.e.in a new way. I LOVED this week and was positive that nothing could ever top it.

Girls Camp - Born To Be A Queen

I always have a great time at girls camp - and my last year did not disappoint! The theme was I was born to be a queen, and it focused on Queen Esther's story.

I left for girls' camp the day after I got back from MD camp, so I was already on the tired side.

This year was different than in years' past because I was a seventh year, so I just got to hang out with the fourth years. There's wasn't much required (ok maybe there was but we were used to responsibility by now so it didn't seem like a huge deal). The first day was canoeing - which was a lot of fun and I realized I really do love it! -despite bad experiences in the past.

The next day was boating and tubing with the fourth years. It was a lot of fun, but my body was rebelling because it was exhausted from a week of physical strain, plus canoeing.

I learned to love more friends, and I learned more about myself and my potential, and I got to spend all night working on a slideshow.

Throughout the years, I have trearured many fond memories at camp Ta-Ku-La, and after this week I have more to cherish.

Pre-School Teacher

One of the jobs I had this summer was being a pre-school teacher! I absolutely loved this! For the first few weeks I would help out in different classes, the baby class, three year olds, two year olds, two and a half year olds. My favorite was the babies and the two year olds. They were adorable and sweet and so curious.

On the days that I wasn't in a classroom, I would deliver snacks, water, take pictures, or help with any other odd job that needed to be done.

Then after the first couple weeks I was put in the two year old class for the rest of the summer. I got to know the kids really well and we created a special bond. I absolutely was amazed by their different distinct personalities! I loved getting to know these little people and be a part of their summer.

Bookstore

My other job that I have had for about three years now, is working at my favorite bookstore! I love all the perks, meeting new people, helping people, my co-workers, the books, and pretty much everything about it! It's a great job and I'm lucky to have it through my high school years.

Family Trip to Utah

I have been on many family trips before, but this one, this one was really cool.

We, of course, drove for a billion hours in the car, but we stopped at some cool places. We made a stop at the Glenn Canyon Dam, and made some pretty dam funny jokes! (just like this one) We went on a couple of gorgeous side hikes in Paige, Arizona, which just took my breath away. I can't get over how beautiful this world is. I especially loved hiking up a super secret slot canyon which was seriously beautiful!

We finally got to my Aunt and Uncle's house, and saw our cousins and the familiar smells and houses and streets - there's just no match for coming 'home'.

Stronger

This Summer has been wierd in the sense that I didn't have seminary every morning, didn't have sunday school or young womens on Sundays or young womens activities during the week, so I really felt a stronger urge to study and stay close to my Heavenly Father on my own terms. I was a 'sub' for primary this summer, so every Sunday I'd be in a different class trying to teach restless five year olds about being a peacemaker or obeying your mom, instead of being in class trying not to be restless. I went to institute Tuesdays after work and really enjoyed that.

This makes me feel more like an adult now that I am really in charge of making sure that I stay charged up, spiritually. My testimony has grown this summer and I feel like I have learned a lot more about myself.

This summer was also filled with other adventures that happened under that some hot summer sun...

friends leaving for college, missions, moving, extended trips, etc.

a new toothbrush

packing and repacking and cleaning for college

book after book after book

driving in different states

my new favorite band is He Is We

a venture to the singles ward

Leap Year is my new favorite movie!

I want to go to Greece and Ireland really really bad

volleyball with friends

playing Princess with unexpected people

bike rides to the park

letters

going out to lunch with old friends to new restaurants

sister rings then tutti frutti

discovering that I think I need to react more to negative situations

a deeper love and appreciation for my wonderful, super awesome, amazing, love 'em more than chocolate ice cream, could squeeze you to death, fantastic family!

All in all,I have learned a lot about myself and my goals and my strength this summer throughout these different activities that I participated in. I am one lucky girl!