Feel like Dancing!

I love these long summer days up here in Utah. It's finally May and we are all crossing our fingers in hopes that it will finally stop snowing. Day three and it looks like rain so far. We'll see.
I am having a wonderful summer so far and I am certainly keeping busy.
Last week was a fun-filled week.
I worked all week - I absolutely love my job! We have been getting busier and busier as the days go on as our department and business continues to grow. I love the people I work with, especially the people on my team. It certainly makes work more enjoyable to work with great people - even if I have to wear nylons every day.
I attend a student ysa ward in a pre-marriage stake (as my stake president likes to call it) which means that most of the members in my ward go to the LDSBC - students.
Recently that has all been changed.
Our stake and ward boundaries have all been adjusted and we are now regular ysa wards and stakes as opposed to student wards and stakes. You now attend the ward based off where you live - geographically vs. attending a ward because you attend that university.
On Tuesday, four stakes were invited to attend a special meeting where they showed maps of where the new stake boundaries were. We sat at the feet of Elder M. Russell Ballard and listened to other speakers like Sister Julie B. Beck and other area seventies. What an experience!
Wednesday I went to the Temple with my boyfriend - I love those date nights :)
Friday night I went on a date! My boyfriend and I went out to eat together and then we went bowling - and lets just say that he owes me a scoop of ice cream :)
We drove around for a bit and enjoyed each others company and the beautiful scenery on our drive - the sunset was beautiful.
We came back to my apartment and watched a movie with my roommate and her boyfriend.
Saturday morning, I got up early and my boyfriend came over to my apartment. Still in our PJ's, we made chocolate chip pancakes together and ate breakfast together.
Later we went to his house and I cut his hair.
That's right - I cut his hair.
We ran a few errands at the mall and then we went out for lunch. We stopped and took pictures at this beautiful granite church building on our way to feed the ducks.
Well, mostly seagulls.
They are so funny! I loved it!
I loved spending the day having that one-on-one time with my boyfriend. :)
Later that evening we played grounders with a group of our friends - had a blast.
Sunday was the day we figured out our ward boundaries. We met our new bishoprics and I am so excited for next Sunday! The only thing I am bummed about is that I am now in a 1pm ward and I am no longer in the same ward with my boyfriend :(
This week has been fun too.
I am still going strong - My roommate and I still go jogging every morning. We leave a little earlier now, we like to walk out the door around 8am and we have been going around the neighborhood near where we live instead of going around the complex all the time. Its been nice to get a scenery change.
Monday, I worked from 12 to 5 and then my boyfriend and I went grocery shopping. It's so nice to have food in the house! I made a budget for the month of May and I evaluated April's budget.
Tuesday I worked from 12 to 4 and then I spent a little time with my boyfriend before he went to the Temple. I went over to a friend's house for a while and spent some time with her. Super nice - I hadn't seen her in a while. We walked around her cute little neighborhood; admiring the houses as we walked past and I wished the whole time that I had had my camera on me...
We went to the store and grabbed some chips to go with our homemade dip and later my boyfriend came over too and we all watched a movie.
Today I got up early and jogged with my roommate again - I'm starting to like it more. I feel like in the past I haven't always really liked jogging... but man if I had a bike, I would be out all the time!
Anyways, I worked from 12 to 3. There wasn't much for me to do today, and because I worked extra on Monday, I left early today..
I called my brother for his birthday! Wow he is nineteen years old now, and a soon-to-be missionary! I am so proud of him! This will be the last time I can call him for his birthday for two years..
I went to the Temple with my boyfriend and then we took the trax to his place. We made grilled cheese sandwiches together, watched the kitchen pipe under the sink break and spray water, watched a good movie, and then he drove me home. Such a nice evening. ha.
Life for me is so good. So good.
I've been up to everything from hiking Ensign peak, attending different Temples that I don't normally go to, going to jump-on-it on a double date, planning a trip to Oregon next week, exercising more, eating healthier, reading my scriptures more, paying better attention to my finances, working, ultimate Frisbee in the park, trips to TCBY, and just stretching myself more and more.
Man, life is so good, I feel like dancing all the time :)

Twix Wrappers

I love Twix bars.
Just so you know.
I got up early again this morning to jog with my roommates. Day four and I'm starting to feel a bit sore, but I love making sure that I get some physical activity into my day.
I pretty much walk everywhere I go these days anyways - I walk to the trax station to get to work and school and then I walk pretty much everywhere else.
On a semi regular basis, my boyfriend will drive to work in the mornings, so when we both get off at the same time, he will drive me home.
Other than that I am usually out walking.
I just want to set the record straight that I'm no couch potato.. (But I do have several Twix bar wrappers on my desk that I am munching on as we speak.. the pile just keeps accumulating...)
Anyways...
I ran out the door today because I was running on the late side.
The one day that I choose to wear a flowy skirt, it is super windy.
Awesome.
So I'm running to catch the trax so I wont be late for work, while trying to keep my shoes on and my skirt down.
I made it.
*whew*
Work went well today, not much to report. (Not much that I can report)
I worked a little longer today because I was waiting for my boyfriend to get off work. But hey, because I worked a little extra today, I get off a little early tomorrow! :)
We went to the Temple tonight - our stake conference is this weekend and to 'kick it off' we have a stake Temple night on the Thursday before. It was really nice.
Funny story: As we were walking in, I took a step backward and ran into this poor old man.
Thats not the funny part.
Me: "Oh, excuse me, I'm sorry"
Man: "That's all right."
And he walks away, no big deal.
Turns out he was the General Authority speaking at our chapel meeting tonight.
Me: "Is that the guy I ran into just a minute ago?"
Boyfriend: "Umm.. Yep. You bumped the General Authority. Way to go."
Oops.
Tonight was kinda just laid back.
Ramen and a movie night. Great time :)
Now I'm off to bed. Time to throw away all my Twix wrappers and put away whats left of them for another day.

Summer Days

Ah... It feels wonderful to be done with school for a few weeks. Summer has finally arrived, and I plan on making the most of it. This summer will be one to remember!
One of my roommates was recently engaged so she moved out. We were really blessed to find a new roommate so quickly. I have a feeling that our new roommate and I are going to get along just great.
1. We both drink skim milk.
Do I need to say more?
Well, she has motivated me to get out and exercise with her each morning. I get up early and jog and walk fast with her around the block a few times each morning and then come back home and stretch and do some sit-ups.
I feel so good! It really makes my day. If I can exercise, I can do anything! ha. (Even blog!)
So my new morning routine goes something like this:
I get up around 8:30 and exercise with my roommates for 30 min. Then I eat breakfast and take a shower. I read my scriptures, do my hair and make-up, and get dressed for the day. I check my email or hop on facebook. Make my bed if I have time. Pack a lunch and walk out the door around 11:20.
I work from 12-4 each day now and I love this new schedule! I love my job too. Lately we haven't been very busy, but soon we will be.
I got off work at 4 and meet up with my boyfriend and he drove me home. Later that evening I went to FHE with him and some friends.
FHE this week was a road show/stake skit night. We put on a pretty funny skit, and it was super fun.
A friend of ours worked down the street from the institute building and had access to a theater where we could watch a movie.
We ordered pizza and watched kung-fu panda.
Awesome night.
Tuesday I had the same morning routine and work schedule. When I got off at 4, my boyfriend and I drove over to his house so that he could change his clothes and grab a recipe.
My boyfriend and I made a to-do list of the things we wanted to do together. One of the things on our list is to find a new recipe and cook together. We cook together often, but we usually make things that we eat regularly.
We made a really great meal; a chicken with rice and peas and cream of chicken soup. yummm...
It was a nice day, so we drove to the park and went for a walk around the block (2 miles)
I had a gift card to Spoon Me so we went there and split a yogurt treat. I love that place...
After that we went to his house and played a few games with some friends including a game that I had never heard of before.
We drove to the park and went over to the playground to play a game called 'grounders'
One person is 'it' and with their eyes closed, they have to make their way over to the playground and tag someone. The other players must stay on the playground. If they choose to hop off the play ground and walk over to another side in order to avoid being tagged, they must do so quickly and silently, for if the player who is 'it' calls 'grounders!' - which they can shout at any point whenever they wish to - then whoever is on the ground is now 'it' as well. Eventually, more and more people get tagged and are it until it narrows down to the last two players. Who ever does not get tagged, wins the game.
Super fun!
Wednesday (today) was a super day too. Again, beginning with the same routine and work schedule that ended at 4. My boyfriend and I went to the Temple together and then came back home and ate left-overs from our delicious meal from the night before. We made a trip to TCBY with our friends and then had a movie night.
It has been kinda rainy this week, except for Tuesday. But as the days go on, they keep warming up. And these summer times are the ones I want to remember always..

Another New Begining For Me

"Who can say if I've have been changed for the better? I do believe that I have been changed for the better."
(Wicked)
Where do I even begin? I have been wanting to blog all day today. Why? Well lets back up to one year ago from today.
One year ago from today - to say that I felt like I was alone is an understatement. I was the saddest I think I have ever been. I was confused and heartbroken to say the least. I had not slept well the night before.
I cried.
I sobbed.
I arose early that morning from my sister's house, although I had hardly slept. And with tears still in my eyes - never ceasing to flow - my kind and loving sister drove me to the air port.
You all know how much I love the air port.
It didn't help.
I was on my way home for the sumer. All summer long.
I cried the whole flight home to Texas. The flight attendant and the man next to me on the plane didn't know what to do or say. I wish they hadn't tried to do or say anything.
I called my mom and told her that I only wanted her and Dad to pick me up.
I didn't want my siblings to see me.
I was embarrassed.
Why was I so upset?Words can hardly or adequately describe. My heart had been completely shattered, and it was the most excruciatingly painful feeling I had ever felt in my life.
I was drained of all energy. I had no interest in doing anything but curling up in my bed, or sitting on my back porch for some fresh Texas air (long since I had felt so good of sunshine or breathable air as I did that summer), or on my knees in my closet.
I got sick. I was sick for a week.
My mother - although unaware of how truly empty I felt inside and unsure of exactly what to say to comfort me - was so gentle and kind.
My older sister as well - she often called to check on me and hear me cry or send me letters in the mail filled with love.
I was never more comforted by my family than in this my darkest hour.
A few friends as well from school - even though so far away - were still a comfort to me.
Thus began the most challenging and the longest summer I have ever experienced.
I thought it would never end.
Although I had so many wonderful people beside me, I still always felt empty. Their words did nothing - for my heart was numb (or at least what was left of it)
As I laid in total darkness inside, my mother's words still ring clear to me - although the exact wording I can not recall. She told me to get up. She told me to get a job. And she told me to read my scriptures every day.
I did.
You better believe I did.
I got a job. A good one. I worked hard.
A job that has given me more experience on so many levels that I wouldn't have ever had other wise. Working with children at that day care not only taught me skills that will prepare me for motherhood, but taught me again and reaffirmed to me again the simpleness of childlike faith and patience that I so desperately needed.
I also had a calling in my home ward - nursery leader.
No accident, eh?
And you better believe that I read my scriptures every single day that summer. Didn't skip a single day. Sometimes I read more than once a day. Hours.
I had a wrestle with the spirit, desperately seeking peace and answers.But it wasn't until I had come back to good old Salt Lake City when I received true peace of mind, of heart, of soul - and was truly comforted.
Not until after the trial of my faith.
I had to find all the pieces of my shattered heart, and bring them to my Heavenly Father and ask him to put it back together.It wasn't easy.It took a long time.
It was painful.
So very painful.
But
So very, very worth it.
I received an answer like I had never received before. And for the first time in a long time, I felt true peace.
True peace.
I felt real again.
After that never ending summer, I felt like I could be me again.
Happy even.
I started over.
I dated again.
I didn't make the same mistakes.
No sir.
I didn't rush.
I communicated and made things clear.
I found someone.
I hesitated.
I was slow.
He was patient.
I opened my heart up again.
And I fell in love again.
So very, very in love.
So what is it about this experience that has led me to have truly changed for the better?
New man in my life? New roommates? New calling in my singles ward?
No.
It's something that I have just recently discovered.
Recently, I introduced my boyfriend to my mom for the first time. And it was something he said that I will never forget."She is safe with me Sister Mitchell, you can trust me."
Let me explain what I mean. First off, I believe very strongly in the standards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For example, I believe in dressing modestly because I respect myself and those I date and those around me. I know that there are some girls who do not dress modestly because they hope to attract a young man's attention.
"You can trust me."
That young man, however, is some one's son. Someone who's parents love them so very, very dearly. Who's parents love them and know them more than perhaps you do. Someone who's parents want to protect them and want the very best for them, who want them to be worthy to take a daughter of God to the Temple someday.
Am I the kind of young woman that this young man's parents can rely on to keep and uphold all of the standards at all times and in all things and in all places?
I want to be able to meet my boyfriend's parents someday and tell them that they can trust me - I am that kind of young woman.
Not that I have wavered much from this - I feel like I have always clung to theses standards.
As also I feel like my boyfriend is the same - he is that kind of young man who keeps the standards and tries his best each day.
So what does this have to do with my changing for the good? I have learned what respect means. what real respect means. And how it goes hand-in-hand with trust.
Real trust. Real love.
I uphold the standards because I trust in my Heavenly Father, because I have respect for myself, and because I love those around me.
I am truly grateful for each person in my life, for they have touched me for good. I am grateful for the experiences I have had - even the painful ones - that have led me to this point in my life.In the past year, I have grown and learned so much. I have learned how to rely on my Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ.
In fact, "I do believe that I have changed for the better."

Remember Me?

Hey, remember me? The one who made it her goal to blog more often? Well, I've dusted off my computer and I'm back again! Life has certainly kept me extremely busy since last I posted. Aww, it feels good to free write again! Allow me to update you. The new semester started in January; fresh and bright. Gotta love a clean slate. I love a new school year; freshly sharpened pencils, new classes and friends, and lots of homework. Well not so much that last one... This semester my classes include: Math 97 (don't judge me), geography, foundations of learning, English 201, and psychology. I arranged my schedule so differently this semester than I ever had in the past. I have all my classes back-to-back Monday, Wednesday, Friday, starting at 8:50 am to 2:30 pm; each class being an hour long. I kinda like it that way; why didn't I think of it before? I like having one class right after the other, instead of spread out. I still have the same calling in my ward, and I absolutely love it! It certainly keeps me busy and I love the sisters in my ward so very dearly. I am learning all the time and I wish that I could do more... Well, those things you knew about. So whats new? I am now a working and going to school girl. That's right, I got a job! Before Christmas break, I applied for several jobs for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over the break, I was called and asked to meet for an interview for one of the jobs. When I came back to Utah for school, I was interviewed and then required to take a computer skills test. My computer had several technical difficulties which delayed the whole process, however, I was blessed with part time employment for the church. I love working for LDS Family Services and it has been such a great blessing in my life to be employed so quickly, and at this time in my life. I started in the beginning of February and I work about 19 hours a week. Last week marked my four month anniversary of dating my boyfriend. He is such a wonderful part of my life and I enjoy my time spent with him very much. He means a great deal to me. My sister will be having a baby in September! This is very exciting news for our family; this baby will be the first grand baby on our side of the family. I'm an aunt! We are excited about this little blessing in our lives. My younger brother puts in his mission papers in TODAY!! I am so excited for him; he should get his call in two weeks or so. I can hardly believe my little brother is all grown up and will be serving a full time mission. My younger sisters are great. I love the videos my dad sends me of their orchestra concerts; they really make me happy. My older brother is someone to be proud of. I'm grateful for his example of hard work, patience, and his good example when it comes to dating. I really appreciate it. The same goes for my oldest sister. What would I do without her? She is always there for me and always knows just what to say. She and her husband are incredible examples to me of what a good marriage should be like. (Both of my married sisters are wonderful examples of that) and I am very fond of and look up to both of my brothers-in-law. My family members are all examples of the believers to me and I'm grateful that I got lucky enough to be with them. I need them. I will be graduating from LDS Business College in the next few weeks when school gets out! I am very excited. Seems like only yesterday I was first up here visiting the college! I will have to take classes over the summer to finish up a few credits, but I will be walking very soon. I get out of school on April 13th and graduation will be the following day. I'm very excited that my mother will be flying out for my graduation. I'm also excited that my sisters and Jr (the baby) will be coming as well. Allow me to share a few personal thoughts. This is such an important time in my life, what an amazing year this will be. I am finishing up and graduating from college, working and preparing to serve a mission, and dating the love of my life. I plan to walk in April, take a summer semester that starts in June and ends in mid August (then I will be officially done), start my mission papers in August and completely submit them by September 1st, work until I turn 21 in December, and hopefully be off on a mission by January or February of 2012. I hope to be a great missionary; I have always dreamed of it. I can hardly wait to be out as a missionary, and then return to my family and my sweetheart. It's not too far away. Just five short months until I can begin the process of putting my papers together, and then another five after that and I'll be wearing a tag for eighteen months serving the Lord somewhere in this world where He needs me to be. I'm pretty sure that's the plan. I feel like the Lord will trust my decisions and I know that He will direct my path. Whatever I choose, He will support me. If I make a wrong choice, I know that he will redirect me for good. These are the things of my life, the things that I am going through now - at least this is the very surface of my feelings. Life is busy and often times filled with difficult decisions and stress, but coversely very happy! Very happy indeed. I have often reflectd on my life a year ago and I am so much happier now than I was then; I have come a long ways and I plan to continue onward a long ways. I am so happy! Happier then I have been in a long time. I have so much going on, but I have so many blessings and so much to be grateful for.

Stepping Stones

I can hardly believe how fast time goes. Time is such a wonderful gift, along with agency. We live in a world where a brand new start happens every single day, not just at the new year. We have thousands of choices, big and small, of how we are going to spend this time - this precious time given to us.
I've been thinking a lot about goals and new years resolutions. January comes and most people review and reflect on their past year. They desire change and resolve to do better during the course of the coming year. Hence the 'new year's resolution' tradition. Our motivation is strong throughout January and February, and perhaps March. Excuses are made in April and May and perhaps forgotten about by June and July. By December I'm sure we don't even remember what we had resolved to do in the first place.
I suppose it depends on the goal and how motivated we are.
How can we stay motivated throughout the year? How can we make our goals into good habits that stay in place all year round?
I propose that first we need to have a good attitude. Be positive! We have a brand new year a head, full of promise, full of hope, full of change, and full of good - if you choose.
Instead of first creating a list of things you want to do, make a list of things you want to change. What bad habits have you formed throughout the year? What things stand in your way of becoming what you desire? What are you filling your time with that can be eliminated?
Then replace them! Replace the bad habits with a good habit.
We all have big goals, and hey, why not? Dream big! Your potential is endless. However, that is how we burn out our motivation so quickly.
Dream big, but plan small.
It's ok to set smaller goals first. Take smaller steps. Progress. Don't bite off more than you can chew. Don't run farther than you have strength. Don't create such a massive goal that will end up being more of a massive problem.
Don't disappoint yourself.
What smaller goals can I set for myself that will help me to reach my ultimate goal?
How will I keep myself motivated?
Will I keep a chart? Will I track my progress? Will I have a friend keep me in check?
I think writing things down, posting it where you can always see it, making yourself fully accountable, and perhaps sharing your goal with a friend who is going to help you become what you seek, are going to be the best ways to help you stay motivated.
1. Stay Positive
2. Stay Motivated
What is going to work for you?
I hope that 2011 will be a year to remember, not just for the good times, but also for the things that we will learn about ourselves, those around us, and the world around us.
And as we seek to obtain our fullest potential through making it across these stepping stones call goals.

A Brand New Year

I woke up one morning a few days ago to my sister telling me "Score! You have made it to one score!"
Me: "What are you talking about?"
"One score means twenty years silly."
I knew that.
What do you know? I went to bed last night a teenager and woke up in my twenties.
My back is sore just thinking about it. I'm old.
What a great day though. Lovely breakfast of chocolate chip waffles (my favorite) and then mostly relaxing and running a few errands here and there.
And did I mention the lovely surprise of roses delivered to me? They sure are lovely..
Spaghetti for dinner and chocolate, chocolate chip cupcakes with cream cheese filling were definitely on the menu.
I made a wish and blew out my white candle on my cute, delicious cupcake.
We always have cupcakes on my birthday.
That's what I love about a December birthday, you are already home for Christmas so you get a bonus. Birthday spent with the family? Heck ya.
Lets see what else have I been up to...
I helped my little brother apply for college.
*sniff* my widdle brother is going to college... maybe he will go to LDS Business College with me in the summer! That would be fun...
I went for a bike ride today.
Ah you would love Texas in December...
I wore a jacket, although one wasn't needed.
Kicked the stand up. Brushed the old seat off. Gripped the handle bars. On my way.
I adjusted the gears as I peddled down the street.
It was everything a bike ride should be.
Breezy, but not windy.
Warm, but shady.
Peaceful, but not silent.
Long, but not exhausting.
Scenic, but still in the same old neighborhood.
I need to do that more often.
I love being home. Not much to do, but when you crawl into bed at night and think through your day you say 'hey, I did some pretty fun stuff today.'
I painted my sister's nails with the color of their choice and painted their faces blue with a face mask I had brought home.
Family movies and games.
Shopping and running errands with mom.
Reading books.
StarCraft with my younger brother. (Don't judge me)
Playing the piano. (Oh piano, how I have missed you!)
My sister plays the viola and my youngest sister is just learning to play the violin. I played the violin for eight years and finally gave her my violin to use. They both put on a little performance for me accompanied by mom on the piano. They play well.
Picture taking for sure is always a must.
I can't believe I forgot my swim suit! Ah! What are we going to do on New Years day?!
I have also been working on things for my calling for when I get back to Utah.
I received a scholarship! I have truly been blessed! I also received a response about a job I applied for; pray for me!
I have reflected on my past year. Wow this was certainly a year to remember; both the very best of memories yet, and some of the worst and troublesome times. My year has been filled with difficult decisions and tears of frustration. Struggle is a part of life, the Lord allows us to struggle so that we can learn to rely on him and build stronger faith.
I have learned so much about children as I worked over the summer. I can't wait to be a mother some day..
I've learned about fathers: about the kind of father that I have and the kind of father figure I want in my future home.
I have learned much through my schooling, many subjects that I have both enjoyed and endured trough.
I have learned to try new things and explore; breaking out of my shell a little here and there. New friends make for new experiences, as well as new choices.
My calling has certainly taught me more than words can ever describe. I can only hope to become better over the next semester and more diligent. I want to reach my fullest potential, and that means putting in my full effort.
My year has also been full of wonderful and happy memories. My sister was married! My best-sister. I haven't lost a sister though, I have gained a brother. What a wonderful example he is and what a wonderful example she continues to be for me.
New friendships have been made, and the old friendships stay ever stronger.
I feel like I have learned so much about myself: about the kind of person that I am, that I tend to be, that I want to be, and how to become what I seek.
I have learned how to think. I have learned how to trust again, I have learned how to love again, though love was never really lost. I have learned that there is still so much to learn and much more to experience.
This new year is full of so much promise, so long as I make the right choices. How will I spend my time? How will I become what I dream?
Each day is the promise of a new start, not just at the beginning of a new year.
I am full of hope and it makes me feel happy.
So much can happen in a year.
What will you do this year?