Mary

The Annunciation, Henry Ossawa Tanner

"And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art
highly favoured, the Lord is with thee:
blessed art thou among women.
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary:
for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,
and shalt call his name Jesus...
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord;
be it unto me according to thy word."
Luke 1:28-31, 37-38 King James Version

There are hundreds of Annunciation paintings,
but this one is my favorite.
Henry Ossawa Tanner, a realist, painted Mary as she may have been--woken from her sleep, trying to understand the meaning of this vision, and visibly troubled.

Sweet Mary, a virgin, favoured of God.
Trying to follow Him.
Trying to understand, to comprehend.

Knowing that her life was changing forever.
Realizing what this meant in her betrothal to Joseph and hoping he would understand.
Knowing the strictness of the Jewish law.
Wondering how things would work out.

Knowing that God would make a way.
Turning to Him.

"Behold, the handmaid of the Lord;
be it unto me according to thy word."

10,000

Ten thousand.

That's how many words that have flown from my mind to my fingers to my papers in the last ten days.
And I am pretty sure that is more words than I have actually spoken to anyone in those ten days.

Please.
Someone help.
I'm drowning in academia.

Stalkability

Isn't it interesting how easy it is to stalk people these days?

You want to find out how people are doing? Just look on Facebook. On Facebook you can find their blog. On their blog you can know what they are thinking about. You can learn all about a person without every having to talk to them.

And that person would never know. Freaky.

Probably someone is stalking me right now, reading this blog, without me ever knowing. You know who you are...

I once had a professor say "that which is closest is furthest away and that which is furthest away is closest."

So true.

I Quit

When it comes to dating...I quit.

No more of the typical make-myself-go-to-a-social-activity, where I have to meet guys and try and be social.

No more going-on-a-date-and-realizing-I'm-not-interested and the whole trying-to-be-honest-but-not-wanting-to-hurt-someone

No more dang-it-you're-really-wonderful-but-you're-not-the-right-one-for-me.

Oh, and definitely no more of the I'm-really-interested-in-you, but I-just-realized-you're-not-interested-in-me.

No more nights of thinking, "Wow, why am I not on a date?"
No more nights of thinking, "Wow, why am I on this date?"

Two words. I QUIT.

Black Heels and an Unfortunate Descent

There I was—in a little black dress and tall black heels.

Walking down the steps of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Serene. Graceful. Elegant.

And then—a heel slid across the polished white marble.

The rollercoaster began. Down I tumbled, legs tangled, arms flailing. And I found myself still sliding down those sleek steps, on my back, wondering when the ride was going to stop.

Well it did—and there I was sprawled across the steps. It wasn’t terribly ungraceful; I mean if you have to slide down a bunch of stairs on your back, I probably did it pretty well. Right?

“Are you okay?” my friend said as she hurriedly tried to pick me up in time to prevent me from receiving further embarrassment as another person rounded the stairway.

I picked myself up and continued on the few stairs left. One of the docents of the building was sitting at the bottom, trying to ignore the fact that I just made a complete fool of myself and allow me to retain my dignity.

But there was no chance of that.

At least I learned something. Completely invaluable. Want to take the speedy route down the stairs? All you have to do is wear heels…

My Vote

People ask if I voted.
Of course I voted.

I voted for Mickie Mouse as president, Minnie Mouse as vice-president.
Because of this, there is no need for Washington D.C. Instead we will have two headquarters--one in Disneyworld in Florida and the other in Disneyland in California.

It may also surprise you that I voted for an increase in taxes. As we increase taxes, the price of Disneyland will go down as the government subsidizes the entrance fee. The food at Disneyland will also be available to all people instead of for the selective few who can afford to buy an extremely overpriced hamburger.

Happiness would abound. I'm not quite sure what abound means...but it definitely would. Music would play from the streets and all the world would become just like Main Street, U.S.A. Everyone would be happy and would sing "M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E."

Seriously, people, you want Obama when you could have Mickie?!

Thankful

I am thankful for someone who prayed for me
--for something I really needed.
I am thankful that God heard their prayer
--and answered it.

He did.
And I am thankful.

Humbled

You know how sometimes when we are struggling on our path, God just picks us up and carries us to the next point, even if we don't deserve it?

Today I felt Him do just that.

His hand is guiding my life.

And I see His hand guiding my family.

Today I attended church with my family and watched my dad get called to be a new bishop. I realized how much the Lord blesses my family over and over, helping us grow and be so much more than we are. I realized--the Lord never lets us be who we are, because he knows who we can be.

Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it is a refiner's fire. Sometimes it is a molding process that seems like it will never end. Sometimes we cannot figure out why it has to be as hard as it is.

But then you realize that the Lord is in it all, and with Him you are safe.

When you see that He is the refiner, the sculptor, the creator, the master craftsman of your life...it doesn't matter what you will face, because He will guide you through it.

He will carry you through it.

Somebody Has Stepped it Up

So this week is going really well.

My American Humanities professor used my thesis in my essay as an example for the entire class (it just makes you feel so good!).
I did fairly well on two French quizzes (and I conjugated...in French. Much improvement from the Spanish).
I got a perfect score on my religion quiz (Okay, so it was just a conference quiz, but still!).
I am doing things ahead of time.
I am getting up early enough to go for long runs in the mornings (which always makes for a fabulous day).
I am eating healthy.
I actually got a lot out of the devotional this week (it was more entertaining anyway...).
I'm thinking a lot about conference and what I can do better.

So, life is good. I still have a lot to improve on, but do you know what?

I can feel good about my burnt toast and greasy eggs!

P.S. If you didn't get that, read President Uchtdorf's talk from the General Relief Society Meeting. It was fabulous.

Somebody Better Step it Up

So far this week--

I used Spanish conjugations on my French quiz (ha. just in case you were wondering, it doesn't work)
I tried to interpret a poem in Humanities without reading it (curse you Keats...)
I have not done a single bit of reading for my Greek and Roman mythology class...and there's a whole lot of it (I missed the reading on Hades, too...does that mean I'm going there, academically speaking?)
I missed the whole point of the devotional because my mind was wandering the entire time (It was about Hawaii...and apparently leprosy...don't ask...)
And I was late to class this morning.
And it took me way too long to do my homework because I couldn't concentrate.
And I gave up on my reading for American humanities.

Somebody better step it up.

I've Got It!

I've been in a quandary of what to do because of a certain event that occurred this past week.

But, thanks to my cousin Megan, I now have a solution.

There's only one problem.

I don't think the mustache fits BYU's Honor Code.

Things a Professor Should Never Say

Yesterday in one of my humanities class my professor was reading through the roll. At BYU, each student's picture from their student ID is printed on the roll to help them identify the students.

He got to my name and read it. I raised my hand and smiled. He then looked at my picture, jerked his head up back towards me and looked shocked. It was slightly uncomfortable.

And then, with the entire class listening, he said, "You've matured."

He really said that.

I know sometimes I look like I'm still in high school.
I know my student ID picture wasn't taken on my most attractive day.
But seriously?!

The floor could have eaten me up and I would not have minded.

Of course, the entire class burst out laughing. I tried to defend myself, saying that perhaps it was because my hair is darker, but it was too late. I am forever doomed for the rest of the semester. I think I can forgive my professor, but I'm not sure yet. It may take some time.

Or I could just wear a disguise to class from now on.

10K and 100 miles

I just finished up my 100 mile summer with a 10k. It feels good.

I had two thoughts when I was finished: 1) Wow, that wasn't as hard as I thought it would be and 2) Wow, I don't know if I could ever run a marathon.

But then I heard in my head, "That was good, but you are capable of so much more."

What?! I just ran over 6 miles and I'm not even allowed to feel like that was an accomplishment?

Well, if it is just a stepping stone and not the grand culmination of my summer like I thought it would be, than I guess I have a lot to look forward to!

Following the Light of the Sun

I hiked to the top of Mount Timpanogos with some friends this weekend. We set off at one in the morning and hiked by moonlight until we reached the summit. We waited there until the sun rose up from the distant hills and shone its glowing and constant light.

We look pretty happy for not getting any sleep, don't we?!
While we were waiting, someone asked, "Which is better--a sunset or a sunrise?"

Both are beautiful, but I have decided that for me a sunrise is much more beautiful and promising.

It ends the night as it rises from the darkness.
And no matter how dark the night, the sun shines with its radiant light.

We all have or will have times in our life where we will face nights so dark that it may be difficult to remember that there is light or even that the morning will come.

But just as we cannot doubt the reality that the sun will rise in the morning, we cannot doubt that the sun can light a new day in our lives.

We can believe and know that sunlight will come and chase out the darkness.

And isn't the sun just gorgeous? Its light is so illuminating!

I feel that even though at times I feel surrounded by darkness

a sunrise comes into my life.

In his journey across the ocean, Columbus said, "Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World."

I'm ready to leave that old world.

I'm ready to let God "turn my darkness into light."
(Psalms 18:28, God's Word Translation)

Because he always does.

I'm ready to greet life's sunrises, its new days, its light!

My New Friend

I've made a new friend.
His name is Robert.

He calls me every day at work.
Several times a day, actually.

I always answer for him and try to help him, because I think he's really frustrated with his situation in life.

I do what I can.
He always tells me I'm doing a good job at my work and he says I have a pleasant voice.

But there's a little problem.

Robert is in jail.
And he doesn't want to talk to me at all.
He really just wants his attorney.
But for some reason, he just has a hard time getting that attorney's attention.

So I get to talk to him.

From what I can pick up, jail is not such a great place to be.
No one can call you.
You can't get out.
And I get the feeling there's not much to do if you have the time to call an office ten times in one afternoon.

So, Robert? Once you get out, I wouldn't suggest staying there again.

The Rose Garden

There are few places that retain their childhood magic as we get older.

And yet, there are a few that retain their mysteriousness and beauty even as we change.
My grandmother's rose garden is one of those places.

Perhaps it is because it never really changes, it only becomes more beautiful.
Perhaps it is because my grandmother nourishes not just by water and fertilizer, but also by love.
Perhaps it is because when I take a second glance into the garden I can see a little girl walking gently through the sweetheart roses, and I recognize that it is me.

My Grandmother's Roses:

To Be a Hero

Every little kid wants to be a superhero at some point.
So this past weekend I helped teach a group of children how to be one...and hopefully I learned a few things myself.

The Superhero Training Camp was in Granite Creek, Wyoming. A campground, a waterfall, plenty of trails, hot springs, and the infamous outhouses. It was perfect.

My cousin Caitlin and I were the official Superhero Trainers.

The first day at Superhero Training Camp, we gave each Superheros-in-Training secret identities and told them that their mission was just beginning.

They had much to learn if they wanted to be TRUE superheros.

And of course, what is a superhero without a cape?

And so it began, the rigorous training to become a superhero. Each day, the superheros in training received instructions on how to fulfill their mission as a superhero. The first day they learned how to obtain superhero powers. On the second day they learned how they could use their strength for good. On the third day they learned how they could overcome fear. On the final and fourth day, they learned how they could do ALL things required in their mission as a superhero.

The best part? We had two experienced Superheros who gave their stamp of approval to our work.

By the end of the Superhero Training Camp, we had 12 superheros ready to save the world.

Mission Accomplished!

Just for extra fun, here are Mr. and Mrs. Incredible and our Superhero Cheer.

My Unexpected Visitor

The other night I got home from playing night games with friends and went to bed a little after midnight.

Okay, that sounds pretty normal so far, right?

Then I woke up at 4:30 a.m. to a man's voice saying, "Excuse me."

Not normal.

I had been dreaming deliriously about work where I kept having to help people that came to the office. Well, this voice interrupted my dream and I opened my eyes to see a man standing in the doorway of my bedroom.

THERE WAS A MAN STANDING IN THE DOORWAY OF MY BEDROOM.

At 4:30 a.m.

Well, I threw off my covers and went to talk to him.

I walked to my doorway and got a better look at him. He was dressed in a uniform of some kind and looked like he could definitely take me down. And then he asked me to go get my dad.

All I could think was, "I didn't know UPS guys came at 4:30 in the morning."

Seriously, I thought he was the UPS guy.

Well, I told him to please step to the front door and I would go get my dad. Well, he didn't move. And then he tried to explain himself saying, "Your front door was wide open and we don't want to take any chances."

Take any chances that what? That a man would come wake me up in my bedroom at 4:30 in the morning?! Already happening, buddy...

I told him if he would PLEASE step away from my personal living space and wait by the front door I would be more than HAPPY to go get my dad. Well, maybe I didn't tell him quite like that...

He finally got the message and started walking back toward my front door. Seriously, who did this UPS guy think he was? And then as I looked the direction he was walking, I saw two more of them waiting by my front door.

Weird. Weird. Weird. I thought.

I woke up my dad and told him some men were here to see him. And of course, both my parents thought I was sleepwalking. Anyway, I finally got my dad to get up and take care of the whole ordeal. I listened to their conversation from the bedrooms and I finally figured out...

There were no UPS guys. They were policemen. I know that was probably the first thing that should have popped into my head, and probably anyone else would realize that straight off the bat, but...

I didn't. To make a short story long, they explained to my dad that our door was wide open and asked if he wanted them to check my house for anyone or anything that shouldn't be there.

And of course my dad said no.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! A armed robber could be in my house and we are not going to let the policemen check to see if he is still here!!!!???

My life was in peril. I was in serious danger. And my last hope of any protection from the law was driving away in three shiny police vehicles...

So I went back to bed.

After I had turned on all the lights, checked in all the closets, and made sure no one was hiding underneath the beds of course.

No Rat Race Here

This is what I have been up to lately!

I started working as a secretary for a couple of wonderful attorneys in June. A few weeks later one of the receptionists at the office quit and so I took over the afternoon receptionist hours in addition to secretary work. I answer phones for 11 attorneys and their secretaries.

I am so, so thankful to have a good job this summer to help pay for school. I am completely enjoying getting to know the attorneys and they are quickly becoming some of my favorite people. I know they are attorneys, but I try to forgive them for that ;o)

In Every Block of Marble

Wow. Wow. WOW.

As soon as I start to think I have my plans figured out, life changes. Drastically.
One thing I know for sure is that God always has so much better plans for my life than I do.
And he definitely sends me blessings and trials to shape me into everything he needs me to be.

Michelangelo stated, "In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to other eyes as mine see it."

I like to think that God sees that in each of us--despite our rough walls.

The Happiest Place on Earth

I recently went to the happiest place on earth--Disneyland.

And it really is a happy place...but the happiest? I don't know about that.

Here are the details:

How many people? Me, five brothers, two sisters, two parents, two uncles, two aunts, seven cousins, and two grandparents for a grand total of 23. Yes, Mr. Ride Operator, that's a group of twenty-three for you to fit in.

Were there family t-shirts? Of course! All different colors...we looked amazing.

My favorite ride ever: Definitely Soaring Over California...the smell of orange orchards, the rush of the wind, and the feeling of flying over some of the most beautiful places on earth...

Favorite ride in Disneyland: Space Mountain. What is cooler than traveling through space with cool theme music in the background?

Favorite little kid ride: Peter Pan...I always wanted to go to Neverland!

Favorite treat in Disneyland: The pineapple spears. There is nothing better than fresh pineapple on a hot day.

Least favorite ride: The orange ride in California Adventures. The sound of buzzing bees combined with the fact you are going around and around while you are looking up at the cords that are holding your seat only and wondering what the chances are that your particular cords would break...I don't know why, but it just didn't do it for me.

Scariest Ride: Tower of Terror. But really cool too.

Funniest moment: When the photographer told my family that we were doing pictures of single families (not multiple families) and my mom told her "this is one family." (Having eight kids in one family kind of throws people off...)

Favorite moment: Maybe sitting by my little sister on the edge of the New Orleans boat and watching mallard ducks...or maybe it was seeing all my extended family sit together for the Fantasmic show...or the magical look in my little brother's eyes when he got to talk with a real princess...or it could have been seeing my grandpa and grandma hold hands as they walked together through Disneyland...I really couldn't choose...

Okay, I admit it...Disneyland really is the happiest place on earth...if you have your family with you!

A Rainy Predicament

Be careful what you wish for.

This morning while driving to Salt Lake I saw the greyish clouds and wished out loud that it would rain.

I was meeting with a client to discuss details of an event I am playing at in a few weeks at a small college campus. I parked in a residential area and then walked to the building where I was meeting them. After we finished, the client turned to me and said, "You can find your way back, right?"

Of course I could. How could anyone get lost on a small college campus?

It had been sprinkling a little as I walked to the building, but when I stepped out and began walking the rain quickly became a downpour.

A downpour.

I started walking a little faster and went to the place I had parked. Except it wasn't there. I had gone down the wrong residential road, because I certainly wasn't parked on this one. I started running, hoping to find the street I parked on if I went a little further.

At this point the rain came down in sheets, and just when I thought it would lighten up pieces of hail struck my arms with icy stings.

So here I was--no coat, no jacket, no umbrella--trying to find out where I parked. In the drenching rain. With a short-sleeved, airy shirt on. My hair was dripping, soaking, stringy and wet. I can imagine someone looking out of their window seeing me walk up and down the same street thinking, "What in the world is that doing out there?!" I looked like Anne of Green Gables when she pretended to be Lady Elaine from the Lady of Shalott and almost drowned. I was completely drenched.

At this point I was hoping that Gilbert Blythe would come out of one of the houses and offer me an umbrella.

I walked hurriedly up and down another street, still to no avail. How could I have done this? It isn't hard, I told myself. You can find it. As the street curved into a different direction I realized I was seriously lost and confused. Somehow the combination of one wrong turn with the pouring rain, the darkened sky, and the winding road had left me in this predicament.

How do I get myself into these things?!

On the third street I went up and down, I finally realized that I needed to go much further north. So in the freezing, icy sheets of rain I walked until I had found the street (I didn't even know its name...and I still don't. It should be called Evasive Avenue or Disappearing Drive.) and walked up to my car. I put the key in the door, but my hands were so cold and numb I couldn't turn it. I finally was able to get in the car and turn on the heat where I promptly turned into a puddle in the front seat.

I have to agree with Anne when she said, "...have you ever noticed one encouraging thing about me? I never make the same mistake twice...There must be a limit to the mistakes a person can make, and when I get to the end of them, then I'll be through with them. That's a very comforting thought." I will never get lost in that same place again--I've memorized all the roads from walking up and down them.

I wished for the rain, too.

Sigh...I had that one coming.

I still love rainy days though.

And just for the record, I still believe in Gilberts with umbrellas.

Tomorrow is fresh with no mistakes! And hopefully no more rainy adventures either...

My Most Magical Birthday

Yesterday I had a most magical birthday.

I woke up and as I opened my door streamers and ribbons rippled and a most beautiful sign (made by my very own sister) heralded my birthday.
And then, as I was eating my breakfast...my sister brought my a magical lamp (in the form of a water pitcher) and told me to rub it.

Well, I rubbed it and out popped a magical genie (who looked suspiciously like my sister) and told me I had three wishes for the day!

Can anything get more magical than that?

Then I went to visit the castle (also known as the Jordan River Temple) and my day was complete!

I also got a royal fitting for a dress and the royal seamstress said that she would have it quickly sewn just to my request. The royal cook traveled all the way to Italy to find the finest manicotti for my birthday feast and the royal baker made a delicious strawberry cheesecake trifle with fresh handpicked strawberries for my royal cake.

My littlest sister even painted me a beautiful painting with the finest and brightest colors the world of art can offer.
My birthday was simply magical!

Why I Love Persuasion

I recently finished Persuasion by Jane Austen.

I loved it. Because...I believe good things come to those who wait.

But even more than that, I believe that good things come to the good. As you watch Anne Elliot she differs greatly from those that surround her. She is not bent on connections and class like her family. She is not flighty and shallow like the Musgroves. She is often stuck doing the things that nobody else wants to do. She does not complain or pity herself. And she loses her chance for love because she is obedient...and spends eight lonely years without any hope of any reacquaintance. And yet, she hangs in there. After waiting. And waiting.

Sometimes we have to wait too. We may be good like Anne Elliot, but things may not work out. The present is often a bleak reality for us sometimes. In my life, the blessings I expected to come often did not come when come when I wanted them most.

Sometimes don't we find ourselves crying in the middle of the storm because we cannot see the lighthouse?
Sometimes don't we wander in the desert, desperately hoping that we will reach a saving oasis?
Sometimes don't we reach a peak on the mountain, hoping for a respite, only to find that our path leads to an even more challenging climb?

Jeffrey R. Holland said, "Every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better...For emotional health and spiritual stamina, everyone needs to be able to look forward to some respite, to something pleasant and renewing and hopeful, whether that blessing be near at hand or still some distance ahead. It is enough just to know we can get there, that however measured or far away, there is the promise of 'good things to come.'"

Perhaps you are at a time in your life right now when you need to know that things will get better. Maybe you need the hope of a better future than the present. To this Jeffrey R. Holland says, "Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come."

As my hope increases in Christ, I realize more and more that without a doubt there are good things to come. There were good things that came to Anne Elliot. There are good things to come in my life. There are good things to come in your life.

So hang in there. Good things come.

Kings Who Eat Their Good Grains

Tonight my little sister asked me, "So you know Shavashti?"

"Who?" I asked.

"Shavasti."

Thinking maybe she was talking about a certain crab on The Little Mermaid, I said, "Oh, Sebastian."

"No, Shavashti...you know, the queen...and the one that saved her people?"

It took me a minute, and then I realized she was talking about Vashti in the book of Esther.

She then energetically told me all about how Esther saved her people and then stopped in mid story and said, "You know Daniel? Well, he wouldn't eat the kings food 'cause it wasn't healthy" and then she told me the story of Daniel.

I had my scriptures nearby so I started reading her the story of Esther in the Bible. As I was reading the part where Queen Vashti disobeyed the king she stopped me and said confidently...

"Well, I wouldn't obey a king who didn't eat his good grains."

I erupted with laughter. She turned to me and said quizzically, "Why's that so funny?"

Somehow she had combined Bible stories with the king in Daniel and the king in Esther.

Maybe Vashti was just sticking to her "good grains" when she got kicked out of the palace.
Who knows?!

Goodbye to an Ugly Place

It's funny but...

I don't miss your squawking girls next door.
I don't miss your scratching branches at the window.
I don't miss your door that would shake at night.
I don't miss your old brick walls.
I don't miss your cupboards too high to reach.
I don't miss your stained linoleum floor.

Heritage Halls, I don't miss you.

Sweet Kiss

Today I was awakened by a kiss on my cheek from my little sister. As I opened my eyes I saw a two wide eyes and a five-year old body full of excitement, wondering why I was still asleep. She giggled as she crept under the covers with me and told me how she could count to 900 and how many friends she had.

It's good to be home.

Lasts

Yesterday was a day of "lasts."

I took my last final.
I worked my last day at the MTC.
It was the last day I lived at Heritage.
It was my last day as a freshman.

I'm ready for these "lasts." Sometimes endings are sad, but these endings bring on new beginnings.

Finals Week

I love finals week.

No, really, I do.

I love finals week because:

1. There are no classes
2. You can just study without interruption
3. There is so much anticipation for them that when they are finally here, it is a relief
4. BYU gives out free food in finals week
5. There is a sense of finality (is that a word?) when you finish up a final for a class...it feels so good!

But I'll admit... I will be happy when they are over!

Nearing the End

Tomorrow is my last day of classes.
And my finals will be done...in a week and a half.
That means I will have made it through a year of college!

Which may have been easier than making it through this week...

Sunshine In My Soul

One of the things I really love about living close to campus is that I can hear the bells ring from the bell tower. It is a beautiful sound and I love hearing them ring (except when they are reminding me that I am late to class). I have heard them play everything from Harry Potter to If You Could Hie to Kolob.

But today as I was walking home from studying in the library they began playing a song that made me laugh. Out loud.

They were playing "There Is Sunshine In My Soul."

And it was snowing.

But there was sunshine in my soul!

Analogy of the Frig

You can tell a lot about a person by the contents of their frig.

A few of the things I have in my frig right now:

• 1 1/2 mangoes (just to remind me of warm, sunny places)
• 2 avocados (for guacamole and other such stuff)
• 1 Asian pear and 1 red pear (have you ever seen a red pear before?! I hadn't so I decided I needed to try it)
• Swiss cheese (how can you resist cheese that has holes?)
• Great Harvest whole wheat bread (best stuff in the world)
• Alfalfa Sprouts (green yummy hairy things)
• Soy Milk (I know, it's weird...but it's good!)
• Spinach tortillas (to make giant green wraps...delish!)
  

So...not your usual college student food. (Just for the record I have not eaten any Top Ramen since I came to college.)

I guess I just love eating healthy!

But that doesn't mean I won't eat some cheesecake when I get the chance!

The Tortoise and the Hare

I have always hated the story of the tortoise and the hare.

I mean, come on! If the hare had just kept going he would have totally beat the tortoise. Anyone can beat a tortoise. No one would just sit by the side of the road and take a nap and let a tortoise win.

What happened?!?

Maybe the hare got a little overzealous. He might have started running and been running so hard and so fast that he had to stop. Maybe he pushed himself harder than he should of and got shin splints (something I have been experiencing lately...sigh). Maybe that hare felt like being ahead meant he could take a break from doing his best.

Whatever happened, he stopped. He stopped because he felt like he was too far ahead to get behind.

And he lost. Miserably. To a TORTOISE. Who loses to a tortoise?!

Slow and steady may win the race. But fast and steady would have too.

The key is STEADY. We have to be pushing forward constantly. I think President Hinckley really understood this. He never told us we needed to try so hard to be good that we became worn out. He just told us to be a little better and stand a little taller.

Someone should have told the hare that he didn't have to run so fast--he just had to be steady.

Maybe I can be a little steadier too.

Two Signs

This morning as I was running I saw a sign that said "Limited Sight Distance." Later on in my run I passed another sign which read, "Caution Reduced Visibility Ahead."

Isn't this how life is sometimes?

There are times in our life when we really can't see that far ahead. There are times when we don't know how the choices we make are going to affect us. Sometimes that means that even in the midst of life-changing decisions we may not be able to see as far as we want.

That can be a scary thing.

I feel like I am hitting this point in the road in my life--and in so many ways. What to major in, what career to pursue, where to live, how to spend my time. How and what should I be preparing for--a mission, marriage, or a family--what is ahead?! It all seems kind of foggy at times.

This is the point where with our sight limited and our visibility reduced there is only one thing we can really do--and that's put God in the driver's seat.

We may not see the road ahead.

But with him to navigate we will be going the right direction.

Becoming

S0metimes I get discouraged about who I am because I compare it to who I want to become.

But lately, I've found that there's a lot of joy in becoming!