Strong and Courageous, Then and Now

This past week was our Stake Youth Conference. Our theme was "Strong and Courageous, Then and Now". I couldn't go for the first half because I had a date (and when you are 30 and single you kind of have to make dates a priority). I heard that the part I missed was amazing though (and I have no doubt that it was).

The first 2 days we camped at the American West Heritage Center. There were several fun activities, firesides, devotionals, and service projects during our time there. I made it up just in time for the dating panel which was entirely entertaining.

At the fireside that night we learned about Jonathan, son of Saul, and his armor-bearer. We learned that they were strong and courageous and had complete faith that if they acted and did all they could do, that the Lord would make up the difference, and He did. We also learned that sometimes the Lord wants us to ask Him for what we truly desire, even though He already knows, He wants us to recognize the greatest desires of our hearts and ask Him.

On Saturday, we travelled to Salt Lake for the day. We went to Temple Square and learned about many of the symbols on the temple and what they mean.

We then took a tour of the Conference Center. I had never actually been on the roof of the Conference Center before so that was really cool.

We hiked to Ensign Peak.

Then we visited the Salt Lake City Cemetery (including President Hinckley's grave).

We then watched the Joseph Smith movie at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. That was the first time I had seen it... A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. My favorite part was when Joseph was talking about all of the afflictions the saints had suffered in Missouri and said that their suffering was not in vain because their hearts were more tender. It was a good lesson to me. Perhaps sometimes the Lord allows us to go through hard things so our hearts will be more tender and we will be more teachable.

After dinner and a testimony meeting, we headed back home. What an amazing conference!

Have I mentioned how much I love my calling??

My disenchantment with technology

I love technology, don't get me wrong. I see how it serves an amazing purpose. I clearly love it. I have invested a lot of money in it. I use it myself. However, I have become disenchanted with it as of late. I think we (as in society, myself included) are allowing it to take over our lives. I've been thinking a lot about this. It's been a topic for many comedians, on sitcoms, various articles, and on TV talk shows for awhile now. Clearly we see that it's an issue, but what do we do about it?

I've decided to deactivate my facebook account. It has nothing to do with anyone or any negative experience with facebook, just a decision on my part to pull back a little. A commitment to spend less time living a "virtual life" and more time living my real life. I want to keep my blog because it works as more of a journal/scrapbook for myself and my "real life". It's a place for me to write what I'm thinking. Perhaps at some point I will feel the need to be more private and stop blogging publicly, who knows...but for now I am keeping it as is. I might even reactivate my facebook account at some point...but at the moment I feel like I need to be a little less connected.

I've also decided to turn my phone to silent and leave it in my purse more often. I have worked on this for years and need to commit to do better again. I want to be present in my present. Be with who I am with. Do what I am doing.

So far, it's kind of liberating. We'll see how it goes.

Antelope Island

Well, it's official. I have now been to Antelope Island. It is everything I hoped it would be...and perhaps more. Driving out there was not even bad with water on both sides of the car (side note: my worst fear is driving into some body of water...I blame a terrifying trip to Galveston, Texas as a young child) being as the road was rather wide and my sister in law is an awesome driver. We saw bison, antelope (so appropriate), and more gnats than anyone ever needs to see in their entire life combined.

I learned that the Great Salt Lake is the largest natural body of water west of the Mississippi. That's kind of cool. We visited the Fielding Garr Ranch which was kind of fun as well. By far, the best part was that my niece and nephew taught me to skip rocks and for the first time in my life, I was successful at it! I don't know if part of that had to do with the fact that the beach we were on was covered with big flat rocks perfect for such a thing, or perhaps it's easier to skip rocks on super salty water (the buoyancy factor you know?), but either way...it was fun and awesome.

We had a delightful picnic and an all around awesome day. More than anything, I loved spending time with my family. They are amazing and I love them.

Everyone needs a friend who...

-- will climb in a closet at work to talk to you if you are having a bad day

-- will drive 70 miles one way to eat at In-N-Out Burger...just for fun

Simple Pleasures

With the ease of summer, I now have more time to think... and play and, well, blog. Yay! I need to do some catching up on my blog actually. My life is far from boring, it's just too fun to sit at the computer much. But as I said, my time is more free so perhaps I'll catch up a bit.

I am a very optimistic soul. I think I have a natural tendency to be that way personality-wise. I have also spent much time and effort in my 20's (especially my latter 20's...don't I sound so old and mature referring to my 20's as the past...ha ha) cultivating this skill of seeing the good in life. It's not a perfect science...because let's be honest, life can be super crappy. However, I think it's a good habit that everyone can improve upon regardless of where they fall on the "level of optimism" spectrum.

The level of optimism spectrum looks like this...

Are you so impressed with my diagram?? Ha ha!

Anyway, I believe that if you are too optimistic you annoy people...and frankly, it's impossible to be happy ALL THE TIME! Life wouldn't be beautiful without the ups and downs. However, focusing on the good things in life has made a big difference for me. When all else fails, we can at least focus on those simple pleasures that bring a smile to our face.

Here is a list of some of my current "simple pleasures"...

• a really good song on the radio
• a sunny day
• Tuesday nights
• puppy kisses
• unsolicited compliments
• summer nights
• hearing an Australian accent
• daisies
• concerts
• Sunday
• trying something new
• feeling hope
• a good book
• fireworks
• the feel of the sun on my skin
• Diet Coke with vanilla :)

What are yours??

Birthday Moment...

My cute nephew is 4 today...WHAT?!?! I remember well the day he was born. He is so hilarious and full of life. He has to be one of the best looking little guys on the planet. I love you little buddy, I hope your birthday is FANTASTIC!

Good News Minute

Well, June has arrived. May had to be one of the most emotional months of my life. I had some of the best ups and some of the worst downs I have ever experienced. It started out AMAZING but ended a little on the harder end of life.

Luckily, June has begun with some good news...

I start my new term at WGU today. I've been on a term break for the past few months so I haven't been thinking much about school as of late. Well, I logged into my account to approve my courses for the term and was asked to approve a November 2010 graduation date. Well, I have 2 terms of classes left which would make for a May 2011 graduation date, so I was super confused. I approved it anyway since I figured my mentor, Jane, knew what she was doing. So then I jump on to see what classes I have left and notice that they have waived an entire semester of research courses! That's why I can graduate six months early! Who knows why they waived it...but I'm pretty pumped and not going to complain. The way I see it is that it's nice at least one thing is working out in my life. :)

Anyway, so that's my happy news of the day. Six months and I'll be DONE with school!!! Woot!!