Friday, March 18, 2011

Count your Blessings...

‎"Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence"


It seems for some reason that I never end up getting to blog until Fridays. I suppose it isn't terrible but I meant for this to be a more regular thing. Oh well, life gets in the way sometimes. This week, as like last, was pretty tricky. I had a test Monday at 4:30, Tuesday at 10, and Thursday at 2:30. Life never does stop. By Thursday at like 1 I really was wishing that we had another Spring Break (considering back when I actually had it I wasn't near as stressed and it definitely was not spring!) I got through it though, and like always, stressed too much over the test that I knew was going to be easy. I suppose though if I happened of stressed I wouldn't of studied as much. That's life though.
Institute this week was awesome! I absolutely loved it! We covered just Doctrine and Covenants 100 and 101 but it was great! There was definitely a great deal of marking in my scriptures, I did not want to forget that stuff.
This week I was sick for the first time in a very long time. Occasionally I get a cold, not a big deal, and I get a weird sickness in the morning (and NO I am not pregnant) but I rarely get flu like symptoms. I had to leave church early on Sunday, which never happens. I am a die hard go to church unless absolutely necessary kind of person. I love going to church. So it was a big deal that I actually went home. I spent the rest of the day trying to sleep it off. The next morning I felt okay, but didn't want to risk getting sick while at the university. So I stayed home for the morning and went in for the afternoon. So I felt alright, nothing major. Come Tuesday afternoon I felt terrible, like I was dying. So I definitely went home.

On Tuesday I also watched Forever Strong. I absolutely loved the movie! 100% love! Sure I didn't play rugby but that does not matter. Totally loovveeee the movie! Recommendation for sure! 

  

Next, I watched the latest episode of criminal minds. Was NOT happy. The episode itself was awesome. Totally amazing, I am not happy to see Prentiss leave though. First J.J. and now Prentiss, so help me, if Garcia leaves for some reason or Reid I will not watch it anymore. I love the other characters, thats for sure, but I dislike how they are taking all the good people away. I really hope that they come back.. Wishful thinking.

That reminds me, I had a fortune cookie the other day. It said " Something wonderful is about to happen to you." I'm not exactly sure what that wonderful thing is, but I hope its right. I am sure I could look back and see a bunch of great things that have happened since then, but I'm hoping for something major. 

Well everyone, have a great weekend, and remember who you are! 

Sunday, March 13, 2011

The Craziness

When things don't go the way they are suppose to (or we think are suppose to) it is so hard to not breakdown. This week has taught me that I need to rely on the Lord more, and see the things that He has done in my life. This week I have made the complete decision to move to Alberta. There were tears, blessings, prayers, and help sought from many people. I love my family, my friends and the Lord. Once I found out that my brother was not going to join me in Lethbridge I was really worried, I had to decide whether I would be able to handle going across the country by myself for the very first time or if it would be better to stay close to home. I talked to a lot of people. My friends that I talked to really helped me to see that I could do it, and if I really wanted it enough I was capable of it. Next I talked to my family. Each one helped me to see the importance in what I was doing, and that they knew I could do it. I went to my dad and asked for a Priesthood blessing. I know that the Lord loves me, and the Priesthood is real. The first thing I said after I received it was "While that didn't help, no incite." But as I thought about the different things that were said there was one line that really stuck out to me. " Make sure you are in places and situations where you are able to feel the Spirit". After that I made a special point of that, and after a lot of thought, I believe that it is what I am to do. I love the promptings of the Spirit and the ability to receive answers to my prayers.

Sadly I never made it through all of church today. There is a major sickness going through my family right now. I'm pretty sure at least 6 out of the 10 of us are sick. Thankfully I was able to go to sacrament. There were some very good talks today, and I was very grateful to hear them. 

Ether 12:27:
And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I  give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

Since I had to leave church early (first time in probably over a year had I missed church) I slept for a lot of the afternoon, I felt that if I gave my body rest hopefully it will get better faster. After a long nap I decided to go through a bunch of videos on mormon.org . I absolutely love that website. It is incredible. The church has grown incredibly in ways of technology and I think it is absolutely wonderful! There are so many normal people, who lead such normal yet amazing lives. 

Going back in time seems to be one of the themes of my blog. Yesturday was my friend Chelsey's 19th birthday, and boy was she excited! I made a ton of cupcakes for her, chocolate with a little swirl of chocolate icing on top, boy were they tasty! I am sure she had a blast! Earlier in the day I had a blast at work! I love working on Saturdays with my girls (and Joe or Colleen!) They are absolutely hilarious. Always a blast! 

Friday. Normally I love Fridays, looking at the day quickly it was horrible, but once I stopped and refocused I realized how blessed I am. Spanish class was as always great. After that I got to go out for lunch with Scott which was nice seeing as he was going to Halifax this weekend. So all of this was great. Then the trouble hit. I had to take a student loan paper downtown, which would of been fine, except they wouldn't accept one of my supporting documents. So then I had to go to work and get Colleen (assistant manager) to write me a letter, meanwhile this is causing me great stress. I was getting all worked up. As soon as I got the letter I went back downtown to drop it off. In the process of driving around looking for a parking spot I realized I was pretty much out of gas, so I had to get gas, finally finding a prime parking spot I tore the car apart looking for a quarter. None! How is it possible to not have a single quarter in the whole car?! In the process I realized that my dad had asked me to mail a letter for him the day before, knowing that it wouldn't get mailed until today I forgot about it. Finding this letter I realized that I only had a couple hours to get it mailed or it wouldn't get out until Monday! I then went to the post office and mailed the letter. (Costing me $2.61- pricey letter). Driving back to the general area I needed to go my windshield was disgustingly dirty and there was no windshield wiper fluid. At this point I couldn't find a new parking spot, needed to drop off this stinkin' letter, and couldn't see. I almost started crying, but instead pleaded with my Father in Heaven to help me. Within a few minutes it started to rain, not like a down pour, but a nice light rain. First I was not happy that once I found a parking spot I would have to walk in the rain I realized how much of a blessing it was. I was thrilled! With the rain I was able to clean off my windshield and was able to see! I said a little prayer of gratitude in my heart. Driving a few minutes later I saw an open parking spot, on the other side of the road that didn't have a parking meter. I was so happy, but I still had to drive around the block. I was worried that it would be taken by the time I got back around (and considering the amount of traffic it was very likely). As I made it around the block my parking spot was still open, waiting for me. I parked the car and prayed again, thanking Him for yet another little gift. I walked the half a block to the building dropped off the letter, and as far as I know, it's sufficient. Finally getting my errands done. At first I felt like these 2 hours were absolutely terrible, but as I noticed the hand of the Lord in my day I was so grateful. If I hadn't of had to look for a quarter I wouldn't of remembered to mail the letter, it started to rain when I really needed it to, I got the parking spot, and I realized once again how lucky I am for the job that I have. My managers are wonderful and I couldn't ask for anyone better. 

Boy am I blessed. I am so happy with the life I have. Though obviously I hate being sick, I think of how blessed I am that I am rarely sick and have the proper ways of overcoming it. The Lord loves everyone, and I know He loves me. 

Have a wonderful week everyone, remember that you are blessed in every aspect of your life, and though we go through trials the Lord is always there lending His hand, we just need to notice it. 

Monday, March 7, 2011

Monday Once Again

I am never very happy when it comes to Mondays. I'm usually tired and not ready to face all the work ahead of me. This past weekend was great though. We got home early afternoon Yesterday. I definitely used my quiet time to take a quick nap.

Last night the Elders and Branch Mission Leader (Cory) put on a fireside on how we can use Preach my Gospel. It was a really informative fireside. They brought up a lot of things that I never thought of. The only thing that I was disappointed with was the lack of attendance from the Branch. To have 11 people (including those putting on the fireside) attend when there was great effort put into it, I find disturbing. I personally feel that and we are told to be at your appointed place at the appointed time. I understand the occasional thing that comes up and you can't attend but to have 11 people. I was kind of disgraceful.

After the fireside we made our way home, and I watched the CES broadcast! L.Tom Perry is awesome! He spoke with great concern, wonderful stories and the Spirit. He is an incredible speaker. He said.....

"You are the generation the Lord has saved for this day. . . . I challenge you to become the greatest generation."

I want our rising generation to be that great generation. Favorite thing ever was a text that I got right after the broadcast... "L.Tom Perry is a freakin' stud!!!" (I love my friends!)

Here are a few pictures from my weekend that I forgot to include earlier...

View From Hotel Room

again...

and again..
the bedroom in the hotel
my ticket for the Friday Night games
So today I was talking to a friend. As a result from this wonderful conversation I have come to a conclusion that I have a new favorite word:


Serendipity
"an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident."
(dictionary.com)

I came to this from the wonderful song:

Sweet Serendipity- Lee DeWyze



Thanks Josh! It is awesome!

Good Night ALL!


Saturday, March 5, 2011

WOOOOO HOOO!!

SO today I have realized a few things. #1: I love my CTR ring. #2 Basketball is awesome, and #3: When I get super nervous or excited I play with my ring, constantly turning it around.

I thought that last night's game was good, jeez tonights was awesome!! Cape Breton vs. Acadia. It went into overtime. It was so intense. I had my ring constantly turning. I was on edge the whole time! I thought I was going to freak out! I think that if anyone even remotely liked basketball had the chance to see that game, I would sooo encourage it!

This game was definitely a great weekend! I loved it! I am so grateful for it! From all this weekend's craziness I am totally worn out. Church tomorrow in Halifax, and considering it is Sunday I won't be seeing the final game: Acadia vs. Dalhousie. I really hope that Acadia will win, but we will definitely see.

Good Night All!!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen..

...... THE WEEKEND HAS ARRIVED! And freak! IT IS AWESOME! 

So today started with a decent clase de espanol. Finished my Spanish homework in a couple minutes, went to lunch and then started the adventure!! 

Basketball update:

The first game was Acadia and UNB. It was a pretty decent game but nothing to rejoice about. The real game came afterwards. Saint Mary's against St. FX! THAT GAME WAS AWESOME! Since UPEI didn't make it to the championship I decided just for this game to pick my new boys. Considering that I highly debated going to Saint Mary's and I was accepted and everything I was cheering for them. My boys played well, but sadly did not make the cut. The game was awesome. I have never seen that many guys in the warm up dunk in my life. They were freakin flyin'! During the game there were a couple dunks and a tin of threes. Final score of the night was 39-111 (SMU-SFX). All I've got to say is bring on more basketball. Also, St. FX had a bunch of giants! There were some definitely tall guy. One of the boys were 7 foot 2. The only thing that saved him from looking like a total monster was the fact that he was super skinny, it did not look healthy. But all and all, the weekend's games are going to be sweeettt!!! BRING IT ON! 


NIGHT ALL! ENJOY THE WEEKEND!!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Terrific Thursday

Though today is not that terrific I do like Thursdays, one more day 'til FRIDAY! I don't think I have mentioned but I <3 FRIDAY. My absolute FAVORITE day of the week!

There are two things that I have realized that are funny today:
1. It is hilarious when you are sitting at the university and you can hear somebody on skype. I think it's the coolest thing ever!
2. I also think it's funny when you are sitting at your laptop, minding your own business, laughing at pictures people put on facebook... the absolute attraction people have to looking when someone is laughing. It is amazing!

Another thing that I have come to realize. SKYPE is sweet! Having conversations with people in a different country is so weird all through the awesome powers of the internet.  It is definitely something that I find fascinating!


WELCOME TO THE WEEKEND!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Half Way to the Weekend!

Thank goodness it is Wednesday. Wednesday means that there is only 2 more days until it's Friday! To make this Friday even better I am going to Halifax! This weekend is AUS Men's Basketball Championships, so we are venturing over to watch the great spectacle. Sadly UPEI didn't make it. The teams playing this weekend are:
  
University of New Brunswick 



St. Francis Xavier

Cape Breton University


So we shall see who the best Atlantic University basketball team is this year. I am quite excited to go to Halifax, it will be a nice trip, some relaxing, fun and hopefully shopping. Thankfully I don't have any tests or assignments scheduled for next week either so I can just enjoy myself. 

Once again we received a storm this week. On Monday we got somewhat of a storm, so bad that for the third time this year my Monday/Wednesday Sociology 4:30 class was cancelled. I am quite happy I am not my professor and have to try and fit everything in. It would not be fun. 

I have come to the conclusion that life is good. I have also come to the conclusion that I love my friends. They are hilarious, understanding and great listeners. I am truly blessed to have such great friends in my life right now. 

See ya!