If You Want to be Happy, Be.

happy

2011-09-24T12:24:00.001-07:00

i'm in love. the end.

1 Nephi 21:16

2011-06-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands."

For more information on the Book of Mormon, visit here

i love my ward

2011-05-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

today at church, a group of us......

joined Dumbeldore's Army.

yeah, we are that cool.

Pick a Key, Any Key

2011-05-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

I made it through my first 40 hour work week! I have to admit, it was verrrrry busy. I spend 11 hours away from home each day.

Schedule:

Wake up at 6:15

Leave at 7:00

Start work at 8:00

Lunch from 12-1

Leave work at 5:00

Home at 6:00

along with my receptionist duties, I am given various projects to work on in my down time. the key project is the current project. the office has tons of keys that they don't know what doors they open, so they assigned me to organize and figure out which keys open what doors. most keys have a label with some sort of clue as to where they would go.

since it isn't the most fun thing in the world, i have had to have a bit of a sense of humor. i literally laughed out loud when i found these two keys.

needless to say, i have no idea where these keys go, but as the key project continues, i just might find out.

discovering what a key unlocks is seriously one of the most rewarding feelings in the world.

just call me pam beasley

2011-05-23T21:53:00.000-07:00

i started my job as the receptionist at this company. it is a really awesome company! i recommend that everyone read the story behind it. i am learning a lot about business and entrepreneurship already! i love it.

my duties include:
-answering incoming calls and transferring them to the correct people in the office
-getting and delivering mail
-cleaning conference rooms
-scheduling out conference rooms
-buying and stocking pop in the refrigerator
-filling the candy bowl (seriously, this is the most important part. people are really protective and picky about their candy. it is kind of hilarious).

soon, i will be helping the CFO and operations director with various projects in the office. and eventually i will be available to chat with customers who have questions. this company is awesome and i am super excited to keep learning.

some quick facts:
-it is the 34th fastest growing company in the nation
-the CEO is only 29 years old and is a BYU graduate
-the company used to be called funding universe but changed its name to lendio about 3 months ago

watch out boys.

2011-05-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

not only am i awesome...
and pretty...
i now cook.

home sweet home

2011-04-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

i have a new house!

check out this bed. it is so comfortable! i couldn't get up this morning because of how comfortable i was.

my mom is funny because she got me and my sister queen size beds to "prepare for when we are married."

this is in my bathroom.

i will admit, it is hard to be in a different house. and, i keep expecting my dog to run up to the front door or come jump on my bed. but, it is still home because of my family!

#reason23249whyilovecarrieunderwood

2011-04-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

first, she is amazing. and beautiful.

second, this brought tears to my eyes. it is so powerful.

third, this video has over 2 million views which restores my faith in humanity that people still know what is good and inspirational

fourth, i love that she can use her talents to worship our Savior

more to come on graduation, my new house, and minnesota.

2011-04-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

today i got to spend hours just hanging out with my extended family. they make me laugh
they drive me nuts
they tickle and tease me
they hug me
they ask about my life with a real want to know what is going on
my grandma attacks us with nerf guns
my little cousins run around as i chase them
we play games and every one of us is incredibly competitive
we cuddle on the couch and watch movies
the sounds of family are the happiest sounds in the world.
i love my family.

spring cleaning

2011-04-20T23:36:00.000-07:00

i found my freshman quote wall today. enjoy these little gems from the glory days....

"he's giving her mouth to mouth."
-Jen Kerr
"that is the HOTTEST form of lifesaving ever!"
-Colin Holmes

"well, at least i know i can still have babies."
-Jen Kerr

"So, last night I got home and my roommates had their shirts off and they were having a push-up contest"
-Brad Prince
"What building do you live in?"
-Katie Haskin

"didn't no i used be proper"
-random girl

"we're in america now, we speak spanish"
-Ahlin Griffith

"good thing i like gilmore girls more than food!"
-Katie Haskin

"look boys!"
-Ahlin Griffith
"Help! I mean, wait!"
-Jen Kerr

"I can hear your heartbeat."
-Ahlin Griffith
"Really? You can hear it?"
-Brian Shaw
"Yeah...Always."
-Ahlin Griffith

"why was everyone afraid of 3? because 3 eight 4...wait...."
-Jen Kerr

"did you know star wars is a LIE?"
-Katie Haskin

"Qwick! Qwispy Qweem!"
-Ahlin Griffith

"every apartment showers naked."
-Brian Shaw
"I don't"
-Jess Borup
"Nope! She doesn't"
-Ahlin Griffith

"why do i always go for short, half...people?"
-Jen Kerr

"I'm gonna eat it!"
-Brian Shaw
"No! I had to makeout with a boy to get that!"
-Jess Borup

"I need to start running more."
-Jen Kerr
"Shut up itunes, i hate you!"
-Jess Borup
"What?"
-Jen Kerr
"Shut up Jen, I hate you!"
-Katie Haskin
"Whatever, you guys all love me!"
-Jen Kerr
"You'd like to think that, wouldn't you?"
-Katie Haskin
"You've beaten my giant, which means you're exceptionally strong..."
-Jen Kerr

weird, right?

2011-04-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

2011-04-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

when i get a little money, i buy books; and if any is left, i buy food and clothes.

-Erasmus

today was spent driving from provo to payson to salem to spanish fork to springville to highland to lehi to american fork to pleasant grove to orem and FINALLY back home. i stopped at each public library along the way and asked for a job. i got some leads, left a few applications here and there, but mostly i was just getting myself out there. i hope it pays off.

i am excited to spend all my time around books. fer rills.

sunday afternoon

2011-04-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

sometimes my roommates and i watch planet earth or disney's earth.

today, our conversations went like this:

katie: let's get a polar bear
jen: okay, as long as it's a baby polar bear
leslie: but then we would have to keep our apt cold
jen: i have an idea, we will make a zoo. a baby zoo
katie: yeah, and when they grow up we will give them to other zoos
leslie: but zoos are bad

narrator: sadly, odds are that both baby polar bears will not survive
katie: if we put one in a zoo then it would survive
jen: "it's the circle of life."

wolf chasing baby antelope
leslie: i can't watch this part! i don't like this episode!
katie and jen: ahhhhhhh
jen: oh, they didn't show anything
katie: yeah, the baby just laid down and the wolf looked away. i think they were going to be friends.
jen: "it's the circle of life."

leslie: eww, creepy hands.
katie: it's a monkey!
leslie: it looked like a woman's hands from a killer movie

mating dances
leslie: i am so glad Stuart doesn't do this. i would reject him
katie: is he trying to mate with you?
leslie: aren't we all trying to mate here at byu?

any cute baby animal on screen
jen, katie, and leslie: awww! so cute! ahh! i want one!
someone: can we get one?
someone else: yes.

jen: i want a baby elephant really bad! can we get one?

leslie: no!

katie: but baby elephants are so cute! (she then told a story about one and acted it out)

jen: why can't we have one leslie?

leslie: you can clean up after it.

jen: we will just keep it outside

leslie: you will still have to clean up after it. city codes

katie: no, nature will take its course. the poop will sink into the ground and become fertilizer!

enjoy this little glimpse into our lives.

2011-04-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

text message from my mom: "we r back in MN. all the snow is gone, except big piles of sn-irt."

(did i mention that my family was in hawaii without me?)

My first thought: did my mom just say ****????

then, i realized she was coining a term for this stuff:

snow/dirt

moral of the story: my mom is awesome.

i can't wait to see her in 2 weeks!

general conference

2011-04-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

if i had to describe it in one word, it would be: AMAZING.

i know that we have a prophet on the earth today. he is the Lord's mouthpiece. each of the messages given at the conference this weekend are of God. He loves His children and He wants us to know how we can return to Him.

every six months, the Lord's prophet and apostles give us the keys to happiness, hope, and eternal life with our Heavenly Father. i truly do not know what i would do without the great and everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ.

if you turn to God, you will be blessed and happy. following the commandments of God is the key to happiness.

on first dates

2011-04-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

i am no dating expert. especially when it comes to first dates. in fact, i hate first dates. i hate blind dates even more. i am awkward, not myself, i get tired of small talk. it is not my date's fault. it is mine.

here are my personal thoughts about how to make first dates less awkward:

-the date should last less than 2 hours (unless it goes really well)

-if you go to dinner, it should be somewhere less expensive. i hate it when a guy takes me to a nicer place on a first date because i feel bad that they spend so much money. it is nice of them but it makes me feel kind of uncomfortable.

-even better than eating a meal, is just doing a chill activity. that way you don't have to feel like the conversation has to continue the whole time and it is just fun

-it might be a good idea to start with an activity and then if it goes well you can move on to a meal or another activity.

-guys who ask girls out early in the week are awesome. i give them at least 10 points each. keep doing that. but i always psych myself out by the time the date comes around. i think through possibilities, make myself more nervous, and worry about how awkward i am going to be. this problem is solely mine.

-a proper goodbye includes a hug.

questions

2011-04-03T00:07:00.000-07:00

why is patience such a hard thing to obtain? why is it that we want things now rather than later? why can't we just enjoy what we have at the present? why is that when we desperately want something to change that it doesn't? why is it that when we desperately want things to stay the same, they change?

it's so that we grow. and learn. and progress. however, knowing that fact doesn't make it any easier. in fact, sometimes it makes it harder. i know that patience will always pay off. i trust my Heavenly Father enough to know that He will bless me with my righteous desires as long as i faithfully and PATIENTLY endure to the end.

so, when i am impatient, ungrateful, and looking forward to a time different from now, i feel guilty and faithless. i have so much and i am so blessed, yet i find myself wishing certain things were different, and worrying that they will never change.

deep down, i truly know that the things i struggle with now are just a small moment, and that they are for my good, so why can't i get that from my head into my actions and feelings? i guess that is something i need to learn. luckily, Heavenly Father provides that opportunity. and for that, i am grateful. i just hope that i will use these lessons to better myself and serve my God.

20 days

2011-03-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

i will be done with college in 20 days. less than three weeks. 480 hours. 28,800 minutes.

-14 page research paper due March 29

-Marriage and Family Exam due March 31

-Marriage and Family Paper due April 8

-2 books to read before April 12

-25+ page research paper due April 13

-Marriage and Family Final on April 16

-History of the Holocaust Final on April 16

done.

easy peasy lemon squeezy.

thoughts on confidence

2011-03-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

confidence is something that has always been hard for me. i worry too much about how i seem to people. but, today, i realized that being confident can do so much for you. and not only you, but for other people too. i realized that if i am confident i will be able to serve others around me better, even those that i don't know.

now, i know that i won't just be able to be confident all of a sudden. but i am working on it. i am trying to go out of my comfort zone.

the other thing that will help is faith in my Savior. He loves me, and He will bless me as I work on making something weak become strong.

one definition of faith is confidence in someone or something. i do have that kind of confidence. i have confidence in my Savior and in my Heavenly Father's plan for me. i have confidence in the future. i have confidence that i will be loved someday by an amazing guy. i have confidence that i will find a job. i have confidence that everything, and i mean everything, will work out. i have confidence that the only way to happiness is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

what has been going on lately?

2011-03-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

oh, i will tell you...
-i ran a half marathon in 2 hours 1 minute and 11 seconds. yeah, i rock. (for pictures visit here and here)
-byu made it to the sweet sixteen. (trying not to be too depressed that I can't watch the game because of a relief society activity) GO COUGARS!
-i sleep in the same room as katie haskin and yet I haven't seen or spoken to her in more than 48 hours (miss you!)
-i played ultimate frisbee with the ward, got hit in the face, and now my lip is not only swollen, it's black and blue #warwoundsareawesomeandsuperattractive (ag, lo, and sm, be proud of the hashtag)
-school is going surprisingly well despite the senioritis
-my capstone rough draft is done and my professor gave me some more research to do, but he thinks my paper will be publishable....wow.
-i sent a rough draft of my other research paper to my professor expecting a lot of criticism but he offered to give me an A- right then and there. (i said i would work on it a little more before the due date in hopes of getting an A...don't judge)
-i went to the temple with my little sister. so glad we are besties these days!
-i made the mistake of going to a bookstore, and now i want to read a billion different books. good thing i will have a lot of free time starting in April
-the job search is beginning. wish me luck!
-boys are nonexistent in my life, but with all the other awesome things going on, can i really complain? nope.

You Don't Need to do Much, Just Do Something

2011-03-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

My favorite class this semester is my history of the Holocaust class. Today was the most inspiring class I have ever attended in my life. We talked about resistance fighters in Germany during the war. One story especially touched me.

Sophie Scholl was a 21 year old college student who decided to resist Hitler. She and her brothers wrote flyers about Hitler's mistakes and the atrocities that were being committed by the Nazi party.

Paper and envelopes were rationed at the time, so they stole paper from the university. They printed their flyers and sent them to the people they thought would listen. They ran out of envelopes for one of the flyers, so they decided to use distribute the extra flyers at school while everyone was in class.

This was, obviously, very risky. There was no freedom of speech. Sophie and her brother, Hans, placed stacks of flyers outside the classrooms and just as the bell rang that ended class, Sophie threw a stack off a ledge. ONE person saw her and they were reported.

They were arrested and later executed. This girl was seriously amazing though. During her questioning and trial, she refused to take back her thoughts on Hitler. In fact, at her trial she told the judge, "you will soon stand where we stand now. you may hang us now, but you will be hung later." Amazing, right?

She and her followers were executed without knowing the great impact they would have. One of their fliers was smuggled out of Germany and made it to Britain. During an air raid, the British dropped millions of copies of the flyer over Berlin.

This girl did what was seen as a small act. She simply distributed flyers and did not even know that it made a difference. It is much the same with us today. Things seem too big for us to make a difference sometimes, but maybe we just need to do SOMETHING. Get involved. Even if you don't think it makes a difference, it might someday. If nothing else, maybe your story will be told in a history class thousands of miles away and over 60 years later.

boys will be boys

2011-03-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

my faith was restored in boys today. i was sitting in the wilk and i saw a boy on the phone. he was sitting at a table about ten feet away, but when he saw his girlfriend, he hung up the phone, got up, and walked to her. then he took her books out of her hands, and gave her a cute little hug. he had bought her lunch already. basically, i was creepily watching this scene and it made me happy to see a good guy treating his girlfriend like a princess.

Alma 5

2011-03-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite chapters of the Book of Mormon. The questions that the prophet Alma asks allow me to gauge my progress and put things into perspective. I love the teachings of the Book of Mormon.

"Yea, and have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and long-suffering towards you?"

"They humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved."

"Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change of heart?"

"Do you look forward with an eye of faith?"

"And no I ask of you, my brethren, how will any of you feel, if ye shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments stained with blood and all manner of filthiness?"

"Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ? Behold, are ye stripped of pride?"

"Nevertheless have gone astray, as sheep having no shepherd, notwithstanding a shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you, but ye will not hearken unto his voice."

For more information about the Book of Mormon visit www. mormon.org.

what does it take to START writing a research paper?

2011-03-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

-52+ pages of typed, single spaced research notes
-countless hours spent reading
-permanent damage to my back due to carrying numerous large books
-time spent worrying that my topic won't work out
-joy when my teacher tells me that my topic is very good and original
-using my spanish skills to read trial records
-viewing books that are over 500 years old

here's hoping against writer's block as i compose my first sentences. wish me luck!

bball

2011-03-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

i love my school. and my team.

i love my job

2011-03-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

today i saw:

-a first edition Moby Dick

-a first edition Sherlock Holmes

-Hyrum Smith's diary

-a Japanese soldier's diary from World War II
-a page from the Gutenberg Bible

-Galileo's first book with notes in the book by Galileo

-a first edition book by Copernicus

-revelations handwritten by Joseph Smith

-a first edition Walt Whitman book with Leaves of Grass

-my grandpa's picture in an old BYU yearbook

-sketches by Louisa May Alcott

plus more awesome stuff. my job is the best.

Happy Birthday Mattchew!

2011-02-28T17:18:00.000-08:00

Today, my not so baby brother turns 15. yes, 15.

he might be taller than me, he might be a major stud, i might not be able to pin him down in a wrestling match anymore, he might be able to drive soon, he might actually like girls, he might be able to beat me at golf, basketball, chess, and any video game, he might be smarter than me in math, and soon spanish, BUT he will always be my favorite LITTLE brother.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT PAT SAT ON A HAT CAUGHT A RAT HIT IT WITH A BAT WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT!

Love you, kid.

Love Fern

2011-02-24T16:41:00.000-08:00

For my LDS Marriage and Family class, I have to grow a plant and then write a paper about the similarities between growing a plant and a relationship.

I crushed my first seed before it made it home.

The second seed didn't grow.

They say third time is the charm.

It has been about 10 days, and it finally sprouted!!

It is a TINY little guy, but I am seriously SO EXCITED!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

"Time is Free, but it's Priceless"

2011-02-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

Time is a weird concept.

I live my life according to the hour of the day.

I only have a certain amount of time to accomplish, to enjoy, to grow, to learn, etc.

Time scares me.

Time keeps me sane.

Time is a blessing and a curse.

Sometimes I wonder why time goes so fast.

Sometimes I wonder why time isn't going fast enough.

I have decided that I need more time in Provo. So, it is with pleasure that I announce...

drum-roll please....

I will be doing a Masters of Library Science online through the University of Maryland.

yeah, the mascot is a diamondback
terrapin (turtle) named Testudo.

I will start in the fall and I will be living and working in Provo for at least one more year.

365 more days.

8,760 more hours

525,600 more minutes

31, 536,000 more seconds.

I am grateful for that time.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T16:26:00.000-08:00

i love valentine's day. i don't have a valentine, but i get to celebrate love, and i love a lot of people. i am grateful for the ability to love and for those who love me. some favorite quotes:

"a hug is like a boomerang - you get it back right away."

"a loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge."

"to love another person is to see the face of God."

"a man content to go to heaven alone will never go to heaven."

"a life without love is no life at all."

"if you're not willing to sound stupid, you're not worthy of falling in love."

"i can live without money, but i cannot live without love."

"i love the paradox occurs that two beings become one and yet remain two."

"before i met my husband i had never fallen in love, i had stepped in it a few times."

"love is not a feeling, it's an ability."

"the greatest thing you will ever learn is to love and be loved in return."

"love is friendship on fire."

"immature love says 'i love you because i need you.' mature love says 'i need you because i love you.'"

2011-02-13T15:55:00.000-08:00

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Meet My Boyfriend, Harold

2011-02-03T18:15:00.000-08:00

I spend all my time with him.

I learn more about him everyday. For example, I toured the "a" floor and floor 0 today. Yep, there are two floors under the first floor.

He has lots of awesome information.

He helps me out with everything. He prints things for me, hold books for me, employs me, and understands my excitement over learning.

Thanks, Hal. You're awesome.

Rest in Peace Puppy

2011-02-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

I am a huge dog lover. Starting when I was eight years old, I begged and begged my parents to get me a puppy. After years of hearing "no," I finally gave up asking. Then, when I was eleven, I was completely surprised when on Christmas morning there was a tiny puppy wagging his tail excitedly sitting on a pillow that said "Bailey." He was my puppy.

Today, my puppy, my best and most unconditional friend passed away. I love that dog so much and I miss him already.

Here are some good memories:

-Bailey was a Christmas present, and his favorite day was always Christmas. He knew it was the anniversary of him joining our family

-Bailey knew when I was sad, and would just sit and stare at me while wagging his tail until I smiled.

-He loved being scratched underneath his collar and on his ears.

-He loved food, and I mean LOVED. He would do anything for a treat. He would even go outside and then come back in and then try to get a treat just for being a good dog and coming back inside without being called.

-Because of his love of food, we could teach him a lot of tricks, except he refused to learn to roll over because he hated it

-Bailey loved to play fetch with a ball. He would get so excited whenever he saw a tennis ball,.

-Bailey slept in my bed with me. When I was in high school, he would sleep at the top of the stairs until I came home at night, then he would go into my room with me. During my first year at college, he slept at the top of the stairs all night, still waiting for me to come home.

-He loved riding in the car. We used to have to block the door as we went outside otherwise he would escape, jump in the car, and sit in the driver's seat.

-When Bailey was a puppy, he used to try to climb up the slide, but he hated the trampoline

-As a puppy, he used to get random energy bursts and just start running around the house. He did that when he got excited too, like when I would come home after I had been away for a while (even if it was just a night)

-Whenever we drove up to the house, we could see Bailey sitting by the window wagging his tail, waiting for his family to come home

-Bailey would always meet Dad at the door and would sit and wait until Dad acknowledged Bailey

-Bailey pretended to be scared of Dad and Dad pretended not to like Bailey, but I know they loved each other

-He used to wake Matt up by liking Matt's ears

-Bailey was as we called him a "chicken dog." He was mostly scared of other animals (except other dogs) but if a bird or a rabbit was in the yard and started to run away, Bailey would chase it and then strut around the yard like he was the bravest/coolest thing ever

-Bailey liked to leave the yard and roam the neighborhood. One time we found him in a garage eating the dog food that our neighbors had

-I used to share Popsicles and ice cream with my dog. And I would dance with him and sing to him. (For example, in a song that said "baby" i would replace it with "Bailey." like "Bailey, I love you.")

Ok, there is a lot more I could say. He was the best dog for me and my family. He was an incredible blessing in my life and he got me through a lot of hard times. I know he is still watching over me. I know that he still loves me. And I know I will get to see him again someday.

Enjoy heaven, Bailey. Enjoy being able to hear, see, and run again. You will be missed, but I know you will be waiting for me.

Disastrous Discussions

2011-01-25T11:33:00.000-08:00

Today, Leslie and I were minding our own business and watching the devotional when BEEP BEEP the fire alarm went off. So, naturally, we discussed what we would do in the event of other emergencies...

LO: If there was a zombie attack, I would go to the JKB.
JK: Good idea, a zombie definitely wouldn't be smart enough to figure out the JKB.

JK: Do you think the library could hold the whole student body of BYU?
LO: Not in chairs, but maybe if we stacked them up.

JK: What if there was a shooter? Maybe they could cram all the students in the library and then put a SWAT team outside.
LO: If there was a shooter, I would run home.
JK: You can't, they make you stay where you are.
LO: I would run home
JK: The shooter would hunt you down...You are the one that got away!
LO: He wouldn't be able to hit a moving target!

Leslie's demonstration of how she would get away.

Really Spain? Real Mature Guys!

2011-01-20T18:41:00.000-08:00

For my capstone research paper, I am researching the Spanish Inquisition.

Today, I was reading a source with rules for the inquisitors.

One section talked about trials for dead people. yes, dead people.

Rules include:

1. exhuming the body

2. hearing testimonies from the person's family and friends

3. sentencing

a. excommunication

b. confiscating property left to heirs

Moral of the story: these people were crazy.

For other crazy events, see this video

Good Advice

2011-01-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

"Charity [pure love] never faileth" (Moroni 7:46). It is there through thick and thin. It endures through sunshine and shadow, through darkest sorrow and on into the light. It never fails. So Christ loved us, and that is how He hoped we would love each other. In a final injunction to all his disciples for all time, He said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you" (John 13:34). Of course such Christlike staying power in romance and marriage requires more than any of us really have. It requires something more, an endowment from heaven. Remember Mormon's promise: that such love--the love we each yearn for and cling to--is "bestowed" upon "true followers of Christ." You want capability, safety, and security in dating and romance, in married life and eternity? Be a true disciple of Jesus. Be a genuine, committed, word-and-deed Latter-day Saint. Believe that your faith has everything to do with your romance, because it does. You separate dating from discipleship at your peril. Or, to phrase that more positively, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, is the only lamp by which you can successfully see the path of love and happiness for you and for your sweetheart. How should I love thee? As He does, for that way "never faileth."

-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"How Do I Love Thee?"-

For the rest of the talk visit here.

What?! I'm a Virgo?!

2011-01-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

I find it very amusing that they changed the signs of the zodiac. I am surprised about how attached I was to being a Libra despite the fact that I never actually cared before. I am now what my sister was, which is weird because we are kind of opposites in a lot of ways.

Libra: Those born under this Sign are natural arbitrators and diplomats, constantly seeking balance and harmony. In short, they are sociable, cheerful and charming souls. Perhaps the greatest fault of this Sign is indecision. Libra individuals find it difficult to make up their minds and strongly dislike taking sides. Although they have an aversion to those who are rude, they themselves can frequently be disconcertingly brash and blunt. Nonetheless, some astrologers consider Libra to be the most desirable of all Zodiac types because it represents the zenith of the year. Libra is representative of balance...the weighing of values and justice. When those ruled by this Zodiac Sign manage to bring balance into their lives and curtail the inherent tendency to waver from one side to the other, then they will find the contentment that is so necessary to their well-being.

Positive Traits: easygoing, sociable, peaceable, idealistic, diplomatic, urbane, romantic, charming and refined
Negative Traits: flirtatious, self-indulgent, indecisive, lazy, changeable, guillable, resentful, frivolous and easily influenced by others
Likes: gentleness, sharing, conviviality and the "finer" things of life
Dislikes: injustice, violence, brutishness, disharmony, quarrels and bad manners

Virgo: Virgo natives seek complete realization of the mind, being logical, practical and methodical with an intellect which subrogates the instinct. This is an unassuming Sign, but one which rules hard-working individuals who are prepared to serve unflinchingly and give of their hearts. Those born under the Sign of Virgo should strive to expand their perspective beyond details...to see the larger order and underlying pattern of creation. Thus, those who accomplish this will know the goals worthy of service and learn how to temper intellect with reverence.

Positive Traits: modest, shy, meticulous, tidy, reliable, practical, diligent, analytical and intelligent
Negative Traits: fussy, hypercritical, harsh, conservative, overly-fastidious, overly-conventional, finicky, a perfectionist, and a worrier
Likes: lists, hygiene, order, detail, precision, wholesomeness, health foods and perfection (even in minutiae)
Dislikes: squalor, uncertainty, health hazards, sloppy workers and anything deemed to be sordid

Which do you think I am?

Girls of the World, You're Welcome

2011-01-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

So, I got some advice that "boys like the chase" and you shouldn't seem "too available." I decided to ask my guy friends about this theory. These are the responses I got:

"guys want what they want when they want it. don't play games"

"nope"

"It probably depends on the guy. I never enjoy chasing, I do it because I have to.If I like a girl and she is interested in me we should make it happen, no delay. But I could be different from most."

"I don't like the chase...I like straight up knowing what a girl wants and thinks. makes everything easier"

"I think it's something girls overplayed - initially you can't be too available but after a while the games should stop."

"In my experience I would say it's a myth. Obviously it's situational, but in an environment where people are aggressively trying to get married, a girl running too fast could make the guy give up or think it's not worth it. And yeah why have a chase if your both headed towards the same place."

"Don't make it obvious but let them know you like them. I don't think many guys like the chase...I don't"

A Good Book is the Best of Friends

2011-01-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

I am a nerd.

I love to read.

Time flies when I do research.

I get chills when I open old history books or get to see primary sources.

And that is why I am REALLY EXCITED to have this.

I start my internship next week. It is going to be fun!

New Year, New Semester

2011-01-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

This year will hold:

- 13.1

- library internship

-learning italian

- BYU graduation

- starting graduate school

where? idk

when? idk

-new adventures

-getting out of my comfort zone

-new house

-new friends

-old friends

-change

-a stronger testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel

-less fear and more faith

-more charity and selflessness

-travel (hopefully)

-learning

-loving

-living life

This is my last semester at BYU. I can't believe it. But, it some ways, I am really excited to start my next adventure. I feel that graduating after this semester is exactly where I am supposed to be, even though I am leaving this place that I love after only three years.

This semester will bring:

-library internship in the digital imaging lab in special collections (15 hours a week)

-Italian 101 and 102 (accelerated course - everyday)

-LDS Marriage and Family (i just want to be a good wife and mother, ok?)

-History of Jews and the Holocaust

-History Capstone Research Seminar

So, basically, I will be spending a lot of time on the first floor of the library. But that's where they keep all the best/coolest books anyway.

I am happy because:

-I am back in p town

-SM is my roommate again!!

-My sister is happy and FINALLY came to stay with me for a weekend

-My roommates are all happy and have things (ahem..potential/actual boys) to be excited about

Quote: "Don't let school get in the way of your education." - Mark Twain

Change is Inevitable - Except from a Vending Machine

2010-12-31T15:46:00.000-08:00

My family is moving in January. Yesterday, I said goodbye to my house of 13 years.

"Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become."

"The key to change is to let go of fear"

"There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction."

"Home is a shelter from storms - all sorts of storms"

"If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies."

"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another."

"He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home"

"Home is not where you live, but where they understand you."

"Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration."

I am excited for our new house, and luckily, I get to take my memories with me. I am happy for that.

Future Plans

2010-12-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

By the time winter semester starts on Monday, I will have applied to four graduate school programs. CRAZY!!

I am getting a MLS degree (masters in library science) so that I can be a librarian. Hopefully I will be able to work at an academic library in the history department.

First, the University of Maryland. I can start in the Fall doing a program online and stay in Provo

Second, also the University of Maryland, but I would start in the summer and actually go to the school

Third, the University of Arizona. I would start in the summer and I can choose to either go to the school or stay in Provo and do the degree online.

Fourth, Syracuse University. I would start in summer online and live in Provo

I don't know where I will end up. It is a[n] ~~scary~~ exciting time!

quote: "I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love toda y"

-William Allen White-

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-12-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

On this day, we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that Christ saved me from my sins and has made it possible for me to return to my Father in Heaven. I am so grateful for His sacrifice. I love my Savior.

This time of year is great because of all of the family time. My family is so fun and funny. I love being with them!

Today was a great day! We opened gifts, ate way too much food, played games, and watched movies. My mom still likes to give us toys on Christmas. This year, we each got a Lego set.

I'm glad my mom never allows us to grow up!

Today, I am just happy. Life is wonderful!

Quote: "Wise men still seek Him."

Funny Story

2010-12-23T20:49:00.000-08:00

Today when I was with my family, we got into a debate about the crudeness of saying "holy crap." We were joking around about different ways to say the expression, and we came up with some really obnoxious ideas.

Soon we were going off on using "number two" as a replacement.

Us: "Holy number two"

Dad: "You guys are really number one-ing me off"

Merry Christmas Eve Eve Everyone!!

Run Forrest, Run.

2010-12-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

I was diagnosed with asthma when I was five.

Long distance running has always been hard.

My sister ran varsity for our high

school and my mom runs marathons.

Today, I kept up with them on our 5 mile run.

i. am. awesome. 13.1 here i come

I Just Want to Know What it Would Feel Like

2010-12-21T20:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I wish I could be more like Rory Gilmore.

But, not because she is beautiful, smart, funny, and dates gorgeous guys

. Okay, maybe partly because of that.

No, I want her confidence and flirtatiousness when it comes to guys. She knows how to make guys admire her and just plain want her. And that is because she knows who she is and she is comfortable with that person.She gets nervous, but she doesn't let that deter her from saying what she feels. In fact, out of her three boyfriends, she initiates the first kiss with two of them, and without knowing their feelings for her beforehand.

I know she is a fictional character, but I want to be like her by increasing my confidence level, especially around guys. And learning to flirt.

I am happy today because:

i spent time with my family,

watched my brother play basketball,

saw some old friends,

and enjoyed the snow.

Quote: "When you are confident, you are beautiful"

My Dad (not originally, but he often said this to my sister and I growing up)

Happiness is a Choice. I Choose to be Happy

2010-12-20T17:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog! This is my second attempt at being a blogger, so hopefully I will be more successful this time. I don't know a lot about blogging so bear with me as things change and I try to figure it all out.

A lot of times when friends and family are asked to describe me, they include the word "happy." My default face is a smile. I love to laugh. I am an optimist.

Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of times when I do not choose to be happy, but I strongly believe that there is ALWAYS something to be happy about, just like there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for. In fact, they are often the same thing.

So, one of my goals for this blog is to put a list of things that have made me happy/grateful lately at the end of each post. I might even include some good quotes every once in a while!

Today I am happy because: i am home, it is snowing, i ran 5 miles, i get to play with my family, it is CHRISTMASTIME

Quote: "Those who can laugh without cause have either found the true meaning of happiness or have gone stark raving mad." ~Norm Papernick