Little by Little

One of the best and most profound books I have ever read is The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. It is a very short read but one that takes some time because it is quite deep. I read it about two years ago and and am planning on reading it again after I finish Mocking Jay. For those of you who haven't read it, The Screwtape Letters are basically letters from a "devil" to his nephew in training. The book basically details how Satan tries bring us down and how he works. It is one of the most spiritually enlightening books I have ever read other than the scriptures. C.S. Lewis is often quoted by the General Authorities because of his deep spiritual thoughts. Here is a quote I love from the book:

“All these, as I find from the record office, are thoroughly reliable people; steady, consistent scoffers and worldlings who without any spectacular crimes are progressing quietly and comfortably towards our father’s house.”

This really serves as a reminder to me that it is the very simple things that can lead us astray. Most of us will not become murderers overnight but little tiny things slowly build into bigger and more destructive things. It makes me want to recommit to being better because I fail at being who I should on a daily basis. I need to dedicate my life 100% to become the person I strive to be. So from now on I will commit to the following:

1) Do what I believe is right no matter who is listening/watching. Be a better example in word and in deed.

2) Stand up for myself and not let people use me

3) Put my whole heart into doing good and not get distracted by unimportant things

This post is mostly for my benefit, because I am at work and do not have my journal to write in. But I also love C.S. Lewis and think you should all try his books out to. ;)

And on a side note, I have begun my grad school applications and am SO excited for this opportunity next fall, provided somebody accepts me. I feel like I finally know what the next step in my life will be and I can stop waiting around! Oh please let me get into the school(s) of my choice!!

Boook Worm

I just realized that my last post was my 100th! Wahoo! hah anyway, I just wanted to say that lately I have been really into books and reading. Well the past two years or so really. I loved to read as a kid but once I started school it was not my favorite thing, especially in college. Ever since I have been out of school, I have rediscovered my passion for books and learning. I love to do things when they are not forced upon me. I even love reading my Sociology books now that it is not required. Anyway, I am currently reading the Hunger Games series and am halfway through the second book. I highly recommend them! I really enjoy the story and the writing style of the author, Suzanne Collins.

Also, when I was at Borders the other day, I was pointing out to my friend all my favorite children's books. I get soooo excited every time I step into that colorful corner in Borders. It makes me happy. Someday I hope to have a library full of books. For my children I want all of the books by: Shel Silverstein, Dr. Suess, Eric Carle, Mercer Mayer, andThe Berenstain Bear books. I also love Corduroy, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and Where the Wild Things Are.

Make a Difference!

"...Being in the Lord’s house can help us to

be different from the world in order to

make more difference in the world.”

~Elder Russell M. Nelson~

quoted in the Temple Magazine

I Like This One:

"The ability to stand by one’s principles,

to live with integrity and faith

according to one’s belief—that is what

matters. That devotion to true principle—

in our individual lives, in our

homes and families, and in all places

that we meet and influence other

people—that devotion is what God is

ultimately requesting of us. It requires

commitment—whole-souled, deeply

held, eternally cherished commitment

to the principles we know to be true

in the commandments God has given.

If we will be true and faithful to the

Lord’s principles, then we will always

be temple worthy, and the Lord and

His holy temples will be the great symbols

of our discipleship with Him."

~Howard W. Hunter~

Adapted from Ensign,

Oct. 1994, 2–5; Feb. 1995, 2–

Surprise!!!!!

On Friday afternoon/evening I was hanging around my apartment with my roomies. We hung out for an hour or two and they casually asked me about my plans for the night. I didn't think much of it, even when I heard them whispering in the kitchen while I was getting ready. A few minutes later they asked me to play a board game. I love games so said sure, as I didn't have plans for another hour or so anyways. Just as we sat down to play, there was a knock at my door; Micah and Steve. They are two good friends and it was a little odd that they just showed up, but I didn't think much of it and assumed they had been bored. Then another knock, and it was my friends Matt and Jackie. This time I thought it was even weirder, but assumed they were doing something goofy. Then, there was another knock, and in walks my two very good friends, Kristen and Kayla, who live four hours away. I was so excited! I screamed, hugged them, and almost cried! Even though I had just seen them two weeks before, it was sooooooo fun being surprised and I felt so loved! Kristen had told my roommate Rosey to keep me home and make sure I didn't eat. It was such a great weekend and it reminded me once again how blessed I am. Thanks everyone! I love you!

Another funny thing is that Kristen texted me the night before and asked if I had to work over the weekend. When I asked if she was coming up, she said she had meant to text a girl named Jamie in her class....liar!! I totally believed her.

On a side note, totally unrelated, I love having roommate dinners. This is something I never really did when I was in school but did with Kristen and now with my current roommates. It is so nice to share meals and eat all together a few days a week!

Weekend Get-Away!

This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to have the weekend off to go on a little road trip!

This is at Sand Hallow State Park in St. George, Utah. It is SO beautiful there! We swam around and played in the sand! The brave ones did some cliff jumping, but I opted not to.

Kay, Kris, Me, Ren....I miss these girls so much but love having a place to stay in St. George now!
hahaha fun masks we found at the Tuacahn Farmers' Market
This picture is from a few weeks ago. My long lost friend Ingrid came to town and some of us went to breakfast. This is me, Ingrid, and Adam. Adam's wife and baby came too along with Ingrid's boyfriend. It was a really fun day!
This is John Mayer in concert on August 31st. He was SO AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Serve-Eh

Well, if you didn't already hear, I am working nights again for a while because my coworker is out for 6 weeks due to surgery. So....I am bored and doing one of those lame surveys. haha But hey they are kind of fun....right?!

Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet? sometimes yes, like people who are selfish, rude, or just plain evil
How do you flush the toilet in public? usually with my foot
Do you wear your seatbelt in the car? yes 99.9% of the time
Do you have a crush on someone? not really
Name one thing you worry about running out of. gum, i never like to be out of gum, or toilet paper!
What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble? I have been told all kinds of people but most recently, Sandra Bullock
What is your favorite pizza topping? red peppers and PINEAPPLE
Do you crack your knuckles? NO WAY, just my wrists and ankles
What song do you hate the most? pretty much anything Beyonce or angry dude music (Nickle Back)
Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head? not yet
What are your super powers? I can read minds
Peppermint or spearmint? Pep
Where are your car keys? in my purse, in the office
Whose answers to this questionnaire do you want to hear? i don't really care, I am just bored
What's your most annoying habit? going to the bathroom ALL the TIME
Where did you last go on vacation? Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennesse
What is your best physical feature? people say my legs...i don't even know
What CD is closest to you right now? none
What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator? yogurt, cheese, fruit
What superstition do you believe/practice? I wish on stars sometimes and I always wish on my B-day candles
What color are your bed sheets? magenta
Would you rather be a fish or a bird? Probably a fish because I have always wanted to live under water, flying would be awesome but I am scared of heights
Do you talk on your cell phone when you drive? yes but I am trying to be better
If you could go back or forward in time,where would you go? Back to the good ole days in Indiana, living on a farm and being a kid
What CD is in your stereo? in my car, John Mayer- Continuum
How many kids do you plan on having? I want a lot, but not an unreasonable number. I say 10ish. And I for sure want to adopt in addition to having some of my own.
If you could kiss anyone who would it be? right now, John Mayer with short hair
If they made a movie about your life, what actor/actress would be you? I don't know....I guess Sandra Bullock , she is my twin according to Kristen.
Would you rather die in a blaze of glory or peacefully in your sleep? PEACEFULLY! Unless maybe I was saving someones life then bring on the blaze of glory!
Favorite musician(s)/bands you've seen in concert? John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Keane, Mat Kearney
Do you talk to yourself? occasionally but I don't normally because it weirds me out when I see/hear people doing that