"You Don't Have to Just Survive, You Can Live"

Top Left Corner: Devin Porter. Look at him! Such a cutie!

Hello Bloggers! In my weekly email from Devin, he told me that "you don't have to just survive, you can live". He was referring to some of the challenges I have been facing in my life. I always say that I am tough and that I can handle it. But he reminded me today that I don't have to just handle it. I need to live too. Do ya'll see what he is saying? We all have trials and difficulties in our lives. And we have to endure them. But there are some aspects of our lives that we can eliminate so that we can be happy once more. It's not always about surviving, it's about living. We should not have to tolerate things that make us unhappy. We should always be striving to be happy! 

So here is lesson #9: Be happy. Let the things in your life that bring you down go. You don't need them. Find your own joy and happiness and love your life!

I am going to gush about Devin for a moment. This picture was taken (I believe) after his first baptism. I am so proud of him. He is doing amazing. He is preaching the gospel and serving the Lord. I miss him a lot. But when I saw this picture, it gave me great insight into where he is and what he is doing. As much as I miss him, he needs to be in Argentina. And I think he is happy! Which is the goal. Look at how tan he has gotten...it's going to be embarrassing when he gets home and he's super tan and I am white white super white. Oh well. He loves me anyways!

So I think the greatest lesson that I gathered from today's email is that we all deserve to be happy. And we need to be happy. And I think this means figuring out for ourselves what makes us happy and eliminating the parts of our lives that make us sad. There needs to be a good balance between trials and things we can cut out from our lives.

So always remember....

All good things...come to those who LIVE.

Costco Friday and the Number 34

Hello Bloggers! Happy Friday! First of all, I must tell you the most exciting news of the day! My sister, got into Brigham Young University!!! Not surprising. She got a 34 on the ACT without even cracking a book. But still, it always feels good to finally get that acceptance letter! I am so happy! Being out here in Utah can be lonely, and I can't wait to have Carlie out here with me. I get my running partner back!!!! She is going to study engineering (I think the verdict is still out on which one she wants to pursue) and she is going to rock this planet. I am just so happy that she decided to come here. Sorry Georgia Tech, my baby sister is going to come show these Utards what she can do! Congratulations Carlie!

So I posted this picture because it pertains to both stories I have to tell. On the left is Carlie. Soon she will be the one wearing the graduation cap! So exciting! In the middle is my Nonno. He passed away over a year ago, and not a day goes by where I don't think about him. So every Friday, I go to Costco. I usually go alone, and I am perfectly content with that fact. But every Friday I go and get a Costco hotdog. $1.62 for a hotdog and a drink! Perfect meal for a college student. I think people think I am weird for loving Costco so much, but let me tell ya'll why. Towards the end of his life, Nonno had a hard time walking very far, and he had a few fainting spells, so driving was out of the question. My mom and I would go up to Virginia (and usually some combination of my siblings as well) and while my mom took my Nonna out to do something fun, I would sit with my Nonno. Usually we just watched westerns, or NCIS. I think he turned on NCIS mostly for my benefit, even though I actually came to love watching westerns. But anyways. We would sit in the basement together, both of us sleeping on and off, and just enjoying each others company. Nonno was a character. He would hoist himself out of his recliner, shuffle to the kitchen, steal a few cookies from the cookie jar, shuffle back to the family room, hand me a cookie, and sit down like nothing happened. He loved his cookies. I ate so many cookies the summer before he died, because I stayed with him for over 2 weeks. That's a lot of cookies. But my favorite days were when he would lean over to me and go, "Hey Warden...you want to break me out of here and go get a hotdog?". I would just laugh. It was always good to see that mischievous look on his face, because it almost made me forget that he was sick. So I would help him out of his chair, get his shoes, and grab the keys. Of course, I would always shoot my mom a text telling her where we were going, but I would play along with him and let him think that we were going rouge. So we would go to Costco. He would go sit down at one of the tables, and I would get our hotdogs. Ketchup on mine, and ketchup, mustard, and onions on his. Then we would sit and enjoy our hotdogs and diet coke. So now every Friday, I go to Costco and I get myself a hotdog and a diet coke in memory of my Nonno. It isn't much, but I like to think it's because I am moving on. I know he is happier in Heaven. But he meant a lot to me, and this is how I keep his memory close to me. I love him. And my Costco hotdogs :).

So always remember....

All good things...come to those who REMEMBER.

Baseball Equals Love

Hello Bloggers! Today on my way home from school, I saw a couple of high school aged boys walking from the baseball fields. They were in full uniform and had baseball bats in hands. And I'll be darned, I almost burst into tears! It made me so homesick. People always look at me funny when I talk about my love of baseball, so I am going to take this opportunity to tell you why I love baseball! 

This boy works hard

Spencer started playing baseball when he was 3 years old. We had just moved to Georgia and had not really been exposed to sports, considering that my sister and I danced, and our 2 seasons of indoor soccer in no way counted as a dedicated sport. And then Spencer came around. I remember one game when Spencer was only 3. He was playing third base. The ball came to him, he caught it, touched the bag to get the force out, and tagged the runner on third who didn't double up. He was 3 years old and had the baseball sense to get an unassisted triple play. The thing about Spencer is that he works HARD. Yeah, the kid has amazing baseball smarts. But he is seriously the hardest working kid. There is something about watching him play. Let me paint ya'll a picture. It's the third game of the day. It's night time. You have been at the field since 8 in the morning and you have watched your brother and his team fight their way to the elimination bracket. Your brother is at shortstop and his bat has been on fire. So it's the third game. And you are on edge. You are tired. And you want nothing more than for your brother to win. You are losing your voice, and your mouth hurts from eating so many sun flower seeds. Now back to my reality. Spencer gets up to bat. The bases are loaded. And he hits a grand slam. Over the fence. And this kid just runs the bases and goes back to the dug out like it's no big deal. My favorite thing about Spencer is that he will play like a rock star during a game. He will catch pop flies like they are no big deal. But when I say, "catch", I mean Spencer will dive, jump, spin, and do ANYTHING it takes to make sure that ball gets into his glove. Hence why he always ends up being the dirtiest kid on the team. He spends half the game in the dirt. But ya know what, that ball always ends up in his glove. Or Spencer will slam the ball to the fence, getting anywhere from a single, to a triple. Sometimes, he even gets an infield home run. And watching him steal is nerve racking, but he does it like it is his job. In fact, it is his job. And he does it with ease. Look away for a second, and all of a sudden, he is at second. One of my favorite plays was when he was at third and he was inching his way down the line. Pass ball. And BAM Spencer touched home and walked away before the catcher even had a prayer to recover the ball. And he just walked away without looking back. No big deal. 

My favorite part is taking Spencer home, because he is so stoney on the field, but the minute he comes over to me, a huge smile breaks out on his face. I'll look at him and comment on something amazing he did, and will just smile at me, happy with the way he played. And even on bad days (because we all have bad days, no matter what sport), he still usually has a good attitude. Sometimes all I have to say is, "Dude...." and he will just shake his head and laugh. The game is important to him. He wants to win. But I like how he leaves the game on the field. He remembers the accomplishments and learns from the mistakes. If on the off chance Spencer misses a fly ball, I tell the stands to shut up. I know my brother. He will learn and redeem his mistake at the first chance possible. And 9 times out of 10, the next ball that comes to him is solidly in his mitt. Watching Spencer play makes me so happy, because I get to watch him do something that he loves, and that has made me and my entire family love it. It is a part of our lives. You can't understand how amazing the sound of a baseball connecting with a bat is unless you have seen your brother slam the ball to the outfield. You don't appreciate the sound of baseball cleats unless you have had your brother click towards you after a win. You don't appreciate sun flower seeds unless they are your only source of stress relief during a game. I love baseball. And I love the person it has helped my brother become. He is an amazing example of patience and dedication. He works hard, and the rewards are abundant. I love baseball and the time I spend with my family watching Spencer play. I can't wait to go home and watch Spencer play again! 

So always remember bloggers....

All good things...come to those who are DEDICATED.

Valentines Day

Elder Porter (sorry, I couldn't resist but give him a shout out)

Hello Bloggers! Happy Valentines Day! Alright, now let me put my two cents in on what I really think about Valentines Day. I am alone today. Please, do not pity me. That would just annoy me. I don't need one day out of the year to feel loved. Devin loves me everyday. So for me, today is just another Tuesday. Swamped with anatomy, stressed about life, and surviving without my boyfriend actually being here. I don't understand what all the complaining is about. Seriously people. It's a Hallmark holiday. It shouldn't be this big horrible ordeal if you are single. If you are single, live it up! You can date whoever you want, get free food, and do whatever you want. If you are in a relationship, maybe you should think if you love your other half every day of the year, or just on Valentines Day and Christmas. Love should extend beyond flowers or gifts. Love cannot be contained to one day. Love should be a daily feeling, a daily reminder of why you are in a relationship. So here is what I think: stop complaining!!!! I have a boyfriend who is going to miss 2 Valentines Days and I could care less!!! I am going to have a girls night with my roommates, and I am perfectly content with this. I am no more lonely today than I was yesterday. Nor am I less happy than I was yesterday. We are what we CHOOSE to be. 

So here is lesson #8: make your own damn happiness and stop complaining. I don't need to see it on facebook. Really. Enough is enough people. Be happy. Choose to be happy. Appreciate what you have in your life. And realize that there is more than one type of love that you can appreciate on Valentines Day. Call your mom, your sister, your dad, or your best friend. Tell them you love them. And please, stop moping about the lack of a relationship. If you define your happiness off of if you are in a relationship or not, then you need to step back and reevaluate yourself. True happiness in a relationship is being happy alone, so that you can be happy with someone else.

So always remember...

All good things...come to those who LOVE.

Dayton's Legs

Dayton's Legs. Prepare to cry!!

Hello Bloggers! If you didn't watch the link, go watch it. Right now. And have a box of tissues handy because you will cry.

Isn't this story amazing? This boy was 13 years old, and he sought out a friendship in an boy who could not talk, could not walk, but was just as much as boy as anyone else. And this 13 year old boy had the maturity to see and understand that this boy needed a friend just as much as any other boy. Not only did he befriend him, but he got him involved in a sport. They completed a triathlon together. Spencer pulled Dayton in a raft for the swimming section. He pulled him on his bike. And he pushed him across the finish line. He was Dayton's legs. Can you imagine the joy that Dayton felt for not only being able to accomplish such a feat, but to have such a loving friend who refused to leave him behind. This story is truly inspirational. So I ask ya'll...whose legs are you today? Are you helping someone in need? Reaching out to those who have fallen? Are you seeing the light of Christ in those around you and trying to reflect that same joy and love? If not, try. I find this story so touching because I find no greater joy than working with children who have disabilities. I really believe that these children are perfect. They may have physical disabilities, but when you look them in the eye, you can see their personalities. You can see that there is a child and a soul in there who is so sweet, and who just wants to be accepted. I am a staunch believer that everyone is equal and that every soul deserves to be treated with kindness and unquestioning love. So this story about Dayton really touched my heart. If only there were more people in this world who were willing to reach out and help those, no matter how different they may seem. So let's all try to be a little better and help someone in the world today.

Lesson #7: Love yourself and you will be able to love those around you.

So always remember....

All good things...come to those who LOVE.

Chocolate Pudding Pie and Insane People

Hello Bloggers! You know, some days...ok weeks...ok months, can just be terrible. And there's nothing you can do about it...except eat chocolate pudding pie. I mean, seriously. Nothing can make you feel better than politely eating your one piece whilst in the midst of a group of people (guys included), then going home with the said pie and eating 2 more slices. Seriously. I feel so much better now. A little bloated, but delightfully happy right now. Shout out to Katie K. who made said pie. She is amazingly talented. And she has no idea how much I needed that chocolate fix!

So here is what I think...I think that life is hard sometimes. And though I fully believe in having a positive outlook on life and trying to push through any trial that comes your way, sometimes it's just not as easy. And I am nowhere near perfect. I get annoyed with people. I get down on myself in ways that no one realizes. I don't handle criticism well, especially when I feel like I am doing so well. It is like when you study really hard for that test, and you KNOW you got every single question right. And then you get the test back, and you did horribly. Sometimes that is how I feel with people. I feel as though I put a lot of effort into the relationships around me, and then when I hear that they think less of me, it's hard to handle. And it makes for some very lonely nights. I don't know what it is about weekends, but it's like once Friday hits, it's time for me to cry. I spend many nights in my room, after having perfectly fun and nice days, crying alone. I don't know why. I think the stress just gets to me sometimes. It's hard having to be who people want me to be. And you know what bloggers, I am done! And I am going to be happier for it. I am who I am. And I try to be kind to everyone. I try to be nice. I try to be sweet. I try to help those around me and not burden them with the trials and difficulties of my life. I will talk to people, but I internalize and deal with things on my own. It's easier that way. And I have no solution as to how to fix this dilemma that I find myself in. The only solution I have is to eat more chocolate pudding pie and go to bed. But here are some things that I know:

1. I know that God hears my prayers, and He will always listen to me

2. I know that I do have great friends and family who love me. 

3. My roommates are amazing.

4. My boyfriend loves me and puts up with me, so I don't really care about anyone else.

5. I have those few girls I know I can always call and talk to when things get bad. They are my secret guardian angels, and I know they know who they are. They listen and comfort me when no one else will, even those closest to me. And I thank them for their love and support.

6. I will always remain true to myself. Because that is how you stay happy. Is by being happy with yourself and loving who you are and the decisions you have made in life.

Lesson #6: Always stay true to yourself and know that even when everything around you is falling apart and you feel like you aren't good enough, that you ARE good enough. That doing your best is enough. Accept yourself, and don't worry about anyone else. Just be happy and let others feel your happiness and love.

So always remember...

All good things....come to those with no REGRETS.

I eat for 3 people...

Hello bloggers! When planning a breakfast, you must remember that some roommates can eat for 3 people and therefore will be excused from inviting any other friends. Don't ever underestimate a girl and her bacon. Just saying.

So life is swell. Tonight we watched "Life as We Know It". I love this movie. It was filmed in Georgia, right outside of Atlanta, and not too far from where I live. Boy do I miss my state. The green trees. The humidity. The sweet summer air. The fireflies lighting up the night sky. I love the South. But dating someone from Washington has made me resign myself to the fact that there are beautiful places in other parts of the country. But nothing can beat the South. Hmm. So now I am watching "Sweet Home Alabama", because apparently I am really homesick. I can't wait to go home in April.

Lesson #5: You can make home wherever you are. Home isn't just a place, it is a state of heart. And if you let your heart accept your surrounding and appreciate the blessings around you, then you will become much happier. There is no use fretting about the past, the future, the could've been, or the will be. Instead, you have to focus on the present, and how to survive the very moment that you are in. 

So always remember...

All good things...come to those who appreciate HOME. 

Home Sweet Home

Costco Yogurt and Nordstrom Therapy

Hello bloggers! Ever had those days where you are just cranky? Can't stand people, don't want to deal with school, and just generally cranky? Well I have been cranky. So today, I went to my chiropractor because I can't stand my nightly migraines. So conveniently, right behind my chiropractor's office is Costco. And I conveniently had $5 in cash. So naturally, I went to Costco for the sole purpose of buying a chocolate and vanilla swirl yogurt. With this in hand, I began to feel myself be less cranky. The true cure, however, was in Nordstrom. Which conveniently is right behind Costco. So I went in, and meandered around for a bit before purchasing a pair of leggings to go with the dress my mother sent me for Valentines day (pictures to come soon). With a BP bag in one hand, and my yogurt in the other, I returned home much happier. After a vent to my roommate Sam, some soup, and a piece of homemade bread (thank you Melissa and Chanel), I was feeling much more like myself and much less cranky. To top it off, I took a nap! And then I studied for Anatomy. I have a midterm tomorrow, and I actually think I am prepared. Surprisingly, but apparently my brain has been retaining a lot more information than I thought it would. It also helps when your roommate is a PDBIO major and in grad school so studying became more of a helpful discussion. It is like having a professor in your family room. I love it. So that was my day. Fighting through the typical crankiness. The worst part is that I know the source of my crankiness. I just don't want to deal with it. So here is lesson #5: no matter how annoying it is, you have to confront your problems. If you don't, it's only going to cause more stress (and more yogurt consumption) in your life. 

So always remember....

All good things....come to those who FACE their problems head on.

True Friendship is Texting While Peeing One Room Away

Hello Bloggers. One of the best things that can happen to you in life is sitting in the kitchen, messing around on your computer, when all of a sudden, you get a text from your roommate who just got up to go to the bathroom. And you know she is currently in the loo. And yet, you get a text that says, "Duh duh duh duhhhhh (I'm singing bethoven's 5th in my head)". That right there, ladies and gentlemen, is true friendship. I was very proud of my clever response. I replied, "Very epic music to pee to". Nothing else needed to be said. This was indeed the highlight of my day. Next to the fact that I got my weekly email from Devin. The fact that these two things happened at the same time, was just the icing on the cake. So this let me wonder...what is the definition of friendship? I have friends in many different aspects of my life. And I am not always good at seeing them often, but I think why we are friends is because they are so patient with me. 

For instance, I have Amber, who is one of the sweetest and best people I have ever met. She is also a fantastic running partner and I love our runs, because we have a rule of "what is said on the run, stays on the run", so it's always a good chance to unload. For both of us. 

And then there is Kelli. She is adorable. She is my Disney buddy. We can quote Disney like some people can quote scripture. And mint chocolate chip ice cream is a necessity.

Then there is Krista, who lets me escape to her apartment when I need to unload, and who is always willing to listen. She is such a kind soul, who always has good advice. And she always appreciates my Trader Joe's goodies, which I gladly share. And she lives in Washington! Which is where I could end up, so it'll be good to have her in the same state!

Then of course there is Rachel Price. She is always good for a good laugh, study buddy, or just to sit and watch a movie with. I like her because she doesn't care if I talk or not about what is going on. Which is nice. 

Then there is Rachel Nuffer who helped me out a ton last semester and who is always unfaltering in her kindness.

Then of course there are my Georgia Girls.

Hali Winterton: we have probably been friends for too long, but we always can run to each other for anything. Any boy problem, any friend problem, anything, we can talk to each other. So glad to have had her in my life for so long.

Hannah Banana: Even though she is from South Carolina, she gets counted in this category. My one and only friend from EFY and I am so glad we are still friends. I like it better when we are on the same coast, but I always love when I am with her. 

Katie Fadler, or as I better know her, the "Chosen One". We have been through hell and back over the years, but we are better for it. This girl is amazing. She is seriously probably the kindest most charitable person that I know. Seriously. She is a beast. She can multitask like I have never seen before. I love her.

And then there is Lauren LaChance, my bad ass Marine. I tell people she is "my marine". She has had her own battles to fight, but she always pushes through. I love sitting in my kitchen with her, eating my mom's cookies, sharing insight on life. She is going to survive anything that comes her way, and I pray that she will be safe when she goes overseas.

Malikah Christie gets a shout out as well. She always keeps me on my toes. To this day, before I walk out the door, I try to pick out what Malikah will nit pick at. Her infamous line, "Daniela, your hair looks like sh** today" will always stick with me. Thank you Malikah, from both me and my hair. 

And not to mention...

Dylan, Devin's older brother, is such a godsend. He calms me down when I am stressed or let the fear of 2 years get to me. He is a constant support and I want nothing more than for every possible good thing to happen to him. He deserves it. 

And I suppose I should also mention Devin. He is my best friend. I tell him everything. He pulled me through some of my darkest days. He makes me laugh. Makes me smile. And he is always there for me, to make me better, for a shoulder to cry on, or for an ear to rant to. He puts up with a lot. And I love him for it. 

There are many other people who have touched my life. My new roommates for example. I am just beginning to see the impact that they are and will have on my life. I have friends in many places, and each friendship, each conversation leaves an impact. I don't think friendship means seeing or texting someone every day. I think friendship is defined by time. To see which relationships can survive the tests of time, grief, trials, and life changes. Life is constantly changing. Some people are only supposed to be in your life for a certain amount of time. You learn your lessons from them and move on. Doesn't make it any less sad. I hate when I find myself growing distant from those who used to be my best friend. But life happens. Appreciate the friendships you have, the ones you have had, and the ones that you have had. Always find the good in people and try to pull out the reasons why you are friends with them. Everyone has a purpose in life. And we can find it through the help of those around us.

Happy searching bloggers!

And always remember....

All good things...come to those who SEEK.

The Happiness Experiment

Hello Bloggers! So tonight, my roommate Melissa was telling me about this book called The Happiness Experiment. No, I didn't put down everything to go read this book. But it did get me thinking about the meaning of happiness and made me wonder if I am truly happy. And here is what I have decided: Yes, I am happy. I may not always get the grades I want, or be happy with my friends. I may be miserable and lonely some nights. I may not have run as many miles as I wanted. I may have had an asthma attack. But these things should not determine my happiness. I like to think of happiness as a state of mind. I truly believe that happiness is looking at a situation, no matter how terrible it is, and enduring it. Gritting your teeth and pushing your way through, constantly looking for the happiness on the other side. Now, this doesn't mean that having a good cry once in a while means you are failing at being happy. In fact, I spent quite some time last night crying in my bed. No shame. I miss Devin, school is hard, my asthma made me not feel well, and it gets lonely sometimes. So I cried. Did it do any good? Not really, other than making me feel emotionally better. So yeah, I cry sometimes! And sometimes I get cranky! But when I look at my life, I know I am happy. Here is why:

1. My family is happy. We lost our Nonno, which was sad beyond belief. I miss him every day. But I know he is in a happier place, pain free. And that gives me joy, knowing that he is happy and looking out for me. I am happy because I had him in my life and he was such an example of strength and endurance. I strive to be happy because I know he would want me to be.

2. Things with my friends are better and we are happy again. We all worked our way through our personal demons and have found each other again.

3. My roommates are seriously Godsends. They are supportive, kind, and always make me feel better, even without knowing it. 3 S's and a Special K. We are quite the group of girls.

4. Devin may be gone, but he is doing amazing work. I miss him every day. More than I think most people realize. But even on nights where I am so lonely and miserable, I am happy. As I told him, we may be happier together, but that doesn't mean we can't be happy now. I need to be happy now, in my own life, to know that I can be happy with him in ours. And I am happy, because he is doing God's work.

5. Anatomy may kick me in the shorts, but I will keep trying and studying. I find joy in the small achievements in that class. For instance, I touched a cadaver for the first time. And it didn't make me want to vomit. I take that as something to be happy about!

So here is lesson #4: Be happy. Don't let the world get you down. Smile more. Help a stranger. Go on a run. Enjoy nature. Take a nap. Do whatever makes you happy and enjoy all the small things in life. Soon they will add up to a bigger picture full of happiness.

So always remember...

All good things....come to those who are HAPPY.

90:10

Hello Bloggers! I have one thing to say to ya'll: 90:10. The Hitch theory. Make the guy go 90, and then we come 10. It's pretty flawless. This movie is much funnier than I remember. What a nice way to end the night: cleaning for over 2 hours for cleaning checks and enduring being extremely sore. I ended up running last night. I can't be sure, but I know I ran anywhere between 4-5 miles. And then after class today, I went snowboarding. Yeah. I am feeling the pain. But it was worth it. Running always clears my mind. Makes me feel better. Running is good for the soul. I love it. I guess I had a lot on my mind. I usually only run that many miles when I can't handle my own thoughts. Which would make sense. But anyways. While I was snowboarding, I think I got a little bit sunburned too. Which is highly entertaining. Because it is January. Ideally, I want to go snowboarding tomorrow morning and then I am running with my friend Amber at 1. Hopefully my body can keep up. I promise to rest it on Sunday. But I feel so fit! And I actually had a great snowboarding day! Not bad for going for the first time in a year...and I just learned last year. I didn't biff it today. Which is always an improvement. Always. I did however get hit by a beginner. That wasn't fun. But we are both ok. No harm, no foul! 

Theory #3: When you fall, get back up again. Sometimes literally, sometimes figuratively. Either way, always get back up. It's always worth it.

So always remember...

All good things...come to those who keep standing.

Chipotle and Toddler's and Tiaras

Hello bloggers! Do you want to hear a secret? I love Chipotle. Now, it's not that much of a secret since I post on facebook every single time I go. But really. Chipotle can always make me feel better. I love Chipotle. Devin and I have a long standing joke that I love Chipotle burritos more than him. The sweetest thing I can say to him is that I love him more than my burritos. He returns the favor by saying he loves me more than his motorcycle. That's true love right there.

And to top my night off, Toddler's and Tiaras is on TV! I love this show. I know people who have done pageants, and I have nothing against them. But there is something about this show. These moms are INSANE! I will never do this to my children. And these little kids are brats! All they care about it how pretty they look and how much money they can win. It's sick. But gives me tons of entertainment. Honey Boo Boo Child. If you have not seen this clip, you HAVE to go watch it. Right now. Go. And then come back to my blog and we can laugh about it together. Go. You back yet? It's funny though right? I love this show. Tonight has been a good night, what can I say. 

So I might go on a run tonight. The problem is, my knee hurts. It's better today. But why wear it out when I am going snowboarding tomorrow? Haha. Snowboarding is on my agenda for tomorrow. Can't wait. Friday is the best day of the week. Tomorrow, all of the roommates are going to Melissa's brothers house for pizza. It should be fun. I feel like my weekends always get so busy, which is funny because I swear I am not that social. But I think my weekend agendas always give me away. 

Alright bloggers, time to get serious. Lesson #2: strive to be the best you can be. We don't always succeed in life, but if we try our hardest and put our hearts and soul into something, then we are successful. Never be discouraged. Don't let stress, anxiety, or sadness dictate your happiness. See your true worth and see your true potential. You will be much happier if you don't spend your days judging yourself. I promise. 

Till next time.

And remember...

All good things...come to those who TRY.

Raincoats. Boots. And Fireworks.

Me and Devin

Hello dearest bloggers! I have decided to rejoin your ranks. Gird your loins. Some things have changed since my last blog (which I decided to scrap completely because rereading my old blog posts made me want to cry. Time to put the summer behind me), so pay attention! 

I am now dating someone! Yay! His name is Devin. If I talk about him often, it's just because he makes me happy. And I love him. But here's the thing. He is serving a 2 year mission for our church in Buenos Aires, Argentina. So he currently is in a different hemisphere from me. But I am here. Waiting patiently. I am so proud of him. He is working hard and changing people's lives. Though some days are hard, I will never complain. Because he is doing amazing things for people. So in the meantime, I have to keep myself busy! Which isn't hard since I am taking anatomy. This class isn't a class...it's a lifestyle. Or maybe that is because I am not good at anything science related, so I always have to work twice as hard. Italian is going well as well and can be time consuming but according to gradebook, I am kicking butt. So not really worried about Italian. Hey, I have to be good at something. I also moved apartments. I love my roommates. They are my favorite pretty much. We have the best conversations. Let me give you the breakdown of them (mostly because I know that they will read this. We like to stalk each other).

Melissa: Smartest person I have ever met. Seriously. She is also educating me in the fine art of country music, because my boyfriend loves country. And I know nothing. And I am from Georgia. Fail. Wonder how long it will take her to connect that I am from Georgia and STILL country illiterate. It really is a disgrace. She and Chanel like to banter like an old married couple. Which always provides copious amounts of entertainment. Also, I can always win Melissa's heart and forgiveness through my baked goods. 

Chanel: Sweetest girl ever. We all have different boys in mind that we want to set her up with because she is just too sweet to end up with anyone. We tend to disregard the fact that she has a boyfriend. Technicalities. She and I volunteer at the MTC together and have way too much fun torturing those poor missionaries. Reason why I like Chanel: she is sweet, but sassy. Not to mention extremely goofy. And you have to protect your butt when she is behind you. She tends to grab it.

Sam: Soon to be married! Her fiance is super sweet and frequents our apartment often on weekends. I can also hear them conversing through the walls, so I feel like he is with us often (don't worry Sam, I turn on my music so I don't intrude). Sam is adorable. I know she is secretly more stressed about wedding planning than she wants to let on. But on bad nights, a batch of cookies and a chick flick fixes all of our problems. Tonight we made a paper chain to countdown for her wedding. 100 days today! So exciting! Couldn't be happier for her. Seriously.

So there is just a lot of love in our apartment. We banter, make scenes in church, laugh at each other, laugh with each other, and talk about the most randoms things (sometimes Melissa even uses diagrams to emphasize a point), but we are a little apartment family. So grateful to have moved into this apartment. 

Also, I am back to running! Leave it to me to hurt my knee on my second run. But whatever. I am icing and heating it. And I bought a brace to run with. Nothing is going to deter me from running again. We decided as a family to run Race for the Cure again in May. So I need to be in 5k shape. Which shouldn't be hard since I am really training for a half marathon (hopefully for this summer!). My goal is to have run a marathon before Devin comes home. Because then I have an actual time frame that I have to finish by. And then when he comes home, I am going to make him run races with me. Yeah. We are going to be THAT couple. But I can't wait. 

Life is good. Lesson #1: Be happy. Trials and hardships will always come our way. But always remember, that one day, you will be able to look back and say, "I survived". Never give up. 

Always remember....

All good things...come to those who ENDURE.