So...my life has been full of stress, mayhem, adventure, and wonderful moments.
This past week has been rife with them. I moved out of my new place and into a gorgeous apartment with two wonderful girls named Leeanne and Megan. I got to spend the 4th with my nephew and momma ANNND I got a brand new niece the VERY NEXT MORNING. And I got promoted at work.
Blessed? I think so.
Longer update to come. Until then, count your blessings! I know I am.
The Lord loves you, and so do I.
xo-Heather Ann
All moved in to my beautiful new apartment!
4th of July with this adorable one
Holding the beautiful, new Ryleigh Ann Pickett.
Born July 5th, 2014 7lbs 4oz at 7:14 am
Call me crazy. Call me insane. Call me deluded beyond reason. But I'm doing it. I'm taking the plunge. I'm jumping into a chasm of uncertainty and I'm psyched out of my mind. My beautiful friends, I'm going back.
I leave Wednesday morning. For two weeks. AHHH!!!
(I talked to my immigration lawyer. I got the green light. I should be OK...let's hope. Prayers never hurt. I need them.) I'll keep you all posted. HOPEFULLY lots of adventures and pictures to come!
HELLO MY BEAUTIFUL READERS!!!
for my first order of business, I'd like to proudly declare that I've FINALLY jumped over the 200th post mark! Isn't that exciting?! It really is a shame I don't write more and it is kind of pathetic that I've been writing on this blog since 2008 and I've just barely broached the 200 mark, but hey, I'M CELEBRATING! GO HEATHER! CONGRATULATIONS TO ME!!!!
ehem....NOW MORE IMPORTANTLY....
I sincerely apologize if any seizures occured as a result of the fantastic image above. Please don't sue me.
I can't tell you how incredibly excited I am for 2014! Great things are happening. I'm at a job I love, I get to serve in my Relief Society presidency and serve incredible women, I'm starting school again TOMORROW and I hope to finish my associates by the fall. I also have been given the amazing opportunity to travel and I am working on finding a place of my very own. I feel in my bones that this year will be my year. And with that hope, I share a quote that has had me thinking about my destiny and the course that my life will take as long as I do my part. Hopefully it'll help you do the same.
This quotation by Elder Russel M. Nelson given in the October 2013 session of conference got me thinking about living the best life that I can. The following list is a result of my new-found resolution to making more effective decisions to sculpt my destiny and how I will use my talents and abilities to make my world a better place. Also, placing my resolutions here I feel will help keep me accountable so I can be more effective in this year and many more to come.
2014 Resolutions
·Arise early! Put
the Lord first, gratitude journal and exercise. All these things will help you
balance everything.
·Make your
relationship with Heavenly Father your first priority. Set aside an hour at the
start of the day to study the scriptures and commune with Him.
·Make exercise a
priority- You only have one body. Treat it right. (Do some sort of physical
activity 5 days a week and make consistent healthy food choices.)
·Attend the
temple bimonthly. Schedule it and don’t deviate.
·Re-read the
Book of Mormon
·Go visiting
teaching every month and make a point to attend more Family Home Evening activities.
·Be kind and
assertive always, no matter the circumstance.
·Take time to
listen and make more friends.
·Make more long
term and short term goals-don’t be afraid of dreaming! Write them down and make
them happen!
·TRAVEL MORE!
Leave your mark on the world wherever you walk. Journal the experiences and get
lost in the culture.
·Finish
Associates Degree
·Read at least 10
classics this year.
·Work on being
PRESENT. Enjoy the moments now and try not to get caught up in what could be.
·Write, write,
and write some more. Don’t be afraid to document your life. (Blog, 6 gratitudes
a day, study journal)
·Study
materials effectively and get good grades
·Work on asking
effective questions that illicit change in others and in yourself.
·Seek out more
effective ways to help more people by attending trainings, reading therapeutic
materials, and serving others.
Please keep me accountable! Also, if you think I really should work on something else, let me know! I want to grow and improve! Thank you all for your help, love and support always.Wishing you success on your resolutions to improve and change for the better. Happy New Year!
Hey there, friends! IT'S OCTOBER!!!! FALLELUJAH!*squeals and leaps for joy* Which means that autumn comes on swift wings! (I know the first day of fall was in September, but it doesn't feel official until October for me.) To quote one of my favorite literary heroines, I woke up this morning with this thought bursting from my lips.
Autumn is my favorite season of all time. I love the way it feels, smells, sounds and looks. It opens a doorway to the most exciting and special time of the year, ushering in change and improvement, togetherness, gratitude, love, and giving. I get to play all through autumn and then I get to celebrate Christmas too!? It's a dream come true every October. But friends, I have come prepared. In case you aren't quite in the autumnal spirit, I've decided to compile a list of all the things I happen to adore about fall to try to get you there. You ready? *ahem*.
AUTUMN: A LIST.
sweaters
scarves
boots
pumpkins of every shape, size and color
pumpkin patches
apple picking
caramel and candied apples
brisk nights under the stars in corn fields and apple orchards.
warm apple cider, hot cocoa, and fresh doughnuts
vibrant reds, yellows, oranges of the changing leaves
walking among tombstones as the leaves crunch beneath my feet
hay rides and corn mazes
smells of apple pies, pumpkin pies, and all manner of sweet treats baking.
homemade soup and warm bread
crisp air that fills your lungs and makes you feel alive
the tangible 'magic' looming in the air
the promise and graceful embrace of change
gathering of loved ones
the smell of chimneys smoking
pumpkin carving and the golden glow of jack o' lanterns on porch steps
school! A return to learning
school supplies. I love, Love, LOVE school supplies. A bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils would be a lovely gift.
leaf fights!
being engulfed into large piles of crackling foliage again and again and again. It makes raking worthwhile, you know.
a hand in your pocket and one entwined with someone special to keep your fingers warm
if you don't have a special someone, gloves are great too!
pie is an art form all season long. It's a pie parade!
sunflowers and mums
it's a time where watching classic thrillers is encouraged. YAY for Hitchcock films, Arsenic and Old Lace and It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!
speaking of pumpkin...every pumpkin dessert imaginable
Thanksgiving.
curling up with a blanket, a good book, and with a warm cup of tea.
hikes among the trees and canyon drives to see a canvas of color
fall carnivals and harvest festivals
football games
rosy cheeks and pink noses
General Conference!!!
It's a whole SEASON of change, gratitude, togetherness, and love.
Well friends, if that doesn't get you excited for fall, I don't know what will! If you think of more reasons why you love fall, comment below! Autumn is out there, my beloved friends. Magic is in the air. Go and play.
Hello readers. September is upon us. Summer is winding down, with Autumn closely at its heels. Change is whipping in the wind and it has already worked quite a number on me the past couple weeks. I don't wish to go into great detail about this time of great and abrupt development in my life, but with the changing of the seasons has come a great change in the season of my life, changes that haven't been the easiest to swallow.
It's been... a refining couple of weeks. I feel parts of me scorched, charred, purged, and purified. And how I hope and pray the pain is worth it. I've felt moments of revelation, indignation, anger, utter loneliness, bitterness, betrayal, and hopelessness. I've cried far too much. I've felt as if my heart has been stretched as thin as aged translucent paper, one pull away from ripping beyond repair.
In turn, I've been blessed more than I could ever dream. I'm surrounded by those who love me, believe in me, and care for my well-being. I have a warm bed to sleep in, food in my belly, and hands to catch me if I fall. Most importantly, I've been given an opportunity to become the person that I want to become in the best manner, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I've been able to go forward with faith in building my life on a sure foundation through the gospel of Jesus Christ. I get the opportunity to really seek him, to know him, and apply his healing balm on the festering wounds of my heart I never thought would heal. I'm finding as I do this, the chains that have bound me for years are slowly starting to fall and I'm able to move forward with a confidence I could not ever possess on my own. It's a hard and difficult process, but the Lord is blessing and sanctifying my feeble, human efforts.
I am attending institute four days a week and learning of the nature of my Father in Heaven, His son and the incredible atoning sacrifice he made for all, of how I fit in His miraculous plan, and the skills I need to possess to be a righteous wife and mother in the trying days to come. I'm beginning to finally see the principle Thomas S. Monson taught, that" the future is as bright as your faith." What a marvelous thing to witness. I know that the Lord will not abandon those who put their trust in his ample arm, especially those who feel like they have no where to turn. I was really touched by words spoken by President Henry B. Eyring in April 2012 on the subject. The video posted below has helped me keep some perspective during this unexpected trial and I am so grateful for the strength it has granted me. May his words help lift you if you are struggling and are unsure of where to go or how to proceed with the days ahead.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is true. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is infinite and intimate and can grant us the strength and courage we couldn't muster on our own. His way is the only way. It shapes us into the sons and daughters we were meant to be and helps make up the difference until we get there. He will bless us and others as we step forward in faith to do His work upon the earth. May the Lord bless you in your endeavors to draw near unto him, as he is so richly blessing me.
Until next time, may God bless you and those you love.
Hello readers. Today was a very special day for family. My little big brother received his mission call to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 2 years. We all waited in agony for him rip the envelope and reveal where he would faithfully serve, and we all couldn't be more delighted and surprised. Elder Jacob Paul Jepsen will be serving in the New York Utica mission speaking English and will report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on November 13th. I was floored to know he'd be walking around the same streets I did almost two years ago. He'll have the same opportunity to fall in love with New York, its beautiful people, and see the how the gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives. Not to mention, he'll have some sweeeeet hookups and people to love him immediately because he's a Jepsen. ;) Seriously though, he'll never have to worry about anything. The members are AMAZING!
I'm so overwhelmed, so happy, so thrilled for him and this experience. I love you, Jacob. You are truly an inspiration to me and I know that as you serve the Lord you and those you serve will be blessed tremendously for your valiant efforts. Thank you for the honor that you bring to our family, for your love and example, and for your amazing friendship. You are the best brother this crazy girl could ever ask for. I'm excited for the start of your incredible life. I'm so proud that you're starting it the best way you possibly could, in the service of your God.
I am sometimes disillusioned when it comes to the world.
In my mind, dreams and desires take on a certain sheen, a sparkle and brilliance, so to speak. Scenarios and visions of how I imagine events to be shine in the stage of my mind and when things don't turn out the way I envision them to be, the world as a whole loses some of the magic and sparkle it once contained. Each disillusionment leeches away hope and belief in the human race, sullies dreams and my ambition to get lost in the world and lift others in the process.
Now, I don't want you all to believe that everything in my head looks like a sitcom from the 50's. I'm not that disillusioned. But it seems that when I do venture out into the world, my expectations are often brighter than the actual happenstance. Perhaps it is just the life that I lead...but I've realized that when I get to the crossroads of dream becoming reality, (an instance that often sneaks upon me and isn't ceremonious, almost utterly ordinary and unremarkable)I'm faced with a choice. Be disappointed in the world, all its inhabitants and die early because my cynicism leads me to believe that I'll die sooner or later anyway, or rejoice anyway and work on adding some of the sparkle back into the world.
Life is what we make it. Granted, life won't always lead up to our expectations. It never will. It wouldn't be hard or worthwhile if that was the case. We have to focus on the sparkle left in the world and create as much as we can; with our goodness, our light, creativity, smiles, love, and ability to embrace life as it comes. I want to dance under the stars more, soak up the sun, discover, learn, make connections with people from all walks of life, lift hands, share my talents and enjoy the beauty of others', really recognize and embrace the happy times when the wistfully float by, and do my best to notice the sparkle in the every day moments that come my way.
Byacknowledgingthe sparkle sent to us, the easier it is to reciprocate the sparkle.
The sparkle equals good things in life-simple pleasures, love, serving and loving others and our true selves, living in the small moments, the sunshine, and the joy of having blood race through our veins,thoughts flit in and out of our minds, and using our abilities to communicate those thoughts to beautify the world around us. The blessing of being here and learning, growing, and becoming. It's what I'm working on, so I in turn, may sparkle too. Don't dwell in the limelight of cynicism. It creates and perpetuates ugliness in your life and is toxic to others around you. It may seem easy, but isn't worth it. Sparkle wherever you stand. Share it wherever you wander. Cultivate it. Create it. Exude the love that has so graciously been given to you, and others won't be able to resist doing the same. And there's nothing more beautiful than that.
Do you ever feel your life violently twist you in two different directions? Like you've come to a point where you have to choose between two very good decisions, but you better do it carefully because both lead you in a completely different direction? Well, this has been my past two weeks. Opportunity came knocking on my door, unannounced and and unexpected. I received a phone call driving home from my dear friend's wedding. It was my friend Maddie's mother. She and her husband were talking to members of the ward and my name was brought up. Before I began to even process what exactly was going on, I was placed on the line with the member they'd been talking with, being offered a job across the country. I already had two fantastic part-time jobs, working with troubled youth and loving it, and working as a nanny for two adorable boys. I didn't need another job- I was already working like mad to save up for my mission. Then I heard it. "...she lives in New York. Upstate. In a cute town called Rexford, about 15 miles away from Albany..." I'd be working as a caretaker for this woman's 46 yr. old daughter who'd been recently diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and her three children who were living at home. I thanked the woman for talking to me about their family situation, I gave her my number and told her I needed to definitely think about the offer and I'd get back to her as soon as I knew.
After wrestling with the thought for a couple days, I came to the conclusion that I couldn't go. I was being ripped in half and didn't know what to do, so I stopped entertaining the idea. I'd made too many commitments here- I promised a friend I'd move in with her, I would be letting down all those kids, my employers, not to mention all the friends I'd be leaving behind. Plus I didn't want to promise and commit anything unless I was giving my 100%. This was such a difficult process for the family- I didn't want to cause any unnecessary pain. So I called them up and politely declined, but offered a reference for another who'd do wonders for that family.
I felt good about my decision, so I kept living and searching for apartments. Then things started to slowly unravel. I couldn't find a reasonable apartment, housing arrangements didn't work out, any boy prospects completely fizzled out and ceased to exist, and I wasn't making a connection with the boys I was nannying for. A thought kept churning over and over in my head about what I would tell my future children when scary, new adventures came knocking on their door. How could I tell them to go and try things and leave your imprint on the world if I turned down an opportunity to do so so many years before? I concluded I'd just have to keep trusting and see what happened.
The very next day, I ran into the sweet woman who offered me the job. She came up to me in church and gave me a hug and said "Heather, the family doesn't care if you have to leave to go on a mission. We just know you're the right fit for us. No one else could do the job that you can. I want you to just think about it, and let me know if you change your mind. " With that she walked away and sent me into a stupor. 'What if this isn't just a test? What if this is divine intervention? What if this really is the experience I need in preparation for my mission?' So, needless to say, I went into another praying frenzy. After seeking advice, I decided to make another pros and cons list. There were more pros and cons for NY, less for St. George. Money is a big pull because I'm saving up for my mission- but after calculating all costs, it ended up being the same if I stayed or moved. So it came down to this. What experience would benefit me now and in the future, best prepare me for my mission and where could I best be of service? Most importantly, what did I desire most? and when it came down to that, there was no question what I desired. So I made a phone call and told the family in New York "I would love the opportunity to serve you all until I go on my mission." The next day, I put in my two weeks notice, and started making preparations to leave. I finally told my family this Sunday when everything checked out.
I fly out of Salt Lake on the 9th of September for Rexford, New York where I anticipate to work for 4-6 months, depending on when I get my mission call. I'm so excited for this experience to grow, to learn, adapt and become better. Im excited To draw closer to my Father in Heaven, to be able to work in helping someone during their few precious moments here on earth and the family who will proudly carry on her memory. I know it will not be an easy road, but I know I can do it. I have the best support in the world. I'll keep you updated friends on my adventures while I'm here and abroad. Love you all. Remember who is in charge and seek to perform His will. You won't be sorry. Peace out, readers! Until next time,
Many exciting things have happened since I wrote last. I went to California, played on the beach and soaked up some of the sun's rays, had a blast in Disneyland, went to Neverland on the Peter Pan ride, barely escaped the clutches ghastly ghosts, pesky pirates, snakes, broken haunted elevators, enraged natives, man eating piranhas, crowds, abominable snowmen, and of course, the temple of doom. Oh and careened off a huge raging waterfall into a brier patch several times. The perfect day in Disneyland ended with fireworks (my favorite), getting hit on, eating a massive cookie in pooh corner and catching a bus back to our hotel wetter than a drowned rats. All in all, it was epic.
The best part was going with Natalie and her adorable children. Her kids had never been to the fantastical, magical place. So seeing their reactions the whole time was absolutely wonderful. It made me reflect a lot about my future, things I wanted to do with my children, things I wanted them to experience, things I wanted to teach them. I am so excited for that day when I finally get to do those things with them, watch them experience the magic and wonder of childhood. And although my baby hunger was hardly ever satiated while waltzing all around strollerland for days on end, I knew that one day my time would come. Someday. But now is not that time. I have many things to learn and experience, relationships to foster, people to meet teach,and grow from, mountains of homework looming in the distance,hands to hold and lift, places to see and crazy things to experience. There's a pang in my heart not knowing when that day will finally arrive because the thought and prospect of a family of my very own keeps me going when I'm wading through the muck of the world. But it'll come. Plus I'm still a baby. 20? Come on! I've got a lot of life to live. Moving on.
So after just a few hours being home, I packed my bags again and headed through the beautiful canyons of Zion National Park to Clear Creek Ranch for a Youth For Freedom Conference. Little did I know that this week was going to essentially change my life. I was able to break through barriers that I've built and rebuilt over the years. I've never felt so light, so free, in my entire life. It was absolutely amazing and I'm so excited to return to all of my incredible friends in a few weeks.
...just found this. Figured I'd better post it. haha
I know, I know, I know You're probably thinking "Why in HEAVEN'S NAME is Bella on your blog?! ABOMINATION!!! *BOOS and hisses ensue* *pitchforks raise, torches light, teenage girls are locked away* Okay stop thinking. I will explain later. Read on. Ignore this visage for the time being. *ahem* My dear readers, it has been a long time since I've strung a bunch of snarky phrases together into a post, so be prepared for a oh so random and slightly pointless one at that. ha-ha. I have never wanted to be an adorable Asian so bad in my life before today. For the past week, I've seen this sign on the Boulevard seeking to hire people for this new Japanese steakhouse that they are building. I memorized the number on the board outside the restaurant as I drove by and then proceeded to call. An adorable lady answered the phone, told me just to come in and pick up an application then. So today, I got gussied up ( I have a concert tonight you see and I figured it may help my case if I showed up not looking like a total slob from slobtown) and walked along the boulevard to the location of said 'steakhouse in construction'.
After a couple cat calls (I know its hard to believe) I was guided into the restaurant by a somewhat toothless, adorable construction worker. The construction crew started to swarm like flies, trying to sneak a peek at the innocent pretty thing that waltzed into a construction zone in heels. After a few minutes of waiting for the manager to come out, I was able to meet 'kenny', a small Asian man, who handed me an application and told me to fill it out, bring it back and we'd talk. So, I again walked outside back into the fray of onlookers and filled it out. I sat in my car thinking that I didn't have a chance in the world because I've never had any restaurant experience ( I mean, I learn fast, I've had my own bakery, can connect with people really fast and love serving them, but that doesn't mean anything), I wasn't adorable, petite, little and Asian, and I was afraid I didn't say enough. So i went back to Kenny, gave him my application, and he said that he would call and schedule an interview. The restaurant was so beautiful inside, with authentic Japanese decor, a beautiful mirrored mosaic wall, dark wood, and thin sliding walls. It'd be awesome if he calls me back, but until then, I'm going to keep looking. I want to do all that I can to get on this mission and work my hardest to get there. We'll see what happens.
Okay friends. Regard the weird, misplaced picture....NOW. On a random other note, I saw this today and freaked. (either click on the word "this" or click to see the full image appearing at the beginning of this post) Can you say HOLY GUACAMOLE BATMAN?! Best picture of my week. Hermione will always win. She's naturally awesome. Bella has to get bitten and mutated to even pretend to be awesome. Yeah. Go jump off cliffs, Bella. That'll solve ALL your problems. *rolls eyes* I just proved my utter dorkiness, but hey. Embrace it people .
On another random side note, I'm meeting with my bishop this week to see if I can get started on my mission papers! Its taken a lot to get to this point, but I'm so happy. So happy to be a member of the glorious church and for the opportunity to share it with all I come in contact with on a mission. I can't wait.
Also, my family came into town and loaded up the rest of our things and trekked back up north. We were able to swim, hang out and just have a good time. We were going through a bunch of papers and I found something that I lost a long time ago. "The" List. Its a compilation of dreams, wishes, desires, and random events I want to do before I die. I sat down and created it the summer of '09 with Kristal Kay. It was so great to find and read again. Some of the events included Eating a pickle the size of my shoe, staying the night in a lighthouse, Going to Boston and throwing a tea bag into the harbor, Riding a yak, seeing a mummy, shaking the Prophet's hand, Going to Africa, saving little children, seeing a lion or two, petting a giraffe, and sleeping under the stars on the savanna. I'm excited for the life ahead of me, all that I get to do and the opportunity I have to be the best person I can be. Until then readers, I suggest you pull out your list or make one. There's no excuse to not have an adventure everyday! Go ride a yak! Much love readers!
Sara Bareilles always knows how to express the feelings of my heart, I've found . Her new song on her album "Kaleidoscope Heart" called "Bluebird" is basically how I sum up how I'm feeling at the present moment, not only regarding the obvious allusion to relationships, but to life in general and steps I plan on taking. The boy(and yes, he is very much a boy) that I seriously thought I could have a future with is being a ninny. The timing just wasn't right on either of our accounts and I just need to fly away to let him live the life he wants to. Maybe something will happen when I get back from my mission, but until then I'm going to move on. As for the deeper application, I'm in another transitional period in my life. After a lot of thought, soul searching and realizations, I finally know which direction I need to move toward. But turning on my wings still means goodbye to the love I've found here. I'm going to do it. I just have to keep trying my best, praying, and I need to step back and stop getting in the way. I hate being patient. All I want is for things to just happen, but I'm learning it doesn't quite happen that way. At least not at the present moment. Below is the link (click on the word bluebird in the title) and the lyrics to this beautiful song. Tell me what you think. I'm open for opinions, direction, anything. Keep it real readers.
Word came through in a letter, One of us changing our minds. You won't need to guess who, since I usually do, Not send letters to me that are mine.
Told you I saw this coming, That I'd practically packed up my things. Was glad at the time that I'd said I was fine but, All honesty knows, I wasn't ready, no.
And so here we go bluebird, Back to the sky on your own. Oh let him go bluebird, Ready to fly, You and I, Here we go. Here we go.
This pair of wings worn and rusted, From too many years by my side, They can carry me swear to be, Sturdy and strong but see, Turning them on still means goodbye.
And so here we go bluebird, Gather your strength and rise up. Oh let him go bluebird. Oh let him go bluebird. Oh let him go bluebird. Ready to fly, You and I, Here we go. Here we go...
What a whirlwind week! Monday was my first day of being lawfully unemployed. I was excited just to somewhat relax and help my mom get packed. Well a miracle occurred on Tuesday. I walked into my former place of employment to drop off some keys and walked out with a full time job working 8-5 everyday as an office manager at a business services company. I start at $9.00 an hour and get full benefits. After being elated, I came home and was given a beautiful vase of gorgeous flowers by my dear friend, Terryn. And to make matters even better, I found out that an adorable boy likes me. My job is insane and ridiculous (especially since I HAVE to look cute everyday, My boss who hasn't formally met me has extreme mood swings and kind of has a melt down if things aren't exactly his way, I'm an OFFICE MANAGER, I hang up on people frequently and the copier tries to eat me on occasion.) , I'm moving in less than 14 hours and haven't begun packing yet, and I still haven't been able to register for classes, BUT! Life is going fairly well. I've been so stressed this week that i can barely stand sometimes because I'm so exhausted, but I'm just excited to move in with the Christensen's and have my portion of the move over with. I still am not entirely sure what Heavenly Father wants me to do or why I'm here, I just know that its working out, I'm supposed to be here and it doesn't really matter now. So, we'll just see what happens! I'll keep you posted, readers!
Today I had the privilege of going to institute again. I went with Tasia and Teren to a class about Doctrines of the Gospel taught by Brother King. It was incredible. My soul suddenly became the world's largest sponge and sucked in every word I could. We learned about pre-mortal existence, our divinity,why we are here, trials and things to come, and the responsibility we have to become and remain righteous in these last days . I was able to see and hear things I never ever thought or considered before today. It was incredible. I love to feel the Spirit distill upon my soul. Right now, it feels like a blanket wrapped snuggly around my heart. After class we just sat there because none of us wanted to leave. We were able to register Teren for two institute classes. All of us will go at 11 o'clock every Monday through Thursday, until I leave. Also, we're planning on doing a study group from 9-10 pm on certain nights. Tonight is the first meeting, so we'll decide how many days we'd like to do it. I am just so excited to be immersed in the good things of this world and to be surrounded by such amazing people who inspire me to do so much better. I feel this is exactly what I need to start getting back into the swing of things again, the protection and battle armor I need to do the things that I need to. Today I felt like Martha, sitting at the feet of Christ. Too often, I surround myself with things to keep me busy and get distracted from what is important in this life. So, by surrounding myself by those good things, it'll be easier not to neglect those things and create good habits. Here's hoping! Update: I am obviously still in the United States. We've been having some visa problems, but hopefully they'll be resolved soon and I'll leave immediately upon my receiving it. I'll keep you all informed. Until then, Ciao! and may God be with you.
Don't Panic! I didn't go and hurl myself off a bridge because I didn't think life was worth it anymore. I'm still alive, breathing, in a much healthier mental state than my previous post. After a difficult few days, I was able to talk to my best friend, Christina about all of this mumbo jumbo. I was convinced that I couldn't go to England. After some tears and some realizations, I came to the conclusion that I have plenty of opportunity to be happy. Satan was trying to convince me otherwise. There's a reason why everything has happened the way it has. There are things I'm supposed to do, people I need to meet and lives I need to touch in England and things I need to experience for myself there. Logically, it seems completely idiotic to go to a foreign land for six months, hardly get paid anything and have most of it go toward your ticket home. But this is what I need to do and its what I'm going to do. It feels so good to finally have a direction, have the spirit with me, and the motivation to move forward. Before I was so overwhelmed with all the options, possibilities and trying to decipher what I was supposed to do, I forgot what was right in front of me the whole time. So, today I'm going to a temp agency, talking to past employers and making another appointment for Biolife so I can purchase my ticket. I am so grateful for such incredible friends who love and support me and are helping make this possible, like Christina, Moth-er ( LaDawn), Taz and amazing Italian Sodas, for Kyle and his words of wisdom, my relatives and family. Thank you. Things are looking up. I love you all.
I'm slightly deranged, adorable, verbose, and a lover of people and life. I'm a mad scientist by day, super hero by night. If I had a pet, it would be a purple starfish named Moe. You think this is random? Try reading my blog.
