Late Nights and Early Parades....

I feel sort of silly since I just updated this blog a few days ago, but...well... im gonna write anyway :)

This week flew by! I think it's because I have a job! :) My roommate Maddy was sick this week (we have the same job) so I was able to cover for her. This allowed me to get more practice at being a receptionist and understand what I am supposed to do a little better.

On Wednesday, my ward had a ward temple trip. It was magnificent! I had never been to the Logan temple before (one of the oldest temples that looks like a castle). Its always exciting to go to a new temple for the first time. Afterward my ward ate in a room downstairs. The Logan temple has a cafeteria. (Mind Blown!) I didn't even know temples did that! According to my mom, D.C. and Chicago have cafeterias too, but Ive never eaten at them... SO yeah...that was a cool experience.

On Friday, my friend Jessica invited me over for a girls night. We were going to watch a chick flick but ended up talking the whole time. I loved it! Its so nice to be around people that have the same values and tastes that you do. We talked about furniture, relationships, and the gospel. And about other things too...just like random stuff like chocolate milk...it was fun :)

On Saturday after cleaning the church building, Jessica and I walked up to main street to watch the homecoming parade for Utah State. Can I just say again how much I love parades!!! This one was a bit bigger than the one last week (and had less candy) but was equally as entertaining. :) It got me excited for the homecoming game. I went and bought a white shirt and everything.

 Yay Institute....Oh Utah! :)

 Jessica and I

My new white shirt that I bought for the game

Tina, from my ward, had invited me to go to the homecoming game with her. At first I wasn't going to go because I had earlier decided to go to the General Relief Society broadcast in Salt Lake, but after some consideration...and talking to my mom...I realized that this would be an experience I wouldnt want to miss...and I could always watch the conference later...which i did.

And am I glad that I went to the game! SO. Much. Fun. and we (Utah State) won, which made it even better! The crowd was all dressed in white (for the white out) and we had really great seats! Then afterward we went out to eat at Firehouse (a delicious restaurant in Logan that you HAVE to try at least once )

 Waiting in line to get into the stadium

 They passed out white gloves because it makes the clapping sound louder...usually the gloves are blue...but they were white for the "white out"

 Tina and I :)

This is the view from our seats...and all the white shirts :)

Random Fact: Every School I have been to have had the same school colors....Blue and White....I guess i really do bleed blue :)

Today (Sunday) was great. I listened to the General Relief Society Conference....which was just amazing and then church here is always wonderful! Here is the link to the relief society conference if you haven't watched it yet...i highly recommend watching it! http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/archive/general-relief-society-meeting/2012/09?lang=eng

After church I went to my landlords for dinner and they gave Maddy and I homemade apple cider....which is delicious!!!! yum!

 Thumbs up for Homemade Apple Cider

Yum. :)

In other news, the weather is starting to get pretty chilly at night and in the mornings, but its warm during the day. I finally broke down and bought myself a  comforter to keep me warm at night. I had been using pretty thin blankets before...  

I am attaching a picture or two for all those who care enough to see my great taste in my choice of blankets ;) It really adds color to my room which i like because...lets face it....i'm too poor to decorate...so this works :)

I just want to thank my parents for sending me my camera (that i so carelessly left in Ohio *sigh*) so I can finally take my own pictures....Thanks mom and dad! Love you!



The trees are changing. My life is too. Change is beautiful.

So lets see..where to start...
Oh yeah! last Monday :) Ok, so in my last post I told you how I had an interview. I woke up early and went to the interview for the housekeeping position. The interview went really well. The people who interviewed me were great. However I still wasn't 100% sure that i was going to get the job, so I continued searching for jobs.

Later that day, my friend Skye and I went on a nature walk. The trees are absolutely gorgeous. Fall is in the air and I love it! I was kind of nervous about what a nature walk meant to her...I mean she IS from Utah....I was afraid it was going to be a super vigorous hike so I made sure to dress down and bring water. Fortunately, Skye is like me and enjoys a less intense form of exercise...the kind you can enjoy :)

On monday night, I went to my first FHE with my actual FHE group. We went SHOOTING!!! Oh yeah. Thats right! And I actually shot a target...not a moving target but hey! I have only been shooting once before and that was almost 2 years ago, so I was pretty nervous. Especially since almost everyone else was like super experienced....but I had fun. To be honest, my favorite part was actually watching the others...especially when they brought out the pumpkins :)

Unfortunately, I do this whole shut down thing when I get into big groups and I dont know very many people...I just listen instead of joining in the conversation...I think I get that from my dad....love ya dad! So when I went home I decided to MAKE myself get over that and actually talk to people. Yay for goals!

On tuesday morning I got called in for an interview at a local paint place to be the receptionist. This was actually the kind of job that I had been looking for, but I felt super anxious the whole time before, during, and after the interview. I was almost relieved when they called to tell me that I didn't get the job...weird right?

On wednesday, I got a call telling me that I didn't get the housekeeping position. I was really bummed. And to top it of i took 3 tests that day and I didn't do the greatest...not bad...just not the greatest. And if any of you know me, you know I take my grades WAY to seriously.... Luckily that night I had zumba class and that made me feel better :)

So basically all day thursday and friday I spent the day applying for jobs. Online AND in person. I  cant even count how many places I applied for. I remember one place was a maternity store in the mall...that one made me laugh...seeing as I've never been pregnant :)

I hate to admit it, but i started to doubt that I would find a job...just a teensy little bit. Then I would remind myself of all the blessings I have received since I moved here and I knew that the Lord would provide me with a job, I just had to put in the action of finding it.... job searching is HARD!

On friday night I spent the night alone...studying...and applying for jobs. I felt so pathetic. I prayed that I would make friends that would actually invite me to do something before I went crazy...

On saturday morning I went to the church to clean the building( my calling :)) with a few others from the ward. One of the girls, Jessica, invited me to go to the Apple Festival in River Heights later that day. It was nice to have a reminder that the Lord hadn't forgotten me...He is STILL listening!

The Apple Festival was so fun! It reminded me of my hometown...Brookville. There was a parade ( I love parades!) and they threw out a TON of candy. I felt like a little kid reaching for the candy on the sidewalk. :) They also have a jump rope team and the kids did a routine in the parade. That was impressive. Katrina could have done that.... she had jump rope skills once....

At the festival, they had people performing on a stage in the park. There was this group of girls about 6 and 7 years old singing "I believe there are angels among us" and they weren't just singing, they were also using sign language!!!! I geeked out. Katrina and I won a county talent show when we were like 10 or ll or something doing that exact. same. thing!!!!  I kind of wanted to run up on stage and join them. But that would be weird...a little bit :)

After the festival, Megan ( a girl from my ward) and I went in search of white handkerchiefs for the Brigham City Temple Dedication the next day...that was a small adventure. We finally found some and we were JUST in time because we got the last small pack. yay for tender mercies. That night as I flipped open my scripture, I read 1 Kings chapters 5 and 6 which talked about Solomon building the temple...I thought that was kinda cool since I was about to go to a temple dedication the next day...

On sunday, I went to the temple dedication and the spirit was wonderful. You had to have a current temple recommend to get in the building because the church building had become an extension of the temple. Elder Nelson and Elder Packer talked and Elder Perry gave the dedicatory prayer. I just love those men....it made me so excited that General Conference is just around the corner :)

The Brigham City Temple

Later that night I went to ward prayer. Did i ever tell you that I have an awesome ward? Because I do. I wasn't shy this time. I actually went up and talked to people and had a wonderful time! Two boys wrote an improv song for me (based of the avatar charachter Katara)  and sang it to me. The first part was romantic and about water bending...the second part was about blood bending....oh boys!

Katara the Character

Yesterday, on monday, as I was getting ready for the day, I got a call form The Riverwoods conference center http://www.theriverwoods.com/  (where i applied to be a housekeeper). They had a job opening for a receptionist. It's super part time...but i accepted it! I started immediately...15 minutes later I was sitting behind the desk being trained by one of the other receptionist. The people I work with are such nice people.Tthey are all willing to help me if I have ANY questions, and I get FREE hot chocolate :). So far I basically just wait to answer calls, make appointments, receive deliveries, and help those who walk in. Oh and my favorite job is getting on pinterest...seriously....I get on pinterest for the conference center. It's a very good marketing tool :) I may also get a job being a banquet server there too, but that is all up in the air at the moment.

Last night I went to FHE at my bishoprics house. We played the "Never have I ever" game...which is such a good get to know you game. A few of us went down to the basement and played rock band...Oh rock band! It had been a while. I forgot how much fun it was....so many good memories! ;)

So moral of this post...don't give up. ACT and pray and you will be blessed! The Lord hasn't forgotten you! :)

It's providential...

Last week I went to visit Katrina, Casey and Carson in Rexburg. Oh Rexburg! I really do love that place! It was wonderful to be able to spend time with family and friends. I got to see my friend Patrick a few times and I went to visit my old roommate Alysia. She just got off her mission recently and I hadn't seen her in 2 years. It was so nice to catch up with her. I was just amazed by the way she was able to be the "same old Alysia" but still seem more mature. Missions are an amazing thing...

When I got home on Saturday night, I went to my landlord's (John and Debi Booth) home to pay my rent. I ended up staying there for over an hour just talking to the both of them. I expressed my concerns with finding a job because I had been applying to places but never heard anything back from any of them. John told me to go to his hotel on monday and see what positions they had open and to apply. So I did! I woke up early on monday morning and asked what jobs were available. I was sort of hoping to be a server in one of the restaurants but they didn't have any openings at the time, but they did have an opening for a housekeeper for the conference center inside the hotel. So I applied for that. :) Beggars cant be choosers right? Plus, I know how to clean...ask my mom. :)

So far applying for jobs hasn't been too difficult. I just tell what experience I've had in the past, write down a couple of references and pray that they get back to me....but this time was different. There were two questions on the application that gave me a little trouble. The first was "What days do you want to work" and the second was "If we need you to work weekends, what days are you willing to work". All I had to do was check the boxes...but when it came to the "weekends" box, I struggled. I thought of how my landlord had told me to apply for the position. He was Mormon. But would he understand if I said I couldn't work on Sundays. I think he would...but at the same time...i'm sure he needs someone that WILL work on sundays. I knew the best way to ensure I got the job, or at least an interview would be to say that I would be willing to work weekends. But here's the thing...I don't want to work sundays... ever.
After several minutes of contemplating what to do, I decided to stick to my standards. I checked the box but wrote underneath "NOT ON SUNDAYS". I left the hotel feeling a little foolish, I kept thinking about how I wasn't in the position to act picky .I'm sort of desperate for a job. But at the same time I felt good about standing for what I believed in.

It's funny how when you are put into positions  like that, it's so easy to question yourself. If you had asked me any other time if I would work on sundays I would say "absolutely not. Thats why I picked a field where I could chose when I get to work." So later that night, I flipped open my scriptures and read D&C 64: 33 and 34

33 Wherefore, be not ^aweary in ^bwell-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of ^csmall things proceedeth that which is great.

34 Behold, the Lord ^arequireth the ^bheart and a ^cwilling mind; and the willing and ^dobedient shall ^eeat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.

Reading those versus was what I needed. I knew that what I did was right. That keeping the sabbath day holy has always been and will always be important to me. If I dont get the job, oh well. I am confident that the Lord will provide me with a different one, a job where I wont have to work on sundays. :)

On monday night I also went to my first FHE here in Providence. I had been praying daily to make friends here and had been struggling a little with it. It's always so much easier talking to the girls in the ward, but just walking up to a group of guys and introducing myself...well...that's difficult. So you can imagine my surprise when I got to the building when I found out that not only was it a combined FHE with the whole ward...we were going to speed date. This was the PERFECT opportunity for me to introduce myself and get to know the guys in my ward. It's times like these that I am so aware that the Lord hears my prayers.

So my stake president, President Waterson is the owner of ICON, the leading manufacturer and marketer for Health and Fitness in the world...cool huh (especially since I got my bachelors in Health Science). Anyway he thinks it is very important that the relief society has a wellness program...so he made one...it's called "Fit for the Kingdom". On wednesday I went to the opening and did ZUMBA. So Fun. We even danced to the "Im coming after you" song by owl city. I thought Mary and Katrina would appreciate that, I know I did. :) So basically the Fit for the Kingdom has workout classes held at the church building for the relief society...every day. Monday at 6 a.m. is yoga., tuesday and thursday night are curcuit classes, and wednesday night rotates between Zumba and Jump rope. I cant tell you how happy this makes me.

On thursday, I decided to explore Providence a little. I went in search for a library...and I found one....
It is the smallest library I have ever been in. Like half the size of Brookville's small library. I was a little disappointed, but then I got over that quickly. A small library is better than no library :) I continued to walk around main street and I came upon a monument for the town. It originally had a different name, but then was renamed Providence. I went home and looked up the word "Providence" It means that God cares and gives guidance over the people. UM...that basically explains my life at the moment. The Lord has lead me here...and he constantly shows how much he cares for me... its providential! I laughed when I realized this.

Later on thursday, I went to Institute for the first time. I'm not completely certain what my schedule is like (considering the fact that I'm looking for a job) so i haven't registered for a class yet...but I decided to just sit in on one and hope that they wouldn't kick me out. I'm really glad I went. Not only did I feel the spirit when we talked about Christ and how he is STILL multiplying the fish and bread (missionary work), but I learned about the institute activity that was supposed to happen the next day.

On Friday, I mustered up all my courage and went to the institute activity (by myself) in hopes that I would make friends. I have never felt like such a baby when it comes to making friends., but for some reason I find it really hard. The activity was canoeing at First Dam, and since I love to Canoe, that kind of pushed me to go. The whole drive there I prayed that I would make at least one friend so that I wouldn't feel out of place. And of course, the first person I talk to ( Nikita) just happens to be the cousin of a girl (Reena) that went to my singles branch in Ohio.  I dont think that was a coincidence.... :) I feel like since Ive been in Logan, the Lord keeps putting people  along my path that helps make me feel comfortable and welcome here.

 Yay for Institute...we are waiting for a canoe :)

Me, Janice, and Nikita :)

Yesterday I went to the adult session for my stake conference. The spirit was SO strong. I just love stake conference!!!! The message was mostly about missionary work. The thing that I was most impressed about was something my stake president said " you don't need an airplane ticket to be a missionary". I can be a missionary now...where I am...just by being an example with the way I live. Also, one of the speakers mentioned having an optimistic activity. We should say everyday "this is going to be the best day of my life".

Afterward, I went out with a group of people from my ward to eat. It was my first real social activity since i've been here...i'm making progress :)

Today I had stake conference in the Logan tabernacle. It is a gorgeous old building. I feel so blessed to be able to have such an opportunity! The spirit was again so strong...

So far living here has been an adventure...a happy, slightly difficult, but rewarding adventure. I'm meeting new people and slowly figuring out the grid system. :) My classes are going well. I actually enjoy them! Oh and I have an interview for that housekeeping position tomorrow...so we shall see what happens.   The truth is i'm excited....because today is going to be the best day of my life! ;)

And so it begins....

I made this blog about two years ago (thanks to my sister Katrina's insistence), and I just never felt motivated to actually use it. But times are changing...I am changing. I feel like my life just opened a whole new chapter, and I want to share that chapter with the world. I've never been good at sending weekly emails, or writing every thing I do on Facebook, so here it is. Here is the update of what is going on in my life. Here is the beginning of the newest chapter of my life. My Once Upon A Time...

OK. I admit. I've always been a sucker for fairy tales. My whole life really. I'm a reader. I LOVE books. I love the adventures, the mysteries, the characters that are unfolded within the pages. But most of all, I enjoy the happy endings. The happily ever afters. :) Not that my life is a fairy tale or anything...

So about a month or so ago, I decided that it was time for me to step out of my comfort zone. I remembered a talk given my Sister Dalton. She talked about how God didn't mean for people to have comfort zones and that when they stepped out of them, they were rewarded. Sounds easy enough right? I was scared out of my mind! 3 weeks later I packed up my car and drove to Logan Utah. I had no job lined up, no friends in the area, and no place to live. But after prayer and fasting, I just knew that this what what I was supposed to do. Don't get me wrong, I was constantly doubting myself. I was leaving my home. I kept thinking about how I could just stay in Ohio, live at home for free, find a job and continue taking my classes online. That would be the EASY thing to do. But I took a leap of faith and stepped completely into the dark.
There were a few obstacles along the way... my air conditioning in my car broke in Missouri and I thought my car was having other problems, and I still had a 16 hour drive ahead of me. yikes! (But with prayer and the support and comfort of good friends (Jamie and Malachi Sanders ;) ) I continued on my journey.

As I said I showed up to Logan with NO PLAN, but everything just started falling into place. I first went on campus to get my books for my classes and to get my student ID card, then within 2 hours I found a place to live. I have the nicest landlords...probably ever..and maybe even a potential job. I'm living in a condo in Providence Utah and I LOVE it. I have my own room, only one roommate at the moment (we are looking for a third girl), and PLENTY of space. The condo is fully furnished except for the bedrooms. Everything else was provided. AND I only pay $250 a month (including utilities)!!!! I live like 2 minutes from Logan and only 2 hours from Provo and 2.5 hours from Rexburg.

Like I said earlier, I have the sweetest Landlords. When I showed up to Logan, they offered to let me stay at their house for a few nights if I decided that I didn't want to live in the condo that I live in now. I of course decided to stay in the condo, and instantly signed a contract. My landlords noticed that I drove from Ohio and that I didn't have a bed or dresser, so they took me shopping and bought me both! A brand new dresser and bed with a headboard and everything! Yeah, my first day in Logan and I met real life angels...no big deal. :) Not only that, the husband took my car to a shop where he knew the owner so I could get a discount when they replaced my air conditioning belt and had my car inspected for other problems. My landlords also own a Marriott hotel and two upscale restaurants in Logan and they offered me a serving position in one of their restaurants (if i couldn't find anything else). I keep asking myself... is this real life? How can I be so blessed and have such wonderful people put into my life at a time when I was the most alone I think I've ever been?

There is just something about Logan. The view is to die for. And even though its big, it isn't crowded with too many people. I feel at home here. I get excited pretty much everyday because I feel like this change in my life is for the better. I have this feeling that so many more adventures are going to happen. That my life just made a critical turning point. I'm excited for the new people I will meet and  for the classes I am going to take. Yes, I like to read AND I like school. Strange, I know...but that's me. I like to learn.

Ok so here are some other highlights since I left Ohio...
-Seeing baby Chloe in Missouri and getting free frozen yogurt with Jamie and Malachi Sanders
- Being able to stay the night at Mary and Colton's place in provo...i sure missed them!
- Meeting my new roommate Maddy Booth (the daughter of my landlords)
-Visiting Rexburg again!!!
-Having Katrina, Casey and Carson visit me in Logan
-Getting Internet on wednesday...before that I had to do my homework at McDonalds or this Bagel place in Logan that had free wifi
-Having Sunday dinner with my roommate and her parents
- Meeting my new Bishop ( he is such a happy guy)
-Going to the Stake Activity and actually knowing 2 people there (from BYUI)
- Going to a Crepe party with Noelle Rust (an old roommate from BYUI) and playing cards and meeting new people

Ok so...now for the tour of my new place :)

The front entrance...the guest bathroom is the door on the left and the door next to it is the coat closet

The living room...

The Kitchen

The "Harry Potter Suite" The cupboard underneath the stairs

Now traveling upstairs....

 Tada! My room

 My closet...the most closet space i have had...ever...

 The bathroom

 The laundry room