Progress!

On Tuesday, I went to Disneyland with some friends from the BMB and some other people from other singles wards. We all have annual passes so that was pretty great too. To sum it all up, it was honestly the best Disneyland trip ever. Sorry if this post sounds rant-y and too detailed--keep in mind this is kind of my journal. And I also like to include lots of detail so I remember things and the good times. :)

I really had a great time! We got to Disneyland around 12-ish and immediately hit up the rides. We got fast passes to Thunder Mountain. After, we went on the canoes which is something that I've never done at Disneyland before. That was a lot of fun because you actually had to put in some effort and it was a unique kind of "ride". Then we rode the Winnie the Pooh ride, haha. I love those kid rides that you just sit in a little thing and ride around through a story. After that, it was time to ride Thunder Mountain which is obviously a great ride. We also got to go on the Columbia-the pirate looking ship they have there around the little river in Frontierland. It was a good little rest. We then made our way to Tomorrowland and went to Captain EO. It was way cool! Interesting story line and we were just bumping along to the music in that little theater. So then we met up with the rest of the group, about 5 more people. We tried Space Mountain first but it was closed for a bit! But we hit up other rides like Astro Blasters, the Astro Orbiter, Thunder Mountain again, Haunted Mansion, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Indiana Jones, and the Finding Nemo submarine ride. Space Mountain finally re-opened and we went on that as well. I was bummed that the Matterhorn was closed that day though because I have never been on it before.

Then we headed over to California Adventure. We rode the new Little Mermaid ride, the Silly Symphony Swings, and then finally...California Screamin'. I am not a roller coaster person. I really wish I was but I just am not a thrill seeker like that. But I was definitely open to trying new things especially at Disneyland. I was excited to go on this roller coaster but definitely nervous. So, we get on the ride and I'm sitting there figuring out where to put my backpack when I see Tucker, next to me, weaving his legs and backpack together. I definitely got scared at that point but I just put my backpack safely behind my legs. We started to go and honestly, I loved it. The take off is really fun and I definitely felt like I was going to die 10 times. I also closed my eyes when we got to the loop but I really liked it and I wish we did it again right after! So here is my progress. I am getting over my fears one by one and I am going to take on these roller coasters. I don't want them to hold me back and this trip was definitely a great chance to do so since I went with people who love all the rides. So they were great motivation. After that, we also rode Toy Story Mania (first time) and that was so much fun! I really liked it and it is definitely better than Astro Blasters. We stopped by the Boudin factory to get some free bread too. We also went into the Disney Animation place where they have Turtle Talk with Crush which Tucker, Kaitlyn, Jay, Malinda and I went to; and they also have a place where you can learn how to draw Disney characters, and a place where you can find out which Disney character you are in the Sorcerer's Workshop. That was really cool. I got Cinderella. We also made out way to Ursula's Cavern where all 10 of us did a short karaoke thing and sang The Unbirthday Song. It was pretty crazy. Haha, we also checked out the elecTRONica dancers and that was pretty funny. We also checked it out again later in the night. They also had this guy doing cool stuff with green lasers. Anyways, we also rode the Tower of Terror and that was my first time. I was pretty scared about that but I thought it was fun. I would definitely do it again but I think that one scared me more than the California Screamin'.

After California Adventure, we went back to Disneyland. We rode Pirates of the Caribbean (funny thing-I got really wet on this ride. Don't ask me how. It was pretty weird.), the Tea Cups, Space Mountain again, and finally STAR TOURS! I loved it! There was a long long line all day for that ride which is funny because you wouldn't expect that for a simulator kind of ride. One great thing about riding all of these rides was that we didn't have to wait in the long lines since one of the people we were with had a front of the line pass. It was pretty sweet. The most we probably waited was maybe 20 minutes? Anyways, Star Tours was great. They had someone in the ride be a "spy" chosen at random and pretended that there was something wrong with their seatbelt...and they picked Tucker! It was so funny because they took a picture of him and everything and Darth Vader was after him. It was hilarious.

Short thing about Star Wars--I'm pretty much obsessed. Never watched a single one until just a few months ago in March when I watched it up at school with my FHE brothers. I watched the old ones all up there at school and then the new ones at the end of May. I am sad I missed out on its greatness in the years before but I am kind of glad I got into it now so I can actually appreciate and understand all of the cool parts of the movies. So now, everyone knows me as a nerd which I am perfectly fine with.

Anyways, after all the fun at both theme parks, we finally headed to the buses to get to the parking lot. We parted ways with the other group and were finally on our way back home. We were all pretty hungry so we tried to find somewhere to get food and somewhere that would be open at like, 1:30 in the morning. We finally found a McDonald's which was alright. So we got back to San Diego around 2:40 and I am pretty sure we were all super tired. Luckily we had a good mix CD to listen to in the car on the way there and back as well.

It was a really great trip and I am glad I went and took the day off of work for it. I got to go with some really great people, make new friends, try new rides (and loved them) and just got to enjoy the greatness of Disneyland and California Adventure ( I am glad I live in a state that is so awesome that there is a theme park for it). So this was a "something better" because it was honestly a "better" or maybe the best trip ever to Disneyland! I am definitely looking forward to another trip with these guys again hopefully.

Good Times.

I love journals. I think they are really valuable and well worth the time and effort however, I am not very good at keeping up with one. I would do it, I really would! If only I wasn't so picky and precise with every single, little detail that I would like to include in my entries. This makes journal writing take FOREVER and I am just lazy.

For awhile, I did keep a journal that I wrote in on occasion when I had a good spiritual experience like for example EFY, girl's camp, trek, patriarchal blessing, etc. and with those entries, I wrote a TON. They went on for pages and pages. And then college happened.

When my first semester began, I just wanted to write everything down because it was all so wonderful and spiritual and memorable! I knew there would be no way to do so because there simply would not be time. So to remember those good times during my first taste of college, I just took lots and lots of pictures and kind of became known for that among my friends. Everyone always makes fun of me or always has to point out how many pictures I have on Facebook...haha. It's alright though because I have visual reminders of those good times :)

My second semester was a little better. I just decided to keep a "journal" on a word document on my laptop. I just simply logged in all of the stuff I did each day, even the small and simple stuff like...woke up late, got ready for the day, went to humanities group meeting, ate cereal...stuff like that. I even mentioned that the rice was really salty when I went to a restaurant! Yeah, that much detail. With recording all of the  actions I did each day, I am able to remember the emotions I felt and picture the exact events in my mind just going through all of those motions. I am really glad I recorded it all and kept up with it all semester writing down things for each day until the very end. That way, I am able to remember all of the good times and the bad, learn from my mistakes and achievements, and remember my college experience.

So, two points to this story.

One: I love journal writing and saving memories. I hope to improve on it and record those good times so that I can share stories of my past with my future family and so on. I have an appreciation and love for journals for that is how we receive knowledge of history and events of the past. Most importantly, it is how we got The Book of Mormon. It is pretty much a compiled journal of various people telling of true events. There are so many things to learn from journals. I'm all about saving memories whether it be through pictures, written text, recorded audio/video, it is all great. I especially love watching home videos. It amazes me that I have the ability to see myself and how I was when I was 2.

Two: The other day, I read through my journal of my second semester and loved reminiscing. I had such an amazing first semester, I had doubts that the second one or any other for that matter, could beat it. I have realized that I grew so much during my second semester. Things went fairly well for me. I was at a point where I was comfortable with college, being on my own, familiar with the campus, and used to the flow of classes. My schedule was AMAZING because I had great teachers, interesting subjects and had large blocks of time between classes. I was the Relief Society President for one of the Relief Societies in my ward so I got to know many of the girls that lived around me. That calling was such a blessing to me because it also helped me stretch out of my comfort zone and become more outgoing. I had many interesting experiences throughout the semester that have helped me realize many things about myself and also that I have wonderful friends around me who are loving, caring, supportive, and encouraging. Despite the lack of sunshine, forever snow, wind chill factor, and the freezing cold, Rexburg was very good to me :) Second semester was a great experience and I am glad to have had those memories and the opportunity to learn from them.

So, second semester turned out to be "something better" than fall semester. Don't get me wrong, I loved fall semester. That is when I met my best friends. But winter semester was definitely a time for "me." I learned a lot about myself and that has really helped me mature to much greater lengths.

Oh, the irony...

My job is ironic.

I am a very independent person. I love taking care of myself and being on my own which is why I love college so much. I like when everyone pitches in and helps each other. I like it when people do their share (Barney reference). Yes, I still love service, but it is nice to have people working together to lighten the load. Sometimes I just like doing things for myself and being my own boss.

But I am a nanny. This is the complete opposite. I clean...after other people! And I take care of other peoples needs! It really is a fun job and I do love it because the family is wonderful and the kids are cute as ever. I am just laughing at myself at how ironic my job is. I am not complaining at all though. I am learning new skills as well! I never really knew how to do laundry before college but now for my job, I use my laundry skills everyday. I also have never ever used a dishwasher before. We just never used ours in our home. On the first day of nannying, I learned how to use theirs! Now I am a pro. I love learning new things. Haha.

It is also funny that I have this job because the work that I do is the work that I would have done at home had I been jobless still. Laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, babysitting, cleaning bathrooms...

but I get paid, which is wonderful :) Especially as I'm trying to save up for the upcoming school year!

Funny thing is that when they told me some of their household rules like taking off your shoes and washing your hands when you enter the house...I was like, no problem! I am familiar with that stuff and we do the same at my house! I love washing my hands...a lot, by the way. It is definitely one of my quirks. Sure, it can be tiring at times but I am glad I can look on the bright side, laugh about my ironic job, play with cute kids, and have fun with "something better" than being jobless and poor!

UPDATE: I really do love my job actually. Like, doing the same stuff everyday, every week gets pretty boring but honestly I am learning so much. So far, I have learned that I might possibly not want a boy to be my first child because honestly, I don't know how to take of them. I don't know what they like! I also just want a little mommy's girl first. Haha. But, if I end up having a boy first, I can handle it. This job is teaching me very well on how to care for them and through this, maybe I will learn how to interact with boys better and understand the concept of playing with cars, planes, and trains as opposed to Barbie dolls and pretend house :)

So like I said, I am learning a lot on how to care for children. This is honestly really great practice for becoming a mother. I am doing all the same stuff pretty much, caring for the house, cleaning, helping out with the kids, playing with them, etc.

This is Ryan, the little one-year-old. One out of the two kids I nanny for.

And this is what I do with the little 5 year old Kevin:

Guess which ones I colored and guess which ones he colored. :)

Anyways, it's pretty fun. Today- 6/17, I taught Kevin the principle of being honest...through the game of Candyland. He loves to cheat and I've let it slide before but this time I got a little fed up and taught him a pretty great lesson. I also taught him a bit of ASL and the life of butterflies (they bought a couple of caterpillars and three of them came out of their cocoons today).

Arthur, the little kids show, is also on my mind constantly. As well as The Backyardigans. Good thing they are pretty fun kids shows. One thing that kind of bugs me though is some of the stuff that is taught in Arthur. DW is a total brat and is not a very good example to kids who watch the show! Just saying. It's cute though nonetheless and the theme song is catchy.

Fears.

I have fears. A list of my top 5 fears, actually. Ask any of my friends. It is something I inform them of all the time. They seem ridiculous, I know. But I am really scared of them! I have learned to embrace them and I actually really like them. They're like my little pet fears. I am trying to get over them however but I will refuse to give up number one. It is impossible for me. I do appreciate the people in my life who have helped me get over some of them or at least attempt to. So here is the list:

1. Static/getting shocked
2. Balloons popping
3. Being shot at by nerf guns, rubberbands, hair ties, etc.
4. Slipping on ice/Rollercoasters/Mayonnaise (This one has changed many times.)
5. Spiders

I know, I know. Stop laughing. I love my fears. They make me, me.
And maybe one day, I will find "something better" or reasonable to be afraid of...or maybe I will just get over them, eventually :)

Food Palate.

I am so grateful for being older and becoming an adult. Yes, there are many added responsibilities and expectations but there are so many privileges obtained, maturity, and knowledge as well that are just as important and really help me appreciate life a little bit more.

One thing that I have clearly noticed is that my food palate has grown so much. I am open to trying so many new foods and cuisines and I love it. I was a pretty picky eater ever since I was young. I mean, I am still hesitant to some things now but I am now more willing to try things that I have never before. It is so great to not be scared to eat certain things. If that makes sense. I hated seafood when I was younger but now, I love it! I am a big fan of salmon, cod, tilapia, halibut, shrimp, and crab. I would have never eaten these things 2 years ago. I also love Thai and Indian food. And I just love food in general so now, I have more options. I am hoping to try more new things as this summer goes on and maybe even cook them myself. Then, I can go back college in the fall with new skills and recipes.

So, I am just really grateful that my taste buds have grown and developed and are now open to many new kinds of food. It's nice to not be limited and have the opportunity to try "something better" and new.

Letters!

Why have we forgotten about the postal service? It is a wonderful thing! Really! There is nothing better than getting the mail and seeing letters addressed to you. Am I right? Maybe not when those things are bills ;) but I have yet to experience that! Who doesn't love a magazine, a wedding announcement, a thank you letter, a birthday card, or even junk mail addressed to you?! I have really come to appreciate the postal service, especially at this age when so many of my friends are on missions and it is the only means of communicating with them.

I mention the greatness of letters because this week has been full of them. I got 4 letters in the mail   this week! FOUR! And I got an email from my brother on Wednesday so technically I can count five :) Definitely made my day. They were all so interesting too! One on Thursday was from Elder Rupp and he typed up the letter on an electric typewriter. Definitely unique. The next one was on Friday from Elder Pottle. He sent his letter in a strange envelope with a puppy on the front and back...but here's the weird part: It was the Carlsbad Mission's envelopes! I was like...why?? Oh and he also had to write his letter on a post-it note! Apparently it was all that he had on him. Haha. Mm...here are some pictures:

Love the ending!

Alright. The next two came in the mail today and they were from Elder Rainbolt and Elder Eyre who are both still in the MTC. Elder Rainbolt's was on purple paper so that was pretty unique. Nothing was too uncommon in Elder Eyre's letter except I think he asked more questions to me than I did to him!

So the point of this whole story is is that getting letters is awesome and getting letters from missionary friends is even better. Not just because they are unique sometimes, but because they are all out having wonderful experiences teaching the gospel in different parts of the world whether it be California, New York, Africa or the Philippines.

So this was my "something better" for this week. I just started my full-time nanny job and was already getting worn out, but I can always look forward to getting letters in the mail and these four really brightened me up. And each time they will come in the future, the letters will only get better as these great missionaries grow and develop in their knowledge and experiences with the gospel and teaching it to others.

This is new.

I have never blogged before but have always wanted to.

Well, I finally got around to it and have decided that my life is possibly interesting enough to blog about. I don't know how well this will go, but I hope I will enjoy it.

And I hope that someday I will be one of those cute blogging moms...so this can be practice. :)

Photograph by Will Kesler. One of my amazing BYU-I friends.