Last night I watched a YSA broadcast by Brother Christofferson.... which was AMAZING. I will admit, sometimes, (I might even say MOST times) I am a little bored during YSA broadcasts, but this one not only had my attention, it had so many of those "WHOA!" moments! Brother Christofferson was talking about the importance of living for TODAY, even though making future plans is also important. I don't think I had heard anyone talk directly about this before, and at first I was kinda skeptical, but it was truly an amazing message.
One of my favourite parts was when he spoke about his Mom having cancer when she was young and going through something like 16 rounds of rigorous chemo, which was really hard for her. When she was really struggling, she said to her Mother, "I don't think I can do 16 more of these treatments!" to which her Mother replied, "Well can you go today?"
"Yes."
"Well that's all you need to do for now."
Such a simple story, but so powerful to me ! What an amazing message! GAH I just loved it, (and definetly haven't done it justice... here's a link to the video!
http://lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/unto-all-the-world/elder-christofferson-addresses-young-adults?lang=eng)
So as he neared the end of his address, Brother Christofferson spoke about how even our smallest efforts to be more Christ-like are good, and that Heavenly Father appreciated EVERY good thing, no matter how small. We hear this all the time, but it really hit me last night... I think because I am the kind of person who is never REALLY content with life or myself; there is always something I am working on, or some way I am trying to become better and improve myself, and when things don't go perfectly I get discouraged, but this message really helped me to realize that EVERY time I succeed even in a little way (!!) I am a little bit closer to being like my Heavenly Father, and he is pleased with my efforts!
He went on to encourage us to, "when we lay down in our beds at night, look back on the successes and failures of the day"... so that is what I've decided to do.. maybe a little late to be an official New Years resolution, but I'm gonna call it that anyway.
(Sidenote: I've kinda rushed though this, cause it was just eating me up inside because I knew I should write it, so I apologize if I don't make much sense, but I need to get to sleep tonight... tomorrow is my first day of practicum! I'll let you know how it goes!)
January 11, 2010
Successes:
Got to school on time and safely (despite yucky weather).
Made an effort to have SINCERE morning and evening prayers.
Read my scriptures.
Worked on my church calling.
Started this resolution!
PS. I finally chopped all my hair off, (notice the impression picture from my last post... one of these days I'll get around to posting the before and after pictures, promise!)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
So here's a kinda annoying thing...
when you fall asleep on the couch in the last afternoon (and here's a sidenote: why the heck does falling asleep on the couch always seem easier and more comfortable than falling asleep in your bed?) and then get up to go somewhere, and then you get there and realize that the thing you were s'pose to go to is cancelled and no one bothered to tell you. That's pretty annoying.
The first day back at school was great. We jumped right back into the swing of things, and I'm glad to be rid of the Pre-First-Day-of-School-Jitters. Unfortunately there were a few girls in the program who didn't return this semester for various reasons, one of whom was a great friend of mine, and it's just not the same without her.
Another unfortunate thing... there was a fiasco with my schedule while I was away for Christmas, and somehow I got put into the section that meets on Fridays (which is horribly ridiculous since it means another day I have to commute to Victoria for only three hours of clinic) but we had our first class as a section today, and I think it's gonna be good. Although I am no longer partnered with the girls I've gotten to really get to know, I'm glad that I will have the opportunity to get to know new people, and perhaps be a leader in our group.
Here is something I learned to do today:
when you fall asleep on the couch in the last afternoon (and here's a sidenote: why the heck does falling asleep on the couch always seem easier and more comfortable than falling asleep in your bed?) and then get up to go somewhere, and then you get there and realize that the thing you were s'pose to go to is cancelled and no one bothered to tell you. That's pretty annoying.
The first day back at school was great. We jumped right back into the swing of things, and I'm glad to be rid of the Pre-First-Day-of-School-Jitters. Unfortunately there were a few girls in the program who didn't return this semester for various reasons, one of whom was a great friend of mine, and it's just not the same without her.
Another unfortunate thing... there was a fiasco with my schedule while I was away for Christmas, and somehow I got put into the section that meets on Fridays (which is horribly ridiculous since it means another day I have to commute to Victoria for only three hours of clinic) but we had our first class as a section today, and I think it's gonna be good. Although I am no longer partnered with the girls I've gotten to really get to know, I'm glad that I will have the opportunity to get to know new people, and perhaps be a leader in our group.
Here is something I learned to do today:
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Happy Christmas !
First of all ... Aidan Knight.. I think THIS SONG (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb8rsSARUX4) describes the last week of my Christmas adventure.
This year we went to Disneyland for Christmas, which was super fun. California had the most rain EVER in the 4 days we were there, which ended up being not such a bad thing because there were way shorter line-ups for rides ! It was really good to meet up with my Aunty Rachel and her family and spend time with them as well. I did; however, decide that my next trip to Disneyland will be with friends.. (preferrably friends who will join me in sleeping until 10). There were a few hours where my Dad and I got separated from the group, which turned out to be one of my favourite times: he and I rode a bunch of "big kid" rides together, including a few that I would probably never have ridden on if not for his persuasion haha. One in particular called "The Hollywood Hotel Tower of Terror" which is basically a real hotel made to look really ancient and abandoned, and then for the ride you are strapped into these giant "elevator" cars and brought up 12 stories and then dropped - the only thing I can really remember is being more CLENCHED than I ever thought a person could be. My Dad laughed so hard at me in our picture; you could hardly see me cause I was squeezed down into the seat clenching his arm so tight, hahaha.
Our next stop was Syracuse, Utah where my Aunty Rach lives. We arrived there on Christmas Eve, and were there a little longer than we had expected due to horrible weather. (Utah is crazy, one minute it's sunny and clear, and two hours later there's a foot of snow outside!) It was good to have a break from all the travelling and excitement, and just relax all together as a family. We all had a lot of fun together, and we made sure to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" on Christmas Eve (which to my HUGE enjoyment, has I think replaced "A Christmas Carol" as our Christmas Eve family movie tradition.) I really liked spending time with Bailey and Mik (my Aunty Rachel's oldest) watching funny movies and goofing around. It's fun to have a sibling and cousins who are getting to an age where they can appreciate "Grown up" stuff too. We even got to go "sledding" (which in their neighbourhood means that you sit on a round sled and get pulled behing my uncle Logan's old yellow truck hahaha. I have the BIGGEST bruise ever from getting a little too close to the curb...)
Finally we got home (to my parents house in Mission) on Saturday night, and went to church in their ward which, which I left early so that I could go to my friend's ward (in the same building) which was the best ever. It had been almost 6 months since I'd seen my best friend, so it was GREAT to get to see him !!
Then on Monday morning, Grams and I left my parents house, and in a turn of events, I ended up staying at Nolan's house in Abootsford for the next week.
It. Was. Awesome. I love Nolan so much and it was SOO good to get to spend some time just hanging out with him... which leads me to the next big thing....
Nolan.
We have kind of a funny story.. I met Kelsie Murray begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting at Christmas of 2007 while my family was preparing to move to Mission and she happened to be friends with a lot of the youth from Abbotsford and was super excited to fill me in on everyone and hook me up with tons of new friends. She had met Nolan and his brothers at EFY and was good friends with them and so she had us talking before we ever even met.
In the past 3ish years we've become really close, especially Nolan and I. Since moving away from home, we've both made trips to visit each other, and driven a couple of road trips together, and I always underestimate how much laughter there will be when the two of us meet up, hahaha. We call at least 3 or 4 times a week, and always end up talking way too long and staying up way too late. We are just the best of friends. But lately, as much as I am afraid and maybe even embarrassed to admit(?) I think perhaps I am starting to have feelings.
I should explain too... that the Murley boys have a reputation in the Abbotsford stake, of being super good looking, and cool and fun and basically just the best. Everyone knows and loves them, and so when I met them I already expected them to be awesome, and they were, but I got to know them, and loved them for the fun we had together rather than just for being good looking and cool. But now it's kinda .... I guess now that we ARE so close, I am kinda starting to notice how good looking Nolan is again.. does that makes any sense at all? I am afraid to do or say anything that would jeopardize our friendship (cause I really, truly don't know what I'd do without him; he's been the one I go to through a lot of things the past few years), but I'm also afraid of letting him pass me by. I think we'll just have to wait and see what happens, but I sure do like him.
Christmas was great, as it always is. I've come to the solid conclusion though, that there really is no beating Christmas at home, surrounded by family.
I've also come to an understanding of what Grams meant when she always said how good it is to come home. Being away for more than three weeks was tough, and my OWN BED couldn't have been more welcoming last night.
It's back to school tomorrow - this semester will be challenging, but I have a feeling it will go by quickly, and I plan to make the most of it. I can't wait to be registered, but I know I will miss school as well. And I've been seriously thinking about moving away once I finish. I think it's something that I need to do, and the most time passes, the more I realize that there is a lot more for me out there than what's available here (even though it will always be my home and I know I would miss it terribly!!)
We'll just have to see where life takes me I guess =)
So with that, MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! I hope everyone's holiday seasons were wonderful! And I can't wait to read about them !
Aubrey
This year we went to Disneyland for Christmas, which was super fun. California had the most rain EVER in the 4 days we were there, which ended up being not such a bad thing because there were way shorter line-ups for rides ! It was really good to meet up with my Aunty Rachel and her family and spend time with them as well. I did; however, decide that my next trip to Disneyland will be with friends.. (preferrably friends who will join me in sleeping until 10). There were a few hours where my Dad and I got separated from the group, which turned out to be one of my favourite times: he and I rode a bunch of "big kid" rides together, including a few that I would probably never have ridden on if not for his persuasion haha. One in particular called "The Hollywood Hotel Tower of Terror" which is basically a real hotel made to look really ancient and abandoned, and then for the ride you are strapped into these giant "elevator" cars and brought up 12 stories and then dropped - the only thing I can really remember is being more CLENCHED than I ever thought a person could be. My Dad laughed so hard at me in our picture; you could hardly see me cause I was squeezed down into the seat clenching his arm so tight, hahaha.
Our next stop was Syracuse, Utah where my Aunty Rach lives. We arrived there on Christmas Eve, and were there a little longer than we had expected due to horrible weather. (Utah is crazy, one minute it's sunny and clear, and two hours later there's a foot of snow outside!) It was good to have a break from all the travelling and excitement, and just relax all together as a family. We all had a lot of fun together, and we made sure to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" on Christmas Eve (which to my HUGE enjoyment, has I think replaced "A Christmas Carol" as our Christmas Eve family movie tradition.) I really liked spending time with Bailey and Mik (my Aunty Rachel's oldest) watching funny movies and goofing around. It's fun to have a sibling and cousins who are getting to an age where they can appreciate "Grown up" stuff too. We even got to go "sledding" (which in their neighbourhood means that you sit on a round sled and get pulled behing my uncle Logan's old yellow truck hahaha. I have the BIGGEST bruise ever from getting a little too close to the curb...)
Finally we got home (to my parents house in Mission) on Saturday night, and went to church in their ward which, which I left early so that I could go to my friend's ward (in the same building) which was the best ever. It had been almost 6 months since I'd seen my best friend, so it was GREAT to get to see him !!
Then on Monday morning, Grams and I left my parents house, and in a turn of events, I ended up staying at Nolan's house in Abootsford for the next week.
It. Was. Awesome. I love Nolan so much and it was SOO good to get to spend some time just hanging out with him... which leads me to the next big thing....
Nolan.
We have kind of a funny story.. I met Kelsie Murray begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting at Christmas of 2007 while my family was preparing to move to Mission and she happened to be friends with a lot of the youth from Abbotsford and was super excited to fill me in on everyone and hook me up with tons of new friends. She had met Nolan and his brothers at EFY and was good friends with them and so she had us talking before we ever even met.
In the past 3ish years we've become really close, especially Nolan and I. Since moving away from home, we've both made trips to visit each other, and driven a couple of road trips together, and I always underestimate how much laughter there will be when the two of us meet up, hahaha. We call at least 3 or 4 times a week, and always end up talking way too long and staying up way too late. We are just the best of friends. But lately, as much as I am afraid and maybe even embarrassed to admit(?) I think perhaps I am starting to have feelings.
I should explain too... that the Murley boys have a reputation in the Abbotsford stake, of being super good looking, and cool and fun and basically just the best. Everyone knows and loves them, and so when I met them I already expected them to be awesome, and they were, but I got to know them, and loved them for the fun we had together rather than just for being good looking and cool. But now it's kinda .... I guess now that we ARE so close, I am kinda starting to notice how good looking Nolan is again.. does that makes any sense at all? I am afraid to do or say anything that would jeopardize our friendship (cause I really, truly don't know what I'd do without him; he's been the one I go to through a lot of things the past few years), but I'm also afraid of letting him pass me by. I think we'll just have to wait and see what happens, but I sure do like him.
Christmas was great, as it always is. I've come to the solid conclusion though, that there really is no beating Christmas at home, surrounded by family.
I've also come to an understanding of what Grams meant when she always said how good it is to come home. Being away for more than three weeks was tough, and my OWN BED couldn't have been more welcoming last night.
It's back to school tomorrow - this semester will be challenging, but I have a feeling it will go by quickly, and I plan to make the most of it. I can't wait to be registered, but I know I will miss school as well. And I've been seriously thinking about moving away once I finish. I think it's something that I need to do, and the most time passes, the more I realize that there is a lot more for me out there than what's available here (even though it will always be my home and I know I would miss it terribly!!)
We'll just have to see where life takes me I guess =)
So with that, MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! I hope everyone's holiday seasons were wonderful! And I can't wait to read about them !
Aubrey
Friday, December 10, 2010
Please Please Me
There is a part in one of my favourite movies, where this guy is trying to get a girl to date him, so he gets this really "cool" guy to help him attract her attention.... well the guy is resisting some of the changes he has to make with the excuse that those things "just aren't him," to which the cool guy replies, " 'YOU' is a very fluid concept right now."
I always thought this was funny before, but today I was driving home from school and realized that I am fluid. In my heart, and with a small hand full of people, I am myself and I know who I am... this isn't the problem... I mean that I act differently depending on who I'm with. (And I don't mean I change my actions or lower my values or anything) Basically I change the way I talk and laugh to suit whoever I'm spending time with....
Allow me to use an example to better illustrate this point:
I have a friend, we'll call "K" who talks SUPER fast and she is high energy and super chatty all the time, and she sorta thrives off of speaking over each other and vying for the leader spot..
I also have a friend, "S" who likes to listen to something, think about it, and reply slowly, and she likes to be listened to the same way. She likes to hear what people have to say, but she likes each person to take their turn.
Recently, both of them failed a practical eval we had at school, and both called to talk to me about it that night. With K, we both spoke over each other and laughed and talked and I convinced her not to worry, and that I would help her practice before her re-eval and that we'd work everything out.
When S called, I mostly listened to her talk, and she really just wanted me to tell her what she needed to do to be successful next time, so I talked slowly, and I listened, and I told her what I knew she wanted to hear.
I think "fluid" is the wrong word for what I am. I am still me, I am just a different version of me depending on who I'm with. I think I am just a pleaser.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Sick Day
Today is a sick day. I started feeling a little off on Sunday morning, but I kept thinking that if I could just get a good sleep I would be better, but not today. Today I am staying home from school until later this afternoon (although I have done some homework from bed today) and staying in bed, and sleeping. So you can imagine my delight when I woke up and went to e-mail my school to say I wouldn't be there, to find an e-mail from one of my favourite people! This woman is one of the sweetest, most fun, "cool" people that I've ever met, and I hope I can be like her when I grow up.
One of the reasons for the e-mail was that I have decided to do it - to cut my hair short. It's really not that big a deal, I've had short hair before, but I've been wanting to do it for forEVER, and certain male suitors were against it, so I didn't... well now I'm doing it ! I can't wait. I feel like having short hair represents having more fun, and being more flirty, and sassy, and those things are me!
I just can't wait. I'll be sure to take before and after pictures!
So as much as I hate missing school and leaving behind responsibilities, Hooray for sick days!!
One of the reasons for the e-mail was that I have decided to do it - to cut my hair short. It's really not that big a deal, I've had short hair before, but I've been wanting to do it for forEVER, and certain male suitors were against it, so I didn't... well now I'm doing it ! I can't wait. I feel like having short hair represents having more fun, and being more flirty, and sassy, and those things are me!
I just can't wait. I'll be sure to take before and after pictures!
So as much as I hate missing school and leaving behind responsibilities, Hooray for sick days!!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Four Things
4 shows I watch:
(I am more a movie girl.. but there are shows I have watched in past so I will count those!)
1. Grey's Anatomy (to indulge the little piece of me that will always want to be a surgeon)
2. Gilmore Girls (my mom got me hooked!)
3. Criminal Minds (I LOVE the profiling part of it!)
4. What Not To Wear (What girl wouldn't like this?!)
4 things I am passionate about:
1. My WONDERFUL Family
2. My Schooling
3. Dancing
4. My Values (this one should be at the top of the list)
4 phrases I say a lot:
1. "Here's the thing"
2. "You are the best human"
3. *Laughing* (this totally counts, and I say it A LOT!)
4. "Best thing ever"
4 things I have learned from the past:
1. (I read this comment the other day and though it was very true) "Things change, so don't make plans, make GOALS!"
2. Don't EVER assume you know what a person will be like just by looking at them.
3. Don't rush things, because you'll look back later and wish you had enjoyed them more.. (I'm definitely still working on this one!)
4. Don't ever sacrifice something you believe for the sake of avoiding an awkward situation.
4 places I'd like to go:
1. Venice
2. Great Britain
3. Hawaii; Mexico; just somewhere warm!
4. Australia
4 things I did yesterday:
1. Learned about the digestive system.
2. Spent 2 1/2 hours driving.
3. Stood up for what I believe it, and was recognized for it.
4. Had a shower at night just cause I felt like it.
4 things I am looking forward to:
1. Christmas morning!! (You know that feeling when you wake up and run into the living room and your family is there and everyone is sleepy and in pj's and you just feel more love than you do any other day?)
2. Having a break from school / Finishing my program (in June)
3. Seeing my good friend Nolan again
4. Spending time with my mom
4 things I love about winter:
1. Snow in your hair and having a pink nose. Also mittens.
2. Ice skating.
3. The Nativity Pageant
4. Cozying up with mittens and hot apple cider
4 things on my wish list:
1. Going to Disneyland (check!)
2. A puppy.
3. Spending time with my Mom
4. Hanging out with my siblings, especially Bail.
4 people I tag:
Well I'm not sure who reads this... so I think I'll just pick some people who I really like! Hahaha.
1. Morales Girls!
2. Shelli !
3. Rach Ellis!
4. Kelsey Scott
(I am more a movie girl.. but there are shows I have watched in past so I will count those!)
1. Grey's Anatomy (to indulge the little piece of me that will always want to be a surgeon)
2. Gilmore Girls (my mom got me hooked!)
3. Criminal Minds (I LOVE the profiling part of it!)
4. What Not To Wear (What girl wouldn't like this?!)
4 things I am passionate about:
1. My WONDERFUL Family
2. My Schooling
3. Dancing
4. My Values (this one should be at the top of the list)
4 phrases I say a lot:
1. "Here's the thing"
2. "You are the best human"
3. *Laughing* (this totally counts, and I say it A LOT!)
4. "Best thing ever"
4 things I have learned from the past:
1. (I read this comment the other day and though it was very true) "Things change, so don't make plans, make GOALS!"
2. Don't EVER assume you know what a person will be like just by looking at them.
3. Don't rush things, because you'll look back later and wish you had enjoyed them more.. (I'm definitely still working on this one!)
4. Don't ever sacrifice something you believe for the sake of avoiding an awkward situation.
4 places I'd like to go:
1. Venice
2. Great Britain
3. Hawaii; Mexico; just somewhere warm!
4. Australia
4 things I did yesterday:
1. Learned about the digestive system.
2. Spent 2 1/2 hours driving.
3. Stood up for what I believe it, and was recognized for it.
4. Had a shower at night just cause I felt like it.
4 things I am looking forward to:
1. Christmas morning!! (You know that feeling when you wake up and run into the living room and your family is there and everyone is sleepy and in pj's and you just feel more love than you do any other day?)
2. Having a break from school / Finishing my program (in June)
3. Seeing my good friend Nolan again
4. Spending time with my mom
4 things I love about winter:
1. Snow in your hair and having a pink nose. Also mittens.
2. Ice skating.
3. The Nativity Pageant
4. Cozying up with mittens and hot apple cider
4 things on my wish list:
1. Going to Disneyland (check!)
2. A puppy.
3. Spending time with my Mom
4. Hanging out with my siblings, especially Bail.
4 people I tag:
Well I'm not sure who reads this... so I think I'll just pick some people who I really like! Hahaha.
1. Morales Girls!
2. Shelli !
3. Rach Ellis!
4. Kelsey Scott
Gah.
Today was a wonderful day.
I went to school, and learned about teeth, (which I love) and then had a practical evaluation, which I rocked. Then I drove home, and my favourite radio station was great, and BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I even called in and REQUESTED a song, and they played it! HOW COOL IS THAT! (call me weird, but I am very excited by these kinds of things!)
But then I got home, and started looking at facebook a little, and as much as I don't want to admit it, (out loud, or to my own self) I felt a little lonely. I am not supposed to feel lonely... I am only a youngin, and am doing so well with my life! And I should be wild and independent and fun! And I do have those things lots of times, but I also feel a little lonely.
I think I want to move away somewhere and live with 4 FUN girls and run out the the store in the night all dressed up for basically no reason, and watch movies and cry and eat snacks, and have dance parties, and make dinner together, and borrow each others clothes. That would be pretty fun I think.
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