tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32776931977632477952024-03-05T18:31:26.871-08:00Act Well Thy PartWhat e'er thou art, act well thy part.
The recorded rantings of your friend, Sarah. Insights, stories, adventures, misadventures, lessons, commentary - all in one place! (Oh no.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-84669388425706134022014-02-16T19:31:00.000-08:002014-02-16T19:31:15.210-08:00GraceI am a firm believer in grace. I don't think we talk about grace enough in the Church. It has filled me, lifted me, and most importantly, it has changed me.<br />
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What exactly is grace? It is "the divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ." It is by and through his grace that we are able to repent and utilize the Atonement. I'm not going to get into a faith vs. works discussion. Let me just state that I believe that "faith without works is dead," and I am not trying to "earn heaven, but learn heaven." What I want to talk about is how Christ's "grace is sufficient for all men" and all situations. We should open our hearts and lives so that his grace can enter.<br />
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I don't think that the Atonement of Jesus Christ only forgives sins. Why would we try to limit the Savior?! It says that his grace is sufficient. His help or strength is enough! It's more than enough. It not only can redeem us from the fall, but Christ overcame the world -- he can help you do the same! He not only can, but he wants to. God gives you righteous desires -- He has also provided a means of assistance. Are you struggling in school? Grace is there. Trying to be healthier? Grace is there. Want to conquer negative self-talk? The answer lies with grace. Don't EVER think that Christ can't or doesn't want to help you. He can, and he will. Always. I testify of this truth.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-42274690265914388952014-01-25T10:26:00.000-08:002014-01-25T20:43:13.584-08:00Note to the World: On Body Image<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey girl. I hope you're doing well. Life may be pretty dang good right now. It may not be, but it will get better soon. I just wanted to send you a note to remind of you something important.<br />
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YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.<br />
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Maybe not in the way that other girls are. Maybe you aren't blonde with blue eyes. Maybe you aren't a size 4. Maybe you don't wear chevron with every outfit, or you don't own chunky jewelry. I know how some of you hate to wear lots of make-up, and other girls put on full foundation everyday. Maybe you are all of those things. Either way, I want you to know something.<br />
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YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE LIKE ANYONE.<br />
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You are beautiful. Your eyes may be deep and dark or light and sparkling, but they all know how to see when someone is suffering and how to help. Your hands may be little, but they can play the piano, hold a child's hand, write killer essays, paint a picture, and reach out to dear friends and family. Your skin tells a story of people who came before, and their struggles and successes are what made you. Wear their story proudly. Your body is healthy. You are able to hike, swim, dance, and do anything else you put your mind to. (Plus, you look adorable in that sweater. You know which one I'm talking about.) Or maybe you're struggling with an illness. If so, you shine through your struggles. You are who you are. I want you to know:<br />
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IT IS OKAY.<br />
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It is perfectly okay to be who you are. You should celebrate and utilize your strengths. Rejoice in your triumphs. Be aware of your weaknesses only so you can improve. Do not live in them. They do not define you. You are person with the pencil. You define yourself. Sometimes you'll make mistakes or not live up to who you want to be. Know this:<br />
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SOMEONE ELSE IS HOLDING THE ERASER.<br />
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You know exactly Who that Someone is. If you are unsatisfied with something about yourself, look to Him. He can help you change it. He gave you your body. He made you the way you are. He expects you to take care of that gift. He does not want you to misuse that gift in anyway. He wants you to love it as He loves it. Another thing:<br />
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YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE YOU ARE YOU.<br />
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As you develop your gifts and talents, that light inside of you will shine through your eyes. Treasure that. Other people do. They love your light, and they look forward to seeing it. I love you and your light. Don't ever think your light isn't enough. A spark is all it takes to break through the darkness. One day, maybe today, someone will realize that they can't live apart from your light. Don't do anything to dim your light. It's yours and you should wear it proudly, because:<br />
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YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgUejAB-fr2ZY42keFe8r1PIrVcG7UiSyUw472YQGEieWAiKL2ENyGZSfAasA100cMWzstHFnlBUpPv64r_CPm2aTEizt-A-TAe3O4YdCQTX2yK1hz2rXt8udWVC5ddVBJxRRclsvgMg/s1600/shoot6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgUejAB-fr2ZY42keFe8r1PIrVcG7UiSyUw472YQGEieWAiKL2ENyGZSfAasA100cMWzstHFnlBUpPv64r_CPm2aTEizt-A-TAe3O4YdCQTX2yK1hz2rXt8udWVC5ddVBJxRRclsvgMg/s1600/shoot6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit to B. Simmons</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-75386074782151275312014-01-06T21:08:00.001-08:002014-01-06T21:08:11.055-08:00Day One: Fresh Start All AroundToday was the first day of the new semester. I made myself start doing all the things I want to do. The first day can be the most difficult. It's so easy to put it off until tomorrow. Just got to get up and do it. In other news, I did have an excellent first day. I'm taking a Poly dance class. I just love the music and my professor calling out "KAHOLO!" and "HELA!" I'm also excited for my two religion classes -- the first half of the Book of Mormon and the Writings of Isaiah. I'm looking forward to feeling the Spirit often in those classes.<br />
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Yesterday, I taught a lesson in Relief Society called "Our Father in Heaven." I learned so much preparing and teaching that lesson. I'm so humbled by my calling. You may think you know something, and then you prepare a lesson, and you have a "Holy cow! I never thought of it that way before" moment. Then you're standing before your class and someone makes a comment that completely changes the direction you go (in a positive way). I still feel uplifted from that lesson.<br />
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Thought of the day:<br />
"The Holy Ghost awakens ancient memories." I loved this idea! You have so much already inside of you. Let the Spirit touch your heart and mind to unlock who you really are.<br />
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One day down, a bunch to go. Never stop being better!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-26459846823821224812014-01-06T20:23:00.003-08:002014-01-06T20:23:59.086-08:00New GirlMy mom and I have a 2014 challenge: we meet our weight loss goals by the end of the semester, and we get a girls' trip to Disney. This is happening. Not only am I going to be healthier, but I want to be a better person. I am super motivated to be a little stronger, a little wiser, a little kinder, and a little better of a student. Here's too more scripture study, more exercise, more prayer, more studying, more reading, less junk food, less Netflix, and more friendships. Looking forward to a great semester, and a fantastic 2014!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-86738776747880901312013-09-26T19:50:00.003-07:002013-09-26T19:50:33.612-07:00Rita's Visit. Week 3We had a visit from Rita. Rita is a spunky little red car who belongs to my friend's parents. Rita came to stay with us for the week, which was excellent. We took advantage of her presence.<br />
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Monday was one of those Rita afternoons. We drove 40 minutes to the closest Chipotle, which was totally worth it. We also had to hit up Target to get some essentials - toilet paper and the like.</div>
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It was dear Becca's birthday. So glad we decided to let her know how much we love her!</div>
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A great part of college life, no? NO.</div>
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We went to see Mindy Gledhill and Book on Tape Worm at our hipster venue. They were SO great, and we had an awesome first suite date night.</div>
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So, I technically had to see it for class, but I was so glad I went to EviDANCE. It is an international dance show that the university dance companies put on each fall. The tech/effects were awesome, the performers knew and rocked their stuff, and the music was AMAZING. I'm so glad I go here.</div>
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HOLY WAR. Whenever I hear that I think of the Florence & the Machine song, Seven Devils. It's the first line. "HOOHHH-LEEY WAR!" Anyway... We played our rivals on Saturday, and unfortunately, we lost. BUT. I had a great time with some cool people.<br />
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Sunday, I participated in a long tradition of tunnel singing here on campus. We go to a tunnel and sing hymns for an hour. It's beautiful. Halfway through, everyone sits down except the people who received mission calls that week. Then we go around and they announce where they're serving. It's an amazing energy to feel the genuine happiness for those who received a call. Then we stand and sing Called to Serve. Awesome thing. </div>
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It was a good week. Crazy, but fantastic. Again, I'm so grateful to be here.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-37846826055516606932013-09-17T22:19:00.001-07:002013-09-17T22:20:06.939-07:00This is Real Life Now. Week Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, I think that I'm adjusting pretty well to the demands of college. (Who am I kidding, it's been fan-freakin-tastic.) Even with a lot of homework, I'm able to eat, sleep, spend time with friends, and do fun things around Provo.</div>
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This is the 9am crowd walking up to campus. It's fun to see everyone streaming out of the dorms and coming from northern off-campus housing. Then we all struggle up this hill. I've heard that there are warm pipes underneath most of it, but it gets really slick at the top during the winter. I am totally going to biff it at some point. Oh well. It's unavoidable.</div>
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A and I have 40 minutes between our 8am math and our next classes, so we usually sit on a bench and read. We always see someone we know walk by, and that is the end of reading, but it's a fun time (when the weather is nice).</div>
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It was a beautiful day Wednesday. I love the sky. There is something about the sky here that just makes me feel close to Heavenly Father. He created a beautiful world!</div>
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Thursday A, Becca, and I went to the library to study. It was so crazy quiet in the reading room. The loudest thing in the room was the air coming through the vents.<br />
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Friday, I got to see my friend Karl before he left for his mission! He's leaving Wednesday, but he came down to campus to hang out before he left. We always end up at museums - we think it's a good thing. He is going to be such a great missionary. Look out, Kansas! He's headed your way.<br />
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Saturday night we went to a concert at a venue downtown. It was so great. I loved the venue, and the bands were awesome underground bands. The vibe was excellent.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWq9s8JX0bg3mYUQmNa6V2Z_thtyXB9jHZwQprYqsrhOsd33hEJ22VAIkENTSxoccoAuA1FjwPFWNi69E3T61FBKEdvQsI4E8DquZSVsfT14rIgMeINdw0zhi0nvMduB_3Q1whQ11YpM/s1600/IMG_3099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWq9s8JX0bg3mYUQmNa6V2Z_thtyXB9jHZwQprYqsrhOsd33hEJ22VAIkENTSxoccoAuA1FjwPFWNi69E3T61FBKEdvQsI4E8DquZSVsfT14rIgMeINdw0zhi0nvMduB_3Q1whQ11YpM/s320/IMG_3099.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Another picture was also from the concert...</div>
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It was an excellent week. I've been working hard and having fun. My school is *literally* the best.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-21615944550870919232013-09-09T13:16:00.001-07:002013-09-09T13:16:32.339-07:00Go Cougars! NSO and Week OneI started college at one of the coolest places ever: BYU. I'm really excited to spend four years here. One thing about moving more than 2000 miles away from home is that your family doesn't get to participate in your day to day life. So, my mom asked me to send her a picture every day. EVERY DAY?! A picture every day. My life cannot be that interesting. However, I started doing it, and I'm really excited about this project. I'm going to share this project with you. It's mostly so my mom and I have everything in one place. I'll probably use parts of the captions I sent my mother on the photos here. Of course, some things are between my momma and me.<br />
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This was the first picture I sent my mom. The caption was "BYU Incoming Class of 2013!" New student orientation is rockin', yo. Also, can I just say: SO MANY MORMONS.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt29r1vAbTFLvNbJxoeKRMIOosUds3ksPn5YB7kGAWa4ovccFWU4rja-F2tWNk7srch7KoFwUKHoHbO8LOLhxJZ7yUVdNb6dsa2rR-aRnbOqkEf0P-gGo7QJIpcU6PHxcN0PIrjgqdZE/s1600/IMG_2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt29r1vAbTFLvNbJxoeKRMIOosUds3ksPn5YB7kGAWa4ovccFWU4rja-F2tWNk7srch7KoFwUKHoHbO8LOLhxJZ7yUVdNb6dsa2rR-aRnbOqkEf0P-gGo7QJIpcU6PHxcN0PIrjgqdZE/s320/IMG_2891.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The next day, I went to the Honors program information session. My roommate and I decided to register for the Honors Seminar. It's a 1 credit lecture series that introduces students to various disciplines and how those fields attempt to answer "Great Questions," such as "What is knowledge/justice/happiness, and how do we attain it?" This is the textbook for the class.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0Onf5pwnrmJ4g_EcGQUCThyphenhyphen1lyexVHqDk7O1-TTQD38RaYXqjlhOinLvsOM2_OY66dxZO_mZpjLV0CpBW8CEHg0I_QRz9PcuaQQjwy85quRrWxv1NkXJpTSSXuxcGpPFvJUF6A-LNBI/s1600/IMG_2904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0Onf5pwnrmJ4g_EcGQUCThyphenhyphen1lyexVHqDk7O1-TTQD38RaYXqjlhOinLvsOM2_OY66dxZO_mZpjLV0CpBW8CEHg0I_QRz9PcuaQQjwy85quRrWxv1NkXJpTSSXuxcGpPFvJUF6A-LNBI/s320/IMG_2904.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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At some point I made friends. This is a picture of some of those awesome people. My three lovely suitemates are also in this picture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEDcKF5hdIql4TIrKksKKi-Moax1tXZEBm5hGigfCzjMrUeWjvYqvAuBBsuh_jMe2VEm-XY5oHXAkh-Lpsf1u5WLIgzj7LGVzmv31LB6Anb-7_94qzJYJAmwsldQfO9lDGUzQjBi_rlw/s1600/IMG_2912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEDcKF5hdIql4TIrKksKKi-Moax1tXZEBm5hGigfCzjMrUeWjvYqvAuBBsuh_jMe2VEm-XY5oHXAkh-Lpsf1u5WLIgzj7LGVzmv31LB6Anb-7_94qzJYJAmwsldQfO9lDGUzQjBi_rlw/s320/IMG_2912.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the Maeser Building. It is awesome. It is one of the oldest buildings on campus, and is dedicated to one of my personal heroes. Karl G. Maeser and his wife were the first people baptized in Germany. It was then against the law to be LDS, so they fled to America. Brother Maeser was a highly educated man, and had worked as a professor in Europe. When they arrived in Utah, Brigham Young called him to open a school in Provo. It started as Brigham Young Academy. Brother Maeser saw BYA through extremely challenging times, and it is because of him that BYU is the way it is today. When he was called, Brigham Young said to him: "Brother Maeser, I want you to remember that you ought not to teach even the alphabet or the multiplication tables without the Spirit of God. That is all. God bless you. Good-bye."</div>
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Labor Day! We hadn't started school yet, so a group of us decided to walk to the nearest Indian restaurant, which is south of campus. We thought it would be six or so people, but we ended up with TWENTY-SIX. We all walked the mile from where we live on campus to the restaurant. It was a blast. Plus, we started Ethnic Food Night, which will take place once a month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sNiL1y-uDqabCQhyphenhyphenWDq6uMFkQE09A8CG8k_-MWD0weQUhchW945tKztJdgKWQ7l9fGb33ANcdEQKCYDKtk4k4dQAhsACUkzoOGGM3ZenUjogSXoXbfZNTI3rTDzViwgfXYl8tCJnWRM/s1600/IMG_2946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sNiL1y-uDqabCQhyphenhyphenWDq6uMFkQE09A8CG8k_-MWD0weQUhchW945tKztJdgKWQ7l9fGb33ANcdEQKCYDKtk4k4dQAhsACUkzoOGGM3ZenUjogSXoXbfZNTI3rTDzViwgfXYl8tCJnWRM/s320/IMG_2946.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then we had the first day of school! WOO! It was really exciting. I had three classes that day. (Starting with an 8am class. I thought 'Oh, I've done four years of early morning seminary.' Turns out that waking up in general is hard.) It went really well, and I'm pumped to be here. I'm also grateful to be on such a beautiful campus.<br />
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Bonus picture! My duvet cover finally came, and I had to send a picture of my completed room. I love it! It's really happy.</div>
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This picture is from the lobby of the Eyring Science Center. I have my geography class in this awesome building. All throughout the lobby, they have hands-on science displays. It's a blast to hangout in. Also, the planetarium there ROCKS.</div>
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Thursday was day of classes. I didn't remember to take any interesting pictures. When that happens, you get this - homework selfie! Terrible, I know. But it's what I sent my mom.<br />
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Spirit Friday! Our girls went all out. These are two of my fantastic suitemates. (Otherwise known as "sweetmates.") My third lovely suitemate was behind the camera (cellphone in this case).</div>
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The next day, we played Texas in football. We went to the game two hours early like dedicated fans, sat there for a while, and then entered the twilight zone. A black cloud of death rapidly moved over the stadium, settled right over us and then let loose. The BYU website said that it was "a rainstorm that would've impressed Noah." True story. We huddled for safety under the bleachers. Once the game actually started, we won by 19! I guess that's a good story.</div>
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Bonus pictures (From BYU Athletics):</div>
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Sunday was excellent. We had church and a CES broadcast from BYU-H with Elder Nelson. He was to the point and blunt with us. I loved it. If you didn't get to watch it, here is the link: <a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/languages/ces-devotionals/2013/08?lang=eng" target="_blank">September CES Fireside.</a></div>
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NSO plus my first full week at BYU were a success, if I do say so myself. I like the way my classes are looking, I have fun friends, and my roommates are AMAZING. I feel the Spirit regularly, and I've had a lot of fun. Here's to Fall 2013!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-81845163928826794272013-07-16T13:07:00.001-07:002013-07-16T13:08:10.770-07:00Our Fascination with Suffering<br />
Last night, I saw The Hunger Games at AMC's Summer Night program. What it is is AMC brings back 6 or 7 big movies to replay for 3 nights a week in July and August. Best part: $3 tickets. It was a lot of fun. The week before, I saw The Amazing Spider-Man. The week before that was Dark Knight Rises, which I didn't attend. After watching The Hunger Games again for the first time in more than a year, I started thinking. (That's never good.) Why is my generation so obsessed with The Hunger Games? Why do we enjoy watching totalitarian governments abuse and destroy human beings? What is the draw? We can't relate to it - we've never been torn away from our families and forced to fight to the death. We don't live in shacks, and we don't have to hunt game to keep from starving. Why does our generation devour it so greedily?<br />
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My mom said it was due to us being raised on violent media. That is true. We are desensitized as a whole. We play video and computer games, watch movies, and hear news stories filled with graphic violence. However, if you talk to the average American teenager, I doubt they would say they want to see a murder take place outside their bedroom window. The question remains then, why does The Hunger Games speak so loudly to us?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIS3X3F2llxUyo_8QZQrmiC3WAenABP0f5vGlg9eQEOsmRVeEH3WLdxSOU8UHjD4CHBaOa1h4IBomms2zyh-tzSW4LWLkypC1RQmG1K8jtM_VzZdDCVBEH8PXpxGywKUi75sPyHCF5qA/s1600/HungerGamesContestants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIS3X3F2llxUyo_8QZQrmiC3WAenABP0f5vGlg9eQEOsmRVeEH3WLdxSOU8UHjD4CHBaOa1h4IBomms2zyh-tzSW4LWLkypC1RQmG1K8jtM_VzZdDCVBEH8PXpxGywKUi75sPyHCF5qA/s320/HungerGamesContestants.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constantly being controlled by outside forces</td></tr>
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<br />
I have another idea. It is fear of being out of control. Katniss (the protagonist of THG) lives in the poorest district of her country. Her father died in a work-related accident, and her mother suffers from depression. She has been thrown into a pretty rough life, and this is before she is shipped off to fight against 23 of her peers in a death-trap of an arena. The whole time, Katniss is struggling to take charge of her fate. "May the odds be ever in your favor" is not a reassuring phrase. She doesn't want to be controlled by "the odds," by the government, by her mentor, by the sponsors, by a relationship, or by other forces that appear over the course of <em>Catching Fire</em> and <em>Mockingjay</em>. Her short life has always been defined by outside events, and she is constantly battling against them. In the end, she must be in control for her to be happy. Ultimately, she does place herself in a situation where she is always in control, even if it isn't always for the best. (I don't want to say too much about the epilogue, even though I could go on for a while.)<br />
<br />
Okay, so the average millennial is afraid of being out of control. We could go one step further and say that it is a fear of the unknown. As a group, we have everything. We have food, water, education, air conditioning, cell phones, iPods, cars, Burger King, Angry Birds, and even whole industries that wait on us hand and foot. We are protected from violence (I know that there is terrible violence in some homes and neighborhoods, but I am generalizing), we are protected from want, and sometimes even protected from work! We're afraid of poverty because we wouldn't know how to behave or survive. (Let's be real - if your average suburban teenager was placed in The Hunger Games, it would not end well for them.) It's the unknown and unfamiliar that scares us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dAfb2ZRQ8EgN0m4kOsR4Nv7zG5Wxcil8R-46wcTB9VI6qEIyKMIKyZkFyYQvqTyF8OZu7KtLZZZQZJqqrAwcRt9tporVN6wbvuWcly_wGjnmWfmBxwZGg-1fH5asKVlTCV4nhj1EBMY/s1600/revoluition_ensemble_660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dAfb2ZRQ8EgN0m4kOsR4Nv7zG5Wxcil8R-46wcTB9VI6qEIyKMIKyZkFyYQvqTyF8OZu7KtLZZZQZJqqrAwcRt9tporVN6wbvuWcly_wGjnmWfmBxwZGg-1fH5asKVlTCV4nhj1EBMY/s200/revoluition_ensemble_660.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revolution: the blackout changed us</td></tr>
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Apocalypse movies and TV shows are rampant. We are afraid of pollution and using up our resources (After Earth, Elysium, Wall-E, Firefly, Revolution, Oblivion), of epidemics (World War Z, Contagion, any other zombie movie ever), of unexpected attack (Pacific Rim, Falling Skies, Red Dawn, Apollo 18, Pretty Little Liars), and even our own desires (Secret Life of the American Teenager, Juno, Hannibal). We are afraid of things beyond our control, that we don't know and cannot know. Think about the traumatic events of the last decade or so. We have had terrorist attacks, natural disasters, swine flu scare, and an economic collapse. All of those things come out of the blue, and children/teens have no way to emotionally prepare for them. Our enemies have not been countries we can identify and prepare to defend ourselves against. Of course we are afraid of the unknown, of chance, or of helplessness. We have felt this way, and Hollywood and New York respond to those feelings.<br />
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I feel that the perfect example of this is Pretty Little Liars, a show on ABC Family. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmkn62LQGbkqxZXDF275Svod6tWLHnE7xiRsC7vxE1OlZJV9UCupnLNxcaFhWlKs4V-SSM1_qTfMyx3NYTrW2jVPVyPLRO_mYOdGlH9gyeq-DXsq1ZJYH42zBKxZ8mHV0ptrFKTPwZgQ/s1600/tv-pretty-little-liars42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmkn62LQGbkqxZXDF275Svod6tWLHnE7xiRsC7vxE1OlZJV9UCupnLNxcaFhWlKs4V-SSM1_qTfMyx3NYTrW2jVPVyPLRO_mYOdGlH9gyeq-DXsq1ZJYH42zBKxZ8mHV0ptrFKTPwZgQ/s200/tv-pretty-little-liars42.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AttAcked by the unknown</td></tr>
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Four regular teenage girls are thrust into a world of fear when their best friend suddenly goes missing (and is killed). They are haunted by "A," the unknown tormentor and hoarder of their secrets. A sees everything and is not afraid of hurting - or killing - those who get in her way. To the rest of their world in a idyllic American suburb, they are just strange, but they are being targeted and emotionally (sometimes physically) harmed through the texts and actions of someone they do not know. <br />
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Before I mentioned The Amazing Spider-Man and The Dark Knight Rises. Could we list all of the superhero movies that have been released in the last couple years? Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, The Avengers, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Green Hornet, X-Men: First Class, Green Lantern, Man of Steel, and we have Wolverine and Thor: A Dark World coming out this year. Those are only a few of the many superhero movies that have been released recently. Why is this genre so successful now? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy superhero movies, but there is only so much one can do with a superhero film. The hero has a bit of self-discovery, and then saves mankind from a perilous teeter on the edge of oblivion. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmNfgOGq8XvLy3e-gSD8AXcNsmP0gXd79Lv9r5Ic3vQz0nTzd_7nTeJ9hz0ld8ML0zTq98VFwoN8A6xgDJ7acjdscwZbf74PpBYgLuU0Y1ufXRbNvxkiH83xwkVHXHWnw2BIfskhisEc/s1600/manofsteel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmNfgOGq8XvLy3e-gSD8AXcNsmP0gXd79Lv9r5Ic3vQz0nTzd_7nTeJ9hz0ld8ML0zTq98VFwoN8A6xgDJ7acjdscwZbf74PpBYgLuU0Y1ufXRbNvxkiH83xwkVHXHWnw2BIfskhisEc/s200/manofsteel.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super strength and super morals</td></tr>
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Our generation is looking for a hero. We want to believe that there is a person who can defend us from the unknown and unexpected. We are looking for someone stronger than we are, someone with superpowers, whether it be super strength, time travelling abilities, magic, or ridiculous intelligence to protect us. We want to know that when General Zod comes from space, Superman will be there. We want to be able to sleep knowing that if Daleks come, the Doctor will be there too. We want to believe that if there is a serial killer in the night, Sherlock Holmes will find him. The unknown and uncontrollable terrifies us, and we want to believe in Something Bigger, Someone in control. If only our generation understood what they were asking. Some of us already know the answer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-23181128729658189182013-04-22T11:59:00.004-07:002013-04-22T18:23:36.172-07:00Goodbye, HSTI was waiting to post about HST until I was ready. I still don't think I'm totally ready, but here goes...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirtxxM2kE6Uzp0MRIf51zzZe2k-6EMlzdwNSKuvgky5ihFyQWzMnVVsP_TQToUcbf-PxOa9fJ4PcJ3rUJAc8inIHKLUmXtN5EYALkLbADvHznht985kOVL6GYwN5kffuNf8HWmzq2exw/s1600/Dance+Intensive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirtxxM2kE6Uzp0MRIf51zzZe2k-6EMlzdwNSKuvgky5ihFyQWzMnVVsP_TQToUcbf-PxOa9fJ4PcJ3rUJAc8inIHKLUmXtN5EYALkLbADvHznht985kOVL6GYwN5kffuNf8HWmzq2exw/s200/Dance+Intensive.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hCrpt8zfFJBLs_rtGsxafNNq1S7eJqa7OcxYZF1iKohejl-rzSh0Q5Ls0tyKtxkOl70oGJLPmHE4fHL5CLgyGeHAHWx-V0NRyvyOd5KTFNSvR6rJigEgS6ch45wZT5tUjATtJvRXcB8/s1600/Showcase+154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hCrpt8zfFJBLs_rtGsxafNNq1S7eJqa7OcxYZF1iKohejl-rzSh0Q5Ls0tyKtxkOl70oGJLPmHE4fHL5CLgyGeHAHWx-V0NRyvyOd5KTFNSvR6rJigEgS6ch45wZT5tUjATtJvRXcB8/s200/Showcase+154.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIz5ZLoO7ZoUa4aDqbI7IT9poRPEoMyEvusoTxQoG4YUmrDKZ9DHm57r2YAWkcpdR_SNN5wpUHkEfPyllHPzvUy1aPdWMHAj0yxRK40i1vxP-sCNgjqF-y1XsT2DPiSpgsjIv12uuh68/s1600/Showcase+203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIz5ZLoO7ZoUa4aDqbI7IT9poRPEoMyEvusoTxQoG4YUmrDKZ9DHm57r2YAWkcpdR_SNN5wpUHkEfPyllHPzvUy1aPdWMHAj0yxRK40i1vxP-sCNgjqF-y1XsT2DPiSpgsjIv12uuh68/s200/Showcase+203.JPG" width="200" /></a>I have been blessed with HST for nine years. What began as, "Sure, Mom. I'll take an acting class," became hundreds of hours of work and play. I have been able to participate in nine Showcases (2 years Acting, 6 years Choir, 5 years jazz, 5 years tap, 3 years Irish, and 1 year of Dance Intensive), 3 Junior Troupe musicals, 4 Senior Troupe musicals, 2 AI Coffee House shows, and several Varity Shows. I have been in troupe with exactly 80 different people. I have had leads and chorus parts. I have sang solos and in 5 part harmonies. I have tap danced in overalls, tux t-shirts, fedoras, and while holding giant hearts. I have danced with a stroller, a glass, and a table in the same number. I have been in numbers such as "Mr. Roboto" by Styx to "You Make Me Feel So Young" by Frank Sinatra. The 13 minute DI number will always be a personal favorite for me.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8CcFnTgOpsvhGfmvCwWGh_l7_VjXWqa-to1Gp8qW6RH0znOaZGVJiog7J2Ic6EOu547nXIrXZJUdiEGtYOImABkKdLfptLEZpz1sJOAi19JaF4XiqLVbiEDZZUtriyDiWvCVd9qMtlk/s1600/Showcase+DI+finale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8CcFnTgOpsvhGfmvCwWGh_l7_VjXWqa-to1Gp8qW6RH0znOaZGVJiog7J2Ic6EOu547nXIrXZJUdiEGtYOImABkKdLfptLEZpz1sJOAi19JaF4XiqLVbiEDZZUtriyDiWvCVd9qMtlk/s200/Showcase+DI+finale.jpg" width="142" /></a><br />
Showcase finales in and of themselves are memorable. Bad example: I don't remember anything from my first finale except Mrs. Mullan frantically waving my line through the bow and offstage. I do, however, remember "Joy to the World," "Sing Sing Sing," "One," "Human" by the Killers, the random <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRfIcL9pJcc" target="_blank">Japanese "Shining Star"</a> one, "We Are Family," Wolf's amazing original "Can You Hear Me Now?," and that awful one we signed to while wearing various hats. I remember watching the "big kids" swing dance and Nick W. wearing that bullfrog hat. I remember the night the boys Tebow-ed at the end of the show. Most of all, I remember screaming with joy at the end of each Showcase performance once the curtain closed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrtwRq0qUhiPrQLUzbtolyGUSc4exDGlwmtR-ii7nOxgV00UHtRtqWrcafbQZdULjM1L-xzVfAa7Q0SjIbn3grADe35i51SncvsSx4_jfhwBSqk6t4OBu2xVfVJcS5aOM6BPSqkryHdo/s1600/snowwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrtwRq0qUhiPrQLUzbtolyGUSc4exDGlwmtR-ii7nOxgV00UHtRtqWrcafbQZdULjM1L-xzVfAa7Q0SjIbn3grADe35i51SncvsSx4_jfhwBSqk6t4OBu2xVfVJcS5aOM6BPSqkryHdo/s200/snowwhite.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7vqfSHZTRdkYM_4tFkJDWqmfAii_QgFfl2v1BRgynEiCxyS-hBGSfXZyuVCf-B08dej7Vg25q5NMMyfjgtqKmWIWk3j2-VP5sTliIx3ezvfwBWIvSsvRAIUiu4GX3t1eu5-ppu5wh8Y/s1600/tomsawyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7vqfSHZTRdkYM_4tFkJDWqmfAii_QgFfl2v1BRgynEiCxyS-hBGSfXZyuVCf-B08dej7Vg25q5NMMyfjgtqKmWIWk3j2-VP5sTliIx3ezvfwBWIvSsvRAIUiu4GX3t1eu5-ppu5wh8Y/s200/tomsawyer.jpg" width="200" /></a>Junior Troupe memories are crazy. My first Jr. show was "The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree." That was a hoot. We had probably 25 kids with 12 names between us. It was great. I remember being on the younger side with a huge number of 8th graders. THAT was exciting. It was my first musical, and it made me love telling a story through theatre. The next year was "Tom Sawyer," and that was probably what got me hooked. I still love and stay in touch with pretty much everyone from that show. Eighth grade was "Snow White" year, and Mrs. B gave me a chance to push myself. I loved having a small cast (18 people) and a very colorful show. It was awesome. One of the best parts has been watching the youngest kids from that show grow up. The little cat was nine years old for that show - he's going to be a freshman in high school this fall!<br />
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<br />
I joined Senior Troupe in HST's 15th season - just when Sr. was doing HST's 50th show! It was a milestone year, so we had to do a milestone show. We did "Crazy for You," which was HST's first ever dance-ical. With a psycho number of full cast dance numbers, including multiple tap numbers, CfY was a riot. I was shepherded by so many kind people who helped me find my footing in the deepend of the HST pool that is Senior Troupe. Thank you. You know who you are.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJpcIh_M04f_r1ebyrZOsHtUY42rpdylG96KvAcIV9ibQ39-Udjkb8tn-ZZGDyr_Wp0T8uTNc5GYTHJttUKYXLlm1cYOaT0Cqj_XqyiUpLmznbvQVmY2hkcq0hnG2SRfkiKEBUQPoowY/s1600/Little+women+act+1+371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJpcIh_M04f_r1ebyrZOsHtUY42rpdylG96KvAcIV9ibQ39-Udjkb8tn-ZZGDyr_Wp0T8uTNc5GYTHJttUKYXLlm1cYOaT0Cqj_XqyiUpLmznbvQVmY2hkcq0hnG2SRfkiKEBUQPoowY/s200/Little+women+act+1+371.jpg" width="200" /></a>Sophomore year, we did "Little Women." I've already written a long post about my experience and the things I learned from that show. I guess I'll say: it was a huge blessing. Seriously. If you have a chance to even see that show, go. It was a very uplifting experience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingratDFKwMuSPbBGPnB0Nj0-caTdopdORdruiNPJ3RQBVZteG-6Cj_TU32Ms8yoxVQFPWzM_VOfw6lZYW_C7vaV63f1upoYzlLFrCQLHm_DE3_dPbggg_Upxp1R6QGqyY8O7YYmTz75g/s1600/HST3rdday+1360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingratDFKwMuSPbBGPnB0Nj0-caTdopdORdruiNPJ3RQBVZteG-6Cj_TU32Ms8yoxVQFPWzM_VOfw6lZYW_C7vaV63f1upoYzlLFrCQLHm_DE3_dPbggg_Upxp1R6QGqyY8O7YYmTz75g/s200/HST3rdday+1360.jpg" width="200" /></a>Last year we did "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying." It was a bit of a rough transition from a spiritual, family-centered show that addressed real issues to a high-powered (see what I did there?) comedy. I admit, at first I was not completely sold. I mean, I had liked H2$ for a long time, and I was excited to be doing it, but as I said, it was a rough transition. I made it, however. It remains one of my favorite performance experiences. There were so many amazing people who participated in it. I loved it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfmbBsBpLKmGcA6VwgtnbODa0J5E2p14jmgElvus4KWrWIiIDHIkVHSYvcy2vr8xL2frDMTwY8RB7bZ741TvO4ec8KiuixdpYou_yFnpLvFYmVjnMWwOzYdzmout_37UWL37H2kRdUOM/s1600/gwtb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfmbBsBpLKmGcA6VwgtnbODa0J5E2p14jmgElvus4KWrWIiIDHIkVHSYvcy2vr8xL2frDMTwY8RB7bZ741TvO4ec8KiuixdpYou_yFnpLvFYmVjnMWwOzYdzmout_37UWL37H2kRdUOM/s200/gwtb2.jpg" width="200" /></a>Lastly, "Gone with the Breeze." Oh, dear... It came as a shock. Doing a Pioneer Drama in Senior Troupe had become outdated and almost out of the question. Yet, here we were, working on one. We took a show with many flaws and carved, sanded, polished, and scrubbed it until it was beautiful. It was a great show, and I regret nothing. I don't mind that my lead was in a show future directors won't know. That's fine. I enjoyed learning, performing, choreographing, etc. in that show. It was a great experience. Also, the group of people was one of the best I've ever known.<br />
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I have met so many amazing people in HST or through mutual friends I know from HST. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without those people. I would probably be at school. I would know 1 person in my graduating class. They are all good people. When teens talk about peer pressue to do things they aren't comfortable with, I can't relate. My friends are people with high standards and Christian values. I have grown up with these people. I guess it's kind of like living in a small town - everyone goes all the way through school together. They all remember everyone's awkward phases, who they dated, and the changes they have made. But, HST is like a family in that they know all of those things, and they don't care. They love you anyway.<br />
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Not only have I met so many friends through HST, but I have been introduced to amazing, Christ-like women. They have shown me what it means to be a mother. They have proven to me that no one can tell me I am not good enough to teach and raise my own children. They have shown me how you can use your talents to serve others. They have taught me many, many lessons. Just to name a few: Mrs. Alexander, Mrs. Beardsley, Mrs. Rodriguez, Mrs. Bleakley, Mrs. Hackett, Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Burns, Sister Higham, Mrs. Hsu, Mrs. Tallman, Mrs. Elkan, Mrs. Atkinson, Mrs. Elhallal, Mrs. Neff, Mrs. Morrison, and Mrs. Robertson. That was just naming a few! Thank you so much, HST moms. You are the greatest. Thanks for doing an awesome job with your children. They are fantastic people.<br />
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I guess, I'm going to end this nostalgic trip down memory lane with an open letter to HST.<br />
<br />
Dear HST,<br />
Thank you. You have been a major part of my life for almost a decade. Thank you for teaching me that I love theatre. Thank you for teaching me that I can do anything I decide to. Thank you for helping me learn grace, kindness, service, and watching out for others. Thank you for allowing me to explore. Even though you knocked me on my butt a couple times, I forgive you. The positives outweigh the terrible moments. Thank you for creating a safe environment for me to grow into the woman I am and to meet amazing people. I will always remember you as a blessing, synonymous with both childhood and high school. I cannot wait to see what you create in the future. They are always beautiful. Keep on loving the way I know you do. You have something rare. It is not only special, it's sacred. I know that God smiles when He looks down on you. You are a training ground, an incubator for tools for His works. You have great things ahead of you.<br />
<br />
I love you.<br />
Sarah<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-36894690674285442202013-02-25T17:42:00.000-08:002013-02-25T18:06:06.519-08:00The Parable of the TreeSo, I haven't written in a while - I apologize. I'm writing now because I feel like I need to share something with the world, and what it is is this:<br />
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"Now, Sarah," you may ask, "Why the random picture of a tree?" I will explain, but let me tell you a story first. <br />
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There was a seed, planted in decent soil. It was a fair distance away from other plants, but still a part of the surroundings. It tried its very best to push through the soil to reach the sun. It was hard work! The seed was little, and the ground was thick and literally all-consuming. It often felt discouraged in the darkness. It saw the roots of other plants around it and thought <em>"They are so much better than I am. They are strong. They made it. I wish I could be them. I will never see the sun." </em>Still, everyday it soaked up the water that came trickling through the dirt, and kept pushing. "<em>Why am I planted here?! This is the worst soil. It is hard and clay-like. There are roots everywhere that will choke me out, and I could get eaten by an animal! This is the worst place ever." </em>The water kept coming and the seed kept growing. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUc24slL3P17MvOAjR73LS87Teph8g4Py2uZ_mH3ukfhg5Zziu_2xNbZV0xZ3DHawUHnwedoW61zcVoqHIyCbCvGRGm6GlCLKMHhp2IV0hls3VjFmVfwN3aDCZfE-JrJrBRHLoT_D7IBk/s1600/seed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUc24slL3P17MvOAjR73LS87Teph8g4Py2uZ_mH3ukfhg5Zziu_2xNbZV0xZ3DHawUHnwedoW61zcVoqHIyCbCvGRGm6GlCLKMHhp2IV0hls3VjFmVfwN3aDCZfE-JrJrBRHLoT_D7IBk/s200/seed.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
One day, the seed finally broke the surface. It felt the warmth of the sun and the cool air blowing by. It had made it! <em>"I did it! Wow, this is amazing! I wish I could've been planted over there, though. Then I could see the river better. That stinks." </em>It kept growing from the water that came sprinkling down from above.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMLBo255-16OXLIosbDTW-dcFBZy9P4E8eWxmiDBULN2F3KC3V0nHCJH-WiQHTbhIj2-uEpaal4WgGikRgUASPJvlulfdudUV2iVrpUHDyqUPvYtK-SQb1XS0dzLAtUCxQUcDIqGkyxw/s1600/mountain-ash-sapling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMLBo255-16OXLIosbDTW-dcFBZy9P4E8eWxmiDBULN2F3KC3V0nHCJH-WiQHTbhIj2-uEpaal4WgGikRgUASPJvlulfdudUV2iVrpUHDyqUPvYtK-SQb1XS0dzLAtUCxQUcDIqGkyxw/s200/mountain-ash-sapling.jpg" width="200" /></a>When it was a sapling, it experienced a heavy rainstorm. There was thunder that rattled its tender branches and the rain beat down on its little leaves. The little tree bent in the wind. It felt its roots being pulled against the ground. The sapling thought <em>"Why is this happening to me?! This is so unfair. I am young still - I can't handle this. I shouldn't have to go through this." </em>Eventually the storm subsided, and the sapling shuddered at how close its roots were to the surface. It knew it would take some time to recover from the trauma of the storm. The next morning, however, it found that dirt was mounded up around its base where its roots were weakest. <em>"That's awesome! It must have blown there during the night. I'm so lucky."</em><br />
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A few years later, the sapling had become a young tree. It had a stronger trunk and many branches. It was proud of its height and sturdiness. Suddenly, it noticed a sharp pain coming from one of its branches. It was shocked to discover that the branch had been completely removed! <em>"What is this?! I am perfectly healthy! I shouldn't be feeling this! This is painful! I don't like it! It needs to stop - NOW."</em> Yet, it felt it again. A third time. A fourth. It resented the chopping of branches deeply.<br />
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Many years later, it had experienced many rainstorms, blizzards, and prunings. It had seen more beautiful plants than itself grow up around it. There were trees taller than it, and trees stronger than it. It saw plants struggle and die. It had been a home and shelter to countless birds and squirrels. It had seen its fruit be eaten by grateful animals, and also seen it sitting on the ground, going unappreciated. It had grown into what it was created to be.<br />
<br />
One morning, an old man with kind eyes approached the tree. The tree noticed this man for the first time. "Hello, my friend," he said with a twinkle in his kind eyes. <em>"Friend? Who is this man?" </em>The old man sighed. "Don't you know me? I've known you a very long time. I planted you exactly where I knew you would do best. I cared for you. When you were struggling to sprout, I watered you. When you were tossed about by rain, I protected you. When you were growing, I pruned you to help you grow stronger. I've guided you on your journey from seed to tree. You have never been alone." The tree listened, stunned. "You are still that seed, but you have become something new. You are a tree - strong and beautiful. You serve others, as you were grown to do. You give, not only demand. You give even when others do not think they need it. I am proud of you and the tree you have grown to be." The gardener patted the trunk of the tree and whispered "I brought you to your potential with my sweat here in the garden. I worked very hard to support you when you needed me. You are very special to me." He stood in silence for a moment before turning and walking back toward his home. The tree looked back on its existence and realized all the times it had felt the hands of the gardener during its most difficult times. It was all true - the gardener had crafted it.<br />
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Now, I tell that story because I have been thinking recently about my own life. I have had trials and tests. I have been discouraged, stuck, called names, rejected, alone, and have torn myself down. Still, the hands of the Master Gardener have always been there, guiding, supporting, changing me. I have been pruned - weaknesses have been removed, fears and doubts have been silenced. It wasn't fun or easy, but it has happened. Sometimes, my burdens have been lifted, and other times I have been strengthened so I can bare them better. I have been blessed. I want to express my gratitude for that. I am far from perfect, but I have changed and grown. I hope I will be able to continue to grow into the woman that I am meant to be - a person that makes the Master proud.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-63408024823194114662013-01-23T06:05:00.000-08:002013-01-23T07:35:02.717-08:00Deer in the Headlights<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is another deer
on the side of the road, slaughtered by its own daring. I imagine that it stood
at the edge of the wood, eyeing the trees on the other side of the concrete
river with longing. It saw the deer across feasting on flowers that seemed unending.
That yellow line must be the boundary into a magical world. The poor thing must
have begun to envy the way man envies. Like a Shakespearean tragic hero, he
felt the tide of jealousy well up inside of him. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He must have the
neighboring kingdom. He would stop at nothing to preside majestically over both
realms. Why should he stop on this side of the stone creek? Even though the
fast creatures with the bright yellow eyes came tearing down the smooth, grey
surface, nothing would hold our hero back. He resolved to do what others warned
against. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He knew it was possible
to cross the road – he had seen it done. He has seen others rise to the
challenge and complete it successfully. He is just as powerful as they are,
just as strong, if not more so. He thought of his accomplishments, his women,
his children, his territory. They are impressive by any standard. He had the
record of excellence, why should he fear?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I believe that he
stepped out into the road, not in a panic as he should have, but with his chest
out before him. I believe that he did not look to see if one of those
frightening beasts was racing toward him. I believe that he had forgotten
reality in the moment of his self-validation. If only the prophets had warned
the deer that pride cometh before a fall.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">As a man going into
debt, seeking the hand of a lover, or pursuing the ever elusive power and
popularity, this buck sauntered onto the cement with his head held high,
looking at those on the opposite side with contempt. Basking in the quickly oncoming
light, he smirked in a self-satisfied way. It was all so easy.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-65362810402868068162012-11-21T17:10:00.002-08:002012-11-21T17:11:05.378-08:00Playing with FireThere comes a moment in your life when you discover that there is a Katy Perry song that describes your dating experience. It is a sad, sad moment. There is also a moment when you are amazed at the resonance a P!nk song has with you. I don't know if you've ever had this experience before. I must confess that I have had this happen to me. I love the song "Try" by P!nk. The lyrics are as follows (The verses followed by the chorus at the end):<br />
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"Ever wonder about what he's doing?<br />
How it all turned to lies.<br />
Sometimes I think that it's better </div>
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To never ask why.<br />
<br />
Funny how the heart can be deceiving,<br />
More than just a couple times.<br />
Why do we fall in love so easy<br />
Even when it's not right?<br />
<br />
Ever worried that it might be ruined<br />
And does it make you wanna cry?<br />
When you're out there doing what you're doing<br />
Are you just getting by?<br />
Tell me are you just getting by?</div>
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Where there is desire<br />
There is gonna be a flame,<br />
Where there is a flame<br />
Someone's bound to get burned,<br />
But just because it burns<br />
Doesn't mean you're gonna die,<br />
You've gotta get up and try"</div>
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So, why do I love this song so much? I'm not quite sure. It makes me want to dance in a way I haven't danced in a while. That is only part of it. I think that it is because of where I am right now. My high school experience has been amazing. I've loved it. Still, it has been a rollercoaster. I can think of three difference situations to apply to each of the three verses. I'm here, though. The chorus speaks a fundamental truth - wherever the stakes are high, there are high risks. High risks yield high rewards. Putting yourself out there is the only way you'll get what you want. You may fall, or get burned, sometimes, but it is so worth the risk. Even when you fail, you get the reward of learning from your mistakes! Isn't it amazing how that works? We got ourselves a pretty sweet deal.</div>
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I guess my point is that life is always good, even when it's hard. We have so much to be grateful for: our families, freedoms, faith, and friends. We can be grateful for our challenges, trials, failures, and successes. I think of "Meet the Robinsons." "That was a great failure!" Keep smiling - you are so loved. Don't ever forget that.</div>
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Happy Thanksgiving. I'm grateful for you.</div>
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S </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-32251361182091525012012-11-14T16:52:00.003-08:002012-11-14T16:53:53.323-08:00"An Apology"; also titled "Year of Joy: Update 2"I'm sorry I've been awful recently... I've had a lot of thoughts worth sharing - I just struggle with putting them in order of priority. I'm going to go ahead and jump right in with a YoJ update.<br />
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Well, We are already at month four of my Year of Joy. Crazy. Since my last post, I've taken the ACT and SAT twice each. I've gotten into the swing of school and theatre. Op: Positivity has continue to grow. College apps are happening. I went to my first and last high school homecoming. We performed in the Variety Show. I've had some trials and I've been blessed.<br />
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Remember what I wrote about in my first two YoJ posts? The stuff about work and rewards? Yeah. I am going to repeat myself. IT IS SO TRUE. I have been so enormously blessed for my hard work. Let me tell you - it was HARD work. It was difficult to force myself to do what I knew I needed to. Our equation for joy was:<br />
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WORK + PLAY + FAITH = JOY</div>
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I want to add something to it. It should look more like this:</div>
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WORK + PLAY + FAITH(HUMILITY) = JOY</div>
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(I have a feeling we will be adding to this formula throughout the year.) I've discovered that when I am working hard, I need to remember to say "Thy will be done, o Lord" while going through "my" plans. I have to realize that my plans aren't mine at all. God's plan for me is better than any plan I could make for myself. Whether it means not doing as well as you could on a test the first time or drifting apart from friendships, it's in God's hands. Being blunt, humility can suck. But it is much, MUCH worse if you are prideful and Heavenly Father has to teach you to be humble. Make a choice for this week to not only be grateful, but to be humble. If things aren't working out the way you want them to, don't stress - He's got it covered.</div>
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Oh, and here's a YoJ picture for you. Talk about joy! (Hayride/bonfire/barn dance with church kids.)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-55517817543695521322012-11-05T16:57:00.003-08:002012-11-05T16:57:40.489-08:00Good CompanyA thought for the moment:<br />
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“My idea of good company...is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.' <br />
'You are mistaken,' said he gently, 'that is not good company, that is the best.”<br />― Jane Austen, <i>Persuasion</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-35013872336360423322012-10-08T14:09:00.001-07:002013-07-16T11:35:11.554-07:00COLUMBUS DAY?!Happy Columbus Day? HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY?! How DARE you insult my 21st century morality and perspective by telling me to celebrate the arrival of an invader, conqueror, and thief!<br />
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Okay, wait. You mean Columbus wasn't out to steal from people? You mean Columbus didn't know he was carrying deadly illnesses to a people who had not yet built an immunity to it? You mean Columbus didn't realize that he was upsetting a way of life that had been in practice for hundreds of years? You mean that he might have actually thought that he was HELPING PEOPLE? What the-<br />
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I love history, and I have studied it in depth. My knowledge is not perfect, but I am passionate about the subject. One thing I've learned from my studies is that you cannot take the narrative as fact. You cannot only believe what you read in your 5th grade textbook. It has been dumbed down, and is typically rampantly biased either to the left or the right. As a student of history, you are a seeker of truth. You are looking for the answers to questions people have. Of course, history is a social science, and you have an issue called "perspective." Two people who witness the same event may recount it in completely different ways. The people hearing those retellings have their own beliefs through which the facts are filtered once again. Today, we try to judge historical players by our own code of morality. Is this fair? I want to write a little about Columbus Day.<br />
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Imagine landing on an alien planet similar to Earth when you didn't know you were going there. The inhabitants look different, speak a different language, and have a completely different lifestyle. You try to trade supplies with them, and they willingly give you diamonds and Chipotle burritos for raisins and pony beads. You can't believe your luck - these people are so kind! They seem to live in a way that would be considered poverty where you are from. You try to teach them how to build roads and install water pipes. You don't stop to think that your descendants will use this exchange to lambaste you for years to come.<br />
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I personally get offended when people speak of immigrants to the United States as "evil thieves". I understand the point that a way of life was terribly and cruelly disrupted. It makes me grieve to think of those who suffered injustices. Yet, I also have the opinion that the time has gone. Why should I feel guilty for the actions of people who lived hundreds of years before me? Why should I feel that I am a visitor or invader in my homeland? My literal ancestors came here in the 1600s to flee religious persecution and economic hardship, not greed. I had grandfathers who fought in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the World Wars. My own father served his country for 18 years as a federal official. My ancestors struggled through the Great Depression, toiled across the plains, and poured their blood, sweat, and tears into farms and businesses in Virginia, Ohio, Iowa, Utah, and Illinois. This is MY country. My forefathers earned the right and have given me the privilege to say those four words. I am hurt when people try to tell me otherwise. Also, what does this say about more recent immigrants? Are they not a true part of this country? Of course they are. We thank everyone for their contributions to our country.<br />
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If you've studied history, you understand that it tells a story of a constant exchange of land and power among rulers, peoples, and empires. Egypt has never been purely "Egyptian." The land has belonged to countless empires and peoples. What even is "pure Egyptian?" Shouldn't it just be someone who lives, works, loves, and dies there?<br />
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I belong to this land. I am grateful everyday for that fact. I rejoice in its triumphs and mourn its sorrows. May we all remember our own heritage today in a way that would make our ancestors proud that we carry their name.<br />
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I am proud to be an American. I am proud to be a true American, not a German-American, or Anglo-American, or Euro-American or whatever name society might choose to give me.<br />
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God bless America, and everyone in her.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-32336036403841272392012-10-02T19:31:00.001-07:002012-10-02T19:36:37.708-07:0015 Things You May Not Know...After a year of our one-sided conversation, I feel that it's time to let you guys in on some facts you may not know (or really want to know) about me:<br />
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1. I am obsessed with pictures. I have photos all over my bedroom, computer, and I can never decide on Facebook photos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaoPNzrzntCQI61KrFvktncEP5OtvqRBLyTkdxe1Pa9ZH8vgEVriK1Bn-LJJiPxds7K082hlG1GHG6XoKdXngHzYQM-hx5AQ6v7ZAr9OCXKpAJl7JFgwytno5gN5Q6Fvz88fGzsCn1-U/s1600/twilight-zone-tower-of-terror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaoPNzrzntCQI61KrFvktncEP5OtvqRBLyTkdxe1Pa9ZH8vgEVriK1Bn-LJJiPxds7K082hlG1GHG6XoKdXngHzYQM-hx5AQ6v7ZAr9OCXKpAJl7JFgwytno5gN5Q6Fvz88fGzsCn1-U/s200/twilight-zone-tower-of-terror.jpg" width="136" /></a>2. I hate elevators. I especially hate the one in the parking garage by Target. Because of this, I refused to go on Tower of Terror at Disney World until I was 16. Yup. But don't worry - my love of Twilight Zone beat out my fear of falling to my death on a theme park ride.<br />
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3. I have been to around 43 US states. I need to hit up Alaska and Hawaii, parts of New England, the Pacific Northwest and North Dakota. I haven't really thought of a reason to go there yet... I'm working on it. I'd love to have visited every state before I graduate from college.<br />
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4. I have a bucket list that I have written down and hung up on my wall. It is comprised of more that 300 items and is constantly being added to and crossed off. It ranges in seriousness from things like "be in a paint fight" to "get married in the temple." Ask me about it sometime.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvK1g2Ko2vCmaUbE33SsQ90pdW7YV79TrxnAH1-GQ_elmydbwZMPWd_WmpKIF-gX2nWisXeAzpEOU1B_ka8cw1vdKDoS-ToIntumhMR-DKkVEbxshc5ZaC4GvCDy7et0cMDGtWlkIXpcE/s1600/sockhop2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvK1g2Ko2vCmaUbE33SsQ90pdW7YV79TrxnAH1-GQ_elmydbwZMPWd_WmpKIF-gX2nWisXeAzpEOU1B_ka8cw1vdKDoS-ToIntumhMR-DKkVEbxshc5ZaC4GvCDy7et0cMDGtWlkIXpcE/s200/sockhop2.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
5. I have been a DJ before. It is something really fun and random that I love to do. Sometimes it means dressing up and being the most excited person there. It's right up my alley.<br />
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6. I love pranking. Before you judge, let me clarify - I love nice pranking. Things like heart-attacking, or doorbell-ditching cookies on their porch, or forking their yard with hearts and notes. Plus, you get to wear war paint.<br />
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7. Some girl friends and I came up with B.F.D.s, or best friend dates. Sometimes, you just need to go out and do something one-on-one with one of your best friends. It's different than hanging out in a group or talking on the phone. If you ever see one of us use the hashtag #bfd, you now know what we are referring to.<br />
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8. I love going to the movies. I know that some girls hate going to the movies on a date because it's "cliche," but I love movie dates. Most of the movies I see in the theatre, I see more than once. I also collect movie ticket stubs. I have a whole bin full of them. I actually gave up a discount once because they were going to take my ticket stub. It was on a bfd with one of my friends... She was embarrassed. I have my The Amazing Spider-Man 3D ticket stub though. It was worth it.<br />
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9. I wake up around 5am every school day to attend Seminary. No, I'm not becoming a priest (that wouldn't work), but it is a four year program that goes in depth in studying the scriptures. Each year, we focus on a different book of scripture: Book of Mormon; Doctrine and Covenants & Church History; Old Testament; and New Testament. I am a senior in both high school and seminary. It's a lot of work waking up that early, but I have been so blessed because of my attendance at seminary. I'm grateful that I'm able to spend time with Heavenly Father every morning in a place where the World is silent.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp_qpzK04yJ74sjqUO0seMYoDi0QST2af4hKdv2wfhhcHdexXrnYYPdXvOH9H4v1v87CE_K-DtaC1fUYGEUooylXYAcWoi-il_Zg0-LYLJAQtpYELEe0b_wdQaEv4T9NbglEvJVWnxio/s1600/NYC_2012_33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGp_qpzK04yJ74sjqUO0seMYoDi0QST2af4hKdv2wfhhcHdexXrnYYPdXvOH9H4v1v87CE_K-DtaC1fUYGEUooylXYAcWoi-il_Zg0-LYLJAQtpYELEe0b_wdQaEv4T9NbglEvJVWnxio/s320/NYC_2012_33.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
10. I have a lot of opinions and ideas, but I don't often put them into words whilst having a conversation. That is one reason why I write! I love it, and I am doing it constantly.<br />
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11. I have the best friends in the world. For real. I struggled a lot to find good people to spend time with and really learn from, and I've finally found them. I thank God everyday for the blessings that they are in my life.<br />
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12. My family has driven across the USA so many times that I have lost count. We have traveled all over the States, from NY to Florida, from Idaho to South Carolina, from Wisconsin to Texas and everywhere in between.<br />
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13. I love the number 13. It has always been lucky for me.<br />
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14. I love sweaters. I don't know if you've ever noticed, but I have a sweater as a part of almost every outfit I wear. They are just perfect! They make things modest, classy, and I don't have to worry about anything. Gosh, I love them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3xyLDtmSl_OzSI2bktq8tdepWCIX4WR2Oy2j_QHweHeuWT9PKBMYWcvcYO0eD1bitreXji-PJkpWwOjBL911MLD7zlR-Q3rz1UsFHUInIOa9ciBVvC0BJr2h7OcGk2HdsfIq0Y0opew/s1600/YC22-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3xyLDtmSl_OzSI2bktq8tdepWCIX4WR2Oy2j_QHweHeuWT9PKBMYWcvcYO0eD1bitreXji-PJkpWwOjBL911MLD7zlR-Q3rz1UsFHUInIOa9ciBVvC0BJr2h7OcGk2HdsfIq0Y0opew/s320/YC22-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Nathan & I on location. I'm the psycho one with my arms up.</td></tr>
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15. I made a movie this past summer with my friend Nathan. It was Church film documenting our stake's Youth Conference to Palmyra, NY. We interviewed more than 50 teens, and worked out logistics for filming, equipment, interviewing, and legal junk. (We had to get around 150 teenagers to get their parents to sign a "image use" form. THAT was tough.) It was such a neat experience though. I was blessed to hear all those kids testify of their faith and knowledge of the great work our Heavenly Father has, and is, doing in the world and in their lives. It was fabulous. It premieres this fall at the D.C. Stake Center. Come check it out! <br />
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So that's a little bit - okay, a lot - about me. Ever wondered anything about me? I'm opening it up for questions... I know that's dangerous, but come on. You guys already know everything about me. ...Or do you?<br />
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Peace from the East, <br />
SUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-37742281196181652732012-09-19T04:17:00.002-07:002012-09-19T04:17:51.127-07:00One Year?!It was a September afternoon in New York City, in an Midtown apartment. Tired and without much to get done, a girl opened her Internet to Google. She clicked on the "More" button, and saw the "Blogger." Curious, she clicked on it and continued through the steps to start a blog. Unsure of what she would write, she thought of a generic title that would allow her the flexibility to do whatever she wanted. A quote came to mind: "Whate'er thou art, act well thy part." Act Well Thy Part was born. It was September 19th, 2011. One year ago today. <br />
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I cannot express how grateful I am to all of you who have read anything I've written. Whether you've been reading since "Concrete Jungle Where Dream Are Made..." or started with "Year of Joy in Action," or just popped in for the "Great Dating Dilemma" series, you've been a huge part of my life. You've been with me through a move, an crazy school year, my first break up, and a complete attitude adjustment. I've written almost 50 posts about love languages, gendercide, Broadway musicals, overpopulation, dating, my summers, Jane Austen, Merlin, integrity, beauty secrets, friendship, communication, the Sisterhood, NYC, TV show concepts, goals, fears, and dreams. <br />
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You've stuck with me through the ups and the downs, through the crazy and the boring. You've read some of my best writing and some of my worst (Sorry!). Thank you for your thoughts and comments, either on here, on Facebook, or in person. It always surprises me when someone mentions my blog - people actually read it? I see that 1,700 people have checked out AWTP on my stats page, but it has never sunk in. I don't know if it ever will.<br />
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Again, thanks, dear ones, for everything you've done for me. I hope that something I've written has resonated with you, and that you've found something of value in it. Thanks for encouraging me to continue writing - I owe it all to you. I love you.<br />
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Peace from the East,<br />
SUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-81123407242955960952012-09-11T15:06:00.002-07:002012-09-11T15:13:53.126-07:00September 12thToday is 9/11. It is the eleventh anniversary of the horrific terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. in 2001. It is a day for honoring the lives of those who died and the first-responders who ran into the collapsing buildings. It is a day to vow to "Never Forget" and "Always Remember." It is also Patriots Day, a holiday that get forgotten quite often.<br />
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That is the irony. We swear to never forget 9/11 and the legacy they left us, but do we? What do we do starting September 12th to change our lives? Those people who died did nothing to personally harm their murderers. They just happened to be on the wrong plane or in the wrong building. They were innocent individuals who lived American lives. They were killed for no other reason than they were American. They had mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, children, friends, coworkers. They had likes and dislikes. They had dreams and goals. They had triumphs and regrets. They had chores to do and memories to make. They were just like you and me. They were you and me. They are you and me.<br />
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We have a responsibility to them. It is our duty to live life the best that we can. We are to honor their lives with an America that follows Her values. We are to pay tribute to them with individual lives of dedication and respect to the country that allows us to live the way we choose. We should try to the best of our ability to remember them in the little actions we do. They died because they were in a place that was a symbol of freedom. It was a symbol of freedom of enterprise, to buy and sell. A freedom to travel and go to and from their homes without government involvement. Let's not forget that there are men and women who fight everyday to defend this freedom. They believe it is worth dying for.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6AutLAFduCNomtNgo66DckfYjyvF9hiwx6-kA5CTl4mcbuhXlsEKrRn73a0NSLsKp05LtP5bEv_6bOElvzmn-zMjEVm45iJaOStnluRYQRt2eWct0huXIy-PNTKCHabACBUD15nDgoE/s1600/9-11_firemen_raising_the_flag_at_ground_zero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6AutLAFduCNomtNgo66DckfYjyvF9hiwx6-kA5CTl4mcbuhXlsEKrRn73a0NSLsKp05LtP5bEv_6bOElvzmn-zMjEVm45iJaOStnluRYQRt2eWct0huXIy-PNTKCHabACBUD15nDgoE/s400/9-11_firemen_raising_the_flag_at_ground_zero.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rising again is what we do.</td></tr>
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So, starting tomorrow, let us all try to be a little better on our oaths to "always remember." Remember while your hand is over your heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. Remember while listening to the words of the National Anthem. Remember while you are driving to work on a freeway. Remember while you are sitting in church - or choosing not to go to a church. Remember while you are voicing your opinion. Remember while you are playing with your children, kissing your spouse, hugging your parents. Remember while you are reading the newspaper. Remember while you are laying down at night without fear. Remember the purpose of politics is to elect "good, wise, and just men" to be your voice. Remember when you see a serviceman in uniform. Thank them. Be grateful that you are here. There are so many millions of people who think that the risk of dying is worth the chance to live here. We have so much more than we realize. Be grateful today for the sacrifices of thousands of people who have made your life possible, even just with creating opportunities for you to seize.<br />
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Think of those who died eleven years ago today. Think of their families and friends. Tomorrow, think of the future. Think of those who have died since then to ensure that we may live without fear, and that our children will be able to enjoy those freedoms we are so used to. Let us "Always Remember" September 11th by changing the way we live on September 12th.<br />
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I want to say for myself that I know I am one of many who takes for granted all the blessings we have here in America. I forget in my day to day life. I want to be better. I want to start by saying THANK YOU to those who defend our liberty "in all cases," like the stripling warriors. Whether they are military, police, politicians, good citizens - THANK YOU. I want to thank the Founding Fathers (and Mothers) who were inspired to write documents that have withstood the test of time, guaranteeing my personal liberty. I'm grateful to the my ancestors who left their homelands beginning in the 1600s to settle the "New World," a place of promise. Without their sacrifices and hard work, I would not be here today. I want to say THANK YOU to those in history who have defended my liberty from attack, either at home or abroad. THANK YOU. Most importantly, I want to express my thankfulness to my Father - THANK YOU for allowing me the opportunity to live in America. I pray that I will be able to make the most of this incredible chance to make a HUGE difference in this world. I'm SO proud and humbled to be an American.</div>
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God bless America.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-73659678087947232132012-09-05T14:34:00.000-07:002012-11-14T16:54:13.801-08:00Year of Joy in ActionSo, how am I doing on my "Year of Joy" resolution? Well...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/OperationPositivity">www.facebook.com/OperationPositivity</a></td></tr>
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Pretty well, if I say so myself. This has been amazing for me thus far. I have tried very hard to refocus my energy and attention towards the positive and productive. I've been able to understand more, have more fun, and feel the spirit more strongly.<br />
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This doesn't mean that it's been easy. It's been anything but easy. We got some tough news regarding personal matters. It doesn't affect me as deeply as it does some dear friends, but it affects me. I have to watch while these wonderful people cope (and they're doing an excellent job, if you were wondering). I HATE watching people I love hurt. I mean, doesn't everyone?<br />
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Also, I've been placed in situations that require a lot of patience. I don't want to toot my own horn, but I've been blessed with a fairly high tolerance level. It takes a lot for me to get annoyed. However, the last month I've had to deal with people and situations that seem to enjoy "tap dancing on my last good nerve." (Twitches quote. I haven't seen that movie in AGES.) This includes some people who are on my "annoy the nice out of me" list. It takes a LOT to be on that list. I decided before I saw them that I was going to be nice. More than be nice, I was going to be truly kind. I was going to love them. I was going to let the comments that would bug me roll off my back. You know what? I had fun. It was a much better experience than I expected it to be. I learned to be more gracious. I have to admit that by the end, I was getting tired, and I slipped a little. I had less fun. I was the only one who was unhappy. But I got to see - and more importantly, feel - the contrast. I learned that to make the "Year of Joy" a reality, I've got to make the choice to be patient and kind to others.<br />
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Another thing I've encountered is the countless hours of preparation I've had to do for school and the upcoming ACT (THIS SATURDAY. Prayers would be greatly appreciated) and SAT. I started prep two days after I got back from the UK. It was the beginning of August. It was still summertime! I was home! I was supposed to be lounging on a chair by the pool with my girlfriends, sleeping in, watching TV, reading fun books, and going to movies and parties with my friends! Whatever I was supposed to do, it was NOT spend time at MC working on SAT vocab words or at home taking practice ACT math sections. Gross. I bet you can see where this is going. I have a dream of going to college and surrounding myself with knowledge and wisdom. That's not going to happen unless I score well on these tests. Being a homeschooler, there is more weight on your test score in your application. I want to go to a good school with lots of opportunities for developing my mind, talents, and testimony. So, I got down to business to defeat the College Board. I've worked SO hard, I'm ready for vacatio- wait. School starts tomorrow. Just kidding! In all seriousness, the blessings of this hard work have been evident. I'm not just saying this. My ACT math scores were in the gutter at the beginning of August, and I had my last practice test before the real deal yesterday. I jumped SEVEN points. That isn't all because of me. I've had awesome teachers/tutors, parents, and the Lord on my side as I've undergone this journey. I'm actually excited for Saturday so I can see the fruits of my labors and the power of the Spirit as a guide. I can now co-sign the mantra "Work like it all depends on you and pray like it all depends on Him - Because it does." (BONUS: I still got to do some of those fun things I had wanted to do! Yay for the blessing of multiplied time!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work + Attitude = Joy</td></tr>
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Overall, as I've worked to keep my attitude positive, I actually have been happier. Things make more sense in school, my friendships are strong, and I'm able to feel the Holy Ghost with me more often. I've even lost some weight! Joy is contagious. All it takes is a smile. I'm thrilled with a new endeavor that some friends and I have taken on. It's called <a href="http://www.operationpositivity.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Operation: Positivity,</a> and it's primary goal is to make people happier than they would've been otherwise. One of our "missions" (Well, it IS a special ops unit.), involves standing on a street corner with signs like the ones above, shouting things like "Have a great day! You deserve it!" or "Don't forget to smile - we need it!" or "You are awesome!" We look totally happy, because we are! You get the biggest rush seeing someone brighten up when they read your sign. Using O:P as an analogy, you can't be happy without work. It takes a deliberate decision to be happy, or start an organization. It requires some time figuring out what you want to do, making a plan of attack. It also needs some bravery and willingness to put yourself out there. It's scary making changes in your life, and it's scary standing on a street corner yelling. But it makes you so happy. It makes you joyful. It is legitimately the greatest feeling in the world. I hope that I will be able to keep this momentum going as I dive into my senior year. One month down, nine to go until graduation. <br />
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LET'S DO THIS.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-50634089695878516722012-08-29T20:00:00.000-07:002012-08-30T19:36:24.130-07:00A Prayer from a Romantic.As she lay there in bed, she wondered... <em>What was it like to be in love? To <u>fall</u> in love? Was it a rush, like diving from the top of a tall building? Was it a warmth, like the kind that makes you want to close your eyes and drink it in? Was it an awakening, when suddenly the world is bright and the answers are clear? Maybe, </em>she thought, <em>I'll know one day. Maybe I'll be done waiting. Maybe I'll be done with the dangerous tightrope walk of finding love. In love. Falling in love. Maybe that's it. Maybe it's being brave enough to fling yourself from the tightrope. To fall. To fall in love. To sink into something real, something so sweet and pure that you want to drown in it - forever. Probably not perfect, but perfect enough. </em>She began to drift into sleep. <em>Maybe it's a shock. A moment of knowledge or feeling that overtakes every part of your body and soul. Soul. Two souls so in tune that they become one. One life, one purpose. </em>"He's out there," she whispered to no one. <em>Under the same sky. Cliche, maybe.</em> But the vastness of the stars made her feel close to him. As dreams engulfed her, she murmured a sweet prayer for <u>him</u>, whoever he is.<br />
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Father, hear her prayer and the prayers of many others. Watch over future husbands everywhere so they may prepare themselves for the tender wives that are waiting for them.<br />
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A beautiful song titled <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIMVPyx1OiY" target="_blank">Overjoyed</a> by Matchbox Twenty puts her prayer into music in a way I could never. Enjoy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-84223981686636551452012-08-05T20:04:00.000-07:002012-11-14T16:54:35.112-08:00It's in the Journey...I'm learning something right now. I'm at a preparatory stage in my life. I am preparing for the ACT/SAT, senior year, college, life on my own, my last year in mutual/HST, everything. I am hitting the books. I've been doing some kind of school work pretty much every weekday, and most Saturdays, this summer. It has been a lot of work and a lot of effort. Yet, I'm learning that just because you've got something big ahead of you doesn't mean you should ignore the little things happening now. It is so interesting how some people focus on the result so much that they belittle it by removing the meaning of the process. What I mean is, someone once told me once to "Find joy in the journey!" She is so right. The Olympians in London right now are so full of joy and excitement. They have all worked incredibly hard for YEARS before this month to prepare and train for their events. Do you think that it would mean as much for Michael and Misty if they hadn't loved the meets or tournaments that they had in high school or college? Being at the Olympics is awesome, but it is the journey that they will talk to their kids about, not as much the 4 minutes in the pool or 10 minutes on the court.<br />
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So, I've decided something. As a lover of road trips, I'm going to look at this upcoming school year as one. I've got to work SO hard, but I've also got to enjoy everything around me more. I'm going to go to the movies, go to dances, do silly things with my friends, and spend time with my family. I am going to be the most involved, most enthusiastic person that I can be. I am going to look at graduation not as a destination, but as a mile marker along this high speed highway. I'm grateful for everything I've been given, and I plan to make the most of my life for the glory of my Father in Heaven.<br />
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I'm starting by posting a picture that pretty much embodies this concept for me. A paint fight in a friend's backyard may be silly, but it's something that matters to me. It was so fun, and it is a memory of my senior year that I'll be talking about for ages.<br />
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I don't want to be that kid who doesn't do anything fun senior year, and I also don't want to be the kid who goes around shouting "YOLO!" I believe that there is a balance between work and play. It's called "happiness." Throw in a handful of worship, and you've got "joy." Senior year for me is going to be called "The Year of Joy." Why? <br />
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...Because I'm finding joy in the journey.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-55694012484489495512012-07-23T11:26:00.000-07:002012-07-23T11:26:14.382-07:00Musical Moment: "For Good"Today's Musical Moment is from an extremely popular musical - "For Good" from Wicked.<br />
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I chose this cliche song for MM today because I am reaching the end of an adventure. I have less than a week left here in Oxford. It has been a journey, a challenge, a blast, and a blessing. I have learned so much about myself and my abilities here. Actually, my testimony has grown so much. I haven't been able to go to sacrament meeting for several weeks, and I am the only LDS kid here, but I have felt such a profound and obvious presence of the Spirit. I have felt the love of my Father in Heaven. I've been strengthened in my testimony of prophets and apostles as proclaimers of the word of God. It's amazing. <br />
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....Buuut, I'm ready to go back to church.<br />
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Not only has just the general experience caused me to think of this song, but individual people here at ASA have entered my life, and I hope they remain in it for years to come. I have had so many fun times, deep conversations, insightful experiences, and giggles. I love so many people here, and I will miss them as we return to our various homelands all over the world.<br />
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Thank you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4BjwTzEZw8&feature=fvst" target="_blank">"For Good"</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-13576020929934518392012-07-22T13:41:00.001-07:002012-07-23T04:14:13.944-07:00The Sister QuestionThose of you who know me well know that I have brothers, and no sisters. I am the only female child of my parents. I am also the oldest, so I got to hope each time one of the boys was born that I might FINALLY get a sister. Ehh... I love my brothers, and I wouldn't trade them for girls.<br />
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Still, I have sisters. How, you may ask? Friends, Young Women, and little ones. I have to say that it is an honor to be able to interact with these beautiful girls.<br />
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I can't say that I know exactly what it's like to have biological sisters - I don't. But, these girls give me purpose. I have to set an example of what a young lady is - graceful, classy, motivated, kindhearted, do-ers. This means that I have to work. I have to develop myself into what I know those girls can be. It is a challenge for me.<br />
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I learn what I can from the older girls. I watch them (and idolize them, actually). The way that they behave impacts me SO MUCH. I want to like the things they like, and act the way they act. I'll admit it - there are times when I change what I'm doing because of them. This is what little sisters do. I don't know if these older girls will ever know how much I look up to them.<br />
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It is interesting to be a girl in this world. It is hard being placed under constant pressure to be "hot" and "sexy," or "strong" and "independent," or "refined" and "flawless." Basically, to be perfect. This pressure from the World is a lot. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5b1SH1v-nmBk7B18RyP9nGHIdR1BXAbgsGEkvqJ98Py7IQPKaLv5Twz8MSRWnXbq4IEFHQGia7kGA3wDx9PP_RwD0xJBXus7rt5q1UxbfOuXL8EEfTQS7eLYVTS9pSx2MAw8e0pQflaE/s1600/liztaylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5b1SH1v-nmBk7B18RyP9nGHIdR1BXAbgsGEkvqJ98Py7IQPKaLv5Twz8MSRWnXbq4IEFHQGia7kGA3wDx9PP_RwD0xJBXus7rt5q1UxbfOuXL8EEfTQS7eLYVTS9pSx2MAw8e0pQflaE/s200/liztaylor.jpg" width="143" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8siEmB7zavKrUoViNk07bK9j76zQbEuJUQVhJwq6yFJWkA4dMJWW-njJzBmEIcrzMgDNnmBVBi7P0s34_TTVP1BqdywQ933mDem8Dxh-Klp4yeY42cR7wkHFtqGvUWBO0DEteWckgM2o/s1600/Independent-Woman-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8siEmB7zavKrUoViNk07bK9j76zQbEuJUQVhJwq6yFJWkA4dMJWW-njJzBmEIcrzMgDNnmBVBi7P0s34_TTVP1BqdywQ933mDem8Dxh-Klp4yeY42cR7wkHFtqGvUWBO0DEteWckgM2o/s200/Independent-Woman-300x300.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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The Sisterhood is consistently under attack. It doesn't only make us insecure about ourselves, but it makes us competitive with one another. This should push us in the opposite direction. We should be hanging on even tighter to each other. We should gather to stand in opposition to the World's ideals. This gathering is happening. I've seen it occur over and over again. Every time a girl walks into a room, smiling and confident, dressed appropriately for the situation. Every time I see a girl sitting by herself be greeted by a group of friends. Every time a young woman decides to dedicate herself to her education for self-betterment and the ability to serve others and educate her children. Every time a girl decides to work towards what "real woman" is: kind, virtuous, educated, confident, classy, willing to love and serve, with "deep beauty" reflected on her face. (Check out "<a href="http://actwellthypart2.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/beauty-secret-from-boy.html" target="_blank">A Beauty Secret from a Boy</a>" to learn what "deep beauty" is.) As we help one another become this kind of person, the Sisterhood is strengthened.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-e_6tBR4rmVc2vMY0KynZgRxx3OEpKQobVO3ouUnkvdrx1EpXvE84I8OVKS5c4SAbSnT-zqWsGEET83WBqGXrYUp9inOfZnQ_SVi_ZHZbd_QUsRc8UAwDd-250tHzf9RVQX8bxqk8EY/s1600/mormon-education4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-e_6tBR4rmVc2vMY0KynZgRxx3OEpKQobVO3ouUnkvdrx1EpXvE84I8OVKS5c4SAbSnT-zqWsGEET83WBqGXrYUp9inOfZnQ_SVi_ZHZbd_QUsRc8UAwDd-250tHzf9RVQX8bxqk8EY/s200/mormon-education4.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsa1Dgg4OQ9x0HymTV2v4MpcincWtsgoTuqu3vvHmuMOQuqn8wLi0B0hknIRCMNCBIZ8oIyKTNqxxyZ665iev2RMI3ukAr7wuK5ERIXjNgPt7OZC1RdZJlzrHzJ6x8460XilUF6WyzGU/s1600/MotherandChild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsa1Dgg4OQ9x0HymTV2v4MpcincWtsgoTuqu3vvHmuMOQuqn8wLi0B0hknIRCMNCBIZ8oIyKTNqxxyZ665iev2RMI3ukAr7wuK5ERIXjNgPt7OZC1RdZJlzrHzJ6x8460XilUF6WyzGU/s200/MotherandChild.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAeIxqxh3jwTyvluiyTa510BiN3_Av4Mf_aDHOf8TlK0aREqfjuZUmjjkEOlCUCeMeALczdBmia3Ld03YEB49L3zwxp49RQh29k-h5zQ83omVIkQYLaX_4Rwh0PurN6vU4ctxIXtcGF4/s1600/mormon-Women-Temple3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAeIxqxh3jwTyvluiyTa510BiN3_Av4Mf_aDHOf8TlK0aREqfjuZUmjjkEOlCUCeMeALczdBmia3Ld03YEB49L3zwxp49RQh29k-h5zQ83omVIkQYLaX_4Rwh0PurN6vU4ctxIXtcGF4/s200/mormon-Women-Temple3.jpg" width="200" /></a>There is nothing so fulfilling as hearing a young woman you love and admire say "You're like a sister to me." Thank you for letting me be a small part of your life. Thank you for giving me the great honor of having you in my life. Thank you for your remarkable example. I love you!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-26085446207431119522012-07-16T13:37:00.000-07:002012-07-16T14:49:23.630-07:00A Guy's Guide to Dating (GDD: Part 3)Ok gents. I hope you didn't think you were getting out of this one. You may not want to hear this, but dating begins with you. YOU are responsible for making sure girls have an opportunity to let good dating happen.<br />
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"Young men generally take the initiative in asking for and planning dates." - For the Strength of Youth (2012 edition)<br />
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That's what it says, brother. You have a charge. It's scary, I know. I've asked guys out before. I feel your... not pain. Insecurity is a better word for it. Think about it this way: you think it's scary asking out your friend to play laser tag for an evening? Imagine how intimidating it will be when you ask the most amazing, beautiful girl in the world, who you love with all your heart and would do ANYTHING for, to be your wife for time and all eternity. Even though you know she'll say yes, it's scary. Better get some practice in putting yourself out there and doing things right. Even the girl you propose to will have to be asked out on a date BY YOU at some point. (Logically, right?)<br />
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Let me walk you through a scenario. The bold text is your scenario, and everything else is my commentary.<br />
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-<strong>You realize that you've got nothing to do next Friday. You talk to one of your guys, and decide that you want to do something different than just "chilling," playing video games and your guitars. You come up with the idea to ask two young ladies you know to a picnic.</strong> <br />
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First of all, good choice. You can hang out with the guys anytime, but this is the initiative we were talking about before. You'll need it outside of high school dating, at places like work and college, so it's good to develop it - it is a talent! Plus, girls find it really attractive.<br />
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Also, you chose a picnic. It's cheap, fun, and no pressure. You don't have to worry about rides, and you know you'll have an opportunity to just talk.<br />
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- <strong>It is now Monday, and you are seeing Alison that day. When you see her a little off to the side, and not right in front of all her friends, you look her in the eye, smile and say "Hey, Alison. I was wondering if you were free Friday evening for a picnic. Jeff and I were thinking of getting a double together, and I'd love it if you would go with me."</strong><br />
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Thank you for not asking in front of everyone! That makes it awkward, either because it looks like you're trying to show off, or if she isn't free, it's uncomfortable for her to decline and arrange another time with you. It doesn't have to be all secretive either, because... That's weird.<br />
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When you actually spoke, you gave her just what she needs to know. You told her the date (Friday), approximate time (evening), activity (picnic), that you were doubling, and that it was in fact a date! You smiled, made her feel special. Way to be.<br />
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<strong>- She accepts, and you have a date! You tell her "Great! I'm looking for to it. I'll see you at 5:30 at the park? Do you need a ride?"</strong><br />
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Always check. Make sure she's clear right then the timing of everything, and that she'll have a way to get there. If your mom needs to drive both of you, that's fine. NO SHAME.<br />
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<strong>- It's now Thursday, and you have to make sure everything is going to happen. You check the weather to be sure it's not going to rain. You run with Jeff to the grocery store to get sandwich makings (and maybe some junk food). You gather the soccer ball and a blanket. You've got this. You are an ace.</strong><br />
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That's pretty much it. By making sure everything is in place beforehand, you're guaranteeing that you will be able to relax and have fun on your date. You ARE an ace.<br />
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<strong>- Your date starts, and you are having a blast. You are talking to Alison, who is actually really different when you talk just to her without a huge group of people. You've already learned that she loves Kit Kats and hates Milky Ways, that she wants to be a doctor, and really wants to go to Africa on safari. She's really cute when she laughs and brushes her hair out of her eyes back behind her ear. You also learned that she can kick your butt in soccer. (No one else needs to know that.) Jeff and his date are a lot of fun too. The four of you are having a lot of fun. You haven't checked your phone, and you have just been talking to the people around you.</strong><br />
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There is so much going right. A+. You are talking to the people present, and not to anyone on your phone or the "textline." You are doing things according to plan, but left it flexible enough to do what you felt like. You are paying the most attention to your date, and not to Jeff, or worse, Jeff's date. (DON'T EVER HIT ON SOMEONE ELSE'S DATE.) You are just having fun. That is what dating is.<br />
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<strong>- When it's time to leave, you give her a hug, and say "Thanks so much for going out with me, Alison. I had an awesome time. It was a lot of fun. Maybe next time, we should go to the baseball game! I'll see you around. Thanks again!"</strong><br />
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Yes, you THANK HER. The girl didn't have to go out with you. You read that right - You hug her. Don't try to force anything more on her. You went on one group date - don't make things weird. If later on, you've gone on a few more dates with her, you can go for a kiss, but remember: Dating is not to get a girlfriend.<br />
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<strong>A note on the physical stuff:</strong> I know you know that guys and girls are different. They place different meaning on physical affection. I hate to break this to you, but girls vary as well. To one girl, holding hands may be a way of saying "I like you and I'm having fun with you," while to another it may mean "I love you, and this is a sign of commitment." A kiss may be "Thank you for an awesome time, and I really like spending time with you," while to someone else it means "I want to be with you forever." Just be wary about what kind of message you want to send. Some girls want to save their first kiss for over the alter, and some girls throw their lips around, looking for someone to kiss. (Stay away from those girls... Nothing but trouble.) <br />
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Well guys, I'm almost done with you. I want to give one little speech before you hit that red X on the upper righthand corner.<br />
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Although every girl should be treated with respect, not every girl deserves the young man that you are now and have the potential to be. Remember that. You are an amazing person, who is trying his best to be someone good. You have talents, you have LOADS of potential. You don't get the self-esteem speech as much as girls do, and I think that's terrible. You are working now to be someone who can hold a job, support a family, AND have fun. You may not be thinking about it all the time, but if you sat and thought hard for a little while, you'd realize you have some goals and dreams that you want to achieve. Not every girl will be able to help you get there. I know I say "it's just high school," and "dating is about fun and friendships," but seriously. Do you think that some of these girls will help you be the MAN that you want and can be? They are distractions. They do not deserve you. They will hold you back. Have fun, be chill, but be careful. The people you surround yourself with now will impact who you will become. Besides, your future wife is out there. You are going to think that she is the most amazing person ever (because she is!), and are you going to want to tell her about your manslut ways in high school? Of course not. Basically it comes down to don't be a jerk. Ask girls out. Have fun. Learn a lot. Put yourself out there. Be rejected a few times - it's normal and healthy. It sucks, but it's okay. Make some girls you know smile. Be the kind of man that you want to be.<br />
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Think about it.<br />
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Questions/Comments? Comment below or send me a message - I'd love to hear your thoughts!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277693197763247795.post-72544927930481071672012-07-12T14:37:00.000-07:002012-07-22T13:42:58.397-07:00A Girl's Guide to Dating (GDD: Part 2)Back to the dating series! (I'm starting with the girls, but guys, you may want to read this too.) I know I say that proper dating begins when a young man takes initiative and asks a girl out, but, ladies, there has been some not-so-great dating going on on our part too. I'm going to break things down and give you just a few guidelines to help you out.<br />
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1. Accepting and Declining.<br />
So, a boy asked you out. How do you feel? Excited? Flattered? Anxious? Repulsed? Confused? Maybe you feel a mixture of these emotions. That's okay. It may be very new to you. It can be intimidating. You may not have been expecting it at all! You have approximately 4.3 seconds to come up with your answer. (I just made up that number.) What do you say?!<br />
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Say yes. Unless you have a valid reason to decline, (which we will discuss below) you should pretty much always say yes. Ask him then what the plan is - what day, if he's driving or you're meeting somewhere, what the activity is (so you know how to dress), who else may be there, etc.<br />
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To accept, say something along the lines of "Thanks so much for asking, Tom! I'd love to! What is the plan?"<br />
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<u>Invalid reasons for declining</u>:<br />
- You don't like him "like that."<br />
- He's "just a friend."<br />
- He's too awkward.<br />
- You don't want to date him.<br />
- You think he's joking.<br />
- You don't want to be in a "relationship."<br />
If you don't know why these are invalid reasons, please refer to "The Great Dating Dilemma - Part 1"<br />
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<u>Reasons why you may decline</u>:<br />
- You have prior plans.<br />
- You're grounded.<br />
If either of these are the case, say "Thank you so much for asking, Tom, but I can't go out that day. Is there another time that you'd like to go out?" and continue to arrange other plans. If you say "I'm busy," guys will assume that you don't want to go out and NEVER ASK YOU AGAIN. Seriously.<br />
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- You already have a date. (In the case of dances and such.)<br />
Again, thank him for his invitation. Apologize that you can't go with him, and ask him if he'd like to go out some other time. He may not get his prom photos with you, but you can still have fun together another day.<br />
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- Going on a date with him would make you feel unsafe.<br />
I'm serious about this one. If a boy makes you worry about your physical or spiritual well being, just decline. Thank him for his invitation, and tell him you cannot go. Do not make up an excuse about being out of town or something. Just say you can't go that evening or that your parents don't want you going to that party or concert. i.e. "Thanks for thinking of me, Jeff, and I'm flattered, but I can't go to that concert - it's past my curfew."<br />
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- He's your best friend's ex-boyfriend. (This one I think is a valid reason. Don't break the Sister Code.)<br />
If he asks you out, give him a look. That's all you need to do. If you choose to accept, go for it. High school shouldn't be super intense anyway. These things are always more complicated than they should be.<br />
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- Your parents do not want you to be out with him.<br />
Go ahead and blame it on your parents. Thank him, of course, but say that your parents don't want you going. It's not your fault, and there is nothing wrong with letting him know that.<br />
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- He is actually repulsive. (i.e. Doesn't shower or do laundry, coughs all over you, eats like a pig, and doesn't brush his teeth.) <br />
I'm reasonable.<br />
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If you are uncomfortable being alone with him, but want to be kind and accept, ask him then who you will be doubling with. That brings up the subject without being rude or pushy. i.e. "Thanks for asking me out, Tom! I'm excited! Who are we doubling with? I have a friend who I know could get a date."<br />
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2. Preparing.<br />
Make sure you know what the plan is. Nothing is worse that getting somewhere and realizing that you are dressed totally inappropriately for the activity. Also, your parents will be more comfortable letting you go if you say, "Tom and I are going to the park for a picnic. I'll let you know if anything changes," than if you say, "I'm going out with Tom. See you later tonight!" Besides, if you know the plan, you will have less awkwardness milling around than if you didn't have an activity planned.<br />
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3. The Date.<br />
Once you're there, remember: you are on a date with this young man. It is your job to keep your full attention on him. Do not text your friends, do not check out other guys, do not act like you wish you were anywhere but there. If it's a double or a group, do not spend the whole night chatting with your girlfriends. They didn't ask you out. He did. Have fun! Don't worry too much about what he's doing, or what he meant by that remark - most of the time, he meant exactly what he said. Just relax. He's your friend already. Take this as an opportunity to get to know him better. Is he different in a one-on-one conversation than he is when he's part of the crew "hanging out?" Does he have a dream or hobby that surprises you? Probably. Just talk. I can't say this enough: HAVE FUN. That's what dating is for.<br />
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Paying: If he asked you out, expect him to pay. If you asked him out, be prepared to pay, but accept if he offers. Allow him to be the gentleman he has the potential to be.<br />
4. Afterwards.<br />
Once he drops you off, or you turn to leave, give him a hug and thank him once again for asking you and giving you an excellent evening. If it's awkward and the rest of your group is there, thank him in person, but also send a text or a message saying once again how much fun you had. The next time you see him, act totally normal. PLEASE don't be one of those girls who think that everything is going to change because you went on a date with this boy. Just be chill. Don't be offended if he doesn't ask you out again right way. It's nothing personal. He just, like you, wants to get to know all sorts of people.<br />
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Ok. So, what if you like him?<br />
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First, accept politely as stated above.<br />
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Secondly, get home, go to your room, shut the door, and have a little jam session. Just jump around and be excited. HE ASKED YOU OUT! There is absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating.<br />
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Third, keep in mind the reality of the situation: you are young, he is young. You don't need seriousness right now. The goals are friendship and fun times.<br />
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If you have a boy who you like, and he likes you as well, then you are a lucky one, aren't you? Don't feel like you can only go on first dates. You can go on more than one, two, three dates with the same person without being in a "relationship." You could hold hands and be cute without "long-term commitment." I may sound like a terrible person, but this is realistic. Do not try to pull a boy into a "relationship" right now. It makes things messy. Take this time to learn the basics of dating so you don't screw things up when you start looking into marriage. Most young women, as wonderful as they are, don't know how to say yes or no to a date, let alone know how to handle the ups and downs of a "relationship." Just make sure that you are on the same page as your "Tom".<br />
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Dating is complicated, with many variables. It would be impossible for me to cover every scenario or situation that could occur. I hope that you ladies find this helpful (and maybe some of you guys find it insightful). Dating is complicated, yes, but it is also wonderful. It is so much fun! Spending time with a good friend is and should be fantastic.<br />
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Think about it.<br />
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Questions or comments? Please send me a message or comment below! I'd love to hear your opinion.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0