Bucket List

I once had a teacher ask me to write my own obituary.  My natural reaction was, "That's weird."  Then I thought about it more and found it to be really motivating.  Where did I want my life to go?  What kind of impact did I want to have on others?  How did I want them to remember me?

Those simple questions inspired me to write a bucket list.  I've entitled my list "100 Things to Do Before I Die."  There are currently 61 things on it.  The rest are what I like to call "goals of the subconscious mind."  You know all those times when you do something really neat and you say, "I've always wanted to do this!" but really it hadn't consciously crossed your mind before?  Yep, well, I decided that I can still put those on my Bucket List even after and then write about them...thus allowing myself to continue filling the last 39 spaces...and more if I want.

I have all sorts of things on my Bucket List!  Everything from the very serious (receive my endowments) to the very superfluous (milk a cow, get in a food fight).  I've got goals for places I want to go (Greece, Disneyworld, etc), things I want to see (a play on Broadway, the 7 wonders of the new world), and people I want to meet (Mia Hamm).  I have selfish goals (be pictured in the Ensign) and selfless ones (donate $2000 to a charity, be a foster mom).  There are things I want to experience (zero gravity, the Olympics live), do (be a street musician for a day, write a book),  and learn (pottery, swing dancing).  Someone once asked me what my most important goal is on my Bucket List.  Well, I can't disclose my #1 goal until I die :) but I can share some other high priorities.  I'd love to be a motivational speaker for something and pay for somebody's mission.  They have nothing to do with eating ice cream atop the Eiffel Tower or seeing a sumo wrestling match in Japan, but of all my 61 goals written down (on a powerpoint, no less...yes, I'm a nerd :) ), those are very important to me. 

I saw these guys on the Today Show the other day and loved it!  They wrote a book about their experiences and it's called What Do You Want to De Before You Die?  Check out this video: 

So, what do YOU want to do before you die?

Jumping In...Head First?

Wow!  I haven't updated this in quite some time...

I'm in California!  Moved here a couple of weeks ago to live with an old mission companion (Crystle) who had an extra space in her apartment.  People asked me before coming out here, "Why are you moving to California?"  Why not?  or Because I can.  "Do you have a job out there?"  No.  Haha.  But so far I have been quite happy with the move.  I feel like this move was much needed.

My life here?  It's great.  The first week or so was rough, mainly because I hate being at the mercy of others to facilitate my social life but that just encouraged me to be faster at making friends.  My friends are so awesome!  Funny, I don't actually see Crystle much...she's always working or talking on the phone with her boyfriend in Idaho but it's all good, we still get our time.  I spend most of my time hanging out with my other roommate Rachel, Crystle's little sister Amber, and a friend from my branch Andrea.  Seriously, some of the best people around!  We have laughed together so hard it makes me almost pass out...multiple times!  Haha.  Love it.

My branch is pretty small (especially on Super Bowl Sunday) but I like it!  It makes it much easier to get to know people, which is nice.  My first Sunday here I was asked to give the opening prayer in Sacrament Meeting, then by the time church was over, I had a calling!  I'm a Relief Society teacher.  I'm actually really excited about it because it will be a challenge for me and it will help me in my scripture study to have more focus.

I found a job within a week of getting here, which was a huge blessing.  I work at an after-school program at a middle school in town.  The thing I like the most about it is that I'm learning so much about the current issues facing this age group and how to handle them.  It's going to be so helpful when I get my own classroom of middle school kids this fall in Vegas.  I have the perfect job!

While I'm loving the one job I have, it is only part-time and I am therefore still trying to find another source of income to help me survive this next couple of months.  Hence, now introducing: MJ's Tailoring and Alterations!  I've got quite a few customers already so it's working out pretty well for me.

I think I've hit all the main points of my life out here so far.  Oh!  One more thing...there's this little diner outside of town that has about 150 milkshake flavors on their menu...it has become our goal to try all of them (or at least, all the ones we want to try...we'll be avoiding black licorice...)  The four of us like to go at the same time and each get different flavors so that knocks off 4 at a time.  Last time our friend Richard was brave enough to get the bacon flavored milkshake so we all got to try it.  Maple bacon next?  Haha.  I've had carmel apple, peanut butter apple, peanut butter marshmallow, white chocolate raspberry, cloud 9 (made with white chocolate, marshmallow, and golden oreos), and others (don't worry, exercise ensues :)  I think we'll make a movie of our experience...

The Choice to Be Grateful

The December 2011 Ensign (a magazine produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is filled with stories of the birth of Christ and how it blesses our lives each day.  I found it particularly interesting that the First Presidency message in the beginning was about gratitude.  President Eyring says, "Sometimes it is hard for us to be sufficiently grateful for the greatest gifts we receive: the birth of Jesus Christ, His Atonement, the promise of the resurrection, the opportunity to enjoy eternal life with our families, the Restoration of the gospel with the priesthood and its keys....We all can make the choice to give thanks in prayer and to ask God for direction to serve others for Him--especially during this time of year when we celebrate the Savior's birth."

The end of the message contains a "gratitude challenge" to write 100 things we are grateful for, broken down into 10 categories of 10 each.  So here's my list.  I encourage you all to do the same as you prepare for this Christmas season.

1. Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.
1. Walking around
2. My fainting spells have significantly decreased
3. I can run!...in moderation :)
4. The chance to sleep every night
5. My mental capacity to learn (that's physical, right?)
6. My foot and shoulder healed ok after being hit by the car on my mission
7. I am physically able to serve others
8. I never have to go hungry
9. Playing soccer
10. Swimming
2. Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.
1. Sewing machine
2. Winter coat
3. Laptop
4. Cell phone
5. My car
6. My parent's piano
7. Digital camera
8. Shoes
9. Banana chair
10. Video camera
3. Write 10 living people you are grateful for. (more like 10 living groups of people...haha  :)
1. Mom and Dad (I know that's 2...but I'm grateful for LOTS of people)
2. My brothers (Chris, Michael, Malcolm)
3. President Thomas S. Monson
4. Tri-family :)
5. Roommates (Susie, Katie, Bailey, Betsy, Melissa)
6. Companions from the mission (Emi, Crystle, Leslie, Kassi, Rebecca, Lorina, Priscila)
7. Bishop and Sister Heiss
8. Karen Ernst
9. Marsha Green and co-workers (Sarah, Carley, Heidi, April)
10. President and Sister Bahr
11. This may be illegal to have a #11, but I'm grateful for YOU because you care to read my random blog :)
4. Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for.
1. Jesus Christ
2. Anthony (my brother)
3. Papa Chuck
4. Joseph Smith
5. Eve (yes, as in Adam and Eve :)
6. Gordon B. Hinckley
7. Lupita Arenas
8. Cassee Pitts
9. Heath Ledger
10. and Freud (haha)
5. Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.
1. Pine trees
2. Warmth
3. Mountains
4. Sea otters (they're in nature...that counts, right?)
5. Inspiration I get when I'm in nature
6. Irises
7. Streams
8. Photosynthesis
9. Most animals I encounter on a daily basis don't want to eat me
10. Freshly fallen snow
6. Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.
1. Finishing my bachelor's degree
2. Hanging out with co-workers
3. Kneaders all-you-can-eat French toast
4. Sappily cute holiday movies on Lifetime
5. Hot chocolate
6. Great music (thank you Beyonce, Lil Wayne, and Jay Sean haha)
7. Finishing my roommate's wedding dress
8. Friends who text me
9. MarioKart
10. I have been graced with the presence of my roommates :)
7. Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.
1. Temples
2. Home :)
3. Disneyland
4. California, in general
5. New Jersey!
6. Hefei, China
7. North Pole (but only if Santa is there)
8. Bakersfield
9. American Fork
10. Temple Square
8. Write 10 modern inventions you are grateful for.
1. Microwaves
2. Internet
3. Airplanes
4. Running water
5. Toilets
6. DVD's/DVD players
7. Whiteboards
8. Pandora
9. Electricity
10. Blenders
9. Write 10 foods you are grateful for.
1. Pizza
2. Chocolate
3. No-bake cookies
4. Green beans
5. Papa a la huancayina
6. Pasta
7. In 'N Out
8. Mangos
9. Taquitos
10. Yogurt
10. Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.
1. Birth of Jesus Christ
2. Priesthood blessings
3. Eternal families
4. Book of Mormon and other scriptures
5. Living prophet
6. Repentance
7. Gift of the Holy Ghost
8. Mission!/Missionary work
9. Plan of Salvation
10. Indexing/Genealogy

So there you have it!  Good luck with your own list.  Merry Christmas!

Who Knew So Much Could Happen in One Short Year?

One year ago today, this is what I looked like:

Since then, SO MUCH has happened!

I went horseback riding...

...went back to school (and watched Jimmer play LIVE)...

...did my 8th year of HOBY...

...saw my best friend get married...

...changed my career goal from school counseling to teaching...

(haha, like I have a picture for this)

...went back to visit New Jersey...

...made a Relief Society movie...

...did my first ever photography job for a wedding...

...participated in graduation ceremony at BYU...

...decided to dust off the trumpet and do marching band again...

...got in a food fight (pudding, eggs, mashed potatoes, flour, melted ice cream, applesauce, rice, etc :)...

...was pictured on lds.org...

...went horseback riding again...

...applied for and got accepted to Teach For America!...

...sold my contract to move out to Auburn, followed by Las Vegas for my full-time teaching job...

...visited my new niece in northern California...

...and finished my last semester of undergraduate work at Brigham Young University!

Who would've thought?  As hard as this year was (trust me, adjusting back from the mission is NOT easy), it was filled with experiences I needed to help me learn and grow.  I'm excited for the opportunities I have ahead of me to fulfill the BYU motto and "Go forth to serve."  

I hope that everyone takes the time this season to reflect on the changes and experiences that have happened in your life over the last year.  Whether these changes were good or bad, they were necessary to make you who you need to become.  I firmly believe that "all these things shall give [us] experience and shall be for [our] good" (D&C 122:7)  Have a very Merry Christmas!

Thanks. Giving. is here.

It's a day of thanks, it's a day of giving, it's Thanksgiving.  Here is my absolute favorite Thanksgiving song.  Must listen to this today!

I have so much to be grateful for.  I don't need to bore you all with my gratitude list but I hope everyone makes one today.  The last 2 Thanksgivings I had were celebrated on my mission in New Jersey.  I'm so grateful for the time I had there and for the lessons I learned which have greatly blessed and enriched my life since.  Enjoy this video and have a Happy Thanksgiving.  Feliz dia del pavo!

Big Words

Vocabulary has never been a strong point of mine.  The only words I actually remember from all those vocab tests in school are vex and effervescent.  Oh wait, I think I also had juxtapose, plethora, and myriad as vocab words as well.  That makes 5.  As a university student, I've been exposed to a myriad of new words and phrases, many of which I've heard multiple times in a plethora of classes but they just don't seem to stick in my head.  Words like machiavellianism, empirical (ok I lied...that one finally sunk in this semester...), heuristic, catharsis, hedonism...the list goes on.  Maybe one of these days I'll get it...or I'll graduate, whichever comes first :)

But anyway, my freshman year we discussed the concept of existentialism in one of my classes.  I don't remember what was said but I remember thinking, "Hey, I'm an existentialist!"  It was a great revelation for me.  Unfortunately, if ever I told people, I could never back it up with why because I didn't know what one was, I just knew I was one.  Well, once again this concept is coming to surface in a class this semester.  Maybe this time I will actually remember long-term what it means.  For now, here's my idea of it:

• We each have the responsibility to make our lives meaningful and to live it passionately and sincerely.
• We have the power to rise up out of our circumstances and become better.
• We should be authentic in our actions and understand that different actions have different consequences or value.
• In order to have full meaning to life, we must understand and accept death.

The last point is particularly interesting to me.  Several years ago, I had an assignment in one of my classes to write my own obituary.  Most of the students kind of shuddered at the thought of that but i was excited for it (I know, I'm weird, but just go with it).  As I wrote it, I found myself really contemplating what I wanted the purpose of my life to be.  It helped me set goals for the kind of life I wanted to live so that people would be able to say those things about me in my obituary.  So I gained more meaning in my life by understanding death.  Anyway, just a thought.  

Whether you're an existentialist or not, it doesn't make much of a difference to me.  But this philosophy has helped me to figure things out.  Next time the professor is using big words, I hope I can remember what they mean...  :)

A Useless Pile of Bricks?

The Provo Tabernacle was a beautiful icon here in the Utah Valley.  Built with the blood, sweat, and tears of the first pioneers to settle here in the 1870's, it had a rich history.  I personally loved visiting that building.  I did photography shoots there because of the beauty of the outside red brick walls and the expansive lawn out to the side.  My stake held Stake Conference there in February 2009 and I was involved in numerous choir concerts that took place in the tabernacle for the BYU Women's Chorus.  Here are some of the shots I have from my memories there:

Just a little over a week after I got home from my mission last December, I was visiting my brother and sister-in-law out in California when I got a text from a friend of mine telling me that the Provo Tabernacle was on fire!  I couldn't believe it.  I immediately googled it and, sure enough, found videos and photos of the historic blaze.  I'll admit, I think I remember crying.  

For months, the Provo Tabernacle sat in ruins on the street corner, reminding us all of its tragic demise.  We wondered what they would do with it; to us it seemed like there was no option but to tear it down.  The amount of distress it went through left it a useless pile of bricks.  

What we didn't know during all of this was that the Lord was planning something much greater and more beautiful for the remains of this tabernacle.  In this most recent General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, announced that plans were underway to use the structure of the Provo Tabernacle to become a temple, a house of the Lord.  What an incredible announcement!  It will now become something more glorious than the pioneers could have ever imagined.

This story was related today in my stake conference by the stake president.  He compared it to the power of the Atonement of Christ.  Sometimes, we have to go through incredible trials in our lives.  These often leave us feeling lower than the dirt, like a useless pile of bricks on a street corner.  But the Lord knows what we can become.  He always knew the Tabernacle would become a temple, he was just waiting for us to figure it out.  The same applies in our lives.  No matter how low we feel, he can make us greater than we ever could have imagined.  The rebuilding process may be slow and it may be hard, but it will be worth it.  His Atonement heals us and gives us ennabling power to be instruments in His hands. 

Thanks for that analogy, President Mullen.  It's something that I hope will stick with me forever.