Flibbertigibbets

Okay:
 I have a problem with people talking themselves down.
I have a problem with beautiful girls being insecure

Be yourself.  Social norms are overrated.
Quit worrying about how your "supposed to act"
Be kind is the only rule to really follow yes?
If your nice, and genuine about it-and your honest
Its the others peoples fault if they have a problem with you.

In the which case, get over it.
You can't please everyone.

You don't have to get your hair done and your nails done and feel a certain way in order to win that boy
(though, feel free to get your hair done and your nails done if it so delights you-just make sure your doing it for you, not for him)

You don't have to classify yourself as emotionally high maintenance.
You have needs-so what?  Have your needs met!  You deserve to have needs and to have them met!  Just  don't degrade your self to any sort of maintenance status.
Uhhhh-I HATE status-es (spelling help?)
Truth is, we're all high maintenance.  And things break down if they're not maintained.

Also, you are not going to have successful relationships if you can't like yourself.
My advice, Listen to the Whitney Huston song "The Greatest love of all" every morning, every night, every
time your in the car.  That's what I had to do for two years of my life.  Eventually, with the help of that song,  and an amazing choreographers chastising after I made a self degrading comment, and some honest self evaluation, I made the changes I needed to make to be a person I could love.  If you can't love yourself, you really can't love someone else.

I heard this really good comment the other day on a tape I was listening to-it said that regret is only supposed to be a messenger.  The problem is when we hold that messenger hostage so we get the message over and over again.  The purpose of regret is to get the message and move on.

You've been through some hard things ladies, I've been there to.  Holding open the wounds doesn't let them heal.  Looking at the wounds and the imperfections, its like that needle I took in the leg a few months ago-it really wouldn't have hurt if I had just looked away.  I'm not saying, ignore your problems, I'm not saying forget what you went through or try to make seem any less than it is-what I'm saying stop thinking about it so much!  Stop watching the wounds heal, and just put the band aides on the best you can, apply some antibacterial ointment, and move forward.  Its okay if it leaves a scar cuz that scar will have a story-that hopefully has taught you something.

On another note, Your only as happy as you are grateful.  Look at the beautiful things in your life, look for more ways to fill your life with good.  Refocus outside of yourself.  Find a purpose, a cause, make a goal with measurable steps that will improve your life.  Enough with concepts and emotions, process them, and then get grounded in something concrete.


I apologize if this hits so close to home for some of you, but enough is enough-I want you to be happy.  So it may be a funny way of showing it, but I gotta lay down some tough love on occasion.

Things can be better if you really want them to be.  And in person, I'm much more empathetic.  We need a juice date.

Quotes to uplift:

(Because they're so much more eloquent than me)

"Life can only be understood by looking backward, but it must be lived looking forward."

"I will Grow.  I will become something new and Grand,
But no grander than I now am.  Just as the sky will be different in a few hours,
Its Present perfection and completeness is not deficient.  So am I presently perfect and not deficient
because I will be different tomorrow."  -Wayne Dryer

Every Flower has to go through alot of dirt." -Lauren Bond.

Newly Engaged

Its amazing how many people have said:
     "FINALLY"  or "ITS ABOUT TIME!"  or "We were starting to think it would never happen"

To them, I say:
   "You think its about time?  I KNOW its about time!"  But, also, I say:  "It was well worth the wait!"  

I love Travis SOOOO much!

I can't wait to be married to him!

Its funny, this working out the details stuff isn't as much fun as I thought it would be, because

1)Travis doesn't have much of an opinion on it, he just wants to be married and so I fear becoming bridezilla who just takes over and says do it this way that way and forget anyone who has anything else to say!
2)Theres alot of options!
3)I just want to be married
4)It can get expensive, and I have no money
   4a) I don't want an expensive wedding, just a nice one!
5)The wedding isn't what its about.  Its about me and Travis, and referring back to #1, travis doesn't have much of an oppinion reguarding the details.
6)All we've decided on is June, and Alaska-that way, its convenient for us, and it gives our family and friends time to make preparations to come if they're going to.  Just narrowing it down that far seemed to be a daunting task!

But, I guess once I start making decisions other things will start falling into place right?  oy.  Thats what the book Robin got me for Christmas says anyways.

My Christmas Highlight

(Photo Thanks to Adam Baxter)

There are many legends about the moon. A full moon is said to be a symbol of love and romance.  On that, 

I must agree.

There was a total Lunar Eclipse on Solstice this year, visible in Alaska on the Eve of Winter Solstice. 

My dear wonderful Travis took the special night, December 20th, 2010 to propose :)  

Yes, we are engaged!  

I think there is some special symbolism in it.  

Just as the celestial bodies aligned that night, 

Travis and I aligned our hearts in a promise of celestial significance.  

I love that man!

Wonders of this Winter-Land! (Part 2)

Guess what, I take it back.  Global warming is a hoax!

Its freaking cold out there!  This is the alaska winter I remember.

Of course, with the cold, I now have a cold and my asthma hates me.  Dr Foote wouldn't let me get my allergy shot today because I have cold symptoms.  I guess, asthma does not like to be hit by a cold and allergic reaction at the same time.  So, try again next week.  Pray for me, and that my car will get fixed!

21 yrs done!

I had a birthday yesterday-and in the terms of the world its a big one.  I got the fancy license that goes side ways like the rest of the world, meaning I'm and adult adult (as opposed to when you become an "adult" at 18.  Whats crazy is that so much is up in the air right now.  I want to make plans but the plans I want to make require a partner in crime, but that partner is having commital issues.  I want to just go to work when I'm done with school, but I also want to drive the tour busses, and i want to get my associates, and I want to go to Idaho and get a bachelors in Dance.  :P  So, Idk.  Here's to oppourtunies, here's to adventures, here's to desicions and heres to undetermined plans.  I've always put all my eggs in one basket certain that that is the plan for me, but I think now is the one time in life when I'll be able to spread them around.  Check out different baskets or maybe more than one.  Its both empowering and exciting.  For the short term though, here's to getting my certificate, and taking a ballet class!

December!!!!

So, I don't know where the year went-but its now December so the greif I should feel at yet another year gone is  overwhelmed by the excitement of the Holiday Season!  I'm SO excited, it hit me in class when I went to write the date and it was 12/1/2010 that it was December.  Just 25 days till Christmas!  And my Birthday is on Friday.  Which let me tell you, I'm not too happy about only being 21 and having forehead wrinkles already.  I blame the fun I had in the California Sun this summer.  I got a few really good sunburns, and the Ultraviolet light did its toll.  :P  Bleh.  But, still, 21 eh?  I could go rent a car, I could not go to bar-they both rhyme but they wouldn't be a crime!  HAH!  Jk, I won't ever be going to a bar, and I don't have the money to rent a car.  But don't worry, I will be celebrating.  Travis is taking the evening off from work and we'll go to dinner (probably with my family too) and then I talked him into going to the Newest Harry Potter with me, and get this, hehe-dressing up as Wizards!  I'm also opening the invite to any who wish to come, just you have to dress like a wizard too!  So, spread the word and dust off your wands!  I'll update on Facebook what time we'll go to the movie, I'm thinking Imax at 7pm Friday, the 3rd.  YAY!  (PS, Travis is gonna be Harry and I'm gonna be Ginny! hehehehe)

Long Story Short:

I'm an optimist, a Ballroom Dancer, Big sister, a friend, a goofball, a student, a dreamer, and I'm a mormon.




Friend was talking to me, suggested I make one of those profiles on mormon.org. This is as far as I've gotten so far. I'll let you know when I have the rest of it together.

What I'm thankful for this year: (in no particular order)

Adorable little Brother Liam
Adorable Little Sister Elyse
My mommy
Rulon
Robin
Amanda
Jordan
Clara
Travis
Kimmie
Rhea
Oppourtunities to go visit Grampa, Grama's Elmer and Johnson, and Dad's site.
The oppoutunity I had to work for Uncle Sid in California nannying Alex
Human Anatomy-its cool stuff!
Medical Assisting Program/knowing what I'm doing with my education and career!!
Modern Medicine (allergy shots, Liam's hospital visits) and the health care team!
Ballroom Dance Club of Fairbanks
Artisans Courtyard teaching oppourtunity (even though it didn't really work out, I learned alot while using the space for teaching shelly)
Stefani Borrego
Melody Debenham
Abbey Tsigonis
Ariel Cheney
Jennifer Kendall
Krystal Duval
Brittani Sunderlund
Wendy Madsen
Randi Ellingson
Missionaries
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Temples
The Preisthood
Sealing Ordinance
Uncle Dennis getting sealed to his family
Roses
Pres Duval, Pres Olsen, Bro Maynes and all other church leadership
Lori Moser
Scriptures
Red Wood Forrests
LaMyrl Sandholtz
Family History
Good Music
Dance
Baking
Balloons
Christmas Lights
Mountains
Vehicles
Good Shoes
Warm Clothes
Friends near and far (I love you even if your name was not specifically mentioned.)
Family Near and Far (Again, I love you even if you were not individually named)
Federal Student Loans
The Dividend
Pumpkins
Airplanes
Pools on Hot Days
Indexing
Good Books
Good Movies
Visiting Teaching
Munch n Mingle
Church Choir
Cousins
Family Home Evening
People who adopt Kitties
Sherry Wolf
Penny Tibbs
Christa Barttlet
I love you notes on my bed
Health
Excersise Facitlities
Hot Water
Technology
Pumpkin Pie
Beautiful Weather
Family Recipes
Instant Recipes
Warm House
Alaska
Patch Adams
Old Roommates
Stephanie Quintana



Theres lots more-but I'm getting sleepy.  So, Goodnight!  Happy Thanksgiving!

How do you solve a problem like Melanie?

I feel like this song from the sound of Music sometimes.  
You know, the one that goes "How do you solve a problem like maria, how do you catch a wave upon the sand, and how do you hold a moonbeam in your hand??"
Theres a part of the chorus that goes:

She is gentle

She is wild

She's a riddle

She's a child

She's a headache

She's an angel

She's a girl!!

And many another part of that song I feel like they might as well be singing about me.  However, thats what makes me SO thankful for my family, my friends and all the patient people who love me.  

The only way I can explain myself sometimes is that I'm a girl.  And as such I'm prone to emotional feelings that I don't quite know how to interpret and handle yet, so thank you for bearing with me!  

Happy Birthday Pres Uchtdorf!

It is in the quiet moments when I sit and think and pray-that I find peace, and comfort.  Assurance.  I know who I am, I know Gods plan.  I am a child of God, I came from his home in heaven to this earth to become like him, and its back to him that I am striving to get.  I know that Jesus Christ Lives.  He bled in the Garden for me meeting the laws of Justice so that I could be restored to righteousness and therefore qualify for the Kingdom of God.  I know that Christ  arose from the grave, breaking the bonds of death that I might live with my family for forever.   I know that the Priesthood is the power and authority of God, that with it what is bound on earth will stand in full force in the eternities if I do my part.  I know that obedience to the laws and commandments of God brings something more precious that happiness, it brings joy and peace.  I know that repentance allows me to make my wrongs and failings right, and myself complete.  I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth, and that it was restored, in all its Fullness by the power of God through the prophet Joseph Smith.  I know we are led now by Prophets Seers and Revelators.  They hold the keys of the priesthood.  They know the way, and they are here to teach us and guide us on our journey.

Patience

Something I learned on Sunday:
   Patience is not getting frustrated.

Annnnd Don't pet the cats toes.  They don't like it.



Sad news:
Freckles and Gozer went to the animal Shelter, and Freckles, dear sweet freckles being older and less likely to be adopted, and the shelter being too full, was put down.  Sooooo sad.

At the same time, Liams health is more important, and hopefully will start improving.  Also, Gozer will get adopted.  I'm sure of it.  (So someone go adopt her!  She's so sweet!)

Dance Dreams and Goals

Okay, so a while ago I decided I wanted to be ready to teach some lessons here in Fairbanks AK where I am more than qualified to be a dance instructor (take me to Utah or Cali though and I still gots LOTS to learn) and that goal is comming to acheivement!  I'm still learning new steps all the time (Thanks to help from Rulon) with which to teach people how to dance, but as a general concesnsus, I know how to dance and I may not be ginger rogers, but I know a thing or to to help others improve.  I don't think its about the steps, its about the movement and the enjoyment, and the fun and the health.  Steps are just patterns with which to portray your skills.  So, as a follow, I haven't memorized all the patterns, thats what I'm gonna try and do now.

Otherwise, good news for me, I've been getting lots of oppourtunities to teach through networking with first, Stefani B.  She's amazing.  I told her I wanted to teach, and so she gave my name to Artisans courtyard, and with them I've been trying to get a childrens class going.  So far, the only kid to come is my neighbor shelly, but I'm hoping that will change.  Yesterday I went to Anne Wien Elementry (got reffered by Ballroom Dance club of Fairbanks) and helped a 6th grade class learn some swing for a little show they're doing about their studies on Egypt (dancing and actin, but swining to the mummy rock) I've also taught a couple their first dance for their wedding, and received a few other refferals that simply didn't work out because of time-or communication break.

But here's the cool thing:  Me and Rulon were just invited to teach dance classes at AK land Dance Hall for the Ballroom Dance club of Fairbanks.  It will be monday nights, from 6-7, 7-8, And 8-9.  I'm hoping for a real good turn out everybody!  The more the merrier!  With this oppourtunity, the plan is, Rulon helps me know what I need to know so that in the future, I'll be ready to teach it all with him as the TA.  Cool huh?  I'm excited.

With school-I can't wait to get my CMA, but, after I do, I really want to go get my BA in Dance.  Or go to Cali and work more with Arthur Murray or something like that.  This just makes me happy.  CMA stuff makes me happy to, and I think with the two, I should be set!  I'll definately be busy, but maybe someday people will be dreaming of working for my Franchised Dance Studios  :)  I can dream right?

Patch Adams

What an Inspiring Guy.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to his -lecture? today, but it was amazing.  I was in tears in a few spots.  Just overwhelmed with a sense of caring for his cause and the people he meets.  You could tell he was genuine-and his ideas are so idealistic.  He really beleives in his cause and labors for it, its a labor of love.  I think Robin Williams did an excellent portrayal of his essence-his sense of curiosity and love and compassion for other humans.  He's not immune to reality-he just sees the world through a broader lens that allows him to care for the individual.  I wrote so much of what he said down-I wish I had a recording of the evening.  I hope that whenever I start my career-and that whomever I come into contact with, I can share a sense of love and concern for them.

Patch said he never said "Laughter is the best medicine"  But that "Friendship is the best medicine-and laughter, humor is a means to make that friendship."  It was wonderful.  And I will forever cherish his wisdom in my heart, and strive to be a little more positive, a little more happy, a little more concerned and a little more caring with everyone I meet.  Thank you Mr Adams!

Other Than that, today was also fun, because we had our first real snow (didn't stick around much, but it was definately there.)  On my lunch break from Classes I went home to find lysie in her snowcoat, boots, snowpants, mittens, the whole regalia.  So I joined her and we tossed some small, puny snowballs around, but had oh so much fun!  

Strength

I am strong.  I am beautiful.  I am smart.  I am unique.  I dance, I sing.  I am curious, I am my own sort of creative and I can make people laugh and feel good about themselves.  These are the good things about me.  I know theres some not good things about me to.  But to give myself the break that I deserve I don't focus on those.  I try consitently to do better, to be better-not because thats what the world wants me to do but because thats what I want to do.  I want to learn to play the piano, I want to finnish college, I want to be more compassionate, I want to be healthier, more independant, more pulled together and better at managing my time.  I believe that life is about improving and progressing.  I am not perfect, and I will not be perfect try as hard as I might-and I'm okay with that.  While I'm not perfect-I still try to be, because striving for perfection is how I attain the best I can be.   But if I fail, its not the end the world as I know it because I know its a goal I'm not capable of acheiving.  I don't use that as an excuse to mediocrity though, or as a reason to throw a pity party (you know the people who say "I'm not all that I wanted or thought I would be so wo is me, pity party!").  I accept the reality in the truth of who I am,  what I'm doing, and whats at the top of my ladder.  That allows me to focus on what I need to do, what I need to change, and as I commit my efforts to that change I find my own peace of mind knowing I'm doing what I can, and that I'm trying.  Thats my best and thats what matters.

I'm persoanlly tired of seeing women I know saddened because you don't feel beautiful, you don't feel like you measure up, or you don't feel like you fit in.  What you need is to stand up for yourself to yourself.  Then you can worry about confronting the people who belittle you and complicate your efforts to happiness.  Be honest with yourselves about all that you are-beautiful, strong, enduring, hardworking-and just keep chugging along through your tough circumstances.  Noone has been through what you've been through except our saviour.  If you could honestly see yourself and everything you do and have done, you would know that you are so much more than you think.  You are fabulous and beautiful, you do fit in, and you do measure up.

Relax

Day one of Medical Assisting Program went VERY well.  I'm excited!  It'll be hard, but-its good and exciting and I feel like I'm doing something purposeful and important.   And, today I got my first pair of scrubs, they are SO comfortable.  I can't wait till tuesday!  Also, I did my first independant teaching expirience-so now I'm not so scared to do the next one.  So, now I'm headed forward full steam-only a little nervous about the challenges I'll be facing academically, creatively, professionally-This semester is really going to stretch my comfort zones, my talents and my abilities and time management skills!

So to start practicing now, have a good night, I'm off to bed!

I still got it

Recently I was wondering If I still have any clue as to whats good for me and whats not.  Alot of questions in my mind go around about wether I should do this or do that, and its all been very frustrating and confusing.  I used to just know-but as I've had much to think about-and plans to devise, I found, I still got it.  I know when something is right-and I still recognise it as right for me, something that will make me happy and joyful and successfull.  And I can still diffferentiate between it and that feeling that tells me "This is not good for you."   So, thats a relief.  I guess this last bit of time of frustration hasn't been in vain, but, a step into the dark and unknown. I'm glad for little moments of reflection that remind me that though I have no idea what will happen, I can have faith and peace and assurance that it will work out and make sense in the end.  I may not have my answers yet, but time will bring them to light.  phew.  Right now I need to keep chugging along on the path I'm on.  Details are yet to be established, but the big picture is in veiw.

National Alamo

So-I think Yesterday was my last day at that car rental. I was working up at the airport and my manager had the lot attendants bring me my paycheck, and normally I should have next weeks schedule attached to it, but.....all I got was the paycheck.  I should probably be shocked and outraged that he would tell me in such a way that I'm done working there, and I'm a little concerned about my finaces-but mostly I'm just relieved.  It was a blessing to have the job for the last year, and it was quite the expirience.  Met some cool people, learned patience with some other people-and now I get to move on!   I'll be teaching a couple of childrens dance classes this fall-and I'm SO excited!  As for the car rental-here's some pictures:

First day at National Alamo

Trained and workin on my own

Sooo ready to have Trav home and a regular schedule

New haircut-also moved to Dale rd

Happy Birthday to me haircut!

hehe-Sittin in Chris' Desk

In November-I had a car situation, and so Chris told me to take a dirty home-it wasn't a very dirty dirty

Came to work and someone (Georgie?) had decorated for Christmas!

Love Stephanie!  She's how I survived that place!

Cousin Ian worked in back for a little while!  

Being goofy

Liked it....was on Chris' Desk

Been here tooo long

Happy to be going to Cali!

Back from Cali....

Now, here's the pic I took when I thought I was leaving the first time I thought I was done, and so, now I get to say hooray

Thats excitment on my face!  :D

Goodbye Car Rental!!!

Busy Busy Busy

My weekend, was busy-but Oh SO Wonderful with my Wonderful home!  It stinks having to say goodbye everynight-but I like having him around. And we've entered this phase in our relationship where though I still feel pretty clingy-I think I can handle going about and doing my agenda while he tends to his.  We love eachother-but we don't have to be connected at the hip to survive the day. I only got to see him for a quck lunch at my house this morning-but still had a very good and productive day!  I got all the chores my mom requested done, made a dentist appointment, relaxed, ate good food, and Helped maggie pack up and ship out!  She's off to Denver right now for a quick layover before headed on to Salt Lake City-I'm gonna miss her!  She was an awesome VT companion and Sunday School teacher and just all around lovely person.  I wish her the best on her next adventure-and kinda wish I could drive across country....but ah well.  I have my own adventures here.

:)  With that, I plan on tomorrow being productive as well-Gonna wake up early even though I don't have to and go to the dentist, then read my Medical Terminology book-and if Travis has his agenda taken care of, spend the evening with him.  Life is grand!

Tuesdays With Morrie

Sometimes, I get on myself, because I see all this sadness around me, and I want to cry but I feel like I'm supposed to be strong, be faithful-but even Jesus wept.

I think Mitch Albom put it best as he quoted Morrie in his book, Tuesdays with Morrie
"I give myself a good cry if I need it. But then I concentrate on the good things still in my life. I don't allow myself any more self-pity than that. A little each every morning, a few tears, and that's all. "  
  

April Showers make me happy

This week was kinda an awesome week-despite its rough start.  On Sunday, my first disaster was at Branch Conference, I'm the choir director and we had planned on singing this awesome arrangement of "How firm a foundation" but 10 mins before the meeting I still don't have my violinist or pianist.  So, the show much go on and we sang a number from the hymn book with Chelsea (life saver) as our Pianist.  That is every choir directors worst nightmare.  Anyways, still recovering from that and a few other personal crisises which also happened during church, I was in Northpole with Travis and I got a phone call from my family that Liam went into the hospital because of breathing problems.  Oy.  So the next few days were busy busy as I played mom and chauffer to Lysie and a friend whom I take to doctor appointments-all the while I also finnished a group project for Sociology and got to all my classes on time.  Tuesday evening, things started calming down.  Liam got to come home, and Travis had a birthday!  <--That was actually all day but I didn't see him till after I was done chauffering and running errands and all that jazz

I must say I was pretty happy with myself, I got travis an icecream cake from Coldstones, his mom made dinner (steak and potatoes, yum!) and I also got him a fun electronic monopoly game and a lightsaber (cuz every jedi needs a lightsaber) and bubbles (Who doesn't love bubbles?).  After dinner we went for a nice walk in the beautiful sunshine and blue skies and 65+ weather, and played 2 hrs of Monopoly and watched an episode of Stargate.  It was a good night.

Wednesday, not much happened, except those creepers at work-see post titled "creepers" if you want that story.

Thursday, after I went to my Chem class and helped my friend get to and from her meetings, I got to go hiking with Lisa Anderson and  Stephanie Dayton-we went to Angel rocks.  We were kinda worried because on the drive we got pelted with rain, but while we were there it was beautiful.  We were all sweating by the top where we enjoyed the veiws and turned around.  By the time we left it was starting to rain again.  After making it back into town, I went out to North Pole to finish the monopoly game with Travis-and he kicked my trash!  He had a total of 69.9 Million at the end and I only had 6 million-the last move I made, I was holding my breath hoping to land on chance and not on his times square property--The most expensive one next that sits right next to go-- he had a hotel on it and the 8 million dollar rent would surely bankrupt me.  So I rolled and sigh of relief landed on chance.  The card read: "Celebrate New Years in The Big Apple, advance to Times Square."  Game over. But, fun way for it to end I guess.

Friday, not much excitement either, but still a good day-went to meetings in the morning, then classes and work was quiet-ish.

Saturday, it was still rainy but it held off while I did the Chena River run with my family.  I made it in 45 minutes, a 5K.  I pushed Liam the whole way while he slept in a stroller. Rulon ran, finnished in 25 minutes, and my Mom and Michelle walked it in 58 minutes with Elyse in a stroller also.  After that, I got some chores done-the world is always jsut a bit better when my room is clean and laundry is done.  Then I got to spend another evening with Travis-we had chicken enchiladas at my house and enjoyed some more stargate at his.  I know it sounds like we're lame watching this show all the time, but I'm in season 6-and almost done, and tomorrow his complete series is supposed to get here-and we're gonna try and have a marathon before we go to Cali. Still, may sound like we're geeks, but I promise we're not.  If you would just give it a chance and watch the show-you'd be just as hooked.  Its hilarious!

Anyways, today was also a productive and relaxing Sunday-Testimony meetings were really good, and its awesome how many new people are showing up for choir!  And I got my temple Reccomend renewed-I plan to go on the Branch Temple trip the 14th/15th-my choir pianist Catherine, and her beloved Jack are getting hitched the same weekend and they asked that I be there for pictures outside the temple since I can't go into their ceremony.  That was special.  I'm so happy for them.  And I'm glad I got to be a part of their coming together-I didn't do much but invite Catherine to come to church in October and be the choir pianist (that one week only-I was begging) but apparently that was all she needed to be called as my pianist and then to become more active and to meet Jack.  Jack always greets me with a Hug and a big "Thanks for finding me my wife" -AGain, I don't think I did much but it means alot to me that I meant that much to them.  Also, about the temple, how exciting that This summer, I'll be just about an hour away from the Oakland Cali temple!  YAY!!!  I've missed the temple so much-Fairbanks really needs one closer to home.  When I was in Rexburg I got to go every week!  I hope I can do that this summer-at least every other week (sing I won't have a car myself....)  And also, today, Travis and I bought our plane tickets to Cali and made some other plans for the summer.  I'm so excited!  We leave in 16 days-which are going to be some of the busiest days of my life, but I'm oh so excited about it!  YAY summer, YAY life!!!