New Blog :\ :D

Hiya Friends! So, just because I'm fickle...I've changed my blog address again. Er, um, sorry for the inconviences. :) Here's the link : http://21findings.blogspot.com/ Have a wonderful day!

Fantastic - and sleepy -

So today was fantastic!!! I realized I haven't updated in years, so I decided I should, but be warned, it's very late... a.k.a. it's not my fault if this post is boring or rambley or whatever. I intend for a quick update to meet my obligations, to, um whomever reads my blog. And then I will meet my obligations to my bed. Yay, sleep. So, Lately: -Daniel got his mission call!!!!! He's going to South Caroline, Spanish speaking. He enters the MTC September 23rd. Want to know a secret...? I've already cried once because I missed him, and he hasn't even left yet! Gosh, he's just like, the greatest brother ever! -My classes are swell! L-O-V-E VOLLEYBALL -My family went on vacation a few weeks ago to Michigan and Nauvoo. We had a blast-o-blast. I love my family!!! Nauvoo is sweet, seriously go there. And stay for more then two days. Yeah, loved it. -I donated blood again, and didn't even die. I'm gonna be pro in no time! Yeah. And...do you want to hear about my fantastic day! It was sweet-la-pete. -So, first wonderful thing. I was singing a song. Then I turned on the radio and it was the same song! Haha. Nice. -Then, I got 100% on my first exam of the term. Yaya. -And the fabulouso rest of the day was spent with an awesome friend. We went to SLC and watch the Joseph Smith Movie, then we played in this sweet water fountain that comes out of the ground. We ate lunch at the Lion House, then we went outside an watched the most ominous/beautiful/majestic storm engulf the sky. It was sweet. So we played in the rain and let the thunder rumble our rib cages until it started to hail. Um, then the scandalous part: we wanted to play the piano, so we snuck into this room in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building with a grand piano in it. Haha, we were playing for like 15 minutes, when, little did we know, the room we were in was one of the stops for the tour of the building. We couldn't find the light switch when we went into the room, so we decided the window light would suffice. The tour guide lady came in and turned on the lights, but her back was to us as she described the room. We felt really awkward because the people on the tour were staring at us...and we knew we probably weren't supposed to be there. Finally, an older gentlemen broke our awkwardness by taking advantage of the tour guide's pause between sentences. He pointed at us and teasingly said, "And over there we have a couple of angles." We smiled and bashfully left the room, then laughed at ourselves in the hall. Fun. Whew, long story. So then we drove home and the most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen followed us all the way! Seriously, it was amazing! Yeah, fun day. Definitely Bed Time! HAVE A HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

My New HP

Yup, it finally happened. I got a lap top. So far, I love it. It's an HP. School starts up again in three weeks. I moved into an apartment a few weeks ago. My last day at Day's Market is tomorrow. I'm really excited for the new chapter.

What else is new? Oh, my money saving trick! So I needed new shoes desperately, but see, here's my problem. I like to "make things do" as long as possible, which is great! But the bad news is, once my belongings need to be replaced, I'm picky. I wanted two pairs of shoes. Each costing about 110 dollars. Yay. Here's the good news: since I already knew exactly what I wanted... AMAZON. I got both pairs for 75 dollars! Hooray. Seriously, saved me $150, and I got exactly what I wanted. Good times.

My roommate Danielle is great! She's so much fun, way easy going, and has a great sense of humor. She has a life size cutout of Edward Cullen from twilight. We have so much fun scaring each other with that thing. Seriously, many times I've opened my bedroom door at odd hours of the night to find a pale skinned, dark eyed man staring at me. Oh fun. But seriously, I'm loving both my roommates, Danielle and Lisa. It's a blast.

Well, it's time to get cleaning and packing. (We're going on a trip to Michigan, Navoo, and CEDAR POINT!) Oh, the best news of all...DANIEL's getting his MISSION CALL today!!!!

Happy Wednesday!

:)

I just want to celebrate joyfully grand runs! Yay! CELEBRATE! :)

Happy April First!

Guess what, I finally caved and got facebook. But, um... I don't think I really like it. I wanted to see how my old friends in Michigan are doing. I saw, (and kind of wish I didn't, but what did I expect...) When I'm bored, facebook is the easy out. Instead of helping with dinner, cleaning the kitchen, playing with my siblings... I get on facebook. LAME! And when I can't sleep because there's too much on my mind, I get on facebook instead of read my scriptures. Facebook is awesome! I totally see the advantages. But for me, it's not worth it. I'm not really a fan of technology anyway. I'm glad I got it, I got to say hi to my old friends and facebook no longer has to be this big mystery. But, I don't want facebook anymore. So, I'm deactivating my account... huh. Bummer because it's kind of how you find out what's going on, but oh well. And life is good! I love days off! (And I love work too. Honestly, freight is awesome!) Happy April First!!! Be nice :)

sometimes you've gotta force a smile :)

What do you do when you feel totally and completely and horribly taken advantage of? Listen to music, perhaps a little to loud (with head phones), until you temporarily forget the feeling. Then you get used to it, and just let it happen. Thinking to yourself, one day all this will be behind you and people wont take advantage of you anymore. Manipulation bugs me. The worst part is, manipulative people tend to think they're so good at manipulating that you don't even notice they're playing you like a blind pawn. In reality, you know exactly what's going on but you don't want to sink to their level. You're too shy or nice, I don't know. It's just that something inside you is so afraid of manipulating/taking advantage of other people and it's like you can't help it. That's just how you are. And does that mean you're always going to be the underdog? I don't know. But I think so. I'd like to believe that someday, someone really honest and fair will treat you/pay you/help you/value you for what you're really worth. Everyone can't be so selfish (do they call it cunning? Clever? Smart? Entrepreneurship?) that they'll get you for the cheapest deal possible. Or get from you everything they can. But then, I guess maybe the truly nice people are the underdogs and the manipulative "clever" people are at the top of the line. At least in this world. I always thought I'd grow out of it. "Oh for now, people can take advantage of me, because I'm just a child." "Oh, this is my first job, so it's okay if they pay me a little to little." "We'll only be friends for a little while, so why not let them use me?" I love helping people. Really sincerely. I'll do everything I can to make the world a better place for everyone around me. I can't help it. I was just born that way. Trying to change that would be the hardest (and worst) thing for me to do. But sometimes I just want to cry. I'm not naive, I'm not easily tricked. I just want to help people. And yes, I know when people are taking advantage of me. It makes me want to cry. It makes me feel like I'm worthless. But I let them, and I'm afraid I always will. Not because I can't say no, but I can't. I'm blessed with so many great blessings, and I have embedded in me an eternal perspective, so how dare I ever not help someone. I just hope and pray this doesn't mean I'll always be the underdog. Someday we'll treat each other honesty. Maybe if I put up with all the manipulative people cheerfully here and keep doing my best to serve, I wont ever have to put up with them later. Later. And Happy Monday!

My New Job

So... I have a new job! Hooray! Still at Day's Market, because I really sincerely love that place. A lot of my good friends work there and it's right across the street from my house. Seriously, the commute is so great and the coworkers are even better! :) Anyway... my new job: I'm the freight/backroom manager! Cool huh? Finally a management position. This is going to be great on a resume (and as my Dad put it, "now you'll have a reason to actually make a resume.") I've only worked one day as the official manager. I still get to check this Friday/Saturday and next, and then it's strait freight. The hours are going to be fun if I can work it right. 4:30-11:30 or 5:00-12:00. That means an early bedtime; and with that, the capacity to be much more productive with my time. I could get a second job, take evening classes... or whatever. I'm going to take it easy for a couple months and just work full time, and then we'll see about a second job/school or whatever. I really like the work, and the guys on the crew are so great! It's really nice to finally have only two people who are "above" me, the two store managers. Craig (one of the managers) pulled me aside and said look, you're now on equal grounds with (the other department managers) so no more letting them boss you around and give you jobs. You're in charge now." Such a good feeling! (See, promotions are possible. You just have to stick around for a long time and put up with being under paid and over worked and then it'll pay off eventually. Yay!) Have a SUPER WONDERFUL FRIDAY!!! (Not really a sign that I have too much time on my hands, but rather that I am partial to the song I'm listening too. I don't want to leave the computer and therefore my music. :) )

Create. Watch and Do!

Hello friends! Do you remember the Relief Society Broadcast when President Uchtdorf talked about being creative? Watch this video produced by the Church. It's well worth your time (1 min 40 sec.) Create (Windows Media Player) or got to the Relief Society Home Page to download it there. Amazing, huh? Have a most wonderful Wednesday! Thanks all of you for being so great.

Thanks Chels!

Guess what I got to do Saturday night? Go to a VOCAL POINT concert! Yay! I love those guys. Thank you so much Chelsie!!! Have a Very Happy Monday!

Gratitude

Just a few og the things I am grateful for: Also, lunch breaks, from which I must now return. And so, Happy Thursday!!!

Shocker, huh?

So...guess what? You might want to make sure your sitting down...and breathing deeply. Want to know what I did?..... I discontinued from school. Shocker, huh? It just seemed/seems like the right thing for me to do right now. I should be saving money instead of accumulating debt for the next couple years. And so, that is the plan. I've felt really good about it the whole time. The only hard part is my mom's really disappointed or something. But I'm sure she's trying to be supportive. I guess she didn't see it coming. I'm sure you're about ready to pass out now. You could try drinking some cold water. Surprise! And Happy Wednesday! And Happy WARM weather!!! Oh yeah, I almost forgot...I have to mention this. I went skiing for the first time on Monday. It was a blast! I love skiing!!! (and will probably never be able to afford it again, but it was well worth it. Thanks again for taking me!)

Growing Up

Wow. Can you believe it? I'm 20. Yesterday was my birthday (and what a lovely one, too.) I'm surprised to find that I am pleased. Yesterday, people asked how it felt to be 20. I told them it hadn't sunk in yet, but that I didn't think I would like it. 20 seemed like such a kind of scary age to be. Today, I've thoroughly enjoyed the feeling. There's some sort of accomplishment knowing that I've made it through the teenage years. I'm surprised at the peace it brings. It simply feels really good, like I'm supposed to be 20, (which is nice because I am supposed to be since I was born 20 years ago, huh.) :0) =) ; D I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday! Thanks for being so nice.

Happy Now

Blah blah blah. Guys, I have nothing to post about. I've been spending all my time watching movies and sleeping and trying to not get too bored while combating this flu-cold-whatever-it-is-thing. I changed my blog background like three times today trying to think of something entertaining to say, and in the end, this is it. I don't like being sick. But it's a-o-k : ) , because my body and I had a conference today in which we decided that tonight is the last that I'll be sick. When I wake up in the morning, I'm going to feel 100% tip-top. I'm SO excited! And so, HAPPY THURSDAY!!! I think my ride is almost here...I hope...

Vanity?

Guys, is it vain to give myself a "Happy Birthday" background? The nice thing about scrap booking to blogging is in a scrap book, every page can have it's own background that fits the mood. A blog has the same background no matter what you're posting about. It sometimes bores me. In a journal, your not worried about visual creativity (at least in my journal. My sister Amber draw lots of pictures in her's.) Journals are simply about discovering one's self for one's self. Yet, blogging is cheaper then both and perhaps a happy median. And so, Happy Birthday! (Even though I'm not particularly found of this background and really just particularly found of change.)

Valentine's Day...and my upcoming birthday!

Happy Sunday! Today was officially my last Sunday in my Family's ward. Next week, my records will be sent to the 17th. I'm really excited. The bummer dude part is that I didn't even get to go to the family ward today. I have the flu. It was going to be my last Sunday with my little princess sunbeams. Short as it was, that calling was such a blessing. I'm totally over my complaints about the single's ward. Sorry to those of you who had to listen to them. I don't know what came over me. It's an AWESOME possum ward! Volleyball, whoot. : ) Valentine's day was the greatest! I went in to work, but only for two hours, because, as before mentioned, I have the flu. One of my friends from a couple years ago came in to the store and invited me to his family dinner. I told him I was too sick to be good company, but he said to come anyway. I'm so glad I did! I haven't been to his family's house in such a long time, and I just love it there! Plus I made a couple new friends, one of whom I decided is going to be my new buddy in the 17th ward, as he is a member their. Ryan (the guy who invited me) lives up in Logan so I hardly ever see him, but it was just so awesome to have the reminder that there are super nice guys around. He, along with everyone at the dinner, was such great company. Thank you SO much Ryan! (But shh...I told a couple guys I was too sick to go out last night, so don't tell them I did. It's a little different when you're with old friends and their family...) Dad's home from China! He got back on Wednesday, so good to have him home. Also great news: Yesterday, I got my first letter from the Ukraine! Guys, it's so cool writing and getting letters. My birthday's in less then two weeks! (13 days, to be more precise.) When I was little, I could never seem to remember my birthday. I always gave people one of my siblings' when they asked for mine. It would make me feel so sad! What kind of six year old doesn't know their own birthday??? So, my mom made up a rhyme for me: Rebekah's birthday's really great, it's February 28! Yay! Now you can remember too. Have a very wonderful Sunday!

Goals and Progress and Doing Better

Hey friends! Okay, I need some help. I've somehow let myself develop the recent habit of murmuring. And it's time for it to leave, because it's really hard to enjoy life when you complain about everything... Especially since I have nothing to complain about! I get to go to an awesome university and study in a wonderful major. I love my family and my job. My friends are the greatest. The pollution's clearing up. I really shouldn't complain at all. I just have to stop being such a scared-e-cat. Guess What??? Dad gets home tomorrow! Yay! I'm so excited. It's funny, things aren't that different when he's gone. My daily routine is exactly the same, but it still feels like something is missing. Heavenly Father is so smart, and the family is the most miraculous, perfect institution. Have a most wonderful Tuesday, smileys!

Beautiful Sisters

A couple weekends ago, Sarah got to go to a princess party! Woa-hoo! She loves to dress up! I got to do her hair and make-up while mom pulled a beautiful costume together. It's so much fun having sisters, especially ones who will let you dress them up occasionally. This past Saturday, Amber went to a the "Sweethearts" dance at her school with her friend Steven. She looked so glamorous! I couldn't stop staring.

I'm afraid I'm a fan of black and white photos. So for my sake: And for the rest of you: It's time to get to class, so have a very lovely Monday! Happy rainy day!

On the Other Side of the World

So here's a picture of my Dad with some of his co-workers in China and the customer they're working with, "Bully Dog." From what I've heard, it sounds like Dad's having a great time! He really likes the Chinese. I can't wait till he gets back. Home's just not the same without a Dad around. (He's in the back, to the left of the guy holding the "Welcome BullyDog" sign.) It's so strange to think of my Dad being all the way in China. It gives me the butterflies, but not really happy butterflies. Also, I finished filing my taxes! Hooray! Well, back to homework. I have a ton to do today! Happy Thursday!

What's going on?

Okay, I know I've already posted today, but I just have to ask...what's going on? I love my singles' ward, but tonight at FHE there were over 40 people...and only 3 "RMs." All of whom, I've already established zero interest with. And I LOVE the girls in the ward, but none of them are really the type of people I connect with. Trying not to be discouraged, but what am I supposed to do? They won't let us go to the BYU ward for our area. It just feels like we get double punishment, not only do we live at home (therefore diminishing our social lives) but we have to either go to our family ward with relatively zero YSA, or go the stake YSA ward (which is perfect for those just out of high school, but seriously, when you've transitioned to the singles' life and are ready to really grow up, it's not the best.) It just doesn't seem fair sometimes. I wish sooo bad I could move out. It just feels like I don't have a place in this crazy world. I guess we all feel like that sometimes... Okay, chin up, no moping! P.S. Don't worry, it's not so bad. I just feel slightly discouraged right now. I'll be over it soon.

What are we so worried about?

I just love the night sky. Too bad it doesn't really look like this in Provo... No matter where you are, it's remarkable! Return to the 17th. I'm back in the good old 17th ward (the singles' ward for my stake.) It's nice to be back with my friends. It's gotten a lot smaller, but that's okay. We'll just have to add a little energy. I really do love this ward. I still get to teach my sunbeams for a couple more weeks, hooray! Tonight's my first FHE back. We're playing Guitar Hero......um, yeah....it'll be awesome to be with all my old buddies! Also, I took my third exam today and got a 98%. Sometimes I LOVE school, sometimes...well, not so much. Have a very wonderful Monday.

China, Families, and the Like

My Dad leaves for China tomorrow. I'm going to miss him a ton. Good thing it's a short trip. He is the most incredible person that I know. One night, I was presented with that question, "Who is the best person you know?" I stand resolute in stating it to be my father. He impresses me more then anyone I've ever met. In primary we're learning a new song called The Family is of God. I love this song so much. The second verse says:

A father's place is to preside, provide, To love and teach the gospel to his children, A father leads in family prayer, to share Their love for Father in Heaven.

I am so grateful to my father. Often times, during the tempests of life when I don't know where to turn, he is the one that lets me know everything will be okay. I know he doesn't realize what a difference he makes everyday, especially on those days I let myself get over discouraged or deeply worried. Just thinking about my Dad is enough to put me back on track, to remind me that the gospel is what matters and that who you are is much more important then what you are. I'm prone to letting myself feel overwhelmed and afraid, especially right now when it feels like life's coming on fast. The daily miracle for me is that during those times of fear, I can turn my mind to my parents and the family they've raised. If I can manage to accomplish what they have in the home, then I know everything will be okay. Sometimes, I feel envious of the people I meet whose parents are wealthy, incredibly "successful", or down right gorgeous. It's in their blood to be "great." But then, I remember what's in my blood. My parents have the real stuff figured out, and maybe someday I can have my own family like theirs. It's not your pay, you title, you looks that make you remarkable. It's your devotion to the Lord, to your family, to doing the very best you can to be who you are in the Lord's eyes; and this where my parents are remarkable. This is where I hope to emulate them to the tee. Happy travels Dad! See you when you get home! (Also, good night friends! And go to bed...and try not to keep me up so late :) Happy Weekend!)

SO many Posts!

So, it's kinda fun having a few minutes everyday to wait for my ride from campus. It means I can write a little post. Guess what I did today? I donated blood for the very first time ever! Something about donating has always terrified me. It wasn't TOO bad. I don't know what drove me to do it, I was walking to my locker and next thing I knew, I was signing in. Weird! It wasn't at all like I expected. The needly didn't hurt at all. I filled the bag pretty fast (5 minutes, at least I think that's fast.) BUT, I got really really pale. The guy thought for sure I was gonna pass out, and I almost did. When I was walking over to the "snack table" I suddenly lost a large portion of my hearing and got tunnel vision. It was a unique sensation for sure! Happy Thursday!

Huzzah! Exam 2 status: 95% Hooray!

Smiley Smiles, and the Clock keeps Ticking

So... that's about it. Smiley Smiles and the clock keeps ticking. I decided today that time's not gonna change. Sometimes I wish it would fly by, sometimes I wish it would STOP. Today, I decided it's all irrelevant. (hopefully this lasts.) Because whether or not the days rush by or drag on, it doesn't change the present. No more trying to rush ahead or slow down; just, you know, living. So, smiley smiles and the clock keeps ticking...but I don't hear. : )

Exam One Status - COMPLETE

HOOOOORAY! I just finished my first exam! My goal this semester is to take each exam on day one offered. So far, so good. This one was for my chemistry class. I got a B, which I am pleased with...because...I added the class the last day possible, and therefore have only been in the class less then a week. SCARY! Especially since I've had NO chemistry before this semester. So yay for a B! Today, my physics class was uber stressful. People were very very very very confused by the lecture. Ahhh! Have a spectacularly wonderful evening! Good night!

Happy Happenings!

Lovely physics! My brain hurts. So here's a couple happy happenings of late... -My new calling is SUNBEAM teacher! It's absolutely such a treat. Today was our second week in primary, so we're still learning the ropes. After Opening Exercises we took our bathroom break...where one of the girls discovered the light switch. She and secretly I were fairly amused as she sneakily turned off the lights while a couple women in their 40's were in the bathroom. The women panicked like no other as my little sunbeams just quietly giggled in the pitch black. Oh fun! We got to spend several minutes of class playing the "walking reverently in the halls game." Next week, we'll play the "leaving the bathroom lights ON game." I really just love these girls! -So I just realised I haven't blogged about New Years yet! I went to a Rockapella/Noteworthy concert with my brother and one of our amazing friends. It was way fun. If I had a camera, I'd post some pictures, but I don't, so I wont. -Good News! My friend Patrick leaves the MTC for the Ukraine on Tuesday morning! I'm soooooo very excited for him. He's going to be a wonderful missionary. - I have a friend! Okay, I have several, but this one's an on-campus friend. For some reason this semester, I haven't really felt like talking to people in my classes (I've had a lot on my mind lately.) BUT, in Physics on Tuesday when I sat down, I just starting talking to the guy sitting next to me like we'd been life-long best friends. It caught be by surprise, but it was refreshing so I didn't stop myself. Then on Thursday he saved me a seat. Yay! - On Friday I went to a Pirate's theme dance. It was way fun! -Okay, last update... So I accidentally left my homework for the weekend in my locker on campus and didn't have the car (Amber was at an all day track meet.) I was distressed at first, but it turned out to be an awesome blessing in disguise. I got to just hang out with my family for a few hours which I haven't really done for a while. Hannah and I DDR'd it up for like an hour and a half. It was so fun. I LOVE playing DDR (dance dance revolution) with her! Then Michelle and Sarah put on the most spectacular puppet show for the family. It was, no joke, 45 minutes long! Whew. But was totally packed with comedy, mystery, suspense, comedy, romance, comedy, accidental violence and so much more! Wish you could've seem it. We were rolling in laughter! :) Happy Chocolate Chip Cookies! Good Night! (or nite)

Slip'n Slide

Just had to say that I am LOVING the snow! There's more snow then I've seen in years and I couldn't be happier! Yesterday on campus, piles of snow from clearing the walks, seriously the size of a school bus, dotted the university. Magically they disappeared during the night!? Where'd it go? But, don't worry, today the sidewalks were completely covered in ice. It was so fun/funny. It was like ice-skating from class to class. No one would pick up their feet, and LOTS of people slipped (which wasn't fun or funny...but secretly funny.) Happy Winter!

SCHOOL = COOOOL

Hello friends! Well, schools back in. I'm going year round until I graduate (April '11, unless I decide to do an internship.) I'm really excited! I love my major (Food Science with a Chemistry Minor) and I even enjoy reading my 1000+ pg textbooks. So, that's pretty much my life now... Yay!