Bucket list!

I think the idea of a bucket list is charming, thought provoking, and adventurous. Here is the beginning of mine (drafted at work; subject to change. One of my friends said "I write my goals in pencil, so that God take me down a different path if He wants to." I have adopted that.)

Thank you to Prism for the idea!

1. Serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

2. Go to Italy (March-May '08)

3. Take ballroom dance classes

4. Plant, harvest and preserve a garden

5. Take a calligraphy class

6. Get married in the temple

7. Become a doula

8. Perform in a play

9. Attend 1000 temple sessions

10. Be as cool as people seem to think I am.

Excuse me, I'm going to go Carpe Diem!

Social butterflying!

As of tomorrow night, I will have gone on 4 dates in 6 days, with potential for 5 dates in 8 days. They are all with different guys to different activities. Some of them were initiated by me, some by the guys. There are days where I really love being single! It has been such an interesting experience this summer, because I am actively not looking for a relationship. Therefore, I can date anyone I want to and just enjoy the experience. Some of the dates have been awkward, but I always learn something from them. I am really grateful I live in a place where there are enough single men to make this possible! Casual dating: It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it! I will take one for the team.

Stretchiiiiiing....Ouch!

Oh gracious, where to begin? Ok, breakdown of important events in the last three months:

My final quarter of massage school, complete with internship. As of last weekend, I am considered a college graduate with an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Therapeutic and Clinical Massage Therapy. I should be getting a diploma in the mail here soon, all official-like. My walking ceremony won't be until sometime this fall, but that is ok. I did it!

I broke up with my sweet boyfriend of more than a year two months ago. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I knew (and still do) that is was the right thing to do, but somehow that knowledge pales at times when it goes up against the fact that I broke my best friend's heart. We had discussed it previously; we both knew that it was time to move on. But we also had a marvolous friendship and romantic relationship, and it hurt to be the one who changed that. He is a fantastic person, and I learned so much from being with him.

I having started studying for the NCTMB certification test, and also looking for a job. So far this whole "being a responsible adult" thing is not as cool as we are led to believe. I am also getting more into gear to go on my mission. After my break-up, I got a fair amount of flak for not staying home and getting married when I had a wonderful man who wanted to marry me. My response to that is this: I want to serve God, and this is the way I have chosen to do so.

As I have re-entered the world of single-ness, I am reminded of how crazy it is. Last night, I heard from both of my ex-boyfriends and the guy I have a crush on, all within 10 minutes. And that does not even touch on the other guy I haven't decided if I want to flirt with or not, the 2-5 I think might be mildly interested in me, and all the other crazy stuff happening! All of this means that I am having mental/emotional/spiritual growth spurts to the point that I am saying OUCH! Life is still crazy, but it is never boring.

Life at the moment

Really adorable strawberry jam-in a goblet with whipped paraffin on top and a paper fruit. Homework and final projects. Super cutie kids. Highly anticipated spring weather. Equally highly anticipated spring BREAK. One year dating anniversary with boyfriend M in a couple of weeks. New people in my branch. Finding my natural habitat-the spa. Thinking about the future. Finishing school next quarter. Finding a job (or three). Making $7000 for my mission so I can leave in January. Finding time to go out on splits with the missionaries. An amazing, inspiring, humbling "Why I Believe" fireside last night. Being in my branch RS Presidency with some incredible women. This is my life. It's crazy, but I love it.

Not dead yet!

I'm not dead. Just in case anyone was wondering. However, I am (shocker!) very busy. I am in the class that got me hooked into the Associate Degree massage therapy program at Harrison: Massage techniques. Otherwise known as SPA! And I have found that I adore things like hot stone massage, aromatherapy, and mud wraps. I am not particularly surprised by this, but now I know what I am doing!

21? Who, me? Really?

I turned 21 two weeks ago. I think there are few people as surprised about this development as I am. I have always been towards the younger side of everything: youngest daughter, last birthday in the YW of my age, youngest girl cousin in my close family, towards the young side of my branch people, etc. So the fact that I am not "the baby" anymore comes as a surprise to me fairly regularly. You would think I would adjust, but it hasn't happened yet.

Anyways, I celebrated with not one, but TWO parties. One was a dinner party with close friends on the actual day (a Sunday) and the other was a combined 007 theme party with a good friend whose birthday is less than a week before mine. They were both good times.

I have to say that I don't think anyone has ever had a more delightful and wonderful 21st birthday weekend. Over the course of three days, I participated in: a costume dance with lots of cool people and creative costumes (I went as Chiquita Banana in a really rockin' Hawaiian dress and fruit hat), decorating and attending the reception of two wonderful and beloved friends, and a dinner party with friends and family. My sweet boyfriend cleared his schedule so that we were able to spend the entire weekend together, and helped me with everything I had going on. My family and friends made a fuss over me with cards, in-person birthday wishes, Facebook, and phone calls, which is always a fun thing. And you know what I find best about the who thing? I remember it ALL! There are no memories of hangover, moments of blankness, or worries about the stupid things that I might have done but can't remember. I love that the standards of the gospel of Jesus Christ keep me safe and out of trouble.

Epiphany!

I heard someone say “I haven’t talked to anyone in the last decade who is not firmly convinced that they are the busiest person on the planet.” Even as I chuckled, I was struck by how true it is. Everyone I know is “crazy busy!” and “stressed” and “running around like a chicken with its head cut off!” I’m no exception.
But sometimes, something happens to remind me to slow down. Yesterday, I tried to entertain two toddlers while feeding a 5 week old baby and doing speech homework. I was trying not to be frustrated because the baby woke up every time I set her down. I had the realization that I should be happy she loves to be held and be part of my life. Shortly after this epiphany, Baby Bean looked unto my eyes and grinned at me! My heart melted and I remembered to pause and say thank you for my blessings. As a celebration of this, Dancrgirl, Froby and I danced like crazy people and cracked ourselves up. They aren’t this age for very long, so enjoy them while they are!