Ch-Ch-Changing...

So, I'm pretty proud of myself.The past two months I've made some changes...
--I'm taking school a little more seriously (although it's kind of lame that I've only just decided to do that now when I'm hitting my final year before I get my degree).
--I'm managing my finances better (even though I was technically forced to do so since I didn't get any of my financial aid until JUST a week or 2 ago and had to make do with what I had *which was pretty much nothing* - turns out, I'm pretty good at managing with very little, so I guess one day should my family fall on hard times *crossing my fingers that we don't!*, I'll at least know what to do.)
--I've learned how to avoid emotional eating and I've begun to eat healthier and exercise regularly (and much more effectively) - I've actually lost some weight (though that wasn't really my goal - I'm not complainin')!
--I'm learnING (as in...I'm working on it) to be a little more level headed when it comes to making decisions (especially those that could potentially affect [or is it effect, I used to have a handle on this!] other people ...ah, maturity! I knew I would develop some sooner or later!) AND, since I know that I'll one day be married and have children (thank you, Heavenly Father, for that little doozy of a news flash) - I've started to try and think ahead about how my actions and habits might one day have an affect on them (don't get me wrong, I'm still doing what I can to enjoy being single and childless for now, but it can't hurt to become a better person along the way).
For the longest time I've pushed my life forward, ignoring every impression, instinct, and bit of advice that came at me, and forced things to happen (I've always thought this was good, like I'm a "go getter!") but considering how this usually ends...I've decided to let life happen a little more naturally/organically (I still have my ambitions and goals of course, but I've decided not to push as hard for them. Especially when it comes to dating -___-'') I need to learn to listen to good advice and to the promptings of the spirit so that I can do what I need to do not just what I WANT to do. Just cause I can make things happen, doesn't mean I should. Someone told me recently that sometimes I just need to let life act upon me so that when I do take action, it's a calm, accepting reaction rather than a forcing action.
--I'm trying to strengthen my testimony. I've decided to read the entire BoM all the way through (I keep saying that I'm going to, but never actually go through with it - this time, I'm determined). I read a little bit of it at various moments throughout the day (in the dining hall and on the shuttle to class) every day. And I've been very consistent with my prayers (I've NEVER been consistent with my prayers.) - Last semester, I was talking to my Mom every single day but never spoke to God. Now I pray EVERY day and ...Mom hears from much less often (which might sound sad, but I'm sure that for her, it's a welcome break :p). Last of all, I've made it a personal goal to get to the temple before the year is over (preferably more than one visit but I'm trying to keep my goals simple enough that I don't overwhelm myself...yes, I'm lame - let's just focus on the fact that I at least WANT to go, that's a REALLY good sign!)
--Last of all, I know it might not seem like it to a lot of my friends, but I am actually managing my stress a LITTLE bit better. (Getting SO stressed that I burned myself out and had to take a WHOLE semester off, was a really big deal for me. I never want to get that stressed again!) I don't think I've really found anything that really works for me just yet, but I'm still trying. I've been trying not to take on too much; getting more sleep; and when I feel "blah" and can't focus, I'm more comfortable taking a break (I usually wind up dancing around and singing along *loudly and off-key* to some fun music; doing some crunches; or watching an episode of a TV show :p)
HOWEVEREven with ALL of that...I still feel like I still need to change something... X_x It's kinda driving me crazy! :p

The Scottish Festival & Highland Games

So I'm trying to catch up a bit on this blog since I've been so busy with my Writing for New Media class (which finally ended, though I haven't gotten my final grade - I think I'll probably wind up with a B+ if not an A). Anyway - on the 10th and 11th of this month, I drove down to Lehi to go to the Scottish Festival and Highland Games!

I only had a little bit of time on the first day so I was really only there for about an hour, maybe two to take a few pictures, have some fish 'n chips (<3), and see the Tattoo.

While watching the games, I came to the conclusion that I really enjoy watching guys pick up heavy objects and throw em (even though I'd normally just roll my eyes and walk away, this was all about tradition)! :p
On day two - I was a volunteer (my cousin Amanda was the volunteer coordinator this year). Originally, I was just gonna hand out programs at the gate, but Amanda asked me to walk around and take photos of the volunteers instead, and I was super happy to do so! :p

Fun Times! - I'm looking forward to getting down to the Payson Scottish Festival in July.

My 30 Before 30 List!

These are 30 Things I'd Like to Do Before I Turn 30.

(I will be 30 on Sunday, May 2, 2021)

• Graduate from College with a Bachelor's Degree.
• Fall in love and marry in the temple <3 (Bonus - Family pictures, every year! ^^)
• Be absolutely worthy of the blessings mentioned in my patriarchal blessing.
• Find a home (by which I mean an apartment/house/whatever where I could potentially live for a minimum of 4 years without having to pack up and move!)
• Go abroad (and take like a million pictures while traveling!)
• Get into the best physical shape of my life. (Not necessarily "Skinny" but definitely "Healthy!")
• Love My Job! (Whether I'm working as a photographer, designer, housewife, and/or mother, etc. etc.)
• Be able to speak at least 1 foreign language, fluently.
• Buy a car (one that I paid for, and not actually belonging to my parents :P)
• Scrapbook (or at the very least, find some way to efficiently organize and journal all the events of my life so I can look back on everything one day).
• Create a body of work (photography/design/art) that I can be truly proud of.
• Pay off my Student Loans. (At the very least, pay off 1/2 of the total amount upon graduation).
• Own my own firearm (but pray every day that I will never actually have to use it for protection).
• Learn to get prepared for emergencies without letting fear get the better of me (actually have food storage, emergency kits, etc. and be able to put them together without having a breakdown, freak out, or nightmares).
• Find a healthy and effective way to manage my stress.
• Memorize all the scripture mastery scriptures. (Bonus points - in 2 languages!)
• Learn how to do at least 1 ballroom dance (preferably tango).
• Teach others about something I'm passionate about (photography, design, etc.)
• Live in a big city.
• Receive a love letter.
• Go on a road trip with at least 3 other friends - record videos and take lots of pictures along the way.
• Learn to write thank you cards (and always do so when good manners calls for it!)
• Win a game of Risk
• Go to DIsneyLand AND DisneyWorld
• Express to my friends/family how much I love them and how much they mean to me!
• Make a difference in someone's life.
• Learn to manage my allergies so well that they don't affect my days at all.
• Find and buy a pair of CUTE and COMFORTABLE high heels :p (Bonus - Learn to walk in said high heels!)
• Learn to be more patient.
• Live to age 30 (...maybe this should have been the first thing on the list! :P)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Solution Saturday...

I don't think this will be a weekly thing, but I like alliteration so I figured it'd be an acceptable post title! :P

So, first problem?
I've gotten a little *cough*a lot!*cough* outta shape since I left UT to visit family for 2 months. Prior to leaving UT, I had access to the community gym and was hitting the treadmills there about 5 days a week for 30-40 min.

The solution?

Once I return to UT, I will once again have access to treadmills and what-not since I'll be living on-campus and can get to the rec./fitness center *yay!*
Since I'm not so great about setting up fitness plans (generally I just wing it and then get upset when I'm not seeing any improvement) so...I've found a few simple ones that I think I could follow!

• The Starter's Exercise Plan
• Train for Long Distance Running (really I'd just like to eventually be able to run for a sustained amount of time)
• The 100 WorkOut
• 30 Minutes, No Equipment (just in case the gym is crowded!)

A Little Encouragement: (1) (2) (3)

Okay, Second problem?

I've never been much of a breakfast person. I don't know if it's because of hypoglycemia (my blood sugar drops so low while I sleep that I wake up feeling kinda sick pretty much every morning) or because I've never been particularly fond of breakfast foods at breakfast time (I'm very texture specific, and squishy eggs, mushy oatmeal, and soggy cereal just don't sound particularly pleasant to me - especially in the morning).

The Solution?

THIS amazing bowl. Isn't it brilliant!? I totally want one! :P

Third Problem?

Apparently there are lots of potholes in Paris. (There are lots of potholes in other places as well).

The Solution?

A Parisian Woman started to fill potholes with yarn! It's not a permanent or perfect solution, but it looks cool and maybe it'll lead to a more permanent solution by hinting to authorities that something needs to be done!

Last Problem?

Too much Facebook?

Solution?

Envision a world without Facebook (personally, I prefer a world WITH Facebook, it's easier to share things with friends).

Embracing the Transition

(I actually wrote this a few months ago, but seeing as how I haven't updated this blog in forever and need to start updating it a little more consistently, I figured I'd start by posting this :P )

Disclaimer: I tend to be pretty over dramatic, so when I say "all my friends" I generally just mean the 40% of them that are engaged/married/etc. - I DO have single friends too - but I was whining when I wrote this so I just HAD to be overdramatic and say "all" :P

My Food Recommendations...

I'm a total foodie and love to find new (really tasty) places to eat. I've decided to start documenting them all - so here's the list so far (it will keep growing as I remember/find new places!)

UTAH -

Sammy's Cafe

(Burgers, Amazing Sweet Potato Fries, and Pie Shakes!)

27 North 100 West

Provo, UT 84601

http://sammyscafe.blogspot.com/

(They also have a location in Rexburg, ID)

Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe

(Amazing cupcakes, tasty frappes made with cocoa beans instead of coffee beans, and hot chocolate!)

1774 North University Parkway

Provo, UT

http://thecocoabeancupcakecafe.blogspot.com/

(They also have locations in Idaho Falls and Rexburg, ID)

Roy's Burger Bar

(This place was featured on Diner's, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network - and for good reason!)

5291 S 1900 W

Roy, UT 84067

CALIFORNIA -

Little Italy Spaghetteria

(Fantastic Italian food - the Pizza, the Calamari, the Bread, Goat Cheese, and the Sausages are all great!)

1953 India St

San Diego, CA 92101

http://littleitalyspaghetti.com/

Pat & Oscar's

(Their breadsticks are famous as well as their House dressing. I can also recommend the Caesar Salad, the Pepperoni Pizza, and the the Pasta with Alfredo Sauce)

29375 Rancho California Rd.

Temecula CA 92590

http://www.breadstick.com/

(They have locations throughout San Diego, Orange County, Inland Empire, and one in LA!)

TEXAS -

Rudy's Bar-B-Q

(I've heard recommendations for just about everything there - but I can personally recommend the Smoked Turkey Sandwich and the Chocolate and Tres Leches Cake. Make sure you also try the Sauses <-NOT a mispelling! :p)

7970 Gateway East Blvd.

El Paso, TX 79907

http://rudys.com/

(They have locations all over TX, as well as one in Norman, OK; Albuquerque, NM; and Colorado Springs, CO)