glimpses.

Hello, hi, I'm here! I know I need to make my blogging more consistent — every day I have post ideas, but I never take the time to actually sit down and write them out. And I sure miss it. Typing is therapeutic for me, writing helps me clear my head and somehow make sense of the random thoughts and ideas I have skipping around up there. So here I am, not quite sure where to start, but knowing that I want to, and for the sake of my sanity, probably need to. :) 

I'm going to be brutally honest, while I'm loving my life out here in the Bay, for the last few weeks I've been a little scared. Everything has just been so easy — finding housing out here, making friends, it's all just clicked. And I haven't had "easy" in a while. I know you probably think I'm crazy for quitting a job I enjoyed and making a random move to a new place without a new one lined up, and that's fine. But the best way to explain why is because I just needed to, for me. Fresh start, clean slate, clear eyes, full hearts, and all of that. I had a friend out here tell me he thinks I'm brave for making such a big leap, and whether it's bravery or not, it feels good to know that I've done something for myself, something that maybe did take some courage. 

But back to being scared. I've had a job since I was 16. And all of a sudden, not having one has been like a big shock to my system. I knew I'd enjoy the break for a while, but trust me, binging on Netflix gets old quickly {although now I do have some great TV and movie recommendations, so get at me for those!}. I've been frustrated that, for the last month or so, a job hasn't been on the horizon. I've been frustrated that, after making my resumé the best I think it can be, no one has been willing to give me a chance. I'm sure I don't need to tell you that rejection sucks. This past week I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I think I came up with the reason why I feel like I keep getting put into the "reject" pile. Since I decided to make the move out here, everything fell into place for me, like I said. My life has been pretty easy. And I fell into this rut and figured that things would continue that way, and somehow a job would fall into my lap. 

Well, it hasn't. 

And it's left me feeling a little angry with myself. So I finally decided this weekend to buckle down and make being employed a priority. Living off of savings only lasts for so long, and just assuming that my life is going to continue to be easy is pretty stupid.

This brings me to the title of this post, "glimpses." I've really been focusing on those today. I'm trying to notice moments that remind me that, even though I'm feeling a little frustrated, I'm still loved, I'm still cared for. I babysit a few times a week for a family here with two little boys, and today as I was putting the youngest one down for a nap, he looked me right in the eyes and said, "hey, I like you." Glimpse. I got an interview today for a job I applied for that I never thought I'd hear back from. Glimpse. I spent time getting to know some new people tonight, and they laughed at my corny jokes. And for the record, they were genuine laughs, not those pity ones. ;) Another glimpse.

I firmly believe that everyone has their own personal relationship with God, and we all communicate with him in different ways. I speak to him when I pray, and he responds to me in these glimpses. It's like he's saying, "Hey. I've got your back. You do your part, and I'll do mine to remind you that I think you're awesome and capable and worth it." 

I'm not sure what the point of this post is, or whether it makes sense to anyone else, but I just needed to write somewhere that I'm recognizing these glimpses, and that I'm learning very quickly that when we go through a stage where life is easy, it doesn't mean we can kick back. I'm sure most of you already know this, but it's a lesson I'm in the process of piecing together. 

So, with this doozy of a post I say, thanks for reading and trying to make sense of what comes out of my head, into the keyboard, and onto this screen. It's good to make this a regular thing again. I'm off to prepare for an interview! :)

a series of lasts.

Today was my last full day in Provo, so I thought it would be fun to take my overly-packed car and drive around, just to see a few of my favorite spots one more time. You know, "this is that place I had my car repaired after my accident." "This is where I ate dinner on that really awkward date." "This is were I had that great conversation with an old friend." "This is where I had my first job." But I also realized that today was a series of lasts. This is the last time I'll eat at this place, this is my last day of work, this is the last time I'll see these people. And it's really sad! I never thought I'd say it, but Provo really was my home for the last few years. It's where my life has been, where my people have been, where many of the most important things in my life have been.

This series of lasts had my heart breaking a little bit as I drove down the familiar University Avenue, and as I crossed over Bulldog and State Street. "Hey! That's the DI where I bought WAY too many bad 80s clothes and ugly Christmas sweaters." I know I've complained about this place a lot, as many college students do, and I know that leaving is the right thing for me, but it's still tough to say goodbye. As a big book nerd, I love chapters {true fact: I once wrote an English essay on the symbolism and significance of chapters}. I love the plot twists, the cliff hangers, the changes that the end of each chapter brings. I don't know if my Provo/BYU chapter ends on a cliffhanger. I think it ends on a good note. It was a chapter that had some ups and downs, a few big plot twists, and some changes, but I feel like it's ending with everything tied together. No loose ends. Sometimes those aren't the most exciting chapters, but for me it was definitely one that caused me to learn a lot. I mean a lot. I went from an immature, unexperienced 18 year old to a somewhat {hopefully} more mature, somewhat more experienced 24 year old, and for me, that's enough. If I had to title this chapter, I think I would call it "Holy Ground." {NOT to be confused with the Taylor Swift song, that phrase has been around much longer than she has}. It really was for me.

As I was thinking about all these "lasts," I realized that, on that highway ahead of me, I'll have some "firsts." One of my favorite things about babies is watching them experience "firsts." A first step, a first smile, a first laugh. I think we forget that as we grow older, we still have those. And that's the one thing that's really keeping me from breaking down with this move. Along with these "lasts," I have some "firsts" to look forward to. My first day at my new job out there, first time meeting new people, etc. And that's something exciting to look forward to. If I have to name this new chapter, I think I'll steal my sister's word for the year and call it "Onward."

So this whole thing is a little scary, and a lot exciting. As an old chapter closed today, a new one opens tomorrow, and I can't wait to see the plot twists that it holds for me.

As always, thanks for reading.

some lessons.

Have you ever had something hit you so hard that it gave you a stomach ache, but the good kind? Not in the literal sense but in the sense that a lightbulb goes on in your head and you say to yourself, "well duh!"? And it makes so much sense that it makes your stomach ache? Maybe it's just me, but that happened recently.

I'll tell about my trip home later, but over the weekend I had the realization that I've got some big changes to make. They are changes I've known I've needed to make for a while, but I've been procrastinating. I'm living in a place that, while it's been great to me, is not mine anymore. For the last few years, it has been. It's taught me a lot of very important lessons that will carry me into my next phase, and for that I'll forever be grateful for this little college town.

So here are, to me, some of the most important lessons I've learned here. Some were hard, some were fun, and all shaped me and helped kickstart me into my next chapter, which I'm starting to get excited about. And who knows, maybe it'll help a girl who's just about to move into my town to start her new chapter.

1. Be a good friend. Once you're out on your own, you rely on the people who come into your life as much as you do your family. And a few times I learned the hard way that it's so important to treat people the way you want to be treated. The golden rule is a real thing, folks. I'm a natural giver, that's what I like to do. I like to help people. But if you are constantly doing things for someone with nothing in return, it's probably time to think seriously about if that person deserves to stay around.

2. On the flip side of that, be careful who you trust. I hate that I had to learn this, but I learned the hard way. I grew up thinking that everyone had my back, that their intentions were good, which is a great way to grow up. But eventually I learned to become a realist. While most people are on your side, there will be a few who are not. It's important to learn who those people are as quickly as you can. And make sure that people can easily trust you.

3. Keep a constant watch on your bank account. This is important! When you're living paycheck to paycheck, as most college students and recent grads do, it's easy to go a little overboard. *guilty* Learn how to save, but also learn where and when to splurge. Sometimes {and only sometimes}, a new sweater can make a bad day turn out pretty good. Especially if you look killer in it. :)

4. Don't stalk past exes on Facebook, Instagram, etc. I know this sounds like silly advice, but it's true! I seem to be the lucky girl who dates the guy who, about a week after you break up, is dating someone else. And it sucks! So why make yourself sad by keeping up with them? I learned that, by seeing how happy they are without you, it's easy to forget that you're happy, too. And maybe if you're not right now, you will be. I promise.

5. Take pictures. As a freshman I was one of those obnoxious 18 year olds who wanted a picture of EVERYTHING. But as the years went by and I lived with roommates who I relied on for photos, I all but stopped. And I regret that. So find that fine line between obnoxious teenager and "too mature for her own good" 20-something and take some dang photos! Just don't go Instacrazy. Three or more photos of the same event calls for a Facebook album. ;)

I'm sure there are quite a few more lessons I could post, but this is turning into a novel and I'm sure you're bored by now. So these are my top five. If you want more, leave me a nice little comment. :)

on being a grownup.

Today I had a meltdown. Not a full on, kicking, screaming, crying meltdown, because I think sometimes I lack those kinds of feelings, but there might have been a tear or two — the Alexa version of a meltdown.

This meltdown was due to the fact that I am a grownup. Typing that, I just realized a grownup having a toddler-style meltdown sounds a little oxymoronish, but what can you do. Today I had to figure out a medical bill, renew my car registration, and get some car repairs done. If you're looking for a way to drain your bank account in a period of 3 hours, I am now the queen of doing that. And it's hard, and it hurts. Nothing leaves you feeling more vulnerable than having a few dollars to your name!

But I guess the only thing that makes me feel okay about it is that we all go through stuff like this, right? Please tell me yes.

Peter Pan might have known what he was doing.

Over and out.

a little gc weekend.

My beautiful, warm, quiet, peaceful weekend just ended, and I'm a little sad about it. You know those weekends that jumpstart you and relax you at the same time? This was one of those weekends. I think most of it had to do with watching General Conference. {You don't know what that is, or maybe you missed a session or two? Lucky you, it's available right here!} Questions were answered, food was eaten, and fun was had by all. My kind of Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday

I rolled my lazy self out of bed, may or may not  have stayed in my PJs {because as most Mormons know, it's almost against our religion to actually get dressed over Conference weekend}, and watched the first session with some friends. And snuck in some rounds of Words with Friends when the choir sang. It's fun watching with people because great discussions come out of each and every talk, and I absolutely love that.

For the second session my friend Lauren got a few of us tickets, so we were able to head up to Salt Lake. There's something a little bit magical about that city during Conference weekend. If you've been, you know what I'm talking about, right? It's exciting to see so many people, hear different languages, run into old friends.

My friends realized during our trip that I'd never had a Dunkin' Donuts donut before, so they dragged me to the one that just opened up downtown, where I proceeded to stuff my face with the Boston Creme. And !!!!!!!!! That's all I have to say about that. You can easily win me over with a good donut.

Whenever I'm in Salt Lake I always stop at Chipotle. Someone tell me why Provo doesn't have a Chipotle? Can we petition that? I'm being serious. It's just one of those places that makes me feel like I'm near home. And while we're at it, let's get a Dunkin' down here, too.

Since Nordstrom Rack is next to Chipotle, that was an obvious stop. If you'd like to chip in for the Alexa Really Wants This Beautiful Michael Kors Leather Jacket That She Feels Was Made For Her fund, please inquire below. All donations would be greatly appreciated. ;)

Someday...

Saturday night was spent at Guru's singing, or in my case, croaking, karaoke.  I realized pretty quickly that I'm not as talented as I think I am when I'm singing alone in my car. Also, who knew that "Titanium" is that tough to sing?

So. A delightful Saturday spent with delightful people.

Sunday

You know those days when you wake up and just want to be alone? Not in a bad or negative way, just in a...way? I woke up this morning feeling like that. So I watched Conference alone in my room, with my favorite blanket and my pumpkin candle burning, and I loved it. 

Then I took a solo drive up the Alpine Loop to look at the Fall colors. So much for being solo though, everyone and their mom had the same idea to take a drive. But it was just me in my car, with my music, and it was magical. And LOOK at those colors. Utah, I have my thoughts, feelings, and opinions about you, but you sure know how to do Fall right. 

I've learned something about myself recently, and that is that I like me. Does that make sense? I'm comfortable just being with myself. I've always been a pretty independent person, but I'm not independent out of necessity, I'm independent because I just like being with myself. I like the way my thoughts wander when I'm alone, and the way I can compartmentalize them when no one is around to distract me. Don't get me wrong, I love being with people, but sometimes it's nice to be by myself, and be okay with it. 

So that's it. What a weekend. I hope yours was just as fun, uplifting, and inspired as mine was. Here's to Monday!

P.S. This might have been my favorite talk. What an inspired, wonderful man. 

swagnar.

Two posts in one day? Who am I? 

So yesterday I signed up to run the Ragnar Relay in Las Vegas in two months with some friends. Seriously, who am I. We know I'm not a runner. I've tried. But I promised myself earlier this year that I'd do a half marathon before I turn 25 {25!}, and while this isn't necessarily that, all my legs combined will be a little more than 13 miles. So I'll count it. Plus we know I'm all about the free t-shirts, and Ragnar comes with those and a MEDAL.

So as I've said quite a few times before, I never thought my body was made to do long distances. As a tennis player and dancer all growing up, I was used to shorter spurts of energy. So this is a little scary terrifying. But I'm also really excited to push myself. I went for a run today, and while it wasn't very long at all, it was a little tough. But I pushed through and as I ran up the steps to my apartment with the Rocky theme song playing {you know you do it too}, it felt awesome! 

So here's my question to anyone who might read this who runs {I'm still convinced the only people who read are my mom and dad}. How do you train for a 5K/10K/half marathon/marathon? I'd love the advice, and I'll love you forever. I feel like running is one of those things where everyone has their own opinion, so I'm trying to hear as many as I can. Please and thank you. Now I'm off to stretch my achey legs. 

today i want to remember...

...that the peaches from Allred's on University Avenue are just about the greatest things to grace Provo these days.

...that school starts today, so I need to pay attention to crosswalks while driving in my neighborhood. And stop shaking my fists at the students who dart in front of my car thinking that I'm going to stop for them.

...that I loved every single second I had at BYU, and days like today make me miss it like crazy. 

...that reading the scriptures when I wake up really does make my day that much better.

...that I love and appreciate how seriously Mexican restaurants in Utah take Taco Tuesday. 

...that there's something magical about beginning to read the Harry Potter series again on September 1.

...that I probably need to stop Snapchatting so much.

...and Instagramming. But I probably won't.

...that Fall is pretty much the greatest. After summer. 

...that hot chocolate season is on its way here.

...and pumpkin-flavored EVERYTHING. 

...that I've already got a kick-a Halloween costume planned. #waitforit #itsgoingtobelegendary

...that hashtags don't work on blogs.

and that's all. I'm off to eat a peach and read. Gosh I love you, Fall. 

this is all.

I don't have much else to say today except that nature is pretty neat. I spent almost all of Sunday outside at Cecret Lake, and it made me realize that I'm happy with where I'm at. In my work, in my home, just in life in general. I'm surrounded by great people, I've got more than I deserve, and life is just good right now. I'm learning to be content. I'm the kind of person who wants to fix things, to make them better, but I'm learning that when things are out of your control, you just have to learn to be okay. And it always works out.

over here today!

Hey friends! Today I'm over at Striving Onward, an amazing site run by a few of my friends to empower and inspire women. I'd love it if you took a peek over there. I'm also planning to be a contributor for SO, so if you have a little something you want me to write about I'd love to hear it!

checking in and stuff.

Well hey there. Just checking in, ya know?

I know I've got to set aside time to actually write something that matters, but today isn't that day. I've been busy living the summer dream — drinking Slurpees, watching "How I met Your Mother," eating watermelons and strawberries and cherries, and working on my pathetic excuse for a tan. Summer is when my Scandinavian genes take over and I get all freckly. But! My mom informed me that she discovered some Jewish ancestry in our family this week. So. The Anderson side of my family really comes from just about everywhere. I don't know why that's important, but it is.

So much for checking in, now I'm rambling. I'm a pretty good rambler. Such is the nature of me having so much to say and not knowing how to say it.

I know I've said this before, but I'm claiming Summer as mine. It was made for me. Slow moving, unscheduled, stress-free, that's my thing. No shoes, no problem. Staying up until way too late? I'll claim it. Reading anything and everything because hey, I can. Random road trip to San Francisco next week to see and maybe plant a kiss upon the sweet, sweet face of John Mayer? Um...twist my arm.

Summer is mine. But I'll share bits and pieces with you and you and you, because we all deserve to wake up to sunshine or the occasional thunderstorm, to sit by the pool, and to eat unlimited numbers of snowcones. And because tans. And watermelons. And John Mayer.

the dynamic quad.

As I was thinking about it today, this photo above might be the last one of the four of us together as we are right now. When Devin comes home in two years, there might be some new people and the family dynamic will be completely different. That thought is a little bittersweet, don't you think?

I love the four of us. I love Tyler, the quiet, observant older brother, who influenced me in every way possible — music, movies, food, etc. I miss driving with him in the early morning hours to Seminary in his Jeep, where we bonded over all sorts of things once our tiredness wore off. We both share the trait of not wanting to talk to anyone for a few minutes after we wake up, and we were both aware of the consequences if one of us tried to make conversation too early. ;) I love his willingness to listen, and I love most his unexpected, hilarious one-liners. The guy is FUN-NY. I'm so lucky to have him here with me whenever I need him.

I love Whitney, the vibrant, curious little sister, whose love for travel and art inspires me. She can take a photo like no other, and her singing voice is divine. I've never met someone who is so able to stand up for herself and others. The girl is fearless, and so kind at the same time.

And I love Devin. Sweet, sincere Devin. Devin, who is so excited to change the lives of people in Tokyo. I don't think you could ask for a better youngest. He's the very best. He is what made our family complete, the mac to our cheese, the cherry on our sundae. He can be relied on to liven up any situation, to bring a smile to anyone's face. He's just the sweetest, and I miss him fiercely.  

I'm sure lucky to have these three. They are my people. We get each other, we rely on each other, we share our parents' personality traits and looks. We all have the same offbeat sense of humor and sarcasm that can probably be attributed most to our dad. 

Families are the greatest, aren't they? Here are some more photos saying good-bye to this sweet guy:

^^ Here you have him, always willing to lighten up a sad moment. :)

^^ Our awesomeness can be attributed to these two people because they're pretty great.

 ^^ So ready to go!

 ^^ See you on the flip-side, Elder Justesen. You're going to be missed.

And happy birthdays to Whitney and Tyler this week. You both deserve the very best!

of moving and movies and spring and stuff.

I'm here, I'm here! Successfully moved in {not}, and life is pretty good. This last week I've met some really great people, seen some great movies {RDJ and DiCaprio in one week is almost too much for my poor beating heart}, and next week I'm going home for a few days for the little brother's mission farewell. When did this all happen? He leaves in less than a month? What?

Anyway, until I have something of substance to write about, here are some pictures. Enjoy! 

^^ summer days

^^ summer nights

 ^^ I designed this front page!

 ^^ london was four years ago. ???

 ^^ perfectly moody

^^ celebrating wildlife

Here's to a great weekend. I will be spending it at the pool, doing whatever I can to avoid unpacking my kitchen.

closing doors and opening windows.

One of my most favorite movies is "The Sound of Music." And one of my favorite quotes in that movie is when Maria, feeling a little perplexed about what she should be doing with her life {this sounds a little too familiar to me} says, "When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window." I really believe that.

This week I felt as though I've been closing a lot of doors. I was released from the calling I had for the last year that I was absolutely in love with, which did so much good for me. It was a little bittersweet to let it go. I thought to myself that it was the greatest challenge as well as the greatest blessing, and I was able to work with so many, many amazing girls.

I'm moving to a new place this week, which means I'm shutting the door on my old one. I haven't moved in about 2 and a half years, so this feels all new to me! I'm excited for the adventure and meeting new people, but a little terrified at the same time. I haven't been the "new girl" in a few years. My calling required me to be on the "welcome wagon," and now I have to jump off it. 

This week has just been a giant reminder to me that we are always where we need to be. Moving from where I am and doing what I love has been sad, because it really feels like a part of my life is closing. And I guess it is, but it could be a great thing. Don't we always love new chapters in stories? It means a new plot line, a new piece to the puzzle. And sometimes, the start of a new chapter is a great place to stop and take a break. I hate to stop reading in the middle of a page, so I usually read until the end of the chapter before I put the book down for a while. It's exactly the same with life. A new chapter provides a much-needed break, it adds more to our story, it adds new lessons, new challenges, new characters, etc. And for that I couldn't be more excited. 

On a lighter note, who wants to help me pack? :)

an epic green weekend.

How was your weekend? I spent most of mine feeling like this:

Happy and green and silly. Scott and I were awfully proud of our green pants and an attempt at some sort of jig?

I spent most of the day on Friday outside when I got a call from work saying they didn't need me to go in {!!!!!} so I celebrated by walking to a gas station and getting myself a Slurpee. It's the little things, you know.

Saturday was devoted to being outside again, playing catch, eating sandwiches, and all of that. Guys, Spring is SO my season. It's in my blood or something.

On to Saturday night. My friends and I went to the most legitimate, fun St. Patrick's Day party I've ever been to. The music, the food {corned beef!}, the dancing, all of it was amazing. The hosts are apparently Irish, so I figured they knew how it was done. Next to Christmas, of course, St. Patrick's Day is my favorite holiday. And I am all about making holidays a huge deal. Just come to my future house at Christmas and you'll see what I mean. So this party was right up my alley.

Some of what went down:

and then there was the knife fighting {with plastic spoons}. I guess it's big in Ireland? All I know is, there were shirtless men. So sign me up. I'll let you enjoy the next few pictures. 

I saved the best for last. Did you notice this little man in the pictures above? Because if not...here. He wins the night.

Soak that in for a second.

Here's us not looking very festive but sure feeling it.

And here's what we would look like if we were drunk. 

All in all, a fun, festive weekend. I got to celebrate my almost non-existent Irish roots {I've got one or two ancestors in there somewhere}, enjoy the sun, and get a few more freckles on my nose.

And with that, onto birthday week!

crazy about march.

This is what my hometown looks like right about now.

It's only the 3rd, but so far March is shaping up to be the best month. How can I tell? Because at 6:45 this morning I drove my roommate to the airport, and as we were driving we witnessed the most beautiful sunrise. If I hadn't been driving and feared risking my life, I would have taken a picture. But I have a hard enough time multitasking when my life isn't in my hands so...I'll let you picture it. 

Today I drove with the windows down for the first time in months. Guys, it's on its way. March is ushering in the best of all the seasons!

And with that best season comes birthday month! This is the year of my golden birthday, and I'm taking the entire month to celebrate that. That's okay, right?

February was a month that had its highs and its lows. And I'm ready for March to just bring steadiness. The weather will even out, I've got things to do, and at the very end of it I'll come out a little older and a little wiser. 

So here's to you, March, and all the goodies you've got in store. :)

5.

Do you remember a few weeks ago on Instagram, everyone was getting tagged in that five things post? The one where you had to give five facts about yourself? I got tagged a couple of times and honestly just kind of ignored it. But one of my favorite bloggers, Natalie from Nat the Fat Rat, put the five up on her blog, where there was a little more room to write and where she could post cute pictures of her ginger baby. So I'm doing the same, minus the ginger baby {although a secret dream of mine is to have a ginger baby who looks like her ginger baby. My dark hair would balance out the red so it's not too gingery, right?}.

Anywho...

1. I have a slightly if not obsessively huge crush on Jimmy Fallon. Ask anyone, I've seen every episode of Saturday Night Live from 1998-2004 and I rarely miss Late Night. And the guy I marry is just going to have to be okay with it.

2. I eat at Costa Vida maybe 2-3 times a week. Can't help it, that sweet pork salad is like heaven on earth to me. The best part was when Costa Vida opened five minutes from my house in California last year. And when I go home, instead of eating at places I can't get in Utah, I get Costa Vida.

3. I could spend hours and hours in art museums. Someday I want to live in a city like London, where all the museums are free {America, can we do that sometime soon?}. Someday I'd also love to watch a painter simply paint. I want to know what goes through their minds. Thought processes {procees?} are always so interesting to me.

4. I love love love classic rock. The Eagles, Boston, Chicago, The Beatles, all of it. I think that surprises people, because I don't "look" like a classic rock kind of girl, but it is what it is. That all goes back to Dave Justesen for making us grow up on America and the Doobie Brothers.

5. Early mornings are my favorite part of the day. When I do wake up early and on time, I love how quiet it is and how productive I am. If all day could just be what it is in the morning, I'd be happy.

And now, I tag all of you. Go!

*If you do, link it back in the comments!!

a quiet weekend.

This weekend was the best kind of quiet. Quiet in the sense that it snowed for almost two days straight, and when it snows there's always this peace and solitude outside, which is the only thing I like about snow. Quiet in the sense that I really had nowhere to be, no obligations. My kind of quiet. I spent most of my weekend doing quiet things — visiting baby Reed {you make cute kids, Cailey B.}, eating, watching the snow fall, and Snap Chatting like a fiend. Probably more than necessary. I went to a Cougarette concert to see my sweet friend Jessica perform, and it made my dancing feet miss the years I spent in dancing shoes.

And now it's Monday, and I'm back to real life, cleaning out my closet and nursing the early beginnings of a cold because I will not break my perfect record of no sickness since last summer, dang it. The weather is slowly starting to warm its way up, and with that comes this sense of excitement that something new is coming my way. What it is, I don't know, but Spring has this way of blowing in this sense of newness, motivation, and happiness.

What's your kind of weekend?

i probably just need to go to bed.

I found this quote just now, and it was a blessing. I've had an interesting day, one of those days where I counted down the minutes until I could jump back into bed and pull the covers over my head. But before I can do that, I need to write.

I started off 2013 with a lot of good intentions, and while I think I've done pretty well with my goals, today was the first day of the year when nothing got done, nothing went as planned. Maybe it was the snow, maybe it was that for some reason I was just so tired and unmotivated, maybe it was because I didn't feel like getting dressed until 3pm. And this isn't normal for me.

I spent the day feeling like a failure. My Scripture reading didn't happen in the morning like it usually does, my prayers were less than sincere, and my bed didn't get made. I think after the first three hours of the day I just gave up and figured that there was no point really trying.

So at work tonight, as I was stewing over my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, I saw this, and remembered I still have tomorrow. And the next day, and the day after that. A friend of mine told me once that he admired my courage, and like the above quote, I always thought courage was this big thing where you make a huge decision and people notice. But it can still be quiet, introspective, and unnoticed by others.

So I have a new resolution. When something goes wrong, or when a day doesn't go the way I want it to, I'm resolving to remember that I can start over. There's always a new day, a new hour, a new minute to resolve to do a bit better.

resolutions.

As I'm throwing away crumpled wrapping paper pieces and packing up to go back to Provo, my mind is on what's next. Christmas is now behind us, and next week starts something new. A new week, a new month, a new year. What's that going to mean to me? I always like to wonder where I'll be in X amount of time, and 2013 will be no different. Where will I be on December 26, 2013? How different will life be? Drastically? A little bit? Not at all? I'm hoping for the first two.

As we all should know by now, I'm a list maker. I like the look of lists, I like crossing things off when they're done. Essentially, my mind wouldn't function without the lists. And writing new year's resolutions are no different. I usually get pretty detailed with my resolutions {I create genres and subgenres. WHO AM I?}, but I'll spare you that boring list and put some of my favorites, the ones I'm most excited about, on here. That way, if I'm failing, I'd like to think you'd let me know, right? Promise? Perfect. 

1. Read The Book of Mormon all the way through at least twice

2. Go to the temple at least twice a month

3. Work towards getting certified in yoga or Pilates instruction

4. Find somewhere to volunteer and go regularly

5. Do better at balancing and saving money

6. Pick up a new crafty hobby
7. Learn to play the ukelele
8. Make eating healthier and working out more of a priority

So...there's the list. Think I can do it? I'm sure hoping so. I love the new year, and I've got a good ol' feeling about 2013!