Perspective...

Wow. I think this is such a good reminder of how blessed we truly are. We get so caught up in what people have around us, and constantly have the mentality that we need more. But if we only realized that we already have WAY more than 75% of the world, we would be less eager to go out and buy that new pair of shoes, new car, or condo on the beach.

I know that no one has the perfect life, where everything works out exactly the way they want. We all will experience our own trials, helping us to grow. I have had a lot to think about lately, and it seems like every time something goes wrong, I try to think of what I am supposed to learn from the experience. This has helped me to gain perspective. I am currently studying D&C, and recently re-read one of my favorite scriptures, Section 122:7 "And if thou shouldst be cast into the a pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." In every trial, the Lord is preparing us to be stronger so that we can face what is ahead. He will never give us anything that we cannot handle. And He will be there to lift us if we just ask.

Not only are we blessed to have food, clothes, a place to live, and the best friends in the whole wide world, we also have the gospel in our lives. I hope that we all make the best of each day, and are thankful for the trials that make us stronger. How I went from coats and football to this post, I am not sure. But it has just been on my mind. Thank you for being in my life, and have a lovely end of the summer weekend my friends. I just love you.

Two good things about Fall...

Lovely coats and BYU football. Bring it on fall. I am ready for you.

Mmmm.

I just want this to be mine. The only thing I would want to add is a build in bbq and fireplace, with darling outdoor furniture. And a lot of pillows. One day...

Embrace Change

Lately, I have experienced a lot of change in my life. Best friends have moved away, new roommates have moved in, a new ward starting Sunday, I could go on and on. I think change can be a good thing, although it is not necessarily a comfortable feeling. I believe we have the opportunity to grow the most when we are out of our comfort zone, and experiencing new things that life has to offer. I know all of you are going through big changes at the moment as well-living in new states, new apartments, having new jobs, adapting to a new culture and a way of life. I guess we can all just embrace and endure this time of life together. So enjoy my friends. Life will never be the same.

The Taste of Summer

I love watermelon. It may or may not be one of my favorite fruits. Why, you might wonder? Well, it just reminds me of all things summer. Whenever we go to the beach, we bring watermelon. When you have a BBQ on the 4th of July, there is watermelon. When you go to a pool party, watermelon is sure to make an appearance. You get what I am saying. To me, watermelon is the taste of summer.

Here are some of the things that remind me of summer more than anything else:

• Corn on the cob
• Pool parties
• Bonfires
• BBQ's
• Sunscreen
• The lake
• Camping
• Cherries
• Sun glasses
• The park
• Tennis
• Night games
• Movies in the park
• Bike rides
• Hiking
• Popsicles
• Otter pops
• Flip flops
• Water balloon fights
• Volleyball
• Road trips
• Disneyland
• Baseball

There are so many more things. But sometimes it is best to keep a list shorter rather than longer. So, you're welcome. I am not looking forward to the warmth of the sun leaving me soon. But I know that it always comes back, which is really very kind.

So what are some things that remind you of summer?

Bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils...

By far, my favorite season is Summer. I love the warmth, the playful atmosphere, and spending time outdoors with friends.

However, I always look forward to the fall. You know that exciting feeling you get before you are about to start school, meet new people, learn more about the world and yourself? I have been getting that feeling lately as August comes to an end. But I have to constantly remind myself that this fall will be a bit different. I will not be buying school supplies, books, taking classes, and all that is included in a normal September. No, instead I will be continuing to work at Provo Craft, doing what I absolutely love. I have a diploma. I have experience college-although that concept in itself is still hard to comprehend. I envy my friends who are still in school, and wonder if I would actually feel that way if I were starting a new semester in a few weeks. But college cannot, and definitely should not, last forever.

I am reminded of the famous line from my all-time favorite movie, You've Got Mail: "Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." Oh how I want to buy school supplies. And have a man send me a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils. Even though I am not starting school, I might just have to go buy school supplies. And use them at the office. That could help. If any of you would like to go shopping for school supplies (or in my case, office supplies), I would greatly enjoy your company.

Have a lovely day. And buy yourself some pencils. You won't regret it.

Eat, Pray, Love

So last night I went with Janna and Lindsay to see Eat, Pray, Love. It was fabulous, as expected. I would highly recommend it. Please let me know what you all think of it when you see it-especially Aldog. I would say that I enjoyed the movie more than the book. Then again, we all know how much I love reading. So that might play a role!

Basically, the movie just made me want to travel! Italy is just so lovely, and everything I want and more in my life. Janna, Lindsay, Meredith and I are planning on going to go to London and possibly Italy or other European destinations. The plan is to visit Thomas, Alta and Krew while they are living the dream at medical school! I am so excited. If we go to Italy, I will be sure to partake of the gelato. A lot of gelato. And when I return, the gym will be my best friend.

Oh, also, yesterday I had lunch with Megan and Aaron. It was just such a pleasure hanging out with them and eating J-Dawgs. Thanks for hanging out with me Young's! I just love you both. Have fun in Peru, and you better post a ton of pictures when you return to the states. I feel like me and Megan are holding down the fort here in P-town. It is a pleasure to do so.

Well, that's all for now. I hope you have all enjoyed your weekend, for tomorrow, we return to work. Sadly.

It's Friday.

Have a lovely weekend my darlings.

Update...

Hello bff's. I would like to apologize for my lack of posts as of late. Life has been a bit crazy!

Things that have been happening:

• I was sick for about 3 weeks straight (think Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail)
• Brother came home from his mission!
• I went to San Fran for work
• I went to Chicago for work (which sounds a lot cooler than it is. I basically saw the airport, my lovely hotel room, and a conference center.)
• I have been hanging out with some fabulous people in my ward, who are for the most part moving away soon
• Working/loving my job
• Playing a lot of tennis-a lot!

That's basically it. But things are going well! I miss you all like crazy! It was not fun saying goodbye to Kels, then Aly, then Alta. I just don't think I can take any more.

Other things to look forward to this summer:

• This weekend I am going to see Eat, Pray, Love, and I wish that you could all be there with me. I am expecting it to be a fabulous performance-especially with Julia Roberts.
• The demolition derby-never been to one, but I feel great about it.
• Mom and sister coming to town next weekend
• Mom, Dad and brother coming to town the weekend after that
• A new ward (I am not moving, but everyone else in my ward is!)
• More tennis
• A possibly camping trip
• Bonfire
• Football season (while not necessarily this summer, it will certainly be here soon!)

That is all I really have to say for now. I will be back soon. I love you all.

Love,

Crizzy