Shout-out to the Sisterhood

Okay girls. I know that "sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven" and I have truly seen that coming to pass as Beth has been serving in Florida, but I have really been missing and needing my sister so badly the last little while. I am profoundly grateful for my dear roommates and for the three of you; you really are pillars of strength and sanity in my life. :)
Chelsea, I couldn't do this without your understanding and support.
Kate, your love-notes via text mean the world to me and seem to come when I need them the most.
Franny, your spiritual intuition and depth is truly a gift that blesses my life in ways you don't realize. I could go on with each of you, but let me just say from the bottom of a sincerely grateful heart, thank you.

Please, I know we're busy, but let's stay close. I need my sisters so much. I wish I could convey how much I love you. Thank you for your goodness and selfless service. Know that I think of you often and I'm praying for you in all you do. Let us go forward and not backward. Courage, sisters; and on, on to the victory!

Your forever sister,
Annie

19 Reasons I love Chelsea Ann Clark!

Happy Birthday, Chelsea! Here are 19 reasons why I love you, (in no particular order)...

1. She's always the voice of reason I need gently encouraging me to calm down, chill out, lighten up, hang loose, run free, or be wild, depending on what the situation warrants.
2. She knows the benefits of angrily snarfing down carrots.
3. Chelsea is truly a gifted listener. I feel like she intuitively knows when to listen, when to advise, when to lighten the mood, and when to just sit and cry along with me.
4. I love Chelsea's facial expressions- they never fail to elicit a "wheezer" laugh out of me.
5. I always appreciated Chelsea's willingness to lead out with me in the flute section in band. She knows how to lead and how to follow; the truest and finest leader can do both.
6. Chelsea is a person who embraces challenges. That is so amazing to me! Chelsea has been a shining example to me that you should never shy away from something just because there's a chance you might fail. You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
7. I will always revere Chelsea for having gone through basic training. What an example of strength and willpower!
8. Chelsea has a way of gently quieting the rebellious, angry, defiant part of me that sometimes rears its head when I let it.
9. Having been the youngest, I love watching Chelsea be the "cool big sister." People who aren't the youngest don't ever really understand how big of a deal that is.
10. Chelsea knows who she is, and her actions reflect that.
11. She can relate to all the reasons I love Mr. Wayman, when so many other people wouldn't see passed the strictness or the intimidation factor.
12. She understands why I love Bulgy the Whale.
13. She's a red-high-heel struttin', combat-boot wearin', flip-flop chillin', wake-up-at-five-thirty-in-my-tennis-shoes runnin' kind of girl. :)
14. Chelsea dares to dream. And she doesn't just watch them float by in her mind. She has the grit and spunk to realize her dreams.
15. She knows how to be boy-crazy, and how to be a man-hater. (Or maybe I should say she knows how to be man-crazy, and how to be a boy-hater...) :D
16. She has a testimony that is shared in the way she lives and treats other people. I heard a quote in seminary once that I feel like applies to all three of you: "You may be the only scriptures a person you meet ever reads." You live your lives in ways that others see the light of the gospel through you.
17. Her positivity. What a gift she has developed! Who doesn't ever feel better after being around Chelsea??
18. I love her similarities to her mom. It makes me smile. :)
19. Chelsea Ann Clark, I love who I am because of knowing you. Thank you for the impact you have had on my life!

Here's to you and the last 19 years, Chelsea! The best is yet to be!
I can speak for all of us in saying that we love you!

Happy Birthday!!

Life is a Many Splendored Thing

Isn't that the truth? Life is truly wonderful. We're so blessed, girls!
I don't really know why I'm posting. I just got on to see updates from you girls (exciting, wonderful things happening, by the way!) and I just wanted to write, so I am. Feel free to quit reading if you'd like. :)

May I just say how wonderful Conference was?? My favorite session hands-down was Saturday morning. Elder Holland's talk embodied so much the love that heavenly Father has for us. The pure, complete, unconditional love I felt was overwhelming and humbling and so healing for a mortal soul in a mortal world! The grace and mercy of heavenly Father is truly a miraculous gift. We have so much to be thankful for.

I also noticed a huge overlying theme of "trust the prophet, he is called of God, obey his counsel, do not let pride rob you of faith"... Did anyone else feel that way? I couldn't BELIEVE that two of the brethren quoted from the SAME talk by President Benson! Talk about inspiration! We really must need to hear that, and have increased faith in, and obedience to, the words of the prophet. Time to express more gratitude. :) I'm very interested to see what happens in the next 6 months. We're living in the last days and things are heating up in this world at breakneck speed. What a privilege to be able to live here and now at a time when we can use our AGENCY to strengthen Zion and be a soldier in the army of the Lord! "Who's on the Lord's side, who?? NOW IS THE TIME TO SHOW!" :)

There are a million more things I'd like to talk about with Conference, but I'll wrap up this post for now. I'm so grateful for the knowledge of the restored gospel! Sometimes I feel so confused about life--can you imagine what it'd be like without the gospel?! What a blessing in our lives!

Well girls, thanks for listening. I hope Conference blessed you with a peace and with the knowledge that "we're doing better than we think we are, but we CAN be doing better." (Julie Beck said that in my regional stake conference a few weeks ago.) Pick a goal from conference and let's go for it. Courage girls, and on, on to the victory! :) I love you three so much!

Fearless with Longboards and Fountains

So I can say that I have had my "fearless" moment. Yes, the whole, "It's the first kiss, it's flawless, really something, It's Fearless" applys here. Anyway quick background so that this all documented somewhere. My first week up here I met this guy named Colby. The first impression was that this kid was very attractive and probably already has the perfect Barbie girlfriend. Well, as the days went on I spent more and more time over at Merrill hall with my friends Cielle and Jessi. Colby lives and Merrill and was a regular part of our group. I at first thought he was a little older like 22 or something just because he has almost TWO bachelors degrees. Ya, the kid is super smart. It turns out though that he graduated high school in only one year and is only 18. My hopes were crushed a bit when I learned this but nothing had started so I just moved on with no regrets. I was still trying to figure Adam out. Well anyway, about threeish weeks ago we cuddled just a tad during the last part of a movie. Totally NCC....or so I thought. After that night Colby started inviting me over more and more and we followed that same general pattern which made me think if something was actually going on. So last Wednesday (one and half weeks ago) he took me on this "date" thing. He taught me how to longboard and we just rode all over campus. I am not too bad either. Far from an official skater chick status but we will work on that. After riding for a bit he stops over by the Fountains in front of the Student Center. We sit and just talk for a while about futures and goals. Might I just say that Colby knows where he is going and what he wants in life which is very refreshing. I like a guy with a plan. It was a little chilly from the night air and the fountains so his arm was around me. I feel just so comfortable around him. The stars were out so I sort of got my stargazing with a guy moment but there is room for more of that. Anyway, I confronted him about where this was going. I was trying to figure out where he was going with this. So he said, "well I can show you where I think it is going." At that moment he came in and kissed me. It was a cute little peck and was everything that a first kiss should be. I guess I have just had a couple of trial and error runs but this night was just plain perfect. I am very happy with what is happening right now and the more and more I get to know Colby the more I like what kind of person he is. Maybe I am just being a silly girl and blowing this way out of porportion but things are good. There now this moment is added to the red history. I love you girls :)

Like Mother, Like Daughter: Part II

I know this may be a little behind the times, but just to level out the playing field for everyone...:)

News Flash::: HE DOES EXIST. I was wondering for a while whether or not I would ever meet this Mr. Brian Payne, or if my dad was just messing around with me. My dad also mentioned that he was asking about me, that he hasn't met me yet. We've been to a few drills together, but never saw hide nor hair of each other. Until recently....
I went to rehearsal, and noticed a new SPC in the back. I was trying to inconspicuously figure out if this was the mystery soldier, and sure enough, his name tape read, PAYNE. Score! Not a bad looking kid! (Funny thing: As I was trying to figure out who he was, I could tell he was doing the same thing to me. Hehehe.)
Anyway, long story short, I never could get enough courage to talk to him at a concert later that week. I decided to regroup my courage and talk to him on Governor's Day that saturday. I arrived early on saturday to help unload the trucks, and as I was taking a breather, guess who shows up behind me! Uh huh! Then he struck up a light conversation and we chatted for a few minutes before squishing together in a truck to ride to the other side of the stadium to the rest of the band. I know, I know, this really isn't that big of news, and I feel like I'm back in the Junior High/Miamaid way of handling all this (Oh my gosh, he LOOKED AT ME!! HE NOTICED ME! AHH!) We are much higher above that now, and seriously, all we did was talk and get to know each other for a few minutes. But it gets better.....
I came home and was telling my mom about my little excitement, "Mom! He talked to ME. HE talked to ME!! I didn't even have to try anything." My mom smiles and says, "You know, Governor's day was the first time Loren talked to me." AAHHH!! Hahaha!!! This is too great. I love it. The whole thing just makes me giggle like a school girl. :D So, if all goes according to plan, we will attend a concert at Kingsbury Hall at the U (which is very likely, since he studies music there) for our first date. Hmmm, wouldn't that be funny! I doubt something like that would really happen, but its still pretty amusing. We'll just have to see how this keeps going down. :) I'll try not to post anything unless it is some big important news, but I really wanted to share this little bit. :)

Words fall short

I have such a testimony that we love those we serve. Girls, I think it's important to tell you that I am calmly, rationally, and happily falling in love with Jason. In a big way. I love to serve him. I really do! It really makes me love him more, and cultivates such a bond and strength in the friendship and relationship we are developing together. Words really do fall short of what I feel and think about where Jason and I are, where we are headed, and where we are going. I'm grateful for who he is, who he makes me want to be, who I make him want to be, and for the ways in which we inspire the best in each other and grow together in closeness and in mutual proximity to our potential and our Savior. Love is a many splendored thing. Life is a many splendored thing. Serve someone today. Cultivate the love of the Savior in a relationship with someone in your life--a family member, parent, roommate, or dear friend. I love you girls so much. Thank you for everything.

Pornography and Repentance

There was a guy who I was beginning to get rather a close to he's in one of my classes and he was here over the summer. The more I talked to him the more I've been thinking why is it I'm not head over heels in love with you? You WANT to take every religion class offered on campus, you are involved in theatre, and sing and love Disney and have an interest in physics, mathematics, and mechanical engineering and we continue to have really amazing spiritual conversations, why am I not hard core in love with you. We were doing our religion homework together, and afterward he walked me home, we were talking for the next hour and somehow we became in contact with the subject of our pasts. I gave the run down of mine being, depression to self abuse to anorexia then the bright light which accompanies the marvelous atonement of Jesus Christ to bring forgiveness and a mighty change of heart. He briefly over viewed his past, which consisted of a portion involving pornography. I wanted to die. Oh Satan how much I hate you, you are so unkind to us. Knowing him now, I can see the repentance he has gone through and I know the atonement is so real besides in my life, I know because I can see it in his eyes. I am still very afraid, because I fear pornography. I am so grateful for the atonement of my Savior Jesus Christ who has made it possible for us to overcome our mortal faults and to grow to be better than we were before.

Well his name is Andy...

So once upon a time, because of course that's how all good stories begin, I was in the Smith building before my class started. I rushed in thinking class started sooner than it actually does and sat in the hallway and hurriedly grabbed out my measurements from my previous class to transcribe them, when the boy sitting diagonally from me began talking to me. It was of course small talk as that is how you introduce yourselves to each other as strangers. And after some brief talking he says, so what are you doing this weekend? Maybe we could go get some ice cream? So we exchanged numbers and decided we'd go out the next day. When I got home I realized, I just agreed to go on a date with someone I'd not ever seen before and have only known for the last 15 minutes (maximum!) And he would know where I lived and take me somewhere in his car, a somewhat uneasy thought. So a few minutes before he was supposed to come pick me up he called and I asked him where he wanted to go to get ice cream, then told him we'd have to walk, and that I'd meet him at the Spori building then we could walk over. I did and we walked down to the DQ and he my dear girlies was a PERFECT gentleman! He opened all doors, put himself between me and traffic, and brought a jacket with him in case I got cold! Then as we got closer to my house he asked how much homework I had because he didn't want to keep me out too late. I looked at my clock and told him, well actually I had scheduled to be with you til at least 9 so if you want I'm still yours. He said, I like the way you schedule. How about this, I take you home now you can get your homework in then go to sleep a little earlier, I know you're tired. OH MY GOODNESS!! What a champion! I said, OH! you love me! So he took me home and we've agreed to do something another time. I'm pretty sure this kid is AMAZING! and he my dear girlies, seems to be a keeper, I'll keep you posted on that ;) it was after all my first date with a handsome stranger.

Friendship and Botany

So I met a guy named Willis during my stay up here during the summer. Not met as in serious meeting more like "Hey, can you unlock this door for me?" So I did and we've kept talking and have done some casual hanging out since then. So a few days ago he asked me on a date, I told him I couldn't go. When he asked why I told him it was because he asked in a text message. So a couple days after that happened he came to my house and brought me a potted plant which I recieved when I got home. Oh dear! I didn't know what to do so we named the flower Karina and I texted him and asked, why did you bring me a plant? "because they were throwing them out at the ricks building and I thought you would like it." Since I didn't know what to say but I figured a gift required a thank you, and I also wanted to make sure he wasn't getting any wrong ideas of more than friendship so I said "oh! well thank you for this kind gesture of friendship and botany." I think it is very silly. Now I just need to find a way to make it clear to him that my interest is not as deep as his. oh dear..

Decisions, the Details of Our Lives, and a Declaration of Love,

Would you believe it? Jason and I are sitting next to each other productively studying. Emphasis on the word productively. I'm rather proud of our self-control, if I do say so myself. :)

I was talking to Chelsea today, and I concluded that my fate is in absolutely no way dependent upon red underwear. ;) Life's 'red' moments happen in accordance to our own choices. We choose our path. Every choice we make opens us to more opportunities in one area or another, or limits our ability to further choose or make decisions. Decisions really do determine destiny! Think of the road you took to get you where you are right this second. I'm in a study room in the Tanner Building (which I would NEVER be in if it weren't for Jason), on BYU campus (the magnitude and multiplicity of decisions that brought about that are astounding and inspiring), seated next to Jason Kay Woolsey (I don't even know everything that has played into that, but what I do know blows my mind and warms my heart), in modest shorts and a t-shirt (I am so eternally grateful to have been born in the gospel, under the covenant, to goodly parents!).

I'm not sure why I'm posting this--maybe to escape reading The Odyssey for just a little while--but I'll just end by saying that I testify the hand of the Lord is in the minute details of our lives. If we allow ourselves to be guided by the Holy Ghost's promptings--the quiet, inspired ideas that come to our minds--we will be led to the doors with the choicest blessings, the most sacred responsibilities, and the experiences we need to grow and develop into what and who our Heavenly Father needs us to become. I have realized for the millionth time in my life that happiness, contentment, and peace are cultivated and nourished in my life when it is Heavenly Father who is directing my paths.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

We have the promise, we know what to do, and we can do it.

Life is a beautiful thing, girls. I love being alive. :)

Aaron Loves Me!

And by "loves" I mean, maybe, potentially, secretly has an interest in my life and/or existence. :)

Here's a little background: Aaron (my brother) has a friend from high school named Matt, who he isn't all that close to anymore, but still sees on occasion. Matt goes to BYU, and over Spring Semester was in the same ward as Jason. (What are the chances? BYU has the craziest connections and hookups!) Matt is evidently continuing at BYU this semester, because he saw Jason and me on campus last week.

So I was talking to my Mom today, and she says, "I mentioned something about you and Jason at the table last night and Aaron says, 'I had to find out from Matt that she had a boyfriend. He said he saw them together on campus and I had no idea anything about it.'" Do you know what this means?!? Aaron actually cared about something in my life!! ???? What?!?! I was way excited! I mean, I could be completely reading into this in an obsessive way, but I don't care. It warmed my soul!

I texted him today, and we had a conversation of 8 texts back and forth (so a total of 16!!!) I mean, many of his responses were one liner or one worders, but I don't care. That is SUCH a record! Woot! Good things are happening in life, girls! Hooray hooray, caloo callay! :)

Sorry to be a post dominator, but I love sharing my life with you.

Love you, girls!

Annie

P.S. MANY more updates to come on Monsieur Jason. :):) Wow. What a man. (Yes, that word did just come out of my mouth.):)

Good Mornin', Life :):):)

Okay girls...
#1: I can't quit smiling.
#2: We talk about red moments. How about a red days? Or weeks? :)
#3: I think you guys should youtube "Good Mornin' Life" by Dean Martin. (It's from the Return to Me soundtrack- so quality!) If you can listen to that song without smiling like a silly school girl, I'll be amazed.
#4: I really, really like Jason Woolsey. A lot. :)
#5: I do believe frozen yogurt (most girls would say ice cream, but you know me!) will be in order VERY soon. And it's on me... :)

There is a LOT more where this is coming from, but I'm spilling over with smiles and I thought I'd spill onto the blog. :) It'd be great to talk soon! I love you girls. :)

I guess all I can say is, Good mornin', life!!! :)

DayZero --- Be More

Okay girls, I have happened upon something that I think is worth considering. My new roommate introduced me to DayZero. Check out dayzeroproject.com. The idea is, you make a list of 101 Things you want to do in the next 1001 days. (Almost 3 years.) I like this! You know what this could be? What my singles branch RS President referred to as her "Marriage Bucket List." ME GUSTA! :)

I'm not saying we'll all make it through 1001 days without getting married, but this is the absolute time of our lives, girls! As nauseating, terrifying, annoying, and ________ing as these years can be, they are the greatest years so far! Better make em' count, because we can't get em' back.

Whether or not you check out DayZero, here's a shout out to do something today just a little bit "more." More outgoing, more reserved, more mature, more responsible, more loud, more introspective, more ridiculous, more by-the-seat-of-your-pants, more free-spirited, more plain, more crazy, more delicately, more rambunctiously, more carefree, more determined, more service-oriented, more girly, more tough, more you. :)

BE MORE TODAY, BECAUSE THE WORLD NEEDS MORE OF THE YOU ONLY YOU CAN GIVE.

I hope you Dance...

This morning I was talking to my friend Brock. Yes the Brock that for sure Annie and Chelsea know. Anyway, we were talking about the great mystery and confussion of reading the opposite gender. Then he said it is really is like a dance. And I asked him to explain and this is what he said:

"Well, both people try to sway to the other's tune trying, in turn, to show the other their interest while battling the urge to drop the beat and run. In other words, it's two people dancing to the tune of their hearts in order to show the other how they feel. The tricky part comes in when no one's willing to lead."

I don't know about you girls but I found this pretty profound. And also add to this...Isn't it the guys job to lead? I thought so.

A Charming Glimpse of a Silly Girl's Subconscious

So, upon request, I've decided to post this little red moment on the blog. Enjoy!:

Wow, my surgery was quite the experience! I've never had such an encounter with hospital stuff before. IV's, heart monitors, being hooked up to all sorts of machines, being on my hospital bed in my hospital gown and hospital slippers... It was all very new to me. I was trying so hard not to be scared. As I lay on my hospital bed waiting to be wheeled into the operating room (at which point I'd part ways with mom, which I didn't like the idea of), Mom and I just kept talking about Jason and happy things. I was singing lovey-dovey songs and just trying to twitterpate myself and think happy things to shut out all thoughts of nervousness. (Which was evidently quite effective, I must say!) Finally, the nurse and doctor wheeled me away, and I said bye to mom as if I was out on some adventure. Keeping an adventurous outlook can make a scary thing so much less scary; I'll remember that this next week when I go back down to school. Life is one big adventure! Huzzah!

ANYWAY, my wonderful operating team was just so nice and warm and helped to further lighten things up. The operating room seriously had a feeling sort of like there was about to be a pizza party there for some little kid's birthday--talk about amazing reassuring skills of the medical team! We talked about school; my surgeon was pro-BYU, and my anesthesiologist was pro-Utah, so there was some playful banter there- all good and wonderful. I didn't remember anything after that, and I woke up later in my recovery room.
My mom came in and was shortly followed by Dr. Vanleeuwen, who had the cutest all-knowing smile on his face. After asking how I was, he paused for a little bit and asked, "Do you have a boyfriend?" A shy smile spread across my face. "What did I say??" "Well, right as you were going under, I said 'Pick a good dream...'" My response, in a sweet, sleepy little girl voice:
Oh I've already got that. It's Jason Woolsssey.
Who knew my subconscious could be so heartwarming? :)

Practically Family

So I moved in to my new apartment. The girls are super friendly and we were having a jolly time exchanging our past boy stories because everyone loves a good silly boy story. As we told our stories we were using the aid of facebook to help us see who these boys are. I was telling a story about a certain Benjamin Smith when my room mate sees his facebook and shouts how do you know Ben! That's who the story is about... HE'S MY COUSIN! Oh snap, we could not stop laughing. What are the odds that my roommate would be the cousin of someone I have so much history with.. oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. We are now very excellent friends. :) hahahaha

Most Embarrasing Moment

I am proud(?) to say that I have embarrassed myself for the LAST TIME at my RSP unit, (which is the unit I was in to get me ready for basic). Every month I went, it seemed like something happened to me, or I did something to completely make a fool of myself, and well.... I was foolish to think I could weasel out of it this time, even if it WAS my last time there. So, here it goes... (maybe I'll feel better if I can tell people who can just laugh with me about it and I'll stop worrying as much.)

Today was my "hand-off" ceremony, where they "hand-off" the soldiers who have completed their training to their new unit. I showed up early, in the right uniform, and I was feeling great. This was something I'd looked forward to all since my first day at RSP. They explained how things would work: they'd call our names and we'd come in front of the company and stand at the position of attention while they read a little thing about how we have become professional soldiers in the US Army and we can be ready to be called upon at any time, and they want to recognize our accomplishments, etc., etc. Then they would announce the high honor graduates (there were two out of the five who were honor grads), then they'd have us fall out and we'd be free to go. Too easy, right??

Everything went great! Just as planned. Except when we got to the part where the Sergeant was supposed to release us, he whispered, "You all ready for your speeches?" What? Speeches? Nobody said I'd have to get a speech!! However, everyone else nodded and looked like they knew what they were doing, and it would make sense to have the graduated soldiers pass on their words of wisdom... so I decided to just watch and play along. They began with the private at the end of the line to my right side (I'm in the middle, two on each side). He stepped forward and told people to stay motivated, and to have some fun, and gave them reassurance that they could do it. At this point, my hands are starting to sweat and I'm slightly freaking out because I DO NOT want to give a speech in front of everyone, especially all the officers who were there to watch! Ahh! I racked my brain for something good and worthwhile to say...by this point the next guy was just about done. He pretty much said the same thing as the other guy, just rephrased a bit, which was exactly what I'd planned to do. Snap! I did some quick thinking on my feet, took a deep breath, and after he was done, I took my step forward. I told them to have fun with it, it may be hard, but its definitely do-able, and to remember why they joined to help them get through. I finished my little pep-talk still feeling extremely silly and exposed, and took a step back and waited for the guy next to me to step forward. Before he did, the sergeant called us all to attention and then released us! I was thinking, wait, what about the other guys? Don't they get a chance to talk?? Thats not fair, why did they make me talk and they got to get out of it?!?!? Then it slowly dawned on me.....

The two males in front of me were the two honor graduates.... They were the only ones who were supposed to talk!!! After the second guy was done, THAT'S when we were supposed to be released!!! I DIDN'T HAVE TO GET UP IN FRONT OF EVERYONE!!! And instead of just lying low, I took it upon myself to get up in front of everyone and make a fool of myself. Everyone else knew how it was supposed to go, how come no one ever told me?? AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! Now I look like the total and complete idiot who loves attention and just HAD to steal the floor to put my two cents in... Ugh, girls I was so HuMiLiAtEd!!!! I think I was the cause for a few rolled eyes and many chuckles from all the NCO's and officers watching in the back.... Oh my gosh!!!! AAARRRGH! I. AM. SO. EMBARRASSED. I may never get over this. My only hope is that by sharing it with others, maybe someday I'll be able to look back on this and laugh at what a nut I am... But for now, feel free to laugh and invite me to share the humor, please!

Carrots

So a while back, Chelsea and I were discussing "comfort foods." Most girls pull out the kegs of "Triple Choc Choc Choc Chocolate Chunk" or "Uncle Booba's Big Belly Batter Brinkle" when they want to cry through life, but I told Chelsea that carrots are a great emotional food. Have you ever eaten carrots when you're angry or in the mood to eat emotionally? It's SO effective. You just hack away at them super-aggressively with your chompers--horsee or rabbit style. And the great thing is, you can keep shoving them in at break-neck speed and even after a half hour, you've still only done something good for your body. (Yay vegetables!) Give it a shot one of these days when you think you need ice cream. I highly recommend it! :)

Warning: do not eat too many. Your skin will turn orange and then we will tease you.

Like Mother, Like Daughter?

The joke with my family is that I am very much like my mom in a lot of ways. Both flute players, both did colorguard in college, both want to be/are nurses, both joined 23rd Army Band, both did basic training, both got sent home from basic training the first time we tried to go for the same reason.... The list goes on. If my story continues like my mom's did, she met my dad in the band, they both went to the U, and now they are married. So, now the joke is "Hah hah hah, now you just need to find some cute RM in the band who goes to the U and marry him!" If only, if only... :) I've kinda blown that idea off, since they locked our unit shortly after I got in, due to the fact we were filled to 160% capacity. My only options were a single 30-year old guitarist, (whom my mother forbade me from looking at :) age difference...), and Anthony King (*cUtIe!!*), who is on his mission in Ft. Hood, TX right now. So, it looks like I have a while if I want to follow in my mom's footsteps. Or so it seems....
Here's a conversation that took place between me and mom at Sam's Club today:

"Dad says they got a new guy in the band while you were gone." -Heidi

"Oh really now?" -Chelsea

"Yeah. Return missionary." -H

"Uh oh." -C

"From North Carolina." -H

"Uh oh." -C

"25" -H

"Uh oh!" -C

"Came to Utah to go to a 'Mormon School', but didn't want to go as extreme as BYU, so he's going to the U." -H

"UH OH." -C

"Don't even think about it. Dad already told him we have some cute girls in the unit." -H

"UH OH!" -C

"I told him to knock it off." -H

"Awww...." -C

Haha!! I just absoulutely HAD to tell you girls, since you are all aware of my circumstances and questions, and why did I join the Army, what am I doing with my life..etc, etc, blah blah blah. This will be an interesting story to unfold! It has a lot of potential to go somewhere, and yet it also has a lot of potential to go absoulutely no where. So don't get your hopes up, I'm not, but the idea of it still makes me giggle, and I just had to share the laugh!!! I haven't even seen this kid yet, but hopefully I will catch a glimpse of him tomorrow. I'll let ya know what I think!

Better yet, I just found out he is indeed a percussionist!! Good night, this should be interesting!!!!

A clearer look at Stupors of Thought

Chelsea and I were having a conversation about stupors of thought and I was explaining my frustration at the ambiguity of what it really means and entails. Confusion, discouragement, and frustration don't come from the Lord; how can stupors of thought come from God if they feel so yucky!? She said something that "turned a light on in my soul," as I put it at the time.

"A stupor of thought does come from the Lord, and you do feel confusion, but the confusion doesn't come from the Lord, it comes from the Lord not being there."

The Holy Ghost will manifest when a choice or a decision is right because that confusion and uncomfortable feeling won't be there because the Lord will be there instead.

Thank you, Chelsea, for sharing your light with me!

Airport Adventures

So during the little fiasco of sending me to South Carolina by mistake after leaving Ft. Sill, I was finally on my way to Virginia Beach. Once I arrived, I went to go pick up my luggage. This consisted of: One very large military green duffel bag (50 lbs), National Guard backpack (20 lbs), pink backpack (10 ish lbs), and my purse (stuffed to capacity. And then some.) I joke that the final test of a soldier is to see if they can manage to carry all their luggage with them out of training through the airport by themselves. It was quite a gamble! My plan of action: back-load the big, monster duffel, front-load the National Guard backpack to even things out a bit so I don't tip over backwards, sling my purse over my shoulder as best I could, then carry my pink backpack in my hand. I'm sure I was quite a sight.
Anyway, when I went to go get my luggage, I discovered that although my pink backpack was there, my green duffel was missing. GREAT. However, there was another identical duffel sitting with my pink backpack, so I figured some other serviceman thought my bag was theirs and ran off with it. Sure enough, that's what happened. After talking to some people at the airport and a few phone calls, we were able to track down my bag and the trade was successful. I felt bad for the Marine who ran off with it, because mine was TWICE as heavy as his!! After giving myself a quick pep-talk of "I am an American Soldier. I am disciplined, physically and mentally TOUGH. I CAN DO ANYTHING.", I began my attempts to lift my duffel. I got it onto my back in one motion; too easy. I was feeling pretty good and all sorts of Army-strong. I looked up and saw some punk kid in cut-off jeans, a wife-beater tank, and baseball cap on backwards watching me. He saw I was looking, gave me the COMPLETE up-down, looked at me like I was insane, then said "You are too cute to be in the Army!" I smiled at him, said "Thank you!" and just walked away (blushing furiously). Made my day, and carrying all those bags just a little bit easier ;)

Happy Birthday to Me!

So after I got off the phone with three amazing girls who gave me a fantastic rendition of happy birthday, I couldn't stop smiling. Walking on campus I jumped over a fallen sign as the champion of all things small which again made me smile at my silliness. A guy passed me on a bike and said Hi! How are you? I said Hello! I'm wonderful! and kept walkin. I got to the crosswalk and there he pulled up next to me. He says hi, I just passed you back there and I saw you were smiling and I said ya that girl is thinkin positive, so I decided I should come meet you and see if maybe you'd like to go out sometime?
That certainly is one way to introduce yourself! in any case that is really a flattering comment, and props to him for having the guts to do that! we exchanged numbers.

What's your opinion?

Hi girls, I asked this question to Jake tonight because I was curious and I thought we would have very different answers. It was an interesting experience! I'm curious to know your opinion as well:

What's your idea of 'romance'?

Thanks girls!
Signing out-

The Airborne Ranger

The Sexiest SPC

I few days ago, I was texting Chelsea and she had mentioned that she was feeling stressed with the final stretch of this army girl adventure. I told her, "It's just like getting ready for a school dance. Cool, calm, collected, and sexy! Work it, baby!"

Her response is priceless:

"If I can make it through this week and still be calm, cool, collected, and somehow manage to pull off sexy (I don't know if that is allowed in the army), I will be one happy soldier!"

Well we hate to tell you, Chels, but you just can't help being sexy--the army's going to have to deal with it! :)

Best news ever: Chelsea made it and not only survived, but thrived! One happy soldier, and three happy girls at home! We're so proud of you, Chelsea!

Prince or a Knight?

When I was initially telling Kate about Mr. Jake Swallow *absent-minded smile* she said,

"Until you decide he's a prince and I approve, he's not a prince, he's a knight."

Kate has seen Mr. Swallow in action, and one of her comments was that, "The two of you just click so well." So I don't know if that counts as your approval, Kate, but I guess we'll have to keep waiting and see. :) As far as if I've decided or not... Oh dear. "I could tell you his favorite color's [blue], he loves to [laugh], and it makes me laugh, too. His sister's beautiful, he has dark blue eyes..." As for the rest, we'll see. :)

I'll keep you posted! (Literally)

Annie's Psychotherapy

I asked Kate questions regarding relationships and Mr. Saunders and wrote as she gave answers. Here are a few of the things that got written down. I don't know if Kate thought it was therapeutic, but I quite enjoyed myself! I do it with myself all the time! (That doesn't sound crazy at all, does it...)


Healthy Relationships-

supportive
open
honesty is huge; honest is not just telling the truth, it's telling everything; not hiding anything
with that I think you can build anything including trust
trust- without trust there is no relationship
cutesy; thoughtfulness, gestures mean a lot. :)
"But I don't know how to make those myself."

Speaking of writing to Branson:
I promise if you write him, you will not regret it at all. It will make everything good. He makes me happy and feel okay with life.

Speaking of Adam:
Have his thoughts changed? Am I holding onto something that isn't there for him? What can I do for him. Does he have that same attachment? Hello mister, What's going on in your head? Maybe we just need to start over this fall?

I feel like he knows nothing about me. When we were up at college we talked all the time.

"Why I like Adam"-
feel protected
the singing is a big bonus
strong testimony
he gives you compliments
very attracted to him
he makes you laugh
always have fun with him
there isn't anything you've found that you haven't liked
he knows how to control his frustrations
doesn't get outwardly angry
touchy-feely; not overbearing


I know I was hesitant because I didn't know where he stood with the gospel.

“This is mostly my fault.”

--------

There's more where this betsy came from, but there's some about Adam and about relationships. :)

Outrageous quotes during discussions with Kate

Kate, as the cat was rubbing all over her: “I think I just got frisked by a frisky kitty eating friskies.”

Annie, speaking of Carl: “WHAT?! He's not catholic???!”

Annie: "How was last night, Kate?"
"It started with me burning brownies, and ended with chasing a chicken. I spent 45 minutes last night trying to catch a chicken."

Speaking of the chicken chase, Kate was referring to how 'we' were chasing, trying to catch, etc.
Annie: “We who.”
Kate: “ME.”

You'd be ashamed of what I ate last night. -K
I would not. -A
Yeah huh. I ate a a double cheeseburger, half a pizza, and 3 crazy bread sticks. -K
With who??? -A
No one. -K

“Relativity sucks.” I'm not sure why Kate said that, but I still think it's hilarious.

Kate, in a passionate voice: I love water, with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.