Do I dare?

So, I have never ever done anything with my hair! In fact.... I have never really done very many fad things with myself. That may sound weird to you if you know me now but even back in the day everything was purely natural and I prided myself on that. It wasn't until my mission that I pierced my ears even. Crazy, eh?

It shouldn't come as a surprise now to hear that I have never done anything with my hair. My hair naturally changes colors. In the summer it goes very auburn and in the winter it goes so dark brown that sometimes it can even look black. Because I have never done anything fake or drastic to my hair... I feel the need. (Isn't it crazy how as you get older you need to find random things that liberate you in a way that is hard to describe with words?)(lol)

So, I think that I am going to cut and color my hair similar to Kates up above. I am so nervous about it though!

This hits the spot!

Doug Christensen, Liz Ommen, Melanie Abney, me, Scott Mills, and Aaron Wilkey

The night before Conference, at the mission reunion, Aaron came up and told me that he had some steller seats at Conference and wondered if I would be interested in going. Needless to say I was really excited and didn't care how early we would have to get up to get there on time! Scott had never been to conference before so it was nice for him to have that opportunity.

So, Scott and I got up early and drove up in a snow storm to meet Melanie at 8:30 am at the Gateway and then the three of us made our way to the trax and hopped on and rode them up to the conference center. There we met liz, doug and aaron at the water fountian and got our tickets. We even saw Jorgie ushering people when we got in there as well as some members from Virginia. It was so nice to see everyone!

We were shocked when we saw where we were going to be sitting! Amazing seats....we were so close! We were all really excited to be there when Elder Anderson was announced as the new Apostle. Wow! What an amazing spirit was in the room!

After the morning session we lucked out and got more tickets for the second session which were even better seats! So, we ran and grabbed a quick bite to eat and then came back for the second session. The second session there was me and melanie, and Withrows parents and then Scott, Aaron, Doug, and Henriekson. It was so fun to see those Elders who had never been to Conference before now be only a few rows back from the prophet. Everything was so up close and personal it was amazing! We sat next to Sherri Dew. However, I happened to fall asleep during the second session...that was embaressing to do in front of some of the people like Sherri Dew...oh well. It happened! lol

After the second session Aaron and Scot and I went for a walk and then sat down by the protesters and listened to what they had to say. We then met up with all the other guys and I said good-bye as they went to Priesthood and I went to the Hilton to meet my mother and grandmother. After Priesthood me and scott ate dinner with my parents, grandparents and my brother at the Macaroni Grill. It was really good!

After family time was over it was back to reunion time! We went up to the Pie and met up with everyone else and then went and saw Duplicity. I don't know if it was because it was late or because it was just a slow movie but we were all wondering why we chose to go to a movie after sitting all day!!!! I think it was just fun to be with each other! After the movie I dropped Scott off in Bountiful with Max and we said our goodbyes. I then drove back to Provo where two of the sisters Staja and Shellie were staying the night at my house like they had done the night before. They woke up when I got home and so we got to visit for a while before I went to bed.

Lets just say that today has all been a blur... but surprisingly I stayed awake during all of Conference today- both sessions! I even had the energy to get caught up with my roommates and go to dinner at Wes' apt tonight where we also played a game.... I have to admit though that I was loosing my energy and focus by the end of the night. I felt bad because the only person I knew there was Wes and he and I haven't known each other for very long....I felt bad that I wasn't my most cheerful self. But I am glad that I went non-the-less even though I think Wes would have won had I not have been on his team! lol
I am glad that I had a little bit of time to write and get caught up on my blog. Sorry Spencer and Joel for not watching a movie! Don't hate on us! Jerri and I were btoh really tired tonight and have a big week ahead of us!
Before I end I have to verbalize how blessed I am. I am super blessed for the old friendships, new friendships, and family in my life. This weekend was full of so many tender mercies that I am so humbled by the love my Heavenly Father has shown to me during this time of my life!
I love all of you and am so grateful you are a part of my life!

Reunion Fun

I loved seeing all the sisters that I hadn't seen in a while. When I first got out on my mission these were the sisters that were ahead of me. I had big shoes to fill. I love all of them and it was so nice to catch up with them.
The mission reunion was a blast! It was fun to see everyone and especially nice to see my Mission President and his family. His family is growing up! My Mission President and his wife spoke to us and the counsel they gave was needed. My President spoke on balance in life and prioritizing. I have to admit that his message penetrated as it always does.
We also had a slide show and some entertainment by Elder Morrell. He had us laughing like crazy! He came up with a bunch of memories, jokes, and straight up hillarious things from the mission and we all got a good kick out of it.
This mission reunion was a little bit different because all my greenies were home and so were some of their greenies. Some of the sisters I had met since I started working at the MTC. That was nuts! It hit me pretty hard how fast time is slipping by. So many of the missionaries there have babies now!!!! It seems like just yesterday we were out knocking on doors and now everyone is getting married and starting families of their own.
We hung out for a long time at the reunion then a bunch of us (Wangeman and gf, jones, hilton, thuesson, Hatch, Mills, Wilkins and I) all went to sppon me until they kicked us out. We told crazy stories and rolled in laughter as we talked about awkward experiences.
All in all it was fun to see everyone and I am glad that I went.... Ican't believe that I almost chose not to go. The reunion seemed to relight the fire that once burned in me for my mission and I found out how homesick I am for all of it.

A day in the cold

Scott at Temple Square on Friday Morning.

This weekend was a lot of fun! My friend flew in from Texas and I picked him up from the airport Friday morning. It was snowing so you can imagine his surprise with the extreme difference from Texas. lol. As if snow wasn't weird enough for him we went and walked around temple square and the Gateway mall- he absolutely froze! (As did I for that matter! lol I am such a wuss)

For lunch we went to Tucanos. I don't know if I have ever seen Scott so happy before! Men and their meat! lol We had to walk around the mall for a while afterwards we were both so full! We went to Urban Trends and both got a fake candy grill to wear to the reunion but it didn't fit our mouths- dang it! However we totally could have pulled them off when we went to go see his Dad bc we drove through some shady areas on our way there.

It was a fun morning!

Persuasion

Rupert Penry- Jones aka Capt. Frederick Wentworth of Jane Austins Persuasion by BBC

So, believe it or not, though my movie selection is filled with numerous action, comedy, and drama DVD's I also have a couple chick flicks. Before the mish I had a few chick flicks which I had bought while in High School but very few were ever bought in college (I'd much rather see an action movie). Since the mish however, I have not only fallen in love with chick flick movies but also British movies. Though Jane Austin is a hero of mine for quite some time now, I believe the best renditions of her work is done by BBC.

I recently watched the 2007 Persuasion rendition by BBC for my first time. Can I just tell you that I fell in love with the movie right away!!! It is incredible to me that Jane Austen wrote about a love story that would happen time and time again to people from different geographical areas, cultures, and race that she would never meet. The power of persuasion in our society is fierce in todays world and I have to admit that I too have allowed myself as well as my heart to be persuaded at times. However, what I love about this story is that no matter the persuasion the heart knows the truth deep down-regardless of anything else! SO TRUE!!!!!

After a couple of times watching this film this week (the week is only half over...he he he), I made a conscious decision to be more resolute in who I am. I think for the most part I am resolute but there are some areas in my life that I can improve upon and stand more firm.

What a story of second chances, morals and passion! Anne Elliot is an incredible character who must learn about what really matters in life. She has drive, oppinion, compassion, sincerity, will power and a healthy desire for love. There are numerous things that can be learned from this character. The story compells me to evaluate my own life and put it in harmony with my heart.

Shout Out!

Chrissy and Michelle and I at Brick Oven for a reunion.

To all of my friends who read my blog...please don't be afraid to let me know. I had the great opportunity to run into some adorable friends who informed me that they have been reading my blog....I had no idea! lol It's the "CHANCE" I take though by writing in a blog.

My friends are such a great part of my life and I hope that you will feel comfortable leaving comments and also links to your blogs as well. I'd love to follow up on your lives!

Thank you to all of you who have impacted my life in one way or another. I am grateful for the old friendships, new friendships and friendships that have yet to come about!