I'm terrible at updating my blog. I've been thinking I should write on my blog pretty much once a week for the last year that I haven't written. Which is terrible. I'm terrible. I have a plan to do better now. But I should probably update the world on my life. The three people in Russia that look at my blog all the time are probably really confused about where I fell off the face of the earth considering I updated my blog once in 2015 and it's three months into 2016 now. Anyways. Enough of that.
So! Life has been pretty wonderful in the last year actually. And I don't feel like I get to say that very often. I've started the BACO program with Indiana Wesleyan University online for Addictions Counseling and that's going really well I think. Since the classes are shorter, I feel like I don't have enough time to screw it up.
In last spring, I started dating a guy named Rusty. And now all the details for you! We went on group dates with our friends that got married in November(on my birthday! Happy birthday to me!) We went to Rexburg for the 4th of July together which was pretty fun. In the fall, we were walking around the mall near where we live and ended up looking at engagement rings. Things were crazy because we were just looking to get an idea of what was going on and then this guy asked another associate what we were doing. Then when the sales associate said we were looking at engagement and wedding rings, he gave us a hundred dollars towards our purchases. We decided that was like a sign that we were in the right place at the right time doing what we were supposed to be doing. So we ended up buying all three rings that day- my engagement ring, my wedding band, and his wedding band.
After that, Rusty took his parents out to dinner and then he took my Dad out to dinner. He wanted to do some big proposal thing like what you see on youtube but I told him not to worry about it and just be himself and do something that mattered to the both of us. He finally proposed in October and now we're getting married in three months!
We set the date for June 4th. That just so happens to be my grandmother's birthday so I spoke with her about it before setting it to make sure she was okay sharing her day with us. Things have been really rolling forward in the last couple months too. I bought a dress in January and I would show you pictures but I don't want Rusty to see. Our theme is a 1950s Fairytale and we're doing a lot of the decorations on our own so we've been working on getting things together for that. We have eight bridesmaids, eight groomsmen, two junior bridesmaids, a flower girl, and a ring bearer. It's a lot of people to coordinate but so far I think it's working. I'm not going to tell you all the details because then I'd have nothing exciting to show and tell when the wedding actually happens.
Also, my lovely little Noob (Grace) is pregnant!! Woohoooo! Her and Zach found out that they're having a girl almost a month ago now. The baby is due the end of June. So June is going to be a crazy month for us!
Rusty is working on his application to school and so come fall we're planning on being in Rexburg if everything goes accordingly. We've been doing some apartment hunting online and we've got a couple complexes we're planning on applying to. My biggest worry is getting a full time job in Rexburg that will be enough for us to live on. I guess we'll see what happens.
That's pretty much my life in a nut shell. I've learned a lot in the last year, whether in school, relationships, or just about myself. Really, I can go into more details about that stuff in different posts but I figured I owed you (whoever you are) a starting point for where I am.
I am excited to go forward and learn even more. Hopefully life stays rolling forward and as bright as it is now.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Sunday, April 5, 2015
#BecauseHeLives
I'm going to start this post on a few seemingly unrelated notes. But give me a little wiggle room and I'll loop it all back, I promise.
It's been awhile since I've written on my blog. Like off the top of my head I want to say it's probably been about a year. That's quite a break, I'm sorry. But I have my reasons! First of all, I'm a little hard on myself when it comes to what I write and I always want what I write to feel at least kind of like I'm saying something important. Secondly, it's been kind of a rough year of ups and downs.
In the last year, almost everything has changed. I've dated and encountered heartbreak. I faced circumstances that forced my hand in changing directions for schooling. I started a full time job, closely fitting what I know how to do now as well as getting me closer to the field I want to work in. I also faced some health issues along the way. But I talked about the basics of all of that awhile ago as well so I won't bore you with those repeated details. Suffice to say, I've met a fair share of heartache in my life and this last year was obviously no exception.
Okay, now another quick note before looping back around!
About a month and a half ago, my mother sent everyone in our little expanding family an article that discusses ways to observe lent if you're not Catholic. There, of course, was the obvious choice of giving up a vice or two. There were other options as well like adding one or two good habits in your life like eating better or exercising. The one option that stuck out to me most as something I would be able to do was to wear purple as a visual reminder of Jesus Christ and what he has done for us.
I have a pair of purple gem stud earrings that my grandmother gave to me a couple years ago. I had planned to do a few other things in my personal observance of lent but I figured wearing these small earrings everyday until the end of lent (Easter) would be easy enough and something that I would be able to do even if my other plans fell by the wayside.
Did you know that wearing the same pair of earrings everyday for nearly two months is a lot more difficult than it initially sounds? That pair of earrings seemed to get heavier and bulkier every day. The holes of my pierced ears began to be sore and tired. It no longer became the easy thing I thought it would be.
(Now I'm going to work magic and tie this all together in a way you might already see coming)
There's a hashtag that's been trending as part of this Easter season, #becausehelives. The purpose of this hashtag was to spread the word of our love for the Savior as well as a way to share our individual testimonies of the Savior and the message of the LDS church. From the first time I saw the hashtag this season, I've tried to think of a way that would encompass all I feel and believe in a way that I could be satisfied with. I almost ran out of time before I finally thought of something. And you're reading it!
Like I said in the beginning, I've been through so much this last year and through every twist and turn, one of the only constants I've been able to rely on is the companionship and love of my Savior, Jesus Christ. He is there for me and His love for me is ever present. I've been protected from those hardships that I might not be able to handle.
Wearing those little purple earrings that seemed heavier everyday was nothing in comparison of the burden Christ bore for me. He bled from every pore. He was in all senses of the word tortured and brutally killed. And all this he would have done if it were only for my sake. I can't even fully comprehend the pain he must have suffered and yet he would even do it again for me! Me, the one who constantly makes mistakes and doesn't do enough of what I should. Me, who complains too much and so easily wastes incredible opportunities.
He did all he did for me!! And that's incredible.
Beyond the sacrifice of death, more important even, Christ rose from the grave. And because he conquered death, I can too. #BecauseHeLives there is nothing in this world I cannot accomplish. #BecauseHeLives I can live with him and my Heavenly Father again. #BecauseHeLives I know that anything I go through will be seemingly insignificant and entirely conquerable.
He did the impossible so that I don't have to. His love amazes me every day and I only hope that I can live my life in such a way that he feels no disappointment because of me. I'm a work in progress and I'm not perfect but he loves me anyway.
#BecauseHeLives I can live.
It's been awhile since I've written on my blog. Like off the top of my head I want to say it's probably been about a year. That's quite a break, I'm sorry. But I have my reasons! First of all, I'm a little hard on myself when it comes to what I write and I always want what I write to feel at least kind of like I'm saying something important. Secondly, it's been kind of a rough year of ups and downs.
In the last year, almost everything has changed. I've dated and encountered heartbreak. I faced circumstances that forced my hand in changing directions for schooling. I started a full time job, closely fitting what I know how to do now as well as getting me closer to the field I want to work in. I also faced some health issues along the way. But I talked about the basics of all of that awhile ago as well so I won't bore you with those repeated details. Suffice to say, I've met a fair share of heartache in my life and this last year was obviously no exception.
Okay, now another quick note before looping back around!
About a month and a half ago, my mother sent everyone in our little expanding family an article that discusses ways to observe lent if you're not Catholic. There, of course, was the obvious choice of giving up a vice or two. There were other options as well like adding one or two good habits in your life like eating better or exercising. The one option that stuck out to me most as something I would be able to do was to wear purple as a visual reminder of Jesus Christ and what he has done for us.
I have a pair of purple gem stud earrings that my grandmother gave to me a couple years ago. I had planned to do a few other things in my personal observance of lent but I figured wearing these small earrings everyday until the end of lent (Easter) would be easy enough and something that I would be able to do even if my other plans fell by the wayside.
Did you know that wearing the same pair of earrings everyday for nearly two months is a lot more difficult than it initially sounds? That pair of earrings seemed to get heavier and bulkier every day. The holes of my pierced ears began to be sore and tired. It no longer became the easy thing I thought it would be.
(Now I'm going to work magic and tie this all together in a way you might already see coming)
There's a hashtag that's been trending as part of this Easter season, #becausehelives. The purpose of this hashtag was to spread the word of our love for the Savior as well as a way to share our individual testimonies of the Savior and the message of the LDS church. From the first time I saw the hashtag this season, I've tried to think of a way that would encompass all I feel and believe in a way that I could be satisfied with. I almost ran out of time before I finally thought of something. And you're reading it!
Like I said in the beginning, I've been through so much this last year and through every twist and turn, one of the only constants I've been able to rely on is the companionship and love of my Savior, Jesus Christ. He is there for me and His love for me is ever present. I've been protected from those hardships that I might not be able to handle.
Wearing those little purple earrings that seemed heavier everyday was nothing in comparison of the burden Christ bore for me. He bled from every pore. He was in all senses of the word tortured and brutally killed. And all this he would have done if it were only for my sake. I can't even fully comprehend the pain he must have suffered and yet he would even do it again for me! Me, the one who constantly makes mistakes and doesn't do enough of what I should. Me, who complains too much and so easily wastes incredible opportunities.
He did all he did for me!! And that's incredible.
Beyond the sacrifice of death, more important even, Christ rose from the grave. And because he conquered death, I can too. #BecauseHeLives there is nothing in this world I cannot accomplish. #BecauseHeLives I can live with him and my Heavenly Father again. #BecauseHeLives I know that anything I go through will be seemingly insignificant and entirely conquerable.
He did the impossible so that I don't have to. His love amazes me every day and I only hope that I can live my life in such a way that he feels no disappointment because of me. I'm a work in progress and I'm not perfect but he loves me anyway.
#BecauseHeLives I can live.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
"Every beetle is a gazelle in the eyes of it's mother"
Today is mother's day! I probably can't make this post as long and poetic as it deserves but I have a short story for you all, in honor of my own mother.
In the above picture, I'd like you to take special notice of the strand of pearls around my neck. They are very important to our story.
These pearls used to be my mother's pearls. I used to borrow them all the time. They're the perfect length, hanging right at my collar bone. They also make me feel really classy!
I borrowed my mother's pearls so much that I started asking for a short strand of pearls just like Mom's at Christmas time and birthdays. Then, one Christmas (probably a few years after I began my persistent asking) I finally got what I had been asking for. I was so excited to open the little box that contained my own strand of pearls.
The thing that took me a moment to realize was that this strand of pearls I was now claiming as my own were in fact the same strand of pearl I had so long coveted. My mother had searched far and wide, keeping her eyes peeled as I continuously and probably obnoxiously asked for pearls just like hers. And yet, in this endless quest, she couldn't find what I was looking for.
Instead of calling it quits, my mother did something that all loving mothers do. She made a sacrifice for me. She gave me her pearls because I am her daughter and it was something I wanted. She's a wonderful mother and I am so blessed that she is mine. She takes care of me and my two sisters. She looks out for me and wants me to succeed. She is everything I could ask for and more. I can count on her to always be there for me.
And someday, when she no longer is physically standing by my side, I will always have my mother's pearls.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
April Showers Bring May Flowers
So I know it's been a ridiculously long time since I've written on my blog. It was a really rough couple of months, especially April.
I got pneumonia in February and through my lack of stopping and stress and such, I then got mononucleosis. That was a big rough spot. I even spent a night in the ER because of it. I was going to be staying at school through the summer in attempts to sort of get ahead but because of my unfortunately timed illness, I am home for my foreseeable future.
On top of my terrible health, I met the end of yet another relationship. Shockingly, this one really snuck up on me. I don't understand what happened or why so I can't explain. I am working hard to not think too much on it and just pick up my pieces and carry on.
From the beginning of April to the end, it was especially rough since that's where the majority of my hardships have fallen. Because of this, my life motto right now is (like the title of this post) "April Showers Bring May Flowers."
I know that life won't be sunshine and rainbows from now on just because I say so. I wouldn't want that anyways. I'm simply deciding to change my attitude and go forward with a bit of a plastered smile. I am going forward with the intent that things within my control will be different-- this much I can do.
I am going to throw myself into being the best me that I can be. I'm doing this because, in my experiences, this is when things are the best. When I am my best self is when other things fall into place, life is golden, I'm happiest, and people with only positive things to offer come into my life.
I have decided to put off former bad habits (this is a rough work in progress) and to pick up a few more positive ones.
I am not perfect and I know I'm a work in progress. The important thing is not that I recognize my faults but instead where I'm working on those faults. This is a new beginning and nothing will be the same. I am changing for the better, I hope that you can keep up.
I got pneumonia in February and through my lack of stopping and stress and such, I then got mononucleosis. That was a big rough spot. I even spent a night in the ER because of it. I was going to be staying at school through the summer in attempts to sort of get ahead but because of my unfortunately timed illness, I am home for my foreseeable future.
On top of my terrible health, I met the end of yet another relationship. Shockingly, this one really snuck up on me. I don't understand what happened or why so I can't explain. I am working hard to not think too much on it and just pick up my pieces and carry on.
From the beginning of April to the end, it was especially rough since that's where the majority of my hardships have fallen. Because of this, my life motto right now is (like the title of this post) "April Showers Bring May Flowers."
I know that life won't be sunshine and rainbows from now on just because I say so. I wouldn't want that anyways. I'm simply deciding to change my attitude and go forward with a bit of a plastered smile. I am going forward with the intent that things within my control will be different-- this much I can do.
I am going to throw myself into being the best me that I can be. I'm doing this because, in my experiences, this is when things are the best. When I am my best self is when other things fall into place, life is golden, I'm happiest, and people with only positive things to offer come into my life.
I have decided to put off former bad habits (this is a rough work in progress) and to pick up a few more positive ones.
I am not perfect and I know I'm a work in progress. The important thing is not that I recognize my faults but instead where I'm working on those faults. This is a new beginning and nothing will be the same. I am changing for the better, I hope that you can keep up.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
She's Not a Baby Anymore
My Dear Baby Sister is celebrating her 19th birthday today and so this post is specifically for her. Make of that what you will, you know the drill by now.
Ok Baby Sister here we go!!
I am so proud of you and all that you've already accomplished in your not that long life. By this time next year, you'll already have your associates degree and that's pretty impressive darling. You are so smart and there's really nothing you can't do. I hope that I can convince you to come to BYU-I so that we can go to school together for like a little bit because that would be pretty dang cool.
You are also probably the toughest kid I know. If you hadn't been through enough with the hip surgery and stuff, you just had your tonsils and stuff out and that is crazy. Your pain tolerance is like through the roof I swear! Hopefully the hardest stuff is behind you now but if not I know that you can make it through anything because you just can.
Baby Sis, I have always thought of you as my Baby Sister just because you're the youngest one. But you are so far from a baby. You have grown up so much and you're definitely taller than me now. It's more than just height though. We've been through a lot as a family and you've been right there in the thick of it with all of us. You know as well as any of us how to get through hard times, probably more than you should at 19 years old.
Even though you're basically all grown up now, you will always be my Baby Sister. I say this with affection too, I swear. I love you so so so so SO much. Like it's ridiculous. You will always be my Baby Sister because you're stuck with me. You can't get rid of me, babe. I love you and I can't wait to see what more you can do with this next year. Nothing will stop you from what you want and I hope that you take me along with you as you continue to grow and blossom.
I love you, Baby Sister. I can't say it enough.
Love, Your Big Sister
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
#nofilter
Today I got on a kick and started watching a bunch of videos on Upworthy and I think you should check the site out if you haven't because it's a site that can either make you think or restore some of your faith in humanity. Today was a makes-you-think day for me. I started off with watching this video where these junior high girls redefine beauty through "selfies" or pictures that they take of themselves. The video made me cry because these girls that are in such a tumultuous time in their lives are talking about insecurities they have and how those insecurities have often been emphasized because of the insecurities of the women they're closest to (the video focused on their moms) and then by the end of the video those things that each of these girls and women were most insecure about ended up being something they decided wasn't so bad.
So I got inspired and decided to do something of my own about it. I am insecure about the way I look. When I look in the mirror, it takes a conscious effort to not see everything that needs tweaking and needs improving. My eyes are too big for my head which is overall just too small. I can't do anything with my hair except for a pretty basic braid. Sometimes, my glasses are obnoxious. My teeth aren't perfectly white and they are no more perfectly straight. And that's just from the neck up, don't even get me started on all the other things I don't like about myself.
And if I think about it, I first felt insecure about myself in like the fifth grade. I saw some statistics today that talked about how eating disorders are manifesting in children under the age of 12 way more than they have before. I think we have a huge responsibility for those who are growing up behind us to make things better for them than it was for us. I think if we can't make the planet better or make it so they can live better lives than we have, we should at least make it easier for them to feel comfortable in their own skin. Let's stop the insecurity train here.
I have asked my roommates each to take a selfie in one shot, no retakes and no filters. I also asked a couple guys I know to do the same. Because insecurity knows not gender and I think that's another topic to conquer altogether.
Anyways, here are the pictures I've got. I have talked to almost all of these people about insecurities and personal image issues.
And then there's me. I play piano pretty well and I try to be kind and I'm stronger than I give myself credit for. I know a lot of stuff and I have some sometimes overwhelming motherly instincts. I love to sing and I love everything music. I'm majoring in psychology because I think I might be able to make things better this way. I'm both an old soul and young at heart wrapped up into this beautifully constructed person. I have grown so much and I know that I will see my dreams come true.
So I got inspired and decided to do something of my own about it. I am insecure about the way I look. When I look in the mirror, it takes a conscious effort to not see everything that needs tweaking and needs improving. My eyes are too big for my head which is overall just too small. I can't do anything with my hair except for a pretty basic braid. Sometimes, my glasses are obnoxious. My teeth aren't perfectly white and they are no more perfectly straight. And that's just from the neck up, don't even get me started on all the other things I don't like about myself.
And if I think about it, I first felt insecure about myself in like the fifth grade. I saw some statistics today that talked about how eating disorders are manifesting in children under the age of 12 way more than they have before. I think we have a huge responsibility for those who are growing up behind us to make things better for them than it was for us. I think if we can't make the planet better or make it so they can live better lives than we have, we should at least make it easier for them to feel comfortable in their own skin. Let's stop the insecurity train here.
I have asked my roommates each to take a selfie in one shot, no retakes and no filters. I also asked a couple guys I know to do the same. Because insecurity knows not gender and I think that's another topic to conquer altogether.
Anyways, here are the pictures I've got. I have talked to almost all of these people about insecurities and personal image issues.
This is Alaura, she's a successful college graduate and is happily engaged to be married in April. She's so smart and always willing to help however she can. I'm constantly asking her health questions and call her Nurse Alaura (because that's what she does). She keeps us all on the right path and makes me want to be a better me. She's really just fantastic.
This is Mariah. She's the second oldest in her family and is super devoted to them. She speaks her mind and isn't afraid to hold back. She tries her best to make sure things get done the best they can and in a timely manner. She's got the purest of intentions and I truly admire her spirit.
This is Sheldon. She is mega talented and definitely going places. She always has a smile on her face and tries to spread that smile to those around her. She speaks her mind and says what she can to help in any situation. She's got a good head on her shoulders and already knows what she wants in life-- and it's definitely going to happen.
This is Allison (we call her Allie). If there is a personified definition of sweet and kind, this girl is it. She is always looking out for everyone around her and I'm pretty sure she doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She is always very put together and collected. She wants to be an elementary school teacher which is so perfect because like I said they don't get sweeter than this girl and elementary school teachers are so important. I am constantly impressed by this girl's character.
Ok this is Allison aka my best friend. I'm super biased about how amazing I think this girl is. She does so much to make sure that everyone else is happy and okay. She really works her butt off for the things she wants most in life. She's amazingly talented and has a contagious singing voice. Basically, everything about this girl is contagious in the best of ways. She really just takes the cake on being amazing and the best friend you could ever ask for. Seriously guys, not even an exaggeration.
This is Cassie. She's kind of hilarious and wonderful and I love this girl. She is always telling jokes and making you laugh. She has a contagious laugh and wants the world to be happy. Personally, I think she seems to be succeeding in making the world a happier place. She has the best laugh in the world and she is so much smarter than she gives herself credit for. Her personality exudes out her pores and the girl glows happiness.
This is Levi. I'm also a little biased about this one. But I think he's amazing. He's a wonderful listener and obviously kind of goofy but in the best ways possible. He always puts a smile on my face even when I don't think that's possible and that's really impressive. He's resilient and strong. He can do anything he sets his mind to. I mean, anyone can but I've seen him do it. He's just great.
This is Jennifer (aka my mom!). She's way awesome. She's such a strong person and she's so cool. I can count on her to be there for me and she's definitely got my best interest at heart. She is also PHENOMENAL at cooking delicious food. If you're feeling down, she can pick you back up again.
This is Emma. I don't really know her but here's some stuff I've learned about her. She is pretty optimistic and that's fantastic. She's outgoing which is so helpful in this world that promotes keeping to yourself anymore. She's effervescent but not overly bubbly which is also fantastic. She served a mission for the LDS church which shows so much dedication and strong faith. And just from this little bit I can tell that she's gotta be pretty strong. Which sounds pretty awesome.
This is Scott. I don't really know him either but here's what I've been told! He's super duper nice and puts his heart in everything he does. He's way sincere which is so fantastic because so many people out in the world aren't. He's always willing to try new things and I think that's awesome because so many people in the world are afraid of the unknown but trying new things really prevents that fear. He's super helpful and way willing to help in anyway that he can. That's way nice because sometimes you just need a little helping hand and you can't always find it. So I think he's cool too.
This is Todd. We're fairly new friends and I've only hung out with him the once but he's pretty cool. He's super funny and can certainly carry a conversation. He's way into sports too. When I first talked to Todd, we were able to connect and become fast friends. To me, this can speak volumes about a person and who they are. If you're comfortable enough with someone that quick, you can handle pretty much anything the world throws at you.
This is Josh. He's Alaura's fiance and that's how I know him. He's a pretty cool dude. He's got sisters which has made it so much easier to talk to him about certain things. He's definitely got his friends' backs and he really cares about people. He treats Alaura like she walks on water and is so obviously in love with her which is so very very important. He's got strong convictions about what he believes and this is important in this ever flexible world. We need dudes like Josh to help us hold strong.
Personally, I prefer my face a little filtered but I know that we don't see the world through the prettiest filter on instagram. We see the world as it really is and I think we (including me) need to do a better job of seeing what's really beautiful in all the world.
We are what is most beautiful and precious in the world. Our personalities and spirits glow through our faces and people see that when we smile. Those things we've grown to accept as imperfections are the very things that make us the best this world has to offer. We don't look like the people on the cover of magazines but not even those people look like the people on the cover of magazines. We need to end the editing and filters. It's time to see real beauty in who we really are. By focusing on the character underneath, the person becomes a more beautiful thing.
I don't have kids but I hope some day I will and I hope that they will know better and sooner than I have that they are beautiful because of their imperfections. We are all beautiful. Not our own kind of beautiful or just beautiful on the inside. I believe the world will stop seeing the imperfections we carry if we stop shouting about them or covering them up with filters and edits.
My name is Eliza. I am not a conventionally beautiful girl. I am not magazine pretty. But I am beautiful in a more real and more important sense. And so are you.
Friday, January 17, 2014
For My Little Fool
This post is once again specifically for someone because it's their birthday. And no, I'm not writing to Zooey Deschanel (although that would be pretty dang cool...)
Fool, I love you with all my heart. We don't always get along but when we don't, we work it out lickity split and that's wonderful. I'm so glad that you're so happy and that things have worked out so well for you. You're braver than you know, smarter than you know, and just so much better than you can know. You have some growing left to do but we all do and I know that you can make it. In almost two weeks, you'll be getting married to someone for time and all eternity and that is very grown up.
I only ask that as you start this next decade of your life and go so far that you take us with you. We know that things happen and we can't always be in close physical proximity to those we hold most dear but in another way we are forever connected and you won't ever be far from me. You have the ability, no matter where you go or what you do, to carry us as your family with you in your heart. Pinky swear, you won't ever leave us behind.
I trust you with the world and it sits at your feet, darling. I cannot tell you enough how much I love you. To say to the moon and back is just not enough. You're the best and I hope your birthday is truly spectacular.
Sincerely with all the love you can imagine and more,
Noob
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