tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16299990505808356912024-03-05T23:20:52.874-08:00Come What May and Love it.Serendipity: noun
The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial wayGabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-44008287804215660772011-10-02T20:24:00.000-07:002011-10-02T20:24:39.205-07:00New Website<a href="http://youngtoeternity.weebly.com/">Our Wedding Website</a><br />
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<a href="http://youngtoeternity.weebly.com/"></a>Refer to our new website until we make our own combined blog<br />
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It's a blog as well and will be updated by the both of us a few times a week at least.<br />
So enjoy that until we convert over to one blog! :)Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-22816626886903151872011-09-26T20:22:00.000-07:002011-09-27T20:26:58.609-07:00The Proposal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7Ca_OzmW7sv1ZY2RJ4ABaZevOzTS2R5QtjTU34Wthor-Td-lBh542UEZQefIz_eKupRlFZsmrldx2TyE_GiQVauX3W1EnQmQ1SklzDyLZ0z5-gHZS9VLnKO300ZyV11ETIOZ8t4QZiE/s1600/319243_10150393600967534_624632533_10445716_116697646_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7Ca_OzmW7sv1ZY2RJ4ABaZevOzTS2R5QtjTU34Wthor-Td-lBh542UEZQefIz_eKupRlFZsmrldx2TyE_GiQVauX3W1EnQmQ1SklzDyLZ0z5-gHZS9VLnKO300ZyV11ETIOZ8t4QZiE/s320/319243_10150393600967534_624632533_10445716_116697646_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExTebVqgBrblCeSpIKfKiZ4s-7EkwBNJ3yxy4MbMiXWdJnqtOBanTgt0ArWyQzijFINSLoQ2FUw0iD3oxXGpRbiGLoN5PJXBChrNNqwdAi0MtqyQgKhMPSv5pv9HXw8qFDWM8cTyF92M/s1600/299392_10150393599422534_624632533_10445711_1782547075_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExTebVqgBrblCeSpIKfKiZ4s-7EkwBNJ3yxy4MbMiXWdJnqtOBanTgt0ArWyQzijFINSLoQ2FUw0iD3oxXGpRbiGLoN5PJXBChrNNqwdAi0MtqyQgKhMPSv5pv9HXw8qFDWM8cTyF92M/s320/299392_10150393599422534_624632533_10445711_1782547075_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoOw0nn6Vg1gnI-sZVFZBoMppti_bOCmPIZlL1dk2ZdlOxCqi5EacioGk83FUazSm-Z3oPicl6vdcg_ToSbYi0t7LGjpRRN7CDum7jUYXMuVu8oLsXtBj5wvhyf5HvQEoJHTiyHKvrY8/s1600/305000_10150393599242534_624632533_10445710_1928452447_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoOw0nn6Vg1gnI-sZVFZBoMppti_bOCmPIZlL1dk2ZdlOxCqi5EacioGk83FUazSm-Z3oPicl6vdcg_ToSbYi0t7LGjpRRN7CDum7jUYXMuVu8oLsXtBj5wvhyf5HvQEoJHTiyHKvrY8/s320/305000_10150393599242534_624632533_10445710_1928452447_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Steven and I are engaged! :)<br />
Happy Day!<br />
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I know lots of you are dying to know about the proposal!<br />
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So this is how it went down. Let me preface it with what happened before.<br />
I was on my way home from work talking to Annie and she asked me when I was going to get a ring on my finger..and I was like IDK!!!!! Little did I know that an hour later I would have one!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyqFKV1lRGqHeoMK-A6lY7oZks6IgMUVVUyPigKfC6VLTNoIt3Lfp2EGHL7sKLzOstRg12yZp7XVOHCLv0KxTJkShPBXGt4p1yBpwdkLCsmNRhYAj_adx1U8MlM2bpr6BH26ltuoJRGY/s1600/295779_10150393598617534_624632533_10445707_837134783_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyqFKV1lRGqHeoMK-A6lY7oZks6IgMUVVUyPigKfC6VLTNoIt3Lfp2EGHL7sKLzOstRg12yZp7XVOHCLv0KxTJkShPBXGt4p1yBpwdkLCsmNRhYAj_adx1U8MlM2bpr6BH26ltuoJRGY/s320/295779_10150393598617534_624632533_10445707_837134783_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So I was hungry. Starving actually. And if you know me, that means Gabzilla is out ready to be grouchy and probably mean. So that's what I was when I first got to Steven's. The plan was to go Rappelling of Dixie Rock that night and then go to the Hurricane Football game. So I waited in my truck for him to get home, because he was late. But really he was just setting up, but I didn't know that. And so I made some mac and cheese to tide us over. And we headed out to Dixie Rock. We hiked up, and got all strapped in, and they told me when we get half way to stop on this ledge, and smile for a picture..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7NzJ2huB7ggmZK8RvwJqOuWagWZvch6usC-sdW58qJtuhEQHoNdMJC7LFDNAbkEtCzHM7sC-o_4bXZcWRmSIBp5VsPoM5B9Ttx0YMcFTHV23eBOqf0v3q6j8E3KxSbi1Q0CVmcE8Nik/s1600/307898_10150393602752534_624632533_10445728_629088418_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7NzJ2huB7ggmZK8RvwJqOuWagWZvch6usC-sdW58qJtuhEQHoNdMJC7LFDNAbkEtCzHM7sC-o_4bXZcWRmSIBp5VsPoM5B9Ttx0YMcFTHV23eBOqf0v3q6j8E3KxSbi1Q0CVmcE8Nik/s320/307898_10150393602752534_624632533_10445728_629088418_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>So I get ready to go. I was a little nervous. Considering I have done so many other more scary things, I was nervous and it was weird. But nevertheless I did it! And got to the ledge, and turned around for a picture, but then his parents were there! Then I knew. Steven started saying nice things, and then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. He pulled out a Tissue Box, and inside of that was a ring box...dundundun and I said yes. Then we finished rappelling down Dixie Rock.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HVqxBLOICwnsdxROR1j7lEs8UR7o5jmCjB4gCRTpTQvr8luDDMwh4dYkFc5KiGrPLd5H7sch7HMqRHsImZ_RkkjQc693jwO-68VIehXdGAug8-EfQA-_ZrGEXI-oOMW7VFVrZe_rlW8/s1600/317124_10150393598842534_624632533_10445708_1561624821_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HVqxBLOICwnsdxROR1j7lEs8UR7o5jmCjB4gCRTpTQvr8luDDMwh4dYkFc5KiGrPLd5H7sch7HMqRHsImZ_RkkjQc693jwO-68VIehXdGAug8-EfQA-_ZrGEXI-oOMW7VFVrZe_rlW8/s320/317124_10150393598842534_624632533_10445708_1561624821_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
That was that. Apparently there was a rumor going around, which I never heard, that he was going to propose on my birthday. Steven started it on purpose, but it never got around to me. Haha.<br />
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So I'm getting married..<br />
Hoorrayyy!!Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-81225546556192175052011-09-26T20:03:00.000-07:002011-09-26T20:30:39.632-07:00The Month of September<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn! I think I'm having more fun than she is</td></tr>
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Okay. I'm the worst updater now! I'm terrible at it!<br />
Quick review of this past month<br />
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<b>School</b> It's kicking my butt! That's what's up! I have so much homework, and reading, and projects all the time! I can't wait for it to be done, and be graduated. Hoping that I can find myself a job that it! I am in a Kindergarten class at Washington Elementary school, which is 2 blocks away from my house, and I absolutely love it!! It's the best part of my week I think. I come home weekly with stories that make my days. Like this week a girl peed her pants, and was almost in tears. Another little boy gave me a pet lizard. And one of the little girls took a pink marker and used it for "lipstick" I bet her mom loved that!<br />
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<b>Institute Council</b> AMAZING!! We just had our first back to school dance. Thanks to a great Council, it was success. The best success we've ever seen at a dance in years!! We did a Karaoke theme, and so half of the time we had some great singers, and some of the time..not so much, and then they played music we could all dance to as well. It was perfect! Now we are planning our next dance which is going to be girls choice, and square dancing it's going to be awesome!! I can't wait!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvUSijv0td9BAD1rXHSM1Ye449l8tdvFsC5dTQEB2tTPgHjJ9jWoxEAo3fZe-GRzhjG4QyG_Ug75kQTrd1hw26z16O3OHq-q0qJUKWAZ-BKB2ypx4ioI2u6J-o4V9Evg4nsNugOj7vIg/s1600/Photo+167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvUSijv0td9BAD1rXHSM1Ye449l8tdvFsC5dTQEB2tTPgHjJ9jWoxEAo3fZe-GRzhjG4QyG_Ug75kQTrd1hw26z16O3OHq-q0qJUKWAZ-BKB2ypx4ioI2u6J-o4V9Evg4nsNugOj7vIg/s320/Photo+167.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta love Kamy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvqKX4ize8iTSnmHOdpM7sDwXqcxOow5IkqY8tk_4Z10sdCnC7zSPJLKSUKQiuAn_DGj8H7cO3uIqddxo5Ul4t1CX5XfODO5ZI34TBHcRgsgEkoENMUahTKydN2CFcU7yeSEabaVltso/s1600/Photo+122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvqKX4ize8iTSnmHOdpM7sDwXqcxOow5IkqY8tk_4Z10sdCnC7zSPJLKSUKQiuAn_DGj8H7cO3uIqddxo5Ul4t1CX5XfODO5ZI34TBHcRgsgEkoENMUahTKydN2CFcU7yeSEabaVltso/s320/Photo+122.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>Work</b> also great. I love my job still. I now spend the night once a week with the family, and have a room all to myself. It works out perfect for doing homework and studying. The family is beyond good to me. It's odd being spoiled by people you work for needless to say! I won't complain though that's for sure. Then my second job- the box office is always fun. Sometimes it doesn't even feel like we are working<br />
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<b>YSA Conference</b> We had the privilege of attending a YSA conference for the two YSA stakes this month. Where John Bytheway spoke, and Elder Oaks and his wife, along with Elder Rassband. It was a great experience. We learned a lot about the temple, and finances. At least those were the classes that we decided to attend. After EFY it was a great refresher to be better.<br />
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<b>Dove Center</b> As many of you may know, I volunteer at the Dove Center. It's a center and shelter for women who have been abused. It's becoming apart of me. I am only there once a week, but this past month I helped out with a presentation to a Young Women's group at church for 12-18 year olds. Volunteering at the center is awesome because you get to see the good side of things, people are so generous with donations. Like today we had a Bishop come in with 200 quilts that they made, 6000 diapers, about 150 sets of sheets, and tears came to my eyes. The shelter was overwhelmed with the donations. Then to see it from the Shelter's side of things, and the women who are there. It helps me to see the bright side. That I need to be more grateful for love, and that I don't have a fear of men, and haven't ever been hurt so bad that I had to leave a situation, or been hurt that it tears me apart. We really are lucky.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubyuRYm_biunZhgydd_GSju2tujtadj1gJS-g5ABh7SEjD659PXA2hyphenhyphennxBZ59Zjeu89Zdlo8E9wrJV3Xn-y7P6tsQD6P7rxypVq3AaA2B4JDQfoHhCtedLDSa_aHALUE_5WBTwuiUSdQ/s1600/IMG_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubyuRYm_biunZhgydd_GSju2tujtadj1gJS-g5ABh7SEjD659PXA2hyphenhyphennxBZ59Zjeu89Zdlo8E9wrJV3Xn-y7P6tsQD6P7rxypVq3AaA2B4JDQfoHhCtedLDSa_aHALUE_5WBTwuiUSdQ/s320/IMG_0402.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryce Canyon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIVCCojicv6WwasNUL7JYkaJANSHFdC4wQDy6p0WW6RSs8OXgjVv12pTFISixr9SMMxXH5Dn2N_xd6Y9_My1SJ-Sk75dS4Q-6PebkFAVQ-aiNhyphenhyphenneIw83WemrLG_5sbz0rryiNQiKVVw/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIVCCojicv6WwasNUL7JYkaJANSHFdC4wQDy6p0WW6RSs8OXgjVv12pTFISixr9SMMxXH5Dn2N_xd6Y9_My1SJ-Sk75dS4Q-6PebkFAVQ-aiNhyphenhyphenneIw83WemrLG_5sbz0rryiNQiKVVw/s320/IMG_0405.JPG" width="240" /></a><b></b><br />
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Steven and I</b> Labor day weekend we went up to Bryce canyon. It was fun. We took the motorcycle up and it was freezing!! We go to the library all the time, and every weekend we make time to go to DI and we usually find some good deals! We went up to Provo this last weekend for Alayna Grahams farewell, which she did a fabulous job on! And we came back quick!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkIOHPOJbVpURmv_zgm9cvO6jxJ3oT7By30ocwEhXzuxJGcLrmMsd5bmgQMcEl54me9Cb-96_5OWHAtn00dUaZwQgk-_jfblaXHLjxy6b5wQFMkvGber64221hPKTd-L2pieOq4wz5_M/s1600/IMG_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkIOHPOJbVpURmv_zgm9cvO6jxJ3oT7By30ocwEhXzuxJGcLrmMsd5bmgQMcEl54me9Cb-96_5OWHAtn00dUaZwQgk-_jfblaXHLjxy6b5wQFMkvGber64221hPKTd-L2pieOq4wz5_M/s320/IMG_0411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Short and sweet and to the point...Now read the above for the great news.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XWF1sfZh89Rxm6OB4ua4dWuR8FweDlyioBn-vpr9Hf-yCh2F_KZMr3rm9KzhQI2HvCwgkjDVKAovu52J_FxW3Vz-R2z2kGyeApwl8ZM4778MKPw3z7rSfn-V__zcX4YKiYih4EqOGMA/s1600/IMG_0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XWF1sfZh89Rxm6OB4ua4dWuR8FweDlyioBn-vpr9Hf-yCh2F_KZMr3rm9KzhQI2HvCwgkjDVKAovu52J_FxW3Vz-R2z2kGyeApwl8ZM4778MKPw3z7rSfn-V__zcX4YKiYih4EqOGMA/s320/IMG_0408.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both of our backpacks </td></tr>
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</div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-79271196344399194162011-08-31T18:38:00.000-07:002011-08-31T18:38:21.942-07:00School has begun. It will never end.School is awesome, stressful, not a joke, amazing, tiring and fulfilling. Can you believe that's even possible? Well it is.<br />
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It just keeps getting piled up and I think I may need a regular massage to keep my stress down. But I love what I'm doing. I am learning so much. I have 6 classes completely dedicated to Education..Now if I can just fast forward life and teach- that would be great. All I want to do is to be in the classroom! The good thing is, I have a kindergarten class now! It's so fun. I will be there every Wednesday until December, then I will get a new class to do my practicum in. But I'm excited, and and thrilled to see what I'm in for. Besides reality checks up the wazzoo, and learning experiences that I can take with me into my career.<br />
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Work is fun as always. The girls are awesome. Autumn started Kindergarten! She loves it! And is ahead on what they are working on in class. Which from a teachers perspective makes things a lot easier in some ways. Then Kamy..still 3 years old. Some days she loves me. Some days she doesn't. No big right? We went and fed the ducks at this little pond out in Kayenta this week which was fun for them. The ducks were all the way on the opposite side, and so we started quaking like ducks..and believe it or not it worked! They came to us and got our bread crumbs! The girls thought that they could talk to Ducks..I can only imagine what animal we will be conversing with next. Autumn is so close to reading! I can't wait for the day when I read to her at bed time, and she will say "Can I read it this time?" And I'll fall right asleep as she does! Ha!<br />
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Institute council keeps us all busy- Enough said.<br />
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The Dove Center- Tender mercies all the time. I love it. It's so fun to volunteer and do it because I want to, not because someone asked me to. I love it. Soon I'll be going around to the high schools talking to High School girls about healthy dating! I can't wait to do that! It's going to be a ton of fun! :)<br />
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Steven and I are doing great too in case you were wondering..You can just assume that. Our time spent together now is in silence as we study in the library..or while I am updating my blog and he does math and chemistry homework. Cute right? Barf. But hey it's all good.<br />
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Anyway life is good. The church is true. I'm home sick and miss my mom.<br />
I want it to rain. P.S My Birthday is in 33 days! SAY WHAT??!(*&#$*&!Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-86956797807753517512011-08-22T14:32:00.000-07:002011-08-22T14:32:40.603-07:00Quick Post.Quick update:<div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8TNhGiQzqSdrLjPxz5tgIgXdj2EqxcYJk_K3DtuUn_PdfeLp2YKB7OjhMMQHVXiTM-c3GCPkiUN-zeO6nlRXAJ1Ppzd7n3L8VBJ5zXbhSALqWLj_XGDDLzAtFf7fY9_0S315FJFySb8/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8TNhGiQzqSdrLjPxz5tgIgXdj2EqxcYJk_K3DtuUn_PdfeLp2YKB7OjhMMQHVXiTM-c3GCPkiUN-zeO6nlRXAJ1Ppzd7n3L8VBJ5zXbhSALqWLj_XGDDLzAtFf7fY9_0S315FJFySb8/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a>Steven and I went to the Washington County Fair. Which was tons of fun. Until we both started feeling sick due to pigs and the blankets and the rides. But needless to say it was a ton of fun. I almost died listening to the concert that was being held. Some hardcare led Zepplin wannabe's. I was pounding my head just for them to stop. Then they would say okay last one...but then they would keep going!!! So we left. </div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6WNiQcDj0eQRcrjKNcQA7xHollMZrV_2tvdc28D-s_dmre1NGGTuxkJZNJgLauALrCPml0a7_Xgv_20XODcQjvNR59-rkSh29XN4oNY0N4xi3PfKRc6wnPvl7wyCTM46Gb1ijC63p7Y/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6WNiQcDj0eQRcrjKNcQA7xHollMZrV_2tvdc28D-s_dmre1NGGTuxkJZNJgLauALrCPml0a7_Xgv_20XODcQjvNR59-rkSh29XN4oNY0N4xi3PfKRc6wnPvl7wyCTM46Gb1ijC63p7Y/s1600/images-2.jpeg" /></a>From August 13- 17th I went to Vegas for Work. The family I nanny for went on a family vacation and took me with them! It really was so much fun! We went and saw The Lion King at Mandalay Bay which was stellar. I drove my truck and the first half was with Autumn the 5 year old, and she fell asleep the first 10 minutes of the drive and then the second half was with Kamy the 3 year old. And she was up for the first 20 minutes then she passed out too. It was hilarious. While we were there, Autumn finally learned how to swim!! It was so exciting! Considering she is scared of everything. It was quite the accomplishment! </div><div><br />
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</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjauNW5TryA3t0EFx7yDh4pDj4F7OLWMYroNJSmAV_xeqKd0BDyDcUiF_UZQe37Px-KWiZW39fGCSyuNotGWIYUU_DF2H5Vrh37lslQ7UNFEyGplw0YCt2ywixUMj2-khTh7fWeQKATNI/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjauNW5TryA3t0EFx7yDh4pDj4F7OLWMYroNJSmAV_xeqKd0BDyDcUiF_UZQe37Px-KWiZW39fGCSyuNotGWIYUU_DF2H5Vrh37lslQ7UNFEyGplw0YCt2ywixUMj2-khTh7fWeQKATNI/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a>We went to the Nevada State Railroad train ride in Boulder City. That was a lot of fun. We ate lunch at the Paris Hotel. We went to the M&M world (so not worth it) The girls got to see their mom (they don't live with their mom if I haven't mentioned that.) We went on a boat cruise on Lake mead which was fun, and to the Ethel M Factory where chocolates are made! We went to this really good mexican restaurant! Which was delicious! They paid for me to get a massage which turned into a deep tissue massage which was very much needed after piggy back rides superman attempts and flying. I love my job. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I came back and Steven's mom got the whole family tickets to go see the Little Mermaid up at Tuacahn! It was awesome! The costumes were pretty cool, and Ariel did a fantastic job!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhR0B0UDu2TIUvTcJUPuxtcap6LpG6x-Qqnmb-xwpDs3LaNqegWvJCNS0QEGissoq4ytCMS-PA0r7mPNP6yCCcadIjqNtNzT6EPUnUwL66Ma-FzOQ0nG5ts3yjHUVUKrT1XKb5209pRKw/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhR0B0UDu2TIUvTcJUPuxtcap6LpG6x-Qqnmb-xwpDs3LaNqegWvJCNS0QEGissoq4ytCMS-PA0r7mPNP6yCCcadIjqNtNzT6EPUnUwL66Ma-FzOQ0nG5ts3yjHUVUKrT1XKb5209pRKw/s320/IMG_0315.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div>And so the chaotic semester begins! Institute council meetings and freshman day for all the newbees! That was a lot of fun. I got to meet a ton of the freshman and of course be with council. There is never a dull moment. Steven and I played Tennis early one morning before it got super hot, went to the temple, and had a good last weekend together. </div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8XH0jN2Ecoe5XG7Kx_UWfeOC3cjUqql46a5_Qh_SH7eaF4Kf-wUcASoD0aBbq96bCkQtEz-LMN-ldsDwAjYaYhnmPXDI6uTIOP3BIm2iiJnzouwEnW4H0G0FfD6aGlgqQkiIAg0lF2Q/s1600/images-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8XH0jN2Ecoe5XG7Kx_UWfeOC3cjUqql46a5_Qh_SH7eaF4Kf-wUcASoD0aBbq96bCkQtEz-LMN-ldsDwAjYaYhnmPXDI6uTIOP3BIm2iiJnzouwEnW4H0G0FfD6aGlgqQkiIAg0lF2Q/s1600/images-3.jpeg" /></a>We had our Institute Council Fireside last night! Which was a success. I had the chance to speak. And I talked about The Lion King and relating it to never falling away from the gospel. It was perfect. Institute it going to be amazing this year- and I'm not just saying that either. </div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEggTKna4QlPXYTz0cDHIle6NTIp5m1oVGG4X_qhW0FpduHG0c_DL6TnRL7-JCH1ogpoNsGrFue3C5kJJ-Jx2iSejT0J6bWB5J65NpHp295Xeuv75DTYaDmEF0aGYuTxUl97zWVhpYxQ/s1600/images-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEggTKna4QlPXYTz0cDHIle6NTIp5m1oVGG4X_qhW0FpduHG0c_DL6TnRL7-JCH1ogpoNsGrFue3C5kJJ-Jx2iSejT0J6bWB5J65NpHp295Xeuv75DTYaDmEF0aGYuTxUl97zWVhpYxQ/s1600/images-4.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>I started volunteering at the Dove Center! I love it! It's amazing to hear these stories about some of the women and children, and to be involved in such a good cause. It's a tender mercy in my life. The women inspire me, and are so strong! </div><div><br />
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</div><div>So my Schedule this semester goes a little something like this</div><div><br />
</div><div>Monday: Dove center 9-12 Institute work and run errands day plus FHE</div><div>Tuesday- Institute meetings at 7 Class 7:30- 1:10 work at 2:30-9</div><div>Wednesday- I'm at an elementary school all day long. Then institute with Steven right after and then the temple with him :)</div><div>Thursday- Institute meeting at 7 same as Tuesday</div><div>Friday- work 9-2 Institute stuff. And Date night with Steven! :)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Lame and quick post. But life is back to it's crazy busy lifestyle and I love it! This semester is going to be awesome I can feel it!</div><br />
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<div>I'll post tomorrow about my orientation for the ELEM ED program. It's just the beginning of the rest of my life at Dixie!! </div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-37565262181982744442011-08-07T15:30:00.001-07:002011-08-07T15:30:50.312-07:00Mom's Stay and the Flu<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Seriously though- it was great having my mom here for a few days. To see my new place, and meet Steven, and spend some time with her. I’m always sad to see her go, but it’s always that much more fun when we get to spend quality time together. We did some shopping, and went to dinner with the family a few times. I just love my family. When we went to take my mom back to Vegas, we got all turned around with Papa driving, and he was going super fast, and went over a speed bump that started everyone in the car, except I kinda laughed, which made Papa laugh, and my mom and Nana didn’t think it was that funny. But it was! But after we dropped my mom off, we stopped at a ghetto gas station, and I had a feeling that I should just bring my debit card, and not my whole wallet. So what did I do? I brought my whole wallet. Well I get up to the sliding glass entrance doors, and there’s a guy sitting on his suitcase and said, “Ma’am do you have fiddy one cent?” and in my mind I was like crap! Should have just brought my card and not my wallet! I go “ No sir sorry I dont carry change.” So that was the first weird thing. Then I go to the bathroom and I didn’t think that they had these kind of bathrooms anymore, but on the door it said- “GET KEY FROM CHECK OUT.” I was like you have got to be kidding me! So I walk up get the stupid key that’s attached to a PVC pipe (ghetto right) and finally do my business. Then it gets better! I’m going to get a drink and this guy turn to me and goes “asldkjfhwieruy” and I was like “Excuse me?” and he goes “adkfjhweriualkdjfh” as he is stuffing his face with a hot dog (it’s only 10am by the way). I said “I can’t understand you with you stuffing your face.” And he looks at me and goes “DO they have a microwave here?” HOW THE HECK WOULD I KNOW? I said, “Doesn’t look like it.” And I was so sketched out! Then I go buy my drink and road snacks to get back home. (If I make it out of the ghetto gas station) Then the same guy who was stuffing his face gets everyones attention and asks if he can trade his hot dog for a hamburger..everyone was so confused. The guy behind the counter was like yeah sure. And the hot dog man was like “So we are even right? That’s fair that I do that? I don’t want to get in no mo’ trouble.” I look at the guy behind the register and said “ This is the most gas station ever.” Stepped out with keys in my hand ready to stab if needed and hopped right in the car to never see that sketchy, creepy, ghetto gas station again! Funny though right?</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Back to reality for real now. No more vacations. No more visits from friends. No more EFY. Just work for the next 2 weeks, and than school starts again! </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Work is great. I can’t tell you how much I love my job. I did have a day this past week where I was like ahhhhhh!!! I don’t want kids- they are evil- and I dont know what to do. But kids are kids, and they have bad days just like us adults do. And we all just deal with them differently. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Steven moved! He lives 6 minutes away from me now! Which has come in handy more than once already. I forgot my tooth brush and he brought it back to me! It’s the little things I know. lol </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Friday I worked all day long, and afterwards I went out to dinner with the Institute council! :) Love them so much. We got some stuff organized and ready for the training and meetings the following Saturday. After that we went to Brick Oven and had good times, and laughs. I’m sad that Andy, Jordanne and Annie are leaving us though. Andy and Jordanne are getting married so that’s cool and all. But Annie is going back up North to UVU and I will miss her!! </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is where it gets better - Depending on your perspective</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I woke up at 4:30 Saturday morning feeling yucky. But turned over and went back to sleep. I had to work at 8:30 so I got up and still felt really gross. Than I got a call from Judy (woman I woke for) and she said that the girls were throwing up and not to come I was like hey! I think I’m about to do the same thing! And about an hour later I finally threw up. Now I must point this out to the world. Never in my life have I EVER thrown up after more than one sitting. If that makes sense. I throw up once, and I am good to go and a happy camper again! But not this time. So have some pity on me please. So in my mind I’m like yay! I’m good I can go about my day...WRONG! Steven came over right away and spent all day with me. I threw up 3 more times that day and finally felt better around 11pm! What a day it was though. We called my Home Teacher to come over and give me a blessing, and my Bishop came too..what a lovely moment right as they walk in and Steven leaves me I am hugging the toiled again. (Kinda funny) And I thought I was done! NOPE!! But I got a blessing, and today I feel so much better. Steven and I watched 4 movies in 24 hours. I went outside once to go get a smoothie at orange peel (I thought I was done being sick- but no worries it didn't stay down) I took a shower once again because I thought I was done..but nope felt nauseous in the shower and hugged the toiled again. That was probably the most humorous part of the day. But I’m all better now! Thank goodness. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How grateful I am for my health too! I never get sick and I’m good never being that sick ever again in my life! </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And thanks to Steven for just staying by me all day long when I looked gross, and smelled gross. And probably he was grossed out to even be there by me, but I’m grateful I had him there to help me and to give me a blessing. And watch movies all day and look like a dead person lol. I just hope he doesn’t become deathly ill now. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Today was Fast and Testimony meeting at church and Steven and I went to a new Ward today. And both got up to bear our testimonies and when he got up I couldn’t help but just smile because he’s just that awesome :) But this new ward...ehhh it was okay. I think we will stick with the Washington YSA ward. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Side note: I miss Florida & all that comes with the state. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Life is good :)</span></span></span></div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-15370522717175908032011-08-02T07:16:00.000-07:002011-08-02T07:16:53.232-07:00I love EFY<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div><br />
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<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay fail again it’s been three weeks since I posted last.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First and foremost- Steven got back from his Hill Cumorah trip in New York. 18 Days later I was back to a happy camper again. I went down to Vegas with my roommate Melissa/ Steven’s cousin, and stayed with her dad and surprised Steven at the airport. It felt like forever waiting for him to land, and get to baggage claim! I was even a bit nervous too, as if I was a little giddy nervous girl waiting to hear back from a boy that might like her or something! Ha! But it was a great reunion I won’t lie. I missed him like crazy. Poor guy was so tired. Steven said that he didn’t expect anything less than me to surprise him, so he kinda expected it. (See if I ever try anything cool again right?) </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay so Steven’s back, and I finish up my last week of school! Tennis was awesome! I love tennis. And math was wrapped up nicely, and inside of me I wanted to scream for joy when I turned my final exam in! What a relief that was off of my shoulders. My last math class ever in college. Officially done and now onto the Elementary Education program starting in January. 4 more Semesters to go! I can’t believe it! I also can’t wait to start the program! </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">EFY</span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxd_DIcZzV4qRxZgp2GODcO_9ls0KY5JMI2WXybdvdsNIOgYCtwPHF8gRaucg6gIeWyC03VXOr9ZiZMDnWzUZ3nwg6FE4jCvKoRfzTn_tQ0IZt9xmEM99FP4Zv0wMArcMlmDTymWvGCo/s1600/DSC02072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxd_DIcZzV4qRxZgp2GODcO_9ls0KY5JMI2WXybdvdsNIOgYCtwPHF8gRaucg6gIeWyC03VXOr9ZiZMDnWzUZ3nwg6FE4jCvKoRfzTn_tQ0IZt9xmEM99FP4Zv0wMArcMlmDTymWvGCo/s320/DSC02072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stands for Especially for Youth. A program that as a youth I went to and it changed my life. It helped me to gain a strong testimony of the gospel and set principles in my life that have gotten me to where I am at today. This past week I had the opportunity to be a councilor at EFY. When I was a youth, I looked up to these councilors, and now I can say that I did it. I was one. It was on my bucket list. Now that I’ve done it, I would do it again in a heart beat. I think it’s the closest I will ever get to serving a full time mission. At least all the good parts of serving. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunFBF2CWWy-roTuwfqShdRa1YBwdf6x63EsFsxN6-BmKn5Etin9-9nGu-dim05AchLk7xNt6YofDIIksfxhdTQK3YvGTMiUjnxXzVs1tw4gT1MqOxkZUgSJGj8rh34do3rktaulZgjHA/s1600/DSC02116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunFBF2CWWy-roTuwfqShdRa1YBwdf6x63EsFsxN6-BmKn5Etin9-9nGu-dim05AchLk7xNt6YofDIIksfxhdTQK3YvGTMiUjnxXzVs1tw4gT1MqOxkZUgSJGj8rh34do3rktaulZgjHA/s320/DSC02116.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am filled with so much love and compassion right now. I feel so at peace with life right too, even when things are tough. What a great reminder this whole week has been. This world is full of so many bad things that are covering up all the good things. And this week I got to know 17 kids personally and I believe that we are in good hands. Those kids that I had under my wings taught me so much, they are so smart, and know what they believe. I saw them from Monday when they were a little timid, and shy, and still confused about what they believed, to now when they have no doubt in their mind that they have a Savior who loves them, that they have a divine destiny to fulfill, and that they have a Heavenly Father who knows them individually. These kids grew so much in 5 days. They have countenances that shine brighter than I’ve ever seen in 14 and 15 year olds. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that being said, I will go into a little bit of my experience being a councilor. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday morning I left good ole St. George and popped in my old EFY CD’s that I have from way back when, and was on my way to Provo, Utah. Brigham Young University. Mormon Capital of the world. I was in fact entering the “bubble” for a week. Scary right? (Just kidding- but not really). I was just outside of Nephi when a Chevy Silverado from the opposite side of the freeway somehow lost control of the truck, and flipped, veering off the side of the road, and flying up in the sky. And flipping right before my eyes, and my truck. Immediately I pulled over as soon as I could, and so did everyone else, a bunch of us were trying to call 911, but no one could get through for a while, but finally someone did, and it just so happened that an ambulance was just driving on the road and saw the accident. The truck ended up in smithereens and upside down. My first thought was “I hope there aren’t any kids in there.” Luckily there weren’t. Only an older man, but it was a miracle- he was alive and okay. A few of us who witnessed the accident stayed, and talked to the highway patrol guys, and wrote an accident witness report, and then I got back in my truck- and at this point I’m pretty sure I had no feeling in my legs, and that I was emotionally grateful that I was alive and that the other Truck didn’t smash me too. Went on my merry way to arrive in none other than BYU’s campus. Checked into my room unpacked, and went to training. This it where it all begins.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EFY</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a thorough training session, we gathered with all the councilors and had a fireside and got to know our session directors, who are great by the way. Then we split off into our “BC” groups, and got to know each other well, and off to meet all the other coucilors in our session. We got the list of who we would be over for the next week. I looked at my list- I had 4 Ashley’s an Ashlyn, 2 Jamie’s, a Lulu and a Kate Lyn and an Emma. I thought Sweet! This is awesome I saw “Ash” and half my girls will respond! (joke) Anyway Sunday night we prepped a little bit for the week. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was stoked when I got up Monday morning. We learned the EFY dance. Which is hilarious. We went and got set up for registration and welcoming the kiddos to EFY. There’s probably about 800 kids here for it. with 4 Different sessions. We did the traditional countdown 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 and the doors opened, and the week had begun! Little did I know that the names of the girls mentioned above would help me to understand the principle of love deeper than I could have imagined. I met my girls at 1:15 and had a get to know you pow wow. Can be awkward if you make it. I think they thought I was crazy, but it broke the ice a little bit. A little shy, and so cute, but they would blossom by the end of the week. Afterwards we went to meet the boys in our group. Who are the best group of guys I have ever encountered. So incredibly obedient, good looking, kind, pure, and funny. What more could you ask for in a group of guys? Once again though introductions can be a little awkward, and they were, but by the end of the night they were laughing and getting to know each other really well. We went to a fireside, had dinner, and Family Home Evening where we played a bunch of fun games. It was great. We debriefed after each game, and talked about how we could relate them to the gospel. They thought of some clever ways too I was impressed. Every night I would teach a lesson to my girls. One of my girls ended up going home that night right after the devotional. It was a sad situation, but it was the best thing for her to do. I had an incredible experience about being prompted and told exactly what to do by the Spirit. I’m not going to tell exactly what happened, just that there are times in our lives when the spirit whispers things to us and what we should do, and sometimes the Spirit yells it. I was put in a situation where I had to make a decision fast and didn’t know what to do. But through the impression so the Spirit I was able to keep calm, and do exactly what the Lord wanted me to do. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday</b></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every morning there was 6:40 meeting. 7:00am morning devotional that the girls give, and than we eat breakfast and go to our group gospel study where me or Sean my Co- would teach the kids a principle in the gospel. The Theme this year came from the 13th article of faith. Which says We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed way may say that we follow the admonition of Pail - We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous lovely or of good report or praiseworthy we seek after these things.- So this whole week we have been dissecting and studying about the admonition of Paul. It’s been great. The kids went to class and us councilors were usually on Duty guarding halls, or studying our scriptures. I even ran into Brother Romney who I know from St. George that was teaching classes for our session! That night we had a dance! But because it rained, we joined with everyone, and had a hugemongus dance underneath the stadium at BYU. It was nuts! The kids went crazy! I loved it. Dancing with them was great, because these kids some how think you are cool so no matter how you dance they love that you are just dancing and can have fun! So I went crazy- probably an understatement. But about 20 minutes before the dance ended one of my girls collapsed on the ground. Literally. Sean and a bunch of people yelled my name, and I see the Health Councilors carrying one of my girls away! Talk about panic. I can imagine that feeling I had was how a mother feels when she doesn’t know what’s happened to her child. The rushed her to the hospital for what we all thought was appendicitis. But it ended up being abdominal migraines...she came back safe and sound and everything was fine and dandy. A little scare though that’s for sure. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wednesday</b></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWiYJuyTGrFiASgRmrw6euDfL4r1c7oEsvRoldDGpHOjQ-tcVZa1PUXQZ-3ejAqnz8w16yPmelbB975bqc0cX7T9S8Fy6bUA-DojAT5mekd-h8I3Tu-Tzx6wejmgRJg6RvBc-AgK6XB4/s1600/DSC02096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWiYJuyTGrFiASgRmrw6euDfL4r1c7oEsvRoldDGpHOjQ-tcVZa1PUXQZ-3ejAqnz8w16yPmelbB975bqc0cX7T9S8Fy6bUA-DojAT5mekd-h8I3Tu-Tzx6wejmgRJg6RvBc-AgK6XB4/s320/DSC02096.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Same routine as Tuesday. But Tuesday was game night! Talk about an adventure!! We walked about 3/4 of a mile up hill in the rain, which ended up turning into hail! Not anything like Texas, but about pea sized hail. I let some of my kids go play- why not? I would have wanted to at their age too! I don’t blame them! But we walked all that way just to walk back for a change of plans. The storm was pretty intense. Thunder and lightening. It felt like I was back home again! I was a little sketched out though just because of the lightening, but no one got hurt, and we were all safe. So we got back to our original starting point. Where we began to make up our cheer and skit. For our group, our scripture was the fishers of men scripture found in Jeremiah. At first my kids weren’t making any sense while they were plotting there skit which was intended to go along with our theme of Jeremiah. So after I read them the scripture and reminded them of what it was about, they took it and ran with it! They did such a fabulous job! I was so proud of them! The skit went smoothly when we showed it off, and so did our cheer it was perfect! The kids were a little scared of their competition, but seriously they had no chance again my kids! (I’m not prejudice or anything though ;)) We ended the night with what is popularly known as Pizza night, but what I love to call “Girls night.” We order Pizza and just party like girls. I had a blast. This was the night that I realized I loved these girls. I loved them from the first day, but this was an unconditional love, that I had never felt before. My girls become apart of me. I thought about them all the time, I prayed for them all the time, and sincerely cared about them. Teaching them every day was such a blessing for me. They taught me so much just in their actions, and deeds on an hourly basis. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thursday</b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi9KBo3KdKOTJLqFFjrZ_MeBqeSqtfq-ppO_umpvVAqHa-FV6ZRQucKJzmQIZCoW8uoVh4L3ilhik1Nk0CeEHq_1XJKfsK21yDH5qCorzxeutgHozrQ_GyqdHAfTg3uUJQTwCFHzrmPI/s1600/DSC02110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi9KBo3KdKOTJLqFFjrZ_MeBqeSqtfq-ppO_umpvVAqHa-FV6ZRQucKJzmQIZCoW8uoVh4L3ilhik1Nk0CeEHq_1XJKfsK21yDH5qCorzxeutgHozrQ_GyqdHAfTg3uUJQTwCFHzrmPI/s320/DSC02110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday is known as the best day at EFY. The day that the guys get in their nice shirts and ties, and the girls get all dolled up in their sunday dress, and we have a day of incredible change, and climax to the week. We went to classes, and learned more about the gospel. We went to a snow cone place across from campus with our group, and played soccer! It was so much fun. Talk about bonding. Not only bonding. But a perfect example of how Zion would be like. We are constantly with each other- never annoyed or bugged by one another, and always thinking of one another. Doing things for others, and serving our neighbor. We are united in a cause of righteousness, and strengthening not only ourselves, or our testimonies. That afternoon we had the variety show where many of the kids that come to EFY show off there talents. We had so great talent! A few piano players, dancers, singers, a few group skits and what not. It was so fun to see these kids and how they shared their talents with us so confidently and strong. It’s great to know and see that these kids have the capability to bless the lives of others through their talents. Then we move into the musical program. Which is where the tears come, where the change of heart often takes places, and the emotions are poured because of all the amazing things that the kids have learned, and the goals that they have individually set to be better. We went and had a testimony meeting- which for those who don’t know- is a time where we share what we know and believe with others. It was amazing to see the light that these kids had in their eyes, and how they literally were shining. Whenever one of my kids would get up and tell us about their experiences and what they knew to be true, I could help but smile. In less than a week these kids had changed for the good, and knew exactly what they needed to do in life to stay happy, and all they wanted to do was just share it with others. I could feel love for them even more than I had previously. I have a feeling that it’s just a smidgen of what the Saviors love is for us. It’s an amazing feeling. Afterwards we split again as usual and I had a strong impression on what to teach my girls that night. I kinda jumped around between the Spirit, the Book of Mormon, and then ending with the Footprints in the sand poem. Followed by telling the girls how much I loved them. There are just no words. Except for that there is power in simplicity. It’s so true. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Friday</b></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FWudo_7r_zP1yJw8uEtrU0qhwe7MbsaOdr8jOcmeCvYCldEinzrAX-Cj1St05rxpKOwyLhpTx8OABQouakDT8tktKdk5pba9Utzees2-PHpQocZON2zxU25I8osbCkVaNn2snBkEBJs/s1600/DSC02139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FWudo_7r_zP1yJw8uEtrU0qhwe7MbsaOdr8jOcmeCvYCldEinzrAX-Cj1St05rxpKOwyLhpTx8OABQouakDT8tktKdk5pba9Utzees2-PHpQocZON2zxU25I8osbCkVaNn2snBkEBJs/s320/DSC02139.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHhIGisLN-nrF4M5qvl7OS6YLFwMDfX7CBBnYmE63kC-EO3dvz9u1Y4jnIXSv963Eox0fafhOanc4e4F9bmAyw-Ej4fIIRAFSfTcadplk2ujal_EyMQpgESEOeqo0VLD_WzZTb_xYYug/s1600/DSC02141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHhIGisLN-nrF4M5qvl7OS6YLFwMDfX7CBBnYmE63kC-EO3dvz9u1Y4jnIXSv963Eox0fafhOanc4e4F9bmAyw-Ej4fIIRAFSfTcadplk2ujal_EyMQpgESEOeqo0VLD_WzZTb_xYYug/s320/DSC02141.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last day. Bittersweet, more bitter than sweet. It went by too fast! I don’t want it to end. Neither do the kids! Friday’s a fun day. A dance, and a service project! It’s great to see the kids serving, and getting excited about doing things for others. We made thank you cards for BYU and things around Provo from EFY as a whole. In the spare time the kids made thank you cards for them to give to people. A few of my kids gave me thank you cards, and if any of you know me, you know that such a simple thing can make my month, even my year. It’s small gestures that go down</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in my memory and don’t ever leave. I will keep </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">those cute letters forever. One of them had my name drawn on the front and in little words “insert Straw here!” Absolutely loved it!! I had the opportunity to teach 3 times. Once in the morning actually twice, and then a Fort Strength of Youth activity where I taught about our physical health, and how important it is for us to keep our bodies clean and healthy. And then at night after our last fireside where Sean and I taught on using our time wisely. we said our good byes for one last time before the morning when we separated. Lock Down had begun. Us counselors has to stay up until an hour after the last sound was heard from the bedrooms. I was impressed at how quickly it got quiet. Amanda and I stayed at one end of the hallway and creeped. I got my Caffeine (which is not allowed on BYU’s campus..my mom was proud) and I crawled and looked under the cracks to make sure lights were out, and that I couldn’t hear a thing when I put my ear up to the doors. It was hilarious. We finally got to bed about 1:30 I think. Not too bad considering. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a whole, this experience has blessed my life so much. I haven’t had this kind of an experience in years. I met people that I hope will continue to be in my life. The 17 kids that I was blessed to have, will always be in my hearts. Teaching them and growing with them was such a wonderful testimony builder for me. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDNsj8CcYth6mjNuiwuTlbDVtlOUMzRE91eHxVbJLHRs7t2knYCNPtDMvCR32Gq7tOzcAPM1u4y4la9ndNw4BQA-ZtZEmjC-_ecQvfSRXXBbywQxH2W0zn3Bxx1tbqBC_m3xSW5yUIBM/s1600/DSC02122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDNsj8CcYth6mjNuiwuTlbDVtlOUMzRE91eHxVbJLHRs7t2knYCNPtDMvCR32Gq7tOzcAPM1u4y4la9ndNw4BQA-ZtZEmjC-_ecQvfSRXXBbywQxH2W0zn3Bxx1tbqBC_m3xSW5yUIBM/s320/DSC02122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have truly seen the Lord’s hand in my life and in others. I have been an instrument for Him for those kids as well as they have been an instrument for me to know the Savior just that much more than I knew before coming to EFY.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week will forever remain in my memory, and heart for the rest of my life. I truly cannot put into words how amazing it has been, and how great the youth of these later-days truly are. I learned of a different kind of love than I have ever felt before. I think I experienced a smidgen of what the Savior’s love is like. Just a smidgen though. I instantly had a love that grew for those kids faster than any kind of love I have ever felt. I don’t think that we can ever truly comprehend love, and that the english language doesn't have a word to describe this kind of love, but the point is- I loved those kids with a passion, and all I want for them is to be happy, and stay strong, they have so much potential, and I care about them mucho mucho!</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that’s that. Amazing right? Everyone should do it. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I drove back to St. George on Saturday afternoon, after a trip with Tiffany and Stefanie to University Mall, where I ran into an old friends from Florida! She was in my stake! Good ole Ashley Peterson! We went to EFY together as kids, and girls camp etc. We hadn’t seen each other in about 3 or 4 years! I got to Toquerville, and Steven showed up shortly after which was great to see him again!! We are finally done with leaving for long periods of time! Thank goodness. I would never wish that upon anyone! We went to the temple, and to Pasta Factory for dinner :) </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then it was time!! My mother was on her way to Utah!! And I headed down to Vegas on Sunday morning! I got lost for the first time..There was another car accident- this time, a car was flipped upside down. Scary! Yet again I think I’m prone to seeing car accident’s lately. I don’t know what I’m suppose to learn from it except maybe to be careful...And the week began! We drove back to Toquerville, and we had family over Sally and Shane and their kids. Who we havent seen in about 15 years! It was great to see them again! They were driving up to Salt Lake to drop their kids off at EFY too! So I gave them the low down on what to expect. Steven came over later, and finally got to meet my mom, and all we really did was talk, and started a movie at 9:30! Everyone fell asleep during it too! Typical right? Especially on a Sunday night. But Steven fits right into the family. He got to see a different side of my grandparents- the obsessed and passionate about math side of my papa, and the funnier side of my nana I think. And to meet my mom was great! :) </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday I finally got to sleep in for the first time since...I couldn’t tell you, but my mom and I went and ran a few errands, got a nice pedicure! I got purple and she got red, and we went to Old Navy, and I showed her a few things around campus at Dixie that are new, and then we met up with my Nana and Papa and Steven in Hurricane to eat dinner, and go see 17 Miracles. It’s a movie about the Pioneers coming out to Utah. Throughout the movie 17 miracles happen. One of my favorites was a women was trying to get away from her abusive husband, and she said a prayer that she was be kept from harm after he threatened to kill her. And he came to find her, made direct eye contact with her and her two children, and didn’t recognize her and kept moving to look for his wife! Crazy right?! Another one that brought tears to my eyes was a family who had a daughter that froze to death in the winter time, and has the left her body, the mother remembered that if they stayed faithful and didn’t give up hope, that ALL of their family would make it to Zion. So the mother turned around and her family followed soon after, and they began to make a fire, and warm up the daughter’s body, and she soon woke up, and survived. In the end- the whole family made it through that hard winter to the Salt Lake Valley! It’s incredible to think of the faith that those early members of the church had. They were strong, courageous, and devoted.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With all that being said. Life is full of miracles. Just look around and you can see so many of the Tender Mercies that the Lord places in front of everyone of us. You just need to open your eyes and look. Be grateful for the little things, and the bad things don’t seem so bad. The Church is TRUE! :)</span></span></span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br />
</span></div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-43464212295858127472011-07-06T14:12:00.000-07:002011-07-06T14:12:08.465-07:00I love this time of year!I don't know where to begin! There's lots to write about this time. <div><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lake Powell</span></div><div>So much fun! Now I don't get homesick easily, but I can say that that trip made me more sick for home in a long time. Being on the water (no equivalence to the ocean) and doing all the things I use to do back home. But the worry of sting rays, sharks, and alligators doesn't exist! So nice! Sunday night we left about midnight and go to Lake Powell around 2:30am and camped out in the parking lot. Steven got to see my delirious side. Singing, and getting annoyed with no radio stations and the constant tune of static! It was pretty funny. On Monday at the crack of down my eyes could sense the sun, and my head just berried itself underneath my sleeping bag to shade myself. I loved it though. We got ready to head out and find a spot on the lake as son as we all got up and ready. We found our quaint spot, set up camp, and got going. We went out on the wave runners, and I can say proudly that I flipped Steven off (I fell too, only because he pulled me off)! Another time we almost fell off again, but me and my strong muscles pulled steven back up! :) Steven's mom did such a good job with the food. Easy, and yummy! Then the winds came. No bueno for me and my sensitive eyes. That night we went to bed out on the sand, and this is where it gets funny. I was drenched in bug spray. So was Steven. The rest of the family was on the boat and the flashlight was not leaving my hand in case of the boogy man. At the beginning of the night we were on top of the sleeping bags, but by the end we were definitely tucked in tight. Steven felt something on his leg, so he just brushed it off, and then felt it again, so I quickly turned on the flashlight, and it was a bat, but I can't see crap because I"m blind so I grab my glasses, and there is in fact a bat the size of my palm on Steven's sleeping bag. It was the ugliest creature I have ever seen. It flung it off by prying his hand under his sleeping bag and tapping it, but that didn't work until he smacked the dang thing. Then it decided to leave and fly onto my arm where I squished it! And flung it off because I was startled it would even dare touch me! Haha. Then he flew under our beds, and crawled on my side. So I creep on to Steven's bed, while steven tries to capture it. Then he loses it...Where does it go!?! My backpack!!! Steven gets a shovel and tries to just pry it off of my bag, and it makes the disgusting, and creepishly hissing sound. (By the way, the whole lake probably thought something died because of my screaming as this is all happening). Steven eventually just picked up my bag, and moved it outside of the canopy we were sleeping under. At that point we moved under our sleeping bags, and were up for a bit to calm our nerves. But it was so funny. The next morning we went out on the wave runners again, and saw some pretty canyons, and I tried to wakeboard for the millionth time, and failed for the millionth time, even with Steven's patience, and help. Steven taught Roger, and he was ten times better than me. Pretty much got up his second try. The winds picked up again shortly there after, and we decided to eat lunch and pack up early and go home instead of stay another day. So we packed up camp pretty quick, and headed back. Half way through the know wake zone, the Wave Runner that Roger was using gave out on us, so Steven towed it on the back. We stopped at an ice cream shop in Kanab, and got back home, got dinner, and played cards which was fun! I love playing cards. Then we voted on what we would do the following day, and so Wednesday we went up into Zion and went hiking, and saw some petroglyphs. So that was Lake Powell in a quick summary. Felt like you were there don't you?</div><div><br />
</div><div>Side note: Tyler Stout got home from his mission! I went to the airport with Danny Blake to see him, which was exciting, and their new adopted sister who was eight days old at the time. :)</div><div><br />
</div><div>School is going really great. Better than I would think. I only have two more weeks left! Then It's off to EFY and my mom comes to visit for a few days!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Steven is in New York with Becky for 12 more days now, he's been gone for 6 already. I'm a third of the way there! I may have mentioned this before, but they are there doing the Hill Cumorah pageant. Steven got the part of wilderness Nephi (a character in the Book of Mormon), and Becky is a dancer! Steven got to finally shave his beard and get a hair cut! I can't wait! But they are having a good time. Super busy and tired at the end of the day. In the meantime I'm just working and going to school. Trying to keep busy, but it's not working out as well as I'd like to. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I still love my job. Kamy and Audi are such a fun handful to be with, sometimes I want to pull my hair out, but they make up for it 5 minutes later. We went to the Rodeo in Gunlock last weekend which was fun for them. They loved the little caves that the little kids got to ride. And the chicken run. Which I personally think is just gross, but hey some people grow up on that stuff and can stand it..not me. I get home made dinners sometimes from the family. I even got some clothes that Judy never wore yesterday! 5 new pairs of pants! She was just like here you go they are your size, and I wont ever be able to get back to that so they are yours! I am telling you, I have the best job in the world. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Our washer broke down at our place. Pretty funny. It's back and running now, but it was funny ringing out Britt's clothes and having people come look at it in the middle of the night. </div><div><br />
</div><div>July 4th was fun. I had a couple of things I could have done but I decided to go spend some time with my Nana and Papa. I cleaned a few things out, and made some shorts with my Nana, and Picked some Apricots with my Papa. We went and looked for a new mattress for me because the one I had been sleeping on was like the Grand Canyon and I couldnt sleep at night, and woke up every day with a back ache. So we went out and got a good deal on one and bought it, and then went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner! Always one of my favorite places. I came back to St George and went to the Temple to watch the fireworks with Britt. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I discovered a sizzling noise from a drip in my truck, and so I took it into the mechanic because I worry about those things for as much as I use my truck. He told me nothing was wrong. It's all normal drippage!! What a happy day that was! </div><div><br />
</div><div>It's been a good two weeks. My mom is coming on July 31st! I'm so excited to see her. We are going to go see Grease at Tuacahn when she comes. Probably up to Zion and get pedicures :) I can't wait. I miss her more in the summer time it seems.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Life is good though. I am so blessed and grateful for all the things in my life. It's the little things that keep me going. And those little things become the big things when something goes wrong. </div><div><br />
</div><div>:)</div><div><br />
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</div></div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-5302468207288648662011-06-23T19:23:00.000-07:002011-06-23T19:23:49.192-07:00It finally feels like Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9I6WVJCSaMPyxPCSNglCOnvsJn51nvA_uqek9xd3NrvtncKP2mzlYQpNr24T2cr0H53q94gZ_hx8hmwV2u5MRz80kdJUaI3vagD9nfTD395BJ49ajaEj-TL6ZBQRTXGDOgCfsPmHHgJ8/s1600/7abe0cbf75ed5f02_100_degrees.xlarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9I6WVJCSaMPyxPCSNglCOnvsJn51nvA_uqek9xd3NrvtncKP2mzlYQpNr24T2cr0H53q94gZ_hx8hmwV2u5MRz80kdJUaI3vagD9nfTD395BJ49ajaEj-TL6ZBQRTXGDOgCfsPmHHgJ8/s1600/7abe0cbf75ed5f02_100_degrees.xlarge.jpg" /></a></div>We hit 100 degrees this week! It's about time that's all I have to say. You wont hear me complaining about it either. I guarantee that. I will take this heat in before it's cold again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJqqUwRD-vrvSIA3I9_7KzdaGBOacn-GRoMc7D87vqyqWrrmlc_6TAq-LoPSyx3Jc8g8Tk3AY9cvfk3GbfF8wR7CI1Ax4Lqt-dLy0620dv4J_bFih4TTVEWE-ZUoWAFaK24Kq5lhMg0k/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJqqUwRD-vrvSIA3I9_7KzdaGBOacn-GRoMc7D87vqyqWrrmlc_6TAq-LoPSyx3Jc8g8Tk3AY9cvfk3GbfF8wR7CI1Ax4Lqt-dLy0620dv4J_bFih4TTVEWE-ZUoWAFaK24Kq5lhMg0k/s320/IMG_0010.jpg" width="240" /></a>So the latest is that school is going well. At least I'd like to think so. I love my tennis class. I finally don't have to wear a sweater to class now because it's warmer. And my math class has turned into a joke I'm not going to lie. My professor just goes on tangents. Sometimes it's about math, but more often than not it's about something completely off topic and ridiculous. It's humorous sometimes. Other times when I could be doing something more productive I wish I was elsewhere.<br />
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Have I mentioned that I love my job yet? Because I do. Every day is an adventure that's for sure. Audi (short for autumn) is working on her alphabet with the school she will be attending for Kindergarten and we are on the letter H I think now, and apparently she's making great progress. We went to swimming lessons this past week. And boy oh boy was that interesting. Have you ever been in the pool and had to get out because someone took a crap?! Well I had to claim a child who did that. Kamy. Oh what a joy that was. So funny! Poor chica had diarrhea. Evacuation from the pool- most def. I love those girls, and that family. I went to church with them for father's day. Which was so much better than going anywhere else for it. Sometimes they give me treats like Orange Rolls, or homemade bread. Who wouldn't like my job?! I drive their cars, and get paid to play with two of the cutest little girls. I couldn't have a better set up if I thought of it myself.<br />
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Steven and I end up seeing each other about 3 times a week maybe 4 or 5 if we are lucky right now. But Sunday we leave to go to Lake Powell with his family! I'm pretty excited! It's going to be such a blast. he taught me how to work the backhoe. City girl in a tractor... It was pretty cool though. We are going to run a 5k in October, or a half marathon we haven't decided it all depends on what we do for fall break because that's when it is. Either way I'm excited to do it with him! We are going to start donating plasma when he gets back from New York too. Oh which I can't wait for you know why?!! Because he wont have his beard!! We had a campfire date with two other couples from institute council last weekend which was fun. It was out in Diamond Valley by a lake/pond (pond if you're from FL Lake if your from UT). We had a blast. Steven got the food ready in tinfoil, we put it in the fire, and then baam it was good! :)<br />
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Side note: I love the girls I live with. I can count on one hand when we have all been home at the same time, but regardless Connie, Mel and Brit are the greatest. There's always laughter and then we can have our serious convos.. hardly without a giggle. We have a neighborhood cat that left us a present..a dead decapitated cat. So gross.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFktQtOY6IgE3Pyy9szq5k7FY8FSq348xOTZTE2NJbXSuGrPteEUkxFN4SQtNX3Ns8cJdRddQQ_H0B-e2HJ4OORq9cq8sln9RlY7k1JuPdedFyPALU__GIoN24QmvOTJGZmWxA4E5hRA/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFktQtOY6IgE3Pyy9szq5k7FY8FSq348xOTZTE2NJbXSuGrPteEUkxFN4SQtNX3Ns8cJdRddQQ_H0B-e2HJ4OORq9cq8sln9RlY7k1JuPdedFyPALU__GIoN24QmvOTJGZmWxA4E5hRA/s320/IMG_0006.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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I got a new phone finally. My Blackberry was dying, and then coming back to life. I would talk on the phone for 5 minutes when it was fully charged, and then it would die! So I went and got a new one. iPhone bandwagon. Oh yes. Never thought I would do it. But I did. Steven got one last week too. I have to say I'm in love, and those who have one know what I am talking about. It's a different world out there now No joke!<br />
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I feel like I have so much more I could write about but it's not coming to my mind to remember it all! That's okay I'm going to give myself a pat on the back just for keeping it up to post on here.Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-51413269636065832052011-06-13T17:38:00.000-07:002011-06-13T17:38:46.977-07:00School. Work & Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU43AgUwy889ufk0PcRJfTAPltBgPNEeS_1f2qzfaL1IaVbF-cdPsblR2bszSf5BpgqmywbR9enYKy1B63F7tEkoJ0ISICoOP-zpB0w5c3LhV9u1GzepwhUcBJKwcMRXbIcv8cOBlfo0k/s1600/joebraun_angelsg02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU43AgUwy889ufk0PcRJfTAPltBgPNEeS_1f2qzfaL1IaVbF-cdPsblR2bszSf5BpgqmywbR9enYKy1B63F7tEkoJ0ISICoOP-zpB0w5c3LhV9u1GzepwhUcBJKwcMRXbIcv8cOBlfo0k/s320/joebraun_angelsg02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aUOlX1IbiF7jqT09T7jfe8kPD5kJUNTpMrapK99eZh-HkEs6cvCH4N2NnhTxQTk-_fvRm9IcYyyTnj_5QOIxt2SZproql7sz0RJkzyWn10f_ATTH0LTjVGov6EnCOonBSC8dDpd3TvQ/s1600/joebraun_angelsg01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aUOlX1IbiF7jqT09T7jfe8kPD5kJUNTpMrapK99eZh-HkEs6cvCH4N2NnhTxQTk-_fvRm9IcYyyTnj_5QOIxt2SZproql7sz0RJkzyWn10f_ATTH0LTjVGov6EnCOonBSC8dDpd3TvQ/s320/joebraun_angelsg01.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
So the last post I mentioned that I would be totally cool with NEVER hiking Angels Landing again right? Okay so Steven's best friend Tommy texted him and was like, "Hey I've got a date to hike Angels Landing do you and Gabbi want to come?" So of course I say yes, one because it's a double date, two because it's a hike outside, and three why not hike angels landing twice in one week? So we did it, and it was fun. Took us longer than we both expected, but it was fun. We even got to see two Owls! I've never seen an owl in the wild before. I'm not going to lie though, one of them wasn't that cute.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrzf20a4JJnK2V7uZd5L1s6Keox2HHjnVhVy35QOVmiTmMS6z3MS9BWSNJF6w4cXFmCdbiN47iGrZSvD-fN8f54HoFXyHhy7y7wPPpnYKXLWxU6MjSacck9MiB0UaKp2U4c7l4HEWb8M/s1600/5562178215_5db1a8147b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrzf20a4JJnK2V7uZd5L1s6Keox2HHjnVhVy35QOVmiTmMS6z3MS9BWSNJF6w4cXFmCdbiN47iGrZSvD-fN8f54HoFXyHhy7y7wPPpnYKXLWxU6MjSacck9MiB0UaKp2U4c7l4HEWb8M/s320/5562178215_5db1a8147b.jpg" width="320" /></a>Work is going really well. I love my job. I couldn't have a more fun, easier, flexible job if I made it up myself. The girls are getting used to me. It's the little things like holding hands when we cross the street, saying please and thank you's that is a struggle for them to get used to. But the girls are starting to catch on. Every time I go out there, I get super close to running over either a stupid roadrunner, or a rabbit. Stupid animals. Kamy (the 3 yr old) wants to have a sleepover soon, and go<br />
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for a ride in my truck. Sometimes we will have one on one days where Grandma will take one, and I'll take the other. I taught the girls a song that my aunt used to sing to me when I would take a bath when I was really little. It's a song from South Pacific called "I'm going to wash that man right outta my hair." And they remember it, and now we sing it every time they take a bath! The one thing that is a struggle for me is getting them to sleep. They have so much energy! My age is starting to show! Needless to say, I love my job.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVagmJAx5-bzdv87L380xH00eOD5dvrLco6lBPs8PtcZ0o6liilnzsazsHAAxg3ITU1_iILnUBrrCRLfTZEYhjVgcClWuxBndc3tNfIc7CahXzp3yPjozK3hyphenhyphen9cBSuqqiC3uxcFrQBSY/s1600/tennis+balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVagmJAx5-bzdv87L380xH00eOD5dvrLco6lBPs8PtcZ0o6liilnzsazsHAAxg3ITU1_iILnUBrrCRLfTZEYhjVgcClWuxBndc3tNfIc7CahXzp3yPjozK3hyphenhyphen9cBSuqqiC3uxcFrQBSY/s320/tennis+balls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>School is good too. My tennis class is fun. I woke up an hour late last week, because my phone was acting weird, and so my alarm went off an hour later than usual, and so when I got to class I was so confused as to why everyone was already playing. And then it was made known that class had been going for an hour. Silly me. Math is good too, but I'm not going to lie, sometimes I just browse the web like last week it was photographers. Not sure what this week will bring yet, but I'll figure something out that's for sure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3zxrLDPOzlQpYKKqqbyWKdD20CjmSNDg2iKjqsFsdBkwHPGDnLQelAkevRcMsmrdTtdwzyb2WD9ZrVbzKj4drrJbAkBJiG2f56TKGSWNZpAl2XDOKzphZDTFJfA2QZyLGoZbCG1Qzrg/s1600/water-for-elephants005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3zxrLDPOzlQpYKKqqbyWKdD20CjmSNDg2iKjqsFsdBkwHPGDnLQelAkevRcMsmrdTtdwzyb2WD9ZrVbzKj4drrJbAkBJiG2f56TKGSWNZpAl2XDOKzphZDTFJfA2QZyLGoZbCG1Qzrg/s320/water-for-elephants005.jpg" width="206" /></a>Now for Steven and I. We are doing great! :) Couldn't ask for a better guy. We played tennis which was hilarious! I'm not good at all lets just say that much. We spent all day Friday together and ran errands went to the temple, and I had an Institute Activity to help with, and he willingly came with me to help with a bunch of set up for it, and was such a big help. We went and saw Water For Elephants which was so good, but def liked the book more. Then we headed back up to Springdale for our Angels Landing hike the next morning. This next week, we both work a ton and are busy with stuff, and so we wont get to spend much time together, but it's just prep for when he leaves for 17 days to go to New York in July. He leaves in 17 days! Crazy! We are going to Lake Powell right before he leaves! I've never been there, so I'm excited! So things are moving right along. Barf as you may, but I used to be the girl who did everything by herself, totally fine going grocery shopping alone, running errands, getting lunch stuff like that, but now I'd much rather do it all with him.<br />
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Oh Institute! So fun! I love my calling. I love the people on council with me. We just have this great bond. I've never worked with such a dedicated and fun group of people. We all share something so special, and bring it together and things run smoothly, and I love it.<br />
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I'm missing home a little bit more than usually. I think it's just because I'm not nearly as busy as I usually am, which gives me more thinking time of home. But my mom may come to visit in August. I'm crossing my fingers, because that would be so much fun!! I think I'm still used to the concept of when I'm bored I would just go to the beach..I don't have that option here. Still hasn't sunk in after two years apparently.<br />
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So life is great. I count my blessings more and more every day. I can honestly say that when you look at the big picture - at all the great things that are in your life - those things that make you upset, annoyed, and confused seem so much smaller. I read something the other day that made me think. If you complain about spoiled milk, be grateful that you have milk to be spoiled. Or if you're friends are mad at you- be grateful that you have friends. And when you fail a test, be grateful that you have the opportunity to get an education. Just shed a different light on complaining, and the perspective of being a little more grateful for what we have. Definitely something that I can work on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicCTEV_wQUnIYiVTXiYauVa6j2dbOAkM6AQcYf727ecuHZpQPNjQq1xTiWcjhW_gAQVZ9HgVpsAfTxp4pCvIzhJSIp7zXBNwNPXmkaCEeIwdy6OoJ-DlVAqslU-0jRPmUJrPV75UVmak/s1600/images-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicCTEV_wQUnIYiVTXiYauVa6j2dbOAkM6AQcYf727ecuHZpQPNjQq1xTiWcjhW_gAQVZ9HgVpsAfTxp4pCvIzhJSIp7zXBNwNPXmkaCEeIwdy6OoJ-DlVAqslU-0jRPmUJrPV75UVmak/s320/images-5.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Steven and I are reading the New Testament right now, and we just got to Luke, and it's not my first time reading through it, but every time I read something over again, I love how I gain something new that I didn't notice before. I love learning about Christ and his ministry. The many miracles that he performed. And what a testimony it is to me, to see him still working miracles in our lives today. When you read the stories of those who were healed by Him, you can feel that love that He had for others. It's all so incredible to me. He lives. It's as simple as that. I love Him and all that he does for me.Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-21909403469285746212011-06-06T20:31:00.000-07:002011-06-06T20:31:58.304-07:00Back to the RedAfter slacking yet again, I'm back to Utah. 21 days gone and I think I caught up to my tan, and spent time with my favorite girls back home, went kayaking with my mom, and did lots of fun stuff while I was home. Needless to say, I'm glad to be back and in my productive, proactive, busy self again. <div><br />
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</div><div>But first things first, the day I flew into Vegas, I sat next to a guy who had never seen mountains before! So he was beyond fascinated by them, and kinda gave me a reality check on yet again having the best of both worlds. Beach in florida, and then mountains here in Utah. He was quite the talker, made a friend though! lol Once I got to Vegas, I saw Steven! :) Did I mention he's growing a beard? He has to for the Palmyra Pageant in New York that he is going to be in with his sister in July. Anyway, anticipated getting my bags off the vault, everyone knows that's the worst feeling not knowing if your bags made it or not, but they did thankfully. We got back to his car, and he had flowers for me :) We went to The Venetian and walked around for a little back, and then headed back to St. George. Where we got about 10 minutes from home, and we got pulled over because of a headlight that's out. But it was good to get back that's for sure. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Spend the weekend up in Springdale and went to church up there which is always fun for me. We made cakebites! Which ended up turning out better than I thought they would. Then we went on a motorcycle trip to Leman Caves, Nevada with Steven's parents. Which was really neat. Oh and freezing! I was wearing a long sleeved shirt, a sweatshirt, a windbreaker, and my North Face ski jacket. And it was almost June. On the way back is when the funny part comes in to play. I fell asleep on the back of the motorcycle, and didn't wake up. Apparently I was at a 90 degree angle. It's not wonder that my neck hurt afterwards. Steven had to hold on to me--for my life, and his life's sakes. But I woke up eventually.</div><div><br />
</div><div>School started last Tuesday, and it's not so bad after all. I actually like my math class. I say that now, and may change my mind next week. And I love my tennis class. I made a friend, and her name is June and she's from China! Her english is pretty good, and she's actually good at tennis which makes me look awful! lol But I bet by the end we will be going to the pros!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Thursday night Steven and I were suppose to go to see The Little Mermaid, but it got cancelled due to technical difficulties, so instead, we went mini golfing and we are both not so good at it, so it was hilarious! I almost peed my pants. Then we went to Pasta Factory for dinner. I miss the food, but that's about it. Friday we went and hiked Angels Landing again! According to Steven he'd say that I was power walking it up to the top. Which I kinda was bookin it up there, but I wanted us to get back to dinner to eat with the Sister missionaries, and when someone says I doubt you can do it, just makes me want to do it that much faster! So we did make it back just in time for dinner. But while we were hiking, we ran into Sister Allred, who is the First Councilor in the General Relief Society of the church. She's from El Salvador, and I heard her accent and mentioned to Steven that it had to be her, and he was like "No it's not! It can't be!" yadda yadda. Well on our way back down from the top, we saw her and her husband resting under the tree and Steven said Hi, and I asked where they were from, and then I asked if it was here and it was!! Baam! Then we saw a guy who was hiking in flip flops! Crazy person! And then two lizards crazy fighting. Like biting each others heads! Overall it was a good hike up and back, but I think I'm good now. I don't want to go through that again any time soon. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Sunday I got to go to my new ward, and it was a million times better than I thought it was going to be! I met a guy who served in the Tampa, Florida Mission! Knew a few of the Elders that I knew there! So that was pretty cool, and it seems as though everyone is united. Which is something I was worried about. But no need to fret! It's all good! Afterwards I went over to Toquerville, and my grandparents and I were invited over to the Young's (more of Steven's family) for dinner. Everyone was in town for a baby blessing. So we enjoyed a nice dutch over dinner over there, and then went back up to Springdale. Oh! Funny story! There a was a biker (road bike) who lost his hearing aid device, and needed a way back to Hurricane which is about 20 minutes away from Springdale. So Steven and I were his chaufer's to get to Hurricane, and we got his whole life story, and all about his latest travels! It was fun! I love getting to know new people, especially the old ones because they always seem to give the best advice. After that we went to a park until I got cold. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Great weekend! I am counting my blessings that's for sure. It all goes back to the little things that count, and when you look back they become to the big things. I love my life :)</div><div><br />
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</div></div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-46797217569309660762011-05-21T13:00:00.000-07:002011-05-21T13:00:03.224-07:00My favorite: Tan lines on my face<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TjvOCpPoceIFvJ8xIcsqGMS7W0e5_Z5Dxn1WSCx3zNj3k3BDnX1eA2wo6cDLhtUVu4VQ4F6daEfUIE3mJCIwK2AZrfP0FHH7pO1ikQ8-G-Jp_GFGkzxFgjn9fygEXIPugS0g_3-BLe0/s1600/clearwater-beach-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TjvOCpPoceIFvJ8xIcsqGMS7W0e5_Z5Dxn1WSCx3zNj3k3BDnX1eA2wo6cDLhtUVu4VQ4F6daEfUIE3mJCIwK2AZrfP0FHH7pO1ikQ8-G-Jp_GFGkzxFgjn9fygEXIPugS0g_3-BLe0/s320/clearwater-beach-8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The numbers are getting smaller for the days that I have left here in Florida. But it's been a ton of fun. Since I last posted, Thursday I had an Eye Appt & I went to the beach with the beautiful Anna Mckeon and Bride - To - Be Mary Gundel soon to be Mckeon! It was so much fun. I feel like all we talked about was Mary's wedding, but it was great! She's going to be a beautiful bride no doubt about it. We caught up a bit on our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEfbywhAjer3rO0emyLrib9J2huhEoRXXDt-BrypwHkt0Yznn4qGB7nud3wNbzJ_KbMY4BiiqVjkm27I5vPiXm1pN7oocg51i7Ytavw1EtrnakMMWb8aD3hnJ0M-tEVI30dKdJcr7kc4/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEfbywhAjer3rO0emyLrib9J2huhEoRXXDt-BrypwHkt0Yznn4qGB7nud3wNbzJ_KbMY4BiiqVjkm27I5vPiXm1pN7oocg51i7Ytavw1EtrnakMMWb8aD3hnJ0M-tEVI30dKdJcr7kc4/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEfbywhAjer3rO0emyLrib9J2huhEoRXXDt-BrypwHkt0Yznn4qGB7nud3wNbzJ_KbMY4BiiqVjkm27I5vPiXm1pN7oocg51i7Ytavw1EtrnakMMWb8aD3hnJ0M-tEVI30dKdJcr7kc4/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>As far as the Eye Dr. went- I have been having major issues with light sensitivity lately, and my mom said that maybe it was stress induced because it was around the end of the semester. Or maybe that because it had been raining so much in St. George and cloudy that my eyes just needed to get used to the sun again. But when I was in Hawaii it was pretty bad, and here it was too especially since I lost my sunglasses again! Not the ones that I lost at graduation, but I lost a pair on the plane ride to Florida. Good thing they are only like 10 bucks. Anyway so I have this problem with my eyes. I go to the doctor, and he looks all around my eyes, does the puff machine, and the computer that tells you what your vision should be, and puts dye in my eye to see cool stuff. Then he told me that I have developed scar tissue on my eye. He says it's probably from infections in the past, but I couldn't tell you the last time that I had an infection. Probably since high school at least. Which could be attributed to my sensitivity to light. Anyway, I think you get the gist of it all. Then on top of that, my eye sight has generally been 3.75 or 4. Well my left eye- the one with the scarring- looks as though its a 4.25. Basically I'm going blind.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> But Doctors Orders are to wear my glasses as much as possible for the next long while, and see what happens. So glasses are out, and on. I am proud to say that I look super fly with my newly found raccoon eye tan line due to my sick sunglasses. I'm the coolest of cools now!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-eAlrLmy4cYsfDUn1834I_C2ieoQ4fmFnQfIbyRdDDnZEDgcZ8U4Wgxn-pA4mi2cup4YTC3qTVjAJaNTJmZLwsuwpog_J0cmUKF3zyF0M-wnprP9eExeatoxwnjkfLpZfytrC7CNXuk/s1600/231104_10150250410026823_607216822_8772095_3067781_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-eAlrLmy4cYsfDUn1834I_C2ieoQ4fmFnQfIbyRdDDnZEDgcZ8U4Wgxn-pA4mi2cup4YTC3qTVjAJaNTJmZLwsuwpog_J0cmUKF3zyF0M-wnprP9eExeatoxwnjkfLpZfytrC7CNXuk/s320/231104_10150250410026823_607216822_8772095_3067781_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>I have managed to clean out everything in my room. I know have hardly anything left to spare here. Sad, but nice too have more space and all. Yesterday (Friday) I rode my mom's bike out to the causeway for a few hours by myself, which was really nice and then later that night, I went to the YMCA (where I used to work before college) and said Hi to my old boss, and little did I know that it was a party that they were putting on for her daughter. So I got to see a ton of the mom's that I used to work with and catch up with everyone. It was so great to see everyone again. It amazes me how much the kids have grown up! </div><div style="text-align: center;">They are so big!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now for today- Saturday- Long bike ride- 20 Miles round trip- to Clearwater Beach. Up and over the bridge and back. It was fun- I went with my parents. & We had a good time. We tried to leave earlier, but good thing we didn't leave any later, because it was starting to get toasty outside. But the sea breeze was nice today. Can't say that I will ever volunteer to do it again, but I'm proud to say that I did for now. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pinellas Trail >>></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>So 6 more days left in Pinellas county, and I am missing St. George a bit more than I expected. I've got a few more people to see, and a little more brown to get, a kayaking trip with my mom, but then I believe I will be good to go.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiuu70nsfwiypX9xJouWIVGjiLmdiZHzUyXiidKuvHUEfrn1I_p8EjYNA-FCI9TvoC3Ug2gT7_MRGOxTGU_eqNJOfuT78yuWyFBy_ulcjXQfPdgcVJhk3rsTCI3FN7ByRSPMKH2ThWKQ/s1600/sugarloaf5-250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiuu70nsfwiypX9xJouWIVGjiLmdiZHzUyXiidKuvHUEfrn1I_p8EjYNA-FCI9TvoC3Ug2gT7_MRGOxTGU_eqNJOfuT78yuWyFBy_ulcjXQfPdgcVJhk3rsTCI3FN7ByRSPMKH2ThWKQ/s320/sugarloaf5-250.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I have the best of both worlds. East and West. Family & Family. Friends & Friends. I hate leaving, but I love going back, and I can say that about both places. Connie and I have plans to go play racquetball. I'm breaking out my baking skills when I get back. Dusty as they may be, I'm determined to get back in the act. And perfect a Banana bread recipe! And make Cakebites from scratch. Steven and I have plenty of things to do when I get back, and I can't wait. Speaking of, he may have a job in St. George starting in August as a TA at one of the high school's. I hope he gets it, because that would be awesome!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-40693180417596821722011-05-18T17:48:00.000-07:002011-05-18T17:48:57.620-07:00Home Sweet Home<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For those who don't know exactly where home is for me, well here it is:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURFf8j0jhYFnNmVNfYTjoVt1iz1kXb5QcUJu8PJG1_qdpRQZ2kk9JLcQNh19BysXSPtCDkJra7HwHPZKICLu7YC2ScYIwMRwOY4pHC-u0aFq-KLdj9EOxQz6DnYlSq7kFrb0bwG0gQ5E/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURFf8j0jhYFnNmVNfYTjoVt1iz1kXb5QcUJu8PJG1_qdpRQZ2kk9JLcQNh19BysXSPtCDkJra7HwHPZKICLu7YC2ScYIwMRwOY4pHC-u0aFq-KLdj9EOxQz6DnYlSq7kFrb0bwG0gQ5E/s320/images.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I've been home now for a few days. It's been a great break. I didn't consider Hawaii a break since we were GOGOGO the whole time, and I'll take the blame for that. But getting used to the 6 hour time change took until last night to get used to things again. I love being home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFoBodKWqQEnhz2YCuU2v_EOEsO6QLjmJ-j1Mi1QiENeYL7URsW_CWljTr-ZLcLEGV9mbgOT-fwAGArcYVuT1Clr8nySicPD-bKMBc1EAYXRfK1vvtAfgqYvzPSq8qcrW5ccLqMFyBdk/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFoBodKWqQEnhz2YCuU2v_EOEsO6QLjmJ-j1Mi1QiENeYL7URsW_CWljTr-ZLcLEGV9mbgOT-fwAGArcYVuT1Clr8nySicPD-bKMBc1EAYXRfK1vvtAfgqYvzPSq8qcrW5ccLqMFyBdk/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Some things I've missed:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I never thought I'd miss this, but the seagulls, as annoying as they are, yes I missed them</div><div style="text-align: center;">I missed riding my bike on the Pinellas trail</div><div style="text-align: center;">The white sand</div><div style="text-align: center;">Annie. Tiffany. Kerry. Anna. Nuff said</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh! My Bed! I love my bed</div><div style="text-align: center;">How candy stays soft, and doesn't get hard</div><div style="text-align: center;">My hair and skin are super soft because it's humid :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">The shopping. Since there's little in St. George</div><div style="text-align: center;">Smelling the ocean. I love that smell</div><div style="text-align: center;">The color of the walls in my room: teal and lime green</div><div style="text-align: center;">The bass the thugs have bumpin in their cars. Love it</div><div style="text-align: center;">How close EVERYTHING is</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chick-fil-a & Firehouse Subs :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqOOWry8HI5tilfQZtVNltXI3GdC61sRWnS7QQbKRhT-AS686P1TUITZb857FqX9ObPghPSsQWSthKRy0q8REaPB99aTwyEf1J6QZjPS_LtWkfPYSGxfRjlvf25KstBJAqKch1sD0MCM/s1600/DownloadedFile.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqOOWry8HI5tilfQZtVNltXI3GdC61sRWnS7QQbKRhT-AS686P1TUITZb857FqX9ObPghPSsQWSthKRy0q8REaPB99aTwyEf1J6QZjPS_LtWkfPYSGxfRjlvf25KstBJAqKch1sD0MCM/s1600/DownloadedFile.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabcx6z6bYK1QD2yptHJte0_rwYEkQ2kYxOXfWZ80LN0Cr33h_fcstQTpJjLkKr59mtvjqdvvFjbcPXUkN358oOGJVcQHP8vQbPQkKoRq8hRg7KMgi7dXhhOMXKW0r1hRiRKjGloJ1BZI/s1600/images-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabcx6z6bYK1QD2yptHJte0_rwYEkQ2kYxOXfWZ80LN0Cr33h_fcstQTpJjLkKr59mtvjqdvvFjbcPXUkN358oOGJVcQHP8vQbPQkKoRq8hRg7KMgi7dXhhOMXKW0r1hRiRKjGloJ1BZI/s1600/images-4.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's just to name a few things</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5ltsVKcnHhlgA5E0hPxLlRC59XUwBkRo_I9VQln96v4wN-fdkPe-8jfxmlCLQUJb3QuabnvXt1Qmm1ICchPhroBsABFKT9OJ0n5QveH9krSyQphqGTU9nPGX2DJV-ziC38x6xbZNGAM/s1600/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5ltsVKcnHhlgA5E0hPxLlRC59XUwBkRo_I9VQln96v4wN-fdkPe-8jfxmlCLQUJb3QuabnvXt1Qmm1ICchPhroBsABFKT9OJ0n5QveH9krSyQphqGTU9nPGX2DJV-ziC38x6xbZNGAM/s1600/images-2.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-st6Pl6Ena_Rnjo8hvZQSHgMxN0W7TzxfPoQHEOFUgXtV6qBy4XKfnP-ttUe1U6-113DQEq_hIndwoavFkTtZWMdyQrRacFrfclmtzpDp15v2c7UxSaDWdU-3vd1CQnwZMs4Etj-xcA/s1600/images-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-st6Pl6Ena_Rnjo8hvZQSHgMxN0W7TzxfPoQHEOFUgXtV6qBy4XKfnP-ttUe1U6-113DQEq_hIndwoavFkTtZWMdyQrRacFrfclmtzpDp15v2c7UxSaDWdU-3vd1CQnwZMs4Etj-xcA/s1600/images-3.jpeg" /></a>So with that being said, since I've been home, I've caught up with all the girls, and went on a field trip with my mom's class to a Blue Jays game which was tons of fun. Then my Mom, Rob & I went on a 14 mile bike ride from Downtown Dunedin to Clearwater Beach. And then headed back. It took just less than 2 hours. It was so fun! We even went up on the new bridge (which isn't really so new anymore) and I did it without getting off and walking. Killer on the thighs though! I was reminded of how fascinated I am with Pelicans..they are really not that cute, but they are so funny to watch. My mom and I spent the day together today, and went shopping and bought some clothes for teaching, and then got pedicures! Only appropriate seeing how that's just what we do together. :) It's one of my most favorite things to do. Getting pedicures that is. Shopping not so much. Oh yeah, and I've been cleaning out my drawers and closet in my room. Just getting rid of lots of stuff that I have left here, and don't even use anymore. As for the remainder of my time here, I've got a few doctors appt's to get caught up on, the beach for sure, and some quality time with my mom, and the girls definitely! 9 more days and I'll be back in Utah. Back to school and work. </div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-9309030636226869932011-05-14T21:24:00.000-07:002011-05-14T21:24:49.215-07:00Finals. Graduation. Hawaii.Well, I'm done with my second year of college. It's not as bittersweet as the first one was that's for sure. It's more of a relief, and great burden lifted off of my shoulders.<br />
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<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFci4VWEIL5CcgXHltY1uP7-XPdAXqIWDig3rEjnYNbN7zWU39eChRcPYL_HGDdbgVi1M4dw4JKUv1M1FpZHLrbJyIQyY5Yqdfevwb667dzslDlo2UBxjpNAfmE4cYPE8M5XHvNhWiIA/s1600/74530095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFci4VWEIL5CcgXHltY1uP7-XPdAXqIWDig3rEjnYNbN7zWU39eChRcPYL_HGDdbgVi1M4dw4JKUv1M1FpZHLrbJyIQyY5Yqdfevwb667dzslDlo2UBxjpNAfmE4cYPE8M5XHvNhWiIA/s320/74530095.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Steven and I after the Dixie Awards</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Finals- Done-ZO</span></div><div>With that being said, that week was full of busy things. Besides studying, and my brain turning to mush, I had 3 more of my finals. Which I am happy to say for taking 20 credits I ended up with a 3.4 GPA :) not too shabby. I passed all my classes. Now on to my last class over the summer! Then 4 more semesters left, and I will be a teacher! Scary!! I thought that on Thursday when I finished my last final, which was math, the one that I was most paranoid about, that I would feel relieved..but I didn't. The moment that I felt relief was when I was on my way to Vegas with Steven to catch my flight to Phoenix.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Graduation</span><br />
But before that, We are all moved in to our new place. I think I already mentioned that it's awesome! While I've been gone, Connie got a table and chairs for the kitchen, and couches, so we aren't doing the whole fung shway (sp?) It will be nice to go home to thats for sure. Before Steven and I left, we put up the curtains in Connie and my room, and then we put up the big mirror that I have. Graduation was friday, and as many of you know, the church I belong to has a modern day prophet (Thomas S. Monson), and we were fortunate enough to have him as our commencement speaker. It was incredible. This whole year has been focused on the centennial year which has been great to be apart of. With that came our biggest graduating class in both associate degrees and bachelors degrees, which will only grow more over the next years. They also announced that it is official- Dixie is on it's way to be a university in 5 years. The bill was signed and pass. Talk about legit. But Thomas S. Monson talked about a few things that have stuck in my mind. One being that he talked about bridges in our lives a few of them being the bridge of attitude and the bridge of integrity. He posed the question to ask our selves when making decisions in our life- "What will I think of myself if I do this?" He talked about seeking opportunities to serve no matter where you go in life, and that the bridges of life are built for us.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Hawaii.</span><br />
Okay so after all of that. Steven drove me down to Vegas, with me singing every song that I put on from my ipod. Poor guy- and off I went to Phoenix just to pick up my next flight that following morning to Hawaii. Morning came quick we woke up at 3:30am for our 5:30 flight to LA, then to Arrive in Honolulu at only 11:30am Saturday morning. We were pooped that's for sure. So here's what went down.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Saturday</b></span><br />
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Once we landed, we got on the enterprise shuttle to go pick up our rental car. Some random Suzuki car that got 60mpg. When we were going up the hills we tried to get it down in the single digits, but we think it's nearly impossible to do in that sucker. We drove to Kaneohe which is just outside of Honolulu to Lily's where we were going to stay for the week (notice I said were..). We arrived at her place to 7 cats and 4 dogs. No bueno with my allergies. We went to a local chinese restaurant where we all got something different, and share and I tried shrimp yet again, and it was the best shrimp I have ever had in my life! It was fried in this sweet sauce, and then drizzled with it. It was delicious, just writing about it makes my mouth water. Afterwards, we took the good ole purple rental car and drove it around the whole island. No joke. It was a good thing too, because we were exhausted and would have went to bed at 4 is we were close to a bed. Oh and did I mention it was rainy, and cloudy? It was. So that was our first day. We got back to Kaneohe and crashed, well at least I did, Karen was at least a little courteous and chatted with Lily.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Sunday</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63iznHajfQw39deIKyfS3B7D_bggXh6SmKp1CSzVGilD8FDWJAVsVAWDsLh8JdPmAkaM9dDr9coEoVch00CWg4ZPNyAPlLVfeZBxYf_uMrhU1Hdui4hz_SXWEFVw_PaBoa1J4f7J9e8M/s1600/74560060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63iznHajfQw39deIKyfS3B7D_bggXh6SmKp1CSzVGilD8FDWJAVsVAWDsLh8JdPmAkaM9dDr9coEoVch00CWg4ZPNyAPlLVfeZBxYf_uMrhU1Hdui4hz_SXWEFVw_PaBoa1J4f7J9e8M/s320/74560060.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> We woke up (more rain again)- tried to find a breakfast placed, and epically failed. I am a monster if I don't eat so we stuck with the food we had in the car. Off to Pearl Harbor, but first I accidentally put in the Pearl Harbor Association in the GPS, so that was one of first little detours. But as we got on the right track to get to the REAL Pearl Harbor, Karen took a wrong turn..literally. We were driving on the wrong side of the road!! One car passed us, and one heading right for us stopped, and allowed us to drive back onto the right side of the street at an intersection! Almost died. Needless to say, we arrived, and got tickets for the USS Arizona, and the Missouri.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLmyLuS_8KS-9yE2Z-PonTT6KtBSlWqGzPraSXl6tkuN6JA8nx8q0hq6M2pB6nR3eFtLvVBk2wVorWWZQVAJQoPG2R2kJ5KnYkNt-TMuaC2zdQgYXwDSQHjNnRAB_LwRyPhX17S5eEpY/s1600/74560058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLmyLuS_8KS-9yE2Z-PonTT6KtBSlWqGzPraSXl6tkuN6JA8nx8q0hq6M2pB6nR3eFtLvVBk2wVorWWZQVAJQoPG2R2kJ5KnYkNt-TMuaC2zdQgYXwDSQHjNnRAB_LwRyPhX17S5eEpY/s320/74560058.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We went through the rooms that talked about WWII, and it was touching, and emotional. One story that I remember was that after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the milkman stopped coming by to some of the local families because he was of Japanese decent, and in the following weeks, he came by and they asked why he had not come, and he said that he was ashamed for what his homeland had done, and thought that they would think less of him afterwards. There were many stories like that. Another story was that as the USS Oklahoma was capsized and sinking, the men could hear tapping of soldiers still alive for 2 days. Something else that I thought was cool, is that their is an oil leak from the USS Arizona that they let continue to leak to remind many of the day, and to pay tribute to the "tears" of the many that were lost. Crazy to think that it's been leaking for more than 50 years now. That's a lot of oil, and it only leaks 2 quarts a day! Than we toured the USS Missouri. That was kinda cool. I was WWII'd out by the end of that 5 hours that's for sure.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG41XXlLACuRtfqRoewXNnPRO2tJ6snrEVBWMJH-w7h9TgQHhiG45Hy__9AKXB7dZcaEq-rSqXResg1Lx6SIwOqZ9RCjubiOdPmNJX7NS0O7T7pKCJDIZRAxorw2VjH28j-nl9Oc7_wI8/s1600/74560059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG41XXlLACuRtfqRoewXNnPRO2tJ6snrEVBWMJH-w7h9TgQHhiG45Hy__9AKXB7dZcaEq-rSqXResg1Lx6SIwOqZ9RCjubiOdPmNJX7NS0O7T7pKCJDIZRAxorw2VjH28j-nl9Oc7_wI8/s320/74560059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt_C1VTws0KQFcQcQVQkAwhOHeTbepNg4snqey76sGzu_Wg6JazGGHtVw-hVmgEtD9ewbNFvSEeCB-RORQ2hgQBeYlJlv52SKAEBsGQEAgtvSM71akErDL5VThFZHMaXarbwcVANH0Og/s1600/74560052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt_C1VTws0KQFcQcQVQkAwhOHeTbepNg4snqey76sGzu_Wg6JazGGHtVw-hVmgEtD9ewbNFvSEeCB-RORQ2hgQBeYlJlv52SKAEBsGQEAgtvSM71akErDL5VThFZHMaXarbwcVANH0Og/s320/74560052.jpg" width="320" /></a>After the Pearl Harbor stuff, we went up to the Punch Bowl, which is where many people have been buried, and wear there is a memorial for the islands in the pacific during WWII. The walls were beautiful! Tiles that were crushed up to make pictures of the countries! And there was one for Kwaj! Which is an Island in the Marshall Islands that my Mom, and Karen grew up on!<br />
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It was so cool!We were staving afterwards, so we went to good ole Subway for some lunch, and started researching a new place to stay, because my allergies just could not handle staying at Lily's any longer. We called Uncle Ken, and he came to the rescue with numbers to call. We found a place in Laie (which is where the temple is) and it just happened to be available for the days that we needed! Tender Mercy. And a reasonable price for the both of us. So we said yes and that was done. We went over to Waikiki, and walked around the shops and went to a pier, and watched some of the local surfers.<br />
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Before we left, I debated on bringing my sweatshirt. I'm so glad I brought it. Because it rained. EVERY DAY.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Monday</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPvtDw86gJD8oICTHhASOz3RWdND_HkvtEiKFhf7IpeCVr0Jwc23PcW7WG6hp8f1XijF-O_U_EzVVJB2qJ3LqZPI-KjKyeTSc-fvHseM90uQj3xXaK6tB18h1D5z3XZuADVj7IhMYLvs/s1600/74530084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPvtDw86gJD8oICTHhASOz3RWdND_HkvtEiKFhf7IpeCVr0Jwc23PcW7WG6hp8f1XijF-O_U_EzVVJB2qJ3LqZPI-KjKyeTSc-fvHseM90uQj3xXaK6tB18h1D5z3XZuADVj7IhMYLvs/s320/74530084.jpg" width="320" /></a>Rained the night before. But we woke up, finished packing up our last minute things, and said our good byes and thank you's to Lily, and left! Our agenda was pretty packed every day believe it or not. We made our way to Hanauma bay to Snorkel, and stopped to hike to a lighthouse, all up hill. Lucky for us it was cloudy so the sun wasn't killing us.<br />
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After that we stopped by a place where there was a blowhole! That was pretty cool too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi6GWUTn_8tIRndpYKFPT4fqdhwcszFGun3gW9UqQgvXOX1xLwrV2T3EMR464NtBc_kGdpvrixpHsDqNOFQgTulUik6wLQViK20PhZSv9Artdm1tELXpvKouXy-OIP00zLtGhMjIFddI/s1600/74530053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi6GWUTn_8tIRndpYKFPT4fqdhwcszFGun3gW9UqQgvXOX1xLwrV2T3EMR464NtBc_kGdpvrixpHsDqNOFQgTulUik6wLQViK20PhZSv9Artdm1tELXpvKouXy-OIP00zLtGhMjIFddI/s320/74530053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMyRlnbEsOZ2m1vy2qVSjYuuGBwdfowdyHlJcgfgw-Sj29sUOYUTAVjItthHBJWjgFW0Mh5UyD0cW5GEZhxyv2jXJH9HeRg5QVEnDtohSXhmH7WmKX-gagJhVXpxnGowYaumv69UcT0U/s1600/74530049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMyRlnbEsOZ2m1vy2qVSjYuuGBwdfowdyHlJcgfgw-Sj29sUOYUTAVjItthHBJWjgFW0Mh5UyD0cW5GEZhxyv2jXJH9HeRg5QVEnDtohSXhmH7WmKX-gagJhVXpxnGowYaumv69UcT0U/s320/74530049.jpg" width="320" /></a>After the stops along the way, we got to Hanauma Bay, and snorkeled for a little bit, saw some beautiful fish! It seemed like the sun only shined through on the little spot that we were at, and all around us it was cloudy and rainy. After that we rinsed off and hiked back up with the SCUBA gear all by myself thank you very much, and went on our way to the new place in Laie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohYruwH__onwO2lJxphTmUW6lLM6MRYqOVEINgbxmqNwSvoqbml7-KBY-GQDnKk-TFflLh8h-fLWvln4Smv8bn9BU2a_UPZsX30s1BHS0w5s7-Dda9sMNFMFDKdppgcUNoSM9lveahx4/s1600/74560031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohYruwH__onwO2lJxphTmUW6lLM6MRYqOVEINgbxmqNwSvoqbml7-KBY-GQDnKk-TFflLh8h-fLWvln4Smv8bn9BU2a_UPZsX30s1BHS0w5s7-Dda9sMNFMFDKdppgcUNoSM9lveahx4/s320/74560031.jpg" width="320" /></a>Which when we arrived was heavenly. Seriously it was great! A huge room with windows everywhere, and a little kitchenette. It was perfect for us. I got in touch with my friends Shelby and Dani who are now both happily married, and asked them about where to eat. So we went to The Kahuku grill. It was delicious yet again.<br />
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After that, we went to a dessert place called Angel's where I met up with Dani, and her husband Shawn, and we caught up. We haven't seen each other in what we think is 6 years! It was great!<br />
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Tuesday</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3i6Wb6rktuHemD8F5R1HQiXR-tRk1HncjBz9wndBL9lc6BRuVagzpjRlELfqTDTZ9CrN5OqqyLivqvK5axBqh8_pIRzxho156BCiRa4NXq6IDiiCuv5TTJjh3uYrvXPL4-TNna_1K_c/s1600/IMG_8393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3i6Wb6rktuHemD8F5R1HQiXR-tRk1HncjBz9wndBL9lc6BRuVagzpjRlELfqTDTZ9CrN5OqqyLivqvK5axBqh8_pIRzxho156BCiRa4NXq6IDiiCuv5TTJjh3uYrvXPL4-TNna_1K_c/s320/IMG_8393.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ml28XtDf4M8cJ9_foGKQOJjLz3rA1TOL_GZAxg-uTePY7-x2wjjvWsfhl952ft1Tyoe6q_-u_sYWUYtpdvLKVWLyuHqHER_dSd6IFA3hmgEGMjnlh4q0WW9RAOooXYgcehJ2NWzzP9I/s1600/IMG_8389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ml28XtDf4M8cJ9_foGKQOJjLz3rA1TOL_GZAxg-uTePY7-x2wjjvWsfhl952ft1Tyoe6q_-u_sYWUYtpdvLKVWLyuHqHER_dSd6IFA3hmgEGMjnlh4q0WW9RAOooXYgcehJ2NWzzP9I/s320/IMG_8389.JPG" width="320" /></a>This morning we woke up and just relaxed, and planned the agenda for the rest of the week. We flipped a few things around because of the weather, but it didn't stop us from doing anything we wanted to do. We were going to go to the beach that was right outside the place we were staying at, but guess what? Yeah it was raining. I discovered that I lost my debit card along the way. Talk about panic. Karen said I dealt with it well though. No crying or Screaming. Cancelled it and got a new one sent. But of all places to lose it, it's in Hawaii ya know? Go figure. So we went on a drive yet again, and came to Dilligham Air<br />
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Field. Sky diving sign...drove past. Karen said, "You want to go skydiving?" and I was like "Sure" and she goes, "Are you serious?! Lets got!" So she turned around, and we went skydiving! I wasn't scared at all, only when my feet were hanging off the edge of the plane, and I was looking down. Besides that it was great! It was 14,000 ft in the air, and a 1 minute free fall. It was great. We went through the clouds, and that was cool, and got to see the whole bay area. And the North Shore.<br />
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After that we went home, and showered real quick, and went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Yet again we run into a little dillema. We didn't know that we were suppose to arrive at 12 to get our tickets. So we lost oru original package of the Luau, and the Breath of Life show afterwards. But Karen did her magic, and we somehow got it all back. Luau, and front row seats to the Show. Which both were amazing. We sat with a German couple who were a hoot to talk with. We went to the show of Breath of Life:Ha, and it was cool. It was your typical story line of a baby being born under royalty, grows up, falls in love and takes fathers heir. Happy ending etc. But it was full of culture, and dancing and singing! So cool!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Wednesday</b></span><br />
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Woke up early, and headed back to Waikiki to go Parasailing! It was awesome!!! We went 700 ft up in the air. Not nearly as high as Sky Diving, but still it was awesome! We got to see tons of dolphins too! It was a good time to go when we went because it wasn't raining...yet. Because it did indeed rain every day that we were there just to remind you! Took a breather at the beach afterwards to get our equilibriums back in order.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLp0scuPrqn3uFvoKjWFg_f9c0fWzouTxBgV6dqEo7pecChC90E_JGg20iLSuYk0aIGX-CwbGK0X5EKZtcsw50c_Z80buHT0bO2QsaSKSO6DCf8qR6V6dVERFLGm3rrOri4C3rtHvxIG4/s1600/74700019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLp0scuPrqn3uFvoKjWFg_f9c0fWzouTxBgV6dqEo7pecChC90E_JGg20iLSuYk0aIGX-CwbGK0X5EKZtcsw50c_Z80buHT0bO2QsaSKSO6DCf8qR6V6dVERFLGm3rrOri4C3rtHvxIG4/s320/74700019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBfZs84m_6r-7qTjBkaHan0TEmGYoH7-UsjKJhXdy9YgkSOVhFTuj6gp7MsWF1cNyOs-WYX5PFySc6FF_JKK9TFKBehqKh65CANb8lSWGE4KJ3VL7G2RVhN2PMOCYr-cAD0vqrRN9IcU/s1600/74530026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBfZs84m_6r-7qTjBkaHan0TEmGYoH7-UsjKJhXdy9YgkSOVhFTuj6gp7MsWF1cNyOs-WYX5PFySc6FF_JKK9TFKBehqKh65CANb8lSWGE4KJ3VL7G2RVhN2PMOCYr-cAD0vqrRN9IcU/s320/74530026.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Then found a Jamba Juice which took forever!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIK0VjKzoTVSCggWJYoLeJGuH7HjvvnRDPENBPruavcFP5qv-ufP6xjZ1_La80SxqCJ-xfsqDNFgHDcPInm_88MMVWCRERL5UR9HrxQxmXgnC3XnRLIDEG2qCoppYquFNlwlHuqdutC4/s1600/74530031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIK0VjKzoTVSCggWJYoLeJGuH7HjvvnRDPENBPruavcFP5qv-ufP6xjZ1_La80SxqCJ-xfsqDNFgHDcPInm_88MMVWCRERL5UR9HrxQxmXgnC3XnRLIDEG2qCoppYquFNlwlHuqdutC4/s320/74530031.jpg" width="240" /></a>And we went off to Diamond Head. Which is an intense hike. Uphill. Switchbacks. Tunnels. a group of 74 steps, and then another 99 steps. With a spiral stair case. Yeah it was intense. But we made it! And the view was spectacular! After that we went to the Aloha! Stadium for the Swap Meet which is basically a flee market, or a mercado and found a bunch of stuff! I even found a pearl ring that I fell in love with and bought, but only to find that a few hours later after my fingers were done being swollen that it no longer fit! :( But By the end of our trip, Karen and I traded rings. :) Then we went to the Pali look out! We were up in the clouds when we got up there, another overcast moment. It was beautiful yet again.<br />
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Then the best part of the night was getting back to Laie, and getting ready to go to Dinner with Dani and her husband, and Shelby and her husband at the Kahuku Grill. It was great catching up with everyone, we laughed so hard, and brought back so many memories! It was fabulous, loved it.<br />
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last full day in Hawaii. The reason why we went to Hawaii: SCUBA. And we finally got to do it. So we woke up really early again, and went up to Sharks Cove which is one of the TOP SCUBA places in the world. We ended up doing a 2 tank dive. The first was cool. It was quite the hike to get to the water because it was a shore dive, and with all the equipment on, it's super heavy, a leg workout for sure. We saw tons of pretty fish, and the best part was that we were the first ones out so we got to see the fish first thing that morning. I was having problems with my buoyancy which is normal for me, but Ricardo(from Brazil) gave me 2 more pounds in my weight belt which seemed to fix my problem. We surfaced, and took a break. Ricardo gave me a lighter tank this time, and we went off to our second dive. We saw Turtles!! I was hoping and praying that I would see some, because I love turtles! And I saw 2! They were pretty big ones too! Bigger than any of the turtles I've seen back home at least. We saw the queen fish in the bay too! The only one. A bright yellow female. So that was cool too. Then we went through the Lava Caves. Talk about adventurous. It wasn't dark, only in one spot, and Ricardo held my hand for most of that, because my buoyancy still wasn't letting me maintain neutral. But by the end of the dive we were good to go. Oh! And we saw a stone fish! They are hard to spot because they well...look like stone, or the coral. And we also saw some neon invertebrates which were these bright purple random bacteria looking things. That's the only way I know how to describe it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4tAWFmU67rV2esNGd0WU3RN1stQO5ZJeHo1Z2haCmbWPE-MF-Idt8tpcEeqMOSybsXrBn343vOrN9-6vr-2s0HItfSHEO4x_-PFyhnH7FP7blmm7KL03YeC4np6LwHghpmFuObc-PFg/s1600/74560008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4tAWFmU67rV2esNGd0WU3RN1stQO5ZJeHo1Z2haCmbWPE-MF-Idt8tpcEeqMOSybsXrBn343vOrN9-6vr-2s0HItfSHEO4x_-PFyhnH7FP7blmm7KL03YeC4np6LwHghpmFuObc-PFg/s320/74560008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After that we went straight to the Famous Dole Plantation where we got lunch, and did the Worlds Largest Maze. Found all the hidden stuff too. And in the process I lost my cool, and got really frustrated and had a little bit of an anxiety attack. Totally not cool. But it was pretty funny looking back at it. Got some pineapple dessert after that though and it was yet again delicious!<br />
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Afterwards we were yucky and smelly, so we showered and went to go visit the visitors center at the Laie, Temple. It was beautiful. We ended our last night. Packing up and getting ready to leave the next morning<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Friday</b></span><br />
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Woke up before the sun rose, and headed back to Honolulu to catch our flight to LA. Once we got to LA we changed our flight to go directly to Phoenix instead of having another layover in Salt Lake City, and we even changed it for free! Got back to Phoenix safe and sound!<br />
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As for a recap of all of that, it was great! Just what I needed to take a break from all the chaos from back in Utah. I'm excited to get back home to Florida though! I can't wait to see my mom, and my friends and the white sandy beaches! Somethings I already miss though: my new place in St. George and falling asleep talking to Connie, and seeing Steven. I do not miss school, or gov, or work that's for sure. </div><div><br />
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</div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-30867408557702616712011-05-02T08:01:00.000-07:002011-05-02T08:01:37.577-07:00Angels Landing and another Final downOkay so here's the latest.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5wxRK7Vnx7EkWcrp0p6I-Gf2aqzL02F3YJuuCviwguPkGmhfDOx83Mkbf43BHBXf8NkDQLTwa2s73cxgTXhcGYqevzgTr-vC0GiYwDovrjpIt-k_rclkHxdtHslX_u_P-tt2zk2Z5Xc/s1600/DSC01925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5wxRK7Vnx7EkWcrp0p6I-Gf2aqzL02F3YJuuCviwguPkGmhfDOx83Mkbf43BHBXf8NkDQLTwa2s73cxgTXhcGYqevzgTr-vC0GiYwDovrjpIt-k_rclkHxdtHslX_u_P-tt2zk2Z5Xc/s320/DSC01925.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDX5ydpIo1hi-uBpgEYrk-JTQfZDxfYSy0mi5srtL3rBYe-pXIr-UetwVaqg0RLrvFozUx4vcXIkH3eFpUchWMh8kk0jzPSdgkdZIZWMyxzBpFa6J48fW8QJrS6htw8VSw6gLdF0JSH8/s1600/DSC01901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDX5ydpIo1hi-uBpgEYrk-JTQfZDxfYSy0mi5srtL3rBYe-pXIr-UetwVaqg0RLrvFozUx4vcXIkH3eFpUchWMh8kk0jzPSdgkdZIZWMyxzBpFa6J48fW8QJrS6htw8VSw6gLdF0JSH8/s320/DSC01901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXhJwEhzaiBv9rQa8zXaDZisFK7lsccjRk70qeLscyDYvVukNyBCB8UM2dAlsfjf6eUiQ7IvFyHImXKxF_tyrPzPKICXXkzNj1BtJ1gBSYSoEtj61MQjjHfhmUeDbWie8Sdn9G0eHPQc/s1600/DSC01906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXhJwEhzaiBv9rQa8zXaDZisFK7lsccjRk70qeLscyDYvVukNyBCB8UM2dAlsfjf6eUiQ7IvFyHImXKxF_tyrPzPKICXXkzNj1BtJ1gBSYSoEtj61MQjjHfhmUeDbWie8Sdn9G0eHPQc/s320/DSC01906.jpg" width="240" /></a>We hiked Angels landing on Saturday. We meaning Steven, Kaj, and I! If you're afraid of heights, I do not recommend it at all. But I had so much fun. Steve and I are doing it again so we can make it to the top this time. But it was pretty chilly and windy for my likening. Regardless, it was a ton of fun! Afterwards we took a chill pill for a little bit, and then got ready for Dinner in Cedar City with Brother and Sister Tate some missionaries that Steven served with, and Kaj wanted to visit before he leaves on his mission to Poland. That was fun. I was so tired that night I'm not going to lie. But It was a great break from all the stress I've had about everything else going on around me.<br />
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We are pretty much settled into our new place. It's home for the next year, and I'm pretty exciting. The best part is the Harry Potter closet that we have. And all the space we have! It's perfect!<br />
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I don't know what else more there is to say except that I have two more finals now, one is going to be a little hard, and the other will be a breeze. I will be done on Thursday! Woo! Best day ever!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutoNvLlAyq4nYqGwIyBAXm5dimBbyYXR-auQz8WS_EiYbDaUr2HcAkxRDtLK40F8t66p1nXdcM-6AHPKP4TO2IdI6QxdgAQ7TuHUSb1eU3tgaQbfQwOvWYVzL41hedHti05cedZ-uDkQ/s1600/DSC01928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutoNvLlAyq4nYqGwIyBAXm5dimBbyYXR-auQz8WS_EiYbDaUr2HcAkxRDtLK40F8t66p1nXdcM-6AHPKP4TO2IdI6QxdgAQ7TuHUSb1eU3tgaQbfQwOvWYVzL41hedHti05cedZ-uDkQ/s320/DSC01928.jpg" width="240" /></a>Oh I'm cutting my hair. Chopping it again. I just can't seem to grow my hair out past the length that it is right now, because it's really annoying. So I'm cutting it off again. Don't worry- not boy short.<br />
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It's almost time to start packing for you know what!! Hawaii and Florida! :) I can not wait!! I'm going to get buhhh-rown! Karen got our snacks already, movies downloaded on her iPad, and I've got the latest and greatest too..haha yeah right.<br />
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Life is good. :)<br />
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Oh. I got the nanny job! I'm so grateful for that too!Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-28609522463610292662011-04-29T18:45:00.000-07:002011-04-29T18:45:25.262-07:00Wrapping it upI told you I was getting better at this blogging thing!<br />
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So I'm happy to say that Student Government is done! I cleaned out my office on Wednesday! And I am not going to lie..I'm so glad it's over. That's the one thing this year that has carried weight on my brain, and shoulders, and fingers. Literally. But it's been fun nonetheless. I've learned a ton about patience. And what to do when people don't stick to their word. I've learned more about keeping an open mind about so many things. I've learned that politically I don't swing to one side or the other. Sorry you political people. I just feel that you gotta pick what's right as a whole, and that doesn't necessarily mean that one side of the political divide is right or wrong, it just means it's different. I'm reminded that people need to be unified to have things work. If it's not things just fall apart. I've learned that sometimes you have to be more flexible with people, and your time. Which for me is hard because I'm a planner, and super organized so I can get frustrated easily when things are dropped out of the blue, or things come up randomly. But some how things just work out. Funny how things work that way isn't it. <br />
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Class are done!!!! Yet there are still Finals. I have mixed emotion about it finally being here. It's bittersweet like I've been saying all along. But I had my first final yesterday it was just presenting my e-portfolio, and a "mock" classroom website. It was kind of entertaining I'm not going to lie. It's kind of like scrapbooking. But we presented them in class last night. Then this morning I took another final, which was a breeze. Now I have three left. Psychology, Child's lit, and Math for education. I'm stressing about my math, but that's what always happens to me! Then I've got a study session with the lovely Megan Jolley! She's the smart one, so I'm glad we can study for one of my finals together. And then for math we have a few of us studying together. So I think I will be just fine. I'm crossing my fingers though. A tender mercy I have yet to be blessed with, that is people who know what they are talking about and that can help me!<br />
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The most exciting part of all of this is that Connie and I moved out!! Woo! After a grueling, frustrating, and stressing process, we found a place to live out in Washington! It's so cute. I will have pictures up soon I promise! It's split level, so the bedrooms are all upstairs, and then the living room and kitchen are downstairs. I'm so relieved to have found a place. It's another tender mercy I have been blessed with. <br />
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Another thing to cross off the list was institute graduation. My grandparents were able to come out, and so was Steven and Kaj, and the girls. So that was great. I appreciated it. I had the opportunity to speak, and while being last, I felt that everything that already been said, but I told a story about when I was in Costa Rica and a night dive that I went on, and related it all to hope, and being anchored in Christ. I actually like speaking in front of people so I enjoyed it. But I'm happy to say that it's over.<br />
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I had my interview for female student of the year. And I feel pretty good about it, but if I don't get it, I am just honored to be one of the 5 finalists!<br />
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Oh and I don't know if this was mentioned in the last post or not, but I had 3 interviews and I have another one this coming Wednesday. All for different things. Hopefully I get one of them, but we will see!<br />
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Oh yeah! Last weekend was Easter! It was perfect! I went up to Springdale on Saturday and spent time with Steven, and some of his family. We went to Blondie's this cute little diner for lunch, and went up on a hike in Zion which was great! We went up by Court of Patriarch's but it's an unbeaten path that we went up, literally uphill, but it was fun. Lots of big beetle looking stink bugs. Gross! And then Easter was incredible. Our ward Choir was awesome! They had a whole program for us. And then I went out and spent some time with my grandparents in Toquerville, and Steven came, and we went to the fireside. Which was great too. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that we died eggs! Which was hilarious, something I am not good at, but had fun.<br />
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Okay so speaking of..Steven and I. I guess I can have a section about it now without being a wierdy. But it's going good. I'm pretty excited for him to actually live in St. George though, because then we can see each other more often, and I wont feel bad when he drives a bajillion miles to come out to see me. His friend Kaj who was baptized while Steven was out in Canada on his mission is visiting! Which is a ton of fun! And he is going on a mission to Poland next week! Which is way exciting! They both came out this morning and helped me move which I was so grateful for their help. I was pretty ornery though, and such a brat today. Oh we made these blocks together last weekend and finished them this week for my math class, and it was so fun! Oh, and I welded something for the first time! It was a little derby kart that his brother was tinkering with, and needed to have the tire pumped, but in order for that to happen they had to break the metal pieces and then weld it back together. But anyway, it's been going great! I love doing things, something I like is that we never just sit around and do nothing, we are always busy doing something together, but if we do just sit, we can have real conversations, or just sit and not talk and it's fine. Some people don't like that, but I don't mind it at all, but I talk his ear off most of the time anyway haha. What else can I tell you? It's just peachy though. I finally found someone who is constantly doing things for others, and always fixing things. I love that. Oh and, we had a lesson about forgiving others in our institute class, and it was just what I needed, but Steven and I talked a lot about it after, but more specifically dealing with something that I dont like to talk about with a lot of people, and he just listened, yet was helpful, and you know how sometimes when people say things and you're like, "That doesn't help at all," or "can't you just let me vent" type of thing but I don't feel that way..if that makes any sense at all. Anyway like I said, things are great! :)<br />
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Oh and I got things all squared away for Washington D.C I think! Woohoo! I can't wait! <br />
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In a week, I will be on a plane to Phoenix to head to Hawaii, and I am thrilled. I cant wait to just get on that plane and leave everything behind! :)<br />
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So that's the latest and greatest. Not too exciting to be honest.<br />
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But some upcoming things this next week: Study like an obsessed college student who wants to get good grades. Finish unpacking and organizing the new place. Study more. And take my finals. Pack for my trip to Hawaii and Florida, and then I have an interview next week as well! I can't wait to get the heck out of here. It's time for a break!!Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-40834173646844104392011-04-21T08:35:00.000-07:002011-04-21T08:35:46.029-07:00Bittersweet ending and recap<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Warning: Long Post. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiER8fzgLMRRySCWqvCvOoskAnbyqdskCMiD3AZYB_p9sExRvk413I9s3INpRbdoohmXvNQLvHr4Jd4gjEiibBP4tlWmdcshB1h30lPsWen-hEY4rnGph40TXcnPr0aWwitbQRP0GI2Q3Q/s1600/jetplane.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiER8fzgLMRRySCWqvCvOoskAnbyqdskCMiD3AZYB_p9sExRvk413I9s3INpRbdoohmXvNQLvHr4Jd4gjEiibBP4tlWmdcshB1h30lPsWen-hEY4rnGph40TXcnPr0aWwitbQRP0GI2Q3Q/s320/jetplane.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Current News.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another chaotic week in my life. Only 2 more of those left! What a relief. When I get on that plane to head to Hawaii, I am going to let out the biggest exhale, and everything will be left behind! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiei6JbsSUkEBcSugXVVkVYwyPvo6EgK5CrV5z4ymlBGfO7Xnaiuy2GvON7wbTUY4B2HC2pn5vtvIJZCLa8tVfw6jfUYB1vct3iREYXC4Fth_VCoJfRj8CzAwCkUVHsVTVeWdDwHNYW3fY/s1600/jlvn186l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiei6JbsSUkEBcSugXVVkVYwyPvo6EgK5CrV5z4ymlBGfO7Xnaiuy2GvON7wbTUY4B2HC2pn5vtvIJZCLa8tVfw6jfUYB1vct3iREYXC4Fth_VCoJfRj8CzAwCkUVHsVTVeWdDwHNYW3fY/s320/jlvn186l.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I did a research paper on anxiety for my psychology class, and I'm so happy to have that done. Actually I am officially done with all of my assignments now, and it's crunch time for finals. I finished up tutoring this year. It's bittersweet to see the kids go because they have grown up a little, and learned even more. I finished up my last Children's Literature assignment! What a relief that was too! I think we counted and read over 50 books this semester. Work has been picking up a little bit, and slowing down at the same time. I worked a 14 hour shift on Saturday. LONGEST DAY OF MY LIFE! Oh and I even got called a "female dog." I thought I was going to lose my job for about 15 seconds, and then my big boss for that day was like "pshh you're fine, she's the female dog." She was a crazy lady though that's for sure! It's hilarious looking back on it now though. Glad that day is over though. Steven came to church with us at the Singles Ward for the first time! I was thinking about it, and of all times for Steven to just drop in, it's the most hectic, stressful, busiest, most tiring part of the semester, and there he is. He shared a quote with me, and I found that it's from Sex and the City, but it said-</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Everything you ever ever wanted comes the very second you stop looking for it.</span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And all I'm going to say about it is that it's so true! The end. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But I know some of you are wondering, just like the rest of everyone who asks...Steven and I are great. He took me out to breakfast which is my favorite date in the whole wide world (besides a library one, but that will come later) and it was so fun. Except that I got a salad instead of potatoes which was weird first thing in the morning if I do say so myself! But we are good. Tomorrow we are going to this new Hot Dog place with Connie! I can't wait, and then we are making these blocks for my math class with each other. One thing that I love, is that I can talk and talk and talk and talk, and he just listens, and laughs at me, or with me probably more at me, but that's alright. There's hope for you girls out there. I promise.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">With the end of the year rapidly coming to an end, I'm starting to reflect a ton on everything that's happened since January. Which is a ton! I can't believe how much has happened academically, spiritually, socially, mentally, and physically. I have said this in almost every post thus far, but this semester has been the most challenging one for me, yet rewarding. Being enrolled in 20 credits- I don't suggest it when you have 2 jobs, a major church calling, and are involved in student government, and tutor at an elementary school, and the dove center. Just not a good idea. We'll see how my grades turn out at the end. The only class that I'm really worried about it math. Which is always case. Regardless, I have grown so much this semester. I have an increased appreciation for education, a passion for serving others, and an understanding of the Lord's will. Beyond that, I have made friendships that will last forever that I am ever grateful for.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Reflecting</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">On the past semester, and all the great things that have happened.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember when I was sick for two months? No exaggeration there either. I sure remember. I can honestly say, that it was the most challenging to still stay on top of everything, and yet it was a blessing. It made me realize how important it is to stay healthy, and how grateful I am for when I am healthy. It just slows you down. But I only get sick like every other year or so, and when I do it's pretty bad, and this time it was for a long period of time. But every time that I do, it's like Heavenly Father is saying, "Hey Gabbi, SLOW DOWN!" And I'm forced to take a chill pill, and find time for myself to get better, which is really hard for me sometimes. Thank goodness for pedicures, that's really all I need time for when it comes to treating myself lol. When my toes are happy, I'm happy. End of story. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Student Government. Man oh man. Where do I even begin. What a fun transition it was in being the administrative assistant. But I can say that it was the most draining. Towards the end I was burnt out to the crisp too. It's so repetitive that I get annoyed. That being said, I learned so much about dealing with people, and how the legislature works, all about higher education, and met important dignitaries throughout the semester. One person can make a difference and it was shown this past semester with all the changes that are happening this upcoming year at Dixie. I found a passion for Dixie, and that Dixie Spirit that all the alumni and ole folks talk about. Being apart of it has helped me to realize that no matter how far away from home you may be, that you can bring home to wherever you are. Everyone has something different to offer, and I think that's why I love to be involved in something that means so much to me. I have to clean out my office this next week, and I'm torn. But next year's executive council will be great, I know they will. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">School. Holy Moley! 20 credits. And I think I stayed on top of it all. I never had a late assignment, and I passed CIS with the lovely help of Alayna Graham! My hardest class was Psychology, but it was the class that I learned the most in. I can honestly say that I know I'm going into to teaching, because it's where I fit. My Children's lit class was the most time consuming, and draining. I was constantly reading books, which wasn't a bad thing, it was just time consuming, and sometimes when you're so tired, it's almost not even worth reading, because you just have to re read what you already read, and you still don't understand it! I'm a slow reader to, even though I love to read, but that class was inspiring, and so optimistic on children, and the teaching aspect. I can't wait to have my own library! CIS what a pain in the but that class was. But we all have to do it. My advice if it means anything to anyone: TEST OUT OF ALL OF THE OBJECTIVES!! You can totally do it. I tested out of everything except Excel and regret not testing out. Just take all the tutorials, and practice tests, and you will pass with flying colors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tutoring. It's over! I'm so sad. Those kids kept me seine. They taught me a lot about patience. Those little hispanic kids are my favorite too. When they read to me, they would read in English, but sometimes their little spanish accents would come out and they would read a word with the spanish dialect. I loved it, and never corrected them on it...oops. I just thought it was the cutest thing! I had my favorites. John and Javeria. Javeria improved her scores so much throughout the year. Seeing other people succeed is by far my favorite thing. Like watching the olympics I don't care who wins, just seeing people succeed at something that they have worked so hard doing gives me goosebumps all up and down my spine. I can't help it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl7udt_EOaxCiTwh45K-eLmcWMYBYNVJl8FEGTJ92fZMnTteAVy1YRSNweUq37t_YJY5Gdyp_oMk4bY1Zncc-Cn7i6QlnG0E3bzaIQbNNPC8yRhTB0Z0BmKgLL6SD54Aw2lkIXpzIW0I/s1600/capitol-building-washington-dc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl7udt_EOaxCiTwh45K-eLmcWMYBYNVJl8FEGTJ92fZMnTteAVy1YRSNweUq37t_YJY5Gdyp_oMk4bY1Zncc-Cn7i6QlnG0E3bzaIQbNNPC8yRhTB0Z0BmKgLL6SD54Aw2lkIXpzIW0I/s320/capitol-building-washington-dc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dove Center. PHEW I'm getting worn out just thinking about all of this stuff. What a great team to work with! We did so much to get Greg Mortenson hear in St. George, and we did it! It was such a great experience for me, and towards the end, I started to pray about what I was going to do afterwards to serve, and then all of these opportunities arose. I can't wait to start! It's going to be another learning and growing experience for me. I'll be headed to Washington D.C this summer thanks to Kay Ackerman, a women that I volunteered with, and will be helping out with a summer camp for girls afterwards. It's going to be great!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Institute. WOW. What a great experience this has been, and definitely paid off too. This semester we had the highest number of students enrolled than ever. Which to give other people some credit, it makes sense because the enrollment at Dixie is rising in general, but still! It's great news! It's been so fun planning activities, even though majority of the time I had to work. Some were successful, and some weren't, but I think we all learned a lot about communicating with one another, and recognizing the needs of both stakes. I can't wait for next year. It's going to be even better. I can already feel the unity we have with the new Executive council! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTSeQtFpk-LFBdOjXhv_j5tVInCmE8oEoXJ8CGhiwXbPlntJ_8yHF3606gHMZoasq7jFqHpL_D9rJhDCrvk2rhipBML9NhMlYdy-ZkRRl1pPv74qU2zfWNcHwhyphenhyphen8rXTjSlS0SqHhIvk4/s1600/jc-children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTSeQtFpk-LFBdOjXhv_j5tVInCmE8oEoXJ8CGhiwXbPlntJ_8yHF3606gHMZoasq7jFqHpL_D9rJhDCrvk2rhipBML9NhMlYdy-ZkRRl1pPv74qU2zfWNcHwhyphenhyphen8rXTjSlS0SqHhIvk4/s320/jc-children.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Lords Will. Funny how things work out the way they are suppose to, and not when we want them to right?! This past semester has been full of good news, and bad news, but I've learned to take the bad and throw it away because it's what brings you down, and the good news brings you up, and most of the time the bad things are so little that it doesn't really matter. My path has been brightly lit thanks to the will of the Lord. I'll be on my way to becoming a teacher in the Fall. Which I couldn't be more excited, and scared about. I'm going to Hawaii which has been a goal since about October, one reason why I had two jobs. Then I'll be home for almost 2 weeks! I haven't been home in six months, and I'm going to take advantage of every minute I'm home! I'll be up at BYU Provo to do EFY counseling, which has been on my bucket list since I was 14. 7 Years later, and it's being crossed off! I'll be going to Washington D.C for a Leader conference for Women by myself, and that has worked out so smoothly, I can't even tell you how generous people around me have been to support me in going. I've never been, so I'm excited, and a little nervous. There's potential for me to help out at a 7th and 8th grade summer camp for girls as well, and be a camp teacher type thing, which I would totally love! The more and more I think about it, I should go into communications, but maybe after I get my Elem Ed. degree? Things just fall into place right as they are suppose to. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I covered all the basics of this past semester. But here's a few more things. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKzm18mFDL1kvN5GSeyUASfzYnBOochtfc3fJTws0CcvuRYZDzeuMmMpqY5EEUOpHv3D-KBbLzKWNH_a8gNINliEtVotHgdVQLeJ34CLwiXBPNpiMKxIXxlp-YFEJK2Wd9U4G7xVFoZU/s1600/DSC01738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKzm18mFDL1kvN5GSeyUASfzYnBOochtfc3fJTws0CcvuRYZDzeuMmMpqY5EEUOpHv3D-KBbLzKWNH_a8gNINliEtVotHgdVQLeJ34CLwiXBPNpiMKxIXxlp-YFEJK2Wd9U4G7xVFoZU/s320/DSC01738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I've been away from home for 2 years now, I see myself turning into my mother. I can say that I love it. I'm not doing it on purpose, it's just mother nature literally working!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In institute a girl shared a story, and then applied it to the following. You have a white piece of paper, and there is a black dot in the center, and then below the dot in small print it says, "See the white." Basically meaning that as we looks around us, we need to see the good in things, that one black spot doesn't cover up everything good in someone or something. I loved that thought. Made me think. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmE6tqR47Lbk3ReMviQGhrDVJnTGbEdkFvzprSOd-G1uIrf49sjI_BgGEz_I3VgixTXX87Av7yISnWJkfqURnkIZzT9e2ghC5qL_djKMLbxjDiS3ayNQBZJYAaUifnxstsekayEC_iYI/s1600/image005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmE6tqR47Lbk3ReMviQGhrDVJnTGbEdkFvzprSOd-G1uIrf49sjI_BgGEz_I3VgixTXX87Av7yISnWJkfqURnkIZzT9e2ghC5qL_djKMLbxjDiS3ayNQBZJYAaUifnxstsekayEC_iYI/s320/image005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Somethings I need to get better at. Patience. Yet, I have come to my own conclusion that patience is an eternal virtue that we will always have to work on. I also need to work on my sympathy I have towards others. Sometimes I have this attitude of- get over it, or life's tough move on. I give credit to my family for that and all my coaches I ever had. If you know what the smallest violin is, you know what I'm talking about. Thankfully I have learned to just get over it, not dwell, and move on, but others don't really and so I need to be better at showing sympathy, and empathy. I find that there are always things I can be striving to be better at, but when I'm not trying to become better at something I'm lacking in, is when I become prideful. Just as the scriptures say</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><b>I </b><sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: super;"><b>b</b></sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12?lang=eng#" id="footnote53" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=ether&chapterUri=12&noteID=27b&lang=eng" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">give</span></b></a><b> unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my </b><sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: super;"><b>c</b></sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12?lang=eng#" id="footnote54" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=ether&chapterUri=12&noteID=27c&lang=eng" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">grace</span></b></a><b> is sufficient for all men that </b><sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: super;"><b>d</b></sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12?lang=eng#" id="footnote55" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=ether&chapterUri=12&noteID=27d&lang=eng" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">humble</span></b></a><b> themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make </b><sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: super;"><b>e</b></sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12?lang=eng#" id="footnote56" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=ether&chapterUri=12&noteID=27e&lang=eng" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">weak</span></b></a><b> things become strong unto them.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlXNyetzNCq5oOEcG_CkrojJrWmHndeyZF22TmnCS19O8jSd2gUlzoxoPpLg_fKtMYd6FxhvwzAgJh8kEJMv9ZhjmxZPK-aNzeKpYaitWl3kmembxzNcyX-mBqzbYyIcUV5JLp9IKgK4/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlXNyetzNCq5oOEcG_CkrojJrWmHndeyZF22TmnCS19O8jSd2gUlzoxoPpLg_fKtMYd6FxhvwzAgJh8kEJMv9ZhjmxZPK-aNzeKpYaitWl3kmembxzNcyX-mBqzbYyIcUV5JLp9IKgK4/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With that being said, Easter is on Sunday! I love this time of year. It's a great time to reflect on the life of Christ, and the atonement. I've been challenged to memorize The Living Christ, which- with how busy I am, has been quite the challenge for me. But I am almost done memorize it, and it's become such a blessing in my life. I know the Christ is my Savior, I know that he atoned for the sins, not just mine, but for the world. I know that he lived a life to set the example for us to follow. How important it is for us to try our hardest, but when we fall, we can count on him to pick us back up again. He is the light, the truth, and the way to life. I know that we can overcome all things through Christ. We have to put our faith and trust in him, and things will work out for our good as it says in Romans 8:28. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope that this Easter we can all have a magnified reflection on Christ's life, and emulate his example for the rest of our lives. </span></span></div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-37058581243913294792011-04-11T22:40:00.000-07:002011-04-11T22:40:27.342-07:00Springdale Weekend and Conference<div style="text-align: center;">So this past weekend, was fabulous! I am getting better at this whole updating thing. Knock on wood</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">April 2-3</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CONFERENCE</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">General Conference weekend! It was so much fun. I realized a lot about being an only child. I could not handle having brothers! I was with Connie and her brother Steven all weekend long, and it was fun and hilarious, but contentious much of the time, and I was like ahh. No Bueno. Looking back I can laugh now. Let me back up a little bit though. Steven(boyfriend) and I rode up on his Grandpa's motorcycle, which had a sidecar attached to it. Some people that passed us took a picture. I'm sure it looks funny, but it was so fun. Once we got up to Provo I met up with Connie, and we went and did a little shopping. We are the worst shoppers. We encourage money spending. If she likes something, I tell her to buy it. I think I get that from my mom. And if she tells me to buy something, I probably will. Definitely not healthy. Then again we don't get to do much shopping in St. George, because there is no shopping to be had here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1Gt0za3lGd7lLxFpwV48zRbJhReX-KjE9Figpwh7cQTglSypLEMMHfGhJO6dY24tG1PR8R_J9bQLfyspU3ap4isPwr1mZpxXpk2tGsFpTqkOJvKYd5sWiEoYiyAS7wGk_3q0aEFOtxc/s1600/DSC01890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1Gt0za3lGd7lLxFpwV48zRbJhReX-KjE9Figpwh7cQTglSypLEMMHfGhJO6dY24tG1PR8R_J9bQLfyspU3ap4isPwr1mZpxXpk2tGsFpTqkOJvKYd5sWiEoYiyAS7wGk_3q0aEFOtxc/s320/DSC01890.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxGTKSupD74UNwj-0drQ_YY81piLAFtDPvBijHijoNMHW-bmCXtNKTyGMVi925M6mOiFpIduS74FcGEl5AJx_0q3ih0sSDniVKmSKpH2P_d3cl57iYhlQ0QTBwHLi_cNb_OSOv2j5cEk/s1600/DSC01895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxGTKSupD74UNwj-0drQ_YY81piLAFtDPvBijHijoNMHW-bmCXtNKTyGMVi925M6mOiFpIduS74FcGEl5AJx_0q3ih0sSDniVKmSKpH2P_d3cl57iYhlQ0QTBwHLi_cNb_OSOv2j5cEk/s320/DSC01895.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday morning we woke up at the crack of dawn to get over to the Conference Center in Salt Lake, and We had to stand in the Standby line, because Steven(brother) didn't have a ticket. Then what are the chances that we run into someone? HIGH! Right as we got to sit on the cold cement, who do we see running around Temple Square? Our Stake President, President Gubler!! We yell out his name, and go talk to him for a little bit, and he asked us if we needed another ticket! And we did! He said that he had one that he could give to us! What a tender mercy that was! So we got a ticket, but in the meantime, we got to talk to some of the Sister Missionaries. They were so cute! I wish that we could have talked to them longer, but it was great. One was from South America, and another one was from Virginia. When we got into the conference center, we were so close. Sitting in the Plaza of the Conference Center. Afterwards we met up with both Steven's and walked a bajillion miles to get back to the car. We went to Gateway mall, and ran into a few people I knew from school and church! Small world! Which was great, we spent too much money, but I got some cute things!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday we got up early. What an adventure this was. Steven(brother) ended up locking his keys in his car. We didn't end up leaving at 7:30 like we planned, but more like 9:00. Funny looking back, but definitely not in the moment. Oh and did I mention it was snowing? Yeah me and snow, driving with another person, not so good with the accident I was in a while back. We picked up Steven(boyfriend), and we got home safe and sound.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A few things I got out of conference:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
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<b><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Elder L Tom Perry:</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Be an example of the believers & Keep the Sabbath day Holy</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Jean A. Stevens</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Look to children as an example. Be quick to love. Contagious optimism can meet adversity with hope. </div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Elder Gonzalez</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Followers of Christ are loving people and make and keep covenants.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">His Tender mercies will make us mighty</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Following is a call to action and shows love and obedience</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Elder Richards</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Pain brings you to a sense of humility to ponder. </div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Quinton L. Cook</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Remain strong, immovable and true to the faith</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">A mother in the home maintains balance</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Elder Eyring</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Join and Serve. Lift up those in need. </div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Have I done any good in the world today?</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">When you're generous to others, He's generous to you. </div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Elder Uchtdorf</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">It comes one piece at a time to see more clearly the paths. He speaks to us where we can hear with our hearts. If we are thinking of only ourselves we may miss the needs of others. Selfless acts of service refine our spirits. By becoming the answer to someone elses prayer we may find the answer to our own. If we live according to our beliefs, people will notice.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Bishop Burton</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Enduring patiently builds our character</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">the only way to see the view is to make the climb. Sometimes we are tried only to pull through with blessings.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Sylvia H Alred</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Love one Another</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Rejoice in the opportunity to serve others</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">David A Bednar</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Act and not be acted upon. Have confidence that the Lord will guide your steps</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">President Monson</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">I love to see the Temple</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Richard G Scott</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Expressions of love</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Carl B Pratt</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Provident living=self reliance</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Benjamin De Hojas</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Dedicate to Eternal Families</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Charity</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Eternal Tranquility</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">This past week was crazy! So many meetings, and projects for school, presentations, and work, and try to have a social life. It's getting to me. I can't wait for this semester to be done! 3 more weeks until finals!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Steven came out on Wednesday and he heart attacked my door. We went to dinner and then institute, and had an awesome lesson, on being one, and on love. It was ironic that's for sure. Something that stuck with me, and still does is this thought on love: To love is to be Vulnerable. That being said, after institute we went to Krave, because I had a free bowl! We ran into Annie March and Allison Carrol from Bishop Brackens ward, and it was fun to talk with them, and catch up real quick. Thursday was way crazy, I had two presentations a 7am mtg, and the usually crazyness, but guess who came to visit me on a whim? Yeah Steven. He's so thoughtful. Just what I needed despite all the stuff I had to get done. Then Friday I got all my homework done so that I could just have fun over the weekend. I just had tons of errands to run, and relaxed. Saturday the girls and I went to look at a condo, it was cute, and awesome we all like it, but the whole checked of the credit score thing doesn't run over too well with us, which is understandable. Steven came over, oh and he brought goldfish. Some more brownies points! We went to Olive Garden with his family for his mom's birthday Saturday night, and then Steven and I went and walked around the temple afterwards. It was freezing cold on my little toes though! We finally got back to my grandparents house, just to wake up a few hours later to go to church in Springdale.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA03Wa-6ihll3o65IlJ9bEPIgn3pJTjcQ1skrX4O5NpLLND224hkMC9cQ7cJiosLT9hM8g8VUAwOb4Gv5DlZytp5er6ckNROqcnJTz6U9hWyP7BFECyK5XJ1amARC_rTQ1zQoF0lCHHbk/s1600/205138_10150223029267534_624632533_8907067_2957528_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA03Wa-6ihll3o65IlJ9bEPIgn3pJTjcQ1skrX4O5NpLLND224hkMC9cQ7cJiosLT9hM8g8VUAwOb4Gv5DlZytp5er6ckNROqcnJTz6U9hWyP7BFECyK5XJ1amARC_rTQ1zQoF0lCHHbk/s320/205138_10150223029267534_624632533_8907067_2957528_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">His ward does things backwards, RS first, then Sunday school, and then Sacrament meeting. I like it better that way though. Our Lesson in RS was on Charity, which I love I think I am now obsessed with Charity. It encompasses so many different attributes, and yet is so simple if we just acquire a desire to be charitable.<b> </b>I just love it. Sunday school, I was distracted, I don't exactly remember what the lesson was on to be honest. But what was so cool about Steven's ward, was all the visitors that were there. Because it's in Zion, there are tons of tourists that come and visit for the weekend..etc. And it was awesome to see the congregation filled with people from all over. I loved it! Testimony meeting was awesome too. We had dinner afterwards, and </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-81647560982606025852011-04-01T12:32:00.000-07:002011-04-01T12:32:47.840-07:00Attention: My Life:: Steve. Job. Greg Mortenson.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKcJxWNmZDE4lse0z7_D_t0n5HFdUbyBArO3h9aDkc25mCzi22txN-AOCp_gfX120E2ETcdj0Op2Q9sedUhgblBcUPvYV7Bd4kJ8icKhLJBMIVhT0mPtIuYtY0ib6JAetSlmSgvT3dPU/s1600/before-i-die-i-want-to-make-a-difference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKcJxWNmZDE4lse0z7_D_t0n5HFdUbyBArO3h9aDkc25mCzi22txN-AOCp_gfX120E2ETcdj0Op2Q9sedUhgblBcUPvYV7Bd4kJ8icKhLJBMIVhT0mPtIuYtY0ib6JAetSlmSgvT3dPU/s400/before-i-die-i-want-to-make-a-difference.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a boyfriend. I met Greg Mortenson. He's my hero. I love Children. New opportunities are presented themselves in front of me! :) Now read for the details.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay once again I fail at updating on the exciting things that happen in my life! I'm sorry</div><div style="text-align: center;">First of all, I didn't mention this in my last post but it's safe to do so now. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">At the stake conference that I went to with my grandparents that Elder Holland was speaking at, I was suppose to meet my Nana's Physical Therapists son. Random I know. But when Connie and I got there, the choir was up at the front and I saw this guy, and I was like Oh Connie he is cute! And we were trying to figure out if he was an RM (return missionary) or not, because sometimes it's hard to tell if you don't talk to a person. Anyway, so afterwards my Nana, Connie and I went up to go see Nancy (the PT) and she was like well my son has a girlfriend now, but I'll go find him anyway. So we went and waited for her to bring back her son. She didn't bring her son. Well, remember the boy in the choir? Well, that's who she brought. Name: Steven Young. Just got home from a mission in Canada. Question answered. Connie couldn't help but laugh in the background because I just happened to meet a guy that I thought was cute! Crazy hu?! Well then I was being a weirdo and I was asking like 20 questions, and I had to go because my grandparents and connie and I carpooled. So I was just like well, I gotta go. So we left. In my mind I was like this is going nowhere! Never going to see him again. WRONG</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I went home, and of course what do I do? Go to find him on Facebook. But how many Steven Young's do you think there are? Well I didnt have my MAC so I just looked him up on my phone, and well he was the first one that popped up, and I was like I'll just wait until I get home to ask him, but then no joke like two minutes later I got a request sent to my Blackberry asking me to be his friend on Facebook (I swear one day facebook will be so outdated and people will think we are all obsessed back in the day). So anyway, I accepted obviously. I was introduced as Gabriela, not Gabbi so I was impressed that he remembered what my name was, because most people don't remember. So then I managed to give him my phone number.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Monday Morning March 21: at 9:34am (I only know that because I just looked in my phone) I don't usually remember numbers like that in case you were wondering, and he asked me when he could take me out. At the time I truly had no idea, because my life is crazy mayhem, so I told him that I had to go into work, and get my schedule, and then I would let him know. So I went into work, and I had two options to do anything. Either Wednesday he go to institute with me and we do something afterwards, or Thursday after my night class. In my head I was like I'm doomed. But nope, I wasn't. He came to institute on Wednesday with me, and then we went out to ice cream at Coldstone. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On Tuesday I went out to Dinner with Connie and the girls that she works with, and I found out that I'm actually going to be living with Steve's cousin. Talk about random!! Melissa got a text asking how she knew me, and didn't know the number so I put it in my phone, and it was Steve! And then we all kind freaked out for half a second. So we would have met eventually</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wednesday, March 23: I put in my two weeks at Pasta Factory!! I was so excited and relieved! Okay so Steve came over Wednesday and we walked over to institute, and went to class which is always like jaw dropping, and I walk away and my mind is going a million miles a minute. We walked back, and I didn't know if he actually wanted to do anything, because it was late, and he lives about 45 minutes away right now, and I had a meeting early the next morning. But right away he suggested going to get Ice Cream, and if you know anything about me, I love Ice Cream thanks to my Papa serving me too much as a child it's continues on to now. So we just talked and talked, actually I probably just talked and talked. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To be honest going into this I was like Heck, I could care less about dating anymore, I'm done, boys are stupid, and I'm never getting married. That was my mentality going into this one. So I was just myself to the max. Well I guess Steve liked that. It's a good thing too. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Friday was my last day at work!! I was so excited! So I actually didn't even end up working for the rest of the two weeks that I was suppose to. But I didn't mine. I wanted to get out of that place as fast as the gingerbread man! Steve and I went to see Limitless after I got off work, but before Connie and I went to dinner at 25 & Main. I love going out with her. The movie was okay, I wouldn't suggest it to be honest, but hey Bradley Cooper was in it, so I had to go and see it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGpJW7nx1KI4GpKK7tdoXJsfjlS4sXxNv56cLobkbaZNBymq14QBucjjavC6xaKgFE2v4jSUIrDgf8dee8pK4yLYqSY4cVnolhQyD9fjhGY3QU6pdgcDZx5W0AWsj15fdM9A1zcHB4Ag/s1600/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGpJW7nx1KI4GpKK7tdoXJsfjlS4sXxNv56cLobkbaZNBymq14QBucjjavC6xaKgFE2v4jSUIrDgf8dee8pK4yLYqSY4cVnolhQyD9fjhGY3QU6pdgcDZx5W0AWsj15fdM9A1zcHB4Ag/s320/front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday we went to the Temple, and we tried to go on a picnic, but it was really windy, cold, and rainy, and so we just had our picnic at his Grandma's town-home. Then afterwards we literally sat in my living room for like 3 hours, and just talked. I told him that I wasn't ready to move forward, that I'm scared of relationships, and I wont go into super detail about that, but most of you kinda know my feelings about relationships. But he was so sweet and understanding, and just said that he was willing to wait around for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then Sunday he came to the fireside, and it was a weird one not going to lie. But for the first time, I didn't mind people seeing me with someone. Especially at a fireside, because that's like making a statement. You guys know what I mean. Well this time I actually didn't care that people saw me with Steve. So that was saying something to myself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the meantime, I'm going crazy with school, Connie and I found girls to live with! Melissa, and Brittney! I'm so excited. We are going to live in a house and we gotta get to working on that, because we need to be moved out in the next month. Also I thought that I had caught up on my homework and ahead on stuff when I went to Phoenix, but nooooo, my teachers are pounding me with tons of homework and big projects! I want to die! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The whole Greg Mortenson thing was going on at all this time too, trying to get it all together, and keeping me from going crazy in the meantime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JmwLG_qndeuveZMApHUtywTN2Tb69XaDEM2jdd_03-3nY9wS9m9yr6nuN7JYuBgncPf5yGw_UNRBkjkobJtiAFC9DzSpopsjdWs88mtYy_-8o1gyu_Zv2q8fWq77I0S-Wor9T_x3e0s/s1600/Greg_Mortenson_617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JmwLG_qndeuveZMApHUtywTN2Tb69XaDEM2jdd_03-3nY9wS9m9yr6nuN7JYuBgncPf5yGw_UNRBkjkobJtiAFC9DzSpopsjdWs88mtYy_-8o1gyu_Zv2q8fWq77I0S-Wor9T_x3e0s/s320/Greg_Mortenson_617.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is hard trying to remember everything that's been happening. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll just say this though, Steve is so good to me, he puts me on this pedestal like I'm the best thing in the world. I feel like I don't deserve it at all. He just treats me how a girl actually should be, and seeing how us girls aren't usually used to that we don't know what to do when it's actually happening. It's too good to be true.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now that you have thrown up in your mouth a little bit, now for the humorous part. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito5sXrzBucH41DV0O7dspbs1hy4urIl9O6BvMNSANRp6m5x-PtvRiLXwvsH9cxu5iTzlUnJXtAIhB68bwCQ3VrJMRbAUN1aK3-udlq7WO8e4KkENOuRm7Co0ESKwTkSqlkVT97q8hwr0/s1600/Weeping_Rock%252C_Zion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito5sXrzBucH41DV0O7dspbs1hy4urIl9O6BvMNSANRp6m5x-PtvRiLXwvsH9cxu5iTzlUnJXtAIhB68bwCQ3VrJMRbAUN1aK3-udlq7WO8e4KkENOuRm7Co0ESKwTkSqlkVT97q8hwr0/s320/Weeping_Rock%252C_Zion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday March 29. Steve and I went to his house, I met his mom and dad, and his brothers and sisters. Oh and an Aunt and Uncle. We went up into Zion and hiked Weeping Rock and I saw a shooting star right? A normal person would be like what did you wish for right? Nope that didn't happen. Then we went back to my grandparents house, and I saw another shooting star, and he asked what I wished for and I told him, that didn't happen (I'm not giving all the details because it's barf material lol I don't want you to suffer) And then I told him that I trusted him. Which was like the main thing with being in a relationship right? For me at least. So I thought that might have connected something in his brain that I was ready to do this. NOPE!! WRONG!!! Then I just came out and said it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I'M READY! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"></span>I swear it took forever for me to get it through his head! Until I said those two words! How simple was that right?! NOT! You just gotta lay it out for him. It was pretty funny though. So yes everyone. I have a boyfriend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay so now for the Greg Mortenson event that I helped out with. It was so awesome! I totally recommend that everyone read his books, and get to know what is cause is, and you will truly want to go out and change the world, and make a difference. I got to meet him and talk one on one with him which was so amazing. I got to introduce 4 schools to him that raised money for his organization called Pennies for Peace and it was so cool to see all these cute little kids raise the money for a good cause. I got all my books signed by Greg, and he told me that I'd be a great teacher over seas. Which is what I would totally love to do. I'm in the paper today too! I was quoted in The Spectrum! There's even a picture in the paper of me with the kids and Greg, but you can't really see me, but I'm there!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the link for the article</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20110401/NEWS01/104010350/Author-shares-key-to-peace">The Spectrum Article</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The paper version is better</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway. Here's a quote that I love</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Educate a boy, and your educate and</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> individual. Educate a girl, and you educate a </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">community." </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
African proverb </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">With all that being said. I was wondering after all this GM was done, what would I do to serve now? Because ever since high school I've always be involved and I can't not be involved, or I'll go crazy, so I've been praying to have more experiences to serve. Then last night after waiting for Greg and wrapping up the evening, Katy (president of the DOVE center- which is a center for women who have experienced domestic violence) Asked me if I wouldn't mind joining her team, and speaking to high school girls about eating disorders! I was like heck yes! I'd love to! So now I know the next thing on my list! I'm so excited about that! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvnNx_I7DuUhJK-t4-6-L8L2gIfEJjP5b-ymJYR3isgs3iiW_5nPBeeFkDlCBA_3eH0zSGd63ZDk5JOOO82LFZLDw7tJuwD0wYTnwx2SxuJELzGlwcYzb_6HswaP8nq-2UiTuN3_WO3U/s1600/Balloons_over_Colorado.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvnNx_I7DuUhJK-t4-6-L8L2gIfEJjP5b-ymJYR3isgs3iiW_5nPBeeFkDlCBA_3eH0zSGd63ZDk5JOOO82LFZLDw7tJuwD0wYTnwx2SxuJELzGlwcYzb_6HswaP8nq-2UiTuN3_WO3U/s320/Balloons_over_Colorado.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Nana's Birthday is today, and it's April Fools. She got a new doo (a wig) It's different that for sure, but we went to Paula's a mexican restaurant. Fabulous time! I love spending time with my Nana and Papa. Papa took her up in a Hot air balloon ride! How cute is that!?!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Now with all that said:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I want to change the world</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">World Peace: next person to try</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Go to Salt Lake w/ Steve and then meet up with Connie and her brother! I can't wait</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">General Conference this weekend! I'm so excited</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Keep trying to memorize The Living Christ</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">4 more week til finals!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span></div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-71558463415703666262011-03-24T09:51:00.000-07:002011-03-24T09:51:41.351-07:00Never a dull moment<center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay I just have to say that I went to bed last night, and went to go grab my glasses and instead I grabbed my sunglasses I truly thought that I was blind for about half a second. Then this morning I was writing on the board in one of my meetings, and Instead of writing hymn I wrote him. Never a dull moment.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found this today and thought it was kind of funny.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #993333; font-size: x-large;"><b>Ten Rules for Being Human</b></span><br />
<img src="http://www.bluinc.com/newimages/line1.jpg" /><br />
<i>by Cherie Carter-Scott</i></center><br />
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<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="3" style="width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><b>1.</b></td><td align="LEFT" valign="TOP">You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's yours to keep for the entire period.</td></tr>
<tr><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><b>2.</b></td><td align="LEFT" valign="TOP">You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called, "life."</td></tr>
<tr><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><b>3.</b></td><td align="LEFT" valign="TOP">There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial, error, and experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiments that ultimately "work."</td></tr>
<tr><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><b>4.</b></td><td align="LEFT" valign="TOP">Lessons are repeated until they are learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.</td></tr>
<tr><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><b>5.</b></td><td align="LEFT" valign="TOP">Learning lessons does not end. There's no part of life that doesn't contain its lessons. If you're alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned.</td></tr>
<tr><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><b>6.</b></td><td align="LEFT" valign="TOP">"There" is no better a place than "here." When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here."</td></tr>
<tr><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><b>7.</b></td><td align="LEFT" valign="TOP">Other people are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.</td></tr>
<tr><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><b>8.</b></td><td align="LEFT" valign="TOP">What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.</td></tr>
<tr><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><b>9.</b></td><td align="LEFT" valign="TOP">Your answers lie within you. The answers to life's questions lie within you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.</td></tr>
<tr><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><b>10.</b></td><td align="LEFT" valign="TOP">You will forget all this.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-24069097342236385022011-03-20T21:30:00.000-07:002011-03-20T21:30:20.834-07:00Break is over!<div style="text-align: center;">This break has been the most needed break. I am beyond grateful for the down time I had! I'm no looking forward to going back to school and work at all! But 6 more weeks left. I hope it goes by super fast too, because I can't wait to go to Hawaii, and then go home to Florida!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway the rest of my time in Phoenix was perfect! I spent more time out in the sun, and by the pool. You could say that I got a little tan while I was gone. But what the funniest part was it that I tried to get on a floaty without getting completely wet, and failed! It was so funny. I got out of that pool so fast!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SgwYJTdwbZLL5QLWFXk5dkUMf_rcoaBlsXe4IcsQGfHiHqJdCTtUKywcwgjfOGXLjwA9aZzjAsF-OFQ0QZb8KwgozsDhyeFgL6OilrEkimu0NB-wYCf47_FtvHdssP9bW_To0zi8bLA/s1600/DSC01876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SgwYJTdwbZLL5QLWFXk5dkUMf_rcoaBlsXe4IcsQGfHiHqJdCTtUKywcwgjfOGXLjwA9aZzjAsF-OFQ0QZb8KwgozsDhyeFgL6OilrEkimu0NB-wYCf47_FtvHdssP9bW_To0zi8bLA/s320/DSC01876.JPG" width="320" /></a>But we went to the Rangers game on Thursday night, and the rangers lost pretty bad, it was sad. There was a little boy sitting in front of us that was really into it. Had a cute little fitted baseball hat too. So cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I just love baseball</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then Connie's brother came over to my aunts house afterwards and we watched Nacho Libre, good thing I was in that kind of mood, because I only get in a Nacho Libre kinda of mood like 3 times a year if that! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHUTzEHaivQp9xj8fztprUU1f_SBOMH_Tt84duZVpOwYwkLZKfOprEWdJpFvfyw7Br9NTOKd9VRNqgE1dVSAQZZj8f6QjjLyry61ZBECqv3EQxB4VtL2b8vwu0SzhQ233O670hBv4jXE/s1600/DSC01885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHUTzEHaivQp9xj8fztprUU1f_SBOMH_Tt84duZVpOwYwkLZKfOprEWdJpFvfyw7Br9NTOKd9VRNqgE1dVSAQZZj8f6QjjLyry61ZBECqv3EQxB4VtL2b8vwu0SzhQ233O670hBv4jXE/s320/DSC01885.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Friday I was really sunburnt so I didn't go out in the sun, and I went to the mall instead, but I didn't buy anythin Lasik g!! Fancy that! It was a real mall too unlike St George, and I still didn't buy anything! That night Karen had surgery so I took her to the place to get it done, and then I took her home, it was pretty funny since she was kinda on drugs. Not too bad just a little loopy in the head though. I went to Mesa and hung out with Connie's brother Steven we drove around I got Chik-fil-a! My favorite fast food restaurant, that St. George doesn't have! And we stopped by the Mesa Temple at like 12:30 at night, it was nice to hang out with basically another family member. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday my aunt and I went and got massages, and pedicures and went to lunch. When we got there, they wanted my aunt to sign a minor release form because they thought I was under 18.. yeah I'm almost a Junior in college, you'd think I'd show some age or something by now. It will pay off soon. Afterwards, I headed back to St George. Made it in 6 hours! Woo record time. beat the clock by 27 minutes according to mapquest, and that was hitting traffic in Vegas, and a bad accident in boulder city just past the new dam.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's good to be back! I love the red rock here! It's just beautiful, a little cooler that Phoenix was, but it will warm up before too long! Connie and I went to Toquerville last night to sleepover at my grandparents house, and then to there Stake Conference to listen to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Elder & Sister Holland</span></b>, also Elder & Sister Worthen of the 70. It was awesome. You can't really explain it, but the spirit was so strong. I loved every minute of it. Elder Holland thought that Connie and I were Children. What's new with that though. Everyone always thinks that we are young. We had a nice lunch with my grandparents and headed back home! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkTVzB7DfdyQdMiPzjdrAFiQj-HzDJRpraZzRPzRHPu0VAQ-Yl9lOXOmcz70VB_9BSIBlm7NqMi0llFmP81Hd3vRTyVFCbN7y3RQHjb0RAu03HfmZyOBc8lxujmPlzyCvQvTwUdavSfg/s1600/Photo+185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkTVzB7DfdyQdMiPzjdrAFiQj-HzDJRpraZzRPzRHPu0VAQ-Yl9lOXOmcz70VB_9BSIBlm7NqMi0llFmP81Hd3vRTyVFCbN7y3RQHjb0RAu03HfmZyOBc8lxujmPlzyCvQvTwUdavSfg/s320/Photo+185.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlO9FYkjL890lIGhKLPm3xr2AOpHWHVaO446lOZaYYrVC3-Z7wlUL_H5vCTOMVdYwmq8xJF-y7lyJZV5uQ-0SqbCqx7GUCnSJle6h7kDQlCqA8a2TyA8WsoOxSQgpl17X_OlpAhbiyEUY/s1600/Photo+181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlO9FYkjL890lIGhKLPm3xr2AOpHWHVaO446lOZaYYrVC3-Z7wlUL_H5vCTOMVdYwmq8xJF-y7lyJZV5uQ-0SqbCqx7GUCnSJle6h7kDQlCqA8a2TyA8WsoOxSQgpl17X_OlpAhbiyEUY/s320/Photo+181.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Break has been great! I loved it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Overall. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The church is true</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">What new?</div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-76631849808028327022011-03-17T00:14:00.000-07:002011-03-17T00:16:01.953-07:00Razerback tan lines<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today was the first day in I couldn't tell you how long that I didn't have to wake up to an alarm! It was awesome. I even got to eat breakfast in a timely manner, and not in my car on my way to school! I got to eat a blueberry muffin. My favorite :) I managed to get on my new bathing suit (yellow with white polka dots) after I did tons of homework, and lay out by the pool. I tried to get in the water, but it was a little too cold for my likening, but I will try again tomorrow! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9wMVoJw1bviA2lUMEdUpZszkeP4EzqTFYaU3V0wbPgr3ONqev0h4ZOpRlQUIAQv_OAu710drciG30OXVgaB5CuvCAfFjPOsV6yFk8wVkXtgHHrjYHAOSFqcOnl1SmU1SqUeNmDQBbSI/s1600/775999478_716d3e8526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9wMVoJw1bviA2lUMEdUpZszkeP4EzqTFYaU3V0wbPgr3ONqev0h4ZOpRlQUIAQv_OAu710drciG30OXVgaB5CuvCAfFjPOsV6yFk8wVkXtgHHrjYHAOSFqcOnl1SmU1SqUeNmDQBbSI/s320/775999478_716d3e8526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I started reading this book called Remind me Again Why I Need a Man. It's good so far. Humorous really, and I would recommend it. But I am only three chapters in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4byHxvGcgHpUo3WMPeVfUhCEGBElgPq8-6obz2uShpq7cp68rlKpT_ouVzqZ_avj5fTi7gLo712lmEGWxAKoKN5B_orzeNzLAEIS7YceqNuQ9lkVIgQTAeM67YpQDiJfZJ1JpJ7amhB0/s1600/9780061140549_0_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4byHxvGcgHpUo3WMPeVfUhCEGBElgPq8-6obz2uShpq7cp68rlKpT_ouVzqZ_avj5fTi7gLo712lmEGWxAKoKN5B_orzeNzLAEIS7YceqNuQ9lkVIgQTAeM67YpQDiJfZJ1JpJ7amhB0/s320/9780061140549_0_Cover.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Took a break, and decided to go on a bike ride. I had a map full of bike trails, so I went on a mission. To try and find them. On my way I encountered a bee to my shoulder, no sting, just the whole body slammed into me. I bet that bee was pretty startled. Then I stopped by a park where I saw a few little kids playing catch. Those were the good days! But now I have the pleasure of having razerback tan lines on my back from my ride today! Can't complain at least Im getting my vitamin D!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I made my favorite cake! What comfort it is knowing that it wont all get eaten when I come home the next day!! I CAN EAT HOW EVER MUCH I WANT! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Karen and I went to the gym, and then to the spa. I tried out this bed thing that's like a mini sauna. You lay in it, and it gets really hot, its super hydrating for your skin. Pretty cool. It got up to 118 degrees, and when I got out, I didn't realize that I would be dripping haha.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I made Bow Tie pasta Salad! It was a success! I decided to put craisins in it this time, which made it yummy! We had a dinner and a movie in tonight. Watched Fried Green Tomatoes. Highly recommend it! It's based on the south, the KKK is sort of involved, and two best friends that make it through the tough times together. Funny and sad. No romance. Come to think of it, the movie kind of down plays mean. AKA they are scum bags to these two best friends. I guess some things never change. I'm totally kidding. They had good guys in their lives in the movie, just not romantically.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-41696305855235843282011-03-15T21:19:00.000-07:002011-03-15T21:19:36.959-07:00Made it to Phoenix!<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Good Morning World!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNspXCtZhhshlpE3QOaQo9TtQz5RVgxUQuhvq_nemloFEA2QeTCqhzdVlnJqLGhybbVR1kLh7uNlze7FuKj1CbTZkaI2u3m7iX0Rqv838R55xtGHPdraPQC_mDxVlhZYEMsGrEwSh6dWA/s1600/6a00e54f900c8e88330133f572123d970b-800wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNspXCtZhhshlpE3QOaQo9TtQz5RVgxUQuhvq_nemloFEA2QeTCqhzdVlnJqLGhybbVR1kLh7uNlze7FuKj1CbTZkaI2u3m7iX0Rqv838R55xtGHPdraPQC_mDxVlhZYEMsGrEwSh6dWA/s320/6a00e54f900c8e88330133f572123d970b-800wi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I woke up this morning and drove off to Phoenix!! I'm so relieved to be here! It's already been great! I was on the rode at about 7:15am. I made good timing, and I would have made better if I wasn't hypnotized by the road and miss a turn! But that's okay. It woke me up! I made it safe and sound. In a timely matter. Tons of cops on the road too! Made me so paranoid even though I was only going 5 over! When I got to Vegas I saw a really bad car accident on the other side of the median, and shook me up a bit, but I can always count on my Papa to answer the phone when I need someone to calm me down. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I stopped by Karen's work (the hospital) and met a few people did some show and tell, and then I came back to Karen's where I met Mr. Whiskers! He's so fun to play with! I forgot how much I love cats! I got some homework done, and tried to lay in a hammock which was unsuccessful so I came back inside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qF0NIJ_1xYAP-utrLUTVoTu_nMdrf69dt74uQ_b9nD0kJ9D7EGHO_g03hUHdX2592aTA6UwDz5gy0nYjlPef8RF3x-W9SXgGgdofitqeGJWey5KBw8lCASWsmNIM8-UPq3xIclRlGMM/s1600/tn.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qF0NIJ_1xYAP-utrLUTVoTu_nMdrf69dt74uQ_b9nD0kJ9D7EGHO_g03hUHdX2592aTA6UwDz5gy0nYjlPef8RF3x-W9SXgGgdofitqeGJWey5KBw8lCASWsmNIM8-UPq3xIclRlGMM/s320/tn.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">For dinner we went to this yummy Thai Restaurant called Satara. When you walk in, there are cabinets for the regular wine drinkers with their names on them and everything! I thought it was so funny, but the food was soooooo delicious! We got this pineapple fried rice, and it was amazing! And some crab appetizer that was cheesy and full of yummyness!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lgnwHzQKETKjMb5e9tifZNsIEBDHvuZqBgQSnnc1RSbEpu4jBhcy2zFP9y7r3e7_TVskbj-kotIV_Ds6ySSxJyFDSAFATvbyfWxf286lnxT896B4cJiYv0R7p-XzZ2ZzpYHEW8jAqMU/s1600/tn-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lgnwHzQKETKjMb5e9tifZNsIEBDHvuZqBgQSnnc1RSbEpu4jBhcy2zFP9y7r3e7_TVskbj-kotIV_Ds6ySSxJyFDSAFATvbyfWxf286lnxT896B4cJiYv0R7p-XzZ2ZzpYHEW8jAqMU/s320/tn-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We redboxed Life as You know it. Such a funny movie!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay two things:</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am grateful for two things at this particular moment</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Friends</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two in particular. One and her name is <b>Connie Sanchez</b>. She is my best friend, and I think I'd be such a loser without her! She is the type of friend that I need, and I'm so grateful for her. We always keep each other on the ball, and even if we mess up, there's no judging, most of the time there's support..like the type of ice cream we get. If it's healthy or not..hahaha. We are always laughing and having fun no matter how long the days are. We can always laugh. She's the greatest, and I love her so much.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The second is <b>Michael Begg</b>. He knows how to listen to me when I just need to talk, and then he knows when to talk- that's a skill one must acquire to be around me on a regular basis. But we both support each other in whatever we do, and we're not afraid to tell the truth if we don't like something the other is doing. It's great. He's one person that I look up to. It's crazy how you're blessed with certain people at certain times in your life. I'm beginning to see why as I look at the bigger picture. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Second thing I'm grateful for at this moment is my <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">education</span></b>. I'm so passionate about learning it's no wonder that I am going into education. But I have really learned the value of knowledge, and have gained an appreciation for it in my life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Oh...Brace yourself</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I got into EFY! :) YESSS! I'm so relieved</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Life is great. Just remember it's all about your perspective. Let the little things make your day, and the bad things be brushed aside. The choice is up to you. -Gabbi</span></b></div>Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-69714785376613305632011-03-12T08:43:00.000-08:002011-03-15T21:26:47.549-07:00So I've been a slacker at thisIt's almost been a month give it two more days. I should be a little better at this. But until now, I have had no time to just write something about my life. I seriously get up at six or seven in the morning and don't stop until eight or nine and sometimes ten or eleven. The past two weeks have been so ridiculously packed with stuff.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"></span>Let me start by just saying that I have never looked forward to a break so badly in my whole entire life. It got so bad, that I forgot that Spring Break was coming up! Then when it came, I didn't even realize it until yesterday when I got off of work, and took a big breath, and exhaled like I had just won a big race or something. Anyway point is, I will be taking advantage of this break I have. I'm headed to Phoenix on Wednesday! I can't wait to see Karen!! I'm going to take my bike with me and ride on some trails and find some hikes and stuff. I'm pretty excited<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"></span>Going backwards, school is going well. I have all A's and 2 B's. Considering I'm taking 20 credits, I think that's pretty good. My B is in math for educators class, and educational psychology. I wish that I could grasp psychology but I can't! It's probably been my hardest class since I've gotten to college. I haven't had much free time. You know what I do in my free time? Homework, so that technically isn't even free time! Like I said I need a break. My children's literature class is getting intense, it always seems like I have something due the next class. It's so time consuming, but I love it. I'm learning so much about reading and children's reading, and book. My favorite part is reading the books. But what's time consuming is analyzing them. But I'm getting an idea of what kind of books I want in my own classroom. Speaking of my own classroom, I can't wait to have my own. To decorate, and have my own books! What a great day that will be! I am starting a collection right now actually.<br />
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<div style="clear: left; float: left; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Work. Pasta factory is good. Been busy because of the beautiful weather we have been having! And the box office is good too. I don't work as often there, I wish I did because I love the girls I work with!</span></div><br />
Connie and I are still waiting on EFY!! Seriously I don't know what could be taking so long. Patience is definitely a virtue. I think I have gotten a little better at it. But like I always say, it's an eternal virtue that you always have to be working on.<br />
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I got my plane ticket home! And guess what?! It was free! I didn't even realize that it was going to be free. I thought I had a one way free ticket, but in fact I had a roundtrip free ticket!! Crazy hu?! I love it! So that's an extra 400 bucks to save! Yeahh!!<br />
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As of late, I have started working out again. Because I'm on this new medicine that has the potential to make me gain weight, and I wont let that happen! But Connie and I ran a 5k together!! Go us! And the yesterday we went on a 20 mile bike ride! It was so fun! We started out at our apartment, and went up to Snow Canyon, down through Santa Clara, back down to old hwy 91, which turns into sunset, and then back to bluff and to our apartment again. It just took us 2 hours! That may have been slow, but we were going up hill a lot of ways! It was pretty funny having the two of us do it.<br />
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Some nights the girls and I will pull out our mattresses and have a sleepover, it's the best. I love it. Reminds me of high school. I feel old saying that..</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xbmsSC_B58Ewdx3mnFo04BLcEUwhgb_ENEZVD6jVDqhym-hMSyWsmUXC-smzWuq5_mh5pQhyQU4ZieXB89GXPh3kfq9Bsw5NoZSN0fqxHlQxsMNt1leGBOetGiCyfJ18APKOCwfawYk/s1600/DSC01853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xbmsSC_B58Ewdx3mnFo04BLcEUwhgb_ENEZVD6jVDqhym-hMSyWsmUXC-smzWuq5_mh5pQhyQU4ZieXB89GXPh3kfq9Bsw5NoZSN0fqxHlQxsMNt1leGBOetGiCyfJ18APKOCwfawYk/s320/DSC01853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><br />
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</div><div>Oh my goodness how could I forget!! Our boys basketball team are PacWest Champs!!! They are in Washington right now playing for the next best championship. I hope they win that would be so cool! I love the basketball team. Actually I just love basketball. </div><div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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</div><div>Oh another thing. Baseball season has started. Yes. One of my favorite sounds is the sound of a metal bat hitting a ball. I'm so lucky to live across from the baseball field! I hear it all the time now! But I went to a little league kind of tournament last weekend, which by the way it was freezing cold outside! But w/ my friend Kyle, and it brought back so many memories of baseball. Kinda made me a little home sick, but that's alright. I hope my kids want to play baseball..I mean I wont force them to do it, but that would be nice. lol</div><div><br />
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Some funny things that have made me laugh. I fell up the stairs a few weeks ago, and then the next day I walked into the boys bathroom. I would have kept going too if it wasn't for the urinals!<br />
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I sliced my finger at work yesterday. It was a deep one too. It's like the worse feeling when you cut yourself, because you can't get it to go away. And they just take forever to heal.<br />
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Oh how can I forget to mention the "D" word. DATING. It's not happening. That's all I can say.<br />
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We had stake conference last weekend. It was so good. In the Saturday night session I was dabbing my eyes the whole time. They talked about the temple, and families, which got my eyes to leak a bit. Then the Sunday session was good too. I have a new goal. To memorize The Living Christ.<br />
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It goes like this:<br />
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Anyway, life is good though. I see the tender mercies of the Lord every day. I thank my Heavenly Father for everything that I have. It seems when I am grateful the bad things don't seem so bad. I hope that the next few weeks go by fast, because I am so excited to go to Hawaii. Then the day after I get back from Hawaii I'm going home!! :)Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629999050580835691.post-50201108122256070752011-02-15T16:46:00.000-08:002011-02-15T16:46:07.540-08:00Valentines DaySeeing how this is a pretty rough day for me being Valentines day and all, I just wanted to say a few things.<br />
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One being about Tyson Teague. To my best friend who passed away ten years ago, and his funeral was on February 14th. I know that he's watching over all of us kids from Curtis Elementary though, laughing at us, and keeping our spirits up. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. It's probably just because I don't want to forget anything. Even though I was only 10 years old when he died, I still remember how I felt, and know that he was really my best friend. We played every day together, and we both had glasses and got made fun of for it. Such great memories with him<br />
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Another thought.<br />
Best Valentines Day ever. I made a special effort to make other people's days because I just don't like the holiday, and I did a good job! I got to help my professor get stuff out of her car, because she just had hip surgery, and I think I have gotten some brownies points! Just kidding, and then I went to the store, and got a few things for the girls, and it just made me happy to pick stuff out for them. I love getting things for other people! It's a great feeling knowing that you made someone elses day, and that makes my day! I caught up with my friend Jordan, and he painted my toes! He did a great job too lol. And he left me a note!Then I just had a good day, went to work, and got to listen to love music all night long, and listen to people feel sorry for me that I'm not in a relationship, and dont have a boyfriend. blahblah blah. I wanted to tell them all to go away and keep to their own love life. Haha But I had to stay later than I wanted too which I didn't like, because I had a ton of homework to do! I was texting people back on my way back to my car, and what do you know. My car was heart attacked! By none other than CONNIE LOO!!! I love her! She is the best. It just made my day! And then I went to the library with Courtney and Kyle! Got so much done. Something has changed about my focus though. I lack focus when I'm doing homework! Ha! I need to work on that.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then I got home, read my scriptures, and came across a scripture in 1 Nephi 1:20</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">::: But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender </span><sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: super;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">c</span></sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/1?lang=eng#" id="footnote46" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=1-ne&chapterUri=1&noteID=20c&lang=eng" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">mercies</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of </span><sup class="studyNoteMarker" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: super;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">d</span></sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/1?lang=eng#" id="footnote47" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=1-ne&chapterUri=1&noteID=20d&lang=eng" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">deliverance</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love this, because the tender mercies are those little things that we see the hand of the Lord in our life, and appreciation for blessings. When you recognize them, you become stronger. I know that's true, because as I have done this, I have learned to recognize the little things more, and I have a spirit of gratitude with me at all time. It's an incredible miracle.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another thought from the fireside I went to on Sunday on coincidence. Many times the world blames coincidence on science, or other things. When in fact many times coincidence is a way for God to let us know that he is involved in our lives. I love that. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was talking to my friend Kody about all the good things that have been going on in my life lately, and I made a comment like this, "The Lord loves me!" and Kody responded with, "No you love the Lord." It struck me. He's right. When you put the Lord first you are blessed. End of story.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I know all of this may get old, but it really is the little things. When I die, on my tombstone I want to be known for loving the little things, but also for doing those little things. </span></span><br />
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Okay that's all for now.<br />
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Just remember someone loves you. <3Gabbi Strawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04023227179040938352noreply@blogger.com0