Employed to Unemployed: A Cinderella Story

If you were to talk to me a week ago, I would probably be crying, complaining, and hopeless. You would basically want to run away from me and never look back.

A week ago I was preparing for a Sunday School lesson about the love of Heavenly Father. I had just read about tender mercies. I love tender mercies. They bring so much comfort and reassurance to me. It is a way for me to feel like I am on the right track. That I am going to be okay. That I am progressing in life. I had just read the definition of a tender mercy as, " a personal and timely message of comfort and reassurance through an action". I was finally beginning to feel like my life was going alright. I had a decent job, a part time job, and was coming up with some pretty sweet plans for the next few months. I was going to travel. I was going to learn. I was going to explore.

Then everything seemed to come crashing down. I was soon on the phone with Shannon. Crying. Asking why tender mercies seemed to not last a long time. I dont know if you know Shannon Durr, but you should, because she is so comforting and knows exactly what to say. She reminded me that tender mercies were to help us remember the blessings when things seemed to be going bad. Here I was, DEMANDING blessings. I wanted my life to only be highs, I dont want any of that low stuff. I dont want the trials. I am sick of the trials. But once again, my sweet sister reminded me that we need those trials.

I did something bold this week. Something out of my character. With the support of my family and a push from the Lord, I walked out of my job on Monday. Once again, if you know me, you know how much I disliked the job. It was so draining. I know that a lot of it had to do with my personal attitude, but come on enough was enough. I wont go into much detail, but a lot of people who know what was going on kept asking me why I was even working there. I still had my part time job, so I was not too worried about not having a job. After I walked out, I called my dad (crying). Came home talked to my mom and step dad and cried. I am pretty sure I had a panic attack. Did I do the right thing? Was the smart? What could I have done differently? Was I being a baby? I was home and free. I watched an episode of Grey's Anatomy. Went to the store with my mom. Ran two miles. And then the unthinkable happened, the same day I had interview--at a law office. A FREAKING LAW OFFICE!!

I went to the interview. I was still all freaked out about what happened that morning so I felt like I did a terrible job at the interview. I went to my part time job that night. On Tuesday I received an email inviting me to a second interview for Wednesday. I went to the interview, I felt like I embarrassed myself. Talked way too much about weird things, did not fit into what they were looking for. They told me they would tell me about the position by the end of next week. I was prepared to continue my part time job at the tax office and then after tax season I was going to travel and hangout in Europe for a couple of weeks. Why not? I had just walked out of my job, got kicked off my dad's health insurance, no social life. I just felt hopeless, so I figured if I was going to be hopeless and what I thought was a loser, I was going to travel and blow up my Instagram account so everyone can be jealous of my picture perfect life.

However, I do not know what I did right. I do not know how Heavenly Father still has a desire to bless me when I am demanding things to go my way. BECAUSE, Thursday I got a call from the law office. They were done conducting interviews and they wanted ME to work for them. That is right...ME!!!! AISHA!!!!!!! AISHA FREAKING PLOTH!!!! I am going to work at a NON PROFIT LAW OFFICE!!!!!!!! Oh and I am going to have health insurance. And I get to use my degree. To say I am excited would be an understatement. I was crying and freaking out. I was on cloud nine.

I had this crazy week. Every night I would go to bed and would start freaking out about quitting my job. Feeling like I was irresponsible. Questioning every choice I had made up to this point in my life. It might sound dramatic, but I am being serious. I was dying inside. This week was emotionally and mentally draining, but also uplifting I finally feel like I am going down the right path. On top of all that I worked everyday at my part-time job, so I did not lose any working hours. They have been so supported of me quitting my job and going on the interview for the other job. I am truly blessed. It just comes to show that you never know what is in store for your life. It might seem to be going terribly and you want to give up, but then BAM things turn around.

Oh and I start Monday at the law office.

Getting Lost in the Temple.

This past week I went to Mexico and San Diego with my Mom. It was an adventure and a perfect way to start off the new year. I was able to reflect and make plans on what to do this next year. Also, if you ever have a chance to go on vacation with your mom alone, I suggest you do it! There is something special about being alone with your mom and she gives you all the attention! (:

While we were down there we wanted to see the San Diego Temple. We did not realize how close we were to the newly opened Tijuana Temple until we were at our hotel and there was a poster about the open house. The Tijuana Temple has only been opened for three weeks and before temples are dedicated there is a period of time where anyone is welcome to come inside and take a tour. 

After a temple is built or renovated, several weeks are set aside in which the public is invited to a temple open house. During the open house, visitors watch a short video about the purpose of temples and then are invited to walk through the temple. Guides are available throughout the tour to explain the purpose of each room (lds.org)

When the dedication of the temple has happened, the temple is closed and members who obtain temple recommends are able to enter and participate in ordinances and feel closer to our Heavenly Father. It is different than a meeting house. Anyone is welcome to come to the temple grounds and I know that by just walking around outside you can feel an abundance of peace. My mom and I planned on going to the temple and as we walked around and saw the beauty of the temple grounds I knew I needed to go in. I knew that this opportunity would most likely never present itself. My mom wasn't feeling well so she wasn't sure if she would be able to participate in the ordinances, so I asked her if I could go in and do a few names for initiaroies.

The initiatory ordinances provide us with specific immediate and future blessings. -Sister Silvia Allred 

Entering the temple, I assumed someone would speak English. Well you know what they say about assuming because the temple worker at the front desk did not speak English and so I was not sure where to go. If you know me, you know how fearful I am. It is really hard for me to do things on my own when I do not know what I am doing or even talking to people I don't know. However, in the temple I am never nervous or scared because I know there are people that will show me the way. The lady who checked in before me waved me to follow her, it was her first time so she was not sure where to go either, but I followed her. We went through this door and up some stairs. We passed the sealing rooms so I know we were in the wrong place because you normally do not pass sealing rooms to get to the locker room. But I knew we would find our way, The sealing rooms were BEAUTIFUL.

The sealing ordinances, such as temple marriage, bind families eternally.

As we went around a corner, we found a temple worker to lead us to the correct place. Or course the exchange was all in Spanish so I had no idea of what was going on but I was too distracted by the art and I just wanted to soak in everything I could! Once we got to the locker rooms and went to change our street clothes to sacred white clothing, the workers kept asking me if I spoke Spanish. I replied with a no. We were able to communicate well enough for me to get the

right size and a locker. When I reported to do the work the Sister told me that it would be in Spanish and I replied with a simple "That is okay" because I felt like I knew the ordinance well enough and knew all I need to do was to say the deceased sister's name. One of the worked was an English sister and I think she felt happy to see me. She asked if I preferred English or Spanish and I said Spanish because I wanted the experience. Listening to the prayers was amazing and I felt so much love and compassion. I spent about a hour in the temple and I was overwhelmed with the Spirit and with love from my Heavenly Father. After I walked out with the Sister who helped me in the temple, she did not speak much English but she was so sweet. We exchanged names for Facebook and I snapped a quick picture with her. She was an angel and I am grateful for the experience I had with her. 

Summer 2009

On Friday. January 8th, we drove about twenty minutes north from our hotel to attend the San Diego Temple. If you ever want to see a real life Cinderella Castle, I recommend going to San Diego California and see that temple. A few years ago we took a family vacation and drove from Seattle all the way down to San Diego, with some really awesome stops in the middle, and we were able to see the San Diego Temple as a family but it was just at night. This time, my mom and I decided we wanted to go in this time around.

Celestial Room. 

The San Diego temple is just as beautiful inside as it is outside. The stairs when you walk in, breath-taking. I think we were more distracted by the beauty of it all. We rented our clothes and went to the changing room to change into our white clothes. The session was beautiful! I love how small the rooms are. It is so cozy and comfortable. And the celestial room was awesome. I think that was the longest we have ever stayed in a celestial room. I felt so much peace and comfort, especially with starting a new year and trying to figure out what I need to do. It was also special to me to be able to share this time with my mom and go to the temple with her.

I have a testimony of the Temple and the importance of it in my life. As I have gone to the temple, I have received answers to me prayers and felt peace for my concerns. I am grateful of the knowledge of the temple and how the ordinance that are performed there allow families her on earth to become eternal in the life to come. There are currently 149 operating temples and if you are curious about what happens in a Mormon Temple, I recommend contacting the missionaries or going to a temple and talking to someone there! You will not regret it! 

Closing a Chapter

Well 2015 has come and gone. I still CANNOT believe it. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was in SLC, ringing in the New Year and preparing for my last semester at BYU-Idaho. Now here I am, the last day of the year and in four short months, I will be graduated for a whole year.

 A WHOLE YEAR?! 

Where did the time go? I have no idea. However, I do always enjoy this time of year because I am able to reflect on the things I accomplished, the relationships I built and ones that ended, adventures I have had, and adventures that are ahead of me. Here is a list of 3 of my favorite things that happened this year.

1. Graduating from BYU-Idaho

I know that is redundant from what I just said, but it is a big deal. College is something I only dreamed of, but to know I finished it. Wow. Too bad my diploma is bent, grrrr. It was a wonderful day and an even more amazing experience. I have a blended family so it is normally milestones like this that where everyone comes together, which I find to be so amazing. Sometimes it is hard to have a blended family and I am jealous of people whose parents are together and their families are all best friends, but in the end I like my family. We are unique and there is always someone I can count on to help me. Plus I think my FAVORITE thing about having a blended family is all the grandparents I have. I have four sets of grandparents who love me and I love them.

Okay back on topic: the last two semesters were rough. I thought I was never going to get the work done, but thanks to my dear roommate, Erica, I got through it. She proofread and assisted in different assignments I had. I am pretty sure my diploma should have her name in small print.

Hailey was my favorite classmate my last two semester. And I miss her 

2. Alaska 

I love Alaska. Period. Everyone know this. I even tried to stay there over the winter. I could see myself living in Alaska. It is simple living and I love the people. It is also my escape from the real world. 

Favorite meme of the summer

This summer I was able to part of different experiences, which was awesome. I hiked the Chilkoot Trail, went fishing, did a lot more camping, and more importantly my dad came up! I think that was the highlight of my Alaska summer. my dad turned 50 this year and I decided as a gift I would fly him up. He loves outdoors and stuff like that, so watching him in Alaska was like seeing a kid in a candy shop. I always love spending one on one time with my dad. I think it is because we are similar so I am not as stressed when I am around him compared to others. We ate food, watched movies, walked around, went on a float and hike tour, and he even went to church with me! Overall, I loved sharing Skagway with him. it is a special place to me and I want to share it with everyone! 

3. Orlando, Florida 

I know I recently blogged about this, but I still cannot believe I was able to go back to Florida and with my best friend, Shannon! I loved seeing as many people as we could, that I loved and adored. It was a week full of sweet memories, a testimony builder, laughter, tears, and so much more. I was able to visit two of the areas I served in as an LDS missionary, so I guess I will need to go back and visit Eustis.  

4. Employment

I had the most difficult time finding a job. I went on awkward and strange interviews. I hit a lot of dead ends. I doubted myself, my time at school, and overall was depressed. All I wanted to do is get a job and start paying off my student loan and officially be apart of the adult world. Well let me tell you, there aren't any gift baskets welcoming you into this adult world.

In closing, 2015 was a pretty great year! I am not upset about anything, besides the fact that I think it went by way too fast. I do not have any regrets and I am looking forward to the new year. I have been reflecting and putting together thoughts on what can be some goals for the new year. I am really excited because I would not call them resolutions, but goals that will effect my adult life and help me progress forward.

For a little preview the goals I am setting up have to do with financial freedom, graduate programs/careers, church activity, and health lifestyles. I am going to spend the rest of the week making SMART goals and making plans on how to make my goals part of my life and just not a sticky note in my planner. 

Life After Alaska.

Like any other good journal writer/blogger, I will not be trying to play catch up. A lot has happened, some exciting and some not so. Regardless, a lot has happened.

A few things that are noticeable is that I am no longer in Skagway, Alaska, but I did do some traveling. I am going to focus on the travel part and what I am up to now.

I came across this quote (Thank You Pinterest) and not only did I enjoy it, but I could relate to it! And I will expand on it.

“I would gladly live out of a suitcase it if meant I could see the world.”

I returned to the Pacific Northwest on September 26^th.  The following weeks consisted of watching A LOT of Netflix, you don’t appreciate streaming until you cannot do it anymore, and hanging out with my family. I helped my mom with little projects and chores. I read some books. An Alaska Roommate and her sister stayed at my house. And I continued to watch Netflix. Surprisingly. I consistently went to bed at a decent time. On October 26^th, that is where the adventure began! I traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah to meet up with Shannon so we could go back to Orlando, Florida to visit out mission.

A TRUE fan now.

October 27^th-November 3^rd: We started the trip off by going to Universal Studios and Island Park to visit Hogwarts. If you do not know me, you should know that I LOVE Harry Potter. Before I received my mission call I made the statement to my parents that it would be cool if I was called to Florida and could go to Hogwarts. They laughed. When I got my mission call I practically screamed that I was accepted into Hogwarts. And before I reported to my mission, I listened to all the Harry Potter books because I knew I would miss them. See, I am not lying.
                Universal Studios/Island Park was amazing! We got hooked up for two days and it was awesome. I am so grateful that Shannon was just excited as I was. Oh and I should mention that I told her in order for me to go with her to the park, she would need to read the books as well. No lie, when we landed in Orlando she finished the last book!  It was a magical experience to witness that. I loved all the rides and even though I was not a big fan of the Butterbeer, it was still such a blast. It rained and rained, but I think my happiness overcame the wetness. The second day at the park was just as awesome because we spent it with Ashley and her husband, Sam. They both work at the parks so it was fun to be with them and even get ahead in a few rides.

We went to the temple (I forgot my recommend) 

My 1st Missionary Apt. 

                The next two days we spent in the first area we served in. Where Shannon trained me, Lake Mary! It was so weird to be back in the area…together….and not be missionaries. I kept feeling like we needed to talk to people and leave messages with people. We were so blessed with some of our favorite members to host us by giving us a place to stay and eat! It was awesome to not feel pressured to have quick visits, but just relax with the people that we love. I also got to see a couple converts who are doing awesome.

The weekend we spent in Daytona Beach. We got there on Sunday and when we arrived at church so many people were shocked. Shannon has been back a few times so they were happy to see us and when they saw me they were really thrown off! That was the best part. We stopped by some people we didn’t see at church and they were confused because they didn’t remember signing up to feed the sisters that day. Wrong Sisters! Haha. On Monday we continued visiting and even went to the beach! That was really awesome to just look at the beach. I love the beach because it reminds me of my mom and I love the smell and the sound. When I first got to Daytona Beach as a missionary and saw the ocean, I cried. No joke. I cry a lot. 

Each missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints receive a little white handbook that talks about how missionaries should live and what is expected of them. One of my favorite experts comes from page 36 and I always think about it. It reads, “When you go home, do not forget those you have taught. At all times live worthy of their trust.” This is so special to me because I want to always live worthy of those I taught's trust, whether they were baptized or not. I want them to know that I know the Gospel to be true. And as I live the principles and doctrine, I am happy and they can be happy too. Returning to the mission was weird and sad, but I also felt so good to know that I did my best in those areas. And I will say it a million times I LOVE THE PEOPLE OF ORLANDO! I am so blessed to have met so many wonderful people, non member and member a like. I do not think I can ever repay them on what they gave me. I have been infleunce to become a sister, future wife/mother, citizen, and overall follow of Christ because of the people I spent time with in Orlando.

We returned back to Salt Lake City on November 3^rd

Olive and Leki

November 4^th-6^th I spent in SLC. I hung out with Kimm (Shannon’s sister) and her kids. I adore her kids so much! They always remember me and I love playing with them. I also got some Sifa snuggling in! That night I went out to dinner with two friends from Washington, Allen and Kevin, which I really liked because I loved seeing how we have all grown and have had experiences.

On the 5^th, I spent ALL day with Kendal, which was way fun. We shopped. We laughed. We ate. We painted nails. It was exactly like we were still roommates, except she had a husband. Ha. I love being with Kendal and Matt because they make me laugh so much! They were kind enough to let me stay at their place my last night in SLC. Friday morning (the 6^th), Amanda drove up from Orem to pick me up. I met Amanda up in Alaska. Amanda is a true blue Alaskan lady and I love her to pieces!! We went out to sushi and caught up and laughed. She is seriously one of my favorite people and I am so grateful to have met her. After, she took me to the airport, where I would make my last pit stop to Las Vegas.

Oh Vegas. That place. It is something I didn’t expect at all. From the moment I stepped off the plane my brain was going crazy with all the sounds and sights. But I did love it! I went to Las Vegas to visit my friend, Michael. I met Michael at school my first semester back from my mission. We were in the same FHE group and he is a really awesome guy. He graduated a year before me and it seems normal for friendships to end, but our friendship did not end. I am really grateful that he let me come down and see what the Vegas life was like. There was a lot of lights and sounds and sights. Lots of good food and walking. Nevada is beautiful and I loved the mountains! I won't lie, I was not thinking it would be as beautiful as I thought. I am a girl who loves green and rain and trees.Come on, I am from Seattle and have spent the last two summers working in Alaska.  The scenery was was different, but I love how every state is different its own way. Heavenly Father really is an amazing artist! We finished off the weekend by visiting the Hoover Dam, which was WHOAAA! I normally beleive I am an intelligent person, but I did not know the Hoover Dam was so close. Seeing it was not what I expected but was way cool. And if you are afraid of heights, you will probably want to run away and if you are so kind, like Michael, you will want to show me a video of someone falling off of it! ack! Overall, I loved ending my trip in Las Vegas.

Now, I have been home for about a week. It’s been rainy and cold. I went from Hot and humid Florida to Snowy SLC, to perfect Vegas weather. I would not have it any other way, I love the Pacific Northwest and I am glad I live here. The big thing I am focusing on now is getting a job, which I have a few interviews coming up, and really establishing what I think I want to do.

Oh and more travel. I want to travel more.....referring back to how I started this post, "I would gladly live out of a suitcase it if meant I could see the world." I am someone who likes their own bed. I was never that girl at school who wanted to pull out her mattress to have a sleepover in the living room. I like doing my own thing. I like my routine.However, this experience was amazing and I know I have said it a million times, but here is ONE MORE TIME:: I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THE PEOPLE I WAS ABLE TO VISIT AND CATCH UP WITH. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO FED US, GAVE US A PLACE TO STAY, AND OVERALL ARE JUST AMAZING. I love know that I know people in three different states that will let me visit them.

Nothing beats a FLORIDA Sunset

5 Essentials For Your Alaskan Cruise

                As many of you know, I am spending my second summer working in Skagway, Alaska! While being here I have seen a lot of awesome things, adventured in cool places, and met people from all around the world! With that said, I have also encountered people who do not make the best choices in what they bring to Alaska. Luckily, I work at a store that is open all year round and carries jeans, shoes, socks, jackets, gloves, and other items you would find in your friendly neighborhood Walmart!                 Everyday people come in from the cruise ships looking for a specific item that they forgot at home or in a hotel. One thing I always think is how much it would suck to run around at different ports looking for jeans, socks, or dressy clothes to be able to eat in the fancy dining hall on the cruise. After pondering and observing, I am complied a quick list of essentials you should bring that allow you to avoid the drama of shopping for everyday things and focus on taking in Alaska’s beauty because are you honestly going to come back up (for your sake, I hope so!)

1. Good shoes:

                I am not talking about shoes that you bought on sale and they look okay. Or even your cute boots with the heels. And I personally love TOMS shoes, but those are not going to work either. When you go on a cruise, or really any vacation, you are going to do A LOT of walking. You will want to go out and see the sites, maybe take an extrusion or two. Unless you are staying on the boat you will be using your feet for your main mode of transportation. Water proof shoes will be the best to take, but really any sneaker as well. Just make sure you have broken them in some before your trip! I have thrown away many shoes that were like new because they were not comfortable shoes. A few brands we carry are: Skechers (the memory foam ones are to die for), Nike, New Balance, Columbia, the North Face, and we do have nice shoes for your evening dinner.

      2.    Extra Undies and Socks: 

                This season I have sold so many boxer briefs and briefs to older men who blame their wives for not correctly packing for them. And because our store is open all year round and the locals depend on us, sometimes we do not have the right sizes of undies. Oops!
                On a positive note, when you buy a pair of shoes from us you get a $1 off of socks! I would highly recommend the SmartWool! They are a bit pricey, but that merino wool is so nice! 

      3.  Rain Coat/Layers:

                Alaska weather is unpredictable! Last year is rained all the time, at the beginning of this year it was hot and now it’s windy, cold, and wet. People come in looking for rain jackets, hats, gloves, and all that. We sell North Face and Columbia and to be honest it will cost you about the same up here as it would in the lower 48. So why suffer for a while looking for a jacket, when you could come all comfortable and ready to explore!
                Be prepared with light jackets and fleeces so you can layer! Also be prepared with short sleeves, shorts, and long sleeves. One day you might be cold while looking at a glacier or it might be a sunny day for ice-cream in Skagway! You can always buy Alaska layers while in Alaska! There are plenty of AK sweatshirts that want to be part of your closet!  And of course you want room in your suitcase.

 4.  Stamps: 

                Mail is a dying art, so send a post card to your friends and families back at home! You should make everyone jealous of your Alaskan adventure! I love postcards! I collect them, receive them, and send them! Post offices are a lot smaller up here and have weird hours. Be one step of the game and bring your post card stamps with you! And surprise, ALASKA IS PART OF THE UNITED STATES, costing you a whole .34 cents!

      

       5. Call your bank:

                I know this is not something you pack, but calling your bank is essential. You will be purchasing all kind of goodies and souvenirs for your friends, kids, daughter’s boyfriend, that neighbor who collects silver spoons, grand-kids, and whoever else who is dying for a t-shirt. It is really awkward for us to tell you that your card has been declined and you scramble for money after we have deactivated and took the hangers off of all your clothes. Calling the bank is really simple and you do not have to talk to a person, just a machine!

Well folks, I hope you learned something valuable and you are ready to take your Alaskan cruise! I am confident that you will not make the same mistakes that I see every day, but will be one step ahead of the game! Best of luck and see you in Skagway! 

Here is a picture for your viewing pleasure!

The Northern Lights

I do not like the term, "bucket list". I feel like it is not only cliche, but a phrase people use when they do something they think it cool. Working in the tourist industry in Alaska, you hear from a lot of different people, "Coming to Alaska has been on my bucket list". It is always neat to meet people from everywhere and hear about their experiences while being here, but do they really experience Alaska?

You can get on a cruise ship and see glaciers, bears, whales, bald eagles, and everything in between. You can pay a ton of money to go see sled dogs or ride a train. There are so many things that can be done. However, I think living here tops it all. This last week the Northern Lights have been dancing across Southeast Alaska's night skies. If there is anything everyone should see once in their lives it is the Northern Lights!

For some history and science behind the Northern lights: The Northern Lights is also known as the Aurora Borealis, which was named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind is Boreas. The aurora is a natural light display in the sky that can be seen in high latitude regions. Aurora are caused by cosmic rays, solar wind, and magnetosphere plasma that is interacting with the upper atmosphere. These charged particles made up of mainly electrons and protons, enter the atmosphere from above causing ionization and excitation of atmospheric constituents, and light emissions.

Last season I saw the lights a few times, but this past week it has been amazing! Last week around 1 am, Jory and I were still up and Rocky called us to tell us that the Northern Lights were out. We went outside and they were so distinguished. It was like someone was using a paint brush right before our eyes; painting the sky with greens. A few days later, Jory knocked on the door of the room Myla and I share to tell us the lights were out. Of course we jumped out of bed. They were dim but still really neat. But two nights ago topped it all! Around midnight we went out and it was just as bright as the first time, then Kyle (our newest roommate) suggested we drive out towards Dyea to see the lights. We all ran inside got proper clothes off and started driving. The lights were dancing and we were racing to see them. We did not make it all the way to Dyea, but we stopped on a side of the road and got out of the car. It was so clear and dancing off the mountains. We all laid on the ground and watched the light show. I cannot even put into words what we saw. The ground was cold, but my spirit was glowing. Not only did we see greens but there were some pinks! The lights were constantly bending and dancing around. I have never been to a light show, well I have been to Stone Mountain in Georgia's laser light show, but this was the ultimate light show!! We laid there for what seemed like forever, but it was an experience I will forever remember and cherish. So if you havent seen the lights, come up and see them!

Just so you can experience the lights from the comfort of your own home, this was taken with a cell phone by one of my friends up here named Joe, I took this off his Facebook, so I hope he doesn't mind, (:

Two Weeks Graduated

People keep asking me how do I feel after graduation, what have I been up to these days, and what are my plans now. I would like to address those questions with the following.

1. Graduation has not hit me. You see, BYU-Idaho does a track system. I do not feel like explaining what that is exactly, but it basically allows for more students to attend the University. I am (was) on the Fall/Winter track, so I attend from September to April. When I graduated and moved back to Washington it just felt like I was coming home for the summer break. I do not think it will hit me until September comes around and I am not buying books or back to school clothes.

2. Graduation was great! I will not lie, I was stressing because I was trying to get all my work done, pack, clean, and I was having both sets of parents come together. Last time that happened, I was graduating from High School! But it all turned out nicely! Everything went smoothly. I was not able to show them all my favorite places, but I think I was also ready to get out of Rexburg.
My mission President and his wife did attend my graduation to my parents were able to meet them! How lucky am I??!? That was super sweet!! Oh and also don't forget THE Shannon Durr was there and so was my Oma! Man, I must be loved or something.

The Saturday after we made the trek back to Washington. The last time I will do that drive! Since being home I have been with my family. My mom works and so I hang out at home. I have done a few chores and projects for her which has been good so I do not go crazy. I also finished watching FRIENDS on Netflix and the show Freaks and Geeks. Which side-note, why the heck did Freaks and Geeks not get more than one season? That show freaking rocks!

Tonight I began to pack for Alaska. I am trying to pack light. Only one checked bag and the two carry ons. I think I am doing a pretty good job. We will see. I always get antsy at the end of packing and start throwing random things in.

3. On Friday I am going to be in ALASKA! I am so excited to be back up there! I have missed it and I feel more prepared than last year. And I know of adventures I want to go on and such. It is going to be awesome! I will also begin to study for the GRE to take in October. Then at the end of October I am going to Orlando with Shannon and then I will begin to apply to graduate school and try to get a big girl job.

Next time you hear from me, I will be in ALASKA! Get ready for the overload! (: