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! (:

Senior Project Part III

In about a week I will be receiving a diploma case and will be packing up my stuff in my family’s car and leaving Rexburg. It feels surreal! With finals come close, everything in winding down so it is perfect timing for me to report on my last three public policies!

4. Venezuela and Family Planning

            Compared to other South American countries, Venezuela faces the highest teen pregnancy, STD, and HIV infection rates and there does not seem like there can be a decrease in the areas unless the government gets involved and takes action.
            It has been recently reported that a 36 pack of Trojan condoms cost around 4,760 bolivars (estimated to be $750 USD). As the inflation of condom prices continues, there is still a concern for the people of Venezuela’s sexual health.
            Not only are condoms at risk of disappearing, but there are other forms of birth control such as birth control pills, not being available, as well as anti-viral drugs for HIV patients that can help save those infected. Another thing to consider is the issue of abortions. Performing or getting an abortion is illegal in Venezuela, but with the lack contraception being available it is thought that women will turn to “back alley” abortion clinics to receive the help they desire.
            The most interesting thing I learned from this policy is that imports and exports do play a critical role in a country’s economy. With Venezuela’s relationship with oil, the citizens are suffering. It is unrealistic to teach sexual abstinence because there are married people who cannot afford to have children at this time and they want to use contraceptives. Who wants to tell married people they cannot have sex?
            This is one of my weaker policies because I do not fully understand economics and the oil industry. I think it would be beneficial if the University offered a class for those issues. While learning about this I did read about the Bill and Melanie Gates Foundation. Through this foundation they focus on Sub-Saharan Africa and the mission on their website states, “to significantly reduce the incidence of HIVinfection and extend the lives of people living with HIV”. I feel like it would be beneficial if a foundation like this, or even this specific one, would take the time to go down to Venezuela. 

http:/borderlessnewsandviews.com/2013/01/the-reality-of-honor-killings-and-anti-islamic-bias/

            5. Jordan and Honor Killings

            Honor killings are an extreme symptom of discrimination against women and a plague that affects different countries around the world, mainly in the countries populated by the Islam community. Honor killings are done against a woman who has brought “dishonor” on her family. These victims of honor killings are targeted because their behavior, actions or the actions of others done against them violated cultural or religious norms. The families feel the only way to restore family honor would be to harm or kill the victim—most of the time it is killing. Victims are shot, stoned, buried alive, strangled, or stabbed. There is no protecting provided. Many women who escape honor killings are put into correctional or rehabilitation centers.

Article 98: He who commits a crime due to extreme anger caused by an illegal, and to some extent dangerous act, committed by the victim benefits from reduced penalty.

            These laws need to be amended in order to protect women throughout Jordan. Another big issue of honor killing is that families that immigrate bring the tradition with them. While researching for this I came across an Afghan family living in Canada that killed a co-wife and three daughters. I owe a lot to what I learned from Honor Diaries. It is a documentary that discusses this issue. From this portion of my project I realized that it is not the Islam faith that is the problem, but the people, which we see in any culture or religion. Islam does not promote Honor Killings, but the attitude stems from tribalism. There is an average of 5000 honor killings reported to take place every year around the world and not all killings are reported. Because the practice of honor killings are often viewed as a religious practice, punishments are often overlooked for those who commit the crime.
            There are current laws in Jordan that protect families who murder their wives and daughters. The laws are as followed:

Article 340: (a) He who discovers his wife, or one of his maharim [female relatives of such a degree of consanguinity as precludes marriage], while committing adultery with another man and kills, wounds, or injures one or both of them, is exempt from any penalty; (b) He who discovers his wife, or one of his sisters or female relatives, with another in an illegitimate bed, and kills, wounds, or injures [one or both of them] benefits from a reduction of penalty

            The University of Cambridge has recently published a study on the attitude of teenagers in Jordan’s capital of Amman and revealed that almost half of boys and one in five girls believe that killing a wife, sister, or daughter who has brought shame and dishonor a family is justified. There was also evidence provided from the study that honor killings are not associated with religious beliefs but are cultural belief and tribalism.
            The survey was given to over 850 students. A majority of the attitudes showed support for honor killing, displaying that the support is more likely in adolescent boys with low educational backgrounds. The research concluded that religion and intensity of religious beliefs were not associated with support for honor killing. Instead, the main factors are patriarchal and traditional worldviews, with an emphasis placed on female virtue and a general belief that violence against others is morally justified.
            What I suggest to help in this case is to amend the penal code, establishment of shelters, and education.
6. China and Baby Hatches              In other counties, like Germany, baby hatches have shown success, children are being placed into homes or the parents are coming back to reclaim them. The baby hatches are there to provide help for the parents, specifically the mothers. However, in China this is a different story; baby hatches are hurting the system more because the children that are being left are sick and dying. Parents believe the orphanages can cure the infants, when in fact they cannot. Though this program provides safety for the children and the parent, it is not being used correctly or even helping the problem to be solved, but causing an increase of the issue at hand
I was able to see "The Drop Box" this semester and it was eye opening about how the baby boxes work and what they are used for. From what I have learned from research, the baby hatches are a better alternative than the abandonment of the children. Some would disagree and say it is bad for society. In China, there needs to be better restrictions on Child rearing. 

Abandoning children is an illegal act in China; however, like any other country it is still done. The Ministry of Civil Affairs came up with a plan to help with abandoning children; a program that encourages the usage of baby hatches. These hatches were created to help both the children and the parents. Some of the families do not feel like they can provide the basic necessities for their children and by placing a child in one of these facilities, the child can be taken care of and be placed in a home that is capable for providing.

So there you have it, my Senior project! I hope that I was able to share some information. I am hoping to continue on with these studies and make a difference. 

Donating to a Cause

We live in a world where we depend on others. This concept became real to me while I listened to a talk at TEDxRexburg. The talk was called, "How to lose your self-esteem" and by far my favorite talk. We are taught from a young age to have a high self-esteem that we need to love ourselves. When this is not true, we need to focus on other people. We lose ourselves and then we find ourselves. When we claim to have high or low self-esteem we are basically telling the world that they are not doing a good enough job.

                I want to give back to those around me, but sometimes some of the organizations I come across, I just do not want to. I consistently pay for tithing and fast offering for the LDS church and that is really it.  This past summer we saw the ASL ice bucket challenge blow up social media. I was nominated and had no desire to dump ice water on my head, so I donated money. I knew nothing about ASL until I did that, but I still was not passionate about it because it did not have an effect on my. I donated, but I did not think twice about it. On my 101 things in 1001 days I wanted to find a cause that I believed in and donate to it.

                Recently, I have come across a couple of organizations and causes that I really believe in and I want to share them with you! The first one is becoming really popular and if you have not seen posts on Facebook, you are connected to the wrong people! The first one is Operation Underground Railroad (OUR). This organization headed by Tim Ballard, is on a mission track down child traffickers in developing nations. On average there are 2 million children are being trafficked as sex slaves in the world today. Working with the governments of these countries, OUR goes in undercover as buyers of these children and not only frees the children, but also arrests the traffickers. I knew that sex trafficking is an issue, but when it comes to children, I am extremely sensitive. Children are entitled to happiness and not to be used. There is a documentary about this work that I really want to see!  You can see a video about this cause HERE. 

                After research and looking at all I can, I decided to sign up to donate to this cause. I became an Abolitionist; you give a Lincoln to save a slave. Basically, I donate $5 a month to this cause. If that does not inspire you, OUR is teamed up with The Elizabeth Smart Foundation. Elizabeth Smart was a young girl in Utah that kidnapped and used as a slave. I read her book and it is terrible what happened to her, but she has moved on and is helping people in return. There is also a breakdown of how they spend their money, and 58% of the proceeds go to rescue missions. It costs an average of $20,000 for an operation to save 1-50 children. If my $5 can help even a tiny bit, then I know that the $5 is worth it. I encourage you all to check out this organization and join the fight in ending child slavery   

                Last Monday (3/16) I saw “The Drop Box”. This is a topic that is part of my senior project, so I will not go into too much detail here. Here is what you can find on the official website.

“The Drop Box tells the story of South Korean pastor Lee Jong-rak and his heroic efforts to embrace and protect the most vulnerable members of society. It is a heart-wrenching exploration of the physical, emotional and financial toll associated with providing refuge to orphans that would otherwise be abandoned on the streets. But The Drop Box movie is also a story of hope—a reminder that every human life is sacred and worthy of love.”

                The proceeds to this movie go to supporting Pastor Lee and the adoption and orphanage care work of Focus on the Family. This is a controversial topic because it deals with abandoning babies and children; however, there are ways we can help by just being here in the United States. Family is important and children deserve to be part of a loving family, even if it is not biological.

I hope you all do more than read about these causes and go out of your way to see what you can do to help. Or find an organization or cause that you are passionate about!

What organizations do you donate to? 

A Blog Makeover

The last few weeks I have been consumed with blog hopping. While at City Hall, in between projects, I have been looking at different blogs and being so intimated by how many talented people there are out there. I love blogs! Reading them, scanning them, clicking through them. I find it fascinating that people we are different, but we all are so similar. We all want the same things, to be happy, successful, loved. We are all just on different paths. As I have read through different blogs, I kept getting this feeling, "I can do this, too!" So here I am; officially breaking into the blogging community. I do not expect to get the same results as other people get, blogging is a full time job. Its Friday and I have spent most of the night re-doing colors and arranging things. I also know that I have a long way to go. But I am excited! With graduation less than 3 weeks away, I am ready to start a new chapter.

However, this will not be a journal. It will be a reporting. I feel like something unique as well, will be because I am studying political science, there is a high chance of me talking about about social issues and possibly the upcoming Presidential election. Pretty exciting stuff!

I also realize I will need to reach out to other bloggers, which is scary. But I am excited to try new things. Be patient with me and join me in discovering the pearls of life!

Are you a long time blogger? What advice do you have for me, or any other new blogger? 

5 TEDxTalks Lessons

This Friday,I will be attending TEDxRexburg and I am so excited! To help you understand how cool it is that I was selected, only 100 people were invited to attend. I have had a few people ask me what this event is, so I thought what a perfect blog topic, then 5 of my personal favorite TED talks. 

Taken straight from Wikipedia:
  “TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a global set of conferences run by the private non-profit Sapling Foundation, under the slogan "Ideas Worth Spreading". TED was founded in 1984 as a one-off event; the annual conference series began in 1990.TED's early emphasis was technology and design, consistent with its Silicon Valley origins, but it has since broadened its focus to include talks on many scientific, cultural and academic topics.”

Some will argue that TED is a liberal point of view,  However, I am confident that anyone can find a talk that they would enjoy; each topic is unique and can open the door to the listener on a different way of think.There are talks even given to children BY children. Not every talk has caught my attention, but here are 5 that have (links will be included for your viewing pleasure, along with pictures of the speaker taken straight from the  TED website)!

    1.       “Want to be an activist? Start with your toys” - McKenna Pope
                This talk was given in 2013. At the time Mckenna was 14 years and when she was 13 she convinced Hasbro, to change the way they marketed a popular toy, the Easy Bake Oven.
You might ask “Why would this girl do this?” Well it was for her little brother! He wanted to be a chef and using the easy bake oven would be his starting point, but with the target audience being girls, this little boy was discouraged. She decided to make a change. To find out more, click the link to see the process McKenna took to have her voice heard.
                What I love about this talk is McKenna’s spunk and fearlessness.  Before T. Swift made it cool, McKenna boldly proclaims: HATERS GONNA HATE. 


2.       “If I should have a daughter…” – Sarah Kay

                If you have never heard about spoken word poetry, well look no further, here is your crash course. Sarah Kay has a passion in educating others about the importance of expressing yourself and even shares some of her work including, “B” and “Hiroshima”. I have looked her up on YouTube before and she is very talented.
                She founded Project VOICE, an organization that uses spoken word poetry as a literacy and empowerment tool. Through Project VOICE, performances and workshops are done in schools and communities around the world to encourage people to engage in creativity. She uses her experience with VOICE to give an example of how she reaches a young girl.
                Before this talk, I had never heard of Spoken Word Poetry.  I did see the popular 90's movie, “She’s All That” and that poetry performance was weird. Sarah is funny and personable, a real person, someone you would want to meet up with at a park.  After you listen to this talk, you will want to write your own poem!

    3. “Why we have too few women leaders” – Sheryl Sandberg
                Sheryl Sandberg, single handily, changed my opinion when it came to feminism and women’s issues. Before I assumed every woman who said she was a feminist was a "femi-nazi". Sheryl is an amazing woman who is not afraid to talk about women’s issues in the work place and even how men are affected. After I listened to her talk, I read her book “Lean In”, which is an expansion of her talk. What I love about Sheryl is that she expresses it is okay to be a stay at home mom and its okay to be a  working mom. She is a successful woman being the COO of Facebook, a wife, and a mom of a daughter and a son.
                Her talk inspires me to be the best woman I can be and not let the world intimated me. She discusses how women hold themselves back because of our failure and we need to help build one another up. It’s a unique way to look at feminism issues, because it a world issue. Along with this talk and her book, I would encourage you to check out “Lean In’s” current project: #LeanInTogether


4. "I am a son of a terrorist. Here's how I chose peace" - Zak Ebrahim 

 I heard this talk Fall 2014 Semester at BYU-Idaho in my "Terrorism and National Security Class" (a personal favorite class). What is unique about this talk, is it really puts a face to a family of a terrorist. Zak Ebrahim does not focus on terrorism or justify his father's actions, but talks about his (Zak) choice on how to live his own life. Just because we are born in certain circumstances, we determine what our future is. His courage to stand up and tell his mom he will not have a prejudice or hatred against others is very admirable, but what was surprising is how his mother agreed with him.
I also feel like this is an important talk because of what kind of world we live in. Before 9/11 I feel like not a lot of people knew or understood the Middle East and the Islam. And I  feel like this because I never knew what a Muslim was until 9/11 and then I was taught to be fearful of them and I did "other" them. I assume that I am not the only person to feel like this, but we do see a growing prejudice and hatred for the Islam community and we assume every Islam is a terrorist or capable of becoming one, however, they aren't. This is a talk that can help anyone begin to break stereotypes against the Islam and Middle East community. 

Picking #5 was really difficult because I love so many TED talks, especially the ones that address women's issues. I know I needed to show variety in this  post to show what TED has to offer. With that said #5 is something we do not discuss, but we should!

5. "What I learned in jail as a kid"- Ismael Nazario

 Before he was 18, Ismael spent 400 days on Rikers Island, a jail complex in New York, and 300 of those days were spent in solitary confinement. What I like about this talk is the eagerness in helping young people. When I hear of a young person being convicted and sent to jail, my first thought is, "What a waste" and instead of building and teaching these young people, we are throwing them away to rot. I understand what they do was wrong and there are consequences for our actions.
I think it is perfect when Ismael says, "Jails are actually suppose to rehabilitate a person, not cause him or her to become angry, frustrated, and feel more hopeless." He mentions about discharge plans and how correctional officers can be used to mentor young people; Build them up, don't prepare them for the next crime. Currently, Ismael works for Fortune Society, an organization that assists in helping people to reentry society after prison. 

I hope you enjoy these talks and take time in finding some talks that you enjoy. Let me know what you think about these and if you find any, please share! 

Dating Darwinism

On Mondays and Fridays I have two classes; Ancient Political Theory and Senior Seminar. Neither are over the moon exciting, but they are the last hurdles before I graduate, so I continue to endure. 

This past Friday wasn't anything out of the ordinary, besides the fact that my Senior Seminar class was cancelled due to Brother L. being sick. In Ancient Political Theory the topic of the day was Aristotle Book 1 of Politics. If you haven't ever read a philosopher's work, I encourage you to try. This class has been a struggle for me and I have a fear of failing the class and being left here in this Rexburg hellhole (I add that for a dramatic effect). I have a test on Monday about Plato and The Republic, but I have barely studied. 

In class, Brother Hanson introduced the concept of "Social Darwinism"; a term coined by a bunch of rich men to justify exploiting their workers and how they have "rightfully earned their money". I am not going to expand more on this, I just hope you are fowllowing me. After class, I overhear the guy in front of me say to a girl, "We should have out sometime." GAG! Really? ASK THE GIRL OUT!!

Walking out of class I felt fed up with the dating scene here and I fear it will remain this pathetic as I leave school and venture out into the real grown up life. The dating scene here seems to never progress or give anything essential to me. I find it useless. 

As I begin walking to City Hall for my internship, I overhear another conversation. Yeah, I'm nosy, but so are you! Surprisingly, another pair of people from my class that sits up front. The girl is always dressed adorably and I love her hair styles. I think she speaks French because Brother Hansen is always asking her questions about French things. The guy sits next to her, he is average height, pretty cute. He resembles Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid. They were talking about Russian classes. However, that isn't what caught my ear. This is what caught my ear:

Prince Eric: What time do you want to go out tonight?

French Girl: Um, I don't know, what time works for you? 

Prince Eric: I was thinking..7:30?

French Girl: Yeah that will work!

They say their goodbyes. This conversation I find more pleasant. It was casual, but the purpose was established. 10 points to Gryffindor (or whatever house they are in). I hope they had a good time. 

That is when it hits me, I am living in the world of Dating Darwinism; survival of the fittest, date or not date. I don't know what people say about other school but when people (specifically Mormons) find out that you are going to BYU-Idaho, you hear about the "marriage scene", "BYU-I DO", "Ring by Spring", and any other marriage jokes you can come up with. 

I won't lie to you, I assumed it would happen for me. I thought when it came time to receive my diploma, I would be married. I never wanted to admit it out loud, but here I am five weeks before graduation and I am just as single as I was on the first day of college. But don't worry or try to lecture me because it doesn't upset me, I have done a lot of cool things while here; I have learned a lot about myself and I am really grateful for the experiences I have had while here. 

Let me tell you another secret, I have never had a serious boyfriend while being up here. You can ask me all the questions, did I talk to people, did I put myself out there, did I dress nicely? And I would answer all of these questions with a yes. I was involved with school activities, I met people, my roommates and I had great parties. My time up here has been a blast, I have made lifelong friends, However, I am burnt out of it all. 

Last semester I had a terrible dating experience and this semester has been no different. But there is a difference, this semester I have entered the world of online dating. It has been an interesting experience. You would think that people would be more brave because they are hiding behind their keyboards and computer screens. They aren't. "Profile views" and "flirts" aren't impressive. 

And the dates themselves have been interesting. I am the Queen of First Dates Only. The following is just an example of what kind of guys I have been on dates with: a guy who was texting another girl, a guy with dirty fingernails. a guy who straight up talked about his ex-girlfriends, and the list goes on. I also have not been on dates, but just chatting with guys. Hey guess what fellas, I suck at small talk and I don't want to small talk with you.

Here are a few more "Dating Darwinisms" that I have experienced:

1,) "So what do you want to do?"- Did I ask you out? If you ask me, or any other girl out on a date, please have a plan of what to do. I am fine with putting in input, but you are the one inviting me to do something. 

2,) "What do you like to do?" - I understand that when you go on a date you are getting to know someone, but I feel like this question is a double edge sword. I feel like I am being judged and you are only going to focus on the things you like and completely ignore anything else I am interested in. So I am going to be trapped listening to things only you like. Ask a more specific question, please!

3,) Being called pet names when I first meet you- Really? Do you even know how to spell my first name? I don't know you, don't call me pet names. Compliments are fine, but don't call me beautiful or gorgeous either, Its weird. 

4,) Touchy- Please remove your hands off of my hip, refer to the above concern. 

At this point, you may be asking yourself, "Why did I just read all of this?", Well its because you are curious about my dating life and there you have it; in a big fat nutshell. Dating is something I don't find joy in, at all. And I am not sure if I ever will. I probably need to change my attitude, but I just want to share with everyone the experiences I have had so I do not have to answer the same questions over and over again. 

Stay tuned for another blog post based on married people have said to me!