Goals for 2014....and Remember 2013

As the year came to close, there was a lot of reflection on how 2013 went. Of course then sitting in Sacrament meeting today a lot of people were reflecting on 2013 and commenting on how great or how not so great 2013 was. I've decided that since it's 2013 I will list 13 things I did or learned in 2013.

1. Driving in snow.... so not my thing! I learned that you don't hit the brakes when you hit a patch of ice...yes this California raised girl did that....it didn't go so well haha
2. Driving 3 hours to the temple is totally worth it... EVERY single time!
3. Living on my own wasn't all it was hyped up to be.... moving in with roomates... totally a better option!
4. Kidney stones really are painful and if anyone says otherwise they obviously don't know what they are talking about.
5.  Became an owner of a 2013 Honda CRV and absolutely love it!!!
6. Sent one of my best friends, my cousin Chelsea and my little brother Chad off on missions for the church. (I am currently now writing 5 missionaries ....used to be 7 but two are home and my other cousin gets home in February!).
7. Quality time with family in Utah and Cali over the summer=the best thing ever!!! I love spending time with family!
8. With the help of my roommate/friend who experimented with my hair (and I let her ;)) I was bold this year with colors and had purple and pink in my hair. Everyone said they love it but I think I'm good with it and want to go back to original colors haha.
9. Reading my scriptures and praying daily make my days go by so much easier and better. If I don't I've noticed a huge difference in my day!
10. All those body mechanics in nursing school weren't just a simple read....they are meant for real life. And even though I do bend and move correctly I somehow managed to hurt my back but it's getting better with time and rest and not lifting more than 15 pounds.
11. I took on a new motto this year: Live Every Moment, Laugh Every Day and Love Beyond Words. True words to live by :)
12. New Mexico started to grow on me more.... learned to love and appreciate it more.
13. Spending Christmas in Hawaii with my family was the best ending to the year I could possibly ask for. (Don't worry my Christmas posts will be coming soon!)

2013 in New Mexico is where the Lord wanted me to be. That may be the same for 2014, who knows.... haha I feel like a lot is going to happen this year in 2014 so hopefully it's a year full of fun, laughter and lot's of new things!

My goals for 2014 are:
*Continue to read my scriptures daily
*Attend the temple often and do more temple work for my ancestors
*Take more weekend trips away and try and see family more this year!
*Eat healthy and work out daily
*Strengthen my relationship with family, co-workers and friends
*Continue to trust in the Lord and let him guide me through this life

I love you all who read this and I hope that this year brings you lot's of love, happiness and peace.

Finishing Up Days of Thanks

Day 21: Happy Birthday Daddy!!! I'm so grateful that I have the best Dad ever even if he isn't with us physically anymore. I miss him every day but I know he is always near by.

Day 22: Laughter. Today I'm grateful for laughs. Especially with my co workers who make my work day more enjoyable by smiling and laughing.

Day 23: I'm grateful for Saturday's. Not only are they short days at work haha but it's also the day to start prepping for Sunday.

Day 24: Today I'm grateful for the Sacrament and the opportunity I have to partake of it each week and renew my covenants with my heavenly father.

Day 25: Scentsy!!! Anyone who knows me knows that I like things to smell good haha. There is scentsy all over my house and while my roommates may not necessarily enjoy the strong scents sometimes our house always smells good :)

Day 26: Today I'm grateful for the scriptures to read from and learn from. There are a lot of great teachings and lessons to be learned in there.

Day 27: text messaging is a blessing haha. Seriously I love that I can text the people I care about the most or call but when you have something quick to say it's nice to just send a quick text message. :)

Day 28: Happy Thanksgiving. I'm grateful for the opportunity to sit down with good friends and think about the past year and what I'm thankful for. (I spent Thanksgiving with the Hathenbrucks this year.... due to work had to stay close to home)

Day 29: As November comes to a close and Christmas approaches, I am thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ who died for me and made it possible for me to return and live with Him and Heavenly Father again someday.

Day 30: Last but not least  I'm grateful for the month of November where I can give thanks for what I have and remember to always give thanks not just this month :)

Happy Days of Thanks!!!

Days of Thanks Continued.....

Day 13: Grateful for true friends. Real friends are hard to find....you know the ones who through thick and thin are always there for you. Sure you can have loads of friends but how many of them will be there for you when you need it most? It's great to have lot's of friends but I'm more grateful for those who are there for you no matter what. Even if they are hundreds of miles aways.

Day 14: My car. Driving 45 minutes to and from work every day can be rough. Today was one of my super long days... but I'm grateful I had my own car that I could drive to and from work in and gets me to the places I need to go :)

Day 15: So so grateful for Netflix!! Wasn't feeling so hot today and yes I hate to admit it but spent almost the entire day in bed :( Pretty sure I caught a little bit of the flu or something but thank goodness for netflix!

Day 16: Sunshine. It's getting a lot colder now that winter has pretty much started but I'm grateful for the sun still shining and it's warmth it gives on a cold day.

Day 17: Tithing. Tithing has been a huge blessing in my life!!! I can't tell you how many times I've struggled financially but always paying tithing...things always seem to work out! You get lot's of blessings if you pay your tithing!

Day 18: Today I'm grateful for Mexican Food haha. What can I say I'm a Cali girl! And in New Mexico I've struggled because none of the mexican restaurants here are the same as in cali. Some are close but I miss my real mexican food :)

Day 19: Grateful for breakfast!!! It's the most important meal of the day! haha. And lately for work in the morning I've been doing my overnight oats and it's the best!!! Absolutely love it!! Thanks to my friend Natalie who gave me the idea.

Day 20: Today I'm thankful for sweet messages from general authorities like President Uchtdorf. As I get older it's hard to see when my happily ever after will come but I've come to realize that God has a plan for me and I just have to get through all the adversities first :)

Thankful Days Continued.....

Day 8: With the time change it's pretty dark in the morning still but the other day I was driving to work and in my rear view mirror I could see the beautiful sunrise beginning. The sunrises and sunsets in New Mexico are by far one of my favorite things about living here! I wish I could've gotten a picture of the one I saw but I'm posting one that I've taken here before. So grateful for beautiful sunrises that make my day start off wonderful :)

Day 9: Today I am grateful for the Word of Wisdom. Every year for work we have an annual dinner celebration that is paid for by the company. This year it was at St. Clair's Winery here in Farmington. I was reluctant to go for more than one reason but my biggest reason was that at this restaurant they offer free wine samples to go with you meal. I knew that most of my co-workers would be drinking wine and really I don't like being around those that drink. After much thought and even a little prayer, I decided that I needed to go. And it was actually a good experience. I had the opportunity to share with some of my co-workers why I don't drink. Talked a little about the word of wisdom with them and it was good.

Day 10: Grateful for hymns of praise :) I have the opportunity to be not only in one but TWO choirs and I'm kind of excited about it. My branch president was a little worried that I'm "spreading myself too thin" but I told him that I love singing and taking long naps on Sundays while sometimes is great....singing is greater. All day throughout church and choir practice we sang hymns and I just love them!! Each one is unique and special and a reminder to me that we can sometimes communicate to people better through song and the spirit touches them in a wonderful way. I'm excited for December when I get to sing hymns and melodies and be in the Christmas spirit. What a great opportunity and I'm so thankful for it!

Day 11: Happy Veterans Day!!! I know many wonderful people who have served or are still serving today. I am grateful for their service for our country and I'm proud of their choice to serve!

Day 12: Grateful for days off to catch up on some much needed rest and to update the blog haha. Plus I get to work on my crafts and projects for christmas that I'm excited about so it's all worth it!! :)

Life.....Always An Adventure :)

Due to some recent events, I am taking a break from facebook. Don't worry it's not anything major haha I just need to take a break from the things I see/read on facebook. In a way it's a good thing because now I can blog more :)

I had to take my car in to get fixed this week. I know I know a brand new car that already needs fixing... let's just say I had a fight with the garage and the garage won :( And it took me three months to finally get my roof fixed but the people are super helpful and friendly and I hopefully will have my car back in no time.

Being without a car all week definitely makes me even more grateful for a car! Kind of can't go anywhere far but walking places is good. It's nice that the gym is right behind my house now so to save on gas I just walk and it's really starting to pay off but that's a post for another time ;) Anyways, I am not one to ask for help very often. I like to be the one to provide help, not the other way around haha it's something I'm working on but I'm really grateful for the people in my life who have offered to take me the places I've needed to go while not having a car. It's been a huge blessing and those people truly were blessed helping me out.

Since I've been kind of stuck at the house, I've been working on some projects that I'm excited to share in later posts :) And I've been watching this new TV series that a good friend of mine got me interested in. Thank goodness for netflix to keep me busy while working on projects. Anyways...it's also given me time to evaluate my life. Yes, my life has been difficult the past while however I am grateful for my Heavenly Father and Christ's hand in my life. I have this saying that eventually will be up on the wall in my room it has all these words on it: Be Happy, Think Positively, Stay Strong, Work Hard, Have Faith, Eat Healthy, Exercise Daily, Love Freely, Live in the Moment, Read More, Relax, Laugh Out Loud, Worry Less, Forgive and Forget, Give Generously and Be Grateful.

Aren't those awesome words to live by?! What a great reminder I get to see each and every day. I can't wait to finally put those up on the wall next to my temple and Christ picture. It's going to be great! Anyhow, if you want updates on my life... don't bother checking facebook. I won't be on there. But I will post on here and hopefully post pictures soon.

When It Rains... It Pours

It's been a long time since I've blogged... I know... sadness. Truthfully I love blogging and just kind of got out of the habit of blogging all the time.... however now I need to get back into for a few reasons... One... it's calming and relaxing to write my thoughts down.... and besides my journal... I need to be better at documenting what's going on in my life or my thoughts rather because really it will be good for my posterity to read.

With that said, I am back to blogging...or trying to be haha. And I don't want this post to be a "Oh I'm so sorry for you"....I just need to write what's been on my mind and leave it at that.

I would say that for the most part, I'm a happy individual, loving life and trying to be everyone's friend. Granted when times of trial come upon me, I have a hard time continuing to be happy while going through the trial. I guess I never really noticed that I did that up until recently.

Now... here's where I don't want anyone to start feeling sorry for me

I really am not going to go into detail on anything I've been going through....mainly because I know that there are a lot of people out there going through even more difficult trials then I am currently experiencing. We all have problems... we all have trials that God has given us. We are here to be tried and tested. One thing that I've learned over the years is to never lose faith in Him. If He brought me to it, He will lead me through it.

The past few weeks have been extremely trying and difficult. I've felt like I've failed at some things and other things I've asked myself "Why Me?". Yes, I will admit that I did ask that more than once the past few weeks. It's been rough but all I can say is that even though it's been difficult, I turned to the Lord and prayed hard for peace and comfort and for His help to get me through. Keeping the Faith is really what it's all about.  And He really has been there for me and given me peace and comfort.

I know that the Lord has a plan for me. I think my problem is I'm a little too impatient and want our timing to align haha but I've learned to trust in Him and I know everything will be okay. I also have to remember that while going through my hard times, I need to be happy despite what's happening to me. A really good friend of mine pointed that out to me this week. Actually now that I think about it, more than one individual told me to smile and keep on going. I guess I needed two people to remind me of that this time around haha. Don't worry I'm smiling and thanking Heavenly Father for my difficult times because it's made me into the person I am today.

I am proud to say that I love my Heavenly Father. I know He loves me. He has a plan for me. Through all my hard times and difficulties, He is there helping me through. He has also blessed me with people here physically to help me through. Without my family and good friends, my life wouldn't be the same.

I know that right now Farmington, New Mexico is where I need to be and like I always say it's an adventure worth taking :) Every single trial I've experienced or am experiencing is for my good and learning. I just hope that during my adventures... I can share with others what I've learned from them. I am who I am today because of my trials....and of course the good times that come with the hard times because really we do get good times also :)

So really when it rains....it pours in my life... BUT I have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and I know that my Heavenly Father and Jesus love me. And I have great support all around me to get through it all.  It's like that song in the Prince of Egypt, there can be miracles when you believe, who knows what miracles you can achieve when you believe..... maybe my trials are hard.... but miracles do happen when I believe and when I'm helping others.

Life is an adventure worth taking and as long as I have the Lord in my life, I know I can get through anything! Keeping the Faith. :)

Updates in 2013

Okay okay..... I KNOW it's been a LONG time since I've last blogged. Kind of crazy really because I love it but life just kind of got busy ya know? That's still no excuse.... I need to blog and write down my thoughts and life so my friends and family can keep in touch ;)

So anyways....here's what is happening or has happened in the past months since I last blogged.....warning...it might be a lot to read but there are pictures to keep you entertained as well :)



October 2012:

Had to work on Halloween.... don't worry it wasn't too exciting. I did stop by my adopted family afterwards to see the kids all dressed up. Nothing really to report other than spending time with friends and working a ton ;)

 I've been blessed to be able to go to the temple at least once a month now and it's just so great that I can actually go!!! It's hard moving from having the temple 10 minutes from your house to 3 hours away. But it definitely makes me appreciate the temple more and the blessings that come from going!

I spent Thanksgiving with the Hathenbrucks. They are my adopted family here and I just love them! I wasn't able to go home for the holidays so it was nice to be able to have somewhere to go.

I also spent Christmas with them and I just love these two! Not going to lie....Thanksgiving was hard not being with family...my first time ever by the way away from family (extended included) for the holidays and it was rough but I felt so loved. They made me feel right at home. Christmas was even harder but I am so grateful for the love and kindness this family has show me.

Also spent New Years with them....surprised don't be haha. This isn't the greatest picture but it shows you we like to have a good time ;)

It's always nice to feel appreciated and that's exactly what the Elders Quorum in our Branch did for us! We had a women's appreciation night it was awesome. Of course with friends like Brittney it always is a blast! I just love her!

 This guy is still going strong on the mission and I just love hearing from him and getting pictures!!! I had to add one just so you know he is doing well and having a good time. I just sent him a care package and I'm dying to hear how he liked it. According to Auntie he loved it though so that's good ;)

 I hit my one year mark at work. Weird how fast time has flown by.... I miss these lovely ladies though! I think a little reunion is much needed and soon!

 We've gotten snow... not as much as other places but enough for this Cali girl! This was at work one day.... the most I've ever seen at work and it was falling hard. It was pretty though...just didn't like driving in it!

Okay I hate to admit it but I was sick ALOT this winter. First I got a cold, then got over it and would get another one. Then....got even sicker before I got better. And then something else hit and it was like a never ending process of bad health. Don't worry though I'm doing ALOT better! Minus the allergies but they are under control for the time being. :)

 Got to go tubing with the Branch and it was loads of fun. Next time though I need to remember to bring gloves!! That was a mistake haha but it was fun!

 Went shooting and had a blast!!! Shot my first shot gun ever and it was so cool!!! I'm a newbie at it but it was a blast! I want to go again!

 This lovely lady got her mission call to the Birmingham Alabama mission. I just love her she is fantastic! Our good friend Alissa took pictures of us and we had a blast! Steph kept saying the camera loved her more than me but we all know it was pretty much equal ;)

 I FINALLY got to see my mom and Bret!! They came out for like two days and it was so great just to have them here to visit!! We went to the Four Corners Monument and Bret thought that was pretty neat to stand in 4 places at once!

 I just love this kid! He makes me smile!! I miss him....BUT I get to see him soon so it will be awesome!!

 Breakfast at IHOP before Steph left to report to the MTC. I miss her ALOT but I hear from her weekly so it's good :) I just love her so much!! And I'm so proud of her decision to serve and teach others the Gospel!

 Had a lovely girls night down in Albuquerque. I had a blast with these two. And of course I loved doing two temple sessions while we were there :)

 Okay....I just can't believe my little brother is 18 and his papers are IN! We are just waiting for a call! How crazy is that?! I just love him and he is going to be an awesome missionary!

 I recently went to my first carnival ever.... I know I know. Crazy right?! We have them in Cali all the time and I have never gone!! It was so much fun though! We had a blast!! And I caught some fish!!  It was a blast and of course I was with some pretty awesome people which made it so much fun!!

 That's pretty much the happenings right now. I am in the works of moving into another place with two friends of mine. It's a work in progress only because I may not be able to get out of my lease early but I'm trying to....so we will see what happens :)


In less than 3 weeks I will be going home for a week and a half and I'm SO excited!!! It's been 9 months since I've been home and seen my family all together so I'm EXCITED!!! It will be awesome!!! And I will try to be better at blogging. This blog is probably still going to go private so make sure I know you read this so I can add you to the list when I do make it private! Now it's time for me to clean and get ready for the rest of my day :)

Sunday Talk

So I had to give a talk in church today. Let me just say that I would rather sing or say a prayer any time. I absolutely hate getting up and talking in front of people. It's my least favorite thing to do. Anyways, with that said, I had to give a talk on Faith and how with Faith we can follow Christ. I wrote my talk two weeks prior but then changed it at the last minute. I condensed it even so it wouldn't be as personal but I'd like to share part of my personal story here. I figure it might help someone understand me a little better or who knows, maybe even help them. Even though I cried, it went well....or at least that's what everyone says. Maybe they are just being nice haha. But here it is....enjoy your Sabbath :)

President Boyd K. Packer stated, “Faith, to be faith, must go beyond that for which there is confirming evidence...., must go into the unknown.... must walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness. 

There was a time in my life when I walked to the edge of the light and then a few steps into the darkness. It was a Friday in mid October and little did I know that life as I had known it would be forever changed by the end of the day. My Dad was diagnosed with brain cancer and was given less than six months to live. It was a trying time for me and my family. I was in my second semester of the Nursing program with a packed full schedule and finals just a week later. I remember praying and asking for peace and guidance. My testimony of the Gospel was weakened as I wondered why this could be happening to me, and why now. My faith in God was waivering but my doubts were not about rejecting the Gospel, only the fear of the unknown and how I would move on. I remember thinking to myself, How was I going to deal with this and how could I possibly get through school? Pouring out my soul and telling Him that it was all in His hands brought extreme peace and comfort to me. I always knew the Lord loved me but during this trying time, I felt His love even greater. 

Priesthood blessings helped give me the comfort I needed to get through finals and come to terms with my Dad’s diagnosis. When I turned to the Lord and poured out my heart, that was when my faith began to grow stronger. I know that with God all things are possible and I had faith that everything would be okay. I knew the Lord loved me and I have the Gospel in my life. I had people around me who helped me and my family get through this tough time. Despite the this major trial we were going through, we were also greatly blessed. My Dad beat the odds. They gave him six months and he made it almost a year. Six months later I graduated from Nursing school. Though I was tried and tested, I was also very blessed. I don’t think I could have gotten through Nursing school with everything else going on without the Faith that I had in the Lord. I trusted in Him and my faith is what saw me through. My testimony of the Gospel grew so much and the plan of Salvation became even more real and important to me. With the Gospel, Families can be together forever. Little did I know that a year later I would be the one helping a close friend come to terms with losing their Dad. I was able to share my struggles and how I had a gained stronger Faith. I was also able to share with them how much our Heavenly Father does indeed love each and every one of us. I was thanked many times for sharing my struggles with them because they could see the light at the end of the tunnel and how I overcame it, they could also. It is amazing to see how much God really does love each and every one us. We go through different trials for different reasons. I know I went through this because I needed to help someone else, just like I had people to help me.

Through this major trial, I truly learned for myself that the Lord loves each and every one of us. And my Faith grew stronger and continues to grow every day. Once our Faith is tried, that is when we receive a true witness. Our faith is continually growing by following the commandments, being righteous and learning through our trials and we are continually blessed. 

Okay so it's not the Sabbath now but when I planned on posting this it was :) Hope it helps you or maybe not but this is me and how I'm not at all perfect and how we all go through things for a reason. 

30 Day Challenge

Every year in the month of November I challenge Facebook friends to write on their status every day one thing they are grateful for. Last year I only had about five friends who took up the challenge (out of like 300 friends..that's sad) and posted what they were grateful for. I debated doing it again this year but I need to do for me. I need to remember all my blessings and be thankful. I hope all of my readers will join in, even if you don't have facebook or you don't want to on there, at least write down 30 things you are thankful for. I will post all 30 of mine on the blog the last day of the month but check out my Facebook wall if you want to see my daily posts.

I have loads of other things to blog about but this was something I wanted to do real quick. Remember what you are thankful for and thank God daily for all the wonderful things He has given you :) Happy November!

Trying.....

I'm trying really hard to stay positive about jobs... I know one is right around the corner for me!

I'm trying to understand why the internet has become the place to tell people big news instead of a phone call or even text.... technology has outbeat the social aspect of sharing good news I guess... but that's really sad.

I'm trying to pack for my cruise..... in less than a week!!!

I'm trying to eat better but it doesn't help when there is some good Hawaiian chocolate laying around (Thanks Mom lol!)

I'm trying to not miss my dear friends who moved like crazy.... keeping myself somewhat occupied to help with that!

I'm trying to be a good friend and be there for my friends... I hope I'm doing okay lol

I'm trying to live more like my Savior Jesus Christ and love everyone and give service to all those around me.


I really am trying to be the best person I can be while the world tries to persuade me otherwise and tries my patience in things. Life can be trying sometimes but we just need to make the most of it and try our hardest to be the best possible person we can be.

Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful!

I've been doing a lot of random posts lately... well to me they aren't really random but just about random topics :) You know how people change throughout the years? I feel like I am SO different from even just a few years ago and in a lot of ways I am. I am not as naive as I once was and I am expanding my comfort zone like crazy (which is saying a lot) and I've gone through more trials in a period of three years than my entire grade school life. I've grown up and  have matured (which my cousin says I'm about 40...um okay..not really) but I feel like I'm a mature, young lady who is just living life to the fullest.

Anyways... for a LONG time I was blonde. Well rather a light brunette with blonde highlights. Crazy I know... and yes, sometimes I even acted the blonde part lol. In high school I played water polo and was on the swim team and so the chlorine naturally lightened my hair. After high school I got highlights and my hair was just always a really light brown/blonde looking color. I went through phases of wanting highlights and then would dye it all natural again because I couldn't keep it up during school but then I would get them again and so on. I have finally decided though that I like it DARK. With my complexion, and great advice from a friend, I figured darker would be better. I have to say that even though at times I feel like I'm so pale (can't wait for summer so I can get some color) I LOVE the dark better. That's my natural color actually and I LOVE it! So I've posted a picture of me from August 2008 at our Stouffer Family Reunion here in Cali and one of me now.

Then and Now...  the now picture is  not my favorite but at least you can tell somewhat of a difference :)

Yeah... I have to say that I didn't wear eyeliner let alone eyeshadow back then... I was very "natural" lol Now I wear eyeliner and have broadened my eyeshadow choices ....so you can tell there is a difference. Kind of interesting really. My cousin made a comment about my high school senior picture that hangs on our wall and how different I was then to now. At first I was kind of offended because um, I'm still the same person...but then I realized that he didn't mean it in a bad way. Sure I've changed a lot of the years, not just emotionally but also physically and I'm okay with that. I'm still the same person, I'm still me and I'm happy. I love life and so it doesn't really matter what I looked like then to now... because really in the long run, who cares?

It's kind of interesting as I was wanting to do this post last week and didn't get around to it but I have gotten quite a few compliments this week and I have to say, they totally made my day. Sometimes I struggle with the fact that I'm not supermodel looking or whatever but most of the time I'm happy to be me the way I am. Someone I really look up to told me that beauty is not all about the physical appearance. It's what's inside that counts. I really liked that because I feel like that's all guys are looking for (which I know obviously, none of those ones are for me and that's okay...my prince charming will look past all that) and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I remember the ad that said to "Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful" and I just absolutely love that and live by that. I'm my own person and can be my own kind of beautiful. I was told not once, but three times this week how pretty/cute I was and that just made my day, seriously. I don't get those kind of comments often (which is okay but compliments are always nice!) and it was really touching. So here is my advice, Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful and live life to the fullest. And just because you may have changed a little bit physically doesn't mean you aren't the same person...you are... the same person you've always been and always beautiful!  :) Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful!!!!


P.S. I've blogged ALOT this week so thank you to all my readers... I have some fun things I want to post but this weekend is super busy so check up on it next week! And is it really bad that I've blogged like every day this week? I don't think so but if it's too much I will tone it down!!

More Random Thoughts....

So I have to admit that since starting this blog, I have become even more passionate about writing my thoughts down. Before I would love writing in my journal about the things in life that have happened but it's even more meaningful now. I don't know why that is, maybe because I know I actually have people reading my thoughts or that some people feel the same way I do but it doesn't matter. Journal writing is SO important and I am glad that I love it. So enjoy some more random thoughts brought to you by Kati and hopefully you get something out of it but if not, enjoy a good read then I guess :) And I'm warning you it's kind of long...so maybe just read one section and come back to another later or whatever suits you best :)




Facebook.....


Okay so as most of you know I left facebook the beginning of January and surprise surprise I'm back on again. I had many reasons for getting off facebook and I don't feel like I need to explain why, it's not important. What is important is that I learned that life doesn't evolve around facebook. I can survive without it and don't need it. I found however that facebook is very good for social networking which is why I eventually came back on. It wasn't that I "needed" facebook in my life but more that without it, I was clueless socially. I had missed invites to dinners and such because it was all on facebook and my Bishop even sent me emails specifically to me about activities since I wasn't on facebook to see the info. I felt really bad about that, when I got a text saying he was trying to inform me about something and didn't have my email. I felt bad that I made him do something extra when it would've just been so much easier having facebook. Since coming back on I haven't used it as much and I like it that way. These past few days though I realized I've been doing a lot of "status updates" and I don't want to do that anymore. The whole reason I created the blog was to write my thoughts down so that's where it's going to be...here. I honestly feel blogging is so much better and more personal in the fact that you can get to know someone so well through blog posts than on facebook statuses any day. 




Intimidation.....
So I was having a conversation with a friend the other day about relationships and life in general. Before I had talked about how people have told me in the past that I can be intimidating. Someone even told me once that I had to stop being friends with guys if I ever wanted to get asked out. Um okay? My first thought was Why can't you man up and get over the fact that I have guy friends? They shouldn't care that I have friends who are guys. I could see that if I was actually dating the person but it doesn't matter if they are just friends. I can kind of see the point in where a guy has a really good friend that's a girl or vice versa but that shouldn't be the issue. If someone is interested then... go for it. That's my take on that. Anyways... I was talking with a friend (who is seriously dating someone by the way) and had told me that in the past, he was kind of intimidated by me. He explained to me why and I don't feel like I need to go into detail but it was mainly because he didn't know me and didn't want to make a wrong impression. That makes sense to me. I posted about this on facebook and the comments I got were good :) Some said he was flirting which by the way he was not.... trust me. Others made valid points. I had stated that maybe I needed to change something about myself so people would be less intimidated by me. I don't think I realized what I was writing when I wrote it but some good friends pointed out that I don't need to change for anyone. If they can't man up and talk to me then they aren't worth it. 


Mind you, I've only ever had guys tell me this so I don't know if girls are as well but I feel like maybe I give off the wrong impression. Like maybe people think I believe I'm better than everyone else. I'm just the normal average person just like everyone else. I wish guys weren't so intimidated....maybe that would help understand them better. All in all though... I want everyone to know that I am just the average person but I have to admit that I have been intimidated by some in the past and maybe the present?..... I won't go into detail since I have no idea who reads this but there is one person in particular at the moment that I am kind of intimidated by. I guess because of observation along with conversation I find myself maybe a little on the boring side because I haven't done as much? I don't really know. Haha....maybe that's what guys think then too.....see writing all this down helps clear things up for me. The point of the story is that I shouldn't feel intimidated and no one should feel that about me as well. Something to work on this week I think :) 


Job Hunting.....
Ah.... here we go.... the big question... job yet? Answer is still a NO but I'm hopeful. I went through a period of being depressed about it and oh woe is me but you know what.... there is something GREAT out there for me and I believe that it will happen soon. The thing I've learned is that it's in the Lord's time....NOT mine. And that patience is necessary. That is something I have struggled with...patience... but it will come when it's time. I know people want to know where and I will tell you but I'm also a little weary of saying because I fear that if people find out I have one here.... they will be like... oh you haven't lived life girl. I've actually had many conversations about this topic. And you know what.... just because I didn't move away and go to school, doesn't mean I haven't lived life and it doesn't mean that I will never get out. I've gone out of my comfort zone many times and while I may still be here... oh well. I feel like there are opportunities everywhere and if I'm meant to stay here, then I will. Family is important to me but I also realize that someday I will be living somewhere else with a family of my own and husband. It could be here or it could be New York or Texas or even Alaska for crying out loud but it  will be my decision. I feel like people wonder why I never left home after high school. And to be honest....it's because I was meant to be here. I've lived a good life here and I want to travel and see the world. I don't feel like it's necessary to move to another state to prove that I can be on my own. I'm an independent person who loves her family and while I like to stay close to home for now, that could change in a few months, a year or even a few years from now. My point is, don't judge me on my situation or where I am in life. God works in a mysterious ways and if I'm meant to serve others in another state as an RN then GREAT....if it's here then GREAT. Alright... I'm off that topic now. 


Friends....
This will be my last topic for the night... tomorrow I have something really good I will post about but we'll end with this tonight. I have to say that I have some really good friends. Don't we all? I hope at least one or two! Friends are there for us when we need them and give good advice or are good listeners (or readers) when we need to vent. I absolutely do not believe in cliques. I think that sometimes in a clique we leave people out and maybe don't mean to but that is what ends up happening. People say I have a lot of friends and while I guess you could say that's true.... it also means that it's not. What do I mean by that exactly? Well.... everyone has their own group of friends. The ones you go to parties with and dance all night long or go bowling or whatever it may be. I sometimes feel like I'm that friend that is forgotten... kind of like the out of sight out of mind mentality. I don't feel that way very often....actually not very much at all but I have in the past and sometimes it can be very trying. I love being friends with everyone and loving everyone but at the same time I feel so alone. Sometimes people assume that I "know" what's happening but honestly I don't. I feel like I have to invite myself to things if I want to have any fun. Mind you I do not feel this way often so don't think that this is how I feel ALL the time. Really it's not. I just want to point some things out. Try to include everyone. Why do there have to be cliques anyways? Aren't we all suppose to come unto Christ and be like Him? He didn't turn anyone away and neither should we. Be a good listener and actually LISTEN. I think that us single adults want to talk about me me me all the time and while sometimes that's not necessarily a bad thing...it's not a good thing either. Take the time to listen because more often than not, the person you are with, may need your advice or help more than you need it. 


I'm going to end this post with this last statement. Be a friend you can trust! I cannot tell you how important that is. The worse feeling in the world is finding out that someone lied to you. I know, it's happened to me many times. More often than I would like it to which is why I think I have a hard time telling people how I really feel and trusting them. Integrity is something I look for in everyone and I believe that if I live with integrity, my friends will trust me with their problems, concerns, moments, etc.  and in return, I will get that same trust. I'm the kind of person you can trust, hopefully my friends know that. It's something I work hard on every day because I know that's the kind of friend I want as well. 




Alright....enough with the random thoughts.... I have been journal writing SO much these days it's crazy! But I LOVE it! And I love all you readers out there.  I want all of you to know that I love you all and I'm not writing all of this to make anyone feel bad. I just want you all to see it from my point of view and see if from another's perspective. None of this is meant to offend so please don't take it personally. I just have to write that in case some of you think....oh was that about our conversation or whatever.... no it's not. It's a mixture of all experiences I have had in the past, from like YEARS ago....to Now. So please just enjoy my perspective :) I hope you get something out of this! Love you all!

Random Thoughts

This is going to be a really random post but that’s okay because sometimes it’s nice to read random things all at once :) Hopefully you get something out of this but if not....oh well... just enjoy reading it then :) My random thoughts for the day:

Honesty.......

First of all, in all my endeavors, everything I say and do I find that honesty is always the best policy. You have to be honest with yourself first though in order to be honest with everyone else. Sometimes that is easier said than done yes, but the outcome is SO much better. Brigham Young once said, “Honest Hearts Produce Honest Actions” and I totally believe that. How can we live day by day if we aren’t honest? It’s all about integrity and people who lie to me and tell me stories think that it will make life so much better. In reality, it doesn’t. It only makes things worse. I believe in integrity and I look for it in all. It’s there, most of the time, just have to dig deep. Everyone can be honest....funny thing is, most of the time people aren’t because it’s easier to lie. I don’t really know why that is but people who lie aren’t attractive and isn’t it so much better when you’re honest? Think about it :)

Random Songs........

I’ve had a lot going on lately and while some of it has been very tiring and draining and I’ve just been needing a break. Yesterday I heard some amazing songs and while I can’t remember the names of them, at that specific moment, that song was exactly what I needed to hear and just totally described how I was feeling. Ever had those moments, or am I the only one? Maybe it’s just me but sometimes I even will drive around the block just to hear the song finish. There is some amazing music out there and I love it when my favorites come on just in time for me to sing them (no not to anyone but me of course haha). I admit I sing in the car ALL the time. It’s a great stress reliever and I even sing church hymns when I feel I need the Spirit more or if I need to calm down. I don’t sing to anyone, just myself, well and God can hear me too :) I love to sing and I use to in front of people but not so much anymore. Anyways, my favorite random song time is when Dynamite comes on and my little brother gets up and starts dancing to the music. I just absolutely love that kid. He is amazing :) Music can be very uplifting and amazing, just listen to the good kind :) 

Be a Good Friend......

We all have friends. We have best friends and then we have the friends that we hang out with but don’t really tell all our secrets to. It’s nice to have a good group of friends to have fun with. My Bishop told me not too long ago, that someone told him that if he wanted to “friend” someone on facebook, just go to my page and look at all my friends. I feel like that is not necessarily true, I think there are others who know more people than I do. Sure, I know people and yes, I’m friends with them but I don’t know everyone. Funny how people think that though. Truth is I love being a friend to everyone. I don’t believe in cliques, I think that being in a clique would make me go crazy because I love to include everyone. Even if you are in a clique or rather have a specific group you hang out with, be a good friend to those people. Listen with intent to their concerns or problems. Sometimes I feel like I have failed in the area of being a good friend and wonder if I should’ve called or texted someone that I didn’t that day because I didn’t get around to it or whatever. I hope I am a good friend, I believe that I am and want to be. This past week I had a friend that I’ve known for a while but haven’t really had conversations with before that we just started talking and I found this friend is very knowledgeable and gives very good advice. It’s nice to have friends that you can talk to about how your feeling and your frustrations. This friend was especially good to talk with because they have experienced a loss like I have and sometimes it’s nice to know that there is someone else that knows EXACTLY how you are feeling. Not everyone will experience the same trials in life but it’s nice to have friends who have been through the same thing and it’s nice to have friends who have not. We’re all here for each other and the main thing is to just be a good friend to all. I love all my friends and each one helps me in different ways as I strive to be a better person and friend. Just remember... be a good friend :)

Missionary Work.......

My last random thought for the day is on Missionary Work!! YAY for missionaries! As hard as I try not to think about it, three people very special to me are going on their missions. Jessica is leaving tomorrow and will be reporting to the MTC on Wednesday for her mission in Texas. I’m so happy for her and proud of her decision. She will be a great missionary serving the Lord. My cousin Donnie is also leaving in a few weeks and that is going to be tough as well. He is going to Argentina and while I’m sad he is leaving, I know that it will be a great experience for him teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those in Argentina.  My cousin JJ is also serving a mission in Vegas and I’m so happy for him too :) Missionary work is awesome and I’m looking forward to writing these three ALL the time :) 

Alright, enough random thoughts for the day. Stay tuned for more  random thoughts from Kati in the future ;) And thanks to all those who read my blog... makes me feel better someone is actually reading all these thoughts but if not...oh well at least I wrote it down. I love journal writing so blogging is so good as well :) 

Miss Kara Cute

So remember when I did a post about Elissa's Birthday? I said that I would do a random post about Kara one of these days and today is the day :) There wasn't some big ah ha moment today that made me want to write about her but I think about her every day and auntie misses her Kara Cute. A couple of years ago when Emily was working I had the opportunity to be a nanny for these two and Kara and I had three hours of just me and Kara time while Elissa was at school. We played games or watched a movie (usually Sleeping Beauty...which come on now... is definitely worth watching all the time!) or if it was nice outside we played outside. 

This little girl has the sweetest spirit and I just love her! My ring tone for Em when she calls is Kara saying "Hi Kati I love you" and then Em chimes in "I love you too Kati". Sometimes I just let my phone ring a couple of times before I answer it because I just love it :) So here is my little random note about miss Kara who means the world to me and is getting all growed up in big ol' Texas :) Can't wait for summer so I can see her and the family!! Love you Kara! :) 

Thank You Bloggers!

I contemplated writing a post today because there will be a few posts coming VERY soon and I didn't want to write too much but I just thought I should write some thoughts down for the day (and no, I'm not telling what posts I will be blogging about, so just stay tuned!) This week has been fairly the same as the past weeks but also an interesting one. Yesterday I think was by far one of my worst days ever. I made dinner and it didn't turn out the way I wanted it to so I had to "fix" it. I was kind of sad because I LOVE to cook and when it doesn't turn out right, well I just don't like that. It's starting to get a little tricky with no oven still but I'm getting used to it. Even though my dinner didn't turn out quite as planned, my family still ate all of it and so that made me happy. I've realized the past few days that at the end of the day, everything will be alright (isn't there some song that kind of says that? haha). Anyways, so today I was feeling a little sluggish, mainly because I woke up congested but I had the most amazing email from Emily today that just lifted my spirits. It reminded me why I titled my blog, Life is an Adventure Worth Taking. Thanks Emily! I needed that! 


Really, life is an adventure and there will always be ups and downs. So today after I was mad at my mom for throwing out my netflix that she thought was junk mail (um hello, no mom it's my free trial!!) ...don't worry I found it (and I love you Mom!) I got on to read some blogs and was just totally uplifted, smiled and very inspired. My friend Melissa always writes amazing stuff, even though she says I do, she really does! Thanks Melissa! Then I watched the video of Collin, Drew and Taylor's son laughing and oh my goodness, I could not stop smiling! That kid is SO cute!  Then I checked out my friend Jhen's blog and she always has something amazing to post about. Thanks for letting me read your blog Jhen! :)


Finally I ended the blog readings with my cousin's whose goals are just absolutely amazing and I admire her so much. Thank you Carissa for your inspiration and love! Blogs are always fun to read and they totally make my day! So thank you to all you bloggers out there! And if I didn't mention you, it's not because I don't like your blog, I DO!! I just haven't read a post from you today but YOU are all my favorites! Each and every blog I read is unique and I love reading about your day to day life and every time I read your blog (ALL you bloggers!) it totally makes my day! You all inspire me so much and make my day so keep bloggin! And stay tuned for the next few posts :) 

I Have a Dream...

  I have a dream....Who would’ve thought those four words would be famous someday. When I googled MLK there was a TON of stuff. This man made a HUGE impact and he most definitely deserves his own holiday. He was an activist and he was a big advocate of civil rights. This man had a dream and he shared it with hundreds of people. I can’t even imagine what it was like for him back then but I imagine it was pretty hard. People are cruel and even though it’s years later, people can still be cruel, unfair and unjust. Martin Luther King spoke about how he had a dream for his children to not be judged by the color of their skin but rather by their character. He also said, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'" I just love that. That one day we will rise up and live out the true meaning... All men are created equal...so why is it we don’t treat people like that? Even in today’s society it’s whoever has more money, better shoes, better car, etc. We are all equal. Me, you, everyone. It doesn’t matter what job we have or what we look like. We are God’s children and we are ALL equal. 

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” 

Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Did you know that MLK was the second most admired person in the 20th century? I bet it’s because he stood up and pronounced his dream for this country, his children and his people. At the young age of 39 this man was assassinated. How sad is that? And only two months later Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. It made me sad at the fact that so many influential people have been assassinated. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream, he shared it with people, and then passed away at a young age in part because of it. His dream lives on and today we honor him and what he did for America and for you and me. I have a dream that we will all be treated equal. I have a dream that my family and other’s can have good health. I have a dream that when I stand before God I can say without a doubt in my mind that I did my best and treated everyone with respect. What are your dreams?

What comes next?

So this is kind of personal for me but I figure I might as well write about it ...maybe I'll feel a little better after who knows haha. Since I was 5 years old I knew I wanted to be a nurse. Granted back then I only wanted to because I thought my aunt's scrubs were cool and I wanted to be just like her. As I grew older, I found that I have a passion for caring for others and I knew I wanted to be a nurse and care for others the way they ought to be. After I graduated from high school I had my goal set in mind and I pursued it. I had no desire to go to a big university, I liked the smaller classroom sizes and so community college it was. I'm not ashamed at all in going to community college, it was cheaper, I paid for most of it myself and I learned a lot, just as much as someone attending a big university. I knew that while doing my pre-requisites I wanted to get into Valley who had a high pass rate for boards. I was determined, I had a goal set in mind and I achieved it.  20 years later and my dream has been achieved, I'm an RN but now the question is what comes next? 


For years all I've known is what I want to do and how to get it and stay focused. I always didn't know what to say to my friends who were undecided with their majors because I always just knew. I'm starting to understand what they must've felt like and I'm sorry I couldn't be more understanding then. Now that I have my RN, it's search for jobs that comes next. If only it were that easy, find a job, get a job and work. The problem now is deciding WHERE to look for jobs. I have been looking at a lot of places (yes outside of my comfort zone Cali too) but the problem is I don't know where I'm supposed to be next and it's frustrating me. 


I've been praying hard to know where to apply and where I'm supposed to be. It's a struggle I've never really had to face before because the answer has always come so clearly when it came to which school I needed to go to and so on. I have my whole life ahead of me and I have no idea where it will be. I will go wherever I'm needed, I just pray I make the right decision when it comes down to it. I want a job that I love that I enjoy. I do not want to be one of those nurses who took a job just because and hates it. That is not what kind of nurse I want to be. I apply to jobs at least 5 a day so when you add that up that's 25 per week...give or take. It's very draining to get rejection letters and nothing else but I am still hopeful. The right job is out there for me somewhere I just have to find it. 


I'm not mad or venting about this, it's just something I've come to realize that for once I'm undecided or unsure as to what comes next. I have a lot of people praying for me and I know that prayers work so I know that something will turn up eventually. I am grateful for all the kind nurse recruiters I have talked to that send me all kinds of info..problem is most of them I have to wait until March/April to apply for their June new grad programs. If that's what needs to be done then so be it. I will just have to wait until then I guess unless something comes up sooner. What comes next for me? That is still undecided but life is an adventure so  we'll see where it takes me! :)