My future is secure. Hopefully

I am hoping to graduate sooner than I anticipated and I could not be happier!  I will die of exhaustion because I will be forced to work and take 9 graduate level courses for the rest of the time I attend school but... I will be done next fall and I can begin my career with my Master's Degree in Political Science by the age of 24.  I really hope that this plan works out because I am kind of in a hurry.
Other than that, life is good.  I am loving my friends and family and have found a somewhat balanced schedule so I can get everything done and still keep in contact with people I care about.  Life is happy and that is all that matters <3

Current Obsessions

These are a few of the things that recently I have either grown to love or re-realized that I have been missing and did not even know.  Here they are:
1. Disney movies.  Oh my goodness, you want to have a happier day with a smile on your face?  Watch a Disney movie and you will be whistling a different tune.  These movies bring joy whether you are a child, young adult, or 95 year old grandparent... This I swear to you.
2. Febreze, Clorox Wipes, and Tilex Shower Spray... These are basically all you need to keep your home clean which inspires happiness which awakens innovation.  They also contribute to less embarrassing moments if someone unexpectedly stops by and you have not deep cleaned in say, months?
3. Craisins.  There are apparently several flavors of Craisins now but they are basically like instant energy.  I bring them to class and these lil guys can turn an incredibly boring graduate school lecture into an interesting seminar that includes several epiphanies.
4. Cardio workouts.  I am going to quote Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde to more fully iterate why these are so phenomenal.  "Working out releases endorphins, endorphins make you happy and happy people just don't kill their husbands.  They just don't".  It is true.  Endorphins create a euphoria that truly cannot come in any other form and cardio workouts are a wonderful way to watch the newest friends episode uploaded to your iPod or listen to your favorite tunes.  Multi-tasking at its best!
5. Victoria's Secret Sweats... Holy heaven in the form of adorable colors with a plethora of fits to work with your body type.  I prefer the Vintage Slim fit but these sweats make working out, sleeping, lounging, and going to class a breeze because you automatically look and feel cute.  Enough said.
I hope that you can find your little joys in life and perhaps share in some of mine.  Good luck and don't forget to smile today.

One Month Later

Well it has been a month since I have moved to Kansas and I must say, I never expected everything to fall into place so perfectly.  I love school and I am learning an incredible amount of important information.  I got a wonderful job with the best schedule (and I got a raise and promotion after working less than a month).  I have been blessed with roommates that are very nice and chill... we all get along better 4 random girls could be expected to.  I have the BEST ward with a loving branch presidency and I love my calling.  A recent addition is the crush I have developed on a guy in the ward (figures he would be from Idaho, I CANT ESCAPE THAT PLACE!) and he is amazing thus far.
Time will tell.
Although things are troublesome with my mother, I love her and know that her Father in Heaven does as well.  She is a blessing to us all and I am grateful for my family and friends that show unconditional love and support.  God bless them and God bless this beautiful country!

First Week Done and Adulthood Reached!

I finished my first full week of Graduate School and I can already tell that there will be no comparison to the amount of homework that I will be doing over the next 2-3 years ever in my life.  LOTS to read and plenty to write as well but at least I can read and write what actually interests me... That is one plus that Undergraduate does not offer.
The ward here is great, work friends are awesome, and the roommates are amazing so I really could not ask for a better life in a strange new world.
I was able to speak to my mother several times this week and after a long discussion after one of my Institute classes (which are spectacular) she shared with me that I finally sound like an adult.  I was apparently very mature and ready to tackle life after graduating high school (who would have guessed?) and then as soon as I began at Brigham Young University- Idaho thinks went backwards and I was hindered in my progress in more ways than one.  Shortly after graduating and moving here, I have finally felt for the first time in a long time that I am where the Lord wants me to be.  Things have fallen into place more perfectly than I could have hoped for and I feel my testimony growing.  Church is true people.
I am secretly hoping that winter weather comes soon because most of my clothes are much better suited for cold weather plus... this humidity is detrimental to my hair.
Life is good.  And prays work.  It is true, I promise.
I am off to try and take in some more reading but we'll see how long that lasts!

Missionary Experience!!!!

I have never really been one to just talk about the gospel with people especially going to BYU Idaho which kind of squashed the desire to even talk about the gospel.  Last night I had the chance to share what I know about Jesus Christ, Baptism, and the Bible and it felt amazing!  I really felt the spirit and I felt grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  What a blessing!

Wildcats

Soooo I am finally in Manhattan, Kansas and I must say, I am LOVING it!  It is a such a beautiful area with lots of trees and buildings of limestone with brick and cobblestone roads, etc.  I have great roommates and I am excited that they are older like me so we have plenty in common.  My little single's branch is small but comes with SUCH a strong spirit.  I am grateful that I am here and I really do not think I have been this happy in a long time because I finally know that what I am doing is right.
I was shocked to see how inexpensive food is here (this was a good shock) and also at how expensive school things are.  $80 for a parking permit on campus for ONE SEMESTER!  Outrageous but worth it especially with the crazy weather.  I will get used to the humidity and I am excited for my schedule to get more set.
I just got a job working at the Buckle (again) and I am super excited about that because I am incredibly comfortable in retail.
Time will tell but I am pretty sure I will love this place even more!

Moving to Kansas

The time has come... I am moving to Manhattan Kansas this week and I could not be more excited and nervous.  I have never been to Kansas and I will be living with total strangers and going to school in a much more difficult setting.
Buuuuut...
I get to leave Idaho forever and I don't have to be around my sister and her family anymore.  This summer has been one of the most challenging because of her and I will be able to breathe easy and actually smile for real knowing I do not have to be around them anymore.
It feels great to be graduated from college and move on with my life and oh what a life it will be!  I am excited to see my dad and step mom before I take off this week and I was super grateful to see my mom and step dad earlier this summer when they gave me a car as a graduation gift.
I <3 my parents!
I am also sad to leave my best friend behind although I know she will do amazing things with her life!
Life goes on!