Catcalled in Macy's

The only reason I'm posting this is because I'm still laughing days later.


So my mom, Eliza, and I went to Provo to shop for Becca's wedding this past weekend. Seriously, we shopped so much and I'm surprised I didn't drop! (Usually I can't shop for more than 2 hours without getting extremely tired). Becca and her fiancé came with us on Saturday so we could look for ties and accessories. We were all in Macy's looking for shoes, and at this point I was getting pretty bored. "Party in the USA" was playing over the speakers, so I started to dance.. maybe too noticeably to be acceptable in public. We started going down the escalator at the same time the chorus came on, so obviously I'm "moving my hips like yeah", when suddenly somebody yells something.. I turned and looked at Caleb and Becca (who are laughing), and then slowly looked up to a few floors above us, where this 30 year old looking guy is smiling at me. He yelled, "Don't stop!" and I'm thinking, "Yeah, right.". I told him I was done as my face caught fire and I awkwardly rode down the escalator, trying to hide my face. Turns out the first thing he yelled was, "Shake it!". Super. Awkward. Thus ends my jamming-in-public career.

Homecoming: Senior Year

It's so weird to think that this is my last year in high school! Last week was Homecoming, and of course it was super fun. There are five different competitions during this week: fence, trashcan, skit, float, and the spirit days. I think my grade did pretty well! We went for a "Thanks for the GRAND memories!" theme, and it worked! 

The three other grades left a ton of space on the fence, so our fence was not only huge but also looked really cool! So we won fence. The trashcan was probably my favorite that we've ever done in the past four years. We took second, but that's ok. Our entire grade's names were printed on the side of the trashcan, then the lid was covered in newspaper articles of the past years with our grade's accomplishments. I loved it so much (I almost cried haha)! Our skit was just not planned very well, so we took third.. Really it was just embarrassing to be up there with everyone staring blankly at you as they try to understand your skit. But our float won too!! It was an airplane that said "Soaring to Victory" on the side. 

For the parade, I rode with the soccer team on a fire truck. That's the first time I've gotten to do that and I loved it!! I love being a part of a team. The football game was also a victory! We played North Sevier and I'm pretty sure they got mercy ruled in the first quarter of the game. But football mercy rule is just when they let the clock run. We beat them 62-0, which is Sam Woodruff's number, a boy in my grade who passed away Freshman year. 

A good friend asked me to the dance, and I was pretty excited because I'd just planned on staying home and watching a movie! Sym had a volleyball game earlier that day, so I went to support her. I think I stayed a little too long though, because five minutes after I got home Cody drove up. At this point I had barely plugged in my straightener to START doing my hair, I had no make-up on, and I was in gym shorts and a tee shirt. Poor Cody!! I quickly opened the door, apologized, and sprinted downstairs to change. I threw on a dress, put on some heels, and sadly that's all I could do, because all my make-up and lotion is kept upstairs in the bathroom. So that's how I went to Homecoming- all natural! The date was still a blast. We doubled with Derek and Lily! First, we ate breakfast-for-dinner at the Diner. The dance didn't start until 7:00, and we got done eating at 6:20. Cody said he knew an awesome spot to watch the sunset, so we drove up the mountain! We missed the actual sunset by minutes, but it was still gorgeous (and freezing)! We all agreed that this had to be a tradition, so hopefully Derek and Cody get more guys involved so Lily and I can still be a part of it. The dance itself was alright, but Moab dances never had a great reputation anyway. We only made it to the last 40 minutes of the dance, so we didn't have to Cotton Eye Joe, or whip, or macarena, or any of those (overplayed) songs. After the dance, we went to a fire at Kenzie's house, and that was super fun!! It was definitely one of my favorite dates. 

Missionary Moments

When I was hired at Burger King, I was actually offered another job elsewhere that I was a little more enthusiastic to accept. I prayed about it, and was a little surprised that I was told to accept the job at Burger King. The last thing I expected to happen here was so many missionary opportunities.

I think I've already said this in the last blog post, but it's so clear to me I'll just say it again! We (as Mormons) really do stand out from the world. All of the people I work with except one are not members. The first day I went in, I kept hearing, "You're so happy", "You don't smoke?! Good for you" and the most shocking to them, "No coffee?? Why not?". I didn't realize how different my standards are from their's.
My boss especially can't understand why I don't have a boyfriend. He's asked at least ten times if I do and why not. One time I tried to explain that dating steadily right now is not necessary and he could (or would) not see my point of view! I told him I date boys, just not one in particular. He asked how I was supposed to know who I want to marry, and I replied that I'll date steadily when I want to get married (which is obviously not right now). He just shook his head and muttered, "Your church is weird". I wanted to retort some sassy comment, but I just let it drop. We've had other discussions where he'll just tell me everything that's wrong with our church and I can't get a word in edgewise, and it's kinda clear to me that he does not want to listen, just to accuse.
Another one of my coworkers, Mook (she's from Thailand), asked what Mormons (Moor-mawns is how she pronounced it) are. I got so giddy inside! Haha so we talked a little about religion. She's buddhist but was very respectful about what I had to say, although maybe she just couldn't understand me... Anyways, she told me about her religion and we discussed God for a little while. Even if she wasn't interested in the church, I'm happy that I was able to explain what "Mormons" are.

Just looking at all the people I work with, I can see how the gospel makes us happier. They have hard lives. Just hearing them all talk about their pasts makes my life sound like heaven (I have no idea how to even describe it). A lot of their problems though have come from their personal choices, and it's made me appreciate even more the commandments that we've been given, because they really are guidelines to the happiest life we can have.

Girls' Camp & Employment!!!

Yay for Girls' Camp! I went with an attitude of being an example to the younger girls and teaching them, but you can guess that they totally were shining examples to me. Wow. 4th ward has the best girls ever! They are kind, accepting, fun, funny, crazy, and all the while being righteous daughters of God.
This was my last year, and I admit before camp I was just looking forward to being done. But on the last day I was a heap of emotions, and I think a few of the younger girls were a little freaked out... Haha! I've loved all my years at Girls' Camp, and even though I couldn't tell then, I see now how it strengthened my testimony and helped me grow into the person I am today. My leaders said I could go back next year, but I think those six years are what I needed and now I can move on.

For some reason, finding a job this summer has proved to be a very difficult task. For a while I felt like I was in a giant game of musical chairs and I was the kid who couldn't find a chair to sit in. Everyone time I talked to someone about it, they'd say how many people were hiring, and I'd just think ,"TELL ME WHO IS HIRING!". I prayed and searched and prayed some more, then had a few pity parties and stressed over why I was incapable of finding a stinking job. This is Moab! Jobs are everywhere!!
Also, most restaurant owners wouldn't hire me because of my inexperience with restaurants. Really?? I have to start somewhere! I was frustrated with them because they wouldn't even give me a chance. Finally though, I convinced someone to hire me. He was a little reluctant, probably because I refuse to work Sundays, my lack of restaurant experience, and because I was taking off a lot of work, and I might not work into the school year, so I'll only be working a month or so. He said he'd call me on Wednesday.
Well, Wednesday came and went. I was so discouraged! I thought my job-search was over, but apparently not.. I said a lot of prayers, begging for patience and understanding, and even asking if I was even meant to have a job this summer. The manager called on Friday!!! I started work that day. Honestly, even if it's a fast food place and there's rumors about the staff, I love it! The people are so nice and somehow a few of them spot on guessed my religion (good sign?). I even met a few super cute french guys, so that's a definite plus.
All in all, I am so grateful that I finally have a job. Looking at what I had to do to get this job, I realize what I can now do fearlessly! Asking for applications and talking to managers was terrifying, but now I know what to do and so on...
Yay for employment!

River Trip & Girls' State

Summer vacation has finally made it!! For my lovely friend's birthday we all went on a rafting trip. This is definitely the longest I've been on, and only the third. I had so much fun though! Just being outside for a change and being with all my friends was the best possible way to start the next two and a half months. I even tanned.... Which was a bonus because I did not think that was possible! 

I also had Girls' State, which is a week long "conference", just for girls (duh), that is all about our nation's flag, government, and service men/women. I admit I was super nervous that I would hate the whole week and wish to be home the whole time. Being away for six precious days of summer didn't sound worth it at the time...

I'm back from Girls' State now. I loved it so much! I've made new friends that I know will last a lifetime. They were the cutest people and so kind, fun, funny, and intelligent beyond words. Just thinking about it I want to go back and be with them for another week! Besides the girls, the entire program was remarkable. Governor Herbert, Lt. Governor Cox, Holly Richardson (she has 24 kids!!!), and Chris Stewart (favorite author!) all spoke to us. They are such amazing people. I actually know what the government does now... Such as the caucus system. We had a retirement of the flag ceremony. It was such a reverent atmosphere, and even more so being with a group of people who all have passion for America. 

I went to Girls' State caring about our country just because.. It's our country. I came home with a deep testimony that this nation is God-given, and gratitude for all of the veterans who did serve or are serving right now. I think I cried every time we sang "God Bless America". 

I can't even convey how much I love our nation now! It really was given to us by God. 

S.M.I.L.E.

I found a note in my scriptures from Freshman year (I forget the scripture reference) that says Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal. Hence S.M.I.L.E. And that's been popping into my head lately!

I ran for student government a week or so ago, and I had prayed that either I would win or have the perspective to know that God has another plan for me. I did lose, but I was blessed with the comfort that God does have a plan for me, and obviously it was not Senior Class President. I think the worst part about losing (unless you are devastated) is all the pitiful glances people give you. Sheesh!
Anyways, I knew I would have just as many opportunities without being president next year, so I made a plan to get more involved. Apparently it's working, because I was voted as the Honor Society and Drama club president! Woohoo! I'm super stoked and that just goes to show that the Lord knows what will happen, and we don't.

I think my point is that we'll find greater blessings when we trust in the Lord instead of giving up after one setback. I'm not saying that this kind of thing will always happen, because sometimes we will just have trials. This reminds me of a scripture! D&C 122:7 "...these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good".

2 Nephi 9:39 "...Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be Spiritually-Minded Is Life Eternal".

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

This year in seminary we've been studying the Doctrine & Covenants, so I unintentionally put my B.O.M. study on the back burner. I've always been advised to continuously study The Book of Mormon, even though that's not what we're focusing on this year, but I wasn't really prioritizing it. And besides, I was "too busy" to add another thing to my schedule.


I figured since I still studied the scriptures daily that I was covered. Last Sunday, however, we discussed the importance of studying the Book of Mormon always. I can't remember the exact quote by Pres. Benson, but it went along the lines of, "There is a certain power that will flow into our lives if we make an effort to study the Book of Mormon daily". I've read it a few times already, but not exactly in a way that would show I'm yearning to know the truth of it.
Even though I don't think my leader intended to guilt trip us all, I knew I needed to make studying The Book of Mormon a much, much higher priority in my life.


This is the first time that I've read The Book of Mormon with true intention, seeking to know if it's true or not. I think the Lord knows that too, because even though I'm not even past the first book of Nephi, I can testify that it is the word of God. Of course, I knew it was true before, but now I am absolutely, without-a-doubt, certain that all the prophets, prophecies, and doctrines in that book are true.


10 And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew , and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words , for they are the words of Christ, and he hath... 
11 And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory , that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things,... (2 Nephi 33:10-11)