9/11

There are always going to be those days forever etched in your memory. These days might be the day you got your driver’s license, your first kiss, your wedding, or maybe even the birth of your child. It may be the day you moved away to college, the day your grandpa died, or the day your best friend moved away. One of those days forever engraved in my memory is September 11, 2001. I woke up like any other day, got ready for school, and sat on my parent’s bed waiting for a ride. As I sat there watching the news I remember watching video of the first World Trade Center burning. And sure enough I witnessed on tape as the second plane and its passengers met its fate. Being only eleven years old and growing up in a small Utah community it never alarmed me that my freedom was at stake. It never occurred to me that there were other countries who hated the USA. It never dawned on me that years down the road some of my closest friends would be sent overseas fighting because of this tragic event.

As the 10 year anniversary came upon me, I can’t help but think and reflect on how much our country has grown and how much opposition it has had to face. Every day I go to school and study America and its politics. I have learned why other nationalities would choose to target to America; what we possess that others crave; and why this really is the greatest country in the world. I have gained respect for the men and women fighting for my freedom. I have greater appreciation for the country I live in and the opportunities it offers me.

As I reflect on that tragic day 10 years ago I think of a quote given by President Thomas S. Monson. It says…

“Tragedies are not merely opportunities to give Him [God] a fleeting thought, or for momentary insight to His plan for our happiness. Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us, and to become something different than we were.”

September 11th could be the worst terrorist attack and tragedy I witness in my lifetime. I don't believe it happened in vain though. God has a master plan. I believe this was part of it. There are continuous lessons and opportunities we must take from tragedy. The biggest lesson I have learned is that we cannot turn to God only in times of trial and tragedy. We need to show him the same consistency and faithfulness that he endlessly shows us. We need him in times of peace as well as in disaster.

Obsessed.

I found this quote. I may or may not be obsessed.

This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often.
If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV.
If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.
Stop over analyzing, all emotions are beautiful.
Life is simple. When you eat, appreciate every last bite.
Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences.
Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them.
Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.
Some opportunities only come once, seize them.
Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them so go out and start creating.
Live your dreams and wear your passion.
Life is short.

Short Recap.

I haven't died I promise. These past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind and I have slightly neglected my blog. Opps, my bad! Here is a recap of what I have been up to. More detailed posts are to come...

Katy Perry Concert with the amigos.
I got sealed to my best friend in the Salt Lake Temple.
Honeymooned on a beautiful Carnival Cruise to Catalina Island & Mexico.
Got deathly ill and lived in my bed for days.
Officially started my internship.
Markel came home from New York for a couple of weeks to visit.

School also starts in a week. Blah! Hopefully I can get all caught up and get my life back on track before then.

Temple.

"One thing have I desired of the Lord…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."
—Psalms 27:4

Friday I had the opportunity to fulfill a dream and goal of mine. Something I have desired for as long as I can remember. I had the chance to enter into the walls of the holy temple. It was a sacred, beautiful, and incredible learning experience. What made it even better was the fact that I got to enter through the doors holding hands with the man I absolutely adore.

Stress.

I am deathly ill. (maybe not deathly but that is what it feels like).
My voice sounds like a man.
School starts up in a month.
I go through the temple today.
I forgot my breakfast at home.
I am starting my internship.
My apartment is a disaster.
I have been sleeping on the floor for the past week.
I am trying to learn enough & be confident enough to teach a college-level government class.
My dinner last night consisted of Cookie dough & a little bit of a Easy Mac.
Financial Aid is due.
I get married in a week.

Needless to say I need a vacation. I need a break. I need a week with just me and my man. No worries, no wedding planning, no stress.

Engagements.

Here is a little Engagement Pic teaser. enjoy.

Wedding Countdown.

1 week...Bridal Pictures.
2 weeks....going through the temple.

3 weeks.
or 21 days.
or 510 Hours.
or 30618 Minutes until I am getting married.

Why won't time move any faster?