The key, the scissors and the colour

It's been a good week. Busy week. Lots to do.

I started training to be a Senior Sales Associate this week. Exciting. I'm just happy because it means I can now open (or close) the store - all by my lonesome. Being in the store, early in the morning, lights off, quiet. It's fantastic. Then the customer's come. Sometimes I wish I could keep the doors locked.

Also, today, I got a haircut. I love getting my haircut. I have had a terrible hair week. So, yesterday, I decided that it was an absolute must that I get my hair cut so I could deal with it. I love it. I'm so happy that I'm at the age now where I can have shorter hair (a few inches above the shoulders - perfect for summer!) and I don't look like I'm fifteen -- because that's not good.  The sound of sharp scissors cutting off my dead ends is a beautiful sound. I love it. 

And, also. I found a wonderful shade of nail polish. For the longest time, I've been looking for a really dark shade of purple or brown that looks almost black, but isn't. So, by chance, the other day, I found it. It was destiny. I am in love.

California!!! Here he comes!!!

 So, it's been a few days. Before I get into the usual, I have some news!!! My boyfriend, Justin, finally got his mission call this morning! He will be serving in the California Riverside mission! English speaking. He leaves at the end of September. I am really so happy and excited for him. I know he will be such a good missionary, and the experiences that he will have while serving his mission will be so priceless to him, and a real benefit to me as well.
Now, back to the usual.
I had a fabulous weekend. It all started on Thursday night. My boyfriend, Justin, came down to see me, as it was my birthday the next day. He had a rocky trip down with an overheating car, but he eventually made it here safely. We didn't do anything that night, because it was late by the time he got down. But, the next morning, he came to pick me up at my sister's place. He took me to breakfast at Tim Horton's (breakfast bagels, yum!), then to do some shopping at Superstore (both he and his mom gave me gift certificates for JOE!), then to the mall for more shopping (I had another gift certificate from Justin, and one from a co-worker). It was really fun. I love shopping with Justin. He is really good at helping me pick out things, and telling me what looks good (everything, of course!), and he's just fun to be around. After shopping, we drove out to Airdrie to meet my mom, where she had finished work. We got some lunch at Tim Horton's (chicken wraps, yum!), then headed to Big Hill Springs. My mom was taking her cub group with their dads there the next day, and she wanted to check to see it was still good, so that there would be no surprises. We had a nice walk, and my mom let me use her beautiful Pentax to take some pictures. I might post them later. Then, we drove back to Airdrie, and Justin and I drove back into Calgary. As we got about a block from my house, his car started overheating again, and as we turned the corner to my house, it started to steam. Not fun. So, after it cooled off, and he topped it off with some extra liquid, he took me to Moxie's for dinner. At Moxie's they have this one dish that I absolutely love! But, Justin really doesn't like it, because it tends to be very garlicy. However, as I was the birthday girl, he let me. It was delicious. It took a long time to get our food though. But, it was still enjoyable. After, dinner, we had to rush back to my place to meet my sister, so we could drive down to Cardston. We were having a ward temple trip the next morning, so we went down the night before to stay with our cousin, Sarah. We got to Cardston after eight that night, and hung out with my brother and his girlfriend, because David has been down in Cardston working at the camp ground. We had a good, but late night. 
The next day, I was so excited to go the temple. It had been over a year since I was last able to go. And, I am so happy that I went. It was amazing. From the minute I walked in, the spirit was so strong, but so peaceful. It was just really comforting to be there. I love the temple. I definitely want to make it a priority in my life to go whenever I can.
After going to the temple, Justin and I drove back to Calgary with my brother's car. Then, that night, I had some friends over for a barbeque and some games. It was a lot fun. Not many came, but those that did made it a good time. And, as yesterday was Father's Day, after church, we had a dinner at my house. My grandparents and one of my aunt's and her boyfriend came. It was really nice to spend some good quality time with my family. I love my family. I have realized a few things this weekend. First, I learned that birthdays aren't as special as they used to be when I was younger. It's just another day. But, that's okay. I am thankful for everyday that I am blessed to be alive on this earth. Another thing that I have realized is that I am so incredibly blessed! I have so many people in my life, family and friends included, that really care about me. I am so lucky. I just can't get over it. I am the luckiest. 

"She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah!"

So, today is our anniversary. As of today, my boyfriend, Justin and I have been dating for seventeen months. The past seventeen months have been so amazing. Being in a long distance relationship (I live in Calgary, he lives just outside of Edmonton) has not been easy, but it has been worth it. 

When I get to see Justin after a long time (usually any where from one to five weeks), I get to fall in love with him all over again. I am always amazed at how well we go together. Although I can be incredibly stubborn - he calls me his "stubborn Scottish girl" - he still puts up with me. I love how well we connect. We've been that way from the beginning. From the very first day we met (almost two years ago) we were at ease and comfortable with each other and we've never had trouble finding things to talk about. 

I love Justin. I really do. I am so excited that tomorrow, I get to see him and spend a great weekend with him.

I am so lucky to have Justin in my life. It's really magical being with him. 

You're my wonderwall, Justin. I love you!

No news is not good news

I am not a patient person. Sometimes I feel like Heavenly Father is always trying to teach me a lesson in patience. This week, it is waiting for Justin's mission call. We were really hoping he could get it today, but no such luck. I know that it's not me that is supposed to be anxious about it, but I am anyhow. I just want to know when he will get it, and where he is going, and when. Especially when. 

I can't even imagine what Justin is going through waiting. He is not good at the waiting thing. Sometimes I think he may be less patient then I am, which is saying a lot. But, I just have to tell myself (and Justin), that it will come when it comes. And waiting a few more days won't hurt.

That Sunday That Summer

Today was a good day. It started off at six AM -- which is a little too early for a Sunday morning. But, today I had to be up earlier to go to Banff with my brother. We went to see our friend, Alison who was speaking in the branch in Banff. Alison just got home from her mission in Arkansas two weeks ago. It was so great to see her, and she gave a wonderful talk. After the meetings, they had a potluck in the backyard of the church. It is absolutely beautiful there. You walk out, and BAM! there is a mountain! 

After eating and visiting, David and I drove back to Calgary. I was so exhausted and ended up falling asleep pretty much as soon as we drove out of the parking lot. It was not the best sleep I've ever had. Sleeping in a car is not my favourite activity, especially without a pillow. At one point, my entire body jerked. It was horrible. And, my great brother snapped a few pictures of me. Hopefully he will keep those to himself. 

After the drive home, we had dinner with my parents. I felt like I hadn't seen them in such a long time, because when we left this morning for Banff, my mom was asleep and my dad had just woken up. Anyway, after a delicious dinner (as per usual), my mom and I headed over to see my grandparents. It's been a long time since I've seen them, so it was really nice to catch up with them. I love having my grandparents live so close (it's about a ten minute drive to their house). 

From their house, my sister, Marni picked me up to go to the YSA fireside. It was really good, as always. Sundays always seem to be my busiest days, but they are always the best. Hopefully I will have news tomorrow of mail. My boyfriend, Justin, has sent in his papers for his mission, and we're really hoping he will be getting his call this week. But, I guess it will come when it comes, and we just have to be patient. 

Childhood Memories

So, for some reason I was thinking about that movie "The Brave Little Toaster". I used to love this movie when I was younger. It is really such a good movie. I love it. I definitely would love to watch it again. Perhaps I will have to find it on DVD. Seriously, I love this movie. Watch it! Now!

The Winner Takes it All

 I am not generally a huge hockey fan. I do enjoy the sport though (would I be a true Canadian if I didn't?). But, this last playoff season, I have enjoyed it more than usual. This year, my mom decided to have a hockey pool within my family. A few of my uncles, my grandparents, and some of my cousins joined in on the fun. My boyfriend, Justin, joined my team and we had a lot of fun putting together our team. It was really quite enjoyable to watch the games with my family. Most of the time, I only watched the players from my team, and only cared when they scored.After the first round, I decided that Pittsburgh was my team. They played amazingly. Really. I thankfully had Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby on my team, so it helped that they were always racking up the points. So, you can probably imagine that I was pretty excited that tonight, my favourite team of the 2009 playoffs had the honour of hoisting the Stanley Cup in victory. It was such a great game tonight. So good. It's also been quite a hoot to watch the games with my brother, David. David isn't really a hockey fan either, but he's really been into it with the playoffs. He gets so into it that sometimes he scares my mom. One night, we were watching Pittsburgh play against Washington, and they were so close to scoring. It was one of those times when you're on the edge of your seat and ready to pull out your hair when they miss. So, when they missed what would have been a perfect goal, David lets out this scream or cry, I don't know what you'd call it. If you weren't in the room, you'd really think that he was in pain or something. My mom happened to be upstairs, getting ready to go to sleep. You can imagine what she thought. Maybe you had to be there.
Anyway, I'm just really happy that the Penguins won tonight. It was certainly well deserved! Go Pittsburgh!!!

Loverly

Audrey Hepburn. I love Audrey Hepburn. She is the epitome of style, grace, and elegance. Not only were her movies amazing (Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany's, etc.), but the way she lived her life was really amazing.
Now, it is hard to find a celebrity who you would want to chose as your role model. Though many of them are good people and play the part of the perfect hero on screen, we all know that, for the most part, the screen rarely translates to real life. But, I have found a role model in Audrey. From her flawless style to making sure you have enough colour in your meals, I've learned a lot from her. No, I never had the chance to meet her. I wish I could. She is most certainly on my list of "Who would you want to meet? Living or dead?"
If you have never seen an Audrey Hepburn movie, watch one! Right now! I have yet to see them all, but the ones I have seen are nothing short of fantastic. And, if you're an Audrey fan like me, I would definitely suggest reading her biography, the one her son Sean Hepburn Ferrer wrote (Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit). She truly lived an amazing life. 

"For attractive lips, Speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, Seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, Share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, Let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, Walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, Have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, And redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, You will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; One for helping yourself, and the other for helping others."  - Audrey Hepburn

Scripture

Just another quick note. I was reading my Book of Mormon today. I was reading the last couple of chapters before Abinadi dies (in Mosiah). He is preaching to King Noah and his High Priests about following the law of Moses, and about the Savior. Usually when I am reading, there are one or two verses in a chapter that really inspire me.

Today, it was this:

"He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." (Mosiah 16:9)

On the Run

I love to run. Absolutely, positively. I am not a great runner, that's for certain. However, I am still happy that I able to enjoy it. 

A year ago (maybe a little more than that), I could barely run around the block without thinking my heart was going to explode. But, over the last nine months or so, I've been able to get back in the habit. And I am so grateful that I have.

Since the weather has been absolutely gorgeous lately, I've been able to take advantage of it and run about three times a week. Ever heard of the runner's high? It's not a myth. Trust me. 

Along my path of being a healthier person, I've learned a few things. Two that seem the most important to me today are consistency and believing in yourself. Consistency has been so key. When I was in junior high, I ran in cross-country meets each year, and raced in a track meet for long distance one year. I was good. But, I didn't realize that I should probably train and continue to run. But, 4 years and 30 pounds later, I realized my mistake. So, last fall after losing some weight just from tweaking my eating habits, I started to run again. I wasn't consistent though. And once the colder months came, I didn't find it hard to quit running just to sleep an extra hour. And, then the spring came. Along with the real spring (which unfortunately came at the beginning of May), came new motivation to start running and to be consistent. So, for three weeks now, I have made an effort to be consistent in my runs, and general exercise. I love it. Completely. It may be inconvenient at times, but that doesn't matter. It's worth it. Next, believe in yourself. Corny, yes. But true. I think that a huge reason for my failures in weight loss and overall health in the past had to do with a lack of confidence. Going for that extra minute makes such a difference. I don't agree with pushing yourself to the complete limit. But, I am now a firm believer in pushing yourself further than you thought you could go. It works. 

I may not be dropping five pounds a week, but that's not what matters. I feel good. And that's better than dropping a dress size to me.

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Higher Learning

 I love Institute! It is so great that after a long day at work, I can go and be around people that have the same standards that I do. Institute is so great. I also have an amazing teacher, Brother Mandin. The spirit is so strong in those classes, and I learn so much. The class I'm taking this semester is "The Best of Conference". Going over the talks given at conference in depth is really great. I love the leaders of the church. I am so blessed. Really.

  

Hello, Good Friend

Well, here it is. The beginning of my blog. Don't expect this to be magnificent, or enthralling, or brilliant. It is simply the ramblings of a (almost) twenty-something gal with a lot on her mind. If you're reading, you probably know me, so we'll skip the small talk and get to the good stuff. My life is about to change drastically in the next few months. I really have no idea what the future holds for me. I know what I want it hold, but it's not giving away the ending whatsoever. So, I'm relying on faith a lot, and just putting it in with each footstep. Check back every few days, and I'm sure I'll have updates of my adventures.