Something Special

I have been playing the comparing game a little too much the past couple of weeks. I think it started in my Professional Business Presentations class. In this class we have different presentations that we must give in front of the class. Makes sense right? So far we have given three presentations and with each presentation, we have had to grade each other. This has led to me comparing my presentations to all my classmates. Now that I am 2/3 through school, I have noticed this same thinking has been slowly seeping into my daily thoughts. I compare my social life, social media, bank account, education, experience, dating life, wardrobe, etc. etc. I have noticed it the most when I am scrolling through social media, and blogs. I am comparing my social life, which isn't a fair comparison since I am a huge introvert and people who post are usually extroverts.

I found a quote that I quite thoroughly enjoy.

"The reason we struggle with insecurity, is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlighted reel."

 Ain't this the truth when it comes to social media and blogging?! People rarely post the 'behind-the-scenes' and so you never know what someone is going through. Their life may rock on social media but they are facing their hardest trial right now. You honestly don't know.

 I know I will never get away from comparing myself. It is a habit that has been in the making for almost 21 years. But I am working on reminding myself that I am supposed to be living my life. And that is something special.

"The fastest way to kill something special, is to compare it to something else."

Top 10 TV Shows

Over the years I have gained quite the repertoire of TV Shows. Thanks to Netflix I have been able to add to my knowledge from the comfort of my couch. I have complied a list of my favorite TV shows, or TV shows that I can carry an entire conversations about. Don't be alarmed if a show didn't make the list. I was talking with Jennie and we were able to come up with another 10 shows that could be on this list. I guess I could have made a Top 20 list but that is a list for another day. These shows aren't listed in the exact order that they hold in my heart, so once again, don't be alarmed. These are just shows that I would gladly re-watch every season.

Next time you are looking for a show to watch, and you haven't watched one from this list, I would highly suggest you get on top of that.

1. Reba
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Melissa & Joey
4. Gilmore Girls
5. Friends
6. Hart of Dixie
7. Gossip Girl
8. Parks & Recreation
9. Last Man Standing
10. Chasing Life

Frontrunner

For those who don't know, I go to school at UVU or Utah Valley University. I don't live in Orem, or Utah Valley for that matter. I am what they call a commuter student. I have been a commuter student for three semesters. I take the train down to UVU twice a week. This has saved me time and money because I get a discounted UTA pass through school, and with all the construction at the point of the mountain.
So, thanks UTA for making commuting a little easier.

Provo City Center Temple

I went to the Provo City Center Open House last week, and guys, I am in love. Walking through the temple is one of my favorite things. This temple is special in so many ways. First off, the story is incredible. And I love the quote that Elder Holland said about this temple being a phoenix rising from the ashes. That statement gives me chills every time I heard it. One thing I love about this temple is that it reminds me of Nauvoo. Which makes sense considering who built it. It really brings the idea of doing work for the dead in a different light. 

If you get a chance to go, please go.

Plus, I got to go with some of my favorite people.

So bonus.

Mom, Jen, & Heidi

Read the story about the Provo City Center temple here.

Get an inside look and timeline here.

Valentine's Day

Happy day after Valentine's Day everyone!

I know many people don't like the holiday, and for most of my life, I didn't. But then I met Shaelee. Valentine's Day is Shaelee's favorite holiday. When she first told me that, I made fun of her. But now, I love Valentine's Day too. It isn't my favorite holiday, because Christmas (duh), but I now appreciate the 'idea' behind the holiday.

Last year, Valentine's Day fell on a Saturday. It was the last Saturday that I would work with Shaelee. We made epic music videos, but that is another blog post. Later that day, I hung out with Marnie. We made heart shaped pizza, that was cut into a broken heart, and watched a chick flick. This was so much fun. It was the first time that Marnie and I hung out with out Shaelee. 

Because of my pleasant encounter with Valentine's Day, I am starting to understand the purpose. Now, I don't have a 'lover' (hahahaha) and so I have to be creative when celebrating V-day. This year I decided to celebrate my friendships and here is why. In the past, I had a 9-month streak with friendships. After 9-months the friendship would self destruct. I warned Marnie and Shaelee about this streak and I can proudly say we made it past the 9-months. So now, I am showing them how much I appreciate their presence in my life with presents!

 

My gifts were simple but thoughtful. I got Dr. Pepper because life isn't complete without caffeine. Nail polish to remember all those late nights doing our nails. Their favorite candy, red velvet cakes (obviously). And of course crayons.

It was so much fun putting these gift bags together. Now to think of ideas for next year.

Contemplation on the Previous Year

BEWARE: Sappy end of 2015 beginning 2016 post ahead.

A year ago my best friends and I made an amazing video.

This video makes me feel all the feelings. 

I laugh, I cry (typically from laughing too much), and I feel sad. 

I feel sad because a year ago, I didn't know what 2015 was going to throw at me. Of course life is hard, but I didn't know it was going to be that hard. I went through stuff-doesn't everyone?- but I think the hardest trial I had was watching my favorite people go through their trials. Watching people go through experience is hard because I want to take away their pain. I want to through the trial so that they don't have to. Living through 2015 taught me that the only way I could help my friends was to be there for them. 

So to all my friends and family who read this blog, we did it. I know it is cheesy but we made it through 2015 in one piece.. I think. So good luck with 2016. I hope all your wildest dreams come true.

Utah vs. BYU Gymnastics

Over The Hill

Tyler, Christina, Heidi, Meme, Brandt, Jennie, Mom, Dad, Joe, & Keshia

Heidi & Mom

Happy Birthday Mom!

This post is a few days late but that is because we celebrated a few days late.

Mom got a selfie stick, so you know more 'family photos' are in the future. ha.

To celebrate Mom's big birthday we ate dinner at Tres Hombres.

Then we came back to the house to play games.

We played Hollywood Game night. It was fun playing different games and seeing who understood the weird clues given. We also played telastrations. It would be safe to say that none of us are artists.  

It was a night full of laughter and memories.

Unusual Holiday Week

Hi Ramblers.

I feel like I haven't blogged in weeks but that is just because so much 'stuff' has happened. 

First off, Christmas was great. I read the Nativity scene for the Anderson Family Nativity. This was a role I have never played before. I only messed up a few times. Shhh. 

Christmas morning went by quickly with only two children at home.

I took pictures before we opened presents. I haven't loaded them to my computer so this phone snap shot will have to do. 

We did all of the Christmas traditions that I have written about before. It was a dream weekend. Plus, I had four days off of work. That hasn't happened since I took a weekend off to go to Flaming Gorge. 

After Christmas it was back to work and reality. 

The Anderson's did our annual get-together with the Gregory's. We eat pizza and play games. Always a good time with all the hooligans. 

To top off the week, I got my wisdom teeth out. 

Yes, this happened New Year's Eve.

I had a two pictures to pick from. This is my best option... sadly. 

Turns out that I become a blubbering child when under heavy medications.

I have been bedridden for a few days. Slowly adding more solid foods to my diet. Going back to work and school is going to be the most interesting.