I Stand for Motherhood

Friends, I'm in nursing school on the way to being a nurse, which is so exciting. I love taking care of patients and learning the science behind medications and interventions.

But.

The other day at the hospital, a very young patient was on the floor and I overheard them crying and later saw them being taken across the hall in a little red wagon, IV pole being rolled along behind.

In that instant, I realized something about myself that hit me stronger than most things in my life have.
Although being a nurse is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding profession, there's one thing that I would choose over nursing 10,000 times over.




Motherhood.

When I was younger, before I know what I wanted to do, I would respond to the question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" with: "A mom."

And guys, that's still true.

I think it's my own mom's example of steady, level-headed, kind, compassionate, and wise mothering that gives me such a drive to have and raise kids of my own. I cannot wait to have babies and change diapers and mash bananas, buy a lot of Goldfish and Cheerios, potty train, teach them to read and deal with obstinate 7 year-olds, self-conscious 13 year-olds, and stressed out 20 year-olds.



So..Working as a registered nurse? Saving lives? Awesome.

Working as a mother? Creating lives? Indescribable.

Why I Hate Dating

I usually don't like dates. 

Before you mark me as bitter/heartbroken/never asked out, read the rest of this post.

Of the dates I've been on, there's been good ones and and not so good ones. There's one huge difference between the two types, and behind that difference lies the reason I often don't enjoy the idea of going on dates.

A couple of guys in my ward saw me, maybe introduced themselves to me, and then asked for my number (or got it off the ward directory) and we went on a date. Both of them didn't know at the time that I was 17, and lost interest quickly after learning that I wasn't old enough to vote. I don't blame them--I was young. However, if we had gotten to know each other in a casual, friendly way before they asked me on a date--laced with romantic expectations, weird formalities, and pressure to impress and be attractive, then they would have learned my age, not asked me out, and we could have a friendship, one that didn't smack of "I was interested but not anymore but I guess we can hang out ." 

Later, once I'd turned 18, I had the good date experience. Again, it was a guy from my ward, but he didn't simply meet me, ask for my number, and ask me out. At a few different group events, we ended up spending a few hours just talking to each other; about our families, our majors, different life experiences, opinions on social issues--all the stuff that actually matters! After I was starting to feel like this guy actually knew me and I knew him, too, he asked me on a date. Because we'd already spent time together, our date didn't feel like an interview--we already knew the basics about the other person, and we could have a relaxed, natural conversation. It was probably the best first date I've been on.

We've been told by Elder Dallin H. Oaks that 'hanging out' is not the best way to get to know each other:

"The old-fashioned date was a wonderful way to get acquainted with a member of the opposite sex. It encouraged conversation. It allowed you to see how you treat others and how you are treated in a one-on-one situation. It gave opportunities to learn how to initiate and sustain a mature relationship. None of that happens in hanging out."

I agree that going on actual one-on-one dates is important when you're trying to make progress in a romantic relationship. I also think, though, that spending time with people in a very relaxed, casual setting before you ask them out can be a good thing. Important personal details like someone's age, impending mission calls, missionaries they're waiting for, personality, and life plans (important factors in a possible relationship, if that's what you're looking for), can be acquired before you spend time, money, and effort on an evening that may or may not lead to a second date and could also just be really awkward.

I should probably revise my earlier statement--I don't hate dates. What I hate is the tense first-date feeling that happens when you hardly know the person you're going out with. I hate that people get written off after getting their hopes up because they didn't pass the first-date 'interview', or they figure out that the person they were interested in is leaving on a mission in a month. 

Moral of the story: get to know people. If you don't end up married to each other, that's A-OK. Making new friends is always a blessing!

EDIT: The point of this post isn't that I'm mad at those guys for not wanting to date me once they figured out I wasn't 18--I was simply using that story to illustrate the possible situations that arise from going on dates with someone you don't know that well. Just wanted to clear that up.

Fighting Robots and Selling Apples

What do this:

and this:

have in common?

A few months ago, I participated in a class discussion in church about families. We talked how husbands and wives rely on each other for support, comfort, and love. As the discussion was closing, I had a small epiphany, which I had the opportunity to discuss with a friend later that evening.
This is what had popped into my mind:

Evil robot running around the city, wreaking havoc. Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl on the sidewalk, arguing about the impending battle:

Mr. Incredible: "...I'm not s-strong enough."
Elastigirl:"If we work together, you won't have to be."

It's a simple but still very important principle. As an individual, it is very difficult to raise, protect, provide for, and take care of a family. One person--mom or dad--would have a hard time doing it by themselves. There are single parents all over the world who somehow manage to juggle it all, but it's not an easy task in any sense of the word.

However, for those who are married, who do have the blessing of a teammate, co-council, and partner in raising the kids, taking care of the house, doing the shopping, helping with homework, making meals, etc, should remember two things: 1) You don't have to go at it alone, so never consider yourself weak if you ask for help, and 2) Your spouse doesn't have to do it alone, either, so always always offer to help and do all you can when they ask for your assistance. When you work together, you guys are much stronger than either one of you alone could ever be. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In a band concert on the evening of July 17th, the choir stood on the stage in still silence for more than 10 minutes during an accompanied reading of "The Giving Tree." The familiar children's book was read aloud while the band played a fun arrangement. 
Since we were still very visible to the audience, the members of the choir were not allowed to scratch our noses, text, sit down, yawn, or sneakily whisper to our neighbor.

The only thing left to do was listen to the performance. It'd been a few years since I read the story, and as I heard the repeated phrase "...And the tree was happy" I had a small epiphany (I'm prone to these, as you might be able to tell). We all need to be the Giving Tree.

The relationship between the generous tree and her lucky beneficiary is not a healthy one. He comes to her, whines, and then takes her gifts without a word of gratitude. However, the tree demonstrates some very good traits: selfless giving, and finding joy in the success of someone she cares about.

A few days after the concert, I was able to organize that epiphany into something a little more coherent: When we are in any kind of relationship--siblings, best friends, boyfriend and girlfriend--we should be selfless, and concern ourselves more about the happiness of the other person than our own. When the other person gets promoted at work, receives a high grade, wins an award, buys their favorite food for lunch or gets to sleep in late, if we can find happiness for them, our happiness potential doubles--we get joy from our own happy experiences and also in celebration of others'.

This principle is especially awesome if it's applied (equally) in a marriage. When each person is doing their best to serve the other person. When serving, they're striving for the other's happiness, and as long as both people are doing that, both people can find simple joy in small, everyday successes--theirs and their spouse's.

I know that both these principles are MUCH easier said than done. However,I also know that the foundation of these ideas are rooted in eternal truths; equal partnership in marriage and selfless, Christlike service to all our fellow men. Keeping in mind the Incredibles and the Giving Tree can help us remember that it's not so complicated as some people make it. Like many good things, it will take practice, but will be worth it if we can strengthen friendships, relationships, and marriages.

On Why I Give Up

There are so many quotes on how you should never, ever, ever, give up.

There are some things you should never give up on--your family, your faith, your friends, your husband, your wife, your kids, your education.

However, giving up is not always a bad thing. I try to make a habit of giving up every once in a while.

Some of you may be saying: "WHY would you WANT to give up; plan to give up? You need to stick with your goals! Your dreams, your aspirations!"

To that, I respond: My dreams, goals, and aspirations are the reason I give up.

I give up the opportunity to do fun things so I can stay in and study. I give up clothes that aren't modest so I can show respect to myself and to God. I give up time to go to church. I give up comfort when I exercise so I can stay healthy. I give up money to pay for schooling. I give up a cheerful mood to spend time with a friend who may need someone to mourn with them. I'll give up sleep to go to early-morning clinicals. I'll give up my off-track to continue through nursing school. None of this is easy.

Giving up is not always a bad thing.

In order to realize our goals for the future, we need to do hard things. We'll have to say no to something we want now because we know that doing so will help us gain something more important.

We don't want our dreams to remain dreams--we want them to become a reality.

Giving up is hard. The comfortable--what we're used to, what we like, enjoy, or care about--is not something of which we want to let go. However, if our hands are full of quarters, how can we reach out and grab hold of a $100 bill?

It's hard to see with a broader perspective, to have the knowledge that you will be better because you gave up. It's a leap of faith, but the more you do it, the more you'll know it's the right thing to do.

Daddy

I wrote a long list of reasons why my mom is freaking legit for Mother's Day.

Just because I didn't do this on Father's Day doesn't mean my dad is not legit.

I've been thinking lately about all the reasons I appreciate my father. I think one of the most important things he did was help me learn how important the Gospel is. He makes family scripture study and prayer and family home evening and church attendance a huge priority. His example was essential to my spiritual development and he continues to be a rock in my life when I need advice or support.

Another reason I love my dad is because he always tells me I'm beautiful. It seems shallow when I say it, but knowing my dad thinks I'm beautiful gives me a special confidence in myself that can't be taken away. Closely tied to this is the fact that he always expects me to be modest. He was never harsh or bossy about it, but let me know in a gentle, non-confrontational way, and that communicated his opinion much more effectively than yelling or or scolding would.

I used to come to him for permission for different things and one of those times, I asked him something and he told me that he trusted me to make my own decisions on those things. It scared me, but I knew that I could do it because he'd instilled in me a strong sense of right and wrong. I feel the influence of my Dad daily as I choose what movies to watch, what friends to have, what books to read, and so much more. Not because he micromanaged everything I did or said, but because he had a strong testimony of what is good, and wants good things for me and I see that now that I've experience with trial and error and have seen that in a lot of situations, his way was the best way all along.

My dad is really smart. I love that about him. I can come to him with questions about almost anything and if he doesn't know the answer, which isn't common, he'll usually find it out pretty quickly and let me know. He helps all of us with schoolwork, and he encouraged me to grow my mind. He never used the fact that I was a girl as a reason for me to not pursue a higher education and pick a good major that was marketable. When I was applying for the nursing program and waiting to hear back, he believed in me more than I did. He always tells me that I'm brilliant and gorgeous and can do anything I set my mind to. I'm so grateful for his faith in me.

I could write a lot more than this about my wonderful dad but I'm going to stop now. 

Dad, I love you. Thanks for everything.

Confessions of a Non-Partier

College, friends. It's a thing.

Movies, books, media; society in general presents college as kind of a non-stop party. Drinking, dancing, flirting, kissing, fraternities, sororities, getting busted by the cops, having dramatic and romantic adventures. Pretty awesome.

Of course, here at BYU-Idaho, the number of students who get THAT crazy is significantly lower than at a non-church school. It still happens, but on a much smaller (and more discreet) scale.

Then there are the people who go out every single Friday and Saturday night. Whether it's to a bonfire, some off-campus party, dancing, etc.-- nothing against the rules--just always SOMEthing. 



And then there's me.



I used to have a problem with this, think something was wrong with me: I should be 'out'! Partying! Having soo much fun!

Then I realized a very important thing about myself.

I'm not a partier. 

I love having fun, laughing, eating (yesssss), being with friends, playing games, going places, etc., but I don't like being in a big group that I don't really know, trying ineptly to flirt with some guy I just met or impress a bunch of people I'll never see again. I'm not going to go into the 'show-off circle' at a dance or do something crazy all in the name of 'living a little'. 
I have the most fun doing something relaxed like playing games or cooking brownies or buying pizza (food is happiness).


(I just wanted an excuse to put this ^ in a blog.)



I've chosen to stop making comments like "I don't have a life" "I never do anything fun" "I'm boring". That kind of comment is negative and only serves to reinforce the idea that the only way to be 'cool' is to be and act a certain way. Friends, that idea isn't true. 

Just because you do homework on a Saturday night (like I do), or don't have the sweetest dance moves (or any dance moves), or just wanna curl up with a pan of brownies and watch some (a lot of) Netflix after a long, stressful school week does not mean that you're a social weirdo. It means that we can do those "boring" things together, if you want company.

Moral of the story: Know thyself. And to thine own self to be true. And eat pizza and brownies, bros. Because...Yumminess. And hey--WE [most of us, at least] ARE IN COLLEGE TO LEARN. So yeah, do your homework every freaking night of the week.

57 Reasons Why My Mom is Freakin' Legit (with #Hashtags)

 My mom.

She's kind of insane.

Insanely cool, that is.

Here is a list of some of the things that I love about my mom. She amazes, inspires, and teaches me constantly. #RoleModel

1. She had ten kids (no epidurals)
2. Raised them--#BeastMode #ForLife #MomMode
3. Homeschooled us--she's crazy
4. Makes 6 loaves of bread every single week for the past 25 years
5. Makes huge batches of granola all the time (and it's dang healthy, too)
6. Makes peanut butter
7. Knows how to make home made yogurt (weird, but good)
8. Can sew literally anything
9. Tried to teach me to sew some things
10. Stayed patient when I whined, cried, and ripped out the same rows of stitches 5 times 
11. NEVER EVER EVER got involved with any of her kids' drama. THANK YOU SO MUCH MOM. 
12. She's seriously the smartest woman I know. She took physics for FUN in college, guys. And her grade? "An A, of course." (In her own words.(: ) I often make fun of elementary ed majors but ya'll, guess what major the smartest woman in the world chose? Elementary ed! And rocked it, of course.
13. She is not only the smartest woman I know, but she still learns all the time. She's constantly reading all kinds of books on literally everything. (A few great ones she suggested to me: The Happiness Project, Mindset, and Christy)
14. She was so so so encouraging to me throughout all of my schooling. 
15. A lot of you guys know how much I want to be a nurse. Guess whose idea that was? She suggested it to me several times before I finally realized that #MotherKnowsBest
16. She never made anything surface-y a priority. I never ever felt self conscious about my clothes, body, hair, or makeup because she never talked about those things. She didn't talk about beauty a lot, not because she didn't think I was beautiful, but because she knows that there's much more to a person than how they look. 
17. She's so practical it's crazy. She's seriously no-nonsense and very honest. I HATE being talked down to and when people sugar coat things and guess who has never done that to me? #MyMom. When  women try to be super-sensitive and overly sweet all the time I'm like "WHERE'S MOM WHEN I NEED HER." She gets straight to the point and it's the best ever.
18. She is so humble!! SO HUMBLE! 
19. She can dance, guys. You would never guess it but she's got moves. Granted, they're 80s moves but she got 5 stars on Just Dance 4. And looked good doing it.
20. She's sassy. She would never own up to it ....but where do you think I got my sass from?
21. She's super funny. 
22. She taught me to love salad. Especially with great tomatoes.
23. She made health a priority. Natural health, too. I've never had any prescribed medication. The recommended cure-all for literally anything was: a cold pack, a warm corn bag, garlic, vitamin C, Neosporin, and sometimes Tylenol. I'm very rarely sick and when I am, it lasts a day or two. #Legit
24. She instilled me with a strong conviction about...basically everything important.
25. She is a wonderful example of honesty, kindness, passion, hard work, patience, unconditional love, unending selfless
26. She's a beautiful singer and made me want to sing, too
27. She never gossips
28. She made me memorize things when I was young, thus allowing me to discover my talent for it and 
29. She made me play the piano
30. Taught me how to clean a house
31. Taught me how to take care of a baby
32. Taught me how important family is
33. Taught me how important the gospel is
34. Taught me how to cook
35. Knew exactly how much lenience and how much discipline I needed to feel both trusted and worried about
36. Taught me how to do laundry
37. Listens every time I call her to tell her about a test or a roommate or money or advice or boys or recipes or when I'm just feeling bad
38. Tells me I'm beautiful
39. Gave me my curls. (:
40. She's so freaking thrifty. I definitely learned that one from her. #CostcoTrips #BuyItInBulk #PricePerOunce
41. Taught me to drive. (: That was an adventure...
42. Encouraged me to go to college and helped me make it there
43. Provided me with all kinds of wonderful learning experiences that I would never have had without her
44. Helped me get my first job #HarrisTeeterWin
45. Taught me how to grocery shop
46. Gave me a strong appreciation for good ice cream #BreyersVanilla
47. Gave me a strong appreciation for dairy products in general...yum.
48. Taught me how to make cheese on toast. And now that I like tomatoes again...#TomatoesOnToast
49. Taught me how to do the dishes and made me do them. :/
50. Didn't punish me for being late for curfew...#Thanks
51. Put up with so many of my tears. For so many dumb dumb things. Geometry comes to mind first...
52. Never stops working
53. Never stops teaching
54. 18 years of free haircuts (She's really good at them)
55. Never stops loving
56. Never stops being the wisest person I know
57. Taught me what matters most

Mom, I love you so much. I miss you a lot, too. I think about you all the time and I love that I can call you and you listen and give advice even when I'm an irrational 18 year old (which is basically all the time). Thanks for being everything that you are. Happy mothers day. (:

Dating

Dating is overrated...

#PBBF




I'd say yes, but in the absence of any requests, I'll settle for some creamy peanuts.

Because of Him

Often, when someone is talking about a not-so-active church goer, they refer to that person as going "on Easter and Christmas." 

Those holidays are special. They both celebrate something pretty dang important.



Jesus Christ. Our Savior, Redeemer, and brother. He lived for us, died for us, and lives again. Because of that feat, we all get to live again and have to opportunity to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father.




I am so grateful for my Savior. I know this sounds cliche, and maybe it is, but it's still  TRUE.

Because of him, I get to live with my family forever, continue in eternal progression, find joy during hardships, forgive, be forgiven, be cleaner, be stronger, be better, and become my fullest self.



I rely on him for so much. Some say religion is a crutch for weak people. I say: we're ALL weak. We all need someone to lean on. Those who have a religion are the people who've figured that out.

I'm so happy to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know that the gospel is on the earth in its fullness and it can help anyone. No matter what your problem, trial, weakness, pain, or tribulation, Christ's Atonement covered it. We don't have to pay for something that's already been paid for. Don't carry stones of guilt, sadness, or anger on your back. Take upon the yoke of Christ for "[His] yoke is easy, and [his] burden is light." That's the only way life can feel easy; if you get your support from the Son.

I love my Savior. I can never say it enough times or in strong enough language. He gave up everything for me and I hope I never take it for granted. Please remember what's most important and keep that in the forefront of your desires.

Happy Easter, everyone.

The End.

Well, this is it.

This is The End.

Not of my blog.
It's the end of this semester.

I learned a lot of important things this semester. About life, the universe, and everything.

That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but even though I'm not in school, this was a study of...living.

I had my first full time job. 
I learned how to deal with 40 hours of doing the exact same thing, standing in one spot. I learned that if you let them, your co-workers can be a kind of second family. I met a lot of people I never thought I would learn to like but now, I'm sad to leave. I learned that multi-tasking is possible, but NOT good customer service. I learned that I love to make people laugh, and it is possible to flirt with someone in a 2 minute conversation. I saw people of every walk of life--homeless, students, rich, middle class, beautiful, homely, happy, sad, black, white, brown...I connected with people from each of these classes. I love to make a connection--a smile, a joke, a shared feeling about something random like periods or going to the gym. I learned that people love being remembered, especially their name. Names are powerful. Listen to your boss, be helpful, be PROACTIVE, and be happy. No one likes a grumpy cashier.

I learned that age is really not that important. My ward was, on average, 7 years older than me. I loved them, though. They had a lot more life experience and wisdom than I did but I never felt excluded because of the difference. One of my favorite people in the ward was 9 years older than me but we got along fantastically. People are people are people. Never discount someone because of their age--old or young. 

I learned that family is the best (but I kinda already knew this one).
A hard week could be turned into the best week if I spent a little time with one of my siblings, or maybe even saw my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Never forget how important your family is.

I learned that being happy is a choice. Sometimes I'd feel very alone, bored, unexcited, and just over it. Going to the gym, reading a book, talking to friends, or just listening to music could help everything feel better. But I had to WANT to feel better. 

I learned the value of a good night's sleep. In the fall, I'd stay up til at least 1 o'clock every night. I couldn't do that these last few months, because I often had to wake up at 6:30am. Working 8 hours on 4 hours of sleep is NOT fun. I went to bed before midnight almost every night. THAT was a good thing to learn.

I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I'm not a partier. And that's ok. I learned that I'm way more of a people person than I thought I was. I'm not really an introvert anymore. I love making Ceasar Salad. I don't like dogs, unless they're shorter than 15 inches. I flirt with too many people. I'm overly fearless. I have a sugar addiction--legitimately. I learned how to spend money and how to tip my server.

Last of all, I learned this: Mom was right. About everything. I love you, Mom. <3

Frankly, My Dear...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAqxWa9Rbe0

Something fantastic about Mr. Rhett Butler is how he always tells Scarlett what's up. He doesn't play games with her, he tells her what he thinks, even when it's harsh and REALLY what she does not want to hear. 

He often comes off as cruel or mean. But I say: what's worse--telling a harsh truth or a pretty lie?

I'd rather have my heart broken with honesty than be led on believing a falsehood. I want criticism, I want to hear that maybe someone just doesn't want to hang out with me, or yes, that dress does make me look fat. Concealing hard things from someone will not make those things disappear. It will most often just allow the situation to get worse when it could have been resolved with a dose of honesty.



Because I infinitely prefer the truth to any form of dishonesty, even 'white lies', I give all those I care about the respect to be sincere with them. 

“To conceal anything from those to whom I am attached, is not in my nature. I can never close my lips where I have opened my heart.” 
― Charles Dickens

My closest friends know what my honesty really means. It means I'll tell you if you're being too crazy, I will remove myself from a hug that I don't want to continue, and if you ask, I'll give you my complete, unadulterated opinion. Even if that opinion might really tick you off.

I'm not only truthful with my best friends, though. I'm very frank with everyone: My manager who might half-jokingly ask my opinion on something at work will most likely hear my opinion. Someone who asks if I missed them and I didn't, I'll tell them "Nope." A guy who asks me if I'd date someone like him and I wouldn't, I tell him so.

For whatever reason, people are often surprised at how honest I will be with them. They'll often think I'm kidding or being sarcastic. Some will think I'm trying to 'slay' whoever I'm talking to (as in above guy, the one I wouldn't date). I'm not trying to be mean, witty, or put others down. That is SO not the goal. I'm following the golden rule and treating everyone how I want to be treated. Unfortunately, it's not always seen that way...



I'm sure I've hurt a lot of peoples' feelings with my sharp tongue. I'm sure some would say that this quote fits me perfectly:

“All cruel people describe themselves as paragons of frankness.” 

― Tennessee Williams

Guys, you know I'm not sugarcoated, but cruelty is something I despise. Even though I rarely admit it, I'm pretty much a bumbling, naive KID. I say dumb things a lot.

 “The truth needs so little rehearsal.” 

― Barbara Kingsolver

Sometimes this lack of rehearsal results in a lot of blabbed words and hurt feelings. I'm sorry. Please let me know if I've ever hurt you with my words because I promise it was not intentional and I'll try my best to repair it if I can.

I believe in truth. In my opinion, truth, in all forms, is the highest virtue. Truth encompasses loyalty, honesty, integrity, and consistency. The best way to hurt me is to lie, cheat, or not implement what you profess to be your standards.  What will me make me respect you the most is congruence, dependability, and be completely honest with me even, even especially, when it's hardest.

Now here's a few more cool quotes on honesty...

 

“The truly scary thing about undiscovered lies is that they have a greater capacity to diminish us than exposed ones.” 

― Cheryl Hughes

“Truth builds trust.” 

― Marilyn Suttle

“What you didn't tell someone was just as debilitating as what you did.” 

― Jodi Picoult

“Don’t spoil me with your lies, love me with your truth.” 

― T.F. Hodge

“Maybe my expectations for honesty are too high.” 

― Kelley Armstrong,

“The trouble with most of us is that we'd rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.” 

― Norman Vincent Peale

How to Not Fall for People--An Actual Confession

This is a real confession, guys. You're gonna get a peek into my crazy cerebrum. Don't judge me too harshly.

I have this problem. 
I fall for boys. And by "fall for", I mean getting little crushes. 
I try to not do this because it just gets me mixed up. 
Maybe some of you people out there reading this have a similar problem. #TheStruggleIsReal



Here's a few tips on how to not do this.

1. Don't have cute friends of either gender. Cute friends of the same gender as you will attract the opposite gender to them, and if you hang around your good-looking same gender friends and their opposite gender fan club (for lack of a better term), there's some risk-by-association of meeting cool people of the opposite gender. Cute friends of the opposite gender carry the risk of being so cool that you fall for THEM. Great.
2. Don't look around at church, school, the library, or the gym. No people watching. That's what gets you those stalker-status crushes on someone whose name you don't know.
3. Don't pay attention to members of the opposite gender being kind, clever, or spiritual. All very hazardous qualities if you're trying to NOT be attracted to them.
4. Never EVER flirt.
5. Don't let yourself smell their cologne or perfume. I have a weak spot for good cologne so this is essential for me in order to stay crush-free.

If all else fails, just never leave your room. It's safest in there.



I wish you luck in your endeavors for a crush-free heart. 


#Sarcasm #IBreakAllTheseRules #AlwaysALittleBitInLove #MightAsWell

Ending the Debate: BYU or BYU-Idaho?

Disclaimer: I'm not writing this post because I'm jealous of BYU or embarrassed about BYU-Idaho. If either of those things were true, I wouldn't be attending the school I am. 

I really love my school. I chose to go to BYU-Idaho for a lot of reasons: their nursing program is shorter--I can get my RN in half the time than I could at BYU. I love the small campus/small town. Last but not least, it was the right choice for me. The best way to describe the way I knew where I should go is this: I visited BYU and BYU-I within a week of each other when I was 14 years old. In Provo, I felt like a visitor on campus. In Idaho, even though I was at least 5 years younger than everyone around me, I felt very much at home--like I fit in. THAT'S why I'm going to school there. Not because I hate Provo or didn't think I could 'keep up' with all the classes at BYU or because I just love potatoes.

My brother loves to tell people: "My sister got into BYU and CHOSE to go to BYU-Idaho!" People don't know how to react--but they usually think I'm insane. Those people are usually BYU students.

Many times while I was at school in Rexburg, I'd mention something about BYU--a story, a rule that they don't have that we do (and there are a lot of those), a professer--and I'd get a reaction like this: "Wow, BYU is so...I don't know. The Spirit is just not as strong there." "I can't believe all the stuff that goes on down in Provo." "I'm so grateful for the strict honor code. I'm glad I have a curfew--things are just different at BYU because they can stay out all hours of the night."

People, there is a problem with both of these scenarios. The idea that BYU is hell and BYU-Idaho is a nunnery needs to just:

BYU is an older, more academically prestigious university. Something important to remember is that it's been a 4 year university for WAY longer than BYU-I. BYU-Idaho was a junior college just 13 years ago!

But that doesn't make BYU a Mormon Harvard, for Pete's sake. It's harder, but it's not Ivy League.

People will claim that BYU is "wayy hard to get into"--false. Compared to a few schools I googled, it has a pretty high acceptance rate, especially for a private university.

BYU-I: 99%

University of Washington: 59.2%

BYU: 55%

Liberty University: 22.8%

NCState: 49.6%

Notre Dame: 24.3%

UNC-ChapelHill: 27.6%

Stanford:6.6%

BYU-Idaho is (extremely) easy to get into and less rigorous than BYU but that does not mean all the classes are a breeze. I'm not dumb, and I had to work to get the grades I wanted. News flash: COLLEGE IS HARD WORK. I'm not saying every college is equal, but let's cease and desist with the mentality that Rexburg is full of clueless people.

Except those clueless people that say this: "BYU is the church's school and BYU-I is the Lord's school." I'm not even going to give you any more commentary than this: The church belongs to God. Both schools belong to the church. Wearing shorts and flip flops doesn't make you a sinner--it just means you're not overheated in the summer. BYU is not the great and spacious building. And Rexburg is not heaven. There are good, upstanding people and people who don't want to follow the standards at both universities.

I think it's the BYU rejects (and there's no shortage of those in Rexburg) who make disparaging comments about Provo. Sour freakin' grapes!

I love BYU-Idaho, and President Clark. I DO NOT like the curfew, or the dress code. I could've attended BYU but decided against it. I'm proud to be a Viking (bet you didn't know that was Idaho's mascot, did you? :).

I love Provo. I think BYU's an excellent school. Both my parents went there, tons of my friends, and my siblings. Go cougars!

You can be successful, smart, hardworking, and upstanding at any school you attend, whether it's a party school or a strict private school or a community college. There's no reason to criticize or judge any other university in the world, so just take some advice from a wise German friend of mine.

Discovery

    The summer of my senior year, my older brother severely injured his ankle, splitting his tibia lengthwise and shattering his talus into hundreds of tiny pieces. This accident had a big impact on his summer plans and his life plans. However, Taylor was not the only one affected. Taking care of him during the trauma of his surgery, recovery, and physical therapy helped me discover that I find true joy in serving people who need it.


     My brother slept in my room that summer. Thought it surprises some, those months with him in my care are some of the most memorable of my life. They gave me the chance to experience what it would be like to be a nurse, something I’d been planning on for a few years. To me, it felt like real-life practice. Taylor lay on the extra bed all day, trying not to complain to me about how much his leg hurt, and I’d refill his water bottle countless times, bring him food so he could take his medications, and change his gauze and clean his surgical incisions every few days. I had wanted to be a nurse since I was a sophomore in high school, but I did not know how much I enjoyed taking care of someone who truly needed it.
     I liked cleaning his wounds, changing his gauze, adjusting his pillows, and bringing him string cheese. Before I left for work I would give my younger siblings special instructions about  letting him sleep and being careful around his injured bones. The first thing I did when I got home  was go check on him and ask him how his day had been. I stayed up many, many nights listening to him talk about how severe the pain was, how bad his future would be due to his accident, and how much he hated being helpless. It was a heavy burden, hearing these sentiments from my tough older brother, but one I was glad to bear. 


     I’d never realized before how strongly I desire is to help others emotionally and physically. This experience was a journey for me, and the end of the adventure was a discovery of how much I want to care for people. Whether it be a dose of pain medication or just a listening ear, I want to give what I can and help where it is needed. With the passion that I have for this role, I think I can make a difference for those around me. That is why I want to be a nurse.




Guys, I don't know if I've ever wanted anything this much. I feel so strongly that this is the right choice for me. Exhibit A of this feeling: I was riding my bike the other day and stopped next to the Intermountain Hospital. Looking at a hospital, imagining myself working as a nurse one day, brought me to tears right there on the side of the road. Just writing this post is making me cry. I look forward to the day when I can be a valuable worker in the medical field.

Best Friend

When I was a little kid, my brother would tell me I wasn't pretty just to make me cry.

It worked.

He would also hit me on the head and steal my things and all the normal brother stuff. I reacted like the little diva I was and would scream and tattle on him and basically display my utter wimpy-ness.

Sometime between now and 12 years ago, this harassment stopped. 

Sometime between now and 7 years ago, we actually became FRIENDS. It was weird at first. We would talk about all kinds of random stuff and go places together. We still had the occasional stupid argument, though.



For the last few years, Taylor has been my best friend in the whole world. It's kinda crazy how much I love him. We can talk and laugh and cry and goof off and eat food and talk more and look up Youtube videos and laugh. I laugh more with him than with anyone else I know. He teaches me something almost every time I see him. He's so wise, smart, clever, hilarious, cool, and interesting.

There is a big problem having a brother this cool.

I know how it feels to always to be excited and happy to see someone with whom I'll have effortless conversation, constant laughter, the ability to talk about important spiritual and emotional things, get advice about anything. I will NEVER ever hear a dirty joke or malicious gossip, he won't be ignoring things I say because of a video game, and is always telling me how wonderful and beautiful and fun to be around I am. 



This has given me high standards for guys. When I meet someone who makes me as happy as my brother does, I'll know I've found someone I can spend eternity with.

Thanks, Taylor, for everything.

This Is Becca's Brain On Drugs

I hate Coke, Pepsi and Dr. Pepper, I've never had Mountain Dew; soda in general is NOT my favorite. Because of this, I VERY rarely consume caffeine.

Probably the highest level of caffeine intake I've ever experienced is a few sips of Monster when a friend is drinking some.

Rockstar was free at work yesterday. I had a few late nights in Rexburg. You can see this isn't headed good places.

I wasn't tired anymore, that's for sure.

There are 240 milligrams of caffeine in one of these cans (There's 95 milligrams in one cup of coffee). Work was a lot easier to handle, to say the least. The caffeine really started to hit me on the phone with my brother after work. I started giggling for basically no reason and he was definitely confused. Working out was boring and I was jittery. In the car on the way to my sister's work, Taylor told me I shouldn't drink energy drinks anymore. Me? I was having a blast. I changed topics literally every 10 seconds and laughed at almost everything. I was excited, loud, and overall a little loopy.

At the restaurant my hands were shaking but I could tell that this little adventure was ending. I calmed down, ate a (delicious) dinner and too much bread (as always..dang free bread!) and drove home without doing anything crazy.

My conclusion:

I don't plan on becoming one of those people that drinks 2 energy drinks a day (I know SO MANY of these people). But because of this fun experiment, I now know that I can use caffeine as a back up plan for things like the drudgery of an early morning after a very late night, cramming for a test, working when I'm completely exhausted..I'll retain my high sensitivity to the drug and be able to fully utilize the benefits of liquid stimulants.

Party on.

#CaffeineVirgin

Provo Probs

To Those Who Abide in the Lovely City of Provo, Utah
This is a great city in which to live. However, there are a few hazards you should look out for:

1. BYU Couples

Characteristics of BYU couples:
Always wearing BYU apparel of some kind--hats, sweatshirt, lanyards, bags, etc. (See below photo)
Gaze into each other's eyes ALL THE TIME. (See below photo)
Rub noses in public and kiss. All the time.
NEVER stop holding hands. 
(NOTE: THIS IS NOT PHOTOSHOPPED. I took this picture while I was at work, where I am lucky enough to see a large number of these specimens)

Safety precautions to be taken: Walk around with your eyes closed, or better yet, stay indoors at all times.

2. Icy sidewalks

It seems like nobody salts the sidewalks in Provo. This results in some awkward looking walking. Or you can be a crazy person and GO JOGGING AT 10PM ON ICE. Because that's perfectly safe. *rolls eyes* I have no idea why or how people do this on slick ice without dying.

Safety precautions to be taken: Wear good boots. Bring around a portable hairdryer and melt everything as you walk. Or, better yet, stay indoors at all times.

3. Mormons EVERYWHERE.

Don't get me wrong--Mormons are great (I happen to be one). But there is a ridiculously large number of Mormons in Provo. I mean, they DID settle the state of Utah so it's understandable that there's a remnant, and there is a huge Mormon university (BYU) in Provo, but still. Lots of these Mormons running around. Talking about Primary lessons and their home teachers in the grocery store and elders wandering through Walgreens. It's a whole other world out here. People would think you were crazy if you were anywhere but Mormonville.

Safety precautions to be taken: Go to the activities they invite you to--free casserole and Jello! Who could say no? If that doesn't work: Can't beat 'em? Join 'em. I like being part of the huge Mormon family. BUT, if you don't join, that's good too. But to all my fellow Mormons: NON MEMBERS ARE CHILDREN OF GOD TOO. Just cuz they're not baptized doesn't mean they're evil. Love them and treat them how they should be treated.

Good luck, Provo-ites.

Would You Rather...

According to some psychologists, there 9 types of intelligence. Howard Gardner wrote a book called "Frames of Mind" that outlined several different ramifications for each type of intelligence: 

Musical–rhythmic & harmonic, Visual–spatial, Verbal–linguistic, Logical–mathematical, Bodily–kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Naturalistic, Existential.

I just took a quiz and got Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence:

Good at explaining things to others
Able to use humor when telling stories
Strong abililtiy to listen and remember spoken information
Understands both the literal and figurative meaning of words
Able to use language in many different ways, such as to entertain, to persuade and to inform
Strong grammar skills

The reason I bring up the 9 types of intelligence is because of a conversation I was having with a friend of mine. We were discussing a few relationships we have--both romantic and platonic--and how complicated people make things. I told her I just wanted to start nursing school already--I know it'll be stressful and crazy and I'll probably cry.  

A lot.

But the thing is, I like an academic challenge. The stress of school can be managed. Yeah, it's super tough. It'll feel endless. I'll want to give up. But I'll be able to see the end, know what I have to do, know the rules, expectations, and I can always just ask my teachers, fellow students, and others for advice and there will almost always be a right answer, a correct method, and a box I can check off at the end of the day.

This is what I told Emily: "I'd rather study the biological hormonal differences between males and females than actually experience the difference myself."

The reason for this because people's mental processes are more difficult for me to maneuver than their physiological ones. It's easy for me to tell you that decision making occurs mainly in the prefrontal cortex, speech is understood in Wernicke's area, and emotions are found mainly in the frontal lobe. But I can't tell you why you decided to be angry at something your roommate said to you.

I discovered something about myself a few years ago--there are two things that bring me both stress and happiness.

School and relationships.

The feeling of Oh my gosh I have a paper to write and I have no idea how to start is about as uncomfortable as I like this boy and don't want to be too obvious but he probably likes my roommate so I'm not gonna compete. Dang it. 

And on the flip side: Yay I got an A on this essay! and He asked me on a date! 

Obviously there are varying degrees, but you get the point. 

The nice thing about academics is that I can control it. I study harder, read with more focus, pay better attention in class, I get an improved grade. With people, I can only control my half of any interaction. Which can be difficult sometimes.

#PeopleProbs

11 Again

      

Me at 9

Imagine me, at 11 years old, somewhere between these (^v) two ages.

Me at 13

                           

Ah, the pre-pubescent years. I am glad they are over.

That was the age when I first started liking boys. The guy I liked was 6 years older than me. Talking to him scared me and mentioning his name made me blush. "Flirting" was out of the question (and was a question--I had no idea what flirting even meant, and to be honest, I still don't).

Unfortunately, I'm also describing myself now, 7 years later. A majority of guys that I meet are at least 4 years older than I. I feel like a little kid compared to them. I AM a little kid. What's even more annoying is that often these older guys are really cool. Mature, smart, funny, etc. I hate when I find myself crushing on someone who's 25 because I feel 11 again, inexperienced, nervous, and without a doubt much too young.

#collegeprobs

Blessings

I like word definitions.

"The verb bless comes from Old English blēdsian/blētsian, 'to bless, wish happiness, consecrate.'"

My favorite part of that is "to wish happiness." It makes blessings sound so simple and loving.

They are.

We have a loving Father in heaven. What He wants to do more than anything is bless us. 
The apostle Jeffrey R. Holland said this in April 2013:
"Surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don’t expect it and often feel they don’t deserve it."

I love the image that gives me of God--not wrathful, angry, or scary. He just wants to bless His children. However, there are rules set in place before this world was created that limit what He can do:

D&C 130:20-21:
"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated — And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."

In order to be blessed, we have to be obedient. King Benjamin puts it so eloquently in Mosiah 2:

"He doth require that ye should do as He hath commanded you; for which if ye do, He doth immediately bless you; and therefore He hath paid you."

All we need to do is obey His commandments and then we get "paid" with blessings. Seems like everyone would want to be totally obedient, right? Because heaven's gifts are the best kind?

Unfortunately, this is not the case.


"O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!"

Something that breaks my heart more than anything else is seeing someone (especially people who I love) go against all the things they've been taught. I know it's not easy or fun or cool to keep good standards. It's hard. I always try to keep the commandments and sometimes it's unexciting, lonely, and just plain boring. I keep doing it, because I know I should, but sometimes I feel like there's no point. However, I know people, people I care very strongly about, who've done that--given up on some of the rules. The aftermath is torturous. It may not come quickly. It may take a month, a year, or a decade, but when the consequence hits, it's a million times worse than the feeling of "just plain boring."

Here's a list of a few of the blessings I've received because of obedience:

1. I get to go to the temple and perform work for those who can't do it themselves
2. The company of the Holy Ghost
3. Having enough money for my needs as a student
4. Confidence in important decisions I made with the help of the Spirit
5. Good health
6. Ability to perform in school, even when it was really hard
7. Emotional fortitude 
8. Tender mercies
9. Cool opportunities
10. Joy

To those of you who are choosing the right, keep on truckin'. Sometimes that's all you can do.

 "Lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever."

To people who may be struggling with rules, family, school, work, money, life in general--and I think we all are, in some degree--remember that God loves you. It sounds cliche, but it's still dang true! Help will come if you ask. It may not be in the way you expect or even notice, but don't let that feed your doubt. Do your best and try to keep the faith. 

Mistakes--we've all made them--can be removed fully and completely through repentance. Don't think you're not worthy to pray or ask for help because we all fall short. Remember, God loves to bless those who feel they don't deserve it, and honestly, none of us do but we are all fortunate to have a merciful Savior. I know He lives and will forgive and heal anyone who asks.

                                                 

In Defense of the Boy Crazy

I've been accused on many occasions of being boy crazy. This blog post goes out to all my fellow girls who've been accused of the same thing

Let's break this down.

Boy: Noun. 1: A male child. 2: A young man.

Crazy: Adjective 1. Mentally deranged, esp. as manifested in a wild or aggressive way.
2. extremely enthusiastic.


I think we should use the second definition for both words. Using the first would make anyone sound creepy.

Extremely enthusiastic about young men.
I get told that I'm extremely enthusiastic about young men for a few reasons, mainly: a) I talk about boys pretty often, b) I flirt and c) I like to go on dates (don't we all?) and have been known to say, "I want a boyfriend."

Is that really so extreme? Is it "being in or attaining the highest degree; very intense"? Not exactly. Especially considering a few important factors:

1. I'm a girl. Girls like boys. Weird.
2. I'm at an age where dating/courting are in my not-so-distant future.
3. (And this is the most important one) When almost ANYONE asks me about my life, be it my grandpa, sister, cousin, aunt, friend, bishop, or roommate, one of the questions they ask is almost 95.67% guaranteed to be: "How's your boy life?" "Are you dating anyone?" "All those boys up in Idaho are chasing after you, aren't they?" "How are you feeling about marriage?" (That one was my bishop) "Do you like anyone?"

Me:
......

I really am making this face, by the way.

You know the saying "Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer"? The same principle applies here. When 95.67% of people ask about boys, is it really so surprising that I TALK ABOUT BOYS? 

If you find it crazy or extreme that I often discuss something that people often inquire about, then you need to revamp your craze-o-meter. 

Don't get me wrong, I know I talk a lot. Trust me, it probably bugs me more than it bugs you. But don't go judging--I like boys just as much as the next girl. I just talk about it a bit more than she does.

So next time you see me or any other girl you've thought to be overly obsessed with boys, try asking us something like: "Tell me what you learned in church this week!" or "What do you like about work?" or "Why did you choose the major you did?" 

If you REALLY wanna see me get excited (way more than I do about boys), ask me to tell you the muscles of the upper limb, or the sequence of events involved in flexing a muscle, starting at axon hillock of the motor neuron. Then you will see something "being in or attaining the highest degree; very intense."