Turning, Turning, Turning through the years...

Les Miserables has to be my FAVORITE musical of all time! Why? Well the music is AMAZING...but mainly I love it because the characters are incredible and the way that they are portrayed in the musical is truly brilliant. Val Jean is the epitome of what it means to make mistakes, learn from them and improve your life and that of others because of the lessons that you have learned. Fantine and her dedication to her daughter and learning to live with a life that she never dreamed of, which I think the majority of people have these experiences often, where something unexpected happens and they think, "Why Me?" I know I have felt that. But if I had to choose my favorite character, it would have to be Monsieur Thenardier...he has SUCH a deep character! Okay, just jokes...he's a pig, BUT I just adore Javert. I LOVE him. His character is such a pivotal character in the play. He is a great example of someone who at first had the right intentions, but then became SO obsessed with it, that it consumed him and changed him into this bitter, obsessed, half-crazed man who eventually took his own life because what he thought was truth and justice, turned out to be wrong and he couldn't handle it. His character teaches me a lot about how it is so important to see people for who they truly are and not judge them by past errors, flaws and try to see them as the Savior would see them.

Now...when I decided to blog tonight, I didn't mean to write about Les Mis...but as I decided that this blog shouldn't be called a "blog" but actually a "blab" because that's what I do every time I write on this thing...it all works out right? The purpose of this blab was to update my sweet friends and fantab fam about my life. So here we go!

I moved back to the great state of Washington! It's SO great to be back! I am SUCH a fan! It's so nice to be around trees! It is also a huge blessing to be back around the majority of my family. I adore my family. They are SO fantastic! I love being reminded of that everyday! They are so good to me too...too good to me, but they are pretty great!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job! It stresses me out at times...meaning all the time...BUT it's exciting stress, so that makes me happy! I love the little kids that I work with. They remind everyday about the importance of living each day to the fullest! These little kids have so many challenges and yet they come into my office, flash a huge smile, give me a high five and giggle. I LOVE the sound of kids' giggles. It has to be the sweetest sound on earth and in heaven! The greatest thing that these kids have taught me is the importance of endurance, patience and the true meaning of faith. Whenever I see a little kid let go of his/her walker and attempt to walk, I can't help but be amazed. Here I am, a healthy 25-year-old, complaining about silly little things and this three-year-old is trying to take his first step. Children are the greatest blessing on the earth because their examples of faith, obedience and love teach us how to become more like the Savior. SO my job is great! I love it!

Church is great! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true! There's NO doubt in my mind about that. I feel like I just run around with my head cut off all the time...but I love being productively busy. In my 25 years of knowledge and wisdom (which isn't much), I keep on learning that everyday I need to focus on finding balance in my life. I am horrible at this at times, meaning all the time...maybe it's because I'm a Blue/Yellow personality and my deep emotional/business-minded side has a hard time gelling with my crazy/always looking for fun side. Being productively busy is important...meaning filling our lives with the best things in life. Taking time to ponder, think, work, pray, laugh, love, etc. is crucial to finding balance in life. Especially the laughing part...life would not be worth it if we didn't laugh once in a while...or at least 12 times a day. :)

Exciting news from the summer! One of my best friends, Chris got married to her man, Spencer. JOY! I adore these two people, especially Chris. She is such an amazing example to me. True friendship is a rare thing to find and once you find it, it's important to cherish it and never let go (I should write for Hallmark...I've got the cheese to do it...or I was inspired by Titantic's dialogue, I mean who wasn't inspired by that piece of goodness...). It's true though. God blesses us with people in our lives to bring us joy. I am grateful for Miss Chris. Here are some pics from the reception with some of my other dear, dear and crazy friends.

OH! I forgot! I got a CAR! It's fantastic!! He's a white Corolla...bringing me back to the mission (I drove a Corolla my whole mission...what can I say, it's a good car.) :) His name is Charlie...my White Knight...and he's a keeper. :) Not only is he reliable, dependable, takes me places, gives me freedom and is classy (all characteristics that I look for in a guy)...he has a great sense of humor (another important attribute)! After only owning him for three days, he just thought it would be funny to get hit in the parking lot by another car...he didn't even get the car's number who did it...he's kind of shy.

That's a WHOLE other story...but he's a keeper, dent and all. :)

OKAY! There's an update. I'm done blabbing now...

EM