I don't know about y'all...but I hate t.v. these days. I know I know...there are probably a few good shows on every now and then. But, I just can't get into any of them. It seems to me that most shows revolve around some kind of commited crime and the investigation of that crime. The difference between each of these shows is the way in which the crime is discovered and resolved. I've also noticed that there aren't many half hour comedies on these days. Sure, there's the popular "The Office" but that's not even a good old fashion comedy. There's no laughter...it's supposed to be a mock of reality t.v. And, honestly, I haven't been able to bring myself to watch The Office, even though I don't doubt that it's a great show. I just can't stand the comercials...and waiting another week for the next episode. It drives me crazy. So, lately I've been dreaming up all of the old t.v. shows I would love to own on DVD. So far I have two different series. As stated before, I own all seasons of Gilmore Girls, and I also own all seasons of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. There are several other t.v. series I would LOVE to own. Here's a list, in no particular order.
-Judging Amy
-Any Day Now(Life Time)
-Rosanne
-Boy Meets World
-Step by Step
-Growing Pains
-Picket Fences
-Strong Medicine(Life Time)
-Designing Women
-Mad About You
-Profilers
-Who's the Boss?
Ok, so I said in no particular order, but I guess a couple of these I would want over others. I absolutely LOVE the drama Judging Amy. I find it so interesting. It's so deep and passionate with such controversal topics...I love it. Rosanne seriously makes me crack up every time I watch that show. I'm not sure what that says about my personality, but I seriously love that show and think it's hilarious. And, I really enjoy Mad About You. I've always wanted to own those DVDs. There's just something tender about a simple married couple learning, growing and loving together. I remember watching the shows Growing Pains and Who's The Boss as a child, so I'd love to own those for sentimental reasons. I LOVED those shows when I was little. Ah...good times. I love a good show. Something with depth and/or something that can make me laugh hysterically. I just can't find that anymore. So, that's my wish list...it will probably take a lifetime to fulfill, but it's fun to wish sometimes.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
My Hermana Leener
Those of you who know my hermana know that she is engaged to be married on July 18th to Bobby Ulrich in the Portland, OR temple for time and ALL eternity. If you'd like to find out more about the engagement just click here.
Now, onto more important things. :) First off, I'd like to explain why I spell it "Leener" instead of "Leaner" like so many people do. Everyone who spells it out "Leaner" is wrong. You see, Leener is my sister's nick-name. My sister's name, for those of you who don't know, is Kayleen. Obviously, Leener was taken from the "leen" part of KayLEEN. My dad came up with it when she was very very small. Because it comes from the "leen" part of Kayleen, it would be spelled "Leener." There you go. I can now proceed with my post.
My sister Kayleen, or Leener as I like to reffer to her in the blogging world...is very high on my list of favorite people. Let me explain....
Kayleener and I never got along while growing up. What a nice way to start this off huh? :) I'll proceed.... We were, and still are in MANY ways, complete and TOTAL opposites. We think differently, we express ourselves differently, for the most part we have very different tastes in many different things...such as clothes, jewlry and music...with a few exceptions. Kayleen and I made very different choices in school activities and people we hung out with. Kayleen was on the dance team...I was in marching band. We did cross paths in our interests such as choir...we both loved/love to sing. But that was basically the only thing we both enjoyed doing. Kayleen was always very much into fashion...I was the ugly tom boy for a lot of my life. I'm a very imotional person...and have to talk everything to DEATH...you know, resolve everything. Kayleen, on the other hand, while emotional at times, can usually stay in control of her emotions, and doesn't really enjoy talking things to death. She can leave them be, and get over it. Basically, we were, and still are, VERY different.
I always made it look like I dissaproved of Kayleen. I know...terrible. For whatever reason...we had labels placed upon us. Whether we did it to ourselves...or the people around us did it, I'm not sure. Maybe a little bit of both actually. But, I was the "angel child" who could do no wrong and Kayleen was the "black sheep" the trouble maker. Now, quite honestly, both labels can be difficult. Being known as the "angel child" has always been hard. It's a huge burden to carry, and I was constantly walking around worried that one day I would loose my balance and fall off of the extremely high pedistal I had been put on. Being the "black sheep" or trouble child also has its disadvantages. Obviously the black sheep is compared to the angel child...and no matter how hard he/she tries to scrape the "black" off, the people around him/her who watch him/her grow up just won't allow it. In people's eyes, he/she is and always will be the "black sheep." So...we filled those expectations. It was a hard life...but it was the life we chose. So...what am I getting at? I'll tell you.
I've always admired my beautiful sister, Kayleen Nicole Perry. Even though growing up together was difficult, in reality, she had many qualities I wished I could have. She always got whatever she put her mind to. She has a "go get it" attitude. She's not hesitant. She sees something she wants, and she doesn't stop until she gets it. Today she is living on her own, living the life she planned out. She's worked hard to get where she is. She works in a really nice salon, doing what she loves, and she does it really really well. She's engaged to an awesome guy that our family loves. They've been through hell and back together, and the most important part of that phrase is that they made it BACK. They are on the straight and narrow path to eternal happiness. I watched as they went through hell...and recently I've watched as they approach the beginning of what could be and will be (with hard work) eternal bliss. I've seen the changes they've made and the hardships they've had to go through. My sister has done so much and come so far, and quite frankly, I admire her more than she'll ever know. Sure, she'll probably read this sometime in the near future, but she'll never really know. She's beautiful inside and out, and I only hope that one day I'll have achieved everything she has. I know she has a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I've watched her live it. Watching her stretch, grow, and learn in the Gospel has strengthened my testimony soooo much. Because of her I was able to survive the return of my mission. She let me tag along with her everywhere she went, making me feel wanted and loved. I'm so thankful Heavenly Father blessed me with such a sweet sister. Sure we still fight occationally...but if we didn't, life would get boring. I love you Kayleener!
Now, onto more important things. :) First off, I'd like to explain why I spell it "Leener" instead of "Leaner" like so many people do. Everyone who spells it out "Leaner" is wrong. You see, Leener is my sister's nick-name. My sister's name, for those of you who don't know, is Kayleen. Obviously, Leener was taken from the "leen" part of KayLEEN. My dad came up with it when she was very very small. Because it comes from the "leen" part of Kayleen, it would be spelled "Leener." There you go. I can now proceed with my post.
My sister Kayleen, or Leener as I like to reffer to her in the blogging world...is very high on my list of favorite people. Let me explain....
Kayleener and I never got along while growing up. What a nice way to start this off huh? :) I'll proceed.... We were, and still are in MANY ways, complete and TOTAL opposites. We think differently, we express ourselves differently, for the most part we have very different tastes in many different things...such as clothes, jewlry and music...with a few exceptions. Kayleen and I made very different choices in school activities and people we hung out with. Kayleen was on the dance team...I was in marching band. We did cross paths in our interests such as choir...we both loved/love to sing. But that was basically the only thing we both enjoyed doing. Kayleen was always very much into fashion...I was the ugly tom boy for a lot of my life. I'm a very imotional person...and have to talk everything to DEATH...you know, resolve everything. Kayleen, on the other hand, while emotional at times, can usually stay in control of her emotions, and doesn't really enjoy talking things to death. She can leave them be, and get over it. Basically, we were, and still are, VERY different.
I always made it look like I dissaproved of Kayleen. I know...terrible. For whatever reason...we had labels placed upon us. Whether we did it to ourselves...or the people around us did it, I'm not sure. Maybe a little bit of both actually. But, I was the "angel child" who could do no wrong and Kayleen was the "black sheep" the trouble maker. Now, quite honestly, both labels can be difficult. Being known as the "angel child" has always been hard. It's a huge burden to carry, and I was constantly walking around worried that one day I would loose my balance and fall off of the extremely high pedistal I had been put on. Being the "black sheep" or trouble child also has its disadvantages. Obviously the black sheep is compared to the angel child...and no matter how hard he/she tries to scrape the "black" off, the people around him/her who watch him/her grow up just won't allow it. In people's eyes, he/she is and always will be the "black sheep." So...we filled those expectations. It was a hard life...but it was the life we chose. So...what am I getting at? I'll tell you.
I've always admired my beautiful sister, Kayleen Nicole Perry. Even though growing up together was difficult, in reality, she had many qualities I wished I could have. She always got whatever she put her mind to. She has a "go get it" attitude. She's not hesitant. She sees something she wants, and she doesn't stop until she gets it. Today she is living on her own, living the life she planned out. She's worked hard to get where she is. She works in a really nice salon, doing what she loves, and she does it really really well. She's engaged to an awesome guy that our family loves. They've been through hell and back together, and the most important part of that phrase is that they made it BACK. They are on the straight and narrow path to eternal happiness. I watched as they went through hell...and recently I've watched as they approach the beginning of what could be and will be (with hard work) eternal bliss. I've seen the changes they've made and the hardships they've had to go through. My sister has done so much and come so far, and quite frankly, I admire her more than she'll ever know. Sure, she'll probably read this sometime in the near future, but she'll never really know. She's beautiful inside and out, and I only hope that one day I'll have achieved everything she has. I know she has a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I've watched her live it. Watching her stretch, grow, and learn in the Gospel has strengthened my testimony soooo much. Because of her I was able to survive the return of my mission. She let me tag along with her everywhere she went, making me feel wanted and loved. I'm so thankful Heavenly Father blessed me with such a sweet sister. Sure we still fight occationally...but if we didn't, life would get boring. I love you Kayleener!
Monday, March 2, 2009
What's new?
I'm getting a car not long after I arrive in Utah. What car? A 1999 Mercury Sable. Ugly? Yes. A great deal? Yes...$1,800 to $2,000 after it's been fixed up. Great for my first car? Yes. Reliable from a very reliable source? Yes. What will I name it? Willy...as in the whale from "Free Willy."
I'm moving to Utah in one day...road trippin' it. Fun stuff. Gotta love that 12-14 hour drive, depending on who you're driving with. And when you're driving with Chuck, it's usually 14 hours. :) We're leaving at 2:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. It's Monday night right now. Not long. Not long at all.
Colby Smith returned. :) We've talked ever day since he's come home. Exciting? Yes! Tired of writing and talking but not seeing? Yes. Ready to hug him? Yes.
My desire to loose weight has grown sooo much in the past couple of weeks. Colby's return coupled with my sister's wedding has lit a fire under me and I plan on making my life in Utah one full of healthy choices and mucho exercise. Somethin's gotta give.
I'm moving to Utah in one day...road trippin' it. Fun stuff. Gotta love that 12-14 hour drive, depending on who you're driving with. And when you're driving with Chuck, it's usually 14 hours. :) We're leaving at 2:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. It's Monday night right now. Not long. Not long at all.
Colby Smith returned. :) We've talked ever day since he's come home. Exciting? Yes! Tired of writing and talking but not seeing? Yes. Ready to hug him? Yes.
My desire to loose weight has grown sooo much in the past couple of weeks. Colby's return coupled with my sister's wedding has lit a fire under me and I plan on making my life in Utah one full of healthy choices and mucho exercise. Somethin's gotta give.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Why do I cry?
Why do I cry everytime I'm mad?
Why do I cry whenever I feel the Spirit strongly?
Why do I cry when my feelings get hurt?
Why do I cry whenever I watch two people falling in love?
Why do I cry when I think about my mission?
Why do I cry when others are hurting?
Why do I cry when someone with powerful vocal chords is singing...even if the song isn't that special?
Why do I cry when I feel guilty?
Why do I cry when I'm excited?
Why do I cry when I serve or someone serves me?
Why do I cry when I see a brand new baby?
Why do I cry when someone tells me they knew my dad?
I am a very emotional person. Friday, I took the day off of work...both jobs. It was wonderful. During the morning I cleaned the house in preparation for my mom's surprise birthday party. During that process, I think I teared up a couple times just thinking of specific moments in my life. After cleaning, I watched Run Away Bride. Throughout that movie, I cried several times...none of which could really be defined as "sad" moments. But, for some reason, my emotions got the better of me and the story of two people falling in love made me cry. I cry all of the time. No matter what time of the month it is. :) Is that a bad thing? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But it's who I am. I cry in anticipation of Spiritual experiences. I cry in anticipation of special, happy experiences. I cry in anticipation of sad experiences. I don't even have to be experiencing them yet...just the anticipation moves me to tears. WOW. Why am I writing about this? I don't know. It's just been on my mind lately. I'm a very emotional person...a very "feeling" oriented person. And that's ok. And it's ok if people aren't. You don't HAVE to cry to feel the Spirit. In fact, sometimes tears can be misleading. Sometimes it's better not to cry when the Spirit is felt, because it's easy to confuse emotion and the Spirit. It's a good thing when people can express their feelings without getting so heated with tears. People can feel sad and sympathetic without tears. We're all different. We all have special, different, unique qualities. I'm emotional...some people aren't. And thank goodness. That's what makes the world go round.
Why do I cry whenever I feel the Spirit strongly?
Why do I cry when my feelings get hurt?
Why do I cry whenever I watch two people falling in love?
Why do I cry when I think about my mission?
Why do I cry when others are hurting?
Why do I cry when someone with powerful vocal chords is singing...even if the song isn't that special?
Why do I cry when I feel guilty?
Why do I cry when I'm excited?
Why do I cry when I serve or someone serves me?
Why do I cry when I see a brand new baby?
Why do I cry when someone tells me they knew my dad?
I am a very emotional person. Friday, I took the day off of work...both jobs. It was wonderful. During the morning I cleaned the house in preparation for my mom's surprise birthday party. During that process, I think I teared up a couple times just thinking of specific moments in my life. After cleaning, I watched Run Away Bride. Throughout that movie, I cried several times...none of which could really be defined as "sad" moments. But, for some reason, my emotions got the better of me and the story of two people falling in love made me cry. I cry all of the time. No matter what time of the month it is. :) Is that a bad thing? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But it's who I am. I cry in anticipation of Spiritual experiences. I cry in anticipation of special, happy experiences. I cry in anticipation of sad experiences. I don't even have to be experiencing them yet...just the anticipation moves me to tears. WOW. Why am I writing about this? I don't know. It's just been on my mind lately. I'm a very emotional person...a very "feeling" oriented person. And that's ok. And it's ok if people aren't. You don't HAVE to cry to feel the Spirit. In fact, sometimes tears can be misleading. Sometimes it's better not to cry when the Spirit is felt, because it's easy to confuse emotion and the Spirit. It's a good thing when people can express their feelings without getting so heated with tears. People can feel sad and sympathetic without tears. We're all different. We all have special, different, unique qualities. I'm emotional...some people aren't. And thank goodness. That's what makes the world go round.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Just a glimpse
Here are some things rolling around in my brain right now...
So, I'm freakin' in love with this movie. Due to the fact that I have access to an unlimited amount of free movies at the movie theater, I've seen it twice and would probably go a third time if someone would go with me. :) It's so cute, and so me, and leaves me with the happiest of feelings. I hope I get to be a bride one day.
How the heck will I ever make enough to live? Car, food, home, school? Blah.
23 more days until this man comes home. The anticipation is killing me. Will it work...won't it work...how long will it last? I just want to fast forward a few months and know. We've written every week for the past 6 months. I'm beyond excited for his arival. He's the sweetest, tenderest man I've ever met. And no, I'm not just in-like with the missionary. I've seen his weaknesses, his mistakes, his imperfections as he has mine. He was not a perfect missionary. Neither was I. The mission magnifies ALL of a person's imperfections...pretty much for all to see. Yet, he's still the sweetest, tenderest man I've ever met.
Will I find a reliable car in my price range?
I'm pretty much in love with this man and the band he's put together. TALENT. 100%
I miss it...LOTS. I feel like I was a better missionary than I am an every-day person.
I'm a little too obsessed with this show. For my birthday I received all 6 seasons, plus the two made for T.V. movies of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, and I can't get enough of it. I watch it so much that it consumes a good portion of my thoughts during the day.
I need to read this A LOT more. I can literally feel the difference in my attitude and countenance from when I read it regularly to when I don't. Why don't I just do the things I need to without needing a kick in the butt to do it?
There's more...lots lots more...but, the title of this entry was "Just a glimpse" and this is probably more than just a glimpse. So, until next time, there ya go.
So, I'm freakin' in love with this movie. Due to the fact that I have access to an unlimited amount of free movies at the movie theater, I've seen it twice and would probably go a third time if someone would go with me. :) It's so cute, and so me, and leaves me with the happiest of feelings. I hope I get to be a bride one day. 
How the heck will I ever make enough to live? Car, food, home, school? Blah.
23 more days until this man comes home. The anticipation is killing me. Will it work...won't it work...how long will it last? I just want to fast forward a few months and know. We've written every week for the past 6 months. I'm beyond excited for his arival. He's the sweetest, tenderest man I've ever met. And no, I'm not just in-like with the missionary. I've seen his weaknesses, his mistakes, his imperfections as he has mine. He was not a perfect missionary. Neither was I. The mission magnifies ALL of a person's imperfections...pretty much for all to see. Yet, he's still the sweetest, tenderest man I've ever met.
Will I find a reliable car in my price range? 
I'm pretty much in love with this man and the band he's put together. TALENT. 100%
I miss it...LOTS. I feel like I was a better missionary than I am an every-day person.
I'm a little too obsessed with this show. For my birthday I received all 6 seasons, plus the two made for T.V. movies of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, and I can't get enough of it. I watch it so much that it consumes a good portion of my thoughts during the day.
I need to read this A LOT more. I can literally feel the difference in my attitude and countenance from when I read it regularly to when I don't. Why don't I just do the things I need to without needing a kick in the butt to do it?There's more...lots lots more...but, the title of this entry was "Just a glimpse" and this is probably more than just a glimpse. So, until next time, there ya go.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Best Friends
I'm thankful for best friends. I don't have just one best friend, so I suppose I shouldn't use the term "best" friend. But, I have been blessed with many close, close friends I consider to be "bests."
One is my old roommate, Rebecca Joy Falke. I love this girl. I just recently found out she is engaged. Rebecca Joy makes me happier whenever I talk to her or spend time with her. She has such a positive outlook on everything about life. She's always optomistic, but knows how to be sympathetic when needed. She has a catching, infectious personality, and anyone who spends time with her can't help but love her. Back in the day when she was man-less and discouraged about it, I told her "Becca, the man who finds you and recognized how amazyingly wonderful you are will realize that he's the luckiest man in the world and won't dare let you go." Well, that man found her. And I was right...he's not letting her go.
Another one is Sundy Lynn. I love my Sundy Lynn. She is my best friend through and through. She pretty much knows me better than anyone. Sometimes it's a little freaky how alike we are. We're definately cut from the same cloth. Or as our grandmother says, we're two peas in a pod. :) I love Sundy Lynn because she knows me and puts up with my weaknesses, is forgiving of my sarcasm and understanding when I'm not always chipper. She knows what I'm feeling before I say it. She knows what my reaction will be to something before I even react. She's always reasuring in times of doubt; she always says the magic words. I'm lucky enough to have a blood bond with this best friend. Our mothers are sisters. :)
I'm blessed enough to have become wonderful friends with the majority of my mission companions. I consider some of these sisters as best friends, because they are people who will always remain dear in my heart. Heather Love Jones showed me the ropes on the mission. She was patient and understanding. When I had a mental and emotional break down, she was there to hug me and post encouraging notes all over the apartment. She made me laugh like crazy and never looked down on crazy, un-realistic ideas I had to baptize all of Mississippi. Tanja Jensen was like a sister...a big sister who looked out for me. We'd stay up talking and laughing, eating green pudding, and sometimes even dancing...(it's like you're rowing a boat, rowing a boat. :)) Whenever I needed to cry, or break down, she'd park the car and listen, never getting upset at me wasting time or having a pitty party. Christina Roach is a tender soul. I loved trying to figure her out. She'd dance in the middle of the streets with random little kids, speak to me in fluent Spanish just to make me giggle, make me fried pancakes in the morning (because she knew I loved them,) share her specially picked out fruit with me at night, and even colored a fuzzy poster with me. We worked hard at our relationship because we respected eachother. I continue to respect and love her. She's so close to the Spirit that you can see light beams shining out of her eyes. Joy Wiechmann taught me humility and forgiveness. She's someone who does not do things for attention. She continues to endure through the toughest of times with a smile on her face. Even after I hurt her, she forgave me through many tears and hugs. She's a close friend that I have a strong bond with. I showed her the ropes of the mission. And she showed me how the Atonement works. Amber Chamberlain and Ashlee Draper are both also really dear to my heart. Amber Chamberlain taught me to lighten up and enjoy the simple things in life. We cracked fallen pecans together, rocked out to Josh Groban together, and built forts in our living room and had sleepovers. She loved me for me...even during the hardest time of my mission when I was the grumpiest. Ashlee Draper helped me feel needed and important. She watched my every move, making me feel special. We chased flying cockroaches around with frying pans, drank "Celestial Juice" together, had living room sleep-overs on the L shaped couch, and ran up and down the flooded streets in the Mississippi rain storms. I'm so thankful for these dear dear friends.
I have many, many more...and I know I have many many more to come in the future. I love friends. I love these angels that Heavenly Father has sent down for me at specific times in my life to help me learn, grow, and enjoy.
One is my old roommate, Rebecca Joy Falke. I love this girl. I just recently found out she is engaged. Rebecca Joy makes me happier whenever I talk to her or spend time with her. She has such a positive outlook on everything about life. She's always optomistic, but knows how to be sympathetic when needed. She has a catching, infectious personality, and anyone who spends time with her can't help but love her. Back in the day when she was man-less and discouraged about it, I told her "Becca, the man who finds you and recognized how amazyingly wonderful you are will realize that he's the luckiest man in the world and won't dare let you go." Well, that man found her. And I was right...he's not letting her go.
Another one is Sundy Lynn. I love my Sundy Lynn. She is my best friend through and through. She pretty much knows me better than anyone. Sometimes it's a little freaky how alike we are. We're definately cut from the same cloth. Or as our grandmother says, we're two peas in a pod. :) I love Sundy Lynn because she knows me and puts up with my weaknesses, is forgiving of my sarcasm and understanding when I'm not always chipper. She knows what I'm feeling before I say it. She knows what my reaction will be to something before I even react. She's always reasuring in times of doubt; she always says the magic words. I'm lucky enough to have a blood bond with this best friend. Our mothers are sisters. :)
I'm blessed enough to have become wonderful friends with the majority of my mission companions. I consider some of these sisters as best friends, because they are people who will always remain dear in my heart. Heather Love Jones showed me the ropes on the mission. She was patient and understanding. When I had a mental and emotional break down, she was there to hug me and post encouraging notes all over the apartment. She made me laugh like crazy and never looked down on crazy, un-realistic ideas I had to baptize all of Mississippi. Tanja Jensen was like a sister...a big sister who looked out for me. We'd stay up talking and laughing, eating green pudding, and sometimes even dancing...(it's like you're rowing a boat, rowing a boat. :)) Whenever I needed to cry, or break down, she'd park the car and listen, never getting upset at me wasting time or having a pitty party. Christina Roach is a tender soul. I loved trying to figure her out. She'd dance in the middle of the streets with random little kids, speak to me in fluent Spanish just to make me giggle, make me fried pancakes in the morning (because she knew I loved them,) share her specially picked out fruit with me at night, and even colored a fuzzy poster with me. We worked hard at our relationship because we respected eachother. I continue to respect and love her. She's so close to the Spirit that you can see light beams shining out of her eyes. Joy Wiechmann taught me humility and forgiveness. She's someone who does not do things for attention. She continues to endure through the toughest of times with a smile on her face. Even after I hurt her, she forgave me through many tears and hugs. She's a close friend that I have a strong bond with. I showed her the ropes of the mission. And she showed me how the Atonement works. Amber Chamberlain and Ashlee Draper are both also really dear to my heart. Amber Chamberlain taught me to lighten up and enjoy the simple things in life. We cracked fallen pecans together, rocked out to Josh Groban together, and built forts in our living room and had sleepovers. She loved me for me...even during the hardest time of my mission when I was the grumpiest. Ashlee Draper helped me feel needed and important. She watched my every move, making me feel special. We chased flying cockroaches around with frying pans, drank "Celestial Juice" together, had living room sleep-overs on the L shaped couch, and ran up and down the flooded streets in the Mississippi rain storms. I'm so thankful for these dear dear friends.
I have many, many more...and I know I have many many more to come in the future. I love friends. I love these angels that Heavenly Father has sent down for me at specific times in my life to help me learn, grow, and enjoy.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Looking back...
The years of 2007 and 2008 were the two most meaningful years of my life. I began my mission in 2007 and ended it in 2008. I miss it and think about those 18 months every single day. The memories well up inside of me until they come out in the form of free flowing tears every so often. The year 2008 was a great one. It began in Hattiesburg, Mississippi with a game of MouseTrap. It ended in Portland, Oregon with a game of Setlers. I witnessed many miracles during the year 2008. I felt the power of forgiveness from someone I had deeply hurt for the first time in my life. I was brought to my knees many, many times in the dinky little bathroom of Meridian, Mississippi where I learned who I truly am and who my Maker truly is. I poored my heart out to many people...some accepting what the Savior has to offer, some not so much. During the year 2008 I witnessed Leah Polanco come unto Christ and complete her family. I witnessed Leann Walden soften her heart and decide to be re-baptized and to bring her 9-year-old son with her. I witnessed Maureen, a poor, broken individual, become rich and whole in the Gospel, where she found love and acceptance. I witnessed a 10-year-old Madelyn wanting to follow the example of her older cousin and be baptized, even though her whole family tempted her with tea and other choices to stop her...yet she overcame. In the year 2008 I was able to teach Frank Golden every single missionary lesson, watch him progress, only to see miss his baptism date, twice. In the year 2008 I also received a phone call...the 25th of December to be exact, informing me that Frank Golden had finally followed the promptings of the Spirit and chosen to be babptized that day, and he was. In the year 2008 I met a dear friend and kindred spirit, Amy McCormick. In the year 2008 I was able to see my family for the first time in 18 months. My cousin and best friend, Sundy Lynn and her husband, Tyler, moved to Oregon to bless me with their sweet spirits during my sad days of post-mission life. During the year 2008 I had the oportunity to work closely with Santa Clause...the man who brightens the lives of believers, also known as children. In 2008 I received the sweetest gift I've ever received in my life from a longtime friend, Lisa Wach. A professionally bound and lamenated book of all my mission e-mails, my call, letters from the President, and release letters and certificate along with several pictures. During 2008 I was able to bond tighter with my sister, Kayleen Nicole, over many happy hour meals, movies, and games. During 2008 I saw the most snow Portland has seen since 1968. During 2008 I began writing a boy...a boy I like and likes me...and he started writing me back. :) And now, 2008 is over. I can't wait for the wonderful opportunites 2009 will bring.
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