Look Not Behind Thee

Ohhhhh 2011.

How excited I am for you to arrive!!

It's time again....for those New Years Goals!

I've put a bit of thought into these; I really stepped back and looked at what I feel I need to improve on and progress in. I have motivation in my life now. I want what's best for me, and yes, this is a time to be selfish.

1 Lose 15-20 lbs (and keep it off)

2 Read the Book Of Mormon twice

(find more about this amazing book here)

3 Attend the temple every week

4 Volunteer/Serve (I'm thinking at the MTC)

5 Read a novel a month (might be difficult, but I will at least read one every so often)

6 Journal every week

7 Pray morning & night

8 Be selfless, kind, and happy

Some of these are more personal than others, nevertheless, they are goals! And I intend to stick it to these goals and get them done! I only have 365 days, right?

I hope all of you have a safe and memorable New Years!

Let's not look back, but look forward to what wonderful things are to come!!!

Read At Your Own Risk

Today I hit a wall...

I have NO idea what I want to do for a future career or even with my life right now!

I always come up with these ideas of things that I should do or could do. That's not bad right? Well I don't think it's necessarily a good thing when I wast time and money doing it correct?

I know this is what life is all about; experiencing new things and ideas and then finding where your "nook" is. It has been almost 3 years since I have been our of high school and unfortunately....

...I haven't found my "nook".

I am getting quite impatient.

I just want a plan, something, ANYTHING.

I'm lost.

I thought I knew what I wanted to do for a major while I was at BYU-Idaho. That didn't happen so I though I was suppose to pursue a career in cosmetology....turns out I know for a fact that I don't want to be doing this my entire life. I know I want to do something medical, but the list of jobs in that field is endless. So...what now?

My parents are sick and tired of me always changing my mind. They have been so patient with me and have given me so much throughout this time of my life. But 3 years is a long time to help me "get started".

I feel irresponsible.

I love my parents so much and am so grateful for them. But, I feel that I should be helping them now. I should be providing for myself (and don't get me wrong, I'm trying). I seem to always be falling short, or I'm always missing something.

What is missing?

I don't know, no one know except for Heavenly Father.

I know I'm being tested and this is to help me learn something. I thought I knew what, but now I'm not so sure. What is the point of doing what I'm doing right now if I'm not happy?

I thought I was happy...now I'm just stressed.

I guess I have some things to sort out don't I?

(Sorry for the pessimistic rant, ya'll are peaches to hear me out :)

On another note...This man is always a great pick me up

I did it, and I feel awesome

You know those moments when you just want to be super selfish? Yes, I'm sure we all do.

I feel that way all the time...

Well, today was different. Today I woke up like usual, but I felt different. Different routine?...Nope. Different hairstyle?...Definitely not. What was different today was something I can describe....

...something I can't put into words.

Today, I felt selfless.

Have you ever tried it? I'm sure you have.

It's quite nice actually. So, why not do it always?

Christ did it. He did it for all of us. He did the most selfless act anyone could have ever done.

So....stay longer at work for that person who has a doctors appointment, even if it's on your day to get off early.

....give that classmate who is walking alone on the side of the road in the freezing cold air with all of his bags a ride home.

....invite that random person that you aren't great friends with to an ugly sweater party. (it might be just what they need)

....be kind. How hard can it be, really?

These are just a few examples. But I know and whole-heartedly believe that this is one of the best ways to be a better person.

This is who I want to be. :)

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Yesterday I woke up to a man shoveling snow. I looked outside my window and saw the white, powdery goodness that Utah has to offer this time of year.

It was perfect.

We got about 5 inches of snow over night and it's just what I needed to see! Christmas is coming and that means I will be able to finally go home.

22 days left....I can do it.

Kristen and I were thrilled with the snow and decided we were going to play in it as much as possible. So, we did. Unlike Iowa, it's not a bad temperature when it snows here. This allows us to stay out in it for more than an hour. It's quite the difference!

I'm in such a Christmas spirit lately that I had to break out the Christmas candles, music, and I even watched "Elf". It was so awesome.

Just a quick side note: I will be doing something today that will most likely and hopefully allow me to relieve some stress as well as kick start me into a better and less-worrisome lifestyle.

Wish me luck. :)

Be Satisfied With Me

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,

To have a deep soul relationship with another,

To be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

But to a Christian, God says, "No, not until you are satisfied,

Fulfilled and content with being loved by me alone,

With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to me.

With having an intensely personal and unique relationship with me alone.

Discovering that only in me is your satisfaction to be found,

Will you be capable of the perfect human relationship,

That I have planned for you.

You will never be united to another

Until you are united with me.

Exclusive of anyone or anything else. Exclusive of any other desires or longings.

I want you to stop planning, to stop wishing, and allow me to give you

The most thrilling plan existing . . . one you cannot imagine.

I want you to have the best.

Please allow me to bring it to you.

You just keep watching me, expecting the greatest things.

Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am.

Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you.

Just wait, that’s all.

Don’t be anxious, don’t worry

Don’t look around at things others have gotten

Or that I have given them

Don’t look around at the things you think you want,

Just keep looking off and away up to me,

Or you’ll miss what I want to show you.

And then, when you’re ready, I’ll surprise you with a love

Far more wonderful than you could dream of.

You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready,

I am working even at this moment

To have both of you ready at the same time.

Until you are both satisfied exclusively with me

And the life I’ve prepared for you,

You won’t be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with me.

And this is perfect love.

And, dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love.

I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with me.

And to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union

Of beauty, perfection and love that I offer you with Myself.

Know that I love you utterly.

For I am God. Believe it and be satisfied.

Thanks to my dear friend Kishara for sharing this with me. I love you girl. :)

i don't want no scrub...

(I am SO excited to finally meet one of my life-long goals........have a job that requires me to wear SCRUBS!!!!!!!)

Phew! What a week it has been and it's only almost Wednesday.

Monday I had orientation for my NEW job at the hospital. It was from 7:45-4:00.

So, all.....day....long...

BUT, I'm super excited for this job. I'm only doing housekeeping right now, but I need to get my foot in the door somehow right? I'm hoping that being around the hospital and in contact with patients that I will be able to understand or find out what I would like to do as a career. I always knew that I would be in the medical field somehow, just have no idea what area.

So, today there was suppose to be a "blizzard". WRONG-O.

It's stinkin' cold, but I can't help but laugh when comparing storms in Utah to storms in Iowa.

Speaking of Iowa....I miss it.

I keep getting more and more homesick as the days roll on. I haven't been home in 8 months and I think it's finally starting to pierce my heartstrings!! This will be my first Thanksgiving away from home....so depressing, I know. I'm grateful for all the kind friends that have invited me into their homes for Turkey Day. Kristen and I will be eating Thanksgiving dinner with my Bishop. He's the cutest man ever and I couldn't be more thrilled to go.

Speaking of Thanksgiving.....

I know it's common for people to say what their grateful for on this day, and I don't see a problem with that. What I'm going to begin doing is finding things that I'm grateful for on a daily basis. We've been given so much in this life, don't you think it would be considerate of us to appreciate those things DAILY?

What do you think?

Do you think you could do this as well? Will you be up to the challenge? Find at least one thing every day that you're thankful for. Write it down, type it, say it.......record it somehow. That way you will continue to do it, and you will always have those reminders of how blessed we are in this life.

If you are reading this blog post, please leave a comment of something you are thankful for right now.

I'd love to hear about it :)

fall with a light dusting of snow

I woke up later than I had planned this morning (like usual)...rolled out of bed around 8:30, checked my phone, and found out that I had a church meeting at 11.

I did the usual routine and enjoyably took my time getting ready.

Blew dry my hair, applied foundation and mascara and was on my way.

My meeting went great. I love my Bishop and the sisters I serve with in the presidency.

I walked outside and I found a light dusting of snow over the yellow and red leaves. There was a slight breeze as well which made for a chilly experience.

I loved it though.

It's so gorgeous here in Happy Valley. I still think the mountains look like a painted backdrop every time I leave my apartment. It's no Iowa, but it's not so bad after all.

Church was wonderful. Kishara and her friend Conley sang a medley for a musical number during sacrament meeting. It was absolutely beautiful. Definitely set the tone for the rest of my Sunday.

(Here is the medley. Sung by a couple of amazing sisters)

Like every Sunday I have to myself I always think of things I need to improve on, and ways to grow and progress so that I can be a better individual. I tend to over-analyze, stress out, and overwhelm myself with these things.

Today I am at peace.

Today I am thinking of things that I have been blessed with in my life and especially in my life at this time. I'm in my prime! I am 20 years old and trying to figure life out. So many opportunities and experiences are being placed in my path and it is my duty to pick them up and run with them. They are put there for a reason and it is up to me what to make of them.

yes, i'm alive

Hello blog world! Wow, what a time it has been since we've last spoken. I'm truly sorry for the inconvenient disappearance of myself, but if you didn't know, I have a new life now.

My day to day schedule is:

Wake up

Get ready for the day

Go to work

Come home

Eat something

Go to school

Come home

Eat something

Go to bed

Pretty exciting life isn't it? No, it really is great, I'm grateful for everything I have now, but something's missing.

I don't feel like I'm doing what I love...and it worries me.

I though this is where I'm suppose to be; what I'm suppose to be doing.

So........what do I do now?

Is this all a waste of time and money? Was it worth it to leave university studies and pursue something I might not even have a passion for?

So, I'm a little stressed out...

I miss my family, my Rexburg friends, my freedom, and my 20-year old life.

Where did this responsibility thing come from? Am I ready for it?

We shall see...

(I really am happy though, I promise)

refresh. restart. renew.

So I am only working one day this week. Which i'm indecisive of whether that's a good thing for me or not. It's nice to have this week off to get adjusted and situated in my new living arrangements, but I'm pretty bored and need money. But, it gives me a chance to chill out, read a good book, and enjoy this beautiful weather before I start working every day and school. I can't wait for that either though!

So...it's weird not having friends around.

Kristen moves in tomorrow, and I"m super excited about it! We're going to tear up Provo.

Ok... not that extreme.

But, we're going to have tons of fun.

I'm trying to think of other things I can do to spice up my room. Any ideas out there?

I might just put up some quotes or scriptures, but who knows.

I think I might hit up the pool before I go to work tonight. Yes, there is a pool at my complex! It's super nice, I will gladly put it into good use.

Ok, here I go!

Here are a few more pictures of the good ol' pad. :)

The view from out my window. I really love it, even though it's nothing special.

Here is the balcony off of our kitchen.

Balcony again.

View from my room. (You can see my bookshelf)

And you see all of those little trees? There is a little stream/creek right there! Cute huh?

mi casa nueva

I moved into my apartment!!!!!!!!!!

Here are just a few pics of what's going on right now.

Because I am low on funds and roommates at the moment, there is still quite a bit of decorating to be done!

But alas, these are just photos for those who are dying to see where I'm at. More will be on their way I promise.

Just give me a few weeks to get settled in.

Welcome to apartment 212!!!

These are our two sofas and three tables.

Our kitchen/dining area (there are a lot more cupboards than seen in this photo, plus we have a dishwasher too)

Those doors go out to our balcony! (which can't be seen because it is dark outside, but I will post it soon)

Kristen and my bathroom (Still needs mats and much decoration)

Full bath and huge mirror

A project of mine! It's a picture frame with my own personal photos, with plastic netting from ice cube trays! It's an earring/necklace holder :) Love it

Long hallway

My project again

Another project of mine. Just some pictures stuck to cardboard to make them stiff, then I hung hemp string in different layers onto sticky picture hooks, and held on with clothes pins! Fun huh?

I have TONS of drawers/space in my room, thank goodness. I have a pretty good view of the street/yard outside my window as well. More pics to come of that :)

My spacious closet. (that blue bin isn't staying there don't worry)

My bed (from ikea) and my unfinished walls. You can also see my very own bookcase on the window sill. Home sweet home for now!

how blessed can one person get?

HOLY MOLY! It's been a while since I've last done a blog.

Lo siento...

So, life has pretty much done a whole 360. But, I'm not complaining one stinkin' bit. Life is SO good right now! Here are a few reasons why:

1) I moved to Utah

2) I got to live with Kellie and her amazing family for a month

3) I got a JOB within 2 weeks of moving down here

4) I have a car

5) I'm making money

6) I'm beginning to be responsible

7) I'm learning what it's like to be an "adult" (crazy, I know)

8) I've gained a few pounds (oops; but it's was so worth it)

9) I've been writing missionaries like crazy

10) I'm budgeting

11) I've made friends

12) I'm becoming a little craft diva

13) I'm progressing spiritually

14) I'm becoming more grateful

Ok, so 14 things so far...

There are many little things everyday that make my life great. Heavenly Father has definitely blessed my life more than ever. And I know why...I'm doing the small and simple things. I'm enjoying life, and I'm doing what makes me happy, so that makes Him happy. Of this I'm sure.

I think this is something to take into account and needs to be noted.

Do what makes YOU happy.

If it is good then God will guide you.

I will be posting pictures soon of my new apartments and crafty/decorating ideas!!!!! Can't wait! Catch ya later :)

secret projects

Kellie and I are going to Idaho Fall, ID tomorrow for a good friends wedding reception. We wanted to make something special for them so Kellie had this amazing idea to make his-and-her aprons.

We used two plain aprons that we found at a craft store and decided to stencil things on them that each of the bride and groom enjoy doing. The groom enjoys music so we put a boom-box on his, and for the bride we put a camera because she loves and is very talented with photography.

I think we did a pretty good job don't you?

Kellie putting on the finishing touches.

My half of the project.

p.s. I will be posting updates on where I have been for the past month or so. Sorry it's been so long. Although most of you that follow me are friends with me on facebook, I can't help but to think that you might enjoy my blogs and maybe others are secretively following me as well? Let's hope so. :)

i miss this guy

Elder Luke Radford is serving in the Colorado Denver North Mission.

He has been out for about 14 months.

I was going through pictures yesterday and found this particular one of us at the bowling alley.

This is from 2 years ago when we were both "fresh meat" here in Rexburg.

He always has a thing of knowing how to make me smile.

I kind of love it.

He's one of my best friends.

I can't wait to see him in a few months.

How hard can it be...

...to put your dishes in the dishwasher when it's empty?

...to take the garbage out once and a while?

...to put things away if they're perishable?

...to keep things (raw chicken, strawberries, etc.) out of the sink so it doesn't sit there for days?

...to put your things (backpacks, computers, ipods, and clothing) away in your room when you're finished using them?

...to respect the fact that you aren't the only one living in the apartment?

...to buy toilet paper (and other needed items, ex. dishwashing soap/paper towels/garbage bags)?

...to take turns washing dishes?

...put your hair items away when you're done using them?

...to care for yourself on your own?

For me:

How hard can it be to love and serve my roommates?

Pretty dang hard right now...

...suck it up Hannah.

Summa' Craze

As spring/summer time rolls in (Rexburg isn't quite sure yet which season it is right now)

I have gotten the craze to do lots of different things:

Cooking new recipes

(I recently made bruschetta for the first time, and boy was it mouth-watering and so tasty)

Expanding my book collection

(I recently bought my first novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens)

I WILL become a bookworm!

Lose 10 Pounds

(I've kept my 10 lost pounds off from last semester, now I just need to lose a little more.

I have the goal to run a marathon within the next year.)

Become a Yoga Expert

(I have been going to the yoga classes offered on campus with Lyn-diesel. Anyone know of where I can purchase a cute yoga mat of my very own?)

Build a Budget

(This will go more into affect when I move down to Utah. Hope and pray that I get the job I applied for!)

serve, Serve, SERVE

I have been praying for opportunities to serve.

And guess what happened?

Today while walking to campus a man asked me if I had a phone he could use. He was just standing there, it seemed like he was waiting for a ride to come pick him up.

I had one, but I said no.

Literally 5 seconds after I said no and kept walking, I felt this pain in my heart. The spirit then told me that that was what I've been praying for...

Wow, 'Hello Hannah!". How dare I throw away blessings such as these. I will be hitting myself for the next few hours now...)

black eyed me

Remembering the soldiers.

Can I just say that I had the most wonderful Memorial Day Weekend?

Justin and I made a trip down to wonderful Utah to visit our dear friend Kellie Olivia Jorgensen.

We shopped.We laughed.We cooked.We watched. We ate.We cuddled.We loved.

Oh how I crave weekends like this on a daily basis now.

On a another note...

Last Wednesday I was privileged enough to get my first black eye. It was so legit.

Woman's flag football is definitely not was it sounds. It's so bad-butt. I was head-butted while playing defense......

I still got her flags though.

cotton balls

It was nice today...

then THIS happened.

(Ok, so my video didn't work, but it is BLIZZARD-ING RIGHT NOW)

This isn't helping with the "trying to stay positive before packing up and leaving Rexburg" dilemma...

i want to leave now

my bags are packed, i'm ready to go

via red suitcase

Lately I've been thinking a lot.

I've been thinking about moving to Utah and how flippin' excited I am!

I seriously haven't been this excited for a change in a very long time, but I know that this will be one of the best decisions I've made.

A new place...new atmosphere...new people...and most of all, new lifestyle.

I'll be on my own...

but it's going to be different.

I'm excited to not know anyone.

I'm excited to have my very first CAR.

I'm excited to have my own room.

I'm excited to live in the city.

I'm excited to have to work to live.

.

...I'm excited for the unknown

Sunlit Words

(picture found here)

You know those days where you feel it's going to be a struggle?

Those days when you know something might go wrong?

Today wasn't one of those day.

waking up to a breath of fresh air from the open window above your bed...

the quiet, peaceful calm of a new day...

the smiles and greetings from roommates in the kitchen preparing a yummy breakfast...

being able to take your time to get ready...and I mean hours...

checking things off of a looooong list of "to-do's"....

walking home from classes in rays of sunshine that shouts the coming of spring...

I love these day, and live for them.

Oh, happy day.

p.s. Thank goodness it's the weekend!

SURPRISE!

(http://www.marinello.com/def/custom-pages/history.aspx)

I have decided I am going to beauty school! The last few weeks of winter semester, I had the feeling that I was meant to be somewhere else. Now, this feeling has come to me before, and I snuffed it off thinking that I was just thinking crazy things and that it would never be possible. This time, I decided to wait, and really listen to the spirit and see whether my feelings were possible. Well, this time I realized what I was feeling was exactly what I thought. I have always loved doing hair, and I would always do my nails and my friends hair when I was younger. I loved getting people all 'dressied' up and allowing them to feel really good about themselves. Why not now? I'm planning on attending Marinello School of Beauty in Provo, Utah starting in the fall. I'm going to start night school and do the cosmetology program there. I couldn't be any more excited! I know that I was meant to go to BYU-Idaho, and I'm so glad that I did. But, I'm ready for a new chapter in my life now, and I know that I am more prepared and well-equipped for it at this point in my life. These next 3 months are going to be pretty crazy, and I still need to focus on this last semester. I am just SO excited to get out of Rexburg and begin to do something I love to do! I have faith that everything will turn out for the best, for me. :)

I'm trying...

...to be a little more crafty.

My first attempts at making homemade hair accessories!!! It was super fun, but it still wasn't my best. I only had a few things to work with, but I'm excited to continue doing this! Check 'em out!

spring fever

After flying into Omaha on the 10th, I was able to spend the weekend with my best friend, Talia. I was so lucky and excited to see her, and we were also able to go the Zoo on one of those days. It was a great weekend :)

An adorable sloth, enjoying his lunch with his cute little eyes closed.

Aren't these just beautiful? I have no idea what they are called, so if anyone happens to know please let me know. I would really appreciate it!

My good friend, Gorilla.

I got my hair highlighted for the first time! My good friend Sam was so kind and did a great job on my hair.

Thanks Sam!!!

Well, I've been on spring break now for about a week! It has been so wonderful to just put my feet up and do nothing. At the same time though, it kind of drives me crazy to have NOTHING to do. But it's been fun finding different things and getting things situated for the new semester that starts on Tuesday (the 20th). I really don't want to go back to Rexburg, but I do want to go somewhere. I have somewhat of a big announcement coming up, even though all of the people that read my blog most likely already know it. But it's coming anyways!!! On another side note....one of the most awesome guys I know, my good friend Blake, got called to serve a mission in the South Carolina, Columbia mission! Aren't those people just the luckiest? He's such a good guy, he is one of the most spiritually in-tune, loving, smart, humble, and all-around great guys I have ever met. He's going to do such great things on his mission; I can't even imagine how even MORE amazing he will be once he gets off of his mission, he is already amazing. I can't wait to see him though! Well, there are other posts to come. I have just been needing the time to update, and now I do!!! :)

a bridal shower

How fun are we!

(Notice "CHAMPIONS" t-shirt)

picture by Nikki

The beautiful bride to be, Ashley!

Yes, there were REAL/LIVE CROCS!!!

Today was such a wonderful day! I am so grateful for the wonderful experiences and endeavors I get to go on while being here in Rexburg. This morning at 6 am I was able to go to the Rexburg temple with my ward and do baptisms. It was so beautiful, calm, and peaceful. We were the first ones there so it wasn't as crowded as usual (which isn't a bad thing). After doing that wonderful service, I was then able to participate in the championship game for womens competitive basketball! My team is so awesome and they did such a wonderful job. We won! 10-0 baby! The first undefeated team I've been on and let me tell you, it feels good. Thanks for the wonderful season ladies! After my game, my roommates and I took a road trip to Roberts, Idaho where we celebrated my cute roommate Ashley's bridal shower! We went to BJ's Bayou and got to eat some scrumptious grub, Louisiana style!!! The food was delicious and there definitely was some southern hospitality as well. We're planning on coming back in the summer when they throw live concerts outside! Pretty sure we got on the owners good side :). After we were filled we came home to enjoy a relaxing Saturday evening before the Sabbath. Fast Sunday tomorrow. It's going to be another wonderful day.