You may be single and live in Twin Falls if...

Single and Twin Falls...it's a topic frequently discussed with the other single gals I have met in Twin that are in a similar circumstance as myself. Basically...living in Twin Falls, away from family, and single is not meant for the faint of heart.  Some have asked what my dating/social life are like. Maybe this list will answer those questions. So here it is. You May be single and Live in Twin Falls if....


1. The only dance parties you have are with yourself in your room or car
2. The social event of the evening is going to the gym and/or grocery store
3. You go to a family ward because the singles ward is full of drama and is quite special
4. Everyone asks about your dating life...but you always have to explain that you can't remember the last time you went on a date or did anything social for that matter
5. You can walk around town or go shopping without getting ready for the day and when you actually get ready for the day people look at you like you're a glamour model
6. Beach hair is now your #1 hairstyle because requires minimal effort/work
7. You now have money to buy stuff and travel
8. You are the minority with a Master's degree (16% of Twin Falls has at least a Bachelor's degree), member of the LDS church, you have a job, don't do drugs and still have all your teeth
9. You drive to Utah frequently to get visit family and friends...you gotta get your socialness in somehow right?
10. You drive home to spend 24 hours with family during the Holiday and then drive right back so you can be to work the next morning
11. Family and friends are encouraging you to use dating websites
12. You are slowly becoming an introvert...pretty content with staying at home
13. You thank the Heavens for online shopping
14. The gluten free section at the grocery store only contains a handful of items requiring you to make everything from scratch in large quantities...which also means you eat the same meal for a week straight
15. Whenever you go out to eat you only have two decent options....Cafe Rio or Pho Taki (Indian/Vietnamese store...and by the looks of it you may be their only customer). Drawing the conclusion...that Idahoans have different taste buds and are missing out on some of the greatest things in life.
16. You use pinterest to stay up to date...you don't want to be 2 decades behind when it comes to fashion, economics, technology, and food.
17. You come up with activities and games you can do alone (i.e creating your own fair)
18. Every time you look at Facebook you wish you were in college again just so you could have a social life again
19. You enjoy long naps on Sunday afternoons to fill up your schedule
20. You enjoy how much fun married people assume you are having every weekend

Count Your Many Blessings...

It's November and almost December...Can you believe it? Turkey Day has come and gone.  Each day I realize more and more that I am one lucky chicka and have been blessed with SO much.  After realizing everything you have been given it really causes you to think...what did I do to deserve so much? And am I living up to my full potential? The purpose of this post express my gratitude for all that I have been given. I am grateful for...

1. Close family relationships. I have the greatest parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins ever. Nothing brings me more joy than being with my family.  My aunts are like my second moms, and my cousins are some of my greatest friends.  Moving to a small town with no connections and further from my family has been a struggle and has made me appreciate them even more. I am so grateful for their humor, examples, phone calls, prayers, messages, and visits.  
2. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am blessed to have the good news of the gospel in my life. Although I am weak and imperfect, I know that through the atonement I can one day become strong and complete.  
3. Friends/besties/chums/old roomies. They make me want to be a better person and help me live my life to fullest.  They taught me that life should be full of dance parties, alter ego nights, midnight snacks, guitar jam sessions, movie nights, gas station runs, good food, girls nights, road trips, vacations, concerts, rope swinging, hot tubbing, obscure food nights, no bake cookies, shopping, creativity, laughing, daydreams, etc.
4. Twin Falls roommates. Becky and I became the greatest friends in a very short amount of time...we will no doubt be friends for life. Thank you Becky for helping me adjust and make the transition to my Twin Falls/graduated life.  I am also grateful for my current roommate Candace and our other single friend Amanda. Life can get lonely in Twin Falls and I am so grateful to have them.  They definitely keep my life entertaining and busy. 
5. Job in this economy. I was so blessed to have a job waiting for me right after graduation. I love my job...it allows me to have direct contact with patients and other healthcare providers and make me feel that I am truly making a difference. Not only do I love my job...but I love all the ladies I work with.  There is never a dull moment in our office and they have become some of my greatest friends. 
6. Education. I was able to complete my undergraduate/graduate degrees rather quickly.  I am grateful for the strength, direction, and help that Heavenly Father gave me throughout graduate school. I know that I would not have been able to do it alone and that I definitely received divine help to accomplish everything that was required of me. 
7. Financial stability. I am so grateful that I had scholarships and a good job(s) during college to help me pay for my schooling. Although it wasn't fun or easy working long hours in the summer during my undergrad or working 3 jobs during graduate school, it all payed off. I am very lucky that I only had to take out a small loan to help me pay for my last semester of graduate school.  My job(s) and scholarships helped me start my professional career with some financial stability.  
8. Power of prayer. I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers. I know that he loves me and has my best interest at heart. I have learned that He knows me better than I know myself. Sometimes things don't turn out the way I expected...but in the end I realize that I am much better off following the Lord's agenda and plan for me instead the one I planned for myself. 
9. Sundays.  Sunday is my favorite day of the week. I love the weekly opportunity that I have to go to church, partake of the sacrament, and  learn of the gospel.  Also...don't let me forget to mention Sunday naps (they are a must). 
10. Sunrises and sunsets. First they are gorgeous. Two...The sunrise is a perfect reminder that we can move on no matter what happened last year, last month, last week, or yesterday because today is a new day.  And. Three...the sunset signifies the end of the day and gives me time to consider how I can be and do a little better tomorrow. 
11. I am grateful for the beautiful world that we live in.  I just love mountains, oceans, lakes, rivers, flowers, and trees. Looking at nature reminds me of how much Heavenly Father must love us.  
12. The Cabin. Although I miss our summer trips to Bear Lake...I love Marysvale. Nothing is better than spending time with the fam and 4-wheelers, jet skis, trails, lakes, and rivers.   
13. Good health with zero hospital/ER visits.  I am very clumsy and  uncoordinated (just ask my parents) but I have escaped with only minor injuries from all my accidents. There is no doubt that someone is taking care of me. 
14. Modern day medicine. It is pretty incredible what drugs, procedures, and tests can do now days. 
15. Food. Like most typical dietitians I am a total foody. I love to cook and try new recipes. I am a HUGE fan of authentic ethnic foods (Thai, Indian, Italian are my favs!!). Twin Falls is not an ideal place for a foody like myself. I am pretty convinced that the Idahoans have different taste buds...they are lovers of bland food with no spice. You better believe that one of my first days in Twin Falls was spent driving and looking for some legit ethnic restaurants and markets. No worries...I found some decent Vietnamese and Indian. 
16. Smiles and humor.  The world would do well if everyone just lightened up a little.  I am guilty of surrounding myself with those with an awesome sense of humor. 
17. Technology. The things we can do with all the technology we have are just about limitless. It is pretty amazing to think how many technological advances have happened within in my lifetime.  ie. text messaging, slim/non-bulky cellphones, smartphones, WIFI, ipods, ipads, laptops, blu-ray, netflix, facebook, skype, internet access, online shopping, online banking, google, wikipedia, GPS etc. 
18. Outdoor recreation.  What's not to love about 4 wheeling, hiking, biking, water sports, and snow skiing? 
19. Exercise. I love exercise...but mostly I love the feeling I have after a good workout. Recently I discovered a love for Zumba (dance party and exercise...two of my loves in one complete package).  
20. Weekends. Weekends keep me sane after a long work week. Also...weekends generally mean a trip to Logan or SLC. 
21. Temples. I am far from perfect but the temple puts life in perspective. I know what is required of me in order to return to live with God and be with my family forever.  I also know I can't do it alone and that I must turn to my Savior to help my imperfections become whole and complete. 
22. Books. I am a sucker for a good book. Once I find a good one...I have difficult time putting it down until it is completed. 
23. Music. You will find me listening to music as I get ready, in my car, at work, while I clean, while I exercise, while I cook...I just love it. 
24. Fashion/Shopping. Confession. I love to shop.  Retail therapy...it works. I am grateful for the clothes and shoes that I have.  I realize that I live a good life. There are many people in other countries and the U.S. who have nothing but the clothes on their backs.  
25. Gluten Free Foods.  Gluten free products that taste normal and restaurants have a gluten free menu just make me happy. Wanna win the love of a gluten intolerant individual...make them something gluten free. But. Seriously. I am grateful for my parents, family, and friends/co-workers who go out of their way to find something I can eat.  Eating gluten free has not been that big of a deal for me. Do I have to turn down foods when offered? Yes. Do I often pack gluten free foods with me? Yes. But it doesn't even phase me or make me feel left out. That being said, I do appreciate when people go out of their way to provide gluten free products when I am around...it makes me feel like they truly care and appreciate me as an individual.  Just a few examples...Whenever I come home to visit my parents will wake up and early and make 2 breakfasts (a gluten free one for me and one for the rest the fam). My wonderful co-worker bought gluten free flour (which is expensive) to make gluten free pumpkin bread for staff meeting. My boss brought cookies to the office the other day and made sure that one of the options was gluten free. 
26. Ward Family. Shortly after moving to Twin Falls I started going to a family ward instead of a singles ward for personal reasons. I was nervous about attending a family ward. Would they even know what to do with me? I would clearly be the odd man out because 1) I am not married 2) My parents don't even attend that ward and 3) I have no children. However, as I stepped into the church my first week I was overwhelmed with the kindness and love that I received.  It has been the best ward and a great experience. Each week I continue to feel an overwhelming amount of love and sense of welcomeness. Words cannot express how much I appreciate their love, sincerity, and willingness to involve me in their ward.  They have taught me an invaluable lesson on being disciples of Christ. 
27. Photography.  My drawing/painting/sculpting/singing skills probably match that of a kindergartner. No joke. But...I can take pictures and design. Photography allows me to create and express myself. Thanks to photography I view the scenes around me from a different angle. 
28. Travel. I love to see  new things, eat new foods, and experience different cultures. I recently returned from Hawaii. While on my trip I had a great epiphany.  My cousin who is a graduated professional just recently married sent me a text and told me that this was the best time of my life (I am graduated, I am young, I am single, I have a job, and I can travel). Her text made me realize that although my greatest desire is find a spouse and have family of my own, Heavenly Father is giving me this time (or the greatest time of my life) in exchange for that right now. He knows what I want/desire but for some reason it is not the right time for that. He knows the single life is hard (especially in Twin Falls) and he has given me this period/phase of life that many people never have. I am SO blessed! 
29. Holidays. I love the Holiday season. Mostly because it means a lot of family time, parties, and food. 
30. Electric blankets/heater. I lived in the ice box (AKA Logan, UT) 6 years and learned very quickly how grateful I am for electric blankets/heat/hot water/hot chocolate/coats. However I just had this re-confirmed to me...this week our furnace and water heater have stopped working twice. I quickly realized that I take my warm apartment and hot water for granted. 

Things that Bug...

Yesterday we found this natural Halloween decoration in our apartment. Candace named him "Bubble Butt" and yes...he is preying on another spider. Who needs the Discovery Channel when you can see it up close and personal in the comfort of your own apartment.

After seeing this little feller...It made me think of things that "bug" me AKA my pet peeves.  Let's all be honest here...We all have a list of things that just bug.  We are all human. Unfortunately one of my biggest weaknesses is that my face tells all. Even when I think I have maintained "good composure" I end up finding out I failed miserably. Fortunately...it usually takes a lot to set me off. For those who know me well the following list will probably be no surprise to you...and for those who were unaware I guess this is how you either A) bug me (WARNING: dirty looks will ensue) or B) avoid my crap list. I would suggest you take note :)

1. Video games, TV, and sports addictions.  Sure video games, TV, and sports are fun.  But...if you are not capable of having a normal conversation, social life, or sleeping habits because of these behaviors...maybe you should consider an intervention. 

2. Poor grammar and spelling.  We have Google and Spell Check...Use it!! If you don't...I will look at the keyboard and decide if your spelling errors are socially acceptable. You have been warned.

3. Fad Diets/Nutrition Misinformation/Parental Food Habits.  Ugh. The dietitian in me REALLY does not like this one. 1) Fad diets (ie cleanse diet, Atkins diet, HCG, etc) do NOT work long term. I repeat...fad diets do NOT work long term! kapesh? Sure the weight will come off, but it will also slow down  your metabolism.  Once you begin eating normally guess what...you will gain all your weight back (and many times more).   You want to lose weight or feel better? There is no magic bullet. It comes down to a sustainable balanced diet with physical activity.  2) Hate to break it to you but...Dr. Oz, the internet, "nutritionists", and most MD's are generally not good sources for nutrition information. While doctors know a lot, most doctors have only had one course in nutrition.  If you have questions regarding nutrition go to a registered dietitian. 3) Food/exercise habits and food preferences of children is directly correlated with their parents eating/physical activity behaviors. Wanna stop child obesity...It has to start in the home. Yes moms and dads that means you. Parents provide the food choices available and create opportunities for physical activity. Teach your children to eat balanced diets, help them plant gardens, teach them about vegetables/fruits/grains, limit TV time and promote physical activity. 

4. Obvious comments and questions. I tend to get this one a lot..."Hey you're really little/short!" Um...really? I can't believe I have gone 24 years of my life without realizing that!  Also. Why is it socially acceptable to poke fun of an individual's height but not their weight?

5. Feet. They are just gross. I don't even like touching my own feet and I really hate when other people touch my bare feet.  No pedicures or foot massages for me. 

6. Facebook Bragging/Complaining/Love Notes. Who wants a newsfeed full of negativity, bragging, or mushy love wall posts between couples (barf)? Don't make me hide or delete you. 

7. Warm Pillows. I absolutely cannot sleep with a warm pillow. 

8. Poor Driving Etiquette (Idaho drivers please take note). This includes drivers who do not go the speed limit, slow drivers in the left lane on the freeway, Mormon road blocks, drivers that don't know how to merge, drivers that speed up when you are trying to switch lanes, etc. 

9. Poor Communication.   I am pretty much an open book. If you know at all you have probably realized I am very vocal about my life, my opinions, and feelings. And let's be honest...I cannot control facial expressions.  So if I don't say it with my mouth (which I usually do) it is written all over my face.  So...word of advice when dealing with me: 1) don't beat behind the bush and 2) If you have something to say just say it.  I promise I can handle it. 

10. Dirty kitchens and Clutter. Nothing grosses me out more than a dirty kitchen and I absolutely hate clutter.  There will be no eating of food produced from a dirty kitchen from me. I guess I can thank Dick...My Sanitation and Food Safety professor for that one. And rest assured...You will never see me on Hoarders. 

11. Guys who "compliment" me on my physical appearance before getting to know me.   It's true.  I hate it when guys compliment me without putting forth any effort to get to know me...Especially if it is about my physical appearance.  So fellas...If you have something to say about my physical appearance I suggest you keep it to yourself until you get to know me.

12. Guys who view education/careers/success  as turn-off.  What the crap? If a guy were to tell me that he had goals/ambitions and he was actively working towards them I would not let him get away. Why is it so different when the scenario is reversed?  

Dating

Nothing is worse than first dates or the beginning stages of a relationship. Dating has gotten so complicated and is such a "game" sometimes I can't even handle it. For the most part dating can be summed up by the definition in the Urban Dictionary:

A pointless waste of time... defined by massive usage of cologne and/or perfume, awkward sweaty hand-holding, and feelings of puppy love that usually dissolve in a few weeks (or less)

IDK...maybe it just runs in the family but the Middleton ladies (me and my 4 cousins) have an abnormal amount of awful/hilarious/ridiculous dating stories. Some situations have even been re-enacted during other families' family reunions. We have been told a number of times by multiple different people that we should combine our experiences and make a book and/or movie. It would be a top seller for sure.

Recently, I had another one of those dating experiences that is too good  not to share.  One of my professors who is a great friend of mine texted me to see if I would be willing to go on a blind date with a pilot that her husband works with. I'm usually not a fan of blind dates...but after living in a social/dating suicide place like Twin Falls I thought...well why not? Bearing through an uncomfortable night is the worst thing that could happen. Right? She informed me that her husband and the pilot were scheduled to fly  into Twin Falls the next day. She asked if I would be willing to pick up her husband, the pilot, and the flight attendant at their hotel after I got off work so we could all go to dinner together. I agreed but I was a little anxious about having an "audience" at our first meeting. Well. The next day rolls around. I sent a message to my professor's husband as I was leaving the hospital and told him I would be at the hotel in a few minutes. As I pull up to the hotel I see three men come out of the lobby. That caught me off guard since I was expecting a female flight attendant. I re-introduced myself to my professor's husband since we had met briefly before and he introduced me to his crew. I obviously knew that my professor's husband was married and the flight attendant was wearing a wedding ring.  However, the pilot was not but he did look quite a bit older than me. As we were driving to the restaurant my professor's husband jokingly said "you better not tell any of our wives that we are going out to dinner with you." I made some witty comment back, but was rather confused as I got the impression that all 3 of the men I was going to dinner with were married. They were all very nice...but I felt so awkward. Finally, after ordering our meals, the pilot mentioned another pilot named J. Then all three of the guys were asking me questions about my family, work, schooling, hobbies, etc.     First date questioning by three men...all of whom were married. Weird, right?  They told me a little about J and showed me a picture of him. They kept assuring me that "he was really really cute and such a good dresser."  They said that J wanted to make sure I didn't have a lazy eye and they would relay the information they obtained about me to J.  My professor's husband was very nice and paid for all of our meals....making it a lot less awkward on my part. After dinner my professor's husband asked if he could give J my number. I reluctantly agreed and figured that I would never hear from him.  I was wrong. J called me a few days later to ask me on a date. He apologized for the confusion and explained that he did not come to Twin Falls because there had been a scheduling misunderstanding.  Although awkward as this situation was not many can say that they went on a date with three married men at the same time.

Although bad dating experiences can be awkward/painful/confusing they provide great stories and entertainment for years to come. So to all you singles out there cherish your terrible, awful, horrible, no good dating experiences!

Grandpa...The drug dealer.

After working as pharmacy technician for 5 years I know a whole heck of a lot more than I ever wanted to know about drugs, drug abusers, forged prescriptions, and Federal/State laws.  Having customers coming into the pharmacy and raising havoc because "they ran out of their narcotics 15 days early" or "the pharmacy employees must have shorted me 10 pills" was at least an hourly occurrence.  Most the time the reason for their shortages are: 1) Not taking the meds are prescribed...AKA they are addicted, 2) they are sharing the drugs with family/friends, 3) Family members, co-workers, or friends have stolen their medication, or 4) they selling it on the street. Now for story time...

My dad and brother decided to go hike the narrows one weekend with some friends.  On the way back they were going to stop at my grandparents cabin in Marysvale (a small four-wheeling community in Southern Utah). On their way to Marysvale my mom happened to call my brother. The conversation went something like this:

Mom: Where are you guys?

Kelton: Well I just woke up but we are pulled over on the side of the road and dad is lying in the fetal position on the side of the road. 

Mom: What? What is happening?

Kelton: I don't know. But he looks really, really bad. It's not good.

Mom: Go help him! Take him to the hospital!

After this phone call my brother and dad both lost cell phone coverage.  Poor mom was pacing the house waiting to hear back from them. We finally got word that they had made it to the cabin but my dad was still in massive pain. By this time, my dad from previous personal experience knew that he was passing a kidney stone. My mom tried calling my uncle who is a dentist to have him call in pain medication to a pharmacy in a nearby town.  But as we all know small towns shut down early...and all the pharmacies were closed. My grandparents cabin is a good 45 minutes to the nearest hospital. My dad being the stubborn man that he is refused to go to the hospital. My mom explained to my brother that he was to get my dad into the car and drive him to the hospital whether he wanted to or not. Meanwhile...I drove a few miles down the road to my grandparents house in Riverton to visit. I explained the situation to my grandparents, aunt, and uncle. We were all feeling extremely sorry for my brother who had the LARGE/IMPOSSIBLE task of getting my stubborn dad into the car and to the hospital. We began to gather up narcotic prescriptions from previous surgeries or child births and made plans to start the 3 hour drive to Marysvale to meet up with my brother.  However, my grandpa had another plan and the next thing I know I am hearing this conversation:

"Hey ____ this is Dennis Rich, you know the man that has the cabin down the road from you. Well, I have a son who is at the cabin right now. We think he is passing a kidney stone and he is in a terrible amount of pain. Do you happen to have any narcotics or pain medications?....I would even pay you for them." 

I couldn't stop laughing. I mean. WTF...Did I really just hear that? My grandpa is trying to organize a drug deal.  Also. How well does grandpa even know this man? Well. Turns out the man on the other end of the conversation had some oxycontin but declined the offer. To sum the story up...Dad did get into the car...props to Kelton. But...the pain went away on the ride there so they stopped and got hamburgers rather than going to the ER. Dad, however, did spend the next night in the ER. They found two 8 mm stones and one 1 mm stone. Yuck! Dad also had to have surgery 2 days before trip to San Francisco...What a trooper. 

Reunited.

Fall 2007...We made Old Farm Apt K2 look dang good!

August 2012...Altogether again! 

Once upon a time 6 girls became roommates and became the best of friends. Starting in February 2008, life required that one by one they begin to go their separate ways. And now here we are  4.5 years , 5 missions, 1 marriage, 2 kids, 3 BS/BA degrees, 1 MS degree, 1 practicum in the Dominican Republic later...Reunited again! 

People Watching

Okay. I admit, I am an avid people watcher.  I am guilty of slipping on the shades to allow me to watch people without looking like a complete creep. As bad as it sounds, it has become a rather fun game among some of my family and friends. Recently, I have had some great people watching take place at the Walmart, Duerkes Lake, city pool, Blue Lakes, Twin Falls Western Days, public park, and YMCA gym.  However, last week Winco topped all of these trash-tastic encounters. Becky and I decided to stop by Winco after our nightly gym routine.   Sporting our sweaty gym get up, we were looking pretty gnarly and feeling bad for those who may come encounter with us.  However, after being in the store for 1 minute this all changed. We were walking down the aisles and passed by a middle aged couple...no big deal right? Only...the woman had her hand down the gentleman's pants. Yes you heard me right. Talk about dry heave gross. The dietitian in me immediately thought..."oh gosh, A) What produce did she touch? and B) please tell me she is not a food service worker." Talk about health code violations. Moral of the story...While Facebook provides great entertainment and may even build some self-confidence, nothing can beat people watching in real life.  

Smile

“The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.” -Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Have you ever stopped to think about how wonderful a simple smile is? Smiles are one of the few things that are understood by everyone despite race, culture, religion, or age.  Laughter and a simple smile can go a long way.  You never know the impact that it can have. I have noticed that a smile and humor lightens up the day of the patients I see.  I have also noticed how the smile and good humor of others have brightened my day. I have the belief that no matter what is occurring around the world or in your personal life that there is always something to laugh and smile about.  Life is all about perspective. Life viewed with a frown and tears just causes more sorrow. Life with a smile and humor just makes things look much better.  Now don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with crying...believe me I have shed my share. But, after you have released a few tears...chin up and act upon your situation with a smile on your face!

The Temple.

On February 9 I was able to go to Oquirrh Mountain LDS temple and received my own endowments.  For those of you who are not members of the LDS church, visit this link to learn more about LDS temples:  Blessings of the Temple.

It has been such a source of strength, peace, knowledge, and direction over the last few months as I  have been making many decisions. I am so grateful for the blessings of the temple.  This week has been one of those no good, terrible, very bad weeks. Today I was planning on going to the temple after work because I knew it would make me feel much better.  However, my co-workers informed me it was closed until the end of the month.  I was so disappointed! I realized how much I have taken my close proximity to the temples for granted.  Most people around the world do not live in close proximity to a temple, and therefore they do not have the ability to go to the temple on any given day they want.  Today I also received a message from my aunt.  She explained how important the temple has been to her during her trials.  I know that through the blessings of the temple I will be given extra strength and power to help me through this journey of life. There are no blessings greater than the temple on this earth. 

Family

I am grateful for my family. The hardest thing about moving to Twin Falls was coming to a new place where I didn't know anyone. I loved being in Logan where I was only an hour and half from the family or minutes away from all my cousins who attend USU.  The last few days have been particularly hard...But with my family's help the hard times are much easier. They have been there to love and support me through the thick and thin. They brighten my life everyday through daily phone calls/text messages and humor.  I appreciate my family for going out of their way to make the changes I am going through a little bit easier. Thank you for your advice.  And yes, Kelton, I even liked your advice to not "be negatory, be suppository!" Your testimonies have helped me have the courage and faith required to put a smile on my face even when life doesn't go as planned.  Thank you for teaching me to put my focus on the most important things in life.  Not only do I have the support of my parents and siblings but I also have 3 grandparents, 26 aunts/uncles, and 53 cousins who I know I can always rely on.  My aunts have been like my second moms and in the case of Holli and Trisha...Sisters. I know few families who are as united and close as mine...and there is nothing I would change about it. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for coming to show your love and support in all that I do. Thank you for auntie/cousin girls nights. Thank you for cousin shopping trips. Thank you for the phone calls/text messages. Thank you for your advice and love.  Your service, prayers, and examples do not go unnoticed.  I feel like the most loved girl in the world! I love you all!

Joy in the Journey

The last month of my life can be briefly summed up in one word. Change. And...holy fetch did it change.  Here is what I have been up to:

1. Was offered a dietitian position in Twin Falls
2. Graduated with my Master's degree...No more school for me!
3. Left behind familiarity and moved to Twin Falls
4. Became roommates with a cool girl named Becky
5. Started my first "real" job
6. Learn, learn, learn, learn and train, train, train....oh the joys of beginning a new job 
7. Roommate search...Becky got a new job!

All this change has brought on a whirlwind of emotion. It has been HARD! My faith has been tried greater in this last month then at any other time.  I have been reading A Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.  This book has allowed me to see that the only thing that cannot be taken away from me or changed without my consent is my reaction and attitude to the circumstance. In the October 2008 General Conference President Monson talked about change in his talk Finding Joy in the Journey. In this talk, he quoted a well known author when he said, "Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend...when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present-love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]-the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth." It is so easy to dwell on the negative, rather than the looking around at and seeing all that is going right.  When we pause to look at the beauty around us we will be able to find happiness in the bleakest of circumstances.  

This I Know.

Wow. It sure has been awhile since my last post.  I passed my defense a month ago and graduation is just weeks away.  It is bitter sweet feeling.  I have been reflecting a lot on the past three years as this chapter in my life is now closing.  Why was I supposed to go to graduate school? What have I learned? How have the experiences and trials I have faced over the last 3 years refined me?  I don't know all the answers.  But here are a few things that I do know.

1. I am a daughter of Heavenly Father and he has a plan for me.  He knows me better than I know myself and he loves me unconditionally.  I have seen my Heavenly Father's hand in my life more in the last three years than any other time in my life.  Three years ago, I was almost engaged to a young man and the plan was to head back East so that I could go to pharmacy school.  Oh. How that plan quickly changed.  And there is only one explanation for that.  My Heavenly Father loves me and knew that I was headed down a road that was not the best thing for me.  After the relationship ended.  I realized and knew that without a doubt I was supposed to go to graduate school at Utah State University.  I discussed this change in plans with Nedra, my dietetic professor.  She accepted me as a graduate student....and everything just fell into place.  Graduate school has not been "smooth-sailing" but I am constantly being blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord.    Although there was nothing easy about changing my life's course, I now realize that the pain/difficulties I went through were needed to allow me to learn and grow.  I am living proof that His love is real.  
2. Heavenly Father hears my prayers.  He knows what I need and many times answers my prayers through the hands of others.  I'm not going to lie...The last two years have been the hardest years of my life.  The responsibilities and load placed on my shoulders was more than I could have handled on my own. There have been several periods of time when I feel like I live my life in constant prayer.  But... the amazing thing is, I not only accomplished my tasks but I excelled!  The quality of my work was incredible.  I am not saying this to boast of myself, because I know that it was not me.  I know that my skills were enhanced and I was given strength beyond my own from my Heavenly Father.  Whenever I had a rough day I would always tell myself...Heavenly Father would not tell you to do something if he knew you would fail at it.  If I did my best, he would make up the rest...and he did! I would have never finished grad school without him...and I will never deny his hand in my life. I would also like to thank my family, dietetics family, my besties, and my roommate Alison.  Each of you were tools in the Lord's hands and have helped me in ways you probably don't even realize.  Thank you for following through on those promptings you received.  Thank you for being apart of my life.  I truly have BEST family and friends! 
3. The power of the priesthood is real.  I am so grateful for my father and brother for being such great examples of honorable priesthood holders.  I know that I can turn to them at anytime or hour for a blessing and they would be worthy to do so.  I have received SO many blessings over the last 2 years. I know that the counsel, warnings, and promises contained in those blessings come from the Lord...and I hold them dear to my heart.  I am also grateful for the counsel and direction I have received from my church leaders and parents.  They have truly given me inspired counsel and direction that has been of great help to me.  I know that it is only through the power of the priesthood that I can return to live with my family and my Heavenly Father. 
4. It's all about your attitude.  A couple of weeks ago my dear friend and major professor passed away.  I have learned so much from her.  She viewed life with an eternal perspective.  She had cancer for 10 years and valiantly fought it without missing a day of work.  She faced life with humor and a positive attitude.  I never heard her complain about her yucky treatments. She put herself second and placed her focus on students and charities.  She gave of her time, wisdom,and money.  She knew that this life was not our beginning or end.  She knew that we are to be happy  and enjoy our time on this earth no matter what our circumstances may be.  I miss you Nedra K. Christensen.  I have had to resist the urges to call you...you always seemed to have the answer to everything.  But...thank you for everything you have taught me.  Thank you for not only being the best major professor, but also a great friend.  Thank you for seeing my potential and trusting me enough to achieve it! You will always have a special place in my heart!  There is always something to smile about.  And. Let's face it...being grumpy and unhappy is not attractive or  fun. Bad attitudes do not make your circumstance better. Attitude is everything. So...Come what may and love it!
5. I think my perfectionism has made it a little more difficult to fully understand and take full advantage of the atonement in my life.  I have a testimony of the atonement and I have seen it change the lives of those around me.  But...I am now coming to realize the Savior sacrificed for me personally.  Not just for everyone else.  I have felt this change in my heart.  It is changing my life.  It has changed my thoughts, behaviors, and has given me strength beyond my own.  I hope to continue to strengthen my relationship and testimony of my Savior.  It is not just having a belief in Christ, but it is about believing Christ.  I am so grateful that my Savior loved me enough to sacrifice for me.   I am grateful that he has been where I have been.  He knows my heartaches and pains...and because of this he knows how to succor me.  It is comforting to know that he shares my joys and weeps when I weep.  I am eternally indebted to him and will always strive to follow him. 

Despite the difficulties/trials, it has been a great 2 years! I am so grateful for my family, friends, and committee members for their love, support, strength, encouragement, and sometimes even a shoulder to cry on. I am not really sure what the next chapter in my life is going to involve quite yet.  But...I know that Heavenly Father will never let me down.  If I trust him enough to follow His plan for me  I will always be in good hands.