Epiphany

So, the whole reason for yesterday's post
(entitled: "Orlando!") was supposed to be what I'm
about to write this post about. But, I guess I just got
carried away in writing about the trip, the interview, etc.
So, while on the road, I had a grand time.
It was fun. Good fun:)
Just me, my sister, and two good friends.
Scratch that, one good friend, and a new friend in the making.
The ride up was fun, the random in between times were fun,
and the ride home was fun.
Then it came to an end.
And I was home.
And, I realized something.
I really, tremendously enjoyed that.
Being out, on my own, without my parents,
or half of my family, but with a sibling, and some friends.
That's not how I usually am - I like to have my family with
me at all times. I like to stay at home. I'm not a "go out" kinda person.
(usually. Occasionally I'll feel like getting dressed up and going out,
but usually I'm just the stay at home person)
Anyway. I kinda came to the realization that I need to grow up,
and move out, and live a life away from my family.
Now, that being said... it was just an epiphany.
I'm not one to make big changes. At all.
Unless I discuss everything: pros, cons, minor details,
and over analyze everything with my dad.
I don't do anything big (or sometimes the small things too!)
without talking to, or asking advice from my dad.
No, I probably won't move out, or something like unto it
anytime soon. But, I kinda feel like... I ought to.
I dunno.
I love my family to bits and pieces!
Seriously.
There my best friends. My favorite people in the world.
But, they're also my comfort zone.
And, I'm in my comfort zone way too much.
I need to get out, and live a little bit.
I think so, anyway.
I live life very cautiously.
Which isn't a bad thing, but I want a little
spontaneity thrown in! A random road trip with friend,
or... okay, that's the only thing I can think of, but things like that!
I dunno. I guess I just want to have more fun, and get
to know some new people.
Don't get me wrong, the people I know now are
tremendous! I love you people:)
But, getting to know new people, and going new places are just fun!
That's one reason I wanted to be an EFY Counselor,
to meet all the other counselors!
Of course, I want to be one for other reasons
(i.e. helping the youth, traveling around, meeting new people, etc.)

Anyway, that's what I meant to put in the previous post,
but I got a little carried away with what I was typing, and
completely forgot.
Ha, that's all.
Ciao!

- Sara

Quote: "Any useful work is more honorable than idleness."
- Chung Sun

(He was a Chinese immigrant to the USA,
who was very smart, well educated, etc. Then one day he was
caught up in a riot, and was robbed of all his money. He eventually
went to work digging ditches, and getting paid hardly anything.
He went on to say what I have quoted, saying that even
though he was a well educated man, it is better for him to be
working (even if it's something small, but still useful) than to be idle.
I heard about him in my History class. He also described American's
to be well dressed barbarians [or something along those lines].
I thoroughly enjoy this man's thoughts. Haha.)

Orlando!

So, on Friday (January 28, 2011) I went to Orlando,
with three other kids, to go to our EFY Counselor interviews.
In the vehicle was myself, Courtney, John Frey, and Korey Fras.
It was kinda sorta fun.
Yes, definitely.
The drive down was kinda quiet, and slow.
We just sat, and listened to music. But, then we made it to Orlando:)
They all went into the Temple to do a session,
while I waited around for them all to come out.
Blast it all, I can't wait to be endowed!
(not so I won't be "left out", but because I just want to be!)
While I waited, I filled up my car with gas,
returned my brothers scripture case for a smaller one,
read my scriptures (trying to tune into the Spirit for the upcoming interview!),
and took some pictures:)
Not many, just a couple before we headed out.











After walking around the Temple, and coming out to the front
I saw John and Fras! So, we chilled, and took some pictures
while waiting for Courtney to come out.







Good times. We then proceeded to Chick-Fil-A
for some much needed lunch/dinner.
We got there, I put on my interview clothes,
then ordered my food after everyone has already gotten theirs.
Smart move, Sara. (when the Interview is mere minutes away)
I got my food, then we split!
Courtney drove while I ate, and we ended up being...
15 minutes late!
Ha, blasted traffic.
It was fine, though.
They waited for us, and we were all able to go into
the interview together.
We went in, then after talking for a bit, they split us up.
Count off, "1, 2, 1, 2..."
It ended up being Courtney and John in a group,
and Fras and I in a group.
One group went into another group with a CES guy,
and another group stayed in the room we were currently in with a CES guy.
We stayed.
We just talked about the Youth,
and the responsibilities of EFY counselors, etc.
That part I thought went really well,
I answered questions (which is a rare thing!), and
I think I answered them with the right answers,
or at least what they were looking for.
Then came time to switch rooms.
Oh golly, I knew this part was coming,
but... oh man.
We switched rooms, and then we had to give a short devotional.
How did we do this?
We each chose an item out of a bag,
and were to draw a parallel between the item and the Gospel.
Everyone in my group did wonderfully!
Quick thinkers, good stuff.
Then, it was my turn.
What did I pick?
A USB thumb drive.
...how am I to turn that into something Gospel related?
After crashing and burning (really, it was that bad),
and coming home, my sister Elisabeth thought up a parallel.
"Your mind is the USB drive. And, in Heaven God's going to
put the USB drive into a giant computer for all to see.
So, we need to watch not only our words, and our actions, but our thoughts as well."
Idiot.
Why couldn't I think of that off the top of my head?!
Needless to say, I was perturbed with myself.
So, I think I have a 50/50 chance of getting the position.
If that.
BUT, quick rewind!
After the interview, we were headed home,
talking about each of our interviews,
and how we did, etc. Then something happens,
John and Fras mention Cold Stone (ice cream),
and lo and behold, there was one on the way home!
Ha. I hadn't had Cold Stone in quite a while.
It was goooood:)
I got something deliciously minty.
John had a bite.
Described it as "frozen mint toothpaste",
or something along those lines.
I love everything minty.
I guess some people don't.
Weirdies.
Oh! While at Cold Stone, who did we see other than
the wonderful, adorable Vanessa Gold!
Who knew she worked there?
Not me!
It was fun.
We conversed for a moment,
finished our ice cream,
the proceeded home.
And, our day came to an end there.
It was fun. I had lots of fun:)
Now, 4-6 weeks can't come soon enough!
(aka the amount of time it will take for them to email
us, letting us know if we got the position or not!)
kfds;lajfdlsa;gjkajkfda
Then on top of that there's all the stress about work!
Agh. I won't even go there.
Okay.
I'll just finish up here then.
Goodnight!

- Sara

Lyric: "As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be."
- Hymn: How Firm A Foundation.

(just something that stuck out to me the other day.
I liked it. Made me think.)

Winds-day

Happy Windsday!
No worries, it's really no day important.
You didn't forget any birthdays/holidays.
But, it's Wednesday. And it's super blustery!
How ironic:)
This wind has seriously made me want to go to the beach.
I kinda can't wait for summertime!
I love winter more than summer,
(I hate sweating 24/7 - and I'm a sweater!)
but I just really really want to go to the beach.
Good thing I live in Florida, and can probably go within
the next month or two! Ha:)

Also, something that has been on my mind....
the EFY Counselor interview!
I'm so excited!
I was so nervous for a little while,
but now I'm just excited, and can't wait!
All I've heard is that EFY Counselor interviews are
the single funnest interviews in ever.
So, needless to say, I'm excited:)
My one concern/worry:
the short lesson/devotional/talk we have to give.
I hate giving talks/speeches!
H.A.T.E.
Okay, that's an exaggeration.
I enjoy it when I've been up there for a little while,
and feel comfortable. But, we are supposed to make a short,
3-5 minute (I think) lesson/devotional.
No time to get comfortable.
And we have, like, 7 minutes to prepare it?
I dunno, that's just the one thing I'm kinda nervous about.
But, I think/hope it will go fine, so I'm not worrying about it:)

On a different note,
Fever Pitch is an adorable movie,
and I would probably marry Jimmy Fallon
if he were like his character in the movie.
And 10 years younger.

Also, another adorable movie?
The Killers!
Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl!
Katherine Heigl is one of my favorite actresses:)
And, I've never been much of an Ashton Kutcher fan,
(although, I do love the name Ashton)
but in this movie I was somewhat smitten.
I absolutely adored him in this movie!
If I could marry his character in The Killers,
I would.

Another semi-cute movie?
Letters to Juliet.
The movie was alright,
I just love that it was based in Italy.
I love Italy! It made me want to go SO bad!
I will, one day, go to Italy.
If/when I make a bucket list,
going to Italy will be number one!

Also, I've been wanting to go to Disney lately.
I dunno, I just have.

Also, I've realized something(s).
Two strange smells that I enjoy:
- Coffee
- Gasoline
Why do I enjoy these smells?
They remind me of road trips!
Coffee - because of hotels.
They always smell like coffee!
And for someone who's never, ever
tasted coffee, and has 0% desire to taste it,
I sure do enjoy the smell.
(only because it brings back memories of
old road trips, hotels, etc.)
Gasoline - I think it's relatively obvious.
When we go on road trips, one needs to fill up
every so often, so gas stations (that I don't usually stop at)
remind me of road trips.
:) Haha.

Hm, I think that is all for now.
Ciao!

- Sara

Has it really been over a month?

I haven't blogged since... December first?
Wow.
Haha, I guess I'm a little behind!
I've been tremendously busy with the end of the Fall semester,
and getting ready for the Spring semester,
with Christmas, New Years, church, Winn Dixie, McKay,
and everything else in between!

A couple of things that I'm doing right now,
that I'm terribly stoked for, and want to begin and complete,
and know the outcome of right now!

1: I took the pre-test for getting my GED today!
Now I just have to take so many hours of class at the
high school in order to take the GED test?
So, I'm gonna be working on that whenever I have a second!

2: I applied to be an EFY counselor!
And, I got an email saying,
"Hey, we think you might do well! Let's interview you!"
SO, I'm going to my interview,
(along with Courtney, John Frey, Heather Moss,
and maybe, hopefully, Katharine Daniels!)
on January 28th.
I'm so nervous.
And so stoked.
It's complete mixed emotions,
I'm going crazy waiting for it!
I want to be an EFY counselor SO bad.
But, I feel like I'll not do too well sometimes.
Maybe the kids won't like me. And I won't be a fun counselor
(which is part of the reason for a counselor! To get the kids
hyped up, and enjoy themselves! I realize, we're supposed to teach
and try to bring the spirit, but we are also to try to get them to have fun!)
I can be really fun sometimes.
But only sometimes.
I'm usually too level-headed, and my head's on too tight
for me to let loose, and have fun.
I can let loose and have fun,
but I just have to get in the mood for it.
And, once I'm in the mood, I'm solid!
So, I don't want to let the kids down if I do get picked to be a counselor.
And, if I don't get picked, I'll probably be semi-discouraged.
But, only semi. I'll be okay with it, though.
I'm still a kid, myself.
But, maybe that's why I need to be a counselor.
To act goofy, and be silly with other counselors.
I dunno, my mind is going 1000x miles an hour lately.
Just thinking.
I've been freaking out about the interview part.
It's a group interview, and somewhere in that interview,
I have to give a 3-5 minutes lesson/devotional/thing.
I severely dislike public speaking!
Much less public teaching, where I have to try to
teach people who have most likely been counselors before/gone
on missions, and are quite a bit smarter than me.
But, I guess I shouldn't be worried about that.
I just need to have the Spirit with me, and I should do fine.
I've been trying to prepare myself spiritually for it by
having some gospel/scripture study daily, and praying daily
(more sincerely), and then pondering afterward.
But, I'm still super nervous when I think about it.
Oh well.
I'll calm down.
I'll just keep doing what I'm doing, and I'm sure I'll do fine! :)
If I do get picked to be an EFY counselor, then
GREAT! I'll be able to have a blast throughout my summer,
and get paid to do it! And I'll be able to travel around a couple of states
(hopefully GA, VA, and TX!), while being spiritually uplifted,
and in the process uplifting some youth/other people as well! :)
So, keep me in your prayers y'all!
So I won't be so stressed, and so I'll have the Spirit to be with me
when I have my interview, so I'll know what to do/say!
That's what I'm praying for at least! :) Haha.

That's what's mainly been on my mind lately
(if you couldn't tell).
EFY, EFY, EFY, EFY, EFY, EFY, EFY.
It seems like the greatest opportunity in the world,
but sometimes I don't know how to have fun,
and I'm scared all ruin the whole thing by not letting loose!

jvajfslaniwhruwlffdsJFD/vhi;uewidcs!

Random side note: I just wrote all that mumble jumble
of letters, and in the process erased all that I had written.
This whole blog post.
Luckily, there is the "undo" option.
Greatest. Option. Ever.
Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Next subject!
What am I taking this coming semester?
- History, 1865-present (I think)
- Spanish I
- Biology
I think it'll make for a nice semester.
Then, after this semester it will be summertime.
Aka, hopefully EFY time!
Then, Fall semester.
What will I be taking then?
Probably the same thing, roughly.
- History (of something/somewhere else)
- Science (of some sort) with a lab - help me pick which one!
- Spanish II (probably)
...and then, after that semester ALL I'LL HAVE LEFT
ARE ELECTIVES! I think 4 classes of electives that I have to take,
then I'll have my AA! (Associates in Arts Degree)
Wow, it seems like it's flown by so fast.
Me being in college, and getting a degree and all.
Granted, I don't have my degree just yet, and I still have
a few more semesters to go, but I feel like I'm SO close!
It's crazy.

Where do I want to transfer to once I get my AA?
BYU.
BYU-Provo, BYU-Idaho, or BYU-Hawaii.
However, the out of state tuition will be killer.
That's something that just kills me.
But, I want to be somewhere where I can feel the Spirit,
you know? I don't want to go to a college where everyone
goes out and gets drunk on the weekend.

Oh decisions, decisions, decisions.
Alright. I think I'm done ranting for the night.
I'm sure I could think of more, but my sisters are
trying to sleep, and I'm keep the lights on.
And I have to work in the morning, too.
So, goodnight!

- Sara

Quote: "Every day we gain experience in something. Some days it's a good experience and some days it's a bad experience. Either way, every day we are given the unique opportunity to learn something and grow. Through our collective experiences, we gain knowledge with which we can help other people. We know that no matter what kind of day you may have had, it was good for you to go through it. Learn from your days and be happy and better because of them."

- Willard Stawksi, That Ye May Prosper, pg. 65