These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Independence.  It's an amazing thing that never comes cheap.  Lives can be lost, poor decisions can be made, and innocent people can get hurt, but it's a concept that has forever shaped the minds of great leaders throughout the world.  Without independence, we wouldn't be the great nation that we are today.  Without independence, we couldn't worship the way that we want to.  Without independence, we wouldn't learn and grow that way that God intended us to.  Agency and independence are closely linked, but if we use them correctly, we can see amazing things and become the great individuals that God sees us as. 

Every year since I can remember, I watch fireworks, eat burgers, and enjoy friends and family on the 4th of July to celebrate this great independent country.  This year, I decided to contemplate the things I love about our great nation and make it a more meaningful, yet enjoyable, birthday celebration!

A - Artwork. The Bean is probably at the top of my list.

B - Bacon.  We can literally incorporate it into every dish. Literally.

C - Chicago.  I really grew up in these suburbs, even if I tell you I'm from Colorado.

D - Denim. I honestly don't know anyone that doesn't own a pair of blue jeans.

E - Ethnic Culture. Growing up in the melting pot gave me a better understanding of the world.

F - Football. I love watching the sport, but I'm more partial towards the marching band.  Go Cougs!

G - Guitars.  A symbol of country music - the music of America.

H - Halliday's.  Because, you know, I'm kinda biased.

I - Ice Cream. There's nothing like a hot summer day and getting ice cream to cool down.

J - Jamba Juice.  It's cheap, delicious, and healthy.

K - Krispy Kremes.  Glazed, wonderful, fatty, goodness.

L - Lemonade Stands.  It's really hard to say no to an adorable child who only wants 25 cents.

M - Mountains. How can someone look at them and not fall in love with nature?

N - Nauvoo. Wish I could still go back in time every summer.

O - Orange Juice. OJ is a breakfast staple.

P - Pizza.  Lou Malnati's Chicago deep dish. Nothing else is acceptable.

Q - Quirky.  We all have our own weird tendencies, which make us one of a kind.
R - Rootbeer.  America's drink and the way to my heart.  Enough said.

S - Sunsets. I love seeing the sky become God's canvas every night.

T - Travel.  Even though I've never left the country, I'm glad I've been to almost every state within.

U - Utah.  My birthplace and current home.

V - Ventura. After spending 18 amazing months in Cali, it holds a special place in my heart.

W - Walt Disney.  Thanks for bringing so much joy to my childhood....and adulthood.

X - Xerox. Admit it.  You've photocopied your face at least once.

Y - Yellowstone.  Being outdoors and seeing the beauty of our country is so relaxing.

Z - Zamboni.  I suck at ice skating, but thanks for making it slightly easier.

God Bless America!

Live Boldly. Just Live...

One of my goals this summer is to read at least 10 books.  I've always loved reading ever since I was little, but sometimes life just gets in the way.  Since I'm working and not taking classes (meaning NO homework!!), I have a lot more time on my hands than I ever have before.  It's perfect time to read books and get caught up in another world from time to time.

One of the books that I've already read this summer is Me Before You by JoJo Moyes.  Now, I know there's a lot of controversy surrounding this book and the movie that came out this weekend, but I don't want to get caught up in the why of that (those of you who have read the book know what I'm talking about).  When I read the book and saw the movie, the thing that stuck out to me the most was something that Will keeps telling Lou over and over again, "Live boldly.  Just live." The more I thought about it, the more beautiful I thought that was.  We've all been given bodies and lives and our Heavenly Father expects us to live here on earth in the best way we can.  Of course, there's going to be trials and hardships along the way, but that's a natural part of the earthly experience.  If we don't take chances and live boldly, we'll never know what our full potential here on earth can consist of.

Think about how many opportunities you miss if you don't share your beliefs with others, travel the world, try something new, ask the cute girl out, cry with a friend, or put yourself out there.  Like I mentioned earlier, I set goals at the beginning of the summer to help me live a fuller life.  Some of them are:
-go to the temple weekly
-read 10 books
-practice flute 3x/week
-clean apartment weekly
-go hiking
-go camping
-daily scripture study
-get a passport
-hang with friends (that aren't my roomies (even though I love them to death))
-practice Spanish daily
-fall in love
-learn to play guitar
-take pictures
-make enough money for school
-exercise 4-5 days/week
-have fun!

Now it's not like my goals are skydiving or bull fighting or travelling to exotic places, but I know they'll help me be happier in my own way.  "Men are that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25).  This is our time to live boldly....and just live.