Dallas

Dallas is my home. I forgot how much I miss it when Im away. I grew up in the same place that I was born in, literally. So, I was itching to get out asap. As much as I love all the places I have been, whether to visit or to live, I do miss Dallas.

There is just something about the sprawl, the cement jungle, the restaurant and strip-mall rows, the highways, the big cars, the endless options. It is home to me.

But all that being said. I love not living here. I always feel like I am back in High School everytime I come back. And quit frankly, I feel like I have progressed from the person I was in high school. In the last 9 years, I have lived in 6 states, visited 8 countries, meet hundreds of amazing people, and learned and grown personal. I dont always feel like people allow me to have changed, but expect me to be the same person I was. Not sure how to change that. But then again, I dont live here, so I guess its not really a huge issue. . . .

Dawn of a New Era?

So. Yesterday is said to be a historic day in American History. I dont doubt that for what is on the surface. A black man became President of the United States. Im excited for the possibilities that offers to the nation. Im excited for youth of all creeds to have examples to look to. Im glad that there is one less area that people cant complain about and make excuses about. . . . But I just wonder how much will he really be able to do as President, and if what he does do will help to progress our nation or hurt us. I feel that all I can do is pray. Pray that he will be able to recognize the needs of this country and effect it for the betterment of all its vast, eclectic people.


On Friday of last week, I was able to go to Joseph Smiths birthplace. I was reminded of the simple fact that Heavenly Father is truly watching over all of us, leading us, and preparing a way for good/His will and purpose to prevail. (How often must I be reminded of this for it to really stick 100% with me?!) The guidance that the Smith family had recieved for generations prior to Josephs birth was remarkable to see and hear. I know that Heavenly Father will continue to do this throughout the world. I know that this land was prepared in order to allow the gospel to be restored. . . .

Bold Move #1

Bold Move #1 - Complete - Investigated interest with, as a co-worker coined it, an "import."

No regrets. Lots of learnings. . . .

Bold, New Year

I think the word that I hope to describe this next year is BOLD. As much as I have love my life thus far, I think that I need to take a few more bold moves. Instead of wishing and hoping for things to happen, I just need to make them happen. Life is what we make of it. I have loved my time in Boston, but I dont feel like I always took advantage of this great city. There is also an amazing world out there, with so much good from our Heavenly Father. I want to experience it. I want to see His hand in the lifes of people in far corners of this world. I want to be his hand in peoples life. . . . Random thoughts. I need to put them into action now. Where do I start?

France & Sweden

Ahh. It was so good to be away. . . . I went with a friend in my old ward, Amy Buell. We had a grand ole time! We enjoyed life as an old person, as we enjoyed a cruise with my old person travel company. Then off to hang out with the babies of Sweden at Bolliaden. (Bolliaden is a long standing YSA Conference in Sweden ever winter.) Well, not all of them were babies, but I definitely felt like I was in the older half. I got sick on the last night of my trip, and its still lingering.
Highlights:

- Notre Dame for Christmas Eve

Outside the backside of Norte Dame. Beautiful all around!

- Eating Pastries! Daily

Pain au Chocolat, and Baguette! Lovely

- Meandering through Montmartre, Rouen, Vernon


Doing the Can-Can outside the Moulan Rouge!

- Relaxing on the Cruise

- Amazing new friends in Sweden

Stefan and Me!

Evelina, Ami, Amy, Me (We stayed with Evelina) - Long day, just tired, not drugged!

New Years Eve Dinner - Mikael, Evelina, Amy, (Stefan), Malena, Ami, Me


This is the only picture I have of Senja, who is such a doll that I couldnt leave her out.