a little extra omph.

A friend of mine, who is on a mission, told me to listen to a song called Rivers and Roads by The Head and the Heart (link at the bottom). His exact instructions were: "Tonight, go to a quiet place, and listen to Rivers and Roads by the Head and the Heart. Listen to the words, don't move, just listen.  And then cry probably." At first when I read this I laughed and thought what a goof. So I put it off and thought I'll listen to it eventually, but it wasn't going to be that big of a deal. The next night I was having a rough day, and a thought occurred to me: Liv, listen to the song. So I found the song, shut my door, laid on my bed, closed my eyes and just listened. And can I tell you that this song was a serious answer to my prayers. Maybe not in a way that I thought it could be answered, but it surely calmed me and it made my mind quiet down. The song was special, it reminded me of how much I miss my friends, and indeed I did cry. There's a lot of things that I miss. It's so surreal to see how far my friends and I have all come in a year. Missions, college, engagements, serious life changes. The seniors (now), are getting their mission calls, going on choir tour, studying for AP tests, doing the musicals, and GRADUATING.  That was us exactly a year ago. It just makes me nostalgic for the times I had my senior year and it also makes me appreciate the time I'm given right now and to live it up. Not like some stupid YOLO garbage. But  to really live. (insert cliche moment) Smell the flowers, read a great book, enjoy the sun, stand in the rain, and to really laugh with all my heart. I found this quote a couple of days ago, on my regular round of pinning, and for some strange reason it never left my mind. It was basically saying anything you are doing at that moment, do it to the fullest and the loudest degree. Which I find so powerful. I feel like we take to much time thinking, sometimes we just need to go and do.

I guess listening to that song and reading this quote, really have made me feel that every moment is precious, so why not live it to the fullest extent? Not like I'm going to get all crazy with this "life is precious" speech, but it was something I needed to hear. Instead of wasting the day away inside, I'm going to sit outside and read a book, or go up the canyon just because I can. Maybe I'll give myself a make over, just for the heck of it. I guess what I'm trying say is that sometimes we just need to give our lives a little extra omph.

Until next time,

-O

Rivers and Roads By: The Head and the Heart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2J-0EtsCpo

home again, home again.

We came home on Monday without a care in the world, only to remember the homework that we hadn't done. My apologies for the lack of posting about the rest of the trip. I finally had some free time today, and thought I'd post some more about my adventure!

Saturday welcomed us with a bright sunny day. 90 degrees and a perfectly clear day. Do you ever feel that the sun is smiling at you after making its debut from a cloudy day? That's exactly how it was! Being in Utah during the grey month of January, and seeing the bright sun after a whole month... Yeah, it was smiling down at us. Chandler took us on a tour of campus, which is beautiful, and took saw what Chandler gets to see everyday. We walked Palm Walk, which has like 300 palm trees down sidewalk that looks like it could have gone for miles. Even if the sun is smiling at you and while very welcoming, it can still be very hot. We decided to go swimming and just enjoy the warm sun but the refreshing pool. I could have stayed there forever! But then I would have been burned to a crisp. We decided to go to BJ's Pizza and get a lunch. We went there for senior trip in Newport and if you've ever been there, you know that their pizookies are to die for! We got ready and went to BJ's for pizza and a killer pizookie. We each got out own little pizza and we shared a Cookies-n-Cream pizookie. It was delicious! 

After that great lunch, we were invited to Eden's (Maren's sister), boyfriend's, dad's 50th birthday party!  His parents live in Scottsdale, the Beverly Hills of Phoenix. Their house was absolutely gorgeous! Basically my dream house. Since we barely knew anyone at the party, we didn't stay long. We went and saw Catching Fire to finish off our night. Maren hadn't seen it yet, so it was a must for her! (When we got back to the dorms we saw this silly license plate on a Jeep!)

On Sunday we went to church at nine, which felt like the butt-crack of dawn! But it was totally worth it. Chandler gave a talk in sacrament and we were so happy that we could be there to support her! After church we went and walked the Mesa Temple grounds and went to the Visiting Center and talked with a sister missionary. The grounds of the temple are gorgeous! I felt like I was in Hawaii with all the palm trees and the abundance of flowers. After walking around for a while we went and sat on the grass and talked about everything under the sun. At one point I laid down and cleared my head of everything. I just wanted to sit and enjoy the quiet. Especially after the hectic life a college student leads, we all need to take a moment to clear our heads and enjoy the silence. It was a much needed couple of minutes.

Monday! Happy Presidents Day! Chandler and Kristy, her roommate and our friend from high school, still had school which I thought was insane! But oh well. While they were gone Maren and I thought we'd be nice and clean their dorm. We only had an hour once they left because they only had once class on the morning then one later that night. We vacuumed, put their sleeping bags away, made their beds, straightened their desks, and took out their trash. We wanted to do something nice because they let us stay in their dorm and had made our trip so much fun! When they came back we all showered and got ready. Maren's sister and her boyfriend let us go hang out at his parent house with them for a while. We took their puppy, Scout, on a walk. She is darling! She looks like an Ewok when you hold her! We went to a little pub for lunch called the Thirsty Lion. Which was super good too! I thinks pubs just have really good food to start with anyway! Chandler had one last class, so Maren and I went back to the dorm and watched a movie. After Chan's last class we went back to the Sugar Bowl and had some ice cream before we had to go to the airport. Maren and I were almost late for our flight! We literally ran through the airport. Yes, literally, like in a movie slow motion and everything! It was very memorable! We made it to the plane, although out of breath and slightly sweaty, and we were just in time. 

I have to say that it was a pretty successful trip. I became closer with them, after I had kind of lost touch with them. I love them so much and am so blessed to have them in my life. They are so strong, and are such great example to me. This was a definite "going-in-the-books" adventure, filled with great laughs, deep chats, rockin' tunes, welcoming sun, and most of all best friends. I love you Mar and Chan! Thanks for such an amazing weekend, I love you both to the moon and back!

Until next time,
-O

adventure is out there.

The word of this weekend is SPONTANEITY. My friend Maren and I wanted do something grown up. Something adventurous, something to go into the books as just great! We decided that we should visit our friend Chandler, who is going to Arizona State University. It's the perfect time right? Three day weekend, three best friends in a sunny place? What would you want more? It was decided, we were going to buy our plane tickets and fly to Arizona for the weekend, and our perfect college trip was in play.

DAY ONE: Happy Valentine's Day!!

And we're off! Maren and I were beyond excited to be flying to sunny Arizona, where it was at least 80 degrees all the time. As much love as we have for Utah, February can be kind of rough. With the lack of fresh snow, the inversion, and the grey weather... all around it is just rough. We nervously made our way though the airport, but successfully located our gate. the flight was splendid! We chatted and people around us probably thought we were super annoying but we didn't care. We were heading to see one of our best friends and we were excited! Once we landed we ran to find our dear friend Chandler. We went back to her dorm and she showed us around. We walked around campus a little and took in the wonderful sunlight. It's 88 degrees here! WE ARE WEARING SHORTS! That was a huge deal for me. Finally, I could release my legs from their jean cage! It was wonderful. We went into Scottsdale which is about 10 minutes from Tempe, where we are, and went to the mall.

We shopped and of course had to stop in the DISNEY STORE. It's a must! (I wanted to take more pictures in here, but the saleswomen weren't having it). This was the cutest store ever and I loved every second of it. The little girl inside me wanted to get everything princess related, but I don't have enough money, nor do I actually need any of that. But I can still want it right? 

We went to dinner in Old Town Scottsdale, at this place called David's Hamburgers and Mexican Food. Chandler told us that they had the best hamburgers, and I was very skeptical. Not that I didn't trust her, because I do but this place just did not seem like it would have the best burgers ever. But let me tell you it has the best hamburgers, I've ever tasted. It was incredible! This had to have been the burger in the world. After being stunned by this amazing burger, we went to the Sugar Bowl! Just like in Arthur. It was darling. Homemade ice cream and the service was pristine. I felt like I had step right into the 40's, like I was going to see Danny and Sandy at the table over sharing a Strawberry Milkshake. It was super cute! I hope we go back again because I could eat ice cream there everyday.

Then we walked around Old Town Scottsdale. A night on the town! A perfect way to end Valentine's with my favorite people. In a town all lit up and alive with a mix of all kinds of people. People in love, out with friends, and even some people were alone. That was kind of sad, but hey everyone celebrates in there on way. It was perfect to be with people I love and who love me. There was just such a variety, and it was nice to somewhere new. Tomorrow is a new day and I'm super stoked to see what we end up doing.

Until next time,
-O

sisterhood.

I'm quite positive that almost everyone has heard of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Possibly one of my favorite series about teenagers girls, that I've read so far. It does such a great job demonstrating how these girls friendship grows and the journeys they take together. If you haven't read or seen the movies this is what happens. Don't worry, I won't give away the ending. Basically there are four girls who have been friends since birth. 16 years these girls grow up together, never being apart. Their first summer before their first year of high school has some unexpected turns. They each are going on different adventures. Meaning that they aren't going to be together for an entire summer. To celebrate their last day together for a couple months the girls go shopping. They find a pair of jeans that fit each of them perfectly. Keep in mind that these girls have very different body types. So this is pure magic that these jeans work for each of them. They buy the jeans and decide that each girl will have the jeans for a week, and send them to the next sister along with a letter talking about how the pants helped them in any way. So that's basically the plot, of course there is more to it but that is the gist.

Anyway how is this whole series relevant to me? I'll tell you. My story doesn't span out over 16 years but over two pretty great ones. It was kinda of miraculous, in a way, over my junior year I rekindled a friendship that was years over due. We obviously became best friends and it was great!I got closer with a girl whom I very much admired. We became best friends and I was so happy to have her in my life. In May, I met on of my very best friends while we were auditioning for the school musical for our senior year. Each of us know one another from others but we hadn't hung out the four of us ever. So we tried it one day and it was perfect! We clicked and from then on we were inseparable. I had 3 best friends and I definitely felt  that we  were going to be best friends for ever. At our first of many sleepovers,the summer before our senior year, we watched Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and that's when the brilliant idea came to us!  We knew that a pair of jeans weren't going to fit all of us but we wanted something that was going to keep us together because we were all going on trips this summer. We decided that next day we were going to buy a journal that we could share. So we bought our journal and had a little ritual, and talked abut guidelines and other such rules that were being made about out journal.Yes, I know, very cheesy and unoriginal. We made silly rules like no negativity about ourselves, CTR, venting is highly recommended, and add a thought of inspirational quote, of picture. And bam! The journal was made!

This is where I got to thinking... each of us is SO similar to one of the girls in the real Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. 
We've got our "Bridget". Our competitive one, blonde that the boys want. When she sees something she wants, she is going to get it. She loves everyone and doesn't care what you think. She's fearless and ready for a challenge. Sometimes she puts on a brave face but we know when she is hurting. She'll lean on us when needed and try to stand on her own because she knows its what she needs to do to grow. Like Bridget, she is very much out there. she puts herself out there and she may get hurt but then she knows not to do it again. She is brave for all of us.
 Next we have our "Lena". She is very responsible and almost like the mother to us all. She is steady and knows how to be an adult when needed. She is very talented and she just doesn't believe it. She is shy, but once you crack her, she's great. She very tender hearted, and just wants what's best for all of us. Like Lena, she doesn't let herself feel because she's scared of getting hurt. She thinks she is doing 100% when really it's like 1%. She is just scared of what's out there.
Then we have our classic rebel, "Tibby". She is quite the character. Her wit is so sharp it could cut you. She's extremely bright and very artistic. She, Like Tibby, tends to run when things get hard. Which I admit we all do, but her more than most. She doesn't like to let people in. She's outgoing but to a point to keep people from finding more out about her. She keeps to herself and sometimes just likes being the observer. 
Lastly, there's Carmen. In my opinion, she's the glue that holds them altogether. She wants the group to stay together until the end. She tries so hard to keep connections, and makes sure they all have they're reunions when everyone is in town and available. She what's best for everyone and sometimes forgets about herself. She hates to see change, because it is very hard on her. She loves and trusts too freely.

Yes, it seems like anyone could fit into these profiles but my friends and I are so close its scary. In myself, I see Carmen. I try so hard to keep everyone together it's become exhausting. I'm trying to hold on to the past because I don't want it to change. Maybe it's my fear of taking a leap, which I know is the next step. Sometimes we have to jump blindly and see what happens. Which I'm learning more and more every day. In a way, I'm holding myself back. We all do it, we just have to find out how to break it.

Until next time,
O

a new year, a new you.

Well everyone it's finally 2014! The time is here to get all our resolutions in order. I found this neat picture on Pinterest (of course!) but it has this list of resolutions that I thought was definitely worth sharing.

I've been trying to follow these because I  think they are a good set of goals to help improve ourselves. These goals are simple and attainable. But other goals that people might make are so far fetched that after the first week, they give up. Yes, I am guilty of that as well so I'm not pointing any fingers. But resolutions are for improving ourselves and becoming a better person then we were in the year before. I'm going to stick to the list from above and hopefully by the end of the year I will be able to say "I did it!", and get the sense of accomplishment that comes from finishing something challenging.

 A new year, a new you. Lots of people have been posting things on Instagram about their resolutions and I've really admired a friend of mine and what she has been posting. Her word for the year is: FEARLESS, and the quote that she is trying to live by is: "A head full of fears has no space for dreams". It really is true. We get so caught up in what we can't do we cancel out our own dreams. So here we go! 2014 has begun and it is time to access our dreams. No one is going to get the grades you want for you, no one is going to read the book you want to read to you, no one is going to go to the gym for you. If you don't do it, no one will. It's all you. You can do it. You're awesome.

Until next time,
- O

christmas time is here.

SANTA! I KNOW HIM!!! Well the most wonderful time of the year is about us! This has to be my favorite time of year. Not because of the presents, but because of the love that people are constantly over flowing with. People are very generous this season and it is outstanding. For Christmas Eve my family always watches Miracle on 34th Street. It is my favorite movie! That and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Linus, Lucy's brother, has a special little part in my heart. When all the children get a little too self-absorbed he takes a moment and tell the story of Jesus' birth. He shares what Christmas is really about. Which is a perfect reminder to not only the little kids but to all of us. Christmas is a time of love, giving, and out faith in others. "Faith is believing in things, when common sense tells you not to."- Fred Gailey. Believing not only in Santa Claus but believing in the love and good will of others.

2 0 1 4 HERE WE GO!

New Year's is just around to corner! Everyone is getting their resolutions in order. Which makes me think about what I want to do differently. Last year I tried doing a daily good thoughts so at the end of the year I could look back and remember all the things that were good the past year! Maybe this year I'll try again. It will be a constant reminder that there is always good in the world no matter how bad things may seem. Especially now during my first year of college. I'm already half way done, and I couldn't feel better! This was a hard semester and I'm grateful for all the lessons it has taught me. There has been lots I've learned over this past semester and over the year 2013. This year has treated me well! Lots of my friends I made over the past year are on their missions now and I do miss them dearly during this season but I'm so grateful for their example and all they have taught me throughout high school. I love them dearly and hope all their Christmases are fabulous! As I hope all of yours are too. Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Until next year,

-O

phew.

I would like to apologize from my silence last week. It was Thanksgiving as you all know and the family was in for the holidays. So I wanted to spend time with them. Even though my family is very small in numbers, it is great with love.... (Yes I realize how cheesy that was, but it is true none the less.) Anywoo, on account of Thanksgiving! I want to thank everyone out there for just being you! Now on to what this is really about.....

Yes. NETFLIX! Actually it's really about..... FINALS WEEK

 The semester has flown by, and I cannot believe it. I feel so..... unprepared and I'm freaking out a little bit. But I'm relieved as well. I'm excited for the new classes I'll be taking and the new things I will start to do. All I need to do now is conquer the beast that is finals week. I might become a hermit and never take my nose out of a book for a full two weeks as I drown myself with studying. Maybe I'll live at the library under a pile of books. But all I'm saying is I have to be totally ready.... And I am very far from that. I feel no where near being ready. But I'm praying that I will feel somewhat ready and not as terrified that I feel now. Everyone just keep a prayer in your heart for me. It would be much appreciated. Well I know this is short because I don't want to bore you with my thoughts of inadequacy. I'll leave you with a happy thought- It's been snowing and it finally looks like Christmas! 

Until next time,

-O