change

It can be frustrating.

Good. Bad. Sad. Annoying. Delightful. Heart wrenching. Joyful. [Etc.]

Generally though, I think it tends to be on the bad side. At least, when we hear the word "change" we immediately associate it with a bad connotation. Why? Because we want consistency in our lives, right?

"The most constant thing is change." - President Monson

Pretty smart guy, I think. This sentence seems ironic - change? Well, wouldn't that be the exact opposite of constant? Paradox, my friends.

Change really IS the only thing we can depend on in this life. Because no matter what, time will keep going, the day will turn to night, people will move on, your house will sell, you'll get married, etc. etc. So why do we shy away from change? Life IS change.

But change is different. Change is not comfortable. Change can be hard. Change takes us out of that wonderful bubble, that glorious circle of safety we've been rooted in for who knows how long - a week? A year? Our whole lives? No matter how much we say we accept change and like it, it's always going to be an adjustment. It might be hard. We might be scared.

Change is frightening.

We'd also be nowhere without it.

So I'm grateful for change. Because I'm grateful for progression. I grateful for the things I learn from every experience I have. Comfort does nothing for me.

Change?

Well, it changes me.

smart = fun

So in my AP Lit class we've now had a few discussions on the awesomeness of smart people. Confused? Let me explain.

Basically, life is more enjoyable when you're intelligent. I'm so grateful I have super duper hilarious friends. Friends that are CLEVER and use WIT - not just stupid jokes that any old bloke can rattle off. My wonderfully BRILLIANT AP Lit teacher (more stories to come, I'm sure... she's full of them) was explaining how things are better with intellect. For example, you understand irony and puns, not just sarcasm. You also tend to understand more historical and pop culture references (just for the record, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore from ABC Family's Gilmore Girls are the epitome of this smart/fun-ness, so go watch them).

Let me give you an example. The other day I was sitting in Prostart (Foods) and my table and I were having a discussion about meat and the likes. So I say, "Go read The Jungle by Upton Sinclair!" Then I start laughing because it's pretty funny. Everyone on my table just stares. They're not stupid, really. It just... they aren't on the AP track (which is what my teacher, Mrs. Woolsey was trying to point out- AP students get that kind of stuff [though now that I think about it, one guy at that table was actually in AP US History with me last year...hmmm]).

So after this happens I text my friend Kendra who's over in yearbook (see Friend-Who-Knows-You-In-Your-Silliness) and I tell her the joke and she thinks it's pretty funny. And that's when I say to myself, "I'm so glad my friends are [insert awesome adjective here]."

The end.

tick and tock

I like this:


And this:


And I definitely like this:


If I had all the time in the world (which, unfortunately, I don't... it always escapes me when most needed), I would probably go dance in the rain. And I'd make fancy cupcakes that look as delicious as that one. And I'd get dressed up and make a boy smell a flower or something.

But hey, that's the problem, right? Where does this time go? There's always a million things I feel like I should do. I even wrote a list on the mirror in my bedroom about a month ago - just a few things that need doing. And I've been able to cross off one since then. Just one.

So when I DON'T have time, my mind goes insane and all these things fly around in there just begging to have some of my time. Like really, I should probably hang those pictures in my room that have been sitting around for over a year. And honestly, I should finish the birthday present for my best friend who's birthday was in April.

April, my friends. As in 6 months ago.

And then suddenly I'll find myself with an hour here and there to do something, but I don't accomplish what I should. I typically end up on facebook or (cough cough) blog stalking. Which is fun, and I don't believe these things are of the devil or anything... but seriously? They just suck away time.

It's my senior year. I really should enjoy my time here with my family all I can before I move out. And it's Autumn. I should go on a slow walk in a scarf and a jacket, and just take in all the beautiful leaves, the lovely Fall air. I could carve a pumpkin. Play the piano. Paint a picture. Do my homework (nah). Apply for college. Write a letter. Go on a picnic.

*sigh*

...Time. I don't think I'll ever catch it.

oh so...

Happy.


Giggly.


Smiley.


Tired.


Satisfied.


Joyful.



What's your oh so today? :)

some thoughts

I feel the need to write a blog post. I do not, however, have a specific purpose or theme in this post. So bare with me. My thoughts may be a little scatter-brained.

Here's this great drawing I found:


Isn't it cute? Yes, I think so.



I have a testimony of Patriarchal Blessings! Go read yours - right now. Because it'll probably (definitely) tell you something you need to know. I read it again last night (it had been too long since the last time), and a couple things jumped out at me. Things only I need to hear. It's your own personal scripture, folks!

And relating to that (in a very roundabout way you probably won't understand), here is some architecture to enjoy!



I love art history. Like really. The name of this particular French castle is Chenonceau Chateau and resides in the Loire Valley. Fun history - during WWI, it was used as a French hospital. And during WWII, that river the castle is built over was the border from country in German possession to that in French possession. People would cross through the castle all the time and reach safety. Cool, huh?

I think so.

My last random thought: the piano. How awesome is it?!



You know, when I first started learning to play I was like every other child. I threw fits and flopped and fumbled and became frustrated like you wouldn't believe. I honestly have no idea when my whole mentality changed. One day I just realized how much I adore this beautiful instrument. It's truly amazing. I love the sounds it creates - the exquisite lullabies, the dramatic chords. So much versatility in one box. One lovely, beautiful, magical box. I love sitting down at the bench on a Saturday afternoon, and having Trina join me as we sing Broadway or Church music. Hymns. I love playing those on the rare Sunday mornings I'm ready for Church early. I love that when I'm in a bad mood, I can stomp into our beloved piano room and begin playing with too much enthusiasm. Pounding out songs is therapy like you wouldn't believe. I'm not that great on the piano. Like I said, I haven't always loved it, and that stopped me from reaching my full potential on that instrument. I'll never be a Samantha Bunderson.

But you know what?

I'm fine with that. Because the piano can still be mine. In those moments when I sit down at the keys and my fingers travel back and forth across the black and white, that piano is just for me. A bit a heaven, you could say.

...So I guess that's it. Also (last thing for real this time), Fall is here. Officially. It's been drizzling rain on and off and I love it.


Over and out.