I am a dog person

Did you know you can walk about 8 laps on a track within an hour while catching up with a good friend? Yep. Just happened.

I come home and leave home constantly. My parents have these two dogs. One is a golden retriever named Lucy. One is a border collie/whippet/etc. mix named Chloe (no relation to my friend from Seaside). Chloe, the dog, is very submissive and constantly in your face due to her own oddly formed habits. Lucy is more laid back. However, whenever I come home, I take Lucy on one walk and she is my shadow for the rest of time. It's endearing actually.

Have you ever been close to an animal?

I've been close to many... growing up I was in the 4-H program. Actually, before that, we've had pets my entire life. It started with cats and dogs, a few fish and even a reptile in the mix, and "Animal Planet", as Joyce so lightly calls it, began when I was 9. We went out to this farm to bring home my newest adventure in 4-H: poultry. I wanted ducks. Well, I wanted ducklings. But it's very hard to find ducklings in the fall. I found ducks, and even some chickens and ever since we've had the yard full. I constantly go back through old photos my dad has shot and saved and you see me in the yard with chickens on my shoulders, hands, and head, or surrounded with a herd of goats leaving me unable to move without taking a goat out with me. There were days where I would sit out on the lawn for hours just holding a rabbit. Heck, when it snowed feet during the winter, I made a snow cave and watched the rabbit live in it. They were some of my best friends.

The connection that we as human beings can share with the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air are sort of unbelievable until you've experienced them. A great, classic example are of horses and their riders. They prove over and over again of the bond and team created in rodeo events. Think of dogs winning obedience competitions - they must like their owners.

I watched "Secretariat" tonight... one movie out of 8 hours of media (I've discovered I really dislike Saturdays; I can never find something to keep me busy all day long). I am a sucker for inspirational stories between an animal and a human being. Does that make me a sap? At least I am comfortable with the field I chose to pursue.

Anyway, I'm here sitting in bed and as I look down, Lucy is asleep, growling at something in her dream. She thinks I'm her best friend. Cute. Oh by the way, she's the dog in my header.

Happy Independence Day, America

A year ago, I was in another state, with another family, doing another activity. I found myself in front of the Idaho Falls temple watching the crowd grow.

We set up only to move an hour or so later. And best friend Boy was trying to give me sass. :)

The things I put up with last year...

This year was much quieter. It's on a Sunday. I bore my testimony. We had a family BBQ at a good friend's house in town and I got to see the bunny, Doug! Doug used to live with us and was our guard rabbit. Our garage is not safe anymore. Now he's living the life of luxury.

Vicious, I know.

I got to thinking about last summer, too. By this time last year, I had already gone out to Rexburg twice since being back from winter semester. First time, I flew. Second, I drove. I remember back to all of the memories I created with all these friends that I've grown to love along the way.

July 4th has always been my favorite holiday. For whatever reason; the warm summer weather and the bringing together of a nation, incredible fireworks and shows, or yummy BBQs. This year, I'm in my bed with best friend Dog by my side; writing letters and staying up late to the blasts of power off in the distance that keep me happy.

Happy Independence Day, America!

recent thoughts.

It's funny to think how different people can be. How you think you may start to know someone and then suddenly they dish out something new. How no matter how close you're getting, you really aren't making any progress. How, once you think someone is lifting you up, you think they will be that way forever. Unfortunately, people aren't constant. People are human.

I look at my friends and when they tell me things quite personal to their emotions, I think to myself "what have I done to deserve such trust?" One of the best things, one of the most sure things to make me smile, is to have someone come to me and trust me enough to let me in. To let me know just a little bit about their heart and who they are deep down inside. Some people show up out of nowhere and all I can think to myself is "you are here to bless my life, somehow, someway".

I believe that everything that happens does happen for a reason. The people you room with, the people you grew up with, the family members you have, the students in your class, the schmo on the street passing you by, they all are there for a reason. Whether or not you see it, they've changed you. That girl that walked past you and avoided eye contact was there for a reason. Maybe she needed you to bless her life, and in turn would warm your heart inside. Maybe that boy that holds the door open for you to walk out of the chilled wind will someday be your best friend, and your paths will cross again. The possibilities are endless.

Although, a lot of times, I think I'm overthinking things. I might be. I probably am, but my hope doesn't die. Everyone that I co-exist with is important to me. They are all children of our same Heavenly Father. If He loves them, why shouldn't we? Shouldn't we be honest and sincere with all our fellow men? Shouldn't we take an interest in their lives, even just for a split second? Shouldn't we make sure everyone in the room feels included?

Unfortunately, not everyone acts that way. Everyone has different perspectives and because of this, they act differently. Sometimes we feel so attached to someone that we feel they complete us. We don't want to let go even for a millisecond because they keep us breathing. But the truth is, we have to. We won't progress unless we take risks. I learned this the hard way. My best friend baptized me into a brand new life, and left one month later. I found a new best friend, and he left a year later. I'm finally standing on my own. I had to; the Lord comes first.

Now as I look around, I see the people that I encounter everyday. I see the 5+ boys in accounting that never fail to make me laugh. I see the boy and 3 girls that always make me smile in New Testament. I see the 3 boys in chemistry that keep me sane when the microscopic world doesn't make sense. I see the girl in animal science that keeps me motivated. I see the girl in agriculture orientation that inspires me to be the best I can be. I see the people who are willing to save some time for me and make me feel included. I see the best friends that I have grown to love. And I see in my heart the friends that aren't physically present, but that I know will always have a place in my heart.

I have a sign up on my wall that reads "Wherever you are, it is your friends who make your world". I have always believed your friends reflect who you are. Our parents were right to teach us "choose your friends wisely" throughout the years; there was a reason for this. There's always a reason. It happened for a reason. Do we know? Not necessarily. Will we ever know? Yes. When? The Lord will reveal these things to us when He sees fit. Trust in Him. And have hope.

Hope will get you through anything.

Parental Visit

I'm so grateful that I was able to have my parents come out to school and visit me for the weekend! They arrived up here Saturday night after a crazy evening and I just said goodbye to them. I cried, but don't tell them that.

So, to tell the crazy story a little bit, throughout the day on Saturday I would get updates telling me where they were. They were making great time in that new little RAV4. About 6:30, I got a call from a number I didn't recognize. I answered and it was my mom. I was really confused, because it was a 208 number. She doesn't know anyone in Idaho except Rexburg students, or so I thought. It turns out she was calling from a pay phone. A little bit about this brand new Toyota technology: most of the new models have this thing called a smart key, where as long as the "key" is 3 feet from the car, you can unlock it and start the car without a hard key; you press buttons. Without that "key", the car won't respond at all. Well, while at a rest stop, that "key" got lost after exiting and locking the car. Luckily, they had money to use the pay phone and to call AAA and me. I was on the phone for the next half an hour or so trying to figure out where there was a Toyota dealership still open. Found one in Pocatello, so we had the RAV4 towed there. I made the trip down to Pocatello to pick up my parents and we left the RAV at the dealership. Today, we found out that the "impossible task" of reprogramming a key to the computer of the car is possible, and were able to pick it up today. I made two trips down to Pocatello in 3 days.

Also, while I was on the phone calling dealerships on Saturday, I had forgot about the grilled cheese I was making. When I walked out of the room, my roommates shared a story with me about how the bread and cheese were burning so bad that they were waving the pan around outside to cool off the now black toast. I didn't eat that night.

Anyway, my dad snapped a few pictures while they were here. I have other pictures on my camera which I haven't uploaded yet and I think my parents have even more on their camera that haven't been uploaded yet, either. Here's our Sunday:

Driving around, my dad snapped a shot of the temple. it's such a cool picture because if you look to the right of the temple, there's a white steeple, and down the road, there's another. It's artsy.

My mom could barely pick me up. But I still love this picture.

"Look at the cool bark!"

The apartment. Been here since September and finally get to leave it in less than 3 weeks.

Henry's Fork at Beaver Dick park.

Geoff performed "Come Thou Fount" for us. It was absolutely beautiful and brought such a comforting spirit.

Trish's artwork before Geoff's performance.

The kids. I won't post the pictures after I was kicked and spit on. And I think Trish tried to bite me, too. I love my friends. :)

It's been a great year at school. I still have 2 weeks and a couple days to go, but I am ready to go home. Now it's just up to me to make the best of my final weeks here before heading off to the heartland. I'm going to miss my friends so much, but I know our paths will cross again. 

Friendship

No matter where life takes us, no matter what happens between us, and no matter what connections are made or unfastened, I'm always here. I promise; you have my word.

Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world.

(3 Nephi 18:24)

Next Time

It was a nice little escape to Utah this weekend. Whit and I went down on Friday night and spent the evening with two of her friends, then Saturday we spent the day with my friend Alicia and drove home tonight. It was interesting. And what I mean by interesting, is that it wasn't as fulfilling as it should have been, I think. Friday night was a lot of fun. I was in that state where I'm so mentally exhausted I basically lose control of my mouth. While it's not inappropriate at all, I just become very loud and obnoxious. Whit's two friends probably thought I was crazy; poor boys. Saturday was a lot of fun, too. Whit's family that we stayed with were so nice and I got a workout of it, too. We drove to see Alicia and made excellent cookies and saw "Leap Year". Very, very cute movie. As we were about to leave, my heart felt heavy. It was bad. Something was off, and I couldn't figure out what. While it was snowing fairly hard and it would be dark in an hour or so, it didn't feel like we wouldn't make it home safe, but rather someone else may need our help; my help even. I texted a few friends and while I still don't really know why my heart was so heavy, I'm okay. We made it home and I'm really excited about tomorrow's dinner that I'm making. I hope my guests approve. Little do they know, this is my first time making these foods! Good thing I have a phone-a-friend. Anyway, while I think I missed an opportunity to help someone down in Utah, I have full faith that Father will take care of them through someone else. He's good like that.

And since it's Spring Forward tonight, I need to sleep. I wonder how many people will be late for sacrament...?

Service & Love

He's on my mind a lot these days. I don't think I could be more hopeless if I tried. But I know if I focus, everything will play out in happiness.

I missed my best friend today. I walked by his old apartment complex. I couldn't control myself; I burst into a smile that could extend forever. I remember laying on our backs on the stone hard concrete in the middle of his parking lot, staring at the perfect blue summer sky as the wispy white clouds floated by. I remember standing on his balcony, waiting for innocent bystanders to walk by only to pelt them with poorly tied water balloons. I remember getting into that shared car week after week, day after day, only to be taken somewhere better. I remember walking him to the bottom of his stairs after basketball games and saying bye, just for a moment, as returning home would just ensure him to be chasing right after me. I remember wishing for thick rain so I could fulfill a dream, but never being satisfied. I remember his roommates and the friendships in that apartment that I miss so much. I remember so much more, and I just wished he could've been right there with me. I wished I could've turned to my left, catch his eye and say "We had fun, didn't we?". He would reply after a short pause, exhaling gently, looking around and remembering the exact same things, only to say "We had a lot of fun". Then we'd be caught in a moment; that best friend moment where our minds were in unison. Then being the romantic I am, I would probably shove him gently and run away, hoping, knowing, he would come right after me.

It's hard to find a love like that. I found him my first week of college. I found my best friend. He's always been my support and foundation, and I have always been that for him. I couldn't be more proud of him if I tried. Alaska doesn't know what a catch they have.

Love you, too, Dear.

Those I've Loved

Thank you to all of those that have crossed my path and have accepted a piece of my heart.

Those I've Loved

Eric Church

I remember waitin’ by the curb with Mr. Murphy
When daddy picked me up from school his eyes were red
We drove to the hospital in a hurry
Where my family gathered round my Grandpa’s bed
He was my best friend
He taught me how to fish
And I cried listenin to my daddy pray
For one of those I’ve loved along the way

She had a ribbon in her hair the day I met her
That whole next year we couldn’t get enough
And after graduation she took off for Denver
And for awhile we both tried to keep in touch
She was my best friend
And it broke my heart
But I don’t regret the day that she became
One of those I’ve loved along the way

And I hope they know
I never woulda made it this far on my own
Where would we all be without those
Fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers
The friends I’ve made, the long lost lovers
I wouldn’t be who I am today
If not for those I’ve loved along the way
Along the way

Now I’m just a country boy with a guitar
Lookin’ back down this old road I’ve been travelin’ on
It was never about tryin’ to be some big star
For me it’s always been about these songs
You see they’re my best friends
They’re the life I live
And I hope they put a smile on the face
Of those that I’ve loved along the way
‘Cause I wouldn’t be the man I am today
If not for those I’ve loved along the way