Counting

I took a drive today in the rain. I watched the sunset. It was peaceful and beautiful.

I realized how blessed I truly am. I have parents who love and support. I have friends who care and watch out for me. I have a testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel. I'm studying what I love. I have a roof overhead and a bed to sleep in. I can walk and see and read and hear and smell. I have a car. I have shoes to wear on my feet. I have a coat to keep me warm.

I truly am blessed.

Once In A Lifetime

I'm going to Ghana!

And I'm so excited.

When I told my dad he said I was gonna get AIDS or gonorrhea. I told him I would get neither. He's scared for me. I think he's just scared to be without me for a month. :)

I have the great opportunity to go to Ghana in May with the nursing program. We'll work in the community and a local hospital.

I've wanted to go to Africa for a long time! And now I get to go be a nurse in Africa!

I can't wait to serve the people of Ghana!

Burnt

In my 8 am class on Tuesday my pharmacology professor says "Let's talk. I can see the burn out in your eyes." My first thought was "you can see it in my eyes???"

She told us we're gonna face burnout our whole lives, especially with the career we've chosen. She told us to figure out now how to keep our stress down. She told us we need to take time for ourselves.

I did yoga that night.

It felt good. But I haven't done it since.

This semester is hard. Really hard. And busy. Really busy.

I'm burnt out.

Caved

Okay, okay, I was afraid of this happening. I couldn't stay away. I caved.

But I have decided to simplify my life a little. I'm trying really hard to be the person I know I have the potential to be. The person my Heavenly Father sees me as.

It's hard sometimes. And life gets in the way sometimes. But I've got a lot going for me.

I'm simplifying my life by using Elder Ballard's advice. I highly recommend it.

He give tips for keeping life's demands in balance. Here they are:

1. Use an eternal perspective to set priorities

-find quite time

-make a daily to do list

2. Set reasonable short-term goals

-set well balanced goals that you can reach

-write them down

3. Become financially responsible and secure

-budget wisely

-don't borrow unless necessary

4. Build close relationships with family and friends

-have gentle, loving, and thoughtful communication

-listen and have a good sense of humor

-forgive

5. Study the scriptures

-study the Book of Mormon daily; make it a lifetime pursuit

6. Rest, exercise, and relax

-schedule time on your daily calendars

-it will enhance your dignity and self-respect

7. Teach one another the gospel

-attend fhe

-teach each other the doctrines of the kingdom

8. Pray often

-pray as individuals and as a family

I hope you all had as good a Sunday as I did!

Simplify

I need to simplify my life.

So I'm taking a blogging break. And a facebook break. Indefinitely.

I will miss you all.

Shout Out

This is a shout out to the people who gave me life! They are fantastic and inspirational. Seriously.

Dear parents,

I love you. Thank you for all that you do for me. I wouldn't be able to be a nurse without you. And I appreciate that so much! You do so much for me. I don't know how I will ever repay you. Thank you for being the best parents in the world! I am who I am today because of you. You have taught me so much. You are both my hero and I hope that I can grow up to be just like you! I love you so much!

Love,

Your baby doll and pumpkin'

Cross Your Fingers

I have an interview on Monday to spend a month here next summer!

I'm nervous.

Wish me luck!

P.S. this is gonna be awesome!