Don't ever grow up.

As I was sitting in church today, my attention was briefly drawn to two boys sitting in the row in front of me. Their dad was called as Bishop last week, and I could see him with an almost strained smile when he would look at them. It was sortof adorable in a disruptive way, if you know what I mean. During prayer, they were whispering and giggling, and at one point, the younger of the two boys shoved his socked foot into his brothers face, laughing obnoxiously. At this point, their mother sat in between them.
This sorta got me thinking. These boys are both under 10. They have little to no worries in their lives. And for about an hour, I was envious of their innocence and young age. My life ain't a cake-walk. It's not super easy. It's sure as heck confusing. And the stress of school sometimes makes me want to weep and then die.
But I digress.
This isn't the first time I've wished I hadn't grown up. Come on. Who hasn't wished that? It was easy. You didn't worry about your acne, your waistline, your hair color. You didn't worry about having a boyfriend. You didn't have drama with other girls. It was just...easy.
After thinking about this for a minute, I realized that, maybe I'm glad I grew up. All of the stress and drama aside, being "grown up" is pretty great. Boys are getting to be mature. Lemme tell ya, that's fabulous. ;) I have a job. I'm going to college. I have freedoms. I can govern myself. I can BE myself. I mean, even though life is kinda hard, it's pretty dang fabulous. Sure, there are things that I sorta wish I could change. But there are somethings I wouldn't give up for anything, not even a stress free life.

Anyone who's anyone(just kidding), will know the Taylor Swift song "Never Grow Up". Whenever I hear this song, I think of my 3 year old sister. She is so young, so innocent, so flippin adorable, that it kills me to think of her going through the stress and heartbreak of being older. But, since growing up is inevitable, I want to be an example. The epitome of success. I want to show her that you can make it through. Ya know? I want to show her that, although I don't want her to grow up, that it isn't so bad. That you can make it through. Because getting to that end goal? Yeah, that's gonna be awesome. I mean, we're all gonna meet that special someone, and begin your life with them. And then you'll retire with that someone. And you'll die with that someone.
AND-- every struggle and trial makes you a stronger and better person.

Magically wonderful things

This is about the time that I get on here to complain about stuff. However, you're all in for a treat. Instead of complaining, I'm going to tell you about some magically wonderful things.

I start my story/list/reminiscing/whateveryouwanttocallit 15 days ago.
Sunday: I board a plane and fly to Vegas, where I see Rebekah, whom I had never met. It was super exciting. We stayed up til 3 am-ish playing bowling. We were super hyper and obnoxious and it was wonderful.
Monday: We went to the hoover dam, the wax museum, we bought $20 of candy at a candy store, rode gondolas, went to Phantom of the Opera, went to dinner at 1 am, got the black plague on our feet, and it was just amazing. I can not express how fabulous this day was. It was pure bliss and wonderfulness. Take your best day with your best friend and you have an inkling of this day.
Tuesday: I arrived at Elevation. I missed Beka. This begins my 5 days of emotional stress. I was the photographer. Although this week was fun, it was hard.
Wednesday: This was challenge day. I didn't talk for a whole hour to challenge myself. I watched my friends in emotional and physical pain.
Thursday: Nothing exciting.
Friday: Nothing exciting.
Saturday: Elevation ends. I was tired. I saw Rebekah and instantly got hyper. We drove to the airport and Layne picked me up. I went to her house, showered(i love showers after Elevation, although the water runs off brown), went out to eat, and watched an episode of psych on the floor of the brown room, snuggling with a large teddy bear.
Sunday: I went to church, took a nap, then went to the Lamb of God, which was beautiful. Theeennn it gets good. As soon as the Lamb of God is over, Layne's older sister and I head to the bus station to pick up Casey, whom I haven't seen in a year. I wanted to cry. We ate dinner, and then walked around the temple, talking. When Layne got home, we walked around the temple again. Then we all decided sleep was a good idea.
Monday: We left by 8:30 to get to Elevation. The drive itself was pretty great. We got split into pods, and we did our deals.
Tuesday: Challenge day. Let's just say that I rock climbed twice, rappelled, and ascended, among other things. I was proud.
Wednesday: Simulation. Service Project. Stuff.
Thursday: Solo time for 3 hours. It was awesome.
Friday: We left Elevation. And we went to the strip. And got slushies at 7 11. And we watched psych til 4 am. And it was beyond words, one of the best nights of my life. I'll spare you the details for multiple reasons.
Saturday: I had to watch one of my best friends, Casey, leave. I don't know how long it will be til I see him again. I wept. A lot. Layne and I went hiking to clear our minds, took a nap upon our return home(Yes, I consider her house my home...one of them), and then went to the Stratosphere. Lemme tell you, it was awesome.
Sunday: I left. I wept. I came home, and napped. I sulked.


I have a lot of things I could say. There are a lot of things I *want* to say. However, I don't know how. So, you'll have to make yourself content with this pathetic excuse for a post.

Au revoir.