The Thankful Project

Ever heard of the Happiness Project? It's a good read. But I thought I would do my own little twist on something similar. It's called the Thankful Project, where I post every day for this month things that I'm thankful for. It's all over Facebook, so I guess I can't take any credit for coming up with this brilliant idea. But I thought I'd hop on the bandwagon and join, and make up for my zero posts in October. (Shame on me)

Day 1- Today I am thankful for:

"No shave November." Facial hair is hot. (in most cases)

And to prove it:

See?

best advice.

"Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great purpose in heart."

-Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

I really needed this today.

P.S.

Just in case you were dying to know... I got the job.
I work at a law firm where I help people apply for social security disability. super easy, super boring, but also super interesting. sometimes i get the crazies that call in, those are fun. thank goodness i'm somewhat entertained by them, otherwise being on the phone for 8 hours a day would probably kill me.
I'll leave you with this goody:

one of my co-workers thought through the whole phone call that she was talking to a woman. when she asked what their maiden name was the man responded,

"You think I'm a woman?! No! I'm a MALE! and he spells it out, M-A-Y-L!"

i love people.

this is just a taste, but it's the little things like this that make me laugh and brighten my day.

On a more serious note:

I am SO grateful that i have the ability to work and to keep a job. I'm grateful that I have a perfectly working and able body, that i might take for granted sometimes. I know in this day and age most people hate their bodies if they're not a size two. But just think about the people who are crippled, can't walk, are in constant pain, and are unable to work because of it. Also, I'm grateful that I am mentally stable. the stories that i hear from people who are schizophrenic are horrifying. I would hate living in constant fear that someone was out to get me, or that demons would come out every night. my heart literally aches for all these people. Last, I'm grateful for this job, to remind me that I should be so grateful for the body and mind that God has blessed me with, and all that I am able to do. So the next time I want to complain about my weight or something lame like that, I think about those people who would give anything to have my able and working body.

that's awkward.

according to my family, apparently everything is awkward for me. they'll hear me say, "that's awkward." or "this makes me feel uncomfortable" a lot.

so just to humor them, i've compiled a list of awkward situations i've been in or have witnessed.

-one day at the temple, it was super busy and the temple workers were trying to keep every one in line and organized. anyway, this hispanic guy looks pretty confused and not sure where he's supposed to be, so the temple worker calls out, "Oh Senor! Hermano!" to which the guy replies, "Yeaaah. I don't speak spanish." aaaawkward.
-i'm fidgeting with my key trying to get the garage door unlocked, and i can't figure out why it won't turn. after about 2 minutes, i realized i was using my car key. it wouldn't have been awkward if the neighbors hadn't been watching the whole time.
-going out to lunch with my 15 year old brother and the waiter assumes we're on a date. awkward.
-some dude totally showing off on his cheap bike, pulls a wheelie not noticing the huge pothole in front of him, he crashed and buuuurned. sorry bud, saw the whole thing! more embarrassing than awkward.
-First kiss... i won't give the deets, just think super awkward.
-falling down a flight of stairs in front of all my friends, and creeper that happened to be there asks if i need a full-body massage after that. being totally serious. awkward and uncomfortable. vim. (vomit in my mouth)
-waving back to someone who's waving at the person behind you. and trying to cover it up by playing with your hair... awkward.
-At Gold's Gym, i pick the treadmill that's isolated in the corner with nobody around. and OF COURSE some guy has to use the machine right next to mine when there's a million others to choose from. not only that, but i can tell from my peripheral vision that he's eyeing me from head to toe. Like, do you like what you see, or are you just a perv?! quit the creepy stares. awkward and uncomfortable.
(and dear future husband, i won't meet you at the gym. so don't look for me there. maybe at the library though, that's cute. or maybe we'll meet as we're both being interviewed for that position at a law firm tomorrow. kind of like 500 days of summer. yeah, i like that. but only if i get the job. because i probably need it more than you.)
-talking to my future husband through my blog. awkward..
......................................................
coming up:
will I get the job that I have an interview for?
will i meet my husband there? (joke.)

all of this and more! next time.

fiiiiiinally.

So... I'm moving to Provo tomorrow.

Well, actually in 12 hours.

..never thought I'd say that, but I'm excited to see what P-town has in store for me. (hopefully high rolling job opportunities or cute boys. or both.)

Laurel's Reviews:

Critics critique movies, I critique everything.

• So.. remember my last post when I said I wanted a car that didn't sound like it was going to blow up every time I started it? Well, lucky for me- cause I found another one! And it's allll mine, tomorrow! It's an '05 Dodge Neon. Super cute. It definitely spoke to me when I took it for a little spin, and I knew I had to buy it. I haven't had a lot of time to really know what it's like, but what I do know is it's cute, has low monthly payments, runs like a beast, insurance is cheap, AAAND it's not bright green. 5 stars.


• Fat Hair Thickening Creme- Okay this stuff is amazing. You're talking to the girl who has the thinnest hair known to man (that's a fact), and this stuff bumps it up like none other. It only works if you blow dry your hair after applying it. My hair has never been this voluptuous before, I kinda like it! Although, if you don't rub it in good enough, it gets real sticky. 4 stars.


• The song "Sweetness in Starlight" by Matt Wertz. Or just any song by him. He's a lyrical genius, and I'm pretty sure I have a crush on him. Definitely 5 stars.


• X-Men. So, I heard a lot of people didn't like it, but I went anyway. Can I tell you a little story first? Okay. So I'm driving around on a Saturday night, pretty bored because it's Idaho Falls, obviously not a lot to do. I drive past the movie theater and I think, "I kinda want to see a movie." I'm alone, I didn't want to call anyone at the last minute to come with me, so I just went by myself.. on a Saturday night.. and it was awesome. I don't need an entourage of people to look cool! I'm going on dates with myself more often! Anyway, I thought it was really good. Makes me wish like I was one of those chosen people with the ability to read minds and stuff. 4 stars. (along those same lines, Ryan Reynolds was super delicious in Green Lantern.)


• Last, but not least. I bit the bullet and got my hair cut. I really didn't want to, but I definitely needed a change or something. And my sister's in Beauty School so I get wicked awesome discounts. She put blonde highlights and cut my hair in an A-Line. 7 inches gone! Gasp! I don't really like it. 2 stars.
  
  
  
  Psych! 5 stars! I love it.

Eat your heart out, Victoria Beckam!

WANTED:

a cute pair of white jeans. (and a body to go with it.. )

tannish-yellow knee high boots.

tickets to see katy perry in july.

a new hairstyle.

a gym membership when i move to provo... (in less than two weeks!)

reebok zigtech gym shoes (preferably in the hot pink color)

this swimming suit.

and a car that doesn't sound like it's going to blow up. (thanks for taking such good care of it, sis..)

that's all.

oh wait. a job to pay for all of this.

50 things you didn't care to know.

sometimes i get bored, and when i get bored i usually blog. and when i have nothing to blog about, i make lists. of nothing that matters. so here it is; because i'm bored and i have nothing to blog about, 50 things you didn't care to know about me, that i shared anyway.

1. the fourth of july is my favorite holiday. probably has a lot to do with my upbringing in idaho falls.. holla!


2. i hate listening to a recording of my voice. do i really sound like that?!


3. purple and green together are my favorite colors. but i don't really like them separately.


4. judging my past blog posts, apparently i like making lists.


5. autumn is my favorite time of year


6. v-necks have the ability to make a guy 10x hotter. unless he has excessive chest hair, then it's just gross.


7. along those lines; glasses are very attractive on men.


8. also, tight jeans ( but not joe jonas tight)


9. and zac efron looking hair.


10. i don't like lima beans.


11. but i'm not a picky eater.


12. michael g. scott was and will always be my favorite tv character. ("that's what she said.." okay. that didn't apply.)


13. i'm very flexible. i feel like i should have been a gymnist or something.


14. blonde is my natural hair color, but you know what? brunette's have more fun.


15. two places i must visit before i die- venice & rio.


16. i like spanish.


17. yo no se porque, pero i can't stand reba mcentire.


18. i also like spanglish. :]


19. i'm addicted to playing freecell.


20. i hate the taste of coke and pepsi.


21. i prefer water, with a lemon if available.


22. yo amo comida mexicano! (i love mexican food)


23. the food network is pretty much the only thing i watch on tv.


24. jamba juice popsicles are so amazing. check them out at your local walmart supercenter. you'll be glad you did. seriously.


25. apparently i like talking about food.


26. i could spend a whole day at a bookstore without getting bored.


27. i love learning and studying about the gospel. there's so much to learn!


28. i love little kids and elderly people.


29. my favorite job was taking care of an old man with Alzheimer's. Good ole' Evan was the bomb.


30. but i know that being a mom will be the best job ever. [insert your aww's here]


31. i've recently been diagnosed with the bieber fever, and i'm totally okay with it.


32. i just like his music though.


33. and only when i'm working out.


34. i think rajon rondo is hot.


35. I used to think kyle korver was hot, but now i'm starting to realize that he looks like a dinosaur.


36. one time, while sitting courtside at a jazz game, i put my hand out for d-will to smack it, and he totally denied me. on national television. & everyone saw.


37. i can throw with both my right and left hand.


38. i like reading instructions in spanish and pretending that i understand every word.


39. i'm a terrible liar. which is pretty frustrating when i'm playing a game of b.s.


40. i love the smell of homemade bread.


41. i will always love the boybands of the 1990's. ie: nsync, backstreetboys, 5ive, lfo, o-town, 98 degrees. the goods.


42. i don't like to text. i'd rather talk on the phone or skype.


43. grocery shopping is one of my favorite things to do.. when i have money.


44. i miss living in logan.


45. i'm not big into reality tv.


46. i hated high school


47. i love college


48. katy perry's california girls is my jam.. & i'm not even a cali girl.


49. pretty much anything katy perry is my jam, though.


50. my dream car? ohh just a range rover. hotttt.

i'm still bored..

Q's & A's

Question: Oh hey, Laurel. You've been home for almost a month, what have you been doing?

Answer: Ohh just a whole lot of nothing! Joking, but really. I've been on a bunch of dates, decided to venture off to Phoenix for a while, which is where I am now, and I'm thinking about moving to Provo, actually.

Question: PROVO?! I thought you hated that place?

Answer: You bring up a valid point. I did hate Provo. But after getting a little taste of it at the MTC, I've grown to love it.
Question: Interesting. So, what? Are you going to apply to BYU?

Answer: ¿Porque no? Mostly, my first priority would be to find a job, then school. I still have a year and a half left on my two year leave of absence that I applied for.
Question: So, what's the weather like in Phoenix?

Answer: Pretty much amazing. It's okay to be jealous that I was laying by the pool today, and that I'll probably do the same tomorrow.

Question: How are you feeling since you left the MTC? What are your thoughts?

Answer: I'm not going to lie, it's been pretty rough. Today was actually the day I would have arrived in Houston. I'm sad I won't be able to experience that kind of mission, but I can always be a missionary, and I know things will work out for me here. I am really excited for my district though, they're going to be amazing missionaries.
Question: Why haven't you posted any pictures of your district or companion yet?
Answer: Probably because I've been lazy. I'm kidding, stop judging.

Here they are:

My companion, Hermana Moser, and me.

My district. This picture explains us perfectly. I was always laughing, my companion was such a goof, Hermana Archbold is always smiling, Not sure what Hermana Mathews is doing, and the Elders are just dorks. I love them all.

A failed attempt at a jumping picture with my zone.

Change of Plans..

After many tears, fasting, and prayer, I ended up back at home. .... I'm still trying to cope with everything, and it's been really hard for me to leave the MTC, but I knew it was what I needed to do, here's why: My Third Week at the MTC- I woke up from a strange dream. I was at home greeting my older brother who just returned from his mission, which I thought was weird because I wouldn't get home for another 7 months after he got home. I thought when I woke up, maybe something is wrong with my family, that both of us would be home? I tried to ignore the feelings and thoughts that were going through my mind, because it was just dream. Well, it happened to be my preparation day so we all went to the Temple. During the whole duration of the Temple session, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I was so worried about my family, and hoping that everything was alright. I sent my mom and email asking if anything was going on, and if everyone was safe, she responded the next day and told me everything was fine. So that was a relief, however I still had so many thoughts that came to mind like, "Why was I home before my brother?" and then another thought, "Do I need to be home?" And immediately after that thought came into my head I tried to get it out. I didn't even want to think about coming home, because I loved SO much what I was doing and where I was. Sure, it's hard. Sure, you have little communication from family and friends, but I loved every minute of it. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be learning in such an environment where you had no worldly influences around to distract you. You were completely dedicated to the work, and the Spirit there is incredible. So I ignored that thought. The next day I still felt so strange, so I got on my knees and prayed like I've never prayed before, asking, "Do I need to be home?" And I can't even describe to you the way I felt after I prayed. You read in the Scriptures how if you pray for something that is right you'll feel a burning in your bosom, something like that. Never in my life have I experienced that burning before, until then. I seriously felt like there was a fire going on inside of me. I was overwhelmed with peace, comfort, and warmth, rather than the confusion I was feeling before. It took a minute for me to register everything, and being the emotional wreck that I am, started to cry because I already knew what my answer was, and it wasn't what I wanted.. at all. I didn't want to jump into anything just then, so for the next week I fasted every other day, prayed more than I've ever prayed before, attended the temple every week, and did everything I could so that maybe I'd get a different answer. It never came. I talked to all of my leaders, teachers, and other missionaries in my zone. My Coordinating Sister shared with me experiences where she had three friends who all had promptings to go home, and everything worked out for them as they obeyed the prompting. They all soon found out why they were prompted to go home, and were so grateful they listened. She then told me that I needed to follow what I knew was right. My teachers told me the same thing. They trusted me, and knew that I didn't just want to go home because it was too hard or I missed my family and wanted to be home with them. They truly felt that the right thing for me to do was to trust in the Lord, and do whatever he asks. I talked to the District President, he talked to my parents, and trusted that I would make the right decision. To make a long story a little shorter, this whole process went on for about 3 weeks. I was able to talk with my parents on the phone, and they told me to wait it out until the end of the MTC, and see if anything would change. I agreed, mostly because I realllly wanted to stay, and I knew that's what my parents wanted me to do too. Although, I felt guilty knowing then that I needed to go home. But the next day I get a letter from my parents saying that they have been thinking, praying, and pondering about my situation and what I needed to do, and came to conclusion that if I knew exactly what I needed to do, I needed to do it. The Lord works in mysterious ways, and we don't always understand the 'why' at first, but you just have to put all of your trust in the Lord, that by obeying Him you will be blessed. So, when my parents got home from their vacation they came to pick me up. And here I am. Embarrassed to be home, mostly because I worry too much about what people think, and I know a lot of them will talk and make up their own assumptions of why I cam home. It's been so hard for me to cope with this. I've been through a lot of difficult trials in my life, but this one is by far the hardest. I've never wanted something so much, just to find out a month later that the Lord has different plans for me. I don't know what His plans are, but his ways are higher than mine. I put my complete trust in Him, and I know that He'll come through to bear me up. So, to sum this all up- I didn't come home because I was unworthy, selfish, lazy, or missed my family. I came home because I knew without a shadow of a doubt that it's what the Lord wanted me to do. Lessons Learned- We don't always understand the reason 'why' but I know that by following and trusting in the Lord, he will let us know why in His own due time. I've learned so much in the short 6 weeks I was in the MTC. I've learned the importance of reading and studying your scriptures every day. I've learned that prayer and fasting is so important. I've learned that I need to increase my faith in the Lord, and never to doubt. I've made so many life-long friends. Friends that I know will help me through thick and thin. I can't even begin to tell you how I've grown so much closer to the Lord this past month. It was an incredible learning experience for me, and I'm looking into the future with a bright attitude not knowing what I need to do yet, but knowing that everything will be just fine. D&C 6:36- Look unto me in every thought. Doubt not, fear not.