Time flies when you're having fun!

It's been almost a year since I've blogged last. It was for my class when I began, but now I have a strong desire to recap the past months and map out where I've been to more fully understand where I may be going.

States I've visited this year: California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Within the next year: Brazil, Mexico, Alaska, and maybe Panama, Chile, Argentina, and Antarctica.

This has been one eventful year:

1) One may have many talents, we must work at them, define them, and pursue ways of integrating them into our lives. I've acquired numerous talents this year, but the two that stand out to me is gaining confidence in my rock climbing ability and practicing the art of the needle-sewing and quilting. By facilitating others love in such recreation is the joy of all that we learn to do ourselves-that we all may teach and be fellow citizens and saints.

2) I love freshman and the University of Utah more than ever-campus rocks and so does living on The Circle. Student life is amazing and the socialization with peers helps one see things for how they really are and will be.

3) I've been gaining a stronger testimony of Relief Society and the amazing role of womanhood. The female sex is that of charity, good will and Savior-hood in reaching for our divine destiny and individual worth. Before the end of this school year I will finish my personal progress and understand the woman who I serve more fully.

4)Brazilians are the bestest! Andrea and Millena I love you more than words can express! So are americans for that matter-Liv, Megs, and Ky I love you all so very much!

5) Working sometimes isn't all it's cracked up to be...or is it? Love what you do and give love to those who need it!

6) After 8 months of continual poking, prodding, and picking, I was able to begin the healing process from TMJD and am hoping to enjoy a Christmas dinner this year without migraines to follow!

7) I love teaching and working with the adolescent population. They are fantastic, whether it's having tea parties, watching movies, learning seminary, building giant snowmen, or going through psychological or detox issues together, or just talking things through I love being around youth and love their desire to do good and be who they were meant to be.

a.I started taking Masters Therapeutic Recreation classes this semester. Not only is the content amazing and life altering to learn, but mentally rewarding to think more outside the box in areas of the world in which there is an overwhelming need for personal expertise. My professors are of the highest caliber-making my time and energy therein thoroughly rewarding.

b. People should pursue their personal dreams, goals, and wishes and encourage all those around them to do likewise-herein lies true happiness friends, and wouldn't it be to live after the manner of happiness?

8) Finding your roots gives greater definition to where you've been, where you are, and where you're going. Genealogy has become not just a hobby, but a desire and passion. Family is one of the roots to happiness!

9) I was able to go back to the mission this year-I loved the time there and it allowed my heart to have time to ponder and heal from the injustices of our time and world. It was where my heart began to grow by leaps and bounds because in teaching God's children he enlarged my capacity to love, love, and love...

10) Most of all-Isn't it about family? I've made numerous visits all over the country this year to see and spend time with my family! It has been the highlight of my life-literally! I made a few trips to Cali to spend time with family and friends, to Colorado to spend time with Sam and all his gals (which is always real R and R-thank you), Huntington is about the same caliber of R and R-Joy and Allan always a pleasure, and last, but very least: In October I was able to go home to Wisconsin and Michigan to my roots and enjoy the company and love of my ever so endearing Schneider family. Whom I adore with every fiber of my heart!

So many lessons learned and time well spent, even if at times I felt as though I was in my personal wilderness. This is what I will be journaling/blogging about until Thanksgiving for we have been taught to always have an attitude of gratitude and I desire to always have the lamp-light glowing in my heart!