The Moment's That Bring Us Together

Today a member of the USU Greek Community passed away. Trent Walker was a dear friend, leader, brother, son and Sigma Chi President.
A candle light vigil was held in his honor at the Sigma Chi house. When I got there, there were somewhat of twenty people in the circle. As I stood in that small circle I saw Sigma Chis, Kappa Deltas, Delta Sigs, Alpha Chis, Chi Omegas, Sig Eps and Pikes. For the next twenty minutes the circle grew bigger and bigger, soon filling the front walk and porch of the Sigma Chi house. The only thing that I could think of at that time was how great it is to be a member of Utah State's Greek community. How it's size creates a sense of intimacy and connection to each chapter and individual. How we are all sharing the same basic values and goals. How we all have each other's backs for no other reason but that WE ARE GREEK. It doesn't matter what letters are on the other guys shirt. What does matter, and what is noticed, is the unifying power of all those different letters.
Tonight, we did not gather together as individuals or as chapters, but we stood together as Greeks who represent a community. A community who cares for the greater good of others; who reaches down to help those in need; who celebrates together; who cries together; who loves each other.
Trent, tonight we came to honor and remember you! Thank you for everything you have done for us. For the example you have set and the legacy you have left behind. Although we are at such a great loss with your passing, we have also gained so much. I pray for peace and comfort to come upon your family and loved ones. I pray for you; for the memories you have left, the trials that will come, and for your spirit on the other side.

Change Happens Too Fast

One year ago today, I was happy and surrounded by friends and roommates who I loved and wanted to be around. I was motivated, organized and internally peaceful. I had fun on the weekends, stayed out of trouble and laughed until 3 in the morning, almost every single morning.

Now, I am confused and unsure, full of questions. I hang out with friends but not the friends I love who build me up, make me laugh and love me for who I am. I stay out too late, laugh only every now and then and find myself working harder than I am playing.

How can things change so much in one year? One year isn't that long.

This change has not left me sad because I am very happy. I am busy, doing well in school, fulfilling dreams and discovering myself more each day. I love my family more than ever, they are the most fun and satisfying people in my life. I have made new friends, built upon dreams and serve those around me.

Last night I hung out with a new group of people, most of which I did not know at the beginning of the night. I had more fun with them than I have had in a long time with a group of friends that size. There are many differences between the group from last night and the group I have been with for the last while.

These differences haven't answered my question of how so much can change so quickly, but it has answered the question to why I have felt differently about life. Life is all about attitude, perspective and gratitude. There is more to experience than what you can see, hear and touch in any given moment, I just need to open my mind and find them!

Old friends....

Today I hung out with one of the greatest people in the world... Nicole Bridge! We went to junior high and high school and played softball together! We share a common brain wave which we like to call ESPN, the N stands for Nicole and we partially mock the movie Mean Girls! We have the same sense of humor so we understand each others jokes and just laugh all the time.
We haven't seen each other in over a year! For the past 6 months she has been studying abroad in Amsterdam and totally loved it. Tonight we hung out and it was one of the greatest nights of the summer. We didn't even do anything but talk and caught up on life! You always know a true friend when you can pick up after years and talk like you never skipped a day.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

My family and I were able to attend the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house yesterday! The building is simple in design yet elegant. One of my favorite features of this temple is the marble flooring throughout and the vibrant paintings of Christ and other stories from the scriptures.

I cannot wait for the day when I go through the temple, to be filled with the knowledge of this life and the hereafter! Sitting in the sealing room listening to a couples testimony about the importance of eternal families touched my heart and put my life into perspective. There is no other way that I want to be married except for time and all eternity!

Family Camping Trip

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Baseball games

Tonight I got to enjoy a beautiful evening at the baseball park. I love it! It was a good game, good company and good Action! (Action is a betting game)

Sleeping In

Last night 2:00 am just didn't seem that late. I wasn't really tired and I was blogging and digital scrapbooking. I had set my alarm at 7:30 to make it to work by 10:00. I turned off the lights and fell asleep instantly.

My mom came into my room at 10:30 and asked, "Are you supposed to work today? It's 10:30!" I flew out of bed and looked at the clock seeing it was 10:36. I frantically got ready and was out the door by 10:45! I was impressed with how good I looked for only 10 minutes and I walked into work at 11:00.

Approaching the studio it looked hectic. There were three appointments there, two viewing and ordering pictues and one waiting to go back. My awesome boss Melissa managed to help all of them at once calmly and collectively. I got into the studio and took a few pictures of a couple cute families.

After, I talked to my boss who just laughed and said not too worry. She said she was kind of worried because I am always ten minutes early and when she noticed I wasn't there she called me.

On the way home I stopped at my brother Jared's work to bring him some glasses and he treated me to Red Mango! It has turned out to be a great day!