Wednesday, May 29, 2013

124 to 28

Where has the time gone???????????

When I opened my mission call I had a 124 days until I left. I thought it was the longest amount of time ever.

Well here I sit today with only 28 days until I enter the MTC. Time has FLOWN by. But man I have been busy. Who knew getting ready for a mission was so much work!

I am ready to take off. The next 4 weeks can go as fast as possible! I go through the temple in 2 days! Wowzer. I didn't know this day would ever come.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Never did I know

Never did I know that these four years of college would come to a close. Starting my Freshman year, graduation sure felt like an eternity away. Which, at times that is exactly how it felt. But today I can assure you that the time flew by.

Never did I know that I would be graduating college with a mission call. I had thought about serving a mission, but I figured if I did I would have left midway through school and return back to school after. But I have to say it is very relieving to know that I am all done and don't have to worry about that when I get home!

Never did I know the challenges I would go through during college. Juggling school and work, changing my major, figuring out my future (which is still yet to be determined), dating, hard classes, time consuming callings, and losing one of my best friends.

Never did I know the people that I would meet and the friends I would make. I have met so many incredible people in provo that have quite honestly changed my life. I've made so many great friends that have been so supportive and fun over the past four years. I don't know how I would have survived without them all. Granted, there were times when I felt alone. But looking back there was always SOMEONE there. One door would close and another would open.

Never did I know that I would meet my best friends here. Honestly when I was deciding where to go to school, my number one (and probably ONLY) problem I had with BYU was that I would come by myself. All of my friends were going to Utah State. In fact, half of my high school was going to Utah State. I had two friends going to UVU so they were close, but that is it. My dad would constantly tell me that he always heard people say your roommates will become your best friends, you will find them in college. I was a skeptic. I already HAD my best friends. Well folks, it is true. I found my best friends here in Provo. I honestly cannot thank my Heavenly Father enough. He knew exactly what I would need during my four years. I am grateful to know that these will be lifelong friendships!

Never did I know that I would work at Target for 3 years and have the greatest coworkers. I loved my time in the pharmacy. I learned and grew so much from my time spent there and met the greatest people. I had my favorite patients also who I will truly miss. I wouldn't change my time there for anything.

Never did I know that I would move back home after graduation. I am a very independent person and like doing my own thing. I was always busy with school and working during the summers so I have been out of the house since I left it four years ago. I didn't think I would ever be ready to move back home, but I am ready. It's the greatest feeling to be surrounded by my family every day. I'm so glad I get to spend the next 2 months with them before I leave.

Peace out BYU. Love ya.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

A little faith will do: My journey so far

November 17, 2012.

I know that this won't be published until much further down the road, but I want to at least write some things down and remember how I am feeling and what I am thinking right now. I'm sorry it is so long. But I know I will cherish this one day.

Today I told my family that I am going on a mission! I've been thinking about it a lot lately and told my roommates but now it is official! Today as Lindsay and I were driving to the Salt Lake temple for Aubrey's wedding she turned to me and said "Mel I'm going on a mission!" I then looked at her and said, "Linds I have an appointment with the Bishop on tuesday to start my papers!!!" Needless to say we had a little bit of a freak out and talked about it the rest of the day. I couldn't be happier to have one of my very best friends by my side during this adventure.

About a year ago I was thinking pretty seriously about a mission. I was gonna be 21 and not dating anyone so I felt it was my responsibility. I prayed a lot about it but never got a real answer. I enrolled in a mission prep class to feel things out and just in case I decided to go. It was my absolute favorite class I have ever taken at BYU. My professor was nothing short of amazing. BUT.. that didn't mean that was my answer. I was praying a lot about it and one day in class I received my answer (or so I thought). We had a whole days lecture on sister missionaries and whether girls should serve or not. He said "if you don't have a desire to serve, then don't. It is not your obligation or calling. It is the responsibility of the young men. But don't get me wrong, sister missionaries are needed and they can do things and reach people that the elders can't." Right then a huge burden was lifted from me. Quite frankly I had no desire to serve. I wanted to get married and start a family instead. I wanted to go to pharmacy school and I knew I had years of schooling ahead of me so I decided to focus on my schooling.

A lot of uncertainty about my future has plagued me for the past couple of months and I've been praying lots about what I should do. Last spring I started not feeling so great about Pharmacy school. I talked to my parents about my concerns and started leaning away from it. But in May I decided to take a huge leap of faith and enroll for the PCAT (pharmacy school entrance exam). My test date was scheduled for September. I bought a whole ton of books to study and started taking pharmacy seriously again. Well come August, nothing felt right. I didn't want to take the PCAT and quite frankly I was not prepared nor did I have any free time to get prepared. I was taking a full load of summer classes and working full time. Nothing was feeling right. I wasn't dating. I had lost all desire to go to pharmacy school. I was looking into other careers and options but nothing was feeling right. I was praying about what career path I should take or what I should do after graduation (as it was only months away) and I was not getting any answers. I considered moving home and transferring to Weber State to pursue more medical classes. I considered staying in provo and working full time at Target for awhile. I considered going to grad school. I considered it all. Finally the thought of a mission came. I thought and pondered on the idea and it all made sense. In my mission prep class we learned that we get three answers when we pray: a yes, a no, or a hold. My previous answer I had received had been a yes, but hold. I wasn't ready back then. Things happened in my life that I needed to experience and accomplish before I went on a mission. A big thing was my knee surgery. And I will graduate with my bachelors degree before I go.

I had kind of joked with my family about going on a mission but to be quite honest I was being selfish. I didn't want to sacrifice things like seeing my only brother get his mission call and be at his farewell. I didn't want to miss his senior year of basketball or graduation. I didn't want to miss my sister trying out for high school cheer. I didn't want to miss all of my friends' weddings. But then I realized that my life can't revolve around other people. I have MY LIFE to live. I can't sit around waiting for things to happen to other people. I need to make things happen for myself. Then the age change occurred during General Conference and that was it. I didn't have to miss my brother getting his call and leaving, we could go together!!

I have never felt so good and so sure about a specific decision I have made. I am so excited for what is in store for me and the many experiences and opportunities ahead! I know that a mission is not something I will regret and my life will be changed because of it.

Right now I'm loving Alma 26.

vs 1-4 Talks about why we have reason to rejoice and that is because we have been so blessed with the opportunity to be instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.

vs 3 ...And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.

vs 27 ...Go amongst thy brethren, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.
vs 29 And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again

vs 30 And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some


So here's to saving some souls!

November 20.

Things are moving fairly quickly, but I love it! I wish they could go faster but since I will be graduating in April my availability date is my rate-determining step here. But tonight I meet with the Bishop to start my papers! I'm thrilled. I then have a dentist appointment tomorrow and my mission physical! After those are complete I will basically be done since my wisdom teeth are already gonzo. I've started telling a few select people, but still keeping it pretty hushed! I've also been watching the BYUtv series "the district". It's about 8 missionaries serving in San Diego and their experiences. I'm obsessed! It makes me so excited to get out and serve!

December 6.

Well things took a little bit longer than anticipated to finally get my papers started. I had to wait for my provo bishop and my home ward bishop to talk and settle things about who would be my funding ward and so forth before I could officially start. I  got the email that I was good to go one week ago! And now my papers are all done! I just have to scan my passport, drivers license and add a picture!!!! Now it is just the waiting game! I'm still deciding exactly when I'm going to put them in, but I'm still hoping for the 18th! We'll see. I've been telling a few more people.. Not awesome supportive reactions so far, but I don't care :)

December 14.

I have submitted my application to the Bishop. 6 days ago in fact... Just waiting to hear back. Sure wish I was dealing with some proactive people, but I guess they don't have the next 18 months of their life hanging on a cloud of uncertainty so they don't care. If I can get ahold of my bishop and talk about my papers and then meet with the stake pres on sunday then TUESDAY should be the big day... 4 days :) Still deciding how to tell all my family! I really wish things were going a little bit more smoothly. It is making me kind of question things... But if I'm not supposed to go then I know I'll be stopped.

December 28.

Update. Obviously things aren't going as planned...... My stake is a real pain. I had an appointment scheduled and then they canceled it and never rescheduled. I'm ticked. But oh well. I'm trying to have faith and remember that the Lord knows what he is doing. My papers probably won't go in for like 2 weeks, but then my parents are going out of town so i'm going to wait... for my brother! So that we get our calls on the same day and open them together!! It will be AWESOME! Papers go in January 27th and hopefully we get our calls on February 13th!

January 17th.

Wow, time is flying. I can't believe I made my first post on this page two months ago today. And I've known about a mission for even longer than that. Well things are still on track for the above plan. Except I changed my availability date to June 1st so that we can maybe fit in a family trip after my brother graduates from high school. I finally met with my stake president and got my papers ALL finished. Shew. It's about time!! He was really great though and gave me some good advice. Like reading chapter one of preach my gospel 5 times before I go into the MTC.  I am getting so super anxious. None of my extended family knows yet. We are still planning on it being a surprise for them when Mason opens his call. I really just want to know where I am going and have the news be out. This is big guys, this is life changing. Patience is probably the biggest thing I've been tried with so far. I'm still not any good at it but I'm definitely trying!

January 26.

Less than a week till takeoff! Wahoooo! I am getting so anxious it is ridiculous! I keep having crazy dreams about my mission and places I will go. Last night I was doing some homework for my D&C class and I had to read section 84. I honestly cringed when I saw that it was 120 verses but I knew I had to read it all before I took my quiz so I sighed real deep and started reading.

Wow. Talk about the section just for me at this time. I completely got emotional as i was reading. So many verses on missionary work. I even found the scripture that I want to put on my plaque that will hang in the church! Here are some of my favorites:

86 Therefore, let no man among you, for this commandment is unto all the faithful who are called of God in the church unto the ministry, from this hour take purse or scrip, that goeth forth to proclaim this gospel of the kingdom.

 87 Behold, I send you out to reprove the world of all their unrighteous deeds, and to teach them of a 
judgment which is to come.

 88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.
 94 Nevertheless, search diligently and spare not; and wo unto that house, or that village or city that rejecteth you, or your words, or your testimony concerning me.


This week for mission prep I had to memorize the "purpose" of a missionary and D&C 4. And I have to recite them in class next week.
Pupose: To invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.
D&C 4: Now behold a great and a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve Him with all of your heart, might, mind and strength that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work. And behold the field is white already to harvest and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul. And faith, hope, charity and love with an eye single to the glory of God qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.
The church is true :)
Lindsay got her call!!!!! Watch out Birmingham, England!
February 1, 2013.
My papers are in. My papers are in. MY PAPERS ARE IN!!!!!!! I cannot begin to tell you how happy that makes me. I have been waiting for this for A LONG TIME... We aren't sure if Mason will be able to meet with the stake president in time to get his in this weekend so that will be a bummer. But no more waiting for me!!! TWO WEEKS! (hopefully. I don't have patience for any longer!!)
February 20, 2013.
To say that an update is needed is an understatement. Turns out my papers didn't go in on the first. Of course they didn't. That is exactly how my luck has been. To be honest, when I asked my Bishop if they had been put in and he checked and told me that they were still with the stake president I felt as if the world was ending and I had just been stabbed with a very large knife. I was fighting back tears. He also told me not to call my stake pres and to just be patient and to call the Prophet if I wanted it done faster. (I was definitely not in the mood for that smart remark).
 I went home and cried to my mom. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?! I wasn't at ease for the next three days. My mind was everywhere. How was I supposed to know when they went in? What if in a month I still didn't have a call? THEN could I call my stake? Shoot. I was NOT a happy camper to say the least. I had Mason text my bishop at home and asked him the status. THEY WERE IN. They officially went in on the 4th. Great! So I was still planning on the 13th. I was a lot more calm. 
I also ended up telling all of my extended family. It was the best decision I ever made. They were all so supportive and I cried every time I got a response. Then I text my bishop on Saturday to ask what the status was. He said they were with church headquarters and a call was ready to be assigned. DANG IT!!!!!  I was expecting my call that next wednesday!! Well not anymore. SO then my mind switches to the 20th. The next wednesday. It HAD to come that day. Then I realize there is a holiday on monday with no mail..... So then I plan on the 21st. I got my work schedule changed and planned for that day. I got word from my bishop that my call had in fact been assigned and it was on its way to me. So I emailed family, texted friends and my mama ordered cupcakes. 
Well folks, my mother opened the mailbox today and bam. What do you know? The church don't care bout no monday holiday! MY CALL IS HEREEEEEEEE. and here i sit in provo while my call sits at home in Eden on the mantel...... TOMORROW IS THE DAY!!!! I'm so relieved. I took two Tylenol PM's so that I can sleep tonight :)
The church is true and I know no matter where I am called it is 100% where I am supposed to be. From Colorado Springs to Boise I am ready and so incredibly excited for it. The Lord has definitely had His hand in the timing of everything and I trust him with all of my heart.

February 21, 2013.
Dear Sister Miles:
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the North Carolina Charlotte Mission!!!!!!!!
I leave June 26th, English speaking!

I couldn't be happier.



Saturday, January 26, 2013

Winter is for whiners.

Hi. I'm whining about the winter. and the snow. and the cold. And asking the sun to come back and pay me a visit. The only thing I can say is that I am sure happy I didn't decide to have my second knee surgery this winter. I would have died. Literally. I would have slipped on my crutches, detached my leg, cracked my skull open and died. So that's cool. I can't believe the cray cray weather we have been receiving. Like that fun day of freezing rain? That was a real treat. All I can say is even though I almost biffed it in the parking lot at work twice, I was super glad I was inside working a 12 hour shift instead of slipping and eating it all over campus. I have so much been enjoying all of the videos of people falling on facebook. I have been laughing for hours just replaying them all. BUT this video is absolutely amazing. I am sure if this happened to me I would not think so but luckily it didn't. And I'm sure it didn't happen to you either so enjoy :)  **this was filmed right by my apartment! Like you can see it in the background a couple times. So glad I didn't fall for this.** CLICK HERE!!

Anyways. Walking around campus with stairs, steep hills, etc. has been very fun. And wearing a huge puffy coat to walk to school in everyday has been really fun too. Man I should just stop getting dressed since nobody sees what I'm wearing anyways!

School is going well! I only have class on MWF so that is nice, but that means I have 5 classes in one day and they are all back-to-back. But it goes by pretty quickly so I don't have many complaints. Just a lot of homework all due at once! And then I am working 30 hours a week. And 2nd counseloring in the Relief Society. I sure have loved my calling and the girls I serve with! They are great!!

And last but not least, shoutout to my girl Lindsay who just got called to the England Birmingham mission! I am beyond ecstatic for you!!! Do work, Brinz! Love you!!




Monday, December 31, 2012

2012- Where did you go??

I honestly can NOT believe it is already 2013.
Where did the time go?
 Not a whole lot happened in 2012. 
It was a pretty good year anyhow.

Here is a little update:
Turned 21.

Spent the first 3-4 months of the year recovering from knee surgery.
Which included a lot of sitting on my butt, stuck in my apartment.
 And being handicap was really fun..

I went and saw Jimmer play at the ESA twice this year!
once with Jeff, Sharon and Bryce
and once with my sister.
**Jazz won both times!
I will forever be a Jimmer lover.
TRADE HIM ALREADY.
I hate the kings.
They are mean to him.
But I finally got his autograph :)

I went to He is We and saw Wicked

Went to the Stadium of Fire and saw The Beach Boys and Scotty McCreery 
 Reunited with Freshman friends who got home from missions
 Left my ward and two favorite boys after 2 years
  Spent lots of fun times with Van and moved in together
 Moved out of the Bran---I HATE moving.

 Experienced my first Strawberries and Cream at Strawberry Days

Family road tripped it to Yosemite National Park in Cali





and it was beautiful!

Went to South Carolina to see my best friend get married!

 Hosted a killer Halloween party

Finished semester #7, my hardest yet, and applied for Graduation!
And spent my Christmas break at home!


I can't complain too much about 2012! But I know that 2013 has some big things in store for me so I couldn't be more excited!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Friday, December 28, 2012

Overload.

Overload may be an understatement. Because I'm one of those poor unfortunate souls with an Android, it is such a big, fat pain to upload my pictures from my phone!! But I love taking pics with my phone because it is convenient!! (and that is the only reason because 1-my camera takes pictures upside down for some reason and 2- my front camera is like a .5 megapixel so it is AWFUL--as you will see in half of these pictures!) Anyways, life has finally slowed down for 10 seconds and I decided to try and get caught up! Sorry it is so random and scattered. I have no idea what is going on with my blogger right now but i'm just lazy and don't know how to fix it so just go with it....

My recent life has consisted of....

*lots of basketball!! -little bro's senior year at Weber.


<<**The longest neck hair ever I found on my brother... Think it's time to start shaving bud ;)


**>>
We like to dress my cat up so HE can be a Glamour Girl :)











**More basketball!! But this time Jimmer was involved!! Sister date to ESA.
*** RECORD day at work... a normal day consists of about 280-300 prescriptions. This day I wanted to kill myself... 406. wooo
**Temple Square with the fam





** First time snowboarding in like 6 years!! So glad I caved and got a season pass to Sundance. I love it. I go by myself and my family makes fun of me.




*(below)* I made a Christmas tree out of construction paper instead of studying for finals to make my apartment feel a little more like christmas :)
**I biffed it after getting a little cocky and got a little injury. Nice fat, bloody lip. Didn't stop me from going back for more though!


**Got to spend some time with my cute little cousins! I have trillions of them, but I only got pics with these two cuties. Vienna and Lincoln.



**Got to spend some much needed time this break with friends! Lunch with Jade, who I haven't seen since April, Lunch with Courtney and Lindsay, and then two nights with my boys.


Ok, I'm going to get a little sappy. Honestly if you would have told me my sophomore year of high school the effect these boys would have on my life I would have laughed at you. They are honestly the greatest. Parker, Christian, Spencer and Josh (who didn't come to dinner). They have been there for me through it all. And honestly I am closer with them after all of these years than any of my friends that are my age. Actually today 5 years ago was the first time we hung out. Well, with Parker and Christian anyways. Alvin and the Chipmunks at the movie theatre on 12th street. Then a few days later I met Greg as we played 'Sting' at Parker's house and Christian wore my hair extensions. Ha ha. Man I am so glad we are still friends. I can count on them for anything. Love you boys! And I guess I owe all the credit to Trevor. And Myrika. So thanks, guys. haha.



**^^ More basketball games. Waiting for Varsity. Being bored. And saying "bring it on Skyview!"

**Jabari Parker came to BYU and I sat right across from him! Yes, THEE Jabari Parker. I had arrows drawn on there so you could see him but they disappeared. He is the one right under and to the left of the orange shirt dude. He's a stud. But didn't choose BYU... So go DUKE. I'm ok with it, I like Duke.
**It's fun finding your brother's name and pictures on the internet and in the newspaper! Weber is currently 9-1 and ranked 3rd in the state! Keep up the killer season boys!


WHEW. That was a lot of jumbled mess. Sorry. Not sorry. My life is great right now. I'm down to one single semester left at BYU. And I only have 1 yucky class! It is gonna be a pretty chill semester (I hope anyways). Just snowboarding, working, and that's about it. 

One year ago was the knee surgery. Crazy how time flies. One year ago I had to rely on the mercy of other people for about 8 weeks.  I was so depressed and miserable. It's fun to see how far I (and my knee) have come! :)

Talk soon, k bye!

Friday, December 14, 2012

Seven down.

One to go. Semesters, that is. I just survived my hardest semester at BYU and I honestly couldn't be happier. My next semester is filled with a bunch of garbage classes like Family Finances and Philosophy. I'm thrilled. I only have one class for my major where as this semester every single class I had was for my major. A little overwhelming. But it is over!!!!! And I don't go back to school until January 7th. That is AFTER my birthday. Oh man, BYU really knew how to make my senior year great!

I even got to read Harry Potter today after taking my last final :) I haven't read it since the first week of the semester.. maybe one day I will finish book 7! Now just a little work (and when I say little I mean 50 hours in the next 6 days) and then I get to go home for a week! And I'll probably reward myself for all of my hard work this semester by going snowboarding on monday :) Why not?! I also cleaned out my backpack, notebooks, and desk and my room is spotless!

My apartment is gonna be super quiet this weekend! All of my roommates are leaving for the break so I'll have the place to myself for the week! Which means the TV is all mine and my music will be blaring as loud as I please!

I just realized I never uploaded these pics! Here are a few from my apartment's successful Halloween party! Just call me Martha Stewart! Actually, please don't.










Well that is life in a nutshell right now I guess. Just the usual. Oh and then there is this boy that lives in California that I wish didn't live in California.

Merry Christmas!!!!