change...

Well, it's time for another big time change in my life. As I look back at my life thus far, I've had quite a few big time changes within the past 5ish years. I moved away to Texas for college, went to Chile to study abroad, went to D.C. for an internship, moved back to Utah for grad school, and now, I'm heading back to the east coast (woohoo!) However, this change is going to be quite different from the rest. Yeah sure I'm going to be heading into the real world, starting a real job, working full-time, earning my own money, paying for my own insurance (and yes, my dad is counting down the days until this happens), etc...but that's not what makes this different. This change is different because it doesn't have a deadline. There's no time limit. No definite end.

When I went to Texas I knew I'd leave after four years of college...I knew I'd leave Chile after the summer ended...I knew I'd leave D.C. after 10 weeks of my internship...and I knew I'd leave Utah after only one year. But this change doesn't have that aspect. I'm going to D.C. to start work...the end.

Does it scare me? Honestly, not at all. (Which I find to be a little strange.) But the truth is I'm not scared. In fact, I kind of like it. It's nice. Yeah, in some ways I want to plan the next five years of my life...or at least the next two. Everyone likes having some sort of plan. But on the other hand, I like the unknown. I like having the option to go wherever. Maybe I'll stay at this job for ten years? Maybe I'll leave after one? Or maybe I'll start coaching soccer? Or start a business? Or run a marathon in my free time? Or serve a mission? Or go back and visit my Chilean family? Or so many gazillion possibilities. Ahh yes, I love it.

No definite end. A new beginning. So many possibilities. And if there's one place for this change, what better place to be than our nation's capital?

After all, who wouldn't want to drive by all of this on the way to work each day?

mom...

Well, since today is my mother's birthday, I wanted to dedicate a post to her. Simply 'cause she's wonderful. 

But seriously.

It's crazy how we come into this life and we're given a family and parents, and somehow we get the best family for us. Yeah...I'm pretty sure that's not an accident. But I am so unbelievably grateful for my mom. I remember ever since I was little I thought she was incredible. She always knew everything! (And still does). I remember one time when I was a wee child I was late coming home from my friends house...what was I going to tell my mom? I knew I'd be in trouble. I couldn't possibly tell her that I just forgot. I came up with the perfect plan...I changed my watch so that I could pretend I was on time and my watch was just off...brilliant! I was confident that I would fool her. Ha...wrong. She didn't even fall for it a little bit...she caught me right in the middle of my lie. How could she possibly know that? Psychic? Was she watching me? 

The answer: she's my mom. 

Mom's just know stuff. I think it's a gift with motherhood. Or I hope it's a gift with motherhood. Otherwise I might be in trouble. But the interesting thing is not every mom knows the exact same stuff...but every mom knows all the "stuff" they need to for their kids...making them all knowing. At least that's what it seems like to us anyways. She knows what takes mustard or chocolate out of clothes (yeah...I'm a messy eater). She knows the best way to bake brownies, or cook a salmon. She knows what will help my tummy when it hurts. I still call her to this day for random questions and little nit-picky things or when my tummy hurts or when I need advice. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever reach that stage where I know everything that only mom's seem to know...or maybe my daughters will just end up calling my mom for questions...who knows. But even more than a little stain on a shirt or baking the perfect cake, she knows Christ and she knows how to serve others. And she is constantly doing that. In just the past few weeks I've been amazed at the time she's given up to help other ward members or family members or her little measly daughter (a.k.a. me). For me alone she has spent numerous hours and days making things for me or sewing something or painting something etc...just for me. Not to mention everything else she's done. And now she's going to sacrifice her time and sanity to drive 36 hours across the country with me to D.C. Now that's true love. But it has been incredible to watch her help and serve everyone around her. And she hasn't complained about it one bit. She finds joy and love in it and she's happy to do it. Wow...she is such a great example. 

I could make this post quite lengthy...but I will keep it short. I just wanted to say thanks Mom, you really are the best. One day I hope I can grow up to be like my mom. 

We been buds since I was little:

And we're still buds today:

Happy Birthday Mom...I love you!