Monday, May 18, 2009

Hormones.

Reader beware: I might discuss in small and non-graphic doses the annoyances of being a girl. Don't say I didn't warn you.

How was your weekend? Mine? Adequate. I'm getting used to some new additions to my spiritual life and adjusting quite well if I say so myself. It was sunny and warmer this weekend, which was a nice change of pace. Oh, and it wasn't INSANELY windy either. That was VERY nice (my hair says thank you!).

One thing I'm not loving is being a girl. I've always had somewhat of "female problems" it seems and therefore, I used to take birth control. Well, I didn't take it for a long time, but I started having issues again, so now I'm back on it. However, for the last two days I have wanted to die....or sleep a lot. Just do something that involves me being incoherent to pain and annoyances that come along with "that time". Once again, my body is still not behaving normally. And men have NO idea what we go through. Sure, you get kicked in the balls and it hurts -- and that is a pain that I will never experience or be able to relate too -- but I assure you it does not compare to what women go through for days at a time. You really should worship the ground we walk on, guys. Just sayin....

So ibuprofen and heating pads have been my bff's for the last two days. And buttered whole wheat toast. I've been slightly obsessed with that as well.

This is what happens when I don't have any kids or husbands to talk about. Hehe :)

So today starts off another crrrrraaazzzzyyyy busy week. I really wish I had enough time in the day to do everything I need to. Luckily, we have Monday AND Tuesday off next week for Memorial Day and I'm taking a little mini-vaca down the road to Utah to hang with Joseph. We're going to Salt Lake and I'm so pumped (I've never been there, and it IS the mormon mecca afterall). AND I've been promised a dinner at Cheesecake Factory. YUMMMMMM. Applebee's is the only nice, sit down restuarant in Rexburg. Yes, I work at a Steakhouse, but that gets old after a while too. I'm very much looking forward to that. Pictures are promised. :)

The weather is gorgeous today and is supposed to stay like this all week! YAY!

Okay, lunch and homework becons me. UGH.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

I say you strong man.

So I'm one of those types of people who remember my dreams a lot. I don't remember every detail, but I dream almost everything and remember most of it the next day for a while. I have yet to meet anyone else who dreams as often as I do. I still say my medicine has a link to that because when I didn't take it, I didn't remember my dreams as often as I do now. Nonetheless, it's very interesting. There are a couple of theories on dreams. One theory being that dreams are a reflection of your subconscious personality and desires. I dream often about this old house that I lived in on Campbell Avenue with my parents. My mom is in my dreams a lot, as well as other loved ones that have passed away. Anywho, it's very interesting. My roommate is a psych major so we talk about it a lot and I've started to really think about my personality traits. My weaknesses and strengths.

Although I feel very blessed to have been given a lot of outward talents, my biggest weaknesses are internal. One being my work ethic. My dad is a fantastic example of someone with a diligent work ethic. I believe he knows how to balance work and relaxation time. He does what needs to be done whether he likes it or not. He goes to work everyday and rarely calls in sick. He's dependable and prompt. He's very reliable. I admire that quality about him a lot. I've felt lately the need to work on that quality in myself more. I don't enjoy always having obligations. In fact, when I have a lot of obligations I tend to get very overwhelmed and end up not doing them. I'm not sure why I react that way, but I am a very carefree person. Although, my body responds well to and likes structure, I feel that the very nature of my soul is quite the opposite.

So as I've pondered that, I've realized the need for improvement in that area. We'll see how it goes :) Maybe if I give into my body's nature, my soul's natural tendencies will follow?

Friday, May 15, 2009

Two in one day...

I have friends that are always on the go, constantly trying to find plans and never seem to be alone. I, however, am very different. I require time to myself. I require reflection, meditation, and space. Sometimes I wonder if I'm a walking contradiction because I seem to have qualities of both an introvert and an extrovert.

The older I get, the more I have become a bit of a naturalist. I enjoy real, whole foods. I enjoy the beauty of the Earth and I don't really enjoy TV as much as I used to. I love real conversations. Stars in the sky. Crisp, cool air. I love non-fiction stories about someone who made a difference in this world. I am starting to love learning. I love creating something -- whether it be a loaf of freshly baked banana bread or refinishing an old wooden sign. I guess you could say sometimes I think a little too deep or feel a little stronger than others may. I'm not sure -- as I do not sit in another's shoes; however, I do think a lot about, well, a lot. I think about the past, the present and the future. I think about how God created the Earth and how intricate and detailed everything about it is. I think about how miraculous the plan of salvation is and how doing good really can make us happy. I think about relationships and how our spirit, mind, and body form. I think about how our brains work and how our individual experiences shape our opinions and way of thinking. I find it interesting that most of us want to marry someone who possess similar qualities to that of our parent of the opposite sex (i.e. girls want to find someone who is like their dads). Do you all think about these things too? Am I alone in my wondering thoughts?

I saw a man today. He was old, wearing a torn set of coveralls, old dirty jeans, and his head was covered with an old green knitted beanie cap. As I was getting gas, he was pulled up on his bicycle and little wagon that was attached to the back. His wagon and front basket were overflowing with garbage bags full of aluminum cans. He went through each trash can, one by one, looking for more cans to add to his collection. He wore no gloves, he had no shame. He looked at me for a brief moment and as I looked back and gave a small half smile, I thought about who he is and even moreso, who he was. Did he choose the lifestyle he currently possesses? Where did he grow up? Where is his family? I wondered if he was hungry. I thought to offer him some food or drink, but I couldn't bring myself to talk to him. I should have though....Christ would have done that, and I am a disciple of Christ. Maybe this man once had a wife and children and a warm home to go to. Where does he sleep? Does he collect cans because he exchanges them for money? If that's the case, I feel that says something of his character. He did not once ask a single person at that gas station for money. Instead, he "worked" for what little he might receive in return. I've seen him riding his bike before...down the street, with his little wagon behind him. He has a strong limp and walks with one crutch. Could he perhaps be a disabled veteran? This man made me think. I promise you though, next time I see him, I am going to offer him food or drink...or something. I can honestly say that I did not pass judgement on him; however, I did wonder where his life lost it's course in order for him to end up digging cans out of the local fuel stop's waste bins.

Life is interesting. We never know what the future holds for us. This aspect of life is probably what I ponder the most. Where will I be in 10 years? 20? Will I be married? Will I have children? Will I live up to my own expectations? Will I be happy?

Well I know that's a lot for you to chew on. Two posts in one day -- consider yourself lucky! I love days where I have time to myself to write.

Oh, and I hope you don't think I'm a total nut job now.

I know....you're in shock!

It's been wayyyyyyy too long my friends. But I'm back! I keep saying how blogging is therapy but yet, do I do it? Noooooooo. Hmph. Anyways.

I'll be completely honest with you -- after I moved out here (here being Rexburg, Idaho in case you aren't up to speed), I had SO much going on that I really didn't know where to start. Then, I got to the point where I felt I could scarcely do justice to all the things happening that, well, I just stopped.

But after, oh, five months, I think I'm settled enough to start bringing you up to speed. I won't overwhelm you with the last five months of my life...I'll just promise that I'll do a better job of updating you!!!

So today is Friday. THANK GOODNESS. My schedule this semester is intense. It's still not hard per se, but it's busy. I'm taking 14 credits and have several music classes this semester. This is my hardest semester vocally as well, as I have to memorize 8 new songs and have them prepared enough to sing in front of a panel of voice faculty at the end of the semester.

I'm finally working (I didn't have a job at all last semester...and survived on the good grace of God) at a restaurant in Idaho Falls (about 30 minutes away) on the weekends. So, needless to say, I don't get a lot of down time. I dig my job though. I work at a steakhouse and wear a tool belt. I should take some pictures for you!

So today is a beautiful Friday morning and I'm overlooking the gorgeous Rexburg valley. My apartment is on top of the hill across the street from the Rexburg temple and I have a really awesome view. My roommates are phenomenol this semester and I'm learning so much about who I want to be by their amazing examples.

That's not to say that my life has gone off without a hitch. I've had some health problems that have caused severe fatigue but I'm on medications now, which hasn't solved the fatigue completely but it is working to solve the other issues. So I battle with a busy schedule despite the fact that I'm pretty much tired all the time. If I'm not eating the right foods (which for me means almost NO refined sugar and lots of whole foods) then I feel even worse.

But regardless, life -- is -- good. I am so blessed!!! Sorry for being such a bum about writing. Do you ever have those moments where you wonder how you're going to do everything you need to in a day??? I have those all the time.

Oh, and I turned 25 a couple of weeks ago. I don't feel 25...yet again, I'm not sure what 25 is supposed to feel like. But I remember when my sisters were that age and I thought they were so grown up and mature. Ha. Now I'm not so sure!! But time keeps tickin. I've learned and experienced a lot in my 25 years of existence on this planet. Most of all, you've been blessed by my presence! (Okay, okay, I'll calm down)

Wellllll, I have work and other fun things to consume my Friday. Have a glorious day!

♥ Courtney