A cheese

I recently had a birthday so I've been thinking quite a bit about getting older. I've just turned 23, which in my opinion, is a rather large number (almost a quarter of a century old).However, I should remember that age doesn't matter...unless your a cheese (jejeje). It almost feels weird to refer to myself as an adult because ever since I was born, I've been a kid. I'd prefer to call myself a student. But just this week, it struck me how much I've grown up. My mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday, and my answer was a hand crank radio for my 72-hour kit. Don't laugh...ok, you can if you want. My reasoning: I'm going to Kansas State in the fall, and it is in tornado alley (I'm pretty much freaked out about tornadoes).

Related thought: I was sitting in sacrament meeting and one of the speakers referred to Acts 10:38, which says how Jesus "went about doing good...for God was with Him." Today I set a goal that at my funeral people will be able to say that I went about doing good because God was with me.

Families

Lately I've been thinking a lot about families. I love seeing families spend time together: moms and dads out doing things with their kids. Whether they are going to see a Disney movie, swimming at the pool or hiking. One rainy day, a dad brought his kids to the outdoor pool. While he was waiting to go down the slide, he explained to me that he had promised to spend the day with his kids, and they had really wanted to go swimming (even though it was raining). I'm a softie, but that really touched my heart. Those kids are blessed with a father who loves them very much. I never want to be so busy that I can't spend time with my kids.

AC

In my mind, the fist day of summer is when you can no longer bear to be in your house without the air conditioner on. So in my books, today is the fist day of summer. I have tried to endure the heat because I have enjoyed my utility bill being less than $20. But it takes me forever to fall asleep because it's so warm. Additionally, I like to cuddle up with blankets when I sleep; and obviously this is out of the question when it is 80 or 90 degrees. So tonight I hope to fall asleep quickly wrapped in a blanket.

A random thought: I think there should be a rule that if you eat tuna from a can, you have to rinse it out before sticking it in the garbage so the house doesn't end up smelling like dead, rotting fish. Not that I have ever had this happen in my apartment before....

Free Time

As you'll soon see, I've had way to much free time on my hands. I can only watch movies and read books for so long before I get bored and need to do something with my mind and hands. These are the results:

Key hook: different, I know

Pencil holder: made entirely out of newspaper (no glue, tape or staples)

Music box: all you need is sheet music, cardboard and glue

Picture clipboard: all you need is an old frame, clothespins and string

swimmin' at the pool

After a few weeks of teaching swimming lessons I feel worn out. Some kids are adorable and behave while others are...well, use your imagination. I've seen bloody noses, bee stings and poop in the pool. I've been kicked in the head and have scratch marks from kid's fingernails. I'm probably losing my hearing from all the screaming and crying from my kids not wanting to swim. The only adequate way to sum up my experiences is to say: It's just another day at the pool.

While lifeguarding I've already had to make a few saves. Even though the kids are ok now, I'm a bit disappointed because they all could have been avoided if the kid's parents/guardians were watching their kids and staying close by. I wish parents would take more responsibility for their children at the pool. It just makes me want to be a good parent when I have kids, and to make sure they are safe.

Change

Last night I laid in bed thinking of all the people who I love and who have touched my life. As I named these precious people in my life, my list just kept growing. I have been blessed as my path has intersected theirs, even if it was only for a short while. People say that in the world, change is the only constant. Despite how frequent change occurs, it is often uncomfortable and/or painful. This time it's not as though I've lost anyone, but I know that things won't be the same again; I wonder if what's ahead is going to be better or worse than what I've had. 

But why should I be afraid? 

"The future is as bright as my faith" 

Sayonara hair

One thing I love about being a girl is getting my hair cut. I love having my hair washed (their shampoo and conditioner are amazing) and choosing what style to cut it. This week I spontaneously decided to get my hair cut. I ended up getting 9 inches cut off; there was so much hair on the floor! I don't think my hair has been this short since I was little, but I think it's a good change.