Sundays

Before I left for Ottawa I remember my sister Katie telling me that Sundays were going to be the days that I would get most homesick. When she told me this I brushed it off and did not really believe her.

But even though I have only spent 2 Sundays here, I can already attest to this accusation. Although I have enjoyed being in a YSA ward and the bishop is really great, I don't think there is anything quite like your home ward. A place where you have known almost everyone for your entire life and a place where you feel completely comfortable.

To be totally honest, I didn't think that I was going to miss my ward all that much. Sure, it contained some of my best friends, but I didn't think that I was going to miss the ward, as a whole, as much as I do. There are so many wonderful, quirky, smart, and passionate people in my home ward and I don't think it has been until now that I have grown to truly appreciate them all and what they have taught me. It has really taught me to not take the people in your life for granted.

I also miss Sundays at home for the most simple reasons. For the feeling of coming home after church and making lunch. For the way that Oakley and Cooper would always look adorable in there church clothes. For being able to walk Oakley to nursery sometimes, and hearing after church of all that he had learned. For being able to go from church from 10-1 (unlike the awkward time of 2-5). And for the feeling I would always get when the whole family would get together for our Sunday Dinners.

However the plus side of Sundays in Ottawa... unlike home, clean up is only for 4, not 8!

The Cupcake Girls

After completing my first week of living in the big city of Ottawa, which was both physically and mentally exhausting. I could not think of a better way to relax and celebrate, than by making some red velvet cupcakes!

Sarah and I decided to walk to Loblaws and soak up what was left of the sun on the autumn evening. As the sun was about to go down, the air was fresh and the neighbourhood was quiet, I realized that I was going to love my time here in Ottawa.

We then returned home and began our baking! I had never seen red velvet actually being made and I was shocked to see how truly read they were! They tasted amazing, and do not even get me started on the icing which was probably our favourite part!

A Face in the Crowd

I have never been one to like crowds. Even just the simple task of going to Costco or Ikea has proven to be too much for me to handle.

And you can believe my reaction when I went to the University for the first time! I was overwhelmed with the number of students and people who were taking over the campus! I must admit that I felt a little nervous and highly claustrophobic!

I have discovered there is some joy to be had with just being a face in the crowd however. For one, I don't think that I have ever seen the same person twice, so I have the mindset of "so what if I embarass myself, I will most likely never see you again." I also find great happiness in people watching before class! I think I picked up this trait from my mom, in which I like to make up peoples life stories and guess what their major is... it provides great entertainment!

So, although I am still not the biggest fan of crowds, I am beginning to see how they can be fun! Now, if the crowds are in Disneyland...that is a crowd I can handle ;)

We Heart Cookies!

With Valentines Day fast approaching, it was time to make some sugar cookies!

These two took the reigns on the flour...

As you may guess, more flour ended up on their clothes and hair then the cookies, but they sure did love it!

Yes, we sure do love baking cookies! And if you have any doubt... just look at the pure bliss on Oakley's face!

Two down!

I have finally applied for 2 of my 6 university applications! I have postponed the process for quite some time, and my guidance counselor had began hassling me almost everyday! But it wasn't that I hadn't finished my applications, it was just that for the life of me I could not press the submit button! I felt that as soon as I pressed that little button, it was official that my life was going to change in just 7 months, and I wasn't ready for that.

But with the help of my sisters (one of which pressed the button for me) I finally did it and was over the moon when I saw this on my computer screen!

(sorry for the blur, it was taken with my phone!)

Island Girl

Sometimes I forget I live on an island, as weird and unusual as that may sound. But I have never gotten used to the fact that I am surrounded by a body of water and that it takes a 2 hour ferry ride to get to the mainland.

Last weekend, I went to Victoria with my sister to vist my brother for the day. On a spur of the moment desition we decided to take a walk by the ocean. And in that moment, I realized how lucky I am to be an "island girl" and to be able to take in these views everyday!

University Apps...

I have successfully procrastinated this dreaded process for the past 4 months.

At the beginning of my senior year I had it all figured out: I knew what I wanted to be and where I wanted to go. However, and I don't exactly remember when or why, I had a complete change of heart. This lead me into a complete worry. I had never doubted that I wanted to be a journalist until then; I was always the one who never really had to contemplate the cliche "what do I want to be when I grow up?".

Where, was also an issue that has arisen frequently. I live on an island, go to a private all-girls school (which I have been to for my whole school career!) and I am LDS. To say I live in a bubble would be an understatement. I am ready for a change and an adventure, but it is going to take the next 7 or so months for me to gain the courage and confidence to do so!

Despite the stress these questions had brought, the experience was quite liberating. I realized that there are countless opportunities and paths that I can take in life. And after a number of visits to my guidance counselor and talks with family members, I am back to having that same feeling from the beginning! A feeling of excitement, wonder and assurance!

But now I have to face the REAL challenging part... the applications!

Highlights of 2010

2010 seemed to fly by! It was a year of hard work, but filled with amazing moments.

On May 1st I had the special opportunity to perform in the Temple Youth Celebration (TYC) in which all the youth in the Vancouver temple district practiced and performed a show. The highlight of this highlight, was that Thomas S. Monson and Elder Uchtdorf were there to watch! The spirit and strength that was felt that day will never be forgotten.

In May I also ran for my school's position of Head Girl. It is the highest leadership position and I had some heavy competition consisting of some of my best friends. I had to prepare a speech to give in front of my school and they would then vote for the winner. My family all helped me write my speech and at the final assembly they announced that I had won! I still remember that moment like it was yesterday! I felt so much joy and relief ( I was even doing a happy dance backstage!).

I had my first job in the summer, I was a tutor at a summer camp. Those kids really changed me. They varied in age from 5 -12, and they inspired and taught me so much. They allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and realize that teaching is something that I could see myself doing!

In the midst of that summer job, I also managed to get my N! It was quite the journey... as I hadn't really driven till about a month and a half prior to the test! First try however, I managed to receive it! Now I am the proud owner of a Yaris, and as my brother would say, I have "Yaris Power"!

In September I started my last year of high school! Grade 12 has proven to be a daunting task, filled with university applications, decisions and lots of work! I am enjoying it though, and looking forward to that bittersweet day of graduation!

Yes, 2010 was a year of accomplishments! However, I have this slight feeling that 2011 is going to be a year of celebrations and adventure! Graduation is just around the corner, along with my brothers return and let's not forget the beginning of university!

New Mantra

A new year means new possibilities! Unfortunately my new year's resolutions are often forgotten or put off within the first month. I am hoping however that looking at the image above will motivate me! It is quite harsh in my opinion... but it is just the kick in the pants that I need!