Recap of Girl's Camp

If you are familiar with the LDS Church, you will probably have heard of the various camps that they put on. For teen girls, they have Girl's Camp. At Girl's Camp the "big" year is generally the fourth year that you go; and that just happened to be my year. With a couple of new ideas and a lot of changes to the set up than what they would normally do, it was a very anxietous time preparing the camp. 

Early Monday morning, we boarded the buses and took the long drive to get to Camp LoMia. Needless to say, everyone was sprawled out in the seats sleeping. We arrived to a nice campsite. The first day included certification and zip lining. Tomorrow would be the "big" hike. It included a five mile hike up with 'giganto' backpacks that carried all of the essentials: tents, sleeping bags, toilet paper for the log I would be using later, and other things. At first, it didn't seem like a big deal. A five mile hike, pff....please. And for a while, it was fine. Until we got to the enormous mountain we had to climb! There were too many switch backs to count, and as we asked, "how much longer?" the answer was always, "just a half mile more." To top it off, it started to rain. I clung tighter to my jacket as I looked over the side of a tall mountain, imagining the plummet to my death if I were to roll down. Of course, that is a bit of an exaggeration--but that's what it felt like. It was a never ending cry fest of a hike, but our leaders cheered us on as we kept going. With a determined, "BOOYAH!" we continued. My legs felt like Jello, each step just a numb continuation of the other. I wanted to lay in the fetal position and cry until they air lifted me back home. But I would not do that. Just as I thought I really could not continue any more, I heard a faint car honking, and shouts of heroic achievement. My face lit up as we took the last steps to the top of a freaking mountain! It was still raining, and as we set up our tents, a nice stream slid down the mountain, drenching all of our stuff. Exhausted, I slid into my sleeping back and took a well needed nap. Then...

BOOM!

I shot up out of my sleeping bag and nearly jumped to my friend and tent-mate Reagan. Thunder and lightning had begun. Great. Each earth crushing boom was worse than the previous. I thought I was going to die. That was it. Goodbye parents. Goodbye sunshine and all goodness. I was going to die in less than fashionable hiking clothes and without one last shower. To my surprise though, as both I and Reagan peered out of the tent, there was not a big crack in the earth where the thunder had hit. We crawled out to join the other 4th years and leaders around the fire. Damp, cold, and tired, the fire was like Christmas morning. We all huddled around the warmth, our teeth chattering as we laughed at how pitiful the situation was. The important thing was, no one got hurt. We all lived. I turned around to look at the view, and all of a sudden, all of the miserable feelings that hung over me faded away. I looked over at neighboring mountains blanketed in beautiful fog and cloud. I realized there that it would be alright. And even if it had been a pretty disheartening day, it had all been for this. Bonding, learning, growing, and love. I had finally looked up. I smiled, comforted because I knew that I was going to be okay. Despite the "astronaut" dehydrated food, lack of indoor plumbing, and the ever present rain, I was going to live. And I did.

The Church's youth theme for the year is Stand Ye in Holy Places. I learned this year, that yes, life is hard. Life is hard like the hike. But you have got people around you going through the same things. And when you support each other, you can make it through. But in the end, you'll never see the beauty in it unless you look up.

Booyah!

Thanks! Au Revoir!! xx

 

A cartoon from the New Era, Aug. 2013

Theme Illustration for Youth 2013

Life Lessons I Learned From the Princess Diaries

After watching this movie countless times, and practically ruining my only VHS copy of it, I think it's time we all realize that this is a movie that every little four year old girl (or a girl of every age) needs.

The Princess Diaries.

Call me a horrible fan for never reading the books by Meg Cabot, but practically every woman out there can admit that this is a movie we can relate to in one way or another. Whether you are an actual royal princess, or a shy every day girl, we have all had our "Mia Moments." I quote this movie all the time, and I have compiled some of my favorite quotes and life lessons for your enjoyment:)

1. We are all princesses.
2. Best friends are important in your life.
3. Kisses are always better when your foot pops.
4. Some days, your frizzy hair, glasses, and military boot shoes are just as good as it's going to get.
5. When a boy moose thinks you're cute, he'll go, "WAAAH!"
6. You're mom will always be there for you.
7. Shut up does not always mean, shut up.
8. You don't need a man to help you rule a country.
9. Looking like a wannabe backstreet boy does not make him a nice guy.
10. Always carry an extra emergency break in case of knighting ceremonies.
11. Shut up and listen.
12. Take archery lessons.
13. Stomping on a boy's foot is the best way to go in awkward situations.
14. The maids know everything.
15. Riding side saddle is HARD.
16. Loathing can be mistaken for love.
17. The art of the fan is difficult to master.
18. Princesses never cross their legs in public.
19. Gracefully wave and say, "thank you for being here today."
20. Walk tall and proud-- do not schlump.
21. Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket. Never let it fade away.
22. Keeping up a journal is a good idea.
23. Your grandma is awesome.
24. Flying is not the same as sliding.
25. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.

These are just a few. I could probably think of a lot more, but being eleven o'clock in the evening with red eyes and coming back from a difficult hike across the wilderness, I will settle for 25.

OH WAIT! And an extra one by our lovely Eleanor Roosevelt.
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

I think these are all lessons that we can learn from this movie, it really is a classic. If you haven't seen it go on Netflix right now. Hope you're all enjoying this faint cooler weather. Love you all!

Goodbye!! xx

And for those of us who have those days, just know that even the Princess of Genovia gets them too:)

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog everyone! I hope you enjoy your stay ;)
This blog will include my life, and the stressful but exciting adventures that come along with it! So basically, food, friendship, love, music, fashion, and writing. But instead of jumping into things I should probably introduce myself. So, without further ado, here are eighteen things about me.

1. I'm a fifteen year old winter baby who loves the cold.
2. I live in one of the sunniest cities in the U.S. but I'm hopelessly pale.
3. I'm an only child. It has it's perks, but it can also be lonely.
4. I love to sing, dance, read and write. Writing is what occupies most of my time.
5. My favorite singers are: Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, One Direction, Demi Lovato...and so much more!
6. My weakness is ice cream. Please don't put it in front of me. It will be gone.
7. My favorite word is ethereal, I like romantic words that roll sweetly off the tongue.
8. I can be shy, but once you get to know me, there's no shutting me up.
9. I daydream and imagine things a lot. I've always got some fairytale up in my head.
10. I am a hopeless romantic. Roses, snuggling, rain, and kittens. Oh my goodness:)
11. I am a proud girly-girl. Show me the glitter.
12. I play piano, not very well. But I try.
13. I have blue eyes.
14. I love fashion, makeup, and food.
15. I am Mormon.
16. I quote movies and songs.
17. I'm an author. I write teen and young adult fiction, most of the time romance. (sometimes fanfiction.)
18. My favorite number is 18.

Well now that you pretty much know my life story....haha, I hope you are excited as I am about starting up this blog! I will try to post as often as I can, (but with school.....sigh) Thanks for reading!

Ciao!! xx