One Year (First half)

Oh goodness, I can NOT believe that it has been a full year.

 What am I talking about?

Well, I have been in Utah for a whole year.

A year ago my parents left me on the front porch of the Bytheway house and I was terrified.

Don't worry, I was excited as well as terrified.

The past few days I have been contemplating everything that has happened and really thinking about all of the lessons I have learned.

A year ago I thought that I had a strong testimony.

I thought that I knew how to do everything.

I was confident and ready to conquer the world.

I needed to be humbled, and boy, was I humbled!

I remember watching Boys Meet World and being excited for that college experience.

Well, my experience has been better that!

This past year I have learned how to cook.

Yesterday I cooked a mean steak to celebrate the one year mark and it was divine.

Today I had stir fry and rice.

I have a better idea of what I need to do to eat healthy.

I realize the importance of being in shape and how it helps me to be a better person.

I've learned how to study.

Now, I am far from perfect, but I am proud of how my grades have turned out.

I have learned that working is hard.

Forty hour work weeks are really hard but make me feel accomplished.

I am not meant to be a paralegal or social services counselor.

I am going to do something with Public Relations and international government.

It will be hard but I can do it.

I can wink now too!

Yes, I now have the physical ability to woo men! ;)

I've also had a lesson that I am terribly awkward on dates.

Not even a wink can make up for some of my awkward dates.

 Speaking of dating, I have been blessed to have great guys come into my life!

I am so thankful for the priesthood.

I can't wait to live in a house where the priesthood is always availbale.

Ladies who are moving out for college soon, make sure that you become friends with guys who are worthy to give you priesthood blessings.

Men, be worthy to give priesthood blessings.

Family is so important!

The Plan of Salvation is one of the greatest things about this gospel.

This past year, I had two people pass away that I really care about.

I am thankful that I can talk about them in present care because they are very much alive.

Family will always be there.

Everyone remember that and you will be happy.

(I just received a picture of my dad at dinner and I really do miss them!)

Friends, roommates, and sweethearts are very important! 

You will become like the people you spend the most time with.

So, make sure they are good ones.

The temple is great!

It represents everything I believe in.

It is pure, beautiful, and everlasting.

Everyone can be comforted and receive answers by visiting the temple.

I have not fully used the temple and I regret that.

Go to the temple!

Just because you move away doesn't mean you can't stay close to the people back home!

Most importantly, I know the church is true.
I know the Gospel is true.

I know that we are never alone.

Get down on your knees and miracles will happen!

Read your scriptures to receive answers.
I know that Joseph Smith restored the Gospel.

I know that we have a prophet on the earth today and if we follow him we will not be led astray.

I know that I have endless potential.

Through the Gospel I can do anything!

I look forward to this next year.

Life is good!

Life is great!

Life is wonderful!