How do you feel about that?

Today, as I was talking to a dear friend, she asked the question, "How do you feel about that?" after I had shared something with her.  It caught me off guard for a minute because I realized that she waited for my reply and really had interest in what I was going to say.  It caused me to stop and think about how I really was feeling.  It meant so much to me that she really cared to listen because she sincerely and genuinely cared about me!  It made my day!  It made me think about the many times that I so casually ask others, "How are you?" and then carry on without really taking the time to show that I care and that I want to listen.  It made me realize how much I want to change and be a better friend to those around me.  It motivated me to work to be the kind of person that is trustworthy and kind so that others feel comfortable around me.  It made me focus on my life right now, how I am really feeling, and some goals I want to set to progress.  Here are my feelings about a few things in my life right now:

Family:  LOVE them!  I am so excited to go home tomorrow for a few short hours!  Corbin should be receiving his mission call tomorrow and the whole family is getting together at 6:30 when he opens it!  I can't tell you how much I love this kid!  He is trustworthy, patient, kind, and talented.  It was so wonderful to be home on Saturday evening when he received the Melchizedek Priesthood and was ordained to the office of an elder.  What an amazing spiritual experience!  Corb, I am so proud of you!  I am sad that Brooke and Derek won't be there tomorrow because they are on a little vacation in Vegas.  I hope they have fun!  I am worried about my Grandpa.  He went to the hospital today because his oxygen levels were extremely low.  He is one of my best friends and so I really worry about him.  I hope that I will be able to see him for a second tomorrow.  I wish I could help my mom right now.  She has so much on her plate...I wish I could take a little bit of the burden away by cleaning the house for tomorrow or making dinner.  And, my cousin Becca is coming home from her mission December 17th!  I can't wait!

School:  Excited and anxious at the same time!  This is my last official week of school before I start my practicum at Birch Creek Elementary in Smithfield.  I have all of my homework done for the week and I took a test today so I think that the next couple of days should be pretty easy.  I am WAY nervous about my practicum!  I don't know if I am ready and I don't know how I am going to do it but I am very hopeful! My practicum is in a Kindergarten class and I am very grateful for that...I would love to teach Kindergarten!  And, Katie will be doing her practicum at the same school in a 2nd grade class!  That is a blessing!  I also love institute.  LOVE it!  I went again tonight and it is the spiritual boost during the week.

Spirituality:  October has been a challenging month.  It has also been a fabulous month!  I think that one thing I learned on my mission is that sorrow hollows out a spot for more joy and I am still experiencing that!  I decided that I needed to boost my personal study because I have become a little lazy.  Today I had a study about safety.  It was fabulous!  I will have to share more with you another time!  I am also reading the "Daughters in My Kingdom" book.  Oh my goodness!  It is amazing!  If you haven't read it, I would highly recommend it!  I love going to the temple but I find that I am not able to go as much as I like.  Before my mission, I did not miss a week of going to the temple since I was 15.  I had such a testimony of temple blessings!  Since I have been back from my mission, I have only been able to go about every other week.  How do I feel about this?  Bleh.  I want to go more.  Time and priority aren't really factors but it is mostly fatigue or just not feeling well.  I still have to accept the fact that going every other week is okay.  It is the best I can do right now.  I also love my Temple Prep class!  It is so good to be in a teaching position again because I am learning so much and I am humbled every week that I teach.  I also love my ward!

Friends: I am surrounded by the most amazing people right now.  Roommates are wonderful!  I can't even express to you in words how much I love them!  Neighbors are great!  And all of the other friends that I have are awesome!  With friends and family I feel that I receive so much and give so little.  I hope to be able to do more for all of you!  Thanks so much for being there for me.  I have come to understand what a true friend is through all of you.

Dating: No, I am not dating anyone right now, but I am interested in a few.  I am very much more positive about the whole dating scene...I am actually excited about it!  That is all of the info I will give on my blog:)

Health: Better.  Last week was a little bit of a downer but this week is much better!  I am starting to accept the fact that if I am sick or if I am tired or if I don't feel well it is okay to slow down a bit.  Am I still hard on myself?  Yes.  Do I still have moments of complete frustration?  Yes.  Am I making improvements in dealing with this with more faith?  I hope so.  I am really working on it!  I go back to the doctor next Wednesday and I am anxious about that.  Until then, I'll just keep pushing along!  I have so many that are pushing with me!

Hobbies: I need some!  Ever since I returned from my mission I don't really know what to do in my spare time.  I need to start a craft, learn how to play the violin, or improve my skills in a sport.  Something!  If you have any good ideas, I am totally open.  My favorite thing to do is to serve others: to bake, clean, cook, organize, uplift...whatever!  No, I am not very good at it but I am trying to improve and to think more often of others and not just about myself.  I have gotten this itch lately to start a big service project.  I am still trying to figure out what I want to do because there are so many possibilities!  Once again, if you have any ideas, I am totally open!

That's it for tonight folks.  I think this post was more for me than anything.  Just good to see where I am at. Love you!