natalie

Saturday, February 26, 2011

4 summers ago I did a thing that I claim to have changed my life immensely.
Tempe Sister Cities.
For those who don't know what it is,
It's a Student Exchange Program where you go and live in a foreign country with a family,
and then the kid who you lived with comes back and lives with you.
The now have 9 countries that they send students too,
and it truly is a time you grow up and puts life into perspective.
Not only do you go to each others houses, but the program provides trips to
CA, the Grand Canyon, and many activites around the foreign country!

4 summers ago, I went to Zhenjiang, China.

I was SO happy to find out last night that my little brother, Robbie, made it.
and to top it off he is going to Cuenca, Ecuador.
I seriously was so nervous before he found out.
My mom so simply put it as the "Mom feeling"
(i hate it.... who would have thought i'd have that feeling at such a young age)
This program isn't easy to get into, it's a 3 month long, ongoing interview process.
You and a panel of 10 judges answering questions
about current events all around the world, facts about all the cities, and personaly questions.
Robbie worked way hard and deserved to get in.

CONGRATS ROBS. let the adventure begin.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

I've started this blog multiple times today.
but every time it's been erased.
My mind is running at 100 mph.
I'm worried once i turn my lights off, it wont stop and might get to 110 mph.

The thing is, I don't really know what I'm thinking about.
I do, but does it need to be thought about?
not today. not tomorrow. maybe in a few months or years.

I should be thinking about my test next week, quiz thursday or spanish project.
But I figure I'll get to those.
Instead my mind is filled with past memories and the far future.
but not the NOW.

Why do we do this?
Why can't we just live day to day and not think about what's next?
Is that how it's supposed to be or has society made us that way?

What if I don't want to think about setting my alarm for 8:14 tomorrow,
or about if I'm coming home for lunch or staying on campus to study,
or when will I get the emails I'm eagerly waiting for,
or at what time will I exercise tomorrow afternoon,
or the fact I haven't seen 'gym boy' for days?
or that last year at this time I was in Puno, Peru?
or where I'll be a year from now?
or what will I do when I graduate?
or if the chicken recipe I found today is good?
Why do I have to think?
Can't i just wake up when I want....

nope, i can't.

class, homework, church, social, exercise, and studying fills my life.
But my life is controlled by one thing...
thinking.

do dream catchers take unnecessary thoughts away, or just bad dreams?

Thursday, February 10, 2011

My friend Jen (above) is officially at the MTC for a day.
I can't believe she's really gone.
She is a great person and will be a great missionary serving in New Zealand.
Her bubbly and happy spirit will affect so many people out there, i'm sure of it.
I love Jen, we have had some great times together.
Lots of laughter, and blueberry muffin mix.

Jen, Good luck.
and remember, "this isn't godbye. it's see ya later!"

Saturday, February 5, 2011

At the beginning of the year when people would ask me
where I was living and with who... I would answer:
"In a house with 10 girls!"
You should have seen the looks I got from the people.
ten girls, one house. Are you CRAZY?
maybe i was, maybe i still am, but i wouldn't have it any other way.
i love them all.

what most people don't know is that we all have different schedules, different activities, different lives.
really, i feel like 5 people live in our house because i go everyday without seeing at least one roommate.
Take today for instance.

It's a saturday afternoon and only two of us are home.

that's right. Lori and I.

it's been nice though. just enjoying the Rickety 10.

other than that.
***I've officially decided George Clooney is sexy.
if I was older, I'd go for him.