Psssh. Psych!

Hello World!

     Wow, it has been a whirl-wind past five months. In Sunday school last week we discussed the difference between acquiring knowledge and gaining wisdom. In my mind I have determined the difference to be this: knowledge is something we as individuals learn from experience, but wisdom is the application of that knowledge and experience through the Lords guidance. I don't know if I have become wiser in the last few months, but I hope I've learned a thing or two! 

     Growing up, one of my favorite scriptures was Doctrine and Covenants 103:19, "And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." 

     Often when my peers would ask what field of study I'd like to explore, I struggled with my answer. Couldn't I get a degree in every field of study...? Not in this life time. Beginning last fall, my first semester at BYU as a junior, I tentatively declared a Biological Science Education major. I've always found biology fascinating and I figured it was a solid major to set my sights on. After a few classes I discovered that while the hard sciences have always captured my attention, history was my true passion. Shortly thereafter I switched my major mid-winter semester, to Social Science Teaching. 

     Several classes later, I had one of those mental freak outs that you're not supposed to have until you're about 40. Did I actually want to graduate with this major? Could I be successful in this field? As an educator, would daily lesson plans do me in? And most importantly, would I be able to maximize my innate talents to help and serve others? 

     I took time over the summer to ponder not only my academic interests, but my career plan. Now starting round two at the fantastic BYU, I have decided with renewed determination to pursue a degree in Psychology!

     Although not as cool as Sean and Gus, I am excited to learn about and work with people.  I do have a few small qualms about my decision- mainly stemming from my love of the hard sciences and abandoning that field. Let's be honest, psychology is the butt of many jokes in the science department. 

     In the end, I want my major to allow me to enter a field of work centered around helping people. I love people and I love seeing others love their lives! Enjoying the course work is also important. Yesterday I sat through a 2 1/2 hour class, yet I didn't want it to end! I'm grateful for the opportunity we have to pursue knowledge and wisdom in our every day activities. I don't need to wait until I'm in class to learn ground breaking knowledge; however, going to class does help..! 

   Good luck to those returning to school and thank you to those who get up every day and positively contribute to our world!  

 Liz 

The Color Pink.

Imagine, laying in bed. Your alarm goes off and for the very last time you reset it for 2 more glorious minutes.

It's worth it.

In what seems like the blink of an eye, you are once again abruptly awakened by that irksome ringtone, meant to ease your waking process.


Sunny rays slip through the cracks of my blinds. My last "snooze" now used. Birds happily announce that it is time to be awake and lively. 

There are a few moments, in-between sleeping and full consciousness, in which many profound thoughts may arise.

Today was one of those days. As I rolled over onto my back still in dreamy la-la land, this mighty profound thought came to mind:

"If the color pink could be felt, this is how it would feel."

Not cha-cha hot pink or pink lemonade. The pink that so perfectly described my contentment in those wistful moments was that of a spring cherry blossom. Soft and gentle. Incredibly alluring. Something one does not want to part with.

Dreamy, pillow like, tender, and sweet.

                                            Waking up pink is always a treat! 

Liz

Butterfly Kisses.

Ever heard of the "Father Daughter Ball"?

The title is fairly self explanatory, but the tenderness of an evening like that cannot be captured in words. 

A favorite tradition of my sister and I growing up, was to be escorted to the Father Daughter Ball with our Dad. Getting dolled up and eating out was fortunately part of the deal. Wearing matching dresses with my sister was a must. 

At the Ball, ages always varied: new fathers with baby girls propped up on their shoulders, old fathers with married daughters, middle age fathers with wacky teenage daughters, and everything in between. 

When I was a young girl, one of the best parts of the dance was being swooped up in my Dad's arms and twirled on the dance floor.

As a teenager it was the perfect break from crazy high school days and a good time to catch up with my Dad.

A couple years ago it was still as fun as could be, but also more emotional; realizing that time was slipping away.

The last year I was able to attend the Ball with my Dad, my sister was away at her first year of college. I felt privileged to spend the whole evening with my Dad. I knew it would be one of the last Balls we would attend in a while. 

Now I'm away at college and loving life and learning; However, there is a kind of sadness this time of year. Yesterday I saw a plethora of posts on facebook of friends at home who were able to attend the Father Daughter Ball, and I yearned to be there with my Dad too. 

Those days were precious to me and I'll never forget them. So many memories were made and I'm grateful everyday for a wise, kind, loving father who took the time to take his girls to the Ball. 

Without fail, every year the song, "Butterfly Kisses" played towards the end of the Ball. This was our special song. My sister and I both slow danced with our Dad whenever it came on.

Reading through the lyrics, I was able to switch them up a bit... It's a little more applicable to where I am in life at the moment.I hope it brings good memories of you and your father!

"I moved away today

I signed that contract and you gave me away

we stand in my apartment, staring at the floor

I asked you what you're thinking and you said,'I'm not sure'

Do you feel like you're losing your baby girl?

Then I leaned over...

and gave you butterfly kisses with mama there

putting little white flowers all up in my hair

'Walk with me to campus daddy, it's not that far'

'Do I look college ready daddy? Please don't cry'

We'll see each other soon, this is not goodbye

I'll call you in the morning and send you butterfly kisses, at night"

Now, go tell your Dad you love him. 

Liz

Flash Flood.

One step out the front door and my life flashed before my eyes.

Not in the - I'm going to die - way, but a flood of memories washed over me like a tidal wave. 

The memories accumulated in the sky and came down individually falling on Utah Valley, in the form of rain. 

Never have I had such a strong connection between my memories and my surroundings.

I remember waking up on crisp cold mornings during high school days, dragging my body out of bed, taking one step out the front door, and feeling the pouring rain drench my clothes. 

Wet sidewalks that dampened the dragging edge of my jeans. The smell of wet soil.  Tree leaves dripping dew on my head. 

Early morning runs, splashing through the puddles, leaving dirty water spots up and down the back of my clothes. 

Dancing in the rain and sprinting through the down pour to the car. Best of all, falling asleep to the quiet, yet distinct, thrum of the rain. 

I miss the rain, and the memories.

Swirling memories

Snatching the breath from my lungs

Swallowed up in the rain

Carry on,

Liz

T-Rex Life.

Butter fingers? Maybe more like... "my fingers never actually touched the object- due to the fact that I was born with miniature arms.Yes, I know, most people have regular arm lengths, so you assumed I had already grabbed the object, but now it's on the ground." 

Awkward moments when you obviously forget your own body dimensions.

Clarification on this whole issue: 

I have the opportunity to work on campus at BYU. Nothing astounding or notable, just a regular part time job. I work in the "Cougar Eat", primarily in the Taco Bell store. 

A few days ago my arms seemed just short of everything. I worked as cashier for a large portion of my shift.I love meeting new people and sharing a brief conversation as they order food, however, the moment they extend their cash or credit card everything becomes difficult:  
I reach out for the payment and to my dismay, even on my tiptoes I cannot easily reach across the register, counter, and to the outstretched customers arm. Many a times the credit card, money, or coupon ends up on the ground and I feel the need to say-

Having short arms isn't the end of the world. I mean, I'm not deformed and at least I have arms, even if they are not as long as I would like. I can reach into small spaces, swim a mean butterfly stroke, and my hand reaches closer to my mouth while eating my ice cream cones. It works. :) 

Here are just a few more pictures that illustrate the hardships of the T-Rex Life-

Every morning:

When I try to share my feelings:

And so applicable to my life here in Provo, my snow angels don't have wings...

Life is good, hilarious, and sometimes embarrassing when I can't reach things... Oh well. :)

Liz

I'm a Big Kid Now.

I stop and smile inwardly at the sweet squealing child I rarely see totting across campus. 

Living in a college town is fantastic, and yet on campus it is rare for me to observe a giggling baby, or watch children walk in line with their parents. 

What happens to the sweet squealing inner child as we grow older?

Sometimes I see it in a 21 year old young man as he flies down a snow covered hill on a cookie sheet... high pitched squeals all the way down. :) 

Other times I see it when a student comes out of the testing center, literally jumping in the air with joy over a perfect score.  

Occasionally I see it in myself. For example, I discovered while leaving the library that my friend could give me a ride to my apartment, relieving me of a chilly walk in the brisk weather. In the middle of the quiet and still library I found myself in a "fist pose". Childish? Maybe. Necessary? Completely. 

I love and appreciate living in an atmosphere where young adults are learning to be responsible, competent, and independent. I thrive on the liberty of being on my own. I am having the time of my life, and I love it! 

That being said, letting the inner sweet squealing child out every once in a while is a satisfactory event. 

So, how does one become an adult?

 I pondered this question seriously before leaving for college. It turns out, everyone is just a big kid, trying to make their way in the world and build upon knowledge they have already learned. Acting professional, mature, in control, and stable is necessary to make it through the mounting challenges we are sure to face; however, catching a glimpse of the ecstatic, bashful, humble, silly, playful child inside of all of us is quite refreshing. 

Today I stop and smile inwardly at the two sweet squealing children totting across campus: a child holding a parents hand, and myself. 

I'm a big kid now!

Liz

Lets Consider Snow.

So many thoughts. 

Let's go with the snow:

It finally snowed in Provo! :) It is beautiful, festive, and freezing. I. Love. It. 

I see untouched snow on campus and have this urge to make endless snow angels, apparently other people don't share my enthusiasm.

There are two types of snow people. Those who love snow, and those who do not. 
When the first snow hits, common conversation starters sound like this:

"Do you like snow?"

                   Answer #1: "Yes! It's so fun!"

                                     Or
                  Answer #2: "No! It's so awful!" 

It is the hot (cold) topic for a week.

Changing ones thought process to snow= fun, rather than snow= awful, makes life in Provo, Utah 10X more entertaining.  

Listening to people complain about snow is hilarious, especially girls- "How do you even dress for this weather? This snow wrecks my hair. Yesterday I slipped and it hurt really bad. (whiny face)

Lets face it, I have felt these things before, but really I think we take ourselves too seriously. Pioneers trekked through feet of snow, in less than appealing conditions and literally settled the very campus we walk on. All we do is walk a few blocks to campus on salted and snow plowed sidewalks.  

My favorite thought on snow thus far is this (it is just a thought, I haven't really applied it, but it is something to think about.)

When involved in a snowball fight, you have the wonderful opportunity to throw snow at whomever you please. Let this sink in for a moment... Okay. Read on. :) 

This means if you like someone, you can flirt by throwing snow at them. This also means if you don't like someone you can peg them with a snowball and get away with it. 

Isn't that great?? I've been contemplating this ever since the big snowball fight that occurred in the court yard of my apartment complex. It was the most brutal snowball fight I have ever participated in, and yet it was epic. 

Well, there are my thoughts on snow. Incidentally, everyone I have talked to has told me I will become tired of the snow by April. I don't think I will. We shall see. :)

Enjoy your week, stay warm, drive safe, throw snow at people... :)

Liz