New Blog Name Based on My Decisions of Idiocy

So, I'm thinking of changing my blog name to "I'm Having Delusions of Grandeur Idiocy..." Honestly. I really am. Because it seems as if everything I do lately revolves around stupid decisions I make. So, I made the dumb blizzard mistake (see "Good Samaritan" blog) and now I have made another one. Granted, it was also part accident. But if I was being smart, I wouldn't have the problem I am now dealing with.

Friday night my dad and I stopped at a hotel in Wyoming on our way to Salt Lake. The next morning when I was taking a shower I realized the shampoo and conditioner was on the sink...not in the shower. So, instead of turning off the water and stepping on the towel, as to not get water on the floor, I decided to leave the water on, and try to sneakily (sp?) step onto the towel without getting water on the floor. BIG mistake. And I mean, BIG. I stepped out and slipped. Not only did I slip...I slipped, hit my back on the edge of the toilet seat, and then hit the floor. I rolled onto my hands and knees and then the pain and panic set in. Next thing I know, I'm crying and I can't stand up.

I managed to throw on some clothes and opened the door. I crawled to the hotel bed and laid there for about half and hour while my dad decided what to do and refigured the packing in the car so I could lay down and make it to the hospital/Salt Lake. After 30 minutes I was able to stand and "shuffle." We drove all the way to Salt Lake and there I went to Emergency Care. Luckily, the doctor said, I didn't break anything. But he said I mutilated my muscles. "You took a hit and you took it hard."

So, I've been on a few meds and have been resting a lot. I am a million times better than yesterday, there is no need to freak out, and really...I'm doing great. A lot, a lot, a lot better. But I know several people have been asking about it because my loving sister felt the need to ask EVERYONE to pray for me. Lol. I love her. :)

But as I said earlier, my dumb decisions of idiocy. Is it time for a blog name change? I think so. If it's not one thing, it's something else.

Like Father, Like Daughter...All the Way to Utah!

Tomorrow morning at 6 am another journey across the country will begin! I am packed, the tank is full, got my Dasani ready (this is a Liz tradition), got my map (That's right. No GPS. An actual map.), and I am good to go! I have actually driven this route more times than I can remember. We've been taking it since I was 8. So needless to say, I know where I'm going, but my Dad and I like to quiz each other on the state capitals and nicknames and I can't do that without a map. Yes, we're nerds.

I love driving. I really do. I just find some kind of comfort in driving and I actually have this secret dream of being a stunt driver. Anyway...I am very excited to have my dad with me on this trip. I have made the trip by myself, with my sister and brother-in-law, with my friend Nichole, with my mom, and with my dad.

We have a lot of fun. My dad is a lot like me sometimes. We want to get there. No stops, just go. Get there. But sometimes we do like to stop and look at something or visit some place. My dad also likes to quiz me on my "film score" knowledge. Here's the story. Me and my dad both love film/movie scores. We love listening to instrumental music and his collection is insane! He has so much music from The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, that it would take a day or two to listen to all of it. It makes me insanely jealous. Every trip he'll make a new mix and play it in the car. And I have to guess what movie the song comes from or what the title of the song is. Then we rehash our favorite parts of the movie, favorite lines, etc. And then he gives me the mix.

We talk movies. Music. What it was like for him growing up. Stories from his mission (the BEST). College. He asks me questions about anything and everything. I love it.

We also very good, deep, gospel discussions. The plethora of knowledge my dad has about the church and the gospel is amazing to me. My dad hasn't always been a member. He joined the church when he was 19. But he can quote something from every single prophet and a lot of general authorities. He can tell you what the talk was called and when it was given. He knows the scriptures better than anyone I've ever met and when you ask him a gospel question, he can walk over to our "church bookshelf," pull a book from the 30 that are there, and flip to the exact page to find the answer. It never ceases to amaze me.

Most girls want to grow up to be like their moms. And I do, too. But I also want to grow up to be like my dad. If I can grow up to be like both of them, then I think I'll be happy.

All in all, I'm looking forward to this trip! And I am even more excited to see this...

and this...

and this...

Hang on, Utah! I'm coming!

No Longer in Limbo

"Who says God doesn't answer prayers? Because He does." - Iris Dunn

The amazing woman who gave the above quote is my grandmother. I love my cute, little, British grandma with all my heart and this is what she said when I gave her the news.

I am no longer in limbo. I have a job! And for this, I could not be more grateful. On Monday the 10th, I received a phone call from a certain school district in Salt Lake City, UT, asking if I was still interested in working for their district. YES, YES, YES! What they didn't know was that I was still in Georgia. They agreed to have an over-the-phone interview with me the coming Friday. I had my interview and felt very good about it. I felt that I could have done better, but that I did fairly well and was very excited to hear the outcome the following week. They said they would call "mid week" so I practiced exercising patience and waited. I was a wreck all Tuesday, Wednesday, and then finally on Thursday, let's be honest, I had just become a hot mess. My mom said she was afraid to ask me if they had called because I looked like I'd burst into tears at any second.

Friday came and I decided to have a late run on the tredmill. I had been jogging for about 25 minutes when I heard my phone ring. I looked down and didn't recognize the number, but I knew the area code! It was the school! Hallelujah! The principal called to extend me the offer of working with them at their school. And of course, I said yes. :)

I was completely overjoyed. I had been praying and hoping for so, so long to find a job. And I knew the possibilities of finding a teaching job MID YEAR were slim. Finding one out West, even slimmer. I almost couldn't believe it.

I called some family members to let them know and tell them the good news. When I talked to my grandma she was so excited! Mostly because this means I'm coming to live with her (haha!) but then she said, "And who says God doesn't answer prayers? Because He does."

Elder Richard G. Scott said, "Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a trivial matter. It is a sacred privilege. It is based upon unchanging principles. When we receive help from our Father in Heaven, it is in response to faith, obedience, and the proper use of agency...When we explain a problem and a proposed solution, sometimes He answers yes, sometimes no. Often He withholds an answer, not for lack of concern, but because He loves us—perfectly. He wants us to apply truths He has given us. For us to grow, we need to trust our ability to make correct decisions. We need to do what we feel is right. In time, He will answer. He will not fail us...He is your loving Father; you are His beloved child. He loves you perfectly and wants to help you."

Goodbye, 2010.

I know that New Year's is not for a couple of days, but I wanted to write this before 2010 left us.

2010 has definitely been an interesting year for me. When I look back on all the things that happened I start to wonder how exactly I managed my sanity through out the year. It hasn't been easy. Finishing college, working while in college, holding a high stress (but AWESOME) calling while working while in college. Leaving friends behind, meeting new friends, moving to a rather foreign-to-me place (Vegas) and embarking on new experiences I will never forget.

Let's shed light on the high points! I graduated college! Yay me! That is definitely something to be proud of. I had an incredible summer at the pool. I could not have asked for a better staff to manage/work with and could not have asked for better times. What a great summer! I successfully completed student teaching and met amazing people in the process. I taught kids who have changed my life and hopefully I have affected theirs. I also made a best friend in Vegas who has greatly helped me in the process of preparing for the temple. Thanks, Danielle. I got a piano for Christmas! Yes, a piano. I cried when I saw it. Check my Facebook videos for exhibit A.

Now, there were many, MANY more high points than that. Those are just a few. But I also learned a lot of lessons and experienced a lot of different things. I broke someone's heart for the first time in my life. And for the first time in my life, had my own heart truly broken. I found out what it meant to have true friends in this world and who they are, and that alone has made a huge difference. I learned what it means to fully trust in the Savior and Heavenly Father's plan for me, and I am working on putting that into practice (easier said than done, my friends...). I learned that nothing in life will ever go exactly as you planned it or how you think it will. And that's OK! Roll with it, kid. I know what it's like to feel as if you're being left behind; only to discover that I'm not being left behind, I'm not having these blessings kept from me because I'm being punished for something or am not good enough, and I'm not wearing a sign on my forehead that says, "Avoid Me Like the Plague." I'm not being left behind. My time for this blessing is just a little bit farther down the road than others. And I feel grateful knowing how much support, love, and sighs of relief ( :P) will come my way once that day comes. I also learned that people have their agency. Now, I always "knew" this, but in 2010 I learned the power and affect someone else's choices can have on you. I learned that I can't always be prideful and stubborn and be a pillar of strength for everyone. Sometimes pillars crack and need their own support beam.

Above all else however, I learned the beauty of patience and the importance of faith. I do not have perfect patience and I do not have perfect faith. But I am learning patience in the struggle and striving to have faith in the outcome. I will eventually find a job, I will survive specific trials that I know are coming up in my life, and I will find joy in my journey---now. I will find MY joy by sharing in the joy of others.

2010, you have been eventful. I have never been on a crazier ride. You and I have learned a lot together. I will not cry when you leave, but I am grateful for the memories and lessons I have gained during our time together. See ya later, 2010. And thanks.

There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays

Yes, I am finally home! And I mean home, home. GEORGIA home. :) Like I said, I don't know how long I will be here for, but pretty much until I find a job or make a decision about something.

It was a long 28 hour drive, but I didn't mind doing it by myself. It was actually kind of fun. However, I was getting sick of music today. Something I NEVER thought I would say. I love listening to music. All the time. But today, after listening to it for 2 and a half days, I was ready to be done.

Crossing that Tennessee - Georgia border line was fantastic. I screamed for joy when I crossed over the county line, and was even more excited when I turned into my neighborhood. I got the weirdest feeling. It felt as if I had never left, but at the same time it did feel as if I had left. It was weird, but a good weird. I was greeted by a home decorated for Christmas and my dad (Mom was still at work). The house looks fantastic! I will have to post pictures soon. I love my home at Christmas time. Mom does such a great job decorating and it looks gorgeous!

Mom came home but then was off again to have her annual Christmas dinner and gift exchange with some ladies she works with. So Dad and I went to dinner at California Dreamin'. Can we say, "Yum" boys and girls? And then we came home and watched "A Christmas Carol" (the one with Jim Carey). So needless to say it was a nice, relaxing night at home with my family. I missed them so much.

It is so good to be HOME. Home truly is where the heart is. I know there is something in store for me here, and I just hope that I am patient enough to receive the blessings. I hope with all my heart that I find a job. Any extra prayers and thoughts will be cherished and appreciated. :)

Good Samaritans (Kind of a long one, but worth the read)

In Luke chapter 10 of the New Testament, Christ gives the parable of the Good Samaritan.

33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. UAdd a Note

35And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

Tuesday night I met two Good Samaritans who did the exact same thing for me.

I was prideful and thought I could beat the blizzard that would be smacking Utah around ten o'clock that night. Well, as my luck would have it, the blizzard struck early and I hit a brick wall. I have driven in snow before, I have driven in bad weather conditions, but this was a nightmare.

I was terrified. I couldn't see out my windows. The snow flew at my car head on. The snow was falling so fast, so heavy, and the wind was blowing so hard, that any tire tracks from the cars ahead of me were gone as soon as they were made. I could have been driving off a cliff and wouldn't have known. I was literally driving blind through the mountains and summits of Utah.

I need to skip some info, otherwise this post would be forever long, so all in all I made it to Meadow, UT.

I pulled into the only gas station where I joined about 10-12 other vehicles. My eyes were red and puffy from sobbing and I was a hot mess. My nerves were completely on the fritz, I had no clue where I was, and I just wanted to collapse.

I walked into the gas station where a very nice lady greeted me with a hello, how are you. I couldn't even speak. I forced a smile and nodded. I collapsed onto a bench and watched as the blizzard made life worse. I called a friend in Provo, asking how far I was, when will the storm let up, what should I do. She said she'd call me back and I hung up, after having started crying again.

Woman Behind the Counter: Would you like some hot cocoa?

Me: Uh, sure. How much is it?

WBC: It's on the house. Don't you worry.

She brought me my cocoa and I was still trying to pull it together.

WBC: Are you OK, sweetie? Just a little nervous about the storm?

Me: Yeah. I thought I could beat this. Do you know when it will blow over?

WBC: About one o'clock.

Me: And how long are ya'll open?

WBC: Till eleven.

I looked at the clock and saw that it was ten thirty. I started to cry again.

WBC: It'll be OK. I called my manager and we'll stay open as long as everyone is still here. It'll be OK.

She walked away and I just kind of sunk into myself and tried not to cry for the millionth time that night.

A few minutes later, another woman walked into the store. She was the manager. She went to the woman behind the counter and they started talking. Then she came to talk to me.

Mgr: Sweetie, are you OK?

Me: Yeah. I'm sorry ya'll are staying open for me. I'm just trying to figure out what to do.

Mgr: OK. Well, just let us know if you need anything.

Me: OK. Thanks.

Mgr. You're welcome.

Then, a few snow plows drove by.

Mgr: You know sweetie, if you hop on the road right now, you can follow those snow plows up to Filmore. It's only five miles up the road and they have a couple of hotels there. Do you have any money?

Me: Um, yeah. I should be good.

Mgr. Come here.

The woman lead me over to the counter where she wrote down her home number, the store number, and the bishop in Filmore's number. She then called one of the hotels in Filmore to tell them that she was sending me their way, and they were to leave a room open for me.

Mgr: Now, get on the road and follow those plows. Get off in Filmore, and go to *this* hotel. If you get stuck along the way, or you get lost, or you need help, call the store, then me, then the bishop. If you get to the hotel and need some money, have them call me and they can put it on my card. OK?

Me: Yes, ma'am.

Mgr: OK. You gonna be alright?

Me: Yes, ma'am.

Mgr: OK. Come here.

This woman, a complete and total stranger, then pulled me into a firm hug, again told me everything would be OK, and to be safe.

I left and made it to the hotel in Filmore. When I got there, as soon as I told the hotel clerk my name, she immediately knew who I was.

HC: Oh! You're the girl they said they were sending. I'll make sure to let Mary know you're alright and made it safe.

Not only had the manager reserved a hotel room for me, offered me help and money, she had asked the hotel clerk to give her verification that I made it there safely.

That night those two women showed me the true meaning of service.

Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, said, "Our service to others may not be so dramatic, but we can bolster human spirits, clothe cold bodies, feed hungry people, comfort grieving hearts, and lift to new heights precious souls ... We have no way of knowing when our privilege to extend a helping hand will unfold before us. The road to Jericho each of us travels bears no name, and the weary traveler who needs our help may be one unknown. Altogether too frequently, the recipient of kindness shown fails to express his feelings, and we are deprived of a glimpse of greatness and a touch of tenderness that motivates us to go and do likewise."

President Monson also said, "My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us."

To those two women I say, "Thank you, for being my Good Samaritans."

The Limbo Life

LIMBO: an intermediate, transitional, or midway state or place.

Yup. I'm in limbo. I've got good news and limbo news.

GOOD NEWS:

1. I have officially completed my Bachelor's degree! WOO HOO! I am done with my undergrad! It is so exciting! I always knew that at some point I would make it here, but now that it is here, it's so crazy. But like I said, very exciting!

2. I made it to West Valley safely and have been spending lots and lots of quality time with family. Let me tell you why this is good news. Other than spending awesome time with family, I almost died on my way up here. And no, I am not exaggerating. So if you're from the west and have been watching the news lately, you knew there was a blizzard coming. In fact, I knew it was coming. However, being the prideful, dumb, 22 year-old that I am, I thought I could beat the blizzard to Utah. What I got was the scariest night of my life. I was 5 inches from being hit by the truck bed of a spinning F150, several inches from slamming into the back of a Fed-Ex truck, and swerved along dangerous, mountainous terrain for an hour and a half. HUGE NOTE AND SHOUT-OUT: To the two women who live in Meadow, UT --- I can not thank you enough for your kindness, generousity, and willingness to help a complete stranger. For the short half hour that I knew you, you truly blessed my life (For more info on this incident, see future post.).

3. I get to see Brittany and Josh Mangelson and their BEAUTIFUL twin girls tomorrow! Yes, I am so excited!

4. I get to go HOME in a few days. That's right folks, home to Georgia. Hello Southern Hospitality! :D

LIMBO NEWS:

1. I've applied to 7 different school districts in 5 different states. Have I heard back from anyone? No. Not really. So do I have any prospects for a job? No. Not really.

2. Other than the fact that I can't WAIT to see Georgia and my family, I'm going home because I'm literally in Limbo. I'm in that weird state of trying to move on with life, but life is holding me back. I want more than anything to move forward, but no options are being opened to me. Knowing God, there's a reason for this. I just need to be patient (PS- I did not mean for that to be a blasphemous statement...).

3. I do have several options on the table, but like I said, none are OPEN to me. They are the following:

a. Find a job somewhere. ANYWHERE.

b. Get my Masters degree in one of the following:

i. Elementary Ed.

ii. Teacher Ed.

iii. Educational Psychology (school counselor)

iv. English

c. Get a second Bachelor's degree in one of the following:

i. Elementary Ed.

ii. Teacher Ed.

d. Go on a mission.

i. Yes, I said it. Go on a mission. And no, this would not be a cop-out for not finding anything else to do in life. I would never go unless I knew with 100% surety, that it is what I was supposed to do.

There you have it. The Limbo Life. It's really not that horrible, just weird. The feeling of knowing and wanting to move forward and press on, but not knowing in which direction to take the first step.

Trust me! I'll let you know where I'm headed when I know. ;)