Things are about to get epic.

World. Let me tell you. Things are about to get epic. Loco. El Pollo Loco. Ya dig? Tomorrow I head out to Pennsylvania for a national housing conference. I have the privilege of serving with incredible student leaders. We try to improve the quality of life for about 1,300 people. Probably more, if you think about their families. Well, we're headed out to Pennsylvania to figure out how WE can improve OUR service. I can't tell you how many times I've tried "Yelp!"ing different restaurants or places in the area we are headed to. We'll see what kind of adventures await us!! I think our first adventure will be the flight crossed the United States of America......get ready in-flight movie...we're coming after you.

So, that's this weekend.

Week 2: Nicolio!! McKenz!! + Steph love week!! :) Mi amiga is getting married!! Wahoo!!

Week 3: Move out week (trying to help 1,300 people move out of their apartments over the course of a few days....imagine that. Who knew that could happen on a semi-regular basis?!) + Loads of bitter-sweet goodbyes. Students that have made a difference here will keep on growing and improving their communities in new places. :)

ALSO Week 3: NCYLS!!! Words can't express my gratitude for NCYLS. I love it. It's one of my favorite things. And the actual seminar is like a weekend of magic. So many special people gather for the most incredibly transformational, energizing and inspiring weekend anyone could imagine.

At the end of the day, here's what it's about: figuring out how to love people a little bit more. In a discussion format, six Latter-day Saint women spoke about how we can bring up children in light and truth. Lots was discussed in these short 12 minutes. A woman in her late 70s shared what she thought was important in how we treat children:

"I think that's one of the main things we can make them feel, is what they mean to us. How wonderful they are. And that they are so precious"

Bam. That hit me. Do the people around me understand, and really feel, what they mean to me? Do they understand and feel how wonderful they are? Do they understand and feel how precious they are? If not, what am I doing about it?

I am grateful for the eternal plan that a loving Heavenly Father has provided for ALL of His kids. That plan has helped me understand that we are all His children. His children that He wants to see again someday. I think He misses us. A lot. Maybe that's why it's so important for us to understand and feel that we are loved.

AND for kicks, my best friend is awesome.

We ate the most delicious treats this weekend. She had fresh caramel ice cream. I had some "frescas con crema"...a little strawberries with cream. There is a new mexican ice cream shop down the street from me. I am obsessed. It's DELICIOUS!!! So many fresh flavors!!

here is the memory:

And if you want some more memories....here's been a summary of my life as of lately:

 

Just a normal hike in the forest

RHA Banquet 2013

Area 2 Team!!

 Chick flick night with Mama. A little Roman Holiday, a cozy blanket and warm socks. Nothing beats that!

50 things to love about life...that are free!

Simple post today.

I found this link online. Made me happy. Maybe these things will make you happy too.

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/50-things-to-love-about-life-that-are-free/

The first step to happiness is acknowledging that happiness can happen, right? If it's not the first step, it's gotta be in at least the first ten steps....

a dried up popcorn kernel stuck in your throat...

Here's one way to cheer anyone up: this 2-year-old....meet my niece. She's the best. She LOVES to talk on the phone...especially with her favorite aunt. She's the best. Want to know why? She appreciates the little things. The Format put it best, "snails see the benefits the beauty in every inch...". She loves Curious George. She loves making new friends. She likes to tickle her mom. And every time her dad comes home from work, she squeals because she can't keep in how happy she is. That's the good life. I am so grateful my sister let's me take a glimpse into their sweet, happy life. Last week, they were digging for worms in the garden. Every day she does what she loves. Sure, some days things don't go like she plans. Like this kid--hilarious. But all in all, she cries it out, hugs it out, breathes in, and starts running again. 

Here are some more people I'm grateful for: these RAs. They inspire me. I learn SO much from them and the experiences I have with them. This week, Kenny focused in our leadership development. He showed this video about how kindness can make a HUGE impact. He's right. The team discussed how people who are kind start a positive domino-like effect. We're all going to start trying to do that."One day" can be today. One day at a time. 

And finally, my favorite place of the week: the Oakland Temple. OK, you got me. It's my favorite place EVERY week. Why not? It's so incredible!! Every time I visit, I feel like everything will work out. I leave feeling a little happier, knowing that peace DOES exist, even when we don't think it possibly could. You know, when you feel like you have a piece of a dried up popcorn kernel stuck in your throat? Not because you're necessarily happy or sad, but because you're not sure what to do with the 2 million puzzle pieces left in front of you. That's how I feel. I know there is sense that will come of this glamorous puzzle we call life. I just don't have the top part of the box to reference. And we all know how much fun 2 million puzzle pieces can be... one piece at a time. One foot in front of the other. One step at a time. Even if some days my feet feel like bricks. I have a feeling that if I try looking, there's got to be ruby slippers somewhere around the brick path.