two words that sum up the night.

over

thinking

-k

this weekend

this weekend i...

...took christmas pictures with the girls.

...wore a really sweet blazer. haha.

...went to temple square.

...helped make pot stickers.

...celebrated my dad's birthday.

...spent some quality bonding time with my nephew.

overall i would say it was a pretty successful weekend.

-k

disappointed

goals.

we set them.

we work hard to attain them.

and we achieve them.

that's how it is supposed to work right?

not for me.

not today.

i set my goal.

i worked hard.

but i have i have fallen short.

once again.

i'm not only frustrated with the circumstances.

i'm disappointed in myself.

i could have done better.

focused more.

been more proactive.

taken initiative.

why is it that as of late i have been falling short?

what important information or key step am i missing out on?

-k

change

i have been home from china for four and a half months.

that is the approximately the same amount of time i spent in mainland.

the time has just flown right by.

upon arriving home, i had a set plan of what i was going to do with my life.

has it happened? no.

will it happen? maybe.

i have learned and continue to learn each day that we cannot predict our future.

our minds change.

people change.

and life has many unexpected twists and turns.

change is inevitable. it is something that you can expect...no matter what.

but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

in fact, in most cases, change forces us to become better and stronger.

if you asked me four and a half months ago if i thought my life would be how it is right now, i would have said "no".

but am i happy? yes. very much so.

-k

this weekend i got together with kendra, talesha, and sara. we reminisced about china, filled each other in on what is happening in our lives (the focus always seems to be on boys...haha), laughed, and just had a great time. i love these girls way too much.

25 things i am thankful for.

1. my parents. i love them so much. they are two constants in my life that i can always depend on.

2. my brothers. i have been blessed with two amazing brothers--christopher and jj. i couldn't be a luckier sister. these boys are kind, funny, loving people. such quality boys.

3. the gospel. it brings me a sense of peace to know why i am here and where i am going. it gives me strength to keep pushing towards my goals because i know i have someone helping me reach my potential.

4. my friends. they are always there when i need them. they are looking out for me and always have my back.

5. music. music has a soft spot in my heart. it touches me in a way that nothing else does.

6. america. we are so blessed to live in this country and to have the freedoms we do.

7. my education. even though sometimes it is stressor, overall i love school.

8. service. i have never been happier than when i forget about myself and do something for another.

9. utah. it is pretty much perfect. my favorite part...the 4 seasons--the hot summer days, the colorful leaves, the snowcapped mountains, and the gorgeous spring flowers.

10. the ability to see. i am blessed to have vision so i can take everything in.

11. the sun, moon, and stars. there is something to be said about the universe...it is amazing!

12. my health. i have been blessed with a full functioning body that allows me to do everything i want.

13. love. love is one of the best feelings both to give and receive.

14. choices. i am thankful that i have to ability to choose what i want and not be forced into anything.

15. trials. i know this may sound weird, but the obstacles i have overcome have shaped me into the person i am today.

16. individuality. how bland would the word be if we were all the same? i am thankful that we can be different.

17. skiing. one of the best feelings in the world is speeding down the slope without a care in the world.

18. the piano. i may not be very good, but i enjoy playing. it is such a nice release.

19. my job. i have been blessed with not one, but two great jobs. the people with i associate have blessed my life and taught me many things.

20. the temple. there is no better place to find a sense of peace and belonging.

21. china. china helped me see what was important and where i wanted to go in life.

22. good examples. i have many people in my life that i admire and look up to. i am thankful that i can be surround by such amazing people.

23. encouragement. sometimes i feel like i am inadequate and just want to give up, but it is encouragement that keeps me going.

24. the priesthood. it has a very special place in my heart because i have seen miracles happen by means of the priesthood.

25. my bed. there is nothing better after a long, hard day than laying down on a comfortable bed.

-k

fall

reasons i love the fall:

1. the crisp, cool air is so refreshing

2. the colorful leaves provide a change in scenery

3. the smells

4. the rain and snow

5. the temperatures drop meaning we get to bundle up and get cozy

6. hot chocolate becomes a necessity

7. it means the holidays are near

-k

...

-k