Lesson Learned

This post is one I should have written like a week ago. Sorry I'm a bit delayed but I have a good excuse!!!

...okay, I have no excuse. Simply the long and short of it is I was a little embarrassed to write this so I put it off! To help you understand exactly why I had my reservations, allow me to tell you a story:

Once upon a time, not so long ago (like two Wednesdays ago) in a beautiful and snow covered kingdom called Rexburg, a young peasant girl was asked by her dear friend to sign up for a service fair and help small children get into the Christmas spirit by running games, wearing red and green and cutting out paper snowflakes. This young girl, for the sake of the story we'll call her Ali... anyway, Ali willingly signed up for this event, excited to do service in whatever way she could. But Friday night came around and Ali received a an invitation from a peasant boy, requesting her presence at a dance instruction class happening at the exact same time as the festival for the small children. 

At first, Ali kindly refused the invitation, as she did not want to disappoint the small children and thought it important to keep her commitments. But then the thought of learning how to do lifts and stunts in a dancing class continued to weigh on her, she simply could not get the idea out her head! She succumbed to her selfishness, canceled her festival shift and begged the young peasant boy to attend the dance class with her. 

The boy picked her up and the two walked to the class, chatting and laughing all the way, Ali supressing all thoughts of disappointed children from her mind. The class began and Ali rather enjoyed being flipped, thrown in the air and performing all manner of exciting stunts that she had never thought possible before. 

But then the unthinkable happened! In the midst of learning a flip, the peasant boy flipped Ali over his back, his hands slipped from hers and she landed with a resounding thud on her back (right in the exact same spot on which she had surgery 6 years previous) Her life flashed before her eyes and she thought herself dying or paralyzed. Naturally Ali was just a tad dramatic, and no such damage had been done, but the pain was excruciating and continued to be so for the next week or so. Ali laid in shame and agony upon her couch instead of going out and socializing that Saturday night and considered herself truly punished for her sins. 

Okay, so in case you haven't guessed already, Ali is me! I was stupid, skipped out on service and reaped the consequences of a sore back for the next week. And man, did I ever deserve it!!! 

And the even funnier thing is I had to teach a lesson in Relief Society on the importance of service that Sunday! Boy was I bashful!!! :) 

So consider yourselves dully warned! Do not ever miss an opportunity to serve someone because you could very well end up in pain!

~Keep Smiling~ :) 

Dear Mom

I know I talk to you a few times a week, sometimes daily, but I think you deserve a good old fashioned letter. Unfortunately sending a letter requires stamps, and while it's true that I do have stamps, I'm saving those for Jess and Jake because I don't get to talk to them on the phone like I get to talk to you. :) So here's my letter to you, via the internet, and I guess you'll just get this when you next check my blog! :)

So how are you? How have you been? Probably busy, since that's how your life always is. I am doing good, but then again you probably know that already since we just barely talked last night. I want you to know that I am being a good kid... for the most part... :) I can't be entirely perfect all the time, I mean I am a little bit of a crazy college student (crazy in a perfectly G-rated way though, don't worry! The sketchiest thing we've done is play spin the bottle but even that wasn't sketchy because we kissed on the cheek! :) Occasionally I skip class, but it's not like a habit or anything and I only skip science because my professor doesn't take attendance and I already learned all the stuff in Chemistry 2 years ago :)

Actually, the real reason that I'm writing you this letter via the internet is because you just can't send a video in an envelope! Well... I guess you could burn it on a disk and then send the disk, but this is just so much easier. See, I made you a video, a video especially for you and I want you to watch it, so I thought I'd catch your attention by writing you a blog post. (I'm a little needy, even though I'm two states away, I still require your attention! :)

Remember when I'd come home from school everyday, set down my backpack and say "GUESS WHAT!!?!?!?" because I had some piece of news or information that I wanted to tell you? Well, this is me, setting down my metaphorical backpack and shouting out to you across the internet: "GUESS WHAT MOM?!?!?" I can totally envision you looking up from your computer, offering that patient smile and saying "What Alina?" because I guess  being a mom means listening to your kids rattle off information about their day, even if they are away at college.

So Mom, I can't figure out how to imbed this video into my blog. For some reason the computer isn't working! :) So just click here and it'll take you straight there :)

~Keep Smiling~ :) 

Rest In Peace

He was a beautiful and kind friend. Always there when I needed him, always willing and ready go wherever I wanted, and always eager to make memories. He didn't ever ask anything of me, he just gave. He gave and gave and gave until his little life gave out. And even then, when his life was gone he was still able to give me the last few memories we shared together. He made friends easily. All my roommates loved him. Their faces lit up when he was around, they were unable to contain their joy, the smiles simply spread across their face when he was in the room. 

He lived a good life. A short one, but a good one. He was kind to all. He brought out the best in people. And when he wasn't able to capture our best selves, he was forgiving. He simply erased those awful images of us from his memory and allowed us to start afresh and new. 

So today, I think about him and hope that his remains make it safely to Washington, where he shall find his final resting place. That he shall rest in peace and not pieces, and that his beautiful spirit will be remembered and not fade with time. I hope that the memories we shared together will live on long after I am gone, and that no one will be able to forget out picture perfect relationship. 

Goodbye Camera, it's been a good two months. You were a true and faithful friend. I'm just sorry it all had to end like this.

I couldn't find a better picture of you, so ignore the shampoo and Conditioner please in the portrait. :) 

Time of Death: Sometime last week... I think it was Friday Night

Cause: Unknown, you just died in my arms with no explanation! (and yes I did check the batteries and the charger plug but nothing could revive you.)

Keep Smiling Everyone...

it's what he would have wanted....

:)

You know you are a college student at BYU-I when....

1: Putting groceries away in the freezer is like a game of Tetris. 

2: On the first date, boys will ask what temple you want to get married in

(this has happened to me. True story! :) 

3: Ice cream becomes a main food group 

Currently we have 8 half gallons of ice cream in our freezer, but more on that later. We'll revisit our ice cream obsession at another time. :)

4:The best conversations happen at 3 in the morning when you have a 7:47 class the next day

5:Being Domestic is attractive. In fact, the more time spent in an apron the better!

6: Pick up Lines are "mormonified" 

(that's not a real word... I know :) Let me give you a few examples:

-Is your name virtue? Because you've been garnishing my thoughts unceasingly.

- Wanna hold the priesthood?  (boy holds out hand to initiate interdigitation...again that's not really a real word.. :)

-I need the Liahona because I keep getting lost in your eyes.

-You're so beautiful, Nephi would take the time to engrave you on the gold plates!

7: When you tell boys you are planning on going on a mission you get two very different reactions:

Pre-mission boy: "Really!? That is so cool!!! When can you put in your papers?!? :)"

Returned Missionary Boy: "Are you sure about that...?"

My roommate found a shirt that says: "Sorry Mister, I'm a Sister"... so true :) 

8: Capris and Shorts are a SIN!!!!! 

(Though it's winter now...so anyone in capris or shorts is a serious rebel, because even if I wanted to be rebellious I would not be rebellious at the expense of my legs! It snowed last night for heaven sakes!!! :) 

This made me think of something, so I'm going to sidetrack real quick.... sorry :) 

 I saw a sign on campus the other day that was advertising the importance of the honor code. It was a picture of people in pants with the caption "#I honor it" (For those of you who don't know, one of the cool things about BYU-I is the honor code which holds us to a higher standard of dress and action. So we are not allowed to wear capris or shorts, just pants and skirts) I definitely am all for following the honor code, but I felt a more appropriate caption would be: "#it's winter"... I mean why would you wear shorts in the snow!?

9: EVERYONE and their second cousin either:

-sings

-plays guitar

-plays piano 

or plays some other instrument (but piano and guitar are the most popular)

You think I'm exaggerating? I'm not! Seriously, the non musical are definitely the minority

10: You realize that you are exactly where you need to be. 

Basically you get the whole package here at BYU-I! 

Good Education

Fun Friends

Spiritual Experience (on a daily basis)

Excellent Professors

A sense of belonging 

and a place to

 ~Keep Smiling~ :) 

Dating 101-Initial Contact

You know how the whole solar system would totally go haywire without gravity? Well in dating there are certain laws, like the law of gravitational pull, that keep things balanced and exactly the way they need to be. I can't say I'm an expert on this or anything, but I have picked up a thing or two in my years of experience... :)

Today we are going to start with the basics: 

Initial Contact 

Rule 1: Never be creepy

If you think someone is attractive from across the room DO NOT:

-Stare at them

-Begin to name your future children

- Proceed to tell them the names of your future children

-Propose to them

Rule 2: Be Confident

Wether you decide to go up to them or wait for them to come to you, you must be confident in yourself and your decision. Wishy Washiness is not very flattering on most people. Usually if you want to talk to them, the best thing to do is to initiate conversation yourself that way you ensure it happens.

Rule 3: Smile

A smile is a good look on everyone, but don't be too smiley. A good rule of thumb: if you feel like you're forcing a smile, you probably look like you're forcing a smile so just relax :) 

Rule 4: Connecting during Conversation is Key

Keeping them engaged while conversing is the most important thing you can do. If you are boring or unable to carry a conversation, it doesn't matter how cute you look or how much time you spent on your hair. Finding a topic to talk about really begins with being observant, noticing something about them that you can point out and ask questions about. Maybe they are wearing a Seattle Seahawks Hat, so are they a football fan? Are they from Seattle? What do they think about the fact that it rains all the time? Notice how three questions generated simple from an article of clothing. 

Rule 5: Remember the difference between a Conversation and an Interrogation

While it's true that asking questions is the best way to get someone to open up and talk, you don't want to just ask questions. Again, this is part of connecting to them. If you are able to comment, share a short related anecdote or thought about what they say, they will get to know you as you get to know them, and you want them to get to know you! Don't rapid fire questions at them, because they may begin to feel like they are in the middle of a police investigation. If you are a police officer, remember to separate business and fun. You may be super good at grilling suspects, but remember the person you are interested in probably isn't a felon. :) Be fun, and funny. If you make them laugh, you've scored major bonus points. :) 

Rule 6: Getting their number takes initiative 

If you enjoyed them and would like to continue to pursue a friendship or relationship, the only way to d o that is to get contact information. If you don't have their information, you probably won't ever speak again. (Sad but true) So if you want their number there are two different approaches. Subtle and less then subtle.

Subtle: When people are in the middle of socializing they can forget about getting contact info. It happens all the time, so your job is to remind them that they want to get your number. To do this you simply give them a visual aid, your cell phone. Pull it out, check the time, play with it as you talk to them, maybe drop it. Bring brief attention to it so that they realize it's there. You can even make a subtle reference to your phone, commenting on how old it is, how you dropped it and cracked the screen. Finding a way to slide such a comment into the conversation isn't all that difficult but make sure it's not so obviously random. 

Less Then Subtle: Just straight up ask for their number. This takes a little more courage but it demonstrates confidence. And in the event of rejection, if the person doesn't want to give you their number then no harm done, you just saved yourself time and energy. You can go focus on someone else. 

~Keep Smiling~ :) 

Driving through Life

Sometimes I think best in metaphors. I like to analyze and see the meaning behind things (it's probably the aftereffects of my AP Lit class! :) So on Sunday, I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting and one of the girls got up to bear her testimony and she said it was important to "turn our will over to God" For some reason this statement set fireworks off in my brain and the analytical side of Alina began to jot down the following ideas in her journal:

We need to give our will to God and become more humble in order to receive revelation. The word "will" could also be "wheel", we need to literally give up the steering wheel of the metaphorical vehicle that takes us through life and ask God to take the drivers seat and take us to where he wants us to go. Giving up the steering wheel is NOT complacency. Some think that turning your life over to God is blind. foolish, complacent and the easy way out. It is not blind, it is eye opening. For who better to follow then the individual who can see all and knows all. It is not foolish, it is wise for who better to drive you around then the person who knows perfectly where to go and knows the layout of this world because he created it. It is not complacent it is courageous. Sitting in the passenger seat of the car is no easy task. You better believe that he's going to stop along the way, get out, open the passenger door and instruct you to uplift another, bear a burden, do a service, or guide one of his precious children closer to him. These stops will be frequent, and can become monotonous. There will be times when you will be tempted to hijack the car, times when you desire to get off the straight and dusty road and drive away to some exotic and exciting location. There may be times when you will hijack the car and act up that desire to leave the work of the Lord to accomplish your own worldly ambitions. However, understand that as you fulfill the work of the Lord, he will work alongside you but when you leave the work of the Lord you will be alone. The satisfaction found in worldly endeavors if fleeting while the joy found while working alongside the Lord is fulfilling. So get out of the drivers seat, hand over the wheel and and let God steer you through life so that you may become all that you can be.

I know it's not super eloquent, but I feel like it's true, and that's the important thing.

~Keep Smiling~ :)

Successful Survey

What do you do on a Friday night when you don't have a date, there's no one to hang out with, most of your roommates are gone and it pretty much looks like it's going to be like that all weekend?

I'll tell you what you do! Hannah and I were bored out of our minds last Friday night so we did what any normal college girls would do, we decided to go pick up boys! But we couldn't just go hit on guys, we had to be smooth and cool and completely non creepy about it all. So we developed a carefully crafted survey, designed to find out if the boys were single, date worthy and available on Saturday night. The battle plan was to head over to Bountiful Place with this survey and get ourselves a date for Saturday night. But we never made it to Bountiful Place (that's an apartment complex full to the brim of fine and very attractive young men :) We got as far as the gas station. For when we pulled up to get gas, we noticed two very handsome fella's in a big red truck just across the parking lot. Hannah waved, I smiled and the boys came over. (Flirtatious waving works every time you guys! :) They asked us how we were doing, and we asked them to take the survey. It went something like this.

Me: Would you rather have oreo teeth or cheeto fingers for the rest of your life?

Them: I'm not sure, probably cheeto fingers because I could wear gloves

Me: Are you Single?

Them: Yes (a very resounding "yes" actually)

Me: What's your area code?

Them: (I'm not going to release their personal information, because that would be unprofessional)

Me: What is your major?

Them: (again, not releasing personal information :)

Me: What are the last seven digits of your phone number?

Them: Oh!!! (they caught on at this point) You are smooth!!! Soooo smooth man!!! Seriously?!?!?

Me: Yeah, I'm smooth! :)

Them: You just asked for our numbers!

Me: Yes I did!

Them: Okay (they proceeded to give me their numbers)

Me: What are you doing tomorrow night?

Them: I don't know? Depends on what you are doing tomorrow night. Our Saturday plans are up to you now! That's a lot of pressure!

Me: I think I can handle it :)

And then they drove away. So Hannah and I asked them on a date. And they said yes! :) And so we went on a basically blind date Saturday night... but that's another blog post. Can't do too much boy craziness in one night! :)

~Keep Smiling~ :)